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鈥淚 made great friends and have very happy memories of my school years 鈥� they were some of the best years of my life鈥�

Yarra Old Grammarian, Chris Fildes, joined the School in Year 8, after he and his family migrated from England. Over the past fifty years, he is just one of many students whom have been inspired by Yarra to pursue diverse passions and interests.

After leaving high school, Chris spent four years at University studying Science before switching to Medicine. He then spent two years as an intern at The Alfred Hospital before following in his father鈥檚 footsteps and joining the family surgery in Chirnside Park.

Chris still practises as a GP and feels privileged to have spent his life supporting generations of families in his local area.

Chris clearly remembers his early days at Yarra. He and his brother arrived at School on their first day 鈥� the only two boys wearing shorts and with pale skin and a strong English accent.

鈥淥ne of my first classes was geography and that鈥檚 when I met the wonderful Norman Maggs with his booming Welsh voice.鈥�

The cricket field was a favourite place and Chris鈥檚 prowess on the pitch opened doors and some lasting friendships.

Chris believes the Yarra Spirit is alive and well.

鈥淭here does seem to be something about the people I met 鈥� they鈥檙e a certain ilk. Many former students are successful, but they remain modest and open.鈥�

The School motto also stood Chris in good stead when he studied Science, but longed to follow a medical career. He says for him it is about recognising that if you have passion, you can do anything.

鈥淟ook upwards and realise that doors open after school. School gives you the grounding and tools to expand yourself.鈥�