From the Old Saints' President

Old Saints

From the Old Saints' President

Mr Simon Stone - 2008 Old Saints' President & Old Saints' ASC Board Representative

WELCOME to the end of 2008.

THE Old Saints is looking forward to embracing a new cohort of former students. Congratulations to all '08 Leavers - it was no doubt a challenging year, but life will get more interesting as the responsibilities and opportunities of adulthood begin to settle on your shoulders.

THE OLD SAINTS HAD A SOLID YEAR IN 2008:

Our Sports Day was probably the best yet. The turnout was excellent, the weather was kind, and the gamesmanship and fun were a joy. Sian Morgan - you should be proud of a job well done. Thanks to those who provided suggestions as to how we can lift the bar next year. We appreciate the feedback, and will incorporate this into our format for 2009. I look forward to seeing mixed teams of current and former students next year. Our 5 and 10 Year Reunions were successful thanks to Taryn Preedy and Leigh Grant's efforts and the support of their coaches. The 20 Year Reunion is shaping up to be a big night with people expected to attend from all over the world. Thanks for getting that one organised Mark Balding.

For the second consecutive year, the 15 Year Reunion fizzled because of lack of interest. This is disappointing, but Anthony Radich reports this is a common themefor this age group among many schools. We'll get you back for your 20 Year Reunion when the children are a little older and the company you are trying to float hits $20 a share.

Financially, the Association is in excellent shape. Thank you, Mark, for your contribution as Treasurer this year.

To all committee members who gave their time this year, thank you. Petra, Bruce, Sian, David, Taryn - good job. The reunions are fun, but serving on the committee is a thankless task, and there is always room for us to improve. It really is something suited to folks who are not working or developing families, and I believe you do a fantastic job given the competing demands on your time.

Sonia Johnson (nee Reid) has done a great job representing the interests of the Old Saints on the College Board of Management this year. Thank you Sonia for covering for me, during a time when mybusiness commitments limited my ability to contribute to the life of the College through the Board.

I am honoured to have been re-elected as an Old Saints' Board Representative for a further three years starting in 2009. I will continue to devote a portion of my time to representing the Old Saints' alumni at the governing level of the school.

After three years leading the Old Saints, I am delighted to welcome Mark Balding into the role of Old Saints' President. Mark and I share a few common themes: we are both technology entrepreneurs, we are both dedicated fathers and husbands, we share a love for the communities we are part of, and lastly, a parent was employed at the College during our schooling. Mark and I have swapped hats and I will be serving as Treasurer in 2009.

May you all have a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a prosperous and rewarding 2009.