Old Southportonians’ Association

NATHAN QUARTERMAINE

President of the Old

Southportonians’ Association

OLD SOUTHPORTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION As 2015 comes to a close and we welcome in 2016, we take a moment to reflect on the year that was. To see the OSA go from strength to strength has been inspiring. The Old Boys’ Weekend was once again a huge success. The new initiatives introduced by the OSA have proved popular, and increased the presence of the OSA in the community.

The mentoring program introduced in 2011 has continued to grow, with over 120 mentors on the database. We have seen an increase in the earlier engagement of younger Old Boys and also the benefits of providing career guidance to over 500 current students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Our first Young Old Boys networking night was a huge success based on a 98% ‘excellent’ rating from those that attended. This was truly a reflection on the calibre of the Old Boy and Business Community leaders that were generous enough to donate their time for the event. We intend to have a similar event in the 2016 calendar.

With the help from the School we will continue to promote the OSA/Parent Mentor Program for students to ensure the benefits of being a TSS student do not end once you leave the gates on Graduation Day. The Old Boys’ Weekend once again was a roaring success, with the years of 55, 65, 75, 85, 95 and 05 all well represented. With over 1000 registrations for the official events, the Old Boys’ Weekend continues to be the feature event in the OSA calendar. Further to the official functions, all the year groups held well-attended individual functions on the Friday night that were a great kick-off to the weekend. Judging by the feedback from the weekend’s attendees, the food, drinks and conversations were all thoroughly enjoyed.

Next year our focus will turn to the 56, 66, 76, 86, 96 and 06-year groups, with Old Boys’ Weekend being held on July 29-30. As usual this will coincide with the Generations Dinner on Thursday 28 and also the Foundation/ OSA McWhirter Cup Golf Day on Friday. Information on all events will be published early in 2016.

Branch functions once again this year have played a big part in spreading the spirit of the OSA both locally and internationally. With functions held in Hong Kong, London, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, the strength and enthusiasm of these branch members is amazing, and we are thankful for all your hard work in keeping the spirit of the OSA alive and well globally.

Hidden Creek continues to operate at a steady pace. With a slight decrease in bookings this year, it continues to be the venue for the School’s Cadet Camp. Special thanks to Peter Lockhart for his management of the property, as without his many hours of work and dedication to the facility it would not be operational.

The OSA continues to fulfil one of the main objectives by providing bursaries to sons of Old Boys attending TSS. This year we have been able to contribute significant financial support to Old Boys’ sons attending the school. This is a vital part of our continuing support we provide to Old Boys. Our online community continues at a steady pace with over 5000 Old Boys now registered either through the website or through social media. This has really allowed us to grow the recognition of the OSA community and engage with our members and locate members who may have lost touch since leaving TSS. We are arguably the largest online GPS alumni community in Australia.

We are currently reviewing our fiveyear plan. This plan is crucial to setting out our goals and milestones as we continue to advance the purpose of the organisation. At the centre of the intent of this document are the objectives set by our predecessors at the foundation of the OSA. The document aims to continue these objectives and adapt them to needs of current and past generations of Old Boys. The FiveYear Strategic Plan is in the final stages of preparation and will be ready for distribution in the first half of 2016.

I would like to thank all active members of the OSA Council in both Executive and Non-Executive roles. Without their support and ongoing contribution we would not be able continue to further the objectives of the OSA with such effectiveness. I would also like to recognise the contributions of the OSA Executive Officer, Kris Hailey, throughout the year. Due to the dedication, enthusiasm and high standards she has set for the operation of the OSA, the year has been a big success. In particular her contributions to the Old Boys’ Weekend, the successful Mentoring Program and events and the newly introduced Tutoring Module are evidence of the increased engagement and growth of our association.