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OLD KOBEELYANS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S REPORT
With the 2022 Centenary and reunion behind us, the first six months of 2023 have been quieter and at a slower pace for the Old Kobeelyans’ Association Committee.
We have held two social events in the country to provide opportunities for former students to catch up at venues closer to their homes and to avoid the drive to the city., A lunch at Due South, Albany overlooking Princess Royal Harbour in January, and a brunch in Busselton in March.
The next event is a Winter Brunch at Zamia Café, Kings Park in early August. We are looking forward to holding afternoon tea on the Kobeelya Lawn at Penrhos College, following the Association’s AGM in September.
Two working bees have been held at the Kobeelya Museum so far this year, another opportunity to help out to come in August.
Recently, a piano was donated back by a former resident of Katanning who purchased the piano from the Katanning Baptist Church in the 1990s. The piano was originally used by boarding students for evening music practice. Students were required to practice for ½ hour each week evening during ‘prep’ now commonly called study time in preparation for end of year music examinations The piano has been placed in the School Room section of the Museum and a display will be created to represent the value and significance of music through all eras of the school.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and recognise the contribution of Jeni Steedman (Class of 1962-1963), former Treasurer, long standing committee member and valued friend of Kobeelya and Penrhos who passed away in April, following a short illness. I was honoured to formally open the Kobeelya Lawn with Jeni in September last year. It was a wonderful moment for us both and laughter ensued as the ribbon was not easy to cut, maybe the scissors were not so sharp! In her daughter’s words, “Mum was very chuffed to be able to cut the ribbon.” Jeni was an inspiration to us all and you can read her Vale on page 20.
