The Old Boys’ Union

Old Buffers Cricket Match

OLD BOYS’ UNION

Like thousands of organisations around Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the operations of the Old Boys’ Union in 2020. Nonetheless, I am pleased to report that the Old Boys’ Union remains in an excellent position to support our Old Boy members and the School.

“I am pleased to leave the role with an Old Boys’ Union that has a strong financial position, a renewed program of Old Boy events and a strengthened relationship with the School Council and the School.”

The OBU began 2020 with an ambitious program of events for our Old Boys. All events had been planned and dates were set aside for the whole of 2020. For the first time in a long time, the OBU posted a calendar of events to all members early in 2020. These events included a Young Old Boys Night, Networking Night, a tour of the Old School for the Harrisford Group, a revamped Homecoming Day (which was to be renamed Back to King’s Day), a Golf Day and our Annual Dinner.

Our first event for 2020 was to be Commemoration Day. Commem Day is held every year in February and commemorates the opening of The King’s School in 1832. It is traditionally the day when Old Boys play the School in various sports, including touch rugby, football, tennis and basketball. In 2019, we introduced a Chapel Service and also a fun run following the Figure 8 route, which is well known to Old Boys! Sadly, this year’s Commem Day had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. The cancellation of Commem Day turned out to be a portent of things to come.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Old Boys’ Union was unable to hold any events for our members in 2020. The uncertainty surrounding the health situation meant that we could not confidently hold events and this was, of course, very disappointing. We were particularly disappointed at not being able to support the numerous Year group reunions that had been planned for 2020.

We look forward to returning to a full program of events and reunions once the health situation stabilises. Tentative planning is already underway for events in 2021.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee of the Old Boys’ Union continued to meet in 2020 remotely, and then in person, once restrictions on movements were lifted.

In 2020, the Committee has focussed on a review of its investments. The Old Boys’ Union is very fortunate to have substantial financial assets, which have been built up and consolidated, thanks to the efforts and contributions of Old Boys over many years. I would like to record my thanks to the members of the Investment Sub-Committee for their work. Harrisford House, at 182 George Street, Parramatta, continues to deliver as the key asset of the Old Boys’ Union. Harrisford House is the building where the School first opened its doors in 1832, and was purchased by the Old Boys’ Union in 1980. We have secured a long term tenant, and, whilst development around Harrisford continues, I am confident that Harrisford is well positioned for the years to come. The Harrisford SubCommittee continues to keep a close eye on our investment in Harrisford and I thank them for their efforts.

I am pleased to report that, despite adverse economic conditions in 2020, the Old Boys’ Union has maintained a sound financial position. The combination of our investment portfolio, together with Harrisford House returns, places the Old Boys’ Union in a comfortable financial state.

The Old Boys’ Union continues to play a role in the governance of the School through facilitating the election of Old Boy Governors of The Council of The King’s School. On behalf of the Old Boys’ Union, I would like to record our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of our Old Boy Governors in 2020: Roger Davis (‘69), Peter Harvey (‘75), Mark Webeck (‘77), Richard Weekes (‘78) and Peter Whittington (’97). Being a Governor of the School Council is a thankless task and, as volunteers, these Old Boys have contributed a significant amount of time and energy to their roles as Old Boy representatives on the Council.

In September, the Old Boys’ Union held an election for three new Old Boy Governors. Congratulations to Peter Harvey (‘75), Edward Lloyd (‘95) and Rowland Long (‘88) on their election and appointment as Governors representing the Old Boys’ Union. We look forward to working with you.

The Old Boys’ Union cannot operate without the support of many. I express my sincere thanks to Ms Jacqui Forsyth, the Old Boys’ Union Administrator. Jacqui stepped into the role in September 2019 and has been instrumental in keeping the Old Boys’ Union show on the road. I would also like to record my thanks to the additional support provided by the wider team at the School, in particular Ms Michelle Petrovic and Ms Rose Thomson. I am grateful to our Patron, the Headmaster, Mr Tony George, for his support of the Old Boys’ Union, as well as the support of the broader School Executive, including the Deputy Headmaster, Rev Stephen Edwards; the Community Chaplain, Rev Matthew Pickering and Director of Development, Mr Aaron Malouf.

I acknowledge the continued service and support of the members of the Old Boys’ Union Committee and the contributions of our Past Presidents. As a volunteer organisation, I appreciate their efforts. All members of the Old Boys’ Union are eligible to stand for a position on the Committee and I encourage interested Old Boys to get involved.

Finally, I would like to thank the Old Boys’ Union Executive for all of their efforts and support this year. I’m particularly grateful to our Honorary Secretary Paul McKaysmith, Honorary Treasurer Tim Martel, and Past Presidents Grant Martin and Peter Whittington for their valuable counsel and hard work.

My term as President of the Old Boys’ Union draws to a close at the end of 2020. While this year has not turned out as we would have hoped, I am pleased to leave the role with an Old Boys’ Union that has a strong financial position, a renewed program of Old Boy events and a strengthened relationship with the School Council and the School. I wish my successor all the best in his new role.

Michael Thomas (‘97) Former President, Old Boys’ Union