From the Chairman | June 2024

It was an honour to present my report at the 154th Annual General Meeting in May and I thank those members who attended.  I am pleased to have been nominated as Chairman for a second term and look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated committee.

 
Images: Paul Willoughby (HWK 1964) and Philip Marshall (SHT 1964)

Paul Willoughby (HWK 1964) and Philip Marshall (SHT 1964) retired from their positions as committee members and, on behalf of all Old Scholars, I thank them for their enduring, loyal service. Paul had been on the committee for 27 years (including 19 years as Treasurer) and Philip for 12 years. We welcome two new members Justin Stewart-Rattray (WDK 1986) and Arnie Narayan (FLL 1984).

On behalf of all old scholars, we congratulate and acknowledge the following gentlemen who were named in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

The late Sir James Hardy OBE (HWK 1950) posthumously awarded AO – Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to yachting, to the business sector, to charitable organisations, and to the community.

Dr Jonathan Rogers (FLL 1970) awarded OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to dentistry in a range of roles.

Mr Sandy Roberts (W&A 1967) awarded OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia for service to media as a sports commentator.

We also congratulate and wish Angus Dawson (S&A 2018) well as he prepares to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics. Angus has been selected for the Australian Men's Coxed Eight. Good luck!

Old Scholars’ Week is taking place in July. A program of Intercol fixtures and activities for old scholars can be found here. You may like to take part in the Intercol Golf Day or bring your partner or guest to the Old School House History Walk. It is a wonderful week of events that ends with the Annual Dinner on Saturday 27 July, which will include 16 old scholar winemakers supporting the event. The full list of wineries represented can be viewed here.

The SPOC Business Directory is now live on the SPOC Connect website. Please feel free to register your business or service. Some listings have special offers for SPOC members, and we’d love to see you update your profile, connect with your peers and colleagues and share your news through the ‘Groups’ features.

Images: Phil Davis addresses students in Memorial Hall, with Mr Paul Hadfield and at the SPOC Lunch with Dean Hewitson (ATH 1982) and Oliver Sheahan (HWK 2007), SPOC Chairman.

It was wonderful to see almost 70 old scholars and their guests at the May Business Lunch at The Lion Hotel. Phil Davis (YNG 2008) was a fantastic speaker and offered unparalleled insight into the game, clubs and the future of AFL. My sincere thanks to Phil for generously offering his time to both SPOC and the School, where he spent the afternoon speaking with students about the importance of work ethic, discipline and a growth mindset.

Image: Class of 2014 Milestone Reunion

The Class of 2014 had their 10-year reunion, with over 60 old scholars attending (see photos here). Looking ahead old scholars who are celebrating Milestone Reunions (Class of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, & 2004) are invited to save the date as plans are well underway for their special celebrations later in the year. See the SPOC Connect events page for more information.

Image: Guests at the South East Chapter Event

Old Scholar engagement has been a focus in the regions this year with events being held in the Mid-North, Fleurieu Region, South-East and Broken Hill. Our thanks to the Headmaster and SPSC staff for connecting with our regional members. Later this year events are being held in Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and London. More details here.

Finally, thank you to those members who completed our survey. We received almost 700 responses with many thoughtful comments and suggestions. Pleasingly, responses were overwhelmingly positive.

I look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

Oliver Sheahan (HWK 2007)
Chairman