August 2023

Message from the President

Dear Old Boys, 

With winter coming to an end, the OBA calendar of events is starting to warm up! Have you booked your ticket for the Annual Lunch yet?  'Work of Art' with Marcus Canning ('91) is fast approaching and promises to be one of our most popular lunches to date. Do not miss the chance to hear from our accomplished guest speaker, interviewed by OBA Vice President, David Jewkes ('99). RSVP here. 

It was exciting to work together with the School to co-host Old Boy reunions in Sydney and Melbourne in July. Both events were well attended, with feedback indicating to us that there is a strong OBA community outside of WA. If you are interstate, and would like to connect, please let us know!! 

Finally, the OBA committee has been working hard to enhance our offering to Life Members. We are thrilled to announce our latest initiative, the CCGS OBA Members Assistance Program (MAP). This is a confidential service which offers support to members in the same way as an Employment Assistance Program (EAP). Life Members of the OBA have access to fully subsidised sessions offering counselling, financial and wellbeing support among other services. This will be available to members in September.   

I hope to see you all at the Annual Lunch on Friday 15 September!

Zac Vinten ('11) 
President, Old Boys' Association 
                          Old Boys' Annual Lunch 2022

Calendar of Events 
 
Friday 15 SeptemberOBA Annual Lunch -
Work of Art with Marcus Canning		RSVP 
Friday 13 October Class of 2013 - 10 Year Reunion  Save the Date
Thursday 26 October OBA AGM  Save the Date
Saturday 28 OctoberClass of 1983 - 40 Year Reunion  Save the Date
Thursday 2 November Old Boys' Assembly  Save the Date
Friday 1 December Class of 2022 - Linga OnSave the Date
Wednsday 20 December
Class of 1998 - 25 Year Reunion Save the Date

For a full calendar of 2023 OBA Events, click HERE   

Reunions

Unforgettables & Unflappables Combined Winter Lunch 

For the first time, the Alumni office hosted our treasured Unforgettables (1940 – 1949) and Unflappables (1950 – 1959) together for what was to be known as the 'combined' lunch. 

Our two groups catch up on a regular basis throughout the year but never together, so this was a special occasion that did not disappoint. Stalwart John Bell ('55) was asked about the connection with this peers - 

"[The] highlight of my annual social calendar is catching up with my old school mates from the boarding house and school. And as time goes by, people are the most important thing in life. It is a bond that lasts with you until the final day when heaven forbid, we go upstairs" 

When asked what advice he had to for new or future members he commented,  "Join in, participate, keep in touch with your friends from school because I can tell you form my life experience, the oldest and best friends in my life are the friends that I had from school. The best thing I took from CCGS are my school mates who are lifelong friends and as we go from decade to decade, the best thing is getting together with them on these occasions" 

Take a look at the video of the day here and photos here. 

Interstate Reunions - Melbourne & Sydney

This year the OBA, alongside Principal Alan Jones, visited Melbourne and Sydney to host reunions for old boys living interstate. 

The events were well attended and proved that physical distance is no boundary for old friendships. 

Thank you to all the familiar faces who joined us and those who attended for the first time. We value the opportunity to connect and provide a space for old boy's to catch up on the other side of the country.

See more event photos here

Class of 1968 - 55 Year Reunion

"Fifty-five years seemed like 55 minutes with school yard conversations about football, cricket or annoying masters taken up as though the intervening years didn't exists. While there were the regulars, we were blessed to see some old boys that we had not seen in 55 years. What a surprise and what a thrill to hear of their journey and successes. 
There were moments of reflection as we paused to acknowledge those that have left us. But overall, the comradery was electric and we out-performed several groups of boisterous ladies in the Windsor's Chart Room!"
Geoffrey Thomas ('68)
Class of 2003 - 20 Year Reunion 
"The class of 2003 recently celebrated our 20 year reunion at the Claremont Hotel. Around 50 of us got together to catch up and share some good times.  
At first, it was a bit like going back to school – but the awkwardness didn't last long as we quickly got into the swing of things, like we'd never left.   
The School tour prior, showcased the school's modern facilities which are impressive, reflecting several changes since our time. Most notably, the Design and Technology Centre which Nick Stokes ('03) assures is more sophisticated than the operations at Subiaco Restoration!  
As the night went on, we got talking about old school days – sporting feats (or lack thereof), pranks, funny stuff (including 'Eno the Bus Driver'), you name it.
Unfortunately, a number of us found out (the hard way) that Club Bay View and the Avenue are no longer open on a Saturday night! Still, that did not stop us from continuing. In the end, our reunion was a blast. We said our goodbyes, promising to keep in touch and plan more get-togethers. Even though time has passed, the bonds we made at Christ Church are still going strong"
Matt Caddy ('03)

OBA Events 
2023 Boarders Formal Dinner
Old Boys' who were once Boarders were invited to sit alongside current boarding students at the annual Boarders Formal Dinner. Rod O'Dea ('75) was keynote speaker, sharing his experiences as a boarder in the 70's and his accomplishments in his professional and personal life beyond school.
A group of old boys also joined current students for dinner, providing a sounding board and offering their insights in to boarding life. 
Photos of the night are here. 
Building Good Men Leadership Breakfast
Year 10 and 11 students attended the Building Good Men Leadership Breakfast, which provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with highly successful old boys. This year we were joined by Stuart Nicholls ('02), Tommaso D'Orsogna ('07), Richard Burch ('03) and David Airey ('67) who shared their experiences overcoming failures, celebrating successes and accomplishing life goals. Students engaged with the special guests in an open floor discussion about their lives as students at Christ Church and their careers after leaving the School. Read more here. 
Cross Country -
CCGS vs OBA
Our Old Boy Cross Country champs faced off against current students in the annual Cross Country time trial. The 5km track took runners on a hill-filled course around the Mt Claremont Playing Fields. Jonah Hanikeri (Year 11) took out the top spot with Jack Crago ('22) coming a close second for the old boys. Honourable mention to Robert Merrells ('66) our oldest Old Boy to complete the course. 

Old Boy News 
Chris Stavrianou ('97) current School Council member and Christ Church Old Boy has accepted the Chair of Council position after the resignation of Paul Johnson.  Chris will be supported by Dr Sarah Cherian who continues in her role as Deputy Chair. 
More information on School Council here. 
Mark Boyne ('02) will line up for his 400th Premier League game for YMCC Hockey Club, the clubs' record, this Saturday 19 August. This is a huge feat in itself but made more significant considering that in January of this year, Mark underwent major surgery to have his large bowel removed due to complications arising from Crohn's disease. More information on Marks inspiring story here. 

Notice Board  
Weekend trial of gym open hours !!

The school gym is open from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Saturdays for Christ Church students, parents and old boys. More info & booking details here. 

We love to follow your achievements and share member updates. Please reach out to update your details and share exciting news  oldboys@ccgs.wa.edu.au