April 2023

Message from the President

Dear Fellow Old Boys,    

I thought I'd test out Chat GPT to sense check how well it knew the Christ Church Grammar School Old Boys' Association and to welcome you all to an exciting new year:   
"As a member of our association, Christ Church Grammar School will have access to a network of fellow alumni, as well as opportunities to connect, engage, and support each other. We hope that this new relationship will be mutually beneficial and lead to a stronger and more vibrant community."   Not bad for an AI robot.   
As we transition to an era of digital distribution and ongoing online meetings, I cannot emphasise enough the importance for us all to connect and meet face to face. This year, a new and energised committee has been working to ensure that every event we offer caters to the needs and interests of our members.   
In my first year as President of the Old Boys' Association, I am focused on improving our Life Member benefits. Why? because investing in our current and future members ensures longevity and connection beyond Queenslea Drive. 

Zac Vinten 
OBA President 

Meet your OBA Committee 

Calendar of Events

 
Saturday 6 MayOld Boys' AFL 9's CupSave the Date
Friday 12 May Class of '73 - 50 Year Reunion  Register here
Wednesday 12 July  Unforgettables Lunch  Register 
here
Friday 14 JulyUnflappables Lunch Register 
here
Friday 15 September  OBA Annual Lunch - Claremont  Football Club Save the Date

For a full calendar of 2023 OBA Events, click HERE   
Old Boys 
Cup
Trevor Badger  Memorial Scholarship   
When we remember Trevor Badger ('83) we think about how proud he was of his Christ Church education and the significant contribution that he made to the school. 
They say it takes a village to raise a child and we are calling on our Old Boys and wider community to become our 'village'. With your help, we can provide a boarding scholarship for a young man with a regional or rural background. 
Together, we can relieve some of the financial responsibility of boarding fees and ensure that our spirit of community giving lives on in Trevor's name. Please join our 'village' by making a contribution that would make Trevor proud. Donation today.
Through this scholarship, we remember Trevor Badger 1966-2021.

                      OBA Events 

Young Old Boys
Young Old Boy's Summer Session

"The Young Old Boys' Summer Session was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about the past. It was a chance to catch up on each other's lives, reminisce about school memories, and reconnect with people I hadn't spoken to in years. The casual format and lively venue meant boys could have a drink with other alumni in the years above and below, allowing them to bond over common ground and share stories about life since leaving CCGS. The feedback I got from boys who attended the evening was all positive. Many commented that this event showed a side of the OBA they have not seen before and they loved the fact there was no motive or intention for gathering them – just providing a space for boys to catch up with one another".
Matt Tissiman ('18)

OBA Golf Day

OBA Golf Day

The Annual OBA Golf Day took place on Friday 17 March at Mosman Park Golf Club. 14 teams spent the afternoon catching up over 18 holes of golf, followed by refreshments and more socialising at the club house. Congratulations to reigning champ Aiden Cooper and his team Paul Coni, Chris Johnson and Sam Black (all class of '01) for taking out the 'Roger Mackay Perpetual Trophy'. We were lucky to have Roger's wife Ros there to present the trophy to the winning team.

Check out the video!

Beverley Districts Dinner
"I recently attended the 87th annual PSA Beverley Dinner with fellow OBA committee member Callum Lindsay ('17) and old boys Trevor Whittington ('83) and David Steadman ('58). We were initially unsure if we were at the right venue but stumbling through the dark Beverley Golf Club carpark, we were greeted by gents from host school Aquinas and told the power was temporality out of action! It didn't take long (well no longer than Callum to finish 2 stubbies) for the power to come back on and we were seated for dinner. We were sat with someone from Wesley and began to converse over a number of topics from politics to whether or not Scotch or Guildford look better in skirts. We weren't able to come to conclusions on any of them but many laughs were had trying.
Former Aquinas Head Boy and Fremantle Docker Paul Duffield told his story and answered questions from the floor. It was really touching to see how strong the bonds remain between these rural families, regardless of the school tie you wore, and this resonated with us both greatly. It demonstrated how important this event is for this particular group of students from each of the PSA schools"
Alex Dunbar ('03)

                      Reunions 

Unforgettables Lunch  

The Unforgettables are the original CCGS Old Boys'. The name represents our very cherished group of men who graduated CCGS between 1940 - 1949. The group gathered for lunch in March at the Mt Claremont Pavilion where they used to make their own lunch on the BBQ! We provided a buffet lunch this year so there was more time for sharing school memories. The average age of attendees at lunch was 91 - a rather impressive number. Thank you to our Unforgettables for continuing to connect with the school gents.
Featured Peter Lynn ('45)
Class of '93 - 30 Year Reunion
"The recently refurbished Claremont Hotel played host to a memorable Friday evening in March as the Class of 1993 returned to their old stomping ground to commemorate 30 years. With a fantastic turnout of nearly 60 attendees, a number of whom made the long journey from regional WA towns, interstate and even overseas, the event was filled with laughter, reminiscing, and a chance to reconnect with old friends and share stories from the past three decades. The late evening was a testament to the bonds formed during our time at Queenslea Drive and Mt Claremont, proving that the friendships and memories created during those formative years can truly stand the test of time. The success of the reunion, which for some, included the obligatory 1am visit to HJ's, has left many looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and celebrate"
Tom Nattrass ('93)
Class of '63 - 60 Year Reunion 

"On Friday 14th April, 40 old boys attended the 60 year reunion of the class of 1963.   During the day, optional activities were organised – either golf at the Mosman Park Golf Club, bowls at the Mosman Park Bowling Club or a School tour.  The main event was a sundowner held at the Mosman Park Golf Club.   Highlights of the sundowner included a witty video from Richard Utting ('63) and an old style quiz run by Peter Snow ('63).  There was a strong consensus that the major highlight was the opportunity to enjoy catching up with so many of our old mates. The event was such a success that we'll be planning a re-run in five years' time".
David Price ('63)

Global Reunions

CCGS Executives recently hosted reunions abroad in Hong Kong, Jakata and Singapore. Thank you to those who attended, they were a huge success and a great opportunity to reconnect with students and future parents around the globe. 

                      Old Boy News

Alisdair Putt ('78) never rowed at school, but has got together the first ever West Australian team in this year's toughest rowing race, a 2800 nautical mile row across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. Putt is a Reserve Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, and is joined by current and former military colleagues to attempt the feat.  He aims to raise money for a military veterans centre near Jarrahdale, and a women's crisis accommodation centre in the Kimberley.
The team have bought the boat, but are calling for sponsorship to help get them to the start line.
Any contributions will be greatly appreciated www.aussieoldsalts.org.au 

Victoire Hemedi ('19) has been accepted into WAAPA to undertake a Bachelor of Arts (Acting) this year. This prestigious course only accepts 24 students auditioned nationally and internationally. Victoire made his debut for Midnite in The Jungle Play, where he developed a strong love and passion for drama. Victoire has been involved in many other Midnite Youth Theatre productions including, The Rise and Fall of the Bargainmart King, Stories from Suburban Road, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Big Fish and The Resisitible Rise of Arturo Ui. He studied Film and Screen at WAAPA and worked with the WA Youth Theatre Company before being accepted in to the Acting course in 2023. Congrats Victoire!

                       Special Mention... 

Bruce Haigh ('62)

Bruce sadly passed away on 7 April 2023 in Woolongong and will be remember as a game changer and enduring friend. Upon graduating from Christ Church, Bruce left Perth to pursue a diplomatic career.

The OBA commissioned sculpture by Tony Jones ('62) on Stirling Hwy titled 'Stand by Me' was inspired by Tony's friendship with Bruce. 

We offer our deepest sympathy to Bruce's family and friends. 

Read more. 



                      School News

Mark Morrissy ('79) will take up position of Acting Principal while Alan Jones is on sabbatical 

Andy Greig ('95) has been appointed Head of Humanites in Senior School

Spencer Davis ('05) has taken the position of Head of Centre for Excellence

Patrick Molinari ('04) has been appointed as a Year Group Co-ordinator in the Boarding Community 

Scott McCallum ('12) has joined the Health & Physical Education Department for 2023

Kevin Gillam retired after 17 years service to the School as Head of Music 

Liam Casson was the inaugural Director of the Wynne Centre for Boys' Health and Wellbeing however has moved in to private enterprise

Notice Board   

*Sports Coaches Wanted*
CCGS are in search for sport coaches for their JPSSA program for the Year 5/6 Boys. Currently seeking hockey, rugby, football and soccer coaches. Games are played each Thursday from 12:45pm - 2:45pm at different PSA venues. Training is every Monday: Hockey & rugby - 7am - 8am at CCGS campus Football & soccer - 3:20pm - 4:20pm at CCGS campus Trial matches begin in April and continue into Term 2.
 If this sounds like something you're interested in, please contact Brady Leckie - bleckie@ccgs.wa.edu.au