November 2023

Message from the Alumni Office

Hello Old Boys, 


Since our last edition we have enjoyed a three course meal with you at our Annual Lunch, Work of Art with Marcus Canning ('91), hosted numerous reunions both official and unofficial and wrapped up another Annual General Meeting. And we are not done yet with the OBA Sundowner coming up on Thursday 23 November and other milestone reunions to see out the year.  

The OBA continue to deepen their connection with the school and current students with President Zac Vinten ('11) recently speaking at the Old Boys' Assembly and personally welcoming the outgoing class of 2023 at the Valedictory Dinner.  Zac's advice to the graduates centred on seizing opportunity; 'Whatever it is you decide to do, in the years, and even decades ahead, be a yes man. Saying yes to key opportunities that present themselves will force you outside of your comfort zone and expose your true self. You will naturally adopt a growth mindset and lead with your curiosity'.

The OBA congratulates and welcomes the newest members of the Old Boys' Association.

Luci Mattes
Alumni Coordinator

Calendar of Events 

Thurs 23 November                       OBA Annual Sundowner RSVP
Fri  1 December Class of 2022 - Linga On RSVP 
Mon 4 DecemberUnforgettables & Unflappables Christmas Lunch      
RSVP
Wed 20 December
Class of 1998 - 25 Year ReunionRSVP

For a full calendar of 2023 OBA Events, click HERE   

OBA Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Old Boys' Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on Thursday 26 October in the Christ Church Senior School staff room. The President's Report can be found here. The Minutes and other supporting document will be made available in due course. 

OBA EVENTS  

OBA Annual Lunch - Work of Art with Marcus Canning 

Friday 15 September, Claremont Football Club

The 2023 OBA Annual Lunch, Work of Art with Marcus Canning delivered on the standard it is known for.  Marcus Canning ('91) offered a perspective on the Arts scene in Perth that is rarely shared.

Attendees were treated to a three course meal from Ultimo and were well looked after by the wonderful staff at the Claremont Football Club.

Members of the OBA Committee collaborated as MC, presenters and hosts for the day. Thank you to everyone who was involved. 


Take a look at the video and photos here. 

PSA Golf Day

Friday 27 October, Cottesloe Golf Club


"We had a great day at this year's PSA Old Boys golf day at Cottesloe Golf Club. Christ Church had a strong cohort of 19 players on the course and it was pleasing to see so many donning the CCGS Old Boys' polos!  

Hale School won the day followed by Wesley, Aquinas, Scotch, Christ Church, Trinity and then Guildford.

I can't help wondering if there are perhaps some more talented players in the CCGS pool that can get involved next year??    All in all, it was great to catch up with some old friends and enjoy a bit of banter with the other schools."   

Roy Paxton ('02)

OBA Assembly

Thursday 2 November, CCGS Chapel


The Old Boys' Association 'host' an annual Assembly providing the opportunity to engage with the current students and taking old boys back to the Christ Church chapel. 

At last years event, the OBA launched the Young Leaders' Award that recognises inspirational achievements and contributions to society. 

This year's recipient is Gareth Shanthikumar ('15) who founded Man Up WA. Gareth was unable to join us for the Assembly but provided this message. 

The supremely talented Sam Robins treated the audience in the chapel to an original piece titled ' Scotty Boland' – check it out.

REUNIONS  

Class of 2013 - 10 Year Reunion

Friday 13 October, Claremont Yacht Club

"The class of 2013 enjoyed a turnout of 48 Old Boys at the Claremont Yacht Club amidst dream-like weather for our 10 year reunion. 

A sense of surrealness abounded as so much had happened to each and every boy since we were all in one place. Yet the comfort, bonds & camaraderie was as present as ever. So present in fact, by 8pm (two hours after planned end time) chins were still wagging. Beyond that, a mass migration to the Claremont Hotel for more food, drinks and most of all, good company ensued until the last few boys called it a night at midnight.   

When a reunion is meant to run for two hours but ends up going for almost eight, that may be a sign of boys happy to see each other. 

Cheers to meeting before the 20 year reunion!" 

Boon Mahaguna ('13)

More pics can be found here. 

Class of 1983 - 40 Year Reunion

Saturday 28 October, Steve's Hotel


"In October, the crew of 1993 held their 40 year reunion. Special mention goes to those who have not been to a reunion before, they had a lot of catching up to do!

Thanks to Paul Archer (83') for leaving his yacht in the Canary islands to attend, Andrew Mantel ('83) from Singapore and Matthew McKenzie ('83) from Sydney. This is first reunion where a few guys were talking about retirement, and a smart few tell us they have already managed it. Congratulations to them.

Sadly missed this year was Trevor Badger ('83) who passed away since the last reunion. He was always a big part of these reunions, he was great at rallying the crew and is fondly remembered.

 Thanks to those who attended and made a great night.
Dan Goodridge ('83)

Class of 1961 - Annual Reunion

Thursday 7 September, Nedlands Golf Club


The Class of 1961 had one of their regular catch ups recently, Geoffrey Hick ('61) provides an animated recap of their recent reunion over lunch here. 

Annual 1971 Alcock Cup First XVIII Reunion

Sunday 22 October, Claremont Yacht Club

Doug Meikle ('71) and team celebrate their annual 1971 First XVIII in reunion. Read Doug's wrap up of the reunion here.  
 

INTRODUCING....

OBA Members Assistance Program (MAP)

The Christ Church Grammar School Old Boys' Association, in partnership with Assure are very pleased to offer Life Members of the Old Boys' Association access to our newly introduced Members Assistance Program (MAP). 

OBA Life Members and their eligible family will be able to access up to four fully subsidised sessions with professional counsellors, wellbeing & diet coaching, legal advice and financial consultation to name a few. This service is completely CONFIDENTIAL and provides up to four (4) fully subsidised sessions per person. 

In addition, the Wellbeing Gateway offered through Assure is your personal digital platform for better health and wellbeing, supporting you to thrive at work, in health and life. To sign up to this complimentary platform head to Wellbeing Gateway and sign up using the details on the flyer below. 

 To book a confidential session with an experienced health professional head to the Wellbeing Gateway link below:

Terms and conditions apply 

► PLAY VIDEO

SPECIAL MENTION  
Allan Russell turns 100!
Happy Birthday to old boy Allan Russell ('40) who turned 100 on 15 October! Allan graduated in 1940.

Reflecting on his time at CCGS he said that it was "one of the toughest places to be in the country" referring to the lashings by cane he had received by 3pm on his first day of school. He also said that his experiences at Christ Church built resilience and set him up for life. Allan received a call from Principal Alan Jones in celebration of this milestone. 

OLD BOY NEWS 
Conor Coleman ('19) at 21 years old is the youngest Australian to summit Manaslu Mountain, Nepal – the eighth highest mountain the world. Conor is also one of a team of four who have made history as the first Australian Team to summit the mountain.
Milan Murdock ('18) took out the Simpson Medal at the 2023 WAFL Grand Final with his team the East Fremantle Sharks.
Finn Lip ('22) attended the Weizmann International Summer Science Institute supported by a scholarship from Weizmann Australia. The July trip involved a 3-week intensive research placement on the Weizmann campus in Israel, followed by a one-week hike in the Negev desert.
Liam Haskett ('19) took his maiden Sheffield Shield wicket on debut for WA against in Victoria back in October. Former cross country captain.

Nick Thompson ('17) won the 2023 Ironman 70.3 title on the Sunshine Coast in September.
Nicholas Felstead ('13) has been recognised as a John Monash Scholar in 2024. Find a Scholar (johnmonash.com).
Alastair Black ('03) has recently commenced a role at Christ Church Grammar School in the Admissions office. If you have any enrolment enquiries, be sure to give Alastair a call on 9442 1703!

NOTICE BOARD  
The Gym/Weights access will be restricted between 18 December 2023 - 7 January 2024. 
The Pool will be open in Term 4 up until Saturday 9 December. Christmas holiday opening hours will be available shortly.
For more information check 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