Grammar News October 2022 (Grammarian)

In this edition of the Grammarian I would like to reflect on the important role so many Old Boys play in the wider Grammar community. Specifically, the younger Old Boys who come back to coach and mentor after graduating. Not only is this an incredibly important resource for the school but more notably, provides a strong cultural link to the younger generations of BGS students. The opportunity of teaching younger students new skills whilst developing leadership and organisational skills is a fantastic opportunity that new graduates should embrace. Thank you to the Old Boy coaches and mentors!

The Business Breakfasts co-ordinated by Simon Tolhurst '87 continue to be popular. The most recent breakfast on 14 September was a full house with 170 guests attending to gain an insight into the current South-East Queensland property market. The range of topics covered on the morning was broad and our panel of Chris Titley '98 (Moderator), Kevin Stanley (Commonwealth Bank), Damian Winterburn '99 (Boulder Capital) and Chris Butters '00 (CBRE) were outstanding. These breakfasts are hosted by the Old Boys Association and are open to everyone to attend so we encourage the entire BGS community to join us. We are planning our Business Breakfasts for next year so look out for the invitations. Sponsorship opportunities will also be available next year so please contact the Community Relations Office to discuss the available packages.

In late July we hosted the Milestone reunions for '72, '82, '92, '02 and '12. Some of the year groups took up the offer of a "Row-Union" hosted by the Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club. Congratulations to Ben Cameron and the '92 Old Boys who managed to pull together two VIIIs for a morning row and a quick sprint race. Many Old Boys attended a school tour on Friday and Saturday afternoons and I had the privilege of attending both afternoons and sharing in the celebrations of catching up with old friends. Next year we will host Milestone Reunions on the weekend of 21 and 22 July so please mark the date in your diaries.

In recent months I have had the opportunity to meet with Justin Beirne '87, President of the P&F Association and Bethine Ommensen, President of the P&F Auxiliary to discuss the opportunity to strengthen the connection between the Old Boys Association and the wider Grammar Community. It is a key objective of the current OBA Committee to ensure we work effectively with the School and related organisations in the planning of events. One of the topics often raised by parents through the P&F is the opportunity for new graduates and younger Old Boys to engage with the "Old Boy Network". These opportunities exist through "Grammar Connect", a platform for Old Boys to connect and either offer mentoring services or request assistance. I have personally had the opportunity to mentor younger Old Boys through this platform and I encourage all Old Boys to register if they have not done so already. The OBA Committee also hosts Professional Networking events for various industries. We have an upcoming Professional Networking night on the topic of "Building your Network, Collecting more than Business Cards". With an expert panel to provide advice on building your brand and effective networking, this event is not only a chance to hear from experts, but to meet mentors who are willing to support fellow Old Boys.

If you haven't already purchased your NSL T-shirts, I encourage you to head to NSL T-shirts. There are a variety of styles and colours and are part of a unique brand developed by the Old Boys' Association.

Finally, on behalf of the OBA Committee we share our condolences with the Strachan Family. The Grammar Community may at times feel large but when tragedy strikes you soon realise how closely bonded we all are. The tragic passing of Tom Strachan '90 and Noah Strachan '19 will leave an indelible mark on our community and their loss is felt deeply by many. We reflect on the special memories Tom and Noah shared with many of us and know that they would take some comfort in the Grammar Community's resolve to ensure that their family is supported and that their legacy is treasured.

Cameron Feltham '86

Old Boys named: Cameron Feltham '86 (President); Simon Tolhurst '87 (Business Breakfasts coordinator); panel, Chris Titley '98, Damian Winterburn '99, Chris Butters '00; Ben Cameron '92 (Row-Union); Justin Beirne '87 (P&F President). Vale: Tom Strachan '90 and Noah Strachan '19.