REUNIONS

Past staff members gathered for another memorable FOSSIL Gathering on Sunday 2 April, in the Year 5/6 Centre. This special event was a perfect opportunity for them, a group also called FOSSIL (Friendly Old School Staff Intemperance League), to reconnect with each other.

Lunch was enjoyed and the group was impressed to see the developments and changes that had been made since their time at the School. The group was hosted by a number of current staff.

Although many staff members were unable to attend, everyone present was pleased to hear their friendly messages and know of their intention to be part of the next Gathering. Everyone looks forward to the next reunion!

If you are a past staff member who would like to keep up to date with our news and upcoming events, please contact Gemma Kelly in the Development Office on 03 5338 0950 or via email development@bgs.vic.edu.au

On Friday 21 April, more than 130 Old Grammarians gathered for a special lunch to celebrate an amazing 50+ year relationship with their former school! This year’s event welcomed the 1973 cohort to the 50+ group; and they reflected on their time at school and their final year when two schools came together on one campus as Ballarat & Queen’s Grammar School.

The Headmaster, Mr Adam Heath, tested the crowd’s knowledge of school memorabilia with a quiz, adding an interactive element to the program.

Past students and their partners attended from across Australia with attendees enjoying catching up with old friends and making some new connections. Members of the 1973 cohort and other eligible attendees were presented with a commemorative 50+ Years badge by the School Guardians.

As one attendee wrote, The level of engagement and collegiality on display with such a diverse and interesting group of people was very heart-warming to witness and is testimony to the richness of experience that these students had in their past schools, albeit in modest circumstances. It certainly is an event that many look forward to with great anticipation. With a 12 month lead up to the 2024 50+ Reunion, I’m sure numbers will grow.

Overall, the 50+ Luncheon was a celebration of milestones and memories, bringing together past students from all walks of life. The event was a testament to the strong bonds that were forged during students’ school days. We look forward to the next annual 50+ Luncheon in 2024 and welcoming those from the 1974 peer year into the 50+ Years cohort.

Depending on many factors, our lives can be short or very long, but whatever the case, the journey involves connections. Sometimes these are lost, often regrettably, as we age. Occasions like the 50+ Luncheon allow us to re-kindle connections, restore contact and enjoy the company of (often) long-lost classmates and friends and share stories. Pictured here are myself and my brother, Stuart Bakes (1968) at the Luncheon. I really enjoyed seeing amongst others, Bev Whitford (nee Saw) – my old art teacher and a favourite of many, and four of my classmates from 1971. Sadly, there were no classmates from Stuart’s year, 1968, but he enjoyed the company of those he has not seen for many years.

Perhaps we can do better in 2024! It is a terrific event with great food and company! I encourage you to put it in your planner now! Grateful thanks to the School for organising this not to be missed event and for keeping these connections available to us.

I also wanted to express my thanks to Nola and Ross Squire (School Archivists), they really are such a dedicated team and do a marvellous job. On behalf of the former students, we really appreciate the contribution they make at these events and in the maintenance of all records and memorabilia.