Connecting our Community Introducing the new President of the Parents’ Association

Dr Katherine Lok steps in this year to lead the Parents’ Association as the incoming President.

My association with Camberwell Grammar School began when my sons Ben (Year 12) and Hamish (Year 10) started attending Pre-Prep 14 years ago. I started volunteering as a Year Representative to meet other parents and families. Over the years, I have continued as a Rep for both boys’ year levels. In the Junior School years, I would support the Friends of Norge with the Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts and help out with the Open Day stalls. When I’m not volunteering, you can find me working as a local GP, exercising at the gym, playing the piano, or eating out with my husband Gary and friends.

Heading into Middle School, it took me a while to work out which Friends of Groups to join. Both of my boys play instruments, so I joined Friends of Performing Arts (FOPA), helped at the cafeteria, and cooked meals for the Angels, a worthy support group that provides meals to Camberwell Grammar families undergoing difficult circumstances. I enjoyed helping the Auxillary make their famous Christmas Puddings, which is always a lot of fun and another great way to meet new parents later in the school year. My mum Lay See and I are also involved with the School Prayer Group on Tuesdays.

Over the years, I would have helped organise over 200 events for the School including parent coffee and dinner functions, fun activities for the students, and, in 2022, the PA’s Gala Ball at the Melbourne Museum, where I rapped my MC speech in front of 400 lucky guests! If I wasn’t a doctor, I may have considered a career as an Events Planner or Rapper.

I have been part of the Parents’ Association (PA) Executive team as Social Convenor, Vice President, and now President. I am very thankful to our departing President, Mr Stuart Harker, who has provided great leadership, experience, and knowledge over the last three years.

The PA is made up of over 25 separate parent-volunteer groups (Friends of Groups) and I would encourage you to consider joining in. There are sports and special interest groups like Aquatics, Basketball, Baseball, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Soccer, Cycling, Kayaking, Snowsports, and Cadets. The Pre-Loved Uniform Shop (PLUS) and Friends of Library are always happy for new volunteers too.

Our aim as a PA group is to help establish and build ongoing relationships among students, parents, and the School community, and we call this process ‘Friend-Raising’. These relationships will often develop into life-long friendships for your sons, as well as for many parents. I have met many of my closest friends this way.

Volunteering in school groups is completely optional, and I’m a firm believer that by helping, you receive so much back in return. In addition, your sons really cherish seeing their parents being involved, even if they don’t admit to it openly.

We hope to encourage you to join this wonderful and vibrant school community in whatever way you feel fits into your busy life. Maybe attending a year group dinner is a great way to start. After the last few years with Covid-19 restrictions, we believe the power of connection in the School community is especially important and a great way of supporting your sons at this amazing school.