Old Boys’ Assembly speech

Although we eagerly awaited 2021 in the hopes that Covid would have lessened its impact on our return to ‘normal’, unfortunately January 2021 saw a spike in numbers, and we were unable to have the annual Inanda Hoops Old Boys’ Basketball game. Fortunately, we were able to have numerous touchpoints between the school and the Alumni over the remaining year.

We were able to attend the Grade 8 camp (held in a Covid protocol format) and welcome the new cohort of Marist men. Matthew Benning (Deputy Head Prefect 2017) gave valuable insight to the young gentleman on how to achieve their goals and dreams in their remaining five years of school. At the College prize giving, Old Boy Merrick Hughes (class of 2016, Head Prefect) gave an insightful and motivational speech to our College boys. Both these Old Boys have been away studying in the Cape and it was wonderful to welcome them back to their alma mater.

Our St David’s Marist Old Boys’ Annual General Meeting was held on 24th March. This was a well attended event, where for the first time we had a combination of an on-campus event as well as attendees joining via YouTube, with Old Boys joining online from America, England, Germany and Switzerland. A big thank you to the school staff, school executive and IT team for helping us put this together.

We were sorry not to have our Old Boys on campus for our St David’s Old Boys’ Weekend Derby Day, however, we had an exciting line up of activities for our Old Boys’ Weekend.

This started off with a beautiful online Champagnat Day Mass on the 3rd June led by Fr Brian Mhlanga. We were fortunate to host a limited number of Old Boys at our Old Boys’ Assembly on Friday, 4th June – with this assembly being streamed online for those that could not attend in person. Mr Bradley Ireland hosted a panel interview with Old Boys John Middlewick (Class of 1998) and Peteni Kuzwayo (Class of 1999). They spoke about and shared their personal experiences on the importance of perseverance and purpose – they shared their very own stories of endurance in fitness and in life and of pushing through when times get tough. As one of the teachers commented – “such valuable nuggets of information for the schoolboys!” Thanks to Peteni and John for their invaluable insights. This was followed by refreshments for the Old Boys in the College pavilion, allowing the Old Boys to catch up with their teachers and classmates. John Kelly Okonkwo, 2020 Prefect, gave a heartfelt video tribute to the schoolboys, “We have however, been there with you, and will be whenever you play. In spirit, in brotherhood and as keen supporters of the black and gold. Together, we continue our legacy, no matter the challenge before us. We go forth gents, onwards and upwards. We are one Inanda.” On Sunday 6th June, we also participated in our first ever Team Marist Run 2021. This virtual event united our 5 Marist South African schools, with our St David’s community’s fundraising efforts all in aid of our St David’s Bursary Programme and outreach programmes, Marist Mercy Care and Three2Six.

The Matric Rite of Passage was again a combined event with the College 2021 House Dinners. We were fortunate enough to get several of our Class of 2017 alumni to attend and welcome their mentees from their Grade 8 year into the Old Boys’ Association. The ‘Marist Standard’ was passed on to the Head and Deputy Head Prefects of 2021, symbolically entrusting them and their classmates with upholding the Marist ethos and values as they enter the wider world as Marist Old Boys.

We were able to hold 2 separate reunions in the third term – the 10 year reunion for the Class of 2011 and the 20 year reunion for the Class of 2001. Both events were held in the Maristonian (Boarding House Dining Hall). On both evenings we were blessed with balmy summer nights that allowed us to enjoy the views across Sandton and beyond. A great time was had by all – lots of catching up with classmates and teachers and seeing changes that have been made to the school campus.

I would like to thank all the committee members for their invaluable support, enthusiasm, robust discussion and involvement throughout the year.

The third term saw a return of spectators to school sport, and it was wonderful to see Old Boys back on campus supporting the boys in their summer sports. We hope to see you on campus again at many events in 2022.

We would like to thank the School Executive and Staff, and the St David’s Board for their continued support and commitment – it has been a difficult year and it is greatly appreciated.

We are committed to grow our Old Boys’ Bursary Fund, and also the impact of the Old Boys in the school through the mentorship programme - if you are able to assist any anyway, please contact us at oldboys@stdavids.co.za.

I would like to make special mention of the sad passing

of Chris Busschau. Chris was a valued and long-standing member of our Marist Old Boys’ Committee. His dedication and loyalty to the school was apparent in all his interactions with the school. We will miss seeing him at all the Old Boys’ events and send our condolences to his family. A bench overlooking the McGregor field has been placed at his favourite viewing spot and we take comfort in knowing he will be still have a special place at the school.

We acknowledge the tremendous losses that many in our community have suffered over the past two years and we are grateful for the way in which many Old Boy quietly supported their fellow alumni, in both simple and substantial ways. This time has been a strong and poignant reminder of the value of community and a challenge to the St David’s Marist Old Boys’ Association to grow and strengthen the relationships between and with all alumni and with the School itself.

We look forward to connecting with many of you in 2022, in what we pray will be an uninterrupted and peaceful year.

Matthew Ramsden

Chairman St David’s Marist Inanda Old Boys Association

Back row: Mr R Pizzi, Mr M Bembridge, Mr G Tonetti, Mr A Munro, Mr J MacFie 2nd row: Mr T Sithole, Mr D Smith, Mr S Nthombeni, Mr J Haralambous, Mr N Marantos Front row: Mr N Clogg, Mrs J Egenrieder, Ms F Budd, Mr M Ramsden, Mrs K Taylor, Mr B Winderley, Mr D Jago Absent: Mr B Glanville, Mrs L Klement, Mr M Thiel.