PAST PARENTS’ NET WORK Left to right: Louise Calvert-Jones, Kerry McKendrick and host Shadda Abercrombie; Charlie Scudamore, Michael Bellofiore and Sarah Dempsey (Gunnersen, Cl’80); Brigid Robertson (Gordon, Cl’77), Cathie VickersWillis and Sally Kincaid
Past Parents’ Network A Past Parents’ Network was officially launched at a Cocktail Party for Year 13, 14, 15 and 16 parents at the home of Andrew and Shadda Abercrombie in Toorak on Friday 10 August. More than 120 past parents attended the party, which was preceded by an Annual General Meeting of the newly formed Past Parents’ Network, with parents travelling from overseas and interstate. The mood was charged with enthusiasm and support for the new network with many of those present volunteering to assist.
Above: President of the Past Parents’ Network, Cathie Vickers-Willis; Ken Heal (P’69), Greg Smith and Hugh Robertson (FB’77)
26
Past Parents’ Network President, Cathie Vickers-Willis, said the new group would create a strong and vibrant network, connecting past parents to both the School and other past parents. “When our children left Geelong Grammar School it was for many parents a time of sadness as the immediate association with GGS came to an end, in some instances after a time span of over two decades,” Cathie explained. “Friendships that were made by the students over their journey will continue throughout their lives, but often those made amongst the parents fade, as the opportunities to communicate and meet disappear, and the tyrannies of distance and time take their toll.”
“The Past Parents’ Network will make it possible to keep these friendships fresh and alive and to retain the great depth of wisdom and experience that resides amongst the parent group.” Cathie said that the Past Parents’ Network will allow all past Geelong Grammar School parents to maintain links, share news, occasionally meet face-to-face for an event or function, and generally keep in touch with the wider School community. It is anticipated that the first Past Parents’ newsletter will be distributed to all past parents by email in September. For further information please contact Cathie Vickers-Willis on 0412 089 594 or email: cathievw@primusonline.com.au.