From the Principal

This issue of the Korovian focuses on the way that social capital supports the success of Korowa.

‘Social capital provides the glue which facilitates cooperation, exchange and innovation,’ according to The New Economy: Beyond the Hype.

Volunteers produce social capital which holds an association, community, society or a school together.

This issue of the Korovian provides a history and tribute to the people who have contributed to the Korowa Parents’ Association (KPA). Their combined volunteer efforts have provided that social glue that binds our community. The KPA have decided that new times and governance reform mean that the KPA at Korowa will cease to continue as a separate entity beyond 2021.

We thank the KPA and its Executive, past and present, for their outstanding support of the School. Over the past 10 years, the KPA has funded many activities and most notably raised $446,000, in addition to funds raised specifically for rowing. Korowa’s first bus was provided by funds from the KPA. The KPA operated the Uniform Shop for many years and organised fairs, balls and many events that were a huge success in raising funds and friendships.

The winding up of the KPA under the current constitution will not detract from parent involvement and the important role of fundraising and friend raising, or diminish the significant contribution that Friends’ Groups make to Korowa. We continue to wholeheartedly seek parent involvement, representation and support in a new updated governance structure that will see community engagement and parent involvement going from strength to strength.

It is timely to acknowledge the many individuals who have generously provided leadership of the KPA. We particularly thank the KPA Executive and specifically acknowledge those people in our recent history whilst noting many others who have also given so generously of their time.

We thank all the parents who will continue to support the work of our Friends’ Groups and Class Parent representatives and those who serve on committees to support the K-Ball, Valedictory Dinner and other major events. This edition of the Korovian also includes the new Dad’s Group and Korowa Friendship Group, bringing together members of our community who share common interests.

Social capital is both a consequence of and a producer of social cohesion. Putnam (2000) in particular argues that at the level of community, enterprise or nation, the quality of life will be higher if membership of the community brings with it active participation. This should encourage us to build social capital during a time when we need it most.

Helen Carmody Principal

Putnam, R. (2000) Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (New York: Simon & Schuster).

Korowa gives thanks to the KPA

Lance Sparrow (President 2019–2021)

Graydon Dowd (Vice President 2020–2021, Secretary 2019, President 2016–2018)

Gillian Jervis (Treasurer 2019–2021)

Andrea Watson (Secretary 2020–2021, Vice President 2019)

Lisa Howell (Vice President 2018)

Lachlan Baird (Treasurer 2018)

Chris Kautsky (Secretary 2018)

Diana Angeles (Vice President 2017)

Sean Runacres (Treasurer 2017)

Julie Catanach (Vice President 2016)

Craig Whalen (Treasurer 2016–2017)

Pam Kelton (Secretary 2016–2017)

Special mentions

Peter Healy President – Friends of Rowing

Craig Marchant President – Friends of Rowing

Jacqui Dowd President – Friends of the Arts

Tristan Cleeve President – Friends of Netball

David Joseph President – Friends of Snowsports

Georgia Sarris President – Friends of Junior School

Greg Gilmour President & Secretary – Friends of Snowsports; and Secretary & Treasurer – Friends of Rowing

Andrew Rook 2017 Fair Organiser

Cassie Lloyd Uniform Shop