Old Boys’
NEWSLETTER
SECOND EDITION 2025
MPOBU NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY BEN JEAVONS - FELLOWS | PRESIDENT After a few years break, the Mosman Prep Old Boys’ Union gathered once again at Shadforth Street for our 2025 Annual Dinner. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, with old boys spanning the decades, from Dr Michael Kennedy of the 1950s through to members of the 2010 cohort, representing generations of Mosman Prep history and spirit. The 2010’s won the Spitfire Trophy with 8 in attendance, with 2003 hot on their heels with 7 – my special thanks to those year groups for their large turn outs!
TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Report Headmaster’s Report Celebrating Old Boys
Staying Connected Header Image: Pittwater Shield 2025 - Cricket
What struck me most was how similar our stories are, no matter the decade. The same spirit of adventure, the same mischief, and the same friendships that last a lifetime. Whether it was Alan Bradley’s bus trips to camp, Mr Mac’s pack and paddle adventures, or billeting trips to Armidale and Canberra Grammar, the details differ but the sentiment is shared. We were all shaped by the same lessons in curiosity, courage, and camaraderie – and we carry that with us still. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Headmaster Peter Grimes for his continued support of the Old Boys, not only in helping make this event possible but in actively engaging with alumni throughout the year. My thanks also to AnneMaree Pastega, Jenny Carton, Matt Blackband, and Sonya Hemsley for their help with organisation and hospitality on the night. It was wonderful to have past OBU Presidents James Houstone and Tommy Evans join us, along with committee members Baden Moore, Ian Maciver, and Hunter Hordern, who all contributed to making the evening a success. A highlight of the evening was hearing from Greg Peterson (OB 2003), interviewed by his classmate, Tommy Evans, sharing stories from his remarkable rugby career. Greg began his rugby journey right here at Mosman Prep and went on to captain the USA Eagles, earning over 50 international caps and representing his country in two Rugby World Cups. Over a decade-long career, he played with some of the world’s top clubs including the Waratahs, Glasgow Warriors, and Newcastle Falcons.
New Signage on Shadforth Street
Now recently retired, Greg offered some terrific insights into the modern life of a professional athlete – the challenges, the travel, the mental and physical discipline, and the leadership lessons that sport brings. His honesty and humour resonated strongly with the room and reminded us of how far the Mosman Prep experience can take you. Looking ahead, one of our key focuses is to improve communication and engagement across the Old Boys’ Union. Under the leadership of Baden Moore, and with the help of the school’s administrative team, we’re working to modernise the OBU database and strengthen our channels of contact. Our aim is to deliver more regular and targeted updates – sharing news, events, and opportunities to connect, both socially and professionally. By expanding our reach through email, LinkedIn, and social media, we hope to make it easier for old boys to reconnect and for new generations to get involved. Ultimately, we want the OBU to be more than just an annual dinner. It should be a living network of friendship, mentorship, and shared history – something that grows stronger each year. This year’s dinner reaffirmed just how special our connection to Mosman Prep really is. The goodwill and enthusiasm on the night have set a great foundation for future events, and I’m confident we’ll see even more faces around the tables next year at more events. All the best for a happy Christmas and successful new year. Ben Jeavons-Fellows President, Mosman Prep Old Boys’ Union
ANNUAL DINNER HIGHLIGHTS
HEADMASTER’S REPORT BY MR PETER GRIMES | HEADMASTER
This year at our Senior Primary Speech Night, we were blessed to have Prep Old Boy Fergus Jones as our guest speaker (Alumni 2020, currently in Year 11 at Cranbrook School). Fergus is a remarkable young man who seamlessly blends academic excellence with a profound passion for music. His foundational years at Mosman Prep have clearly been significant in preparing him for some very impressive achievements. After playing cello, piano and guitar at Prep, Fergus’ talents have since extended far beyond the classroom and concert hall. He recently gained national recognition as a participant in ABC TV's "The Piano." Fergus had previously won the prestigious Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship, a NASA-run program for 32 students globally. For his scholarship application, he creatively incorporated his singing, performing "Fly Me to the Moon," a touch that proved instrumental in his selection. One of our SRC Captains, George Sun, interviewed Fergus asking questions about his time at Mosman Prep, achievements in life, and how his Mosman Prep values have shaped his journey through secondary school. Fergus’ key messages were to make the most of your opportunities and stay true to yourself. 2025 has been another incredibly successful year for Mosman Prep. Our independent confidential MMG Parent and Staff survey results continue to be exceptional, with all parents and most staff categories being in the ‘Very High’ range and all above the like school averages. This is something rarely seen. “Mosman Prep is continually striving for excellence in all aspects of school life, based on a foundation of strong Christian values. The teachers and staff are truly outstanding, and the boys are well supported in their learning journeys and provided with incredible opportunities to grow.” (Parent Survey Feedback Comments 2025)
Relationships are at the foundation of everything we do. As one parent identified recently, ‘It is Mosman Prep’s secret sauce’. When boys are connected and happy, they can learn. When staff and parents are connected, they can support the boys in the best way possible - a village raising each child. Our School motto, ‘Not for ourselves alone’, and values of respect, integrity, courage, and compassion, based on our Christian foundations, lie at the heart of our community. It was wonderful to again have our Old Boys Dinner this year. Thank you to all those who attended, and to Ben Jeavons-Fellows and the OBU Committee for ensuring it was such a success. Thank you also to Greg Peterson (OB 2003) for his engaging address. Following the formalities, quite a few of the attendees went for a memory walk to the Small Hall and old classrooms which had featured in their years at Mosman Prep. The Yarnold Old Boys Scholarship, supported financially by the Old Boys, continues to be a very powerful program for the School. All-round and Music based scholarships can be used to increase capabilities in the School, both by introducing extra talent and through the example that this talent can be to other boys. Old boys are always interested to know about the Pittwater Shield, and this year, once again, we won both the cricket and rugby matches. The Duffet Shield, for the overall winning house, went to Bradley. We are committed to providing an exceptional education for boys, empowering them to thrive, and thank the Old Boys Committee for their faithful support, especially Ben Jeavons-Fellows (President), and Tommy Cooper (Vice-President). “We simply love Mosman Prep and can't believe we have been lucky enough to be a part of this beautiful school.” (Parent Survey Feedback 2025) Peter Grimes | Headmaster
All of Year 6 Singing and Playing as a Band at Warringah Mall
CELEBRATING OLD BOYS DANIEL BOTHA (Alumni 2013): A NSW Waratahs Academy graduate from Mosman Junior Rugby before emerging as a star at Sydney’s Scots College. After school, he played for Sydney University in the Shute Shield and became one of the NSW Academy players selected in the 2021 Junior Wallabies Camp Two Squad. Daniel is a young prop with much potential and is also an Ambassador for Rio’s Legacy to build NSW’s second hospice for children with life limiting conditions, so they can live with their families during treatment. This season he shaped up against the British & Irish Lions for both the Tah’s and the AUNZ Invitation XV, and Australia A in their pacific tour.
DR RORY MARLES (Alumni 2003): Dr Rory Marples is a surgical doctor who has worked in both Australia and the United Kingdom in general surgery. He recently returned from a 3 month humanitarian mission with Doctors Without Borders to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prior to this, he completed an MSc in Applied Digital Health at the University of Oxford. He currently works in surgery in central London at University College London Hospital.
GREG PETERSEN (Alumni 2003): Greg Peterson (OB 2003) is a former USA Eagles rugby captain, starting his rugby journey at Mosman Prep. Over a decade-long career, he earned 50+ caps for the US, played in two Rugby World Cups, and represented some of the top international clubs including the Waratahs, Glasgow Warriors and Newcastle Falcons. Renowned for his leadership and grit, Greg recently retired from the game and has many interesting insights to share about the modern life of professional rugby.
SOME LINKS OF INTEREST FOR OUR OLD BOYS Update Details: http://eepurl.com/iMkqUE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosman-prep-old-boysmpobu-889221209/ WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GOlgTfWjQf96bD3uqnSIeg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A3oeHEMQx/
STAY CONNECTED WITH MOSMAN PREP Website: www.mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mosman-church-of-englandpreparatory-school-limited/ Instagram: instagram.com/mosmanprep Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MosmanPrepSchool/
Year 6 at Uluru 2025