PRESIDENT’S WELCOME KATE HARMAN

WELCOME

BY KATE HARMAN (06-08) ONA PRESIDENT

Welcome to the latest issue of the ONA Magazine, and my first as ONA President. I’d like to start by giving thanks to my

predecessor, Chris Wilson (97-02) for his work over

the last two years, and thank the Committee for their continued efforts in keeping the Association running smoothly.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to enjoy this historic moment – I am the first female President of the Old Novocastrian’s Association! I am therefore also the first female that’s had the chance to write a Welcome in the magazine. I owe a great deal to RGS and I hope that in some way, by being President of the ONA, I can give something back to the school that gave me so much. I am very much looking forward to the next two years.

You may well have noticed that the magazine has had a makeover since the last issue, we do hope that you like the new look. This issue of the magazine is also the first of its kind, as it is dedicated to the important and essential work carried out by the Bursary Campaign. The ability for bursaries to be awarded to students who otherwise would not be able to attend the school, and therefore give them the opportunities that we ONs are all so fortunate to have had, is a vital part of the school. I urge you to read the wonderful stories of bursary success in this issue and consider giving it your support if you aren’t doing so already. The Bursary Campaign has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2002. You’ll see from the articles in this magazine that we have not only collected stories from former bursary students and from previous government Direct Grant or Assisted Places schemes, but also gathered insights from those individuals who have played key roles in the bursary process.

There is still room for growth, and for more children and families from across the North East to benefit from a bursary, and the life-changing effects such a gift can bring.

I do hope you’ll support the campaign in any way you can. Legacies, one-off cash gifts and regular donations are all equally important to us. The Development Office would love to hear from you if you wish to support the Bursary Campaign and give a life-changing donation –please email development@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk. What a great way to give back to a school that gave us so much.

I look forward to meeting other ONs at school and ONA events as they appear in the calendar over the next two years.