Trinity Old Boys’ Association

TOBA

Trinity Old Boys’ Association

Mr Darren Taggart TOBA President

If the number of 2008 Year 12 graduates joining TOBA is any indication as to how the Association is flourishing, this year has certainly been a very successful year. For the past three years the take up rate for TOBA membership has been in excess of 95% of the leaving class. These young men appreciate that the bonds and friendships forged during their school years can continue through their connection to TOBA. They understand that being part of the Trinity community doesn’t end at graduation and that this security of belonging to such a community can continue in their lives and be of real and tangible value as they head out into the wider world.

Despite it being a bitterly cold morning the 2008 TOBA Graduation Breakfast was extremely well attended and has now expanded into a morning where parents can come along and enjoy a light breakfast while witnessing their son’s initiation into TOBA. The boys were very much inspired by the words of Old Boy, Senator and Federal Minister Chris Ellison (‘71) who addressed the boys. Many parents watched with pride as their sons swapped their old school ties for their TOBA ties and in keeping with fashionable trends graduates were also presented with an Old Boys’ cap and lapel pin. On behalf of TOBA I wish all these young men fulfilment and contentment on their individual chosen paths thorough life.

2008 saw our Executive Officer Anna Gingell leaving Trinity to take up a similar position at her Alma Mater, John XXIII. In her time as Executive Officer Anna had been instrumental in bringing new life to TOBA and, through many events, successfully expanded the Old Boys’ network to become an association which is the envy of other PSA schools. On behalf of the TOBA membership I would like to thank Anna for her efforts in helping TOBA establish itself today as a very active part of the Trinity College community.

Finding a candidate of Anna’s calibre to take over her role wasn’t an easy task, but a more than adequate person in Diane Millar was found and appointed in August. Diane comes to Trinity from Wesley College where she was employed by the Old Wesley Collegians in a similar role. Diane has certainly settled into her new role well and I am confident that with her level of expertise and dedication TOBA is in safe hands and well positioned to take the next step forward in its growth.

Art Exhibition – Diane Millar, Graham Napier and Guest Artist Kelly Cocks

After the success of the 2008 TOBA/Trinity College Business Directory it was decided to compile another Directory for 2009. The objective of the Directory was to allow Old Boys and current families to advertise their business with the hope of encouraging the wider Trinity community to support each other in their various spheres of business. This booklet was distributed to over 6000 Old Boys and 1000 current Trinity families.

In 2007 a subsidiary to TOBA was established, called TopA (Trinity Old Parents Affiliate), for parents who were not Old Boys but who, through their sons’ years at Trinity, had come to love and appreciate the Trinity community. In 2008 it was decided to rename this association Xpat, (Ex Parent at Trinity) due to the confusion with the similar sounding name of TOBA. Under the capable presidency of Nick Di Lello it is hoped that this affiliate will allow parents to continue their involvement at Trinity and maintain friendships made during their sons’ time at Trinity College.

As usual, various reunions were held throughout the year and there is now a defined list of must attend TOBA annual events which continue to be very well supported by Old Boys and other members of the College community; The Golf Day, The Trinity/Aquinas Luncheon, the Art Show and Sundowners just to name a few.

Aside from these social events for Old Boys, TOBA has contributed to the present students on a number of fronts. Kevin Johns, College Careers Coordinator, launched an initiative called Legends at Lunchtime. It involved a number of Old Boys from a variety of professions returning to Trinity and speaking during lunchtime to boys who may be interested in the following a similar career path. This was an extremely worthwhile project and one both students and Old Boys embraced with enthusiasm.

Trinity Old Boys’ Association

In helping Trinity continue its success in PSA sport a rowing Quad was purchased anonymously by an Old Boy which was proudly named Trinity Old Boys. I hope all who row in it appreciate and learn all the life and sporting skills which come with a commitment to rowing. To make those chilly winter mornings at Waterford even more enjoyable a state of the art trailer mounted barbeque was purchased by some Old Boys. The barbeque, complete with cool boxes for drinks, was christened the Monty-Que after the 1st XVIII coach John Montagu. I would encourage Old Boys to come along to Waterford on a Saturday morning, enjoy a hot dog and cheer on the Trinity teams from all sporting codes.

As another school year comes to an end I would like to thank the TOBA Executive for their continued support and hard work. In particular I would like to mention Vice President Gianni Redolatti, our ever reliable Secretary Mark Scully and Dave Foti as Treasurer. These gentlemen make my role as President a lot easier and enable TOBA to continue to serve the best interests of the Old Boys of Trinity College.

Mr Darren Taggart

President Trinity Old Boys’ Association

TOBA Breakfast – Ryan and Marilyn Harries

Golf Day – Winners of the Taggart Cup Diane Millar presents Deputy Head Prefect Matt Cowie with his TOBA tie

Matthew Turkich (third generation Trinity) with his parents

Senator the Hon Christopher Ellison presents the TOBA Certificates Darren Taggart presents Stefan Pugliese with his TOBA Certificate