6 minute read
TOBA
Having been appointed in May 2014, 2015 was my first full year as President of the Trinity College & CBC Perth Old Boys’ Association (TOBA). It provided me with the opportunity to attend the full suite of TOBA functions and activities as President and to share in many wonderful occasions where the TC Spirit was in full force.
The TOBA Executive Committee approaches each year with two main objectives in mind: to foster and inculcate the true spirit of alma mater (or as we say – ‘Keeping the Spirit Alive’) within the Association’s members and, secondly, to assist in any way possible with the advancement of Trinity College. Our full set of events throughout the year sets out to achieve this.
Reunions play a key part in ‘Keeping the Spirit Alive’. In 2015 there were many milestone year group reunions, which are always well-attended due to the ongoing camaraderie amongst the Old Boys and their desire to remain connected with the College. We extend our thanks to each year group reunion organiser, and in some instances, the year group committee, for their efforts in rallying the troops for their respective events.
The Sportsmen’s Lunch was another great success for the year. Clearly, this has taken its place as TOBA’s marque event, with nearly all tables booked on the first ‘save the date’ notification. The event combines two passions of TC men, both young and old – sport, and being of service to others. Whilst the general theme of the event is sport-orientated, with guest speakers typically being sporting legends, the main focus of the event is to raise funds to assist with TOBA bursaries. The generosity of attendees this year was outstanding and, in particular, I thank one of TOBA’s Vice Presidents, Dion Smith (‘87) and Committee member, Rob Foti (‘92) for their efforts in driving the fund-raising initiatives for the event.
Sportsmen’s Lunch
Summer Sports Day
Guest speakers at the lunch were former Australian Cricket Captain, Kim Hughes and former Brisbane Lions premiership player, Jason Akermanis. Both were very entertaining and amusing. Unbeknownst to us, Jason Akermanis attended a Christian Brothers College in Queensland on a bursary, so his attendance and words were very relevant and well-received.
Again, the winter and summer sports days were well-attended. Despite the College’s best efforts, the Old Boys continued to dominate the Winter Sports Day, winning the overall trophy yet again. Whilst revenge was on the minds of the younger TC men for the Summer Sports Day, unfortunately for them TOBA also won this event, making it a clean sweep for TOBA in 2015. We thank the team captains and managers for their efforts and contribution on the day, without which the various sporting events could not occur.
Our Golden Heritage men (those who graduated 50 or more years ago) were ever-present at their respective events throughout the year. It seems, just like wine, TC Old Boys get better with age. Their Spirit is strong and they are always keen to give back to the College. One of the ways they demonstrate this, is through their attendance at the ‘back to school’ event where Old Boys sit and talk with current Year 6 students about their time at their old school and to pass on some pearls of wisdom. The younger boys cherish this time and are keen to pen individual messages to the Golden Heritage Club thanking them for their time. I witnessed something special as the Golden Heritage men gathered prior to the event. Two Old Boys, who hadn’t seen each other for a while, embraced with joy and laughter, both saying that it was so good to see each other after many years. Now that’s what we’re all about. It was fantastic to see.
The 2015 graduating class became TOBA members towards the end of October at the TOBA Graduation Breakfast. Guest speaker, ASX State Manager, James Rowe (‘84), addressed the graduates and spoke about his time at the College, life-lessons learnt (good and bad!) and his experience in working or networking with other Old Boys throughout his career. He advised the ‘new’ Old Boys that one of the greatest aspects of the College is its diversity and the benefits that this will bring as each of them moves into the community.
One of my nephews was a graduate in 2015, so I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing these young men, some from Year 4, developing into outstanding leaders of the College. The TC Spirit is strong in these men and I’m sure they will make a significant contribution to the community at large, always remembering the important lessons learnt at TC. I encourage them to be active participants within the TOBA community and look forward to seeing them at our events.
TOBA maintains its presence and interaction with the College. The current students are our future members and we endeavour to ensure the College’s history and spirit is well-entrenched within each student. This commences with the Junior School and the TOBA Presidents Award which is presented each month to the
Br Kelly and Golden Heritage Club visit Camp Kelly
PSA Golf Day
Mr Peter Torre (’89) President Trinity College & CBC Perth Old Boys’ Association
student who best demonstrates the TC Spirit. We thank the Head of Junior School, Mr Martin Tucker (’87) for allowing us to make these presentations to the boys and providing an opportunity to have some fun whilst doing so.
Old Boys can remain up-to-date with all TOBA reunions and events by logging onto the TOBA website at www.toba.net.au. The website is regularly updated with news, events and photos and is a great way to stay in touch. TOBA also actively participates in all social media including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.
We could not function as an association, nor undertake each of our events without the assistance and support of the College. We are always very appreciative of this and we are indebted to Headmaster, Mr Ivan Banks and his staff for their support across all TOBA aspects throughout the year. We see ourselves as a very important part of the wider TC community and look forward to our ongoing contribution to it.
I thank the many individuals who have assisted TOBA throughout the year. This extends to year group representatives, volunteers at our events, students and teachers of the College, parents, ground staff and anyone who has contributed in some way. Your attendance at the TOBA Sundowner is our way of thanking you for this assistance. One of the greatest aspects of the Trinity College community is the willingness of everyone to chip in and assist. It is simply the TC way.
Personally, I thank the TOBA Executive for their dedication and contribution to the Association and Miss Karyn Pickering for the assistance she provides to TOBA Executive Officer, Ms Diane Millar, and all other TC administration staff who have assisted the TOBA office.
A special thank you is extended to Ms Diane Millar for her commitment to go above and beyond expectations to ensure TOBA remains as successful as ever. Di’s contribution is outstanding. She is an amazing lady who is well-loved by all Old Boys. Thank you, Di.
I look forward to another eventful year in 2016.
Year 12 Graduation Breakfast
