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Newsletter
 

Class 153 with the Old Boys that welcomed them into the fraternity. 
Welcome to the relaunched newsletter for the Old Boys of Ipswich Grammar, where we will update our alumni with the many exciting events, activities and news that involves the strong community of your school and its past students.
 
With a focus on encouraging increased involvement for our Old Boys it has been recognised that we acknowledge the spirit and passion that our Old Boys have and rekindle that flame for those men that have graduated from the most established and recognised GPS school.
 
The new Strategic Plan launched this year for Ipswich Grammar School embraces its history and strong connection to the community. This has been established through the 153 years of education and the many and varied success of the students, not only whilst they are at school but in the lives after graduation.
 
This year saw many positive changes within the school and also great achievements from the boys. It has been encouraging to see the growing numbers of Old Boys reconnecting with the school through events and school visits and much work has been done in planning for the Old Boys for 2017. Next year is a busy one with many Old Boys events planned and the school looks forward to seeing you there!  
 
From the Interim President
 

One of the most well established traditions at Ipswich Grammar School is that of our bell ceremony where, on their last day of school, our year 12 boys ring the school bell to signify that their time at IGS has come to an end. Inevitably, as their schooling comes to an end a new beginning is just around the corner. For the senior men of class 153, while they may have rung the bell to signify the end of their schooling at IGS on 18 November 2016, a new chapter of their lives, and indeed their association with IGS continues for now they are all the newest Old Boys of our fine school.
 
I had the great pleasure of joining Old Boys on the senior’s second last day of school to welcome them, at the time, as soon to be Old Boys.  Over the course of our breakfast, Old Boys of varying ages and life experience came back to the school and engaged in great conversations with the graduating class about what it meant to be an Old Boy of IGS and the importance of staying in touch with the school and their school mates.
 
By the end of the morning, it was clear that the graduating class were of course saddened that their time at IGS as students was drawing to a close, but both comforted and excited that their longest association with the school, as an Old Boy, was about to commence.
 
We congratulate the seniors of class 153, thank them for their dedication to their school over the years past and welcome them to our re-established and growing Old Boys Association.

Alec Teevan
Interim President
Welcoming Class of 153
 

 A large number of Old Boys had the opportunity to share a breakfast with the graduating class of 2016 and also present them with their Old Boys badges. The support and recognition to the ‘new’ Old Boys was much appreciated and even saw 2016 School Captain Harry Gregory receive his badge from his father Maioha Gregory who graduated in 1996. It is hoped that this will grow each year and become a new tradition for the school community.
Old Boys Day
 
In a show of red and white pride, over 200 Old Boys attended the annual reunion on Saturday 3rd September. In one of the biggest Old Boys Days in recent history the past students were honoured at both the First XV Rugby and First V Basketball matches against BGS.

Many Old Boys took the opportunity to return to the school where they were taken on tours by many of the current students who had the opportunity to hear many stories of how the daily life of a Grammar student had changed over the years. Some had not had the opportunity to see the school in over thirty years and were pleased to see how their school had progressed and how the current student body were given so many learning and life opportunities.

Whether an Old Boy for decades or recently graduated, the sense of pride and comradery was very apparent on the day. Many donned the red and white for the day and took great pleasure in reconnecting with old friends who shared the many memories of their time spent at Ipswich Grammar. The cohort of 1986 had many on hand and saw the day as the best opportunity to get their peers together for their 20 year reunion.

Many appreciated the opportunity to meet the Headmaster and discuss the current success of the school and Mr Morrison was encouraged to hear that so many Old Boys were keen to still be involved in the school’s activities and programs. It was also a great reminder as to the how many of the Old Boys have gone on to be very successful in their chosen careers. The current students need look no further than the Old Boys of their own school for guidance and advice.

The Old Boys day is an annual event to help the goal of the founding Old Boys Association of strengthening the bond between the school and its Old Boys.
1976 and 1986 Reunion groups
Reunions
 
In addition to the 1986 cohort, the class of 1976 also met recently to celebrate their 40 year reunion. With a positive attendance the group shared many stories and reflected on their lives since school days.

Any Old Boys wishing to host reunions are encouraged to do so and don’t have to be restricted to any particular milestone. The School will happily assist any Old Boys’ reunion that any alumni wish to facilitate and for any assistance with Old Boys reunions please see the helpful guide which can be found at the Ipswich Grammar School website or contact the Community Development Manager, Dave Rosenthal on 07 3813 9651 or drosenthal@ipswichgrammar.com
OBA Working Group  
 
The Ipswich Grammar School Old Boys Association has been an important part of the school community since it’s inauguration in 1907. The first president was a recognised Old Boy Thomas Bridson Cribb, who was one of the first 16 students who commenced at the school in 1863. After over 100 years of the Association being independent of the school the decision was made in 2015 by mutual agreement that the school would now manage the Old Boys activities. To ensure that the Old Boys best interests were the priority a ‘Working Group’ was established with ten Old Boys’ representing a variety of different cohorts.
 
In 2016 this Working Group has been a valuable asset with their commitment to building on the established network of current Old Boys activities and relationships moving forward. The assistance of the IGS Marketing team also provides a dedicated support role and have been invaluable in developing and implementing the concepts of the Working Group.
 
Working Group members
 
Alec Teevan (Class of 2012) (Interim President)
Andrew Kenman (Class of 1983)
Andrew Roberts (Class of 1988)
Greg Delbridge (Class of 1969)
Greg Whitehead (Class of 1975)
Maioha Gregory (Class of 1996)
Paul Casos (Class of 1969)
Rob Charles (Class of 1986)
Rob Wadley (Class of 1966)
Rod Duce (Class of 1966)
 
The commitment to create a very engaged Old Boys’ community is the goal and the feedback from any past students is encouraged and very welcome. Please send through any suggestions to Dave Rosenthal drosenthal@ipswichgrammar.com or 07 3813 9651.
Master Class Series
 
The first Master Class Series event was held at the school at the start of October which is an open forum Q & A seminar where current students of the school have the opportunity to learn more about a chosen profession. The hope is that the students will be able to gain further insight to their preferred career path and be confident in the expectations this will require as they progress through their final stages of education at the school and allow them to make the appropriate tertiary selection.
 
The first of what is to be an ongoing series of events held each term, saw four Old Boys from different stages in their Legal careers return to the school and discuss the many aspects of law and how they have evolved in their roles. Attending were Peter Walker (Class of 1973), Rod Hoffensetz (Class of 1983), Connor Stagg (Class of 1996) and Alec Teevan (Class of 2012), each giving an insight to their present roles and experience. It was encouraging to see 40 boys from years 10 – 12 be present at the session in the hope of discovering more about Law and ask some insightful question as to their area of interest.
 
Hailed as a great success by both the Old Boys and the students, it has been proposed that future Master Class career areas will be selected in consultation with the boys to meet their needs. It is hoped that all Old Boys is various professions could assist if possible if contacted by the school.
Old Boys Breakfasts
 
A number of Old Boys Breakfast were hosted by the Headmaster in 2016 and were held at the school. These were another opportunity for Old Boys to return to the school and their popularity will see them continue in 2017.
 
These are a great networking opportunity for Old Boys and it was interesting to have some Old Boys like John Brown (Class of 1959) have the opportunity to see images of themselves in their time at school.
Foundation Day
 
The school celebrated its 153rd anniversary on the 7th October in a special assembly where past and present students had the opportunity to reflect on the school’s extensive history.
 
Many Old Boys were present including a memorable visit from one of the school’s oldest past students, Fred From who turns 100 next year. All Old Boys were then invited to morning tea where the current school captains had the opportunity to share and compare their time at school with their predecessors.  
2017 Events  

February
23 - Old Boys Breakfast 

March
3 - IGS Golf Day, Indooroopilly Golf Club
23 - Annual Old Boys Football Match v First XI

May
20 - Red & White Foundation Gala Ball 
27 - Old Boys Day Football & Tennis v The Southport School, Brassall Sports Complex

June
1 - Old Boys Breakfast

August
12 - Old Boys Day Rugby & Basketball v Nudgee, Ipswich Grammar School
17 - Old Boys Breakfast 

October
6 - Foundation Day Assembly 

November 
16 - Old Boys Breakfast - Welcoming Class 154

TBC
Master Class Series – One per school term (Career topics to be announced)
 
Note: All dates subject to change.
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