PAST STUDENTS’ AssociATION inc.
August, 2008
Dear Fellow Old Boys,
I am writing to you to seek your assistance. The Old Boys Association has been an organization set up for the benefit of Old Boys – and soon to be ‘Old Boys’ for more than 50 years. Over that past few years its membership has seen a dramatic decline. For what reasons, I do not know. Maybe it has something to do with the fast-paced world in which we live, or the fact that many of us are too busy to commit time or effort into supporting the association and school.
One of the great parts about being an Old Boy ( as well as parent and teacher at the college) is that I see first hand the varied ways in which old boy’s contribute back to the school community. In years past it was an important obligation for the old boy’s to ‘put back’ into the school by way of an Old Boy’s Bursary. This was a commitment to support a student, financially, during their time at the school. Sadly, this bursary has not been pledged for some ten years now. The funding for the bursary came directly from the efforts of you, the old boy’s of the school, by way of membership subscriptions, Art Unions, and various functions held over the years.
As I’ve stated above, membership has seen a dramatic decline – where the basis of the committee were students from over 50 years ago, who have tirelessly been involved with the college since. I’m not asking you to come to meetings (although that would be great), but instead join the association, financially, for a yearly membership of $25.00, Life Membership is $300.00). We would also like your feedback as to how we can better serve you, e.g. social functions, dinners etc. Membership forms can be directly accessed from the College Website, click on the ‘Past Students ’ tab on the left of page, and the download the Past Student application form.
Another issue I want to address is communication with old boys. As years go by postal addresses change and we lose contact. The college has a computer system linked to student enrolments that can benefit the Old Boys – by way of email and mailing lists. Again this system needs regular updating. To gain access to this site you need to be issued with a Past Student Code and Password by emailing psp@stpatricks.qld.edu.au.
In closing I ask that you carefully consider joining the Old Boys and becoming a financial member, and this will enable us to continue to contribute back to the school and its old boy members.
Best wishes, and Fight the Good Fight.
Danny Carter
(President - Past Student's Assoc Inc.).