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The Otago Boys' High School Foundation
PO Box 11,
Dunedin, New Zealand
Tel +64 3 477 2546
Fax +64 3 477 5468
Otago Boys’ High School Foundation
November/December 2011 - Newsletter
IF YOU WISH TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE FOUNDATION, PLEASE RING 0-3-477 2546,
EMAIL info@obhhsfoundation.co.nz OR WRITE TO US AT P O BOX 11, DUNEDIN 9054
“The times they are a’changing” are the words of the song and that is true with your Foundation at the moment. For some time now, the Board of the Foundation has been considering the future direction and overall strategy of the OBHS Foundation, with a view to ensuring that the excellent work completed in the first 6 or so years of its existence is built upon, and that the Foundation goes from strength to strength.
There is no doubting the fact that fundraising is a difficult task at the moment; it has been for at least 2 years as the effects of the global recession have hit people’s pockets a lot harder than we would like to think; and it will continue to be this way for some time to come. So, in very blunt terms, the Foundation’s cash position is shrinking rather than growing, and whilst there is a long way to go yet before the issue becomes critical, the support of all Old Boys is needed to reverse the trend and get back onto a growth path.
So, we have examined all aspects of the Foundation’s operating model and we are implementing some changes which we trust will contribute to two reasonably obvious primary aims: income enhancement on the one hand, cost reduction on the other. In doing so, however, the Board remains totally mindful of the primary tasks your Foundation is charged with, namely connection with all possible members of the Alumni wherever they may be, in the leadup to the School’s 150th Anniversary in August 2013; and development of a capital fund designed to create additional income for the School over and above traditional funding streams, thus giving it the chance to thrive and flourish in the educational environment of the future.
So as the next few months unfold, you may see some changes, most of them relatively minor, to the way in which we do things but at all times, the changes are carefully considered and are designed with the ultimate goals in mind of “providing for the Otago Boys’ of the Future”
For example, we are looking for all possible cost savings in terms of stationery and postage; we don’t propose to hold any individual Class Year reunions in 2012 and 2013 with the “big one” - the 150th - so close at hand; we’ll investigate the possible sharing of some administrative duties with the School Office, we no longer have an administrative assistant in the Foundation office (thus saving a full time salary) and most noticeably the position of CEO of the Foundation will be disestablished and replaced by a Development Manager early in 2012. This is not just a name change, but it is a better reflection of the nature of the role (alumni and financial development). Further on in this newsletter you will see the job advertisement which has recently been seen in print and on the Internet, with a number of applicants already showing an interest.
But there are things YOU can do to help as well…please make sure that your contact details, and those of your friends and classmates, are fully up to date on our Old Boys’ Register by going to the website and clicking on the “Update My Profile” link. Please make sure that if you’ve made a pledge to contribute financially to the Foundation, your payments are up to date. And, if you’ve been thinking about making a contribution but haven’t quite got around to it yet…..PLEASE DO SO sooner rather than later. We need your assistance if we are not only to honour our commitment to support OBHS, but also if we are to do so in a way that has the greatest possible impact.
I’m confident that with some of the proposed changes to our processes being implemented already, and more importantly with all of you supporting the aims of the Foundation, we will go into 2012 in a positive and strong way and that the New Year will be a great one for the School and the Foundation.
This will be my only Christmas newsletter message as my short stint in this Acting CEO role will end when the newly appointed Development Manager takes up the task in February so in closing I offer you every best wish for a Merry Christmas, and for a very Happy New Year.
Andrew Moffat
Acting CEO
MAKE SURE YOU ARE PART OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT. REGISTER NOW!
Come back to School from 1 to 4 August 2013 and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of OBHS.
This promises to be a huge event, and one which you will not want to miss. For more information please email the Foundation on info@obhsfoundation.co.nz
or call +64 3 477 2546.
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS TO DATE 479
Please complete a pre-registration form NOW and send it, along with a deposit of $100, to OBHS 150th, Otago Boys’ High School Foundation, PO Box 11, Dunedin 9054. This will place you on the list of nearly 500 people already intending to be in Dunedin in August 2013 for these Celebrations, and will ensure you don't miss out on all the relevant information as details are finalised and publicised from mid-2012 onwards.
To download the Pre-Registration Form please click here.
As part of your Board’s deliberations on the Foundation’s forward thinking, we’ve noted that whilst we have confirmed contact details for 7,436 living Old Boys, only 418 have so far made a financial contribution and have thus become Foundation members. That’s a strike rate of around 1 in every 18 so as a target for 2012, we would dearly love to increase that strike rate to more like 1 in 10 (or better).
Since the October newsletter, a number of approaches have been made by current Foundation members to former class mates and colleagues, with a view to bringing more Foundation members on board. So far, just one has taken up the challenge but more are expected in the coming few weeks or months. We would very much appreciate your support – all gifts, pledges or donations are of course gratefully received at any level, but an ideal starting point for many is the Old Boys Lifetime Membership which enables you to become a Foundation Member for as little as $350. Please give this your consideration…..
Since our last newsletter, David Bell (1982 -1986) has taken up Old Boys’ Life Membership. David currently lives in Luxembourg and is working for Vodafone across Europe.
We are genuinely appreciative of the continued support and belief in the Foundation’s objectives shown by those Old Boys who have become Foundation Members. If you wish to find out more about how you can make a pledge or donation please contact the Foundation Office on 0-3-477 2546.
As the school year draws to a close your president has been attending prize giving ceremonies and celebrations around the boys who are leaving school. It is important that we do recognise achievements like these and it has been a pleasure for me to be involved. I am continually impressed with the young men who have come through Otago Boys’ school system well prepared for further study or for whatever career path they may choose. Judging by the leadership shown by some of these lads I think our future will be in very good hands.
Planning for the 150th celebrations in August 2013 continues. Less than two years away now, this is shaping up to be the largest single gathering ever held in Dunedin and we encourage all Old Boys to take part. You can find out more and register by clicking here. We have commissioned the writing of a book to mark the occasion which promises to be a top quality illustrative history of the school.
As I write this we are looking forward to our luncheon in Dunedin with Brigadier (Dr) Brian McMahon. The key role of the Old Boys’ Society remains to (re)connect with our alumni and provide opportunities for them to get together in a social context with the common thread being the school. With this in mind we will be holding more functions in 2012 and extend an open invitation to all of our members. So keep an eye out for more information – we’ll be in touch again soon. Remember also the Old Boys vs Pupils sports day will take place in February and the Foundation Golf Tournament in March 2012.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012.
Brent Alexander
President OBHS Old Boys’ Society
At Senior Prize Giving on Tuesday 8 November, your Acting CEO Andrew Moffat had the great pleasure of presenting the following Scholarships, on behalf of all those associated with the OBHS Foundation:
The Mason Bros Scholarship – awarded annually to a Year 13 Leaver taking up an engineering degree course and worth $1000 per year for 3 years – to Andrew Shearer. This Scholarship was established by George Mason in honour of his uncles who were both Old Boys, George Harold Mason (1896-1898) and Percy Mason (1905-1906).
The Superior Minerals Scholarship – awarded annually to a Year 13 Leaver who is going to take an agricultural course at Lincoln University and valued at $500 – to Dean Sinnamon. This Scholarship was established from a grant made to the Foundation by Lawrence Alloo (1981-1985).
The OBHS Foundation Staff Professional Development Scholarship – awarded annually for a sum of up to $10,000, to a current member of School staff to recognise an outstanding contribution to the School – to Ann Gorman.
The Foundation’s very best wishes and warmest congratulations are extended to all three Scholarship recipients. Well done!!
We acknowledge the recent passing of the following Old Boys of the School:
Dr Keith Robert John Cameron (1953-1954) of Christchurch, on 8 October
Rev Prof Nigel Mott Watson (1942-1946) of Melbourne, aged 83, on 23 October. Nigel was Head Boy and Joint Dux in 1946, and would have celebrated 50 years of marriage to Stella on 25 November. The Watsons have been living in Australia since 1965 when Nigel was appointed as Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Ormond College in Melbourne. He retired in 1994.
Lyndon John (Lyn) Cumming (1954-1956) of Alexandra, aged 71, on 30 October
James Joseph (Jim) Hamilton (1938-1940) of Alexandra, aged 88, on 3 November
John Henry Aspinall (1965-1969) of Wanaka, formerly of Mount Aspiring Station, aged 60, on 4 November. John was the father of Randall Aspinall (1994-1998), son of Jerry Aspinall (1935-1936) and brother of Willie Aspinall (1966-1970) and Christopher Aspinall (1969-1973). John was a Friend of the Foundation.
James Stanley (Ted) Cashman (1928-1932) of Dunedin, aged 96, on 5 November
Martin (Mac) MacArthur (1941-1942) of Dunedin, aged 84, on 5 November. Mac was father-in-law of Albert Alloo (1973-1977)
Lewis Engler Morice (1943-1946) of Auckland, on 8 November
William Stanley (Bill) Brown (1937-1940) of Dunedin, on 13 November. Bill was a Fellow of the Foundation.
Geoffrey Gladstone (Geoff) Dunn (1939-1943) of Havelock North, on 22 November
We have also learned of the deaths of the following Old Boys:
Geoffrey Lancelot Eastgate (1927-1930) of Wanganui, aged 96, on 11 September 2010. Geoff was a Friend of the Foundation.
John Keith Moore, known as Keith (1936-1940) of Dunedin, aged 88, on 20 July 2011. Keith was a Friend of the Foundation.
We will remember them….
This has been a very short but jam packed term. Thank you very much too all those parents and grandparents who attended the prize giving, supporting the many prize winners celebrating the culmination of a year’s hard work and enterprise.
For the Year 13 students and their parents it is an emotional evening as the realisation that an important episode in their lives has come to an end. For some of those families it is literally the end of a connection with the school as the last or only son finishes. To those of you who have involved yourselves unconditionally through the Parents’ Association, Board of Trustees or other forms of support, thank you very much.
In particular I would like to thank Kallum and Linda Croudis. Kallum is stepping back from chairing our Board of Trustees and from the board. The working relationship between the Board Chair and the Rector is important for the smooth running of the school and I have been fortunate to have had at my disposal Kallum’s time and skills. Thank you for your support. To Linda thank you for your contribution to the Parents’ Association as both member and Treasurer. Without the commitment of our families something special would be lost.
Senior external exams are well underway and my thanks to staff for providing the opportunities for tutorials both at lunchtime and after school. Senior staff have also been mentoring students who had not completed literacy and numeracy credits, the target being 100% in both these areas at Level 1.
Junior exams have also been completed and staff have begun working on reports.
These will be out on the last day of the year, Wednesday December 7th. This day the junior prize giving will be held in the auditorium at 10.30am. I look forward to meeting you at and after that function.
Next weekend three teams will be competing in National Championships. Our cricketers will be in the Gillette Cup finals at Lincoln, the Athletic team will be competing at Nelson and the Sevens team at the Condor Sevens in Auckland.
We wish these three groups all strength to their arm. I have been invited to Auckland and am looking forward to watch the boys competing.
Both Ann and I wish you all the best for the festive season and hope like us you are looking forward to relaxing with family and friends. Already plans are in place for 2012 but right now a little space for rest and reflection is looking very attractive.
Go well
Clive Rennie
Rector
Next time you’re visiting the School, have a look in the Grandstand at the first row of seats…..courtesy of the Year 13 Class (the 2011 Leavers) we now have brand new seating in that front row, and it is hoped that subsequent Leavers will consider a continuation of this project in the future. The new seating was paid for and arranged by the Leavers, and our thanks go to them – in particular to Head Prefect Chanuka de Silva and Chief Worker Dean Sinnamon for a great effort in making this gesture to their School. Well done, lads!
The Annual Appeal was launched in July with very little knowledge of what would constitute a successful first foray into an annual gifting environment. Some 4 months later, we have now received donations from 317 Old Boys, ranging in Class Years from 1927 to 2008, and it was a great pleasure to hand a cheque to the School at the Senior Prize Giving on 8 December, for the sum of $20950, as an initial instalment. The Appeal continues to run, with donations still trickling in from time to time, so a further payment will be made to the School in the New Year.
If you are still keen to support this first ever Annual Appeal, please do not hesitate to go to the website www.raisethechorus.co.nz or contact the Foundation Office for payment intsructions, on 0-3-477 2546. Who knows, you may be able to help your Class Year head off those which are leading the charge with most donations thus far:
1st 1947 Class Year with 13 donations
2nd 1954 Class Year with 12 donations
3rd Equal 1950 & 1959 Class Years with 11 donations each
Old Boys of a certain vintage will remember the woodwork projects such as the Bittern, the jewellery box for your Mum, the desk name plate for your Dad…..have a look at the pictures below of projects completed in 2011 for just a small sample of the type of projects the boys complete today. Things have certainly changed!
A PAGE FROM HISTORY(Thanks to the University of Adelaide for these biographical notes….)
William Albert Cowan (1921-1925) was born in 1908 in Dunedin and was educated at Otago Boys' High School and the University of Otago, graduating with first class honours in Latin and French despite struggling financially. He gained a further degree in classics at the University College, London, also with first class honours. On his return to New Zealand he taught for a short time at Wellington College in NZ before being appointed University Librarian at the Barr Smith Library at the University of Adelaide in 1933.
In 1935-1936, a study grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York enabled Cowan to attain his Bachelor of Library Science degree at the Library School of the University of Michigan, and also to visit university libraries in Great Britain, Europe and North America. The Carnegie Corporation was at this time generously promoting growth of Australasian libraries, resulting in a renaissance of librarianship in the region. Bill Cowan thus became one of the first professionally trained Australian librarians.
During his administration, the Barr Smith Library grew from approximately 90,000 to over 300,000 volumes despite limited financial resources. The Medical Library grew to be regarded as one of the strongest in the country, while Cowan tirelessly built up the periodical collection through an exchange programme using the Australian Journal of Experimental Biology and Medical Science.
In addition to his Librarianship duties, Cowan lectured in the Dept of Classics until 1955, and took an active part in the Australian Institute of Librarians and its successor, the Library Association of Australia.
After 30 years as Librarian, he retired in 1964 due to ill health and was awarded the title of Emeritus Librarian. He was a well-respected scholar of the classics, a perfectionist, and lived rather frugally.
Bill died in 1984 but he and his wife Marnie both believed in the benefits of tertiary education, so in 1994 Marnie established a trust to help students financially. Since its inception the Bill Cowan Barr Smith Library Fellowship has provided over $1.2 million of grants and scholarships.
The 1st XV are touring Samoa in April next year and as part of their major fundraiser are going to auction a set of 1902 replica OBHS 1st XV jerseys. Old boys of the 1st XV will have an opportunity to bid for their jersey number (1-15).
The jersey has the original club emblem and the lace collar used by the 1902 team.
Bids will be made on an internet auction site and we will have the address ready for the site by the end of Dec. 1st XV Foundation Members will receive a letter from the school explaining the process involved to place a bid.
The Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to restructure the role of CEO, and from February 2012, will have a Development Manager established in the Foundation office. The job has recently been advertised - if any suitably qualified Old Boy is interested, or you know of someone who would meet the criteria below, please ask them to get in touch with the Acting CEO, Andrew Moffat (at the Foundation Office as soon as possible. Applications close 7 December 2011
Otago Boys’ High School Foundation
Development Manager
Fixed term contract – commencing early 2012
The Otago Boys’ High School Foundation is looking for a dynamic professional to lead the on-going development of the Foundation’s fundraising activities by building on existing strategies and developing and implementing new plans, and also growing and maintaining contact with the School’s alumni.
The successful applicant will be creative and self-motivated with exemplary communication skills. They must have demonstrable success in fundraising as this is paramount in the role, and strong administration skills are also vital.
This is a challenging sole charge position but one that is well rewarded.
The person we are looking for will have:
Otago Boys’ has a proud history over almost 150 years. Over 25,000 boys have been through the School, and whilst we know the whereabouts of around 17,000 of them, we are very keen to find the remaining 8,000 Old Boys before the 150th Celebrations in 2013.
Further information, including a job description, can be obtained from the Foundation Office by emailing info@obhsfoundation.co.nz or phoning 0-3-477 2546
Applications, which close on 7 December 2011, should include the names of two referees, be accompanied by a covering letter in your own handwriting, and be addressed to the Chairman, Otago Boys’ High School Foundation, P O Box 11, Dunedin 9054.
As fuel prices remain high the OBHS Foundation has an exclusive Fuel Card offer available to all Old Boys, past Staff and their immediate family members. All Foundation card holders receive 5 cents per litre discount to the national pump price for petrol and diesel. Discounted petrol and diesel can be purchased at all BP, RD Petroleum and most Gasoline Alley retail sites along with Truck Stops.
HOW IT WORKS:
If today the national price for a litre of 91 octane is $2.159 cents, the cost to you would be $2.109 cents. If on the West Coast 91 is priced at $2.389 cents per litre - those with Foundation fuel cards will still pay only$2.109 cents per litre. That’s a 28 cpl saving!
This offer is open to all Otago Boys' High School - Old Boys, staff, parents of a student and their immediate family members so please pass this on to anyone you think may well benefit from joining the programme.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND START SAVING ON ALL YOUR FUEL PURCHASES!
Individual Application – Click here
Limited Companies Application – Click here
Newsletter researched and compiled by Andrew Moffat
The Otago Boys’ High School Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of
the Otago Daily Times from which some of the articles and photos in this publication are sourced, and also acknowledges the assistance received from Konica Minolta with all of its office printing requirements
