At the Valedictory Day Celebrations,  the Year 12 students were farewelled by the College and took their leave into the next phase of their post-school life. They were presented with their Old Boys’ Tie by the ONU.  Wearing this tie in future years, symbolises a proud connection with an enviable and extensive Old Boys’ network and an outstanding school.

The ONU is genuinely committed to reaching out and fostering the well-being of Old Boys, especially our young University graduates. The ONU mentoring program is an avenue to guide and support younger Old Boys to break into an industry or to get that necessary edge over other candidates, a significant factor in times of uncertain employment outcomes for University graduates.  I will send out a letter before the end of the year, seeking as many Old Boys as possible to join up as Mentors.

There have been many ONU get togethers and reunions in recent months and even more to come before the end of the year. Opportunities to revisit and renew friendships and update contacts were enthusiastically greeted by Old Boys from London to Hong Kong, San Francisco and New York, the GPS Gold Challenge, the September 70 Club lunch in Centenary Hall and reunions for the Classes of 2004, 1999, 1984 and 1989.  Still to come are reunions in Bowral, 70 Club Christmas lunches on the mid-north Coast and Central Coast and class of 1964 – 50 Year reunion.  

Congratulations to those Old Boys from the Classes of 1981 and 1982 who competed in the GPS Gold Challenge over the October long weekend. It may have taken us a little longer to recover but the fantastic GPS spirit and camaraderie of the day were well worth it. A special congratulations to Glen (Junior) Butler (ON 1982) for his terrific effort in winning the Redkite challenge by raising $8,000 of the total $34,000 for Redkite.

Congratulations also to Dane Rampe (ON 2008) Sydney Swans midfielder for a valiant effort in the recent AFL Grandfinal. Dane played basketball and soccer at Newington and was 17 when he first played Australian football. 

The ONU Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 18 November at 6:30pm in Prescott Hall, Newington College. Nominations for positions on the ONU Council and Executive are now open. 

As we gear up for the busy times ahead of the end of the year, make a note of the 2015 highlights on the ONU Calendar. The ONU Golf Day on Thursday 5 March at Concord Golf Club with funds raised going towards the ONU Depression Fund and the ONU Tongan Bursary. There will be an ONU Dinner in 2015 on Saturday 18 July in Centenary Hall, Newington College.  Hope to see you there!

Looking even further into the future, the ONU looks forward to working with Tupou College as they head towards their 150th celebrations in 2016.