Looking at how we are engaging with ONU Alumni, I am pleased to say that in the last three years we are averaging over 1,000 Old Boys attending organised functions such as the ONU Golf Day (supporting the ONU Mental Health Fund), five and ten reunions across all years and the 70 Club lunches.  In addition, at various sporting events, particularly Back to Newington Day, several hundred more Old Boys attend and are engaged with the school.  

This goes to show how the ONU working with a dedicated and co-ordinated Alumni Department can have a significant impact on our engagement with ONU members.  Unfortunately for us,ONU Alumni Officer Mylee Angelo has moved on to new endeavours and I thank her for all her terrific effort over the past three years and wish her every success .

To the Alumni I report the ONU is in good shape and well governed, financially stable and has a very good relationship with the school.

Tupou College Visit

On behalf of the ONU, I attended the Tupou College 150^th Anniversary Celebrations.  Much has been written about the events and suffice to say that the relationship with our Tongan brothers is stronger than ever.

Tupou College  – Self Sufficiency

The Newington Boarding house has raised money to purchase a new Ram for the Tupou flock of sheep to provide much needed improvement to the genetics of the herd and provide for the college’s self-sufficiency program. The ONU has been asked to see how we could possibly help out in getting a Dorper Ram (a hardy and fast growing meat breed) and also the logistics of getting the sheep from Sydney to Tupou. So to all our country old boys and those involved with freight, let me know if you can help.

Back to Newington Day

It was a pleasure seeing so many Old Boys respond to the call to attend the Back to Newington Day celebrations. The day was a wonderful success with a significant amount of money being raised for all the P&F Support Groups. 

Opening of the Tupou College Centre – Pictured

On behalf of the ONU, I attended the opening of the Tupou College Centre by His Majesty, The King of Tonga as well as the opening of the Pearson Cadet and Davidson Medical Centres. The college is to be wholeheartedly congratulated on a great day and on the significant new buildings as additions to the campus.

New Old Boys – Year 12 2016

ONU Secretary Karl Watson will again attend the Year 12 Valedictory day celebrations and formally hand out ONU Ties and welcome the boys to the ONU.

Biennial Dinner 2017

A Friday night Biennial ONU Dinner in the city will be held in late August/September 2017 (date tbc). More details to follow later in the year.

Finally, with the success of the ONU Careers evening, I continue to urge all Old Boys to make the most of mentoring our younger Old Boys through the ONU mentoring program.

Bruce Mellor (ON 1982)
ONU President