A lifetime of connection to Trinity

As I reflect after my first two months as President of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, I am struck by the enduring strength of the Trinity community and the important role the OTGA continues to play in supporting OTGs throughout every stage of life. 

The transition from school life to adulthood is one of life’s most significant milestones. While our time as students may be finite, our connection to Trinity should last a lifetime. It is this belief that continues to guide me, and the work of the OTGA, and informs our focus on the four pillars that underpin our activities: Community, Careers, Clubs and Connections. Underlying each of these pillars is a common theme that has become increasingly important to the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association: mentoring. 

At its core, mentoring is simply one Trinity generation helping the next. It is the sharing of experiences, lessons learned, professional insights and personal guidance. Whether formal or informal, mentoring reflects the very best of what it means to be part of the Trinity community and embodies the spirit of service that has always been central to the school’s values.

Community remains the foundation of everything we do. Throughout the year, reunions, gatherings and events have brought the OTGs together across year levels, professions and life stages. These occasions not only strengthen friendships, but also create opportunities for younger graduates to learn from those who have gone before them, reinforcing the culture of support that makes the Trinity network so valuable. Recently, I was advised that our Bulleen Ovals are some of the best in the AGSV, but with the addition of the highly anticipated state-of-the-art brand-new pavilion, we will be the envy of many. The OTGA is already planning on ensuring we make the most out of this fantastic opportunity for the Sporting Clubs. 

Careers continues to be an area of growing importance. Through mentoring, networking opportunities, the Careers Expo, events, lunches and our digital platforms, OTGs will continue to share their experience and expertise with current students and fellow alumni. The willingness of our community to invest in the success of others is one of the OTGA’s greatest strengths. 

Our Clubs remain a vital part of the Association and continue to provide opportunities for participation, competition and camaraderie. Beyond sport, our clubs create environments where leadership, teamwork and lifelong friendships are developed. They are often where some of the most meaningful mentoring relationships begin. Congratulations to the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club on their recently held annual Business Lunch with Tony Shaw, Nathan Buckley and Jarryd Roughead – the stars of the event! 

Finally, Connections sit at the heart of the OTGA. Through reunions, regional gatherings, digital engagement and the OTGO, we continue to foster relationships that support alumni personally and professionally. These connections strengthen not only the OTGA, but the broader Trinity community. I have a son in Year 12 (Jake) and another in Year 9 (Riley) and I know they will join the broader Trinity community after finishing their time at Senior School. Personally, I continue to catch up with over a dozen of my old school mates who finished in the 1992 cohort. Further to this, we held the Gold Mitre Lunch in March, and it was well very attended with over 160 guests, including Professor Peter McIntyre AO who turns 99 this year! 

As the OTGA, we will continue to collaborate with the school, School Council and Community Engagement team, together we remain committed to supporting current students, strengthening alumni engagement and creating pathways through which Old Grammarians can contribute their time, knowledge and experience. I would like to thank our Committee Members, Volunteers, OTG Clubs, the school Leadership and Community Engagement team for their dedication and support. Most importantly, thank you to the many Old Trinity Grammarians who continue to participate, contribute and stay connected. 

The future of the OTGA is bright. By continuing to focus on Community, Careers, Clubs and Connections and by fostering a culture of mentoring across each of these pillars, we will ensure that every past student has the opportunity to benefit from, and contribute to, the strength of the Trinity network throughout every chapter of life.