Whole Person Education - Knox Grammar School

Old Knox GrammariansPresident’s ColumnValues, Vision and MissionThe OKGA Strategic Plan states the followingas our values, vision and mission:Values – Support the values of the School,in particular:• The development of the whole student;• Achievement of high standards ofeducation and sporting excellence;• Maintenance of Christian values; and• Assist the development of Old Boys andstudents as they progress through theiracademic and professional life.Vision – To establish a highly committed teamof Old Boys who have a common interest in:• Encouraging all Old Boys to be involvedin our activities and ensure a continuousactive participation of new members, aswell as parents of Old Boys;• Maintaining and developing a continuousrelationship between members;• Assisting each other in their ongoingcareer endeavours; and• Providing assistance for current students inthe development of their professional career.Mission‘To promote and foster the interest of OldBoys and students of the School by providingassistance through the vast network ofcontacts and experience of members and theprudent investment and expenditure of fundsheld by the Association’.To implement the Strategic Plan, thecommittee have broken up key areas whichwill be chaired by specific members:School Liaison:Michael Kelynack OKG85The Old Knox Grammarians’ Associationis an integral part of the school communityand continues to enjoy a strong workingrelationship with the school. We can realiseall of our objectives by assisting the schoolto achieve its long term goals by supportingits philosophies of faith, wisdom, integrityand compassion and by being visible in ourcommitment. These activities are:• Anzac Day• Honouring Parade• OKGA Confirmation Service• Senior and Junior Most Improved Awards• Supporting regional and interstatedinners and expos• Scholarships• Providing sporting coaches• Supporting Rugby and Football matches• School Easter and Christmas services• Support with the school data base• Assistance with the foundation andfinancial support• Gala Day• Thistle• Prep School and Senior School Speech DaysFunctions and Events:Sandra WhiteSandra has made good contacts with old boysin Year Groups as well as interstate, regionaland overseas in her former role. She will setabout re-establishing those contacts. She hasalso maintained contact with a number ofmembers of the Senior Knoxonians.Sandra has two sons who are old boys and astrong connection with the Rugby Club. Whileworking with the Archivist this allows her theability to access members to ascertain anddevelop new initiatives in accordance withtheir requests.Sandra was an active member of The PastParents committee when it was first formed.She will be contacting the Executive with theview to working closely with them.Affiliated Groups:Jack Shute OKG60Jack Shute is responsible for guiding thefuture development of affiliated groups. Theportfolio covers all the sporting activities ofthe OKGA including Rugby, Football, Cricket,Basketball, Squash and the Old Boys PipeBand. All of these activities give positiveexposure to both the school and OKGA.We will measure funds used to sponsorOKGA affiliated groups against participatingnumbers. Our aim is to motivate those whoparticipate in these activities to embrace theOKGA in its broader objectives and activitiesand keep them connected in life after school.Finance:Mark Wilson OKG80The Finance Committee’s focus is toreview the expenditure of the OKGA andthe demands on its funds, in particular thescholarship support, the support for Old Boysporting clubs, and support to the school. Toenhance the support, the OKGA needs tobroaden its revenue base, and the Committeeis currently exploring ways to gain new fundsin both the new OKGA Scholarship Fundwhich has Tax Deductible Gift RecipientStatus, and the current OKGA EndowmentFund. We are also examining some usefulproducts which can provide members withadditional benefits and provide the Associationwith additional revenue.Networking:Jon Bonwick OKG93The OKGA have provided fantasticnetworking opportunities for many decades.Over the past six months the OKGA havesurveyed many members and developed aThe Thistle / June 2011 | 26