Merry Christmas from the Old Boys’ Society

By Geoff Bates | Posted: Thursday December 5, 2019

To fellow Old Boys, Foundation members, friends of the school and your families, season greetings.

Another year has passed in a flash. To close off the Old Boys’ Society recently held another successful luncheon on Friday 22th November at the Savoy. This an annual event was attended by some 50 Old Boys with our guest speaker being Old Boy Steve Anderson (1974-78) the CEO of Foodstuffs South Island Ltd & GM of Foodstuffs NZ.

In these roles, it is Steve's job to lead the strategy and operational structures for this company, a business that turns over in excess of three billion dollars.

Steve talked of how his leadership and people management skills were put to the test following the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes and the ‘12 days of anarchy’ that it took to right the ship. A truly insightful address.

In the new year the annual OBHS Old Boys Golf Classic will be teeing off on Friday 28th February 2020 at the Balmacewen Golf Course. This tournament continues to grow in popularity and has become an important fundraiser for the school, as well as key social gathering of Old Boys and friends.

We are grateful for the continued support of all our sponsors, in particular Crest Clean who are again the major tournament sponsor. Our thanks must go to Rob Pile (2000-2003) and Ricky Stewart (2000-2004) for taking up the reins and their efforts to date in organising this event. We look forward to another enjoyable day out of the office.

A calendar of key events will be posted early in the coming year so please keep an eye out on email and social media for dates and times.

We must also pass on our thanks to Rector, Richard Hall and his team for keeping our great school on target to grow and help our young men to achieve to their best. Good things continue to go on at our school - the leadership, the tradition, the culture, the learning, the friendships and the endless opportunities that are made available.

Our Society must make every effort to support our fine old school. We have an integral part to play, so thank you for your continued support in anticipation. Have a safe and relaxing summer break and best wishes for what looks to be a prosperous 2020.

Geoff Bates
President of the Otago High Old Boys’ Society