Message from the Rector

By Richard Hall | Posted: Thursday March 22, 2018

Community, is as I have often written about, central to the development of a confident, well-rounded OB's boy.

Without our community, we would not be able to provide the opportunities that our school has become so well known for. For instance we have been able to send boys on Outward Bound, Spirit of Adventure, to local and international events on the individual generosity of you, our community.

So what do you get back in return?

To answer that question, I have been in contact with Grant Bowie (1971-1975). Grant was one of the original benefactors to the Foundation. His full response to my question is in another article in this newsletter.

But in essence it was 'pay it forward'.

To pay it forward to Grant meant providing a resource to his old school, because he knew it would be used to give another OB's boy, like us, the opportunity to be challenged, to improve in his confidence and in his character.

An example of how our Foundation 'pay it forward' is through the generous support given to the Hostel Redevelopment project. This year, through the incredible support of an old boy, we have the opportunity to develop the Hostel through the Hostel securing a lease to a very large section of land immediately adjacent to 25 Melrose Street.

Through this first stage we will be able to meet three fundamental targets;

• The Director of Boarding and his family will be able to live on-site.
  
• We will be able to increase the amount of recreation space for the boys and at peak time solve a difficult parking issue.
  
• Create an entrance way to the Hostel that actually looks like it is an entrance way!
  

The Foundation has made a commitment to support this project through capital.

The sensible, project based approach to using the Foundation resource, is the promise I made to Foundation members on my arrival in 2015 and I aim to stick to that.

There is no doubt though, that we need your continued support if we are to develop and sustain the opportunities for our young men, as Grant Bowie said, we need you to 'pay it forward'.

If you would like the opportunity to speak to me about this project then please do not hesitate to get in touch.  Please see attached the Hostel development drawings. 

Alternatively I would encourage you to consider making a donation to the Foundation. Pay it forward.