Parade College

A warm welcome to the Old Paradian community to our Quarterly OPA Newsletter, the first of 2022.

I wish to acknowledge and thank Tony De Bolfo, who concluded his time at the OPA after 12 years of dedicated service as its Executive Officer. Tony was the perfect appointment at the time the OPA was reformed in 2009. Most notably, he was able to bring his wonderful gift of story and history to a wide variety of tasks and projects. Together, with his mother Maureen, they were able to tell the stories of Old Paradians who fought in World War 1 and work on our World War 2 Honour Board. His gift of story was also on display with the production of Parade Thy Sons, Volume 1. At our recent Gala celebration of the College’s 150 years, we were able launch Parade Thy Sons, Volume 2. We wish Tony all the best as he moves into his next ventures. The Carlton Football Club, we expect, will be front and centre!

LATEST NEWS

We have had an exciting start to the year. Following are links to the many events and activities the OPA has been engaged in:

DATES FOR THE DIARY

10 Year Reunion (Class of 2010, 2011, 2012) | 22 July 2022
40 Year Reunion (1982) | 19 August 2022
50 Year Reunion (1972) | 7 October 2022
OPA Annual Gathering (all peer years) | October 2022

Details regarding these events to follow in due course.

The OPA Monthly Luncheon has been occurring since 1936. It is currently held on the second Wednesday of the month at the RACV, City Club. Please contact keithsharkie@tpg.com.au for further information.

150 YEAR GALA PHOTOS

Following on from our 150 Year Gala Dinner held on 1 April 2022, the photo gallery is now available to view and download.

To access the gallery, please use this case-sensitive password: Parade
Use the following 4-digit PIN to download photos: 4164

PARADE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

The Parade College Foundation is an exciting partnership between Parade College, the Old Paradians’ Association and the Parade Community and provides Old Paradians and members of the wider community with an opportunity to support the College as it continues to provide students with a catholic education, holding fast to the values of faith, service and justice.

If you wish to make a donation, please visit the Parade College Foundation page for further information.

ALUMNI NEWS

Timothy McEvoy (1987)
The Hon Justice Timothy McEvoy has recently been appointed a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia. Tim had been a Judge of the Federal and Family Court of Australia since 2019 and Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Michael Wood (1980) is heading to Bristol and the world championships as Australia’s Hockey team’s head physiotherapist.

Honorary Old Paradian and former staff member John Joss (Jossy) supported the Old Paradians’ Club with an emotional address prior to the game against MHSOB and his delivery of the ‘Ode of Remembrance’. Clearly having an impact, the ‘Old Boys’ came from behind to register a great win for the club. Jossy also appeared at the MCG on ANZAC day in the motorcade before the game. He and the OPA were very proud.

Blake Caracella (1994)
Congratulations on Blake’s elevation to Senior Coaching at Essendon replacing Senior Coach Ben Rutten in Round 4 win against the Adelaide Crows.

Daniel Harford (1994) and Daniel Lowther (1994) faced off as opposing coaches of Carlton and Geelong during the AFLW season. Daniel got the bragging rights this time.

Frank Bongiorno (1986)
Frank is a Professor of History at ANU and will release a new book this year, Dreamers and Schemers: A Political History of Australia. This project adds to his other books The Eighties: The Decade that Transformed Australia and The Sex Lives of Australians; A History. Frank has also written for The Monthly, The Australian, The Age and Inside Story.

Jade Gresham (2017)
Congratulations on reaching 100 AFL games with St Kilda. Jade’s return this season has been very impressive after two seasons interrupted with injury.

Francis Lawrence (2004) continues to excel in his Dance/ Ballet career appearing as a part of the ‘corps de ballet’ in the production of An American in Paris.

Peter Hellier (1993), Damian Callinan (1982) and Nathan Valvo (2001) successfully appeared again in the recent Comedy Festival.

Jimmy Plunkett (1996) General Manager People and Culture has been riding the highs of Melbourne’s Premiership in 2021 and continued success this year.

Northern Football League has a number of Old Paradians guiding their Football Clubs in 2022: Paul Harris (1997) Co Coach Banyule FC, Ricky Dyson (2003) Co Coach Banyule FC, Robert Hyde (1972) Coach Eltham FC, Gary Ramsay (1986) Coach Montmorency FC, Phil Plunkett (1991) Coach Lower Plenty FC, Rob Maiorana (1991) Coach West Preston FC, Brayden Shaw (2003) Co Coach Hurstbridge FC , Old Paradians currently Presidents of NFL Football Clubs, Mick Smith (1979) Eltham FC, Greg Bowman (1981) Montmorency FC.

Vale It is with much sadness we advise the passing of Kevin Corcoran (1947); Gerard Jones (1973); Rod Bini (past parent); Vaughn Maiolla (1977); Terry Fraumano (1953); David Dole (1956); Raymond Hubbard (1942); William (Bill) Corrie (1957); Matthew Van Beek (2000)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date in between quarterly newsletters.

OPA OFFICE

If you have news to share or any enquiries, please contact us on 9468 3301 or at oldparadians@parade.vic.edu.au. Please note the OPA Alumni Office is staffed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school term by John Nicholls and Lexie Stewart.

Thank you for your continued support of the Old Paradians’ Association.

Tenete Traditiones,

John Nicholls
Secretary, Old Paradians’ Association

OPA Newsletter | May 2022