Dear Old Paradians and Friends of Parade,

On behalf of the Old Paradians’ Association Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, joyous and Holy festive season and prosperous New Year.

2018 has been a significant year in Parade history as it has marked the 50^th anniversary of the Bundoora Campus, which first opened its doors in 1968.

A genuine highlight of this year was the staging of Encore21 – a glorious celebration of Parade College’s 21 years of musicals - at Melbourne’s iconic Athenaeum Theatre. This marquee event was bookended by well-patronised teacher and student reunions to mark the College’s 50-year milestone.

I was a Year 7 student in 1968 and feel extremely proud to have witnessed the growth of Parade College and its community through these past five decades - from a place in which those pioneering students “studied with the cows” as one Old Paradian of ’68 put it, to a thriving institution offering unlimited opportunities to its boys.

I would like to thank every member of the OPA Committee for their time, energy and camaraderie. I would particularly like to thank Dr Denis Moore, without whose guidance little would have been achieved in our nine-year term. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Dr Denis as he recuperates from major surgery, together with those other members of our community who are experiencing difficult times.

Tony De Bolfo our CEO, with the support of Mirella Busso-Lee, has been instrumental in ensuring that the OPA Committee’s objectives are achieved. Tony has a strong affinity with what it means to be a Paradian.

Once again, on behalf of the Committee, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and safe New Year.

Yours sincerely,

Lewis Derrico

President, OPA