The March OPA RACV Luncheon provided another opportunity for Old Boys of the College to connect. 

Keith Sharkie  was again able to assemble a guest list that spanned the generations. Three guests were nonagenarians. Denis Wheelahan (1951) was acknowledged for celebrating his 90th birthday. The remarkable Ray Hangan (1950) and John Mackey (1950) were also in attendance.

Pat Mount again did a great job as Master of Ceremonies. Each month a guest speaker is arranged and this month I was invited to give a presentation to the group. I was able to outline the tremendous changes in education at a senior level and put it in a Parade College context. 

The development of the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and the continued development and expansion of Vocational Education and Training offerings are reflections of the College’s commitment to providing wonderful opportunities and choices for our students.

I was also able to give an overview of Old Paradians' Association activities and initiatives. I was proudly able to announce that one of the guests in the room will be inducted into our ‘Hall of Fame’ at the annual Hall of Fame dinner being held on 6 October 2023. David Jones (1958) will be one of two inductees at that function. David is an outstanding Old Paradian.

We look forward to our April luncheon where OPAAFC Club Coach Justin Witcher will give guests an outline of what the season holds for our Club. 

The May luncheon will be our Annual Ladies Luncheon being held this year on Tuesday May 9. Cate Livingston and Marlene Bloom will be recipients of the OPA ‘Woman of Distinction’ Award for 2023.

I encourage Old Paradians to attend the lunch. Perhaps those working in the city could get together with a colleague or classmate and get to one of these celebrations?