Jim Seymour becomes our most recent Honorary Old Paradian

The monthly luncheon at the RACV Club became the venue for the induction of the Old Paradians' Association’s latest ‘Honorary Old Paradian’.

Recently retired, long-term teacher and valued staff member Jim Seymour was joined by his wife Clare and son James at the luncheon for the presentation. At the end of 2021 Jim retired from the College after 40 years of valued service. Commencing in 1982 under the Principal-ship of Brother Laurie Collins, serving under Br Brian Bond, Br Denis Moore and in more recent years under the College’s first lay Principal Andy Kuppe, Jim has contributed across a range of College roles. An excellent teacher, Jim was appointed a Year Level leader at Year 7 and 8 where he was highly respected by students, their parents and staff alike. When invited to be a pioneering member of the first VCAL group at the College Jim taught Numeracy Skills to our applied learners. Jim was able to reinvent himself in the later stages of his career working in marketing, enrolments and liaising with our feeder primary schools. It was a perfect job for Jim. He became well known and respected as a great ambassador for our College. Many of his past students remember him well as demonstrated by his regular attendance at Old Paradians reunion events. His long-term coaching of the College Cross Country and Ski teams were another demonstration of his commitment to the College.

Jim has returned to assist the College Development Office this year in between hooking up his caravan for some well-deserved holidays.

Jim joins Robin Mills and Mike Jolley as our 2022 Honorary Old Paradians recipients.

Andy Kuppe addresses the Old Paradians' RACV Luncheon

The annual address by the College Principal took place at the Old Paradians' Association’s November RACV Club luncheon. 

Andy Kuppe (1983) was able to present to guests some highlights of the school year. 

These included the announcement that the College will be introducing a fifth House in 2023, Nolan House to add to Bodkin, Treacy, Lynch and Hughes. Brother Patrick Nolan was a non-teaching lay Brother largely responsible for fencing, clearing the land, furnishings and the supervising the construction of Parade’s original campus in East Melbourne.

Andy also outlined the current project of the redevelopment of the Collins Oval, the opening by Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles of the O’Shannassy Plumbing Centre. The Centre was contributed to by a large bequest from the O’Shannassy family who have had a long association with the College dating back to Brian in 1941. 

Guests were also able to see the wonderful sporting partnerships the College has been able to forge with Manchester City, Melbourne City(Football), Melbourne United, Diamond Valley Eagles (Basketball) and Northern Knights (AFL). 

Andy also outlined the regeneration happening at Edmund Rice Education Australia.

Pat Mount (1963), who was our Master of Ceremonies at the lunch, acknowledged Andy’s significant contribution to the College as he concludes his Principal-ship at the end of this year. On behalf of the Old Paradians' Luncheon group he was able to present Andy with a memento of its appreciation and wished him every best wish as he takes on the new CEO position of EREA Victorian School Ltd commencing in 2023.