About the OSA

For students graduating from St Mark's, their relationship with the School does not end on the day they cross the stage at Valedictory. Our past students remain an important part of our School community. They are a rich resource and are encouraged to share their skills, wisdom, time and ideas, ensuring everyone benefits from opportunities to connect with one another - students, teachers, parents, and friends of the School - both past and present.

The St Mark's Old Scholars' Association (OSA) was established in 1991, and its Constitution outlines its three primary objectives:

• To provide a vehicle through which students who have left the School may maintain connections with contacts made during their time at St Mark’s;
• To assist in the development of the School by providing financial and practical assistance; and
• To foster a spirit of community between past and present students, teachers and other members of the School family.

The Role of the Old Scholars' Association

As noted in the objectives above, the Old Scholars' Association does more than just provide a mechanism through which to connect its members - there is a clear focus on working with the School to ensure current students also benefit from its activities.

The role of alumni organisations has changed with the advent of social media. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter make it easier than ever for past students to remain connected with one another, meaning much of the work around keeping alumni in contact is no longer as essential as it was. This allows alumni groups to broaden their focus to giving back, both to their members and to the schools they attended.

The St Mark's Old Scholars' Association is no different. The members of the Association are a rich and valuable resource for the students. As the custodians of the culture and traditions that were started in 1986, St Mark's Old Scholars have a responsibility to share those cultures and traditions with the current student community, and help ensure the spirit of St Mark's, alongside the School's Values, remain firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of all its graduates, now and in the future.

The Old Scholars' Association Committee

• Patron: Steven Davies, Principal
• President: Philippa Lonie (Brown, 2001)
• Vice President: Damien Hocart (1991)
• Treasurer: Andy Gray (1992)
• Secretary: Tania Admans (2000)

Members:

• Amy Aldous (Maxwell, 2000)
• Andrew Coffin (1990)
• Clare Farris (2002)
• Neil Gerrard (1999)
• Belinda Guy (1994)
• Avon Harrison (2001)
• Chris Hedges (1999)
• Luke O'Sullivan (2004)
• Franzl Shannon (1991) (Immediate Past President)
• Candice Hannaford (Welman, 2001)

Representative on School Council: Position vacant
Representative of P&F Association: Philippa Lonie (Brown, 2001)

The Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting, which is held in September each year. Committee meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month during term time. Meetings may also take place in December, and subcommittees may meet at any time, as relevant to the activities they are managing. All members are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings to find out how they can get involved in volunteering or otherwise supporting Old Scholar activities.