Reflecting on the July 4th Old Boys Day
The bonds formed at Rosmini College are built to last, a fact made vibrantly clear at the recent Old Boys event held on Saturday 4 July. From the foundational pioneers of the school to its newest graduates, the day was a powerful celebration of the "036" spirit - while also sparking some brilliant ideas for how the Rosmini Old Boys Association (ROBA) can evolve for the future.
The day kicked off with a fantastic turnout at the morning function, where the atmosphere was buzzing with shared memories and reconnected friendships. Alumni spent the morning catching up over great food and coffee, flipping through vintage Rosminian yearbooks, and laughing over stories from decades past. A particularly special highlight was the presence of a couple of original alumni from the Class of 1962, representing the very bedrock of the school's history. Attendees also heard from John Thornley, who spoke passionately about the ongoing revitalisation of ROBA and its mission to ensure the Rosmini community remains connected long after the final school bell rings.
Following the morning function, the action moved to the sideline for the highly anticipated, televised rugby clash against fierce rivals Westlake Boys High School. Marking an exciting first for the association, a group of 1st XV Old Boys formed a guard of honour on the field, welcoming the current premier team onto the turf. This powerful show of support set the tone for the afternoon. The energy from the sidelines clearly fueled the players, and the current 1st XV delivered an absolute thriller of a game, digging deep to secure a well-deserved victory and local bragging rights.
While the day was an undeniable success, it also provided valuable insights into how ROBA can better serve its younger demographic. As the association looks to the future, a key focus will be engaging recent school leavers - particularly those who have left the college within the last 5 to 10 years. It is a common hurdle for alumni networks worldwide: the misconception among younger generations that "Old Boys" events are exclusively for the older eras.
To break down this barrier and show the youngest crop of alumni that the brotherhood is for them too, the ROBA committee is already brainstorming fresh tactics. The goal is to ensure the next generation feels just as connected and valued as the veterans who paved the way.
Moving forward, exciting new strategies are being considered to raise the association's profile, including designing distinct, casual events specifically targeted at recent leavers to shake off old stereotypes. There are also plans to explore establishing an annual "Old Boys' Week" as a permanent fixture in the official school calendar, perhaps as it was this year - aligned with Rosmini Week. This dedicated week would serve as a focal point, weaving Old Boy contributions directly into school life and giving the community a regular, predictable time to engage.
The 4 July event proved that the Rosmini Brotherhood is as strong as ever. By honouring the legends of '62 and actively creating space for the leavers of today, ROBA is ensuring that the 036 legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.
