YOG President's Message

Whilst 2020 was certainly a year most of us would rather forget, there were some real positives that came out of the year as we saw the YOG community continue to connect and move forward. The online platform became an essential (and for many, the primary) means for connecting with others and enjoying the benefits that community and connections can bring. Our usual face to face events such as Reunions, the Good Friday Appeal and the Annual Golf Day had to be cancelled. In their place:

• the committee continued to meet via Zoom
• we took part in the inaugural Virtual House Cross Country event
• we continued our support for Rev Joy’s Inspired by Yarra podcasts
• Speed Careering went ahead, with YOG’s being present via Zoom
• we also took the time to develop a new YOG strategy.

Our new strategy will deliver on sustainable growth in the YOG community through a primary focus on allowing current students more convenient and ready access to the vast knowledge and experience on careers, subjects, and tertiary education that is in the YOG community. Whilst we already play a role in this area (e.g. through Speed Careering, the Mentor program, Work Experience support), look out for some exciting new activities such as:

• Career Bytes: 1-2 minute videos of YOGs talking about their journeys from Y12 to where they are now. Students will be able to search by profession, industry or Year 12 subjects studied and will gain access to real world experience. Look out for the article inviting you to contribute to Career Bytes!
• Uni YOG Catch Ups: informal chats with YOGs on uni campus, for students considering studying at certain Unis.

We are also looking to increase the YOG presence at events such as the New Parents Welcome Night, School tours, and the Festival, which this year will take the form of a Night Market and Cinema on the Oval.

In addition, we are very excited to have the two School Captains, Lauren Dickins and Blake Matheson join our Committee meetings for 2021. This is another new initiative between YOG and the School and is a great opportunity for us to receive valuable feedback from current students on our strategy and how we can best deliver it to the student body. This connection will be critical in establishing an investment in YOG that will continue well past Year 12.

YOG will also of course, still be there for YOG’s! We are really looking forward to starting up our regular activities such as reunions and the upcoming Golf Day (which is a sell out!) This year, we are doubling up on our reunions so that YOGs that would have had their reunion last year, can attend this year. YOGs will also be lending their support again at the Good Friday Appeal. 

If any YOG would like to see an activity be supported, and are prepared to champion the effort, I strongly encourage you to apply for the YOG funding that is available. Examples could be a YOG Tennis Day, forming a theatre or musical group that meets on a regular basis, cooking or wine appreciation classes, etc.

The link between the YOG committee and the School Executive team has never been stronger. I am appreciative and grateful for the time that we have been able to collaborate with Dr. Merry, Mr Hocking, Mr Ellul and Ms Macneil on our new strategy. Their input and support is an example of the support that the School provides YOG, and the importance placed on YOG in the overall School community.

Looking forward to seeing you at a YOG event soon!