YOG News - May 2026

Welcome to our latest edition of YOG News.

A new way to connect with other Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) is almost here.

In early June, you will receive an email (from Alumnly) inviting you to activate your YOG Connect account - our new online platform designed to bring the YOG community closer together.

YOG Connect makes it easy to reconnect with friends, grow your network, and stay engaged with life at Yarra. You can chat with fellow YOGs, share updates and photos, book into events, and explore ways to support current students - all in one place.

Best of all, getting started is simple. You can sign up, if you choose, using your Google, LinkedIn or Facebook profile, so there may not be a need to remember a new password!

This is an exciting step in strengthening the Yarra Spirit – giving you more ways to connect, benefit and contribute, wherever life has taken you since Yarra.

Keep an eye on your inbox in early June and be sure to join us on YOG Connect.

What country has a unicorn as its national animal? If you know the answer – or simply love intriguing facts – lock in YOGs@Pub Trivia this July.

Join fellow Yarra Old Grammarians (YOGs) at The Auburn Hotel as we take part in the venue’s regular pub trivia night, with dedicated tables just for our YOG community. It’s a relaxed and social way to reconnect, meet other YOGs and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

Tickets will be $10 per person, which includes two drink vouchers - so you can settle in and enjoy the evening. 

More details to come soon, but for now, gather your friends and mark your calendars.

• Date:           28 July
• Time:          6.30pm arrival for 7.00pm Trivia
• Location:   The Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn East

We look forward to seeing you there for a fun evening of connection, conversation and trivia (with or without unicorns!)

Beyond Business Cards returns!   Following a successful launch last year, Beyond Business Cards returns on Wednesday 13 August, 7.00pm-9.00pm in the Brooke Nicholas Pavilion, YVG.

Bringing together Yarra Old Grammarians and current families, this event is all about enhancing the Yarra Spirit through genuine, purposeful connection - going beyond small talk to create meaningful professional relationships.

Expect an engaging evening of structured networking, inspiring speakers, live music and a vibrant welcoming atmosphere.

Save the date now and keep an eye on your emails and our socials for the booking link coming soon.

Because the best connections go beyond business cards.

YOG Jam is coming!  Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for an open jam session to be held in Yarra’s Foundation Hall on the evening of Friday 28 August 2026. The stage will be lent to all interested in creating and performing improvised music, while reconnecting with YOGs from across the years.

Whatever role music has played in your life during or since Yarra, you are invited to join others for a night of music, guided spontaneously by jazz standards, pop hits, or other ideas that may fly!

Please spread the word to any YOGs who you know who would love to join the jam stage, or simply come and enjoy an evening of new networking, reacquaintance and live performance. Entry will be $10, which includes two drink vouchers for the bar. 

To express interest, click HERE - EOIs close Sunday 14 June.

We very much look forward to reuniting the many YOGs moved by music.

• Saturday 1 August:           20 Year Out Reunion (Class of 2006)
• Saturday 22 August:         40 Year Out Reunion (Class of 1986)
• Friday 2 October:               YOG Social: Good Times & Basslines 
• Saturday 24 October:        50 Year Out Reunion (Class of 1976)
• Sunday 25 October:           *YOG Jog*
• Saturday  14 November:   10 Year Out Reunion (Class of 2016)
• Tuesday 1 December:       Golden Alumni Luncheon (Classes of 1971-1975)
• Tuesday 1 December:       Carols@Yarra

*New Event: YOG Jog*

The Yarra Old Grammarians are excited to be launching the YOG Jog on Sunday 25 October. It will be a relaxed run or jog around Yarra, followed by snacks, drinks and plenty of time to chat and mingle.  It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with old school friends, reminisce and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Yarra. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger or simply keen to be part of a fun community event, there’s something for everyone.  Stay tuned for more details coming soon.

For more information about any of the above, please contact yog@yvg.vic.edu.au

The Old Yarra Cobras have started the 2026 season, with the men competing in Division 1 following promotion last year and the women continuing in Premier B. With established programs and strong community support, the club is set for another positive year.

A highlight of the pre-season has been the club’s ongoing connection with Yarra Valley Grammar. Joint training sessions and development opportunities have strengthened the pathway from school football into the club and reinforced ties with the wider Yarra community.

The Cobras were also proud to take part in the inaugural Return to the Patterson event on 24 April, with players and officials reconnecting with the broader Yarra network. The club continues to welcome new players, families and supporters in 2026.

Instagram: @oldyarracobras
Facebook: facebook.com/OldYarraCobras
Email: president@oycfc.com.au

Every Year 9 student at Yarra is currently working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Bronze), a globally recognised program that builds independence, confidence and real-world capability.  Alongside sport and their Step Up Step Out camp, students complete Skill and Voluntary Service components - and this is where the Old Grammarians network can make a genuine difference.

We are looking for real world opportunities that give students practical experience beyond the classroom - whether that is lending a hand, learning something new, or contributing to the community. It does not need to be complex or time intensive - even small, well-structured opportunities can be incredibly impactful.

Ways you might be able to help:

• Volunteer or community service roles
• Work experience or industry exposure
• Coaching, mentoring or leadership opportunities
• Support with events or local programs
• Skill development across areas such as fitness, business, media, hospitality, technology, education or the outdoors

Students complete 13 hours in both Skill and Service, and many are highly motivated to contribute, learn and connect.

If you, your organisation or your network can offer something - big or small - we would love to hear from you.  Please contact the Year 9 Coordinators at year9.coordinators@yvg.vic.edu

Together, we can help the next generation build confidence, capability and community connection.

• YOG Speed Careering:                            Friday 27 March 
• Annual YOG Golf Day:                             Wednesday 1 April 
• Return to the Patterson:                         Friday 24 April
• YOG Pathways:                                        Thursday 30 April 
• 30 Year Out Reunion (Class of 1996):  Saturday 2 May

You can view the full gallery for each event online at https://www.yvg.vic.edu.au/yog-gallery .

Thank you to all the YOGs who have participated in, and helped to run our recent events, reconnecting with one another at the footy and on the golf course, and generously supporting the next generation of students through their time and careers expertise.