OSA Chair, Shaun Edmeston with Travis MacLachlan, the OSA President

 Message from the OSA Chair

Dear Old Stithian Alumni

2012 has gotten off to a frantic start as I am sure many of you have noticed. With the school back in action, the Higher Ground Restaurant has been abuzz with people and the OSA is ready for a fantastic 2012.

To start though, I would like to say a sad farewell to Lynde Dicks, who apart from being a mother of two children Francis (2001) and Jono (1998) who have passed through the school, has also been the Boys’ College PR Secretary for many years. It is hard to look back at a year where Lynde has not been completely immersed in the school and the events and we will miss her dearly as she embarks on the next stage of her career, but I have no doubt she will be back to visit us.

Congratulations must go out to all the matrics of 2011 who produced some phenomenal results in their final exams and are now heading off to university, only to be back in a few weeks’ time for the Saints Sports Festival, which now includes not only rugby and hockey, but also tennis and netball. It is going to be a fantastic showcase of the schools’ top sportsmen and -women and of course a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends in the Hospitality Tent.

On that note, I would like to welcome Freddie Grobler, the new Director of Rugby, to the Saints family. Freddie joins us from the Bulls Academy and in the few interactions I have had with him, he is going to make a world of difference to our rugby sides throughout the school.

As many of you know, we have been working long and hard to ensure we add value to you as members, and this year we will be launching our new membership platform.

The proposition will include:

-          Being notified of OSA Dinners, Reunions, Golf Days, Founders’ Day and other events

-     Stay in touch with your Alma Mater

-     Receive newsletters

-     Make use of the One & All facility:

       -          At a reduced rate for Life members.

-     Participate in a variety of Sport available :

-           Crusaders Football Club

-           Crusaders Waterpolo

-           Stithians Fly-fishers

-           Crusaders Hockey Club

-           Crusaders Running/Walking Club

-           Crusaders Cricket

-           Crusaders Cycling

-           Squash & Tennis

-          Receive 10% discounts at all Planet Fitness Gyms (local, regional and national) for 12 and 36 month

      contracts.

-       Affiliate membership with the Legacy Hotel Group where loyalty points can be accumulated for brands

such as Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferrari Stores, African Romance, Ben Sherman & Pringle, to name

a few, including up to 20% discount on accommodation at Legacy Hotels.

Along with this, we will be launching a travel and wine portal as well as a careers portal, all for paid up members of the Association, so look out for the communications and don’t miss out. This year will also see the launch of the Crusaders Rugby Club under the supervision of Freddie and his team, as we look to develop the skills of the youngsters in the school.

We will also have the official launch of the OSA Trust, which through a very generous donation, already has R2 million committed to it.  This has already been used to pay for bursaries for some boys coming to the school as part of developing the rugby talent in the school.  I will be sending out more information in the next few weeks as we tie up the details around how people can get involved in helping to build and grow the school into the future.

There are a number of important dates that are highlighted in the newsletter but don’t forget about the Festival over Easter, 5, 7, 9 April 2012 - I am looking forward to see many of you there. We will be sending out Sports Fixture dates closer to the time, so come and join the Saints Supporters club in making these events an awesome experience for everyone.

On that note, I would like to wish you all, all the best for 2012 and I hope to see you at the One & All Club or around the school very soon.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Regards,

Shaun Edmeston

Chairperson

Old Stithian Association

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