From the President

Dear Old Virgilians

The OVA Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 29 April 2024. I was pleased to see a strong representation from members at the AGM. Members were provided with an opportunity to express their concerns over recent communications from the College in relation to the Honour Roll. All these concerns were raised in a professional and constructive manner, aiming for a stronger and more focused outcome for OVA.

The College Principal, Mr Jon Franzin, was also present and assisted members with explaining the processes adopted by the College, the Christian Brothers, and EREA when addressing matters of concern. I thank the College Principal for his attendance and his explanations of the College processes, but more importantly, for offering the College's support to OVA in working on those areas of communication, including the OVA Memorandum of Understanding with the College and the construction of the OVA Honour Roll as part of the OVA Constitution to avoid future areas of contention. I believe the outcome will provide greater clarity for both OVA and the College.

At the AGM, I foreshadowed a Special General Meeting of members in August this year. This will be an opportunity for OVA members to consider recommended changes to our Constitution, the Memorandum of Understanding with the College, and the "Letters Patent" governing the OVA's role, as well as the processes adopted for the nomination or removal of members from the Honour Roll.

Your committee has already commenced work on this. Alan Robertson will chair the work on the Honour Roll and is supported by suitably qualified members of OVA. I thank those members who have agreed to work with Alan. I will be leading the work on the Constitution and the Memorandum of Understanding with the College, also supported by members who have offered their support.

I wish to thank retiring Committee members Michael Harvey (as Treasurer) and Zac Piesse (immediate Past President) for their commitment and support to OVA members. I also welcome Neil Gibson and Alan Robertson to the Committee. Both new members have already made significant contributions.

Michael Harvey will continue to be the OVA Golf Day coordinator on behalf of the committee and members.

As we near the middle of the year, I hope that all OVA members and their families and loved ones have an opportunity to stay safe and warm. We will ensure regular communication on our progress on the important documents that will come to the Special General Meeting.