Old Scholars
Joel Solak - from Projectionist to Real Estate
Old Scholar Joel Solak (2012) has worked in a variety of industries and travelled a lot for someone so young! After finishing with the School in 2012, Joel continued working in his role in projection and front of house at The State Cinema, where he stayed for quite some time before catching the travel bug and jet-setting off to the USA. While he was travelling he struck up an unlikely conversation with some Los Angeles locals who offered him a job in a newly formed start-up company that (at the time) was taking on YouTube by only promoting videos of quality-based material. Staff would watch videos before they were posted to the website and content ranged from singer-songwriters, musician’s artists and the like, all of whom were looking to be discovered and take their career to the next level. His role was interactive media manager and it afforded him the ability to study marketing while remaining in the States working.
After a time, Joel started to miss the fresh Tasmanian air, so he ventured home where he continued working at The State Cinema for a time before accepting a marketing role with State Growth and then, when that contract ended, working for the Commonwealth bank in Tier 2 financial advice. All of this while he was still continuing marketing consultancy on the side developing websites and marketing strategies for small, local businesses and consulting with the original company in the USA!
After deciding that finance wasn't for him, Joel impulsively travelled to Mexico and to more areas of the United States before returning home to Tasmania and working for Harcourts Northern Suburbs.
"My first ever sale in real estate was an ex-Department of Defence ammunition warehouse located on the outskirts of the Pontville detention centre. At the time I always struggled with the ethics or seeming lack of in Real Estate itself and made the decision to move into property marketing which is where I’ve worked ever since."
Joel now works for Harcourts Hobart and lives in North Hobart (not too far away from Friends') with his Red Heeler, Mylah.
"I have fond memories of things like stage band, concert band [etc] but in particular I remember in grade 7 playing the bagpipes at the final school bell for the year and having everyone gather round to join in the celebrations. It was immense fun but it somehow turned into a tradition every year after that." (Joel still plays the bagpipes today!)
Thank you, Joel, for sharing your story with us.
Election of the 2018/2019 Association Committee
The Old Scholars’ Association (OSA) is delighted to announce the election of its new committee, voted in at the recent AGM. Early discussions have the committee focused on the development of an old scholar mentor network and the establishment of old scholar sporting teams (more information in the Committee Report below). If you have an interest, or expertise, in these areas we need to hear from you! Please email Richard Batt.
The OSA continues to work in partnership with the School to build the old scholar community in meaningful ways. If you would like to join the Committee there are still some vacancies and we would love to hear from you.
Committee:
President Richard Batt; Treasurer Mike Gluskie; Secretary Mary Woolnough; Committee: Gina Colhoun, Lucy Loney, Mark Nicholson, Robyn Eastley, Paul Baker, Kay Allport, Miriam McFarlane, and Sam Steven.
The newly elected Committee met for the first time on Monday 6 August. A lively and friendly discussion covered the standing agenda items as well as the following additional matters:
Constitution – it was noted the Constitution needed to be updated to reflect changes that have occurred over the past few years. An amended Constitution will be prepared and tabled at the AGM next year.
Mentor Scheme – Committee Member Lucy Loney presented a proposal to set up a mentor scheme within the old scholar community. The Committee was very supportive of this idea. Lucy will endeavour to progress this initiative and further discussions will be held regarding the issues for setting it up. As part of this discussion, it was also resolved to update the Old Scholars section on the School’s website.
Old Scholars Sporting Teams - Lucy also raised the issue of old scholars’ sporting teams. A lot of discussion arose about what had happened in the past and it was confirmed that the OSA would support Friends’ old scholar sporting teams wishing to participate in club sports. Lucy will continue to progress this.
A further update on these initiatives will be available after the next meeting on 5 November. Watch this space for all the news.
Upcoming Reunions
Reunion for 2017 Leavers (One Year)
Thursday 13 December
Reunion for 2013 Leavers (Five Years)
Friday 14 December
Reunion for 2008 Leavers (Ten Years)
Saturday 15 December
Make sure you follow the Old Scholars Facebook page for event details and to book