Old Peninsula Grammarians' Association

The OPGA Term 2 Newsletter Has Arrived!

As we head into the Winter school holidays, we're pleased to share the latest edition of the OPGA Newsletter.

Inside, you'll find updates from the alumni community, highlights from recent events, and booking links for upcoming reunions.

This edition also includes a link to Peninsula Grammar's Term 2 School Newsletter, helping you stay connected with what's happening across the School community.
🔗 Read the newsletter here: www.opga.com.au/news

We hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news and updates.

Our alumni community is full of inspiring stories — and we want to hear yours 💙

From new adventures and career achievements to weddings, babies, reunions and everything in between, your experiences help keep our community connected.

Share your journey by tagging us or sending your updates to [email protected].
You might be featured in our upcoming newsletters or across our social channels.

Let’s keep our alumni community connected 💫

OPGA Flashback Friday | Alumni connections that last

Going back to 1980 this week, we’re celebrating Dave McConville and Chris Kimber — two Peninsula alumni whose friendship and professional connection have stood the test of time.
After leaving Peninsula, both went on to study at Monash University Medical School and, nearly 50 years later, they are still working together.
In Years 11 and 12, Dave and Chris sat with Brett Archer, and the three were inseparable in Biology, Chemistry and Maths with Ed Burston and Mr Rainsford.

Today, they work together caring for children and infants in Bairnsdale. Dave, who lives locally, is a highly regarded GP anaesthetist, while Chris is a paediatric surgeon. Outside of work, Dave enjoys kayaking, gravel biking and tennis, while Chris loves spending time out on the Gippsland Lakes.

Another wonderful example of alumni connections that last!

Have you caught up with a Peninsula peer recently? We’d love to hear your story — and see your photos! Send them to [email protected].

OPGA Flashback Friday – Principal’s Acquisitive Prize
At Peninsula Grammar, the Principal’s Acquisitive Prize is one of the highest honours in our visual arts program — celebrating student work that truly stands out.
Awarded to a Year 12 student, the prize recognises excellence across artistic skill, originality, creativity, and strength of concept. With the artist's consent, each winning piece is acquired by the School and becomes part of a treasured art collection.
Today, many of these works are proudly displayed in the ALATUS gallery, where they continue to inspire students, staff and visitors alike.

We are incredibly proud of the alumni talent behind these remarkable pieces.

Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you to all Peninsula mums and carers—past and present—whose care, comfort, and nurturing have shaped our community across generations.

❤️

Vale Phillip Stokes (Staff 1971–1991)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Phil Stokes, a much loved and deeply respected member of our community who served the School with distinction from 1971 to 1991.

Phil joined the staff in 1971 from Oberon High School, bringing exceptional expertise as a teacher of Practical Studies and Graphic Communication. Across two decades, his dedication to students and school life was evident in both the classroom and the many leadership roles he undertook. He served as a Year Level Master (1974–1989), was a valued contributor to the Glenmaggie development committee, and later held senior appointments as Head of the Creative Arts Department and Head of the Middle School.
Phil’s influence extended well beyond curriculum. He introduced the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to Peninsula and Toorak College, coached cricket, and served for many years as a senior umpire with the AGSV Cricket umpires panel. He also gave longstanding service to the Cadet program, serving as Quartermaster and Officer Commanding.
A passionate advocate for technology education, Phil was widely respected for his expertise, contributing to state and national curriculum committees and presenting internationally, including at the International Design Education Series Conference in Edinburgh in 1990.
Following his departure, Phil remained closely connected to the School and was a regular, warmly welcomed presence at reunions and anniversary events, remembered for his kindness, positivity and generous spirit.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family, friends, colleagues and former students.

Tributes: Messages to be passed on to Phil’s family may be emailed to [email protected].

Job Opportunity! Casual PGS Barista
We need a casual barista for our brand new coffee van — and you could start this Saturday!

Shifts include:
• Saturdays during the term
• Opportunity for additional community events

✅ Start as soon as this Saturday
📩 Get in touch via OPGA DM or [email protected]

Celebrating 60 Years of Our Alumni Association

Established on this day—28 April 1966—as the Peninsula School Old Boys’ Association, our Alumni Association has spent six decades connecting past students with one another and with the School. From the very beginning, the mission has remained steadfast: strong connections, meaningful contribution and lifelong community.

The inaugural meeting in 1966 was led by founding President Daryl Curry and Secretary Russell Bond, with the support of Ken McGarvin and the Reverend Bruce Clark—laying the foundations for an association built on service, participation and pride.

Across the decades, alumni have supported sport, leadership at Glenmaggie, social events, newsletters, careers, scholarships and representation on School Council—creating traditions that continue to thrive today.

Renamed TOPSA in 2000 following the School’s move to co-education, the Association evolved again in 2021 to become the Old Peninsula Grammarians’ Association (OPGA), aligning with the School’s name change to Peninsula Grammar.

Today, OPGA connects more than 11,000 members, united by a shared sense of belonging and the Peninsula experience. Thank you to our alumni and past staff who have helped shape this community.

60 incredible years—and many more ahead. Happy Anniversary, OPGA!

👉 For more information and a list of past Presidents, visit oldpenconnect.com.au

Lest We Forget

On this ANZAC Day, OPGA honours the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of all who have served and continue to serve our nation in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.

We pay particular tribute to the members of our alumni family who have worn the uniform with pride and to all those known to us who have given their lives in service.

Hall of Fame Nominations Close 30 April!

Do you know an Old Peninsula Grammarian or Past Staff Member whose achievements or service deserve recognition? We’re inviting nominations for individuals making exceptional contributions — whether through leadership in their profession, impact in the community, or contribution to OPGA / Peninsula Grammar.

Nominate in:
🏅 Sport | 🎭 Arts | 💼 Industry/Commerce | 🔬 Sciences | 🤝 Community / Public Service | 🏫 School/OPGA

To view a list of past inductees (and spark ideas for your nomination), visit our Hall of Fame page:
👉 www.opga.com.au/alumni/hall-of-fame

Let’s ensure extraordinary stories are recognised. Nominate now for the 2026 Hall of Fame.