January 20 saw the first big event for the year, with a WAPPA Board Meeting followed by an Alumni catch up and Welcome Sundowner. The venue was set at the Melbourne Hotel’s Aurora Rooftop Bar and although the weather was predicting a high 30 degree day, there was ample breeze, refreshments and air conditioning to make the event a great success. The Alumni event was intended to kick the year off, with Alumni members coming together to discuss ways in which they could continue to be involved in WAPPA activities, as well as have regular social activities throughout the year. Given it had been some time since many Alumni members had caught up, Tom Campbell and Phillippa Berkhout gave brief updates about what life looks like for them now. We learnt about house swapping holidays, travel, grandkids and the ability to still work from time to time in the educational sector. It was a great event, attended by a dozen members, who hope to grow these events into regular catch ups.
The Sundowner followed and was attended by close to 100 members and WAPPA Partners. The event was graciously supported by WAPPA Partner OSHClub, with our guest speaker being the newly appointed Minister for Education, Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA. The Minister spoke briefly to members and acknowledged that he would rather mingle and meet people and talk to them about school leadership. It was a refreshing and light hearted message from the Minster, delivered in a manner that warmed him to the membership. Ross from OSHClub then drew the winners for the door prizes, which consisted of WAPPA PL vouchers and some wine packs. It was a great way to kick off the year and whilst it was advertised as 4.00-6.30, our sources tell us that the last to leave made their way home close to 10pm.
