Jonathon Peatfield

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better in walked what looked like the band. One bloke looked like a legit rock star, he walked in with swagger and carrying what I thought was a guitar case. The bloke next to him was wearing a frilly baby blue suit, he looked like he was straight out of the 70’s! The third bloke had a mop of ginger hair that Ronald McDonald would be proud of. Turns out they weren’t the Roger Bone Band, but rather a few ex-ressies who rolled in for the festivities, Trev, Con and Grug. The guitar case was actually Trevs overnight bag with a few dirty clothes in it, Con had been wearing the baby blue suit all week (and probably most weekends since) and Grug now has an honorary power point in the computer room.

The eclectic mix of personalities that came together during my time at Johns is what made it so unique and exciting. There were a great mix of country and city people, each of them having a crack and getting involved was. This was deemed far more important that what school you went to. There was no difference between a first year and a fourth year, and ex-ressise’s remained a huge part of the College, building a sense of community that still exists. The range of activities to participate in was almost endless, wig off, talent night, no talent night, debating, the College show, waterfalling, a plethora of sports and who could forget IB!

"The place is a hive of activity and has something for everyone. So get amongst it!".

The greatest college event in the country. The place is a hive of activity and has something for everyone. So get amongst it! Johns provided me with an incredible network of friends that I will have for life. We have celebrated 21st, 30th, 40th birthdays and weddings together. We have also banded together to farewell friends and family who have been lost too early. Two charities that are doing amazing work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill health (Batyr - Seb Robertson) and early detection of skin cancer (Beard Season - Scotty Maggs) were created and supported by Johns Alumni. I was lucky enough to head back and meet the current Johns crew at commencement dinner this year, it was great to see the place is alive and well, with an energy and enthusiasm that was buzzing. Hopefully they can revisit the glory days and take out both the sports and arts shield.

Good luck to the new Head of College Jason Lincoln and his team and thanks to all those who made my time so enjoyable.