Published on: 18 July 2013

About 230 guests attended the Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast held at the UWA Club on Friday 28 June. This year’s guest speaker was WA Football Hall of Fame inductee Grant Vernon, who umpired 310 AFL, WAFL and VFL games.

President of the Parents’ Auxiliary Penelope Drake-Brockman welcomed guests with Director of Service Learning and Leadership Canon Richard Pengelley offering some words of wisdom and grace ahead of breakfast.

In Mr Vernon’s address, he used the analogy of learning to drive in relation to success in life. He talked about the importance of avoiding crashes, changing lanes and negotiating traffic through his own stories.

Mr Vernon, who is Head of Operations for the Minderoo Group and has had a successful business career as Chief Executive for a variety of organisations, told the boys not to be afraid of making different choices to those around them. He spoke about the importance of establishing a brand for yourself and how any situation, such as conflict or not respecting others, could harm your brand.

His stories from the football field were of great interest to both boys and fathers alike. A story of the half-time speech from Hawthorn coach Allan Jeans in the 1989 AFL Grand Final game against Geelong resounded with all.

School Captain Simon Swan thanked Grant on behalf of the School and urged the boys to heed Grant’s advice by enjoying the journey, rather than fixating on the destination, while respecting and caring for others around them.

The Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast was organised by Mrs Drake-Brockman and auxiliary members.