In 1979, David Way, John Tobin, Paul Evans and Peter Mount began their Parade College journey at the Alphington campus, affectionately known as “Flowerdale”.

As the boys settled into their Grade 5 classrooms, their mothers Joan Tobin, Maria Way, Lyn Evans and Kathy Mount met at Flowerdale, and the foundations of a lasting friendship were formed.

In 1983, when the boys moved from Alphington to the Bundoora campus in Year 9, the ladies decided to continue their connection by meeting monthly for lunch at The Old England Hotel.

Maria Way, who particularly loved a good lunch and a catch-up, was reluctant to tell her husband, Tom, that she was heading out for yet another lunch. Instead, she explained that she was attending a monthly Parade College Ladies Committee meeting! While there may not have been too many committee matters discussed over lunch, the name certainly stuck. From that day forward, the group affectionately became known as “The Committee”, a name that has endured for more than four decades.

Over the years, The Committee has welcomed several more mothers whose sons attended Parade, including Trish English, Kathryn Haberman and Noelle Brennan. Sadly, Joan Tobin has passed away, while Maria is no longer well enough to join the ladies at their monthly gatherings. Both remain an important part of the group's story and the special friendships formed through their sons' Parade College years.

Happily, The Committee continues to meet monthly at The Old England Hotel, sharing stories, laughter and friendship. What began as a connection between four mothers has grown into a wonderful tradition that celebrates the enduring bonds created through the Parade College community.

May The Committee's monthly gatherings, cherished friendships and many happy memories continue for many, many years to come!