2023 School Magazine

Year Book Edition 2023

Prizegiving 2023

Scott Thelning

E nga iwi, kua eke mai nei, i runga i tenei whare, tena koutou, nau mai, haere mai

Nga mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa hei whakanui i nga tamariki o Cathedral Grammar

Na reira, piki mai, kake mai, haere mai

Ni Hao, Annyong haseyo, Assalaam alaikum, konnichiwa.

Good morning, welcome parents, grandparents, students, colleagues and members of our Board to The Cathedral Grammar School Prizegiving for 2023. I would like to extend a warm and special welcome to Bishop Peter Carrell and Lawrence Kimberley. This year Bishop Peter is with us not only as Bishop, but, as communicated to you, also as the Chair of our Board through his role of Warden of our school. Bishop Peter will remain in this position until a new Chair is recruited. We appreciate all you are contributing to our school Bishop Peter.

Dean Ben sends his apologies for not being able to attend today. With today being a Monday he is unable to be with us as Mondays are a part of his ‘weekend’. He also extends his best wishes to you all for a very Merry Christmas and wonderful school holiday break, together with congratulations to all of today's award recipients.

As we gather here today, amidst the warmth and joy of this occasion, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. This year has been a testament to the incredible dedication, perseverance, and achievements of our school community.

To our remarkable students, you are the beating heart of our institution. Your passion, resilience, and thirst for knowledge have shone brightly in every endeavour, illuminating our school with your accomplishments.

To our incredible staff, thank you hardly seems enough. Your passion, commitment, and tireless effort have been the cornerstone of our success.

You have nurtured minds, inspired creativity, and served as beacons of guidance for our students. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed; it's the bedrock upon which our school stands tall.

To our Board of Trustees, your support and guidance have been the foundation of our endeavours. Your commitment to fostering an environment of excellence bound together by our Anglican character has been pivotal in shaping the success we celebrate today.

To the hardworking members of our Friends' Association, led by Andy Pender, your tireless efforts in collaborating with us, supporting our initiatives, and fostering a sense of community have been invaluable. Your dedication truly embodies the spirit of partnership.

Lawrence, on behalf of our school community, thank you very much for your eight years of dedicated service both as Dean and as a Board member. We always valued your attendance at school, whether it was joining us for Chapel, blessing the animals on Pet Day or joining in the pancake races for Shrove Tuesday. Our school has evolved and adapted over this time, and as is often the case through periods of change, there can be challenging times. Working through these times can make the attainment of aspirations and goals that much more rewarding, and it is our hope that as you reflect upon your eight years as a member of our Board that you do so with a sense of pride and achievement. We wish you, Elizabeth and Aidan all the very best.

A special thank you is extended to Dr John Linker and Kimberley Wood for their ongoing expert and professional tutelage of our Boy and Girl Cathedral Choristers. As the founding reason The Cathedral Grammar School exists, we are so very proud of them, what they provide and offer, and all they stand for. Thank you to you both, and Mr Chris Oldham and the team at the Cathedral, for all you contribute to their success and growth as singers and as people.

I am proud that our Anglican character, anchored in faith, hope, and love, resonates in our daily actions and interactions. It is the guiding light that shapes our ethos, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. Our four pillars— everyone matters, fearlessly aim high, think, try, reflect and do the right thing —form the strong foundation upon which our community stands, nurturing holistic development and characterbuilding.

It is this holistic development that also fills me with pride. Reflecting on the past year, we celebrate not only academic achievements but also the diverse talents and accomplishments across a multitude of areas. Our students have shone brightly in arts, sports, community service, and leadership roles. Your creativity, determination, and passion have illuminated every facet of our school life, enriching our community and leaving us in awe.

Last week we farewelled and paid tribute to staff who are leaving The Cathedral Grammar School this year.

Emma Whitla (Year 2 teacher, one year service) has secured a permanent position at Avonhead School. Kirsty Bailey (Year 2 teacher, five years service) has decided to not return to fulltime work after her parental leave. Emily Evans (tutor, one year service) is heading to London and has a job working in a school supporting its high performance sport programme. Tania Robinson (Accounts Manager - eighteen years service)

has secured a role at Rangi Ruru School. Ryan Shaughnessy (Deputy Principal, two and a half years service) has secured a role outside of education. In addition, we also farewelled Geff Cain and April Pike earlier in the year.

It was lovely to gather as a staff last week and share our sincere gratitude to you all for all you have contributed to our school and school community. You have added such value across the various roles you have and we very much appreciate this. We wish you the very best for the future.

I would also like to acknowledge Lynne Heywood who has stepped into J3L in a full time capacity this term. Lynne, you have done this superbly and provided wonderful continuity for the students and parents. Thank you.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our student leaders - from House Captains, BOSS and Service leaders, choir leaders to chapel committee, sporting and music leaders, head librarians and all of our Year 8 mentor leaders. Congratulations and well done to our 2023 Heads of School - Rose Martin, Joshua Padayachee, Ada Pang and Conor Ruane. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, and particularly enjoyed seeing you ensure that our Anglican character and four pillars have always been at the forefront of what we do and the decisions we make. You have most definitely set a new benchmark with your organisation and communication, and I have very much enjoyed our leaders lunch once per term. I wish you well for your future leadership

aspirations.

Our student leaders for 2024 were announced last week. I am pleased to inform you that the Head Girl for 2024 is Samantha Burrows. The Deputy Head Girl is Heather Walker. The Head Boy is Oliver Ruane and the Deputy Head Boy is Edward Kristiansen-Benge. Congratulations to these four students and others who were selected for the various roles across the school. We are very much looking forward to working with you all as a Year 8 group and as leaders across our school.

Faye, Rose, Megan, Matilda, Maggie, Ruby, Victor, Ben, Derek and Wilkin - as departing Year 8 students, I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your dedicated service, commitment and contribution as Choristers to both our school and the Cathedral. You are forever a part of something very special and unique and we thank you for all you have given and provided. Faye, I would also like to particularly acknowledge you as a founding member of the Girl Choristers. This was a momentous occasion and I hope you hold this memory dear to your heart.

To our Year 8 graduates, you stand at the threshold of a new beginning—a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and endless possibilities. As you prepare to step into the larger world of secondary school, remember the invaluable lessons you've learned during your time at Cathedral Grammar. Cherish the friendships, the laughter, the moments of triumph, and even the occasional stumble—each experience has sculpted you into the remarkable individuals you are today.

Your resilience, determination, and dedication have been truly inspiring. You've displayed incredible growth, not just academically, but as individuals with unique talents, passions, and dreams. As you move forward, carry these lessons with you: the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, the value of curiosity and continuous learning, and the power of kindness and empathy in shaping a better world.

Remember, success is not merely defined by academic achievements or accolades. It's about

the character you embody, the integrity you uphold, and the positive impact you make on those around you. Embrace diversity, embrace challenges, and above all, embrace your authentic selves.

As you spread your wings and venture into the wider horizons ahead, remember the unwavering support of your teachers, families, and friends who have guided and encouraged you every step of the way. They have been your pillars of strength, nurturing your potential and fueling your aspirations.

Today marks both an ending and a beginning. While we bid farewell to this phase of your educational journey, it's also a moment of commencement—a commencement of new friendships, experiences, and discoveries waiting to unfold.

Believe in yourselves, embrace the unknown with courage, and never cease to dream big. Congratulations, Year 8s! Your future is as bright as your determination.

2023 has been another fantastic year for The Cathedral Grammar School, full of growth, challenge, opportunity, success and achievement. These achievements, once again, have spread across the breadth of our curriculum and at a local, regional and national level. I am very grateful for how our parent community, students, staff and Board pull together to create an environment and culture that supports and encourages this for our students.

I am equally grateful for and proud of our relationship focused approach. At the core of our philosophy lies the belief that education encompasses not just the cultivation of minds but the nurturing of hearts. Our focus on student wellbeing is central, recognising that a healthy mind and a nurtured spirit are essential companions to academic achievement. This approach has empowered our students to thrive not just academically but in every facet of their lives.

And oh how we thrived at the end of Term 3 with such stunning performances of Pirates Cantata

and The Sound of Music. This was an absolute highlight for me. Since 1993 I have watched my fair share of operettas. This years will most definitely stay with me forever, simply amazing.

To me, this epitomised who we are as a school. Staff, students and parents, collaborating in a high functioning and supportive environment, striving towards a common goal, utilising strengths and talents to enable our students to flourish, fly and showcase their own strengths and talents. It is moments like this, seeing the absolute joy it brought to so many people, that drives me to do the work we do.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every member of our school community. Your collective efforts, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment have made this year an outstanding success. Let us carry this spirit forward, united in our pursuit of nurturing bright minds, compassionate hearts, and resilient spirits.

May the coming year be filled with even greater achievements, joyous moments, and continued growth. Together, let us continue to inspire, uplift, and empower these wonderful young people before us.

Kia kaha Year eight students, go well, we believe in you.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a safe and fun holiday.

Ma te Atua koutou e manaaki - May God take care of you all.

Scott Thelning Principal Scott

Lawrence Kimberley

Lawrence Kimberley Board Chair

E ngā mana

E ngā reo

E ngā rau rangatira mā.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.

I acknowledge pupils of this Cathedral Grammar School, the parent community, including grandparents and caregivers. Principal Scott Thelning, Chaplain Teresa, and members of staff, fellow board members, Bishop Peter.

Kia ora tātou katoa.

It is a privilege to stand before you today as the outgoing Chair and Dean of this exceptional school. Today we gather to celebrate the year - in particular our cultural and academic achievements; to acknowledge those who are coming to the end of their time in this school, especially the year eight cohort and members of staff moving on to other adventures; and to reflect on our Anglican Character and School values - the ways that we have sought to embody the faith, hope, and love of Christ in our common life together.

First and foremost, we are here to celebrate the children. In my role as Dean, I always enjoyed the time I was able to spend in the school. Blessing spiders on Pet Day one year was a highlight to be sure, but what always stood out was the enthusiasm, curiosity and the humanity of the children. To our pupils: your faces are always filled with hope, and your kind welcome, energy, and creative spirit is an inspiration. You might think that you come to school to learn, and you do. But without knowing it you also teach adults as well. We learn things from you too. Your willingness to care for each other and show empathy, your hope for the future, your willingness to begin taking responsibility and to become leaders, your propensity to dream that anything is possible, helps make our school a place to be proud of. Congratulations

to all students for your year of work and for the ways you have grown and developed this year. To the year eights, we wish you well as you move on to high school. We have every confidence in you. We thank you for your contributions to this school. We will look forward following your journeys into the future.

Another special part of my time with this School has been the connection with the Choristers. This school was founded by the Cathedral Chapter in 1881 as the Cathedral’s Choir School, a role that this school has to this day. The dedication of the Choristers to their singing and music, on top of an already busy school workload, enables them to make music at world class standards. Our choristers stand tall alongside other in any Cathedral in the world. Today we celebrate that, and thank the Cathedral Director of Music, Dr John Linker, and Director of Girl Choristers, Kimberley Wood, and express my gratitude to Chorister parents and families for their commitment to this unique aspect of our school life and contribution to the Cathedral.

Now to Mr Thelning and our dedicated and talented staff team. To you also, I extend the gratitude of the Board. Scott and his team have continued to work incredibly hard. In my roles in the Church, we use the language of vocation because lives are transformed when we love others from the heart and respect and honour every human being no matter what their race or creed. To Scott and the staff team: Your drive to do your best for ‘every child every day’ is what helps make this school what it is. I want to thank you for your passion, dedication, and hard work this year. There are many highlights this year to celebrate. One of them is the Enviroschool initiative, working to create a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world. Another was undoubtedly the operetta. The performances were outstanding, and the talent of our children was out of this world. Congratulations to all who were involved.

You have also rallied around colleagues when they have faced tough life challenges, and in the process, you have helped our children experience what being a member of a supportive and loving community, can look like. In that way you have fostered not only the learning of our tamariki, but shown them how to be good community builders, and to live the values this school believes will guide them through life. In a similar vein, I wish to thank Chaplain Teresa for her prayers and spiritual leadership in the School community this year. On behalf of the Board, I extend best wishes to those staff who our leaving us. We wish you well.

To parents and caregivers, you have entrusted us with the most precious of gifts, your children. We thank you for that trust and we do not take it for granted. A key objective in the Board’s strategic plan is the continuous strengthening of the collaboration and partnership between the School and parents/ caregivers, because when that partnership thrives, and teachers and parents work together respectfully, then our children will flourish. We thank you for your support of our dedicated and professional staff who guide the learning of your children.

To my fellow board members, thank you for your dedication to this School and your work on the Board, much of which is unseen and yet is of vital importance to the school. In January 2023 the Board farewelled Simon Wynn-Thomas, the previous Board Chair, who left large shoes to fill. Michael Munemo resigned from the Board in January 2023 at the end of his three year term. Andrew Marsh also concluded his three-year term on the Board in May 2023. I am grateful that Andrew was willing to continue as a co-opted member of the Audit and Performance Board SubCommittee, which he chaired in 2023. I wish to extend the thanks of the Board to Simon, Michael, and Andrew. This year three parents were appointed as new Board members.

They are Charles Ferguson, Rebecca Rosie, and Salina Li. They are already making a solid contribution to the Board, and they are great additions to the team. And now the Board is welcoming Dean Ben Truman as an ex-officio member of the Board, and we are grateful to Bishop Peter for stepping in to the Chair the Board while the search continues for a permanent Board Chair. We are fortunate to have a cohesive and high functioning Board in good heart, providing effective governance for the school.

The Board has invested time this year receiving assessment evaluation reports through Deputy Principal Ryan Shaunessy. These evaluations help us learn about individual learning growth of our pupils, and school wide assessments help us understand the reality of student achievement, and reveal the trends and areas that need to be focused on for improvement. The Board congratulates staff for the quality of their planning and reporting in this area. It means that the Board is able to take comfort, based on evidence, that the school is delivering educational excellence, and taking learnings to continuously improve teaching practice. For all that I express my gratitude to our Principal, Mr Thelning and all of his team for their professionalism in educational leadership and delivery, and for all the vital roles they play. To conclude, thank you to everyone as we come to the end of another year. I know that if we remain committed to embodying faith, hope, and love in this school, our children, and indeed everyone in this school will flourish and become the delightful human beings that God created us to be.

Ngā mihi nui Lawrence Kimberely Board Chair

Chapel 2023

Chaplain Teresa

Chapel at The Cathedral Grammar School In 2023

The Cathedral Grammar School is a Christian school in the Anglican tradition. Our core values are faith, hope and love. Faith in the Trinitarian God: God the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Hope, the confident affirmation that God is faithful, that He will complete what He has begun. Love, the goodness we choose to do to one another, treating others as we would wish to be treated, and knowing that God loves us so much He gave us His Son, Jesus so that we would love one another and one day be in heaven with Him.

At Cathedral Grammar, our Chapel services use prayers from A New Zealand Prayer Book, the prayer book containing services authorised by the Anglican General Synod, readings from the Bible, and hymns to worship God. We gather in the Specialist Block Hall/Chapel for services: the whole school is together on Mondays and the Prep School on Thursdays. The Junior School Chapel service in the Junior Hall is on Wednesdays and the Pre-School has a weekly Chapel service in their space. Once a term the School joins the Cathedral for a service in the Transitional Cathedral.

2023 saw a return to normal after the Covid restrictions of the previous couple of years.

The school year began with the Beginning the School Year Leaders’ Service in the Transitional Cathedral. For the students and whanau who started at Cathedral Grammar in 2023, this was their introduction to School services at the Cathedral. Reverend Chris Orczy, the Inner City Chaplain spoke about some of the things we learn at school, such as how to read and write and how the world works, how to be with and relate to others, and what it is to follow and what it is to lead. We also learn who we really are and who we are with God.

Reverend Chris reminded the Year 8 students that leadership is about serving. The Year 8 students were presented with their leaders’ badges and

Year 8 ties.

May is Cathedral Grammar’s birthday and the Founders’ Day service in the Cathedral is one of the highlights of the year. At this service, the Choristers are presented with their scholarships. This year several donors were at the service to present their scholarship. Acting Dean Bosco Peters talked about the importance of putting down strong foundations for our lives, to show caring and kindness, to be upstanders, to say sorry when we have upset or hurt someone, to forgive those who have hurt or upset us, to welcome others. These are things Jesus taught us by the way He lived. Our School is built on the foundations of Jesus and His teachings.

At the Term 3 service Bishop Peter, the School Warden, spoke about God’s committed love for each of us. He told us that we have a God of patient love and loving patience. Bishop Peter reminded us the greatest symbol of the Christian faith is the cross because on the cross Jesus dies out of love for us and from the grave, Jesus rises so that we might live forever in the love of God.

Term 4’s highlight is the Nine Lessons and Carols service, which tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus through Bible readings and music. This year the Cathedral was once again full for the service and the singing was wonderful. The Junior School String Ensemble introduced the Junior Chapel Choir anthem.

The year finished with the Leavers’ Service. The Year 8s were presented with a Bible, thanks to the Friends’ Association, and a leavers’ plaque. This is a bittersweet service as we farewell our Year 8 students. We are sad to say goodbye but know that they are ready for the next step in their schooling as they head off to high school.

Music plays a key role in our worship. Thank you to Mr Adams, Mrs Dark, Dr Linker, Ms Wood, Mrs Holt, and all our choirs and musicians for the mahi that

you put into ensuring we all offer our best to God in song as well as in spoken word.

I wish to thank the 2023 Chapel Committee, Aubrey Doney, Head of Chapel Committee, Maddy Gorinski, Elsa Meng, Evie Lavender, Andrew NagyRichards, Olin Spence, and Toby Adams, for their support with school Chapel services, Cathedral services, and of me. They have done a superb job of leading Chapel services, reading, and praying. They have also undertaken the role of greeters, welcoming everyone to School Chapel services and ensuring there were enough seats for all. They play a vital role in Cathedral services, supporting the wonderful Peter Dawe, Assistant Verger and Cathedral Custodian, with his duties.

Thank you 2023 Chapel Committee.

Teresa Kundycki-Carrell Chaplain

Head Girl

Rose Martin

Kia ora koutou . My name is Rose Martin and it has been my privilege to be Head Girl of The Cathedral Grammar School in 2023.

The Cathedral Grammar School is made up of students who have been here since Pre-School, some of us have come from a variety of schools around Christchurch, New Zealand and even the world. But on Tuesday 12 December at 12 noon, we will start our new phase as high schoolers. Although we are dispersing to different schools, we will always be Grammarians, and the memories we've created here together will always stay with us.

The opportunities we have been given at The Cathedral Grammar School have been phenomenal. My passions are singing and music, and I don’t think there could be a better school for a girl, like me, who just wants to sing. Our Operetta, ‘The Sound of Music’, in this Christ’s College auditorium was a big highlight this year, and our band quest performances at Burnside High School were also outstanding. Of course, I have loved being part of the Girl Choristers during the past two years. Throughout this time the Girl Choristers have been such a strong team and we have improved so much. I am also really going to miss getting up at 6 am every morning for those 8 am starts.

To the Year 8 girls, we have created some great memories together. A main highlight was Year 8 camp when we walked the Hogsback trail at Castle Hill. The views were amazing. Once we reached the end of the hill, we all slid down the steep slope together between rocks and prickle bushes. Faye managed to slide down the hill at such a fast speed she had to grab onto the roots of bushes to stop her fall. When we finally made it to the bottom, it just became a hilarious memory.

English with Mrs Leith was especially fun. I loved it when we got to make hot chocolate in the middle of English class. I also enjoyed

Mr Brooke’s slideshows in Science with all the animations to make them exciting.

Getting to work with Ada, Josh, and Conor this year has been tremendous. I loved our online Saturday afternoon meetings where we planned all the upcoming events, all whilst Josh would be also fixing his bike and cooking dinner in the background. This year has taught all of us how to multitask.

Our school pillars are, ‘Do the right thing’ ‘Think, Try, Reflect’ ‘Fearlessly aim high’ and finally ‘Everyone matters’. The Cathedral Grammar School motto is ‘Semper Fidelis’ which translates to ‘always faithful’. The school motto connects to the pillars by reminding us to always stay faithful to our school pillars.

Something that has really stood out for me at our school is that every day I walked through the gates I felt like I was cared for, I felt like the teachers noticed our strengths and needs as individuals, and like one of our school pillars I have felt like ‘Everyone Matters’. I also really appreciate how the teachers celebrate with us when we have successes. Regardless of whether an activity is our strength or we just want to take part, I think the teachers have our backs. So, I want to say thank you for everything The Cathedral Grammar School has given all of us.

Thank you to our teachers for captivating classes, for caring, and for teaching us to be courageous. Thank you to all the Year 8 students for the friendship, and the fun.

At 12 pm on the 12th of December, we finish our time here together, but our memories will remain part of us forever.

Rose Martin Head Girl 2023

Head Boy

Joshua Padayachee

Good morning, Chairman of the Board, Board members, Mr Thelning, staff, parents, friends and fellow students. My name is Joshua Padayachee and it has been my honour to be the Head Boy for 2023. I would like to welcome you to our annual prize giving ceremony.

The Cathedral Grammar School has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember it. In 2015, I started at Cathedral Grammar in Year 1. Junior School then was still in a prefab building where our fantastic new Boys’ School stands today. Mrs Crone was my first teacher and just like any five year old, I believed every word she said. Apparently, my listening skills weren’t so good as my parents tried to convince me that the song was Noah built the arc, but I insisted Mrs Crone taught me that no one built the arc. I've been very lucky to have some amazing Junior School teachers like Miss Forrest, Mrs Dark and Mrs Erasmus who made learning so much fun, I never wanted to miss a day of school. My favourite club activity in Junior School was Mrs Black’s cooking class, where every week we cooked something new and delicious. We still cook Mrs Black's yummy sausage rolls at home to this day.

The next year, we moved into our award winning Junior School with the rooftop playground which was opened by Sir John Key in 2016. It was particularly memorable when the Bishop came down the slide.

In Year 4, we moved into Inveresk, where the boys’ locker room was entered at your own risk (or with a peg on your nose). One of my favourite memories includes Year 6 Civix, a game where we learnt about politics and working with other parties. Mr Lean - Massey enjoyed allocating a secret agenda to each student, contrary to our personalities. Lawsuits were filed and corruption was rife. We could've given Mr Luxon a few tips on coalition negotiations.

In 2020, Covid hit. Because of our dedicated staff, learning continued and disruption

was minimal. My friends overseas missed nearly two years of school as a result of the pandemic. Thank you to all the staff who worked so hard to ensure we could continue our learning. During level 3 lockdown, since my parents were essential workers, I had to go into school. The rules for being in close proximity were strict, so for the first time, I learnt how to play hopscotch- which was the preferred social distanced activity.

In 2022 we moved into the new Boys’ School which has been an amazing facility to use. We are lucky at Cathedral Grammar to have so many opportunities. There is always something that suits our talents and interests and we also get to try new activities. During my time here, I've been fortunate to be able to try a variety of sports like football, table tennis, tennis and duathlon. Extend sports on Friday afternoons was another great opportunity, and I enjoyed learning how to stand up paddle board and how to rock climb. I appreciate the significant time and effort our sports teachers, Mrs Harrington, Mrs Kimber, Mrs Jones and Mrs Evans put into organising our sporting events and house competitions.

Our school provides us with a rich arts and music experience. Over the years, I have been fortunate to be nurtured by many passionate music teachers from Mrs Dark in Junior school to Mrs Lowe, Mr Adams and Mrs Holt in Prep School. I've participated in orchestra, string and chamber groups and Bandquest. This year, in the Christchurch Schools Music Festival, Cathedral Grammar had the second highest number of students of all participating schools. This is a notable achievement considering the comparative small role of our school. My operetta experiences have allowed me to graduate from being an aphid in Bugs, to having the role of the butler in The Sound of Music. I’m sure that you all enjoyed the recent annual art exhibition and we have Mrs Gray and Mrs Edmond to thank for exposing us to such interesting art projects. The Year 7 Wearable Arts project was especially fun. My partner,

Ada Pang, Rose Martin, Joshua Padayachee and Connor Ruane.

Charlie did a great job modelling our sea creature and not tripping over his blue flippers. I’ve also been involved in Cantamath, Otago Problem Solving and Science Fair. Charlie, Tom, Conor, James and I had so much fun competing in a science, engineering, problem solving challenge called Epro8. We were Canterbury champions in year 6 and 8. Thank you to Mr Lean - Massey and Mr Brooke for supporting us and for running the program.

Our annual camp provided even more highlights. Experiences I’ll always remember include fun at the water slides at Hanmer Springs in Year 6, freezing during our overnight sleep this year at Castle Hill and kayaking at Wainui in Year 5. Before leaving, I have to thank a number of people. To Mr Brooke, who always made science and Maths fun and is an endless source of knowledge and wit. We’re still not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic. I particularly enjoyed how in the middle of our first science test, you told us that for every question with a word spelt incorrectly, our marks would be halved. This sparked confusion and chaos until you casually said “just kidding”.

I am grateful to Mrs Leith for always making English fun. Your positive, enthusiastic teaching style always made learning enjoyable. To all my homeroom teachers who supported and nurtured me. A special mention to Mrs Bennett who managed to get a class of rowdy, teenage boys through their last year of primary school and for making this year memorable and special. To all the office staff, caretakers, and Mrs Hazel in the uniform shop, who all work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly, thank you.

Thank you to Mr Thelning, Mr Shaughnessy and Ms Dyer for your support and leadership advice. Leadership lunches rank highly in my Cathedral Grammar highlights list. Finally, thank you to my fellow head students, Rose Martin, Ada Pang and Conor Ruane. We’ve had great fun organising weekly assemblies, pancake races and sausage sizzle fundraisers for victims of cyclone Gabriel to name a few. Soon, next year’s leaders will be taking our place, and the school will continue without us. I congratulate Oliver, Edward, Samantha and Heather, who are the Head Students for 2024. I wish you all the best and I hope you enjoy the leadership position as much as I have.

I’ve had a wonderful experience at Cathedral Grammar. It has given me a rich foundation for life and made me ready for high school. Thank you to my classmates for being a part of my primary school memories. I'll always remember the fun times we spent together.

As we all go on our different paths, I wish you all the best and a merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

Joshua Padayachee Head Boy 2023

Head of Pre-School

Rachel Baxter

As we reflect on the past year at The Cathedral Grammar Pre-School, we think of the diverse and enriching experiences our tamariki have had. From gymnastics to exploring the captivating world of Wassily Kandinsky's centric circles inside squares, our tamariki has embraced all on offer with enthusiasm.

As part of our extra-curricular experiences’, yoga has become a regular practice, promoting mindfulness and well-being among tamariki. Spanish lessons added a touch of linguistic diversity, broadening the horizons of our learners. The year has been filled with weekly Pitter Patter dance classes teaching rhythm and movement, culminating in a delightful dance recital showcasing the skills our wee ones have established. To say we had some proud parents and friends in the audience would be an understatement. A small group of children undertook weekly piano lessons under the watchful and skilful guidance of Miss Marina. Thea, one of our Pre-School students, shared her beautiful violin playing with us, and it created quite a bit of interest amongst her peers, so watch this space.

We've celebrated a tapestry of cultural events, from Matariki, Lunar/Chinese New Year and Diwali, to New Zealand Sign and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori language weeks.

Environmental consciousness has been nurtured, particularly with the Enviroschools initiatives we have undertaken this year. We have researched worms, and re-established our worm farm, with the support of Anita Croft from Growing Kiwi Gardeners. Anita, along with the teaching team, has also supported the children in investigating seeds, seedlings and plants, and we have established a very successful vegetable garden and sunflower patch, allowing us to extend mathematical and scientific concepts. The wonder of nature unfolded before our eyes as we observed the life cycle of butterflies, capturing their magical

transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis and finally into a butterfly. We explored waste reduction and recycling and to do what we can at Pre-School to care for Papatuanuku (earth mother) every day. Tamariki also embraced the newly introduced kaitiaki role, fostering a deeper connection to the environment. We were kindly gifted a tree by Nicky Thorne from Enviroschools and we look forward to receiving our bronze Enviroschools award early next year.

The hands-on experiences of baking have been enjoyed along with the crafting of beautiful bugs from recycled materials.

Excursions were a highlight for many, from exploring the beautiful grounds of Willow Bank to athletic adventures at Nga Puna Wai and cross-country explorations at Hagley Park. Our Tuakana group visited Turanga: Central City Library, taking the city tram for a transportation adventure in our community. We are always so proud of how well-mannered and respectful our tamariki are when we are out and about.

Termly transition-to-school visits, and graduations, marked significant milestones preparing our tamariki for the next exciting chapter.

We learnt about friendships with Life Education's Harold the Giraffe and were able to apply this learning throughout our Pre-School year. We enjoyed being a part of the wider school experiences, having older students come into our classroom to support us and buddy with us when visiting the art exhibition. We found the Pancake Tuesday relay races exciting and funny.

Some special animal guests visited us at PreSchool throughout the year adding moments of joy and learning. April’s sister brought along two lambs, who were wearing tiny woollen vests and were fed bottles of milk by the children. Ollie's ducklings (the cutest things you have ever seen) called Hippo and

Horse, came for the day and we learnt all sorts of things we never knew about caring for ducklings. Once again Tuffy and Diva (ponies) led by Caitlin in J2W, visited to give the children a horse-riding experience in the car park, this is always such a highly anticipated event. We have also been blessed with regular visits from our favourite adorable family dogs, Fergus (Miss Rachels’ Cavoodle), Polar (Bears’ enormous Wirehaired Pointer), Baily (Lydias’ Golden Retriever), Ollie (Mrs Watsons’ Labrador), Tommy (Rans’ Maltese), and Banks (Miss Melissas’ German Shepherd).

In February, we had a regular review by the Education Review Office (ERO) which was a positive experience and gave us some further direction for the year ahead.

Our commitment to safety was extended through the practising of regular fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills. We had a visit from the Christchurch Central Fire Brigade, who brought along their Fire engine, and we squirted the fire hoses, such fun! Staff participated in First Aid and Child Protection training ensuring they are up to date with the most current information.

We welcomed many new faces to our PreSchool community and were delighted to have some wonderful non-regular teaching staff, supporting us throughout the year.

Our physical learning environment has been enhanced with the addition of new tables and chairs, family corner equipment, heat pumps, sunshades, a new shed, new sandpit sand, new wall paint throughout and floor coverings, all

contributing to a vibrant and modern learning space for children. Special thanks to Emma and Emily, our dedicated caretakers, for their hard work in caring for our outdoor space each morning, as well as undertaking the arduous task of sanding and oiling our wooden blocks and creating our new garden areas.

In the spirit of giving, we visited the Transitional Cathedral Christmas tree to share gifts with those less fortunate, instilling a sense of empathy and community responsibility, and we celebrated the story of Christmas with our annual Nativity Christmas Concert. We are as a team, immensely proud of the courage and commitment displayed by the children during the rehearsals and performance.

Thank you to the wonderful team of teachers I have supporting my efforts to guide this ship throughout each year, without them, we could not offer the outstanding programme we do. Together we are a united and dedicated group of educators who are here to serve our community.

As we bid farewell to this eventful year, we look forward to more adventures, learning, and growth in the coming year.

Nga mihi

nui,

Rachel Baxter Head of Pre-School

Dean of Junior School

Erin Gribble

Another year of learning and growing in the Junior School has come to an end. From aquatic escapades, to environmental explorations, our students have navigated through the year making the most of the variety of learning opportunities they have been given. Here are a few highlights of 2023.

The children settled into their new classes quickly in Term One, and were very welcoming to the new children and teachers. They familiarised themselves with school routines, and embraced new learning. Term One ended with a splash, as students dove into two weeks of swimming lessons at Aqua Gym. Their swimming skills, water confidence, and independence all showed great improvement over the fortnight.

In Term Two, Harold the Giraffe once again captivated the students with valuable lessons on health and well-being. We then moved into an environmental focus, with students cultivating a sense of responsibility towards protecting our environment. Students enjoyed a trip to the Botanic Gardens to create their own worm farms, which was reinforced later in the year with the official opening of our very own Cathedral Grammar worm farm!

We were also visited by TOCK the Robot, and an educator from Envirokids who shared more information with us on the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. The term finished with a whole-school Matariki celebration day, including attending a wonderful Matariki concert by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Term Three brought a wave of creativity and

musical expression as students participated in The Pirate Cantata, under the fabulous guidance of Mrs Dark. This not only provided a platform for students to explore and develop their musical abilities, but also fostered teamwork, perseverance and resilience as they worked to bring the operetta to life. The performances were absolutely outstanding, and we were so proud of all that the students achieved.

Term Four began with Athletics Day. Mrs Ellery provided fun and challenging activities for the students to practise their developing physical education skills. The tug-of-war was a highlight for many! We then moved into an animal focus for the remainder of the term. Students enjoyed a trip to Orana Park to learn about animal habitats. We also had another very informative talk from Mr Lucy, where he shared information about how various animals communicate with each other. The much-anticipated Pet Day was worth waiting for, where students proudly displayed their beloved pets. From ponies to pet pine cones, the day was a great success.

As we look back on 2023 and celebrate the achievements, progress, friendships and memories made, we wish all of our Junior School students well in their continued learning journeys. We are so proud of you all!

Erin Gribble Dean of Junior School

Operetta: The Pirate Cantata

Operetta: The Pirate Cantata

Junior School J1G

Memories

Thomas Wang: My favourite memory is being on stage and doing the actions and singing in our Operetta. In PE I liked it when you climb up on the wooden boxes and motorbike jump off!

Oscar O’Byrne: My favourite memory is Pet Day because I walked my pet dog, Obi around the ring. He won the fastest dog and the best trick award.

Nina Francois-Boyer: My favourite memory is the Operetta because I was a mouse and I had to eat the cheese.

Annabelle Cording: My favourite memory is Pet Day because there were lots of animals to see and even kittens. I made a pet rock, and she was called Cup Cake. Her favourite activity is hanging out with me.

William Fergusson: My favourite memory is when I made my pet rock for Pet Day. My pet rock was called Mr Jetpack and he had booster rockets and wings so he could fly!

Archie Fleetwood: My favourite memory is Operetta because I liked dressing up and being a pirate. I liked Pet Day because I was able to take my dog, Charlie around the ring. He was best at doing the tricks.

Robyn Wang: My favourite memory is Pet Day and making my pet rock, Cloudy. She was a cute and happy pet rock.

Evan Lau: My favourite memory is Pet Day

because I liked watching the dogs doing their tricks in the ring. In the Operetta I liked dressing up as a pirate.

Archie Vink: My favourite memory is the Operetta because I liked dressing up as a pirate. I also liked Pet Day because all the dogs were running around the ring and Mr Cording got a certificate for jumping.

Yanwei Du: My favourite memory is Pet Day when you could bring along a non-living animal. I also liked Operetta when we were waving the glow sticks. At Orana Park the rooster made a loud noise and I laughed a lot.

Oliver Jacka: My favourite memory is Music because I liked playing the instruments like the bucket drums and singing. In the Operetta I liked being a pirate.

Emma Soper: My favourite memory is Pet Day because I got to see all the pets and my favourite pet was the kitten. I like Poetry time when we colour in the page about the poem.

Eddie Huang: My favourite memory is Printing. I like it when we are writing our names and our own sentences. I also liked Pet Day because we got to bring our own pets to school like my kitten.

Willem Farrant: My favourite memory is dressing up as a pirate in the Operetta. I thought the moustache was funny on my face. I liked singing the songs and doing the actions.

Memories Junior School J1E

Penelope Walker: Pancake Day was my favourite. I really liked it when we did the pancake race. It was quite fun making the pancakes in the classroom because we got to cook them and eat them!

Oliver Liu: I liked it when we filled up the pom pom jar and we did some baking. We made chocolate crackles. It was delicious.

Jun Park-Liu: I liked when we did the tug-ofwar at Athletics Day. At the start when we were just pulling, the rope didn’t really move. Then it did really big pushes, and then J1G won! I felt confused when they won because I thought we would win. I felt happy for them though.

Ryan Li: Orana Park was my favourite because they had good animals like lions and also meerkats. They had gorillas and giraffes. We fed the giraffes and one of the giraffes licked my finger with its disgusting purple tongue! I wish they could brush their teeth, because they were a bit stinky.

Savreen Kaur: I liked swimming because it was fun. We went in a bus to the pool, and I learnt about kicking.

George Gough: My favourite thing this year is writing. I like writing the words, because I’m getting lots better at them. I like writing real and made-up stories, especially about indominus rex and tyrannosaurus rex destroying the school!

Mark Guo: I liked Pet Day because my cat was not happy. He hissed at people and tried to get out. He didn’t get a prize.

Anita Fei: My favourite memory is Pet Day, because we could go into other classes to look at the pets. I liked the little kitten, because it was

licking its paw and it was so cute. I made a flower tower and a dirty pet rock.

Aston Saenmuang: PE is my favourite, because we play games. I like doing the stations because it is fun, and I like climbing.

Ismay Bi: Pet Day was my favourite because we got to bring a toy and go to the dog show. I liked watching the dogs. Some of them were funny at jumping and they made the obstacles fall down.

Thea Thomas: My favourite was going to Orana Park. I liked seeing the meerkats and the otters, because they were very cute.

Karanveer Singh: Art is my favourite, because I like crafts. I do crafts at home too. Mrs Edmond does fun things with us.

Arlo Pitman: Orana Park was my favourite because we got to see lots of animals, and also we got to see the gorillas and I really like gorillas. I liked seeing the giraffes too. The giraffes licked me and it felt fizzy. I liked them very much.

Harvey Curwin: I like Art. We made some centipedes out of paper and we needed to cut lines and fold. I showed my buddy at the Art Exhibition. She said “I like it.”

Aaron Montgomery: My favourite is learning about butterflies. They hatch out of a chrysalis and they are a butterfly. They have to pump the fluid into their wings. There are caterpillars in Mrs Donker’s class.

Georgina Kappely: My favourite memory was when we made the pet rocks. It was really fun doing all the crafts. I added feathers and a couple of sparkles. I put a carrot in its habitat because it needed something to eat.

Junior School J1D

Memories

Asteria Townsend: I loved bringing my cat Pepper to Pet Day because she is my favourite.

Alex Han: My favourite memory is dressing up as a pirate for our operetta. I was great on stage.

Diana Ta: I enjoyed playing on the roof slide with Aster.

Harvey McLaughlin: I liked counting in tens. Maths was my favourite part of the day.

Isaac Trowbridge: I liked being on stage performing our Operetta. I have never been on stage before, so it was exciting. I liked being dressed up as a pirate.

Josephine Liang: My favourite memory is seeing the giraffes and gorillas when we went to Orana Park.

Lauchie Stewart: I liked my teacher. I liked learning how to skip count in twos.

Lawrence Lee: My favourite memory is about Pet Day. Oscar’s dog was fast when he was close to the end of the obstacle course.

Liz Shen: My favourite memory is watching the caterpillars change into butterflies.

Mila Connelly: I liked watching the dog called Rainbow at the dog show during Pet Day.

Sean Park: My favourite memory is playing with William Huang. We played in the sandpit together.

Teddy McGrath: I liked the dog show because the sausage dog could leap over the blue blocks.

Junior School J2D

Memories

Evelyn Burke: I am most proud of all the progress I have made in Writing, Maths, Operetta and Art but best of all - everything! Because everything is so fun! I loved swimming because we all made a whirlpool.

Sanne Mitchell: I will never forget when I met Amaia on the Buddy Bench and that is how we became friends. My favourite memory was the Operetta because the Highland Dancers got to do a special hornpipe dance. I am most proud of winning the cross country.

Karter Rosie: My favourite memory was Operetta because I liked the songs. My favourite song was 'Speed Bonnie Boat' using the glowsticks. We got to crack them and watch them glow up.

Harry Swainson: My favourite memory was Pet Day because Gizmo, my cockatiel, came to school and in the afternoon my frog got an award certificate. I said to my sister “YAY!”Ayla Yang: My favourite memory is Shrove Tuesday. It’s a special day for pancakes. The funniest memory is Orana Park because I thought I saw a peacock but it was a peahen. My favourite memory was seeing my brother around school. He told me jokes such as “Why does a bird fly East? Because it’s too far to walk!” I am most proud of swimming because it was when I learned to put my head underwater to Ring-aring-a-rosie.

Amaia Dixon: I liked it when Mr Adams dressed up as a big bunny for Pet Day. Someone kept saying there is a big bunny on the loose around school and for a second I thought it would be Mr Thelning, but it was Mr Adams! I loved when the chairs stacked themselves and they went on strike because we hadn’t been taking care of them. We had to stand up to work. It was funny because after lunch we wrote them letters apologising. They wrote back to us and we got our chairs back again. In J2D, I am most proud of making friends.

Leo Harris: My favourite memory was when it was Pyjama Day because it was on my birthday. We got to eat a giant cake in our pyjamas. I’m most proud of getting a first-place certificate for the best flower sand saucer on Pet Day. My favourite time in J2D was when we tested the most popular smartie in our packet of lollies. The funniest part in J2D was when the dog show happened, the dogs were very, very funny.

Archer O'Neil: My favourite memory was TOCK because he could time travel. He even went to the Dinosaurs! The funniest memory was swimming, when I forgot to put my goggles on and when I jumped water got into my eyes. I will never forget Athletics Day, I came fourth. I am most proud of spelling.

Mace Johnson: When I came into Year 2 I was nervous and happy. My favourite memory was when we got to do our Matariki stars, the Hiwai-te Rangi wishing stars. We worked with J2W. We got to put lots of cool patterns around the star. I liked doing art with Mrs Edmond. We got to do lots of creative things like drawing bugs. I liked going to the art exhibition and seeing my artwork. I will never forget our Operetta and Orana Park.

Iris Li: My favourite memory was Shrove Tuesday because we made two pancakes each. We decorated the pancakes. The decorations were sprinkles, little marshmallows and honey. My other favourite memory was visiting a J3 classroom to spend the morning with them. I liked making bookmarks while the J3s were sewing animals. It felt like I was in J3! I’m most proud of Athletics Day because I came second in the running race.

Max Ma: I like doing art with Mrs Edmond because I love being creative. My favourite memory was PE because I liked hitting the balls with the cricket bat. My funniest memory was Pyjama Day because it was very funny seeing everyone wearing their pyjamas.

Vincent Zhou: I liked PE because there were ball obstacles. We could bounce on the wall then on the ground and catch it. My favourite memory is Pet Day because there was a frog in our classroom! The funniest memory was that Harold the Giraffe was hiding a card with answers in his bedroom. I am most proud of getting better at Maths because I know a lot of Maths.

Warren Xu: I loved the school disco because I had never been to one before. They had medals for the best dancers and outfits. My favourite memory is the Cooking School because we did lots of activities with Mrs Leith. I will never forget my friends because I play with them every day. My funniest memory is Harold the Giraffe because Harold kept putting a fake carrot in Ange’s ear.

Hana Lin: My favourite thing was doing Operetta because I loved using the glowsticks and cracking them in Speed Bonnie Boat. My favourite memory was Pyjajma Day. I remember it because I liked Amaia’s drink bottle and her costume. I liked my costume too! I will never forget it!

Royce Mong: My favourite memory was doing

backstroke underwater in swimming because I didn’t know I could float. The funniest moment in school was when I was doing the tug-of-war at athletics. Sadly I fell and my team fell. It was funny as well. I am most proud of J2D because I like maths and want to learn more division. I will never forget about this class.

Sebastian Kearns: My favourite part of Operetta was doing the bows because at the end of the show I came to the front of the stage and I was going to see my Mum and Dad. My favourite memory was when we went to the Disco because we danced and we had pizza. I had a photo with Archer. It was so fantastic! I liked it when we went to Harold the Giraffe. Harold kept putting a carrot in Ange’s ear and around her face. It was so funny.

Amos Hu: My favourite thing was playing Kelly Sports with my friends. My favourite thing was seeing TOCK’s movies. I am most proud of getting the Art Cup in front of the entire Junior School and in front of the parents. The best thing I learned was that we can do a lot of things so we can protect the earth, universe and nature to let people survive longer and let our creatures have fresh leaves, fruits and fresh air.

Memories Junior School J2W

Jackson Brown: Making a poster about a country that is made up.

Blake Davis: Orana Park because of the interesting animals and it was fun.

Annabelle Everist: Orana Park because I liked seeing all the animals.

Leah Feng: Doing poetry because we get to make things to do with the poem.

Hazel Harris: Jungle Party because we brought toys and I brought Mickey.

Leo Harris: Orana Park because looking at the chimps was fun.

Katelyn Henderson: Pet Day because I brought Tuffy and Diva. I talked about what they eat. I had so much fun making Diva trot.

William Hwang: Orana Park because it was fun feeding the giraffe and it was very cute.

Harvey Kibblewhite: Jungle Party because I got to bring Charmander to the party.

Jack Kirkpatrick: Orana Park because the lions were so amazing when they looked at us.

Evelyn Liu: Orana Park because the tiger looks cute and fluffy and also nice.

Melody Ma: Orana Park because we could feed the chimps and look at them swinging.

Davey Mallinson: Orana Park because feeding the giraffes was very cool.

Taylor Newman: Going to Orana Park because you can see lots of animals.

Jamie Oh: Going to Orana Park because it was fun feeding the giraffes some leaves.

Walter Rogan: Cricket because I am very good at batting.

Raffaele Rohekar: Athletics because I came third in the running race.

Jasper Tang: Art because it was fun making the monsters because I like painting the box.

Naomi Ren: Poetry because of the drawing, craft and the tree house that I drew.

Selena Ta: Art because we can do painting, drawing and making things.

Memories Junior School J3C

Maddison Swainson: My favourite memory was the disco. I loved the disco because there were cool lights.

Jayden Wu: My favourite memory this year is the Iwi Game. It is my favourite memory because we were winning until the Queen took over. Because of the Queen, no one ended up winning.

Cynthia Yang: My favourite memory this year was Pet Day. My bird won first place! She was very happy.

Ben Pelvin: My favourite memory from Year 3 was the Evolution Game. My pack was the only one to not get endangered. I really liked how the burrows could not get destroyed.

Ben Fletcher: My favourite memory this year was the Operetta because I was the main character. My favourite part was the final song. I liked it when I surprised everyone at the start of the performance.

Timmy Zhang: My favourite memory was the Iwi Game. I really enjoyed it because I learned about Maori weapons and I learned some different iwi names. I was in Ngati Maniapoto.

Louis Law: My favourite part of this year was using the petri dishes. I was in the ladder group. We used the dishes to show which area grew the most bacteria. Are you wondering which group grew the most bacteria? My team was first!

Ethan Pang: My favourite memory was the Iwi Game. My iwi was Ngati Toa and my team was the first to find greenstone. We also had the most mana.

Conor Pope: My favouite thing this year was doing computer coding. I love making different

kinds of games in Scratch! My favouite game I made in Scratch was called ‘Cat Ball Game’.

Kaden Francois-Boyer: My first favourite memory in Year 3 was Pet Day because Alex’s dog, Rainbow, jumped over all of the jumps. I also liked going around all of the classrooms to see all of the animals.

Lindsey Huang: My favourite memory this year is Pet Day. I saw so many cute guinea pigs. At the end of the day, everybody was crowding around my 5 week old kitten! Even the Year 4 girls came.

Charlotte Lucy: My favourite memory was the Iwi Game. It was fun because we got to be an iwi from the past. I was in Tuhoe.

Eric Gao: My favourite thing in Year 3 was coding. In coding, we made mazes and fireballs. The games were very hard!

Georgia Hobson: My favourite memory is going Orana Park. Some children in my class went there in a bus, but I went in the van. When we got there, we had morning tea. Later that day we saw the meerkats. They were my favourite animal at the park. I also liked the gorillas.

Ollie Li: My favourite memory this year was when we went to Athletics Day. The first thing my team did was the obstacle course. It went perfect until it got so windy that my sun hat blew away! I also did the sprint race. I was nervous at first, but when we started I was fine. I came second place in the race!

Danny Malone: My favourite thing to do this year is Code Breakers. I like figuring out unexplained codes and learning new ciphers. My favourite cipher is the A1Z26 cipher.

Memories Junior School J3L

Max Chen: My favourite memory in Year 3 was the Iwi game because we won the whole game because we had the most mana (30) and we had an insane battle with red.

Teynuk Samaranayaka: One of my favourite memories was Athletics day. On Athletics Day, I loved the tug-o-war even though my House lost against yellow House. I was very proud of myself when I came third in the sprints. I liked the cricket ball throw.

Alexander Jones: My favourite memory was the school disco. I went with Nico to take photos in the photo booth. I was looking handsome in my mufti. The lights, DJ and pizza were amazing.

Haydn Van Zyl: In Year 3, Mr Cording introduced us to the Iwi game which is a game and you have you and they have pātu and tokū and other tools which they would use to kill moa and other things. I was in black and we teamed up with all the teams to white and we attacked white and they died. Then orange and purple (two teams) arrived.

Halwin Xu: My favourite memoryin Year 3 was learning about energy transfer. We were making catapults. I launched it and it went so far.

Adriana Connelly: One of my favourite memories was our Junior School trip to Orana Park. It is one of my special and favourite places. We enjoyed hearing the lion roar and it was interesting when we fed the giraffes. My giraffe snatched the leaves off me.They looked so tall-about 16 feet!

Harry Lucy: One of my favourite memories in Year 3 was when I did an oral language presentation on the symbiosis of the Maned Wolf. Symbiosis means different species helping each other survive. I got a Pet Day award for it.

Anthia Yang: My favourite memory was pet day. I brought my budgie, Coconut. Coconut ended up coming out of the cage. She also bit me and Teynuk!

Isobel Jacka: In Year 3 my favourite memory was sewing the plushies. I was really good at everything and I finished first. I made two plushies, a bag and a bookmark. I also made three other bags for other people and helped when I was finished. I still have them in my wardrobe.

Selene Wang: My favourite memory was making 3D marshmallows using sticks and marshmallows. We first made 3D cubes, secondly we made 20 hexagons and thirdly we got to make our own shape.

Tom Aspell: My best memory was the disco party. There were lights glowing in the dark, toys and yum pizza. The only unfortunate thing was I had to use a taxi to get there because my car broke down.

Nico Hooper: My favourite memory of the year was the decomposing apples. First my apple was completely normal. Secondly, my apple started turning black, then white and then pink! The mould grew and made these fascinating changes.

Indie Pitman: My favourite memory was doing the fun code breakers. I really enjoyed the different challenges. I think it helps me especially if hackers try to get into your phone. My favourite part was working with my friends to share clues.

Marcus Bisset: My favourite part of Year 3 was the Iwi game but White always took over the South Island and found the green stone first. The iwi game is based on early New Zealand history. There are five iwi and they battle for mana and the

Ethan Lau: In Year 3 my favourite memory was our trip to Orana Park. I loved it when the lion roared and scared Mrs Graham. It was fun helping my Mum find the answers for our activity books. I also saw kiwi eating some food.

Boys' School Dean

Sarah Dyer

In the heart of the Boys’ School, the return to classes at the beginning of 2023 heralded a season of connection and enthusiasm. The sun-drenched campus resonated with the laughter of students, marking the beginning of a promising academic year. New faces, among them teachers Nic Bennett and Dhalgren Attwell, seamlessly integrated into the Boys’ School community, contributing to the positive atmosphere. At the start of the academic year, the Boys’ School team collectively envisioned the culture they sought to nurture, focusing on five core elements: Connecting, Supporting, Sharing, Celebrating, and Clarity. Each element served as a guiding principle, steering the team toward creating a positive and enriching experience for students, teachers, and parents.

The initial weeks of Term 1 focused on relationship-building within classes, with year 8 leaders taking charge of organising engaging sports sessions. Spirited games of Capture the Flag and non-stop cricket showcased leadership skills, with the older students guiding their younger counterparts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and the importance of teamwork. These experiences contribute to the boys' understanding that getting along with others is a skill as valuable as any other.

The newly marked play areas outside the building became hubs of activity, witnessing the boys revelling in cricket nets and basketball during breaks. The intermingling of older and younger students, marked by kindness and support, warms the heart and exemplifies the sense of community within the school. The boys' interactions reflect a commitment to fostering social skills through sports, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Gaining student voices was essential to ensure shared understanding and input into the Boys' School environment, and the boys were invited to reflect on what leaves a lasting impact on their educational journey. Friendships emerged

as a powerful force, contributing to a sense of belonging and emotional resilience. The boys recognised the transformative potential of positive relationships, understanding the impact of friendships on their future. The completion of the Tapa cloth at the entranceway at the end of Term 1 served as a symbolic gesture of unity, and initiatives such as the incorporation of potted plants, utilisation of table tennis tables during wet break times, and working together created a lively and welcoming space.

The boys' reflections on lasting impacts shed light on the multifaceted nature of education. Positive friendships, moments of creativity, immersion in nature, and active involvement in school life emerged as key factors contributing to profound and lasting experiences. The school's commitment to creating a rich tapestry of learning experiences was evident in diverse projects like Mitre Passion Projects, exploration of New Zealand social history, governance studies, and the 'Wonder Table' conversations, all aimed at enhancing personal growth and leaving an indelible mark on the boys' educational journey.

Creativity and nature were identified as catalysts for lasting impressions. The boys relished opportunities to take their learning outdoors, combining critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Active involvement in school life, be it through class camps, clubs, sports, or volunteering, emerged as a key factor in creating lasting impacts, all fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment. A highlight for our Year 7 and 8 students was the collaboration with John Quinn and Anna Simcic from Performance Wellbeing. The Performance Pathways program, designed to enhance resilience, build positive habits, manage emotions, and foster a growth mindset, aligns perfectly with our school's emphasis on holistic well-being.

At its heart, the Boys' School embraces a

tradition of weekly huis, where students and teachers gather to recognise the achievements of others throughout the week. The celebration board is a visual testament to the lasting impressions created by these moments, emphasising the school's commitment to acknowledging every action that contributes to the community. Boys nominated those they saw demonstrating the school’s pillars, particularly “Everyone Matters” and “Fearlessly Aim High,” as they celebrated the success of others. Despite the challenges of maintaining focus amid busy academic schedules, students shared their varied priorities—keeping up with schoolwork, anticipating sporting finals, learning lines and lyrics for their part in the successful Sound of Music Operetta and striving for their best every day. The challenge of nominating peers for positive actions reveals the pervasive atmosphere of goodness and achievement, making it difficult to single out individuals.

As the year progressed, the boys immersed themselves in diverse experiences, and the Boys’ School emerged as a hub of learning and creativity. From national competitions to technology projects and cultural narratives, each class unveiled unique projects, reflecting the students' versatility. Encouragement played a crucial role in shaping the academic landscape. Positive comments acted as guideposts, directing students toward improvement and fostering a culture of support and growth.

Reflecting back on the journey of the Boys' School in 2023, there was one final event that encapsulated the essence of our team: The Boys’ School Big Day Out. Following on from the success of the 2022 Waikuku Beach Big Day Out, we all headed to Jellie Park this year to celebrate all of the students’ achievements and open up another opportunity to foster camaraderie and shared joy. Reflections from the day highlighted the wonderful opportunities that the boys had to build on their connections made throughout the year, the freedom to choose their level of personal challenges, either from the diving boards or the hydro slides, and the fun and memories that will resonate with them for years to come.

The school year transcends a mere sequence of lessons; it is a transformative journey where students uncover their abilities and navigate the sea of knowledge with excitement. In conclusion, the Boys’ School stands as a vibrant tapestry of experiences, showcasing the richness of learning, the strength of friendships, and the diversity of achievements.

SarahSarah Dyer Dean of Boys' School

Memories Boys' School 4B

Sebastian Brents: My favourite thing to do this year was the space station unit for technology. In Term Two, we used plastic bottles and cardboard to build a model ISS. It was so much fun. To create the space station we learned about different sections. Some were big, some were small. It was so fun.

Yining Ma: Camp was the best thing that I liked in Prep School because we slept in bunk beds. It was so fun that I began to tell my mum all the time about camp. The favourite thing I did at camp was animal survival. It was a game. After dinner, we played some games outside. We can choose which activities we could do. There was the trampoline, the rope swing, the mini golf and the monorail. My favourite thing in these things is mini golf. Then, we went to the main room. After that, we played spotlight in the dark. Finally, we went to sleep.

Oce Owen: Camp was the funnest thing this year because it felt like I was welcome there. Not many places have I been to make me feel welcome. The teachers, my dad and my friends helped the memory even more. The food was delicious, especially breakfast. On the monorail, it felt like a rollercoaster but on the turns, it felt like you were going to topple off it. The mini golf felt like it was rigid. When I woke up it was like the whole bunk room was awake. The sleeping bag was warm and comfy.

Michael Huston: I most especially liked 4B’s camp. It was so fun I thought the monorail was challenging and fun but a wee bit scary at the same time. I also liked the disco where I got to meet new people. I also liked making the arcade for our cardboard technology unit. It was so fun and once you finished you got to win cool little prizes and lots of people thought it was quite challenging. Cross country we had to run 1km, I came second place. It was tough. Next time I hope I will come first place.

George Ta: My most favourite activity this year

was SOLE. I learned a lot of interesting stuff in SOLE. I enjoyed learning about other people's research and also when I did mine. I liked learning new facts that I never knew before. It was nice to do my own research. There were so many fun facts that I discovered. It was cool when I learned how the human body works. The first time I was a little bit nervous researching on my own, but at the same time also a little bit hyper, but now it is something that I now like doing.

Charlie Curwin: Xtend was really fun. I'm glad I chose trampolining. We played some dodgeball and while you're waiting for your next game you are able to play on the trampolines. If you are good at tricks, it will be more fun than if you're not. I recommend it for all the bouncers out there, it is so mcuh fun. Me and my friend Oce, loved it so much. I felt so happy when I heard I was doing dodgeball. Dodgeball is one of my favourite sports to do. I felt quite sad when Xtend was finished, but it will come back every year I am here at Grammar. And that's my favourite memory of the year along with everything else about my school!

Harry McWilliams: My favourite memory of Year 4 was Operetta because I learned to do ballroom dancing. It was very enjoyable even though sometimes I felt like I had done it a hundred times. I am very glad that the teachers could put it all together. All the singing was amazing and the soldiers sounded so intimidating. I also loved sitting in the stands in The Old Boy’s Theatre and chatting.

Evan Ju: My most fond memory of the whole year was technology. We made arcade games in pairs or singles.I worked with Brayden and our idea was a targeting game. We would give you a slingshot to use and a paper ball. You would choose the points, or the points game and a prize box which could transform into different shapes. The points game is that you had to score points to continue. If you didn’t

have enough points you would have to stop and we would see what prizes you could get. The prize game is also known as MYSTERY BOX! You would pass levels, and the higher you got the more prizes you could choose from. We made the creations out of cardboard boxes and pens. It was so fun and I hope I get to do something equally fantastic in year five. I have some advice for the year 3s and it is don't forget your password to your computer!

Charlie Donkers: My favourite memory of being in 4B was in Term Two in our technology unit. We used bottles, cardboard and tin foil to make space- stations (ISS). That is because, in science, our topic was planets and made slideshows about each planet. I loved it because space is so big and there is so much to learn about it. My bottle space station was called Saturn V because that was the spaceship that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to space.

Edward Everist: One of my favourite memories from Year 4 was camp. The camp was at a place called Living Springs and it had a monorail mini golf, a pool and lots of other fun things. My favourite experience was the monorail. After dinner, we went up the hill and waited for Mike (Josh’s dad ) to bring the key up to unlock a chain that locked the monorail. I was first up the hill so I was first on the monorail. I got on the seat and clipped on my seatbelt and started going down the hill. Once I was going really fast, the first but tightest corner was in front of me. The track was on a tilt and the monorail cart leaned towards the ground a little bit. It was really fun. I had three goes and in the end, Mr Attwell decided he would go too!

Another one of my favourites was Athletics Day. First up was the 800-metre sprint two laps) and I got 4th. In the 60 metre non championship I got first and in the high jump I got Third. There were lots of things I loved but these were some of my top two.

Tristan Bi: My favourite activity at camp was mini golf and I liked the monorail too because it was so much fun. The monorail frightened me so much that I nearly screamed. My favourite game I played at camp was animal survival. After dinner, we played many games and could choose which activities we wanted to do. There was a trampoline and a rope swing. After that,we played spotlight in the dark. Finally, we went to sleep.

Archer Dreaver: The best memory of year four is camp. It was so fun. We slept in bunk rooms and talked all night. We also played a game where we had to run and hide and Mr Attwell was the hunter. I also loved Xtend and sports day. On sports day I got second place. This year I also love making cardboard creations for technology.

Blake Davis: My favourite thing this year was learning about forces and motion. I learned about gravity and how it is invisible and stops us flying into space and makes everything stay together. We also did an assembly about gravity for the Prep School. I got to speak and make a slide and felt nervous but then good after it was finished.

Brayden Liu: My favourite part of the year was science. We learned about mass and weight during our science and technology unit. Mass is the amount of stuff in an object. In class we conducted an experiment to help us to understand mass and weight. The experiment involved us holding light and heavy. It was really fun and I learned that mass is different to weight.

Henry Mayne: My favourite activity at camp was the puzzles. A new activity that I tried at camp was the monorail and when I went around the corner, it felt like I was going to fall off, but luckily I had a seatbelt.

Freddie Mitchell: My favourite memory at school is Xtend. Rock climbing was really fun because we got to climb very high. The not fun part of rock climbing is that I had to be in the girls group because there was no space for me in the boys group. Xtend was very fun and I got to climb with my friends in the end. Josh, Blake and Edward were really fun and they worked together really well with me. Xtend boosted me to keep going and it gave me great memories. I was really sad when Xtend ended and I miss it so much.the place looked like a towering cliff rising. People were laughing in delight that they climbed so high.

Aiden Mong: The best thing we did this year was go to camp and Living Springs. I loved going with my class and getting to sleep in the bunk room. My favourite activity at camp was the flint and steel. A new thing that I tried at camp was the bush walk because I finally got to walk at least 500m. I also loved science and

learning about gravity. Gravity is a force which never lets you go to space. Zero-gravity is the opposite of gravity.It lets you float as soon as you jump but you can't get back down.

Otto Nairn: My favourite things this year were camp and science. My favourite activity at camp was animal survival. I loved running around and surviving. A new thing that I tried at camp was the monorail. It was fun and scary. In science, I learned a lot about forces. There is an invisible force that slows down hands, jets, cars and hot air balloons. It is called drag force. Drag force is a non contact force. It works by something falling and hitting air particles which slows that something down.

Joshua Quested: My memory from this year is coming to 4B for the first time. I felt nervous because I didn't know my teacher or his personality so I was afraid. I got to meet new teachers who were nice and helped on my first day. All my friends were also nervous, but we made it through the year! I was getting really excited to meet Mr Attwell. He was the best teacher to start the year off with. What a way to kick off my first year in the Boys' School.

Van Pender: This year at school I enjoyed science the most. In science we learned about Newton's 3 laws of motion. It was very interesting we did a lot of experiments involving these three laws. One experiment we completed was using different materials and balls to show how the second law works. If you have ever thrown a ball up in the air, and watched it fall back to the ground, have you ever wondered why this happens? It's because of a thing called gravitational force.

Have you ever heard of the european scientist Sir Issac Newton? He was the first person to discover gravitational force. He realised this when he was sitting under an apple tree as you do,and an apple fell on his head. He knew the apple couldn't fall by itself so he theorised a force must have pulled it down.

Did you know that gravity makes the tides in the sea? In space the biggest gravitational pull are black holes. Also the larger the mass of the object the bigger the gravitational pull, this means that the body in our solar system with the strongest gravity is the sun. Even though gravity keeps us on Earth it actually is very weak. I think gravitational force is amazing. I mean it's like the super glue around our world, know tell me that's not cool.

Memories Boys' School 5B

Toby Adams: School is finally over. I can already hear the music blasting from the hall. I just can’t wait until it is time. The wait is finally over, and now I am in the queue for the disco. Everyone is dressed in bright neon colours, the lights are shining everywhere. Suddenly I see some people with pizza. I wondered where they got it from. So I asked a Year 4 person and they said ‘It’s over there”, pointing towards the corridor. I sprinted toward the corridor and got a piece of cheese pizza and two juicy, delicious oranges. Towards the end the DJ put on ‘Rick Astley, ‘Never gonna give you up’ and we went crazy. It was the best end to a school term in 2023.

George Bisset: My favourite moment of 2023 was Winter Sports. We walked down every Friday to play football. In one game I remember we were losing at the start but we kept playing hard and then things changed and we scored a goal! Then later, more things changed and we started winning! We enjoyed playing more than we used to. We were not always winning all the time but we still enjoyed playing as a team. We played at Hospital Corner at Hagley Park each Friday.

Oliver Broadbent: My favourite memory this year was the Boy’s School Big Day Out at Jellie Park! I waited all year for It to happen and finally, on the 28th of November, it happened. I was so excited all of the night before. Then when I went on the bus, I couldn't talk I was so excited! When we arrived we got into our House groups, then the instructors told us what to do. I got changed then I hopped into the Jellie Park pool! (I can recommend it to anyone!). My friends and I were jumping onto the big floaties, it was cool. Soon after that, me and Miller H went on loads of hydroslides together. There were three hydroslides in total. We first went on one that sends you straight down and then into the pool - this was my favourite slide! When you go down, you pick up so much speed and then, when you get close to the end the water gets in your eyes and you technically go blind until

you reach the end. Later on, I tried the diving boards. I had to take a “swimming test” the lifeguard told me. I just had to be able to swim from one end of the pool to the other, which was an obvious yes! First, I did the little one twice. I wasn’t going to do the big one, but I was once told the biggest risk is not taking any and yolo. So I decided let's try this. I ended out enjoying it even though the line was long and freezing!! I still did it and it turned out to be my favourite thing! Then I went on the other slide which was this one where you go around lots of turns and then you go straight down into the pool!

After that, I got changed and hung out with my friends. About forty-five minutes later, we had a yummy ice block. I ate mine up and then I went home with my Mum (because she was a parent helper). It was a nice time and I recommend Jellie Park Pool to anyone!

Miller Fergusson: My favourite moment in time was the high jump at athletics. It was down to the final three. The height was 1m, I'd jumped it before. I ran up on a curve. I jumped over the bar, that felt great. Everyone made the jump. It was raised to 1.05m. Yet again, I ran up jumped but this time I hit the bar. Then I hit it again. I was on my last life. We started off with three, so I lost two by hitting the bar. I jumped and this time I made it! Then it was raised to 1.07m. I didn’t make it. The winner ended up jumping 1.1m! I was only 6cm off!

Miller Hamilton: At the Boys' School Big Day Out, we went to Jelly Park. My favorite thing was the 3 meter diving board. As you jump off, you might regret your choice, but I would recommend it for anyone who wants to do it - just do not look down! You need to test the water is 3 meters so if you touch the bottom of the pool, you need to swim to the ladder. I just swam to the ladder and did it again and again. There was a 1 meter diving board, but it was a bit boring and then there was the 3 meter board and it was super exciting.

Raenv Sewak: My favourite memory was Wainui Camp. All the activities were fun but my favourite activity was coasteering because you had to climb the rocks and then jump into the water. It was hard to climb on the rocks and it was so scary, but also really fun and exciting. David was our teacher for coasteering, and archery. When David was helping me he said to do a move when jumping of the rock like superman jump. Camp was really thrilling and it was my first time going to camp. It was a good experience.

Aaron Li: One of my most exciting memories from 2023 was visiting the Air Force Museum. It was a memorable experience because I got to admire the planes on display in the hangar and even discovered a hidden secret within the museum walls. The hidden pathway in the walls showcased a timeline of aviation history. As we walked through the pathway, we were surrounded by the sound of dog noises. It was a truly immersive experience that left a lasting impression on me. I felt like I was transported back in time and could truly appreciate the evolution of flight over the years. Additionally, we had a lesson on planes which was quite interesting. Our teacher even brought out an unassembled model plane and asked us to suggest which piece goes where. Finally, the teacher gave us all cardboard planes to assemble and fly. Overall, it was an amazing experience that heightened my love for everything related to flight!

Chris Wang: My favorite moment was when we were at Wainui camp 2023 it was so fun, especially talking about BTD6 (my favourite thing) on the way to the camp and on the way home in the bus. This isn’t my point, my point is for everyone to experience the Year 5 camp and to have fun with all the activities, especially coasteering. We jumped off the rocks into the freezing cold sea water. We also walked along the rocky shore but had to watch out for the barnacles. When I was jumping off the rock I had to cross my arms across my chest like an X and bend my knees to make sure my jump was safe. Archery was also fun especially when I hit the black spot on my first try and yes, I missed like a tonne of times but not that much. Year 5 camp was a great experience.

Iver Spence: The Boys Big Day Out!! We finally got off the bus and and I was so excited. We

passed the parent helpers standing at the front entrance and because we were such a big group we had to go through a big gate to this grass area to have a briefing. My favourite thing of the day was jumping off the big diving board into the cold pool. The hydroslides were fast and quite zippy too. I zoomed down the slides with Jack, George, Nate and Miller F. Overall it was a really fun boys day out and I wish we could have stayed at the pools longer.

Ethan Yang: My favourite memory was definitely Wainui camp because of all the fun and thrills. My favourite part was the wide games because there was lots of space to run and hide. The game we played was diamond smuggler where we had five rice grains and ran around. The way you play it is there are some diamond smugglers and the diamonds are rice. When the diamond smugglers tag you, you have to give them one rice grain. There are safe zones where you can get points and stay safe. I was amazed how the game was set up and I had a fabulous time at Wainui, I very much enjoyed Wainui and highly recommend the Year 5 camp. I would be very happy to go back to Wainui and to all the wonderful cosy cabins. Some of the best activities were coasteering, paddling and archery. I think it was one of the best parts of 2023 and highly recommend it!

Harry Pringle: In Term One, every Friday, we do Xtend. Xtend is something that you do at Cathedral Grammar to extend your learning or to try something you have never done before. I chose surfing. We either hopped into the school van or in parents/adults cars. When we got there we did some warm ups, after that, they gave us bibs and surfboards. Once we got to the sand, the surf coaches told us what to do and when to stand up on your board. After learning that we hopped into the freshwater, but actually it started to rain and it started to feel warm. Jack, Michael and I went on a wave together, a few of them were really big! I sat on my board looking like I was driving a car, and then all of a sudden a rip came and took me out far. Luckily the coaches were there. The last week when we went to Sumner, we were allowed to go out the back of the waves if we wanted to. As I was talking to Jack right behind me was a massive wave. It took me all the way back to shore! The coach described it as me getting swallowed up by a wave monster. I went back into the water and looked back at my dad waving at me but I

wasn’t concentrating on what was behind me when another big wave took me out, but this time, I wasn’t holding onto my board so the surfboard pulled me under the water. I know that it may sound dangerous but it sure was an adventure!

Jack Parfitt: The day had finally arrived. It was a Tuesday morning and my group had to suit up and get into our wetsuits and drive down to coasteering. When we got there I was a little bit nervous, but excited at the same time. At the bottom of the steep hill, we walked over the rocky shore to our first rock where David told us that we were going to do a trust fall off the rock. A trust fall is when you cross your arms and fall backwards into the cold water. Coasteering is when you climb over rocks and barnacles and then jump off the rocks into the salty ocean water. Over all, I loved everything about camp. I definitely recommend doing coasteering because you get out of your comfort zone and do things you don't do every day.

Nathaniel Murahidy: This year my most memorable moment was Wainui camp, it was just so fun. It started off on a lovely crisp Monday morning. At 8:30am, we placed our bags underneath the bus in the storage area and got on the bus for a long trip to Wainui. We had a small stop at Little River where we had a small snack and a play in the playground.

When we arrived at Wainui camp we were able to settle into our bunkrooms and then it was off to get to know the instructors we were working with. My next activity was archery, it was super hard to get a bullseye. One of my shots was super lucky! I got in the red zone which is the one before yellow which is a bullseye.

My next activity was the flying fox which was really scary because you would zoom down a metal wire straight towards a huge wooden bridge. At the end of the activities it was lunch time. We then had free time to do whatever we liked around the camp, like playing touch rugby with friends. When we had finished it was time for dinner and luckily we had one more activity to do before bed time which was a scavenger hunt where we collected random items. My team was the first team back to the dining hall it was so fun. Then it was time for bed. The next morning was great we got to play outside before breakfast started. After a long breakfast it was time for coasteering. I had to put on a wetsuit. Then we were off down a steep hill to get to the rocky shoreline. I walked along rocks with my group until we got to an island flocked

with many seagulls we had to swim across then we were allowed to jump off a small rock ledge. When we got back to the dinning hall after coasteering I had lunch with my friends and we talked about how all the activities were so fun!!

Yihan Liu: My favourite memory in 2023 was the Wainui camp. There were several fun activities like paddle boarding and archery but my favourite activity was coasteering because we got to jump in the freezing sea and swim against the waves to the other side. We walked along the sharp edged rocks towards the cold sea. When the instructor found somewhere safe to jump into the sea, we all started belly-flopping into the sea. You have to try coasteering one day!

Travis Mallinson: Boy's Big Day Out! We lined up and then we went on the bus to Jellie Park. When we got there we got into our house groups. After that I got changed and then went straight on the water slides by myself. Next I went with my friends down the hydroslides. One was a medium speed but the other slide was fast. Then I went in the pools, the diving boards and then played tag with Josh, Max and Lachy. Later I ate lunch and then did it all again. Finally, it was time to bus back to school. The Boys day out was heaps of fun!

Nidhaan Jolly: My favourite moment in 5B was Wainui camp because it was my first time going on a school camp. I went on the kayaks, it felt cool and refreshing to be on the sea. Another activity we did was coasteering. We did this in groups. At coasteering I jumped into the deep, cold sea and I had to swim to the other side of the rocks. I felt worried that salt water would go into my mouth, but only a little bit did. Overall, I had lots of fun on camp and enjoyed being with my friends.

Lennox Wang: As I jumped into the chilly blue pool it felt so nice. It was on a Monday that we went to Jellie Park for the Boy's Big Day Out. It was so freezing when we got into the pool. When we arrived the lifeguard explained to us the rules. After that I ran up the stairs to the hydroslide. There were two slides, one of them was going straight down and the other one was very curved. When I went down the curved slide, it went so fast that it was a wild ride. After that it was so cold that I had to get out and get changed. It was short, but it was an adventure in a swimming pool!

Alston Zou: My favourite memory was the Canterbury Swimming Competition. Before reaching this level, I was at the Zones Swimming

Competition racing 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m breast stroke. I placed 5th in the 50m backstroke so I decided I was going to try harder for the 50m backstroke, but the other swimmers were so fast. I placed 4th.

After that, I was determined to go to Canterbury Swimming Championships so I tried my hardest for my 50m breast stroke and two other swimmers still beat me, but on the other hand, I placed 3rd!

Three weeks later, I woke up at 6am to drive two hours to the Canterbury Swimming Championships and I has the only Year 5 from Cathedral Grammar who made it this far. I waited three hours and used up 89% of my watch battery, and finally it was time for me to I race! I used all my energy to qualify for the finals and guess what? I came 3rd which is enough to qualify for the finals!

Boys' School 6B

Memories

Brad Zhang: The best memory for me is Civix (a politics game) when we took over the previous government. They were horrible and corrupt. They took our hexes, taxed us 100%, and did not sell things to us specifically. We managed to take over and I was the speaker but the joy was not for long. The old government strikes back and takes over because of betrayal and greed. At last ⅓ of the class left the Civix country for another one so that is at least one good thing. The old government wants to nuke us and force us back to the old country but there are basically no more Civix sessions LOL.

Ethan Shen: My greatest memory in Year Six was of camp. In my opinion, the best part of the year six camp was the hot pools because of the slides. My partner for the slides was Kiran. With Chronical Thrill, it would just be a normal slide until you would go speeding down and go up so high that sometimes you can even be the same height as a tree! Super Bowl was just as fun because you would go twirling around the bowl and sometimes another person would come but we were still in it so we had to use our hands. The speed slides of course were also fun because you could race a friend of yours and you could go so fast that you could scream and everyone would hear you. Advice for year five is the heavier person should be on the back of the tube not the front or you might flip!

Frank Armstrong: The best moment in Year Six was when my party and I got into government in Civix and I became the Deputy Prime Minster. I felt a sense of pride from all the shouting filling my ears and the countless smiles across the room. This is a very special time in my life because I knew I was one of the 12 Deputy Prime Ministers; I knew I was the 13th. The old government was horrible, and we started a revolution. One of the key people was Justin. He was the Prime Minster. He made this all possible. If I could go back in time, I would not change a thing. I loved Civix. It was the best thing ever.

Freddie de Costobadie: My favourite memory from 2023 was when our class went on camp to

Hanmer Springs. I enjoyed orienteering with my team. In the end, we came second after Hamish Dark’s team. I was in a cabin with five other boys. We all slept - not well, but we slept. Some of the activities that we did were rock climbing, mountain biking and low ropes. These activities were all a lot of fun! In the late afternoons, we all went to the Pools and had a Blast! Unfortunately, whilst rock climbing on the last day, one of the parent helpers broke her leg. Despite this, camp was lots of fun and I would recommend it to any other students.

Hamish Dark: One of my favourite memories from this year was helping my house organise house events, specifically the Turbo Touch tournament in Term 4. What I enjoyed the most about doing this, is being able to help, teach, and even just pass on messages. Even if this wasn’t the most fun choice, I feel like helping people puts a thought in my head that I am being helpful and useful. If any of the Merton Year 8’s read this, I hope I was helpful. If I could change anything about the way I did any of this, it would be starting our national anthem for the rugby tournament on a slightly higher pitch!

Hugo Tang: My most memorable thing in 2023 was the game Mr Lean-Massey taught us in Social Science, Civix. This game was a simulation of real life, and we could experience being in government and parliament and being Prime minister. This was my favourite memory because I was in the All Party, led by Kiran Pereira. This Period was called the “Peri-era.” I joined the other party because they agreed that I could be Judge. It was a really fun experience. Suddenly, another party disagreed with the All Party, and a civil war broke out. There were lots of court cases and bills being passed. At the start, I should’ve auctioned for a power plant, but I started as the poor majority.

Josh McDowell: My favourite memory of 2023 is Surf Day. Max, Louis and I were in my mum's car. We got split up, and I went surfing first, and then we had a break and made a big fort. The water could not reach a stick. Then we went boogie

boarding and then we had another break. We got down to sea level, so there was a big hole, and we tried to make a little pool. We made two holes and enough to make a pool. When we got changed, the changing rooms stunk so much. Then we went back to school.

Joshua Fletcher: My favourite memory in Year Six is when we were learning about how electricity works with magnetism. It was a lot of fun to see it work. What we did was put a magnet on the negative end of a battery and put a copper wire on the positive end and made it touch the magnet and it started to spin! this was a lot of fun. My friends and I had lots of fun on this. They were Frank, Ricky, Lachie, Lachlan and Owain. We invented countless games and they're starting to catch on. My friends and I can be seen and sound like we're having fun. I wouldn't change anything about this year. It was too much fun.

Justin Zhang: My favourite memory is when Brad and I went to Hammer Springs Water Parks. I remember when the instructor was reading out those boring as rules. After that, we went to the hot pools, which were the highlight of the camp. After the instructor gave us some instructions, me and Brad zoomed off like a bunch of wolves chasing their prey! We went to the hot pools first, but, as soon as we smelt the stinky rotten egg flavour, we sprinted out of the hot pools as soon went on the water slides.

Kiran Periera: My favourite memory this year, at school was during Civix, a political game made by Mr Lean-Massey. Civix is an interactive game, with excitement, fun, and learning. This game is great. I became Prime Minister and fulfilled my Hidden Agenda, a part of the game for one year. These are a few of the many people who helped me, Hamish, Leo, and Freddie. They helped me by voting for me in the beginning and staying with me until I was overthrown. As I made a Fascist Dictatorship they had a revolution, and then came a coup de grace. They named that period the Periera. I wouldn’t do anything different, it was great how it was.

Lachie McWhinnie: My favourite memory of 6B 2023 was when we were doing light science. We got pencil lead, put it in between crocodile jaws, and connected it to a massive power source. I turned off the light, and slowly but surely, it started glowing as more and more power went into it gradually. Leroy started cranking it up and up, and then it turned red and exploded into fiery particles. When we looked at it, we took off a plastic cover, and gas rose from it. A melted lead was connected to the crocodile's jaws. Josh

tried two leads, and the same thing happened but slower and the wires connecting to the big power Sauce almost melted.

Lachlan Burke: My favourite memory of this year is the Year Six Surf Day. The reason that this day was one of my favourite days of the year was that it was the first time that I ever stood on a surfboard. We also did bodyboarding and built a sand fortress. The fortress was flooded multiple times by the water and we had to retreat further up the shore. Mr Lean Massey and I had a bet that our sand fortress would survive the lunch break of forty minutes. I won and gained Hansen ten points. This is one of many great memories that I have had this year. I would write about others, but I am out of space.

Lachlan Moreton: My favourite experience was when we were on camp in Hanmer Springs, on Thursday, 2023. Liam was really kind to me; he always included me and let me play lots of games. But on Thursday we were in Hanmer Springs, and we were playing tag, and I saw that no one wanted to go on the slide with Liam. When Liam ran over to me to ask to go on the slide I said, “No thanks, I am scared.” He looked disappointed. And then he walked off. I felt bad, and then, about twenty minutes later, he came back and said, “Do you want to go on the water slide?" And I said, “Okay,” and I would never regret saying that.

Leo Yang: My favourite memories this year were the beginning of the school year when we were all at camp. I enjoyed orientating the most as it was like the adventure park but you had to count points and work together. I still remember SABOTAGING other teams by telling them there was no way to get points in that area. It was hard to keep a straight face. My other memory was the cabins. My roommate taught me how to play chess, which was really great as we had more fun games. My second memory was the winter sports soccer. Even though my team was trash, we got better every time, working together, no matter who we were playing against.

Leroy Zhi: My favourite activity in 2023 was camp. This year we went to Hammer Springs, one of the best camps I have had. On the way there we passed Culverden and we had morning tea. Then we got to the campsite by lunch. After lunch, we were split into four groups. In my group, the first activity was orienteering. We then did other activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and, of course, the springs. They were fun. We went to the hot pools and hydro slides. My favourite was the Super Bowl. My roommate taught me card

games, and we played them throughout the night. I genuinely enjoyed this year's camp as I made many friends and had fun!

Liam Niu: My favourite memory in 2023 would have to be camp at Hanmer Springs because, at the Hot Pools, everybody was as excited as a witch making a spell. As soon as they said, “You can go,” we all ran for the slides. I tried to find someone to go on the slide with, but there was no luck. After hearing a gigantic splash noise coming from the end of the slide, I saw Frank and Freddie come out. I straightaway asked Freddie, “Can we go on the Super Bowl together?” He then said, “Sure,” and I jumped with excitement. Then after going down, I said to myself, “This was the best; I'm going again.”

Louis Miller: My favourite memory of 2023 was when we all went to Sumner for a surf day we went surfing and boogie boarding. Josh’s mum took Josh, Max, and me to Sumner. When we got there the first thing we did was get into togs and wetsuits then the learn to surf coaches gave us a briefing of how to use boogie boards and surfboards and also where the rips are then M. Lean-massey split us into two groups. My friend Max and I were in the same group. There was one group in the water at a time, my group was on the shore first and we started making a sand castle but the waves broke it. It was our turn in the water.

Max Walker: My favourite memory from 2023 was the Year 6 surf day because I got to go surfing and boogie boarding with my friends. I enjoyed this because I had only been surfing a few times before, but I was able to stand up on the surfboard. I preferred boogie boarding because I had done a bit of boogie boarding before surf day. When we weren't surfing, we were building massive sand castles to try to withstand the power of the waves. Whilst I was boogie boarding, I got repeatedly bashed by the waves. It was a very fun day. I wouldn't change anything about my time at Cathedral Grammar even though my time was short, and I had a great year.

Oscar Meng: My favourite memory was when I was surfing, even though it was my first time surfing, I still loved it. At first, I thought that surfing was dangerous, not fun and boring, but just after I had my experience, it turned out that it wasn’t that bad. When the waves are coming to you, you may feel a bit nervous, but when the waves hit you and you stand on the board, you feel relaxed and satisfied. This experience changed my opinion of surfing and the school, surfing is a very fun sport. Thanks to the school that made me go surfing. If I could go back in time, I would lay on the warm

sand for a long time.

Owain Lloyd: My favourite memory from 2023 is surfing and bodyboarding for a whole day. It was a new experience for me and at first, I was nervous that I would fail. But once I leapt in the seawater I felt great. I was in the group that was bodyboarding first. Starting in the shallows, I found myself in deep water, watching the waves. I rode a giant wave, taking me from chest-high water to shore. During my lunch break, some of my friends and I made a sand-base. After lunch it was time for surfing, it was extremely hard but in the end, I did it, and once it was time to leave I knew that I would be surfing again.

Richard Gan: My most memorable thing in 2023 was Civix and camp. Civix is a real-world simulation but shortened into a game. In the game, you could be in the rich minority or the poor majority. We needed to create parties to try to get elected into the government. The people elected into the government will try to pass some bills. You can only pass a bill after three readings. The camp was also a highlight in 6B. I had lots of fun doing rock climbing and mountain biking. The food there was also excellent. I had lots of fun at camp.

Ricky Liu: My favourite memory was when we went to surf day. This memory holds a special place in my heart because it was very fun and I got to not learn stuff for a day. The key people were Mr Lean-Massey, my friends, the people who taught me how to boogie board, and the people who taught me how to surf. Surf Day helped me to relax and cool off, I felt like I was actually enjoying school, and when I swam in the blue ocean it smelt like dead fish. If I could relive the moment I would change nothing because it was already good.

Ryan Wu: My favourite memory this year was when I wore Mr-Lean-Massey sunglasses. It was when we went to a rugby thing, I hated rugby so I just stood there and played with the flowers. I had hay fever, so I just did nothing. Eventually, the hay fever got worse and I could not play rugby at all (hehehe!).

I thought it was nice, but my nose and eyes were not liking it. I went to the teacher to see if there was anything that could help, and she said that at the school there was some antihistamine thing. She told me to go to another teacher; she had some antihistamines. I took it but the hayfever was not getting better. When we were going back to school, Mr-Lean-Massey saw my eyes and he thought that the sunglasses would help. I don't know why he thought that. But it was fun!

Memories Boys' School 7B

Andrew Nagy-Richards: My favourite memory from school was the trio hydro slide at Jellie Park. The Boy’s Big Day Out was the best day because you could go down slides with all of your friends. When I went down the curly slide with: Jeff, Jim and me, we had a blast spinning around corners and speeding up to tremendous speeds with our combined weight. Developing my perspective on slides was the best bit of the day. Thou speedy art of sliding still yet to be learnt, I have improved the fact that I am no longer as apprehensive of slides as I used to be. This memory was full of sensations like; the crisp smell of trees or the unattainable whiff of ice blocks, the soft wind steadily gushing against my hair as it ever so slowly slowed us down, and the trees providing shade to keep our inevitable sunburn stay at bay.

Austin Wakelin: Boyle River. The frost covers the grass on the morning of camp. You can hear the crunching of the frost as you step on it as you go to your morning activity, the Flying Kiwi. We trudged up the stairs built into the side of the mountain and through the bush, onto the track to come to the flying kiwi. It might not look like much at first but once you set up the wires which are connected to the two poles you are ready to fly. You have reindeer (friends) hooked up to a pulley connected to you. They run down the runway and you take off into the sky, seeing the other activities. Flying Kiwi was the most fun at year seven camp.

Ayrton Fergusson: I was passionate about this. Hence the name: “Passion project.” What was it about this project that made me passionate about it? Coding. It allowed me to express my creativity in a way nothing else would. It began on a normal day in the classroom. We were having Mitre, during term 3. Then, Ms Dyer announced the news of a passion project to us. I was originally going to go simple, coding a

simple but fun scratch game. But then, I learnt we couldn’t do that. It had to be new to us. So I decided to code a game on Unity. This changed me mentally. If I encountered a problem, I would take a break and try it later. This worked. This changed my motivation, and I always stayed on schedule. I finished it. It was the way I wanted it to be. It was perfect. It was done.

Charlie McDonald: My favourite personal growth mindset about Year 7 was the Boy's Day Out and the Amazing Race because, on the Amazing Race, my group walked 10km around the city centre and the Botanic Gardens. But there was one unfortunate thing that happened. The unfortunate thing was leaving our map behind at the cathedral and we decided to leave the map behind and do the rest of the race without it because we were heading to the Botanical Gardens and my group knew how to get there. But with the Boys' Day Out, it was much more fun than the Amazing Race. It was much better because the whole boys' school went to Jellie Park. At Jellie Park, there were two speedy slides and one swirly slide. With the two slides when you go down them water starts spraying into your face and I had to close my eyes halfway down the slide.

Edward Kristiansen-Benge: My favourite memory was at the astroturf doing three-ball soccer against the year 6 and 5s. I have always found that I love Three Ball Soccer way more than any other period. I just love how chaotic it is and I love that you're not all focused on one ball. I loved how you could hear the kicking of balls, the cheering when someone scored a goal and the feeling of being so energetic. I also loved the fact that even after losing or winning everybody was just so happy about themselves. If I could do this again I would want to do it against the Year 8s because it would be fun to beat someone older than us.

Hugo McFarlane: I did so many amazing things this year in 7B. We went on camp to Boyle River and there were lots of cool games there. The Flying Kiwi was my favourite. I gave a speech in front of everyone about not keeping lions in a cage jail and I performed in the Sound of Music. There were lots of people there. It was awesome! For science, I made rock candy to show how crystallisation works. I was excited when it was ready, and I looked at it under the microscope. It looked like little cubes. I also loved doing the Champiverse on GoNoodle too. I created my own account. Now when I do flexibility and strength exercises, I can get points. When I get 10 points, I’ll upgrade to the next level. My muscles have gotten much stronger!

Jayden Shu: My favourite memory from school is the school swimming gala. I appreciate this memory a lot because I won the Year 7 swimming cup. The key people involved were the staff of The Cathedral Grammar School for making this memory possible by doing all the organisation behind the scenes. I was overexcited and overjoyed after I won the swimming cup. The sounds I heard were water splashing and I saw the finish line up ahead. I heard all the noise of children speaking and cheering. If I could relive this moment I would change one thing, try to break a school record.

Jeff Zhang: The event that stood out most to me was the Boys’ School Big Day Out. This memory stood out because we got to spend the whole day doing fun activities such as the slides and diving. The key people involved were my friends because we did all the activities together. This experience impacted my school life because in the pools I got to know my friends better and made new friends. The sight I would describe that day with is pools, slides and a diving board filled with people having fun and sounds of people splashing around in the pools.

Jim Porteous: Boys’ School Big Day Out. The big day out was a pretty memorable day of the year because we all had a ton of fun. I loved the hydro slides, they were so much fun to race against your friends on. There were these two slides that went all the way to the bottom without any turns to slow you down. We would go down the slides as fast as possible to beat your friend on the other slide. Near the end of the slide, you got splashed with all the water on the slide but if you put your head down and go streamline, the water would fly over you and the people eating their food would tell you who won. We repeated

it over and over again. In the end, we got ice blocks and they were so good in the 27-degree weather.

Justin Liu: The Boys’ Big Day Out holds a special place in my heart. This event holds an important place in my heart because the whole Boys’ School got together and had a great time together at the Jellie Park pools. Once we arrived we were desperate to jump in the cool pools. Before we knew it our house leaders told us we could go have a fun time. One of my favourite parts of Jellie Park was the hydro slide. This was extremely fun and full of excitement as we got to race each other between the three slides. Another awesome part of Jellie Park was its pools. This was very fun as we could play pool volleyball with one of the beach balls. After this exciting, action-packed day everyone was exhausted. We all hope to have an amazing time next Boys' Big Day Out.

Marco Liu: My favourite memory from school was making friends over the past years and learning more in my different subjects. The event that stands out the most in my mind is the sporting events such as swimming, and cross country because I was also with my friends. This memory is special because I had more time to spend with my friends and it was a pleasant moment in my memory. The person who made this awesome was Oliver because he was always courageous. I wouldn’t change anything at all because it was perfect.

Max Hawkes: Boyle River. Cold air swept around the camp. The time was around seven. We headed out into the cold pitch black night as we headed to the night line. When we got there we put our blindfolds on and found the rope, starting the long hard journey. It started off easy then we had our first tree where the rope wrapped around that cold hard tree. Then we had a big hill that we had to climb. I heard people cheering as we came across the last bit of the course. This was my favourite memory at school because of the teamwork and the communication that we needed to have to navigate the course and to try not to fall over.

Olin Spence: My favourite memory of 2023 is the touch rugby tournament. I liked the touch tournament, my house, Hansen, did well, only coming second because Gibson had a really good wildcard. A wildcard was someone who was not a student at the school, we were allowed one wildcard for our A team and another for our B team. I was on the B team and our wild card was Mr Shaughnessy. Mr Shaughnessy

could toss the touch ball all the way across the field and he tried hurling it to me so I could score a try multiple times, but disappointingly none of them worked. I did a lot better than I would at this time last year because I have grown physically and am doing a lot more sports and doing well at them, water polo, touch, and swimming are sports that I have gotten better at over the past year.

Oliver Ruane: My favourite memory at Cathedral Grammar is the year seven camp at Boyle River. It is my favourite because it was actionpacked and entertaining. The instructors made the experience two times better because they helped and supported us which really helped me develop my perseverance and determination skills. This experience made me excited for my next camp at Castle Hill in Year 8. I grew closer to the people in our activity group and I grew in my confidence while working in a team. I was practically always excited for what lay ahead. The view was amazing and there were snowy mountains surrounding us. There were lots of adrenaline activities that helped me become more courageous and comfortable around heights. If I could go back and change something about the camp, I would probably try to get to sleep faster as I was completely

wrecked after we got back!

Oscar Parfitt: My favourite memory this year was playing tackle rugby for winter sport. I was sick for the first few games but I was back for the Waihi exchange where we played well in the first half and then in the second they pulled away with a couple of tries. Later in the season, we meet Kerin Reed, the 2x Rugby World Cup champion. The first time we played his team we lost by heaps but the second time we drew but we agreed to just do the next try wins. Unfortunately, we lost but it was a huge improvement from last time. Then in our last game, we won by a lot of tries and the whole team was very cheerful and even on the way back we got ice creams that just made us more joyful. I think that Mr Shaughnessy was a very good coach teaching all the new players how to tackle.

Samuel Snoep: I had the best time at Jellie Park, especially on the waterslide. I was at the bottom of the slide and wanted to go faster, so I asked a lot of Year 8s if they wanted to do it with me. Finally, Victor agreed to join me. We walked up to the slide on the old red stairs and sat down with me in front and Victor at the back. We waited for the lifeguard's signal and then

pushed off the walls to launch onto the turny slide. As we went around the first corner, I felt the breeze of wind, and Victor told me to rock left and right, which I did. We went over all the tall corners, and it felt like we were flying on a rollercoaster. Finally, we skimmed across the water at the bottom, and the smiles on our faces were priceless.

Sheldon Shi: A memory that stands out in my Year 7 memories is when we did the Amazing Race. It was full of fun because we could explore Christchurch. We went to the Botanic Gardens and Victoria Square. We spent 2 hours at the Botanic Gardens but we learned a lot, e.g. the oldest tree in the Botanic Gardens is the Albert Edward Oak, planted in 1863 to celebrate the marriage of Albert. The Botanic Gardens was also opened in 1863. We got to know that the peace bell is 365kg. That will equal the All blacks' front line as 121.666666667kg each. We got to play at the Margaret Mahy playground. We did challenges with obstacles. It was fun as we got to go down the long slide and the huge silver slide. We went across the cargo nets and on the trampoline. The Race was super fun and if I had a chance to do it again, I definitely would do it.

Toby Ellis: The Big Day Out was an amazing experience for me, as I got to do a lot of new things that I had never done before. I had a lot of fun trying out the water slide and skimming the water at the end. I also jumped into a 3m deep pool off the diving board, which was really exciting. Going down the slide with Olin, Max, and Jayden was a blast, and I even raced people down the fast slide. I remember feeling the water spraying into my eyes as I rushed past, and experiencing a big splash when I hit the

water. It was a great way to take a break from school and just relax. I wouldn't change a thing about that day, and if I had the chance, I would definitely relive that moment again.

William Murahidy: Over this year I have had many awesome experiences like the boy's big day out, Operetta and the back-to-school BBQ but the one that stands out from all the rest was camp at Boyle River. It was so fun and I learned so much about myself and my peers. I especially loved roasting marshmallows around the fire which wasn’t an option in any of the previous camps that I had ventured to. I have grown in so many ways this year Spiritually, Mentally, Socially and Physically: Spiritually - Over the year I’ve learnt about how to listen to God and learn how to be a better me. Mentally - I pushed myself this year to have a more growth mindset when talking to others. Socially - Over this year I’ve tried to make more friends. Physically - This year I have done my best to be the best team captain for my tennis team.

Yuncheng Jia: A specific experience that stood out to me was Cantamaths, especially since we came 2nd. I went to the event on 16 August 2023, with Andrew, Audrey and Chole. If you don’t know, Cantamaths is a maths tournament where you want to be the first team to get a set of questions done. I remembered everyone crowding around me getting ready to go into the stadium and start the event. I can remember being extremely nervous. I can remember everyone talking and screaming, it was very distracting during the event. If I could relive the moment, I would have changed one of my strategies. It was a proud day, and I'm happy I can share it with you.

Memories Boys' School 8B

Wilde Brabazon Fleming: My proudest moment this year was the Basketball Canterbury tournament. My best moment is definitely swimming with my friends in hypothermic cave water at camp.

Niklas Serlath: The Basketball Canterbury tournament was one of my best memories from this year because I got to have a day to hang out with my friends and meet lots of new people. It was a very fun and exciting experience. We got to play against lots of skilled teams and players.

Ben McKay: My proudest moment this year was being a House Leader and building up my courage to have a (small-ish) audience. Also, seeing everyone trying their hardest when in a competition. My favourite thing about myself this year, was trying my hardest and trying to be a really good person in everything that I tried.

Blake Wilson: My best moment was when we where at camp and we where playing spotlight because every one was smiling and we where all doing it together as a group.

Lachlan Sneddon: My proudest and most cherished memory this year was when Tom and I slept outside at camp. Although it was really really cold, we had some great laughs lots of fun and some funny talks. The best moment of sleeping out was when we all woke up at 3 am because of how cold we were and whispered to each other for the rest of the night.

Conor Ruane: My most memorable moment was at camp when we were playing spotlight. It was dark and cold and I had the best hiding spot that was until Blake gave a way were I was causing me to get in. I was annoyed and determined to get Blake back so I searched everywhere and then saw these eyes high in a tree It was Blake! It was so funny although he fell out of the tree and flattened as flat as a pancake.

Derek Kong: My most valuable memory was camp doing the orienteering and sniping and bombing

the other teams where I ended up winning. The camp out was fun getting to cook and make a fire by ourselves which really taught me some stuff. My other valuable memories were participation in cantamaths with my team. Even though it didn't go very well we still did better, had fun together and were challenged.

My last memory was having a great year with my teachers: Mrs Leith, Mr Brook and Mrs Bennet. They really made my last year in Grammar valuable and fun.

Charlie Lambie: My favourite memory was walking down to Food Technology at Ara, while talking to my friends and making delicious food. One on occasion at Food Tech, we made pancakes and myself and Gus dropped egg shells into our butter. We couldn't get the shelss out of the butter. The teachers will laughing also.

Tom Osmers: My proudest moment this year is being House Captain for Hansen and leading my House to victory in all three events so far. Our first event, I was astounded by how many good swimmers we had and how everyone tried their best. For cross country all of our House gave it a try and kept running until the finish which amazed me. Finally for athletics, the sheer number of people that entered into events and did well to gain House points. Overall I am super proud of my House and extremely grateful to be their leader.

Victor Dolby: Easily the best memory of this year is from camp, when we swam through Cave Stream at the Castle Hill camp. It was very cold so we couldn't stay in for too long otherwise we'd freeze. Overall a very good year

Lucas Zhang: My best memory of this year was camp. I especially liked the mac and cheese we made. Getting water from the lake was hard. The donuts were good as well. I almost got a campfire started, but it died out when there was so much smoke. I liked the sound effect kit the best on the electric piano in the lounge at camp.

Hugo Ensor: My most memorable moment was doing extend, For extend I did mountain biking. it was fun because I got to enjoy having a good time with my friends and learning new things. I enjoyed riding lots of different trails with different skill levels.

Joshua Padayachee: My most memorable moment this year was competing in athletics sports.

Ollie Wells: My favourite memory at this school was the house competitions i liked bonding with the house and versing other houses. I liked the competitions that we did and i found them very fun.

Johnny Leeson: My best moment this would have to be athletics when every one was cheering for there house and also doing so many new sports in P.E.

Gus Matheson: My favourite part was playing sport on Friday and Sports exchanges.

Luca Maxwell: My proudest moment this year would be getting the role as captain for the school football team.

Luca Maxwell: My proudest moment this year was getting the role as captain for the school football team. I was in charge of making some of the team sheets and leading my team in the game.

Tiger Wang: My proundest moment this year is leading the green house to victories.Boys' School 8B.

Girls' School Dean

Brigit McCormack

Reflecting on a year of learning at the Girls' School, there has been much to celebrate. Not only has there been notable success in the classroom but the girls have enjoyed many sporting, music, and cultural activities that have provided personal growth and an opportunity to make new friends and connections.

The collective spirit of the Girls' School places a strong emphasis on fostering relationships and community, and teachers actively pursue opportunities to embody the school pillars whenever they come together.

Early in the year homeroom classes prioritised establishing connections and settling into routines. Exploring the school pillar, "Everyone Matters," allowed the girls to create personal guiding words, forming a display in the school foyer for all to appreciate.

The specialist timetable facilitated collaboration with specialist teachers in various subjects, offering options for itinerant lessons, afterschool clubs, and the Enrichment programme. Embracing opportunities while maintaining balance and enjoying downtime was encouraged,

Leadership development was a focus in the intermediate years, with Y7s paired with Y3 buddies, and Y8s actively engaging in leadership roles, fostering a welcoming environment. House events, including the Swimming Sports, showcased close races, new records, a fun swim, and the parent V Staff relay race!

The Girls’ School is lucky to have a talented team of teachers with diverse interests and passions. Each Wednesday morning throughout the year they took it in turn to lead and guide the girls through activities working in vertical groups. In Terms 1 and 2 the focus was on learning a Girls’ School Waiata which

was performed in a Prep School assembly. The learning and performance were a way to demonstrate our understanding of diversity and cultural appreciation.

In Term 2 the focus was on learning about sustainable practices. This coincided with the school becoming an Enviroschool and the guiding principles of an Enviroschool were explored alongside how they could implement sustainable practices in their daily lives. In Term 4, the focus was on folk dancing. Working together and learning steps and movement in a fun and collaborative way was a definite highlight!

In Term 3 the Operetta, ‘The Sound of Music’ was very much a school focus highlighting the school's commitment to the arts. We were very proud of the talented girls who were a key part in making the Operetta such a huge success. Successes in Cantamaths, Otago Problem Solving Challenge, Ski and Speech Competitions, Duathlons, and Cross Country were also celebrated. Not only do we encourage participation but we also encourage girls to strive for excellence and be their very best.

Opportunities to adopt a service-oriented mindset were provided and many girls engaged in initiatives such as Eco-Action planting days, the World Vision 40 Hour Famine, and the City Mission Food Drive. Additionally, the year saw cultural and sporting experiences with other schools, fostering the development of friendships and healthy competition.

In the Girls’ School, we are committed to providing strong pastoral care and support. Life Education, Navigating the Journey, the Y7/8 Performance Pathways, and Komodo programmes are designed to support our classroom programmes and promote wellbeing.

We encourage our girls to be reflective to make sense of the world around them and develop a sense of self. Being grateful is a regular theme in Girls’ School assemblies. Gratitude promotes a positive mindset which in turn can lead to more open and resilient learners.

The year culminated with the Girls School ‘Earth Day’ celebration, aligning with the school's sustainability efforts and focus on community. ‘The Wardrobe ‘initiative allowed girls to exchange clothing and books. The day also included a range of activities at school, including making seed bombs and activities in the Botanical Gardens.

As we reflect on the year, the Girls' School stands as a place of growth, learning, excellence, and community. Special thanks to the dedicated Girls’ School teaching team, supportive parents, and the leadership of the Y8s. The Y8s leave behind a legacy in the form of a Manuka tree which is a testament to their year's achievements and unity.

Brigit McCormack Dean of Girls' School

Memories Girls' School 4G

Gia Gill: I enjoyed Athletics Day because I liked all the activities, especially the high jump and cricket ball throw. I also loved spending time with all the girls in Connon House.

Sophie Hadfield: The best part of the year was our Living Springs Camp. I also loved our gymnastics lessons, enrichment activities, and piano lessons.

Yoyo Zhu: My favourite parts of this year were science experiments, gymnastics and orchestra. I learned so much from all these activities.

Tiffany Chen: A highlight of the year for me was using a device. I also enjoyed our art lessons and completing handwriting activities.

Annabelle McDonald: Being in the operetta ‘The Sound of Music’ stood out. Other cool things included Xtend, choir and the ‘Investing in our Planet’ sessions.

Siena Lavender: My best memories from this year are swimming lessons, science experiments and being able to go to the library at lunchtime.

Zoey Zhu: I liked math and writing activities this year. I absolutely loved 3D printing.

Heidi Walker: My favourite things this year were art and having extra time to write at lunchtime and homeroom time. Another highlight for me was playing football.

Akira Lamba: I will never forget our gymnastics lessons and art lessons. I enjoyed writing activities, and it was fun to try some folk dancing.

Olivia Han: Some highlights for me this year were Xtend sports, technology projects, shared lunches, drama club and being a chorister.

Alba Kemp: I loved homeroom activities and writing. 3D printing was fantastic, too. I printed some cool things.

Litong Meng: Some experiences I enjoyed were gymnastics lessons and science experiments. I also loved shared lunches and learning how to play the harp.

Kaylee Wu: My favourite memories from this year will be music lessons and joining the chess club. I also enjoyed learning the harp and oboe.

Alisa Chen: I always loved homeroom times. The school disco was also a great memory. I took harp lessons and enjoyed technology activities in the classroom.

Molly Xu: I will never forget 3D printing and ESOL lessons. Some other exciting things I did this year were violin lessons, chess club and future engineering activities.

Sophie Yang: My favourite memories of this year will be art and writing lessons. The gymnastics sessions were fun, and I learned some new tricks.

Memories Girls' School 5G

Celine Aronis: Ready, set, bang! The crosscountry race had started. My heart was beating like a person chugging some water. I saw that I was in the lead until I got a stitch and slowed down. I was sad and thought that I would lose. After only a few more steps, I stepped into a puddle, jumped over a large puddle and got 7th.

Amelia Greig: As I ran past Anna, my legs were numb. I jogged around the last corner, thinking, how have I done this? On the last stretch of the track, I sprinted with all my might. As I crossed the finish line, I heard cheers around me. I had won cross country!

Frances Connell: “ 5G, please come and line up for your costume check.” The words echoed in my muddled mind. I had never been this nervous before, I was boiling, sweat dripping off my forehead. I felt like I wanted to just silently slip away.

Lisari Gajamange: As I walked on the glossy marble floor, my eyes gazed around the room; aeroplanes were hanging from the ceiling. People talked and walked. It looked amazing. I could see Maddog Peirce’s Plane and other famous people’s planes. The first activity was making foam planes that would actually fly. It was SO cool. Unfortunately, when I was scootering home, the propeller fell off.

Isla Mitchell: I tremble as I step on stage thinking what if I mess up. This is so embarrassing. I did everything and that’s when I realised that I was out of time! I had really really messed up. Jessica nudged me and told me but it was too late. On the last night, Anna wasn’t there. I wondered why. Was she sick? Was she okay? We needed to be extremely flexible but this time it went perfectly.

Reese Kong: On your marks, Get set… BANG! Everyone runs past me as fast as cheetahs. I can feel the wind pushing me to the end, but I got a stitch. I said to myself I was not going to make it to the end, but somehow, with the crowd cheering me on, I got into zones!

Charlotte Li: Operetta was truly a huge adventure. The few days before the performance were very busy with many rehearsals and dress rehearsals. 5G were Edelweiss; we had to wear white t-shirts, puffy white skirts and flower headbands. The actual performance was very busy indeed. Seeing rows and rows of people looking at us, I was quite nervous, but overall everything was amazing.

Jessica Shu: I held onto Eva’s hand and ran sideways towards Amelia, but I had to leave a gap between us for Maria (Scarlet Gardener). As soon as I got to my spot, I knelt and waited to sing my part in front of my parents. My parents were in the front row and smiling at me, so I also smiled at them.

Anna Van Zyl: Standing at the starting line, I have butterflies in my stomach. BANG! The clackers go and we sprint off. Our Cross Country run is 2km! On my first lap, I feel happy because I’m coming 1st! I can hear my Mum and Grandad cheering me on. On my second lap, sadly I get a stitch and Amelia sprints past me! I push through and come 2nd. I am exhausted! Standing on the podium I’m smiling with pride because I came 2nd! Cross-country was lots of fun and my goal for the next cross-country is to come first!

Eva Wang: As I stepped onto the stage with butterflies fluttering in my stomach, I got into position and BOOM! The fancy red stage curtains were open. As I ran gracefully onto the stage while holding hands with Jessica and Anna, I

knelt down and sang the song, ‘My Heart Wants to Beat’ from the movie Sound of Music while moving gracefully with my arms and hands. As Maria (Scarlet Gardner) was singing, my heart was pounding as fast as a race car. When the music was finished I stood up and walked to the back of the stage as the fancy red stage curtains were closing.

Rosalind Wang: ON YOUR MARKS GO! Splash! I plunged myself into the water while kicking as

fast as my body could carry me. I didn’t dare to look at the other people swimming. I didn’t even stop, I kept on going no matter what. The second I finished swimming I was panting nonstop. Wait, I got 2nd! At that very moment, I felt more than happy. I was ecstatic as I had made it into Finials for Zones!

Memories Girls' School 6G

Isabel Clarke: The school days of 2023 were probably my favourite I have experienced. This year I loved Surf Day and Top Team. Before going to surf day I thought it would be terrible but I realised after doing it that I loved it! I've been trying to sign up for lessons. Then on the Top Team, there were so many fun activities. I’m already looking forward to it next year. Overall what I think I’m going to miss the most this year is Mr Larsen. He is an amazing teacher and is always there for you. Have fun y5s!

Amelie Donnithorne: 2023 has been awesome! I have learned a lot and the energy in our classroom has never faded. I have enjoyed every moment of 2023 and spending time with the 6G classmates before some of them leave next year. The most exciting part of being in Year 6 was being part of SURF DAY! I loved this event the most because I finally learned how to surf. This was really fun, and challenging. This was an amazing year and I hope Year 7 is as exciting too.

Bianca Donnithorne: 2023 has been such a fun year!! I enjoyed camp, Surf Day and many more fun activities. One thing I will never forget is when Mr Larsen’s math class did Cantamath and when we created Geometrocity (using geometry to build cities). The reason I liked Surf Day is because I got to try new things. I also found out that I prefer bodyboarding more than surfing. A challenge that I overcame was when I was too afraid to stand up on a surfboard. By the end of the day, I stood up twice. Overall I am very happy with everything I achieved this year, and next year I am looking forward to Wearable Arts.

Echo Holden: 2023 was a fun year because we had lots of events but my favourite event was camp because of the car ride. Our car had Mila and Sofia. It was so quiet but Aria’s car was so loud! I played a lot of sports but my favourite was water polo. The early morning practices on Monday and Friday were tiring but very fun. I think I have improved a lot at water polo and I

hope to become a lot better at it but as for all the other sports, I may have to keep practising them.

Naomi Homan: 2023 has been a year of ups and downs. At the start of the year I was(no offence) absolutely terrified of Mr Lean-Massey. When he called on me to answer a question I would frantically look around for help. As the terms passed I became less terrified and started putting my hand up to answer some of the questions. Another highlight of the year was camp. Exploring the springs and seeing who could get to the bottom the fastest. The ride there was quieter than I expected because everyone was reading. I think Indi's mother was very relieved to have a bunch of reading children other than a bunch of children who would go crazy. Year 6 was amazing but I still think year 7 will be fun as well.

Renee Jiang: 2023 has been a year full of fun surprises and unexpected bumps. At the beginning of the year, I was so terrified of Mr-Lean-Massy that I never talked in the maths classes but throughout the year I got less terrified of him and talked a LOT in class. Another great memory was camp, when we drove there I chose to go in Aria's car with Aria and Jessie. We ate so much junk food on the way because Aria's father bought us snacks when we stopped at the gas station to get petrol. It was so funny because Aria and I would tickle Jessie until she screamed out loud and Aria's father Dell would complain about us and plead with us to be quiet. Even if the weather wasn't the best, the waterslides still were highlights. The only negative thing about the water slides was when I bumped my head loudly on the side of the water slide, I still remember that moment. Overall, Y6 was so much fun and I would do it all again if I could.

Jessie Ju: 2023 has been a year full of joy for me, especially camp in Hanmer Springs. I really

enjoyed the slides. The only bad thing is that we had to walk up many stairs before sliding down. Maths was fun but nerve-racking for me because Mr Lean-Massy looked really scary and when he called me up for a question, I was so scared that I couldn't really get the words straight from my mouth. Everyone was looking at me as I stumbled on the words and when I finally finished talking, I was so relieved (That happened many times in maths.) I never really conquered my fear of Mr Lean-Massy ( no offence). Civix was a highlight of the year as we got to experience court sessions, election campaigns and getting into big amounts of debt (that part was not exactly a highlight). I will be sad to see some of my friends leave for other schools next year. 2024, here I come!

Aria Lu: This year has been amazing. I loved camp because when we (Jessie, Renee, and I) were in the car Jessie was screaming the whole entire way. It was funny but annoying. The 2023 camp was also scary because I was forced to climb a rock climbing wall and I freaked out but at least I conquered my fear of heights. Waterpolo was the sport of the year for me. I was kicked a lot but at least I got the badge. The highlight of the year is surf day, the bodyboarding was fun and the actual surfing was super hard but fun. I am very sad to leave Cathedral Grammar next year but I hope that next year will be equally fun in a different school.

Bella Mauger-Speers: 2023 was amazing. My favourite part was when we went on the surf day, though while surfing I was so scared because I’m terrified of big huge waves hitting me. I was sitting on the beach for a bit but then I got some good help from Mr Larsen, so I went back to the ocean. I got a few waves but not as much as boogie Boarding! Not only was my favourite thing surfing but this year I got an amazing teacher and such a cool class. This year was one of my favourites, and I hope next year can be just as amazing.

Jenny Oh: 2023 was a wonderful year for me. We had lots of fun days like surf day, camp and Civix. The highlight of the year was when we made paper mache dogs. The dog I made looked beautiful. I made it to be a golden retriever. The dog's name is Lime because I like lime. Another fun thing was when I went to Rose's house. Rose had 4 cats and they were really cute. She also let the girl choristers play in her pool.

Indi Osmers : 2023 has been a year full of ups and downs but the most memorable thing that happened was Y6 Camp. I loved the fact that

every afternoon we could go to the Water Park and there would be no lines! I had a great time riding on the bikes even though I nearly crashed into a tree. (two people actually did crash!) Sadly we couldn’t ride the pump track since someone kept on getting their jacket stuck in the spokes of the bike! I loved debating with Mrs Leith since I learnt a new skill to use against my parents! Overall this year has been an interesting year!

Amelia Shaw: Pretty much everybody talked about camp and Surf Day in their memory paragraph, even though those days were SO fun, I’ll write about something else, so I don’t bore you. This awesome Year 6 teacher is extraordinary, exciting, and encouraging. We got to do some fun activities throughout the year, but we had to do some serious work as well… it was still fun when Mr Larsen was teaching! Mr L definitely boosted my confidence in Maths, and basically all the subjects. Although I may have not made it as far as others in Civix, it was fun to experience the world as it is when you’ve got a job, a family to look after, and elections. And how can I forget earth day! It was quite hot and tiring, but most of us made it through the day, at least with ice blocks in the shade! I can’t wait to plant the cube seed bomb I attempted to mould. I am very proud of myself for not just making it to Zones for high jump, but into canterbury as well! I was a bit sad when I didn’t make it into the top five, but life is like a trampoline. When you come down, you always bounce back up!

Sofia Sneddon: 2023 was a blast with a fun and funny environment. I loved listening to Mr Larsen's music and he made all the "boring subjects" fun, now maths is my favourite subject! It was fun doing the top team and house music even if we didn't get a main role or a solo. Every day we laughed and if we didn't it’s because Mr Larsen was away. Even if we had a day where we felt sick on a rollercoaster Mr Larsen would always find a way to solve it. Year 6 will always be a fun an awesome memory.

Candice Tan: 2023 was a satisfying year. The tense and nerve-racking environment we had in maths. This year I found Civix to be a satisfying part of the year. Being a two-time politician was an achievement and the roll of doom that would decide your fate and the risk of going into debt after tax. The attempts of trying to make Mr Larsen cry of spiciness were literally impossible (making him eat a whole cayenne pepper and spicy fermented bamboo shoots). Next year I look forward to Wearable Arts. Good Bye 2023 and hello 2024.

Mila Wang: Overall 2023 was the best year I had so far. I have learnt many things on the way and our class never runs out of energy doing fun things. The part that I enjoyed the most was camp. I collected lots of fun memories at camp. One of the memories that I made was when we went down the giant slides that had no queues! Another part that I enjoyed most was doing technology. In technology, we were making game controllers out of clay that we got to test out. It was really fun and exciting. Next year I look forward to wearable arts because wearable arts is an activity that can bring out your own creativity and your own thoughts. In conclusion, I loved every moment of the year at school and I made lots of different memories and friends throughout the year. Mr Larsen was a really fun teacher. He made sure that everything went to plan and he never ran out of ideas. So Year 5’s I hope you are ready to start your journey through Year 6 with the brilliant Mr Larsen and enjoy every moment of year 6.

Merida Xiao: A highlight was watching Mr Larsen eat spicy foods. This started when Susan brought in a packet of spicy Chinese pickled vegetables. They were not as spicy as described but weeks later Susan brought in the real deal. This was extremely spicy to others but not to Mr Larsen. Then he ate a whole cayenne pepper in class and it looked like he was trying to hide the fact that he was dying on the inside. So 2023 in 6G was a Spicy Year.

Emma Zhang: This year has had many fluctuations, especially with camp and surf day. The camp was a different experience from what events usually happen in my school and daily life. It also featured foods and living habits that put me in shock to know that they existed! Another highlight of 2023 was surf day, as experiences like these didn’t pop up too often. I preferred bodyboarding over surfing and accidentally drank a few mouthfuls of seawater, but overall, surf day was amazing. I really enjoyed Top Team, but unfortunately forgot to bring a towel! Luckily, I didn’t get that wet, compared to some of my team members! Overall, 2023 was a mindblowing year, with so many different memories flooding my brain. This year was filled with action and emotion, and I will never forget my time here at Cathedral Grammar.

Susan Zhang: Many of the previous Year 6 students famed CIVIX as the best thing that ever happened in year six. And after experiencing an entire year of year-six duties, I can proudly say that I agree with them. I don't think the energy that revolves around CIVIX should ever die. I

liked every part of it: the dice that decided our hypothetical fate, the fact that we all tried to keep our hidden agendas secret but people figured them out anyway, and the humorous yet tense aura of our theoretical court sessions. I also enjoyed Maths, and with the help of Mr Lean Massey, I think I have finally gotten over my prejudice towards Maths. I think Mr Lean Massey is a great teacher, always finding analogies and jokes to lighten the mood of otherwise some very boring and challenging aspects of Maths. Because of this, I was incredibly surprised to find out that I am one of the only ones among my peers who isn't deathly scared of him. Overall, CIVIX and Maths were the biggest highlights of my year, and for them, I would relive Year 6 all over again.

Cara Holland: 2023 has been a huge roller coaster but an amazing year! I have made some awesome friends in my class including Indi, Merida, Candice, Naomi, Susan, Emma, Renee and many more! These people have helped me through tough times. I have LOVED having Mr Larsen as my Year 6 2023 teacher, his funny personality, always doing something crazy, and has trust in the class to do crazy things. He's also not afraid to put himself out there. What a champ! I will miss all the leavers and hope they will come to visit TCGS next year.

Cassa Xu: 2023 was an exciting year because we had surf day. My favourite part was when we played in the sand but I also liked the water. It was very cold! Surfing was not as cold. My favourite class was art because I liked the stuff we made like the macrame. It was challenging to knot, but my kind friends helped me make it.

Memories Girls' School 7G

Evie Lavender: My Favourite memory from 2023 was camp. Heather, Emily and I were in a group for orienteering and we were trying to look for a clue when I accidentally stood on a bush and a rabbit came out. I started running away but then after a while we all started laughing, so we all decided to call the rabbit, ‘Rabies Rufus Rubix Cube.’ It was such a funny day.

Heather Walker: My favourite memory of year 7 was on the second night of camp. We had gone into a clearing a few hundred metres away from the lodge, it was a crystal clear night, you could see billions of stars and it was incredibly beautiful. We made the fire, had our dinner and then roasted marshmallows. (I think we probably ate way too much. Some people had the interesting idea to roast cookies and many were dropped in the fire! I really loved that night, it felt magical and I felt so connected to the outdoors and my friends.

Samantha Burrows: My favourite memory from this year was from the Amazing Race when we were at the Antigua Boat Sheds. When we were down by the river, Justin splashed me with water so I splashed him back and then he emptied his water bottle down my back. We started having a big water fight. Also, it was really fun when we were at the Transitional Cathedral and we asked Krispy where a lot of the places were in the Botanical Gardens. We ended up getting back to school 48 minutes early.

Emily Fergusson: My favourite memory from this year was when Grace and I got the curtain closed with us in front of it when the teachers ‘forgot’ to tell us that they had changed the finale. Sadly, we didn’t walk to the centre and bow, instead we huddled in the corner happy that our maroon nun robes blended in with the red curtain and that the theatre was dark.

Chloe Wu: My most favourite and most memorable memory was from camp. The most

funny memory was on the last night when we had to make our own dinner. Me, Grace and some other people went down to the river to get water to boil. There were tons of rocks on the river bank and in order to get the water you had to climb on the rocks, kneel down and balance on them. Grace went on to one of the rocks. As soon as she kneeled down she fell forward and splashed into the water. I started laughing so hard at Grace as she came out of the water soaked from head to toe.

Phoebe Quested: My 2023 memory was the Operetta when I played Gretl from the Sound of Music. I remember being really nervous before I got on stage, but it felt great to have an opportunity like that. A funny part of this memory was when Sheldon lost his shoes and the teachers and cast were rushing around to find them when they were actually behind the curtain!

Rita Wu: My favourite memory is the Operetta. On the last night, the understudies and the leads had a party. At the party, we were crazily taking photos. The thing is, whenever I am in a photo, there is always someone taller in front of me - I was nearly doing pointe on my school shoes! “You’re too tall!” I said to Wilde who was right in front of me,

“Not,” replied Wilde, and he straightened, his back, making him even taller. I didn’t know what to say…

Audrey Sun: My favourite memory was at camp when we got to cook our dinner and roast marshmallows. Everyone was struggling to find sticks that were long enough to roast the marshmallows. The teachers also gave us cookies so we made s’mores. I ate way too many marshmallows and cookies, so I felt a bit sick afterwards. Then we went stargazing which was incredible. You could almost see all the stars which I have not experienced before. After

that, we went to the cabin to go to sleep even though no one could. We also talked for most of the night and had a marvellous time.

Grace Guo: My favourite memory was during Operetta when Emily and I got stuck in front of the curtains in the finale. When we practised this, we were supposed to stand in front of the curtains but for the actual shows, the staff told everyone to go behind the curtains instead. However, Emily and I were still in front of the curtains not knowing what to do, so we just stood there in a corner hoping no one saw us. After the show, Emily and I joked about how next time we get stuck in front of the curtains we should walk to the centre and bow.

Lila Linker: My favourite memory was in Operetta when I got the part of Sister Sophia. In the rehearsals I had so much fun with Faye, Rose and Ada. My most favourite memory was in the dressing room when we found a random lolly pop in a vent that we thought wasn’t opened yet, so mahi tried to get it down but instead it was open and slimy. Mahi had to wash her hands because it was so sticky. Another funny memory was when I was waiting outside the bathroom for Katherine in those long scary hallways. Sammy walked up behind me and almost gave me a heart attack by scaring me.

Bea Simpson- Bannister: One of my favourite memories was doing Canterbury's Athletics. When we got there it was freezing so Elza, Angel(one of Elza’s friends) and I sat down,

snuggled in blankets. After a while Elza and I had to go to the bathroom. As we were going to the bathroom, she accidentally photobombed a school photo while wrapped in blankets, looking like a crazy person. We were laughing so much that Elza decided to ditch the blankets. Then she started crab walking and heel tapping so we were doing that the whole time to the toilet. After my discus event I bought a slushie but I sucked out all the flavour so I was just eating ice. It was a really fun day.

Elza Harrington: One of my funnest and favourite memories was when we were did X-tend. Me, Polly and Jess were putting on our wetsuits and Jess' wetsuit had the biggest rip down the back of it but it wasn't just a small rip, it was right down the middle of her butt. We didn't tell her until we went to do our stretches. When we did downward dog, it ripped even more! It made the biggest sound ever and we could not stop laughing. We all got hiccups, and she didn't find out until we took off our wetsuits and told her all about it!

Katherine Higgins: My favourite memory from this year was billeting Masie and Freya from St. Marks. I remember being nervous because I had never billeted before but after an hour we began to go crazy! I think it was because we stayed up really late and ate some of Freya’s candy. She brought a full tub! The next day we played netball and lost to them 31 nill. But the score didn’t matter to us. It’s just playing the game fairley.

Memories Girls' School 8G

Aubrey Doney: My favourite memory is lying on the ground looking up at the stars and taking in the natural beauty of the night sky when we camped outside at Year 8 Camp.

Mahi Gill: My best memory this year would be playing fast five netball and trying to defend the ball by jumping really high. It felt like I was in the air for five (which is very unlikely) but when I got down on the ground most people were on the other side of the court.

Maggie Host: When Ms Wood (our choir director) wore Ruby's Santa Hat to Choristers.

Matilda Abbott: My best memory in 2023 is playing Liesl in the Operetta. I enjoyed everything from the stress of auditioning until the bittersweetness of the afterparty. The Sound of Music really made my time at The Cathedral Grammar School.

Maddy Gorinski: My best memory in 2023 was writing and presenting my speech on mental health and getting into the speech finals. I had so much fun making and presenting my speech its something I'll never forget.

Anna Coberger: My best memory in 2023 was leading Dell House to victory in House Music.

Megan Ung: My best memory was winning against Waihi in the cricket exchange

Ada Pang: My best memory in 2023 was in the Operetta when I performed on stage as Sister Berthe.

Emily Tan: My best memory was the Year 8 Leavers’ Fair.

Elsa Meng: My best memory is on Year 8 Camp when we made the food together.

Nicole Ding: My best memory in 2023 is winter sports because I never tried netball before. It was fun!

Scarlett Gardner: My best memory was being onstage as Maria in our school production. This was such an experience that I will never forget

Faye Li Chen: My best memory is playing hockey for winter sport and scoring lots of goals at tournaments and in the Friday matches.

Ruby Connor: My best memory is getting presented my red Voice for Life medal

Rose Martin: My best memory for 2023 was being Mother Abbess in the Operetta, The Sound of Music.

Polly Botherway: My favourite memory was when, Ruby, Jess and I got stuck in the van when we were coming back from sqash. My seat belt got stuck and somone shut the door while ruby and Jess where halping me and then Miss Evans locked the door. We were screaming out the window and the boys were just watching us until somone went to the office and came to unlock it!

Jessica Feasey: My best memory from this year was when we did surfing for extend in Term One. The wet suit I was given had massive holes right on my bum! I didn't notice it for a while. Elza and I couldn't stop laughing!

Chris Adams Head of Music

2023 has been another busy year for Music at The Cathedral Grammar School.

Junior School Piano and Strings Performance

Evening

A number of Junior School students had the opportunity to perform in the Ron Ball Studio at the Christchurch Town Hall on the 12th May. Performing in front of an appreciative audience of family and friends each of the students presented polished performances.

Combined String Workshop with Rangi Ruru

The String Ensemble joined with the Rangi Ruru String Ensemble for a workshop with Stephen Larsen at Rangi Ruru on the 15th May. They spent the morning working on a number of combined items and developing ensemble and specific string skills, and then presented an evening concert of the combined and individual items.

Rogers and Hammerstein Gala Concert

The combined choirs of Cathedral Grammar School were special guests in a concert presented by Ben McDonald featuring the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and singers Fergus Inder, Sophie Morris, Naomi Ferguson, and Rutene Spooner. The evening concert in the Christchurch Town Hall on the 2nd June included performances of many Rogers and Hammerstein favourites from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Carousel, and Oklahoma.

NZSO Online Classroom

In early June, the Year 7 students were able to participate in an online presentation by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, hearing

from musicians from different sections of the orchestra talk about and demonstrate their instruments and answer questions.

National Chamber Music Competitions - 13 June - The Piano

The national Chamber Music Contest is an annual chamber music competition for students from Year 7-13. Two groups entered; the Cathedral Grammar Telemann Ensemble, performing two movements from Concerto for Flute in G major by Telemann, and the Cathedral Grammar Purcell Players performing Pavanne and Chaconne in G minor by Purcell, at The Piano on the 13th June as part of the regional heats. It was also good for the students to see older students performing, a number of whom were Grammarians and successfully advanced to the next stages of the competition.

Ensembles Performance - All Souls - 29 June

The Chapel Choir, String Ensemble, Orchestra, and Chamber Groups presented an hourlong evening concert at All Soul’s Church in Merivale on the 29th June. Performing a variety of music for a capacity audience in a beautiful space was a wonderful way to conclude the second term and demonstrate the progress that each of the groups had made.

CSO

Matariki Concert - Wednesday 5 July

On the 5th July, all Junior and Prep School students attended a special Matariki concert presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Walking down to the James Hay Theatre at the Christchurch Town

Hall, students experienced a sonic and visual concert that wove together music, concepts of Matariki, and Taonga Pouro. The students really engaged with the concert, consolidating concepts that they had been learning about in class, and all of the feedback was incredibly positive.

Michael Endres Workshop - Thursday 6 July

On 6th July, Cathedral Grammar hosted a piano masterclass with renowned German/ New Zealand pianist, Michael Endres in the School Hall. Three students performed with a number of other advanced piano students observing. Michael gave feedback to the performing students and also talked with the students about his approach to practice, musical interpretation and performance.

St Mark’s Exchange

The Chapel Choir and Choristers combined with the choir from St. Mark’s School, Wellington for a special Evensong Service at the Transitional Cathedral on the 11th August. The String Ensemble performed as part of a special Chapel Service to welcome the visiting students and the following morning the St Mark’s Jazz ensemble performed for our students.

ITM Concerts

Termly Itinerant Concerts were held in Term 1, Term 3 and 4, with a number of students taking the opportunity to perform in the School Hall in front of a supportive audience of family and friends.

Rock Bands and Bandquest

The Bandquest is an annual band competition for primary and intermediate school students, and this year five bands from The Cathedral Grammar School performed at the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School on Tuesday 22nd August. Each band performs two songs and these can either be original or covers. All of the bands performed well, engaging with the audience and having a great on-stage presence.

The Griffins, Hugo Tang, Liam Niu, Richard Gan and Van Pender, were awarded 2nd Place for the evening. Ghost Panda, Reese Kong, Justin Zhang, Faye Li Chen, Rose Martin and Andrew Nagy-Richards, received best original song for ‘Don’t Miss Out.’ Richard Gan won Best Keyboardist and Edward Kristiansen-Benge won one of two Best Vocalist awards,

The bands were coached by Aasha Mallard and Cullen Kiesanowski until the end of Term 3 when they departed to continue their musical journey in Australia. The students have really benefited from their experience and expertise over the past five years.

In Term 4 the Bands were coached by Mr Larsen, Mr Brooke and Mr Adams, culminating in a performance at the live music venue A Rolling Stone on the 6th December with each band presenting a short set to an appreciative audience of family and friends.

Aurora Festival

On August 31st, the Orchestra and String Ensemble travelled to the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School to perform as part of the Aurora Festival. The Aurora Festival is an Orchestra and Ensemble Festival involving groups from Canterbury Schools and consists of judged performances and workshops with the adjudicators. Cathedral Grammar received a Bronze award for their performance.

Encore! Choir Festival

On September 13th, the Chapel Choir and Choristers joined with middle school choirs from Christ’s College, Medbury, Rangi Ruru, St Margaret’s College, and St Andrew’s College for the Encore! Choir Festival. Rehearsing several massed items in the morning and then presenting a concert in the Christ’s College Hall in the evening with each choir presenting a couple of pieces individually before performing the combined items to conclude the concert.

Operetta

Operetta is always a highlight of the School calendar, and this year was no exception. Presenting two performances of The Pirate Cantata and The Sound of Music, audiences were impressed by the quality and sophistication of both productions. The students worked well together and spent a lot of time preparing and learning their parts. A large team of staff worked behind the scenes ensuring that all of the technical, backstage, props, costumes, musical, acting, dance, sound and lighting components all came together.

Orchestra Exchange with Rangi Ruru

On Thursday 9 November, The Cathedral Grammar School Orchestra and Rangi Players gathered for our annual music exchange. This

year it was held at The Cathedral Grammar School and the young musicians enjoyed a morning of combined rehearsals. This was followed by an early evening concert to parents where each orchestra performed individually before concluding the evening with the combined music rehearsed in the morning. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience performing as part of a larger ensemble.

Christchurch Schools Music Festival

The Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival is an annual event for students in Years 5 to 8 to participate, which is held in the Christchurch Town Hall.

This year, Cathedral Grammar had 19 students performing as part of the Senior Representative Choir, the Representative Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra, performing alongside the Massed Choirs each night, in four concerts from the 31st of October to the 3rd of November.

Orchestra - Audrey Sun, Chloe Wu, Emma Zhang, Hamish Dark, Hugo Tang, Joshua Padayachee, Justin Liu, Lucas Zhang, Naomi Homan, Renee Jiang, Rosalind Wang. Senior Choir - Bea Simpson-Bannister, Maggie Host (4year medal), Rose Martin (4-year medal), Ruby Connor (4-year medal), Scarlett Gardner (4year medal). Concert Band - Sammy Burrows, Grace Guo, Ryan Wu.

House Music

House Music, held this year on the 1st December in the School Hall, is always a highlight of the student calendar and this year’s theme of ‘Best Christmas Song’ proved to be incredibly popular with the students. Mariah Carey, Wham, Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson, Snoopy’s Christmas and other songs were all presented with enthusiasm and entertained and engaged the student audience.

Prizegiving

- Hallelujah Chorus

One of the highlights of Prizegiving was a performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus involving all of the Prep School, combined with the Orchestra, and a number of teachers and parents.

2023 Music Competition Results

Senior Boys: (Year 7-8)

• Reiche Trophy: Joshua Padayachee

• Cho Cup: Joshua Padayachee

• Cooke Cup: Justin Liu

• Ling Cup: Justin Liu & Joshua Padayachee

• Staff Cup: Joshua Padayachee

• Dench Trophy: Lachlan Sneddon

• Cathedral Choristers Cup: Hugo Tang

Senior Girls:

• Boyce Cup: Chloe Wu

• Sedley Wells Trophy: Rose Martin

• Lomeiko Cup: Chloe Wu

• The Harris Cup: Faye Li Chen

• The Jiang Cup: Grace Guo

• TCGS Cup: Grace Guo

• Classical Group: Matilda Abbot, Maggie Host, Faye Li Chen, Rose Martin, Megan Ung

Junior Boys:

• Kennedy Cup: Hamish Dark

• Dodgshun Trophy: Hugo Tang

• Singing: (1st equal) Hamish Dark & Van Pender

• Piano: Hugo Tang

• Strings: Hugo Tang

• Woodwind: Hamish Dark

• Brass: Leo Yang

• Percussion: Wallace Xu

Junior Girls:

• Samantha Dench Trophy: Jessie Ju

• Caroline Winnicott Cup: Renee Jiang

• Singing: Frances Connell

• Piano: Jessie Ju

• Strings: Renee Jiang

• Woodwind: Naomi Homan

• Instrumental Duo: Renee Jiang and Naomi Homan

Chris Adams Director of Music

Chapel Choir Junior School

The Junior Chapel Choir had a wonderful performance at Founder’s Day where we sang “A new commandment” arranged by Betty Pulkingham. Cynthia Yang accompanied us on the flute and I received a lot of kind feedback from staff and ex-staff members about how much they had enjoyed her performance. Cynthia is a very accomplished flautist for her age and I am looking forward to seeing what she achieves in the future.

The Spizzwinks, a very clever acapella group from Yale university, visited school in June and ran a workshop for us. The Junior choir were lucky enough to be involved with the “big” Prep School children. The Spizzwinks taught us a number of exercises to warm up our bodies, faces and voices. They talked to us about the importance of posture when singing and how important it is to sing with expression and have fun! Their concert was very entertaining and I loved watching the children’s faces light up with smiles and laughter at the funny songs. They especially loved watching the Beatboxing battle between two Spizzwinks.

The Spizzwinks visit was perfect timing because the very next day, the Junior Chapel Choir was involved in a concert at the Town

Hall singing with the CSO and very talented singers such as Naomi Ferguson. We learned two new songs. One was in French, called “Dites Moi” from “South Pacific” and “Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel”. We were also able to sing two of our Junior School favourites, “Edelweiss” and “Do-Re-Mi”.

The children sang beautifully and it was such a fantastic opportunity for them to sing with a full professional orchestra in such a big concert hall. Thank you to Mr Tom Rainey who wrote the beautiful arrangements for us and to Mr Ben McDonald who invited the Cathedral Grammar Choirs to sing in his concert. We were so grateful for the opportunity. It was a great change to sing secular music because a lot of music that we do in the Junior Chapel Choir is sacred and prepared for school services.

Thank you to Mr Adams and Mrs Holt for accompanying us at all our school services this year. I am always so grateful for their help.

Catherine Dark Head of Junior School Music

Boy & Girl Choristers

JohnLinker

The Cathedral Choir was able to enjoy an uninterrupted 2023 now that life has returned to pre-pandemic ‘normal.’ Sunday Eucharist and Evensong - Boy Choristers with Lay Clerks / Choral Scholars, (Girl Choristers sing one Sunday each term). Tuesday and Wednesday EvensongBoy Choristers with Lay Clerks / Choral Scholars Thursday Evensong - Lay Clerks & Choral Scholars (with Girl Choristers on alternating weeks). Friday Evensong - Boy Choristers Monday and Saturday remain the Cathedral Choir’s off-duty days.

The Choristers enjoyed their annual Choir Camp at Waipara Adventure Centre from 15-20 January 2023. The boys departed camp Wednesday early afternoon of the 18th and the Girl Choristers arrived later that afternoon for the next two days. At camp, both teams of choristers had a productive time learning much of the new music for the year and had quite a lot of fun with the many outdoor activities offered there. We then resumed our usual schedule on Sunday 29 January, with our first weekday service back on duty as 31 January.

Towards the beginning of each term, the Choristers enjoy a Development Day at Lady Isaac’s Lake House, and both teams of trebles have a day of singing and play at the Lake House respectively. We are most grateful to Isaac Conservation & Wildlife Trust for allowing us to use the Lake House several times a year. It is a

most idyllic setting and a nice change of pace from being at school and the Cathedral.

On 9 September the Cathedral Choristers were involved in a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Chorus. The Choristers were joined by Christchurch Boys’ Choir and Christchurch Girls’ Choir to sing the ‘Ragazzi’ role in this work. It was a brilliant experience for them to perform in Town Hall.

In November 2023 we hosted our annual Choir Reunion Evensong where we invited all former members of the Cathedral Choir and Godley Wakefield Choral Scholars to join together in singing a festal service. Over 20 ex-choristers and former Godley Wakefield Scholars joined the Cathedral Choir for the service, singing Stanford in B-flat and Parry’s I was glad. The next Choir Reunion Evensong will be 20 October 2024.

In December the Choristers enjoyed the usual carol recitals around town, singing in Burwood Hospital on 8 December, Year 8s singing from the punts on the Avon River on 10 December, Public Hospital on 14 December, Christchurch Airport on 19 December, a recital in the Cathedral on 21 December, and the usual Cathedral services of the Advent Carol service, School Carol Service, Nine Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

The Choristers finished their duties for the year on Christmas morning 2023. At that service we said farewell to Year 8 Boy Chorister leavers Victor Dolby, Derek Kong, and Ben McKay; and Year 8 Girl Chorister leavers Matilda Abbott, Ruby Connor, Maggie Host, Fay Li-Chen, Rose Martin, and Megan Ung. We look forward to following their bright futures.

Thank you to Director of Girl Choristers Kimberley Wood for the excellent leadership she provides for the Girl Choristers. Thank you to Assistant Organist Samantha Poh, who churns out sensitive accompaniments on a daily basis, underpinning the sound of the Cathedral Choir.

My deepest gratitude to our 2023 Lay Clerks Andrew Grenon, Christopher Hill, Malcolm Leitch, Adrian Lowe, Timo Niehausmeier, Rory Sweeney, and Christopher Warwick, Choral Scholar Alex Aitken, and Choral and Organ Scholar Sea-am Thompson for their professionalism, commitment, and exemplary musicianship.

There are many individuals who contribute to the daily life of the choir in many ways. Grateful thanks to Ben Tothill and the Choir Education Trust for providing funding for choir scholarships, and to those who have donated money for the Girl chorister grants. The academic, musical, and sport opportunities afforded to our choristers through their education at The Cathedral Grammar School are among the finest options any student can have. Our choristers excel in

many aspects of cathedral, school, and civic life. From participating in sport, community theatre, and singing in the Cathedral, our Cathedral Choristers are the front-runners of leadership in the Canterbury region.

Thank you to the Cathedral Choir Society and Tim Andrews, President, for its support through funding private coaching, theory lessons, and outings for the choristers. The Choir Society is an important link to keep in touch with former choristers and I greatly appreciate their work.

Thank you to Jill Kerr, Paul Brown, and the Cathedral Singers for singing the Sunday services while the Cathedral Choir is on holiday between terms. This most valuable ministry allows the Cathedral’s Sunday service schedule to continue without interruption throughout the calendar year.

Thank you to Dean Ben Truman, the Cathedral staff, the Cathedral Chapter, and all who assist in helping the Cathedral Choir to run smoothly year after year.

JohnDr John Linker Director of Music ChristChurch Transitional Cathedral

Specialist Art

Jude Gray & BelindaEdmond

Our school-wide focus this year has been developing the children's skills in watercolour painting. Through a wide range of processes and techniques we have been able to expose all the children from Preschool to Year 8 to the wonders of watercolour painting. The results of these were on display at our 2023 art exhibition and it was amazing to see the different types of watercolour painting techniques that the children across all levels had experienced and mastered.

Pre-School: Creating a foundation of basic skills and colour knowledge is the cornerstone of the Preschool Specialist Art programme. The children eagerly attend their classes and continue to amaze teachers with their focus and effort to learn new, or practise existing skills. Exploring the elements of colour, line, shape and pattern have been the main focus and this year this was completed through a variety of themes and incorporated drawing, painting, construction, collage and clay. The children particularly enjoy viewing and discussing the works of famous artists such as Kandinsky, Monet, van Gogh, Klee and Mondrian and then creating work in their style, always with their own individual expression and flair.

Junior School: The Junior School programme used a wide range of mediums including drawing, printmaking, collage, construction, fabric and fibre, watercolour and acrylic painting to develop the students' understanding of the art elements of colour, line, shape, form, space and texture. The children were inspired to create by exploring the work of artists such as Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Reggie Laurent, Ted Harrison, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and even movie director Tim Burton. Connecting with our wider school activities we made kites and wove stars to celebrate Matariki, as well as completing pirate portraits and pirate ship collages inspired by our Junior School Production. A much anticipated highlight on the Year 3 specialist art calendar is the papier-mâché unit. This year the children were absolutely thrilled with their hot-air balloons, complete with paper woven basket, completed collaboratively with their 8G buddies.

Preparatory School: The Preparatory School programme builds upon and extends the

childrens’ skills by approaching the topics of drawing, painting, collage, design, printmaking, construction, sculpture, fabric and fibre, clay, and mixed media in a cyclical manner over the five year period. An example of this from 2023 are the clay projects undertaken at different levels - animal pinch pots and dragon figurines in Year 5, expressive portrait masks in Y6, themed clay cars in Year 7 and slab pots inspired by an artist model in Year 8. A great variety of artists have inspired the Prep School students throughout the year, some highlights being Roy Lichtenstein and Sheyne Tuffery in Y8; Keith Haring and Gretchen Albrecht in Year 7; Iris Scott and Jerry Pinkney in Y6; Piet Mondrian and Heather Galler in Y5; and Joe Ryckebosch and Alma Thomas in Y4. Artworks exploring traditional symbols and ideas included elements from Maori, Pasifika, Aboriginal, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Taiwanese culture.

Three special collaborative activities throughout the year resulted in artworks for display around the school. The Boys’ School foyer contains a large Tapa cloth to which each boy from Years 4-8 has designed and completed a section incorporating Pasifika patterns. And in the Office foyer we proudly display a beautiful Korowai (cloak) for which all of the children in our school decorated and submitted feathers as part of our Matariki celebration this year. Finally (after many years of hoarding), the Leavers’ tiles from our Year 8 boy pupils since 2011 have found a space for public display in the Y8 communal area of the Boys’ School. All of the previous boys’ tiles were lost after the demolition of the Debenham building in 2011, so it is a joy to see these once again brighten up a common space.

Lastly we have had success in two national competitions this year. The Year 7 students participated in the Showquest Toi Wearable Art for the first time. The Canterbury Regional event was staged at the Christchurch Town Hall in May in which a number of our creations won awards on the night. Photographs of all costumes were then judged nationally with The Floating Trunk by Jeff Zhang, Edward Kristiansen- Benge & Charlie McDonald receiving a Highly Commended award. In our third year of entering the Stills National

competition, Charlie Lambie won 1st Place Overall in the Junior Y1-8 section, (winning a FUJIFILM X-S20 + XF15-45mm kit). Tiger Wang won the Special Award - Excellent Editor, and Hugo Ensor was named a National Finalist. Congratulations to those students and all of our Y7 and 8 students who participated in these events. We are immensely proud of you all.

As you can see it has been a busy, productive and successful year in the Art department and we have been constantly amazed by and very proud of the work that the children have produced. We are looking forward to another exciting and thoughtprovoking year in Art, in 2024.

Belinda & Jude

Jude Gray and Belinda Edmond Art Teachers

Enviroschools

Madeline Harrington Head of Sport

We had a busy sporting 2023 with many sporting opportunities available for the children to participate in.

SWIMMING - School Swimming Champions

This year we were back at Christ's College for our girls and boys swimming champs. The event was an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talents and skills, and it was clear that everyone involved had worked hard to prepare for it. Several students achieved impressive feats during the competition, setting new records and pushing themselves to their limits. It was heartening to see the effort and dedication that each student put into their performance, regardless of whether they placed or not.

Congratulations to the following children who broke records, a fantastic achievement:

• Middle 25m Freestyle : Liam Niu

• Junior 25m Breaststroke: Lennox Wang

• Middle 25m Butterfly: Liam Niu

• Middle 50m Freestyle: Liam Niu

• Middle 50m Breast Stroke: Liam Niu

• Middle 50m Backstroke: Liam Niu

• Bantam 50m Freestyle: Yihan Zhu

• Middle 25m Breast Stroke: Aria Lu

• Middle 25m Freestyle: Indi Osmers

• Middle 50m Breast Stroke: Aria Lu

• Middle 50m Freestyle: Indi Osmers

ISSA Swimming Championships

The Independent Schools Swimming Zones was held at Wharenui Swimming Centre. It is a highly competitive event where students are able to showcase their swimming skills and abilities in different categories. This event not only encourages healthy competition but also promotes sportsmanship and teamwork among students.

The Cathedral Grammar School had 32 students participating in the event who had all qualified through the girls and boys swim finals. We had some excellent performances by Liam Niu who won Year 6 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke, Aubrey Doney who won Open Butterfly and 50m Backstroke. Freddie de Costobadie also did well placing first in the Year 6 50m Backstroke and second in the 50m Freestyle. The Year 6 Relay team also placed first (Liam Niu, Freddie de Costobadie, Indi Osmers, Aria Lu), Well done to those who placed 1st or 2nd in their event and will now represent the Independent School’s zone at the Primary Sport Canterbury Competition at the end of this term

Primary Sport Canterbury Swimming Championship

We had eight students qualify to compete at the Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming Competition.

We had some outstanding results.

• Liam Niu - 5th Year 6 Freestyle and 2nd Year 6 Breaststroke

• Freddie de Costobadie- 16th Year 6 Freestyle and 11th Year 6 Backstroke

• Alston Zou - 3rd Year 5 Breaststroke

• Aubrey Doney - 2nd Year 8 Backstroke and 4th Open Butterfly

• Jayden Shu - 2nd Year 7 Breaststroke

• Niklas Serlath - 4th Year 8 Backstroke

• Derek Kong - 7th Year 8 Breaststroke

A huge congratulations to our Year 6 Relay team (Naomi Homan, Aria Lu, Freddie de Costobadie and Liam Niu) who won their race and are Canterbury Champion! An amazing achievement by the Year 6 team, which they should be very proud of.

GIRLS' SWIM CHAMPIONS

Bantam Girls' Champion

1st Bantam Girls' Champion - Maguire Cup

2nd Bantam Girls' Champion

3rd Bantam Girls' Champion

Junior Girls' Champion

Yoyo Zhu

Hannah Lee

Sophie Hadfield

1st Junior Girls' Champion - Pankhurst Cup Amelia Greig

2nd Junior Girls' Champion

3rd Junior Girls' Champion

Middle Girls' Champion

Frances Connell

Rosalind Wang

1st Middle Girls' Champion - Pankhurst Cup Aria Lu

2nd Middle Girls' Champion

3rd Middle Girls' Champion

Intermediate Girls' Champion

1st Intermediate Girls' Champion - Curtis Cup

2nd = Intermediate Girls' Champion

2nd = Intermediate Girls' Champion

Senior Girl's Champion

Indi Osmers

Naomi Homan

Elza Harrington

Heather Walker

Audrey Sun

1st Senior Girls' Champion - TCGS Cup Aubrey Doney

2nd Senior Girls' Champion

3rd Senior Girls' Champion

BOYS' SWIM CHAMPIONS

Bantam Boys' Champion

Faye Li Chen

Polly Botherway

1st Bantam Boys Champion - Davies Cup Van Pender

2nd Bantam Boys Champion

3rd Bantam Boys Champion

Junior Boys' Champion

1st Junior Boys Champion - TCGS Cup

2nd Junior Boys Champion

3rd Junior Boys Champion

Harry McWilliams

Charlie Donkers

Lennox Wang

Nathaniel Murahidy

1st Middle Boys' Champion - Young Cup Liam Niu

2nd = Middle Boys' Champion

2nd = Middle Boys' Champion

Intermediate Boys' Champion

Freddie de Costobadie

Hugo Tang

1st Intermediate Boys' Champion - Curtis Cup Jayden Shu

2nd = Intermediate Boys' Champion

2nd = Intermediate Boys' Champion

Senior Boys' Champion

Max Hawkes

Samuel Snoep

1st Senior Boys' Champion - Curtis Cup Tiger Wang

2nd Senior Boys' Champion

3rd = Senior Boys' Champion

Tom Osmers

Niklas Serlath

School Athletics

We had a breezy day at Nga Puna Wai for our school Athletics event. We managed to complete our morning events but due to the weather we had to finish at lunchtime . Our students demonstrated their skills and determination in various Athletics events, proudly wearing their house colours and earning house points.

We commend the students who gave their best effort and supported their peers. It was great to see them apply the skills and techniques they've learned in physical education classes on Athletics Day, resulting in some impressive performances.

A special shout-out to those students who not only participated but also achieved record-breaking results - a noteworthy accomplishment!

ISSA Zones Athletics

We had a big team competing at the ISSA Zones Athletics at Nga Puna Wai. It was a very hot and blustery day but the students all gave their best effort in their events against some tough competition.

The following children who qualified top 2 in their event went on to compete at the Primary Sport Canterbury Athletics at Nga Puna Wai.

• Merida Xiao: 2nd Shot Put

• Renee Jiang: 3rd 60m Sprint

• Amelia Shaw: 1st High Jump

• Elza Harrington: 2nd 1200m

• Bea Simpson-Bannister: 2nd Discus

• Sam Snoep: 4th 100m

• Charlie Lambie : 1st High Jump

• Hugo Ensor: 4th 60m

• Tom Osmers: 1st Discus and 2nd Shot Put

Primary Sport Canterbury Athletics

We had an awesome team of athletes who represented our school at the Primary Sport Canterbury athletics. In very cold and windy conditions our athletes performed extremely well against the top Primary school athletes from far away as Ashburton, the West Coast and as far north as Cheviot. It was a big step up from our small independent zones competition to Canterbury's where there was at least 25 students in their event who had all qualified through their zones. I was impressed with the effort they put in to do their very best.

Please see the results below:-

• Merida Xiao: 29th Shot Put

• Renee Jiang: 24th 60m Sprint

• Amelia Shaw: 27th High Jump

• Elza Harrington: 6th 1200m

• Bea Simpson-Bannister: 7th Discus

• Sam Snoep: 25th 100m Sprint

• Charlie Lambie: 21st High Jump

• Hugo Ensor: 22nd 60m Sprint

• Tom Osmers: 14th Discus

MULTISPORT

Primary Sport Canterbury TRIATHLON

The Canterbury Primary Sport Triathlon is a challenging event that requires participants to complete an open water swim in a cold lake, followed by a long and hard 6-10km bike ride, and finish with a 2km run in the hot sun. Despite the challenging course, many competitors took part in the event and gave it their all. Some of the standout performances of the day were by Elza Harrington, who placed an impressive 2nd in her race, Francis Connell also had a great day, finishing in 9th place, while Lachie McWhinnie put in a strong effort to finish 18th. Liam Niu had a fantastic swim, coming out of the water miles ahead of the next competitor.

Results

Year 5

• Nate Murahidy - 31

• Lennox Wang - 46

• Wallace Xu - 38

• Frances Connell - 9

Year 6

• Liam Niu - 29

• Kieran Pereira - 64

• Hugo Tang - 62

• Justin Zhang - 66

• Emma Zhang - 51

• Josh McDowell - 58

• Lachie McWhinnie - 18

Year 7

• William Murahidy - 68

• Sam Snoep - 43

• Elza Harrington - 2

Year 8

• Aubrey Doney - 41

• Lucas Zhang - 74

Primary Sport Canterbury DUATHLON

Congratulations to the Duathlon Team who competed at the Canterbury Primary Duathlon at the end of term 3 at the Ruapuna Raceway. This was the first time since Covid that the Duathlon has been able to run again so it was fantastic to have a group of keen students participating in this event.

Our whole team looked amazing racing around the Ruapuna race track in their maroon colours. It is a tough event with the children having to run 2km, bike 6/10km and then run another 1km. The practice at Hagley Park certainly helped the team to complete the course.

Results

Year 5

• Wallace Xu - 65th

• Nate Murahidy - Crashed

Year 6

• Lachie McWhinnie - 16th

• Liam Niu - 50th

• Hugo Tang - 77th

• Emma Zhang - 57th

Year 7

• Sam Snoep - 9th

• Jayden Shu - 70th

• Elza Harrington - 2nd

Year 8

• Lucas Zhang - 83rd

• Josh Padayachee - 15th

• Polly Botherway - 21st

Discus

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

MIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

High Jump 1.27m 1.29m Liam Niu Kiran Pereira Oscar Meng

Long Jump 4.75m 3.76m Liam Niu Max Walker Kiran Pereira

Discus 20.4m 17.89m Joshua McDowell Justin Zhang Lachie McWhinnie

Shotput 9.56m 9.60m Oscar Meng Freddie de Costobadie Joshua McDowell

Cricket Throw 36.31m 38m Lachie McWhinnie Oscar Meng Freddie de Costobadie

1000m 3.58.26s 3.59.01s Lachie McWhinnie Joshua McDowell Liam Niu

80m 11.96s 13.19s Louis Miller Max Walker Lachie McWhinnie

60m 7.96s 10.14s Louise Miller Max Walker Freddie de Costobadie

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

High Jump 1.15m 1.07m Travis Mallinson Miller Fergusson Harry McWillams

Long Jump 3.79m 3.33m Travis Mallinson Nate Murahidy Alston Zou

Discus 17.18m Lennox Wang Yihan Liu Jack Parfitt Shotput 8.97m Harry Pringle Yihan Liu Travis Mallinson

Cricket Ball Throw 46.76m 34.10m Miller Fergusson Yihan Liu Lennox Wang 1000m 3.59.00s Yihan Liu Alston Zou Nate Murahidy

80m 13.41s 13.37s Yihan Liu Alston Zou Travis Mallinson

60m 9.90s 10.60s Yihan Liu Alston Zou Lennox Wang

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Girls' Champion

Event

High Jump 1.37m 1.20m Faye Li Chen Polly Botherway Matilda Abbott

Long Jump 4.40m 4.16m Polly Botherway Aubrey Doney Matilda Abbott

Discus .37m .37m Polly Botherway Aubrey Doney Elsa Meng

Shotput 8.33m .37m Elsa Meng Aubrey Doney Polly Botherway

Cricket Throw 45.85m .37m Elsa Meng Faye Li Chen Mahi Gill

1200m 4.17m .37m Polly Botherway Megan Ung Aubrey Doney

100m 14.35s 16.79 sec Polly Botherway Faye Li Chen Matilda Abbott

60m 9.03s 9.66 sec Polly Botherway Faye Li Chen Megan Ung

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Girls' Champion

High

Long

Shotput 7.82m 7.54m Bea SimpsonBannister Elza Harrington Rita Wu

Cricket Throw

Bea SimpsonBannister Samantha Burrows Elza Harrington

1200m 4.44.10 4.44.94 Elza Harrington Heather Walker Phoebe Quested

100m 15.03s 16.25s Heather Walker Elza Harrington Lila Linker

60m 9.75s 10.01s Heather Walker Lila Linker Elza Harrington

MIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Girls' Champion

High Jump 1.15m .15m Amelia Shaw Naomi Homan Renee Jiang

Long Jump 4.08m 3.40m Naomi Homan Cara Holland Indi Osmers

Discus 15.52m 16.27m Indi Osmers Mila Wang Bianca Donnithorne

Shotput 7.8m 8.93m Merida Xiao Candice Tan Cara Holland

Cricket Throw 22.82m 28.5m Indi Osmers Mila Wang Merida Xiao

1000m 4.16.63s 4.14.28m Amelia Donnithorne Bianca Donnithorne Sofia Sneddon

80m 12.77s 13.78s Renee Jiang Cara Holland Naomi Homan

60m 8.64s 9.58s Renee Jiang Bianca Donnithorne Naomi Homan

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Girls' Champion

High Jump 1.1m 1.10m Frances Connell Amelia Greig Rosalind Wang

Long Jump 3.56m 3.05m Frances Connell Amelia Greig Celine Aronis

Discus - 14.3m Amelia Greig Celine Aronis Isla Mitchell

Shotput - 8.54m Amelia Greig Frances Connell Celine Aronis

Cricket Throw 27.9m 26.5m Amelia Greig Frances Connell Isla Mitchell

1000m 4.07.56s 4.20.92s Frances Connell Anna Van Zyl Amelia Greig

80m 13.87s 14.54s Frances Connell Celine Aronis Amelia Greig

60m 9.69s 11.02s Frances Connell Celine Aronis Eva Wang

BANTAM CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Champion

High Jump 1.03m 1.0m Sophie Hadfield Yoyo Zhu Gia Gill

Long Jump 3.1m 2.91m Yoyo Zhu Sophie Hadfield Olivia Han

Discus - - Yoyo Zhu Olivia Han Gia Gill

Shotput - 6.15m Yoyo Zhu Olivia Han Kaylee Wu

Cricket Throw 24.35m 25.6m Yoyo Zhu Olivia Han Gia Gill

800m 190.88s 3.37.59 Yoyo Zhu Sophie Hadfield Sophie Yang

80m 14.55s 14.01s Yoyo Zhu Heidi Walker Sophie Hadfield

60m 10.5s 10.23s Yoyo Zhu Sophie Hadfield Heidi Walker

Cross Country

Cross Country

The annual school cross country was held at the beginning of Term 2 on a beautiful Autumn day. It was lovely to see the whole school taking part supported by so many parents. All children had worked hard during their PE lessons to develop their fitness, confidence and endurance, so it was great to see this put into action on the day.

Cross Country Results

Bantam Boys

ISSA Zones Cross Country

On Monday 29 May, a number of students from The Cathedral Grammar School competed in the Independent Zones Cross Country at Roto Kohatu Reserve.

The race course provided lots of challenges, including a few hilly and muddy sections. Despite the demanding course, everyone performed admirably. Overall, the participants demonstrated excellent performances and encouraged one another, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.

The top six performers from each group were selected to compete in the Canterbury Cross Country event at Nga Puna Wai. Five children from our school qualified for the Canterbury Cross Country: Nate Murahidy (Year 5), Amelie Donnithorn and Bianca Donnithorn (6G), Lachie McWhinnie (6B), and Elza Harrington (7G). Ollie Wells came in a close 7th, just missing out on qualifying.

Primary Sport Canterbury Cross Country

On Wednesday 22 June, five students from The Cathedral Grammar School (who qualified through the Independent School Zones) competed at the Canterbury Primary School Cross Country at Nga Puna Wai.

Over 1400 competitors from 14 school zones, travelled from all over Canterbury, some even from as far away as Little River School, to compete and represent their school in the Canterbury Cross Country.

Representing our school was Nate Murahidy, Lachie McWhinnie, Ameile Donnithorn, Bianca Donnithorn, Elza Harrington and Ollie Wells.

All of their training and practice runs around the course in preparation for the race paid off as they all had outstanding runs finishing in the top 50 in fields of up to 180 of Canterbury's best.

Well done to Ollie Wells who was called up on the day to race. He gave it his best, running super well, finishing 51 out of 181 runners.

Elza Harrington finished 5th place in the Year 7 girls' field of about 180 competitors over 3000m.

Nate Murahidy finished 121 after coming back from having the flu so did amazing to compete.

Amelie Donnithorn 26th, Bianca Donnithorn 29th both set goals to get in the top 30, which they did which was a fantastic result.

Lachie McWhinnie left nothing to the finish, running super fast to come in 42nd in a tough field with some great runners.

Sports Exchanges

St Marks Exchange

The annual St Mark's exchange has been a longstanding tradition for us. This year, however, the persistently wet conditions compelled us to make adjustments to our sports and locations in response to the weather challenges. While we may not have clinched victory in the football or netball fixtures, the rugby team came out victors.

The true essence of the exchange was captured as all students enjoyed the camaraderie of hosting billets and engaging in spirited activities, even amidst the mud and wet conditions.

STAC Summer Exchange

Congratulations to our Tennis Team and 1st XI Boys and Girls Cricket teams for their performance in the annual summer exchange against St Andrew's College.

The tennis matches were closely contested, with some exciting battles. St Andrew's made some changes to their team from the previous week when we played them and this time they came out victorious winning 9-3.

In a historic moment, both the preparatory school boys cricket 1st XI and Girls 1st XI played at the same venue simultaneously for the first time. The St Andrew's boys 1st XI cricket team, led by an impressive 113 by one of their students, achieved victory with a total of 234. The St Andrew's Girls 1st XI were also too strong with a score of 142 against Cathedral Grammar's 97.

In the end, St Andrew's emerged victorious in both tennis and cricket, but our teams demonstrated determination and effort. Well done to our athletes!

These exchanges reflect the spirit of friendly competition, highlighting the skill and teamwork of our school athletes. Well done to everyone for actively taking part.

Medbury Summer Exchange

Congratulations to our First XI Cricket and Tennis teams who played in the Annual Summer

exchange against Medbury.

The annual summer exchange between our school and Medbury took place at their home ground. As always, the event promised to be a thrilling display of sportsmanship and friendly competition, with both schools' teams geared up for a day of fantastic matches.

The cricket team, fielding first, put in a great performance, showing off their excellent fielding and bowling skills. They managed to restrict Medbury's run rate, keeping the opposition's total score relatively low.

The tennis team was also in top form, winning 10 of their 12 games against Medbury. The team's dominance was clear from the outset, with some fantastic matches to watch and great tennis rallies. The players displayed excellent technique and skill, and their hard work paid off with an impressive victory.

Waihi Summer Exchange

Our annual summer sports exchange against Waihi was a resounding success, as always. The event saw children from both schools come together and demonstrate their team spirit, sportsmanship, and make new friends.

The day started with a warm welcome and was followed by an exciting day of sports. The children played various games, including tennis, touch rugby, and cricket. It was a proud moment for us to witness the girls' cricket team's victory, which was a first for the exchange.

The tennis team demonstrated their superior tennis skills, with everyone winning both their singles and doubles matches. The girls and boys touch rugby teams also enjoyed success with the boys winning 5-0 and the girls drawing 5 all against their mixed team.

The boys' cricket team did an excellent job with their fielding and bowling, and they gave their best during their batting. It was an intense game, and the children played with passion and enthusiasm.

The children were treated to a sumptuous lunch and morning tea, which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was also an opportunity for them to catch up with old friends and make new ones, further strengthening the bonds between the two schools.

Overall, it was a fantastic trip, and we are immensely proud of our students' efforts and accomplishments. The exchange showcased the best of our school's sports culture, and we look forward to next year's event, where we hope to continue the tradition of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun.

Waihi Winter Exchange

The Cathedral Grammar School would like to share the articles written by some of the participants from the Waihi Exchange written by the students.

NETBALL

Years 7 and 8

Well done to our Netball teams who played some excellent matches against Waihi. Lots of great passing and speed through the court.

I really enjoyed playing in the Netball Waihi Exchange last Thursday. It was a tough but fun game and a thrilling experience. As captain I really loved seeing people with great sportsmanship and commitment to their games. Waihi really made our netball team fight for the game, they definitely had some great players.

The game started with The Cathedral Grammar School winning but Waihi managed to redeem themselves and win the game overall. The score ended up being 15-10. It was such a fun day and a great opportunity to take in. This will definitely be one of my favourite winter sport memories for 2023. Megan Ung (Captain of Y7/8 Maroon Netball Team).

Years 5 and 6

Thursday morning the sun was shining and I was happy for the sudden change of weather. I played in the Y5/6 Maroon netball team. The goals were being scored equally, point to point. It was such a fun, close game, but we eventually won with just a few extra points.

We all had an amazing time and I loved all the support from both sides. There were some very talented kids playing and it was hard to pick the player of the day, which went to Saddie from Waihi. Indi Osmers (Captain of Y5/6 Maroon Netball Team).

HOCKEY

Years 7 and 8

We were all looking forward to our traditional hockey match against Waihi which we played at Nunweek Park on the new turf. It was great for us to be able to play 11 a side because not many of us had been able to play that before. We also had Josh P fill in as our goalie and he did an excellent job making some fantastic saves, which the team was really proud of.

Waihi was a really strong team but that did not stop us from trying our best and we all believed in ourselves to try hard. It has been really good to be able to co-operate with other schools and keep our tradition with sports exchanges. We really enjoyed our exchange with them so thanks to all the teachers and staff that made this possible. Charlie Lambie (Y7/8 hockey captain)

Years 5 and 6

The teams were evenly matched for the first 15 minutes when the floodgates opened to trail 6-0 at half time. Our team talk focused on scoring a goal in the second half which was achieved! A great team effort and everyone should be extremely proud of their efforts. Mrs Jones (Y5/6 Hockey Coach)

Years 5 and 6

One of the many teams playing Waihi was the yY5/6 hockey team. Despite our loss at a score of 9-1, both teams gave it all we had.

We’re thankful that Waihi was able to come up to Christchurch; it was certainly an enjoyable game. They pointed out our weak spots and on Friday Mrs Jones (our hockey coach) got straight to work working on passing and other aspects of our game. Not only was our game enjoyable but the whole exchange was outstanding. At lunch, you could look out on the astroturf and see groups of both Cathedral Grammar students as well as Waihi students talking and exchanging badges.

Once again we are so grateful they could come and look forward to playing at their grounds next year. Freddie de Costabadie (Captain of Y5/6 Maroon Hockey Team)

Rugby

Playing rugby against Waihi was an amazing experience. Being part of the exchange added an extra layer of excitement, connecting with players from a different school and experiencing their passion for sport. This was a great way to make friends and meet new people. The game itself

was fiercely contested, it was certainly a game of two halves, with Waihi coming back in the last half and winning the game in the end. Both teams displayed exceptional skills and determination, this made it particularly hard to choose a player of the day.

In the end, the score stood at 4-7, a testament to the intense competition that unfolded on the field. Thomas Osmers (Captain of Rugby Team)

FOOTBALL

Years 7 and 8

This Waihi exchange was one of the best the football team has had. There was lots of

teamwork, communication and some very intense soccer played on the day. Though the score was 3-2 to Waihi we all played with great sportsmanship and slipped in some beautiful goals. The fact that Waihi is able to come and compete with us every year is fantastic and allows all the sports teams to improve on skills and our overall performance.

In the first half of the game, Waihi scored 2 goals which left us a small amount of time to try and come back, but near the end of the match, our team scored two goals leaving us with a bitter but sweet loss. Though Waihi won the game football won the day. Lachlan Sneddon (Football Leader Y7/8).

Sports Tournaments

Independent Zones Winter Tournament

Our Y7/8 and Y5/6 Maroon Netball, Hockey Teams and Football team competed at the Independent Zone Winter Tournament held at St Andrew’s College. It was a fantastic opportunity for our teams to compete in a tournament against the other schools in our Zone.

Netball Captain's Report

The year 7/8 Maroon Netball team competed in the winter sport tournament at St Andrews College. We played against St Andrew’s, St Mark’s, St Matthew’s and St Margaret’s College.

Our first game was against St Andrews. It was definitely a tough game with St Andrews winning but I loved seeing great sportsmanship on and off the court (0-12). Our second game was with Selwyn House. Selwyn House definitely fought hard for the ball which ended up with them winning (17-1). Our third game was against St Michaels, fortunately with great teamwork, we managed to win against St Michaels (5-4). Our last game of the day was against St Marks, there were definitely some outstanding plays from both teams but St Marks was able to slip in some extra goals to tie in their victory (4-7).

We really enjoyed getting the opportunity to play in this tournament, it wouldn't have been possible without the teachers that organised it. This will definitely be a great memory that the netball team will continue to cherish. Megan - Y7/8 Netball Captain

On the 4 of August the cathedral grammar school maroon netball team played in the issa winter tournament. In the semi finals We played five games that pushed us to our limits and made it into the semifinals in 3rd place. In the semifinals we lost all of are games since it came down to the last points. Slightly down casted we left Saint Andrews to play another came at our afternoon sport. Indi Osmers - Y5/6 Netball Captain

Y5-6 Maroon Football

The football at STAC was great fun for my whole team. We were pressing the play and trying to keep the scores tight. On a frosty Friday morning we all were in our tracksuits ready to hop on

the bus at any moment. When our football team arrived at STAC we took our tracksuits off and put them on a blue tarpaulin. We got our football boots on and then went for a stretch and a slow jog around the football pitches. When the games were about to start we moved into our teams and talked about our strategies and team lineup.

The first game, against St Andrews on their home ground, was tight and we ended up in a draw with a score of one all. Our next game was against St Thomas. The outcome of this match was a 2-2 draw but they won as the rule was ‘whoever has the most corners’ wins if it is a tie. After that we had a small break and then we were straight back into the muddy adventure. We then played St Marks and sadly lost 4- 0 but we have to admit that their attack was quite strong. Our final match was against St Marks again. It was a semi final for the competition. If we won this we would have a shot at Canterburys. But our luck wasn’t the best and the game turned into a 3-1 loss. We played hard, took in passes and did our best to score. We didn’t make it into the finals but our team had a great time and in our hearts we probably won the prize for the most dirty. - Nate Murahidy

In this year's winter tournament there were a total of four teams, STAC, St Micheals, St Marks and Cathedral Grammar. It was a very tough day because the rules were a lot different to what we were used to. It was a five a side quick game with no goalkeepers, usually we would play 9 a side with a goalkeeper so that meant the rules would have to change as well. We played as hard as we could but we still lost all of our games. It was a very tiring day but we knew that we tried our hardest, and we knew that the teams we were facing were simply better. But there were some bonuses because we got a free sausage sizzle and we got to support the opposing teams when we weren’t playing. - Luca Maxwell

Hockey Captain's Report

We attended a hockey tournament at St Andrews last week. We really enjoyed the competitive games and we played really well as a team, We had a couple of wins and a couple of loses.As the season goes on we are all improving and working together very well. Thanks to all the teachers for

their support and coaching. - Charlie LambieY7/8 Hockey Captain.

On Friday the 4th of August at St Andrews College teams from Cathedral Grammar all arrived ready to play either hockey, football or netball. I am fortunate to be the captain of the maroon year 5 & 6 hockey team. Our team played really well in all of our matches and personally, I think it was the best we have ever played and we reached the final!

In the final the standout moment was when a girl from the opposing team that our team had already identified as skilful got the ball in the circle meaning she was allowed to shoot at goal, however, Merida and Owain came in front and tackled the ball off her and got it back up the field. At full time the score was 0-0. We then played an extra 15 minutes and despite us having many chances the score remained nil all at the end. It then became sudden death - whoever scored the next goal would win! After a further 10 minutes, the same girl from earlier had 3 of us on her and yet she managed to get through and score! This was the end and they had won however it is important to note this was a huge improvement from last year and i was very proud of the whole team. Thank you to all staff members including Mrs Harrington, Mrs Jones and any others allowing other sports to participate. Once again thank you Stac, Staff members and students participating and I look forward to playing again next year. Freddie de Costobadie - Y5/6 Hockey Captain.

Primary Sport Canterbury Y7/8 Summer Tournament

Our tennis teams and cricker competed in the Y7/8 Summer Tournament against other schools in Christchurch.

TENNIS

We entered 3 teams of four with all the teams demonstrating excellent tennis and sportsmanship. They played a doubles format with games being 30 minutes long.

Our top team made the final, playing a tough game against St Andrew's. There was some fantastic rallies and shots. Cathedral Grammar was too strong on the day beating St Andrew's in the final. They all enjoyed the experience of participating against other schools.

Our second team came 5th and had some great wins in their round round. They played off for 5th and 6th, easily beating Halswell to finish 5th.

Our Junior team also played some great tennis finishing 8th. It was really fun competing against people from other schools like Haswell, STAC, and many other schools across Canterbury. We played almost everyone who entered the tournament and not all of them were sweats at tennis.

Overall Cathedral Grammar won after beating both of the STAC teams and winning every single match we played. We were awarded a Tennis Canterbury hat and 2 Tennis Canterbury shock absorbers. This tournament was well organised and involved lots of good players. Yihan Liu - Y5 boys.

On Wednesday 8th November several students from years 6-8 all took part in a Summer sports tournament. Some took part in cricket and others in tennis. Those who took part in tennis played at Wilding Park whilst cricket played at Hagley Park.

I was in the 2nd out of three CGS teams at tennis, playing as number four in our team. In this tournament, we just played doubles. The first match I played was with Blake Wilson and the rest with Elza Harrington. We unfortunately lost a few matches however we won most of them.

When it came to prize-giving Tiger Wang was doing his usual be cool even though you know your team came first look. Everyone was given a shock absorber other than first place who of course was Tigers team, who got given a hat as well as the shock absorber.

Thank you to Mrs Harrington and all the staff from other schools who helped arrange this for us. We all really enjoyed it and hopefully, the rain will hold off to enable us to do this next year. Freddie de Costobadie - Y6 boys.

CRICKET

The team joined five other teams in a round robin tournament on 8 November at the Polo Grounds in Hagley Park for the Primary Sports Canterbury Y7/8 Summer Tournament. The games were a quick five overs per innings (each team batted five overs and bowled five overs, with each player except the wicketkeeper bowling a single over) so it required accurate bowling and assertive batting right from the first ball.

The team started well with a solid win over Russley in which our captain Gus Matheson hit a strong 15 not out to help propel the team to a total of 35 runs. Wickets to Oliver Ruane and Hugo Ensor, plus two run outs, limited Russley to 22 runs in reply and the team had managed their first win of the tournament in their first game.

In the second game, our bowlers were accurate and although the only wicket to fall went to Hugo Ensor, Ellesmere struggled to score with any freedom, with Max Hawkes and Ollie Wells both conceding only 3 runs in their single over. Once again, Gus Matheson scored freely and he was joined by Hugo Ensor who hit a dominating 26 not out, carrying his bat through the five overs. With two wins from two games the team was feeling confident heading into their third match against Halswell.

Cathedral Grammar bowled first, with Oscar Parfitt bowling a maiden over (the only one the team managed in all games) and Gus Matheson snaring wickets with his first two balls (3/2). Hugo Ensor (4 runs), Samuel Snoep (4 runs) and Oliver Ruane (3 runs) all bowled tightly to limit to Halswell to a total of 14 runs. Oliver Ruane opened the batting and powered through to a quick 12 runs to clinch the team’s third win.

At this point in the tournament only two teams - Cathedral Grammar and St. Martins - remained unbeaten, with St. Martins posting some very high scores and looking very much the form team of the competition. St. Martins batted first and both openers were aggressive from the first over, taking their team to an imposing total of 51 runs from their five overs, with only Gus Matheson (5 runs in his over) managing to rein them in.

Cathedral Grammar had to find the boundary but the St Martins’ bowlers were accurate and difficult to get away. Cathedral Grammar fought hard but managed only 27 runs in reply.

Going into the final game, the team knew they needed to win to reach the final and as the opposition, West Melton, had yet to win a game there was some quiet confidence. Cathedral Grammar batted first and with Gus Matheson (11), Max Hawkes (14) and Hugo Ensor (19) helping the team to an imposing total of 53 runs. West Melton came out firing, with their opening batters finding the boundary almost at will. With two overs to go, they needed only ten runs to achieve their first win. Oscar Parfitt was given the task of reining in the scoring and he bowled a fine over, conceding only three runs and removing West Melton’s most dangerous batter. West Melton needed only 7 runs in the final over and against some accurate bowling from Gus Matheson had reduced that to needing a single to draw and two runs to win from the last ball. Gus held his nerve, bowled full and on the stumps, so that the batter swung and missed, giving Cathedral Grammar the win they needed to make the final.

The final was a rematch against St. Martins, who

had played some fine cricket throughout the tournament and were fully deserving of being in the final. St Martins won the toss and chose to bat first. Johnny Leeson bowled the first over and bowled tightly for his first three balls. His fourth ball was short and the St Martins batter launched a flat shot hard to the square leg boundary. Hugo Ensor reacted quickly, came running in and made a brilliant catch, taking the ball in his fingertips as he dived forward, to dismiss one of St. Martins most dangerous batters. Given the ball in the next over Hugo then took a wicket with his third ball as a leading edge looped out to Johnny Leeson, who was steady under the high ball to take the catch. St Martins then struggled to make much headway against Oliver Ruane (6 runs), Gus Matheson (3 runs) and Oscar Parfitt (2 runs). Dismissed for 21 runs, Cathedral Grammar’s opening batters, Hugo and Oscar, were steady as they showed respect for the good balls and punished the poor balls, taking Cathedral Grammar to victory in the third over.

A fine performance by the team to win the tournament. Player of the Tournament for the Cathedral Grammar team was Hugo Ensor who ended with an average of 32.5 from his five turns at bat, took vital wickets with the ball and snared a spectacular catch to give his team the edge in the final. All team members contributed throughout the day but a special mention must go to captain Gus Matheson, whose all-round bowling and batting was rock solid throughout all games.

Primary Sport Canterbury Y5/6 Summer Tournament

Congratulations to our Year 5/6 Girls Cricket team who competed in the Primary Sports Canterbury Summer Festival.

They warmed up for their tournament by participating in a range of different skill sessions which were taken by Canterbury Cricket players. This was a great chance to learn some new skills.

They played four games in a super smash type game of cricket where they all got to bat and bowl. The focus was on participation and learning. But this didn't stop Amelia and Frances from smashing the ball all over the park and scoring an impressive run total.

The team played against Roydvale, Halswell and St Margaret's, winning all of their matches.

I was impressed with how focused our girls were and I loved seeing how supportive and encouraging they were of each other.

CJCA Girls Cricket Tournament

Congratulations to our Y7/8 Girls Cricket Team (Amelia Greig, Elza Harrington, Polly Botherway, Megan Ung, Bea Simpson-Bannister, Jessica Feasey, Faye Li Chen, Audrey Sun, Matilda Abbott) who competed in the two day CJCA Girls Cricket Tournament.

For the majority of the team this was their first cricket tournament they had participated in and playing hardball cricket made it more challenging. They had been practising during their lunchtimes so knew what to expect playing with the hardball and all of the equipment they had to wear for protection.

I was impressed with how enthusiastic the girls were and how excited they were to be given the opportunity to play in the tournament.

They played two 20 over games on Thursday against South Intermediate and St Margaret's. Both of these teams had some impressive batters and bowlers which enabled them to win the games.

Our team unfortunately was struck by illness meaning we had some girls unable to play and were short on numbers. Luckily we borrowed a player from Rangi Ruru and Selwyn House who help boost the team with their great cricketing skills.

On Friday the team played Cobham and St Andrew's. These games were much more evenly matched and our girls were starting to bowl much more accurately and we took many more wickets than the other teams. We managed a very close win against Cobham and narrowly lost to St Andrew's. This was a fantastic achievement for the team.

They learnt so much by playing in the tournament and it was great to see their skills improving.

Winter Sport

Our Netball, Hockey, Football, Table Tennis and Rugby teams competed in the Primary Sport Canterbury competition on a Friday afternoon. The focus was on enjoying playing, developing skills and learning game awareness.

Netball

This year we had 5 netball teams made up of very mixed ability with some wonderful players who led from the front with their club experience. We also had some players who had never played before and some boys also wanting to try netball for the first time.

Hockey

We had 4 hockey teams in 2023. Two senior teams and a junior team competing on a Friday afternoon at Nunweek Park.

Football

We had 4 football teams in 2023. Two senior team and two junior teams competing in the Friday afternoon competition at Hagley Park against other school.

Rugby

We had one senior rugby team in 2023 competing in the Primary SPort competition on Friday afternoon.

Table Tennis

Table Tennis was a popular choice in 2023. We had 6 teams competing on a Friday at the Table Tennis Centre.

Basketball

This year we entered some junior miniball teams in the Pioneer Competition on a Wednesday afternoon in Term 1&4. We also had two Y5/6 teams and two y7/8 teams competing in the Pioneer Winter competition in Term 2&3.

The Y6 and Y7/8 teams also competed in the ISSA Basketball tournament at St Andrew’s College They all enjoyed the opportunity to play in this tournament and learnt some valuable skills from the opposition.

Water Polo

Our Water Polo Teams competed in the Primary Sport Canterbury competition during the year. We had two Year 7 and 8 teams competing.

One in the A grade on a Monday night and one in the C grade on the Friday night. The Monday night team has had some fantastic games and learning lots as many of them have transferred to playing in the full pool. The Friday night team has dominated all of their games with many goals being scored and working well as a team.

We were lucky to have some ex students coached our teams this term. Edward Elworthy and Munchi Jager.

New Zealand Rhythmic Gymnastics Selection

Congratulations to Faye Li Chen (Y8) who recently competed at the Auckland Rhythmic Gymnastics competition. At the Auckland Rhythmic Gymnastics competition, Faye finished second in her event and fifth overall. Faye was the youngest contestant in the 13-16 age group and has now been selected for the New Zealand Rhythmic Gymnastics team to compete at the Singapore Open at the end of May. This is a fantastic achievement and we are super proud of all the hard work that Faye has put into her Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Huxster Mountain Bike Race

Congratulations to our team of mountain bikers, who competed in the Huxster Mountain Bike Race at MacLeans Island. The Y5/6 teams competed in pairs, where one partner completed a 4.8km lap that wound through the bike trails at MacLeans Island and then tagged their partner. They had to try and see how many laps they could complete in 1 and a 1/2 hours. I was impressed with their determination and willingness to give it a go. They all supported each other during the race and gave it their best shot. What a great achievement!

Results:

• Louis Miller & Max W - 38th

• Josh M & Lachie M - 13th

ISSA Ski Champs - Porters

Congratulations to our ski team that competed at the Independent's Ski Race at Porters. A special mention to Anna Coberger who was the fastest Y7/8 Girl, a fantastic achievement.

It was a sunny day on the Mountain with very firm snow conditions which made it tough for the team to ski on. But they all persevered and showed some excellent ski racing. For some it was their first time ever racing, so they were very nervous, but after the first run when they realised they could do it they got faster and faster. It was great to see the more experienced skiers supporting the younger racers.

Coach Team Award Award

Mrs Bennett Y5/6 Green Certificate Most Improved

Eva Wang Certificate Team Commitment

TCGS Cup Most Valuable Player

Ms Tangiiti Y5/6 White Certificate Most Improved

Certificate Team Commitment

Reese Kong

Isabel Clarke

Aria Lu

Harry Pringle

Certificate Most Valuable Player Amelie

Mrs Leith Y7/8 Maroon Certificate Most Improved Player

Certificate Team Commitment

TCGS Cup Most Valuable Player

Donnithorne

Candice Tan

Hamish Dark

Indi Osmers

Miss Evans Y7/8 White Certificate Most Improved Player Lila Linker

Certificate Team Commitment

Mrs Harrington Y7/8 Maroon Certificate Most Improved Player

Mahi Gill and Maddison Gorinski

Jessica Feasey Certificate Team Commitment Ada Pang

Jo Gill Cup Most Valuable Player Megan Ung

Hockey Coach Team Award Award

Mrs Jones Y5/6 White Certificate Most Improved

Recipient

Nidhaan Jolly Certificate Team Commitment

McGregor Cup Most Valuable Player

Mr Larsen Y5/6 Maroon Certificate Most Improved

Frances Connell

Iver Spence

Owain Lloyd Certificate Team Commitment

McGregor Cup Most Promising Hockey Player BS

Ethan Shen

Freddie de Costobadie

Cooper Dixon Cup Most Promising Junior Hockey Player GS Merida Xiao

Ms McCormack Y7/8 White Certificate Most Improved

Certificate Team Commitment

Mr Shand Y7/8 Maroon Certificate Most Improved

Certificate Team Commitment

Ruby Connor

Blake Wilson

Max Hawks

Polly Botherway

Worner Cup Most Valuable Senior Hockey Player BS Hugo Ensor Yee Cup Most Valuable Senior Hockey Player GS Elza Harrington

Netball

Recipient

Camp Outdoor Education

Year 4 Camp - Living Springs

In November, Year 4 students embarked on our annual camp at the Living Springs Outdoor Education Centre.

On arrival, we were met with breathtaking ocean views, flourishing native vegetation, and hospitable staff. We settled quickly into our bunkrooms, feeling right at home. Over the following two days, students engaged in an outdoor education program that presented new knowledge and numerous challenges. The itinerary featured activities such as outdoor survival skills, an Amazing Race, and Initiative Challenges, all of which fostered teamwork and perseverance.

The children enthusiastically embraced all aspects of camp. Favourable weather and the exciting range of activities created lasting memories for all involved.

Olivia Han from 4G said, “A new thing I tried at camp was using flint and steel. I was quite surprised that I could get the cotton ball to catch on fire and create some sparks!”

Kaylee Wu from 4G commented, “My favourite activity was the bush walk because I love nature and learning how early Maori used our native. I also really enjoyed the rope swing.”

Tristan Bi from 4B said, “My favourite activity at camp was mini golf. I liked the monorail too. The monorail frightened me so much that I nearly screamed.”

Sebastian Brents from 4B commented, “My favourite activity at camp was the pool. A new thing that I tried at camp was sleeping far from my family.”

Upon our return to school, the children were tired but content, eagerly anticipating reuniting with their parents and sharing their camp adventures.

Thank you to the parent volunteers whose invaluable assistance enriched our camp experience in numerous ways.

Amanda Botting and Dhalgren Attwell

Year 4 Teachers

Year 5 Camp - Wainui Park

Monday 13th November had arrived, and after a year of excitement, 5G and 5B were finally ready to embark on their camp. The forecast looked fantastic, so everyone was lathered up with sunscreen and prepared to board the bus. After a brief stop at Little River, we headed over the hill with Mr Shaugnessey setting us two challenges: to find the name of the building at the top of the hill and the name of the town when we dropped down into Akaroa Harbour. With our minds taken off the windy road, we arrived at our destination, Powell Village at Wainui Park on Banks Peninsula.

Already, everyone was off to find their cabin and prepare their beds for the night. After a quick lunch, we were off on our first activity. Two of the three groups were out paddling. Kayak and paddle boards were blown around as children and adults alike showed their paddling prowess. This was a new experience for some, and the challenge of controlling a vessel in windy conditions was hard work. In contrast, others were busy encouraging and instructing them how to manage their kayak or paddleboard. While the two groups were out paddling, one group spent an hour and a half trying to hit the target in archery. We learned all about the bow and arrow and what their purpose was. It was hard work pulling the bow back far enough, but there were lots of screams of joy when it at least got close to the target. The Flying Fox zip line was a great experience, as everyone overcame their fear of heights and quickly hurtled through the forest. Lots of laughter and encouragement reverberated through the trees as everyone helped and

encouraged each other.

On return to camp, it was free time to explore the camp and all it had to offer. Whether just relaxing in the bunk rooms or playing basketball with friends, everyone enjoyed the sunshine and exploring their new home for the next three days. After dinner, it was the Scavenger Hunt to beat all Scavenger Hunts. Teachers' sunglasses were acquired, and parent's shoes were added to the list. Where can we find something tasty when we’re not allowed any lollies on camp? I know the parent's coffee grinds for their plunger are delicious to them. Great thinking outside the square. Now it was time for bed, and as the sun set, so did we after a busy day.

Day two dawned, and the sun was beating down as soon as breakfast was over. Luckily, two groups were coasteering in the morning and the other in the afternoon, so while we sweltered in our wetsuits, we appreciated the cold water as we lept from the rocks and into the channel. Great fun.

We learned about the sea life around the rocks and the volcanic nature of Banks Peninsula. It was hard work climbing down the bank (some were sliding down), but getting back up was even more challenging!

We celebrated an exhausting but fun day in the water with a campfire that night. Renditions of ‘Baby Shark’ echoed throughout the camp as everyone became more confident as the darkness took hold. We finished our campfire with toasted marshmallows between chocolate biscuits (s’mores because you always want more!). With our torch beams guiding us back to camp, we returned to Powell Village and our awaiting beds. Exhausted but happy, we eagerly climbed into our sleeping bags after a great day of water, sun and laughter.

Day three and today, we head home, but not after a chance to explore the outer limits of Powell Village in search of orienteering markers. It was great to see the collaboration as students ran wildly about looking for the elusive sign hidden under bridges, on the sides of buildings and fence posts. Little did we know that on our return, the Wainui Park staff had planned a game for us to take on the parents. After an hour of running around, we were ready to board our bus for the beach.It was a time to eat lunch and reflect on what a beautiful palace Wainui is and all the challenges we’d achieved. There was no chance of getting wet this time, but that didn’t stop us from building a path of stones over the sand (that

we weren’t allowed to step on) and down to the sea. Triumph, we did it!

Our final time on the bus and we wearily climbed on board, ready to head back to school with a wealth of stories to tell our awaiting parents. Camp had been all that we had expected and more. A chance to hang out with our mates, a chance to challenge ourselves and go outside our comfort zone and be away from our parents and take on the extra responsibility. We loved camp!

Charlotte Li: I stood on the rock, my heart beating. I slowly bent my knees and plunged in with a loud splash. As I swam, smooth seaweed skimmed against my arm. Salt shot up my mouth, making me kick harder. As I saw the shore, a wave of relief washed over me.

Anna Van Zyl: I was harnessed up with my helmet and harness. My heart leapt. It was my turn to go on the Flying Fox. I soared high into the trees and bushes. It was thrilling!

Amelia Greig: Nervously, I stepped onto the rock, not knowing what lurked beneath me. I was scared as I jumped. What if jellyfish were swimming in the seaweed?

Frances Connell: I stare down, fixing my eyes on the tremendous drop into the spine-chilling deep blue sea. Do I have to jump? What if I get pulled out to sea by the current? A moment in time stopped; everything was dead quiet, and I found myself in this swirling patch of ice cold water.

Isla Mitchell: I searched desperately trying to find marker 11 with Miller and Charlotte strolling behind me. Eagerly, I kept on going down the road and turned and then toot, toot, toot, the whistle had just gone.

Eva Wang: As I stepped up to the stall, I held my arrow cheerfully. I stretched my arrow back, and fired at the target and it landed on the board behind the target.

Lisari Gajamange: I gripped my life jacket for safety, shivering from the cold. I plunged into the dark cobalt sea and for a second I couldn’t breathe.

Celine Aronis: I could smell the smoke from the roaring fire, and after a little walk, I saw the large burning campfire and some seats for you to sit in. I toasted some sweet white marshmallows on a stick, and they tasted delicious.

Jessica Shu: I stepped closer and closer to the edge. After I jumped, I was disgusted with the salt water.

Rosalind Wang: As I stepped in, I felt the cold water rushing through my veins. I faced a heartstopping moment.

Miller Hamilton: At Archery, you just pull back the bow and let the arrow fly.

Nathaniel Murahidy: Wainui camp is the best I wish I could be there every day!!!

Alston Zou: The Flying Fox Was Fun Because You Got To Whizz Down The Zipline At Insane Speeds!

Ethan Yang: My favourite activity was Archery. The shots were very fun and the team encouraged me to shoot. My favourite part was shooting a bullseye and then making my team win two times in a row.

Harry Pringle: I dashed down the Zipline at Wainui camp and felt OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD! I wish I could take a zipline to school instead of a car.

Jack Parfitt: Jumping off the rocks at coasteering was awesome I wish I could do it again.

Oliver Broadbent: This year's camp was the best camp ever! I really enjoyed the zipline. It was an amazing experience zooming down the zipline at the speed of light. I really enjoyed being locked into that harness (it gave me a little wedgie but it was totally worth it!!).

Yihan Liu: Wainui camp was a blast. You have to try coasteering and paddle boarding.

Miller Fergusson: The rush of the wind from kayaking was the best feeling ever.

Raenv Sewak: The water felt refreshing but very cold for me at coasteering.

Toby Adams: I loved flying on the zipline. It felt like I was flying through an open forest like a bird.

Year 6 Camp - Hanmer Springs

On the 8th of February, Year 6 went to camp. We got there using 2 of our school buses and parent volunteer’s cars. Going to camp was going to help us learn about teamwork, while having fun in the great outdoors. Everyone was packed with excitement when we arrived at Hanmer Springs Camp!

First up was Low ropes. Low Ropes had many challenges where your team had to work together to complete the challenge! One of Renee’s highlights was the marble run in low ropes. The game was to make a line, connecting big plastic tubes and running to the end of the line when the ball finished running across the tube. After the groups got the hang of it we started to add more

tennis balls and golf balls.

Rock climbing was challenging but fun. Year 6 climbed on an actual rock wall! The one on the left side was slightly more easy, and the one on the right side was more challenging. Even some of the parents climbed the rock walls! Everyone did extremely well in rock climbing. Emma especially enjoyed rock climbing.

Every night at camp, Year 6 went to the Hanmer Springs Hot Pools and Hydroslides! Renee and Emma went on the Super Bowl together and went through the chute backwards!

The Chronicle Thrill was really scary but also fun. Loads of parents went on the hydroslides. Mr Larsen and Mr Lean-Massey looked like they were having the time of their lives. Everyone enjoyed the fun and excitement of the Hot Pools.

Overall, the Year 6 camp was amazing! Everyone had so much fun. It was so impressive how everyone overcame some of their fears and tried their hardest to succeed. Year 6 camp was awesome!

Emma Zhang and Renee Jiang Year 6 Students

Year 7 Camp - Boyle River Lodge

A winter camp. With cold and frosty mornings followed by clear blue skies during the day, our Year 7 students were not deterred from engaging in the range of activities that The Boyle River Lodge has to offer.

There was such excitement on the bus as we pulled up to the lodge. We were greeted by the enthusiastic instructors who introduced themselves and later led icebreaker games to enable everyone to get to know each other.

All of the activities provided the students with opportunities to develop their skills such as communication, problem solving and collaboration. It was great to see students creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some memorable moments from the students:

“My favourite thing was the Flying Kiwi and the campfire. I also learned how to read star constellations.” Rita Wang

“I will never forget when our instructors switched their names around.” Samantha Burrows

“Orienteering was really fun, especially when the boys stole our map, but we still won!” Chloe Wu

“My favourite activity was the flying kiwi because it was very fun to do a run-up. Also, cooking on Thursday night was enjoyable and the marshmallows were delicious.” Audrey Sun

“Thank you so much for teaching us how to read a map, make a fire and see what wood would be good for the fire. It was so much fun roasting the damper.” Lila Linker

“I learned how to spot others on the low ropes to keep them safe.” Austin Wakelin

“I really liked the Flying Kiwi and High Ropes. I appreciated the instructors pushing me to my limits.” Charlie McDonald

“My favourite thing was the flying kiwi, it was fun being up so high and being able to see over the trees. I learned how to use a trangia and compass.” Olin Spence

“I particularly liked the spear making. The Flying Kiwi was insane, you could see the mountain tops!” Sheldon Shi

“Learning about the three things I need, the three w’s. These will help me in later life.” Oscar Meng

“I loved the instructor’s enthusiastic energy to keep us going through the extreme weather.” Jim Porteous

“I really enjoyed the low ropes and how you helped us and made it a 1000 times funner, I also loved the game food and water.” Elza Harrington

“I didn't die on several occasions such as the campfire night and the flying kiwi. Also thanks for not seeing me when we played camouflage.”

Emily Tan

“Sophie, you were an amazing, helpful and funny instructor.” Phoebe Quested

“I really enjoyed the food and water game. It was amazing!” Katherine Higgins

“Learning how to use a compass.” Evie Lavender

“The main highlight was definitely playing camouflage (Cheese and Quackers). It was funny when you kept giving us clues and us not understanding.You were SO FUN!” Bea SimpsonBannister

“Orienteering and flying kiwi were my favourites. It was so funny when you told us your real names.” Grace Guo

“Gavin, you had made all the challenging things comfortable, you made it so we all trusted you that we would be safe on the flying Kiwi and all the other things.” Andrew Nagy-Richards

“I especially loved going to that place for lunch near the high ropes. Thank you again for keeping us safe and taking the time to give us a great experience. MOOSE JUICE !!” Eddie KristiansenBenge

“My favourite activity was the flying kiwi. I loved trying to get the stuffed toys into the bucket. I also enjoyed the orienteering in the morning with the frost.” Samuel Snoep

“I really liked the flying kiwi and I enjoyed camouflage. A challenge was doing the high ropes.” Jayden Shu

“Thank you so much for your help getting us over our fears. I did love the flying kiwi.” Max Hawks

“I loved the flying kiwi and learnt so much, including outdoor cooking.” William Murahidy

“I really enjoyed the flying kiwi and I learnt so much from you, including fire lighting and spear making.” Jeff Zhang

“My favourite part was when we were orienteering and we stole the girls map.” Yuncheng Jia

“I really liked orienteering, low ropes and flying kiwi. I have learnt heaps of great skills like when we were spotting at low ropes and I loved pushing myself in high ropes.” Oliver Ruane

Year 8 Camp - Castle Hill

The Year 8 students started the first day back of Term 4 loaded up with gear ready for their fourday outdoor adventure at Castle Hill.

The Castle Hill Camp is based in the Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge, with the Craigieburn Range forming the backdrop to the location. The four-day camp entailed outdoor education, where students were encouraged to choose their challenges in a variety of activities. The activities included adventure-based learning games, abseiling, rock climbing, tramping, bushcraft activities, and camping. Some students even managed a quick dip in an alpine river!

While the focus was on outdoor challenges, the Year 8 Camp also served as a celebration and an opportunity to create long-lasting memories with their friends during their final camp at primary school. We were fortunate to have skilled instructors who were able to inspire and guide some students to step beyond their comfort zones. On their return to school, the students expressed their gratitude through written messages. The messages and photographs provide a glimpse into their time at Camp.

To awesome Jo, Jason, Bailey, Emma, Gemma and Sienna. Thank you so much for making the camp SO FUN. It was the best camp I've been to. My favourite things were camping outside and the food (thanks, Sienna). The fun activities like lighting a fire, rock climbing and abseiling (thanks Jason). And the indoor activities (thanks Bailey, Emma, Gemma and Jason). Finally, thank you Jo for organising everything. Overall I had an amazing time, and it was the best camp I've been to and I've made so many lifelong memories. From Conor Ruane

Dear Jo, Jason, Emma, Bailey, Gemma and Sienna, Thank you so much for hosting us for camp. I really enjoyed my time there, although I have to say the camp out was a challenge! My favourite part at camp had to be the walk on the Hog’s Back Bridge. At times, it was tough, especially when we had to walk uphill. The funniest part had to be sliding down the steep hill on our butts while laughing our heads off the whole way down. Even though there were times when we had to walk through prickly bushes and constantly tripping on rocks, we still somehow managed to have such a fun time. To finish it off, I would like to personally thank Bailey. You really made camp such a great experience. Thank you for putting up with us, especially when we would sing at the top of our lungs in the van. I really enjoyed all the times we spent together, and hopefully, in future years we might see each other again at Castle Hill. Thank you, Jo and instructors, for making this such an amazing and unforgettable experience. From Megan Ung

Hi Jo, I am writing to say thank you. I loved the whole camp, but my best memory was rock climbing. I saw you working very hard to keep us safe. When I saw you setting up the ropes, it looked like a massive task and very complicated, so you must have very big skills. This wasn't my first-time rock climbing, but it was definitely the best. Thanks again - this was a very memorable camp. From Ollie Wells.

To Jo, Bailey, Emma, Jason, Gemma, and Sienna. Thank you for everything that you did on camp, from driving the vans to walking with us over the ridge and on the Hogsback Trail. I mostly enjoyed rock climbing and abseiling since I was facing my fears of heights. The walk that we did was definitely not my favourite as I am not a fan of being too high up. Overall, I came home with a few extra spots/holes in my hand from the matagouri plants, but the seven pieces of brownie I ate that Sienna made were delicious! From Maggie Host.

Dear Jason, thank you for making this year's camp more interesting than I thought it would be. I have plenty of memories to look back on, and we are all super grateful for the opportunities. Sleeping outside was definitely a learning experience for me. I have never slept under a fly before, nor have I had a shortage of toilets. Even though I was complaining the whole night, I am now looking back and feeling thankful for being put outside my comfort zone. I especially appreciate your encouraging yet cautious approach. I felt safe and free to push myself at all times. My week was filled with challenges and learning; a week I won't forget. Kind regards, Matilda Abbott

Dear Sienna, Jo, Bailey, Gemma, Emma, and Jason. Thank you so much for making camp the best camp that I have ever been to. I found all of the activities so much fun, and if I got the option, I would definitely try them again. Thank you, Bailey, for taking me everywhere and rock climbing. I am happy that you made our group walk on the mountain instead of just walking there. I made many more memories and did things I definitely would have said no to if I had the option, but now I would say yes. Overall, I had an amazing time, and I have made so many more lifelong memories. I now have so many more friends too. From Johnny Leeson.

Hi Jo, It’s Gus. I am here to say thank you for everything you did on camp. My favourite part was rock climbing. I have done rock climbing many times, but not outside. It was much harder than inside, as I had to learn how to push my body to get a grip. Thank you again for all you have done, and I hope to see you again. From Gus Matheson

Hi Jo, It's Hugo here. I'm here to say thank you for helping out on the rock climbing and abseiling. During rock climbing, we had lots of fun. I've done rock climbing many times, but this is my first time doing it outside. Outside, it was trickier because there were fewer things to grab onto. It was much trickier when we had to close our eyes. It was my first time doing abseiling too. Thank you for helping me out on what to do when you abseil. It was pretty tricky to slowly pull yourself down at the right speed to get yourself down slowly. Thanks again for doing everything for us so we can have fun at camp. From Hugo Ensor.

Dear Emma. Thank you for everything that you guided us with during our Year 8 camp. I’m someone who hates rock climbing because I get really scared. You were able to lead me, and I got up to the top because of your positive words. You were also super encouraging when I went abseiling. I felt proud that I had done abseiling

and rock climbing. By the way, let me know if you find them. The cave swimming was so cold, but fun with you. All in all, I really enjoyed the experience of camp. From Polly Botherway.

Dear Sienna, Bailey Jason, Emma, Gemma and Jo, Thank you for making camp an amazing experience for everyone and making it awesome. Thank you to Bailey for letting us walk the hogs back and encouraging us to keep going. I loved sliding down the hill. Making the fire and jumping over the river was so fun, and I loved rock climbing and abseiling. A huge thanks to Sienna for helping us make the food and organising the camp. I enjoyed the camp a lot, and you all made it amazing. Lots of thanks, Rose Martin

Lucy Ellery

Staff Arrivals

Lucy joined the Specialist team on a 1 year fixedterm contract replacing Ella Kimber (who took maternity leave) in May this year. Lucy leads the Pre-School and Junior School PE programmes and brings with her wide and varied professional teaching experience. Originally trained as a secondary PE teacher, she has recently retrained after an extended break to begin Primary teaching. Lucy’s approach to Physical Education provides our children with a variety of practical experiences that adapt to and extend individual needs and skills. She is a well respected member of our team and works three days each week.

Jan Robertson

Kaiako Jan Robertson worked in a relieving capacity at The Cathedral Grammar Pre-school when Whaea Emma embarked on her well-deserved European holiday. Jan's temporary role demonstrated her as a good fit for our team and so we were delighted to welcome her to our team (working 25.5 hours per week) in July. However, it is with a touch of sadness that Jan will depart us sooner than expected in January 2024. The Cathedral Grammar Pre-School community wishes Kaiako Jan well in her new endeavours, and thanks her for her positive contributions to our learning space.

Emma Whitla

This year, we welcomed Emma Whitla to the Junior School, while Kirsty Bailey was on maternity leave. Emma has been a wonderful member of the team, and made a very positive contribution to the school. We thank her for her dedication to her students, and her generosity in sharing her expertise and resources with the rest of the team. Emma has secured a permanent position at Avonhead School, and we wish her all the best for the future.

Mandy Martin

Mandy Martin brought her expertise to our administration team when she joined as an administrator in Term 2. With a background that includes teaching at various independent schools

in Christchurch, her wealth of experience as an educator greatly contributes to her work and interactions with students. Additionally, Mandy has

ventured into a successful career in real estate. We are thrilled to have Mandy as part of our team and look forward to benefiting from her extensive experience, skills, and unique perspective.

Diana Wylie

Diana Wylie, a dedicated ex-teacher and ex-parent of Cathedral Grammar, boasts a rich history with our school. Over the years, she has taken on diverse roles, serving as Treasurer of the Friends' Association, teacher aide, office administrator, enrolments assistant, and most recently, as a finance manager under a short-term contract. Diana's extensive experience and commitment to our school, make her a cherished member of our team—a versatile professional we can always count on to assume various responsibilities. Although Diana will be concluding her role in 2024, we are confident that this won't be the last occasion her valuable skills are sought after.

Dhalgren Attwell

We are thrilled to introduce Dhalgren Attwell, our dynamic and experienced 4B teacher, who joined the Cathedral Grammar School community in Term 1 of 2023. With over a decade of experience as a Primary Classroom Teacher, Dhalgren brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating vibrant and exciting learning environments for his students.

Dhalgren's teaching journey has taken him around the world, with significant international experience in London, Beijing, and Ho Chi Minh City. Having recently relocated back to New Zealand, he carries with him a rich cultural understanding and a commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms. His diverse background includes coaching in Maths leadership, embracing the Inquiry-Based Learning approach, and proficiency in various curricula such as the New Zealand National Curriculum, English National Curriculum, IB Primary Years Programme, New Brunswick (Canada) Curriculum, and the American ERO Curriculum.

Dhalgren holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, showcasing his

versatile skill set. His teaching philosophy centres around the belief that all students can achieve greatness when nurtured in an exciting, safe, and interesting classroom. He is dedicated to fostering positive relationships with each student, ensuring they feel heard, welcome, and included.

At TCGS, Dhalgren prioritises student and whānau wellbeing, creating a positive and personalised learning environment. His commitment to positive reinforcement and a growth mindset empowers students to thrive, challenge themselves, and take risks. With experience in multicultural settings, he brings a unique understanding of diverse student needs, ensuring that every child feels included, confident, and safe to express themselves.

Dhalgren believes in a holistic approach to education, actively engaging in sports and clubs within the school and local community. Having lived and worked in seven countries, he has pursued his passion for sports, playing football, cricket, and golf, and coaching various sports like touch rugby, netball, football, badminton, and basketball. Additionally, he has been involved in after-school gardening clubs, and environmental initiatives, and has directed school plays and concerts, showcasing his commitment to a well-rounded education. In welcoming Dhalgren Attwell to TCGS, we anticipate an exciting and enriching educational journey for our students, filled with creativity, inclusivity, and a passion for lifelong learning.

Nicola Bennett

We are delighted to introduce Nicola Bennett, a dynamic and experienced 8B teacher, who joined the Cathedral Grammar School community in Term 1 of 2023. With a rich and diverse teaching background spanning both New Zealand and the UK, Nicola's journey in education is a testament to her commitment and expertise.

Nicola's teaching journey began at Christchurch East School, and she later ventured to the UK to explore teaching opportunities in different sectors. During her time at Maidenhall Primary School in Luton, she not only gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) but also achieved Post Threshold Status (PTS). After a hiatus to raise her four daughters, Nicola returned to New Zealand, completing the Teacher Education Refresh Programme and securing a permanent role

at Wānaka Primary School before joining us at The Cathedral Grammar School.

Nicola brings a wealth of strengths and expertise to the classroom, excelling in behaviour management, fostering positive student relationships, and delivering comprehensive instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. Her dedication to professional development is evident from her prior role as a Professional Practice Lecturer (PPL) and mathematics marker at Canterbury University.

Nicola has taken on various roles throughout her career, including leading New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) and Digi-Curriculum. Nicola's expertise extends to literacy curriculum, mentoring student teachers, and spearheading initiatives. Her tenure as the Year Team Manager at Maidenhall Primary School highlights her diverse contributions to professional learning communities.

Nicola's commitment to education goes beyond the classroom. She served as a Year 4 Teacher at Maidenhall Primary School, taking on responsibilities for planning and delivering educational programs. Her educational journey includes a Diploma of Education from the New Zealand Graduate School of Education, a Post Graduate Diploma of Science, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury.

Nicola Bennett's wealth of experience, teaching acumen, and passion for education make her a valuable addition to our school community. We are fortunate that Nicola has taken on the role of Year 8 teacher within the Boys’ School. Her positive impact will undoubtedly benefit the students and colleagues she engages with at our school.

Staff Farewells

Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication:

A Tribute to Geoffrey Cain

In the heart of every organisation, there are individuals whose contributions shape its very foundation. For The Cathedral Grammar School, Geoffrey Cain (known as Geoff) was one such stalwart figure, serving as the School Bursar for an impressive 25 years. His tenure was not just a period of service but a legacy of unwavering dedication and leadership.

Geoff embodied the essence of reliability and integrity, qualities that made him an integral part of our school community. His straightforward approach earned him the respect of the Board, parents, students, and staff alike. Known for calling a spade a spade, Geoff's honesty was a cornerstone of his character, and no one ever doubted where they stood with him. Throughout his tenure, Geoff guided the school through numerous challenges and triumphs. From navigating the complexities of post-earthquake reconstruction to managing the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19, his steady hand ensured the school remained resilient and focused on its mission of excellence in education.

One of Geoff's most significant contributions was overseeing the construction of both the Boys' School and Junior School buildings, milestones that have left a lasting imprint on our campus and community.

In mid-2023, Geoff retired from his role as Bursar, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and stewardship. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Geoff looks forward to spending quality time with his grandchildren in Australia, a welldeserved reward after years of dedicated service to Cathedral Grammar School.

Geoff, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment and leadership. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your impact will resonate throughout the corridors of our school for years to come. Thank you for 25 years of service and for being an exemplary role model to us all.

Celebrating 18 Years of Dedication:

A Tribute to Tania Robinson

Tania Robinson, alongside Geoff Cain, was at the helm of the school supporting both the office and finance functions, beginning her journey with us in 2006 as a finance assistant. Over the course of 18 years, Tania's presence has become synonymous with warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. From her beginnings in finance to becoming an indispensable part of our school's fabric, Tania's contributions have touched the lives of countless

colleagues, parents, and students. Her gentle demeanor and genuine care have fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie that defines our school spirit.

As Tania prepares to transition to a reduced role at another independent school at the end of 2023, the impact of her departure is deeply felt across our community. Her legacy of compassion, professionalism, and tireless dedication will endure long after she bids farewell to Cathedral Grammar School.

Tania, your journey with us has been marked by excellence, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our school. Your ability to navigate challenges with grace and your unwavering support for all members of our community have left an indelible mark on our hearts. As we express our heartfelt gratitude for your 18 years of service, we also extend our best wishes for your future endeavors. May your new chapter be filled with continued success, fulfillment, and the same warmth that you have shared with us at Cathedral Grammar School. Thank you, Tania, for embodying the spirit of dedication and for leaving an enduring legacy of kindness and compassion. You will be greatly missed, but your impact will continue to inspire us all.

April Pike

April Pike, a Chartered Accountant and experienced project manager, briefly served as our Business Manager. During her tenure, April made substantial contributions to building maintenance, grounds upkeep, and renovations within the PreSchool facilities. Her efforts have played a crucial role in advancing the overall development and progress of our school community.

We wish April every success for her future endeavours.

Ryan Shaughnessy

In 2021, The Cathedral Grammar School welcomed Ryan Shaughnessy as our Deputy Principal, a role that he embraced after a distinguished tenure in Qatar as Assistant Principal at an international

school. Bringing with him a wealth of experience from his extensive career in teaching across various New Zealand and international independent schools, coupled with a background in Navy service and a Master's degree in international education, Ryan quickly became a driving force behind numerous advancements within our school community.

During his tenure, Ryan played a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives, refining systems and planning, spearheading curriculum development, and uplifting staff morale. His leadership was characterised by a blend of vision, empathy, and a deep commitment to educational excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the school's progress and culture.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ryan earned widespread admiration and respect as a valued colleague and mentor. His departure represents a significant loss to our school community, where his influence and guidance were deeply cherished.

Opting to pursue new horizons in management outside the realm of education, we bid farewell to Ryan with heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering dedication and transformative leadership. We extend our warmest wishes for continued success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors, confident that his impact will resonate far beyond our school's walls.

Prizegiving

Junior School

Year 1

Lawrence R. Lee - Excellence in School Spirit for fearlessly aiming high in his learning, by consistently working hard and displaying a positive attitude.

Edward A. McGrath - Excellence in School Spirit for having a positive attitude towards all aspects of school life, and showing kindness and empathy to all.

Archison J. Fleetwood - Excellence in School Spirit for reflecting our school values by showing kindness and empathy to all.

Emma I. Soper - Excellence in School Spirit for reflecting our school values in displaying a positive attitude to her learning.

Annabelle P. Cording - Class Excellence Award.

Oscar W.J. O’Byrne - Class Excellence Award.

Georgina V. Kappely - Excellence in School Spirit for having a positive attitude towards all aspects of school life, and showing kindness and empathy to all.

Mark (Zhizeng) Guo - Excellence in School Spirit for fearlessly aiming high in his learning, by consistently displaying resilience and perseverance.

Anita S. Fei - Class Excellence Award.

Jun J. Park-Liu - Class Excellence Award.

Year 2

Amaia G. Dixon - Excellence in School Spirit for consistently displaying a diligent and conscientious approach to all areas of the curriculum.

Harry J. Swainson - Excellence in School Spirit for reflecting the values of our school and displaying an outstanding attitude toward his learning.

Warren T.L. Xu - Class Excellence Award.

Vincent Zhuo - Class Excellence Award.

Davey Mallinson - Excellence in School Spirit for reflecting the values of our school and displaying an outstanding attitude towards his learning.

Raffaele J. Rohekar - Excellence in School Spirit for fearlessly aiming high and consistently displaying a diligent and conscientious approach to all areas of the curriculum.

Naomi (Fei) E. Ren - Class Excellence Award.

Blake Davis - Class Excellence Award

Year 3

Conor R. Pope - Excellence in School Spirit for consistently placing outstanding effort into all aspects of school life.

Daniel M. Malone - Excellence in School Spirit for consistently placing outstanding effort into all aspects of school life.

Cynthia Yang - Class Excellence Award.

Jayden J. Wu - Class Excellence Award.

Halwin J.H. Xu - Excellence in School Spirit for working with excellent effort in all aspects of school life.

Max Y. Chen - Excellence in School Spirit for working with excellent effort in all aspects of school life.

Harry J.T. Lucy - Class Excellence Award.

Anthia Yang - Class Excellence Award.

Junior School Special Awards

Harry J.T. Lucy and Selene R. Wang - The STJC Cup for a student who stands high in esteem of the Junior School.

Maddison A. Swainson and Timmy (Ruihan) Zhang - The Teachers’ Cup for the Most Improved Pupil.

Prizegiving

Boys' School

Year 4

Joshua E.P. Quested - Excellence in School Spirit for showing unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to all areas of school life.

Oceano B. Owen - Excellence in School Spirit for showing compassion and understanding towards his classmates and always being there for others.

Edward A.J. Everist - Trish Daniels Award for Commitment to Learning.

Frederick A.D. Mitchell - Art Prize.

Van L. Pender - Excellence in Class Music.

Charlie J. Donkers - Excellence in Physical Education.

Yining Ma - Class Excellence Award.

Evan Ju - Class Excellence Award.

Harrison W. McWilliams - Class Excellence Award.

Raenv A. Sewak - Excellence in School Spirit for Always Doing the Right Thing.

Year 5

Jack W.M. Parfitt - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating Everyone Matters and Fearlessly Aiming High for his ability to work collaboratively with a range of people and setting high expectations for himself and his learning, and Excellence in Physical Education.

Aaron (Zongze) Li - Excellence in Class Music.

Lennox R. Wang - Art Prize, and Class Excellence Award.

Miller W. Fergusson - Class Excellence Award.

Nathaniel J. Murahidy - Class Excellence Award.

Year 6

Kiran J. P. Pereira - Art Prize, and Class Excellence Award.

Brad (Yi Zhao) Zhang - Class Excellence Award.

Hamish W. Dark - Excellence in Class Music, and Class Excellence Award.

Frederick I. de Costobadie - Excellence in School Spirit for taking the time to look out for the wellbeing of his classmates and being impeccably respectful to all those around him, and Excellence in Physical Education.

Lachlan T. McWhinnie - Excellence in School Spirit for tenacity.

Justin Zhang - Art Prize.

Hugo (Guang) H. Tang - Excellence in Class Music.

Liam (Yi) Niu - Excellence in Physical Education.

Year 7

Sheldon Shi - Class Excellence in Mathematics.

Olin E. Spence - Class Excellence in English.

Justin J.M. Liu - Excellence in Class Music.

Edward D.H. Kristiansen-Benge - Excellence in Art.

Samuel J. Snoep - Excellence in Physical Education.

Oscar H. Parfitt - Excellence in Physical Education

William G. Murahidy - Excellence in Class Music, and Excellence in Art.

Charlie A. McDonald - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating consideration for others and for always trying his best, and The Avery Cup for perseverance and determination in learning.

Oliver B. Ruane - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating Everyone Matters through the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and putting others ahead of himself, Class Excellence in Science, and Class Excellence in Social Science.

Yuncheng Jia - Class Excellence in English, Class Excellence in Mathematics, Class Excellence in Science, Class Excellence in Social Science, and 1st in Class.

Year 8

Prizegiving

Lucas Z. Zhang - Excellence in Class Music.

John Z. Leeson - Excellence in Art.

Gus A.C. Matheson - Excellence in Physical Education.

Derek (Dexuan) D. Kong - Class Excellence in Mathematics.

Thomas H. Osmers - Class Excellence in English, and Class Excellence in Social Science.

Tiger (Pengxu) X. Wang - Excellence in Physical Education, Class Excellence in Mathematics, and Class Excellence in Science.

Victor D. Dolby - Class Excellence in English, and The CC Maddren Memorial Prize - Cathedral Chorister Contribution to School Music.

Charlie M. Lambie - Gray Cup for Effort to Achieve, and Robinson Award for Character.

Niklas M. Serlath - Excellence in Art, and The Ireland Trophy for Information Technology.

Lachlan J.F. Sneddon - Class Excellence in Science, and the Principal's Award for Social Science.

Benjamin I.D. McKay - Insull/Gurnsey Memorial Award for Concern for Others, Farrar CupCathedral Chorister who has contributed most of life of the school, and The Late Canon Hamilton's Prize - Cathedral Chorister who has made the Most Notable Academic Progress.

Blake T. Wilson - Excellence in School Spirit for your kindness, consideration and perseverance.

Conor M. Ruane - Excellence in School Spirit for upholding the School Pillars in all aspects of life at The Cathedral Grammar School, and The Malcolm Long Cup for Deputy Head Boy.

Joshua Padayachee - Excellence in Class Music, Class Excellence in Social Science, Sandford Cox Award for English, Wiseley Merton Scholar Award for Creative Writing, Goldsmith Award for Mathematics, Buchan Cup for Science, Friends' Association Art Prize, Ballantyne Cup for A Most Conscientious Pupil, The James Gray Memorial Award for A Most Conscientious Leader, The Newstead Cup for Innovation, and The Reeves Harris Cup for Excellence in Overall Music.

Boys' School Special Awards

Hansen - Parr Memorial Cup for the Champion House.

Merton and Dell - Colours House Shieldawarded to the Boys and Girls' House with most Sports Events Points.

Tiger (Pengxu X). Wang - Games Cup for the Most Prominent Sportsman.

John Z. Leeson - Wagner Cup for Sportsmanship.

Thomas H. Osmers - Desmond Scott Memorial Cup for Leadership.

Joshua Padayachee - Selby Marshall Cup for Dux of the Boys' School.

Conor M. Ruane - Norwood Cup for a pupil who stands high in the affection and esteem of the school.

Joshua Padayachee - Bush Cup for Head Boy.

Girls' School

Year 4

Annabelle M. McDonald - Excellence in School Spirit for Perseverance and Effort to Achieve.

Akira Lamba - Excellence in School Spirit for Demonstrating the School Values in all Endeavours.

Yoyo Zhu - Excellence in Physical Education, and Class Excellence Award.

Olivia S. A. Han - Art Prize, Excellence in Class Music, and Class Excellence Award.

Sophie G. Hadfield - Class Excellence Award.

Year 5

Charlotte X. Li - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating the school values in all endeavours, and Art Prize.

Rosalind H. Wang - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating the school values in all endeavours, and Excellence in Class Music.

Amelia E.E. Greig - Excellence in Physical Education, and Class Excellence Award.

Year 6

Prizegiving

Emma J.X. Zhang - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating the school values in all endeavours.

Mile Wang - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating the school values in all endeavours.

Amelie Z. Donnithorne - Art Prize.

Jenny (Jaeyeon) Oh - Art Prize.

Renee M.Y. Jiang - Excellence in Class Music, and Excellence in Physical Education.

Indi I. Osmers - Excellence in Physical Education.

Naomi G. Homan - Excellence in Class Music, and a Class Excellence Award.

Candice J.Z. Tan - Class Excellence Award.

Susan (Ziqi) Zhang - Class Excellence Award.

Isabel G. Clarke - Shira Trophy for Tenacity of Spirit.

Year 7

Evie L. Lavender - Excellence in School Spirit for showing perseverance in all aspects of her learning.

Bea M. Simpson-Bannister - Excellence in School Spirit for demonstrating Everyone Matters through the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and putting others ahead of herself

Rita (Zhuduanrui) Wu - Excellence in Class Music.

Lila P. Linker - Excellence in Art.

Elza L.P. Harrington - Excellence in Physical Education.

Chloe Y. Wu - Excellence in Art, and Class Excellence in Mathematics.

Samantha K. Burrows - Excellence in Class Music, and Class Excellence in Social Science.

Heather S. Walker - Excellence in Physical Education, and Class Excellence in Science.

Emily T. Fergusson - Class Excellence in English, and Class Excellence in Social Science.

Audrey L. Sun - Class Excellence in English, Class Excellence in Mathematics, Class Excellence in

Science, and 1st in Class

Year 8

Mahi K. Gill - Excellence in School Spirit for epitomising the pillar, Everyone Matters.

Maggie E. Host - Excellence in School Spirit for her contributions to many aspects of school life.

Faye F. Li Chen - Excellence in School Spirit for consistently pursuing excellence in every endeavour, Excellence in Class Music, and The Reeves Harris Cup for Excellence in Overall Music.

Jessica A. Feasey - Excellence in Physical Education.

Matilda M. Abbott - Class Excellence in English.

Nicole (Peipei) Ding - Excellence in Art, and The Chen Cup for Mathematics.

Rose E.G. Martin - Excellence in Class Music, and The Cathedral Grammar School Prize for a Cathedral Girl Chorister’s Contribution to School Music.

Polly F. Botherway - Excellence in Physical Education, and the M.C. Skellerup Cup for Effort to Achieve.

Emily Tan - Class Excellence in Mathematics, Class Excellence in Social Science, and The Ghandi-Luhrs Cup for Leadership in Social Enterprise.

Girls' School Special Awards

Dell - Bartle Cup for the Champion House.

Rose E.G. Martin - Mills Cup for Head Girl.

Polly F. Botherway - Toynton Cup for Achievement in Sport.

Jessica A. Feasey - Heasley Cup for Sportsmanship.

Aubrey F. Doney - Lionel Hart Memorial Award for Leadership.

Ada (Aien) Pang - Girls' School Award for a student who stands high in the affection and esteem of the school.

Aubrey F. Doney - Roger Couper Trophy for the Dux of the Girls' School.

The School Roll

Students

Pre-School

Adeline Farrant

Albert Lepper

Alex Wu

Alice Newbury

Annabel Gough

Armaanjeet Singh

Augusto Tumminello

Bear Carson

Benedict Healey

Benjamin Toulson

Bonnie Chater

Dahlia Sodhi

Danny Mao

Eric White

Evelyn Lee

George Zhang

Heidi Hooper

Hugo Glauciuss

Ida Rogan

Indie Lissington

Isa Zhi

Isla Deidder

Jacob Shi

Jensen Whiting

Jett Lissington

Jules Thomas

Julian Bi

Katelyn Hwang

Lauren Kirkpatrick

Leah Yun

Liam Shen

Lucas Kibblewhite

Lucy Mitchell

Lulu Cockram

Lydia Li

Miette Lotter

Ollie Tang

Parin Manocha

Poppy Plato

Ran Zhai

Sam Donkers

Tanush Samarayanaka

Thea Feng

Vimy Yong

Zoe Plato

Year 1

Aaron Montgomery

Alex Han

Amy Wang

Anita Fei

Annabelle Cording

Archie Fleetwood

Archie Vink

Arlo Pitman

Asteria Townsend

Aston Saenmuang

Diana Ta

Eddie Huang

Edward McGrath

Emma Soper

Evan Lau

Fiona Zhuo

George Gough

Georgina Kappely

Harvey Curwin

Harvey McLaughlin

Isaac Trowbridge

Ismay Bi

Josephine Liang

Jun Park-Liu

Karanveer Singh

Lauchlan Stewart

Lawrence Lee

Liz Shen

Mark Guo

Mila Connelly

Nina Francois-Bower

Oliver Jacka

Oliver Liu

Oscar O'Bryne

Penelope Walker

Robyn Wang

Ryan Li

Savreen Kaur

Sean Park

Thea Thomas

Thomas Wang

Willem Farrant

William Fergusson

Yanwei Du

Year 2

Amaia Dixon

Amos Hu

Annabelle Everist

Archer O'Neil

Ayla Yang

Blake Davis

Davey Mallison

Evelyn Burke

Evelyn Liu

Hana Lin

Harry Swainson

Harvey Kibblewhite

Hazel Harris

Iris Li

Jack Kirkpatrick

Jackson Brown

Jamie Oh

Jasper Tang

Karter Rosie

Katelyn Henderson

Leah Feng

Leo Harris

Leo Li

Mace Johnson-Storrier

Max Ma

Melody Ma

Naomi Ren

Raffael Rohekar

Royce Mong

The School Roll

Students

Sanne Mitchell

Sebastian Kearns

Selena Ta

Taylor Newman

Vincent Zhuo

Walter Rogan

Warren Xu

William Hwang

Year 3

Adriana Connelly

Alexander Jones

Ben Fletcher

Benjamin Pelvin

Charlotte Lucy

Conor Pope

Daniel Malone

Eric Gao

Ethan Lau

Ethan Pang

Georgie Hobson

Halwin Xu

Harry Lucy

Haydn Van Zyl

Indiana Pitman

Isobel Jacka

Jayden Wu

Kaden Francois-Boyer

Lindsey Huang

Louis Law

Maddison Swainson

Marcus Bissett

Max Chen

Nico Hooper

Olivia Li

Selene Wang

Teynuk Samaranyaka

Timmy Zhang

Tom Aspell

Yatong Yang

Yayuan Yang

Year 4

Aiden Mong

Akira Lamba

Alba Kemp

Alisa Chen

Annabelle McDonald (LS)

Archer Dreaver

Blake Hamilton

Brayden Liu

Charlie Curwin

Charlie Donkers

Edward Everist

Evan Ju

Freddie Mitchell

George Ta

Gia Gill

Harrison McWilliams

Heidi Walker

Henry Mayne

Joshua Quested

Kaylee Wu

Litong Meng

Michael Huston

Molly Xu

Oce Owen

Olivia Han

Otto Nairn

Sebastian Brents

Siena Lavender

Sophie Hadfield

Sophie Yang

Tiffany Chen

Tristan Bi

Van Pender

Yining Ma

Yoyo Zhu

Zoey Zhu

Year 5

Aaron Li

Alston Zou

Amelia Greig

Anna Van Zyl

Celine Aronis

Charlotte Li

Chris Wang

Ethan Yang

Eva Wang

Frances Connell

George Bissett

Harry Pringle

Isla Mitchell

Iver Spence (LS)

Jack Parfitt

Jessica Shu

Lennox Wang

Lisari Gajamange

Miller Fergusson

Miller Hamilton

Nate Murahidy

Nidhaan Jolly

Oliver Broadbent

Raenv Sewak

Reese Kong

Rosalind Wang

Toby Adams

Travis Mallison

Yihan Liu

Year 6

Amelia Shaw

Amelie Donnithorne

Anne Sun

Aria Lu

Bella Mauger-Speers

Bianca Donnithorne

Brad Zhang

Candice Tan

Cara Holland

Cassa Xu

Echo Holden

Emma Zhang

Ethan Shen

Frank Armstrong

The School Roll

Students

Year 6 (continued)

Freddie de Costobadie

Hamish Dark

Hugo Tan

Indi Osmers

Isabel Clarke

Jenny Oh

Jessie Zixi Ju

Joshua Fletcher

Joshua McDowell

Justin Zhang

Kiran Pereira

Lachlan McWhinnie

Lachlan Burke

Lachlan Moreton

Leo Yang

Leroy Zhi

Liam Nui

Louis Miller

Max Walker

Merida Xiao

Mila Wang (Int)

Naomi Homan

Oscar Meng

Owain Lloyd

Renee Jiang

Richard Gan

Ricky Liu

Ryan Wu

Sofia Sneddon

Susan Zhang

Year 7

Andrew Nagy-Richards

Audrey Sun

Austin Wakelin

Ayrton Ferguson

Bea Simpson-Bannister

Charlie McDonald

Chloe Wu

Edward Kristiansen-Benge

Elza Harrington

Emily Fergusson

Evie Lavender

Grace Guo

Heather Walker

Hugo McFarlane

Jayden Shu

Jeff Zhang

Jim Porteous

Justin Liu

Katherine Higgins

Lila Linker

Marco Liu

Max Hawkes

Olin Spence

Oliver Ruan

Oscar Parfitt

Phoebe Quested

Rita Wu

Sam Snoep

Samantha Burrows

Sheldon Shi

Toby Ellis

William Murahidy

Yuncheng Jia

Year 8

Aien Pang

Anna Coberger

Aubrey Doney

Ben McKay

Blake Wilson

Charlie Lambie

Conor Ruan

Derek Kong

Elsa Meng

Emily Tan

Faye Li Chen

Gus Matheson

Hugo Ensor

Jessica Feasey

John Leeson

Joshua Padayachee

Lachlan Sneddon

Luca Maxwell

Lucas Zhang

Maddison Gorinski

Maggie Host

Mahi Gill

Matilda Abbott

Megan Ung

Nicole Ding

Niklas Serlath

Ollie Wells

Polly Botherway

Rose Martin

Ruby Connor

Scarlett Gardner

Tiger Wang

Tom Osmers

Victor Dolby

Wilde Brabazon-Hamilton

Wilkin Nairn

The Warden

The School Staff

The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, B.Sc., B.D., Ph.D.

The Board

Board Chair: The Very Revd L Kimberley B.Com., B.Th., Dip. Liturgical Studies, I.O.D.

Mr A Hofenk BBIE, DFS(FP), AFA

Mr J Caldwell LLB (First Class Hons), LLM (First Class Hons), LTCL, BA (Hons)

Mr C Oldham M.St.J., B.A., M.Sc.(Hons), MNZIM

Mrs S Price

Mrs R Rosie

Mr C Muir

Mrs S Li M.Eng., M.Sc.

Mr C Fergusson B.A., B.Com

Principal: Mr S Thelning, Higher Dip.Tchg., Dip. Ed. Leadership

Deputy Principal: Mr R Shaughnessy B.Ed., M.Ed.

Chaplain: Mrs T Kundycki-Carrell B.Tch.Ln.

The Pre-School

Head: Mrs R Baxter B.Tchg.Ln. (E.C.E.).

Miss E Campbell B.Tch.Ln (E.C.E.).

Ms S Gibson B.A., Dip.Kind.Tchg.,Tchg.Cert.

Ms D Goodchild B.Tchg.Ln (E.C.E.).

Ms M Holder B.Tchg.Ln

Mrs M Wood Dip.Tchg. (E.C.E.).

Ms R Watson (Teacher Aide).

The Junior School

Dean: Miss E Gribble B.Tch.Ln.

Mrs F Lill B.Sc., Dip.Tchg.

Miss E Whitla B.Tchg.Ln.

Mrs L Heywood B.Tchg.Ln.

Mr B Cording B.A., Grad.Dip.Tchg.Ln.

Mrs C Dark B.A. (Hons), Dip.Tchg.

Mrs M Donkers B.Tchg.Ln.

Mrs J Gill T.T.C.

The Girls’ School

Dean: Ms B McCormack B.Ed.(Hons)

Ms A Botting B.Ed., Dip.Tchg.

Mrs W du Toit B.A., Dip.Tchg.

Mrs T Jones B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E.

Mr R Larsen B.Des.(Hons), Dip.Tchg.

The Boys’ School

Dean: Ms S Dyer, M.Ed., B.Ed., Dip.Tchg

Mr D Attwell B.Tchg.Ln.

Ms L Tangiiti B Tchg Ln., Grad Dip Tchg Ln

Mr S Lean-Massey Dip. Jazz Studies. B.Mus.(Hons), LL.B.(Hons), Dip.Tchg.

Mrs N Bennett - B.Sc.,P .G.DipSc., Grad.Dip.Tchg.

Specialist Teachers

Art:

Mrs J Gray B.Ed., Dip.Tchg.

Mrs B Edmond B.Ed., Dip.Tchg.

Head of English:

Mrs N Leith B.Ed

Head of Learning Enhancement:

Mrs H McIlhone B.Ed., Dip.Tchg., Dip.T.E.S.O.L.

ESOL:

Ms M Davison B.A., T.E.F.L., Dip Tchg, Dip Māori

Junior School Music

Mrs C Dark B.A. (Hons), Dip.Tchg.

Music

Mr C Adams M.Mus., PG.Dip.TL, BMus.(Hons)

Mrs N Holt M.Mus., L.T.C.L, Dip.Perf. (Den Haag)

Physical Education/Sport:

Mrs M Harrington B.Phys.Ed., B.Com.(Mgt)., Dip.Tchg.

Science: Dr M Brooke B.A.(Hons), PhD. Grad.Dip.Tchg.Ln.

Teaching Support - Learning Assistants:

Mrs A Collins, Ms K Graham, Ms K Campbell and Ms J Cooper

Family Room/General Support: Miss E Evans

Administration

Bursar: Mr G Cain / Mrs A Pike

Finance Clerk: Mrs T Robinson & Mrs D Wylie B.Tchg.Ln.

Director of Enrolments, Marketing & Communications: Mrs N Oram

Dip.D.D.W.G., B.AppMgt (Dist)

Office Administrator: Miss M Martin B.Tchg.Ln.

Receptionist: Mrs A Farrant

Caretaker: Ms E Purchas B.Tch.Ln.

Uniform Shop: Ms L Hazel

Music and Speech

ChristChurch Cathedral Director of Music: Dr J Linker B.Mus., M.Mus., D.M.A.

ChristChurch Cathedral Director of Girl Choristers: Miss K Woods B.Mus., M.Com.

Bagpipes: Miss E Drury Grad.Dip.Tchg., Adv Piping Cert RNZPBA

Cello: Ms R Bendre M.Mus., B.A. (Hons)

Choral Singing: Ms L Johnson B.A., A.L.C.M., L.R.S.M., P.G.Dip.(Opera)

Clarinet/Saxophone: Mr J Prior L.T.C.L.

Guitar: Mr C Kiesenowski, Mr P Fleming Dip.JazzStudies and Mr P Zdrenka Grad.Dip.Tchg.Ln.

Harp: Ms H Webby B.Mus.(Perf), Dip.Mus. Tchg.(Hamburg)

Oboe/Recorder: Ms S McKeich B.Mus., L.T.C.L., Dip.Tchg.

Percussion: Mr G Donaldson Dip.JazzStudies

Piano: Miss S Charles Dip.CCM., R.A.D.R.T.S., Miss R Marinova B.Mus., Mrs J Seed B.Mus. (Hons), F.T.C.L., Miss N Wilson B.Mus. (Hons), A.T.C.L. and Miss Marina Vivas B.A., B.F.A., A.T.C.L.

Piano/Bassoon: Mrs S Orwin A.R.A.M, L.R.A.M., L.R.S.M., M.Mus., B.Mus (Hons), A.I.R.M.T.N.Z, F.T.C.L.

Public Speaking & Drama: Ms L Durkin B.A., L.T.C.L., Grad.Dip.TchLn

Singing: Mr P Hind M.A. (Hons), F.T.C.L., L.R.S.M., Dip.S.L.C.

Brass: Mr A Dimitrov M.Mus., Dip.Tchg.

Violin/Viola: Mrs J Stevenson N.Z.R.P., A.I.R.M.T.N.Z.

Leavers Tiles Year 8 Students

Wilkin Nairn 2023