2020 JMC Year Book by John McGlashan College

PRINCIPAL’S FOREWORD

Our key focus this year has been to maintain our core values and purpose, despite the disruption of COVID-19. When we were faced with the prospect of distance learning, the staff rose to the challenge, as did the boys. In true McGlashan style, our community weathered the storm with calm and common sense. Our exceptional Pastoral Care and Learning Support programmes provided every boy with an invaluable additional layer of support and a real sense of belonging. This is the glue that binds us together as a community.

In recent years, we have increased our emphasis on the induction of incoming students, particularly at Year 7 and 9. At all levels, expert teachers lead the boys in setting a strong culture of academic excellence, routines, behavioural expectations and work ethic. Students are encouraged to make a broader contribution, not only to the college, but also to the wider community. McGlashan boys tend to maintain very strong connections beyond their school years, and I believe that their experiences here help to cement these lifelong bonds.

People often write to me and say how proud they are to be a part of the John McGlashan College community. This is a special place with high ideals and boundless opportunities, but it is the boys who give the school its character. Our students continue to excel, as is evident in these pages.

This yearbook showcases life at McGlashan and is intended as an historical record for the future. I hope you will refer to this edition as a reminder of the memories made and the friends and staff who have supported you along the way.

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to this year's edition of the yearbook and congratulations on a fine record of life at McGlashan in 2020.

Neil Garry

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As I write this, I’m in the Year 13 Common Room, which we wrestle from the boys after Prize-giving. This day is called the ‘Proof Reading Army Call to Arms.’ I call on a lot of goodwill from staff when putting this publication together. And people are busy - the machinery of Prize-givings, report writing, examination tutorials, school camps, Arts’ Week, the Year 9 film festival and the actual business of teaching the exceptional young men of this college takes up a lot of time. Things are busy and yet, so many people in this place put up their hands to help - and today there will be a number who help with the third and final proof - carving out a bit of time in their very busy schedules. For this, I am exceedingly grateful.

I am also exceedingly grateful to Tony Gomez. The man is a phenomenon and contributes hugely to this publication - through compiling some of the bigger sections and, perhaps more importantly, providing so many of the excellent photos. Thank you Tony. Thanks, also to Chris Knopp for the Pen Portraits section, Bryn Jones for help with the cover, all the proofers, particularly Ella Murdoch, Rachel Gardiner, Andrew Morrison and Helen Clulee who got through a power of proofing, Barry Kelk and Kelk Photography and Kirsten Sandall for help with the art collages.

David Schaumann Year Book Editor

Part

Staff, Boards, Prefects & Premier Prizes

“Lockdown was a peculiar time for McGlashan students including myself. Days consisted of one or two short meetings with subject teachers, then we were released to work at our own pace. I spent many mornings shut away in one room doing my schoolwork, whilst my sister worked in another and my mum taught in the lounge. Although the quantity and quality of my schoolwork were impacted by Covid-19 as internals were delayed or altered, looking back at this year it does not feel dissimilar to my past time at McGlashan, with lockdown seeming a lifetime ago as we seniors approach exams. ”

Mason Prentice, Year 12

2020

Oh no –Anita Veitch, resigned temperatures of the International teaching and Anita Northern The arrival beginning road at to boys. block and limping Helen has continued students.

including subject I spent whilst lounge. impacted back at McGlashan, approach

Year 12

STAFF NOTES

Back Row: Richard Mountain, Craig Knights, Craig Preston, Simon White, Bryn Jones, Lars Thomsen, Clark Boswell, Ella Murdoch, Daryl Shields, Don Campbell

5th Row: Drew Campbell, Andrew Duncan, Andrew Morrison, David Beazley, Chung-Wei Wang, Steven McNulty, Tony Gomez, Troy Jennings, Anne Lucas, Hamish Cartwright, Troy Shoebridge

4th Row: Duncan McLean, Glen Clark, Claire Gregory, Sue Chilton, Penny Ferguson, Pam Garry, Helen Jennings, Anna Noble, Geoff Murdoch, Andrew Leitch, Stewart McDonald

3rd Row: Nick Price, Julie Tolson, Kimberley Sandall, Ruth North, Kirstyn Mawdsley, Emily Hall, Helen Clulee, Colleen O’Connor, Anita Veitch, Brent Wolf

2nd Row: Callum Hayde, Rachel Child, Jan Owen, Rachael Gardiner, Melissa Bell, Andrew Hore, Tori Fleming, Anne Burton, Tom Miles, Sean Wellmann

Front Row: Tom Casey, Michele Rodger, Geoff Avis, Ainslie Anderson, John Veitch, Neil Garry, Chris Knopp, Brendan Porter, Donna Smith, David Schaumann, Barry Kelk

2020 – what a year. It started off with a wham bam. Oh no – they are off to Vietnam. Day one – John and Anita Veitch, our Deputy Principal and his wife both resigned to head to the bright lights and much higher temperatures of Ho Chi Minh City – John as Principal of the International School and Anita has a specialist teaching position there. We were fortunate that John and Anita were not starting until the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere school year in July.

The arrival of the new school year heralded a new beginning for Ella Murdoch, who had been along the road at Columba College. Now she is teaching English to boys. Ella quietly goes about her day over in Gilray block and always has a smile on her face….even when limping along with a very dodgy Achilles.

Helen Jennings, who in 2019 arrived as a reliever, has continued in a more permanent role with Year 9 students.

Steven McNulty strummed his way into the Music department. There are always plenty of sounds vibrating through the Specialist Block…… perhaps a metronome in the tech area would keep the hammers in time to the drums. The arrival of some new musical instruments certainly amped up those talented students.

Along with the sounds coming from the Specialist Block, are the smells – no, not of boys, but of the creations from within the Food Tech room. We welcomed the arrival of Duncan McLean from King’s High School to take charge. Scones, smoothies, steaks, plus so many other delights – parents be well assured if your son is taking Food Technology, he will be able to cook you a fabulous meal.

Teacher Aides are pretty special people in the lives of our students, and we were fortunate to have Claire Beadell, Julie Tolson and Sue Chilton join the junior

school. These amazing ladies go above and beyond in helping the students with their learning, and also the teachers in the classrooms. Sue moved on part-way through the year and was replaced by Natasha Prior, who has seamlessly joined in with the Year 7s.

At the end of January, Nick and Shannon Price welcomed daughter Mila into their household. Older brother Isaiah is very happy to have a little sister –long may that last. In February, Glen and Lizzie Clark welcomed another son, William, into the family. Big brother Charlie is absolutely smitten.

Term One was moving along well, Andrew Hore had taken a few weeks leave to head to South Africa to play for New Zealand in the World Over-50s Cricket. Sadly his time there was cut short (Andrew, we are sure you would have had the starring role in leading NZ to the gold medal) as along came Covid.

Where to go, what to do……with the guidance of the Ministry, Neil led us through this very uncertain and unprecedented time. Thank you Neil. Chris Knopp had the huge and unenviable task of changing the timetables for the staff and students so that we were not all overwhelmed during the days and weeks spent at home. All staff, whether teaching, supporting, accounting, office, grounds or boarding, did an outstanding job. To the teaching staff that had to set work, take zoom sessions, supervise their own children, plus no doubt cook lunch – I don’t know how you do it.

After nearly 35 years, keeping numerous Principals in check, Jan Owen made the difficult decision to leave her second home at McGlashan to spend some well-deserved time for herself and her family. Her knowledge, wisdom, organisational skills and easy going nature have been sorely missed through-out the McGlashan Family.

With time spent at home – dreaming of finishing off his house in Hawea, Don Campbell handed in his resignation, and will sadly leave us at the end of the year. Don has been a living legend around this place for a long time - he has a great connection with the boys and will be missed greatly.

Richard Mountain departed for Thailand at the start of Term Three to take up a position teaching English in Bangkok - he was able to start directly in classes over there without the jetlag – as 14 days in a hotel by himself under strict quarantine rules meant sleep was easy to catch up on. John and Anita, after many false starts, also jetted away to 14 days quarantine in Ho Chi Minh City – they had an 18 square metre room, no balcony but they did have an opening window. John said the highlight was every 4 days being allowed out to walk down the corridor to get a Covid test stick stuck up your nose.

So with the departure of John, came the arrival of Nigel Hunter, who had been a senior leader at Hamilton Boys’, back to his old Dunedin stomping grounds, but this time up in the hills rather than on

the flat land of his old school days at King’s High School. Nigel dropped off his son Jonny to join the Year 7s in the Link and moved into his new office very quickly. It sounds like there is more space in the office than what there had been in their temporary home - a small two bedroom flat that his wife Jacqui and daughter Phoebe had joined them in. And then when elder daughter Jemima came home in the holidays, it was a tight squeeze. Nigel has found out just how accommodating the staff at McGlashan are – Ainslie Anderson moved one street over so that the Hunter family could have some space and move into her family home.

Term Three also saw Carmen Harris, one of our fantastic relievers, take over from Anita in the interim, and Shannon Small replace Richard Mountain in the ESOL classroom.

David and Angela Beazley welcomed baby Arlo into their midst in July to join brother Beauden, and Simon and Steph White had daughter Fern arrive as baby sister to Harrison.

Geoff Murdoch has also made the difficult decision to resign from McGlashan – having a grandchild in Wellington made it much easier to leave Dunedin. Geoff will be missed by the Maths department. He has shared his mathematics knowledge throughout the school - one staff member now knows that pi is not short for Pythagoras’ theorem. Good luck Geoffstay out of ‘Tiger Country’.

What a year for big good-byes - Melissa Bell leaves us at the end of this year to take up a lead position at the University of Otago Teachers’ College. Our loss will be their gain - Melissa has given so much to the students in her care and to staff with her wealth of professional knowledge and leadership as our Specialist Classroom Teacher. A big loss indeed.

Callum Hayde, old boy and Director of Business has also moved on to take up exciting new opportunities. He goes with our best wishes and thanks for stopping the HoDs from getting too far in the red in their department budgets.

We said goodbye to Kirstyn Mawsdley, Director of Marketing, in October and the following week welcomed Kirstyn Sandall. Kirstyn celebrated her 40th birthday and surprised her guests by “tying the knot” with her fiancé, Mark. Congratulations and all the best for your future together.

We would also like to acknowledge the passing during the year of Peggy Richards, who had previously taught Art at McGlashan, Don Smith, who had been a long serving staff member and also heavily involved with the Pipeband, and Jane Leahy, who had been a valued member of the school Board of Trustees.

King’s High join the office very the office home Jacqui and then when holidays, just how Ainslie Hunter into her of our interim, Mountain in the Arlo into Simon as baby decision grandchild in Dunedin. department. He throughout that pi is Geoffleaves position College. Our much to wealth as our indeed. Business has opportunities. stopping in their Director week celebrated her “tying the and all passing previously been a involved been a Trustees.

TEACHING STAFF

Senior Management

Neil Garry Principal

John Veitch

Deputy Principal Terms (1 & 2)

Nigel Hunter Deputy Principal (Term 3 onwards)

Chris Knopp

Assistant Principal

Brendan Porter

Assistant Principal

Teaching Staff

Ainslie Anderson HOD Mathematics

Geoff Avis HOD Science

David Beazley Year 7 Homeroom Teacher

Melissa Bell Integrated Studies, History, Specialist Classroom Teacher

Clark Boswell Science Year 10 & 11 Dean

Anne Burton Mathematics

Donald Campbell Social Science, Technology

Hamish Cartwright Science

Tom Casey HOD Health and Physical Education, Year 12 & 13 Dean, TIC Outdoor Education

Glen Clark Art, Agriculture

Jeremy Cuthbert Technology and DVC

Andrew Duncan Year 8 Homeroom teacher, Y7 & 8 Dean

Kimberley Fridd TIC Drama & Film

Rachael Gardiner TIC History, English, Careers Advisor

Emily Hall Physics

Carmen Harris Integrated Studies & Learning Support (Terms 3 & 4)

Andrew Hore Year 8 Homeroom teacher Physical Education

Bryn Jones HOD Visual Art

Helen Jennings Integrated Studies, English

Andrew Leitch TIC Junior Science

Annie Lucas Spanish

Stewart McDonald Physical Education, Health

Duncan McLean Food Technology

Steven McNulty HoD Music

Andrew Morrison English, History

Richard Mountain ESOL, Art (left Term 3)

Ella Murdoch English

Geoff Murdoch Mathematics

Anna Noble Director of International Students, HOD Languages, German

Craig Preston Director of Agribusiness, IB Biology

Nick Price Te Reo Maori Spanish

Michele Rodger HOD Year 7 and 8 Year 7 Homeroom Teacher

David Schaumann HOD English

Troy Shoebridge Digital Technology

Shannon Small ESOL (Term 3 onwards)

Donna Smith HOD Junior English and Learning Support

Lars Thomsen Mathematics

Anita Veitch Integrated Studies & Learning Support (Terms 1 & 2)

Chung-Wei Wang Mathematics

Simon White HOD Technology

Brent Wolf TIC Commerce

GENERAL STAFF

Kirstyn Sandall Director of Marketing & Development

Callum Hayde Director of Business (Terms 1-3)

Drew Campbell Director of Boarding

Pam Garry Library Manager

Barry Kelk Chaplain

Troy Jennings Director of Sport

Daryl Shields Counsellor

Ruth North Library Assistant

Carole Gardiner

Assistant Librarian and Archivist

Colleen O’Connor International Student Manager

Support Staff

Jan Bremner Science Technician

Craig Knights IT Administrator

Teacher Aides

Penny Ferguson

Simon Maole

Julie Tolson

Natasha Prior

Claire Gregory

Tony Gomez Sports Coordinator

Administrative Staff

Ann-Marie Chamberlain Accounts

Rachel Childs Accounts

Helen Clulee Receptionist

Tori Fleming Administration

Jan Owen Principal’s P.A., Enrolments Coordinator (Retired Term 2)

Rosemary Stevenson Boarding Matron

Maintenance

Tony Beck Property Supervisor

Victor Hodge (Retired Term 2)

Duncan McBeath

Lauren Hughes Canteen

Pip Hayward Maree Deans Kitchen

Rebecca Simpson Catering Manager

Stephen Donaldson Head Chef

Jason Shea Sous Chef

PREFECTS

Chloe Rosenberg Baker

Catering Assistants

Tracy McCauley

Charlotte Mosely

Elena Hawkins

Leah CookeMcDonnell Crystal CookeMcDonnell

Laundry

Debbie Haldane

Kirby Leckie

Cleaners

Laura McIntosh

Ayline Carey

Julie Hamilton

Kirby Leckie

Back Row: Josh Hou, Joe Mu, Will Shallard, Will Duffy, Jonathan Brook, Ned Hancox Middle Row: Dr. Craig Preston, Jack Murray, Angus Kenny, Caleb Moody, Caine Taylor, Mitchell Joint, Billy Ellwood

Front Row: Mr. Nigel Hunter, Simon Basel, Ben Monaghan (Deputy Head Boy), Krishan Luxmanan (Head Boy), Robert Millar (Deputy Head Boy), Max Walker, Mr. Neil Garry

Our Scripture:

“In the on all people. your young dream

This year. Who would be filming were silver will be that many Chapels downside, sense of and assemblies. group have

Back Front Row

HOUSE CAPTAINS

Absent

CHAPLAINCY REPORT

Our Chapel theme for the year centered around Scripture:

“Young men will see visions.” Acts 2 v 17

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

This theme was introduced at our first Chapel this year. Who would have dreamed that within 6 weeks we would be locked down and I would end up leading and filming 19 services to be online during the year? There were silver linings, however. While I am sure there will be boys who didn’t watch these, I have evidence that many family members and others watched the Chapels and we received encouraging feedback. The downside, however, was the lack of cohesion and sense of community caused by the absence of Chapel and assemblies. Over the five years at McGlashan, this group have lost so far 12.25% of their potential time

in Chapel. This leads me to think of my other role, that of pastoral carer. The counsellors and I would agree that we have all seen more lads this year who have been ‘under the weather’ because of the many uncertainties the year has produced. This time spent ‘having yarns with Rev’ has brought me great joy and I hope some lads have benefitted too. It is privileged work.

I have been well supported by our Chapel Prefects, Simon Basel and Jonathan Brook. Musicians Dr Craig Preston, Mr Stewart McDonald, Sam Sinclair, Theo Hannagan, Rylan Urquhart and Lochlan Ing-Aram have been faithfully fronting up early on a Wednesday morning to set up and practice before supporting the pre Chapel singing session. Sam Tait has been amazing on the sound desk. To all of these people and all those who offered a last word or made a guest appearance in the online Chapels, thank you.

Rev. Barry Kelk

Back Row William Shallard (Dep. Capt. Gilray House), Cameron Leydon (Dep. Capt. Ross House), Dominic Morrison (Dep. Capt. Balmacewen House), Henry Power (Dep. Capt. Balmacewen House), Fin Milne (Dep. Capt. Burns House), Aidan Hung (Dep. Capt. Burns House)

Front Row Jack Colbourne (Capt. Gilray House), Caine Taylor (Dep. Capt. Ross House), Danny Adams (Capt. Balmacewen House), Sam Knight (Capt. Burns House)

Tevita Schaaf (Capt Ross House), Tom Gold (Dep. Capt. Gilray House)

MRS JAN OWEN

35 YEARS SERVICE

Article provided courtesy of the ODT

A word of warning - the R-word is banned in conversations with Jan Owen at the moment.

The John McGlashan College principal’s personal assistant is leaving her job after 35 years next Friday.

“I’m not calling it retirement. I’m calling it ‘moving on’. I don’t like the R-word.”

While Mrs Owen had enjoyed her time at the college “immensely”, she said it was time to go.

“I’m very sad to go. You could stay forever. I thought I could stay until the end of the year, but then I’d get to the end of the year and I’d say I’ll just stay another term, and it would just go on and on.”

A farewell function was held at the college yesterday, which included a guard of honour by the school’s pupils, and former staff singing her praises.

Over the past three decades, she has worked with three principals - Allan Paulin, Mike Corkery and the present principal Neil Garry - and gleaned an incredible amount of knowledge about the school, the boys and their families.

She said she frequently gets shoulder-tapped in public by former boys of the school, and now the

children of former pupils were attending the school.

“They still stop me in the street. It’s lovely. It’s nice that they remember me.

“It’s nice to see what they’re doing with their lives.”

Mrs Owen started her career as a secretary at the Dental School before moving to the quieter, no-drill, John McGlashan College environment .

She started at the college when it was still a small private school on the corner of Balmacewen Rd and Pilkington St.

“It was a very different school then.”

In 1990, it became state-integrated, meaning the facilities were still privately owned, but staff and running costs were funded by the Government.

The college had grown into a much larger facility since then, she said.

“It’s been a big part - a huge part - of my life.”

Mrs Owen said she planned to spend more time with family, do some volunteer work, and travel overseas once the Covid-19 pandemic declined.

“I won’t be idle, believe me.

“I’m not looking at this as the end. I’m looking at it as a new beginning - a new chapter.”

“If reading

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By Geoff Golden day. But student rest of I begin walking of mathematics dimmed. subject Worse point that

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REFLECTIONS FROM DEPARTING STAFF

Beauty and the Pit

By Geoff Murdoch

Golden learning moments. They don’t happen every day. But I love it when we’re together in class and a student offers a way of looking at a problem that the rest of us had completely missed. ‘You beauty!’

I begin every year with the hope that each student walking into the room will gain a more satisfying taste of mathematics in his mouth. This hope is not easily dimmed. At the same time, I know that maths is a subject that can drive us up the wall in frustration. Worse still, it can be downright disheartening to the point that we are tempted to give up.

A few years ago, Mr Schaumann introduced us as staff to the learning pit. Still today, this image rings so true to my ongoing experience, not only of trying to learn Maths myself, but also of learning to teach it. Times beyond number, I’ve been down in that pit, fumbling around in frustration. It’s a place both familiar and unfamiliar – familiar, because here I am again in the dark, getting wound up as I feel time slipping through my fingers with so little to show for my efforts; unfamiliar in the sense that I haven’t faced this particular type of problem before. Is this new challenge simply too big for me, too hard? Or do I have the tools but not yet the skills to use them effectively?

“If you are a student and are still reading this, I urge you to be patient in the pit – patient with yourself.”

If you are a student and are still reading this, I urge you to be patient in the pit – patient with yourself. Why bother? More often than not, it’s in the learning pit that understanding comes, not quickly or in great chunks, but a little here, a little there. This may involve asking for help. It certainly requires patience. The learning curve isn’t linear. It’s not smooth either. Why bother? Real learning is essential to many aspects of human growth. On top of that, with maths (and other subjects, too, no doubt), the dawning of new understanding boosts our prospects of enjoying the subject and appreciating its beauty.

The Power of History

By Melissa Bell

I am fortunate to have taught at John McGlashan twice. For both of these terms I have taught senior history, and as I reflect on my time on the teaching staff at John McGlashan, I think mostly of the power of history as a subject.

History teaches us to research, to process information critically and thoughtfully and to structure an argument. But most importantly, in my opinion, history teaches us to understand and appreciate the perspectives and experiences of others.

“I love seeing the wonder in the boys faces as they realise that they are crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels used by the Vietcong.”

I often begin my Year 11 course by explaining that history is less about tanks and guns and more about people. This is never more evident than during our bi-yearly trips to Vietnam. I am often asked how I can run so many trips, but in all honesty, these trips have been a real highlight of my time here at McGlashan. I love seeing the wonder in the boys faces as they realise that they are crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels used by the Vietcong and the sadness and shock as they walk through the dirt paths of My Lai and reflect on the atrocities of the massacre committed there. Disbelief at the photos chronicling the war at the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. The boys come away with a true appreciation of what it is like to live through hundreds of years of conflict. We talk a lot about resilience, here they witness it first hand. They recognize people being happy and content even though they may possess very little. They admire the value placed on the family with many generations living and working together.

I am disappointed that due to Covid-19 the trip planned for this year has not been able to proceed, but I encourage all of our students, as they graduate and enter the big wide world, to consider the opportunity to travel. There is something powerful about standing in the place where history has happened, whether it is the Bay of Islands or Gallipoli.

Learn your history boys, for in the words of Dr Martin Luther King ‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history.’

Don’s Last Yarn

By Don Campbell

I have been fortunate and lucky with the opportunities I have experienced. Fortunate to be able to teach in both the workshop and in a regular classroom, enabling more of an all round perspective on the boys. Helped also by ideas from sound, experienced practitioners early in my teaching days.

“Coaching footy, going on camps and speaking the same language as the boys have all been a major contributor to an enjoyable time.”

Lucky there. Coaching footy, going on camps and speaking the same language as the boys have all been a major contributor to an enjoyable time. This has paid dividends in the classroom too. More luck and privilege came my way with the unique opportunity to show boys the effects of global warming on both sides of the Alps over the years.

The boys here have punched above their weight with class work and sports. That’s been great to witness and a testament to the calibre of the students here. Boys here have been very generous with their time, humour, friendship and banter. This has been an ongoing source of appreciation, even well after they have left school.

This is a unique place with the boarding house and local catchment, kind of special with it’s own flavour. We also have the world’s best morning teas. I wish the college well for the future.

STUDENT COUNCIL

This With Covid-19 the intense country, into alternative McGlashan and delivered conjunction desire teaching the art challenge effort and was maintained also put cultural up year The college into 2021, its ability option

new Head

Back Row: Ethan Stirling, Stanley McClure, Lachie Crowle, Nic Friedlander, Josh Chan

Middle Row: Charles Engelbrecht, Harry Allen, Oliver Bolton (Treasurer). Danny Adams (Chairman), Alpha Komin, Jonty Riley

Front Row: Leo Jones, Wei-Hun Loh, Kaleb Durant, Ryan Zhou, Leon Kaan, Skylar Peters, Oscar Davenport

McGlashan

camps and all been This has luck and opportunity to both sides weight with witness students here. their time, been an after they house and flavour. wish the

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT

This year will certainly be one for the history books. With Covid-19 playing havoc across the globe and the intense fast-paced lockdown imposed on the country, education and educators were forced quickly into alternative forms of curriculum delivery. John McGlashan College picked up the challenge beautifully and delivered a seamless online programme in conjunction with a parent and community-backed desire to continue in the face of the unknown. The teaching staff, none of whom had been trained in the art of full online teaching technique rose to the challenge and I applaud them for their dedication, effort and desire in making sure our boys education was maintained to the highest standard. Covid-19 also put a halt to the various international student cultural and sporting trips with a view to a busy catch up year in 2021.

The international student numbers within the college remained strong throughout the year and also into 2021, a reflection on the quality of the college and its ability to provide a safe and sustainable education option going forward.

McGlashan welcomed four new teachers with three new Head of Department roles strengthening Music,

Food Technology, Digitech/Edutech and English and also saw a change in the Deputy Principal role with Nigel Hunter replacing John Veitch who took up an International Principal position in Vietnam.

Funding from The Parents and Friends’ Association enabled 2019 project initiatives to be completed this year, including the tennis and hockey court lighting the number one changing room and the state-of the-art Visual Reality Suite which sets McGlashan at the forefront of New Zealand schools utilising technologies such as this in the teaching and learning environment.

I would like to thank the Board of Trustees members who once again worked tirelessly and enthusiastically throughout the year, maintaining focus on what is best for the boys with attention to curriculum choices and department reviews, personnel, finance and property and ably supported by Aidan Hung as the college’s student representative. The partnership and cooperation with the Board of Proprietors is reflected in the campus, the culture and the community and it is a pleasure to be involved in such a dynamic environment.

Tim Hannagan

SCHOOL BOARDS

TRUSTEES

Tim Hannagan (Chairperson)

Ainslie Anderson (Staff Representative)

Johnny Bell

Lesley Brook

Aidan Hung (Outgoing Student Rep)

Val Farrow

David Ford

Neil Garry (Principal)

Hamish Ross (Incoming Student Rep)

Naomi Ingram

Rose Johnston

Tracy Paterson

Tumi Toro

PROPRIETORS

Tony Sycamore (Chairperson)

John Anderson

Johnny Bell

Simon Cameron

David Ford

George Friedlander

Adam Gain

Neil Garry (Principal)

John Guthrie

Rose Johnston

Barry Kelk (Chaplain)

Tracy Paterson

Joff Riley

Seamus Sullivan

Neal Wallace

PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

SENIOR PRIZE-GIVING 2020

Friends and family, colleagues and students, welcome to the Senior Prize-giving for 2020. We have come together tonight to celebrate the achievements of the students in front of you. This is the first year that some of the pupils from Columba College are to cross the stage, and we extend a warm welcome to them. We hope you will all join us for supper and a chat in the Memorial Chapel after the Prize-giving.

John McGlashan College is no stranger to global pandemics. In 1918, just as World War One was ending, the college was about to open its doors for the first time when the Spanish Flu struck around the world. Mr Arthur Butchers, the first principal, made the difficult decision to delay the opening of the college due to the outbreak. Within two months, New Zealand had lost 9000 of its citizens to the Spanish Flu, which was about half as many as there were casualties in the whole of the First World War.

This was also a significant time in my own family.

One of my relatives, from Upper Junction in Northeast Valley, returned from the war in Europe, miraculously unscathed, only to die in Dunedin after contracting the disease. History has repeated itself 102 years later, but with modern medicine and good management, our losses have remained low compared to the rest of the world.

In the second week of March, just as Covid-19 began to emerge in New Zealand, community tracing identified a case connected to a Dunedin secondary school. One of our kitchen staff was a pupil at that school, and as I chatted with her late that afternoon, I asked if she knew the pupil concerned. Her reply was, ‘Yes – he is in my class.’ At that point, we arranged for her to go home directly, rather than staying to serve the evening meal to our boarders and boarding house staff. Of equal concern, was the fact that, earlier in the week, a number of our staff had attended the Wanaka Show as part of our marketing programme. Here, we rubbed shoulders with many people who had

attended we were the largest the Ministry one was and luckily, Tension and the We left to meet Hannagan, Chaplain - a group By 2 o’clock Prime Minister going into later in took on room, other, and long hours

The first to underpin philosophy to the group McGlashan to be held would drive the pandemic. Before a social this had for, and drinks’. provided bottles to clear Friday. Throughout the philosophy paid 100% learning communication and supported The staff online learning obligations establish week of zoom classroom knocked At a nation, community, with adversity and do In seven and lessons

Northeast miraculously contracting the years later, management, the rest Covid-19 tracing secondary at that afternoon, I reply was, arranged for serve house earlier in attended the programme. who had

attended the Hereford Conference in Queenstown. As we were to find out later, this was identified as one of the largest clusters in New Zealand. After advice from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, no one was deemed ‘at risk’ from either of these contacts and luckily, no one from McGlashan was infected.

Tension quickly grew around Covid’s arrival in the city, and the potential impact it could have on the college. We left for Anniversary Weekend having arranged to meet with Board Chairs Tony Sycamore and Tim Hannagan, the Boarding Director Drew Campbell, Chaplain Barry Kelk and Deputy Principal John Veitch - a group which we nicknamed ‘The War Committee’. By 2 o’clock on Monday, Otago Anniversary Day, the Prime Minister had announced that the country was going into lockdown. By the time we came together later in the day, the intent and purpose of the meeting took on a very different flavour. We met in the staff room, sitting at a reasonable distance from each other, and set to work. It was the beginning of many long hours of planning and organisation.

The first and most defining resolution, which was to underpin all our future decision-making, was the philosophy of ‘PEOPLE FIRST’. It was always clear to the group that the welfare of every member of the McGlashan community - boys, staff and parents - was to be held front and centre. We were adamant that this would drive our thinking as we met the challenges of the pandemic.

Before Anniversary Weekend, the staff had planned a social function, but because of the new restrictions, this had to be cancelled. An alternative was called for, and we came up with the idea of ‘pigeon-hole drinks’. As a gesture of goodwill, the board generously provided every staff member with a couple of small bottles of their favourite tipple. Most staff managed to clear their pigeon holes before they left school on Friday. It was a bit of fun and lightened a difficult week.

Throughout the lockdown, we stayed true to the philosophy of people first. The staff were paid 100% of their wages or salary; our distance learning programmes were balanced and effective, communication with parents and boys was ramped up and supported by our metaphorical ‘open door’ policy. The staff pulled together to meet the challenges of online learning without fuss, and the boys met their obligations in good spirit. However, we did have to establish a few ground rules at the start. In the first week of distance learning, one boy arrived at his zoom classroom sitting up in bed in his pyjamas. We knocked that on the head fairly early.

At a recent assembly, I said to the boys, “As a nation, we are not yet out of the woods. But as a community, we have demonstrated our ability to cope with adversity and, if necessary, we can do it again, and do it well.” I think that is quite reassuring.

In seven months, our world has been transformed, and lessons have been learned.

Corona-19 has catalysed a rapid reinvention of teaching and learning programmes.

Many sectors of the economy have been placed on life support, and we have become familiar with the new language of epidemiology and genome sequencing.

The Minister of Health learned that mountain biking on Signal Hill during the lockdown was not such a good idea. But, in a national lesson of forgiveness, he has been allowed to redeem himself and has returned to Cabinet in a new portfolio.

And who would have thought that the DirectorGeneral of Health would have become a celebrity in his own right and have his own fan club?

We will continue to face the challenges posed by Covid-19. Firstly, we need to adapt and innovate, with learning programmes which provide students with safe, high-quality outcomes. Our community needs to see students as stakeholders in new systems of innovative learning and pastoral care which blend face-to-face engagement with the latest advances in digital technology. We need to be agile in finding ways to enable staff to work remotely, teach students online, provide pastoral care, and continue to support families who are experiencing hardship. Unfortunately, the pandemic is likely to increase inequity and inequality, with the result that many students will face greater academic, social and financial obstacles to study. No matter what the future holds, John McGlashan College remains committed to the notion of ‘people first’, and I would like to salute you all for supporting us throughout this challenging year.

The other issue that has become obvious recently is the imbalance IT causes in the relationship between parents and teenagers. I believe this has created a generation gap. This is a tough time to raise children. Their seemingly superior IT knowledge has parents at a disadvantage and, as a consequence, children seem to have gained the upper hand. The rocketing increase in the use of technology is having a significant impact on student welfare, causing issues around overconnectedness and the idealised depiction of the lives of others. Recent research has found that Facebook users had a more negative view of the world and lower overall life satisfaction. So, what do we do about it? Parents must set effective guidelines and limits to the use of digital technology, particularly at night or when their teenagers should be getting some sleep. Part of this issue may be caused by parents being digitally distracted. Research indicates that 95% of adults sleep with their phone. Perhaps the answer is in our own hands.

Our strategy at John McGlashan College is to continue to work with parents in educating our students on how to adapt successfully to these challenges. Next year, Deputy Principal Nigel Hunter is planning a series of seminars for parents covering topics such as internet safety, and drug and alcohol abuse.

This is my opportunity to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment of the staff. Thank you all for your hard work and absolute dedication to the boys. It is often difficult finding a balance between home and work, and it can be a constant juggling act with our own families, who often take second place to the needs of our students. This is not an easy job, and you give it your all. Thank you.

Unfortunately, we must farewell three members of staff.

Don Campbell

1996 – 2020, a quarter of a century of dedicated service. Don has hugely positive relationships with the boys and is a master teacher.

All the very best for your retirement Don. Lake Hawea beckons!!

Geoff Murdoch

I will miss your laugh Geoff.

Another master teacher. A boy once said to me “It’s easier to just get on with the job in Mr Murdoch’s class, “there is no option available to cruise along and no place to hide.”

You are highly regarded by the staff and students Geoff. I know your family are at the centre of your decision to move to Wellington. Geoff is taking up a teaching position at Wellington College.

Melissa Bell

2002 – 2007

2014 – 2020

Melissa has given service to the college on two separate occasions. Once again, a superb master teacher at every level. Melissa moves off to the University of Otago’s College of Education as a senior administrative manager. Her legacy includes several memorable trips to Vietnam, her leadership of the Tramping Club and a strong and genuine educational connection with her students.

We are going to miss the professionalism these three bring to teaching and the staff dynamic.

I also want to acknowledge the core of student leadership at the college and in the boarding house;

Krishan Luxmanan

Ben Monoghan

Robert Miller

Henry Power

We are grateful for your loyalty and your levelheaded, balanced approach. Their voice as student leaders has been limited to half the usual number of assemblies which has not made theirs an easy job, but they have remained committed and thoroughly reliable. Well done boys.

Once again, I want to thank and acknowledge all the parents out there.

McGlashan is unique because of your input to governance and leadership, the Board of Trustees and Board of Proprietors, the Sports Council, the Parents and Friends’ Association, fundraising, reader and writers, coaching and management, camps and the underlying support you offer daily. Your contributions extend the opportunities that we can provide the boys. We cannot do it without you

My thanks to Tony Sycamore, Chairman of the Board of Proprietors, and Tim Hannagan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chaplain Barry Kelk. Thank you for your complete and unselfish dedication to our boys, your focus on the well-being of the staff, your vision for the college and your unwavering support.

McGlashan is fortunate to have a particularly strong partnership between home and school. I congratulate the members of the Parents and Friends’ Association who have put in hours of unseen voluntary work to support the college. And to Chairperson, Pen Edmond. Pen has been the powerhouse behind the PFA for a number of years and has been an incredibly hard worker, a fact which has not gone unnoticed. Thank you Pen. Although we were unable to hold the fete this year, the PFA managed to raise nearly $25,000 from the raffle. As I tour visitors around the school, I am always pointing out significant additions to the college made possible by the Parents and Friends’ Association - this is your legacy.

Finally, to the boys who are leaving - I want you to keep working hard, keep reaching higher, and know that we are proud of your efforts. Our very best wishes go with you into the future.

It is customary to end this address with words of wisdom from a famous philosopher or intellectual such as Einstein or Aristotle…or even a past president of the United States. But, earlier this week at our Wednesday Chapel service, Year 9 pupil Jack Tourelle made a very erudite statement which echoed Reverend Kelk’s lesson in Chapel, and my own sentiments for the future.

“Don’t be chained to what has happened this year. Break free and start focussing on what you want to achieve in 2021, even if you feel afraid.”

Well done Jack, that says it all.

Thank you, everybody. Enjoy your evening and have a great Christmas and New Year.

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PARTING COMMENTS: KRISHAN LUXMANAN HEAD PREFECT 2020

2020 has been interesting, to say the least. We are now beginning the end of a year full of surprisesnot only around the entire world, but within this very college as well. The Year 13 v teachers debate, for example, was won by the students this year. finally. To be fair though, it was Mr Schaumann that taught the debaters how to debate after all so, we can’t joke too much.

In more serious news, Harrison Morton finally stopped growing this year. I don’t know if you’ve seen Harrison but legend has it the guy came out of the womb at 6 feet tall and 115kgs. But, this was an especially good thing for our first fifteen this year, who managed to win the middle four finals against St Kevin’s, 18 to 12.

“Rob, your enthusiasm and strong mindset was truly inspiring leadership and the year most definitely would have been much worse without your presence”

We’ve also had a number of other successes in the sporting sector this year. Notably, Adam Woodhouse came second in the national weightlifting champs and has a clean and jerk best of 131kgs. That’s crazy. Imagine, going to school with someone that could pick you up and snap you … with their legs. Also, we saw Tom Gold place second in the NZ Under-19 50m Freestyle and third in the Open Men’s 50m Freestyle. These are just two of the many things our boys achieved throughout this year despite Covid-19. We have here definitive evidence of the determination of McGlashan men to be better than both the competition and, more importantly, to be better than themselves. With so much going right, it’s easy to forget the major problems faced by our nation today - climate change, housing, pandemics - but it does bring a small sense of pride to see McGlashan men succeeding in the midst of everything.

As some of you will know, a few of our much-loved members of staff have left this year - Mrs Jan Owen, Mr John Veitch and Mrs Anita Veitch. And in place of Mr Veitch, Mr Nigel Hunter has joined the team as the deputy-principal, with a very successful first few months. I don’t know how he did it, but ever since Mr Hunter got here, the number of mullets has dropped significantly.

But, all joking aside, I do consider this year a successful one, considering our circumstances, and

I would like to thank a few of the amazing people that have made this success possible.

First of all, to my two deputies, Ben and Rob. Ben, you don’t know how much I’ve appreciated having you there to ping ideas off of and do the things that I forget to do. And Rob, your enthusiasm and strong mindset was truly inspiring leadership and the year most definitely would have been much worse without your presence.

A massive thank you to Mr Garry, Dr Preston and Mr Hunter. Although our partnership was a bit cut off due to Covid-19, the prefect team, and in fact the whole school, has received nothing but help, support, and guidance for everything we did throughout the year so a big thank you for that.

And to all the parents sitting out here tonight. Mums and Dads - you truly have provided for us the greatest of privileges for which we are humbled and ever grateful for.

To the class of 2020, boys, we’re finally there. We’re finally getting out of this terrific environment. Thank you for all the memories, the laughs, the arguments, and the man hugs. I hope you enjoy tonight, and what could very possibly be the last time we walk in this gym.

And finally, to all the teachers and staff, not just for a very privileged seven years, but also for such an amazing lockdown. Funnily enough, despite the distance, we actually got to know our teachers more during lockdown. For example, we met all of Ms Lucas’ children and witnessed Mr Morrison being a dad.

Thank you, Mr Morrison and Ms Lucas, and all the teachers for making our lockdown period such a smooth, efficient, and even fun experience. Lockdown was so good that I do not know a single person sitting in this room today whose lockdown learning didn’t go smoothly. I do not know a single person who’s complained or grumbled that they’re behind because of lockdown, not a single person. In fact, while every other school’s students are talking about how much they hated lockdown learning, I actually know a few boys who wouldn’t mind going back into lockdown. If that isn’t a testament to the stunning effort of our teachers, I don’t know what is, so, thank you.

Now, I’ll leave you tonight with a warning. Beware the McGlashan man. For when others flee, we fight. For when others hinder, we help. For when we come through this school, we leave as an unstoppable force that can change this world, whether the world wants to change or not.

SENIOR PRIZE-GIVING 2020

PREMIER AWARDS

Nathan Dockerty

Nathan has worked tirelessly to meet this goal of being Dux of the college. Nathan completed the IB diploma this year and achieved excellent results across all his subjects. Nathan, we hope that you achieve the grades you deserve in your recently completed final examinations.

Next year, Nathan is looking at studying psychology and English Literature at Otago and will be staying at Studholme College.

Ben Monaghan

Ben also studied the IB diploma. He had several grades in the 80-90% range and, for most of his other subjects, he gained Excellence endorsement. Ben has always been a hard-working student who has strived to achieve at the highest level. He has a high predicted score and we look forward to seeing the results of all his hard work. Next year, he is going to study physics at Canterbury University and will be staying at Rochester and Rutherford Hall.

Proxime Accessit Krishan Luxmanan

Krishan undertook the IB diploma this year and has excelled in all his subjects, achieving several marks in the 80s and 90s. He received an Otago University Academic Excellence Scholarship for next year. As well as being one of the top academics at the school, Krishan has played a number of sports, has been involved heavily in community service and, of course, has served the college as Head Prefect.

Proxime Accessit Jonathan Brook

Jonathan also completed the IB diploma this year and has gained high grades across all his subjects. He has been one of the top academic achievers in the

school gained and Canterbury has worked two years maximised Next year, physics and will and Rutherford Ben during gaining Awards part of Competition a highly has received Canterbury Ben waterpolo his time waterpolo. in a wide to adapt wide variety spark up personalities and part student

and, of Prefect. this year subjects. achievers in the

school since Year 7. Jonathan has gained scholarships at both Otago and Canterbury Universities. He has worked diligently over the last two years to ensure that he has maximised his learning potential. Next year, he is going to study physics at Canterbury University and will be staying at Rochester and Rutherford Hall.

Rex King Memorial Award

Ben Monaghan

Ben has excelled academically during his time at the college, gaining Academic Excellence Awards every year. He was part of the Engineering Science Competition team that received a highly commended award. He has received two University of Canterbury scholarships.

Ben has also been involved in sport – namely waterpolo and futsal, playing both sports for most of his time at the college and is a Blues recipient for waterpolo. He is a keen debater and has been active in a wide variety of community service.

TS Holme Award Robert Millar

Robert is an outgoing student who has been involved in all aspects of the college. He has played a number of different sports for John McGlashan, has a sound academic record and is involved in a wide variety of service opportunities. He has shown positive interpersonal skills that allow him to adapt to different situations and get along with a wide variety of different people. Robert finds it easy to spark up conversations with a vast range of different personalities and this allows everyone to feel welcome and part of the school family. If you are looking for a student to complete a task, Robert is your man.

Gaze Family Cup

Jonathan Brook

Jonathan receives this award in recognition of his excellent service to both the community and college, particularly upholding Christian values. Jonathan has been extensively involved in Chapel services and served as Special Character Prefect in 2020. He

has been involved in science initiatives, particularly sustainability projects in the wider Dunedin community. He has also mentored and tutored younger students at the college. Congratulations and thank you Jonathan for your commitment.

Ted Friedlander Loyalty and Contribution to the college Krishan Luxmanan

In addition to the Head Prefect award, Krishan is also rightly recognised for the Ted Friedlander award for loyalty and contribution to the college. With every step this year, and every speech or last word, Krishan has endorsed the values of the college. This has been particularly notable in his leadership of the other boys. It has been a challenging year, and Krishan has been a calm, steady presence, emanating a sense of unity and inclusivity at the college. His contribution has been invaluable.

The Jonoel Award for Supporting the college’s Special Character Max Walker

When asking staff for nominations for this award – Max was consistently the student who was suggested. He has a maturity beyond his years, is always positive in his dealings with staff, peers and younger students and - through his actions and attitude - embodies many of the attributes we value at the college. Max has been a service prefect in 2020, and his excellent leadership has been at the fore in organising events and volunteering both at the college and in the wider community.

Principal’s Award to the Head Prefect Krishan Luxmanan

The Lead and Inspire Award recognises the responsibilities and contributions the Head Prefect makes each year. Krishan has been an excellent ambassador for the college during numerous events and celebrations. He has been a great role model for the students and his warmth, compassion and positivity is infectious. Krishan’s contribution to the college is thoroughly appreciated.

Highest Performing Athlete

The Three Brothers’ Cup

Liam Wilson

Para-athlete, Liam Wilson is the New Zealand record holder in seven events, including the T37 Senior men’s long jump. He is a member of the Athletics New Zealand High Performance Development Squad and has met qualifying standards for the Tokyo Olympics.

Angus Kenny

Rower Angus Kenny claimed a silver medal in the South Island Secondary Schools’ Under-18 single and was third in the Club Nationals Under-20 double. Angus was selected for the New Zealand Junior Trials and is in the Open and Under-20 Otago rowing teams.

Tom Gold

Tom Gold competed in the New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships, claiming bronze in the open 50 metre freestyle, and in the Under-19 age group, won a silver in the 50 metre freestyle event and a bronze in the 50 metre butterfly. Tom also broke an Otago freestyle record that stood for 17 years and has qualified for the Olympic trials.

Best All-Round Athlete the Lloyd Cup

Dominic Morrison

Dominic takes the title of Best All Round Athlete ahead of a group of multi-talented individuals. Dominic has represented Otago in touch. He is in the Senior A touch and basketball teams, First XV rugby, and a member of the athletics team. In athletics, Dominic was a member of the victorious 4 x 400 relay team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Championships and won the individual 400m at the Otago Secondary Schools’ Athletics Champs.

Most Outstanding Sports Team

The Gilchrist Family Shield

4 x 400m Relay team

Josh Hou, Dominic Morrison, Shay Veitch and Ben Lund

Once the school year had finished in 2019, a dedicated group of athletes competed in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships in Wellington. In the final event of the meet, the 4 x 400m team won a thrilling race by a fraction of a second after Shay Veitch dove over the finish line. This event was held after the 2019 Senior Prize-giving and therefore is eligible for the 2020 award.

Boarding House Award

The Ford Family Award

Robert Millar

Robert is the Head Boarder in the hostel and is also Deputy Head Boy.

In the boarding house, Robert is a great leader and role model for our junior boys. He helps to organise activities for the junior boys, tutors and encourages boys to try new things. Robert has been asked to help out with a number of different tasks and all of these were done without any hesitation and extremely well, with enthusiasm. Robert can always be trusted to get the job done. Robert backs up his leadership with a solid academic track record. He is a true leader in the boarding house; someone that the juniors look up to and aspire to be.

Rural Student of the Year

Walter Godsall Trophy

Ashley Stevenson

their academic in activities, lives. Ashley over his academic wish him

sciences year and College. results physics he enters health

Danny recognition to producing the college feat. This printed end of consistently displaying the college, the arts. Massey

Ashley Stevenson has impressed this year with his academic record, and his commitment and dedication to his work. This has been reflected with him already gaining an overall Excellence Endorsement at Level Three and an Excellence subject endorsement in both agriculture and agribusiness. He backs this up with his enthusiasm towards sport, and was recognized this year by being the captain of the Under-18 Blue rugby team.

In the boarding house, he is committed to helping encourage the next generation of boarders to achieve their best by helping out boys who need support with

Krishan

their academic studies, getting junior boys involved in activities, and being a positive role model in their lives. Ashley has displayed a passion for agriculture over his time at the college, through his practical and academic knowledge of how different farms work. We wish him all the best for his future.

The Roslyn Physiotherapy Health Sciences Award

Krishan Luxmanan

Krishan intends to study health sciences at Otago University next year and will be staying at Arana College. He has achieved excellent results in both chemistry and physics and this should ensure that he enters the competitive field of health sciences in good stead.

Team team 2019, a the New Championships the 4 x fraction of a line. This Prize-giving and of these extremely well, trusted to get with a leader in the look up to towards sport, captain of helping achieve support with

Premier Award for School Music Joe Mu

Seven Brothers’ Most significant contribution to the Arts

Danny Adams

Danny receives this award in recognition of his commitment to producing an art catalogue of the college collection, no small feat. This catalogue was finished, printed and bound just before the end of the year. He has worked consistently throughout the year, displaying student artwork around the college, and demonstrating a strong service to the arts. Next year, Danny is going to study design at Massey University.

Joe receives this award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music at the college. Joe has participated in a range of disciplines, including jazz band, choir, RockQuest, as well as organising musical performances for school events and mentoring junior bands at the college. Joe is going to study electrical engineering next year at the University of Canterbury.

Premier Award for Passion, Interest and Excellence in Literature Neal Wallace Literary Award

Nathan Dockerty

Nathan receives this award for outstanding achievement and service to the college in the literary arts. He is a talented writer, and you would not find anyone more passionate about literature in all its facets. Nathan was a winner in the Re-Draft competition in 2019, a nationwide competition which sees gifted young writers published in a nationally distributed journal. He has also edited work for Inkster at the college, and mentored younger students with their writing. Last year, Nathan achieved scholarship English while in Year 12. He is working on a plan for a novel to begin writing this summer. This year, he was awarded a cultural Blue for writing and literature.

Highlights of the Year

“The most important lesson I learned during Covid-19 was not an experience I am particularly fond of. The lockdown was a challenging time for everyone. I was scared, like many others, so I found it hard to concentrate during classes and homework completion was poor for the first few weeks. But after a period of stagnant learning and playing a lot of video games, I came to an epiphany that the fear of Covid is only an excuse I told myself in order to throw myself into the temptation of independence. After this moment of realisation, I understood that these temptations will be even more prevalent when I enter the adult world and their neon light will always tempt me with an almost irresistible urge. But we must stand our ground against these temptations and we must be true to ourselves until the end.”

John Zhao, Year 11

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Year 11

ATHLETICS

The college’s annual house competition got off to a strong start in 2020, with the day and a half long school athletics.

This year though, there were a number of key differences. Rather than separating out the standards and championship events, the longest jumpers, fastest runners and most testosterone imbued throwers were drafted out during the initial stages of each event and then competed for house points with the top three from each house.

What a difference this made. The boys were busy all day. They were cheering their peers as they competed and then raced off to the next event. So it’s unsurprising that the numbers for participation were up for all the houses. And very evenly spread too.

“The winning house was, unsurprisingly, Burns. Not really. Ross were mighty victors on the day”

It’s often said amongst house leaders that participation is the key. This rule of thumb didn’t apply in 2020. There was very little difference between houses for standards events, where the number of participants makes a big difference. But the championship points were entirely different. One house dominated through the entire day - and whilst others jostled around a bit for the remaining positions, it was never really a contest.

The winning house was, unsurprisingly, Burns. Not really. Ross were mighty victors on the day, and began talking a big game about a ‘Three-peat’ for the Elvidge Cup in 2020.

Ross House’s victory was helped by some outstanding individual efforts. Some of the boys in this house can certainly jump, run and throw. Individual results of note follow:

Junior Champion Louis Brown won the 400m and 800m, was second in the long jump and high jump, and third in the 3000m. Finn Apii won the 100m, long jump, and in the day’s highlight, broke the high jump record with a jump of 1.44m to beat the old mark by a centimetre. Serge Meeuws was third after winning the shot put and 200m, and coming second in the 100m.

Nick Casey and Liam Barron dominated the Novice division with Nick taking out this group with wins in 400m, 800m, 1500m and discus. Liam won the high jump and long jump, and both boys placed second in numerous events. Henry Bowering was third in this division after winning the 200m, and coming second in the 100m

In the Junior division, Isaac McConachie was first,

after winning the 3000m and javelin, and placing second on numerous occasions. John Mengel won the 400m, 800m, and 1500m to take out second place. Seb Ferro won the sprints and was second in the long jump, placing third.

Matheson Colquhoun won the Intermediate title after dominating the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m and coming second in the 400m. Stanley McClure took out the sprint double and the triple jump, and was third in the long jump, finishing second in this division. William Pringle was third after winning the long jump and placing in the sprints events.

Josh Hou took out the Senior division with wins in the 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m. Thomas Sullivan won the sprint double and long jump, and came second in the 400m to take out second place. Gabe Ross was third in this division after winning the triple jump and javelin.

Well done to Nick Casey who won the Champion of Champions Cup.

Ross dominated the house competition finishing on 575 points. Gilray just pipped Balmacewen with 462 points to 449 points. Burns finished with 383 points.

REV BARRY KELK - CHAPEL

CHAINSAW COURSE

In an (farmers in Schools, Farms delivered McGlashan in the and John Forgie in agricultural dung beetle is seeing released North Island.

development Island of

Around the seminar, beetle-strong farm. This Agribusiness

The study and the providing first real-life, colleges. drainage 60cm underground their life-cycle livestock by beetle extensive Additionally, significantly years of years and Seminar the presentation beetles organisations of the delegates visit their beetles as more of these

AGRIBUSINESS

In an effort to give back to our amazing partners (farmers and industry workers alike), Agribusiness in Schools, together with Marbecks, Silver Fern Farms and Dung Beetle Innovations, organised and delivered the inaugural dung beetle seminar at John McGlashan College. Continuing their collaboration in the Agribusiness programme, Columba College and John McGlashan College invited Dr Shaun Forgie to speak about the benefits of dung beetles in agricultural pursuits. Dr Forgie owns and runs a dung beetle breeding facility in the Auckland area and is seeing these incredible environmental cleaners released throughout New Zealand, especially in the North Island.

“... This is an exciting development as more of the South Island begin to take advantage of these incredible paddock cleaners.”

Around 35 McGlashan community farmers attended the seminar, then joined Dr Forgie to release a 2000 beetle-strong package at Garth and Debbie Mitchell’s farm. This package was generously donated to our Agribusiness programme by Dr Forgie.

The students will now have the opportunity to study the effects the beetles have on this farm and the surrounding area over a number of years, providing these and future students with one of the first real-life, long-term investigations offered at the colleges. Dung beetles contribute to soil aeration and drainage due to their practice of dragging dung 1560cm underground to breed. Parasites that complete their life-cycle in the dung, and consequently infect livestock are also taken underground and get eaten by beetle larvae, eventually reducing the need for extensive drenching practices above the ground. Additionally, well-drained and aerated soil allows for significantly increased pasture growth after a few years of release, specifically around 30-40% after five years and up to 80% after nine years post-release.

Seminar delegates were very impressed with the presentation and many wondered why dung beetles were not encouraged more by government organisations and primary industry partners. Some of the delegates have now organised for Dr. Forgie to visit their region to run local seminars and release beetles on their farms. This is an exciting development as more of the South Island begins to take advantage of these incredible paddock cleaners. We are posting

the seminar video on the school’s Agribusiness page soon and those interested in discovering more about this natural resource and ordering beetle packages can find all the information they need by visiting: https://dungbeetles.co.nz/

Dr C Preston

RAIL TRAIL

Day One

After a long trip from Dunedin, we hopped off the bus about 2 km from the Hyde pub. We started biking and met up with the rest of the parents. We then stopped and learned the parent helpers’ names (Steve Joint, Karl White, Steve Hamilton, Josh Jones, Vicky Sandford and Crystal Barton). We started again and hit the first tunnel almost immediately after stopping. We hopped off and put our torches on and walked through the hundred metres of darkness, which was a relief from the boiling temperatures of Central Otago.

Our next stop was Waipiata where we waited for quite a while for everyone to catch up. This was because a group had raced off and arrived miles in front of the main group. We began the 8 km to Ranfurly quickly because everyone couldn’t wait until we could set up camp and jump into the pool to cool off. We took a quick trip through town following behind one of the school vans to the campground and then set up the tents as quickly as possible, motivated by the promise of ice blocks once each tent had been checked off. After a refreshing play in the pool, we had dinner which was made up of chips and a piece of fish or a hot dog. We then attempted to get to sleep while people in the tents next to us mucked about.

Day Two

We awoke to the sound of Mr Campbell rustling our tents and saying “wake up” and then him moving on to the next tent. We packed our stuff and then went to get breakfast which comprised of toast and cereals. After eating, we packed our tents and started to get ready to depart and carry on. We sent the slower people off, then we did a final sweep of the campsite and started biking to Wedderburn. We caught up to the slower group about halfway and then soon reached Wedderburn Station. We had a morning tea of chips and muesli bars and then started biking to Oturehua where we would have lunch.

We had a little climb to the highest point and then had a really nice long downhill for about 6-8kms. We stopped and had rolls for lunch then headed off down the Ida Valley. We had a quick break and were soon reaching the viaduct into the Poolburn Valley. About 3kms later, we reached the first tunnel and hopped off our bikes. We were pretty much all together because we stopped at Auripo beforehand so we didn’t

have to wait long. We turned on our head torches and headed into the darkness. After about a good 75 metres, we came out and into the hot sun. We carried on and came up to the second tunnel and repeated the process. We arrived in Lauder shortly after and soon arrived at Omakau. We set up camp and we rushed into the pool to cool down. We had a much better sleep than the last night because everyone was pretty tired.

Day Three

We awakened to Mr Campbell coming round to each tent telling us to start packing up our stuff after breakfast. There was a lot of grumbling as people stretched out their stiff legs. We ate our breakfast and prepared to leave. We started out strong, looking forward to the big and long downhill into Chatto Creek. We took off as soon as we had passed underneath the underpass and started speeding up. We kept the fast pace all the way to Chatto Creek and then had a short rest. Mrs Smith told us we had to go slower, otherwise we would arrive way ahead of schedule and have to wait for the bus without much shade. We slowed down a bit and, because we had a bit of time, we stopped at Galloway and waited for everyone to catch up.

We stopped at Alexandra and had some lunch then started sprinting to Clyde trying to get there as soon as possible. Pretty soon, we were at the end and were talking to the other group who were waiting to get our bikes so they could go. We waited there for 30-60 minutes before getting on the bus and heading back to school. We arrived at John McGlashan and started trickling out through the doors, all of our butts aching after the last three days.

We collected our gear and then the boarders went up to the hostel and the day-boys were picked up by their caregivers.

We were all pretty proud of what we had achieved and I’m sure we would all love to do it again after some recovery time.

Jack Sandford

torches good 75 carried repeated after and and we much everyone was round to stuff after people breakfast looking Creek. underneath the the fast a short otherwise have to slowed down stopped at lunch then as soon and were to get for 30-60 heading back started aching boarders went picked up by achieved again after

Sandford

MEDEA

Ancient Greece has influenced our society in many ways. One of the most prominent ways being theatre. Greek Theatre is a very unique style of drama as there are many steps taken to ensure the performance is historically accurate in terms of both the costumes and the style it is performed in. Recently the Year 11, 12 and 13 drama classes have completed their Greek Theatre performance internals, and it certainly was a rollercoaster. A rocky introduction due to being in lockdown and learning independently from home, threw everyone off a bit, and that was just the start of the ‘drama’.

Two groups were formed in each of the separate senior classes and we all began to learn our lines. We presented short 10-minute segments from the historical Greek play, Medeaby Euripides. Medea tells the tragic story of a woman driven mad by her exhusband, whose anger leads her to do the horrific act of taking the lives of her children as revenge. Although

“A rocky introduction due to lockdown and learning independently from home threw everyone off a bit, and that was just the start of the ‘drama.”

the story is rather grotesque and surrounded by dark themes, the performances still worked and were great successes.

Learning page-long monologues was not the only difficult task faced by the class though, not at all! Staying true to the historical Greek performance, we had to perform outdoors while wearing togas (Ms Fridd said the togas would be “easy” to wear and that they would, “not come off during the performance if

pinned correctly. Spoiler alert: they were not easy to wear, and they caused a lot of stress!) And finally, we had to perform while wearing full Greek masks. This all seemed like a recipe for disaster, and in the days leading up to the performance, it certainly seemed like disaster was inevitable.

It was a new experience for everybody in the class as it exposed us to a new type of theatre that we would have otherwise most likely never looked into. The interesting and unique use of choreographed chorus movement was a shock to everyone as we all tried to create our own exciting scenes.

Now that the performance is over and we have hung up our togas for the last time, we can’t all help but feel a little relieved we won’t have to do it again anytime soon, but also (and more importantly) glad and nostalgic. This is because we have now got a far broader knowledge and appreciation for other forms of theatre.

Tama Anthony-Whigham

(thanks Thanks, support

Friday of Mr Garry, Ms Mawdsley

We spent visitors parents large number to engage

On Friday hosted and shared

John McGlashan at events are. It is more than The are of the positively ‘product’. away from walkway

they take keep doing

easy to finally, we masks. This the days seemed the class would into. The chorus tried to we have all help it again importantly) glad got a far forms

Anthony-Whigham

WANAKA SHOW

Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March saw the team of Mr Garry, Mr Campbell, Rev Kelk, Dr Preston and Ms Mawdsley in Wanaka at the annual A & P Show. We spent the two days talking with a wide-range of visitors - predominantly current and prospective parents and students - and also connected with a large number of Old Collegians. It is always fantastic to engage with people in their local community.

On Friday night, after the show had finished, we hosted a group of alumni and friends of the college and shared many stories about the days gone by at John McGlashan College. It becomes quite apparent at events like these how strong the bonds of the college are. It is also true that it is all about connection. Now more than ever, perhaps.

The five of us talk regularly about how proud we are of the college and, therefore, how easy it is to talk positively about what we offer. We have an excellent ‘product’. We love our location at the show, further away from other schools, right near the entrance and walkway and with space for our corn-hole boards (thanks Mr White). It is quintessentially McGlashan.

Thanks, as always, to all of the locals for their support and a huge thank you to the staff for the time they take away from their families in order for us to keep doing what we do here at McGlashan.

CROSS COUNTRY

Burns. Some Country accusation except nonsense. It is

than Robert in search chased through eventually tackle. champion This victory Tuesday Burns in many time it competition). the case.

John McGlashan 1779 Scotland, friesian trotted McGlashan

Now, day, and performances.

Firstly, 1st J Burns, And Burns

1st M J Pearson And Burns

1st J Gilr, 4th And Burns

Burns. Mighty Burns. Triumphant Burns.

Some may claim that this article about the Cross Country stretches the truth a little. This is a slanderous accusation - the information herein is entirely factual, except for the opening paragraph, which is made up nonsense.

It is a little known fact that the tradition of the John McGlashan College Cross County dates back to 1779 Scotland, when young Jonas McGlashan’s prize friesian cow absconded from the river paddock and trotted off towards the neighbouring town, and Clan McGlashan ran hard in pursuit. None were faster than Robert Burns (the bard was visiting the district, in search of discounted haggis ingredients). Burns chased the errant cattle beast up hill and down dale, through the winding hill country of the Highlands, eventually capturing it thanks to a spectacular spear tackle. Burns was fastest ‘across the country’, crowned champion and toasted merrily by clan McGlashan.

This is, of course, the second most prestigious victory for a Burns in the McGlashan Cross Country. Tuesday the fourth of August 2020, was the greatest.

Burns won the cross country, For the first time in many years, Burns was not last (as it was the last time it won the Elvidge Cup for the overall house competition). It was not third, as so often has been the case. It was not second. Burns won.

“First J Hou Ross, Second G Westgate Gilr, Third J Thomsen-Fawcett Burns”

Now, there are other important results from the day, and there were many outstanding individual performances.

Firstly, Burns won the overall competition.