As we embark on our second century at Medbury School, we must reflect on our rich history and the values that have guided our first 100 years. The journey ahead, shaped by our Strategic Intent 2024, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our determination to prepare our boys for their century, not ours. Our vision is about keeping pace with change and leading it, ensuring our boys have the skills and character to thrive in an ever-evolving world and ultimately learn, lead and succeed.
Embracing Our Heritage
Medbury has always focused on fostering a nurturing environment. Our heritage is steeped in a tradition of academic excellence and values education alongside community spirit. These core values have been the bedrock of our educational philosophy, ensuring that every Medbury boy is academically proficient and a well-rounded individual ready to contribute positively to society.
Vision for the Future
Our Vision is clear: to grow boys who learn, lead, and succeed. This vision encapsulates our
desire to cultivate an environment where every boy can reach his full potential. We are committed to providing a personalised learning experience that caters to the unique needs of each student, ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.
Our Mission reinforces this commitment, focusing on delivering a holistic education that nurtures the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development of every boy. By fostering a love of learning and encouraging curiosity, we aim to develop critical thinkers and lifelong learners eager to explore new ideas and innovate.
Strategic Pillars
Our strategic pillars are designed to guide us as we strive to fulfil our vision:
Enhanced Learning Culture:
We are dedicated to creating an environment that promotes academic excellence and fosters a love of learning. We ensure our curriculum is relevant and engaging by integrating cuttingedge educational practices and leveraging technology.
Character and Values: At Medbury, character education is paramount. We instil the core values of integrity, empathy, respect, and responsibility in our boys, preparing them to be ethical leaders and compassionate citizens.
Community Wellbeing: We recognise the importance of a supportive and inclusive community. Our focus on wellbeing ensures that boys, staff, and families thrive together, fostering
strong relationships and a sense of belonging.
Leadership and Service: Authentic leadership is about serving others. Our boys are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in service-learning opportunities, helping them develop a sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference.
Global Citizenship: Our boys must understand and appreciate diverse cultures in an increasingly interconnected world. Our curriculum includes global perspectives, and we celebrate the unique place of Maori culture in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Preparing for the Future
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our goal to provide a relevant and transformative education. The world our boys will enter vastly differs from what we know today. It demands creativity, critical thinking, digital fluency, and a global mindset. At Medbury, we are committed to equipping our boys with these 21st-century skills, ensuring they are not just ready for the future but poised to shape it.
Our strong foundation and forwardthinking vision guide our journey forward. By honouring our past and embracing the future, Medbury is positioned to inspire boys to learn, lead, and succeed. Together, with the support of our dedicated community, we will make this vision a reality, preparing our boys to navigate and excel in their century with confidence and integrity.
Dave Scott, Headmaster
Medbury
The Medbury Graduate: Growing boys to learn, lead and succeed.
Our philosophy in a nutshell
At Medbury, education extends far beyond the confines of textbooks and classrooms.
It is about nurturing young minds, shaping future leaders, and fostering a community of confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Our graduate profile, ‘The Medbury Graduate,’ encapsulates this philosophy and is a testament to our commitment to developing holistic all-rounders. We aim to grow boys to learn, lead, and succeed, ensuring they emerge as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors.
Our emphasis on producing lifelong learners is at the core of our refreshed strategic intent. We encourage our students to
be eager to grow and improve, fostering a spirit of curiosity and a growth mindset. In an everevolving world, continuously learning and adapting is invaluable. We aim for graduates to leave Medbury with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, ready to explore new horizons and tackle challenges head-on.
We also want to empower our students to take charge of their personal direction. By setting realistic, informed pathways and holding themselves accountable for their success, Medbury graduates will develop a strong sense of self-direction. This quality prepares them for academic pursuits and instils the resilience and determination to navigate life’s complexities. Our boys learn
to dream big, plan effectively, and pursue their goals.
At Medbury, we aspire to cultivate leaders who inspire through their actions and understand that authentic leadership is about serving others. We want our graduates to exhibit initiative and be adept at problemsolving, making them valuable contributors to any community they join.
By instilling a sense of responsibility and ethical leadership, we ensure that our students are prepared for success and committed to positively impacting the world around them.
Our whole school emphasis on social and cultural values is integral to developing wellrounded individuals. Medbury
Dave Scott Headmaster
graduates display our core values — respect for themselves, others, and the environment — and approach the world with an open mind. This foundation of respect and inclusivity enables them to thrive in diverse environments and contribute meaningfully to a global society.
We are proud of our commitment to fostering empathy, understanding, and a genuine appreciation for different cultures.
Nurturing critical and creative thinkers is central to our graduate profile. We want our students to be curious, ask probing questions, and consider all perspectives. They will become confident problem solvers, capable of navigating complex issues. By encouraging a questioning
mindset and fostering intellectual curiosity, we are preparing our graduates to be the innovators and trailblazers of tomorrow.
Medbury graduates are comfortable in all cultures and deeply appreciate the unique place of Maori people in Aotearoa, New Zealand. They understand essential tikanga and te reo and are well-versed in New Zealand history and the Treaty of Waitangi. This bicultural competency equips them to engage respectfully and effectively in a multicultural world, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
We strongly emphasise complete wellbeing, ensuring our students are mentally and physically well. Self-confidence, resilience, and
the ability to form respectful relationships are critical components of this focus. Our graduates know when and how to seek support, making them robust individuals and empathetic and supportive peers.
In conclusion, the Medbury Graduate profile is more than just a framework; it is a vision of the future we strive to create. By focusing on growing boys to learn, lead, and succeed, we are shaping a generation of holistic all-rounders equipped to excel in every aspect of life.
Leadership as service to others
The Leadership and Service Programme at Medbury
Medbury’s developing Leadership and Service Programme is designed primarily to assist in the character development of the boys.
The overall ethos of leadership within Medbury sees leadership as service to others. As the giving of time and effort to further the needs of others, putting others first, and doing the right thing.
Alongside our four core values of integrity, empathy, respect and excellence, the leadership and service programme is the vehicle by which this will be conveyed and, where appropriate, taught to the boys.
Some components of the programme run across all year groups, with some concentrating on specific year groups.
Leadership and Service at Medbury will consist of three main elements. These are Integrated Learning, Pillar Programmes, and Sustained Programmes.
Integrated Learning
Our leadership and service ethos is for every single boy and every single member of staff. By its very nature, integrated learning is not a one-off, or even over an extended period. It is permanent. It is our way of life. It is the way we all conduct ourselves. It is part of the fabric of the School. In our teachings, we will embed the leadership ethos and core values. How we treat, and speak to, one another will be in the manner and style that we ourselves expect to be spoken to and treated. Across all aspects of Medbury life and
teachings, we need to set high expectations and keep setting them.
Pillar Programmes
The pillar programmes are major programmes or events, each of which will have specific learning outcomes. They will range from one day to three weeks, and will be Year level-specific.
Sustained Programmes
All sustained programmes are major programmes in their own right, but their duration will be far longer than the Pillar Programmes. The sustained programmes will last for at least one term, with the duration for the majority being up to one whole year.
Richard Wilson Director of Leadership and Service
Year 5 Leadership Day
On Friday 10 May, our Year 5 boys were joined by over 50 girls and boys from a variety of other Christchurch schools. The scene was set during the introductory session with our two keynote speakers.
Payton Edmundson and Zinzan Bondarenko-Leatua, the Head
Prefects of St Margaret’s College and Christ’s College respectively, gave inspiring speeches that told the children of their own leadership experiences. The girls and boys were then divided into seven mixed groups, with each group attending three workshops. External presenters included Fire and Emergency New
Zealand, Environment Canterbury, and Sport Canterbury. We also had presentations on Technology, Bi-cultural Leadership and Global Citizenship.
“Since I love nature, I enjoy creating a safe environment for native species to live in.”
Kiran Keswani, 7M
Eco-Action Nursery Trust
Along with many other Christchurch schools and the University of Canterbury, the first Eco Action tree-planting day of the year on Sunday 19 May was very well supported by the Medbury community.
Eco Action, under the leadership of David Newton, organises the planting events, which take place in the old residential area opposite QEII. Several thousand seedlings, as well as the wherewithal to actually plant them, are delivered to the site. It is always a logistical feat, especially the conjuring up of hot chocolate for those in need at the end of the morning’s work.
Medbury, and other schools, help by taking the very young seedlings (about 1,500 were delivered to us
this year) and, over the course of a term or so, they are re-potted by the boys into larger pots.
The boys who take on the repotting and planting tasks are able to accrue the time, as they are able to take it into account for their community service. This could be for the Medbury community service badges (which will be compulsory from 2025 for Years 4, 5 and 6), or the William Pike Challenge Award in Year 7.
Future Eco Action days are planned as follows:
Sunday 4 August
Sunday 8 September
Hope to see you there!
Clothed in Love
There are many children in Christchurch who lack sufficient clothing to keep them warm or allow them to replace outgrown items.
Founded by two Christchurch mums in 2020, ‘Clothed in Love’ is a local charity dedicated to supporting families in need.
The charity provides clothing packs for children from Prem to Size 16 Child. These packs contain pre-loved or new clothing and books. Since its inception, Clothed in Love has distributed well over 7,000 packs. The charity operates entirely through the efforts of volunteers, with over 110 locals currently involved.
To support this deserving cause, we will be holding a clothing drive in Term 3. You can donate suitable clothing by bringing or sending it to your son’s classroom from 19 August, for three weeks.
Your help and support for this incredible local charity will be greatly appreciated.
Whole School Community Service Day
On Friday, 2 August (with a rain day on 9 August), Medbury School is set for a fantastic whole school community service day.
We’re pitching in to make a difference locally. Boys, parents, and staff will combine to make a tangible impact and spread some joy.
Here’s the scoop:
Years 1 to 4: Staying cozy inside, our youngest boys will craft Christmas cards, clothing bin labels, and more for charities like the Cancer Society and Bellyful. It’s arts and crafts with a heart!
Year 5: Time to get those hands dirty! These boys will re-pot native seedlings for the Eco-Action project and maybe even clean a river. Gumboots and gardening gloves at the ready!
Year 6: Heading to the Urban Farm at 156 Peterborough Street, and the Otakaro Orchard just a short walk away, they’ll tackle winter
maintenance tasks and keep our urban green spaces thriving.
Years 7 and 8: Teaming up at the Richmond Community Garden, they’ll dig in and help out with various gardening tasks. It’s all about teamwork and a bit of muddy fun.
The morning’s hard work will be rewarded with a sausage sizzle before going home – two sausages each, no charge! Boys will wear their full P.E. kit, including track pants, fleece, tracksuit top, and beanie. Gardening gloves are definitely needed by Years 5, 6, 7 and 8. Those heading off-site mustn’t forget their full water bottle and morning tea.
Parents, we need you too! If you can help, please email richard.wilson@medbury.school.nz and join the fun. Let’s make this a day to remember!
William Pike Challenge
The coveted William Pike Challenge Award is a youth development programme that encourages children to develop resilience, leadership, and teamwork skills.
The Award consists of three main elements: outdoor activities, community service, and personal development challenges (also known as passion projects). It aims to foster a spirit of adventure and community involvement, helping to build confidence and life skills.
This year is the first time that the whole of the Year 7 group has taken part in the William Pike Challenge Award. Their involvement in the award commenced with an evening with William Pike himself, as he came to Medbury to: meet the boys; explain why he started the Challenge; tell the boys of his own incredible survival in a horrific and life-changing experience on Mt Ruapehu; and to inspire the boys to “step outside their comfort zone!”.
Richmond Community Garden
A new partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
The Centre of Excellence for Music
I am thrilled to announce the start of a new partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to create a Centre of Excellence for Music for our students.
At Medbury, music education is a crucial part of our curriculum, and this partnership will offer our students numerous opportunities to enhance their musical skills through a variety of programs.
Through this partnership, our students will have the chance to work closely with members of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra,
receiving guidance specific to their instruments and learning how their instruments contribute to the orchestra as a whole.
All students at Medbury will be given opportunities to explore musical instruments and have access to opportunities for instrumental tuition from our team of highly qualified teachers. We already have a fantastic team of music tutors at Medbury and a large number of students already learning instruments.
We would love to see an increase in students learning brass and
woodwind instruments as this is an area of need both here at Medbury and also in orchestras at youth and professional levels.
We are also going to incorporate more instrumental tuition into our classroom programmes. Years 3 and 4 students will learn the recorder for a term and Year 5 boys will learn a brass instrument for the whole year as part of their classroom music programme.
April Holland Director of Music
CSO Demonstrations
As part of our collaboration with the CSO, we have exposed all of our students to two demonstration concerts, one for brass instruments and one for woodwind.
Musicians from the CSO not only performed engaging pieces but also interacted with the students
and explained the mechanics of their instruments. We hope this has given the boys some more information about these instruments and an interest in learning one. I am always happy to provide more information about how you can access instruments and tutors for your son.
Igniting sparks of curiosity.
CSO and Medbury Orchestra Workshop
Recently, we welcomed six accomplished musicians to work with the students in the Medbury Orchestra, as part of our collaboration with the CSO. The boys spent two hours enhancing their ensemble playing skills under the guidance of these musicians.
The orchestra was divided into sectionals, with each CSO member focusing on students who play their specific instrument. During these sectionals, the students worked on phrasing, dynamic contrast, articulation, and playing cohesively as a section. This time with the CSO
musicians was incredibly valuable and inspiring for the orchestra.
Thank you to the following CSO players for their time and dedication to our Centre of Excellence in Music: Jonathan Tanner, Arna Morton, Bella Zilber, Margo Askin, Thomas Eves, and Mark La Roche.
Read more about CSO Ambassadors, NXT Gen Youth Think Tank and Accelerando Strings.
A myriad of opportunities
Our six CSO Ambassadors work with other like-minded students through regular meetings at which the CSO players encourage and inspire. Ambassadors are offered complimentary tickets to select concerts for themselves and their school and are encouraged to spread the word to their peers about the orchestra.
NXT Gen Youth Think Tank is a team of awesome thinkers who are keen to make a difference in how the CSO meet the needs of young people in our community. Four of our students are involved in
this group and meet once a term with other school students and members of the CSO marketing and development team.
Accelerando Strings is a junior strings development programme that meets twice per term and this year we have eight students involved. The programme includes mentorship, workshops, and opportunities to spend time developing technique and musicianship supported by leading CSO string players.
Open Collaboration
On Friday 6 September, we will be holding an Open Orchestra Workshop with ten musicians from the CSO.
The workshop will be two hours long and will be a fantastic opportunity for students to collaborate with musicians from the CSO and receive expert training specific to their instrument. At the end of the workshop, the combined orchestra will perform for their families to share their learning during this experience. Parents can also learn more information about the Centre of Excellence for Music, and how it will benefit their son.
All members of the Medbury Orchestra will participate in this workshop, but it will also be open for Medbury students who would like to participate but do not currently play in the orchestra. Boys in Years 4 to 7 from other local schools will be invited to participate. Registrations for this workshop will open in Term 3.
Accelerando Strings
Out and about
Years 1 and 2 — Arion Farm
This year, the Junior School went to Arion Farm. The weather was sunny and warm. We fed the llamas and deer. We got to pet guinea pigs and rabbits. There was a rabbit hiding in his hole. He was a bit scared. We played on the tractor and we ate lunch. We saw ducks, goats and some pigs. I liked the ducks because they were cute.
Lucas Ban, 2T
Year 6 — Kate Sheppard House
In Term 1, our Year 6 classes visited Kate Sheppard House to learn about early New Zealand history and the important role women played in it. The boys completed a scavenger hunt and enjoyed competing in old-fashioned outdoor games. The experience was great and I recommend going and visiting the house to find out more.
Nate Carter, 6H
Years 3 and 4 — Orana Park
We saw the spider monkeys, they were very mischievous. The otters were doing backstroke and eating fish and they were very cute. We fed the giraffes leaves. The gorillas were big and hairy. At the Tasmanian Devils, we saw them being naughty, I think they were up to something! I felt happy at Orana Park.
Mahmoud Abu Hussein, 3S
We have recently enjoyed visits from New Zealand Playhouse performing ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ and Opera in Schools performing ‘The Elixir of Love’. Here are just a few of our trips and visits out and about so far this year.
Year 5— Riccarton House and Bush
At the end of Term 1, we went to Riccarton House, which the Dean’s family built, and learned how they built their houses. We saw all the rooms they lived in and heard about their journey. Later, we learnt about Riccarton Bush, and we got to see some 3D-printed Moa poo and bones in the forest. It was a very enjoyable and educational visit.
Oliver Clarkson, 5M
Years 3 and 4 — Halswell Quarry
Year 5 — Ferrymead Heritage Park
At Ferrymead Heritage Park we learned what belongings they were supposed to pack in their trunk for the voyage to New Zealand. Hearing what happened on the boat and what it was like when you first arrived was interesting.
Luobby Luo, 5M
We learned about what it was like to live in the 1800s and be a student in a very strict school house. You could get the cane for talking or getting something wrong. I felt so happy I was not alive in the 1800s!
Archer Bavis, 5M
At Halswell Quarry we saw a handmade wall of stone that had been secured with soil and concrete which hardened over time. We went to look at the geographical features of the cliffs and learned about the time periods, about the quarry face, basalt rock, erosion and volcanoes. We got into groups of five and made a drystone wall. Next, we walked into the Wetland area and learned about New Zealand native trees and how the Maori used these trees for everyday life. We then learned about how the Maori caught eels in a snare trap, and how the Moa and the Haast Eagle became extinct.
Billy Raiwalui-Mason, 4P
Maths and Literacy Open Morning
In week three of Term 2, the Medbury boys had an open morning where parents could come into the Mathematics and Literacy classrooms to see what the boys do daily at Medbury.
As Will was in Mr Collins’s Class and Noah was in Mrs Keleghan’s Class, we can both share our
perspectives on the day.
As the parents observed the Maths and Reading lessons, every boy in the classroom was in full concentration. They were all up to date with the lessons in their books and after two periods of Maths and Science of Reading Lessons, the boys earned a well-deserved
break at morning tea.
It was amazing to see many parents around our School, enjoying a presentation by the Heads of Maths and Literacy, and taking an interest in how we are learning.
Will Fang and Noah Betteridge, 7O
Year 5 Camp at Living Springs
The Year 5 boys wrote ‘a moment in time’ about their experience at camp. Here are two for you to enjoy.
Animal Chaos!
It was animal survival and I was running as fast as lightning. My mouth went dry, and I could smell the damp air. I got a stitch but I was not going to stop in the field of battle. The air blew into my face, but I did not want to die. Then I made it to the top of the boundaries with station number one and all I saw was devil red and grass green. Some with sun yellow dots but then I saw the horrendous flood and the brutal bacteria.
Later, I was giving people lives that I found. Then I had six lives out of eight because I was a little bird called a Weka. Suddenly Harry
Petrie got me because he was a small carnivore. Uh oh! Next, I heard “flood, flood,” but the hunter came as I was hiding with Theodore Gilmore and we found station two at the mini golf course. I could hear boom, crash and names being called out and I could see now yellow, red, green black and blue. This place was a death zone so I ran off. The hunter saved me because the hunter can’t hurt the native birds like me. At the end, I shouted hooray, five lives and I got all of the stations!
Thomas Lash, 5O
Zoomy Zoomy Zip Line
Above us was the zip line. It looked scary but spectacular! When we were there, my heart was pumping, but I was excited. I heard people talking up at the zip
line. Next, the instructor put on my harness, and it hurt a little bit, but I didn’t care, I just wanted to go down.
The next moment, I was already hooked up and ready to go. Eventually, I took off down the zip line. It was awesome! I breathed in the fresh air, and I was already there. The zip line was much more fun than I thought it would be. I came back up, staring at Thomas. Above me was the starting point, and I wanted another go.
Ming Zhang, 5O
Year 6 Camp at Wainui
Orson Ma describes a game called Diamond Smugglers, and Freddie Smulders describes his jump off the Papa Bear rock at Coasteering...
I was in the forest. I had four marks on my arm, three adults were surrounding me, and I had two diamonds left. Which adult was going to get the diamonds? Ten minutes before, as I crept through the forest, feeling the brush on my arm, I hoped no adults would see me. I saw a diamond on the floor, so I picked it up. It was smooth and soft. Now, I had two precise, sparkly diamonds. I was happy that I had two diamonds.
Then, I heard someone in the bush. I looked around but saw no
one, then Hadie emerged from the bush, so I started sprinting. As I was sprinting away from Hadie, I encountered another adult hiding in the bush. So I ran across the forest and then I tripped. I slid down the hill with a scraped knee. It stung so much I cannot describe it. When I got to the bottom, I ran as they were still chasing me. Finally, I thought I had lost them.
Then I stopped in shock as three adults came out of the bush and surrounded me. “Oh no!” I thought, “which adult was going to get my diamonds?”
I tried to trick them by going to one side, then to the other, but they just came in closer and closer until I got tagged. After they tagged me, I had only one diamond left,
so I sprinted as fast as I could to the base. Once I got there, I got a mark on my arm. Then I left the base to go to the other one, with my knee still stinging. I sprinted back up to the other base. Then I got a surprise attack and got tagged halfway up. After I gave my diamond to her, I had zero shiny diamonds left, so I sprinted up to the base, got a mark, and got some more diamonds. Then I was set. I had three diamonds now. I could survive.
“Two minutes!” yelled the instructors. I needed to get more marks on my arm, so I ran from base to base and got five more marks. During this time, I got tagged twice, so I had one diamond left at the end.
I was exhausted but happy to have survived.
Orson Ma, 6H
I was watching Wallace jump off Papa Rock while we were coasteering. I only had one doubt, and that was because I had conquered my fear of heights when I bungee-jumped off the Sky Tower many months before. However, my doubt now was being injured as I hit the water. It was my turn. I climbed up nervously as I heard the wavy water waiting to consume me. I looked down at the rocky bottom, rethinking my choices. I thought that I would be able to do this easily since I had done heaps of other stuff like it.
As I regained my confidence, I smelled the weird sea air one last time, looked at the beautiful view, and counted to 10 in my head... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. I jumped down and closed my eyes like I always do. I got a weird feeling in my stomach, but luckily, the fall only lasted 1 to 2 seconds, even though it felt like 5 minutes. The fall felt like I was going faster than
the speed of light, which is highly impossible.
I hit the water, and all I could think about was how lucky I was to jump and not injure myself. I was proud and imagined that my splash must have been higher than the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
I climbed out of the water, trying to hide the fact that I was a bit scared. Someone, whose name I
don’t remember, cut themselves, which meant luck wasn’t on their side.
I thought about what I would have thought of myself if I didn’t do it. But I always do high jumps because of my motto: do it, because I wouldn’t be able to bear the fact that I didn’t do it and I would get digested by jealousy if others did.
Freddie Smulders, 6H
“The fall felt like I was going faster than the speed of light....”
Mountain Biking at Camp
Year 7 Camp Poetry
Beneath Hanmer’s peaks, where mountains kissed the sky, Year seven camp, where spirits soared high.
Hot springs whispered secrets, warmth embraced, In nature’s cradle, our souls were traced.
Echoes of laughter in the alpine air, Adventures woven with friends who care. From walking trails that challenged our stride, To starlit evenings where dreams did abide.
Dinner tales spun by flickering flames, In the rhythm of nature, we found our aims. Among towering trees and rivers that sing, Hanmer Springs, where hearts took wing.
Memories etched in the river’s flow, A year seven camp, where friendships grow.
As we bid farewell to this mountain’s embrace, We carry its spirit, time cannot erase.
Monty Fleetwood, 7B
At five o’clock, before dinner’s call, we mount our bikes, standing tall. Through the trees, where shadows play, we ride, we weave, in the end-of-day.
The scent of pine, the rustle of leaves, nature’s breath, a gentle breeze.
Wheels turning, paths unfurl, in the forest’s embrace, we swirl.
Out in the open, sunlight’s gleam, a golden hour, like a dream.
Fields of green, skies of blue, the world expands, a wondrous view.
Laughter trails in the air, a shared adventure, moments rare.
Pedals push, hearts race, in this wild, we find our pace.
Back to the trees, shadows deep, a secret world, a memory to keep.
Roots and rocks, the trail’s surprise, in every twist, a new prize.
The camp awaits, with evening near, stories to share, faces dear.
But for now, we ride, we roam, in the forest and fields, we find our home.
James Wilkinson, 7W
2024 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the following boys who have been acknowledged for their balance of talent and efforts:
Niall Nesbitt, Field-Dodgson Choral Scholarship to Christ’s College; Jack Boissard, Regional Boarding Scholarship to Christ’s College; Ryan Collins, General Excellence
Scholarship to Christ’s College; Jason Gong, Year 6 Medbury School Music Bursary; Wasee Jahangir, Executive Principal Bursary to Christ’s College; Billy Sheild, CCOBA Scholarship (Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association), Richie Tu, Academic and Somes
Instrumental Scholarship to Christ’s College; and Wallace Xu, Year 6 Medbury School Music Scholarship.
Well done boys!
MEDBURY SCHOOL PRESENTS
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer
Night’s Dream
Working on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ has been a roller coaster journey for the 150 boys involved, with the seemingly thousands of very tiring practices and slowly everyone learning their lines.
For us, it has been very enjoyable learning what our class was performing and running the scenes over and over, with lots of laughs in between. Learning to work together as a team has been a focus of this production that Ms Fitzgerald has drilled into us, saying that a team is only as strong as its weakest player.
The Fairy Kingdom held a convention to talk about the 100 years passed of the Homo Sapiens - the wise ones! They talk about how the species has evolved, but also about ‘romantic love and all that ridiculous stuff.’ Some wizards turn up, but they decide to work together to review how silly love is, and to watch their favourite play -
‘A
Midsummer Night’s Dream’!
Watching how silly the humans can be falling in and out of love instantly makes them quote ‘Lord what fools these mortals be!’.
The Magical Mob warns us of the effects of global warming and how we need to look after our planet. They must learn how to love the planet, and not just themselves.
This dream wouldn’t have been possible without all the amazing teachers that made this happen, all of the parent helpers, Mrs Acheson, Hedy Vardon, the Tech students (led by Baxter Douglas), Mr Robinson, Mr Devereux, Mrs Bickers and her makeup team, Miss Holland, Mrs Keleghan, Mr Taylor and Mr Grieve, and the entire production team listed in full on the production programme. These people all made this dream become a reality, but it wouldn’t have been possible without Ms
Fitzgerald. Once again she has taken a group of people and made a sensational show. Without her, we would all be lost! We truly appreciate you Ms Fitzgerald. We really don’t know how you are still sane!
It truly has been an honour being in the show, and we have had so much fun working together and performing.
In the words of Bottom, “Take pains. Be perfect. Adieu!”
Ryan Collins and Niall Nesbitt, 8B
The Magical Mob
The most momentous production in Medbury’s history...
8B — Traditional / Woodland
8S — Steampunk
“In Music, we have been learning about beat and rhythm.”
Eddie Lash, 2R
“We have learnt how to play rhythms on instruments and we have been learning the names of the notes.”
Tate Terpstra, 2R
“In Music, we have been learning about high and low. This is called pitch.”
Andrew Yu, 2T
“This Term, we have been learning to identify pitch in songs that we know and then learn to play these pieces on instruments.”
Vance Stewart, 3E
“We added percussion instruments to a song and created a rhythmic ostinato, playing in four different parts.”
Jayden Ban, 4B
“Thank you to all of the families that came along so we could share our learning with you. We hope you enjoyed our performances.” Action Lin, 4P
Junior and Lower Middle Music Showcase
Years 1 to 4 Art
Printmaking using foam stamps with engraved bees — Blue McDonald, 1M
Sunrise using paper mâché technique — James Granger, 1H
‘James and the Giant Peach’ drawing with felts — Eddie Lash, 2R
Cow (masquerading as a giraffe) with crayon and watercolour — Oliver Guo, 2T
Field flowers with vivid and watercolour — Hugo O’Donnell, 3E
Exaggerated features portrait using watercolour and vivid — Finley Chisholm, 3S
Pastel Korus with a dyed background — Bert Wu, 4B
Painting inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ — Issac Wu, 4P
Art at Medbury
Year 5 — Still Life
Firstly, we learnt about ‘still-life’ painting. Next, we had to draw a jug or vase, or something similar. We had to think about where the light was coming from and where the shadows were. We added shading to make our work more three-dimensional.
Archer Bavis, 5M
Year 7 — The Medbury Elephant Trail
Elmer’s Otautahi Elephant Trail was an art trail in support of the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. Here at Medbury, we designed our own elephants to raise awareness and show our support. My design (in the top right corner) was based on an elephant of the future. Its trunk and ears are holograms and the body is sheets of metal, riveted together.
William Walton, 7M
Year 7 — Manga Style Portraits
This Term, the Year 7 boys learnt to draw portraits in the Manga style. This is a style of drawing that originated in Japan. It is characterised by large eyes and dominating hair. The animated version of Manga is called Anime. It was fun because we learnt a new style and it didn’t have to be realistic.
Noah Zhang, 7M
Year 8 — Observational Drawing
In Art classes, we learned how to draw still life by observing carefully and focusing on capturing outlines and shadows. We used white pencils to show highlights and a variety of shades of black and grey for the details and shading. We drew objects like skulls, bones, seashells, and apples, doing our best to bring them to life.
Joseph Chen, 8B
Year — 8 Op Art
We started by looking at the work of famous Op Artists like Brigid Riley and Victor Vasarely and then we had to create our own Op Art work. We used extra fine Sharpies on cartridge paper. It took some time but it was lots of fun and I’m happy with the end result.
Billy Ritchie, 8S
Year 6 — The Legend of the Willow Pattern
The story of ‘The Willow Pattern’ comes from China. The pattern tells the story of a wealthy merchant named Tso Ling who had a beautiful daughter named Kwang-se.
They lived in a pagoda, situated under an apple tree. The merchant promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to a wealthy businessman but the daughter fell in love with Chang, her father’s kind and handsome, but poor clerk. They ran away and the Gods turned them into Turtle Doves. The story goes in a clockwise direction around the plate.
We practised drawing scenes from the story and then created our own Willow Pattern plates.
Minsung
Kwon, 6B
The Kapa Haka Showcase was on a Friday afternoon in June. The Junior School parents were watching us perform Maori songs that we learnt in Kapa Haka and in class.
The songs were ‘Motoka’, ‘One Day a Taniwha’, ‘Papaki Mai’ and other fun songs with actions. The
parents had to sing some of the songs with us. Billy Granger and Ethan Song introduced us to the Kapa Haka Showcase and told a couple of jokes. I felt excited and shy.
We need to thank Mrs McGarry and Matua Kahukuranui for putting it together, Billy and
Ethan for reading, the parents for standing up and singing, and Liam Dodds in Year 8 for leading us. We had a great time!
Archer O’Donnell, 2T
Kapa Haka Showchase
Combined Concert with Selwyn House
On Wednesday 12 June, we had a Combined Concert with Selwyn House School at The Medbury Centre.
The Jazz Band, Orchestra and Choristers were involved that night, with our parents coming to watch the performance.
During the day, we practised the pieces with the girls from Selwyn House during a workshop. It was more chaotic than when it is just the Medbury boys, but it was good to have other experienced players join us, as the combined sound was better.
Overall, it was a very good day and I would like to thank Mr Tanner, Mrs Law, Mr Canard and Miss Holland for the opportunity, Edmond Cheng Ming Zhang, 8B
Complete Wellbeing and The Medbury Graduate.
The concept of Hauora
Complete well-being is essential for The Medbury Graduate, ensuring students leave with a holistic set of skills and attributes.
Sport plays a crucial role in shaping wellbeing, offering a multifaceted approach to growth and development.
Hauora, a Maori concept, encompasses four interconnected dimensions essential for strong health and wellbeing:
Taha Tinana: Physical wellbeing
Taha Hinengaro: Mental and emotional wellbeing
Taha Whanau: Family and social wellbeing
Taha Wairua: Spiritual wellbeing and personal beliefs
These dimensions emphasize that wellbeing extends beyond physical fitness and diet; removing one collapses the structure of wellbeing.
Through sport, students build positive relationships with peers, fostering camaraderie and respect. These interactions require teamwork and understanding, often leading to stronger relationships off the field, highlighting the importance of social connections.
Taha Hinengaro is significantly enhanced through sports. Physical activity positively affects mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while providing an outlet for energy. Sport allows participants to achieve success,
boosting self-esteem and confidence, and leading to a positive self-image.
Sport offers opportunities for experiencing both success and failure in a supportive environment, teaching students to celebrate victories gracefully and learn from defeats. These experiences equip young people with the resilience to handle life’s ups and downs.
By participating in sports, students build physical strength and develop life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and selfconfidence, preparing them to thrive beyond school.
Brad Gilbert Head of Sport
“There is always a strong level of support for each other.”
Challenges and opportunities in Sport
My name is Sam Maxwell and I have the honour of being head of Water Polo for 2024.
The Year 8 A team has had an exceptional season with consistent wins as a result of our hard work both in training and in competition at Jellie Park on Friday nights.
I love seeing Water Polo becoming more popular at Medbury and a part of my role is helping the other teams by going to practices and games and supporting them.
It’s great seeing the improvement, especially in the younger teams, and seeing every player getting
better with the help of our great coaches. We enjoy working together as a team and having fun on a Friday night playing water polo.
Sam Maxwell, Head of Water Polo
Water Polo
Swimming Sports 2024
Passionate about swimming!
Swimming became more than just water for me; it turned into a passion. In 2022, I joined the swim team at AquaGym, a small club that values sportsmanship and competition.
This ignited my drive. I competed in many swimming competitions, always trying to beat my personal best. My teammates’ talks and my coaches’ encouragement kept me going.
At Medbury, the encouragement was about more than just winning. It taught me to bounce back from setbacks and enjoy close races.
I really enjoyed the House spirit at the Annual Swimming Sports held at the Wharenui Pool on Tuesday, 27 February.
During the Year Group House Relays there was fierce competition for the George Abbott Cup, won by Creyke House this year, and I was personally very pleased to receive the Year 8 Lochiel Rutherford Cup.
During my time at Medbury, I have enjoyed swimming with my classmates. Every lap, from personal bests to winning tough races, was a milestone in my swimming journey. Each victory, both personal and shared with teammates, is a big part of my life story, pushing me to keep going and stay passionate about swimming! Archie Cave, 8B
Full results from the Annual Swimming Sports, including all the Year Group House relays, together with the results from the ISSA and PSC Championships will be covered in full in The Medburian, 2024.
Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
25m Freestyle Alec Douglas Leon Tian Josh Somerville-Smith Louis Tian Liam Niu Archie Cave
25m Backstroke Florian Hu Jayden Ban Josh Somerville-Smith Louis Tian Liam Niu Sam Maxwell
25m Breaststroke - - Ming Zhang Brad Khemarangsan Muen Liu Ryan Ma
25m Butterfly - - - - Matthew Li Ollie Brown
50m Freestyle Blake Khemarangsan Leon Tian Josh Somerville-Smith Louis Tian Liam Niu Archie Cave
100m Freestyle - - Josh Somerville-Smith Louis Tian Liam Niu Ryan Ma
100m Medley - - Josh Somerville-Smith Louis Tian Liam Niu Archie Cave
Tennis Exchanges
Ace Matches, Unstoppable Performances and Amazing Memories!
13 March marked a fantastic day for our Medbury Tennis Team as we faced Cathedral Grammar at Elmwood, delivering a clean sweep that left our opponents with much to ponder. Our boys were simply smashing, showcasing topnotch skills and teamwork on the court.
The highlight of the day was the phenomenal doubles match where Tom Dawson and Louis Tian were an unbeatable pair, winning their match 6-0, 6-0. Their synergy was a sight to behold, and their opponents were left in awe as the dynamic duo didn’t drop a single game. Equally impressive were Tommy Drummond and Thomas Nustrini-Patterson, who also served up a flawless performance, ensuring they didn’t let go of a single game either.
Our next challenge was singles. Nixon Parish played with the
heart of a lion, fighting tooth and nail to secure a hard-earned 8-6 victory by playing an extra two games. His perseverance on the court was truly inspirational. Jack Ferguson and George Luisetti brought their A-game, dominating their matches with ease. Tommy Drummond and Louis Tian, known for their powerful groundstrokes and serves, delivered clean-sheet victories, leaving their opponents in awe. The Medbury team was in top form putting on an amazing show that day.
Moving into April, we faced Saint Kentigern College on the 4th. They brought a formidable team from the north, providing our players with a challenging but valuable experience. The matches were tough, and although the scoreboard didn’t swing in our favour, the lessons learned were invaluable. Billy Sheild showcased the most resistance among the Medbury eight, putting up a brave fight with a scoreline of 1-6, 3-6.
Despite the tough competition, our boys held their heads high and gained crucial insights for future matches.
A massive thank you goes to Mr Devereux for his unwavering dedication and coaching. His guidance has been instrumental in honing the skills of our players. The boys are eager to take what they’ve learned and apply it in upcoming games, aiming for more victories and unforgettable moments on the court.
In summary, the Medbury tennis team has shown resilience, skill, and sportsmanship throughout these matches. With their eyes set on future triumphs, they’re ready to continue serving up impressive performances. Let’s keep the team spirit high and the wins rolling in!
George Hutton, 8R
Cricket Exchanges
At Medbury, we hold sports exchanges which is a good experience for the boys, and a good opportunity to make friends.
We only have a few a season so the boys are really excited when they happen.
The Cathedral Grammar Exchange was held at Elmwood Park on Wednesday, 13 March.
It was a great game and it came down to the final balls, with a good over from Vivaan Puri to win the game.
Saint Kentigerns made a longhaul trip to come down and play against Medbury on Thursday, 4 April on the famous Medbury Green.
Saint Kentigerns came in to bat first, with Freddy Rolleston bowling
the first over. There was some great batting from Saint Kentigerns with one of their batsmen scoring 107 runs off 99 balls, with a total of 201 runs.
Mr Gilbert brought in Subway for all the boys to enjoy during the lunch break and then it was time for the second innings.
Mason Sanders opened with Bryce Hooper scoring limited runs in the opening partnership with some good bowling by St Kentigerns.
With a very short 15 overs Medbury was bowled out with only 56 runs total, with Freddy Rolleston scoring the highest out of the Medbury boys with 17 runs.
We were shocked after the game because we thought we would do better in the Exchange - they surprised us with their bowling
and batting skills. They showed great sportsmanship and it was a pleasure to play with them.
There was a prize giving in The Foundation Building after the game, with Noah Hammond receiving player of the day for his outstanding innings, scoring 107 runs.
Freddy Rolleston received player of the day from Saint Kentigerns for his outstanding effort in fielding and batting.
The other great thing about exchanges is the billeting. It helped us to get to know the other team well and we enjoyed talking about the games, and cricket in general - we are big cricket fans!
George Kane, 8S and Maxwell Appleman, 8D
Churchie Winter Sports Exchange
In Week 7 of Term 2, we welcomed Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) back to Medbury School in what promised to be three exciting matches of rugby, football and basketball matches.
The Year 7 boys were fortunate to participate in a rugby exchange with Churchie School.
The one thing I thought that Churchie did well was that they were really well drilled. What impressed me was their winning attitude and their kindness.
Churchie was very respectful and had really good sportsmanship.
Robbie Polson, 7O and Fitz Letton, 7M
Adjusting our sturdy shin pads with a glimmer of hope in our eyes, the Year 7 football team made their way down onto the lush, green field, where the Churchie Team had just arrived, getting ready for the big game of classic football. As both opposing teams got warmed up and started their passing and shooting drills, the referees met and started communicating about the wonderful game ahead of us.
After a few good minutes of passing, dribbling and shooting, the referee signalled to get ready to start, and the teams’ formations were getting together. As the distant conversations of parents and staff echoed through the field, the players all had one thing in mind; Victory.
The loud scream of the small whistle started the game. As the skilled Churchie boys dribbled from left to right and passed up and down, with the dawn of sheer power, they managed to kick off a brilliant goal, leaving the Medbury crowd speechless. The game continued as the focused players ran around the field. We were lucky enough to intersect through the reinforced Churchie defence and land a powerful right-corner kick, just getting past the defence and the goalie.
Now, as the game was close, the tables were utterly turned, with an amazing charge of pure stamina and teamwork the slick Churchie boys landed another goal. They were in the lead. As nervousness coursed every boy’s body, the players all got back into their formation, ready for the following kick-off.
After a few minutes of more heavy defence the raging Churchie boys kicked through the defence, whizzed past the goalie and landed another merciless goal. Now it was 3-1 to Churchie. As well as the fact that Churchie had skilled football players, they were now filled with more determination. With the game carrying on with the Churchie players scoring more and more, the final score came to an amazing win for Churchie, coming with a decimating 11-1.
In the end, Medbury didn’t win, but it was an amazing action-packed afternoon for everyone, and all the boys were so privileged to play for Medbury that afternoon. Many of us made new friends and collaborated with others much more. As for everyone, this was their first exchange. It might not have been a winning game, but it was a game to remember.
Will Fang and Max Henry, 7O A Clash of Titans: Churchie vs. Medbury in a Basketball Duel.
In The Medbury Centre Gymnasium, the stage was set for an epic battle between two schools known for their rich basketball traditions. Churchie
Churchie Exchange continued...
and Medbury, both formidable contenders, squared off in a game that promised to be nothing short of intense. With 20-minute halves ahead, spectators settled in for what would surely be a marathon of skill, strategy, and heart. From the tip-off, it was clear that both teams had come prepared to leave everything on the court. The game opened with a flurry of fast breaks and precise passes as players from both sides showcased their athleticism and teamwork. The crowd, a mix of students, parents, and local supporters, roared with every shot made and defended, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and energy.
As the first half progressed, each team took turns gaining momentum. Churchie, known for their disciplined defence and sharp shooting, attempted to control the pace of the game. Meanwhile, Medbury relied on their aggressive rebounding and quick transitions to keep the score close. The exchanges under the basket were fierce, with players battling for every rebound and loose ball.
Halftime provided a brief pause for coaches to regroup and adjust their strategies, as both teams prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in the second half.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Medbury surged ahead with a series of wellexecuted plays. Their perimeter shooting and stifling defence forced turnovers and capitalized on fast break opportunities, pushing them into a lead that
Churchie struggled to overcome. The crowd erupted as Medbury’s players showcased their resilience and determination, inching closer to victory with every possession. However, Churchie responded with grit and determination of their own in the final quarter. Their defence tightened, denying Medbury crucial scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. With time running out, every possession became critical as Churchie mounted a comeback, closing the gap and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
In the waning moments of the game, with the score tied, The Medbury Centre Gymnasium echoed with the sound of sneakers squeaking on the hardwood and the collective gasps of the crowd. Each team traded shots and free throws in a flurry of action that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded.
As the game concluded, both teams gathered at centre court, exhausted yet exhilarated by the intensity of their competition. Handshakes and nods of respect were exchanged, acknowledging the hard-fought battle that had unfolded over 40 minutes of play. The outcome may have been decided on the scoreboard, but the true winners were the players and coaches who had witnessed a basketball spectacle filled with passion, sportsmanship, and the thrill of the game.
Oscar Fisher, 7O and Henry Fisher, 7B (not related).
Cycling at Medbury
In Cycling this year we have lots of boys in the team and we have been training two lunch times a week with Mr Taylor.
On Wednesday afternoons we head out to Tai Tapu and race in our grades. We had to do an 8km time trial to determine what grade we raced in. We also did a team time trial in groups of 2 to 4 where our top Medbury team placed 2nd and our B team placed 3rd.
This year we fielded a small team of boys who rode in the Škoda South Island Road Championships on 6 and 7 July at Ruapuna Raceway. The team was Hanson Xu, Hudson Carter, William Valentine, and Patrick Berry.
They competed in the Team Time Trial and Individual Time Trial and the Road Race. The ITT was one lap, at 3.44 km, while the TTT and Road Race were 3 laps at 10.3 km.
The results will be published in the weekly newsletter at the beginning of Term 3.
We look forward to more racing events in Terms 3 and 4.
Freddy Gorman, 8B and Raphe Dacre, 8S
Years 3 and 4 spent some time at the Christchurch School of Gymnastics in Term 2. It was tempting to leave these excerpts unedited. We all love a good ‘opstickle’ course!
The boys were really excited on the bus journey, and we were so loud that some of us had a headache! After about 20 minutes, we got off the bus and went into the Christchurch School of Gymnastics. Inside we took off our shoes and the instructors put us into groups. As soon as we were ready, we started walking to the first activity. We were doing the balance beam, trampoline, obstacle course and bars just to name a few. My favourite one was the ‘air track’ where you ran as fast as you could and then finished by flipping like a rocket. By the end, we were all very happy and tired so we got on the bus and started back to Medbury. “That was fun!” I sighed.
Henry Dy, 4B
The first thing we did was a forward roll. I was good at it but there was a hard part but I tried and I got it. Next, I got on the trampoline and I jumped on the trampoline and I was as high as a plane, I jumped in the foam pit and I was in the back of my line with my friend Jack. The instructor announced that we had to jump as high as we can, then we could do a front flip. I did a front flip and landed it. My friend Jack jumped in the foam pit and did a side flip. It was cool. The instructor told us that we had to do five star jumps and then we could do a trick. My friend and I did a side flip and I did not land it. Finally, there was an obstacle course and I got to demonstrate.
Levi Tucker, 4B
The boys were all very excited. We were all so excited that we couldn’t even play at morning tea. We were talking about everything you could do there. And then finally it was lunch so we ate our food. Afterwards, we hopped on the bus. When we got there the bus stopped and we got off and went in. We started with some stretches. After the stretching, we went to our first activity. My group started with the obstacle course we started at a small blue platform that you had to jump off. Another thing was you had to swing off a rope onto another platform. I felt like I was a pirate swinging on another boat. It was so much fun. My favourite part was on the trampoline, then we went back to Medbury.
Flynn Stratford-Bevins, 4B
Cross Country Sports
It was a bit of a chilly day as we headed out with the Juniors. There was lots of chatter from excited kids ready to race, along with some nervous kids hanging out at the back.
The Years 1 and 2 races began with Mr Scott leading their 700m race. All the marshals cheered and encouraged them to keep going. It was a tight race with all the kids speeding past, their breaths misty in the cold air. We were all amazed at how fast they ran and zoomed down the track.
Next came the Year 3 race, running 1km. All the Year 3 boys put in their best effort as they ran along the track with big grins on their faces. I was amazed at how fast some of these boys were, giving it their all. Their parents shouted, “Keep going! You are
Results
Year 1
Medbury School Cup
1st Caizyn Dobson
2nd Noah Galbiati-Colombo
3rd JJ Gadd
Year 2
Howard Brothers Cup
1st George Shang
2nd Archer O’Donnell
3rd River Borsje-Clark
Year 3
Connolly Brothers Cup
1st Bobby Ferguson
2nd Bailey Gordon-Bhebe
3rd Jayden Wang
almost there! Run as fast as you can!”
Next up was the Year 4 race, which was the tightest of the day. Two boys were neck and neck for the entire race, giving it their all to make it to the finish line first, without realizing how fast they were going. All these races were very competitive, and lots of boys helped each other out when struggling. Credit to all the teachers who helped warm them up, and to Mr Scott who ran with them. The positivity was unreal, with everyone talking about the race on their way back to school. As the Years 5 to 8 boys walked over, you could tell there were going to be some good races, with boys deep in thought about their strategies.
The Year 5 boys started warming up as soon as they arrived. Away they went, running their 2 km in no time. All the nerves dropped as they crossed the finish line.
Next came Year 6. Starting off it was cool to see who would pop out of the pack to take the lead.
Year 7 had some seriously fast kids, finishing their 3km race in no time, making it look like nothing.
To end the day was the Year 8 boys’ 3km race. With over 80 boys competing, it was tough going for the top boys.
Well done to all the boys involved in the Cross-Country. Also, a special thanks to Mr. Gilbert, Ogston, and the marshals for running the event.
George Luisetti, 8D
Year 4
Junior School Cross Country
Champion
1st Flynn Stratford-Bevins
2nd Cameron Robertson
3rd Kipp O’Sullivan
Year 5
Elworthy Family Cup
1st Wilbur Rolleston
2nd Jayden Shang
3rd Jackson Valentine
Year 6
R. C. Rutherford Family Cup
1st Jack Hansen
2nd Hudson Stratford-Bevins
3rd Samson Taouk
Year 7
R. C. Rutherford Family Cup
1st Jack Ferguson
2nd Bruno Ash
3rd Ted Jones
Year 8
P.T.A. Senior Cross Country
Champion
1st Henry Ridd
2nd Raphe Dacre
3rd Archie Cave
House Result
1st Clyde
2nd Creyke
3rd Ilam
Respect for selves, others and the environment
Community Spirit at Medbury
Medbury is renowned for its strong community spirit, evidence of which can be seen throughout the pages of this magazine.
It is also reflected in our graduate profile, ‘The Medbury Graduate,’ with its inclusion of social and cultural values — Whanonga Pono.
Our community is well supported by four key pillars, each of which enriches the Medbury experience for our boys.
The Trust Board ensures our values guide our mission. The Medbury School Foundation, led by new Chairman Andrew Taylor secures financial stability and growth. New Board members include Chris Anderson, Abhinav Keswani and Melissa McCosh.
The Medbury School Old Boys’ Association, with new Presidents Tim Daley and Harry Wigley, is revitalizing alumni connections, and the Medbury Parents’ Association is truly tireless in its support.
Our latest ‘Medbury Matters’ Parent Education session featured Professor Andrew Reiner, author of ‘Better Boys, Better Men’, and provided insights for guiding boys toward healthy manhood.
A recent visit from Libby Giles and Pip Newick of the Centres for AsiaPacific Excellence (CAPE) helped us explore ways to develop global citizenship through our curriculum.
Our International Student Orientation programme continues to thrive, with a recent trip to Willowbank enjoyed by all.
Medbury Community Picnic
Medbury recently hosted a special event for its Chinese speaking community in The Foundation Building. Headmaster Dave Scott welcomed parents and highlighted the importance of celebrating and acknowledging cultural diversity within the school. The gathering provided a space for parents to connect and discuss
ways to celebrate Chinese culture at Medbury.
This gathering fostered a sense of community and collaboration, reinforcing the school’s commitment to cultural inclusivity. Medbury is dedicated to celebrating all cultures and communities, and we welcome
any thoughts and suggestions on how to enhance cultural inclusion. Many parents went on to enjoy the combined musical performance with Selwyn House, a great way to end the evening.
Jayne Foster, Registrar
Chinese Speaking Community Event
From the MPA
Welcome back from the School holidays - it’s hard to believe we are past the middle of 2024 already.
A quieter start to the year compared to Centenary year in 2023, however, our first Breakfast with the Boys was again a great success.
Our speaker Zach Gallagher was a Medbury Old Boy and current Crusader rugby player with a message that really resonated with the boys and parents.
Zach was a high-achieving student in the classroom and on the sports field, and the boys really related to him with his stories and examples of his journey so far.
Upcoming events
We are looking forward to the following events in Terms 3 and 4:
2024 Medbury Car Wash
This will be held in September. We are planning to have the boys involved in what should be a fun day once the weather warms up!
Breakfast with the Boys ...but with a twist!
Twilight Athletics
The popular Twilight Market and Bake Sale will be back in 2024.
Sausage sizzles
More of these in Terms 3 and 4.
We look forward to seeing where Zach’s career takes him.
Stay safe and warm, and I look forward to seeing you at some of the Medbury Parents’ Association events coming up in the remainder of 2024.
Take care,
Sarah Robinson, President Medbury Parents’ Association
2024 Medbury 2024 Medbury
car wash car wash
Sarah Robinson, President
Medbury carpark, cryke road
Support today, change tomorrow
Advancement Update
As we enter Term 3, we are thrilled to share significant progress on the renovation of the Stephen Scott Memorial Pavilion (overleaf), which stands as a testament to the collective effort and generosity of our community. Earlier this year, we were excited to announce that the Medbury Community Business Directory is now open to the entire Medbury community, extending beyond current families to include past parents, Old Boys, and friends of Medbury. This expanded reach offers a prime opportunity to showcase your business to a wider audience.
The directory lists businesses owned and services offered by members of the Medbury community. If you haven’t already, check it out at medbury.school.nz/ community/business-directory.
Our sponsors and partners have played an invaluable role in supporting key events such as Leadership Day and Medbury’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. We thank them for their support of our boys.
These achievements would not have been possible without the support of the entire Medbury community. Your contributions, whether through sponsorships,
grants, or active participation, have driven our success and as we continue to forge ahead, we invite you to celebrate these milestones with us.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support. We are excited to build on this momentum and create even more impactful experiences for our boys and community members in the coming months.
Victoria Tait Director of Advancement
Pavilion update
The renovation project of the Stephen Scott Memorial Pavilion, which will be a valuable space for events and gatherings, has made significant progress.
Key milestones achieved include the successful initiation of the project, the completion of revised architectural designs, and the commencement of the scheduled construction phase.
We look forward to celebrating the Pavilion’s transformation and honouring our supporters at the official reopening planned for November 2024.
The Mid-Year Fundraiser event was a resounding success, with tickets for the 2025 Tuition Fee Raffle selling quickly.
The much-anticipated raffle draw took place during our School Assembly on 17 June, and was livestreamed to our community.
Thank you to Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Collins for overseeing the draw and Wyatt Minson, 1H, the youngest boy in the School, for helping to draw the winner.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Andrew Robertson who have won a year’s tuition fees and said: “We are very excited and feel very fortunate to have won such an incredible prize!”.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and by doing so, supported Medbury School’s growth and advancement.
Service of Remembrance
On Friday 12 April, we remembered the great men who lost their lives in World War II, and the sacrifices they made to protect us.
The service was held in The Medbury Centre at Medbury School and Fletcher McNeill played the bagpipes during the procession.
There were hymns by the Choristers including ‘The Poppy and the Pohutukawa’ and Ryan Collins, the Head Prefect, read the Medbury School Old Boys’ Roll of Honour, the names of the twentyone Medbury Old Boys who died in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945.
I think it is very important to
remember these Medbury Old Boys who lost their lives to serve their country.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Sebastian Guy, 8B
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Advertising in Play the Game
P ublished yearly, ‘Play the Game’ magazine is read by the wider Medbury Community, and funded by our advertisers.
All current families of Medbury receive copies and hundreds of copies are given each year to prospective families. Friends of Medbury, which includes past parents and Old Boys, receive a digital copy. Advertiser interest is strong, and there is often a waitlist, so please contact us if you would like to advertise in ‘Play the Game’ in the future, and we will send you the ad specifications.
