Transformative Moments are Catalysts for Our Future

Onthis, our 70th anniversary of the foundation of our College, I was drawn to the above quote by Sir Isaac Newton. The work of Newton significantly moved the study of motion forward and shifted this field of endeavour into an era characterised by the name Newtonian Physics – no small feat. Notwithstanding the significance of his work and the profound impact it had on scholars after him, Newton realised that his accomplishments were built on the labours and achievements of those before him. All his advancements were an extension of the work of other great minds. A commonwealth of knowledge and experience that allowed him to move his area of study to a new level of refinement.

As we stand here in 2023, we are ready to launch into a new chapter of the Saint Kentigern College story. A chapter that embraces all that our modern world provides. Full of hope, excitement, and opportunity. Our new chapter is one of untold possibilities but steadfast in our positive trajectory to be the best version of ourselves. Despite these infinite possibilities, we must recall that our achievements are built on the efforts of those who have come before us. We have a rich and proud history of producing men and women of character who have made a positive impact on our world.

Positive impacts on the world refer to significant achievements that required extraordinary effort, resources, and innovation. Such moments in history that changed the world were the automobile, the plane, the moon landing, the internet, medical breakthroughs, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence to name just a few.

The first positive-impact moment in the history of Saint Kentigern College was our founders, who dreamt of a Presbyterian education on this site, setting in motion a legacy that continues to shape and empower thousands of lives. We were delighted in Term 1 to celebrate another moment in our history which was twenty years since we began enrolling girls, profoundly adding to the life and meaning of the College. Without this decision, we would not be the school we are today. Coeducational schools are increasing throughout the world as parents seek authentic education environments that best teach young people about life –involving the unique and wonderful contributions of girls and boys. We had the pleasure and distinction of hosting Jessie Jarvie, the first Head Girl of the College, at a full College assembly to commemorate this significant milestone. Jessie spoke fondly and with passion about the trailblazing mindset of the first cohort of girls at the College, encouraging all students, girls and boys alike, to not be confined by convention but rather seek to have courage in making their own mark in life.

Looking forward, the next positive-impact moment in the history of our College will be the commitment and release of our Master Plan to prepare students, staff, and our community for the next 70 years. Progress to date on the development of the Pakuranga campus Master Plan has included stakeholder engagement review, usergroup workshops, analysis reviews, co-design workshops, and strategic concept reviews. A broad spectrum of consultants have been engaged across sustainability, cultural competence, special character, and Te Aranga principles. Central to this process of consultation and engagement is the opportunity to envision what schooling and pedagogy will look like in the future. We recognise that learning and teaching need to be purposeful and flexible to a variety of spatial settings. Similarly, we see learning and teaching becoming more personalised through both formal and informal settings. We want to provide a more immersive learning experience, facilitated by advancements in technology and experiential approaches across subject and content. Learning will extend beyond the classroom, embracing relevant life experiences such as nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and building connections with local industries and communities. Fostering places of belonging through built and non-built forms will enable the College to continue to meet the social and emotional needs of our students. Educational success will be measured across multiple domains, encompassing academic achievements, wellbeing, adaptive competencies, human skills, and multiple literacies.

Thank you to all members of our College community for your valued feedback and participation in the master-planning process to date. We are at an exciting point in the history of the College and look forward to sharing further details for what will surely be our next positive-impact moment.

Fides Servanda Est.

Mr Damon Emtage College Principal