n recent months, the Saint Kentigern community has had much to celebrate. From the incredible energy of our stage performances and impressive achievements on the sports fields—including a gold medal at the recent Olympic Games by one of our alumni and her team—to the ongoing learning happening in our classrooms each day, there’s been a real sense of progress and pride. But perhaps what stands out most is the way our families have continued to make a meaningful difference in the wider community. The Extra Miler campaign across our Shore Road schools is a perfect example—raising over $250,000 for four deserving causes. This is a powerful reminder of how we, as a community, come together to make a real impact in the lives of others.
We were also privileged to be in the presence of a renowned conservationist when our Girls' School hosted Dr Jane Goodall, whose lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and animal protection has inspired generations. Her Roots and Shoots initiative, which our Girls' School is part of, is a powerful example of how actions by young people can help shape a better future. Dr Goodall’s visit was a meaningful experience, and those fortunate enough
to hear her wise and humble words were left with a profound sense of purpose and inspiration.
In that same spirit of impact, we celebrate the achievements of our accomplished community members who continue to positively impact those around them. The Trust Board announced in July four remarkable recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. Their contributions of significant note in their respective fields speak volumes about the values and education they received during their time at Saint Kentigern. We can take great pride in knowing that our alumni continue to make a positive impact on the world.
Recently, we also honoured and celebrated the contribution of David Smith, our longtime College Chaplain, as we bid him farewell after 21 years of dedicated service. Known affectionately as 'the Rev,' David’s steady presence and compassionate leadership left a lasting impression on many students. One of our Trust Board members, an alumna of the College, reflected on the profound impact 'the Rev' had on her and many others he interacted with. Over the years, David has expanded his mission, working alongside Rev. Reuben Hardie, Chaplain of our Shore Road Campus Schools, to expand work on the The Shed, and several other impactful service initiatives for the College including the Tiny Homes project. Always ensuring that care and community were at the heart of his
work, David’s dedication will be missed. We wish him all the best in his new role, confident that his commitment to service will continue to make a meaningful difference.
Also in these recent months, I was fortunate to attend a gathering of alumni, 50 years on from their starting year as boarders at Bruce House. I recognised most faces, though they were a year behind me at the boarding house. Among the stories and laughter, I was reminded of the impact my time at Bruce House had on me. Many have stayed in close touch, and it’s clear that there is a deep connection between them—a bond, something truly special. It is with the same sense of connection and loyalty that I take this opportunity to remember the late Peter Nelson, an alumnus of the Boys' School and a beloved presence among our Shore Road community for many years. His passion and messages were always delivered with warmth and humility. Peter’s positive influence on so many of our students will be remembered.
So it is that I see the true impact the Saint Kentigern experience has on so many of us—whether through the friendships we form within our cohort, be it starting in 1973 or in 2024, the dedication of our staff, or the collective and individual contributions we make on the wider community. There is indeed much to celebrate, and so much to look forward to.
Fides Servanda Est.
At a Glance
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SAINT KENTIGERN
Boys’ School Celtic Day
Celtic Day brought the spirit of Scotland to the Boys' School with a grand parade, bagpipes, and Scottish traditions. Students celebrated with Highland games, dancing, and traditional fare, all while reflecting on our school’s heritage. It was a memorable day of community, culture, and comraderie.
READ MORE ON PAGE 38
Twenty-five Years of Service
Specialist Educator: Back to Basics
Middle School Mathematics Specialist Niamh Burns explains how structured, teacher-led learning and regular practice improve understanding by reinforcing key concepts and building confidence in problem-solving. Inspired by Dr Tanya Evans’s research, staff are applying methods of cognitive science to enhance student numeracy outcomes.
READ MORE ON PAGE 8
Girls’ School Seeds of Stewardship
Our Girls’ School is one of the first in New Zealand to integrate Dr Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme into its curriculum. From waste reduction to biodiversity science fairs, students in all year groups are embracing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and compassionate leadership through hands-on initiatives.
READ MORE ON PAGE 26
In recognition of 25 years of dedicated service to Saint Kentigern, we acknowledge two staff members, David Hessey (read more on page 37) and Bruce Tanner. Bruce has been a steadfast pillar of the Boys’ School and the Shore Road campus. His ability to evolve with the digital transformation in learning and teaching has been invaluable. His commitment as a Systems Administrator, often going above and beyond, has significantly contributed to the Shore Road community. His deep involvement with students is epitomised by his annual participation in the staff versus students swim relay, reflecting his enduring support for students and their learning journeys.
Three College Alumni Represent NZ in Paris 2024 Olympics
Three Saint Kentigern alumni represented New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympics with outstanding performances. Mahina Paul, a member of the women's rugby sevens team, contributed to securing New Zealand's first gold medal of the Games, backing up their Tokyo success. Sam Dakin competed in track cycling, finishing eighth in the men's Keirin, and Dylan McCullough placed 19th in the men's Triathlon, continuing his impressive career following a gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics. We have loved following their success and look forward to their continued campaigns heading into 2028.
READ MORE ON PAGE 86
Pink Shirt Day at College and Preschool
Pink Shirt Day was embraced with enthusiasm across both the College and the Preschool, reflecting our commitment to promoting kindness. At the College, students and staff participated in a mufti day, raising funds to support Pink Shirt Day. The week was highlighted by a talk from mental health advocate, Jazz Thornton, who addressed the Senior School assembly, challenging students to recognise and intervene when faced with unkind behaviour. Over at the Preschool, the youngest members of our community also donned pink, raising awareness for the role we all play in creating a safe, supportive environment to learn in.
A Fresh Chapter for the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association
The Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association has been officially renamed the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association (SKAA). This new title reflects graduates from all Saint Kentigern schools, marking a fresh chapter for the organisation. The change was announced at the SKAA’s recent AGM and dinner.
READ MORE ON PAGE 84
An Ethos to 'Believe' In
Dr Kevin Morris EdD (Boston) Executive Trustee
You may start seeing the phrase “Choose To Believe” appearing at our schools, and quite rightly you may be asking the question about its origins, what it means and what any of us might be choosing. We do believe that they are words which help us tell our story about the ethos which underpins the Saint Kentigern story. Over the past two years a lot of thinking has gone into the meaning and use of those words, and we have received useful insights from people who have been part of the organisation over several generations. I will attempt to explain why we think it’s an important notion to inform the future of our community.
For many, the phrase will have strong religious connotations. This aspect
may or may not resonate with your faith and beliefs, but in part it was certainly a desire to reflect our core principles as a Presbyterian organisation and its mission. However, there are many other ways that choosing to believe in a person or something is a core idea which we might hold dearly. Belief in the future of Saint Kentigern, for example, has also been our story for more than 70 years. It certainly took a lot of belief when our founders stood on a rural Pakuranga farm in the early 1950s, dreaming about what they could do with 100 acres of rolling hills.
At the heart of it is a challenge to our community to grow a culture of support. We all want children to grow up in an environment where adults believe in them, their peers believe in them, and they believe in themselves. It is a culture of encouragement which will enable young people to develop their happiness, motivation and a commitment to learning. These ideals are grounded in seminal research like Robert Putnam's work on social
capital, which stresses the value of connections among individuals and the social networks which ultimately build confidence and trust. In truth, however, that notion can be fragile–and we all have to work hard each day to build that culture. As Choose To Believe implies, that is an active choice which we all have to make each and every day.
Throughout the research for the Choose to Believe project, past staff, parents and alumni have explained that their connection with Saint Kentigern remains grounded on a few key ideas. They have memories of good people who valued differences and had a collective desire for holistic education. I think the feedback reinforced to us that when all the dimensions in our Statement of Intent (see OLE homepage) are working well in tandem, Saint Kentigern is a very special place. We hope that you will Choose to Believe in our children, our community and our future.
Fides Servanda Est.
Walter Chieng Appointed as Director of Saint Kentigern Foundation
Saint Kentigern Trust Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Walter Chieng, a dedicated and longserving member of our staff, as the Director of the Saint Kentigern Foundation. Walter has been integral to the Saint Kentigern community through his contributions in various capacities for over 35 years. Starting as a Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics teacher at the College in 1988, he has developed strong connections with many students who are now alumni, and with staff who play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing the Saint Kentigern community. These relationships provide valuable continuity as he steps into his new role.
Commenting on the appointment, Trust Board Chair Mark Conelly said, "We are thrilled to see Walter step into this role. Having someone who has been part of the Saint Kentigern community for so many years demonstrates the strength and potential of our staff and our commitment to developing talent from within. Walter's deep connections with our students, alumni, and families, combined with his extensive experience, uniquely position him to lead the Foundation with insight and dedication”.
Walter will lead the Saint Kentigern Foundation through its formative phase, establishing robust structures and resources, and creating effective strategies to best support our growing network of alumni and the future development of our schools. His deep understanding of the Saint Kentigern ethos, established relationships with the community, and expertise in technology solutions will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s digital archive ambitions, strengthening the fundraising framework, and enabling strong community engagement.
On his appointment, Walter said, "It is a privilege to contribute to Saint Kentigern in different capacities over the years and I am excited about the extensive possibilities in this new role. My focus will be on deepening relationships and enabling initiatives that align with Saint Kentigern’s values and goals. I look forward to working collaboratively with our alumni, staff, families, community groups and partners to deliver on our shared vision for generations of sons and daughters of Saint Kentigern to come".
Please join us in wishing Walter the very best in his new role as Director of the Saint Kentigern Foundation.
TThe recent Presbyterian Schools Conference jointly hosted by Saint Kentigern Shore Road and St Cuthbert's was a celebration of our identity as a Presbyterian school. Themed ‘Our Story’, the gathering highlighted the rich history and unique values that have shaped our institutions and explored how we can carry this legacy forward. The conference opened with a chapel service followed by several learning sessions. The first, led by Rev Dr Graham Redding, explored the origins of the Presbyterian church school movement in New Zealand, reminding us of the strong foundations on which our schools were built.
Subsequent sessions delved into the distinct approaches of the host schools, with our Boys’ School Principal Peter Cassie and Principal of St Cuthbert’s Charlotte Avery sharing insights on the stories, values, and traditions that guide each school. A panel discussion led by the Very Rev Hamish Galloway brought together voices from across the Presbyterian network to discuss what is essential to our shared story. The conference also looked outward, with speakers like Professor Mark P Hutchinson providing lessons from Presbyterian schools in Australia, and Rev Dr Murray Rae discussing the story of Christianity among Māori and the importance of architecture in communities – the essential stories of schools. The event concluded with a focus on the future, with Anca Wilde discussing AI’s role in education and Rev Sharon Ross-Ensor and Anne Overton jointly reimagining community service. This gathering not only honoured our past but also inspired a renewed commitment to shaping a meaningful and impactful future for our students and schools.
ast month, the Deputy Principal of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School Jarred Wilson and I presented at the International Boys’ School Conference, which was held this year at Harrow School in London. The title of our presentation was ‘Traditions, Relationships and Social Responsibility’. It connected with the theme of the conference, and it was exciting to speak to a packed room of leading educators from around the world. The feedback we received from those who attended our session is that Saint Kentigern Boys’ School is establishing itself as a world leader in engaging boys from a young age with real and meaningful service opportunities that make a positive impact on their community. In an increasingly disconnected and polarised world, both the research and those at the coal face of education agree that encouraging students to find their power to make a difference is one of the most important and pressing needs in the character development of our young people.
I have to say, it was pretty special
to be at Harrow. Their old ‘fourthform room’ was where Hermione Granger from the ‘Harry Potter’ films successfully tried her first magic trick of moving a feather – a feat I (unsurprisingly) was not able to emulate while there. As you may know, alongside Eton, Harrow is one of the most prestigious and oldest schools in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter given by Queen Elizabeth I. It boasts notable old boys like Lord Byron, Winston Churchill, Benedict Cumberbatch, Maro Itoje and many others. It is a church school steeped in tradition. The irony of speaking about tradition in a school that is over 450 years old was not lost on us. This year, Saint Kentigern Boys’ School celebrated its 65th year. By international standards, we are a school in its infancy. However, as we shared in our presentation, this is a very exciting place to be. Much like the students who spend the first eight years of their education at Shore Road, it is energising to be in the early years of our school’s journey. We are solidifying our identity and the traditions that are important to us.
When you compare Saint Kentigern to Harrow it becomes pretty clear that as a school, we are in the opening chapters of writing our story. However, it is also clear that there are some strong themes developing. One is that we are a school that has
an amazing community spirit, as evidenced through events Celtic Day, Sonday Funday, the Amumzing Race, and Fireworks. Another theme is that we appear to have collective buy-in from students, staff and parents on the importance of social responsibility as evidenced in the awesome success of the Saint Kentigern Extra Miler. And then there is the theme of strong relationships. Earlier in the year when some of our founding students from 1959 returned to celebrate our 65th birthday, one Old Boy recalled that when he walked through the school gates after all those years, he again felt the strong sense of love he had experienced when he was a student all those years ago. What a great tradition we can build on – Saint Kentigern as a place where students have the feeling of being loved with them for life!
It is both exciting and inspiring to work in the context of this unfolding story and to be part of a staff and community that is fully committed to enabling our students to be all they can be in this place, and where our students begin to find and tell the story of what they love to do in the world, for the glory of God and the service of others.
Fides Servanda Est.
Service on Shore Road
The Extra Miler
In Term 2 the students of the Boys’ School and Girls’ School took part in our second ever Extra Miler challenge. Following the success of last year, the students were asked to set themselves a challenge – to ‘go the extra mile’ –physically or in the service of others. In doing so, students could gather sponsors and raise money for their choice of four wonderful causes: SHINE, Hāngi for the Homeless, The Shed, and our very own Service Trips.
Fiji Service Trip
This year's Fiji Service Trip saw a team of forty-four head to the Nawaka and Sabeto communities for six days. Our group of fourteen boys, six girls, and accompanying parents worked tirelessly to repair playgrounds, renovate toilet blocks, and refurbish benches in the tropical heat. The team also enjoyed playing rugby with local children and reading to the Nawaka preschoolers.
Thanks to our generous community, we distributed hygiene kits and sports gear, including hundreds of pairs of shoes from Asics and end of line team
wear from Players Sports. A cricket training session at Nawaka School was a highlight, with our students kitting out the local team for their first tournament. The dedication and enthusiasm of our students, parents, and staff were outstanding. Reflecting together each evening highlighted the impact of our efforts, with students coming away appreciative and proud. One student shared, “I’m proud of my dad for being a good leader and I’m proud of myself for making so many new connections.”
Weekend Warriors
Middle School Students and Parents have been involved over two weekends helping to create a new Garden to Table area in front of the Gate house by the Gate 1 entrance. This has involved weeding, painting, digging, and shovelling soil into planter boxes. Read more about Garden to Table on page 13.
Communities Feeding Communities
We were blown away by the enthusiasm and generosity of our students and community. Taking on challenges like cycling 100km, wind foiling over 65km, running a marathon over a weekend, baking for community, and more. The students showed their willingness and determination to go the extra mile for others. The total raised by our Shore Road community this year exceeded all expectations and topped over $268,000. Thank you for all those who contributed and congratulations to our students who went the extra mile for others.
A group of students recently engaged in a hands-on community service experience at Communities Feeding Communities in Mt Roskill. They explored the history and mission of the site, participated in gardening activities, and learned about the strengths and needs of the local community. They also heard from guest speakers, inspiring them to consider how they may strengthen their own communities, continuing this discussion with their peers back at school. The group subsequently helped prepare food for the Hāngi for the Homeless to be shared that Sunday. The experience concluded with the students joining the Presbyterian Schools Conference, where they shared their learnings and participated in closing devotions, leaving them inspired to continue making a difference in their communities.
The Cognitive Science Behind Effective Teaching: A Return to Basics
SPECIALIST
EDUCATOR
AMrs Niamh Burns
BSc, GradDipTchg
Years
1-6
Head of Mathematics, Boys' School
fter recently reading the article "Maths Teaching Fails Pupils by Ignoring Cognitive Science Findings" by Professor Dr Tanya Evans of the University of Auckland Department of Mathematics, we, as teachers at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School, felt that it sensibly articulated our thoughts in a relevant and scientifically supported manner. The article highlights that incorporating insights from cognitive science – such as how students learn and process information – into mathematics education could enhance teaching methods and significantly improve students’ mathematical proficiency. Inspired, we invited Dr Evans to speak to our staff during our Teacher Only Day to share her research in greater depth.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments like “Music to my ears”, “Excellent speaker”, and “I wish educational policymakers would take note”.
Despite the media's focus in recent years on New Zealand’s declining education standards, there is rarely information on what is causing the decline and what can be done about it. A significant issue is the gap between the current educational theories guiding government policies and the evidence-based insights offered by cognitive science. At Saint Kentigern, we are committed to understanding and applying scientific research to enhance learning outcomes for our students.
Numerous educational theories and philosophies are prevalent in New Zealand schools, including studentled, inquiry-based, and project-based learning. Inquiry learning is a style of learning where students create open questions for themselves within a broader topic, like ‘the environment’, that they would like to be able to answer by carrying out some structured
research. When there is more inquirybased learning than teacher-led learning, it becomes difficult to know what the class has learnt as a whole, and students can continue to avoid topics that don’t interest them or that they find difficult. These approaches emphasise the student’s existing knowledge and interests, reducing the teacher’s role to that of a facilitator. Additionally, the concept of memorising key facts through repetition, known as rote learning, has been criticised as detrimental to students' enthusiasm and comprehension. However, research is showing the reverse is true.
Learning occurs in our working memory, the part of our brain where we process new sensory information along with existing knowledge retrieved from long-term memory. There is a limit to the number of new pieces of information we can process simultaneously. For learning to occur, the working memory must be actively engaged in comprehending and encoding information into long-term
memory. For example, learning long division without having committed times tables to memory is incredibly difficult due to the limited capacity of working memory. Once knowledge is memorised, it can be stored permanently and easily retrieved from long-term memory, reducing the load on working memory. The limitation of working memory effectively disappears when working memory deals with information transferred by long-term memory.
Scientific research demonstrates the positive effect of explicit teacher instruction when students are introduced to new mathematical concepts. Clear explanations, demonstrations of examples, and
immediate corrective feedback during initial independent practice are key to effective learning. To further develop understanding into proficiency, students must transition to the next phase –extensive practice, which includes repetition and reinforcement. Through this ongoing practice, students achieve the desired automaticity, the ability to perform tasks with minimal effort and increased confidence.
The Forgetting Curve shows that students only remember approximately 50% of what they learned after one hour. As days pass, recalling details becomes more difficult. However, regular and spaced reminders and repetitive practice increase the likelihood of committing
learning to long-term memory for easy retrieval in the future.
When we evaluate our mathematics programme through the lens of cognitive science, we find that having specialist teachers explicitly delivering a structured and progressive curriculum leads to deep understanding. Our approach, which includes practice, spiral learning – the timed revisiting of concepts taught at regular intervals –and frequent testing, enables students to embed knowledge in their longterm memory, preparing them for the complexities of high-level mathematics in secondary school.
THE FORGETTING CURVE
Information Processing model Atkinson & Shiffrin 1968
The Distinguished Alumni Awards will be celebrated at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 7 September. At the ceremony, we will recognise the achievements of four esteemed recipients:
• Dr Peter Ring (Saint Kentigern College 1957-1963)
• Bruce Elliott (Saint Kentigern College 1962-1966)
• Peter Stockwell (Saint Kentigern College 1966-1972)
• Dr Ian St George (Saint Kentigern College 1954 -1958)
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are celebrated every two years to recognise Saint Kentigern alumni for a series of achievements of note in the fields of business, social, cultural, sporting, education, or environmental wellbeing of the community, and for an illustrious career of exceptional national or international accomplishment.
Dr Peter Ring
Dr Peter Ring exemplifies professional excellence and leadership in the field of ophthalmology. After completing his medical degree at Otago Medical School, Dr Ring has held prominent positions, including President of the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand and Examiner for the Royal Australian and NZ College of Ophthalmologists. As a vision correction specialist and director of Eye Institute in Auckland, Dr Ring is at the forefront of ophthalmology research, including pioneering laser surgery in New Zealand. His contributions are widely recognised, holding fellowships from prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Ring has dedicated his career to improving patient care and advancing surgical standards. He is also involved in Lifeline Express, providing ophthalmological services to underserved communities in China. Dr Ring’s commitment to excellence and service truly reflects the values of Saint Kentigern.
Bruce Elliott
Bruce Elliott has achieved remarkable success in both his professional and humanitarian endeavours. He founded a software company in 1982 which he led until its acquisition in 1999, and later established another software company in 2002. Beyond his business achievements, Bruce’s humanitarian work has had a profound impact, particularly his establishment of the Children’s Rescue Center in Kiev, providing food, shelter, and rehabilitation to street children. His commitment to global service extends to involvement in a refugee camp in Tijuana, Mexico, and an orphanage in Malawi. Bruce and Anne now mentor and support young leaders at Light Church in Encinitas, California. Their ongoing efforts equip others to continue their work, mobilising groups of young adults to serve poor communities. His humanitarian efforts exemplify the highest aspirations of the founders of Saint Kentigern and make him a worthy recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dr Ian St George
Peter Stockwell
Peter Stockwell has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service throughout his career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Joining the RNZAF in 1973, he rose to become the Chief of Air Force in 2011, holding the highest rank until his retirement in 2014. Known for his strategic acumen, Peter was awarded the Air Force Cross in 1995 for his leadership as Commanding Officer of 40 Squadron. He also served as Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, overseeing all operational military services for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Beyond his military career, Peter has been actively involved in various community and educational initiatives. He served as a guest speaker at the Old Collegians’ Annual Dinner, sharing his experiences and insights with the next generation. His career and contributions both within and outside the Air Force epitomise the values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love, which he attributes to his formative years at Saint Kentigern College.
Dr Ian St George has made significant contributions to medicine and medical education. After earning his MB, ChB, and later a Doctorate in Medicine from Otago Medical School, Dr St George held roles such as Associate Dean for Postgraduate Affairs and the first Medical Director at Healthline. His work in medical education includes editing the ‘New Zealand Family Physician’ and developing performance assessment programmes for the Medical Council. Dr St George has received multiple accolades, including the Hunterian Society Gold Medal and the Distinguished Fellow Award from the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners. Besides his medical career, Dr St George is an accomplished naturalist and biographer, recognised for his expertise on New Zealand native orchids and his extensive research on botanist Rev William Colenso. His multifaceted contributions to medicine and natural history cement his place as a distinguished Alumni of Saint Kentigern.
Pakuranga Campus Building Development
Design concept for the Year 12 and 13 Building
In the last issue, we announced the start of the Pakuranga Campus building redevelopment, beginning with the Year 12 and 13 building. Planned on the site of the current Wingate and Goodfellow Centre buildings, this facility will feature a variety of learning spaces, including over 40 purposebuilt areas or rooms, each designed to support study, collaboration, and personal development. Pending progress throughout 2024, construction is expected to commence in 2025, with indicative completion and occupation set for mid-2027.
The design of the Year 12 and 13 building is built around two core ideas: Village Square and Me, We,
Us spaces. These concepts focus on creating user-centric, flexible spaces that balance personal and community considerations, giving students the freedom to engage in ways that suit their needs.
The Village Square concept creates clusters of learning and social areas along the longer wings of the building. Students are able to transition easily between focused study areas and informal gathering zones, providing them with the flexibility to choose where and how they learn and connect with others. The Village Square encourages both academic focus and social interaction, ensuring students have the autonomy to manage their learning in a
way that supports both their academic goals and well-being.
The Me, We, Us principle is integrated throughout these spaces, offering students the flexibility to work in ways that suit their learning needs. Me spaces provide quiet areas for focused individual study, We spaces facilitate small group collaboration, and Us spaces accommodate larger gatherings for communal activities. This layered approach ensures the building adapts to the varied ways students interact, whether working independently, collaborating with peers, or engaging with the wider community.
At the heart of the building is the Forum, a larger communal space designed for group activities, presentations, and events. The Forum serves as the central hub for larger gatherings, creating opportunities for students to come together for shared experiences such as House gatherings that foster a sense of unity, belonging and collective identity.
SCAN TO HEAR FROM COLLEGE PRINCIPAL DAMON EMTAGE
Construction of Manor Park Student Carpark begins in September
We are pleased to announce the upcoming development of a new student carpark with a capacity for 150 vehicles. Resource and building consents have been successfully obtained, and a main contractor has been appointed to deliver the project. Work is scheduled to begin in mid September, with completion expected in January 2025, ahead of the next school year.
Access to the road for pick-up and drop-off will remain available throughout the construction period. The construction area will be appropriately marked and secured to ensure safety, allowing parents and students to continue using the road. We will provide further guidance ahead of construction commencement.
More details on campus development works will be shared before the end of Term 3.
Garden to Table: Nurtures Mind, Body, and Community
Our vision is to create a dynamic vegetable garden and outdoor classroom at the Shore Road Campus. This space will feature herbs, vegetables, vines, and native fruit trees, alongside a dedicated teaching platform. Here, a tailored Garden Curriculum will be integrated into Science and Food Technology classes, offering hands-on learning opportunities that emphasise gardening and sustainability.
The garden will exemplify sustainability, incorporating rainwater harvesting, composting, and a worm farm to ensure efficient resource use. It will also include a greenhouse, toolshed, and wheelchair-accessible timber pathways.
The Garden Curriculum will raise awareness about carbon emissions and their impact on climate change. Students will learn how growing vegetables and eating plant-based meals can significantly reduce their carbon footprints. By sourcing food from our garden, they will minimise emissions from packaging and transportation. They will also understand the soil's crucial role in the carbon cycle, empowering them to take these lessons home and become ambassadors of sustainable living.
Our Year 5 and 6 students will act as kaitiaki (guardians) of the garden, responsible for sowing, planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce for Food Technology classes and the greater community, including initiatives like the hāngi and potential contributions to food banks.
Students will learn to prepare nutritious plant-based meals using garden-fresh ingredients. Kitchen food scraps will be recycled into nutrient-rich compost, closing the carbon loop and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
The garden's creation will involve our parent community through service activities and volunteer experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Weekend collaborative efforts will allow parents to contribute alongside their children, engaging directly in our commitment to sustainability and education.
Success will be evident when students become ambassadors of sustainable eating, actively reducing their families' carbon footprints. The garden will thrive with seasonal produce, managed by students under their teachers' guidance, enriching their learning journey every step of the way.
Work on the Garden to Table initiative is progressing well, with the garden anticipated to be ready for planting by Term 4 2024. We are excited about the many opportunities and the transformative impact this initiative will have.
School-wide String and Band Collaborations
Across the Girls’ School, Boys’ School, and College, we have some incredibly talented musicians. In an effort to provide opportunities for our young performers to collaborate, the College hosted two specialist collaboration workshops during Term 2 – one for string players and one for band members.
The strings collaboration brought together over one hundred members from each school’s string ensemble to learn and perform a new repertoire for an audience of College students at the end of the day. They began with a group practice session followed by sectional rehearsals where students split into 1st violins, 2nd and 3rd violins with violas, and cellos and basses. Each section worked with itinerant tutors to refine their skills before reconvening for a final practice and performance.
The College and Boys’ School musicians had an opportunity to perform the pieces they had been working on separately before the group came together for the grand finale. Together, they played ‘Finale’ from ‘Serenade for Strings’ by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle; ‘Andante’ from the ‘Surprise Symphony’ by Haydn, arranged by Terry Cathrine; and the well-known ‘The Avengers’ by Alan Silvestri, arranged by Larry Moore. The day was expertly led by violinist and conductor Miranda Hutton with support from Head of Boys’ School Music, Georgina Jarvis, and Head of Girls’ School Music, Anji Toy.
Following this, on International Make Music Day, band collaboration provided similar workshops culminating in an upbeat concert for Middle School students in Years 7 and 8. The day displayed the vast talent and desire of our students to collaborate with other young musicians. From wellknown melodies to tricky rhythms, the concert shared the morning’s hard work of the participants with three pieces: ‘As Winds Dance’ by Samuel Hazo, the famous Bond theme ‘Skyfall’ arranged by Robert Longfield, finishing with Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ arranged by band director Tom Chester. Thank you to College Band Directors Matt Baker and Tom Chester for their conducting and guidance of the musicians.
A Dawn of Remembrance
At dawn on 30 April, the Saint Kentigern Shore Road campus held a solemn Anzac dawn service attended by students and parents from the Preschool, Girls’ School, and Boys’ School. This event, now a cherished tradition, mirrored last year’s service in its poignant elements, uniting the school community to honour the brave soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during World War I.
The ceremony commenced with the stirring sound of bagpipes as the official party, led by the Boys’ School Piper, took their places. Following tradition, the Trust Board representatives and school leaders formed the wreath party. Accompanied by the solemn tunes of the bagpipes, they laid five wreaths in Te Pou o te Rīpeka (Saint Kentigern Place of Honour) – one for each House and a combined Saint Kentigern wreath.
An Anzac prayer led by Rev. Isaac Williams followed by a moving rendition of ‘Abide with Me’ by the combined choir, and the Prayer of Saint Kentigern read by Deputy Head Boy Tommy Wright pulled the group’s attention back to the message of the gathering. Rev. Hardie concluded the service with a benediction, before all in attendance observed a minute of silence to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the Anzac soldiers.
Year 2 students Aaliyah Aves and Andrew Harri recited the Ode of Remembrance, a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the Anzacs. Trumpeter Austin Watson pierced the silence with the shrill of the first notes of ‘The Last Post’ to conclude the service. As the community stood in silent tribute before returning to their daily routines, their hearts filled with reverence and gratitude. Lest we forget.
Preschool
Upcoming Events
ART AUCTION - 20 SEPTEMBER
A showcase of our children’s creativity available for purchase to support school initiatives.
TABLOID SPORTS - 3-4 OCTOBER
Fun-filled sports days designed for our little athletes.
GRANDPARENTS DAY - 11 OCTOBER
We invite grandparents to experience a morning-in-the-life with their grandchildren.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY - FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER
Join us for a festive celebration to ring in the holiday season.
A Values-Based Education
AMrs Megan Storey BEd (Tchg) Preschool Principal
t the conclusion of every term, our chapel slot doubles as a graduation and prizegiving ceremony. Each term, several preschoolers are selected to receive awards based on their upholding of our organisationwide values: respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love. As I watched beaming faces walk up to receive a certificate for respect in the classroom, or excellence for role modelling and giving their best, I was aware that an extremely important lesson was being unconsciously taught to our students: the person you are becoming is more important than any measure of success.
A values-based education has long been synonymous with all the Saint Kentigern Schools, and this holds true for our Preschool. At every level, not just when handing out awards, we aim to build core traits that will serve our children in school and beyond. Our education encompasses both curriculum and character development.
The Preschool curriculum not only focuses on academic and cognitive development but also emphasises the essential values that shape children into compassionate and responsible individuals. By focusing on honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility, Preschoolers learn foundational principles that guide their behaviour and interactions with others, shaping their character from a young age.
Building character takes many forms. Often it is small, like an act of kindness, or consideration and compassion in the classroom, at home, and within our community. Actively exploring and living our essential values provides benefits that extend beyond the preschool years, fostering courage, determination, loyalty, justice, and tolerance.
Every year, the Preschool children and families dedicate a term to focusing on acts of service. Humbly developing a deeper understanding of service has built an appreciation for our wider world and the community around us. This past term, our Extra Miler initiatives saw families donate food and essential items to the Saint Kentigern foodbank collection which enables 65 food parcels to be delivered every week. Parents and teachers volunteered to help prepare vegetables for the Hāngi for
the Homeless. We had an abundance of donations of warm items for the Community of Kindness charity, and photos from home of children actively engaged in simple acts of service, helping with the cooking and chores, making their bed or reading to their siblings.
When I asked our four-year-old children about acts of kindness and service, they told me it feels good to be kind and help out; it makes them happy and it makes other people happy, showing me that they are beginning to understand what it means to be part of a kind, caring, and supportive community.
In addition to these actions, our Preschool chapel services are key opportunities for all our students to unpack each value and explore how it relates to our daily lives and those of others—who we are, who we would like to be, and who we should be.
By the time the children leave us for primary school, they have a deeper connection to our Saint Kentigern Way. We are preparing children for lives of meaning, accomplishment, and genuine happiness that is not linked to their perceived success but rather comes from within, having a strong character to embrace the next stage of their life.
Fides Servanda Est.
A Mother’s Day Morning
In mid-May, the preschool was at capacity with double the usual occupants as mums and mother figures filled the rooms. All the special ladies in our children’s lives were invited for a morning of pampering and quality time. The youngest classroom set up a serene spa, where the children, who had been practising diligently, offered hand massages to their mums. The pampering station featured lemon cucumber water, moisturisers, candles, and comfy seats, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere.
Throughout the preschool, various activities were set up to create lasting memories. Little photo booths and backgrounds allowed families to capture special moments. The children huddled around various crafting stations to paint bouquets of flowers or gardens for their mums, make bookmarks, try their hand at origami, or give a colourful manicure. Dotted around the preschool, child and mother duos could be seen cozily enjoying a storybook or playing outside together.
Each classroom also took turns indulging in a delightful morning tea. Beautifully decorated cupcakes were presented in boxes that the children had personalised with drawings and stickers. It was a morning filled with joy, creativity, and appreciation, in effort of showing how much we love our unsung heroes.
A Star-Studded Matariki
On the sunny afternoon of July 12, the Preschool hosted a celebration of Matariki, inviting parents and caregivers to join in the festivities. Each class contributed uniquely, making the afternoon rich with cultural engagement and family participation.
Matariki, known as the Māori New Year, marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster, otherwise known as Matariki. It is a time for remembrance, celebration, and planting new crops. The theme for this year according to Dr Rangi Mātāmua is 'Matariki whetū heri kai', meaning 'Matariki, the bringer of food'. Our children have been learning all about the stars in the cluster and the stories Māori have passed down for generations.
The youngest classroom, Loch Ness, prepared all week and delighted their audience with a charming performance featuring poi and well-rehearsed waiata which included ‘E Rere Taku Poi’, ‘Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi’ and the ‘Matariki Macarena’. Loch Lomond’s class captivated their guests with a theatrical performance of ‘How Māui Found the Secret of Fire’. The two oldest classrooms, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, joined forces for a musical performance that included traditional Matariki songs. Additionally, these classes offered a variety of Matariki-inspired crafts and activities, including drawing Māori patterns and decorating Matariki stars.
No celebration is complete without a treat, and on the menu for the afternoon was homemade soup with vegetables roasted in a traditional manner, adding a delicious and authentic flavour to the day.
As the evening drew closer to an end and the sun was setting in the distance, students displayed pride holding the wonderful lanterns they had created as they walked hand-inhand with their parents around Roselle House. The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for the preschoolers and their families to learn about and honour the cultural significance of Matariki, acknowledging our shared heritage as citizens of our beautiful country.
Stardome Space Exploration
As part of our Loch Rannoch investigation in Term 2, our children embarked on a school trip to the Stardome Observatory. It was a showery day, however this did not deter us from venturing over to Cornwall Park to explore their playground while we waited for our time slot.
Our time had come to enter the Stardome and as we encountered the educational space, children were encouraged to find a comfy bean bag and a cuddly toy to keep them company. This immersive experience brought to life different concepts and ideas around astronomy and space exploration, with telescopes and a large spaceman watching over us. The educators shared their knowledge on how our planet Earth rotates around the sun, and how our moon rotates around Earth.
The children got to experience our termly inquiry question, “If you were an astronaut in space, what would you see out of your rocket-ship window?” firsthand with the amazing interactive exhibits. Following this, we ventured into the large cinema dome. Our children marvelled at the starry expanse above them, lit in a warm pink glow. We learnt about space travel, the phases of the moon and its lunar surface. Our children developed a deeper understanding of how gravity works, and how space travel can be risky!
As our trip was coming to a close, we ended with a picnic in the park, sharing all our new knowledge. For our Loch Rannoch space explorers, the trip to Stardome Observatory was the beginning of a lifelong journey to understand the vast universe that surrounds us.
“If You Were an Astronaut in a Rocket, What Would You See?”
As part of our Reggio-inspired pedagogy, we have been following the children’s interest in outer space. Our investigation started when an individual had questions about asteroids. Their curiosity sparked a chain reaction of interest, which led to more group discussions about our solar system. Throughout numerous conversations, children have been able to refine and extend their thinking about the planets, stars, moon and sun. The children enjoyed participating in a range of art opportunities based on this interest such as making a collage of Earth, making the moon and its craters out of clay, and drawing their favourite planet.
Following the children’s lead, we soon discovered that they were interested in rockets and the International Space Station. We watched clips on rockets launching and studied the different types. We soon learnt that some carry astronauts, while others only take satellites up into Earth’s orbit. After making number and tangram rockets, a student suggested we create a Loch Rannoch rocket. We discussed what materials we may need, its ideal shape, and collectively gathered recycled materials from our homes to build our rocket ship. We decorated the boxes in tin foil, used cups to make lights, and fastened gold lids for the windows.
We also posed a question to the children: “If you were an astronaut in a rocket, what would you see?” The thoughtprovoking answers included: other rockets, Saturn, aliens, stars, the flag on the moon, the sun, astronauts floating, satellites, asteroids, and planets. Using a template depicting a window, the children were invited to express their ideas through drawings. Subsequently, we are in the process of making individual dioramas showcasing their thoughts through various mediums, making their ideas threedimensional. This investigation has encouraged the children to think about outer space on a deeper level and take on board others’ perspectives, as well as visually comprehend their ideas.
Detective Dan Comes to Life
Our Loch Lomond classroom has been reading
‘Detective Dan’ by Vivian French, which our tamariki have come to know and love. With such enthusiasm to the story, we suggested to act out the book and received a wonderful response from our kids. Thus, we set out casting the characters with the aim of involving as many children as possible. Instead of having just one ‘bothersome brother’ and one sister, we cast two of each and found that by acting out their parts together, some of our less confident children were able to join in. Additionally, it meant more children were taking the stage at once. Our comprehensive character list consisted of Detective Dan, a dog, a cat, the bothersome brothers, the sisters, and the mother. We sourced some props and then practised our show, with three run-throughs giving everyone a chance to participate. We were inundated with volunteers wanting to play a part in the show each time.
After our rehearsals, we invited the tamariki and kaiako of Loch Ness, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel to three separate performances. For each performance, we set up our room with seats for our guests and handed out show tickets. It was a great success, and we were extremely proud of the performances put on by our young actors. We were absolutely delighted that every single person in our room contributed to the performance in some way.
The process of putting this show together has served the children’s growing familiarity with the performing arts with a focus on drama and roleplay. “Through purposeful play, both individual and collaborative, they discover how to link imagination, thoughts, and feelings” and to use “dramatic conventions, techniques, and technologies to create imagined worlds” (Ministry of Education, 2000). Using this much-loved story and expert scaffolding from teachers, the children were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and collectively contribute to a group endeavour.
Playball Fridays
Out of the many opportunities offered at our school, one of our children’s most-anticipated extracurriculars is Playball. After waiting all week, when Coach Phil and Coach Bella arrive on a Friday afternoon, the children are ecstatic! Their sessions take the children through a range of age-appropriate games with a sports-skills focus that fosters independence, resilience and confidence. The games double as sports-skill development including throwing and catching, aiming, balancing, running, and learning to control their bodies.
Each game has a purpose and is meticulously designed to challenge the children. They learn how to problem solve, take turns, follow instructions, and foster their sportsmanship. Their favourite games include ‘Shark Attack’, where they run around the court pretending to be sea creatures and upon hearing ‘SHARK ATTACK!’ have to quickly jump into a hula hoop before the ‘shark’ gets them. Another firm favourite is the ‘Duck Game’, where some children are ‘ducks’ in the middle while the other children have to catch them by throwing beanbags at their feet. The games hone in on specific skill development, for example in ‘Knock the Sky Tower Down’, the children practise throwing a ball as accurately as possible to knock it down. ‘Mousetraps’ relies on children’s developing hand-eye coordination, and ‘Lilypads’ requires jumping and gross motor control.
Playball enriches our early childhood curriculum whilst also creating a foundation for formal physical education at school. Specifically, children develop motor skills, positive attitudes to physical activity, listening, and sequential thinking skills. SCAN FOR VIDEO
Fee-fi-fo-fum!
Have you seen the large green beanstalk in our Loch Ness classroom? It is a sight to see, and a shared group effort completed by our tamariki.
We are currently exploring an investigation into the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, started by a wonderful little girl named Myra who started with us this term. Myra’s whānau shared with us that it was her favourite book, and she impressively could recite every word by memory. We read the book often at group times and provided provocations related to the story.
With this, very quickly the story became a Loch Ness favourite and the tamariki would often be seen roleplaying as the characters. We had parents and whānau sharing to our kaiako that their children were pretending to be giants at home, saying “Fee fi fo fum” as they stomped around the house. The love for the story of Jack and the Beanstalk quickly spread throughout our classroom.
As we ventured up the beanstalk further with the wonderful help of all our teachers, led by our children’s ideas, we created our own beanstalk with cotton-wool clouds, paper-mâché golden eggs and giant boots falling from the ceiling. It is a sight to see!
As we continued our learning adventure, the children showed interest in the magic beans, so together we decided to plant our own beans. The word got out and Alexander’s whānau donated some special beans to our classroom. Alexander and his grandmother Anne then came in for a special Hui time to talk about the special beans and how they are frozen every year to be replanted again the next year. We have been watering our beans and nurturing them to grow, while also learning about the living world.
In the atelier, we explored the sound of footprints and the children often brought up the memory of the giant running after Jack. The children made their own footprints using clay and paint, and we drew pictures of giants that captured the children’s thoughts and ideas around the story.
On this journey of learning, our children have had the opportunity to delve into literacy, creative arts, science, maths, and the living world. The opportunities are endless when we collectively work together and use our imaginations to bring stories to life.
When I Grow Up…
While observing our children’s play, we noticed them playing all different kinds of roles and people, more so than playing with anything else. They loved to act, and we saw that they loved roleplaying different careers like police, firefighters or teachers. Initially, we asked them the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” to which we got a wide range of answers like “a policeman”, “a teacher” or “a banker”. We continued this inquiry-based investigation by asking more questions and observing, and we noticed that it was more than just careers they were interested in – it was the whole notion of acting like a grown-up.
The children took inspiration from their families and communities, and every day they chose to play as something or someone different. They loved being able to use tools and props to help with their scenarios and roles. The investigation flourished and transitioned to a deeper level, in which the children explored the topic of ‘growing up’. They learned the differences in a person’s life when they are at different ages, and we began asking more specific questions like, “If you were really old, what would you do?”, “What is the difference between a child and an adult?” or “What are some things that grown-ups do, that children can’t do?” The children were amazing at thinking outside the box, using their imaginations to answer these questions as they practised their learning through their play.
Our class got to know each other so well in terms of everyone’s interests, dreams and personalities. Everyone learned what everyone wanted to be, and shared and took turns playing the different roles that the children suggested. The children not only learned more about the topic of growing up, but perhaps learned about themselves and what kind of person they want to be.
Boys' School
Upcoming Events
GRANDPARENTS DAY - 24 OCTOBER
Students are invited to share their school experience with their grandparents.
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR - 9 NOVEMBER
Enjoy a picnic and fireworks with family and friends.
MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA - 21 NOVEMBER
A celebration of our students’ musical talents.
YEAR 8 LEAVERS BBQ - 13 DECEMBER
A farewell BBQ for our graduates.
The State of Education: A Call to Action
EMr Peter Cassie TTC, BEd Boys' School Principal
very day, we're confronted with reports about declining educational standards, with headlines suggesting that New Zealand children are struggling with basic numeracy and literacy. But is the situation really as dire? More importantly, what can be done to reverse this trend?
Having dedicated my life to education—13 years as a student, three in teacher training, six mastering my craft in the state system, and over 30 years in boys' schools, the last 24 as a Principal - I've witnessed significant changes in how we educate our children. While some have been positive, others have contributed to current challenges. However, I'm optimistic that the upcoming educational reforms will guide us in the right direction, ensuring every student in New Zealand receives a strong education that prepares them for the future.
1. BACK TO BASICS: THE CORNERSTONES OF EDUCATION
Literacy: The Foundation of Learning
Literacy is more than just reading
and writing – it enables individuals to communicate effectively and fully engage in society. It includes decoding text, forming letters, and, crucially, comprehending and interpreting written, spoken, and visual information. In New Zealand, we've lost some of the love for reading and the focus on vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension. The teaching of formal English has diminished, contributing to a decline in literacy skills. Literacy competency is essential in every subject and every teacher is, in effect, a teacher of literacy.
Structured literacy is crucial. It emphasises phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, building a strong foundation for reading success. This approach supports students with diverse learning needs, builds confidence, fosters independence, and ensures consistency in instruction.
Role of Parents: Parents can support literacy by encouraging regular reading, discussing books, and practising spelling and vocabulary in everyday conversations.
Numeracy: Equipping Students with Essential Skills
Numeracy is more than classroom math; it about applying mathematical reasoning in real-world situations. It includes basic arithmetic, reasoning,
measurement, data interpretation, and problem-solving.
In recent times, there has been less emphasis of these fundamentals. Basic arithmetic and formulas aren't being ingrained as they should be, and students often struggle to see practical applications. Teaching must emphasise the "why" behind math concepts; helping students understand their real-world relevance. Algorithms should be taught and practised with students focusing on honing a method that works best for them. Math instruction should regularly revisit key concepts to reinforce learning. Role of Parents: Parents can support numeracy by involving their children in activities like cooking, budgeting, or measuring during DIY projects, showing the practical uses of math in daily life.
2. ADDRESSING INCONSISTENCIES ACROSS SCHOOLS
One challenge in New Zealand's education system is the inconsistency between schools. There is too much variability in teaching methods, unclear achievement targets, and an overemphasis on unproven models. Whether in traditional classrooms, modern environments or student-directed learning, we need evidence-based approaches that are proven effective.
Our education system must meet the diverse needs of all studentswhether boys, girls, or those with
neurodiversity - by providing a structured and supportive learning environment.
3. THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
Technology has revolutionised education, offering instant access to information and new ways of learning. However, students must be taught to critically evaluate information, and communicate effectively, especially with the rise of AI. Digital literacy must be a core component of the curriculum, ensuring students navigate the digital world safely while understanding its opportunities and risks.
Today's children are digital natives - quick to learn and unafraid to explore. However, technology is a tool for learning, not a substitute for a well-rounded education.
Thirty years ago, access to technology was limited. Children spent more time outdoors, reading, or watching minimal television. Today, nearly every child has access to smartphones, tablets, and computers, transforming how they interact, learn, and play. Digital entertainment- video games, streaming services, and social media –has become a dominant force in their lives.
Social media presents unique challenges. Schools are now required to enforce phone-free policies to help students focus. Platforms like TikTok, and Snapchat now shape social interaction, often impacting self-esteem and mental health, compounded by increasingly prevalent issues such as cyberbullying and social comparison.
Role of Parents: Guide and shape children’s digital interaction by setting boundaries, modelling responsible use, encouraging open communication, balancing technology with offline activities and regularly reviewing rules.
4. ELEVATING THE TEACHING PROFESSION
Teachers must be respected as professionals. While the recent strikes for better pay and conditions were necessary, some media portrayals did not inspire confidence.
Unfortunately, teaching is not promoted as a desirable career, and teacher education programmes fall short of preparing new teachers for the realities in the classroom. New Zealand also faces a teacher shortage, with the current workforce struggling to meet the demand.
Teachers are here to educate and support students, and parental involvement is crucial in enabling positive outcomes. Parents can help by encouraging accountability in their child’s behaviour and commitment to learning. When parents and teachers collaborate, students are more likely to succeed.
A Path Forward
The current revamp of New Zealand's education system, focussed on curriculum and teacher training, is necessary and timely. These changes will help New Zealand schools regain their standing on international league tables.
As an independent school, we've stayed ahead of the curve, but we must not become complacent. Our goal is continuous improvement, striving for excellence in all areas to ensure every student receives the best education and learns the values of good citizenship.
By focusing on the basics, addressing inconsistencies, elevating the teaching profession, and leveraging technology, we can ensure New Zealand's education system meets today's needs while preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges. I am confident we will see the progress we need.
Fides Servanda Est.
Twenty-five Years of Dedication: Honouring David Hessey
This year marks a significant milestone for David Hessey, a devoted teacher who has completed twenty-five years of service. Since joining the school in 1998, David has held various key positions, including Head of Mathematics, Arts Coordinator, Year 7 Camps Coordinator, and perhaps his favourite, 1st XI Football Coach. His dedication to his students’ academic and personal growth has made a lasting impact on countless boys over the years.
In celebration of his tenure, a morning tea was held where Principal Peter Cassie and Deputy Principal Grayson Aspinall shared heartfelt words. Mr Aspinall, reflecting on their longstanding friendship, recounted their many shared experiences, including over ten tours with the football team.
David expressed his deep attachment to the school community, saying, “I wouldn’t have been here this long had I not been attached to the staff, place, and philosophy of the school. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. It is a real pleasure to have taught here for so long.” He thanked everyone for their support and the relationships that have enriched his career.
The Pride of Scotland alive on Celtic Day
VALUES WE LIVE BY
On Friday 3 May, our Boys’ School came alive with the vibrant spirit of Celtic Day. The occasion is highly anticipated, as the entire school day embraces a Scottish twist.
The day began with a vibrant parade reminiscent of grand Scottish gatherings. Led by the Boys’ School Pipe Band, it was the first time in the 26-year history of Celtic Day that our own Pipe Band marched the proceedings. The procession filled the air with the stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums. Older boys proudly shepherded their younger peers around the grounds, marking the day from the beginning with a strong sense of togetherness.
Although our Principal, Peter Cassie, couldn't be present, Deputy Principal Grayson Aspinall stepped up to give a poignant address on the lessons of heritage. He remarked, “History is something we must always reflect on and learn from and be inspired by.”
Emphasising the significance of Scottish symbols, he stated, “In Scottish history, there is a symbol that represents strength, courage, and the pride of Scotland. That is the Lion Rampant Flag, the flag you marched around with today.”
Mr Aspinall’s words stirred the assembled students, setting the stage for a day rich in tradition and celebration. No doubt some of that courage and strength came out during the interHouse Tug-O-War and the Castle Siege Water Wars later in the day! The House prefects, bearing the Lion Rampant Flag, stood tall before the student body as Mr Aspinall spoke, flying the resilience and spirit of the Scottish nation for all to focus on.
To close the ceremony, Head Boy Harry Simpson performed a convincing rendition of Robbie Burns’s Ode to the Haggis in Gaelic, a soliloquy he had the privilege of witnessing a long succession of Head Boys perform over the last
eight years. Admittedly, he had been practising all through the holidays to perfect it!
As the day unfolded, our boys revelled in a variety of activities, from navigating inflatable obstacle courses to testing their coordination during Highland dancing. Of course, no Celtic celebration would be complete without indulging in traditional treats like haggis and shortbread, lovingly prepared by our dedicated parents.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all involved, from our hardworking staff to the supportive parents who helped make Celtic Day a memorable success. We cherish the opportunity to spend a day embracing our Scottish roots, brotherhood, and creating memories within our school community.
SCAN FOR MORE
Voices of Unity: Speech Finals
The annual Boys’ School Speech Finals once again showcased the impressive oratory skills of our students. This year, the theme was ‘Kotahitanga’ (unity), and the speeches delivered were nothing short of inspiring.
First to take the stage were the Year 4 students with their Flash Talks on the theme ‘Tūrangawaewae’ or ‘A Place to Stand’. The youngest speakers elaborated on places where they feel empowered and connected. Presenting in front of classmates, supportive families, and judges Deputy Principal Louise Miles and Girls’ School Head of Drama Judy Norton, the Year 4 finalists were confident and polished. Carter Lin spoke about ‘Home’, Troy Gluckman on ‘Piha Beach’, Dylan Ormond on ‘Langs Beach’, Zaid Menzies on ‘Rotorua’, and Arthur Mamo on ‘Russell’. With the winter closing in, all the talk of beaches certainly had
our audience shivering with a longing for the upcoming summer! Troy Gluckman emerged as the winner, painting a vivid picture of Piha Beach, while Carter Lin secured the runnerup position with a heartfelt speech about his home.
Next, the Year 7 and 8 students took the spotlight, addressing the theme ‘Kotahitanga/ Unity’ from various perspectives such as nature, sports, and music. Eleven Senior boys demonstrated a commanding stage presence as they delivered their speeches flawlessly to a hall filled with students and families.
The Year 7/8 finalists and their topics were: Blandon Phillimore-Smith (Man O' War Jellyfish), Finn Staples (Rise and Fall of the Wall), Thomas Bottomley (The Rallying Cry), Charlie Montgomery (A World Without Unity), Alex Morris (The Way Football Unites), Hugo Perry (One With
Nature), Hugo Wells (Unity in Social Media), Stanley Maher (Money Makes the World Go Round), John Tu'ipulotu (Names), Liam Cooper (Do Better, Work Together), and Austin Watson (Together We Are Music).
Adjudicators Kate Laurence and Jo Raymond faced a tough challenge in selecting the winners. Ultimately, Hugo Wells was awarded the top prize for his insightful speech on ‘Unity in Social Media’, with Austin Watson and Finn Staples named joint runners-up.
Finally, the Middle School finalists from Year 5 and 6 rounded out the Boys’ School Speech Finals with flair. Each student selected a topic that was meaningful to him, passionately exploring how it resonated with the theme Kotahitanga. Demonstrating incredible confidence, the eight finalists captivated an audience of fellow students, teachers, and supportive parents.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The Year 5/6 finalists and their topics were: Jack Holy (Unity of Food), Tom Bowkett (Fishing), Jayden Huang (The Beehive), Jay Hughes (Unity in your Neighbourhood), Matthew Collins (Unity of Laughter), Edward Moon (Neurodiversity), Jordan Metcalfe (Unity Within Great Sports Teams), and Isaac Arrowsmith (Unity of Emergency Services).
Matthew Collins won with his engaging speech on the ‘Unity of Laughter’, while Tom Bowkett earned the runner-up spot for his insightful talk on ‘Fishing’. The judges gave a special mention to Edward Moon for the content of his complex and thoughtful speech on ‘Neurodiversity’.
A special thank you to the Year 5/6 adjudicators JoAnn Wordsworth, Saint Kentigern College’s Head of Faculty – English, and Chris Hodder, the College’s Head of English – Years 8 & 9 and Debating Coordinator, for their careful consideration and valuable feedback to each participant. Congratulations to all our finalists for their impressive performances.
Classroom Learning
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Junior Readers for Life
In Term 2, the Junior School hosted Family Reading Mornings that invited bundled-up parents and children in from the brisk air to our warm classrooms to read together. Laughter and the sound of pages being turned could be heard as parents read with their sons. The mornings created a fun and interactive environment to instil the importance of literacy. Each child had the opportunity to choose a book from a plethora of stories, making the experience even more personal and exciting. The event not only celebrated the love of reading but also strengthened the connection between our students and their families.
Thank you to all the parents who joined us for these special mornings. Your presence and enthusiasm made it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. This term, we look forward to inviting Mystery Readers into our classes to read stories to the boys.
Middle School Persuasive Writing in Action
Can you persuade your reader with a strong opinion? During the term, our Year 3/4 boys delved into the art of persuasive writing. They read stories and analysed points of view, learning about specific language devices such as emotive language, modal verbs, alliteration, rhetorical questions, and evidence to help persuade their audience. The culmination of their learning was the lively debate: Pizzas vs. Burgers.
Some focused on the delectable qualities of their chosen side. Pizza was described as “crazy juicy” with “cheesy and delicious” qualities. The boys also emphasised pizza's customisable nature, allowing for toppings such as pineapples, pepperoni, extra cheese, and more sauce to delight every taste bud. They argued that pizza's history and global popularity added to its appeal, making it a time-honoured favourite.
Others chose to be pragmatic in their arguments, homing in on the practical benefits of pizza. They highlighted pizza's affordability, noting that it is often less expensive than a burger. They illustrated the variety of flavours available, from Hawaiian to pepperoni, and emphasised how these diverse options cater to a wide range of preferences.
Through their persuasive pieces, our boys demonstrated their ability to craft strong arguments and sway their readers. It was a term filled with creativity and critical thinking, leaving us all hungry for more.
Year 5s Explore Earth’s Wonders
Throughout Term 2, Year 5 learned about landforms around the world. This Social Science unit had cross-curricular links with Science, and as part of their study, students visited Māngere Mountain. The focus was on how specific landforms were created through natural processes and how they have changed over time. They also learned how weathering, erosion and deposition impact landforms. The boys loved learning about places of interest they’d visited and others they’d never heard of. Some highlight landmarks were: the Grand Canyon, Mariana Trench, Mount Everest, and Lake Taupō. They were intrigued by the height, width and depth of some places, as well as the effects of earthquakes. The human impact was also researched and discussed, and the boys are now keen to explore them more in person.
Year 8s Socratic Seminar: Should AI be used in schools?
In Social Science this term, Year 8 students explored how artificial intelligence (AI) impacts our society. They learned what AI is and gained a basic understanding of generative AI and how language models like ChatGPT work. As part of this unit, 8LD students researched and participated in a class forum discussing whether AI should be used in schools. They worked in groups to understand the different viewpoints of various stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and AI companies. Each student group then represented a stakeholder in the forum. The discussion covered topics such as the benefits of personalised learning and increased efficiency to potential drawbacks like data privacy and bias. Students enjoyed taking part in the forum, and many came away rethinking their use of AI and the implications of relying on it too much. This engaging activity not only boosted their knowledge of AI but also improved their critical-thinking and publicspeaking skills.
Exploring and Learning Beyond the Classroom
Year 1 & 2 Zoo Trip
On 24 May, the Junior School visited Auckland Zoo to learn about animal classification, focusing on mammals. Spending the entire day amongst the animals, the students explored various exhibits and learned about the diverse species of mammals. For our youngest boys, this trip combined information with a tangible experience, leading to a richer understanding of the animal kingdom.
Year 4 Syndicate to the Museum
Colonising a country has never been smooth sailing! From Romans and Vikings to British settlers, the boys learned how ‘our place’ has changed over time. They are beginning to understand how different cultures expanded their influence and impacted the world; the encounters and conflicts of the merging cultures shaped the history of New Zealand and its people.
Year 5 Māngere Mountain Excursion
Year 5 took an exciting trip out to Māngere Mountain and Ambury Farm to deepen their understanding of landforms. The boys engaged in 'eruption' experiments, hiked the mountain, explored a lava cave, and learned about Auckland's volcanoes. Their enthusiasm and insightful questions made the day both educational and enjoyable.
Year 6 Visit Writers Festival and Auckland Zoo
The Year 6 students attended the annual Auckland Writers Festival at the Aotea Centre. They listened to two authors per class including Maryam Master, Giselle Clarkson, Jason Gunn, and Tim Tipene. Each author inspired them with their personal life stories and writing journeys. A common thread through each of the messages was that everyone has a writer's spirit – it simply requires us to give it a go.
Year 6 has been busy over Term 2 and also visited the Auckland Zoo to learn about climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental issues. They had the chance to touch confiscated items like shoes made from elephant skin and a turtle shell. Despite the changeable weather, the boys had a fun and educational day, gaining valuable insights into wildlife conservation.
Saint Kentigern Singers at Rawhiti Estate
The Saint Kentigern Singers visited Rawhiti Estate on 28 May, delivering a polished performance that included a diverse repertoire of songs. Accompanied by Adam Huang on the cello and Boyi Yujin on the violin, the boys impressed the residents with their talent and professionalism. The event fostered a connection between the school and the local community, ending with a delightful lunch hosted by Rawhiti Estate.
Environmentalists Plant Trees for Survival
On 20 June, twenty-six enthusiastic boys from Year 7 and 8 visited a farm in Brookby to participate in the Trees for Survival programme. They planted over 800 native New Zealand trees on a steep hillside to combat erosion. The day included a fantastic lunch and a sheep-shearing demonstration by Farmer Mike, with each student receiving fresh wool as a souvenir. This hands-on experience showed the boys that giving time to a conservation project as a team can be a super fun and rewarding day’s work.
A'mum'zing Race
VALUES WE LIVE BY
“Congratulations. You are team number ONE!”
Each adrenaline-fuelled team jumped onto the finish mat of our Boys’ School ‘Amumzing Race’ hoping to hear those words. After an hour of racing against the clock and other groups, strategically navigating challenges, teams showed up breathless and hopeful. For one group each night, their anticipation was met with a nod, smile, and confirmation of their victory, often followed closely by a celebratory holler and tight squeezes all round.
Each year, our school hosts a mother and son event in partnership with the Boys’ School Parents & Friends. Following last year’s delicious breakfast and the successful Dads and Lads quiz
night, the mums wanted in on some action with their boys, and so ‘The Amumzing Race’ was born, inspired by the hit series ‘The Amazing Race’. Teams of three—comprising parentstudent groups—raced to beat opponents and the clock, completing challenges across the school. Four nights, one for each House, saw spirited costumes and competitive natures come out with some incredible prizes up for grabs.
Many generous organisations supported the evening, including VR Chen and CubeeKiz Media Group, and our prize donors Natalie, Snowplanet, Premium Liquor Co., We Bliss You,
Stella + Gemma, Farro, Tree Adventures, Club Soda, The Diamond Shop, Myall, Reform Pilates, Augustine, Gravity Trampoline Park, Alchemy & Tonic, and Hyundai Marine Sports Centre.
As the horn let off an ear-splitting blast, the clock began to count down from sixty minutes and a blur of House shirts sprinted toward the front, desperate to give their team any lead possible. Their first challenge, a quiz with logic puzzles and movie names, stood in the way of them receiving their route info. Desperate whispers could be heard in increasing volume as the first teams finished and headed out the door to the rest of their challenges.
Following the quiz, teams split out across the school. At each station, they were met with a choice of two activities—some similar in time and skill, others riskier, forcing teams to decide whether they had the skill to complete the riskier activity quickly or to go with the longer, safer task. Each completed activity earned them a stamp on their map and route info to the next challenge.
Once they had completed eight challenges, teams raced toward the finish line, jumping
onto the mat, hoping to hear those glorious words, “You are team number one!” The winning boys and parents celebrated with equal vigour as they headed inside for a victory meal. Everyone was provided with dinner, and a chance to take home some memories in the House-themed photobooth. The photos, now likely proudly displayed on their fridges, will remind them of the unforgettable memories made on this special Mother’s Day race.
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P&F Quiz Night Lures in Heroes and Villains Problem-solving in Action at EPro8
The Boys’ School’s annual Parents and Friends Quiz Night, held on 15 June, was a smashing success with a turnout of 320 enthusiastic participants. The theme ‘Heroes and Villains’ set the stage for a night of fun and friendly competition as parents went all-out, dressing as their favourite characters.
The Jubilee Sports Centre gymnasium had palpable energy with attendees tackling a wide array of quiz questions ranging from music and cooking to general knowledge. Organisers were on the lookout for any dirty tactics from our local villains who thought they would really embrace their characters! After many close rounds and only one point separating the top three teams, the heroes came out on top with team ‘Baywatch’ emerging victorious.
The Quiz Night was also a fantastic opportunity for parents, teachers, and friends to come together, share a memorable evening, and support the school. Thanks to the generosity of our community, just over twenty thousand dollars was raised from the evening. These funds will go towards purchasing technology to enable live streaming of Boys’ School events and activities.
An integral part of our boys’ education is to introduce them to STEM subjects that exercise their conceptual and spatial cognitive skills. The annual EPro8 Competition is a test of these skills, combining them with essential interpersonal skills to complete a series of engineering challenges in teams of four. Together, our brightest young problem-solvers tackled a range of building challenges designed to test their technical skills, teamwork, and creativity.
Among the popular tasks was the creation of a puppet theatre complete with curtains that pull back to reveal a show, and the construction of a throne with a hinged leg rest. Both challenges required precise measurements and mathematical accuracy to ensure the success of their designs.
In the Year 7/8 category, the team known as ‘The Potatoes’ consisting of Ray Yang, Bruce Mu, Ben Flanagan, and Ran Wang secured first place. The team of Logan MacDonald, Dafydd Morton, and Cooper Ormerod achieved first place in the Year 6 division.
The top two teams in each division will continue to refine their skills and prepare for the Auckland Schools competition in Term 3. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication, and a special mention to our winning teams for their outstanding achievements in this year’s EPro8 Competition.
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Mesmerising Science with Nanogirl
The excitement for science in the school reached a whole new level when science superstar Tornado Tammy from Nanogirl visited! The younger boys (Years 1–5) were treated to the dazzling ‘Marvel Matters’ show. Packed with interactive experiments like the seemingly impossible ‘Hand on Fire’ and the explosive ‘Elephant's Toothpaste’, Nanogirl’s trademark enthusiasm had them captivated for the full hour with the wonders embedded in matter.
Meanwhile, the older boys (Years 6–8) had their minds blown by ‘Captivating Chemistry’. This show dove deeper into the fascinating world of chemical reactions, fostering curiosity for the science behind everyday phenomena. The boys are slowly learning that if you begin to question things you’ve always accepted, you can uncover the inconspicuous rules of nature we often take for granted. They were introduced to concepts like denaturation by simply cooking everyone’s favourite breakfast – pancakes! Nanogirl’s visit no doubt sparked a new passion for the nature of science in their dayto-day lives. We hope our young scientists will continue to recognise the reactions happening all around them.
World's Oldest Collegiate Acappella Group Graces JC Chalmers
Our boys had the tremendous privilege of enjoying a performance by the renowned Whiffenpoofs Barbershop Choir, a top-tier international group known for their captivating acappella music. The Whiffenpoofs, consisting of 14 third-year Yale students, are the world's oldest and best-known collegiate acappella group, performing over two hundred concerts annually during their global tour. This year, their tour includes prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, and our Boys’ School
The performance included classic pieces and modern hits that resonated with the students, who were especially inspired as this is a production year with many involved in musical activities. The interactive Q&A session saw enthusiastic students asking about university life, global adventures, choir auditions, and favourite songs. The Whiffenpoofs's engaging presence left the boys with a newfound appreciation for where their passions can lead them, making it a memorable morning they will be hardpressed to forget.
Instrumental Competition Strikes a Chord
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
With preliminaries starting in Term 1, seventy-five auditionees were reduced to twenty semi-finalists, leaving only the top eleven performances heading into the ‘Best of the Best’ Instrumental Final at the Boys’ School. The depth of musicianship, variety of instruments, and incredible number of students who participated in the competition this year left Head of Music Georgina Jarvis floored.
The ‘Best of the Best’ competition was split into two categories like previous years. The Middle School category featured musicians from Years 3–6, and the Senior Category Years 7 and 8. The five Middle Schoolers took to the stage first, before the talented Jazz Combo provided a short upbeat number ahead of the six Senior School finalists.
The Middle School category featured Boyi Yujin on the piano, Darren Lin on the clarinet, Eason Zhu on piano, then Boyi returned on the violin, and finally George Sun on piano. First prize went to last year’s winner, Boyi Yujin, performing Mozart’s Concerto in G on the violin. Our youngest finalist, George Sun (Year 4), took runner-up with a beautiful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Song of the Lark.
The Senior category had performances from pianist Cyrus Tong, Aaron Zhao on guitar, Ryan Yeh who played pieces on both the cello and piano, Thomas Bottomley with the bagpipes, and Austin Watson on trumpet. In an unprecedented turn of events, both first prize and runner-up went to Ryan Yeh, who won on the cello and received second honours
for his piece on the piano. Adjudicator and Head of Performing Arts at St Cuthbert’s College, Oliver Gilmour, said he looked for artistry when deciding upon the winners, as all the performers were highly skilled. He was very impressed with the standard of musicianship and said it was the most difficult adjudication he had done.
Ryan is finishing his time at the Boys’ School this year, however the remaining younger finalists will return next year with a chance to perform for their peers and judges. All our finalists were well prepared and impressed the audience with their extraordinary musical calibre at such a young age.
Chalmers House Dominates Cross Country
WELLBEING AND OPTIMISM
Chalmers House triumphed in this year’s Boys’ School Cross Country, securing the top spot with impressive performances across all age groups. The competition was fierce, with participants from each House demonstrating remarkable athleticism and team spirit.
Chalmers House triumphed in this year’s Boys’ School Cross Country, securing the top spot with impressive performances across all age groups. The competition was fierce, with participants from each House demonstrating remarkable athleticism and team spirit.
HOUSE RANKINGS:
1st Chalmers
2nd Hamilton
3rd Cargill
4th Wishart
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS:
YEAR 1
1st Leo Gunn
2nd Henry Langerak
3rd = Hugo Burroughs and Sean Liu
YEAR 0
1st Stefan Yin
2nd Henry White
3rd George Zhong
YEAR 1
1st Ryan Omidvari
2nd Jack Carr-Boyd
3rd Sean Liu
YEAR 2
1st Landon Tang
2nd Jackson Greenslade
3rd Harvey Hill
YEAR 3
1st Maddox Maxwell
2nd Finn Bowkett
3rd Lucas Yin
YEAR 4
1st Sebastian Dow
2nd Ollie Doole
3rd Maxime Deperrois
YEAR 5
1st Jack Stephens
2nd Zachary Shen
3rd Allan Liu
YEAR 6
1st Jacob Dow
2nd Leo Jamieson
3rd Hugo Williams
YEAR 7
1st Alby Richards
2nd Stanley Maher
3rd Koby Arlidge
YEAR 8
1st Harry Murfitt
2nd Troyden Thompson
3rd Arthur Vivien
Sports Round Up
AN OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT THE BOYS’ SCHOOL
Year 7 Football Team
The Year 7 boys football team had a fantastic season, beginning with a win at the Eastern Zone competition. At Auckland Interzones they battled their way to the final, ultimately falling to Blockhouse Bay 2–1 to secure second place. This is an incredible effort from our boys, who fought until the whistle sounded.
1st XI Hockey are Auckland Champions
Our Year 7/8 1st XI hockey team triumphed at the Eastern Zone Hockey competition, defeating King’s 2–1 in a thrilling final. The team then went on to Auckland Interzones where they faced defending champions, Kristin College. Motivated to take the win, they put up a stellar performance finishing the season 2–0 to take the win.
Luca James Wins Auckland Cycling Points Race
Luca James won his first road cycling race at the Auckland Schools Cycling Points Race held at Pukekohe Park. Competing in the U13 boys category, Luca's outstanding performance secured him his first gold berth.
Marco Manson's Karting Success
In addition to our school karting success, Marco Manson had a fantastic weekend at the final round of KartStars NZ, the biggest race series in the country. Marco won both classes he entered, adding to his New Zealand title and the Rok Cup title. These victories have earned him the chance to represent New Zealand at three world events: the FIA World Karting Championship in Great Britain, the Vortex World Finals in Italy, and the Rotax Grand Finals in Italy.
Middle School Boys are Auckland Ski Champions
Our Middle School boys showed exceptional talent at the Auckland Snowsports Championships. Ivan Wu took first place in the Year 5-6 Ski Slalom, and Jayden Huang secured third place. The team’s combined efforts earned Saint Kentigern Boys’ School the first-place title in the Auckland Primary Boys Ski Champs.
Year 7 Rugby Team Plays NSW’s Tudor House
The King's School, Tudor House from NSW visited and played a thrilling rugby match against a select Year 7 group of our rugby boys. The match was intense, with both teams displaying excellent defence and skill. Our team emerged victorious with a nail-biting score of 17–12. After the game, both teams enjoyed a friendly chat and afternoon tea, showing real sportsmanship and camaraderie.
KartSport Championships
Joey Zhou and Teddy Power competed in the Auckland Area Schools’ KartSport Championship on 30 June. Joey secured 1st place and Teddy 5th in the Cadet Rok Class, together bringing home the champion trophy for Saint Kentigern.
Girls' School
Upcoming Events
GRANDPARENTS DAY - 25 OCTOBER
Grandparents are invited to see our school in action.
MUSICAL SHOWCASE - 14 NOVEMBER
A celebration of our Musical Talent.
CAROL SERVICE - 25 NOVEMBER
Join us for a special evening at the Holy Trinity Cathedral as we head towards Christmas.
PRIZE-GIVING - 10 DECEMBER
A pinnacle event celebrating excellence in 2024.
Amping up Agency
WMrs Marianne Duston
BPharm, GradDip Tchg, MSSL (Distinction) Girls' School
Principal
hen we foster agency in the learning process, we not only prepare students for academic success, but we set them up for a future where they can thrive because they are empowered to take responsible action and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
In line with our theme word for 2024, INSPIRE, one of our aims this year has been to build the capacities of our students to transform their curiosity and creativity into innovative ideas which make a difference for others.
This year we have become a ‘Roots & Shoots’ School and our students are taking action to make a difference in our community and our environment. ‘Roots & Shoots’ is a global initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute which empowers young people to design and implement sustainability action projects to make the world a better place for animals, people and the environment.
During Dr Jane Goodall’s visit to Saint
Kentigern Girls’ School, our students showcased Roots & Shoots projects they had been involved in. These projects included a student initiative to recycle coffee grounds into our school gardens to increase the nitrogen balance, the creation of attractive beeswax wrappers by our Year 2 and 3 classes to assist with our strategy of wrapperless lunches, educative posters to encourage recycling of rubbish, and the development of planter boxes on our Middle School deck to support Garden to Table initiatives.
Dr Goodall inspired us with her passion for the environment and her wonderful stories about the experiences she has had during her very exciting life! She is someone who truly makes a difference in the world through her actions and inspiration. She has motivated us all to roll up our sleeves and keep making a difference through our everyday, intentional actions and Roots & Shoots projects.
Not only have we had Dr Goodall visiting, but also Nicole Dyson, Founder and CEO of Future Anything. Nicole has been working with our staff and Senior students to stimulate our creativity and develop our capacity
to think like an entrepreneur and take on real-world challenges with an open mind and curious mindset. Our Year 7 and 8 students spent a day working collaboratively in small teams, applying design-thinking processes and coming up with incredibly creative yet practical ideas to solve real-world issues.
The Girls’ School is the first school in New Zealand to work with Nicole Dyson. Our Senior students will soon be embarking on challenges during their Social Science programme which will embed the future capabilities of collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, problemsolving, and adaptivity to build an entrepreneurial mindset.
Students exercise agency when they are given the opportunity to dream up ideas, work collaboratively in teams to solve problems, think independently, and demonstrate initiative. This gives them a sense of purpose and increases their motivation. At the Girls’ School, we believe in the importance of fostering agency, because all the competencies that are associated with agency prepare our students for life.
Fides Servanda Est.
A Memorable MotherDaughter High Tea
On the Sunday following Mother’s Day, the Grand Millennium Hotel played host to a charming Mother Daughter High Tea event orchestrated by the Girls’ School. Mothers and daughters ascended the grand staircase to be greeted with a warm welcome of champagne for the mums and juice for the girls. The mums, resplendent in gorgeous dresses and florals, and their daughters, clean in their formal uniforms, mingled in the hotel’s elegant bar area. Laughter and chatter filled the air as friends engaged and the families posed for portraits.
When the doors to the tea room opened, gasps of delight echoed through the hall. The room was bathed in a violet glow from the hanging lights,
creating a magical atmosphere. Round tables of ten were set with an array of delightful goodies on tiered cake stands. The excitement was palpable as the girls indulged in an assortment of macarons, sandwiches, cake pops, biscuits, cakes, scones, and mini quiches. Waiting staff circulated with tea, adding to the elegant ambiance. While the girls eagerly sampled the treats, little activities were provided to keep them entertained. The event’s success was largely due to the meticulous planning of Girls’ School Parents & Friends Chair Jess Wahlstrom, supported by the committee. Jess’s organisational efforts ensured a seamless afternoon.
Special guests on the occasion included Merle Boniface, COO of Saint Kentigern
Trust Services, Deputy Head Girl from the College Tiana Gray, and Preschool Principal Megan Storey. A highlight of the afternoon was a heartwarming video montage featuring messages from the girls to their mums, bringing smiles and a few tears.
The event concluded with a raffle, where fortunate winners took home a wide range of prizes including a Basalaj Beauty makeup chest, Music Theory tuition, a dinner at Paris Butter, By Natalie silk sleep sets and more. The Mother Daughter High Tea was the perfect treat for our mothers and an opportunity for quality time away from the business of regular life.
VALUES WE LIVE BY
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Dr Jane Goodall Awakens Environmental Consciousness
In June, the Girls' School had the profound honour of hosting the esteemed Dr Jane Goodall. This significant event brought together students from multiple schools, including St Cuthbert’s College, Diocesan School for Girls, Victoria Avenue School, Kohimarama School, Newmarket School, Remuera Primary School, Meadowbank School and Churchill Park School, together with the Boys’ School, College, and Preschool.
Dr Goodall was welcomed by our Kapa Haka group. Principal Marianne Duston then officially greeted
the distinguished guests from the Jane Goodall Institute, the Saint Kentigern Trust Board, and the invited representatives from surrounding schools. Renowned for her pioneering research into chimpanzees and advocacy for environmental causes, Dr Goodall addressed the assembly, sharing the wisdom she has acquired over her many years of experience. She spoke of her journey, emphasising her lifelong love for animals, groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, and her development into a global advocate for environmental conservation.
Dr Goodall’s words resonated deeply with the audience, particularly her reflections on dreams and perseverance. “Some of you have dreams; hang on to your dreams, but don't be afraid to change it if you realise you've made a mistake or you learn something new. For me, my dream stayed strong and solid.”
She recounted her challenges and triumphs, highlighting her mother’s pivotal support which enabled her to defy societal expectations and pursue her passion for working with animals in Africa and publishing her work. A highlight of the morning was the
VALUES WE LIVE BY
student panel, where six curious students – two from our school and four invited guests – posed their burning questions. When asked what humans can learn from chimpanzees, Dr Goodall emphasised humility and the need to recognise our intellectual responsibilities in preserving the earth. She also spoke candidly about moments requiring courage, such as attending university without prior experience and confronting a lion in the wild. When asked if she could go back and choose another animal to study, she affirmed her unwavering dedication to the chimpanzees.
Following the presentation, Dr Goodall engaged with students and teachers involved in the Roots & Shoots exhibitions at the Girls’ School, showcasing each syndicate's dedication to conservation. Projects ranged from gardening initiatives to sustainable practices like beeswax wraps. This programme, inspired by Dr Goodall's vision, empowers young people to effect positive change in their communities, embodying the spirit of global citizenship and environmental stewardship.
Dr Goodall left a call to action imploring all in attendance to
pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the world. Hosting a pioneer in women’s scientific research and conservation was a privilege that left a profound impact on our school. Dr Goodall’s words and presence will inspire our youngest generation to carry forward her legacy of compassion, dedication, and environmental consciousness.
Growing Conservation Mindsets
JANE GOODALL'S ROOTS & SHOOTS CLASSROOM LEARNING
This year, our school became the first school in New Zealand to onboard Dr Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme into our day-to-day curriculum. Each cohort undertook age-appropriate initiatives that reflect the core philosophy of the programme. Empowering young people to identify issues in their communities and take meaningful action fosters the development of compassionate leaders who are dedicated to making the world a better place.
Seniors – Champions of Sustainability
Our Senior students (Years 7 and 8) have fully embraced the Roots & Shoots programme, focusing on a range of conservation projects. They took on the challenge of eradicating invasive moth plants, showcasing their commitment to preserving our local biodiversity. Our dedicated enviro-monitors also installed a new garden in our school rabbit’s area, providing a serene space for both students and wildlife.
Year 8 student Sophie Baker for her upcoming Science Fair project has undertaken an impressive project on water quality, highlighting the integration of environmental education into our curriculum. Additionally, the worm farm initiative, managed by the enviromonitors, promotes waste reduction by collecting food scraps from all school levels. Year 7 students took the lead in recycling efforts by collecting paper and coffee grounds from the staffroom, turning waste into valuable resources for our gardens. Through these projects, our Senior students are making significant strides in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Middle School – Growing Green Minds
Our Middle School students have been busy turning the school deck into a vibrant greenspace with planter boxes filled with vegetables, marigolds, and herbs. The produce they have grown has been used in class activities, giving students a handson approach to learning about sustainability and healthy eating. This project not only enhances the school's environment but also links to the students’ lessons on social and emotional wellbeing, embodying the ‘Marigold Effect’. By caring for these plants, students learn about nurturing relationships and the positive impact of companionship.
In their classroom studies, they delved into our country’s local flora and fauna, gaining a deeper understanding of New Zealand's native species. Their science lessons focused on our vast native biome, further connecting their practical gardening efforts to the broader ecosystem.
Junior School – Little Eco-Warriors
Our youngest students (Years 0–3), despite their young age, have been enthusiastic participants in the Roots & Shoots programme. In 2023, the Tread Lightly van visited the school, sparking their interest in sustainability through various integrated activities across subjects. This year, they've continued their efforts with wrapperless lunches, encouraging the whole school to reduce waste.
Years 2 and 3 students got stuck in on a beeswax-wrap project, making and selling wraps to promote sustainable lunch packing. They've also taken the initiative to label bins in the Junior area, ensuring everyone knows how to dispose of their waste correctly. These young eco-warriors are learning the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility from an early age, setting a strong foundation for their future.
'Eras Tour' Disco Makes Every Dream Sparkle
On Friday 21 June, JC Chalmers Hall was filled with more glitter than ever before as the Girls’ School hosted its muchanticipated Eras Disco. The night was split into two halves, with the Junior girls from Years 0–3 dancing while the sun set, followed by the Senior girls in Years 4–8 later in the night.
As the girls arrived to the pink carpet in their glittery outfits topped with cowgirl hats and bracelets to trade, there was palpable excitement.
Above them, floral décor from the ‘Speak Now’ era felt like a fairytale, and inside, the lit-up block letters ‘SKG’ provided the perfect backdrop to snap some memories along with the photobooth.
Another hit of the night was the accessories table, revealed once the
students entered the hall. Diamanté face decals, glitter, bracelet trading, and glow-in-the-dark kitten ears were available for the girls, ensuring everyone was dressed for the occasion.
The music spanned all of Taylor Swift's iconic eras, and the girls enthusiastically danced and sang along. From ‘Love Story’ to ‘Shake It Off,’ the energy was infectious. Several of our prefects led the singalong, assisted by the DJ who hyped the crowd. Deputy Principal Jill Wahlstrom managed to rally the girls for a dance circle which was a huge hit, and Principal Marianne Duston sported Taylor’s ‘Red’ era ringmaster outfit.
Although all good things must to come to an end, each girl received an Eras Tour cup filled with themed
stickers and their photobooth shots to remember the night. As they filed out of the hall, sprinklings of glitter could be seen under the disco ball, evidence of the best night ever!
The Eras Disco was a sparkling success filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It was a night where everyone, from the youngest students to the teachers, could let loose and celebrate together. A big thank you to the Girls’ School Parents & Friends, particularly chair Jess Wahlstrom, who put in many unseen hours and made this magical night possible.
VALUES WE LIVE BY
House Music Brings Term 2 to a Spectacular Close
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The last week of Term 2 at the Girls' School was marked by the much-anticipated House Music event, a lively afternoon bursting with House spirit. Girls from each House collaborated across year levels to produce entertaining performances and perfect their chants. In addition, each House was represented by talented soloists. The morning was spent rehearsing, filling the school with anticipation before the afternoon show.
Wishart House kicked it off with a polished rendition of Coldplay's ‘Viva la Vida’, featuring lyrics relevant to their school life. Next up was Hamilton House, bringing fierce energy with Sia's ‘Unstoppable’ complete with synchronised actions and powerful singing. Cargill House followed, ready to rise to the challenge with ‘We're All In This Together’ from
High School Musical. Their bright green costumes added vibrancy to their performance, and their dancing, led by animated prefects, stood out. Chalmers House closed the event with an unforgettable performance of Queen's ‘Don't Stop Me Now’. Their clever use of props and a prefect rap break elicited enthusiastic responses from the audience. To finish the afternoon, our talented Cultural Leader, Seunghye Chang, played ‘Romanian Folk Dances’ on the violin. The House Music event was a fantastic way to end the term, showcasing the girls' musical talents and House spirit in a fun celebration. As the inaugural edition at our school, we know the girls will be eager to surpass themselves next year.
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Nanogirl Ignites Sparks for Science
New Zealand Primary Science Week at our school had a supercharged boost with a visit from the one and only Tornado Tammy from Nanogirl! Following the focus of the week on fun and safety with science, her explosive ‘Matter Marvels’ show had our girls witnessing all the fiery, loud, explosive, and messy experiments that may have been too dangerous to repeat in the classroom.
Experiments like the mind-bending ‘Hand on Fire’ (where flames danced safely on Tornado Tammy’s hand) and the eruption of a foamy plume in the ‘Elephant’s Toothpaste’ demonstration left the girls in awe. Wide eyes and mouths open were indicative of pure wonder as the girls pondered how she seemed to defy logic. Nanogirl’s engaging performance not only entertained but also sparked an inquisitive mindset that is particularly important for our budding scientists. This is sure to fuel the creativity of our Senior students who will be preparing for their Science Fair in Term 3.
Puppet Theatres and Thrones at
EPro8
Our annual EPro8 Competition took place in Term 2, a highly anticipated couple of hours that challenges students in engineering and problem-solving. The competition saw remarkable participation from our Year 7 and 8 students, who demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and technical skills.
Participants faced a variety of intricate challenges designed to test their engineering acumen and precision. A widely chosen challenge was creating a puppet theatre with curtains that pulled to reveal a show, requiring some intricate mechanisms. Another favourite was building a throne with a leg rest on a hinge, which demanded accuracy in measurements and mathematical calculations.
In the Year 8 category, the team of Katelyn Klette, Isobel Horne, Pixie Edwards, and Mikayla Ewart clinched first place. They amassed the most points with their understanding of engineering principles and efficient collaboration skills. Equally commendable were the Year 7 students Doris Yang, Olivia Mu, Arabella Johnston, and Phyllis Xia, who also secured first place in their category.
Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication, and particularly to our winning teams for their outstanding achievements in this year's EPro8 Competition.
Junior School Nails Poetic Punchlines
Not quite knowing what to expect, parents, caregivers, and family friends piled into JC Chalmers Hall for our annual Year 0–3 Poetry Showcase. Junior School Dean Melinda Downes kicked off the event with a hilarious poem about the horror of seeing a teacher on a Saturday, much to the delight of students and parents alike who laughed at the all-too-relatable situation. The entertainment only continued from there.
The youngest performers were from 0MQ, bravely taking the stage with a class performance of ‘One, Two, Buckle My Shoe’. We also enjoyed nursery rhymes from two individuals – Charlotte Bird and Kaylee Kong, who showed courage and great enthusiasm for performance despite having been at school for less than half a year.
Among the highlights was the Year 3 class performance of Michael Rosen’s ‘Attacked by a Banana’, a humorous poem about a mischievous banana causing chaos, which had everyone in stitches with the girls' lively expressions and impeccable timing. The poem ‘The School Bag’ by Fifi Colston, performed by 3DH, was another standout with its clever depiction of a school bag’s adventures throughout the day.
The showcase featured not only class performances but also individual recitals of original poems, showcasing the girls' creativity and hard work. These poems painted wordscapes of seasons and colours through the eyes of our youngest school members, providing a taster of the creativity being captured in class writing lessons. After the performances, parents and caregivers
were given the opportunity to head to the girls’ classrooms to see their writing portfolios from the first half of the year.
After seven entertaining class poems, it is clear our Junior School is passionately in love with language. The joy in delivering the punchlines of their poems was palpable, many students grinning from ear to ear knowing the penny was about to drop for their enthralled audience. From even the youngest Year 0s, we can see a confidence and love for oral communication developing in the girls – a skill that will serve them far beyond their years of schooling.
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From Page to Stage –Year 6 Performance Evening
There is nothing like the hush of anticipation that blankets a waiting audience before a show begins.
Parents and staff piled into the Drama-room-turnedtheatre excited to watch their daughters perform, no doubt having heard bits and pieces as they practised at home. The lights dimmed, guests were welcomed, and the Year 6 Oral Performance Evening began.
After weeks of rehearsals, the girls were confident and prepared. The evening featured a delightful array of performances, from fractured fairytales like ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ to scenes inspired by the book ‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palacio, which had been studied in class.
In addition to the group performances, the showcase was part of the Year 6 Oral Assessment, which included tasks like reading aloud, presenting original spoken-word poems, and participating in roleplays and discussions. The girls’ enthusiasm and courage were evident as they brought their characters to life.
The evening highlighted the creativity, collaboration, and authentic joy in performance of our Year 6 students, leaving the audience with a few chuckles throughout the night. With school speeches coming up in Term 3, we no doubt have some skilled orators, which will make for tough competition in this year group.
Nicole Dyson Inspires Girls to Innovate and Create
The Year 7 and 8 girls were in for a treat when Nicole Dyson, multi-award-winning educator and entrepreneur, conducted a dynamic workshop that helped them turn everyday problems into creative solutions. Dyson, known globally for her work in projectbased learning and youth entrepreneurship, engaged the girls in a full-day brainstorming session that was as energetic as it was enlightening.
The room buzzed with activity as sticky notes flew, laptops hummed, and ideas bounced around. The girls were encouraged to let their creativity flow, with no idea considered too outlandish during the brainstorming stage. Once each group had settled on an idea, they moved on to prototyping their solutions. The girls then pitched their prototypes to small groups with the best ideas moving forward to be presented to the entire cohort.
Among the innovative concepts were apps promoting kindness on social media, a high-tech device enforcing social media limits, and the standout idea—a public-toiletcleaning robot that promised to transform unpleasant experiences into far more hygienic encounters. This winning pitch by Juliet Dryden and Lucia Zhang took away top prize, and every participant walked away with newfound confidence and inspiration.
Dyson's visit left a lasting impression, demonstrating that with the right guidance, young minds can generate solutions with the potential to shape the future. She passionately believes that “youth-led ideas have the power to bend the future”. At Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, we are committed to providing opportunities for our girls to act upon their curiosity and pursue what might initially seem like crazy ideas, knowing that they could become the next big solutions.
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Hamilton Takes the Cross Country Crown
This year’s Cross Country event was held across two days, with the Year 0–2 students running on the Martyn Wilson Field and the Year 3–8 students racing at the College. Each age group completed two laps of their respective tracks, allowing them to gauge their remaining energy for a strong finish on the second lap.
Our young runners in Years 0–2 had a fantastic time navigating their course, some for their first-ever effort at a lengthy run. The Year 3–8 students faced their challenge head-on, showcasing determination and grit as they delivered outstanding performances at the College.
Hamilton House emerged victorious this year, securing the most points through strong participation and top-ten finishes. Congratulations to all our runners for their efforts, and a special thank you to our family members who came out to support and cheer for their children.
HOUSE RANKINGS:
1st Hamilton
2nd Wishart
3rd Cargill
4th Chalmers
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS:
YEAR 0
1st Willow Swan
2nd Charlotte Bird
3rd Athena Stirling
YEAR 1
1st Summer Rowe
2nd Angela Liu
3rd Eliza Campbell
YEAR 2
1st Angie Nong
2nd Jianing Shen
3rd Selene Xue
YEAR 3
1st Lola Seton
2nd Victoria Kirwan
3rd Mei Holy
YEAR 4
1st Adeline Scott
2nd Elly Chiu
3rd Harriet Perry
YEAR 5
1st Evie Reynolds
2nd Ashley Wang
3rd Emilie Gallaugher
YEAR 6
1st Christine Cooney
2nd Immie Whitwell
3rd Charlotte McGuinness
YEAR 7
1st Olivia Moule
2nd Alyssa Dempsey
3rd Layla Tuala-Glassie
YEAR 8
1st Farrah Palmer
2nd Ely Lenton
3rd Isla Deeney
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Sports Round Up
A CONCISE OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT OUR GIRLS' SCHOOL
Auckland Primary and Intermediate Snowsports Championships
We had a fantastic turnout at the Auckland Primary and Intermediate Snowsports Championships held at Snowplanet, with nine girls representing the school in both the slope style and slalom events.
Sisters Alayna Yuan and Ayanna Yuan put on a superb performance winning the overall Auckland Snowboard Champs for Year 3. Alayna put two top-three finishes up: winning the slalom and coming second in the slope style. Ayanna made it 1-2 for Saint Kentigern Girls’ School by taking second in the slalom for Year 3s. Additionally, Year 4 Lily Milde won bronze in the slope style ski and Year 8 Amber Man came third in the slope style snowboard.
Tennis Stars International Success
Two of our students, Year 8 Rosalie Pollyn and Year 7 Olivia Gibbons were selected to represent New Zealand at the Australian Teams Championships in June.
Rosalie and her team finished 1st in the 13U Australian Championships, and Olivia’s team finished 5th in the 11U grade. Rosalie and Olivia then headed over to Europe to gain more experience in Northern Hemisphere competitions. We are very proud of these two tennis players who are flying the flag both in New Zealand and internationally.
Hockey Team at Interzones after Second-place Zone Finish
The Hockey team had a very successful Eastern Zones tournament, winning each of their pool games. The girls faced Baradene in the final, ultimately finishing in second with a hard-fought loss. At Interzones in early August, they won three of four pool games, ultimately playing off for fifth and sixth place. They ended the day on a win against The Gardens School, 3–0. Special thanks to Lisa Harrison who provided expert coaching and gameplans on the day.
Two Silvers for 7A and 8A Netball
The 7A and 8A netball teams have had an outstanding season, both finishing second in their respective Auckland grades. Earlier in Term 3, the 7A girls competed at the Eastern Zones Championship, winning convincingly. They are off to the Auckland Championships at the end of August, hoping to clinch the overall title. A big thank you to Torise Flay and Jasmyn Tavita for taking the team to make the day happen for our girls.
College
Upcoming Events
TECHNOLOGY EXPO - 29 AUGUST
Explore our student technology projects from 6:30pm in the Jack Paine Centre.
PARENTS & FRIENDS GUEST SPEAKER EVENING - 4 SEPTEMBER
Hear from sleep expert Dr Alex Bartle on 4 September at 7pm in the Chapel.
WINTER TOURNAMENT WEEK - 2-6 SEPTEMBER
Watch our winter teams compete in their national sports tournaments.
SENIOR SCHOOL EXAM PERIOD - 9-20 SEPTEMBER
Focused exam preparation and internal assessments will take place.
Our Vision for Learning
Mr Damon Emtage BEd, M Ed College Principal
In a world of constant change, schools hold a profound responsibility to prepare students for both the present and the future. In the first Pakuranga Campus Building Development bulletin, we introduced our Vision for Learning within the context of our upcoming construction plans for the Year 12 and 13 building. I'd like to further unpack what this vision means for our students and its significance as outlined in Saint Kentigern's strategic Statement of Intent. This vision is central to our mission of inspiring students to strive for excellence in all areas of life, for the glory of God and the service of others. It is articulated through four main pillars: Personalised Learning, Wellbeing and Care, Character, and Community.
PERSONALISED LEARNING
At the heart of our educational philosophy is a commitment to personalised learning. We believe that each of our student’s educational
journey is unique. Our approach positions students at the centre of their educational experiences, engaging them in authentic, relevant, and innovative learning opportunities. We provide extensive opportunities for students to tailor their educational paths through a robust curriculum, broad and large subject choice, and dual learning pathways through IB and NCEA. By creating an environment where students can choose what they learn, and then how and where they learn, we cultivate student agency, nurture curiosity, and develop critical thinking and creativity. Teachers act as facilitators and mentors, guiding students through a spectrum of evidence-informed practices and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential. The deployment of six pedagogy coaches lead and support the efficacy of our learning and teaching across the College.
WELLBEING AND CARE
The wellbeing of our students is fundamental to their success and is a cornerstone of our Vision for Learning. We place relationships, care, and trust at the heart of everything we do, ensuring the growth and wellbeing of both students and staff.
Wellbeing and care are anchored in our pastoral care system, which creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and connected. Through independent yet interconnected support networks such as our House and tutor group systems, along with our boarding community, we foster a strong sense of belonging. By embedding wellbeing throughout every aspect of school life, we ensure our students are emotionally and socially fulfilled, shaping resilient, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. Underpinning the importance of relationships and wellbeing as a fundamental precursor to effective learning is the agency for students to be able to connect in a variety of spaces.
CHARACTER
Character development is woven into the fabric of our educational experiences, providing diverse opportunities for growth spiritually, physically, culturally, and creatively. With a deep focus on faith and abundant opportunities in sports, creative arts, and service - and complemented by the largest Duke of Edinburgh programme in New Zealand - we ensure our students
develop a strong foundation of values, enriching their character and leadership skills. By instilling confidence, passion, self-belief, and gratitude, we empower them to be compassionate and effective individuals who go on to make a positive impact on the communities and world around them. Support systems and resources are integrated into all domains of the College to ensure students have the advocacy they require to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
COMMUNITY
We’re committed to building a connected and collaborative educational community. We value the importance of community engagement, communication, and interdisciplinary studies.
Our Vision for Learning includes creating opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders, alumni, and the broader community, facilitating the exchange of ideas and shared knowledge. Explicit and tangible recognition and respect for our Presbyterian heritage, iwi, and forebearers will perpetuate our values and roots for generations of students. Our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility reflects our dedication to making a positive impact on the world. By promoting collaboration and inclusivity, we prepare our students to be active, responsible, and socially aware citizens.
Our Vision for Learning is about developing the whole person, cultivating personal excellence, wellbeing, character, and a sense of community. Our role is to provide an education that prepares students to thrive in an everchanging world, inspiring them to lead lives of purpose and service. By instilling confidence and encouraging thoughtful choices, we aim to help them believe in their abilities and uphold the values that guide our community.
Fides Servanda Est.
Farewell, Reverend David Smith
After 21 years of devoted service to Saint Kentigern, Reverend David Smith, affectionately known as ‘the Rev’, marked his final day at the College on 30 May. His tenure was celebrated by current and former staff, students, and his family during a special morning tea and a full school assembly.
During the staff morning tea, Trust Boad Chair Mark Conelly and College Principal Damon Emtage expressed their deep gratitude to Reverend Smith for his spiritual leadership over the years. He has been a steadfast presence at our Pakuranga Campus, providing support and care to staff, students, alumni, and the community.
Rev’s Saint Kentigern roots run deep. To commemorate his dedicated service to the school, he was presented with a Celtic cross, a kōwhai tree as a symbol of trust in his abilities and judgement, and a pounamu necklace offered by Bruce House Head Boy Benjamin Moughan.
Throughout his time at the College, Rev played a crucial role in championing our Presbyterian and Christian faith through his life and work. With his unique ability to communicate and connect with people of all ages in both his sermons at Chapel services and many other
occasions across the College, he has become an integral and highly respected member of the community.
One individual profoundly impacted by the Rev was 2023 Deputy Head Boy George Turner. George returned to perform his original song ‘Bleed Blue’ in the Rev’s honour. The beautiful acoustic song evoked a nostalgia that resonated with everyone at the assembly.
Reverend Smith has led by example through his involvement in many important aspects of campus life. His leadership in developing the College’s extensive service programme has provided opportunities for thousands of students to put service into action and discover their best selves. He also served as Head of Boarding for over three years, significantly enhancing the culture of Bruce House.
Moving into a new chapter, Reverend Smith will serve as the Minister at Somervell Presbyterian Church in Remuera. We thank Rev for his faithful service to Saint Kentigern and wish him all the very best in serving the congregation of Somervell Church.
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Student Success Stories
Alan Chen Represents New Zealand Debating
Year 12 student Alan Chen was selected to the New Zealand Debating team for 2024. This prestigious achievement follows Alan's stellar performance with the Auckland White team in the Auckland regional debates, with the formal announcement of the team at the formal ceremony in Wellington.
Alan represented New Zealand at the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) in Serbia in late July. Prior to the WSDC, Alan and the NZ team competed in the Spring Prague Debate, falling only in the quarterfinals to China’s national team and the eventual winners of that debate.
The world competition involved more than seventy national teams. As part of the New Zealand team, Alan won half of the in-rounds, defeating France, Bermuda, Israel, and the Czech Republic, and progressed to the doubleoctofinals. In a challenging debate, we affirmed the motion, ‘This House would put an upper age limit of 60 years old for individuals running for political office’ – a somewhat controversial point to support. The team worked hard to make a nuanced and still forceful case, however, were ultimately defeated by Scotland (the eventual winners of the tournament).
This marks the second consecutive year that a Saint Kentigern student has been chosen for the national team, following 2023 graduate Chris Ye’s selection last year.
Year 11 Team Wins 2024 NZ Secondary School Case Competition
Congratulations to the Year 11 team of Micah Chen, Jaden Lee, Quentin Lemusu-Vuletich, and Matthew Stubbs for winning the 2024 New Zealand Secondary Schools Case Competition.
The team was one of six selected to present at Massey University after submitting an online video on New Zealand co-operatives. Their chosen business was Fonterra, and they proposed farming Asparagopsis (red seaweed) as a supplement to dairy cattle feed to reduce methane emissions potentially by up to 90%.
Students had a week to produce a 10-minute video presentation on the chosen topic. Top entries received feedback and had 48 hours to refine their presentations for the finals.
The competition – the largest high-school case competition in the country – aims to develop entrepreneurship skills and raise awareness of business issues. The College had twenty-four students across six teams participate this year.
“The standard of entries is highly competitive,” said Mr Brian Peel, Head of Faculty – Commerce. “To place first requires creativity, substantial research, and effective presentation skills.”
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Two Earn Spots in NZ Chemistry Olympiad Team
The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is an annual competition that brings together high school students from across the world to participate in rigorous theoretical and practical chemistry exams. The four-person team that will represent NZ in the upcoming 2024 IChO in Saudi Arabia will include Daniel Xian and I (Alexandre Geron), chosen via a lengthy selection process starting in late 2023.
The first test in early October selected a training group of around 150 students, who were provided with online modules and assignments in preparation for the second test in March. This second test selected 32 students who were offered a place in a one-week camp in late April. In anticipation of this camp, two practical sessions totalling about 14 hours were hosted on familiar territory at our College
at the beginning of the April holidays.
The camp, held at the Tibbs House at Auckland Grammar, allowed participants to walk between the University of Auckland and St Peter’s College between lectures, breaks and lab work. Professors from universities across the country lectured on a variety of topics including kinetics, equilibrium, and organic chemistry. Additionally, we were able to use the exceptional laboratory facilities at the University of Auckland to practise organic synthesis, spectroscopy, titrations, distillation, and other lab techniques.
At the end of the camp, four students (including Daniel Xian and I) were chosen to represent New Zealand after a practical and theoretical exam. The team competed in Saudi Arabia in late July and did incredibly well. Daniel and I received
a silver and a bronze medal, respectively. Gold medals are awarded to the top 12% of students, silver medals are awarded to the next 22% of students, and bronze medals are awarded to the next 32% of students. Daniel’s silver medal placed him among the highest-ranked silver medalists New Zealand has ever seen. Competing against 327 students from around 90 countries, many of whom were 18-19 years old, Daniel turned 16 during the competition, making his achievement even more remarkable. A special thanks to past College Head of Science Department, Peter Hadfield and the Peter Hadfield Trust for their support in funding part of our trip.
Written
by Year 12 student
Alexandre Geron
Premier Debaters Looking for Win in Auckland Knockouts
Our Premier Debating team has excelled this season, finishing second in Auckland based on wins, opponent strength, and speaking points, matching the win tally of top-ranked Kristin. As they head into the knockout rounds in Term 3, the team is well-positioned for success. They recently defeated Mount Roskill Grammar in the quarterfinal on 31 July and are gearing up for the semifinal later in August. We wish them all the best as they look to defend their title.
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Adventures Abroad
Language Trip to Spain
In the July holidays, nineteen of our Year 11 to 13 students left for an eighteen-day exploration through Spain. The adventure began in Barcelona, where students marvelled at Gaudi's masterpieces, explored La Rambla, and savoured the delights of La Boqueria. The journey continued to Valencia, where students enjoyed authentic paella and relaxed on the beach. The highlight for many was a week in the coastal village of Nerja, living with Spanish families and attending language school. The trip concluded in Granada with a visit to the Alhambra, and Madrid, where students explored the Prado Museum and the Bernabéu Stadium. This immersive experience allowed students to fully engage with the language, culture, and history of Spain.
Language Trip to China
During the April holidays, thirty Year 11 to 13 students accompanied by staff flew to China to immerse themselves in the culture they had been learning about. The trip began with two days in Beijing exploring the Great Wall and Forbidden City. The core of the experience was at Xi'an International Studies University (XISU), where students engaged in Chinese language lessons, Tai Chi, calligraphy, and traditional crafts. Highlights included visits to the Terra Cotta Warriors, Tang Paradise, and a noodle-making workshop, blending learning with cultural immersion. Our language students left with a deepened appreciation for Chinese culture, putting a visual landscape and real faces to the words they had been practising for some time. SCAN FOR MORE
College Performing Artists Take the USA
In April, our Performing Arts Department took an incredible trip to Los Angeles and New York. Divided into drama, dance, and music groups, students immersed themselves in specialised workshops and classes. The dance group attended advanced sessions at top studios and met a Rockette, while the drama group delved into acting techniques and enjoyed Broadway shows. Music students visited Birdland and Juilliard, gaining insights into professional training. Highlights included a Disneyland visit and studio recording sessions. This experience, supported by dedicated teachers, left students with fresh inspiration for their craft and unforgettable memories.
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F1 Racers in Adelaide
Classics Trip Explores Ancient Wonders
In July, 31 Classics students embarked on a 71 tour to Greece and Italy, visiting Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and Nafplio. They explored ancient monuments, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo, and participated in unique activities like racing on ancient tracks. The journey continued to Italy, with highlights such as Pompeii, the Colosseum, and a ferry trip along the Amalfi Coast. This culturally enriching experience, filled with history and adventure, provided unforgettable memories for all involved.
In March, fourteen students headed over the ditch to Adelaide for the F1 in Schools Australian National Finals. This dynamic competition involves teams of four to five students designing, manufacturing, and racing their own miniature Formula One cars. The experience was incredibly enriching, with teams Marino, Ngā Tūī, and Aotearo1 dedicating months to perfecting their cars. Inspired by the event, a new team, FERNZ, was formed to compete in the F1 in Schools World Competition. They aim to establish a national competition in New Zealand and seek support for their mission at fernz.org.
Pipes & Drums Perform at the Basel Tattoo
In July, the Pipes & Drums performed at the prestigious Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, featuring one thousand participants from around the globe. Representing New Zealand, our band joined forces with other international groups who also have Scottish connections. The opening act was a grand display, combining with 200 other pipers and drummers to form the Swiss Cross on a shield. This performance earned nightly standing ovations from an audience of 8000 people. The trip was not all business, however, and included time to explore the Swiss Alps and historic sites in Basel.
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Service Initiatives Support Wider Community
VALUES WE LIVE BY
In Term 2, The Shed project made a significant impact by delivering 680 food boxes to families in need. Each week, twenty boxes were sent to Presbyterian Support Northern in Manurewa, twenty to Glen Innes Primary School, five to the Police, and twenty-five to Presbyterian Support Northern in New Lynn. Social workers collected and distributed these boxes, ensuring they reached families who needed extra support.
The food boxes contained a mix of nonperishable and fresh items. Students contributed non-perishable items through foodbank collections, while parent volunteers packed fresh items weekly. Each box included essentials like mince, onions, carrots, sliced bread,
margarine, and milk. Non-perishable items included rice, pasta, coconut milk, tomatoes, tuna, jam, margarine, two-minute noodles, chocolate biscuits, baked beans, toothpaste, soap, Weetbix, and milk. Valued at $74 each, these boxes provided comprehensive support to families, helping them prepare nutritious meals.
We also partnered with the Painga Project again this year for a shoe drive We collected over 370 pairs of shoes which were sorted into categories of school shoes, trainers, sports, and sandals. These will be greatly appreciated by families in Papakura.
The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge kicked off on 21 June, with various year groups participating in fundraising
activities. Year 8 tutor group 8SJJ held a successful bake sale, our Service Prefects organised a Year 9 social on 9 August, and a group of Senior rowers conducted a rowing challenge. At the end of August, World Vision representatives will attend a full-school assembly where we will present a fundraising cheque, recognise the top fundraising House, and congratulate the top five students who raised over $500. Additionally, students from Sommerville Special School and Riverhills Primary School attended the matinee for the Dance Showcase at the end of Term 2. Their students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, highlighting the inclusive and community-focused spirit of our school events.
Honouring our Brave Heroes
The College was well represented at the Howick Anzac Day parade and service held at Stockade Hill. Our Pipe Band is highly involved in the ceremony and they led the procession of schools to Stockade Hill, playing beautifully. Our school representatives of prefects, Middle School leaders and staff were honoured to be joined by our Quad Rugby guests from Scots College, St Andrew’s College, and Lindisfarne College. The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and MP Simeon Brown, included our Head Prefects laying a wreath in honour of our fallen soldiers.
Additionally, two of our Year 9 students performed at the Anzac service in Saint Heliers. Trumpeter Kara Scouller performed the Last Post and the Reveille, while piper Liam Jarvis led special guests into the ceremony, played a lament after the one-minute silence, and led everyone out at the ceremony’s conclusion.
Bruce House’s ‘Got Talent!’
On 13 March, the inaugural Bruce House’s Got Talent competition took place, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting annual event. This hotly contested House event showcased the immense talent of many of our boarders, with performances ranging from expertly choreographed dance routines to soulful singing solos and duets.
Sara Standring, Director of Performing Arts, and Reverend Smith were the esteemed guest judges for the evening, and they had the immensely tough job of deciding the winners from an array of impressive acts. The competition was exceedingly close, highlighting the high level of talent of the participants.
Taking home the first-place trophy were the dynamic ‘Dancing Queens’ comprised of Benny Moughan, Brody Donaldson, Freddy Hitchcock, Oscar Anderson, and Brayden Hills. Their performance was a spectacular dance mash-up that included elements of bagpipes, haka, ballet, and boy band routines, providing quality entertainment for the audience and judges alike.
In second place, Max Lee captivated everyone with his acoustic guitar performance of 'My Love Mine All Mine' by Mitski, showcasing his musical versatility and stage presence. Julia Hu secured third place with her powerful vocal performance of 'Golden Hour' by JVKE, earning high praise for her talent and delivery.
All the contestants were incredibly brave to perform in front of their peers and the boarders showed tremendous House spirit by enthusiastically supporting everyone who took to the stage. The event was a grand success, thanks to the hard work of the participants and the positive energy of the audience.
Congratulations to all the boarders who participated, and we look forward to many more spectacular performances in future editions of Bruce House’s Got Talent!
Year 13s Celebrate Under Harbour Lights
The annual College Ball is always a highlight for our Year 13 students. It was a wonderful way to celebrate as an entire cohort for our final year all together. This year, our Ball Committee decided to host the ball at the Viaduct Events Centre which is a beautiful location that overlooks the Waitematā Harbour. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by an 8-metre-long tunnel filled with fairy lights and an arrival photo. All the students looked stunning in their dresses and suits. The spacious venue looked amazing with each detail planned by the Ball Committee.
Goodfellow Centre Hosts TEDx Youth Record 266 students for DOE Bronze Award
When asked to describe New Zealand, those unfamiliar with the country would likely depict a lush, green, largely unpopulated island. The reality is, Auckland is much like the rest of the Western world with painful peak-hour traffic rushes and houses packed in the closer you get to the CBD. It can be easy to forget that just beyond the daily hum of the city is rugged bush, mountains, and rolling farmland hills. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DOE) is a unique opportunity open to students, encouraging them to explore the landscapes our country has to offer.
The Bronze Award is the entry level into DOE, which typically sees Year 9 and 10 students complete requirements around a physical activity, including skills, service, and an expedition. This year, the College had a record 266 students participate in the practice journeys in preparation for their expedition later in the year at Field Centre.
Two of the participants, Olivia Kurzeja and Maddie Saunderson, reflected on their weekend away, both grateful for the people they got to know and the snacks they packed to keep them going! “I really enjoyed facing a new challenge and doing something different to what I would normally do. Part of the challenge was taking on this task with people that I wouldn’t normally spend time with. It was refreshing to be free from social media and not be on my phone for two days,” said Olivia.
Along the same vein, Maddie commented, “I really enjoyed being able to share the experience with some of my closest friends, and I even got the opportunity to create new friendships with people I wouldn’t have normally spoken to! It was an amazing learning opportunity, and we were able to learn the basic survival needs of camping in the wild or in campgrounds.”
DOE Teacher in Charge Will Cage-Brown was proud of the way the students embraced discomfort, challenge, and worked together to enjoy their weekend. Despite some difficult conditions, “when tested physically and emotionally on the trails, their attitudes were positive,” he said. With Field Centre incoming at the end of the year, students have plenty of time to reflect, prepare, and build anticipation for their Qualifying Journey into the Silver Award.
On 8 May, our school proudly hosted a TEDx Youth event, bringing together high school speakers from Lynfield College, King’s College, and Saint Kentigern College for an evening of ‘Passionate Ideas Worth Sharing’. This student-initiated and student-led event fulfilled several students’ Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) IB project requirements. It also aimed to create a platform for students across Auckland to share their ideas and inspirations with an enthusiastic audience.
Organised by a dedicated team of four students (Charles Sang, Jina You, Jonathan Chia, Fiona Yan) over four months, the event involved meticulous planning, including obtaining a TEDx licence and coordinating logistics. The night featured six high-quality presentations from selected student speakers. Representing Saint Kentigern were Joy Luo, who spoke on ‘The Myth of Modern Freedom’, and Steve Rui, who presented on ‘Stoats’. As these ideas were shared, the audience—primarily secondary school students—was educated on niche subjects and invited to ponder the speakers’ claims.
The successful organisation of this TEDx Youth event at our school has laid the foundation for future intellectual exchanges. The students who seized the opportunity to craft, research, and present engaging talks have gained invaluable skills in persuasion and public speaking that will serve them well in any field they choose to pursue.
Words in a Storyteller’s World Careers Panel Evening Inspires Students' Futures
Writing makes you strong. The strokes and lines that form the characters we call letters, precisely woven together, have the ability to persuade, encourage, transport, and inform. Every day in our Western reality, carefully crafted phrases catch our eye on billboards or in news articles. Sometimes to escape, we indulge in world-building painted across our mindscape by a creative fictional author. Yet, despite its importance, creating a lucrative career out of harnessing words is a space few master.
There has been a tangible uplift in interest at the College Writer’s Club in the last few years. To encourage and inspire our young writers, two individuals with an affinity for words came to share their work and stories. Author Graci Kim, best known for the ‘Gifted Clans’ trilogy, and Māori poet Apirana Taylor brought fresh energy to our students. Despite their different journeys, both have landed in a space that allows them to write for a living, sparking inspiring and meaningful conversations in our students.
On 6 May, Graci visited our Writer’s Club and several Middle School classes to share her story. Refreshingly, the most common word she used was ‘fail’ as she delved into her numerous jobs prior to becoming a published author. Later in the month, Apirana conducted sessions with Senior and Scholarship English students from Years 11, 12, and 13. He shared his story of returning to his first dream: to be a writer “just like Dad”.
In 2023, the College became the only New Zealand institution to join the National English Honor Society for Secondary Schools. The NEHS has added a further layer, primarily for our Seniors, of writing essays and investigations that explore literature. We plan to continue hearing from New Zealand creative voices as part of our English curriculum as we encourage our students to harness the potency and power of words.
On 13 June, Student Futures hosted its Careers Panel Evening, a pivotal event designed to aid student career exploration. Seventy speakers from various industries including engineering, human resources, property, IT, commerce, filmmaking, and allied health shared their journeys and expertise. The speakers, many of whom are former students, were divided into small groups and stationed in classrooms around Macky Quad.
The event featured three 25-minute sessions from 6:30 to 8pm, allowing students from Years 10 to 13 and their families to attend and engage in discussions. The flexible format encouraged speakers to share their insights and experiences in their own unique ways. Some provided a more formal presentation with question opportunities at the end, while others opted for one-on-one conversations to build relationships.
This voluntary event is a key component of Saint Kentigern’s Student Futures initiative, helping students shape their academic and career pathways. By connecting with alumni and industry professionals, students gain valuable perspectives on their future endeavours. Thank you to all of the alumni who took time out of their evenings to share with our students.
F1 in Schools Team Accelerating Towards Success
Our College F1 in Schools (F1iS) team has been rapidly gaining momentum. This cocurricular club, led by teachers Henry Franck and Patrick Hedder, meets twice a week, supplemented by after-school sessions for training and manufacturing. During these sessions, Henry, a former design engineer and current Technology teacher, along with Physics teacher Patrick, guide the teams through the intricate process of designing and developing miniature F1 cars.
The students are fortunate to have some of the best facilities available at a high-school level, including a professional track, CNC machine, and wind tunnel, with plans to acquire a high-quality carbon-fibre 3D printer. What began with a single team’s trip to Australia last year has burgeoned into a robust programme, now featuring six
full teams. Ranging in members from Year 9–13, the teams include FERNZ, a Professional Class team aiming for the World Championships later this year. Their mission, according to team member Matthew Stubbs, is to “establish a national competition throughout New Zealand and to be able to offer a high-level engineering and business programme to students”.
F1iS combines the technical skills of building and racing the cars with business acumen. Beyond applying the design process to create F1 car prototypes to race at speeds of up to 75km/h, teams also design booths and portfolios. They are responsible for their team’s brand and marketing, which is assessed by the judges at each competition.
The wider enterprise aims to promote the learning of STEM subjects, as students use industry-level software
for various aspects of their F1 car development. Teams are also required to fund themselves through acquiring industry sponsorship, which allows them to compete overseas. For companies interested in sponsorship, they receive marketing through social media and overseas promotion via branding on cars, uniforms, and booths. These skills are invaluable as students move into professional settings posthigh school, particularly in engineering and commerce.
The programme’s rapid growth and success are a result of the students’ passion and the dedicated support of their mentors. We look forward to FERNZ’s campaign as they continue to work towards a berth at the World Championships in Saudi Arabia this November.
VALUES WE LIVE BY
Business Studies supports Bellyful New Zealand Charitable Trust
The Jack Paine Centre was a hive of activity on May 8, brimming with students whose pockets jingled with cash while they negotiated hard bargains. A total of 105 students organised into twentythree business groups brought this bustling marketplace to life. Their task was to create, produce, and sell their products using their own invested capital. Each business articulated its pūtake (mission statement) and objectives, which guided their endeavours.
The Business Fair marks the
practical culmination of the price determination Achievement Standard within the Commerce with Business curriculum. This event was part of a six-week programme where students engage in business planning, market research, and strategic thinking. They also navigate the financial and production complexity of running a business, providing a real-world test of their theoretical knowledge.
A twenty-percent tax on profits with an exemption for loss-making groups, alongside a two-dollar stall fee, added a layer of real-world
financial management to the exercise. This initiative served dual purposes of education and charity, with the proceeds totalling $355 donated to the Bellyful New Zealand Charitable Trust.
The Business Fair seamlessly blended academic rigour with practical experience. Students not only learned the fundamentals of running a business but also experienced the satisfaction of contributing to their community, underscoring the importance of social impact as an integral part of modern business practices.
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Echoes of Scotland at Ceilidh
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The resonant echo of bagpipes filled Elliot Hall on the chilly evening of 8 June, beckoning guests inside to the warmth and heralding the triumphant return of the annual College Ceilidh. As attendees crossed the threshold into the hall, grouped in eights for the traditional ‘Grand March’, they were enveloped by the stirring melodies and palpable anticipation of what promised to be an anything-but-boring night.
Duncan McQueen, with his customary charm, welcomed the gathering. And then, as if summoned by the very heartbeat of Scotland itself, the first and second Pipe Bands emerged, a force of perfectly synchronised melodies. The air crackled with energy as the pipers, dressed in their resplendent regalia, reverberated through every corner of the hall. Their stirring performance, featuring the
skirl of the pipes intertwined with the thunderous rhythm of the drums, was a shadow of the incredible music that will be a part of the Basel Tattoo in July.
This was only the beginning of the evening’s festivities. With infectious laughter and an all-in attitude, guests took to the dance floor. Amidst the whirl of tartan and twirl of feet, there was a palpable sense of joy as dancers of all ages and backgrounds endeavoured to master the steps of Scottish country dancing.
Throughout the evening, the spirit of Scotland permeated every aspect of the celebration. In the grand tradition of Scottish gatherings, Charles Adams delivered an energetic rendition of the Ode to the Haggis, the perfect homage to the Great Bard, before guests sat down to eat a hearty meal complete with haggis.
Silent auction items were available to bid on throughout the night, tempting guests with the promise of some incredible prizes. The proceeds garnered from this auction were dedicated to supporting the forthcoming journey of the College Pipes and Drums to the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland – a prestigious event where they are slated to make their second appearance.
As the night drew to a close, the echoes of laughter and music lingered in the air. Though Elliot Hall pales in comparison to a lively bar amongst the misty moors and ancient castles of Scotland, the spirit could be felt thousands of kilometres away.
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Music Highlights
Crowd Gets Behind 13-Band Rock Showcase
On 14 June, the College Rock Showcase lit up Elliot Hall, our band members commanding attention from centre stage as the first reverbs sounded. The electric atmosphere will be remembered by all who attended, with the crowd’s enthusiasm evident through their cheering, singing along, clapping, and hyping up the performers. For many bands, it was their first time performing on the Elliot Hall stage, making the evening even more special. Our bands worked hard leading up to the showcase, with some preparing throughout the term and others beginning their journey at the start of the year in anticipation of the Smokefree Rockquest.
The lineup for the evening featured an impressive array of talented bands: Saving Leftovers, Last Minute Delivery, Big Win, Oh Behave, 10/10, Cabbage Vendor, Agitated Skittles, Bland Cactus, Silver Linings, BACKS, Ice In A Cup, Airplane Mode, O.W.T., and 3 Day Rain.
Among them, O.W.T. and 3 Day Rain recently performed at the Manukau Smokefree Rockquest heats, making it through to the regional competition. They each performed original co-written music – 3 Day Rain with ‘Dunes of Gold’, and O.W.T. performing ‘With You’ and ‘Naïve’.
The Rock Showcase provided a night of thorough entertainment and an opportunity for the hard work and dedication of these talented students to be displayed. The audience was also introduced to the new teacher involved with the bands, Brett Vogel, who MC’d the event.
Chamber Music Evening Kicks Off Successful Chamber Season
Many of our talented musicians at the College spend hours refining their skills. Though much time is spent alone running scales to perfection, many of our instrumentalists also join together for frequent orchestra or band practices each week. To foster a stronger sense of community, chamber ensembles have become increasingly popular among our musicians. They offer an opportunity to play and perform with friends, form new friendships, and learn beautiful, intimate pieces that still require an element of collaboration.
The week before the Auckland Chamber Music Competition, the College hosted its Chamber Music Evening, an intimate show for family and friends of our chamber groups. Eight groups
AN OVERVIEW OF MUSICAL EVENTS AT THE COLLEGE SCAN FOR MORE
performed, most of which were made up of all Saint Kentigern members. The night featured a variety of ensembles including several piano trios and some unique combinations, such as the fourman percussion ensemble ‘Good Vibes’. Our performers then went on to impress the judges at the Auckland Chamber Music Competition in a bid to advance to the regional and national competitions. ‘Trio Élégiaque’ featuring violinist Amy Chen, cellist Hyun Jae Lee, and pianist Peter Hu won Best Overall Group on the night. This group went on to place second at the Northern Regional finals and received the June Clifford National Finalist Award at the National Final.
We also had a full College percussion
ensemble receive Highly Commended and Best Performance of an NZ Work awards. ‘Good Vibes’, the aforementioned fourman group featuring Isaac Chang and Peter Hu on piano and Jason Wong and Christian Maio on percussion, performed brilliantly.
Two other Saint Kentigern students received Highly Commended placings as a part of mixed school bands: Ryan Cen from ‘Chiron Junior’ and Elisa Wu from ‘Milhaud a Rio’. Elisa’s group also received the NZ Double Reed Society Award with their flute, oboe, clarinet, and piano ensemble. Her group went on to win third place at the Regional Final, and finished their year with third place at Nationals.
Kentoris Headed for Big Sing Nationals
Our College singers have backed up last year’s success with their recent performance at the Big Sing Regionals held in the Auckland Town Hall. With seventy-five choirs from across the region competing for a spot in the national finale, our school proudly sent two groups: Kentoris, the Senior auditioned mixed choir, and Musettes, the all-comers upper voice choir.
Kentoris delivered ‘Jubilate Deo’ by Peter Anglea, ‘Drop, Drop Slow Tears’ by Brian Webb, and ‘Someday I'll Meet You Again’ from the film ‘Passage to Marseille’. Musettes impressed with ‘Oceans & Stars’ by Amy Bernon and ‘One’ from the musical ‘A Chorus Line’.
This year marked the largest contingent from our school in recent years, with nearly ninety students participating. We are thrilled to announce that Kentoris has been selected for the prestigious national finale in Wellington at the end of August, placing them among the top twenty-four choirs in the country. This is the second consecutive year that Kentoris has achieved this remarkable feat. Congratulations to the vocalists and to Denzel Panama for his work with the groups.
Groups Strike Gold at KBB
Congratulations to the College ensembles for their outstanding performances at the KBB Music Festival. The Big Band, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra each achieved Gold, the Symphonic Band secured Silver, and the String Ensemble and Macfarlan Ensemble both earned Bronze.
Look out for the full story in the December issue of Piper.
Shakespearians Perform at Sheilah Winn Festival
Over King’s Birthday Weekend and following on from their regional festival win, eighteen students travelled to Wellington to compete in the National SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Festival. The group performed a student-directed scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Troilus and Cressida’ that involved complex lifts and outstanding creativity in the ensemble work. Congratulations to Year 13 students Chloe Miller and Hannah Joyce for their excellent leadership of this group. Students enjoyed performing at Wellington’s St James Theatre as well as watching the top performances of over forty schools from across the country. They also had the opportunity for some sightseeing at Te Papa Museum and Parliament House.
Alongside the school competition was a performance from the Young Shakespeare Company. This group of twenty students was chosen from the 2023 national competition and represent the festival’s finest actors. Alumni Jay Gao (Year 13, 2023) travelled down to Wellington to rehearse and perform with them in preparation for performing at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London in July.
In addition, Year 13 student Chloe Miller has been accepted to travel to Dunedin in October for a week-long intensive with forty of the Wellington National Festival’s best actors. From this group, twenty actors will be selected to perform at the Globe Theatre in London in 2025.
Thank you to teachers Dr Jamie Sneddon and Sara Standring for accompanying the students on a fantastic trip to the Sheilah Winn Festival.
Celebrating Matariki Through Dance
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration marked by the rising of the Pleiades star cluster. The stories and traditions surrounding Matariki have been passed down through generations, recently culminating in its recognition as an official New Zealand public holiday. As our country continues to embrace and understand its history, familiarising ourselves with these stories is vital to our national identity. They hold great significance and become even more captivating when expressed through a creative medium like dance.
This year, the New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) brought the story of Matariki to life at the College with their performance of ‘Matariki for Tamariki’. The show was as entertaining as it was informative, providing an outside-thenorm educational experience that beautifully intertwined dance and Māori culture, offering students a deeper understanding of both.
The dance students were particularly engaged, as the performance featured NZDC dancer ‘Isope ‘Akau’ola, who had previously worked with Year 13 students alongside Katie Rudd on a piece titled ‘Versus’ for the YouDance Festival, as well as a piece for the Dance Showcase.
“For our dance students, the focus of the show was educational and hopefully inspirational,” Head of Dance Geordan Wilcox explained. “We wanted to make clearer connections for them to the wider dance community and to understand and appreciate the significance of the New Zealand Dance Company. Seeing dancers they have learned from onstage performing is also a great connection and hopefully inspirational.”
‘Matariki for Tamariki’ not only illustrated the story of Matariki through dance but also demonstrated how dance can serve as a narrative medium. This was particularly beneficial for senior Dance students working on NCEA assessments, as it provided a practical example of narrative choreography and choreographic techniques that they could incorporate into their own creative processes.
The multifaceted and enriching ‘Matariki for Tamariki’ was the perfect amalgamation of both dance and Māori culture. By witnessing professional dancers in action, our students were inspired to push the boundaries of their own creativity and deepen their appreciation for Aotearoa’s rich cultural heritage.
Play Series Spotlights Drama Talent
As Term 2 concluded, our Drama Department led by Dave Sheehan showcased exceptional talent and creativity with the annual Play Series performances. Over three weeks, four classes brought four distinct plays to life, captivating audiences of parents, staff, and friends each night.
The Year 12 students kicked off the series with Bertolt Brecht’s ‘The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’. The darkly comedic play is a satirical allegory of Hitler's rise to power, transposing the events to a Midwest-American-gangster setting in the 1930s. The students’ portrayal of such a politically charged play was engaging and thought-provoking, impressing the audience with their maturity in handling complex themes. Next, the Year 13 students presented
‘The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later’ by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project. This play revisits the town of Laramie, Wyoming a decade after the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, exploring the long-term impact of the event on the community. As with their last Play Series, our leavers delivered powerful performances, unpacking themes of hate, redemption, and community resilience.
Following this, the Year 11 students performed two plays. ‘The Boy Who Blew Up the Pandemic’ by Ken Mizusawa offered a more contemporary and imaginative narrative. It blended humour into the chaos and confusion of a pandemic through the eyes of a young boy, an all-too-familiar situation considering recent global events.
The second Year 11 play, ‘Radium Girls’ by D.W. Gregory, recounted the harrowing true story of female factory workers in the 1920s who suffered from radium poisoning due to their employer’s negligence. The students were haunting in their reminder of the importance of workers’ rights and corporate accountability.
Throughout the Play Series, the Drama students proved to be exceptional talents, showing versatility and dedication through their rehearsals and performances. Their commitment to the craft was evident in every performance, leaving audiences both entertained and contemplative.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Wishart Tops House Music, ’80s Style
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Turning ‘Back to the Future’, College House Music embraced an ’80s theme on 28 May as hundreds of students took to the stage on a drizzly evening at the Due Drop Centre in Manukau. Inside the stadium, however, the atmosphere was anything but bleak. Packed with brightly dressed students, the venue buzzed with excited murmurs. Family, friends, and staff filled the seats to capacity, ready to watch the performances and cheer alongside the judges.
House Music night features seven Houses (the six College Houses and Bruce House) competing in two categories: choir and band. This year’s judges included two returning for their second year, Oliver Gilmour and Hinekoia Tomlinson, and recent Old Collegian Sam Ashton. Accomplished musicians themselves, they took their seats with marking sheets in hand as the first House choir, Hamilton, took to the stage.
Hamilton House was a consistent force in this year’s competition, securing third place in both the choir and band categories. Their choir
performed Whitney Houston’s hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ while their high-energy band delivered ‘INDUSTRY BABY’, showcasing their rapping skills.
Stark House followed with Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ complete with impressive zombie costumes and white ghoulish face paint. Purple Wilson House came next, performing Kenny Loggins’s ‘Danger Zone’ from ‘Top Gun’.
Wishart House, the eventual choir winners, delivered a polished and entertaining rendition of ‘Footloose’, possibly aided by the talents of twothirds of the Arts Prefects trio, Keeley Berkovits and Amelie Carter.
Cargill House with Starship’s ‘We Built This City’ delivered rock ‘n’ roll meets construction site in their performance. Chalmers House followed with the unofficial New Zealand anthem, ‘Slice of Heaven’. Their band won first place with a smooth brass section and outstanding vocals.
Bruce House, the smallest choir, closed the performances with a mighty
rendition of ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’. The boarders always bring extra spirit to their performances, the result of evening practices well in advance of the big show.
Director of Campus Life Duncan McQueen announced the final tally, with defending champion Chalmers hoping for a three-peat. However, Wishart’s win in the choir section pushed them above Chalmers, securing the 2024 trophy. Chalmers came in second, Hamilton third, followed by Stark, Bruce House, Cargill, and Wilson in that order.
Special thanks go to staff member Steve Broun for overseeing the detailed planning, mentoring, and logistics of the evening, and to Glen Mortensen and his team of student helpers for the incredible sound and lighting. It was indeed a ‘blast from the past’, showing that the future of College music is in safe and very capable hands.
We’re All in This Together
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
You’d be hard-pressed to find a teen or young adult in New Zealand who didn’t grow up on Disney. Depending on the generation, some might recount the hidden identity of ‘Hannah Montana’, or dream of living in a hotel like in ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’. However, it’s the movie ‘High School Musical’ that captured an entire generation with its catchy music, lovable cast, and familiar story.
When the College Middle School announced it would be performing ‘High School Musical JR’ for the 2024 production season, the buzz and anticipation amongst students reached an all-time high. Preparation flew by despite the many hours and rehearsals, and by the time opening night arrived, the cast and crew were raring to go.
Over several nights, the Years 7 to 10 students delivered a production that not only showcased their exceptional talents but also evoked nostalgia in many audience members, bringing them back
to the days of begging their parents to let them watch Disney after school. The dynamic direction by George Everts and Lauryn Edmonds ensured the show was a memorable spectacle, leaving audiences sentimental.
Behind the scenes, a remarkable crew brought the production to life. Producer Sara Standring ensured that every aspect of the process ran smoothly, while Musical Director Lea Anae and Choreographer Morgan Heron added layers of music and energy through movement – who could forget the iconic dance break in ‘We’re All in This Together’? Technical Director Glen Mortensen’s expertise in stage, sound, and lighting created an immersive and visually stunning experience that transported the audience right to the steps of East High.
The cast delivered standout performances that brought their characters to life with flair and authenticity. Annan Chai-Rodgers shone as Troy, capturing his character’s charm, while Trista Tian’s
portrayal of Gabriella was endearing. The duo of Grace Paik as Sharpay and Oliver Bennett as Ryan mixed the perfect blend of humour and ambition, a hard balance and high bar to meet as one of the big screen’s favourite sibling pairs. As the characters navigated their cliques in high-school life, broke through stereotypes, pursued passions, and found ways to work together, each person in the audience could likely relate to one or more of their experiences. It truly was a castdriven performance.
Friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance were integral to the narrative, themes that each actor explored and conveyed with authenticity. As the final curtain fell, the applause was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, recognising the creation of something truly special.
Dancers Step into the Spotlight
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
The 2024 College Dance Showcase lit up the Elliot Hall stage over the last two nights of Term 2, offering a taste of the multitalented dance community.
This year’s showcase blended dance films and student interviews with live performances, packed to the brim with over 190 talented students. These dancers came from all year groups and each breathed life into their meticulously rehearsed routines, providing two hours of quality entertainment.
Head of Dance Geordan Wilcox and
Teacher in Charge of Middle School Dance Ichiro Harada were at the helm, guiding the students through months of preparation. “It is a pleasure to be involved in this process and to see firsthand the passion, dedication, and talent of the students while they develop their skills, confidence, and creativity,” Geordan remarked.
The showcase opened with breathtaking performances by the Junior Dance Troupes, whose energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the evening. Highlights included the dynamic 'Rich Girl' choreographed
by Amelie Carter, Juliet Rae, Ava Tahapehi, and Hayley Chong, and the AIMS Hip Hop Crew’s high-energy ‘Barbie Girl’, which saw the dancers contrast ballet and contemporary with street grunge and groove.
The Hip Hop Senior Academy’s ‘Get Low’ oozed energy, and the audience couldn’t help but wish to go up and groove with them. To close the first half, the students of Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Hāto Kēneti performed ‘Pito Mata’, a beautiful piece about releasing potential choreographed by Allen Martin, Jamaria Chan Ka, and
Whaea Jasmine Martin.
The second half of the evening was equally impressive, featuring the Hip Hop Mega Crew, the Senior Contemporary Academy, and all of the student NCEA choreographers. Our students shone, presenting original pieces that explored themes such as identity, unity, and friendship.
Special thanks were given to guest choreographers and former students whose contributions added a professional polish to the performances. Their involvement
confirms the strength of our dance community, even after our collegiates have graduated.
Reflecting on his last showcase at the College, Geordan noted, “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of the Dance programme and the remarkable talent of our students.
The success of our programme in nurturing and supporting so many young dancers has been a source of great joy and fulfilment for me.”
The Dance Showcase was not just an event but a celebration of the arts, bringing together students, teachers, and the community in a shared appreciation of dance. As the final curtain fell, the applause echoed the collective acknowledgement of the hard work, talent, and passion that made the Dance Showcase an unforgettable success.
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A Two-peat for Cargill at Cross Country
WELLBEING AND OPTIMISM
Despite the worst weather for the event we have experienced in the last decade, with challenging horizontal rain and wind, the number of runners who showed up for the 3km loop was up on the last two years. Well done to all those who endured the conditions, especially students in House winner Cargill which was boosted by some great participation and doublepodium finishes in the Junior and Senior Boys. Cargill makes it two for two in the last couple of years, following a two-year Stark House streak in 2021 and 2022.
The racing is always quick, with top finishers qualifying for Zones. Congratulations to all who participated, to Cargill for their top honours, and to the top three in each year group as listed.
HOUSE CHAMPIONS:
1st Cargill
2nd Chalmers
3rd Stark
4th Wishart
5th Wilson
6th Hamilton
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS:
YEAR 7 BOYS
1st Dylan Tan
2nd Ethan Seth
3rd Ares Cerutti
YEAR 7 GIRLS
1st Lucy Castles
2nd Juliet Queale
3rd Gemma Blackwell
YEAR 8 BOYS
1st Freddy Gordon
2nd Austin Wong
3rd Luke Porter
YEAR 8 GIRLS
1st Eva Gray
2nd Emma Pinder
3rd Abby Cullinan
JUNIOR BOYS
1st Nathan Theron
2nd Oliver McGuinness
3rd Dylan Davies
JUNIOR GIRLS
1st Morgan Day
2nd Sophie Archer
3rd Madeleine Du Toit
INTERMEDIATE BOYS
1st Alex Bishop
2nd Blake McKinnon
3rd Louis Spillane
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS
1st Neve McKenzie
2nd Aanya Abeysekera
3rd Dorothy Anderson
SENIOR BOYS
1st Coen Anderson
2nd Tim Wallace
3rd Max Hooper
SENIOR GIRLS
1st Zahra Abeysekera
2nd Lucy Sweetman
3rd Ruby Cutler-Welsh
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Saint Kentigern Hosts 34th Presbyterian Schools Rugby Quadrangular Tournament
An eventful Anzac weekend saw the College welcome the 1st XV squads from Scots College, Saint Andrew’s College, and Lindisfarne College to Auckland for the annual 2024 Presbyterian Schools Rugby Quadrangular Tournament.
Being six years since Saint Kentigern last hosted, it was a pleasure to begin the rugby season with a tournament that connects the countrywide Presbyterian school network.
The first day of the tournament paired Scots College against Lindisfarne College, with the Scots boys edging the team from Hastings 24–22. Saint Kentigern played a fantastic game against Saint Andrew’s to convincingly win 52–14.
Following a quick recovery, the teams came together for a formal dinner in the Jack Paine Centre on the Wednesday night. Tables were mixed, enabling players from different
teams to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Players often reconnect in professional teams after leaving school, recognising the initial bond they formed at this tournament.
Wallabies Head Rugby Coach Joe Schmidt attended the dinner as a guest speaker, offering words of encouragement to the players. He deposited plenty of wisdom, reflecting that the most successful players he coaches are typically the hardest workers, not the most talented. He highlighted, “It’s really important to judge yourself on your effort, not on your outcome.”
The following day offered a rest from the field as teams attended the Howick Anzac Parade, paying their tributes to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
On Friday, the bronze match saw Saint Andrew’s come from behind to take
the win 30–22 from Lindisfarne. Saint Kentigern played Scots College for the cup, with the hosts extending their winning streak to seven years with a final score of 24-5.
Each team selected their player of the tournament to be awarded at the prizegiving before our visitors headed back to their home cities. From Saint Kentigern College, Sam Jancys; from Scots College, Reweti Ngarimu; from Saint Andrew’s College, Will Voice; and from Lindisfarne College, Reid Palmer.
Next year, our boys will travel to Lindisfarne in Hastings for the 35th annual tournament. Thank you to the organisers of this special tradition; we know its value reaches beyond the games themselves and invests in future players for New Zealand.
WELLBEING AND OPTIMISM
Sports Highlights
AN OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT THE COLLEGE
Winter Sports Update
I am very pleased with the start of the winter sports season; there is an increase in both playing numbers and teams across multiple sports, with good engagement levels at training and games. We do appreciate those parents that have stepped in to support the College community in transporting, coaching, umpiring and managing teams. While the growing sporting numbers are always encouraging, resourcing to give a great sporting experience is an ongoing challenge – your support is appreciated. All the best for Term 3, keep pushing forward while living the school values and I will see you on the sidelines.
Mike Anderson Director of Sport
Duathlon
Saint Kentigern had a great showing of athletes who competed in the Auckland Duathlon held at Pukekohe on 11 June. Our students delivered outstanding performances across various age groups. Oliver McGuinness and Sophie Archer both secured gold in the U14 categories, while Alex Bishop also took gold in the U16 Boys. Neve McKenzie earned a silver medal in the U16 Girls category. In the U19 Boys, Coen Anderson clinched gold, and Isaac Morris achieved bronze. Ruby Cutler-Walsh won gold in the U19 Girls, with the U19 Boys Team taking bronze and the U19 Girls Team earning silver. Well done to all our medallists for their incredible achievements.
Cycling
NORTH ISLAND ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS
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The North Island Road Championships were held in Cambridge during the first weekend of Term 2 holidays, with schools from across the North Island competing over two days.
On day one, the 16km Team Time Trial saw Saint Kentigern’s six teams excel. The Junior Boys claimed gold with Remi Dalton (C), Jack Allen, Sam Lawson, and Angus Dickenson. The Senior Girls also won gold with Maddy Ballard (C), Dorothy Anderson, Neve McKenzie, Holly Bishop, and Sophie Archer. The Senior Boys secured gold by 1.3 seconds with Hunter Dalton (C), Coen Anderson, Ben Archer, Jamie Cantel-Roberts, and Alex Bishop.
In the road race, Coen Anderson won U19 gold. In the U17 Girls, Holly Bishop and Neve McKenzie took gold and silver, respectively. In the U17 Boys, Ben Archer won silver and Hunter Ballard took bronze. Ava van Rij claimed silver in the U16 Girls category, Dylan Davies took bronze in the U15 Boys, and Sophie Archer secured the final gold in the U15 Girls.
The second day concluded with a fast and technical criterium around the mighty river domain. Neve McKenzie took gold in the U17 Girls, Dorothy Anderson secured silver, and Sophie Archer won the U15 Girls category.
NORTH ISLAND TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
The North Island Track Championships were held at the world-class indoor Grassroots Trust Velodrome on 6–7 July. The Senior squad (Hunter Dalton, Jamie Cantel-Roberts, Remi Dalton, Hunter Ballard) won silver in the Team Pursuit, as well as a bronze medal in the Omnium with Jamie Cantel-Roberts.
NORTH ISLAND CYCLO-CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Harley Bell represented Saint Kentigern at the North Island Cyclo-cross Champs in Tauranga, an epic grandstand race with spectators able to see 90% of the course held in wet and very slippery conditions on grass. Harley clinched the bronze in a competitive U17 Boys field.
AUCKLAND POINTS RACE – PUKEKOHE RACE TRACK
Our students delivered remarkable performances across various age groups and clinched ten top-three finishes. Tom Underdown and Johnny Bai swept first and second places in the U14 Boys, while Sophie Archer claimed gold in the U15 Girls. Remi Dalton and Jack Allan achieved second and third in the U16 Boys, respectively, with Ava van Rij finishing third in the U16 Girls. In the U17 Girls, Neve McKenzie took first place, followed by Holly Bishop in second. Coen Anderson placed third in the U19 Boys, while Maddy Ballard secured second in the U19 Girls.
Cross Country
After a successful run at Eastern Zones, our athletes competed at the Auckland Cross Country held at Lloyd Elsmore Park on 1 June. Madeleine Du Toit secured a podium finish with a 3rd place in the Junior Girls category. The Junior Girls teams shined, with the 3-person team clinching 1st place and the 6-person team finishing 3rd. The team members included Madeleine Du Toit, Morgan Day, Sophie Archer, Olivia Tan, Anthea Greville, and Isabel McKenzie. The Intermediate Girls teams performed admirably as well, with the 3-person team taking 2nd place and the 6-person team finishing 3rd. Team members were Neve McKenzie, Aanya Abeysekera, Dorothy Anderson, Ava van Rij, Eden Murdoch, and Holly Bishop.
Snowsports
On 6 June, SnowPlanet hosted the Auckland Secondary School Snowboard Champs. Year 9 student Carla Wong dominated the competition by securing first place in both Slopestyle and Race disciplines. Additionally, she achieved an impressive third place finish in the Dual event, solidifying her successes from her earlier races.
On 20 June, SnowPlanet hosted the Auckland Secondary School Ski Champs. Year 9 student William Starrenburg secured first place in the Slopestyle Junior Boys competition and overall third for Slopestyle event.
Orienteering
The Auckland Orienteering Series was held over the last term at various venues, and our students delivered outstanding performances throughout the competition.
At the Auckland Secondary Schools (AKSS) Relays at Ambury Park, Tim Bacchus, Ben Thorburn, and Blake McKinnon secured second place in the Senior Boys category.
In the AKSS Rogaine at Tōtara Park, Alex Gribble took first place in the Junior Girls category.
The AKSS Eden Park Sprint saw Olivia Tan achieve third place in the Junior Girls, Ricco Korewha and Niko Arlidge take first and third in the Intermediate Boys, and Blake McKinnon win first in the Senior Boys.
At the AKSS Individual Champs at Woodhill Forest, Alex Gribble came second in the Junior Girls Champs, Blake McKinnon secured first in the Senior Boys Champs, Samantha Lum took third in the Intermediate Girls Standard, and Olivia Tan won first in the Junior Girls Standard. The girls’ team also achieved an overall third place.
Auckland Gymsports
World Stage Golf
The Premier Golf Team comprising of Jax Loh, Cassie Luo, and Emma Zheng won the Team Stroke Play Championship on 20 May and 11 June with a combined score of 429 shots – 6 shots better than the second-place team. This victory qualifies the Premier Team for the NZ National Golf Tournament in Winter Tournament Week. They also had success at the Intercollegiate Golf Stroke Play Championship held at the Pukekohe Golf Course and the Redwood Park Golf Course. Emma Zheng won the Female Gross Division with an outstanding 6 under par for both rounds, while Jax Loh came fourth in the Male Gross Division.
Swimming
New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships saw a 12-person team from the College compete. James Crosbie came away with multiple top-ten finishes in the 17–18 Years Male category, with a pair of bronze medals in the 100m IM and 200m Backstroke. Yi Fan Zhang had a great showing in the 13 Years Male races, with golds in the 100m Free and 200m Back, and silvers in the 400m Free, 100m Back, 50m Back, and 50m Free. Lisa Shi also won a silver in the 15 Years Female 200m Breast.
At the Auckland Secondary Schools Champs of Champs, Yi Fan Zhang won three bronze medals in the Boys 13 and Under category in 50m Fly, Back, and Free.
At the Auckland Gymsports Competition held last week at Pulman Recreation Centre, our students showcased their exceptional talent and brought home several medals. Cael Kenihan-Sackree secured third place in the Men’s Trampoline A Grade, while Madeleine Du Toit also achieved third place in the Women’s National Trampoline. In Rhythmic Gymnastics, Maggie Li took first place in Stage 4, and Hannah Dawson clinched first place in Grade 1.
Athletes on
the
Yachting
Zofia Wells impressed with her seventh place overall in the 120-boat girls’ competition at the 2024 Optimist European championship in Carrara, Italy. Wells was among the leaders throughout the regatta and claimed a third in the first gold-fleet race.
Basketball
Hunter Te Ratana was a member of the New Zealand U17 Men’s Basketball Team which competed at the World Cup in Egypt and made history by making the semi-final. They ultimately finished fourth, the country’s highest-ever finish in the competition.
Touch
Emmerson Garrett and Ashleigh Tuumaialu competed for New Zealand in the Women’s Touch Blacks team in the World Cup in England. After eleven games unbeaten, they played Australia in the final, coming away with a silver medal.
NZ Secondary Schools Karate
Three students, Jens Zhao (Year 11), Beau Yuan (Year 12), and Kate Sung (Year 12) recently competed in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Karate Championship in Christchurch. They competed individually against other secondary-school athletes across the country, achieving multiple medal finishes. Jens finished first in the U16 Male Kata Open, Beau placed third in the U19 Male Kata Open, and Kate won the U19 Female Kata Open. All three were also named in the New Zealand team for the 2024 WFK Cadet, Junior, and U21 World Karate Championships in Italy later this year.
Alumni
Upcoming Events
COLLEGE 1999 LEAVERS REUNION - 1 NOVEMBER
Calling College Class of 1999! Reconnect with classmates at the 1999 Leavers Reunion.
ANNUAL ALUMNI GOLF DAY - 18 NOVEMBER
Join us for a day on the greens at Remuera Golf Club.
LAWN BOWLS - SUMMER MONTHS
Keep an eye out for details on our social Lawn Bowls evenings during the summer.
The 66th AGM: Changes, Celebrations, and Future Initiatives
EMr Thomas Steel Dip Bus Saint Kentigern Alumni Association President
arlier this year, the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association held its 66th Annual General Meeting at the Northern Club, with over forty Old Collegians in attendance. During the AGM, the proposal to update the constitution to comply with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and to change the association's name from Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association (SKOCA) to Saint Kentigern Alumni Association (SKAA) was presented. Both proposals received overwhelming support from the attendees.
Following the AGM, the Annual Dinner was held, attracting over 200 guests spanning multiple generations. The event paid tribute to the late Dr Bruce Goodfellow, a former Patron, and welcomed Nigel Toy, a past pupil and Headmaster of the College, as the new Patron of SKAA.
The current committee comprises thirteen members, offering a balanced mix of experience and fresh perspectives. Approximately
40% of our committee members are under 30, which is promising for the future. The executive committee includes Vice President Matthew Jones, Treasurer Daniel Quigley, newly appointed Secretary Laura Porteous, and myself, Thomas Steel, as President. Andrew Morgan and Hayden Butler continue as Past Presidents, and we are pleased to welcome Kayne Peters to the committee. Thank you to the committee members of SKA for dedicating their time and efforts to support and enhance Saint Kentigern alumni, continuing the legacy of those who came before.
For 2024, SKAA has supported 17 new and ongoing scholarships across the Girls' and Boys' Schools and the College. Additionally, the SKAA Executive Committee has decided to introduce 10 new College scholarships next year, including one for a male and one for a female student in each of the Years 9 through 13.
This summer, please keep an eye out for the date of the inaugural SKA lawn bowls afternoon. Scheduled for the warmer months, this event has already garnered significant interest, with over 50 alumni expressing their enthusiasm to participate. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity for reconnecting and enjoying friendly competition.
Again we have witnessed numerous alumni excelling in various arenas— be it on the court, field, or pitch; on stage, on the track, or even in or on the water. It’s truly a challenge to keep up with the remarkable achievements of these athletes, sports stars, and performers. Please continue to share your successes and accomplishments with Saint Kentigern. All 19,000+ alumni are eager to hear about your progress, united by a common bond. Well done, and keep striving for success!
The Annual Golf Day is confirmed this year for Monday November 18th at the Remuera Golf Club. Get in quick, as this event has sold out for the past few years with limited spaces.
SKAA will always continue to work on our core goals of fellowship, scholarship support, philanthropy, special grants, and graduation celebrations. Remember to stay connected via the website (www. saintkentigern.com/old-collegians/ update-your-details) or email alumni@saintkentigern.com.
I hope to see you at one of the SKAA events this year; please come and introduce yourself to me or one of our committee members.
Fides Servanda Est.
Saint Kentigern Old Collegians is now Saint Kentigern Alumni Association
On 24 May, over 120 alumni gathered for the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association’s (SKAA) AGM and annual dinner held at The Northern Club. The evening began with lively cocktails, providing attendees the opportunity to reconnect and network before the official proceedings.
As the AGM commenced, President Thomas Steel welcomed the attendees, going through the agenda which included the new name for the association from the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association (SKOCA) to the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association (SKAA), a change that aptly includes graduates from all Saint Kentigern schools. The AGM also saw the election of board members as well
as the introduction of new executive committee members. The appointed executive team for the term is as follows:
President: Thomas Steel
Vice President: Matthew Jones
Treasurer: Dan Quigley
Secretary: Laura Porteous
Alumni members relished the opportunity to reconnect, continuing lively conversation after the meeting and exchanging fond memories well into the evening. As dinner started, Murray Shaw, past SKOCA President and College alumnus, came forward to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Dr Bruce Goodfellow, the association’s previous patron who passed away in 2020. Dr Goodfellow’s legacy includes thirty-
four years of dedicated service to various Saint Kentigern boards, during which he played a crucial role in the Trust Deed amendment that enabled girls’ education at the College. Dr Goodfellow’s wife Mary Ann and other family members were in attendance to honour the incredible life of service Bruce led.
The evening also saw the announcement of SKAA’s new patron, Nigel Toy, who was officially welcomed by Executive Trustee Dr Kevin Morris. Nigel, a College alumnus, Bruce House Head Prefect, and the College’s second headmaster, was announced as the new patron in 2022 but had not been formally recognised until this event.
1950s and ’60s Alumni Reunite in Tauranga
On 22 July, the Saint Kentigern Foundation hosted its second annual reunion for alumni from the 1950s and ’60s in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region. The gathering brought together thirty-nine former students along with board members including Executive Trustee Dr Kevin Morris, Catherine Harri, Andrew Morgan, Founder Trustee David Boyd, College Principal Damon Emtage, and Director of the Saint Kentigern Foundation Walter Chieng.
The reunion, held at the Mount Manganui RSA, was a special occasion for many who hadn't seen each other in years. It was particularly meaningful for those who used the afternoon as their class reunion, having been in the same class back in the ’50s. Among
the attendees were three from the 1953 foundation year: Warren Haddrell, Wilson Jolly, and Barry McNaughton. Mr Haddrell, a notable alumnus, amassed a long list of accolades while at the College, including Dux, Head Prefect, and 1st XV rugby team member.
Dr Morris provided the alumni with an update on the evolution of the Saint Kentigern community, highlighting the recent transition from the Old Collegians Association to the Alumni Association and the establishment of the Saint Kentigern Foundation, including its newly appointed director. The event also paid tribute to Nigel Toy, the second headmaster of the College, acknowledging his new role as patron of the Alumni Association.
In his address, College Principal Damon Emtage shared his philosophy which guides the College today, emphasising the importance of respecting the past while looking to the future. Attendees including Peter Duncan, who began at Saint Kentigern in 1958, cherished the opportunity to reminisce and share where life has taken them. Peter’s class photos were relished by attendees who loved the visual time capsule, along with his 1st XV cap which he generously donated to the Foundation.
We are committed to ensuring the bonds formed at Saint Kentigern schools continue through life. Providing intersecting moments like this reunion reminds us of the incredible community of alumni we have.
SCAN FOR MORE
In Memoriam
It is with sadness that we record the passing of the following members of the Saint Kentigern community. We express our condolences to their families.
SEATH, Sean #258 17/04/2024
BRIDGFORD, Stuart #334
24/06/2024
GREEN, Zackary #6628 10/04/2024
LENNOX-KING, Roland #17 (Boys' School) 08/08/2024
LEVY, Vernon #193 01/07/2024
REANNEY, Peter #40 27/05/2024
SNELL, Adam #14907 27/06/2024
SPEER, Derek #42 14/07/2024
THOMSON, David #97 15/07/2024
WATSON, Ian #722 04/05/2024
WOOD, Dr Maurice #117 15/05/2024
Alumni at the Paris Olympics
Mahina Paul – Women’s Rugby 7s Team
Mahina’s transition from touch rugby to rugby sevens began after her time at the College, leveraging her background in touch to excel in sevens. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she competed in the Youth Olympics for sevens in Argentina while still at the College, igniting a passion for the opportunities in this new sport.
Since then, Mahina has been a full-time player with the Black Ferns Sevens in Mount Maunganui, attributing her successful transition to professional athlete status to the rigorous training and independence fostered during her time at Saint Kentigern. Mahina encourages current students to work hard and trust in their unique strengths, encapsulated in the team’s use of the word ‘taiaha’ to refer to one’s personal strength.
In Paris, the women’s sevens team completed their goal of backing up their Tokyo performance and won New Zealand’s first gold medal of the games.
Dylan McCullough – Triathlon
Dylan’s journey into competitive triathlon began in Year 7 when he signed up for the College triathlon and cycling teams. Inspired by the drive to achieve results for both the school and himself, his passion for the sport grew as he chased national championships and aimed for excellence. Finishing up at school, this desire didn’t dissipate; rather, it continued to grow.
His path from school to the Olympics has been a challenging “rollercoaster” filled with adversity. Despite setbacks, Dylan never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to reach the pinnacle of his triathlon career. Looking back now, Dylan advises those at the beginning of their journey to never give up on their dreams and to build a strong support network of family and friends. “Top-level sport is far from easy, and it’s impossible to make it on your own,” he emphasises, knowing that behind his success, there is a village of support.
In Paris, Dylan competed in the individual men's triathlon, finishing 19th. Silver medallist Hayden Wilde credited McCullough for the support that helped him catch the front bunch on the bike.
Sam Dakin – Track Cycling
Sam’s passion for track cycling was sparked by a profound desire to see how good he could become and the various ways to achieve that excellence. “I've always loved the thrill of competing, trying to better myself, and being better than others. It's something I can never experience again once I leave sport,” Sam reflects. His journey from school to the Olympics has been transformative, not just shaping him as an athlete but also as an individual. Sam believes that his open-mindedness and eagerness to learn from others have been crucial to his success, both on the track and in life.
For current students aspiring to reach the highest levels in their sport, Sam offers hope with a strong reality: “Genuinely, anything is possible. But, you've got to want it. Not your mum or dad, or your friends. You have to.”
In Paris, Sam raced in the sprint and keirin, finishing eighth overall in the latter.
Breaking the Mould: Gordon Tan
For most, a career in any sector commonly follows a prescribed template: finish school, finish a degree in your desired specialty, and excel in one or more companies as you continue to work your way up. When the template is disrupted and success is still attained, it makes for a good story and a reminder that sometimes unconventional is best. Alumnus Gordon Tan has one such story.
Following an abrupt move to Australia in Year 13 after being at the College through high school, Gordon enrolled at university ready to begin his career. However, one year of assignments and exams was enough, and he decided to venture out on his own, starting a grassroots IT support company.
When deciding what to pursue, he recalled loving ICT classes with his favourite teacher, Walter Chieng, who still works at Saint Kentigern to this day. So, he and a couple friends set out fixing computers and crawling under desks with a screwdriver to look at hardware. Clarity on what he was good at and enjoyed, despite humble beginnings, was the best foundation for his career.
By the time he was thirty-two, Gordon had sold his companies, giving him the financial freedom to explore new opportunities. While he initially didn't know what to do next, he found himself in a position to support friends with innovative ideas, leveraging his tech knowledge and capital to help them succeed.
Gordon now serves as the chairman of two global tech companies. The first, Tattooing101, is an e-learning platform for tattoo artists offering an alternative to the long-winded and unpaid apprenticeships common in the industry. This platform has boomed and currently supports over five thousand students. The second company, Alii, is a finance platform that handles accounts-payable automation, which happens to be used by Saint Kentigern.
Though unconventional, Gordon’s career path has allowed him to explore speciality niches of tech, partner with friends, and live flexibly. He believes that the most successful people are those who would pursue their passions for free, and would give any outgoing student at the school the advice to pursue their passions.
More Than Combat: Mansimrit Singh
As students near the end of their school years, the question “What will you do next year?” looms large. For some, career paths are clear – they've dreamed of becoming doctors or lawyers since childhood. Others develop ideas over time but don’t have a concrete vision of how those dreams will materialise. College 2020 graduate Mansimrit Singh fell into the latter category, slowly realising during his time at Saint Kentigern that he wanted a vocation in service of a purpose beyond himself, not through a conventional career, ultimately leading him to the New Zealand Defence Force.
Between the disputes in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, it is easy for the layperson in New Zealand to consider the army as synonymous with war. A common misconception is that the army is an organisation solely focused on combat, an idea Mansimrit is keen to dispel. The reality is that the army plays a critical role in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community support, working tirelessly to provide assistance far beyond the battlefield—something our world is in dire need of as we watch leaders pursue their ends militarily.
After his recent graduation from Saint Kentigern, Mansimrit joined the NZ Army as a Systems Engineer in 2021. His dedication earned him the Platoon Top Student award during the Recruit Regular Force Course 401. His last year of training took him to Singapore, where he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in April this year.
Though still early in his career, his time served in the army has offered him the opportunity to contribute to various community support efforts, particularly during the Covid crisis. His travels have taken him all over the world, where he has worked on projects that highlight the army’s role in global peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.
As we navigate a world often marred by conflict, it is reassuring to know that individuals like Mansimrit are dedicated to preserving peace and aiding humanity. His story reminds us that small personal sacrifices are invaluable, resulting in self-growth and the acknowledgement that there is value in every human life.
