Piper Issue 51 December 2013

Preschool

When City Met Country

An amazing morning at the Mt Albert Grammar School working farm started with 56 excited gumboot-wearing Preschool children and 39 adults boarding a bendy bus for an adventure. To their astonishment, the children were met by Farmer Larney, a very large mother pig and 10 piglets walking in the car park!

Off first to hand feed the pigs with old fruit, vegetables and bread; there were some very excited squeals from the piglets and the children alike… then they were off to roll in the mud! Next was the paddock to pat the calves and Farmer Larney showed us how to milk the cows and the children had a turn hand milking a very large and patient, beautiful, brown eyed cow – an interesting experience for some children – especially when the milk squirted on their gumboots!

The sheep needed to be shorn, so we watched Farmer Larney with his great skills as he cleverly took all the fluffy wool off five sheep. Lots of excited 3 and 4 year old farm hands helped to clean up the wool shed and put the wool into a big sack. He even asked if any of the children wanted a haircut with his shears!

Morning tea and photos on the tractor and quad bike completed the morning before 56 very weary children and 39 coffee-needing adults boarded a bus back to Preschool.

Science in Nature

‘Did you know – the butterfly has just laid an egg – lots of eggs on our swan plant?’

‘The caterpillars are getting bigger and bigger and their black and yellow bodies are stretching fatter and fatter’

‘When the caterpillar hangs upside down he looks like the possum tail – in our Casey the caterpillar workbook!’

‘Look the caterpillar is hanging upside down and doing a wriggle dance to get into his chrysalis’ – the children called from their outdoor garden.

‘Quick – come and see the chrysalis – it is all black and WOW the monarch butterfly is coming out’

The past term has been blessed with an influx of caterpillars on the swan plants in our children’s garden. The fascination as they watch the caterpillars grow, turn into chrysalis and hatch has meant an amazing ‘science experience’ is happening in a real life setting at Preschool. The children have used magnifying glasses to get up close and others go straight to the garden when they arrive in the morning to watch the changes happen. We have chrysalises hanging from our rosemary plant, wooden railing and frames – the caterpillars travel to find just the right place for their new life to evolve, making a great learning experience for our children.

Carol Services

The Preschool children joined Saint Kentigern Girls’ School in singing ‘Away in the Manger’ at their Carol Service, complete with actions – but the highlight for everyone was their performance on stage at the Boys’ School Service at Holy Trinity Cathedral. With nine real ‘Drummer Boys’ on stage, the 45 children and staff sang with enthusiasm and sounded fantastic. A special part of Preschool is being included as ‘One Organisation’ with the schools and was much appreciated by our parents.

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day at the Saint Kentigern campuses is always an exciting time for everyone. It was certainly a special time at Preschool when we had lots of Nanas, Poppas, Grandads, Grandmas and special elderly friends come spend the morning with us. The children loved showing them around their Preschool, singing some of their favourite songs and spending time with them at activities inside and out. Our visitors had a delicious morning tea before leaving with a handmade, personalised bookmark with a poem about how special Grandparents are. We really enjoyed their visit!

Pirates and Fairies Disco

We decided to ask the children for their choice on the theme for our Disco – and what a surprise – Pirates and Fairies it was. Families came and ate their dinner with us before everyone boogied away in the special Disco room. A life sized Pirate with sand and treasure as well as fairy lights with pink and purple tulle and glitter made for an exciting evening. Lots of very tired children had danced, played and giggled themselves through another great Saint Kentigern family event.

Christmas Party

Our third Christmas Party was a highlight of the year. Sixty five children all had their moment in the spotlight as they performed a rendition of Christmas songs. Headbands featuring the theme of their song were adorned and worn - and they looked great! The children learned the words of ten songs including Silent Night in French! Santa got stuck up the chimney, Reindeer dance, Santa wear your shorts, Away in the Manger and Lets clap hands for Santa Claus were some of the favourites. Much cheering and clapping from the Mums, Dads, grandparents and families made the children sing louder!

Following the concert the children and their guests tucked into a Christmas feast before Santa’s arrival on a Harley motorbike driven by a reindeer – he was greeted with shrieks of delight! All the children loved having photos with Santa and getting a present – a maths game - before heading outside to expend all their energy on the Bouncy Castle. This was an amazing morning to end the year.

Say Cheese

Information Technology has taken on a stronger emphasis in Early Childhood over the years with the digital camera being a favourite as it provides instant feedback of images to everyone. Children love to see themselves on the screen and are using their own photography skills in their play. They can competently take photos, play them back and erase them as they see fit. The iPads are now used extensively by both staff and children to take photos of each other as well as movie footage of themselves in their learning environment both inside and out. The joy on their faces when they see themselves on the big screen TV is priceless.

Uke Can Do It!

After 5 of our Preschool staff went on a ukelele course, the children were all very excited to have new ukuleles at Preschool. Lessons are always such a fun time. All the children had their own Preschool-sized ukulele as they sat and learnt how to strum and move their fingers – it took a lot of concentration! There was a lot of giggling when the children decided they were in a ‘Preschool rock band’ as they sung along to the music on the CD!

Numeracy

Pre-numeracy is a major part of our learning programme at Preschool. Counting, seriation, maths games, shapes, size, colours, grouping, measurement and lots of number games and activities are entered into with enthusiasm by the children. We had a focus on ‘Maths and me’ and some amazing results have been shown by the children. Number recognition was the ‘Goal of the Term’ for our 4 year old children – as well as the children learning the correct formation of numbers through our ‘Casey the Caterpillar’ writing programme

Swimming Lessons

Five of our Preschool staff have now completed their ‘Learn to Swim’ instructor programme over winter through New Zealand Swimming and have implemented the lessons this term. We have had a hugely successful swimming programme at Preschool in Term 4 – with the children so positive about learning to swim with their teachers! Thirty six girls and boys were involved with each of them having 10 or 20 lessons over the term in the Girls’ School heated pool. 520 lessons were entered into with enthusiasm by all and the advancement of their skills, ability and confidence had to be seen to be believed –it’s been a very successful term of swimming!

Preschool Graduation

Term 3 saw eight girls and two boys continue on to our Saint Kentigern Schools and then in Term 4 a further eighteen children graduated - nine to the Girls’ School and nine to the Boys’ School. All these children have a term of transition to their schools to meet their teachers, other class mates for next year and get a real sense of belonging to their new school. This helps the settling process immeasurably. We are thrilled with how successful this has been over the years and know that the children graduating from Preschool have a real advantage in the way they settle into their new environment as positive, inquisitive learners from day one!

Girls' School

Reflections From 2013

We started this year with a school roll of 157 girls and ended with 177. Next year we will have the strongest roll numbers yet that we have had in the senior school which is exciting and encouraging. At the lower end of the school, numbers remain strong with a large group coming across from the Preschool and this ensures that we will be able to maintain two Year One classes.

The Parents and Friends Association, steered by Mr Paul Fletcher as Chairman, Mr William Black as Treasurer and Ms Kim Gear as Secretary, continue to work in a supportive way with the staff and the community and we are always so appreciative of the work they do.

Activities organised by the Parents and Friends committee included Chic Peek, a fashion evening, our annual School Picnic, an enjoyable Family Disco, the Mother-Daughter High Tea and the Father-Daughter Breakfast. The latter two annual events were both held offsite for the first time due to increasing number of attendees. On behalf of the School, I pay a huge vote of thanks to this amazing team of Parents and Friends who continue to ‘fund raise’ and more importantly ‘friend raise’ in our school community.

Student Council

The Student Council, which has representation from Years 2-8, has had a successful year. The Student Council were tireless in their support for World Vision Day and also embraced the Red Puppy Appeal project in support of the Guide Dogs from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. Using innovative ideas such as writing to businesses to request their support, they have raised over $5,000 this year which is an incredible effort from a small team. My thanks to Madelaine, who has led the School Council with a clear vision and also to Mrs Judith Dobson who encourages and supports the girls in their service endeavours.

Saint Kentigern Service Award

This year has seen the Saint Kentigern Service Award gain even greater momentum with four Gold Awards and nine Silver awards being awarded to students. Achievement of a Silver Award qualified students for the opportunity to take part in the Girls vs Wild adventure which was organised by Rev Reuben Hardie. The girls travelled to Tawharanui Regional Park where they explored and offered service to the community.

Cultural Exchange with Queen Margaret College in Wellington

In June this year, our Year 7 and 8 girls travelled to Wellington where they were hosted by Queen Margaret College. The girls had their first experience of being billeted by families and some of them not only got to stay on farms but also caught trains and buses to get to school. Highlights of the trip included a visit to Katherine Mansfield House, Parliament buildings and Te Papa.

Soap Box Derby

This year we entered the only all-girls’ team in the Auckland East Rotary Club Soap Box Derby and with some fantastic support from a keen team of Dads, we were certainly competitive on the day. The team was awarded the Best Team Award for their support of each other and for their pit crew work and were the Second Runner-Up on the day. Emilia Radisich was our fastest driver, qualifying for the National Competition in Whangaparaoa. Although we were unplaced in the National Finals it was an incredible experience and one that will become a yearly event.

Creative Arts Evenings

Another highlight of the year was the Creative Arts Night. This was held over two evenings and gave every girl in the school a chance to be a shining star. Items ranged from Poetry, Dance, Performance Choir, Orchestra and it was wonderful to see the hall packed to capacity on both evenings and to see the obvious joy and sense of satisfaction on the faces of our girls.

World Hears Girls’ School Sing!

It was a wonderful opportunity for our newly formed Performers’ Choir when they were invited to sing the two national anthems, ‘God of Nations’ and ‘Advance Australia Fair,’ at the opening of the V8 Supercar Event in Pukekohe during April. The event, which was broadcast to an audience of 900 million homes worldwide, was a very proud moment for our school. The girls’ performance was faultless and I know this will be a moment that they will treasure for a long time to come.

Graduation Dinner for Year 8 girls

Once again we hosted the annual Saint Kentigern Old Collegians’ Association Graduation Dinner for our Year 8 girls. We were thrilled to have Her Honour Justice Patricia Courtney, who is a High Court Judge and mother of Rachel (Year 6), speak to the girls about her role. She was very inspiring and I know the girls were challenged by what she had to say.

2013 has been another successful year in the life of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. I continue to marvel at the enthusiasm and commitment of the teaching team as they give such a lot of themselves to the girls in their care. I am equally proud of the young Saint Kentigern girls; from the newest junior girls to our senior students, they are enthusiastic learners who have a level of confidence and self-assurance as well as a sense of care towards others that makes me incredibly proud.

Fides Servanda Est

Dr Sandra Hastie, Principal

Girls’ School Graduation Dinner 2013

The end of year Graduation Dinner marks the formal end to the Year 8 girls’ primary schooling as they prepare to move on to the next stage in their education. Excited girls, wearing their graduation scarf, along with their parents, staff and invited guests, gathered at Sorrento in Cornwall Park to celebrate with the girls and reflect on their time at the School. Once again, the Parents and Friends Association had done a superb job decorating the room prior to dinner, setting the scene for a wonderful, family evening. This was a chance for both parents and the girls to socialise and to take the time to say farewell to their teachers.

The dinner is sponsored by the Old Collegians and this year, President of the Old Collegians, Mr Andrew Morgan introduced Mrs Jessie Jarvie (nee Emerson), the first Saint Kentigern Head Girl, to speak. Jessie gave a powerful, thought-provoking speech in her signature bubbly, warmhearted way. She told the girls that we live in a world where ‘it’s often implied that one of anything is not enough.’ We always seem to want more. She gave the girls a list of ‘useful ones,’ where ‘one only’ would be plenty enough. 1. There is only one you 2. One definable moment can make a difference. 3. You have only one family. 4. Find one true passion. 5. Make one new connection. In finishing she said that connections are the way of the future, and that a network such as the Old Collegians will be their connection to Saint Kentigern for years to come.

Sharnika Leleni, the graduating Head Girl at the College also attended the dinner and like Jessie before her, spoke of the pride that she has as a ‘daughter of Kentigern.’ She told the girls that each in their own way had left their special mark on the School and that this is a watershed time to think about the things they have accomplished so far, and to think about what they want to achieve next.

During the course of the evening, the girls mixed, mingled and giggled, seeking autographs on what has become the traditional white and blue Graduation Bear. Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie told the girls that in the years to come, the bear, a symbol of caring and unconditional love, will serve to remind them of their younger years.

Following the main course, we welcomed the guest speaker, Her Honour Justice Patricia Courtney. Justice Courtney is a judge who was appointed to the High Court in 2004, where she presides over cases of all kinds. She is also, equally importantly, a mother to two Saint Kentigern girls, Rachel and Sarah. Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie particularly asked Justice Courtney to speak as not many women have risen to her role in the justice system. Of New Zealand’s 36 High Court Judges, only 9 are women. Justice Courtney explained the hard work involved in following law and the determination required to succeed. She confided that she had been nervous and had some self-doubt when initially offered the role but was given sage advice by a retiring judge, ‘Don’t think about what you don’t know, think about what you

do know.’ She told the girls that generally, the things we do know will help us work out the answers to the things we don’t know – and that they should have confidence and make the most of their talents. Girls can do anything, even rise through the ranks of traditionally male-dominated workplaces!

Head Girl, Anna Lowther, spoke confidently on behalf of the Year 8 students to offer her thanks to the staff who have helped them on their way. The Year 8 girls presented Dr Hastie with a fabulous clay wall hanging of the Iona Cross that they had crafted themselves.

In the final address of the evening, Dr Hastie said, ‘You hold the key to your own futures. There is a lot of power inside you waiting to be unleashed and the only person stopping you from being all that you can be is yourself. Have fun, dig deep, stretch and dream big. Know though that things worth doing seldom come easy but with an idea, determination and the right tools – you can do great things. Let your instincts, your intellect and your heart guide you.’

A Christmas Celebration

‘ The story of the very first Christmas is as simple and special today as it was over two thousand years ago. Since that holy night, Christmas has become the most festive of the Christian holidays. Many of the customs enjoyed at Christmas time began long before the birth of Jesus but as people from all over the world accepted Christianity, they gave their ancient customs new meanings, connecting them to their faith in Christ.

Today, it is hard to imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree to decorate our homes. The custom of decorating an evergreen tree inside a home may be traced to Martin Luther, a German preacher in the 1500’s. On Christmas Eve, it is said, Martin Luther was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He lit the candles and gathered his children around the twinkling tree and told them about the stars that shone above Bethlehem, on the night Jesus was born.’

On a beautiful evening, heralding the start of summer and the holidays to come, the children, staff, families and special guests of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School and Preschool gathered in the sunlit church of Saint Mary’s in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral for the annual Carol Service.

The high, clear voice of Natalya Trombitas, the Deputy Head Girl, rang out from the back of the church as she opened the service with the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ before the rest of the congregation joined in. The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral welcomed the congregation to Saint Mary’s then Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie greeted our families before the Chaplain to the Schools, Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call to worship.

Year 6 student, Charlotte Carlson opened the readings, setting the theme for a service focussed on the special symbols we come to associate with the festive season and customs such as the giving of gifts. As the service continued to unfold, the girls through their readings, songs and actions gave life to a Christmas tree that started the evening bare. Angels were added to spread the Christmas message, stars came next to represent the

star-so-bright that hung over Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. Special gifts to bring pleasure to others were placed under the tree – once again the girls have all contributed to fill special Christmas stockings to bring joy to the children of Dingwall Trust in Papatoetoe. Bells were next; the bells that ring out to remind us of the joys of Christmas and ‘Goodwill to all men.’ Jesus was born to bring peace to the earth and so doves, the symbol of peace, were next to adorn the tree. Garlands followed; joined by a common thread they symbolise joining as one to extend friendship and make the world a better place. And finally there was one thing left to complete the tree. The lights were switched on! ‘The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows but now light is shining on them. A child is born to us!’

Reverend Hardie told the girls that in New Zealand, we have our own Christmas tree; the pohutukawas that line the coast and burst into colour at Christmastime. Often clinging to cliffs, it is the harshness of its circumstance that forms its beauty. He said, ‘The pohutakawa can teach us not to be afraid of life’s storms – but to face them – to stand strong and be courageous – and to believe in ourselves. Like the pohutukawa, we are created to live in the light, we are created to be strong and resilient.’

As the Performers’ Choir sang Benedictus, our Year 1 girls came bravely down the aisle in pairs to create an angelic nativity scene at the front of the church. With the service coming to a close, our Year 8 students came forward to receive their Leaver’s Candle, a poignant moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School comes to an end.

We give thanks to: Mrs Janine Bennett, Mrs Judith Dobson, Mrs Nicola Brown, Dr Michael Jenkins and Reverend Reuben Hardie for their work in preparing this service with the girls.

Readers: Charlotte Carlson, Year 6; Hannah Timmo, Year 6; Rachel Courtney, Year 6; Anna Lowther, Year 8; Caroline Riechenbach, Year 2; Manisha Singh, Year 2; Emilia Radisich, Year 7; Amelie James-Power, Year 4; Rylie Cleaver, Year 5; Rebecca Webster, Year 3; Emerald Bendall, Year 7; Olivia Moorman, Year 8; Natalya Trombitas, Year 8.

Visiting the Elderly

At the end of November, the girls in Year 8 spent a morning at Caughy Preston, a rest home for the elderly in Remuera. The girls walked down to the home and then spent time chatting to the residents. Each had thought of something to share; something that was important to them or that that they were proud of. This might have been the badges on their blazer, a medal or certificate they had won or a piece of work they were pleased with. This was a great conversation starter and soon the chatter between the generations flowed. Emma Clancy was particularly proud to find she was chatting to Dr Hastie’s mum!

The girls finished the morning by singing the School Song, ‘We are Heirs of Kentigern.’ On the walk back to school, the girls said they enjoyed the trip as it was such a nice way to make someone else’s day while having fun themselves.

Citizenship Awards

Congratulations to Veiongo Kaho in Year 8 and Charlotte Carlson in Year 6 who were the recipients of this year’s Remuera Lions’ Junior Citizenship Awards. The girls were presented with their certificates in a ceremony at Dilworth Junior School. Citizenship awards are presented each year by the Remuera Lions’ Club to pupils, selected by their school, who can best exemplify the ideals of their code.

Veiongo and Charlotte are worthy recipients and we congratulate them on being selected as representatives from our School.

Girls’ School Prizegiving

Held in the bigger venue of the Boys’ School JC Chalmers Hall again this year, excited girls, proud parents, staff and invited guests joined together for the 2013 Girls’ School Prizegiving.

In the opening address, Chairman of the Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow commended the girls on obtaining the highest level of achievements. He said that this would not be possible without the willingness and support of the parents and staff working together as a team. He also thanked Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie for her dedication and commitment and commended her on recently being awarded her Doctorate in Education. This makes her the only Independent School Principal in the New Zealand to have achieved this qualification.

Dr Hastie set a relaxed and personal tone for the evening with her tale of ‘Making a Difference.’ The story she told was about a young girl walking along the beach who, one by one, was throwing washed up starfish back into the ocean. An old man saw this, and asked the girl why? When there were so many that needed saving, how could she make a difference? The young girl picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as she could into the sea replying to the old man, ‘I made a difference to that one.’ ‘The moral of the story,’ said Dr Hastie, ‘is that you too can make a big difference. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too small or too young or that your dream is too big or is something that only an adult can achieve. If you have an idea that tugs at your heart then follow it and see it through. This world needs children like you to stand up and lead the way, all it takes is courage and a belief in yourself that you can do it.’

During the evening, the formalities were interspersed by musical items from the orchestra, playing the triumphant show piece ‘Do you Hear the People Sing?’ from Les Misérables followed by Vivaldi’s Autumn from ‘The Four Seasons.’ Outstanding public speaker, and winner of both the Memorial Trophy and APPA Champion of Champions Speech Competition, Year 8 student, Madeline Freeland also entertained the guests with her winning and humorous speech ‘Why Parents Get it Horribly Wrong.’

The Junior and Middle School Academic Prizes were presented by teachers Mrs Clair McIvor and Ms Fiona McKenzie, who will both be moving on at the end of the year. The Senior School Academic Prizes were presented by Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Deputy Head at the College. The Cultural Awards were presented by Dr Bruce Goodfellow, Chairman of the Trust Board, and the Special Awards were announced by Dr Sandra Hastie. We thank all those who gave so freely of their time for the School.

Before handing the leadership role to Emerald Bendall, the elected Head Girl for 2014 outgoing Head Girl, Anna Lowther gave her final valedictory speech. She said ‘For the past 13 years I have been coming through the gates of this special school. At any school you can learn to read and write, but at this school, we also learn the values of respect, integrity, excellence, love and service. This, to me, is the spirit of the Saint Kentigern Way.’

DUX

JoY KAnG

Joy is a remarkable young woman with a quiet determination to succeed. It is Joy's ability in a wide range of subjects that has won her the highest award. In Year 7 she attained a 93% average across her four examination subjects, and this year she attained a 90% average across the four examinations and the internal assessment. She is also a gifted violinist. Joy hopes to train be a doctor when she completes secondary schooling.

ProXiME ACCESSit AnD CitizEnSHiP AWArD

oliviA MoorMAn

Olivia Moorman was awarded both the Proxime Accessit and Citizenship Cup. Olivia has been a cheerful, hardworking student during her short time at the School. In Year 7 she attained a 90% average across her four subjects and this year she attained an 86% average across the four examinations and the internal assessment. Olivia enjoys tennis and carrying out extra study at home. The Citizenship Cup is awarded to a student who understands the true meaning of service to other and embodies the school values, fully understanding the Saint Kentigern Way.

SPortSWoMAn of tHE YEAr

CHElSEA SiMMonS

For the second year in a row, Chelsea has won the Sportswoman of the Year Award. She has been a member of the A Netball team at the College, and for two years she has played in the Waterpolo A team as well as the Junior A College Waterpolo team when required. Chelsea has represented Saint Kentigern at the South/Eastern Zones Touch, Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics tournaments and was awarded as Senior Athletics Champion. At School Athletics Chelsea set new records in High Jump, Shotput and the 200m Sprint and represented the School at the AIMS Tournament week in Tauranga in Swimming and Netball. Chelsea’s real passion is swimming and her goal is to qualify for the National Age Group Swim Championships in 2014.

SErviCE to tHE PrESCHool

vEionGo KAHo

Veiongo has embodied the Saint Kentigern Way in her time at the Girls’ School. Last year, as a Year 7 student, she was awarded the Citizenship Cup. This year she has received a new service award to acknowledge her kindness and help with the children of the Preschool.

Communication in Leadership

With thanks to Mrs Judy Norton

During Term 4, for the first time, the Year 7 students sat an Oral Assessment in the ‘Introduction to Communication in Leadership.’ This formed part of their training for leadership roles next year and coincided with them sitting their Leadership interviews with Dr Hastie.

The assessment involved presenting a programme of prepared work to an outside adjudicator and an audience of their peers. They were required to prepare an informative talk on a New Zealand leader, a social speech, a reading of an inspirational nature and to participate in an impromptu leadership task. To challenge them, they were required to choose an occasion and specific audience for each task in their programme.

It was wonderful to see student using events from the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School calendar as their inspiration such as Grandparents Day, Mother/Daughter High Tea and Chapel services. They shared a range of inspirational texts from Dr Seuss to passages about Mother Teresa, from Roald Dahl to the Bible, and also extracts from interviews with New Zealand artists and musicians. They involved school values and examples of service. The assessor was impressed with the high standard of their preparation and the huge variety of their work.

Their preparation has made them explore the meaning of leadership and identify the qualities of great leaders. They have developed the key communication skills necessary in their leadership roles next year and an ability to articulate their ideas with clarity, confidence and courtesy in school, social and public settings. These qualities were evident when they sat their Leadership Interviews. Dr Hastie, Mrs Dobson and Reverend Hardie were impressed with how all students conducted themselves in these interviews. The students have enjoyed the experience, seen the value of the addition of this to their programme and were all proud of their achievements and excellent results in their Leadership examination.

Summer Time Reading

‘A sanctuary, a mine of treasure, a house of maps to secret lives in secret worlds…the library became my other home.’ – Joy Cowley

It doesn’t require a logon or a password nor does it need to be acquainted with a mouse. It doesn’t need charging and you don’t pay extra for a protective cover. You don’t have to wait for it to fire up, nor do you need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Nothing pops up to distract you. And it’s not the end of the world if you drop it in the bath! There’s a library full of them at the Girls’ School and the girls love them!

Much has been made of the electronic age and the move from hard copy books to reading on an electronic device. We’re in an age of transition, recognising that Ipads, Kindles and Smartphones can add many extra layers and dimensions to the reading of a story or the researching of facts. Nowhere is this more so than in the scientific field where virtual models and diagrams bring learning to life and give greater insight into ‘how things work’. E-books are not simply replacing traditional printed material, they are offering a whole new experience, likened to the difference between watching a production live on stage or reproduced on film; each tells the same story but one is limited by the physical boundaries of the stage while the other has limitless possibilities - and each has its own merits. This generation of children are living in a fast paced world of change where much is expected at the click of a button and yet the school library, with shelves stocked with hardcovers and paperbacks, remains a popular, tactile, diversionary, imaginary, adventure seeking draw card. A visit to the Girls’ School library during any lunch break leaves you in no doubt that regardless of age, there is much to be gained from sinking into a beanbag and relaxing into a good read. Discovering a love of reading sets children up for life.

‘You can’t succeed unless you read,’ can be countered in some circles yet it goes without saying that the kind of sophisticated reading skills demanded by high-level academic or professional work – the ability to understand multiple plots or complex issues, the expertise to know immediately what is crucial to a text and what can be skimmed – can be acquired only through years of avid reading. The school library is a foundation for the School’s literacy programmes and a catalyst for the development of lifelong readers.

Literacy is born from the human need to tell stories to better understand ourselves and the world in which we live. The production of children’s books is amazingly diverse from ripping good yarns to books that furnish information and transfer knowledge on all matters of interest. The School Library is central to learning and plays a key role as a place for unlocking the imagination and encouraging innovation, curiosity and problem solving. As electronic devices take their place in the library alongside the shelves of books, one fundamental is unchanged, the need to encourage children to read for both pleasure and learning no matter what the source of the material.

The library at the Girls’ School has a huge amount of appeal. Bathed in sunlight, the makeover by the Parents and Friends in recent years has turned it from a former senior school library into a much loved space for primary aged girls. Quentin Blake wallpaper and funky furniture add to the appeal. Librarian, Mrs Karen Monk is diligent in creating topical displays and organising activities that draw students in. Buddy reading is long established providing positive role models for the younger students.

As the school year draws to a close, most school libraries actively recall their books where they are locked away, inaccessible until the start of the new school year. Mrs Monk recognises that there are huge gains to be made by keeping the reading momentum going over the long summer holidays and sets a plan in place that encourages the girls to select a range of library books to continue their reading throughout the break. At this time of year she creates a display that not only suggests good story books but also may spark a new interest such as handicrafts, jewellery making, a new sport, science experiments or cooking.

Literacy is for life and to develop a love of reading at an early age can open up a life time of reading pleasure.

Tiritiri Matangi Wildlife Sanctuary

With thanks to Year 5 teacher, Miss Dee-Anne Gonzalez

As part of their study of New Zealand birds and their environment, the Year 5 and 6 girls from the Girls’ School spent a day on Tiritiri Matangi Island - a short ferry trip away from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important conservation projects. It is located 30km north east of central Auckland and 4km from the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in the Hauraki Gulf. A hundred and twenty years of farming had seen this 220-hectare island stripped of 94% of its native bush but between 1984 and 1994, volunteers planted close to 300,000 trees. The Island is now 60% forested with the remaining 40% left as grassland for species preferring open habitat. In conjunction with this planting programme, all mammalian predators were eradicated and a number of threatened and endangered bird and reptile species have been successfully introduced over the years, including the flightless takahe, one of the world’s rarest bird species, and the ancient tuatara.

The girls were met by volunteer staff who guided them along the tracks leading up to the lighthouse. As they walked, all eyes and ears were open as the girls practised their ‘twitching’ skills while the volunteers quietly directed them to listen to the birdsong. The girls learned a huge deal of detailed information about the bird life on the island and the importance of the conservation of dwindling species. The girls also looked out for

tree weta (or bush weta), New Zealand's most common weta. These large, ferocious looking, yet gentle insects were easily spotted due to the number of ‘weta boxes’ distributed along the board walks.

After a picnic lunch near the lighthouse, the girls headed down to Hobbs Beach to play their part in maintaining the island’s pristine environment. They carried out a beach ‘clean-up’ to clear the beach of litter that is washed up by the tide – and also sadly left by visitors. They were also able to further explore and observe sea birds in their natural habitat.

The girls had a fantastic time on the island and were blessed with fine weather as they wandered through the bush land with the knowledgeable guides. They were able to identify New Zealand native birds they had been studying, and recognise their specific calls. The treasure hunt at the end of the track also was a highlight of the day.

The skills and knowledge the girls gained making real-life observations about native flora and fauna far outweighed what could be learnt in the classroom. By experiencing our native species in their natural setting, free from predators and the encroachment of city life, the girls gained a greater understanding of the part they can play to support the long term future of these special New Zealand birds. On return to school they carried out their own research into the conservation of wild life presenting their findings and artwork in colourful display.

Our sincere thanks to all the parents who assisted on the long day trip to the island.

Icy Investigations

With thanks to Mrs Sally-Anne Jones

During Term 4 in their science lessons, the girls in Years 0-2 learnt about how to describe and sort solids, liquids and gases. To discover more about gases, we were fortunate to have a visit from Mrs Rachel Heeney (mother of Amelie in Year 1) who gave the girls a demonstration of the exciting properties of dry ice. The girls learned that gases try to escape and that some gases are heavy and some are light. The girls also made ‘bubble snakes’ from soap suds and – their favourite - trapped gases inside rubber gloves and watched them expand! This brought heaps of giggles!

This exciting hands-on experience enabled the girls to develop their scientific observation skills, learning a great deal and having a huge amount of fun in the process.

Mangere Mountain Visit Rhythmic Gymnastics

With thanks to Mrs Hayley Wolf-Dennis

As part of their topic on volcanoes, the Year 3 and 4 girls had a day out at Mangere Mountain and Ambury Farm. They were greeted by the enthusiastic educators, Debbie and Janine and, as the damp weather began to clear, they headed off on their volcano walk.

It was a steep walk to begin with as they climbed to the rim of the volcano. There, the educators gave the girls lots of interesting facts and information such as what causes a volcano. Next the girls got into groups to undertake a science experiment modelling a volcanic eruption. They used a combination of vinegar and baking soda and a drink bottle. Some volcanoes were quick to erupt while others seemed to be dormant! We carried on with our walk and took in the views of the Auckland landscape, noting the many volcanoes that make up our city.

There was time for another experiment, this time using wall paper paste and coke a cola. The bottle was surrounded by crumpled newspaper to depict the mountain terrain so the girls could see the unpredictable path of the lava flows. The bottle was shaken and they all stood back. At first there was nothing and then as they looked closer, they could see gas starting to come out before a slow moving eruption of brown gloop surfaced and flowed down the sides of our newspaper volcanoes!

The group headed to Ambury Regional Park to spend the afternoon exploring the unique lava caves and to learn more on what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption. The lava caves were definitely a highlight of the afternoon.

The girls climbed down ladders and were amazed at the vast caverns below that had formed thousands of years during the eruption of Mangere Mountain.

It was a thoroughly exciting and informative day where the girls learned a great deal first hand.

I

nterest in rhythmic Gymnastics continues to grow in the school and we had another strong team compete at the Rhythmic Gymnastics School competition held at the North Shore Events Centre. Hannah Piper, Chloe McGregor and Brayden Tang represented Year 2 girls competing in the Ribbon event. Year 3 girls, Zoe Nel, Hazel Reid, Rebecca Webster and Chiara Botaro competed in the hoop. Year 8 girls, Joy Kang and Deborah So competed in rope while Natalya Trombitas was entered in the competed in the club division doing clubs and ribbon.

All girls performed beautifully and it was obvious they had all worked hard for this day. We had some outstanding results

• Year 2: 1st Chloe McGregor, 3rd Brayden Tang

• Year 3: 1st Zoe Nel, 3rd Ava Darbyshire

• Year 8: 1st Joy Kang, 2nd Deborah So

• Club Division: 1st Natalya Trombitas

nAtAlYA rEPrESEntS nEW zEAlAnD

Deputy Head Girl, Natalya Trombitas is an accomplished rhythmic gymnast who has represented New Zealand overseas. Here she reports on her experience:

'Competing internationally is an amazing experience. Not only is it a great achievement but also a dream come true. When you are selected in a New Zealand team, you do not necessarily know all your team mates and often only meet up when you are departing New Zealand. Of course once you arrive, you are usually jet lagged and often in a far hotter climate than New Zealand - I’ve competed in Malaysia and Singapore. The most difficult thing for me personally is not only trying to find food that I like to eat, but also training in gyms that do not have air conditioning - it was really hot! We have to learn to try to adapt to things very quickly.

It is very nerve wracking arriving at the competition to compete but I find you gain confidence as the competition goes on and this is where support from your team mates is vital, especially from the older, more experienced gymnasts. It is a very special feeling to hear the rest of your team mates cheering for New Zealand when you step onto the floor and when you look into the stand and see someone waving the flag. In Singapore, the New Zealand team won gold! When you stand on the podium and receive your gold medal, you feel a range of emotions – pride, relief and pure joy! Even though it is a very individual sport, by the end of the competition you have made a heap of new friends by attending the gala dinners and going on sightseeing tours arranged by the host competition.'

Girls’ School Athletics Days

In a break from tradition, this year the Middle and Senior School girls in Years 4-8 competed in their own track, high jump, long jump, discus and shotput events, while the Junior School Years 0-3 held their own combined athletics day with tabloid sports and a family picnic.

It really was a matter of four seasons in one day at the Pakuranga Athletic Club at Lloyd Elsmore Park for the Year 4-8 girls. But in true sportsmanship the girls simply hunkered down into their jackets, many jumping on the spot to keep warm while they waited for their turn in the track, shotput, discus, high jump and long jump events. It proved very successful with a number of students smashing past school records: Laura Lightfoot, Livy Connolly, Chelsea Rose-Haydon, Elizabeth Lightfoot, Zara Smith and Chelsea Simmons.

The morning ran very smoothly and was well organised thanks to all staff running their event like clockwork and the ‘gappies’ providing support in their designated jobs. The girls enjoyed the opportunity to participate in and experience their own personal success and join in the friendly rivalry of gaining House points for the overall competition.

The Year 0-3 girls had their opportunity to run, jump and throw on the Boys’ School top field for their annual athletics day. Dressed in their house colours, the junior girls dashed the 60 metre sprints, sprang their furthest in the long jump and tossed in the ball throw. After the individual events, there was much excitement for the house team competitions! All the girls thoroughly enjoyed competing against their house challengers in the sack races, frisbee throw and the hurdle races. The juniors certainly displayed some serious House spirit encouragement from the side-lines!

The girls joined with the boys at the Boys’ School track for the annual House Relay competition, an afternoon of competition and noisy House spirit! Wishart were the victors on this day!

Congratulations to all girls for their fantastic participation and teamwork at all these events and we thank family and friends who joined the girls to show their support.

rEMUErA AnD EAStErn zonE

From the senior athletics we selected our Year 5/6 team to compete at the Remuera Zones at Mt Smart Stadium: Livy Connolly, India Doo, Darcy Woolford, Rachel Black, Zara Smith, Chelsea-Rose Haydon, Terri-Jane Warner, Elizabeth Lightfoot and Ava Beca. This competition is always very tough and this year was no exception. We competed well but, unfortunately, we didn’t place in any events, however, there was a lot of personal success to be proud off. Elizabeth Lightfoot in the 800m – after a tough start she found herself at the back of a large pack of runners but ran a very strong race and picked off runners with ease, saving a strong sprint in the last 200m where she continued to move up the pack coming an impressive 5th. Chelsea- Rose Haydon worked very hard on the ball throw in the lead up to the competition and threw a personal best, coming 4th. Zara Smith also jumped a personal best in long jump.

At the Year 7/8 Eastern Zone competition, also held at Mount Smart, Chelsea Simmons and Bethan Montgomery were selected to compete in the middle distance events. Chelsea came 4th in the 1500m.

GirlS’ SCHool YEAr GroUP CHAMPionS 2013

1ST 2ND 3RD

Year 0 Ashley Cheeseman = Olivia Carpenter, Amelie Rae

Year 1 = Amelia Evangelidakis, Janie Colebrook Golden Lawton-Hines

Year 2 = Hannah Piper, Isabella Hughes Zoe Taylor

Year 3 Mary Stanfield = Charlotte Scragge, Jade Radisich

Year 4 Laura Lightfoot Verity Ward Erin Whittley-Pegg

Year 5 Olivia Connolly India Doo Darcy Woolford

Year 6 Zara Smith Terri Jane Warner Elizabeth Lightfoot

Year 7 Renee Flay = Olivia Montgomery, Emilia Radisich

Year 8 Chelsea Simmons Evangeline Coman Veiongo Kaho

HoUSE rElAY CHAMPionS

1st Wishart 62

2nd Hamilton 53

3rd Cargill 35

4th Chalmers 26

HoUSE AtHlEtiCS CHAMPionS

1st Wishart 603

2nd Hamilton 443

3rd Chalmers 398

4th Cargill 371

Raising Funds for Halberg

With thanks to Ms Kristie Richards and Mrs Courtney Rowson, Sports Staff.

In a new fundraising initiative this year, the Girls’ School organised a day of sporting fun to raise funds for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation. Earlier in the week, former Boys’ School Principal and now CEO of the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, Mr Geoff Burgess paid a visit to assembly. Mr Burgess talked to the girls about the importance that sport plays in people’s lives - keeping us fit, sharpening the mind, developing a competitive spirit, bringing us together with friends and providing a source of role models from players to coaches and managers.

He said that each of us can probably remember a special sporting moment, whether it’s our own triumph or witnessing the triumph of another. He harked back to 1960, a year when a growing number of households could boast a black and white television; a year when, in a TV first, New Zealand could witness Murray Halberg run to an amazing gold victory in the 5000m at the Olympics in Rome. He explained that not many people realised that Murray was disabled after a severe rugby injury to his shoulder earlier in his life left his arm withered. He took up running under the guidance of Arthur Lydiard; his disability making him all the more determined to win and win he did!

In 1963, Murray set up The Halberg Trust (rebranded in 2012 to become the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation), which supports children with disabilities to be active in sport and leisure, creating a pathway for sporting opportunities and competition at an elite level.

Mr Burgess introduced, Rebecca Dubber, a bubbly, young woman who has spent her life in a wheelchair but never saw that as a reason to hold her back. After trying several sports and despite having limited use of her legs, she chose swimming as her sport of choice. She explained to the girls that water creates no limits and the sense of weightlessness gave her freedom. Through her teens she trained and competed with a squad and then set her sights on bigger things. She competed at the London

Olympics which she said was an amazing experience and while she didn’t medal, it has made her even more determined to qualify for and succeed in Rio at the next Olympics.

To raise money, the girls’ day of sports was split into three sessions for Years 0-3, 4-6 and 7-8. The youngest took up a skipping challenge whilst the two older groups were challenged with a range of cross fit exercises. The girls arrived dressed in ‘funky mufti sports gear’ ready to participate.

Year 0-3 showed off a variety of jumping skills in a skipping relay followed by a ‘skip off.’ The Year 0/1’s skipped for one minute while our judges picked the top three skippers and Year 2/3’s had to keep skipping until there was only one skipper remaining. This was great fun for our young ones and they really thrived on the huge support from the side line from the older girls.

Ms Kristie Richards introduced cross fit to our older students earlier in the year in preparation for cross country and winter sports. Our Year 4-8’s worked in partners of similar ability and undertook a circuit involving a variety of exercises such as squats, planking, step ups, shuttle runs, skipping and even a hill run involving a chicken! The girls had a fabulous time pushing and supporting each other to get through each circuit. The Year 8’s had further motivation to do their best when Ms Richards and Mrs Rowson joined in and laid down the challenge to try to complete more exercises than them!

It was a fabulous day, enjoyed by all and best of all the girls raised $2183.30 that we have heard will be put towards a special wheelchair worth $5000.00 for a primary aged school boy. This will be life changing for this young boy.

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation Vision: ‘All sports for all New Zealanders - No Exceptions’

Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ)

Girls vs Wild

With thanks to student reporters, Joy Kang and Chelsea Simmons

As part of the criteria to achieve the gold level of the Saint Kentigern Service Award, the girls are required to fulfil an outdoor adventure experience that includes an element of service. In order to qualify for the Girls vs Wild overnighter, the students must have already completed all the criteria for the Bronze and Silver Service Awards. Twelve excited girls set off on the Girls Vs Wild trip to Tawharanui Regional Park for an action packed 48 hours which was intended to challenge the girls in an outdoor setting and include work that helped the local community.

On the trip north, a stop was made in Warkworth for the girls to purchase their own ingredients for their meals. With only fifteen minutes allocated to gather all the food and pay, there was definitely chaos in the supermarket! The next stop was Tawharanui Regional Park where the girls were dropped off a few kilometres short to tramp to the campsite. Once the tents were set up, the girls went on a glass bottom boat trip at Goat Island where learning about the different types of fish, caves, rocks and shells proved to be a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was sliding down hill on cardboard boxes – a bumpy, jolting ride but so much fun!

Back at the campsite, there were two activities planned to challenge the group, one to construct a balloon tower and another to fit coloured

blocks to form a cube in a set pattern, the real challenge being, they weren’t allowed to talk – never an easy thing for girls! Equally challenging was later cooking their own meals outside; they soon discovered this wasn’t quite as easy as they had imagined!

After dark the girls headed down to the beach and as it was Remembrance Day, they lay in the sand for a couple of minutes of silence and took time to reflect on their future and what was to come. To end their walk the girls said, ‘We witnessed a very beautiful and an almost magical event. On the damp sand, sparkles appeared wherever we stepped. It was phosphorescent plankton! We had a great time dancing around and stamping our feet to see the glowing sparkles.’

The following morning was down to business: breakfast to cook, tents to pack and then their service component, a rubbish clean up around the park. The girls were surprised at the amount they collected and came to understand that their efforts were helping to keep the environment clean and more enjoyable for everyone.

The trip was a huge amount of fun and one the girls thoroughly enjoyed, learning more about the outdoors and giving a little back to the community.

Girls’ School Parents and Friends Association

My sincere thanks to all our volunteers who through our Parents and Friends Association help make our school such a special place for our girls.

In 2013, the Parents and Friends Association has hosted a number of fun events intended primarily to build on community spirit. We started the year with our traditional School Picnic which is an excellent chance for families to mix in an informal setting. The Mother Daughter High Tea, also held in Term 1, was again extremely successful thanks to Fiona Freeland and her team.

As winter approached, we hosted a very entertaining ‘All that Sparkles’ Disco which is an event the girls look forward to each year. Thanks to Patsy Radisich and her team for creating a memorable disco night. Like the Mother and Daughter High Tea, the annual breakfast for Fathers and Daughters was also held off site this year which meant a lot less work for volunteers. My special thanks to Andrew Morgan and the Old Collegians Association for their support to enable this. The Father and Daughter Breakfast was a great success thanks to Julia Clancy and her team. This year we were entertained by the Kentoris choir from the College. This link to the College was inspirational for the girls and reinforced the family atmosphere. Our special thanks go to the choir members for making it out so early in the morning. We ended the year with an Art Exhibition

of work by Simon Payton who had been the School’s artist in residence earlier this year.

The major fundraising focus this year was a spectacular Fashion Show in Term 1, Chic Peek, which raised funds to enable the refurbishment of the school grounds. My sincere thanks go to Jennifer Duncan and the rest of the organising team who created such a glamorous evening and raised such a considerable sum.

We are currently getting a food freezer project organised to start at the beginning of next year. This will enable the community to donate meals to be housed in a freezer at school. These will then be distributed to families in need within our community as the need arises.

Next year we are planning to move our meetings to a Monday night. Aside from our popular regular events we also are working with the school to host a fathers’ in school lunch and a new parents’ dinner which will both be new events.

I have had the privilege to lead an energetic team who have worked diligently for our girls. My special thanks to them for their enthusiasm and hard work, much of which goes on behind the scenes. We thank the Board for their ongoing support for the Girls’ School.

Paul Fletcher, Chairman, Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Parents and Friends

Boys' School

A Time for Honest Reflection

The end of another school year provides opportunity for honest reflection and a chance to be critical when determining the success of the academic year completed. Sure there are many highlights and successes that we can trumpet, however, have we really hit the mark for all students? There is no doubt that we have tried and we have not always got it right but that should drive us to continue to make adjustments or changes that will make a difference ahead, as no organisation can afford to rest on their laurels, believing there is nothing more that can be done.

Education is regularly criticised in the media for failing its students by not preparing them for the real world or for ‘dumbing down’ standards. How disappointing it has been recently to be told that New Zealand Education is slipping in global rankings, according to a report released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Academic rankings internationally in Science has fallen from 7th to 18th, Maths from 13th to 23rd and Reading from 7th to 13th. Quite frankly, these results are not good enough!

New Zealand teachers are highly regarded internationally with many teaching, and in demand, in top international schools throughout the world, however, in my 31 years of teaching, I too, have noticed glaring mistakes made when schools and teachers jump on the bandwagon of a popular idea or new initiative that is purported to be the next best thing since sliced bread.

Over the years I have seen many students enter our schools at varying levels as parents wish to provide an education that truly prepares their children for secondary school and life; where for the first time they are going to hit nationwide external examinations, albeit now with a large number of internal assessments. While my experiences are anecdotal, rather than based on research, I sometimes feel that with so many added subjects to the curriculum, the core basics in numeracy and literacy are being watered down purely due to the lack of hours in a school day.

Too often we have to go back to the basics or demand greater depth to fill in the gaps or to extend thinking and, therefore, understanding. The Numeracy Project which was introduced to New Zealand Schools many years ago has its merits but also its downfalls. I find that students are now too busy strategising and trying to solve mathematical problems in their head where simple algorithms that we learnt years ago are much faster, more accurate and less confusing. What is wrong with learning tables from an early age? Why are we spending an inordinate amount of time on number at the expense of algebra, measurement, geometry and real life problem solving? An answer only is not good enough, as it can only be right or wrong, not allowing teachers to identify where students are going wrong.

It is important that schools review new initiatives and then make decisions based on both experience and understanding of how children learn, thus engaging them in the learning process. Primary schools need to regularly communicate with the secondary schools that their students will attend as

this will ensure the best possible transition for our students; something well addressed in the Saint Kentigern schools.

Too often schools work in isolation. Ask the right questions: ‘What gaps are noted in our students? What are the minimum requirements you wish our students to have in each of the subject areas? What strengths do our students bring to your school?’ These are the hard questions that will allow schools to take ownership of identified weaknesses so that strategies can be put in place to rectify and, therefore, ensure that all students are adequately prepared for the next level of their education and for life-long learning.

Primary Schools should review the latest PISA results and, instead of looking for excuses, act.

1. Subject specialisation is important as to be taught by a teacher with a passion and true depth of understanding in their particular subject field does make a difference.

2. All teachers are responsible for the teaching of English and should be correcting students at all times demanding accuracy, correct usage and quality of all written responses.

3. Reading on a daily basis, including a variety of genres, is essential as enjoyment of reading needs to be instilled at an early age rather than becoming a chore later in life.

4. Times tables and basic facts must be known from an early age to the point where you don’t have to think of the answer, it is known.

5. Understand basic scientific principles of how the world works, as this will allow investigations and new ideas/theories to be developed.

6. Use technology and the wealth of information available to aid learning and not as a gimmick.

7. Mistakes are part of the learning journey.

8. Success and achievement is attributed to real effort.

Tim Elmore, founder and president of a non-profit called Growing Leaders and author of ‘Habitudes®’ offers the following advice:

1. ‘We need to let our kids fail at 12 - which is far better than at 42,’ he says. ‘We need to tell them the truth (with grace) that the notion of ‘you can do anything you want’ is not necessarily true.’

2. Kids need to align their dreams with their gifts. Every junior rugby star won’t play for the All Blacks.

3. Allow them to get into trouble and accept the consequences. It’s okay to make a ‘C-‘. Next time, they’ll try harder to make an ‘A.’

4. Balance autonomy with responsibility.

As a school, we are certainly reviewing what we do and we have made or are making changes to ensure our boys receive the best possible start to their continued educational journey where they will leave our gates confident, articulate, engaged in their learning and prepared to accept challenges with enthusiasm.

Mr Peter Cassie, Principal

Boys’ School Graduation Dinner

OurYear 8 boys, proudly sporting their Old Collegians ties, gathered with their parents, staff and invited guests at the Ellerslie Convention Centre to reflect back on the boys’ last eight years of friendship and learning as they readied themselves for the next step in their education.

The Dean of the Senior School, Mr Carl Lidstone opened the formalities by reading out a series of numbers, asking if anyone knew their meaning. No, they were not telephone numbers but the boys’ individual Saint Kentigern identification numbers. He told the boys that as they moved on, they would not be remembered for their numbers but for their actions –the things they have said and done; the service and excellence they have exhibited as young men who led the School so well in 2013.

The School is grateful to the Old Collegians for sponsoring the dinner each year and welcomed the president, Mr Andrew Morgan to speak. Andrew encouraged the boys to reflect back on their time at school and to keep in touch through the Old Collegians Association. He concluded by saying, ‘Have faith and belief in yourself, be caring of your friends and family. Always remember the real strength that develops from honesty, hard work and the inclusion of others in your life.’

Following dinner, we were pleased to invite former professional adventure athlete, Steve Gurney to speak. Steve is best known for having won the challenging Coast to Coast event nine times and being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to endurance sport. Whilst Steve may be slight in stature, his personality, drive and passion for life was larger than life and his many tales of adventure, such as the perils of kite surfing across the Sahara Desert, were perfect anecdotes for a mixed age audience. In finishing, his words of advice to the boys included not to have any regrets in life and to choose to do things that they can look back on with pride.

Each year the boys receive a Saint Kentigern pennant to be signed by friends. Amid much laughter, the boys quickly circulated, gathering as many signatures as possible, including queuing for Principal, Mr Cassie and guest, Steve Gurney to add their names.

In his closing, Mr Cassie said, ‘This evening acknowledges the importance of our senior students, recognising the contribution they have made during their time at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. You should look forward to the next five years of your education with excitement and anticipation. Your understanding of the world around you will broaden, subject knowledge will deepen and your personal interests and strengths will be nurtured. You have been given a very solid grounding academically where further independence is critical for your continued growth. You have had many opportunities to get involved in both physical and cultural activities and you have been provided with exceptionally strong Christian values and leadership that make for good citizens.’

A final set of ‘reflections,’ a DVD prepared by Paul and Victoria Wilkes, parents of Head Boy, Edward, looked back on the boys’ time together provoking many memories as images scrolled across the screen dating back to when some were new entrants! The evening finally concluded with one last haka from the boys.

We thank the Prefects’ parents who who lovingly decorated the venue with the star attraction being bags of lollies inscribed with Saint Kentigern hanging on the Christmas tree. Our thanks also to Wendy Hart from ‘Flowers after Hours’ for providing the beautiful floral centrepieces for the tables. We are also indebted to Subaru New Zealand and Winger Auckland who arranged for Steve Gurney to be our guest speaker.

Carol Service

In this busy and chaotic season, as we build up to the end of the school year and start to focus on the holidays ahead, it is always a pleasure to stop for a moment and make time to enjoy the annual Boys’ School Carol Service, held in the grandeur of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. As the jazz band played, the boys, their families, staff and special guests, along with the children from the Preschool, filled the cathedral to capacity. Soloist, Desmond Yong opened the service with the first verse of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ before the congregation joined in.

In his opening words of welcome, Principal, Mr Peter Cassie said that the service marked the beginning of the Year 8 leavers’ journey; a poignant time for the families as we prepare to finally farewell the boys in Year 8 as they move on to the next stage in their schooling.

Mr Cassie also welcomed graduating College student, Manase Latu as a guest soloist. Manase has become well known at the College over the last two years for his superb tenor voice and was recently singled out by the judges at the New Zealand Aria competition for his exceptional potential, awarding him the title ‘NZ Aria Most Promising Singer U21 Years.’ Manase joined the boys’ Performers’ Choir to sing ‘Sleep Holy Child’ and led the congregation in ‘O Holy Night,’ his voice beautifully amplified by the acoustics of the cathedral.

The staff prepared an item to sing - this year, the upbeat ‘Midnight,’ however, it was the children from the Preschool and the Junior School boys who offered the ‘cute factor’ for the evening! The preschoolers came forward to sing ‘The

Little Drummer Boy,’ with the boys who are moving on to the Boys’ School next year playing the drums. The Junior School boys, who had sat so quietly in full view throughout the service, stood to sing the ‘Donkey Song.’

Each year, Reverend Reuben Hardie develops a tableau on a Christmas theme, always a novelty that the boys look forward to but always with an underlying message. This year a stable was brought forward, albeit a very small one, and a nativity scene was brought together – definitely a Boys’ School version! There was an oversized donkey and a sheepish Mary and Joseph but that’s where the resemblance to a traditional nativity ended as squawking chickens and cheeky monkeys started to fill the space. The shepherds paid homage to Fred Dagg and the Three Wise Men…well, as Reverend Hardie pointed out, as Year 8’s they had clearly outgrown the Christian Education dress up box! The angels, however, were very angelic! Just as there was no room at the inn and not much room in the stable on that first Christmas, this stable was bursting at the seams.

Reverend Hardie said that this reflected a common experience for many of us at Christmas time – not in terms of lack of physical space but that we often find there is not much room left in the calendar for any more events; not much room for unexpected guests or interruption; not much room in our heads for any more ideas or responsibilities; or, as most discovered on arrival, not much room to find a car park in this city of ours!

‘But what changed everything on that crowded first Christmas is that God created that unique moment in space and in time to send his son. Jesus was

born in a crowded stable to help us make room in our lives for God because when we are able to make room in our hearts for God, then we also discover how we can make room for other things…like peace and family. We can discover ways of making room for people who are different from us and people who we don’t always get along with - and especially people who are in need of extra help and support. Because Jesus showed us that there is always room for compassion – there is always room for understanding – there is always room to show others that you love them and you appreciate them.’

At the end of the service, the Year 8 boys came forward to light a candle while the Performers’ Choir sang the Jubilee Blessing. Reverend Hardie said, ‘I want to tell you boys how special it is for us, as staff, and as your parents to see how much you have grown and how far you have come. We are so proud of you – and we are so excited about the future that awaits you. Go with confidence and humility and may you know God’s love all around you; God’s peace in your heart; God’s wisdom to guide you; God’s strength each day.’

The School offers thanks to Rev Tony Surman for his words of welcome and for hosting our service once again in cathedral, and to the cathedral organist, Mr Philip Smith, for providing the accompaniment to our carols.

Mercy Hospice Visit

We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former long-serving Head of Art, Mrs Robyn Spooner. Mrs Spooner was hugely respected by students, staff and parents alike. Her son Joe, a grinder on the winning America’s Cup boat, Oracle, visited the School with his family to attend an assembly on a day when the boys were dressed in mufti to raise money for Mercy Hospice in Mrs Spooner’s memory. Reverend Reuben Hardie accompanied some of the boys on a visit to Mercy Hospice to present them with a cheque representing the proceeds of the boys’ fundraising efforts.

Dr Di Winstanley met with the group for a brief tour of the hospice gardens before explaining how the money we raised would be put towards their art programme and the care of children who are affected by losing a parent with terminal illness. This is to honour Robyn Spooner’s love of art and children. Our thoughts are with the Spooner family, she will be very fondly remembered.

Hamper Donations

Towards the end of term, the boys who were recipients of the Christian Living Awards at this year’s Prizegiving, travelled to Wymondley Road Primary School in Otara to deliver 66 Christmas Hampers overflowing with food and gifts, as well as $2000 worth of vouchers for the local butcher. The boys, at all year levels, had been collating the items to donate to the Wymondley families.

Caleb Boyce, who was awarded the Christian Living Award for Class 8BW describes three highlights:

‘My first highlight was seeing how excited and thankful all the students and families were at receiving their gifts. It gave me a warm feeling inside to know that we have done something great for somebody else and I could see just how thankful they were. My second highlight was the song that they sang for us. It was called ‘Somewhere in the world tonight’. It had an awesome message and they sounded incredible. And, my final highlight was the lollie leys that they gave us. There were so many people coming up onto the stage and presenting us with the leys. It was really cool to see how grateful and generous they were. Finn Jorgenson had seven weighing him down!’

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire school community for the contribution that each family made to the Christmas Hampers and to those volunteers from Parents and Friends who wrapped each item and accompanied the boys to deliver them. It was an amazing and humbling experience to be involved in this act of generosity.

Boys’ School Prizegiving

dUX

dAniel MAr

Daniel has been a self-motivated and diligent student who has received many awards for excellence during his time at the School. This year his combined marks were: English 95.8%, Maths 85.4% Social Science 89.8% Science 91% creating a total of 362 and an average of 90.5%. In his examination marks only, Daniel received: English 94%, Maths 89%, Social Science 82%, Science 91%.This was a total of 356 with a grade average of 89%. Daniel is a worthy recipient of the Foundation Pupil Cup for Dux.

In a change of format this year, we celebrated the Junior, Middle and Senior School prize winners at one ceremony rather than three. To accommodate the increase in numbers, the students, their families, invited guests and staff members gathered at the Sports Centre on the College campus to congratulate this year’s prize winners on their academic, sporting and cultural success.

Dr Bruce Goodfellow, Chairman of the Trust Board, opened with an address that reflected back on 60 years of Saint Kentigern history. The College first opened in 1953 in a humble fashion with just 92 boys sharing three wooden classrooms. The Boys’ School was opened six years later in 1959. Over the intervening years, the roll has grown to almost 2,400 boys and girls aged 3-18 over four schools on three campuses. Dr Goodfellow encouraged the boys who were returning in 2014 to make the most of every opportunity, and to the boys who were leaving, he hoped they continued to live the Saint Kentigern Way and wished them every success.

As is traditional, the staff who are leaving came forward to present the awards. Mrs Jane Mackie presented the Junior School Academic Awards, Mrs Barbara Burgess, presented the Music, Speech and Cultural Awards and Mrs Denise Coleman, presented the Sports Awards. We thank them for their years of loyal service and wish them well as they move on.

In his address, Principal, Mr Peter Cassie said ‘Today marks the final and formal conclusion to the 2013 academic year. It is fitting that we are gathered as an entire community to celebrate the achievements and successes of all students as they are the ones who have combined to make this such a special year. To those in Year 0 who have just begun their educational journey in the school system, to those in Year 8 who are wellprepared, excited and ready to embark on the next stage of their education, it is right that we recognise the huge contribution and many successes you have achieved academically, culturally or on the sports field, as well as acknowledging the very real service and citizenship that you have provided.’

AdditionAl SpeciAl prizeS:

proXiMe AcceSSit

JonAtHon dAneSH-cloUGH

The Jubilee Cup for Proxime Accessit was awarded to Jonathon DaneshClough. Jonathon’s combined marks of English 89%, Maths 89.8%, Social Science 91.2%, Science 86% created a total of 356 and an average of 89%. In his examination marks only he received English 89%, Maths 91%, Social Science 86.5%, Science 86%. This was a total 352.5 with a grade average of 88.125%.

Mr Cassie also gave his thanks to all staff whether teaching, administration or grounds, and said that ‘the school is a credit to you due to your commitment, enthusiasm and attention to detail in all that is asked of you.’ He paid tribute to Head Boy of 2013, Edward Wilkes, by saying, ‘You have completed an outstanding year and have been an inspiration to your generation. You have led by example and the pride you display has been evident throughout the year.’ To summarise, Mr Cassie left the audience with the following thoughts on winners, ‘To be a real winner requires an attitude where the head and the heart need to be aligned. Winners plan and prepare to win, and the key word is preparation. Let 2014 be your year to be a winner!’

Between awards, the guests were entertained by a selection of our talented musicians. The clarinet quartet performed ‘Jumping Clarinets’ and the Jazz Band, one of the School’s showcase groups, displayed their talents with their recital of ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing.’ The final musical ensemble for the morning was the Performer’s Choir, an auditioned choir for boys in Year 6-8 who, along with a special guest from the College, Year 13 soloist, Manase Latu, sang ‘Sleep Holy Child.’

To conclude, graduating Head Boy, Edward Wilkes made his final Valedictory Speech before handing the mantel of leadership to the new Head Boy for 2014, Benjamin Lerner. Edward shared three important beliefs that have guided him over the past eight years at the Boys’ School – to be good, work hard and smile! Edward has certainly been known for all three! He expressed to his fellow leavers that, ‘We all have received the best foundation possible and that the values of the School will be carried with us for the rest of our lives.’

Michael Hiddleston Junior Citizenship Cup (Middle School)

Mark Hutchinson

Joel Campbell Memorial Trophy

edward Wilkes Senior Citizenship Cup

Will Bason AW Smith Cup for Middle School Sportsman of the Year

Austin McKegg

Brian Matthew’s Citizenship Cup (Junior School)

lewis elliott Rex Hooton Cup for School Spirit

charlie Knox The Ross Perry Cup for Senior Sportsman of the Year

Farewell To Staff

At the end of Term 4, staff and invited guests gathered at the Boys’ School to farewell three long-serving members of staff: Mrs Jane Mackie, Mrs Barbara Burgess and Mrs Denise Coleman.

JAne MAcKie: 28 YeArS

Jane has spent a remarkable 28 years watching the Boys’ School evolve. She cited changes as wide ranging as: ‘From corporal punishment to peer mediation; from pen and ink to the wonders of technology; from maths cuisenaire rods to digital Mathletics; from one page long reports, where a child’s entire 8 years at school were encompassed in one book, to a complete book for every report; from a small male oriented staff to a ‘balanced’ and large staff of more than 60; and from boys in whom obedience was promoted to boys who are very sure they are right!’

In the early days, Jane taught boys in the Middle School (having been at Corran teaching girls in the years prior) and then in 1997 she set about organising the School Library, the Information Literacy programme and centralising and cataloguing teachers’ resources in the Resource Room. As the role developed to include digital media, her title changed to become the Director of Information Services. Jane was also very active in the co-curricular activities at the School, coaching a variety of sports and organising cross country for many years.

A role she thoroughly enjoyed was being a Mentor for The University of Auckland Consortium of Schools Teacher Training programme – liaising, taking seminars and assessing students. She was also a Tutor teacher for several beginning teachers providing support and guidance in their early years of teaching.

Jane will leave one enduring legacy, the history book she wrote for the 50th Jubilee. ‘Sons of Kentigern’ was a three year project entailing many, many hours of research, writing, proof reading and re-writing until the finished item was published. Documenting the first 50 years of the Boys’ School was a massive achievement and one that Jane can be extremely proud of. We wish her well as she heads into her retirement years.

B ArBArA BUrGeSS: 19 YeArS

Barbara, wife of former Principal, Mr Geoff Burgess is moving on after 19 years at the Boys’ School, 17 of those in residence, to concentrate on teaching maths and English to the girls in Years 6-8 at the Girls’ School. Barbara has been involved at the Boys’ School for many years, sharing her time between the two schools for the last three years. Her contribution to the daily life of the Boys’ School has been enormous, whether supporting Geoff as the principal’s wife or in her own right as a member of the teaching staff. The boys, who have come under her guidance, are all the richer for her knowledge and enthusiasm. The staff will miss her but know that she will be just ‘up the road’ as she continues her teaching at the Girls’ School.

deniSe coleMAn: 11 YeArS

Denise started in 2003, taking on the specialist role of teaching practical science to the boys in Years 5-8. Denise will be well remembered for her involvement with the NIWA Science and Technology Fair where she has been a committee member and judge for over 11 years. She has long encouraged a high level of work from the senior boys for this annual event. She has also promoted and been actively involved in the Trees for Survival programme with the Auckland Regional Council, the Rotary Club and farm owners, taking the boys to plant upwards of 200 trees on each visit. We wish her well as she retires to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Arts Festival

BooKS Alive

Over two fine evenings at the end of October, the Boys’ School campus was transformed into a carnival of performing and static arts as our boys and their families were invited to celebrate ‘Books Alive.’ Throughout the campus there were exciting displays of visual arts, drama, music and dance; a superb showcase of student talent, supported by the combined efforts of staff and so many helpful parents. On both evenings, delighted families enjoyed the artistic talents on show in every corner of the School.

Held every second year, the Arts Festival was originally conceived as an opportunity for each and every boy to be involved in both the static and performing arts. Each boy had at least one item of his art work on display and also took part in at least one performance, featuring his class or year group. Additional entertainment was provided by the School’s specialist music groups, with many boys also taking the opportunity to busk during the course of the evening.

As the packed programme featured up to three items simultaneously in different parts of the campus, families were not short of entertainment. For those lucky enough to be there for both nights, they witnessed a subtle transformation. With first night nerves out of the way, the boys exuded a new level of confidence as they took to their various stages. Voices were stronger, movement had renewed self-assurance and the boys were loving the applause!

Combining technology, music and visual arts, Year 4 created an adaptation of Prokofiev’s classic story of Peter and the Wolf with a variety of musical instruments they had made themselves. Year 5 took to the stage in the hall for two separate enactments of two Greek myths – Orpheus and Eurydice, and Perseus and Medusa. These were both powerful pieces combining monologues and group choreography. Year 6 had divided into small groups to each select a play from the School Journals with a distinct moral to the story. Each boy had created a fantastic puppet for their chosen character and put on a short puppet play.

Year 7 each produced a short play based on a scene from a chosen book or poem. ‘The Highwayman,’ was presented as a contemporary, part digitised rendition of Alfred Noyes’ poem. A moving scene from ‘War Horse’ – when Joey is auctioned after the war – was well retold. The final piece was a scene from the well-loved novel, ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar.

The Year 8 boys had created a number of movie trailers for books that were categorised into: Home Grown, Adaptation, Favourite Book and Saint Kentigern Values with the audience invited to vote.

The theme for the festival, ‘Books Alive,’ placed the focus clearly on children’s literature and the love of reading. Fantastic colourful, wall hangings were mounted around the School, prepared by the various age groups to promote the theme of their performance.

Families packed the Junior School for the first entertainment of the evening as the Year 0’s re-enacted ‘Giraffes can’t dance’ – showing that given the right music, even a giraffe can dance! Year 1 followed with a most impressive piece, ‘La Poule Maboule’ (adapted from Chicken Little) all in French! This reflected a very strong second language learning programme in the Junior School. Year 2 presented a tribute to Joy Cowley and the Year 3’s gave a very strong and moving performance to ‘Kohiatanga,’ demonstrating unity, oneness and harmony.

The Arts Festival is all about teamwork. There is an enormous amount of work behind the scenes by a large number of people but the aim is clear; to give our boys the experience to discover inner self-confidence and pleasure from preparing and giving a public performance. Talents are no longer hidden! Our boys have discovered that each and every one of them has what is takes to put creativity on display.

A special mention must be made of the assistance from so many parents and the commitment of the Parents and Friends Association. The Senior School area was transformed for the evening into a decorated ‘Cafe Courtyard’ with a food court serving a tempting variety of meals –the youngsters, however, were largely drawn to the bright blue candy floss! With the weather so kind on both evenings, dining outside was a pleasure, adding to the enjoyment of the event.

All in all, the 2013 Boys’ School Arts Festival was a huge success!

Published Author!

Itwas proud moment for Year 5 student, Carter Tang when he saw his work published for the first time at the launch of this year’s Starship Foundation story book at a special function held at Eden Park.

Earlier in the year, Carter entered the Barfoot & Thompson 2013 Young Authors Challenge with his story about two unlikely friends - a hermit crab and a turtle. Carter was delighted when his story was one of six selected from 899 entries to be prepared for publication. The winners were selected for stories that ‘involved the reader and had engaging characters, interesting situations, warming themes and satisfying resolutions.’ The other stories selected were written by students from Pukekohe Intermediate, Northcross Intermediate, Glen Eden Intermediate, Ramarama School and Redoubt North Primary School.

The six young authors were invited to attend a workshop with renowned children’s author, John Parker, to be helped through the editing process. John suggested that Carter add some dialogue to his story to help establish the friendship between the two characters; a suggestion that Carter was pleased to work on. Once finalised, the stories were illustrated by rugby hero, Kevin Mealamu.

A Week Of Authors

With thanks to Mrs Jane Mackie, Director of Information Services

In conjunction with the Books Alive based Arts Festival, the School hosted five special authors during Festival week.

The first, who enthralled all areas of the School, was Mark Sommerset, author of ‘Baa Baa Smart Sheep’ and its sequel revenge, ‘I Love Lemonade’. These books appeal to young and old alike with a special blend of boy humour. Not only did Mark treat us to a reading of his yet to be published book ‘The Boy in the Cherry Tree’; he also demonstrated his musical prowess by playing his guitar and singing to us. His message, which he related to his own life story, was that if you have a dream you need to dive in and do it as things have a curious habit of turning out well.

Des Hunt has written many wonderful action adventure stories set in New Zealand. He talked to Year 6 and 7, using his considerable prowess as a chemistry teacher as metaphors for the ingredients for a good story. His expertise in using mini explosions and other experiments explained writer’s block and how to get the story moving again! Using magnets which attract and repel, he demonstrated how a story needs to capture the reader and keep them reading faster and faster. He talked about getting conflict into a story as readers were unlikely to enjoy a story about everyone being good friends! All his stories have the main

This is the sixth year that John and Kevin have worked in partnership to produce a book for Starship. ‘Room 23 and Mysterious Miss P – and Five More Fantastic Stories’ has now gone on sale with all proceeds benefiting Starship Children’s Hospital’s Magic of Reading Programme, which provides all overnighting patients at Auckland’s Starship and Whangarei Hospital’s Children’s Ward with their own book to read and keep. Carter is proud to know that his work is helping such a good cause.

At the launch, Mr Cassie purchased a book for each Middle School classroom and two for the library. Carter was presented with his own copy along with a mounted poster promoting his story with his favourite extract, ‘And when they reached the sand they watched the full moon glowing brightly and listened to the breaking waves and spent time together – just as friends should.’

Copies can be purchased online for $15 from Barfoot and Thompson: www.barfoot.co.nz/storybook

Citizenship Awards

Congratulations to Fintang Wong (Year 6) and Angus Williams (Year 8) who were recipients of this year’s Remuera Lions Citizenship Awards. These awards are presented each year by the Remuera Lions Club to students who best exemplify the ideals of the Lions Junior Citizenship Code. The code includes values such as ‘Honest in word and deed’, ‘Willing to accept responsibility’ and ‘Generous with your time and talents for the improvement of your community without thought or personal rewards.’

Fintang and Angus are worthy recipients of these awards. They were selected for their courtesy, caring natures and consideration of others. We congratulate them on being selected as representatives from our School. At a ceremony held at Dilworth Junior School, the boys were presented with their badges to wear with pride on their blazers and were also acknowledged at our Prizegiving.

ingredients of a NZ setting, nature, technology and humour. His writing workshop for Year 6 in the afternoon inspired a greater level of editing and evaluation of their story writing and the boys were intrigued by his tips for improving a story. It is little surprise his own writing captures the imagination of many. He has prodigious talent for touching on topical issues and ‘hotting’ them up with escapades and excitement.

Bruce Potter is well known as an illustrator. He treated us to his latest book and his remarkable skill with doodling. The creation of a myriad of what he would call doodles and we would call detailed caricatures was stunning. He shared his latest book, ‘Penny the Prodigious Pooing Cow!’

Photo Portraits

With thanks to Head of Art, Mr Thomas Barter

I nspired by the work of David Hockney and Chuck Close, the Year 7 students worked on a self-portrait photo collage project.

The project started out as an exercise in making a nine picture portrait of the student’s own face and then expanding it into a more complex work that involved the entire body and included elements of Saint Kentigern. The challenge for them was to work over several weeks and maintain the same idea that they started with.

The boys worked with a simple ‘point and click’ digital camera and had to take into consideration each time how and where they were taking the photos so that the final work appeared to belong as one piece. The photographic work was initially printed in black and white so that they could do a rough sketch of how their idea would look prior to working with colour prints. The colour photos were printed on glossy photo paper and manually cut, arranged and pasted onto black card.

The work was so successful that as a teacher I saw the value in trying to make some of the better ones into large scale portraits. The challenge in this was to make sure that it looked like the boys’ original work. It was

It was also set to music so he sang to us accompanied by his guitar. His creation of cartoon characters based on our ideas was impressive and he also left us with a message of following your dreams. As a musician, illustrator, author and weight lifter, he certainly is following his dreams.

Maria Gill is a renowned non- fiction writer with a New Zealand flavour. She used her many published books and an array of interesting props to demonstrate how she goes about the research, collection of ideas, writing in a variety of genre and getting suitable illustrations to enhance her work. Her enhanced and integrated e-books are fine examples of the power of this medium and constitute several reference books in one. Her

also important that the student made the work and not have it become a ‘made by the teacher’ effort. Out of fifteen boys selected, eight managed to get the work done and I commend these boys for their individual effort. These were displayed at the Auckland Intermediate Art Exhibition among the work of 400 students from 40 Auckland schools who were exhibiting their best artwork at a week-long exhibition held amongst the planes at Motat. Each year, the Auckland Intermediate Art Association organises an exhibition to display a variety of artwork that includes mixed media, paintings and sculptures from Year 7 and 8 students in the Auckland region. The annual exhibition has been running for over 20 years showcasing the talent of students from Albany to Pukekohe.

On their return to school, the artworks were displayed on outside walls around campus for the biennial Saint Kentigern Boys’ Art Festival drawing many appreciative comments. These made particularly striking displays showing a surprising level of sophistication in the individual works.

Boys’ work displayed at the Auckland Intermediate Art Exhibition: George Burns, Luke Gee, Thomas Hussona, Lachlan Kenna, Benjamin Lamb, Sam Looker, Tommy Lui, Daniel Mar, Tom Moloney, Zachary Morrow, Caleb Pese, Tom Petit, Junior Schaumkel, Leo Van der Kroft

experience, knowledge and enthusiasm for New Zealand ecology and conservation are certainly contagious.

Author and illustrator, Stu Duval, performed at the Arts Festival on both nights. Although the weather conspired against his full-on routine of storytelling and artistry combined, he nevertheless produced three amazing pastel paintings and entertained many with his cartoon drawing.

We are grateful to all these talented people for giving their time to inspire our community.

Histoires en Action!

With thanks to Mrs Karen ducros, French teacher

‘La classe commence en Français.

Ouvre la tête, enleve l’anglais.

Je mets l’anglais dans la poche, c’est vrai!

Et je parle seulement en Français.’

French lessons for the Junior School boys in Years 0-3 start outside the classroom with the boys all reciting this rhyme. If you’re not familiar with the French language, then watching their accompanying actions soon gives you a clear idea as to the meaning as they ‘open their heads, take out the English and put it in their pocket’ for later! The premise being, that as they enter the French classroom, they leave their English behind and only French is spoken. The use of gestures play a big part of this new programme.

Introduced to the Junior School this year, the AIM (Accelerated Integrated Methodology) Language Learning Programme is a verb based, oral language programme. This means that rather than reliance on word lists of nouns, the children are given a story context for their learning. Through storytelling, the children are quickly drawn into the activity, making sense of what is happening, building their own versions, listening, telling, retelling, talking about, reflecting upon and ultimately responding. During the programme, nothing is taught in isolation, with gestures from the teacher,

students are spoken to in full sentences and a response is encouraged in the context of a full sentence. All the learning is oral and there is no written component at this stage.

Young children are very receptive to learning a second – or for some of the children – third language. For the boys entering from our Preschool, they arrive with a good grounding in French; there it is taught across the age range from age 3. Full of confidence and willing to give anything a go, the Year 0 students at school are already questioning and answering in full sentences.

One of the important tenets is the ‘French only’ rule in the classroom so that it becomes a true immersion experience. The approach is a multi-sensory one that applies gestures to high frequency vocabulary. The gestures are used in a fashion similar to sign language rather than ‘acting out’ the words. The combination of language and action makes for an inherently ‘playful’ approach that soon engages the boys.

Those who attended this year’s Arts Festival could not help but be impressed by the boys’ recital of ‘La Poule Maboule,’ a long story retold with passion and humour entirely in French, complete with actions. The children concentrate on this one story throughout the learning unit. Adapted from the English version, ‘Chicken Little,’ the familiarity, predictability and high level of repetition in the story (‘histoire’) helps the children to build vocabulary in context quickly. Songs, dances and plays are used to engage the boys (‘en action’ – in action). Even at this young age, the boys also memorise grammar raps to learn and use the grammar rules effectively.

The importance of second language learning has long been recognised and French has been taught higher up the School for a number of years. As a result of the success with the Juniors, the School has invested in resources for the full AIM programme with the intention of gradually bringing the programme to all levels of the School.

The Junior School French classroom is a noisy, active place as the boys go about their new language acquisition – there is no question that this is an enjoyable, engaging experience!

Music Showcase

The high point of the Music Department’s calendar at the Boys’ School is the Music Showcase held in November. The Showcase features our very best musicians, who are selected through an audition process to perform in front of students, staff, parents and invited guests.

In her introduction to the Showcase, Director of Music Mrs Janet Grierson told the audience that this year the Boys’ School has had musicians perform in assemblies, at Open Day, Grandparents’ Day, Chapel Services, Fireworks Evening, in our community, the local library, the local supermarket and shopping centre, retirement villages and Town Hall concerts. They’ve been busy!

Opening the Showcase this year was the recital from the Symphonic Orchestra, who played ‘See the Conquering Hero Comes’ by Handel. The large audience were then treated to polished individual performances across a broad range of piano, violin and wind and string instruments. Amongst the talented solo musicians, a variety of groups also presented their pieces including the flute and guitar ensembles, the jazz combo, recorder trio, clarinet quartet and the jazz band. Many of these students have been playing

Architecture in Focus

With thanks to Mrs Betsie Warner, Year 8 teacher

Aspart of their Social Science Unit, the boys in Year 8 were tasked with the challenge of designing their own redevelopment concept for the Tank Farm area on the waterfront in Auckland City. To start the ball rolling, an architectural walk was organised to provide the boys with an understanding of architectural concepts and to gather inspiration for their work.

The day began with a tour of the School campus led by four visiting architectural experts. The focus for this walk was to look at the School’s contrasting buildings, identify their features and discuss their design and function. The historical Roselle House and the modern Jubilee Sports Centre present a superb contrast in styles, highlighting to the boys the changes that have evolved in form and function over time and providing a fantastic springboard for discussion. Our thanks to Mrs Katie Wilson (Jasmax Architects), Ms Evelyn Liu (Architect, Wellington), Mr Matt Chaplin (Sumich Chaplin Architects) and Mr David Gaze (Gaze Commercial) for taking the time out from their day to work with our boys. This was hugely appreciated and provided the boys with a great grounding for the next stage of their research.

The second part of the morning was an architectural walk from the Tank Farm in Beaumont Street through to The Cloud. The boys’ focus was the redevelopment of the Wynyard Quarter, the Events Centre, Prince’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, Shed 10 and The Cloud. A highlight was a tour of the world class, sustainable ASB Building in Wynyard Quarter where

their instruments from a young age, some starting as early as Year 3.

In closing the Showcase, Principal Mr Peter Cassie said he wished he had even half the talent of the boys! He said that the performances were examples of real excellence that only comes because each student has put in the hard yards. ‘Music’, he said, ‘is a full time, all year commitment.’ Mr Cassie expressed his delight in the music bringing joy to the audience, ‘People just couldn’t stop moving - heads were nodding, toes were tapping, people were swaying. Music just makes us feel good!’

At the conclusion, the audience was piped out by Year 8 student, Lachlan Broadhurst. Lachlan has done a fabulous job piping at many events through the year and we appreciate all the times he has represented the School.

Congratulations to all boys for their performances and for sharing their talent with us. Also thank you to Director of Music, Mrs Janet Grierson, and Assistant Musical Director, Mr Edwin Randell, for a very successful and entertaining morning of music.

the boys were hosted by Mr Derek Shorrt (ASB General Manager). The eco-friendly building provided many interesting features and ideas to consider. In small groups the boys then made their way along the waterfront photographing and considering the vast array of architecture and design work.

The morning finished with Mr Matt Glubb, Principal at Jasmax · Architecture & Planning, touring the boys through Shed 10 and The Cloud. He shared his wealth of experience in the background and development of the buildings.

Back at school and armed with new knowledge, the boys set about their task. In their proposal, they were asked to meet a need within the community, explain that need and how their proposed structure would meet that need. As well as explaining the function of the structure, they were also required to ensure it represented the culture and beliefs of their chosen community. They were required to make a 3D representation to scale and create architectural drawings.

The resultant work was as amazing in ideas as it was in execution. From sports centres to a Performers’ Park dedicated to music and open green spaces; a Southern Hemisphere Theme Park, urban gardens and a centre to host parties and fine dining to a city farm - the boys’ ideas could well prove food for thought for the Auckland City Council!

Boys vs Wild

With thanks to student reporter, Louis Ribiere

During Term 4, the boys in Year 8 who received the silver badge as part of the Saint Kentigern Service Award were offered the opportunity to participate in the annual Boys vs Wild camp. This year there was an added aspect of service involved as six boys and two teachers from Wymondley Road School were invited and it was our responsibility to look after them.

The camp was held at Tawharanui Regional Park, about an hour and a half drive north of Auckland. On the way we stopped at a supermarket where we were given $100 per group to buy all the food we would need for five boys. It was our choice!

After arriving and setting up tents and having lunch, we went to help the local ranger fulfilling the service component of the camp. The job consisted of filling buckets with gravel and slowly making our way down one of the nature trails and then depositing the gravel to improve the track. It took us two hours and it was particularly tiring! The ranger said it usually took him at least a month to do this job so we had a huge feeling of achievement that we had accomplished such a useful task.

On returning to camp we went to the beach for a well-earned swim before it was time to cook our dinner and wait for it to get dark. Before playing a game of spotlight, we spent five minutes lying on the sand, looking at stars and reflecting on our year; with no light pollution, the stars were amazing!

The next day it was time to tidy up our campsite and say goodbye to our friends from Wymondley Road before we started the trip back home. The trip will definitely be one of our lasting memories of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School!

School Tennis Championships

F or keen tennis players, the Year 4 - 8 annual school tennis championships brings out the best in competitive spirit. The weather was very mild without the strong winds that have plagued other years so we managed to get through the preliminary rounds fairly easily. The semi-finals were hotly contested and even though they were only one set, some games went on for well over an hour.

The boys umpire themselves under the guidance of Mr Grant and they always have their Saint Kentigern values tested. All the boys responded with outstanding respect for one another, something that the boys can be extremely proud of. Well done to all boys that put their names down for the championship but there can only be one winner per age group in tennis!

Year 8 Conor Ansell Beat Oliver Cranshaw 7/5 6/4

Year 7 Chris Zhang beat Benjamin Lerner 6/0 6/1

Year 6 Henry McLachlan beat Joshua Stephan 6/1 6/

Year 5 William McLachlan beat William King 6/3 6/0

Year 4 George Beca beat Campbell Joyce 6/3 3/6 6/4

A plAYer to WAtcH!

cHriS zHAnG

Year 7 student, Chris Zhang is proving to be a tennis player with a good future. In late October, Chris won the U12 title at the Tennis New Zealand Masters Top 8 competition. Entry to the competition is based on players gaining points from tournament placings over the course of a calendar year. Chris entered this tournament ranked Number 3 overall from his points but was seeded Number 1. He played strong matches throughout, qualifying to play in the finals against a Christchurch player which Chris won convincingly 6-3, 6-1. As a result, Chris was invited to take part in a two day NZ talent ID camp to further his skills at the Millennium Institute.

Chris then went on to play at the North Island Primary and Intermediate School Tennis Finals 2013 held in in Wellington. He worked his way through pool play for a spot in the finals where he was up against the No. 1 seed, Isaac Beecroft, a Year 8 student from Wellesley College.

After some valiant play, Chris lost in the 3rd set. As the weather was wet in Wellington, the matches were reduced to only 4 games a set which was disappointing for Chris but he is clearly a young tennis player to watch!

STOP PRESS!

congratulations to chris who was recently crowned as the national 12s Boys champion age group nationals in christchurch.

Boys’ School Athletic Championships 2013

With thanks to Mr Duncan Grant, Director of Sport

November is always an unpredictable month for weather and it was no exception for the Junior Year 0 to 3 athletics day. We managed to complete all events just before the heavens opened! The Year 8 sport monitors ran each of the athletic stations and once again they did a superb job, leading by example. We introduced discus and shot put this year to get the younger ones used to these disciplines in readiness for when they enter Year 4. This was a great success. The sprints provided the competitive element with the boys trying their hardest to qualify for the finals that were run in front of a big crowd! The parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they got involved in the round robin athletic events which their sons enjoy tremendously. Thank you to all those who helped make the day a success.

The Middle and Senior Athletic Sports this year were held at Mt Smart stadium. What an impressive stadium it is since its 2012 renovations with a new track and new seating. The weather was superb and perfect for a great day of athletics. The majority of times and distances were taken during physical education lessons to work out the top 8 finalists for the events that were run as straight finals on the day. All boys had the opportunity to qualify in the shot put, long jump and 100m at Mt Smart stadium. The timing machine was used to bring an extra piece of professionalism to the day. Well done to all those boys who achieved their personal goals and a big thank you to all the staff who made the day a success.

reMUerA And eAStern zone

Our top athletes went on to compete in the Remuera and Eastern Zone athletics. The Remuera Zone was held at Mt Smart stadium where we had some great results. The Eastern Zone event was held at Lloyd Elsmore and was run and organised by Saint Kentigern School. Our boys achieved some top places against some talented athletes from schools around the Remuera/Eastern Zone.

Well done to all those boys who gave their all in athletics this year.

ScHool AtHletic cHAMpionSHip reSUltS

1St 2nd 3rd

Year 0 Max Trankels Scot Nel Finlay Peterson, Jacob Hageman

Year 1 Pierce Gault Lachlan Hay James Hiddleston

Year 2 Ethan Knox Harry Becker William Lawrence Vai Vai

Year 3 Benjamin Hardie Ben James Brendan Meyer

Year 4 George Beca Nicholas Forgie, Edward Chaytor

Year 5 William McLachlan Vinay Chichester Robert Jones

Year 6 Tom Lorimer Benjamin McCutcheon Flynn Cornelieus Gilbert

Year 7 Thomas Moloney Theodore Thomson Maia Scott

Year 8 Dylan Bartholomew Oliver Parkinson Grayson Gaze

HoUSe AtHletic cHAMpionS

1st Cargill 350 points

2nd Chalmers 274 points

3rd Hamilton 212 points

4th Wishart 188 points

HoUSe relAY cHAMpionS

1st Cargill 173 points

2nd Chalmers 94 points

3rd Hamilton 73 points

4th Wishart 61 points

reMUerA zone reSUltS

Year 5 High Jump: 2nd, William McLachlan

Year 5 Ball Throw: 3rd, Robert Jones

Year 6 Ball Throw: 2nd, Ben McCutcheon

Open 800m: 2nd, Vinay Chichester

Year 6 Relay: 1st, SKBS team

eAStern zone reSUltS

YeAr 7 BoYS

400m 3rd, Thomas Moloney

800m 1st, Benjamin Anderson. 2nd, Thomas Maloney

1500m 2nd, Liam Batts

Relay 1st, SKBS team

Long Jump 2nd, Thomas Moloney

High Jump 1st, Jack Dufaur

Shot Put 3rd, Maia Scott

Discus 1st, Maia Scott

YeAr 8 BoYS

400m 2nd, Dylan Bartholomew

1500m 1st, Charlie Knox

Long Jump 2nd, Dylan Bartholomew

High Jump 2nd, Max Shorter

Discus 3rd, Grayson Gaze

Boys’ School Fireworks Night

‘Fire Away!’

A perfect night sky with just the right amount of cloud cover set the stage for another fantastic Fireworks Night at the Boys’ School on Saturday. As families gathered with picnic fare on the top field, the high winds from earlier in the day dropped away and a relieved team from the Parents and Friends could relax knowing that their weeks of planning could now come to fruition.

The gates opened at 5pm as a capacity crowd started to stream in; the children quickly doing the rounds to check out the ‘fairground’ activities. A new activity this year proved a huge success – a travelling farm show brought pony rides and a large, old fashioned caravan full of rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and …um….rats to pet. Naturally the boys, being boys, egged each other on to handle the rats!

Without question, the biggest draw card each year is the dunking machine with a large crowd gathering to watch those brave enough to face an unexpected drop into the icy November water! The numbers doubled when word got around that Principal, Mr Peter Cassie had taken on the challenge. He received more than his fair share of dunks from a keen set of boys with the skill to throw an accurate ball and hit the target! Those that couldn’t were eventually invited forward to press the release, dropping their good natured Principal for yet another dunking!

The food court offered up some fabulous fare this year with a range of wood fired pizzas, paella, sushi and gourmet pies. There were brisk sales on the students’ favourite – make your own lurid snow cone!

As the evening moved towards the main event, there was entertainment on the stage – of particular note, the School Jazz Band, the School’s Song Writing Competition winners, rock bands from the College and Songbird, Choral Director, Mr Edwin Randall’s band.

As the sun set and darkness encroached, Year 8 student, Lachlan Broadhurst piped Mr Cassie to the stage. Mr Cassie welcomed the Saint Kentigern community and took the time to publicly thank a long-time organiser and stalwart of the Fireworks Night, a former Chairman of the Parents and Friends, Mr Ants Hurdley, who has continued to assist in planning this special night long after his son has moved on.

The College Pipes and Drums made a spectacular, floodlit appearance before eight boys, representing the four Houses, carried flares on to the field in House colours. This year, Mr Hurdley was given the honour of igniting the flame that set a spectacular firework show in motion choreographed to Titanium (Fire away, fire away…) by David Guetta.

Anthony Lealand, the CEO of Firework Professionals based in Christchurch, said the show had 500 separate elements timed to the music. Unlike a fireworks night at home, a show such as this has a huge amount of work and planning. Once the budget has been allocated, the show is pre-planned, working out the quantity of igniters, mortars, cables, firing systems and safety gear required and then selecting the colour, size and effect of each element of the pyrotechnics. When set to music, such as this show, they also take into account how long it takes from pressing the button to the effect actually firing, how long before it reaches the point

PHOTO: Stephen Penny. The Hobson

when it explodes and, finally, the distance the audience is from the effect and the music to allow for the differential in the speed of light and sound!

A firework show also involves a great deal of paperwork to comply with New Zealand regulations. A Test Certificate (permit) is required to fire the show. This involves obtaining written permission from the Fire Service and the legal landowner, submitting this, together with a detailed site plan, application form and supporting information to an independent Test Certifier. The Department of Labour, Police Communications and Fire Communications must also be notified and a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. In addition, a permit is required to close off the Shore Road boardwalk to allow for the larger fireworks with security guards required from 8am to 10pm to keep residents away!

With this amount of work, it’s little wonder the Parents and Friends team are relieved when the weather is settled on the night and the show is guaranteed to go ahead!

This was a great family occasion that combined great food, top class entertainment and plenty of things to do to keep younger family members engaged. With over 1500 tickets sold, generating a healthy income, our thanks go to a hardworking group of parents and helpers who not only got the show underway but attended to the clean up the following day.

Thank you to: Jane Sheetz, Kerry George, Peter Green, Lyzadie Renault, Annie Fraser, Jason Mar, Simon Ward, Kathryn Hughes, Chris Pettit, Maryanne Looker, Laura Lane, Robyn Kenna and Naomi Hageman.

Our thanks also to the following sponsors: A-Ward Attachments, Hirepool, TPI Waste Management, New World Manurewa

Boys’ School Parents and Friends Association

Parents and Friends (P&F) is a group of dedicated, enthusiastic parents who volunteer their time to help the School host events as well as planning their own events with the objective of promoting and nurturing friendship within the wider school community.

The AGM saw us farewell our co-chair, Alison Hudgell, Secretary, Cathie Woods and Treasurer Havana Mar. Huge thanks must go to Alison, Cathie and Havana who all worked tirelessly in their roles.

The new executive is Jane Sheetz as Chairperson, Richard Beca as Vice Chair, Laura Lane as Secretary/Volunteer Co-ordinator and Donna Berry as Treasurer. We are especially privileged to have many new P&F class coordinators who all helped to support a very productive 2013.

Donna Berry and Laura Lane, in their roles as Treasurer and Secretary, and our Parent Liaison Team – Sarah Becker and Amanda Wilkinson for the Junior School, Carole Beggs for the Middle School and Annie Fraser for the Senior School - have done a fantastic job in organising and supporting Parents and Friends events. We are very grateful for the support offered from the Parents and Friends team and all those in our school community who volunteer their time and energy to support our activities and events.

We continue the productive partnership with Principal, Mr Peter Cassie, school management and staff, and are appreciative of their encouragement and assistance in all that we do.

Our calendar starts every year with the New Parents’ Morning Tea on the first day of Term 1. This is an opportunity for new parents, once they have dropped off their sons, to come along to the Staff Room and enjoy a much needed coffee with other new parents and settle those nerves! The year also begins with the Year 7 picnic, an opportunity for existing families to welcome new families into our school community and build on the relationships between our boys.

We hosted and funded a number of events this year – Meet the Teacher, Senior Information Evening, Celtic Day haggis, morning tea and field activities, the Father and Son breakfast, start of term morning tea events for new parents and our now famous Quiz Night.

A perfect night sky with just the right amount of cloud cover set the stage for another fantastic Fireworks Night. As families gathered with picnic fare on the top field, the high winds from earlier in the day dropped away and a relieved team from the Parents and Friends could relax knowing that their weeks of planning could now come to fruition.

Parents and Friends Christmas Hampers for families in need are back for the fourth year. Thank you to Reuben Hardie and Laura Lane for facilitating this.

Last year saw the development of the Saint Kentigern Cookbook which raised $30,000 for the Boys School, enabling the P&F to purchase a Winger Subaru Van and Trailer. It looks really smart and has been really appreciated by all. P&F is all about fundraising and we do raise funds for the School, but our main aim is ‘friend-raising’ and community building. We have a team of dedicated, hardworking people who tirelessly work together to make events happen, but parents leave as their sons move on to secondary school and we hope that new parents will fill their shoes. We look forward to new parents joining the P&F and volunteering to help with a particular event. We appreciate all offers of help, no matter how small, to spread the load and we are sure you will enjoy working with our friendly, enthusiastic team. By volunteering, parents take the opportunity to see the School working, meet other parents and get to know various members of staff in a relaxed and informal way.

On behalf of the P&F Committee, staff, parents and boys, a very big thank you to all our committed volunteers who have given so generously of their time throughout the year. We can’t do any of this without you.

Jane Sheetz - Chairperson, Boys’ School Parents and Friends Associatio

Reflecting on 2013

What a fantastic year it has been. This year has seen a number of notable achievements by our students across all fields of endeavour and we have much to be proud of.

Each academic year concludes with a number of formal events where different groups from our College community come together to celebrate the year that has been. At the end of October, the Bruce House boarders gathered with invited guests and parents to farewell the Year 13 boarders and give thanks to the staff who care for them while away from home.

In early November, we recognised our sporting elite at our annual Sports Dinner with 500 students, coaches and families in attendance. We also welcomed special guest, Old Collegian, Grant Dalton to assist with the awards. Sports Dinner was followed by Senior School Prizegiving where we acknowledged the success of our top academics. Sarah Bradley was named as IB Dux and Louis Christie as NCEA Dux for 2013. At Middle School Prizegiving on the last day of term, Year 10 student, Haswell Booke, was announced as Dux of the Middle School. These are three remarkable students who have worked hard to achieve these results.

The year concluded with our Year 13 Graduation Dinner. As our 2013 Graduates and their families gathered together for the final time, the evening celebrated this group of outstanding Year 13 students who have spearheaded a year of success for the College. Highlights for me were the wonderful speeches by the House Leaders, particularly the diminutive and formidable House Leader of Hamilton, Mabel Ye; our Deputy Head Boy and Chalmers House Leader, Matthew Lieshout; our Deputy Head Girl, Shaan Bone and of course the usual masterful performance by our Head Girl, Sharnika Leleni and Head Boy, Sam Grant.

I was moved by the Reverend David Smith’s Chapel service ‘An Ending and a Sending’ sermon, highlighted by the songs from Grace Sturgess, Manase Latu, Denelle Bhagwandhin and Alex Waimora. The flawless vocal performances of these talented students made this emotional for all of us. This Year 13 group has been perhaps the most rounded and talented in my experience and the credit that they have brought to the College in academic success, cultural excellence and sporting triumphs has been remarkable. Their efforts have placed this College at the very top echelon of New Zealand schools. However, as was often repeated during the graduation evening, the students’ development and success is partly attributable to dedicated, inspiring teachers, three of whom were farewelled in December.

Mrs Jan Lorentz, Mr Gordon Fryer and Mr Trevor Whiteman retired as long serving, valued members of the teaching staff at the completion of the 2013 academic year. These individuals have all been such an important part of the team, and I must emphasize that one of the most critical factors of any success of a school is its staff. I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank them for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to our students and to the academic and co-curricular life of the College over the years.

We now look towards 2014, devoted to helping students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Thank you for your continuing support of this remarkable College.

Fides Servanda Est

Steve Cole HEAD OF COLLEGE

Farewell to Long Serving Staff

On the final day of Term 4, staff gathered to farewell four remarkable people who collectively have given well over a century of service to Saint Kentigern. Three of the four have worked for four different Headmasters while, Mr Trevor Whiteman, who has been at the College since 1979 has worked for all five College Headmasters and has seen and adapted to many changes in his time.

TREVOR WHITEMAN: 34 YEARS

Mr Whiteman is a consummate professional, whose service has been well appreciated by staff and students alike for 34 years, having commenced in 1979. He has unselfishly given much to the College both in and out of the classroom and has over many years shown a true willingness to be involved in all aspects of College life.

Mr Whiteman has had a number of different roles and responsibilities during his tenure. He has worked in Commerce, Social Studies, Travel and Tourism, and in Student Services. He was Dean of Form 3 and later Dean of Form 5 under our previous Pastoral Care system.

In the co-curricular area Trevor has made a huge contribution to Saint Kentigern. A keen sportsman himself, he sets his sights high – he has even become a very keen cyclist himself and trained hard enough to ride a couple of stages of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees. Mr Whiteman has spent his weekends supporting students of Saint Kentigern College to pursue their interest in sport. He has been involved in coaching and managing senior tennis teams for 19 years and cricket for 6 years.

He was also the manager of the 1st XV for 8 years including the 2001 team which won the 1A competition for the first time in the College’s history and was manager of our Tennis teams that have won Auckland and National Titles.

We wish Trevor well in his retirement; he has been an efficient, helpful and reliable member of staff who will be remembered fondly.

GORDON FRYER: 29 YEARS

Another remarkable, long serving stalwart of our College is Mr Fryer; a truly professional teacher of Physical Education, initially, and in more recent years, a teacher of Science. He has also been a Housemaster at Bruce House and was Dean of Year 10 for 18 years.

Mr Fryer is a remarkable person who shares his passion and enthusiasm for life’ willingly with students, particularly for the outdoors. He has been a real contributor and advocate for Field Centre having just completed his 29th consecutive trip to the mountain – promising to be back to assist at his 30th next year! Indeed, it is his willingness to share his love of tramping and outdoor adventure for which he will most likely be remembered by the students; those in his tramping club calling him ‘Papa Goat’ and referring to him as a kindly grandfather figure. His professionalism over many years has been an example to others and we wish him well in his retirement – although knowing Gordon, he is not likely to be slowing down that much!

JAN LORENTZ: 26 YEARS

Mrs Lorentz has graced the College for 26 years. She has been a very popular figure in the College community; always bright and breezy with a real sense of fun. She has been a passionate and very effective teacher of Science and has contributed significantly to the co-curricular. In

A Journey of Reflection

Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years and are often referred to in Greek and Egyptian mythology. Unlike a maze which has a multitude of puzzling paths and can be difficult to navigate, a labyrinth has a single non-branching path which leads to the centre. Generally these are seen as ‘sacred space’; they are created for walking a journey of thought, meditation and reflection on life.

Each year to conclude the Year 12 Christian Education course, our own labyrinth is fashioned on the Chapel Lawn. In preparation, the design was regularly mown and carefully manicured by Property Services and as the grass grew longer around it, the motif became more apparent. So did the curious second glances from cars passing by!

Based on the classical labyrinth, which has seven circuits and a cross in the centre, paving stones were placed every 30m of the 783m pathway, each posing a question that the students were asked to reflect upon as they quietly walked through the labyrinth: The gift of work, money, friends, learning, problems, family, joy, a dream, giving, gratitude, time and love.

For example, the Gift of Learning: What is something good you have learned this year? Or, The Gift of Problems: Why might some of life’s challenges be seen as gifts? As they walked the course, the students were encouraged to consider if they had found joy in their life, and if their life brought joy to others. Virtues such as joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness and love were all used in contemplation of their practical, servant-hearted focus.

Now in its fifth year, the labyrinth journey of reflection was a good opportunity for the students to take time to walk, to think and to contemplate on their time at Saint Kentigern College, and what they will take with them that will inform and shape their future.

particular, she has been a leader in developing Junior Science and has embraced the Middle School concept.

Mrs Lorentz has also been well noted for her contribution to sports at Saint Kentigern. She managed a hockey team from 1991 and a tennis team from 1995. That’s 18 years for hockey and 20 years for tennis! Over those years she had proved to be a dedicated manager and we thank her for her special care and commitment to our young sports people as well as her tutor groups and science students.

We wish Jan well as she moves to London with her husband to be with her grandchildren.

ESTELLE ALEXANDER: 27 YEARS

Estelle joined the administration staff in June 1986 in the role of Assistant Bursar to Jack Cormack. Estelle already had a good knowledge of Saint Kentigern as her two sons, Dion and Andrew, were attending the College. In her time she has taken on aspects of the accounts department from debtors and creditors to payroll and accounts payable.

In the last 27 years Estelle has seen three bursars, four Heads and many staff pass through the gates, all receiving assistance from her in some way. Estelle has been a quiet achiever, always getting on earnestly with her job and always willing to help. It is now time for Estelle to hang up her calculator as she embarks on retirement with her husband Don, choosing to locate themselves in a new apartment in Orewa and providing more precious time to spend with their much loved grandchildren.

Senior Prizegiving 2013

Senior Prizegiving signalled the end of another notable year in the life of the College as the Saint Kentigern College community gathered in Elliot Hall to congratulate our Year 11, 12 and 13 IB (International Baccalaureate) and NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) academic prize winners, including those who had received scholarships for tertiary study from leading universities and tertiary institutions. In addition, special prizes were awarded for cultural and service activities along with the top sports awards.

Each student who came across the stage could be rightfully proud of awards that recognised their significant contribution. The afternoon culminated with the announcement of the highest academic honour, the Dux. This year, the honour was awarded to both the top IB Diploma student, Sarah Bradley and the top NCEA student, Louis Christie.

IB DUX MEDALLIST FOR 2013: SARAH JANE BRADLEY

Sarah is a student of outstanding ability who has achieved significant academic success during her time at Saint Kentigern College.

In 2011, Sarah gained NCEA Level 1 with an Excellence endorsement with a total of 103 credits at Excellence level and was placed first in Year 11. She won the prizes for Geography, Japanese and Science. In 2012, Sarah entered the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and won the Year 12 IB prizes for English and Japanese, and was an Honours List student. This year Sarah has won the prizes for English, Literature and Film Studies.

Sarah will also be sitting Scholarship examinations in History, Geography and Media Studies.

Sarah’s co-curricular involvement has been varied and interesting. She is a member of the Premier Debating team and the Tramping Club. She has played football for the College and represented the College at the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Sarah is going to study at Victoria University in Wellington where she has won the Excellence Scholarship. She will study Law and Arts with a view to working to improve the lives of women in developing nations.

NCEA DUX MEDALLIST FOR 2013: LOUIS CHRISTIE

Louis is an outstanding scholar who has won numerous academic awards during his time at the College including consistently winning Academic Honours since Year 11.

In Year 11, Louis passed NCEA Level 1 with 124 credits, 61 of which were at Excellence level. In Year 12, Louis was on the Academic Honours list and passed Level 2 NCEA with 133 credits with 107 at Excellence level. He also won the prize for Physics and, as a Year 12 student, the Year 13 Statistics prize. He also passed Scholarship Statistics with an Outstanding Scholarship. This year Louis studied a Stage One Mathematics paper at the University of Auckland and scored the highest possible grade of A+. Louis has won the 2013 prizes for: Accounting, Economics, Calculus and Physics. Louis is also sitting Scholarship examinations in Statistics, Calculus, Economics, Physics, Chemistry and Geography.

Louis’ co-curricular involvement has also been a significant part of his time at the College. He has recently completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, is a member of the Tramping Club and has played tennis. He attended the New Zealand training camps for both the Mathematics and the Chemistry Olympiad teams, and was a member of the Economics Pursuits team and the Monetary Policy Challenge team that finished second in New Zealand.

Louis is going to study Science and Commerce at the University of Auckland with a view to continuing his studies overseas.

Cultural and Service Special Awards

As well as our top academic achievers, Senior Prizegiving also recognises our very best sportsmen and women, debaters, actors, dancers and musicians, and those who have given well beyond expectation in Service. We are proud of the achievements of so many of our students.

At all levels, there are many who strive to achieve their utmost in every endeavour they undertake. Each has a goal, a focus, a sight set on an outcome.

Among the many talented, hardworking individuals, there are also those who set their sights a little higher. Often the true all-rounder, they give their all to every facet of their College life, getting involved in many of the opportunities offered to them, often helping others along the way. The students awarded the special Cultural and Service awards are such students.

THE WAYNE ROBINSON MEMORIAL CUp

Steven Fu

In memory of Old Collegian, Wayne Robinson, this award is in recognition of a Year 12 student who has experienced a difficult time yet is a person of integrity who through his or her achievements and actions has inspired others to contribute to the well-being of the College.

THE HALL MEMORIAL pRIZE FOR SERVICE

Anna Piaggi

This is awarded to our Service Prefect for her contribution during the year as Chair of the Service Council.

THE ROTARY SENIOR SCHOOL SERVICE AWARD

Sophie Watson

This is awarded to a Senior School student for significant service to others within the College or wider community.

THE MICHAEL WAGSTAFF MEMORIAL AWARD

Nicholas Williams

This is awarded for academic perseverance and endeavour and goes to a student who has demonstrated outstanding attitude and application, achieving their personal best beyond expectations.

THE RICHARD ORSBORN MEMORIAL AWARD

Darryn Ooi

This is awarded to a pupil leaving the College who throughout their schooling has contributed to many school activities, shown high personal standards and has exhibited the qualities inherent in the foundation of the College.

THE MICHAEL LONSDALECOOpER MEMORIAL CUp FOR CITIZENSHIp

Blake Van der Maas

This award goes to a student who has shown integrity, humility and dedication during his time at College.

THE FINN FAMILY CUp

Alex Waimora

This is awarded for participation and commitment in academic, cultural, sporting and spiritual facets of College life.

THE CLEMENTS FAMILY ‘ENDEAVOUR’ CUp

Laura Myers

This is awarded for excellence in leadership, academics and sports.

THE WINGFIELD MEDAL

Sarah Inkster

This is awarded to a student who exhibits pluck, endurance or capacity to triumph over tremendous difficulties. Only 5 of these medals have been awarded in the last 20 years.

THE RHYS BROOkBANkS MEMORIAL AWARD

Mabel Ye

This is awarded for leadership and service in memory of Rhys who was tragically killed in the collapse of the CTV Building during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

THE kEpA-STRANG CUp

Shaan Bone

This cup is awarded for an outstanding contribution to leadership in the life of the College.

THE GREG LOMAS MEMORIAL SpECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Brandon Hoon

This is awarded to a student who has experienced difficulty, hardship or illness and has persevered through it.

Tertiary Scholarships

E ach year a significant number of our students are awarded scholarships to assist with their tertiary education at universities and other tertiary institutions both within New Zealand and overseas. At the time of writing, fifteen scholarships have been awarded to provide financial assistance to continue their chosen tertiary studies. This figure generally increases over the summer break as exam results become available.

AUT Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Matthew Morrison

This is an award for student achievement and academic excellence at secondary schools in the wider Auckland region. This award provides tuition fees for 4 papers a semester over 3 years.

The Massey University Vice Chancellor’s High Achievers Scholarships (Arts and Academic)

Matt Ellwood

Matt is the recipient of two scholarships; the Arts and the Academic Scholarships are worth $3000 each, a total of $6000 towards tuition.

The Massey University Vice Chancellor’s High Achievers Scholarship (Academic)

George William Young

This scholarship is worth $3000 towards tuition.

The R S M prince Accounting Scholarship

Thomas Papesch

This scholarship provides $4,800 study assistance over four years together with mentoring assistance and opportunities for paid employment during University holidays.

The Russell McVeagh School Leavers’ Scholarship and The University of Otago - Maori and Pacific Island Entrance Scholarship

Sharnika Leleni

Sharnika is the recipient of two scholarships. The Russell McVeagh Scholarship is worth $1000 for the first year and $2000 each subsequent year plus mentoring and The University of Otago Scholarship is worth $1000 for the first year of study.

The University of Auckland Faculty of Business and Economics Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarship

Nacoya Anderson

This scholarship is worth $2,500 for the first year of study.

The University of Auckland STEAM Scholarship and The University of Auckland George Turner Wilson Music Trust Scholarship

Manase Latu

Manase is the recipient of two scholarships. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture & Medical Sciences) Scholarship pays $1000 towards tuition fees, accommodation or course costs and the Music scholarship is worth $2500.

The University of Canterbury Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Francesca Elizabeth Wilkinson

This scholarship is worth $5000 for the first year of study.

The University of Canterbury Emerging Leaders Scholarship

The University of Canterbury Engineering High Achievers Award

Jarred Durling

Jarred is the recipient of two scholarships each worth $5000.

The Victoria University Excellence Scholarship

Raima Harding

This is worth $5000 towards tuition fees or accommodation in the first year of study.

The Off the Rack Scholarship

Ashleigh Millington

This is worth $8000 towards the first year of tertiary study in a design course of her choosing.

Middle School Prizegiving

On the final day of the College year, the Sports Centre was packed to capacity as family, friends and special invited guests gathered with our students in Years 7-10 to celebrate their academic, sporting and cultural successes at the Middle School prize giving.

The official party was piped in by William Eaddy followed by the College Sinfonia, comprising our Middle School musicians, accompanying the National Anthem.

Dr John Kernohan made the address on behalf of the Trust Board reflecting back in this Jubilee year to the establishment of the College 60 years ago. With just a single wooden building in what is now Elliot Quad, the College consisted of just three classrooms for Years 7,8 and 9. That year there was a total of 92 boys and it is remarkable to think how few facilities they had when compared to today. Over the years we have grown to over 1700 students and boast some of the best secondary school facilities in the country.

Proud parents looked on as the top students in each age group came forward to collect their prizes from two long serving teachers who retire this year – Mrs Jan Lorenz and Mr Gordon Fryer. Dux of the Middle School, Haswell Brooke was a well-deserved recipient after significant grades including completing Year 11 mathematics as a Year 10 student.

At the conclusion of the formalities, Head of Middle School, Mr Duncan McQueen quipped that the bad weather that had plagued the Year 10’s at Field Centre had followed them home. Consequently the traditional end of year Beating the Retreat by the Second Pipe Band was moved inside and there was no flag lowering ceremony this year. Our congratulations to all our award winners and especially to Haswell.

DUX OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

HASWELL BROOkE

Haswell had the honour of being awarded the Dux of Middle School for 2013. He is an outstanding student who has consistently achieved at an Excellence and Excellence Plus level in all his subjects, including Year 11 mathematics in Year 10. Haswell is to be commended for achieving a full year GPA of 395 out of 400 with an average of 98%, exceeding all other students by more than 15 points.

Haswell is an all-rounder who thrives in both the academic and cocurricular environment. In addition to his academic excellence, he is actively involved in the co-curricular life of the College. He has found success through the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, the Concert Band, Stage Band, Music Production Orchestra, Saxophone Ensemble, Cycling and Duathlon. He achieved Merit in the New Zealand Junior Mathematics Competition, Distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition and High Distinction in ICAS Science.

Haswell is clearly a highly motivated young man who has demonstrated a real passion to learn, is committed to achieving at the highest possible level and clearly displays our ethos of striving for excellence in all areas of College life. Haswell thoroughly deserves to be Dux of the Middle School for 2013.

THE J.E.H kURURANGI CUp

C AMERON LOW

This cup is awarded to a Year 10 boy who shows all round ability. Cameron has demonstrated great versatility over the course of 2013. He competed in the Auckland Secondary School competition for Cross Country and Triathlon as well as participating in Duathlon and Cycling. Cameron was fully involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and was a Middle School Student Leader in Semester One. Throughout the year he has been active in the Junior Chess, House Choir and took part in the Mathex competition. Cameron has continually shown diligence inside the classroom receiving several mathematics awards and excelling in all areas of the curriculum.

THE BIRCH CUp

EMILY kAREN BRAID

This cup is awarded to a Year 10 girl who shows all round ability. Emily has shown her leadership qualities as a Middle School Leader in Semester One. She is a fine sportswoman who has represented the College in Junior Tennis, Netball and the Premier Touch team. Emily has participated fully in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and was a keen member of the House Choir. She has consistently maintained high standards in her academic work through her diligent approach to her studies and has shown commitment to achieving her personal best both inside and outside the classroom.

College Sports Awards

E ach year the Sports Department hosts an Awards Dinner to honour our sporting elite. Over 500 people attended this year’s dinner to celebrate the achievement of our finest young sportspeople. Our sports programme is deservedly one of the most diverse and successful in New Zealand and our players, coaches and managers can be proud of the efforts they have made to continue to strive to maintain that competitive edge.

This year we were very pleased to welcome back former student, professional sailor and Managing Director of Emirates Team New Zealand, Mr Grant Dalton to present the awards. Grant was a student at both the Boys’ School and the College whose children have also attended Saint Kentigern. Whilst Grant acknowledged that at school he was never quite ‘big enough, fast enough or smart enough,’ he recalls with pride a cup that he was awarded in

TEAM OF THE YEAR

1ST XI FOOTBALL TEAM

In selecting Team of the Year we consider competitive edge, dedication to training, consistency throughout the season, self-respect, respect of the opposition, respect for team mates, the overwhelming desire to perform as a team and representing the College with pride.

Nominees: Football Boys 1st XI Team, Rugby 1st XV Team, Cycling Girls Premier Team, Tennis Girls Premier Team, Tennis Boys Premier Team

The 1st XI Football team have shown true team dynamics this year. They placed second 2nd in the Auckland Premier Teams Competition and played in the Semi Final in the Auckland Knock Out Cup then went on to win the New Zealand Secondary Schools Football Championship.

2013 1st XI: Alexander Clark, Alex Waimora, Anusheel Singh, Daniel McLean, George Ladoga, Jared Gibbs, Jared Schnell, Jonty Thompson, Matthew Lieshout, Matthew Ridenton, Michael Den Heijer, Nicholas Forrester, Ross McPhie, Samuel Horn, Tinashe Marowa, Thomas Konusi.

Coaches: Mr Mike Ridenton & Mr Jon Dale. Manager: Mr Tom Gordon.

his final year for leadership. Grant has gone on to make a mark in the world of competitive adventure sailing and the America’s Cup, fully understanding the leadership required to make a team work as one. This year, a new leadership cup was presented in his honour. We thank him for taking the time to return to College to present the awards.

The Sports Dinner is the culmination of the efforts of many people but Director of Sport, Mr Martin Piaggi and Sports Manager, Miss Lynne Scutt deserve our thanks for the huge amount of work it takes to bring this together.

JOHN IRVINE OUTSTANDING pERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

1ST XV RUGBY TEAM

This award is given to a team or individual who has achieved at the highest level and gained the results reflective of their dedication, determination and desire to succeed.

Nominees: Girls Premier Tennis team, Boys’ Premier Tennis team, Boys’ 1st XI Football team, Girls Senior A Cycling team

In April the 1st XV won the final of the Sanix Youth Tournament in Japan ending a 50 game winning streak by Hartpury College representing the British Lions. Twice during the 1A Rugby season they came from behind to beat King’s College and progress to the next stage of competition. The epic final of the Auckland 1A competition at Eden Park against Auckland Grammar will be remembered by many for a long time, in particular William Raea’s last minute game winning kick to secure their 3rd 1A title in a row. The team went on to win the Blues franchise final against Westlake Boys’ High School and the semi-final of the Top 4 National Competition against Otago Boys’ High School. In the National final against Hamilton Boys’ High School, our 1st XV were beaten 12-10. This year’s 1st XV could not have trained harder or given more. They played this season with the added pressure of protecting an unbeaten record spanning back to July 2011. Every week was a test match as they went 52 matches without defeat. Each player epitomizes what it is to be a Saint Kentigern College sports person.

2013 1st XV: Blake Gibson, Blake Knight, Blake Van Der Mass, Braydon Ennor, Cody Wheeler, Dalton Papalii, Dillon Wihongi, Emmanuel Lamositele, Finlay Christie, Harrison Marks, Jerry Samania, Jethro Felemi, Jonathan Faauli, Joseph Mitai, Matthew Corliss, Matthew Morrison, TJ Faiane, Patrick Herbert, PariPari Osborne-Parkinson, Rupena Patuawa-Parkinson, Samuel Nock, Samuela Taiseni, Sesimani Tupou, Suliasi Vunivalu, Wesley Tameifuna, William Phipps, William Raea, Thomas Sinclair, Oliver McCowan, Jonathan Cato, Farrell Kiel, George Hollingworth, Fa’amanatuga Lafaele,.

Coaches: Mr Tai Lavea & Mr Josh Syms. Manager: Mr Jerry Leaupepe.

HEADMASTER’S SpORTS AWARDS

The Headmaster’s Sports awards are presented to male and female senior students who have played for the College demonstrating commitment and professionalism in their chosen code. They are regarded as ‘power houses’ making a difference to the performance of their teams.

THE HEADMASTER’S SpECIAL AWARD

JOSIE CLOW

This trophy is given to a senior athlete who stands out for showing pride, leadership and total commitment over a number of years while representing the College. Josie epitomizes what it is to be a Saint Kentigern College sports person. She has given everything a go and has given her all in everything she has done. When she established that she had a passion for triathlon and cycling, she channelled all her energy into training for these sports. As the Triathlon Captain she has set an example to the younger athletes and as an athlete she has performed with distinction. As a leader within the Girls’ Senior A cycling team, she played a major role in the team winning the National title for the second year in a row.

THE HEADMASTER’S SpORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

pAIGE HOURIGAN

Paige has made the most of her sporting opportunities since joining the College at the beginning of 2012. She has committed to a career path in tennis, dedicating all her time to training and playing. In last two years of competition, she has remained unbeaten while playing for the College, helping her team to gain two Auckland and two National titles during her time. She has an un-coachable determination to win! She has played in the Junior Australian Open and a number of WTA events including the ASB classic. Her drive and determination makes her a worthy recipient of this award.

THE HEADMASTER'S SpORTSMAN OF THE YEAR MATTHEW RIDENTON

As an established member of the 1st XI Football Team, Matthew set his sights on winning the Auckland and National Secondary Schools

competitions. Falling short in Auckland, the team rallied and won the Nationals with Matthew playing a pivotal role in the final, as both a goalie and midfielder! He then set his sights on the U17 World Cup and played superbly. He continually impressed with his skill, speed and reading of the game to the point where he was asked to trial for the Phoenix. Since then he has played for New Zealand A against the All Whites, played for the New Zealand U17 team at the World Cup, signed a three year deal with the Phoenix and been named in a 30 man All Whites squad for the next World Cup.

THE JEROME kAINO CUp

TJ FAIANE

The Kaino Cup is presented to a team athlete who ‘The team could just not do without.’

TJ has played over 50 games for the 1st XV. As an onfield leader he showed maturity and professionalism week in and week out. On countless occasions he made covering tackles in desperation to stop tries and he scored a try in the final of the Nationals. He has always been a dedicated trainer and inspired others to match his efforts. On the field he performed at the highest level and was regarded as one of the best players in the 1A competition this year. Since the College season finished, he has played for New Zealand Secondary Schools three times, including captaining the side against Fiji.

THE GRANT DALTON CUp

MATTHEW LIESHOUT

A new cup this year, presented by Grant in person, this was awarded for leadership, team building and the development of others.

Matthew plays in two premier teams during the winter, both the 1st XI Football team and the 1st XI Hockey team. Both teams play in the premier grade in Auckland and Nationally. Matthew is a fine young man who leads by example and never stops trying no matter what the status of the game. He continually encourages the development of others and is a real team player always adding value to the team environment. He portrays values of the highest order and is destined to be a future leader in the community.

Dux Ludorum

WILLIAM RAEA

The Dux Ludorum is one of the major individual sporting awards of the year and is awarded to the most outstanding sports person, girl or boy. The winner is generally an all-round sports person who has represented the College at a number of sports rather than someone who has concentrated on just one sport.

Nominees: Stephanie Campbell, Josie Clow, Kelly Drew, Madeline Evans, Paige Hourigan, Matthew Lieshout Richmond Lum, Lucy Macdonald, Samuel Nock, Matthew Ridenton, William Raea, Maia Jean Watene, Cody Wheeler, Francesca Wilkinson

William has played in three Premier College teams this year which all qualified for National competition: rugby, touch and basketball. As an individual, he also represented the College at athletics, as he has done every year for the past 7 years. He was a member of the 1st XV Rugby team that won the Sanix World Youth Rugby tournament and the Auckland 1A competition – where he will be remembered for ‘that final winning kick!’ He was named in the Auckland U18 Invitational team and is a member of the Auckland Rugby Elite academy. William is the recipient of the Auckland Supporters Club Rugby Scholarship and is a member of the Auckland Sevens Academy.

After the rugby season finished he trained with the College Premier Basketball team and played at the Nationals. William is also in the College Premier Touch Team. He has represented Auckland as an U21 Touch player, represented NZ in the U19 against Australia and has been named in the Men’s Open Squad to prepare for the Touch World Cup. As Dux Ludorum, William also received a voucher worth over $900 from Suitme entitling him to a two piece bespoke suit.

THE pHILIp YOLLAND MEMORIAL AWARD YEAR 10 & 11 SpORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

AYDEN LAMONT

Nominees: Ayden Lamont, Connor Brown, Hayden Church, James Fouche, Liam Ward, Matthew Manning.

Aydon is the College Junior Rower of the Year. As a Year 11 he was a member of U17 IV which won the Auckland title. He was a member of the Premier VIII which placed 3rd at Head of Harbour and was also a member of the Premier VIII which placed 4th at the North Islands and 7th in the Maadi Cup final. Aydon is also an accomplished cyclist and member of the Senior A team who are the Auckland Series champions. The team were 2nd on finals day and 2nd at the North Island championships. As an individual, Aydon is the NZ U17 Road Race Champion, was 2nd in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Individual time trial, 3rd in the hill climb and 1st in the criterium to place 2nd overall.

GIRLS RUNNER Up TO THE DUX LUDORUM

MAIA JEAN WATENE

Maia Jean is an outstanding all-round sportswoman.

At the College athletics she was 1st in the 100m, 1st in the 200m and 1st in the 400m. She is a member of the Senior A Netball team that placed 2nd in Auckland. She was the captain of the Premier Girls Basketball team that placed 5th in Auckland, 3rd at zones and 13th at the Nationals. She received the College Basketball Player of the Year title. She was also selected for the New Zealand Maori Women’s Basketball squad to play in the Oceania tournament.

Maia Jean also plays in the Premier Girls Touch team that placed 1st in Eastern Zone, 2nd in Greater Auckland and is going on to nationals. She was named College Touch Player of the Year. She is a New Zealand representative touch player at U19 level and has been named in the squad for the New Zealand women’s team. Well done Maia Jean!

THE BRUCE pALMER MEMORIAL AWARD BOYS RUNNER Up TO THE DUX LUDORUM

CODY WHEELER

Cody was a member of the 1st XV team that won the Sanix World Youth tournament and the Auckland 1A competition. He received the Fides Servanda Est Trophy. Cody also trialled for the Blues region team.

Cody was also this year’s Rowing captain and was a member of the 1st XIII which placed 3rd at the Head of Harbour, 4th at the North Island competition and 7th in the final of the Maadi Cup. He was also a member of the U18 Quad which placed 2nd at the Head of Harbour, 2nd at the North Island competition and 2nd in the Nationals. He was also a member of the U18 Coxed Four which placed 2nd at the Head of Harbour, 2nd at the North Island competition and 2nd at Nationals. Well done Cody!

YEAR 10 & 11 SpORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

CHRISTINA OSCAR

Nominees: Amorangi Malesala, Caitlin Walker, Chanistha

Ampornachariya, Christina Oscar, Emma Hanley, Jessica Speight, Grace Wood, Mikayla Harvey.

Year 11 student, Christina, is three premier sports teams at the College. She is captain of the all-conquering Auckland championship winning Girls Cricket team, a member of the Premier Netball team and the Premier Girls Touch team. She is an Auckland rep touch player and an Auckland rep netball player. She has recently been invited to join a national netball camp.

THE LEYTON MONk AWARD

YEAR 9 SpORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

BENJAMIN FLEMING

Nominees: Benjamin Fleming, Ethan Blight, Fraser Hamilton, Michael Wood, George Ellett

Benjamin is the Junior swimming champion winning the 33m free, 100m free, 33m backstroke, 33m fly, the 33m breaststroke and the 33m individual medley. He is in the Junior A Waterpolo team as well as the Premier Boys Waterpolo team. He has also played in the U15 New Zealand Water Polo team tour to Australia where the team went undefeated 4/4 games. He is also a valued member of the 5a Rugby team

YEAR 9 SpORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

VICTORIA kOLOSE

Nominees: Mayah Coleman, Summer-Jean Motufoua, Tate McGregor, Victoria Hockley, Victoria Kolose, Yasmin Shakes

Victoria was 3rd in the Junior Girls athletics and set two new College records for the 100 and 200m. Later in the season she won the 200m and the 300m at the Auckland championships setting a new College record in the 300m. She then teamed up with 3 others to win the 4 x 100 metres and set a new College record. As a Year 9 she was selected for the Premier Girls Netball team. This team placed 5th in Auckland and 7th at Upper North Islands. She was named junior Netball Player of the Year. She is also a member of the Premier Girls Touch team that were runners up in Auckland and will go on to the Nationals.

THE SISSONS AWARD

YEAR 7 & 8 SpORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

DYLAN MCCULLOUGH

Nominees: Ben Lowe, Callum Walsh, Dylan McCullough, Harry Salvesen, Josh Harford, Ryan Church, Sajith Dhambagolla

Dylan was 3rd overall in the Year 8 swimming championships. In athletics he placed 3rd in the Year 8 800m and won the 1500m. He placed 2nd in the College Cross Country. He has played rugby, football and touch. He was winner of the Auckland and New Zealand Year 8 triathlon championship and also the Auckland and New Zealand Duathlon champion. He was also part of the team that won the New Zealand Tag Triathlon for Year 8. He received both the Alan Reeves Trophy for Year 8 Triathlon and the College award for Triathlete of the Year.

As a cyclist, he placed 4th in the Hill climb, 3rd in the criterion and 4th in the Time Trial to place 3rd overall in the NZSS Cycling Championships for U14 Boys. His Year 7/8 Cycling team are the Auckland Team Time Trial champions and the National Team Time Trial champions.

Seven ASB Awards

The annual ASB College Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards were held at the Ellerslie Convention Centre to honour the best student athletes in Auckland across 32 sanctioned college sports. The top three students in Auckland are selected as finalists in each sport and this year Saint Kentigern College was proud to have 18 finalists. We are delighted that seven of our nominees were named as the overall winners for their sport which confirms our great sporting programme at Saint Kentigern. This is the second year that Francesca Wilkinson, William Raea and Paige Hourigan have received awards. Matthew Ridenton and Maia Jean Watene were unable to attend on the night as Matthew has left for Wellington to start his contract with the Pheonix and Maia Jean was away representing NZ in the Maori Women’s Basketball team in Wellington.

The MC for the night was Old Collegian, Jordan Vandermade who hadn’t forgotten his Saint Kentigern roots!

WINNERS

Madeline Evans All Rounder Award

Francesca Wilkinson Girls’ Cricket

Matthew Ridenton Boys’ Football

Blake Gibson Rugby

Paige Hourigan Girls’ Tennis

William Matheson Boys’ Tennis

William Raea Boys’ Touch

Nominees: Madeline Evans, All Rounder; Francesca Wilkinson, Cricket; Madeline Evans, Distance Running; Matthew Ridenton, Football; Joanna Kim, Golf; Sam Jimmieson, Hockey; Richmond Lum, Hockey; TJ Faiane, Rugby Union; Blake Gibson, Rugby Union; Kelly Drew, Tennis; Paige Hourigan, Tennis; Trent Smith, Tennis; William Matheson, Tennis; Maia Jean Watene, Touch; William Raea, Touch; Josie Clow, Triathlon/Duathlon/Multisport; Madeline Evans, Triathlon/Duathlon/ Multisport; Tim Mudford, Triathlon/Duathlon/Multisport. Paige Hourigan, William Raea and Blake Gibson were also finalists for the overall sport person of the year.

YEAR 7 & 8 SpORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

NATASHA LEISHMAN

Nominees: Elizabeth Ellis, Hannah Williams, Natasha Leishman, Olivia Overfield

Natasha was the Year 8 Girls Athletics Champion placing 1st in the 1500m, 800m and the high jump, 2nd in the 300m and 3rd in the 200m. She is the current Year 8 Cross Country Champion. She is the captain of the Year 7/8 Girls Cricket team and plays in the Girls Premier Cricket team who are the Auckland champions. She is in the Year 7/8 1st XI Football team and in the Junior A Football team who placed 3rd in the Auckland competition. She is in the U15 College Basketball team and in the 8B Netball team. She is also the Year 7/8 Badminton champion.

Our New Zealand Sporting Representatives

Once, the ‘all-round sportsperson’ was to be admired for an ability to train and succeed in a number of sports. Nowadays, more and more, our young sportspeople and their coaches are coming to realise that to be truly successful in the sporting arena, especially at representative level, they need to specialise earlier and earlier, often spending many hours in training to the exclusion of other sports or co-curricular activity. To succeed at this level requires skill but it also requires tenacity, a strong work ethic and the resilience to bounce back from failure, learn from the mistakes, work hard to improve and then try again.

In 2013, Saint Kentigern College sport supported 32 students who were New Zealand Representatives for their sport across 15 different sporting codes. Those who represent a sport at National level are awarded Colours and a Silver Fern to wear on their blazer.

The range of sports in which our students have reached New Zealand level is diverse. These are all students who have gained the edge through a strong determination to succeed. For those who have already reached this status as an U14 or U15, their future in the sport looks bright.

The four rugby representatives, T J Faine, Dillon Wihongi, Blake Gibson and Jonathan Faauli have been stalwarts of the 1st XV who set their sights on taking their game further than school boy rugby. With the success of the 1st XV in the Auckland competition, along with the opportunity to play at the World Youth competition in Japan, these boys have had good exposure and have all signed with New Zealand based rugby academies.

Suliasi Vunivalu has been a member of our 1st XV since 2012 and was a power house this season, creating havoc against most opposition. Suliasi has signed a three year professional contract with the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. He will play in their U20 team but may be called upon to represent the Melbourne Storm’s 9 aside team in the inaugural Auckland 9’s tournament in February.

Among the four football representatives, Mathew Ridenton has stood out. He said that he originally played the sport for the love of it but realised in recent times that it could be possible to make a career from his talent. At 17, he has signed a professional contract to play football for the Wellington Phoenix, offered after he played for New Zealand A against the Phoenix earlier in the year.

Paige Hourigan has been part of our Girls Premier Tennis team; a team that has won the NZ Secondary School title four years in a row. She has represented New Zealand individually in tennis an has now left College from Year 12 to devote 2014 to pursuing a professional career in her chosen sport. During the summer she will play in the New Zealand age group championships then the New Zealand Resident Open – in which she will try and go one better than runner up – placing she achieved last

year as a 15 year old! She will then play in the New Zealand Open hoping to qualify for the Australian Open and then spend the year chasing WTP points around the world.

Alice Boyd who represents New Zealand at fencing continued her journey towards her dream to become a New Zealand Olympian. Alice won the title of U20 Women’s’ Foil Champion at the Oceania Senior/ Open Championships in May of 2013. Her overall placing in the Open age group was 3rd. Alice also placed 2nd in the New Zealand Junior Fencing Championships. She narrowly lost the final coming back from a 13-6 deficit to be beaten by a point. She recently added to her list of achievements, winning a gold medal at the Youth Games in Hamilton. She would like to thank the Old Collegians Association for their support.

These students set themselves high goals and are well on their way to achieving them. Following in their footsteps are other determined students who have achieved New Zealand level in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, equestrian, hockey, karate, netball, table tennis, taekwon-do, touch, triathlon and waterpolo. We wish them all well!

Jordan Hosking NZ U17 Baseball Team

Taylor Simmons NZ U17 Baseball Team

Leba Korovou NZ U20 Basketball Team

Hannah Coates NZ U15 Cheerleading

India Holder NZ Equestrian Team

Taylah Sowry NZ Equestrian Team

Alice Boyd NZ Fencing Team

Michael Den Heijer NZ U17 Football Team

Matthew Ridenton NZ U17 Football Team

Nicholas Forrester NZ U17 Football Team

Jared Gibbs NZSS U19 Football Team

Richmond Lum NZ U18 Hockey Team

Samuel Jimmieson NZ U18 Hockey Team

Edward Barry NZ 14-15 Karate Team

Amorangi Malesala NZ U18 Maori Netball Team

Blake Gibson NZSS Rugby Team

Dillon Wihongi NZSS Rugby Team

Jonathan Faauli NZSS Rugby Team

TJ Faiane NZSS Rugby Team

Mitchell Leong NZ U18 Taekwon-do Team

Daniel Lowe NZ U18 Table Tennis Team

Chanistha Ampornachariya NZ U14 Tennis Team

Lana Popovich NZ U14 Tennis Team

Paige Hourigan NZ U16 Federation Cup Tennis Team

Brosnan Meleisea NZ U15 Touch Team

Maia Jean Watene NZ U19 Touch Team

Victoria Kolose NZ U15 Touch Team

William Raea NZ U19 Touch Team

Matthew McCullough NZ 16-19 Triathlon Team

Ryan McEwen NZ U15 Waterpolo Team

Benjamin Fleming NZ U15 Waterpolo Team

NZ Ranking for Touch Teams

Congratulations to the College Girls’ and Boys’ Touch teams who played some outstanding games at the NZSS Touch National Championships to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively in New Zealand.

After qualifying earlier in the year at the Auckland Championships, they went on to beat many higher ranked teams at the National Championship held at Bruce Pullman Park in Papakura. The event saw the top 20 girls’ and boys’ teams in New Zealand competing for three days for the New Zealand Touch trophies.

Thank you to all the parents, friends, staff and Old Collegians who turned up to support both the boys and girls over the weekend.

GIRLS’ TEAM 2ND IN NEW ZEALAND

A special thanks to the three Year 13 girls, Sam McVey, Stephanie Campbell and captain, Alex Hutchinson and to the coaches, Mr Lance Watene, Mr Tone Kolose and Mr Pete Samuel, for their encouragement and guidance throughout the year. Students, Maia Jean Watene and Christina Oscar were named in the Girls’ Tournament team.

Girls’ Team: Alexandra Hutchinson (Captain), Sam McVey, Stephanie Campbell, Maia Jean Watene, Christina Oscar, Verity Bowring, Emily Cran, Maddie Morete, Melissa McNaughton, Xhavinae Samuel, Brittany Smith, Emily Braid, Tori Kolose, Summer-Jean Motufoua, Tate McGregor.

BOYS’ TEAM 3RD IN NEW ZEALAND

Thank you to Mr James Went and Mr Mark Thomas for all the hours they have given to the team. William Raea was named in the Boys’ Tournament team.

Boys’ Team: William Raea (Captain), Joseph Bradshaw, Jonathan Cato, TJ Faiane, A'Au Leuluai, Brosnan Meleisea, Samuel Nock, Thomas Konusi, Lloyd David, Rupena Patuawa-Parkinson, Ben Lyford, Tom Sinclair, Joseph Mitai, Patrick Herbert, Emmanuel Lamositele, Logan Fonoti.

Joe Spooner Visit

We were fortunate to have had Old Collegian Joe Spooner, Grinder on Oracle Team USA and winner of the 34th America’s Cup, visit Saint Kentigern on his return home to New Zealand. Joe was a past pupil of Saint Kentigern and attended the Boys’ School from 1984 to 1985, then moved on to the College in 1986. In 1991, his final year at the College, he was selected as a Prefect and was also a member of the Yachting team.

Joe was a guest speaker at the Middle School assembly where he spoke with true testimony on never giving up in the face of adversity. ‘There were many, many factors that led to Oracle winning this event. It wasn’t just a fast boat, it was exceptional team work, courage, a reliable boat, a lot of good luck, mental strength, confidence and the list just goes on. But at the end of the day the biggest single thing was that our race team had an ability to always believe in ourselves and never give in.’

During his school years he kept moving through the sailing ranks of national youth classes and finished his university degree in 1998, starting out as a professional sailor in 1999. In 1996 he was successful in becoming a member of the New Zealand Olympic squad as a training partner in the Finn class at the Atlanta Olympics. He has now has competed in four America’s Cups with both Oracle racing and Team New Zealand, winning two of them. He believes you should never give up on your goals because every set back in life can be a step to future success.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Congratulations to Mr Malcolm Cowie, a long serving staff member at the College for 25 years, who has been awarded an outstanding achievement award for services to New Zealand Football by the Auckland Secondary Schools Football Association (ASSFA). The award was in recognition of Mr Cowie’s dedication to football on behalf of all New Zealand secondary schools. Before recently stepping down from the position, Mr Cowie held the executive position of Chairman of the New Zealand Secondary School Football Association (NZSSFA) for 18 years. The Association said that under his leadership and as a result of his vision, the NZSSFA achieved considerable results both on and off the field.

In 2003, under Mr Cowie's leadership, the NZSSFA was accepted as a member of the European based FAIB (Football Associations of International Boards) which represents 20 international football bodies. As well as New Zealand, Canada is the only other body represented by the FAIB outside of Europe. During his tenure, the number of tournaments was cited as having increased from 4 to 8, and from about 70 teams to over 120.

Mr Ian McLaughlan, Secretary of the ASSFA, thanked Mr Cowie for providing many young players with some wonderful opportunities and experiences as a result of his hard work, dedication and passion.

Graduation Dinner

Our Year 13 students came together for one last time to celebrate the end of their College years at a Graduation Dinner held in their honour at the Ellerslie Event Centre. This event was ‘the last’ of many ‘lasts’ for these students. It was the last time they dressed in their formals, the last time they gathered together for a chapel service and the last time they joined together in one place to sing ‘We are Heirs of Kentigern.’

The evening began with a reflective Graduation Chapel led by Reverend David Smith. Over 750 guests comprising students and their families, along with staff and Trust Board members gathered to hear Reverend Smith’s ‘An Ending and A Sending’ sermon. The Reverend encouraged the students to think about what they had learned in Chapel over the years – their life, community and their place in the world. He said he hoped Chapel had encouraged the students to live a life of integrity, being grateful and thankful, and to think about the power of their words. He hoped that as they leave the safe, nurturing environment of the College, that the values and beliefs instilled in them will prove a strong foundation ‘when the winds of change shift.’

In two moments that brought some to tears, Manase Latu and Grace Sturgess flawlessly sang ‘The Prayer’ which was followed by a moving performance by Alex Waimora, Denelle Bhagwandhin and Manase. Their rendition of ‘Forever Young’ provided the perfect backdrop for the graduating students to each stand as they were recognised.

The formal graduation took place directly after Chapel with the Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow joining Head of College, Mr Steve Cole to congratulate the students and offer affirmations.

The guests were piped upstairs to a dinner venue that had been lovingly transformed by the Parents and Friends to reflect the spirit of Saint Kentigern. There were House photos as placemats, house coloured balloons in winning order as centre pieces and chair covers detailed with the Saint Kentigern crest.

In his address to the students, Head of College Mr Cole said, ‘There are times in your life when you have to move on and should do so with no

regrets. You are a remarkable and multi-talented group of young men and women, each unique in your own way, who will go on and continue to serve and lead. I ask of you to think of the parents and teachers who have inspired you along your journey, and thank those who have made your Saint Kentigern education possible.’ In closing Mr Cole said, ‘You are great ambassadors for your family, the College and most of all yourselves. You are the rudder who will ensure that the ethos of Saint Kentigern continues.’ Between courses, Head Boy Sam Grant and Head Girl Sharnika Leleni took the roles of continuity presenters to keep the evening flowing. As always, the House Leaders spoke on behalf of their Houses with humour, passion and a tinge of sadness. All students extended their tremendous thanks to the staff members who provided knowledge, guidance, support and wisdom that will be remembered fondly by the students.

In a poignant address to Mr Cole, Deputy Head Girl, Shaan Bone said, ‘You are a brilliant principal and your huge drive and determination to both succeed and also to win has seen Saint Kentigern come so far. You always have your door open to any student who needs to come and chat which has gained you huge respect. Thank you Sir for driving us, inspiring us and caring for us all.’

In wrapping up the evening Sharnika and Sam said that each individual in the graduating class of 2013 had made their own unique imprint on the College. Their final word was a quote from the recently passed former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, ‘Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation.’

The evening marked the definitive end to a chapter in each of the lives of the graduating students and the beginning of another. We wish these students and their families well as they end their time with us. We send them on their journey with life lessons learned and the potential to go on and do good things. We will always be interested to hear how their lives progress and look forward to our students keeping in contact and retaining their special ties to the Saint Kentigern community.

Bruce House Dinner

Each November, as the academic year draws to a close, parents, staff and Trust Board members join the boarders at Bruce House to celebrate their achievements and give thanks to those who care for them – their surrogate family members during term time. This is a special evening where the invited guests soon gain an understanding of the strong family bond that pervades the boarding house.

After welcome drinks in the girls’ Villa, guests were challenged by the formidable Bruce House Haka before being led to their table for dinner by the graduating Year 13s. Year 11 student, Joseph Bradshaw, opened the evening with a gentle delivery of the popular song, ‘Count on me’ by Bruno Mars before Bruce House Head Girl, Emma Appleton, led the House Grace.

As always, the dinner was sumptuous and the dining room lovingly prepared by Shobna and her team from the kitchen. During the course of the evening, we heard from the students about the exceptional role that Shobna plays, not only preparing their meals but also being ready to offer a listening ear and give advice.

In his address, Housemaster, Mr Martin Piaggi, said he felt it was a privilege to share in the daily lives of 112 young people. He said, ‘The change and positive maturing a boarder makes in front of my eyes is by far and away the most satisfying and rewarding aspect of the job.’ He also gave thanks to Matron, Mrs Rosemary Capill for her on-going care as surrogate mother and to Mrs Suzanne Winthrop for all she has done to make Girls’ Boarding ‘feel like home.’

Mr Piaggi finished by saying that during his time as Housemaster, he felt that Bruce House had achieved the perfect balance of boys and girls, ages and year levels, as well as a mix of cultures and ethnicity.

Current Bruce House Head Prefects, Alex Waimora and Emma Appleton both came forward to speak in favour of their boarding experience. As a foundation girl boarder, Emma’s three years of boarding translated to 550 days and 1650 meals away from home; yet she summed up the experience as outstanding. As did Alex, who said that he had ’lived like a prince’ at Bruce House!

Head of College, Mr Steven Cole said that Saint Kentigern can be proud of Bruce House; that over the last three years it has changed for the better with the introduction of girls and younger students to the mix. Mr Piaggi and Mrs Winthrop both finish their tenure at the end of the year with Reverend David Smith, along with his wife Karen, taking on the role of Housemaster next year, and Mrs Juliet Dale taking up Head of Girls’ Boarding with her husband, Jon.

The evening concluded with the Bruce House Awards for 2013 and the announcement of next year’s Bruce House student leaders - Ridgley Paxton and Gabrielle Faleto’ese before the Year 13’s took their guests to the Lodge for after dinner coffee.

BRUCE HOUSE AWARDS 2013

The MacFarlan Award for Head Boy: Alex Waimora

The MacFarlan Award for Head Girl: Emma Appleton

The McGuiness Cup for Academic Honours: Mitchell Hill

The Morgan Cup for Year 11 Academic Achievement: Trent MacDonald

The Marcroft Cup for Sportsman of the Year: T J Faiane

The Bruce House Cup for All-Rounder Boy: Jonathan Faauli

The Norma Cowie Cup for All-Rounder Girl: Grace Sturgess

Field Centre 2013

For 44 years, the College has run an annual ‘Field Centre’ in the Tongariro National Park for our students in Year 10, giving them a unique opportunity to gain independence and explore personal strengths in an exciting, spectacular and challenging outdoor environment. This year, over 320 students and staff climbed aboard the buses with their packs loaded, wearing their brand new, borrowed or hired outdoor clothing ready for a week of adventure. The groups left for the mountain over three days and were joined by three professional mountain guides.

Tongariro is unpredictable with no two years in a row ever the same. The mountain environment can be benign one moment and harsh the next and with this in mind, safety on the mountain is about being well prepared. In past years we have had to deal with high winds, rain and snow that can be demoralising at the time but on reflection becomes part of digging deep and building character. Other years, the sun has shone and the mountain has been at its best. It’s all about planning and being prepared.

The conditions last year will go down in memory as the year ‘the mountain misbehaved’ when Mt Tongariro erupted at the very moment the first students arrived. This year provided its own challenges. In a nutshell, the weather was declared to be ‘rubbish!’ Despite long periods of rain, the students and staff are to be applauded for their fortitude and spirit! The students dug deep, supported each other when spirits flagged, and learned a lot about themselves and others in the process.

The logistics for bringing an EOTC (Education Outside the Classoom) trip such as this together are huge and takes months of planning. The students are sorted into 12 Lodge groupings, along with staff who undertake the activities with them, and cooks who stay in the Lodge to prepare the meals. That is, 320 people requiring three meals, snacks and drinks a day whether in the Lodge or out on the mountain. A well-oiled team swings into action. Ms Emma Bishop (Head of Drama) has taken on the responsibility over a number of years for co-ordinating food supplies. The

bulk is pre-purchased in Auckland at New World (we thank the Samuels family for their support with this) and driven to the mountain where it is offloaded in the central car park and then carried box by box up to the Lodges – the students’ first chore! This is supplemented by daily deliveries from the local New World in Ohakune.

The equipment required for the overnight tramps is also another huge logistical undertaking. A tent is little use without its tent poles when you’re six hours hike from civilisation! Likewise, leaving your wet weather jacket back at the Lodge could spell disaster. Tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, water, spare clothing, first aid supplies, maps and, um… spades for essential business, all have to be distributed, checked, checked again and carried.

The photos from ‘the mountain’ this year show that it was pretty damp! Despite the rain the students were smiling and most activities ran to schedule or were quickly reworked to accommodate the weather. The long experience and outdoor expertise of our staff in planning for Field Centre is well noted. This year Mr Gordon Fryer, who now retires, clocked up his 29th Field Centre. Remarkable as that is, he was eclipsed by Mr Chris Duncan who completed his 30th Field Centre!

MY FIELD CENTRE EXpERIENCE: kurt Hawkins

I went into Field Centre with mixed feelings; on one hand, I wasn’t very excited for the physical or organisational effort that was going to be required, yet I had heard non-stop praises about it from many people who had been there, so I expected the unexpected and started Field Centre cautiously optimistic. My lodge, Snowline, started our Field Centre journey with the three day tramp, which turned out a lot different than what I’d seen on any Duke of Ed tramp, from the vistas to the things we had to do; it was a truly unique and rewarding experience.

After the tramp (and several scones and muffins made by our cook, Mrs Hardy) we got right into the next couple of day’s activities - white water rafting and sliding down Mt Ruapehu on pack liners being particular highlights of the whole experience. Field Centre was challenging and at times uncomfortable but the memories forged on the Plateau with my fellow lodge members and leaders will stay with me forever. I come back from Field Centre physically and mentally stronger, and a better person for it.

MY FIELD CENTRE EXpERIENCE: Emily peart

Field Centre was a truly an amazing experience and possibly the ultimate highlight of 2013. Field Centre, I am not going to lie, was, if anything, challenging. We were tested both physically and mentally. Not only did we have to push our bodies to the limit whilst tramping, running and kayaking but it also challenged our mental strength, pushing most of us out of our comfort zone. Our patience was often tested when we realized the people we were tramping with all had different needs and capabilities.

Despite all the difficulties we faced over the eight days, the rewards for our hard work were incredible. I have walked away from Field Centre with new friends and a new sense of appreciation. In my lodge group, I got to know many people who I would not normally talk to and at the same time, managed to strengthen current relationships. As for my newfound ‘sense of appreciation,’ Field Centre made us appreciate the smallest of things that most of us take for granted. I returned home to my parents as a different child.

Field Centre, and everything that comes with it, is absolutely an experience of a lifetime and I am thankful to every staff member associated with the organisation. Without these special people, we would not have this wonderful opportunity, which I will remember fondly for years to come.

The Duke of Edinburgh Experience

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has had record numbers of students participating in the scheme at the College this year. There are over 130 students at Bronze level, 74 at Silver and 54 at Gold; a level which is demanding and expects excellence to achieve.

In August, we celebrated at Government House with the first ever Gold award ceremony to be held for a single school in the history of the Award in New Zealand, as there were so many of our own students on that occasion. There were 26 graduating gold awardees representing Saint Kentigern College along with friends and family.

In writing their profile for the College Yearbook, the students who have been involved with the scheme speak fondly of the impact it has had on their lives, taking on the outdoors and a significant element of service.

Year 13 student, Andrew Lyndsey reports: 'Amazing, exciting, hard, painful, once in a life time, friendships, strong bonds and memories.'

These are some of the words to describe the Duke of Edinburgh experience. It all started back in 2010 with Bronze which had a large group of Year 10 's who had no idea of the outdoor world as we now know it. This group over time has become smaller and stronger. This scheme has opened my eyes to the beauty of New Zealand and how well we have it. It has taught me key life skills like how to set up a campsite, bush safety /survival and also how to be safe on the water. I believe without this scheme I would not be the person that I am today. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is unique with the different criteria sections that have to be accomplished to the highest level in order to gain the award. Because of these high standards, I believe that this award has set me apart from the vast majority of the people when it comes to applying for future endeavours. This is why I thoroughly encourage anybody and everybody to do it. Just take a chance; you don't know where it could take you and you just might like it!

Youth to Everest

As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold, trainees have a requirement to fulfil a ‘residential project.’ Some take the opportunity to truly challenge themselves. This year, two of our students, Cordelia Oh and Alexis Ross, travelled to Nepal.

Year 13 student, Cordelia reports:

‘Hey I’m going to Mt. Everest in the holidays.’ ‘Lol funny.’

None of my friends believed me when I said I would be trekking the Himalayas. I know, it did sound utterly crazy. Spending a fortnight with a group of 20 strangers far away from home, in a country I have never been to was about to become my reality and I started to feel butterflies in my stomach. After packing and repacking my 15kg kitbag, I was finally ready for a once in a lifetime experience. And only 24 hours later, I found myself in Kathmandu, feeling initially bewildered.

Nepal was a country filled with surprises. No traffic lights, streets bombarded with garbage, stinky smell, nothing like New Zealand. And this was only the start of everything. I soon realized that this was a paradise; at least there was a proper flushable toilet and a comfortable bed! In total, we spent nine days trekking. We went through towns and villages, ate local food in the local style and learned some Nepali on the way to our destination. I made new friends along the trip, irrespective of age, gender and the language barrier. Our Sherpa guide, Tashe, and the porters who carried our bags eventually became our best friends on the trip.

The nine days we spent on the Himalayas were undeniably challenging. There was no clean toilet most of the time; all we got was an awkwardly dug pit filled with faeces of heavens-knows-who, and the worst part of this rather disgusting story is that we only had a green leaf to wipe our… you know what I mean!

But, I saw every little challenge changing me over the time. I eventually learned how to deal with what first seemed like a first world problem. Every hill that I climbed seemed like an impossible mission from the bottom, but when I reached the top, I found myself stronger, healthier, and more confident of my abilities. We supported and encouraged one another and gave a big push from the back when a friend was struggling. The songs we sang, the silly games we played, the meals we had together, the stories we shared – these memories will never be forgotten.

For any of you who are considering going on this trip, I’d definitely say ‘Yes, go for it.’ You get to meet new people, experience a unique culture, and trek one of the most amazing places on Earth, so why not?

Isabella in Tanzania

T his year, two of our students were fortunate to be selected to represent New Zealand at international World Vision events. Year 13 student, Letitia Puni was selected as a World Vision Youth Ambassador and was due to visit Bangladesh in December but political unrest has moved her trip to Malawi in January and we look forward to hearing about her travels on her return. Meanwhile, Year 9 student, Isabella Denholm, has returned invigorated from an amazing trip to Tanzania. Both girls have a long history of giving service and being involved with the World Vision 40 Hour Famine fundraising appeals and were delighted to have been given this amazing opportunity to represent New Zealand and see the work that World Vision undertakes in developing countries.

ISABELLA REpORTS::

In November, I had the privilege of attending the World Vision (WV) International Triennial Council in Arusha, Tanzania as the WV New Zealand Youth Representative. The theme of the Council was youth engagement and I joined 35 other youth representatives from all around the world to learn and contribute at Council. The 12 days spent there was an amazing, life changing and memorable experience – and one I will never forget!

The overall trip was divided into three phases: Firstly, we visited a WV area development project to see the work of WV firsthand and meet some of the families and communities impacted by the assistance of WV New Zealand. Secondly, we were involved in a youth preparatory workshop where all the youth representatives prepared their presentations and shared their stories. And thirdly, we participated in the actual Triennial Council where we learnt and shared our country presentations with all the WV CEOS and board directors.

Magugu Area development Project (ADP)

The first few days in Tanzania were spent at the Magugu ADP. This ADP has been supported by WV NZ and we were able to see firsthand where donor money goes to! We started by visiting the Maasai women.

Everywhere we looked; our eyes were filled with the bright, joyful colours of the ladies dresses and necklaces as they jumped up and down doing the traditional Maasai dance. We then visited ‘Sophia’ who works as a hairdresser, funded by a WV Microfinance project. It was amazing to to see how Microfinance had impacted her life.

The following day we were invited to the opening of a big World Vision project; a large water pipe through the community which meant that the people now had close and constant access to fresh water. It was inspiring to hear the stories about how the water project had made an impact on the lives of so many people in these villages – many of these people live on only $1-2 dollars a day.

Youth Preparatory Workshop

The next part of our trip was spent at the youth preparatory workshop where we met 35 other youth representatives from 32 different countries. We spent time with each other learning about one another’s stories, family, school, communities and lives! It was inspiring to hear everyone’s stories and what it was like back in their home country. It was interesting seeing the needs amongst youth of other countries compared to those in NZ. Many youth had to face challenges such as poverty, disease, no education and the impact of war etc. We have such different issues facing youth here in NZ – and I realized how lucky we are!!

Triennial Council

The last part of our journey was the actual Triennial Council where over 300 WV Directors and board members met to discuss the WV strategy for the next three years and hear what youth, like me, had to say about youth engagement! Every morning we attended meetings and learnt about the work of World Vision; what they have achieved over the last three years - and what they intend to do for the years ahead. It was amazing to hear just how much World Vision was doing to help and I was inspired by what they are planning to still do.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to Tanzania with World Vision. It was such an amazing experience and a real eye opener. I will never forget the experiences I had and the people I met. I have friends from 30 different countries and will always remember their stories and courage. It was a truly inspiring trip and of course I now hope to go again someday!

Home Centre

With the exams over and Senior School students gone, and Year 10 away at Field Centre, the last few days of the academic year for students in Years 7-9 were given over to a range of activities to challenge them physically, mentally and creatively, along with offering elements of service and the opportunity to forge strong bonds within tutor groups and house groupings.

Year 7 took on a decathlon along with a range of homeroom based activities whilst Years 8 and 9 faced challenges both on and off campus with Year 9 also giving service out in the community.

From cyber safety workshops to African drumming, the cerebral and physical fitness of Mathex, swinging through the trees at Woodhill, scaling Rangitoto, orienteering, rocket testing, brain tabloids to consider new problem solving methods, movie making, constructing a card board city, creating a newspaper chair strong enough to sit on and the tallest construction possible from dry spaghetti to the fun and fitness of Top Town and tournament day challenges, the Middle School students were kept busy with a range of meaningful activities.

Service plays an important part for all students at Saint Kentigern. The students in Year 8 had their eyes opened as they were joined by World Vision advocates who directed them into simulations intended to enlighten them to the plight of others. Recently returned from a World Vision youth mission to Tanzania, Year 9 student, Isabella Denholm, also spoke about all she had witnessed first hand.

Closer to home, our Year 9’s experienced their first taste of giving service to local, low decile primary schools we give assistance to. Helping the teachers and students in the classroom and playground prepared the way for the regular visits they will make next year as Year 10 students.

The willingness of our students to dive head first into all activities throughout the week was a pleasure to see and the relationships built and support given within their tutor groups was a delight.

Saint Kentigern

Creating a Cardboard City

This year, the most talked about activity at Home Centre has been the ‘mystery’ art intensive taking place in the Jack Paine Centre. The students had been given the word, ‘contour’ as an idea starter. The creativity that emerged from a flat sheet of corrugated card over the course of a single day was quite remarkable. So addictive was the task that a number of students carried on right through their break times, so determined were they to see their ideas come to fruition. From true to life, replica buildings to wildly imaginative ‘Seuss’ type structures, the city landscape took form. The verdict from the students was the day was ‘awesome!’

Year 8 student, Hannah Williams reports: ‘We had been told nothing about what we were doing in our ‘Art Intensive’ apart from being told that we were going to love it. When we arrived in the JPC, the floor

was covered in red tape which outlined streets and roads. After being ushered to sit down, we were told that we were to make a ‘brown city.’ Puzzled, everyone listened closely. We were to make giant buildings purely out of cardboard, tape and string. There was to be no other colour apart from brown, which meant that detail was key. After pairing up, we hastily got to work. With cardboard flying around the room, music pounding in our ears and ideas bursting out of our brains, our structures began to take form. By the end of the day, although our fingers, brains and vocals chords were sore, our buildings were complete.

Finally, we placed our intricate structures on the floor. It was such an achievement to really see the city take shape. No matter how well they turned out, everyone enjoyed their day, and were thoroughly proud of their creation.’

This idea was inspired by ‘Caine’s Arcade.’ Caine Monroy, a nine year old American spent his summer vacation building an elaborate DIY cardboard game arcade inside his dad’s used auto parts store and asked people to play. The entire summer went by and Caine had yet to have a single customer, until one day a filmmaker named Nirvan Mullick stopped to buy a door handle for his car and became Caine’s first customer.

What happened next was magic as the world of social media brought customers in their droves. The response was to launch a global movement ‘to foster imagination and creativity in kids everywhere!’ To date, Mullick’s film clip has received over 7 million hits! http://cainesarcade.com/

Celebrating the Arts

It was a perfect evening for an outdoor celebration of the Arts in its many forms at the College early in Term 4. Held between the outdoor setting of the Senior School Plaza and the Year 13 Common Room, the adjacent indoor/outdoor venue worked well for a night of relaxed and informal entertainment.

Guests were directed to the venue through the MacFarlan Centre to view two artworks that have recently been installed as part of the on-going College 60th Jubilee celebrations: Ray Haydon’s hanging sculpture, ‘Air’, gifted by the Parents and Friends Association, and an oil painting, ‘Upward Reflection’ by former 2011 Head Girl, Tessa Meyer. (See page 61.)

As guests assembled, the Jazz Band played out in the Plaza while Senior School artwork was on display in the ‘Red Zone’ – the Year 12 Common Room, named for its red furniture.

The evening opened inside with a viewing of an impressive time lapse video taken over the course of a weekend as Haydon’s sculpture was assembled and then raised into place, hanging high above the Main Reception in the MacFarlan Centre. Mr Haydon was invited forward and explained that the inspiration for the work had come from a visit to the ballet seeing dancers with ribbons. Chairperson of the College Parents and Friends, Mrs Pippa Styles, formally handed over Haydon’s sculpture to the College.

Before the guests moved back outside for the next stage of the evening’s entertainment, Head of College, Mr Cole, stepped forward in praise of a very fine group of Performing Arts students who have responded well to his challenge to ‘continually raise the bar’ in seeking excellence in all they do. He reaffirmed the importance of the Arts within the College.

Arts Prefects, Manase Latu and Kirsten Wong took on the role of MCs for the evening first introducing the ‘Leavers’ Octet’ - eight senior members of Kentoris who are about to graduate. The Plaza proved to be the perfect amphitheatre for their rendition of Minoi Minoi written by Christopher Marshall.

The winner of this year’s SKC’s Got Talent, very accomplished jazz dancer, Jasmine Mexted, danced beautifully, having adapted her routine for concrete! Jasmine’s talent shone through having recently was selected to represent Auckland at the National Young Performer Awards in Invercargill earlier this month.

Tate Steele, Cameron Teare, Mitchell Fissenden, Carlos Webster were next to demonstrate the unique talents that placed them 2nd in the Greater Auckland Premier Theatresports Competition. Set the challenge by the audience to perform a fairy tale – Cinderella – in a minute, first

‘neutrally’, then Film Noir style and followed as a musical performance, the result was hilarious!

Senior members of the Pipes and Drums paraded in but the drum beat was not one we were familiar with. It was both a surprise and a delight when they opened with Queen’s ‘We will rock you!’ This was followed by more traditional Scottish numbers before noted Highland Dancer, Sarah McQueen came forward to perform the Highland Fling accompanied by Andre Mason on the pipes. Sarah also attended the National Young Performers Awards and will travel to Germany in January with the National Highland Dance Company.

Last to perform was the ever-popular Manase Latu, well known for his rich tenor voice. Along with Choral Director, Mr Lachlan Craig, they superbly performed Bizet’s ‘Pearl Fishers’ Duet’

Moving back inside to sit in the colourful Year 13 common room, the audience viewed ‘Road Trip’ by Tom Arnott, Mitchell Glenn-Campbell and Andrew Lockhart, the winning film from the annual Media Studies film awards, The Kents 2013.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the new Arts badges. The former Colours and Honours system has been reviewed and the new awards recognise a high level of attainment and a significant commitment to the Arts. Music and Drama students, both performers and back stage crew, were recognised and awarded the new badges. The Concert Band pipped Kentoris for the title of Best Music group of the year. 2013 Senior Theatresports Champions (Mike Hickmott, Ben Reidstra and Jake Latham) also received their award.

In finishing, Mr Duncan McQueen announced two exciting initiatives for next year. In Term 1, the Parents and Friends will host an Art Challenge to be held over a weekend, to generate a piece of art, with the theme only to be announced at the start of the challenge. Secondly, next year, for the first time, there will be a significant new award, ‘Performer of the Year 2014.’

New Zealand Aria Competition

Despite the meteoric rise of our choral and singing programmes, no one could have predicted the success achieved by College singers at the New Zealand Aria Competition held in Rotorua during the first weekend in November. This is the first time that the College has entered singers to compete at this level.

The Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria competition is one of Australasia’s most prestigious singing competitions. The event, in its current format, has been held annually for the past 13 years and has offered life-changing opportunities to entrants and launched the careers of some fine young singers.

The event is the largest competition of its kind in the country and its fame has spread throughout Australasia’s world of opera. It attracts aspiring opera stars who pit themselves against some of Australasia’s best young singers. The opportunity this engenders, along with the attractive prize money, contribute to the winning performers’ further development in this demanding art. Entrants often go on to take part in major productions both in New Zealand and overseas.

Over the years, the competition has generated such a widespread reputation that it attracts a high calibre of entrants, judges and conductors. The impact is enhanced by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Within our own community, Manase Latu has become a superstar but at this weekend he took on New Zealand and put together three stunning performances to claim 2nd place in the U18 category. A day later, in a field of 20, including several university students, he presented four beautiful performances and claimed 2nd place in the Under 21 category.

Manase was also singled out by both judges for his exceptional potential and was awarded the NZ Aria Most Promising Singer U21 Years.

The other outstanding overall performances came from Year 12 student, Jamie Hofer who placed 3rd in the U18 category and Sid Chand, Year 9, who won the U16 category. Liam Braithwaite, Year 10 and Aaron Leng, Year 11 also won 1st prizes in various individual classes.

Each age group offers 4 categories and the aggregate points (NZ Aria age group winner) for each category is determined by the first 3 of those categories. In all, 8 students finished the weekend with a total of 20 placings and 9 commended awards:

13 and Under 16

Own Selection

Liam Braithwaite 1st

Aaron Leng 2nd

Sid Chand 3rd

Light Entertainment

Sid Chand 1st

Folk or Traditional

Sid Chand 2nd

Aaron Leng 3rd

Oratorio or Sacred Song

Aaron Leng 1st

Sid Chand 2nd

Liam Braithwaite 3rd

Aggregate: Under 16 NZ

Aria Champion

Shiddrath Chand 1st

16 and Under 18

Own Selection

Manase Latu 3rd

Success at Showdown Awards

The talent, commitment and dedication of the College performing arts staff were recognised at the annual Showdown Awards. This year’s College productions, West Side Story and The Crucible both won a welldeserved set of results.

The Senior School musical, West Side Story was announced as winner of ‘Outstanding Musical’ along with Year 13 student Findlay Murray for the ‘Best Supporting male in a Musical’ in the role of Action. The Crucible also gained two awards with Production Technician, Mr Glen Mortensen, picking up ‘Best Lighting Design’ and Year 13 student, Ben Elias, achieving ‘Best Supporting Male actor in a Play’ for his performance as Judge Danforth.

Presented at SkyCity Theatre, and run by the Auckland Community Theatre Trust, the night is the culmination of the organisation’s mammoth task of watching dozens of Auckland Secondary School drama and musical productions in order to determine the most outstanding students and staff in a variety of categories. Both West Side Story and The Crucible were nominated by the judging team for a total of 19 awards in both acting and technical categories.

Light Entertainment

Manase Latu 2nd

Jamie Hofer 3rd

Folk or Traditional

Manase Latu 1st

Oratorio or Sacred Song

Lili Taylor 2nd

Aggregate Under 18 NZ Aria Champion

Manase Latu 2nd

Jamie Hofer 3rd

16 and Under 21

Lieder or Art Song

Manase Latu 1st

Oratorio or Sacred Song

Manase Latu 3rd

Aggregate Under 21 Aria

Manase Latu 2nd

NZ Aria Award Most promising

Singer U21

Manase Latu

Feedback from the ceremony was that our productions were two of the stand-out performances of the year, combining tight stage-craft with talent and passion to make for great theatre. The performances, both dramatically and musically, that were drawn from the students were said to be rich in both technique and emotion.

Congratulations to the students, Mr Ross Gerritsen, Head of Music and Ms Emma Bishop, Head of Drama who richly deserve these accolades.

Students Research Brain

As part of the College’s Enhanced Learning programme, a group of our top Year 10 ‘gifted and talented’ science students visited the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. The Centre forms a unique partnership between scientists, doctors and the community whose aim is to work together in the laboratory, clinic, whanau and community to provide a brighter and better future for people and families living with brain disease. The College has developed an on-going link with the Centre.

Students were very fortunate to hear from renowned neuroscientist and Director of the CBR, Professor Richard Faull who gave them a real insight into brain function, brain pathology and the breakthroughs the team have made in stem cell research.

Students toured around the laboratories seeing scientists at work and spent some time in the Medical Learning library which houses the largest collection of preserved brain specimens in New Zealand and is not generally open to the public.

Student, Samantha Louie commented that, ‘It has opened my eyes to the complexity of a human brain. I now get a sense of where biology and medicine fit in the real world.’

College students will have the subsequent opportunity to compete in the Brain Bee Challenge in 2014. This competition requires students to be well versed in the neuroscience of the brain to pit themselves against other top science students throughout the country for an opportunity to represent New Zealand at international level.

Bioethics Roadshow

The philosophical concepts of personal responsibility were discussed at this year’s Bioethics Roadshow, held at Auckland Girls Grammar. A group of twenty Year 9 and 10 students attended the day long road show as part of the Gifted and Talented programme at the College.

Leading researchers and professors from the University of Otago posed questions and covered content on animal ethics and consumerism through lectures, live drama and student debates. Year 9 students Tasma Fulford and Erin Meek, presented the summary of one of their group debates to the whole auditorium in a court style role play. It was a thought provoking and interesting day.

Erin Meek reports: ‘The bioethics symposium was a fantastic opportunity and a great day. The speakers presented some extremely challenging issues and real-life problems that made us wonder about our own morals and the morals of others. The interactive activities brought out the lawyers in all of us as we fought to get our point across and Tasma and I even got the chance to present our opinion in a mock court case to the audience. Some of the subjects discussed were; a human’s responsibility to protect animals, commitment to another human being, a ‘who is in the right?’ scenario and workplace conditions in third world countries. Many new questions were raised as students discovered about ethically wrong decisions made and shocking conditions overseas. Every student who was lucky enough to attend this intriguing and educational roadshow learnt a great deal, and came away with a greater appreciation of the human impact on animals, the environment and society.’

Baristas in the Making!

I n a new venture for the Food Technology curriculum this year, the Year 10 student have taken part in a junior barista course on how to make coffee. The students had hands on training from west Auckland company, Mt Atkinson Coffee in producing the perfect cup.

The café style hot drinks have been made and sold at lunchtimes from the student’s coffee cart ‘No Pressure’ in the Jack Paine Centre. For $2.00 a coffee, that’s a great deal for a daily caffeine fix and about half the normal retail price! You may have also seen their coffee cart at College events this year including The Kents film awards and Jazz Café.

As a result of many lunch hours grinding, tapping, frothing and pouring, the Year 10 pupils raised nearly $1,000.00 dollars to donate to their charity of choice, Arusha Children’s Effort. This was started by the Duncan family, parents of current and past College students. Based in Arusha, Tanzania it works to get children out of unstable homes and off the streets into school. Mrs Duncan was presented with the donation from the students at a Middle School assembly.

The students have thoroughly enjoyed trying their hand as ‘professional’ baristas. They said the most fun was creating the patterns in the milk, and the hardest part has been getting the texture of the milk – ‘silky, like wet paint’ - just right.

The Art of Food

As part of the Creative Enrichment Programme at the College, there was an opportunity for Middle School Food Technology students to be involved in a week long ‘Art of Food’ unit held in the Jack Paine Centre. This entailed the creation of a Christmas dessert buffet, beginning with a table of empty cake stands and culminating in a full spread of tasty, decorated Christmas fare by the end of the week.

New food technology teacher, Mrs Susanna Pattison, who also runs the City Cake Company, facilitated the production of sweet cakes and small goods around the Christmas theme, with the help of working professionals in the industry. Kozue Yamanoto, head chef of the City Cake Company, Leighanne Sangiorino, pastry chef and Jocelyn Janon, professional food photographer have all been hands on during the week. This was a superb opportunity for our students to see the work of experts in the food industry.

The students not only watched but also had the chance to follow suit creating their own tasty, iced works of art. They soon discovered that what had looked so simple – using an icing bag – was much trickier than it first appeared requiring a steady hand. Shortbread, meringues,

Thank You Tessa

Head Girl from 2011, Tessa Meyer is well remembered for the enormous contribution she made to the College as a student. She was a true allrounder who excelled at her chosen sport, was an outstanding public speaker and an exceptional young artist. It is her talent as an artist that has left the biggest legacy.

Tessa was commissioned during the College 60th Jubilee celebrations this year to produce an artwork for the new MacFarlan Centre. Working in oil on canvas, Tessa’s remarkable piece of work, ‘Upward Contemplation’ has now been installed, depicting a young student gazing upwards at the Chapel.

Tessa said the painting was created from the foundation of two influential ideas. While it serves as a tribute to the Chapel, one of the College’s most iconic buildings and the cornerstone of the our community, it also draws on the geometric architecture and modern style of the new MacFarlan Centre in which it is displayed. ‘The combination of the College’s history and its future is an important element in this milestone year.’

New Sculpture

Visitors to the College MacFarlan Centre are now greeted by a new abstract art sculpture seemingly floating in the air above the main reception. ‘Air’ by Parnell-based artist, Ray Haydon was commissioned by the Saint Kentigern College Parents & Friends Association for the College 60th Jubilee this year. The concept for the sculpture is based on the pathways traced by the movement of a ribbon through air. It is an exploration of fluidity and organic movement inspired by one of the oldest forms of dance, ballet. ‘The sculpture was inspired by the ballet called ‘Red’ which had red ribbons floating around the ballerinas, so the original idea was to reproduce this effect,’ says the sculptor, Parnell-based Ray Haydon.

This graceful, continuous movement may be read as a metaphor for life paths, aspirations and journeys. It can also be seen as a representation of the College’s teaching and learning environment as the students are beginning and extending their journeys into the world.

gingerbread, fudge, chocolate decorations and specialty cakes all came to fruition over the week. One of the products to that drew most attention was a gingerbread Saint Kentigern chapel!

Jocelen, the photographer, also spoke to the students about food styling for photography and the associated art of bringing a website together.

At the end of the week, the staff were invited to admire the desserts created during the course of the week – and to dig in and enjoy alongside the students! We give thanks to our special visitors who worked alongside the students to share their knowledge.

Workshop on Waiheke

As overall winners of this year’s Year 7&8 Wearable Arts competition, Year 8 students, Bianca Connell and Amy Savory, were lucky enough to be offered a workshop with Waiheke-based artist, Ann Skelly. Ann is a full time artist who has entered eleven of her own garments into the World of Wearable Arts (WOW) Show and has been successful with nine of them.

Bianca and Amy travelled to Waiheke to meet Ann where their first task was to scour the beach for anything interesting to use as inspiration.

The girls report:

‘We were given a small bag and we started collecting odd shaped and strange textured objects. Some of the objects we found were clumps of oyster shells, strange looking shells, bits of wood, seaweed, rocks, moss and many other objects. We then headed back to Ann’s home.

For our next task, we were to unpack one of Ann’s WOW garments. The garment was made of shells, flower tubes and plastic bags. We were to read the instructions given and to put the garment together. Ann came down and was pleased to see that we had done it with no mistakes!

After this achievement, we were able to experiment with the objects that we collected at the beach. We were given varnish, PVA glue, glitter paint and glitter. We found that if we put some PVA glue or varnish on the delicate white seaweed it became less fragile and didn’t fall apart each time we handled it.

After lunch we were shown around Ann’s amazing house and were privileged to be invited to try on some of her WOW garments from the past couple of years. Each costume was completely different. There was a sandwich called ‘A lunch on the run,’ a story book called ‘Spellbound,’ a garment made of foam pieces called ‘Lady Bacilli Cocci’ and a garment made of shells, plastic and flower tubes called 'Mistress Cristatella.' We had many laughs and heaps of fun while trying on Ann’s amazing creations.

Before we knew it, our time with Ann had come to an end. We didn’t want to leave as we had a heap of fun. Our thanks to Year 8 teacher, Mrs Slade, for organising this fantastic day for us and especially to Ann Skelly for inviting us to the island and making our day absolutely amazing!’

Our Butterfly Gardens

With thanks to Mrs Xanthe-Jane Noble, TIC NZ Monarch Trust

Listening to students in assembly talk passionately about ‘leaving a legacy’ I wondered what we could achieve in our educational arena that would incorporate a love of butterflies and their desperate plight in the world today. Something that might make a difference.

We have created a ‘Butterfly Garden’ at the College this year – with a five year plan to gain certification from the NZ Monarch Trust. There are some wonderful species here in New Zealand and with a 95% decline in monarch butterfly numbers, we all need to take action!

So far, the students have cleared and planted over 100 swan plants, of four different varieties, and Parents and Friends have supported us so that we can interplant with nectar producing flowers. Signs have been made and created by students, to provide an outdoor learning environment for visiting classes, and Japanese students have made origami butterflies while our Librarian has created a website and supplied beautiful books.

Duke of Ed students have become citizen scientists, tagging butterflies and weeding the garden beds in their lunch hours, as part of their service to others. Big containers have appeared in the staffroom for collecting coffee grounds and the technology department have begun making planters and benches from timber supplied by a local merchant.

With College displays, Environmental Day, competitions and fund raising activities all planned, we hope to make a difference, raise awareness and encourage students to get involved in the National Research Project concerning monarchs in NZ! We even have three ‘Caterpillar Castles’ in the Science Lab and 100 swan plants being grown to give to students to take home next year. The Butterfly Gardens are here to stay…It's been a busy year and my thanks go to everyone who has helped and contributed!

Grandparents’ Day

In recognising the very special relationship our students have with their grandparents, we invited the grandparents of our Year 7 & 8 to visit the College to gain an insight into their grandchildren’s education and learning environment. Our students’ grandparents offer them not only love, support and guidance, but also connect them to the values, stories and histories of their families and communities.

On arrival, our special guests enjoyed morning tea in the Sports Lounge, and were welcomed to the College by the Head of Middle School, Mr Duncan McQueen. Mr McQueen thanked the almost 300 visitors for coming along and pointed out some had come from as far afield as Queensland and Dunedin. This was followed by a welcoming from the Head of College, Mr Steve Cole. Mr Cole explained that in today’s modern and changing world, the moral compass role that grandparents provide our young ones is becoming more and more important within the family unit.

After the morning tea, the Middle School students were all waiting excitedly to collect their grandparents, or their ‘adopted’ grandparents, for the day to escort them back to their classrooms to enjoy the rest of the morning together reflecting and sharing.

In conclusion of the morning, the visitors were given a personal tour of the College and were then welcomeed to the Middle School Assembly.

Thank you to all grandparents who came from near and far, and for your support to your grandchildren, families and the College.

College Parents and Friends Association

It is with pleasure that I present this report on behalf of my team. We have had a very satisfying year with several big donations to the College and a full programme of support.

We started the year with the two big welcome functions for the parents at Year 7 and Year 9 levels. We thank the Trust Board for their continued support of these. After these events, we were busy with the Jubilee weekend dinner, and many other occasions over the year where we were able to provide refreshments for College events, from Open Days to graduations. We all particularly enjoyed being part of the 60th Jubilee Dinner and congratulate the College on this milestone.

Our committee meetings have been attended by a good group of core members and the executive committee has worked well together over the year. I am pleased to tell you that our current treasurer, David Courtney has expressed an interest in taking over the Chairperson role from me and we have agreed to gradually hand over the role over the coming year. He was voted Deputy Chair at our recent meeting, taking over from Tracey Goldstine who will remain as Social Convenor. All the other committee will remain in place with the exception of Heather Skelton who stands down as her last child leaves the College. We wish her well and thank her for all her hard efforts as PR convenor and in particular for her role in the OLE start-up. David will take over some of her role, and we have someone in mind to take on the website interface, as well as his Treasurer role.

The Saints Cafe has settled into a good routine now and making a consistent profit. We thank the Trust Board again for the opportunity to manage this facility. Amanda Selvadurai has had a busy year getting this running smoothly and sorting staffing. Huge thanks are due to Amanda for her time and effort on this time-consuming role.

Another big job is performed by Claire Russell with the Functions role. We now have a team of three working on this which has made it more manageable; we welcome Libby and Kath to this busy team. And to round off our executive team we have Desirée Jenkins-Allright who keeps all things secretarial ticking over despite her busy commitmentsthanks Dee for your lovely smile!

We have been able to make some significant donations along with our regular contributions to the travelling students. Our gift of a Jubilee sculpture installed in the main reception has been very well received. We are particularly glad that this can be enjoyed by our many stakeholders including the staff, Trust, parents, visitors and of course students.

We were also happy to contribute to the finishing of the Learning Commons outdoor space, as well as some shade sails for the tennis courts area. We made a large donation for Leavers’ Bibles and smaller ones for Kayaks and Cycling Helmets.

We end the year with a healthy cash balance to start our gifting for next year, and an enthusiastic committee ready to support the College.

Pippa Styles Chairperson, Saint Kentigern College Parents and Friends

President’s Report

As the 60th year of the College and teaching at Saint Kentigern draws to an end, we can look back proudly on another outstanding year of achievement at all Saint Kentigern campuses.

The SKOCA committee has accomplished a lot this year and I thank the newer members who have been most active, taking control of the Recent Old Collegians (ROC’S) events, promoting stronger fellowship and solid attendances at each event.

The ROC’s Reunion held in Dunedin was attended by over 60 Otago students and was managed by committee members, James Hackett and James Bennett and has become a regular annual event. These annual events are a great opportunity for first year students/ROC’s to meet and enjoy fellowship with ROC’s in their 3rd or 4th years of study who can provide additional support and fellowship where necessary.

The ROC’s Reunion in Christchurch for Canterbury and Lincoln students was attended by committee member, Andrew Muller and over 30 students mingled and reminisced about their days at Saint Kentigern and their pending exams, and likely results.

The ROC’s event in Parnell in November was again well attended with over 200 ROC’s attending during the evening and linking up with school friends recently home from distant universities, or undertaking various study or work apprenticeships with some already working within and developing their chosen careers.

The SKOCA Netball annual challenge was held and this year the College side was too strong. Over 40 attendees enjoyed the game and the light refreshments. Thanks to committee members, Kelly Alexander and Ashleigh Allington for managing this event so successfully.

The College Sports Dinner, which SKOCA sponsors each year, was a highlight in this the 60th year for the College and the evening recognised the many sporting champions at Saint Kentigern. The College awarded 32 students with New Zealand representative medals at the dinner this year ranging from tennis to equestrian sports which is a tremendous achievement for one campus and exemplifies both the high standard of facilities available at the College and the dedication and ability of both the students and their coaches.

The SKOCA year would not run smoothly without the dedication and effort of Malcolm Cowie and Glennis Pearson at the College and the ‘continually enhanced’ body and mind of Peter Nelson at the Boys’ School. The committee thank each of you for your on-going commitment.

I would like to wish all the 2013 Saint Kentigern Leavers at all the Saint Kentigern campuses the very best encouragement and good fortune in your lives ahead. You are each a special person at Saint Kentigern with your unique school numbers and records of your time at the schools, in the Year books, sports photos and academic records. You are also all life members of SKOCA which is spread globally and can provide many supportive and entertaining opportunities for members who keep connected via email and the website, ranging from fellowship reunions and sporting events to links and networking opportunities to enhance your careers.

I am sure you have all enjoyed your time at Saint Kentigern, and I assure you in years to come you will look back and enjoy the memories even more as your lives develop and get more complicated. We wish you all the very best, and remember as the Saint Kentigern School Motto instils, most importantly remember to have faith and belief in yourself!

Fides Servanda Est

Andrew Morgan, President of the Old Collegians Association

The committee welcomes feed-back from members so please keep in touch: skoca@saintkentigern.com

SKOCA Calendar: Term 1, 2014

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY

BoYs’ school - GolF DAY

Time: Registration from 11.30am

Tee-off: 1.00pm

Venue: Auckland Golf Club

Refreshments provided $100 per player

RsVP: sue.bowskill@saintkentigern.com skoca@saintkentigern.com

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY

sKoc A - cRIcKET DAY

Time: 12.00pm

Venue: No 1 Field, College

Refreshments provided

RsVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

TUEsDAY 11 MARch

PAsT PREsIDENTs lUNchEoN

Time: 12.00pm

Venue: Northern Club

RsVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

sUNDAY 6 APRIl

sKoc A - RoWING DAY

Time: 3.00pm

Venue: College Rowing Shed, College

Get your crew together and start training!

BBQ dinner after the races

BBQ and Drinks: $25 each

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

FRIDAY 11 APRIl

ANNUAl DINNER & AGM

Venue; Elliot Hall, College

Speaker: TBA

AGM : 6.15pm

Pre Dinner Drinks: 6.30pm

Dinner @ 7.15pm

See separate booking form on opposite page.

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

SKOCA Golf Day

On Thursday 12 December, 17 teams of four competed in the SKOCA College Golf Day in glorious summer weather topping 30 degrees in some of the sheltered areas of the course. The near full-house gathering competed for a chance to win a new red Audi-A1 provided by Continental Cars-Newmarket for a Hole-In-One on the 7th, however, under the extreme scrutiny for every possible golfing rule or foul possible by Marshalls, John E Gilbert (Head Boy 1965) and Malcolm Wilson, the car was returned, not surprisingly, to Continental.

Mike Gowan was the MC at the Prizegiving, sporting his right leg in a boot following a serious achilles tennis injury. In considerable personal discomfort, he managed to complete the awarding of the prizes and we thank Mike for his effort under such conditions!

Thanks to the committee organizing team of John Howard and Sandy Campbell for one of the best golf-days yet - we have pre-booked Titirangi again for 2014 but in early November next time.

Congratulations to the winning Four; Jon Ormond, Scott Hill, Matt Tayler and Dave Roberts with a score of 53.12.

SKOCA extends thanks to the sponsors of the Golf Day: Continental Cars, Bayleys, CBRE, AJ Park, ANZ, Southpark Corp/Kinlock Golf Course, Ardmore Developments, Toshiba, Ricoh, Lexel Systems, Superior Turf, Saint Kentigern Trust Board, Angus Steak House, Balmain and Spices Thai Restaurant.

Obituary

RoBERT GANE KIRKBRIDE: 701

31 May 1947 – 2 January 2013

Robbie (Kirky) started at the College in 1958 as a Form 1 student to join his brother, Don Kirkbride (533) and to be joined the following year by his cousin, Matty Kirkbride (763). On leaving the College, Robbie worked on the family dairy farm at Ihumatao Road in Mangere, where he remained until the farm was sold to the Auckland Airport in 1988.

Robbie married Vonnie Souter from Perth in 1994, they had two sons, Scott and Nick who both attended Saint Kentigern Boys’ School until they made a permanent move to live in Perth in 1989.

Sadly in 2004, they lost Scott to melanoma at age 27. Vonnie has since set up the Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre at the Institute of Medical Research in Perth. Just prior to a planned holiday to New Zealand in late November 2012, Robbie was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia. Sadly Robbie lost his battle on the 2nd January 2013. He is survived by his wife, Vonnie; son, Nick; daughter in law, Brianna; grandson, Lachlan; his mother, Barbara, aged 93; elder brother, Don; and his two younger sisters, Ann and Mary. Robbie’s late father Gordon, was on the College Board of Trustees for 16 years.

Always the practical joker, Robbie was hugely popular amongst his many friends and this was wonderfully apparent at his farewell in Perth, attended by an overwhelming number of friends and family estimated to be around 1000 paying their tribute.

If you are aware of the death of an Old Collegian or former staff member we would be grateful if you could contact us with as much information as possible. Please email skoca@saintkentigern.com. Thank you.

TIcKETs:

FRIDAY 11 APRIl 2014

Venue: Elliot Hall, Saint Kentigern College Campus

GUEST SPEAKER: TBA

All Old Collegians welcome with special rates for (ROCs) Recent Leavers

$65 PER hEAD, $600 PER TABlE Rocs $45 EAch

BooKING FoRM FoR ANNUAl DINNER

Please fill in the details and fax or mail your form back with payment to: Saint Kentigern Old Collegians’ Association PO Box 51060, Pakuranga, Manukau 2140, NZ.

Phone: (09) 577 0749 Fax: (09) 577 0700

Alternatively you may email your details to: skoca@saintkentigern.com

Good Beginnings

I n a recent article in the Education Supplement of the New Zealand Herald, reporter, Dionne Christian wrote an article exploring the benefits of associations such as the Old Collegians, looking in particular at Saint Kentigern and Diocesan.

She reports: ‘ It’s a fact of life – sad for many of us – that when we walk out of the school gates for final time, we’re not just farewelling the institution, but friends and associates, inspiring teachers and a wider school community that have made an indelible impression on our lives. However, independent schools, in particular, have comprehensive networks which allow ex-pupils to stay in touch and make an active contribution to the growth and development of their alma mata.

These ‘old boy and old girl’ networks are an integral part of many independent schools and a drawcard for parents looking at future educational opportunities for their children.

Why? Because these networks help keep alive the values and traditions which flow through each school and are often a reason why parents are attracted to them in the first place. In addition, they provide support for sporting, academic and cultural activities within the school as well as creating social and business/industry networks that can benefit former pupils once they’re in the so called ‘real world.’

At Saint Kentigern, the Old Collegians Association supports building and development programmes on their three campuses, provides scholarships and supports all College leavers and past pupils as they start tertiary education and careers. SKOCA president, Andrew Morgan says the establishment of a Mentoring and Careers working committee, alongside the College careers office is a significant new development linked to careers education. It provides Year 12 and 13 students with the chance for onsite group visits to Old Collegians’ businesses so they can gain a better idea of a career they may wish to pursue. At Careers Evenings, Old Collegians are often on hand to speak as experts in their field.

Andrew Jarvie who attended the Boys’ School, left the College in 1970 and served as SKOCA president from 1997 – 2000, says members know many young people are finding it difficult to break into a career – to take the first step on the ladder – and saw this as a practical way to help. ‘And often people reach their late fifties and sixties and are at the peak of the career with so much knowledge that is useful to share.’

Similarly, John Gilbert, who was Head Boy in 1965, has had a son and now a grandson at the Boys’ School and the College, enjoys the contact with the ‘younger generation’ and how age barriers seem to disappear at SKOCA functions. ‘It’s great to see the youngsters take their place in the world, making their mark and it’s nice to know we can keep helping them to do so.’’

Stacey Scoops Top Award

I n the last issue of Piper we reported that former student Stacey Kenny had come to the attention of the design world after being awarded a significant award for her design of a proposed urban sanctuary for hens that had been earmarked for destruction after life as a battery hen. Her hen house, designed for a city garden, would allow them to rest and recover enough to lay eggs for many more years after being retired from commercial farms. The prototype was Stacey’s final project for her design degree at Massey.

After being featured at a Massey University arts festival, her design went on to be entered in the internationally recognised Red Dot Awards for Product Design and Stacey received one of the top awards ‘Best of the Best.’ She was one of three worldwide to be nominated for a ‘Luminary’ award and was invited to attend the Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2013 final judging in Singapore. This product competition honours the best innovative designs from across the globe that push the frontiers of new concept ideas for the next generation.

We are delighted to report that Stacey won the top international Luminary award in Singapore!

This year’s Awards received ideas and prototypes showcasing latest research from all over the world, across 24 categories including product companies and design studios - a record 4,394 entries from 57 countries. Her design, ‘Nest’ emerged as the top design, winning the Luminary award and the votes from the jury, who affirmed that the model took a serious look at how one’s habitat can change the way of living for us and future generations, addressing sustainability and life in its most pragmatic way

‘It’s a great example of redesigning a life cycle, which most people tend to think that once a life cycle is set, it can’t be changed or redesigned,’ said member of the jury, Raj Nandan.

Stacey was presented with her prize that included $5,000, at the glittering awards ceremony in Singapore along with recognition to her Centre of Learning the School of Design, College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington campus. Congratulations Stacey!

Thanks Mike

Saint Kentigern College and the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association would like to acknowledge and thank Old Collegian, Mike Daniel SKBS No 40, SKC No 1132 and SKOCA President 1974-75 for his most generous gift of the Electronic Score-Board now in use on the No 1 Rugby Field.

Andew Jarvie, Jessie and George Jarvie, John Gilbert, Andrew Morgan and Gary Noland.

Jessica-Anne Noble

VolUNTARY sERVIcE AT ThE ElEPhANT sANcTUARY

Just outside the city of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, surrounded by mountains covered in native rainforest, sits an elephant oasis. It is a refuge for domestic Asian elephants that have been rescued from abusive employment in the tourism industry; some are blind, some are lame, and all have experienced emotional and physical trauma in the name of profit and entertainment.

In late November, I spent a week at this sanctuary as a volunteer, helping out with the daily jobs that keep the park running and getting up close to these incredible animals. Chores ranged from cleaning the shelters where they slept,

Thomas Hills

Former student, Thomas Hills, conquered triathlon’s toughest challenge, the 3.8-kilometre swim, 180km cycle and 42km run over the infamous course in Kona at the Hawaii Ironman event in October. The environmental issues – the searing heat, incredible winds and intense humidity - make those who finish describe it as the hardest race they have experienced.

The 30-year-old, who attended the College from 1998-2002 and was captain of the Cycling Senior A team in his final year, qualified to take on the extreme physical and mental test by winning his age group at Ironman New Zealand in Taupo earlier this year.

Thomas says a great influence during his school years, especially during his cycling and triathlon involvement at the College, was teacher and coach, Mr Rick Faulding. He remembers hearing Mr Faulding’s stories of the Hawaiian Ironman while he was a student. Now he’s completed the achievement himself, against the world’s best, to record his fastest bike and run splits, finishing 25th in his age group in 9 hours 28 minutes.

Describing his preparation, Thomas said that in the 16 weeks out from the race, his personal trainer had him completing 300km in the pool, 7000km on the bike and 1500km of running. ‘Every morning and night it is all you do. It’s a complete life-changer,’ he says.

Thomas is fortunate that his work as a Senior Engineer for Altitude Aerospace based in Auckland, a subsidiary of Air New Zealand, is flexible to the demanding training schedule, and he was able to spend time in Hawaii to acclimatise to the notorious conditions.

‘I went up to Hawaii about three weeks before the race to get used to the heat and do some quality training up there. It was the perfect lead up. I’ve never been fitter or more mentally ready. It was brilliant,’ he said.

At Altitude Aerospace, Thomas is currently designing and building interiors for various airlines around the world. The company has completed most of Air New Zealand’s new interior design and build, but mostly they work

to preparing the masses of food that over thirty elephants can consume, to bathing them (and getting considerably soaked ourselves) in the river that runs around the perimeter of the sanctuary. It’s quite surreal, living in such close proximity with these giants, and something that I will never forget.

The founder of the park is a woman named Lek Chailert, who has struggled against both the local people and the government to establish this refuge centre. She gave an inspirational lecture on one of the first nights about the importance of being a voice for those without one, and also explained the crucial role that volunteers play in the existence of the sanctuary, as it is not a government-funded institution and receives little local support.

This trip gave me a priceless experience, as well as an insight to the heart-breaking suffering of domestic elephants, and the understanding of the importance of knowledge about their situation, if their fates are to change. Jungle treks, street shows, circuses, elephant paintings and any other form of elephant tourism only persists because the reality of their plight is largely hidden from view. A torturous training process forces elephants into submission before they are two years old, and their owners are at liberty to abuse them with hooks and whips, as Asian elephants in Thailand have the same status and rights as cattle.

I am so grateful that I was able to play a part in the rehabilitation of these elephants and that I was taught so much about their situation in Thailand. It was magical being able to create personal bonds with individual elephants and although the work was sometimes hard it was undoubtedly rewarding. My time at the sanctuary was also a lot of fun, and I met some incredible people, both local Thais and other volunteers from overseas. My trip would not have been such a success without the funding provided by the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association and I am incredibly thankful for their support of the sanctuary and my work there. Thailand’s elephants still have a long way to freedom but places like the Elephant Nature Park are the first steps.

for other airlines and Boeing. They have also just started doing full interior fit-outs for private Boeing 737 owners. Thomas describes this part of his job as, ‘Very interesting to see some of the things people want in their aircraft, sometimes it’s mind blowing!’

Stuart Cowdell

Stuart founded the telecommunications business, Digital Island in 2004 along with fellow Old Collegians, Blair Stuart and Glen Larsen, who collectively operate as the three company Directors. Their rapidly expanding company has been recognised for its excellence by being placed for three consecutive years (2007, 2008 and 2009) in the Deloitte Fast50, winning the ‘Fastest Growing Telco & ISP’ category in 2007 and ‘Fastest Growing Technology Business’ in 2008. They were also placed in 2008 and 2009 at the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific Awards and in 2010 were a finalist in the Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards. Since the company began, Stuart’s role as Commercial Manager has seen him manage the sales function of the business. He is now a current parent at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School where his son Max is enrolled.

Q. What was your career path after leaving the College?

I went straight on to university and completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland. After that I chased a dream and went windsurfing in Hawaii before coming back to New Zealand to a job in technology where I worked for just over three years. Then, with my future wife, Roz, I left for the United Kingdom on my OE for about four years. Upon returning to New Zealand I worked at a company called Infinity Solutions as an Account Manager for two years, which has subsequently morphed into Fujitsu. After leaving that role,we started up Digital Island in 2004. We’re now heading up to our ten year anniversary in February next year.

Q. How did Digital Island evolve?

Blair was also in the UK while I was on my OE and we’d talked about starting up a business. Once we were both back in New Zealand we were delighted that Glen was also at the right stage of his career to start the business, so it all came together. We were always going to be in a technology business and identified a gap in the market for a business to business telecommunications company. With our backgrounds, we also

Ben Morley-John

After finishing at Saint Kentigern, I went to Auckland University where I studied Commerce (maj. Finance) and Law, finishing my final semester in 2011 at Indiana University in the US - with travel through Europe and volunteering in Zambia tacked on the end.

During my time at university, I worked with a number of financial services firms and investment banks including Ernst & Young (Audit and Advisory divisions), ABN AMRO / Royal Bank of Scotland (Mergers and Acquisitions), Craig’s Investment Partners (Institutional Banking) and Macquarie Bank (Mergers and Acquisitions).

knew a lot about the problems that businesses face, so we proceeded to build a business around that concept. Now after ten years, the company is still growing rapidly, at a rate of approximately 20-25% year-on-year and we have done since we began. We employ 40 people now and work out of a Green Star rated office in Grafton, Auckland. All three of us are still 100% involved in the business and still eat lunch together every day. It would be also be fair to say the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians network has been extremely valuable in terms of building the business.

Q. What are some of the most beneficial skills that the College taught you?

Economics with Mr Goldie was excellent! But it’s as much about what I would call peer group and trajectory, that’s what the school gives you, and is probably one of the best things about Saint Kentigern in terms of being exposed to many other likeminded people. I’m still very close friends with lots of the people I came through the College with. Curiously, most of us are doing similar things in terms of owning and building businesses.

Q. Where did the name ‘Digital Island’ come from?

Blair thought that one up. It’s actually quite difficult to name a technology company. If you have a go yourself, you’ll find that just about every name out there is taken. We felt it was a really good fit for New Zealand, being an island – Digital Island – it sounded great.

Q. How is Digital Island different to other technology companies?

The fact that it’s New Zealand owned, the Directors work in the business and we are a medium business ourselves so we understand the needs of medium businesses. We can also bring the best technology that’s available in New Zealand to market and we understand it and can explain it. So we make it simple for our customers to join Digital Island and over 95% choose to stay with us every year. We basically help companies stay ahead of technology, that’s the easiest way to explain it.

Q. Where to from here?

We’re going to continue to grow the business. With the massive growth in cloud based services, we basically have a runway opportunity at the moment to continue to grow at a very rapid rate. Our competitors keep making all their staff redundant and buying one another and generally keeping themselves busy with themselves, which represents a marvellous opportunity for us. We intend to be the business provider of choice in New Zealand.

Upon finishing university, I was offered a role with global consulting firm L.E.K., based in their Sydney office. Having been there now for a year and a half, I’ve been exposed to a variety of industries and am generally having a great time all round. It’s a career I had never heard of during school but has proved too be so much more fun than the standard law or accounting careers that I was aiming for at school. In the new year, it is anticipated that I will be moving to the US to join the Chicago office for the majority of 2014, which will be a great opportunity.

Throughout my university studies and career, I’ve always kept in close contact with my Saint Kentigern mates, who will remain great friends for life. It’s also surprising to note that Saint Kentigern students that I may have not known well during school have also become good friends in the subsequent years – showing that a common connection with a great school goes a long way.

William Curtayne W

illiam, 26, attended the College from 1999 to 2005 along with his twin brother Andrew, before completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland where he majored in Finance and Economics.

Through his College years, William was a keen sportsman and had a promising career ahead of him as an international triathlete. He had completed four World Championship events while he was at University before injury laid him up and he was unable to train.

He found himself reading books written by great investors, the first being a book by legendary investor, Warren Buffett. ‘After that there was only one path I wanted to go down, and that was fund management,’ he said. He says he found himself hooked and the ambition of becoming a fund manager took over from sport.

In 2010, straight after completing his university studies William joined Milford Asset Management, founded by Chairman Brian Gaynor. This year he has taken charge of Milford’s new Dynamic Fund, which invests in small and mediumsized companies in New Zealand and in Australia. His work to date on energy, property, resources and utilities has also helped boost other Milford funds. He says for a younger investment professional like himself, he enjoys working with one of New Zealand’s largest investment teams and their wealth of experience is an unbelievable career opportunity.

AUcKlAND Rocs

The Auckland ROC’s reunion is always a great chance to catch up with school mates and November’s event at the Parnell Bar and Grill was no exception. This year we experienced a superb turnout, with over 200 former pupils, including over 50 girls in their fine cocktail dresses. There were many leavers from the last 12 months and it was great to see them keen to get involved with this event and making it a worthwhile date on the calendar. This early networking will encourage strong ties to their peer group and those in adjacent year groups which will further strengthen the Saint Kentigern community in years to come. We look forward to a few more tall stories and laughs next time! A number of ROC members had journeyed from Christchurch, Wellington and Otago to attend the event alongside their Auckland Saint Kentigern friends.

DUNEDIN Rocs

The Dunedin ROCs reunion was a great success and there was plenty of feedback from people who attended to say they enjoyed the event and are looking forward to the tradition continuing. As there was a good rugby game that weekend, a few former students made the trip from Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland to meet up with their mates at Otago, making a turnout of over 60 people, far more than expected! Particularly pleasing was the offer from some to help organise the event in the future with an eye to becoming more involved with the Association.

Ryan Henderson

Late last year, 2013 graduate, Ryan Henderson was awarded a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University worth $15,000 per year for 4 years. This was awarded 80% for tennis and 20% for academics. Ryan is now a Second Semester Freshman studying Finance as his Major with Economics as his minor.

Ryan has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far, mixing his academic studies with full on tennis training and competitive play representing his university. He reports that in semester one he was number 5 on the team but has now moved up to the number 2 spot. He is not the only overseas student on the team and has enjoyed playing alongside players from Germany as well as home town students. There’s been another big difference between the two semesters. Unlike spring, the fall semester boasts a chilly 0 degrees Celsius and it will stay that way until next March. There is less travelling and more individual tournaments in the fall Ryan says that the coach has the team doing yoga two nights a week. Ryan says not sure if it is helping his flexibility because he says the team has trouble concentrating – they are the only guys at the yoga sessions!

He’s also enjoying other aspects of life at an American university such as the American Football games and events such as Halloween. He says he feels fortunate to have been offered this experience to study and play the sport he loves in such an exciting environment.