Piper Issue 55 May 2015

ANZAC

Preschool

how amazing it has been to see the Preschool children so interested and involved in their learning about Anzac Day and what it means to New Zealanders.

Making their own wreaths, handprint poppies, water colour poppy fields, crayon melted poppies, collaged soldiers and salt ceramic poppies on canvas; the art that they created was fantastic for children so young.

Anzac biscuits were made by the children. maths and language concepts were included as they measured the ingredients, discussed the recipe, cooked the biscuits – before the best part – eating them for afternoon tea! The children renamed them ‘army biscuits!’

Lisa brought in her partner’s army uniform and the boys especially loved trying it on! They looked hilarious in the huge jacket – but so proud.

our Preschool families were thrilled to be involved in the dawn Anzac Service at the Boys’ School with a large number of preschoolers braving the very early start to attend. Sue was very proud of Olivia Lidstone and Boston Chester who presented the wreath on behalf of the Preschool - they stood beautifully up the front during the service. This was a highlight and a fabulous way to close off a very special Anzac week.

exploring Science

Preschoolers are naturally curious about the world around them and at Preschool we make sure the children have plenty of opportunity to explore, discover and draw conclusions about how things work. our Centre of interest on ‘exploring Science’ was a great few weeks of exploration, experiments and new experiences for the children.

young children, just like scientists, need to practise the process skills of predicting, observing, classifying, hypothesizing, experimenting and communicating. They need opportunities to reflect on their findings, how they reached them, and how the findings compare to their previous ideas and the ideas of others. in this way, children are encouraged to develop the attitude of a scientist—that is, curiosity and the desire to challenge theories and share new ideas.

The children researched on the internet for new science experiments and even brought new ideas in from home for us to try at Preschool. Soon we were busy with colour mixing, dancing milk, volcanic explosions, crystal growing, invisible ink, disappearing eggs, floating and sinking and a visit to the girls’ School Science lab to see how ’real’ science experiments happen at the ‘big school.

An important part of the children’s exploration is telling others what they see, what they think, and what it makes them wonder about. The preschoolers were given lots of opportunities to talk about what they observed and to compare their observations with others. it’s activities such as these that also help increase their descriptive vocabulary. Words such as sink, float, crunchy, soft, wet, dry, fast, slow, heavy, light, rough, smooth, hot, and cold are the sort of words the children begin with and build on as they gain a better understanding of their world.

here a Chick, there a Chick!

When the children returned to Preschool after their easter break, they were welcomed by three baby chicks. Sue's brother, Dean had delivered them from the farm at the Easter Show. At only five days old, they were cute, yellow and fluffy!

Isaac was fascinated as he held them for the very first time. This is Isaac’s description of the chicks - ‘The chickens toes and claws are rough and sharp. Their bodies are warm and fluffy. They make a ‘cheep cheep’. They are going to grow into hens and lay eggs.’

it was great to see the children showing care and concern for the chicks – feeding them each day, watching them as they had time outside in the sun – before taking them back inside to their house with straw and a heat lamp to keep them warm.

We are looking forward to hearing about their progress as they grow into free range hens at Jonelle’s house in the Ardmore countryside – and we are excited about the prospect of eggs in the future!

We Love Swimming!

Terms 1 and 4 see 80% of our children taking up the swimming lessons on offer at Preschool. our swimming programme is constantly gaining strength with over 500 lessons per summer term! eight of our Preschool staff have trained as swimming instructors and we have a further two doing their training over the winter.

From learning to blow bubbles, to floating front and back and then onto arm strokes, the children have thrived on this opportunity. With them already having the confidence and trust in their teachers before entering the pool, any stress is alleviated. in fact, they ask every day in summer if they can go swimming! it is a great extra-curricular activity which means their parents have one less thing to fit into busy weekends – and the children love doing it at Preschool.

highlights have been children who were initially reluctant to get into the water who are now doing full arm strokes and kicking, diving to the bottom of the pool to pick up swim rings and encouraging their friends to do swimming lessons!

The success of the swimming programme means the children leave for school with more confidence to undertake swimming at school PE lessons.

Spider Tamers

‘Look – I see a spider in the web,’ calls out Olivia – and soon there are a group of children with their magnifying glasses all looking as close as they were brave enough to see the spider.

‘Spiders have eight legs and lots of eyes,’ says Finn, ‘but I can’t see all their eyes with my eyes – there are too many.’ our children were intrigued with researching and inquiring about spiders – after finding many spiders in our outdoor area. Fantastic artwork was created over the week, research on the internet gave us new knowledge about different species of spiders and the still life pencil drawings of spiders by some of the 4 year olds were amazing. What fabulous spider tamers we have!

Walking with Dinosaurs

The Preschool was recently overtaken with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes – a big T-rex with claws, a Pterydactyl hanging from the roof and many more oversized 3D prehistoric dinosaurs drawn and created by the children were displayed around the Preschool walls.

The children undertook an in-depth study on dinosaurs after many of the children went to the live show of Walking with Dinosaurs. With their imaginations sparked it was amazing how open to learning the children were and how creative they were in their artistic interpretations.

‘Did you know that a person who studies dinosaurs is called a paleontologist?’ said Hugo.

‘I have found a fossil from a stegosaurus.’ said Alexandra.

‘A diplodocus is a plant eater but a T-Rex eats other dinosaurs because they are meat eaters,’ said Sebastian.

Tartan Treasures at Celtic Day

in March, the Preschool boys boarded a mini bus and headed to the Boys’ School for the annual Celtic Day celebrations. The boys all wore a tartan sash and some even had on tartan kilts, hats and vests. They watched the Kapahaka group perform before following behind the pipe band with Mr Cassie and the Trust Board for the parade. it was such a long way for little legs! The bag pipes were very loud as the parade marched around the school field in front of all the mums, dads, and visitors before heading into the Jubilee Sports Centre. The boys sat beautifully for assembly listening to all the speeches and watching the head Boy recite the ‘ode to the haggis.’ When offered some haggis, the boys didn’t hold back ...but others preferred the shortbread!

Flora MacDonald would be proud!

Dressed in tartan accessories and sashes, our Preschool girls had the opportunity to celebrate Flora MacDonald Day with the girls’ School, marching proudly behind the Pipes and Drums following the ‘big girls.’ our Preschool boys cheered the girls on as they smiled and waved! The girls marched around the school before heading into the hall for the ceremony and to sing Scottish songs! our Transition girls spent the morning with the activities at the girls’ School –making Scottish pancakes and owl badges were a highlight. What great marching from our girls - Flora MacDonald from Scotland would have been proud!

easter Bunny hops in!

On the first day of April, Dr Hastie spotted a visitor on her lawn paying a call on the Girls’ School rabbit. Quietly the Preschool children crept around to Flopsy Mopsy’s enclosureaha, easter Bunny we found you! Mr Bunny whispered that he had hidden easter eggs back at Preschool and so the children set of to find three eggs each - one pink, one gold and one green. each of the children then had a turn to sit on the Bunny’s lap for a photo.

Girls' School

of flexibility, initiative, social skills, productivity and leadership. Further curriculum initiatives have included the introduction of a Dance Curriculum, introduction of Mandarin at Year 7 and 8, Senior School sport with Saint Kentigern College, streaming of Mathematics and English for our senior girls and a compulsory music instrumental programme for all girls from Year 4-8, leading to the formation of our first School Orchestra. We are certainly continuing to develop a holistic education for our girls.

Reflections on my time

In 2010 I was appointed Principal of the newly formed Saint Kentigern School for Girls-Corran (now named Saint Kentigern Girls’ School). I began my tenure with 99 girls, an unsettled parent community and a staff who had undergone a significant and testing change, where everything that they knew had been transformed. The school changed from being a Year 1-13 Anglican Girls’ School to a Year 1-8 Presbyterian Girls’ School, the green uniform was replaced with a blue one and they were no longer a ‘stand-alone’ school; instead they had become part of the Saint Kentigern community. Their newly appointed Principal (myself) had come from a role as Deputy Principal at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School and I am sure it was going through their minds, ‘What would she possibly know about educating girls?’ If you were to measure all of these factors on a stress scale, it would have been overwhelming. The staff team, however, were amazing, their ability to adapt to change and see the positive in what could have been such a negative situation made my role as their new Principal all the easier and ensured that this new school got off to a positive start.

As a staff team, we set clear roll growth targets and with a huge amount of passion and energy have not only met every target but exceeded them. It wasn’t long before we coined the expression ‘small but mighty’, referring to our school. Today, six years later, with a growth of over 150% and waiting lists for some year levels, we are no longer small but we are still definitely ‘mighty.’

I look back over the six years that I have been Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School with immense pride at the number of changes that we have introduced, especially in the area of developing a robust academic programme that addresses 21st Century learning. Initiatives such as; the introduction of positive psychology, the teaching of mindfulness skills to our senior girls, STEM education incorporating the introduction of computer programming, robotics, and engineering, and the chance to extend and develop our EOTC (education outside the classroom) skills through school exchanges to Wellington and Christchurch and outdoor camping for Year 7 and 8, all contribute to an excellent educational programme. Our school is well equipped to teach our girls the essential 21st century skills

The creation of our own Performing Arts Academy and Visual Arts Academy, led by talented and passionate staff members, offers experiences to both girls and boys in after school and holiday programmes and these are proving increasingly popular. One of my personal highlights has been the implementation of our own Scottish Day here at Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. After much research the first ever ‘Flora MacDonald Day’ was established to honour a woman who, through her bravery and actions, made a difference in history. This event is now a permanent fixture on our School calendar and is definitely one of the highlights of the year. I am proud to be associated with its conception. Entering a Girls’ School team in the School Soap Box Derby competition is another successful initiative. Each of the two years we have entered a team, we have qualified for the New Zealand Nationals but more importantly, the Soap Box Derby provides an opportunity for different girls to shine and reinforces the value of Dads and girls working together. I have always maintained that this school does not grow ‘Princesses’ but is rather a school that aims to challenge and develop resilience, celebrate competition and respect, and appreciate individuality.

In August I leave this incredible school in a strong and growing position. It does indeed ‘punch above its weight.’ We have waiting lists for some class levels, a talented staff team who continue to deliver quality teaching and learning programmes, and girls with a strong sense of values and care towards others who I know are going to go out and make a difference in their world. I can’t wait to see all that they will achieve in the coming years.

When I look back at my twenty years of service with Saint Kentigern it feels like only yesterday that I was entering independent education, not knowing what to expect or whether it would be a ‘fit’ for me. Saint Kentigern has indeed been a fit; it has been my family, a family that has supported me, believed in me and given me the opportunity to develop as a leader.

Saint Kentigern Girls’ School has left a footprint on my heart that will last forever. You can be sure that I will continue to follow proudly the future successes of this wonderful school. While sad to hand over the reins to my successor, I am also immensely proud of this school. At my first parent event as Principal, I stated that it would be the leading independent Girls’ Primary School in New Zealand and I believe Saint Kentigern Girls’ School has earned and richly deserves this title.

Fides Servanda Est

Dr Sandra Hastie

Student Leaders 2015

At the second Chapel of the year, the Girls’ School commissioned their new Leadership Team for 2015. On a glorious summer’s day, the family members of the Year 8 leaders joined together with the School to share the special occasion that marks the girls’ last senior year. This was a particularly special morning for the newly elected Head Girl, Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru and Deputy Head Girl, Zara Smith as they stepped into their prestigious new roles. These two young women will lead the team with empathy and a sense of care and friendship to all.

The School welcomed Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Deputy Head of Saint Kentigern College and Grace Wood, this year’s College Head Girl to join the service. In passing on her inspiration, Grace spoke to the girls and said, ‘You have been granted power, so use it wisely. Remember that great leadership comes from love and service, so go forth with a positive attitude. You can and you will make a difference, no matter how small.’

Moiralisa and Zara called each new leader forward to receive their badge, sign the Leadership book and stand on the sanctuary steps. Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie read the pledge, asking the girls to serve Saint Kentigern Girls’ School to the best of their ability; at all times demonstrating a sense of pride in all they do; and with a sense of caring and friendship for all girls and staff.

Reverend Reuben Hardie concluded the service with a few words about student leadership. He echoed Dr Hastie’s sentiment on kindness to others and said that he looked forward to all that they would bring to the School in their responsibilities this year.

leaderSHip teaM 2015

Head Girl Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru

Deputy Head Girl Zara Smith

Head of Student Council Ava Beca

Deputy Head of Student Council Kristen Hansen

Chapel Leader

Selena Agaimalo

Deputy Head of Chapel Hannah Timo

Head of Sports Sarah Tookey

Deputy Head of Sports Terri-Jane Warner

Head of Cargill Alexandra Knox

Deputy of Cargill Chelsea-Rose Haydon

Head of Chalmers Abigail Mills

Deputy Head of Chalmers Isabella Duncan

Head of Hamilton

Sofia Montgomerie

Deputy Head of Hamilton Charlotte Carlson

Head of Wishart Mia Dobbe

Deputy Head of Wishart Aimee Johnson

Preschool Leaders

Junior School Leaders

Sarah Murchison, Pippa Morris

Stella Ralphs, Anudi Thilakarathne, Yvonne Fatani, Emma Turk

Head Librarian Lisa Brokensha

Deputy Head Librarian Katherine Fletcher

ICT Leaders

Yvonne Fatani, Emma Turk

Music Leader Scarlett Jacques

Head Girl - Moiralisa ainu’u aneru

Moiralisa joined the Girls’ School last year in Year 7 and quickly became a valued member of the School. She has a beautiful spirit and is a kind and capable girl who excels on the sport field, tries hard in the classroom and has a ‘can-do’ attitude giving everything 100% effort. She loves singing and she also plays the violin. She considers it an absolute privilege to be appointed as Head Girl. When she grows up she wants to succeed in life and to become ‘a bold young lady; a lawyer that can debate on what is right and wrong.’

deputy Head Girl - Zara Smith

Zara joined the Girls’ School in Year 4 and quickly settled into the Saint Kentigern Way. She demonstrated that she was a girl of many talents and has proved herself to be a high achiever academically. She is passionate about cricket and basketball, plays the piano and violin, and loves to sing. Zara says, ‘Being Deputy Head Girl means a lot to me and my family and I’m totally thrilled to have this opportunity. I hope that through my role this year, my bubbly personality and will to enjoy school, and everything that comes with it, will rub off on the students.’

Johnson

Wishart

Mia Dobbe

Cargill

Leader: Chelsea-Rose Haydon

Cargill Leader: Alexandra Knox

Wishart Deputy Leader: Aimee

Leader:

Hamilton Deputy Leader: Charlotte Carlson Hamilton Leader: Sofia Montgomerie

Chalmers Deputy Leader: Isabella Duncan

Chalmers Leader: Abigail Mills

Deputy

Gibbs Farm

- an amazing opportunity for the Girls’ School

Visiting the monumental sculptures at the world class, privately-owned Gibbs Farm on the banks of the Kaipara Harbour is a chance that few New Zealanders have the opportunity to experience. Open for viewing on only eight scheduled visitor days a year, there is generally a waiting list to visit this outstanding sculpture trail that is home to some of New Zealand’s leading, large scale, contemporary artworks.

Very generously, owner, Alan Gibbs offered the Girls’ School a rare fundraising opportunity, allowing a significant number of people the chance to wander the expansive farmland, taking in the coastal scenery and the amazing collection of artwork that follows the flow of land to the sea. Such is the scale of the some of the works, they are large enough to be seen from satellite images at high magnification!

Organised as the School’s major fundraiser for 2015, three determined parents, Shelley Horton, Deborah Higgins and Kim McGregor set about organising the logistics of the day with very helpful assistance from the Farm Manager, Mr Andrew Mills. The Saint Kentigern social network rolled into action and in a huge show of support for the Girls’ School, the event was soon a sell-out, attracting the wider Saint Kentigern community and beyond.

A pre-requisite for the day out was comfortable walking shoes as the art trail covers over four kilometres of rolling terrain, taking a good three hours to complete. A detailed map enabled the visitors to amble from gigantic sculpture to sculpture at their own pace, making the most of this rare opportunity. In addition to the artworks, many were surprised to discover the park is also home to free-ranging wildlife including bison, zebras, alpacas, ostriches and giraffes.

To explain more about the works, informative talks were given at three of the sculptures by Dr Oliver Stead of the Wallace Arts Trust. Dr Stead is a New Zealand art historian and writer who has worked with cultural heritage collections for more than 30 years. His talks covered Jeff Thompson’s ‘Giraffe,’ a towering sculpture that overlooks live giraffes below; Anish Kapoor’s ‘Dismemberment, Site 1,’ a bright red sculpture which at 85m long and up to 25m high is said to link ‘the body into the sky;’ and Richard Serra’s Te Tuhirangi Contour,’ 56 joined steel plates that form a single line following the contour of the land.

With the sun shining, albeit very windy, this was a relaxing day to walk the farmland and muse over contemporary artworks, with the chance to stop in family groups to enjoy a picnic lunch. Many had taken the opportunity to pre-order the tasty family picnic hamper, and the cool drinks for sale and an ice cream stop were welcomed by many at the half way point!

Saint Kentigern

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Alan Gibbs for allowing the Girls’ School access to his land and art collection for this amazing fundraising opportunity. We are truly grateful.

Our three parents, Shelley, Deborah and Kim are to be applauded for their efficiency and attention to detail to ensure the event ran smoothly and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We are extremely pleased to report that through their tenacity and the support of many, the Girls’ School raised in excess of $60,000 to be invested in building a new junior playground for the girls in Years 1-3. The need for an additional playground has become evident as the School roll, pleasingly, continues to grow.

We also thank parent, Mr Greg Horton for arranging access; Boys’ School staff, Chris Haar and Duncan Grant for driving the minivans all day; members of the College 1st XV who, along with many other parent helpers, took on a multitude of duties during the course of the day and helped clear up at the end.

Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie, is often heard to say that the Girls’ School is ‘small but mighty!’ The Gibbs Farm day out was yet another mighty fundraising effort from a small school community who are tenacious enough to make it happen! Thank you to all who came in support!

GIBBS FARM

Seldom open to the public, the 1,000-acre windswept farm that sits on the banks of the Kaipara Harbour is an unusual setting for a permanent, outdoor sculpture collection that features works by national and internationally renowned artists. Entrepreneur and businessman, Alan Gibbs, purchased the property in 1991 and has become one of New Zealand’s leading art collectors. With a 30 year prior history of collecting mainly paintings, Gibbs further extended his collection by amassing a range of sculptures of a scale rarely seen. Many of the 25 sculptures were commissioned as site-specific works that interact strongly with the landscape, harbour and ever changing light making a lasting impression on visitors to the Farm. Gibbs acknowledges that, ‘The challenge for the artists is the scale of the landscape; it scares them initially.’

After more than two decades, Gibbs Farm now includes major works by Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel and Zhan Wang.

For more information about Gibbs Farm and the art collection visit their website: www.gibbsfarm.org.nz

Our thanks to the College 1st XV boys for helping on the day.

Our thanks to Alan Gibbs, pictured here with parent organisers of the day, Deborah Higgins, Kim McGregor and Shelley Horton.

Flora MacDonald Day

f happy laughter is a measure of a successful day, then this year’s Flora MacDonald Day at the Girls’ School certainly had the winning formula. There were smiles all around as the girls enjoyed the day set aside each year to celebrate our Scottish Heritage.

Founded to honour Saint Kentigern’s ancestry from a feminine perspective, the day is named after an 18th century Jacobite heroine who risked her life to smuggle Prince Charles Edward Stewart – ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ – from exile in Scotland over the sea to the Isle of Skye. It was on account of her bravery and strength of character that Flora was chosen as a strong namesake for the day of celebration.

No Saint Kentigern function would be complete without the skirl of the bagpipes! As the College Pipes and Drums prepared to lead the march, it was a delight to see a diminutive figure in the ranks. Kate Pennycuik was the first girl to take up the chanter at the Girls’ School, later progressing to a full set of pipes before moving on to the College for the start of this year. It was an inspiration to see her at ease with the older students and we’re sure she felt a huge sense of pride as she played for her former school mates.

As the Pipes and Drums headed off, the clans fell in behind with the older girls taking charge of the younger students for the day. Cargill, Chalmers, Hamilton and Wishart were further divided to eight smaller clans with each taking the name of a Scottish town: Kirkaldy, Inverness, Skye, Asgyll, Glasgow, Dundee, Roxburgh and Stirling. Tagging along behind were the wee girls from the Preschool!

Heading the march was Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie along with Head Girl, Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru and Deputy Head Girl, Zara Smith. Two new ‘girls’ had also joined the ranks! Dr Hastie’s four legged friends, Meg and Skye were on parade, also dressed in Saint Kentigern kilts! Director of the Preschool, Mrs Sue Nash had quietly organised her mother to outfit the Shelties ready for the day. For those who remember Dr Hastie’s ‘Callum of Tux Wonder Dog infamy’ (he was caught on camera licking out the dishwasher!), rest assured, Meg and Skye were model canine citizens on the day!

The Pipes and Drums flanked the entrance way to the hall as the girls, staff and special guests filed in. The orchestra made its debut performance of the year, opening with Amazing Grace before Dr Hastie again told the tale of Flora MacDonald’s extra-ordinary bravery. She also explained the history of tartan for the girls to understand its significance in time and place. As Reverend Reuben Hardie finished leading us in prayer, the smell of shortbread began to fill the air, signalling morning tea was ready in the Drawing Room!

With the formalities over, the girls readied themselves for the day’s activities, with the older girls mentoring the younger ones at each stop. We are also grateful to the girl prefects from the College who came across to lend a hand and take on a big sister role. As the morning progressed, there were delicious wafts of sweetness from the kitchen as the girls worked in groups on oaty pancakes. Upstairs, salt dough thistles began to take shape. A story of resilience emerged as another set of girls were guided through making pom pom spiders. First they were told the tale of King Robert the Bruce of Scotland who was defeated in battle. Disheartened, he thought about giving up the throne but legend tells, as he hid in a cave, he watched a spider building a web, continuing to persevere each time it failed. Robert realised that each time the spider encountered a problem, it didn’t give up, it picked itself up and started again until it succeeded – giving him the impetus to go back to his troops and successfully take back his throne.

Whilst Scottish country dancing kept the feet nimble and weaving tartan placemats kept the fingers nimble, it was the burst of intense activity out on the lawn that brought the biggest giggles of the day as the girls slipped and slid down the soapy water slide, bounced on the inflatable obstacle course and negotiated aqua-orbs on the pool.

Happy and tired, the girls unanimously declared that the day was, ‘So much fun!’

TARTANS

Tartan has, without doubt, become one of the most defining symbols of Scotland and Scottish identity. Early Romans talked of the Celtic tribes wearing bright striped clothing and one of the earliest examples of tartan found in Scotland dates back to the 3rd century AD, where a small sample of woollen check known as the Falkirk tartan was found used as a stopper in an earthenware pot to protect a treasure trove of silver coins. Its two coloured check was identified as the undyed brown and white of the native Soay Sheep.

All weavers depended very much on local plants for their dyes so the locality of the weaver might well have some bearing on the colours of the tartan that he produced. If he lived on the west coast of Scotland, Gipsywort would give him lettuce green, seaweeds would give him flesh colour and seashore whelks might provide purple. If he lived inland, then he would undoubtedly look to the moors for his colours: heather treated in different ways would give him yellow, deep green and brownish orange; blaeberries (the favourite food of the grouse) would provide purples, browns and blues; over 20 different lichens would give him a wide range of subtle shades. If he was affluent or dyeing and weaving for a customer of some substance, then he would seek more exotic imported colours of madder, cochineal, woad and indigo.

The original kilt was known as the ‘belted plaid’ and consisted of a length of cloth (basically a large blanket) that was gathered and belted at the waist. Today there are many tartans registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority and each has become synonymous with the symbol of clan kinship.

our Saint KentiGern KiltS

It is now ten years since the male prefects at the College first started wearing the MacKay tartan kilt for formal occasions to recognise their leadership position. A few years later in 2008, our own unique Saint Kentigern tartan was registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority, held in the Scottish National Archive in Edinburgh. The female prefects at the College were the first to wear it in 2010 with it now also adopted by the Girls’ and Boys’ Schools.

However, these are not the only tartans worn at Saint Kentigern. During the 60’s, in recognition of the first Headmaster at Saint Kentigern, Dr Reverend Adam MacFarlan, the Hunting MacFarlan tartan was first worn by The Pipes and Drums, replacing the earlier MacGregor tartan. One of the most iconic photos in the Saint Kentigern archives shows Adam cooking porridge at camp, wearing gum boots and his kilt!

The Old Collegians Pipe Band wear another variation of the MacFarlan tartan, this time in ‘ancient colours.’ The fifth traditional tartan to be seen at Saint Kentigern, and the one that stands apart for its distinctly red hues, is the Bruce tartan worn by the Head Boy of Bruce House at the College boarding facility in memory of Reverend David Bruce, one of the first pioneers of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. No matter which the variant, there is no question that when our student don their kilts, they do so with pride, knowing that they are representing Saint Kentigern and a heritage that links us to a country on the far side of the world, yet is very much a part of us.

Saint KentiGern tartan MacFarlan HuntinG tartan

Bruce tartan ancient colourS MacFarlan clan tartan ancient colourS MacKay clan tartan

Year 6, 7 & 8 Camps

The highlight of the year for the Year 6, 7 and 8 girls took place at the end of February at their much awaited annual camps. The Year 7 and 8 girls joined together and travelled to McLarens Falls Park in the sunny Bay of Plenty, while the Year 6 girls headed north of Auckland to Shakespear Regional Park in Whangaparaoa. Down in Tauranga, the girls were fortunate to have 24 brand new tents to pitch that had been generously donated through fundraising from last year’s Annual Giving at the School. Over tent filled nights and action packed days, the girls all thoroughly enjoyed all the benefits that going on camp provides. They stepped outside of their comfort zones and took part in a huge variety of outdoor activities. Based on the coast, the Year 6 girls experienced an exhilarating exploration of sea level traversing, rock jumping and climbing, abseiling, archery, using UHF radios and creating sand sculptures. Definite highlights for the groups were kayaking out to a shipwreck and the long-anticipated waterslide!

The Year 7 and 8 girls took advantage of their fresh water location, testing their casting finesse and hunter-gather skills in fly fishing and also tried out stand up paddle boarding, wind surfing, hiking and snorkelling. The time away also gave the seniors a chance to bond with their peers as they overcame set tasks that challenged their teamwork and critical thinking skills through orienteering, raft and fire building contests.

The Year 7 and 8 girls stepped up to the plate to cook their own dinner over two nights with a competitive twist. In a Masterchef style competition, the girls presented their culinary creations to two judges to pick out a winner. Mrs Rowson said their nachos and chicken burgers were ‘cooked to perfection’, while Reverend Hardie had the pleasure of being a guest judge when he visited on a day trip.

The end of February is the perfect time of year for camp when the weather is settled and still warm. The girls all benefited from this end-ofsummer glow and returned home with new found friends, strengthened bonds, many stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime.

Understanding Pneumatics

With thanks to Mr Andrew Finn, Middle School Dean

This year has seen the Year 6-8 girls embark on an exciting, new journey, exploring their technical talents through the world of 3D printing, digital literacy, coding and building robots. The engineering programme is a major new curriculum initiative for the Girls’ School as part of the STEM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Girls in Years 4 – 5 will be studying Digital Technology with Ms Rachel McClue. These lessons, which richly integrate iPads and laptops, will prepare them for the challenges of Engineering in Years 6 – 8. In Term 1, the Engineering classes are being offered to girls in Years 6 and 8, with Year 7 commencing their unit in Term 3. They will be run throughout the year by Year 4 teacher, Mr Andrew Finn under the expert guidance of his mentor, former Head of Technology and Physics at King’s College and Chairman of Robocup Junior NZ, Mr Harold Russ.

In their first topic, titled ‘Driverless Cars,’ the girls began practising their construction skills by building pneumatic systems and small machines, all operated by the pressure or exhaustion of air. This involved studying ways in which simple machines can be useful in everyday life. Often these are taken for granted. The girls assessed the value of the wheel and axel, pulleys,

levers, inclined planes and screws. The Year 6 girls were then faced with the challenge of making several examples of these in the classes. Teamwork and following instructions, and of course having fun were the key focus areas in these initial lessons.

The Year 8 girls looked at more complex machines that utilise pneumatics with trucks, forklifts, elevators and aeroplanes as examples. Using a simple set of Lego Dacta instructions, the girls worked in teams to build a pneumatic lift. Despite the simplicity of the build, the girls were quite delighted to succeed and to see the effect of the compressed air in their model. From this point, the class discussed the role pneumatics can have in engineering, and particularly in the manufacturing sector. They also looked at the similarities and differences between pneumatics and hydraulics. The key reason for these activities is to prepare the girls for later more complex robotics building tasks. The girls demonstrated sound abilities working in teams, following instructions, meeting a deadline and describing the global benefits of what they made. These are the skills and attributes now needed as the girls move further into the robotics units.

Commedia Dell’arte Experience

With thanks to Mrs Judy Norton, Speech and Drama Teacher t was a treat of drama delight for the Year 7 and Year 8 girls when they had the chance to participate in a Commedia Dell’arte workshop. This is a form of improvised theatre, known as ‘Italian Comedy’ that started in Italy 400 years ago.

The workshop was run by Lisa Brickell, a Commedia expert who has studied drama in Paris and specialised in Commedia at Kiklos Theatre School in Italy. This style of drama revolves around stock characters which are used in a range of improvised scenarios. It was a unique opportunity for the students to see Lisa perform these characters and teach them the art involved in acting them.

The girls loved the opportunity to explore the physical elements of the character and play with these. They were introduced to mask work and had the chance to see how they bring the characters to life. It was wonderful to see the girls engage with the genre and have fun extending their acting skills.

The Language and Science of Art

A visit to the Auckland Art Gallery always brings a new dimension to the girls’ learning and for the girls in Years 1-3, their recent visit was no exception. There is no substitute for seeing professional artwork firsthand as it is through this experience that students develop an appreciation of the scale, colours, layers, textures and other visual information about painting, prints, sculpture and installations that cannot be appreciated in reproductions.

Prior to the gallery visit, the girls had been learning about the science of light and colour through a variety of experiments in the classroom and, in anticipation of Anzac Day, had looked at the work of Georgia O’Keefe and mixed colours to paint poppies. It was with this knowledge that they boarded the bus for Auckland Art Gallery to explore the symbolism of colour.

The morning was split into two sessions – a gallery visit and a practical workshop.

The girls visited a gallery of contemporary New Zealand work, ‘Extra Ordinary Everyday’ with artworks selected to reveal ordinary aspects of daily existence with the familiar presented in unexpected and imaginative ways. The session explored ways that the artists used colour symbolically to create mood and emotion in their work. Small groups of girls were each given two words such as ‘bright, dark, sparkly, light, hard, soft’ and were asked as a group to select an artwork that they felt represented their word. They were then asked to explain why they had chosen it, articulating their insights with enthusiasm and increasing confidence as the workshop convenor gently

probed. In another exercise, the girls viewed three white lace dresses hanging from above and were given a selection of fabrics to discuss which they would choose for a dress, opening their language further to discuss not only colour but texture also.

The girls moved on to an outdoor area (in the rain!) to view Seung Yul Oh’s large scale inflatable sculpture ‘SOOM’ - the Korean word for ‘breath,’ as the large PVC bubbles require constant aeration and appear to breathe as they respond to fluctuations of temperature and wind. This gave the girls another opportunity to discuss the language of shape and form. Their vastly different interpretations also offered the chance to discuss how each person sees and interprets an artwork differently.

The practical session concentrated on experimenting with colour, predicting what may happen when different coloured dyes engage on paper and how they could manipulate their results. The session finished with using ink and pipettes to make bubbles; a miniature scale of the artwork they had seen. This required enormous concentration to achieve but once mastered, the girls were away!

Through their interaction with both the artworks and the specialist gallery teachers, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to nurture the girls’ curiosity, awareness and understanding in the arts, develop their language and critical thinking skills and gain a growing appreciation of the place of colour in our world.

Wishart Wins Again!

Well done to all girls who competed in and supported the Girls’ School Swimming Sports. Held over two consecutive mornings, the Year 1-3 students kicked off the competition followed by the Year 4-8 students the next day. The much anticipated events were fun-charged and full of friendly competition, with the seniors undertaking a fantastic job of assisting the juniors in the pool.

The Middle and Senior School finalists put on an impressive display of talent across their heats, with some races having very close finishes. Starting off with the Year 7 100m freestyle, each year group swam across a range of 100, 50 and 25m lengths against the stopwatch and each other. All finalists were proud to demonstrate their impressive aquatic skills to their peers, staff and family members sitting on the side lines.

The House Leaders kept the buzz of the morning thriving and the girls entertained with their energetic chants and creative dance moves around the pool. Under the watchful eye of Principal, Dr Hastie, the girls were certainly keen to be noticed to earn extra House points for their show of team spirit!

Congratulations to Wishart who topped the House points chart for the second year running!

HouSe pointS

1ST WISHART

2ND CARGILL

3RD HAMILTON

4tH CHALMERS

overall year Group cHaMpionS

Junior Champion Eva Coyler CA

Senior Champion Florence Dallow WI

year 5 and 6 reMuera ZoneS

Congratulations to Kate Frazer who placed 1st in the 25m Breaststroke (22.03) at the Zone event. Well done also to Mary Stanfield, Bridget Dennis and Eva Colyer who placed in their heats and swam competitively in the finals. Outstanding effort by the relay teams with the Year 5 girls placing 3rd and the Year 6 girls placing 2nd.

relay pointS

1ST CARGILL

2ND WISHART

3RD HAMILTON

4tH CHALMERS

1ST 2nD 3RD

YEAR 8

Ava Beca CA

YEAR 7

Florence Dallow WI

YEAR 6

Eva Coyler CA

YEAR 5

Bridget Dennis WI

YEAR 4

Terri-Jane Warner HA

Elyse Tse CA

Kate Frazer CA

Zara Smith WI

Addison Peebles CA

Isabel Li WI

Mary Stanfield CA Grace Gilbert WI

Frances Revell-Devlin Alexandra Lamb WI Darcy McDonald CA

YEAR 3

Sienna Hirst CA Sienna Haar WI Caroline Healy WI

YEAR 2

Amy Whitelaw CH Natasha Appleton-Dyer HA Ashley Cheeseman HA

YEAR 1

Sienna Robertshaw CH Brooke Rountree CA = Chloe Chester WI = Charlotte Albrecht HA

SucceSS at colleGe SWiMMinG FinalS

Congratulations to our two girls who placed in their year category at the College Swimming Finals. Held out at the College, Florence Dallow placed 1st, and Elyse Tse placed 3rd overall in the Year 7 category after competing in successful heats with the Year 7 College students.

Both the Year 7 and 8 Seniors travelled out to the campus for the competition and enjoyed participating with the College students in the annual event of quality racing.

Well done girls on your impressive results!

She’s Done It Again!

Head Girl and champion discus thrower, Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru smashed another record on College Athletics day with her gigantic 32.11 metre throw! Her impressive throw even surpassed the Year 8 boys’ record!

At last year’s College Athletics, Moiralisa threw a massive 28.92 metres which then beat the standing Year 7 discus record by over 11 metres. Now this year, Moiralisa has beaten her own record by 3.19 metres. The average distance throw of all Year 8 girls who competed on the day was 14.28 metres.

Well done Moiralisa!

go to Nationals Soap Box Team

AWeetbix TRYathlon

This year’s sold out Weetbix TRYathlon was another resounding success for the Girls’ School students who all strived for their personal best at the event. The 17 athletes ran, swam and cycled around the beachfront at St Heliers on a typical summer’s day in February.

The girls all arrived bright and early on the Sunday morning, as keen as beans. All age groups had been training hard in preparation for the event, which included an ocean swim followed by a bike and run lap around the surrounding streets and Vellenoweth Green reserve. A good mix entered as individuals, while others joined up with a friend as a team of two, all armed with a super competitive spirit!

It was a great atmosphere on the day and the girls all managed to transition smoothly between each leg of the race. The girls each received a medal for participating and were very proud of their efforts. Well done girls for giving it a go!

fter five weeks of training, the hard work paid off for the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Soap Box Derby Team at the zone competiton held at Stonefields. The team comprising Kate Frazer, Abigail Mills, Kaythi Finn, Lily Belle Sawyer (Drivers) and Taylor Maxell, Maddison Hickin, Charlotte Tse and Alexandra Knox (Pit Crew) raced exceptionally well, securing themselves a coveted place in the National Finals and also receiving the award for ‘Best Team Chant.’

Our all-girls’ team showed determination, strength and team work. From the outset, it was clear that the girls aimed to be competitive, scorching their way down the track time after time during the heats.

At the National Finals held on the Hibiscus Coast the team made it through to the top 6 from the 16 car line up with Kathi Finn as the driver. In the final round they were placed 4th overall, with only fractions of seconds separating the winners! The team work was fantastic and special thanks needs to go to Mr Warren Frazer (Kate’s Dad) who did such a fantastic job fine tuning the car and building a trolley for it, Mrs Kerrie Higgins for arranging team uniforms, and to Mrs Sue Mosen for managing the team.

Great Tennis Results!

A big congratulations to Year 7 students, Charlotte Snookes and Elyse Tse, who competed in the South East Zones Tennis competition. Both girls had a great day of competitive tennis resulting in Elyse winning 1st place in the Girls Singles competition with a total of 75 points!

Great tennis play didn’t end there. At the Year 5/6 Summer Field Day, Zoe Nel and Charlotte Snookes placed 1st in the Year 5A Tennis tournament and Verity Ward and Coco Hewitt placed 3rd in the Year 6A Tennis tournament. Well done girls!

Family Picnic

A chance to mix, mingle and relax in the open air was on the menu at the Girls’ School Family Picnic. The annual event, which grows in numbers each year, invited the girls and their families to take advantage of the warm evening weather and dine alfresco on the lawn of Corran House. It was a relaxed occasion and a perfect opportunity for families who are new to the School to familiarise themselves with the community, meet the teachers and other parents. This year the food stalls included a cuisine with an international twist – seafood paella! The Spanish rice dish was a huge hit and was prepared by chef and parent, Mr Edward Paje and willing volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to chop mountains of vegetables and de-beard mussels.

As in previous years, the BBQ was operating at full steam to keep up with hunger demands, the cool drinks were flying off the table, the pool was full and the face painting queues were steady. The Year 8 girls worked very hard at entertaining the younger girls with some fabulous ideas and although it is not a fundraising event, a total profit from food and silent auction items was $2,031.30.

Girls’ School Parents and Friends

A very warm welcome to all new parents and girls who have joined the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School this year and welcome back to those families returning for what has already been an action packed start to 2015.

I am delighted to write this article as your newly elected Chairperson. After five fantastic years as Chairman, Paul Fletcher has decided that it was time to move aside and to take a well-earned break. On behalf of the Parents and Friends Committee and fellow parents, we sincerely thank Paul for his absolute commitment and dedication to this role and to our school.

Our 2015 Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Parents and Friends Committee is a wonderful mixture of both new and returning members. Returning to the committee are Stacy Colyer (Secretary) and William Black (Treasurer) who will be joined by Shelley Horton, Kim McGregor, Deborah Higgin, Andrea Dennis and Denise Yonge. We are also delighted to welcome Michele Parent as Parent Liaison who takes this role over from Terri Tang who returned to Canada with her family at the end of last year.

annual GivinG 2014 donationS

It is hard to believe that Term 1 has already flown by and what a term it has been. The annual School Picnic was another huge success on a beautiful Auckland evening. It was amazing to see how full the school lawn was this year as our school roll has continued to grow. Hard on the heels of this event was the amazing Gibbs Farm Fundraiser excursion that was simply outstanding. With the ‘sold out’ sign going up well in advance of the 8th March date, this was certainly the hottest ticket in town! Special mention goes to the organising committee of Shelley Horton, Deborah Higgins, Kim McGregor plus another unsung hero, Greg Horton. The highly anticipated Flora MacDonald Day was blessed with a stunning autumn day which was once again a hugely successful.

As we progress into Term 2 and beyond, we have many exciting events that will require the support of parents. These events include ‘Mother and Daughter High Tea’, ‘School Disco’ and ‘Father and Daughter Breakfast’. We encourage parents to please get involved and to help out wherever possible.

Finally, I would personally like thank all the numerous volunteers who have helped make our 2015 events and functions such a success. As your new Chairperson, I look forward to carrying on the great work of Paul Fletcher and to continue to build on the great momentum that has been achieved over recent years.

Rebecca Gadsdon-Green Chairperson

Thank you to the following families who supported our Annual Giving last year but whose names were not acknowledged in the last issue of Piper: Mulcahy Family and Newland Family. We appreciate your generous support.

Rebecca Gadsdon-Green Chairperson

The Importance of Community

TBoys' School

The Event in Our History that Moulded a Nation

NZ is a relatively young country where the majority of us can trace our ancestry back to those who first arrived from distant shores not so long ago. NZ was part of the British Empire with many referring to England as the ‘mother country’ where even fashion was dictated by what was the fad at the time in England.

During 1914 tension mounted in Europe where countries were vying for power and supremacy. As with any tension, if not checked, control and reasoning is lost with England eventually declaring war on Germany. England sent the message and call to arms to its colonies all over the globe.

hroughout our lives, we are members of different communities according to our interests, beliefs and similarities. Whether it be a family, school, sport, musical or spiritual community, a sense of belonging is important; it helps shape our lives and, in some cases, our decision making. Feeling part of a community occurs when we are willing to contribute and be involved.

Our School community has always been strong; one where all members, whether they be parents, staff, boys or others from the wider Saint Kentigern community, are encouraged to be part of our students’ learning and growth.

There are many events during the course of the year that provide us with opportunities to learn together, to celebrate successes and achievement or to just have fun. From Year-level picnics, to Celtic Day, to supporting charities, to a fireworks evening right up to our end of year Prize Giving. All events are important in their own way and all make us who we are. The importance of reminding us of our history cannot be underestimated.

This year we decided to play our part in acknowledging the supreme sacrifice our ancestors made a century ago. A sacrifice that helped mould our nation. The idea of holding a dawn service at the Boys’ School for our extended community was born.

Anzac Day commemorations generally start with a dawn service held at local war memorials. Dawn marks the time of the initial landings at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and holds the symbolism of darkness making way for a new day. To hold such a service at school on the day before Anzac Day would allow our community to be a part of our nation’s promise to keep the memory alive.

The service order incorporated students from the Boys’ School, Girls’ School and Preschool, thus reminding and reinforcing our extended community. The scene was set, the weather was perfect and interest levels were high. How surreal it was to see large numbers of families making their way to the top field in uncanny silence in the dark.

As a community we were proud to acknowledge and remember the sacrifice many of our ancestors made for the sake of freedom and peace.

NZ quickly responded and was eager to ensure that ‘Mother England was protected. Men from all over the country left their families, work and farms to enlist, excited about the prospect of adventure and travelling to see the world. Bidding farewell to their loved ones they believed it would be all over by Christmas – how wrong they were!

Scenes of jubilation and excitement reigned as troop ships left our shores heading for Europe to join the battle. As the war spread with other countries getting involved, NZ and Australian troops were diverted to Egypt for training, in preparation for a landing on Gallipoli that would hopefully open up supply lines to Russia, England’s ally, thus bringing the war to a quick end.

It was in Egypt that Australian and NZ soldiers trained together and formed a bond that to this day remains. Their natural competitive nature and good humour developed into a real mateship with mutual respect for each other’s’ determination and doggedness that would be needed in the months and years ahead. Thus the ANZAC acronym was born!

In the early hours of Sunday morning April 25, the ANZACS leapt from their boats into shallow water, ready to race across the beach for cover. They were not prepared for the terrain or the onslaught of firepower that greeted them.

Although the 8 ½ month Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the ANZAC actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the ‘ANZAC Legend’ became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the way we now view both our past and our future.

The Gallipoli campaign had a profound impact on NZers at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which we remember the sacrifice of those who died in war. Our Anzac community was formed.

Of all of our events so far this year, our inaugural Anzac Dawn service, to me personally, has been the most poignant. I know I am not alone in this feeling. The feedback from our families and the interest in the articles and photos on social media has been incredible. I am proud to be part of the Saint Kentigern community and the sense of belonging it brings.

Boys’ School Prefect Team

On the first day of the new school year, the 2015 Boys’ School prefects were commissioned at a special service attended by their parents and invited guests. For the parents of the newly elected Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston and Deputy Head Boy, Benjamin Humphries, this was a particularly proud day. These are two fine young men who will lead the School well.

Reverend Reuben Hardie opened by leading the School in prayer reminding the boys that at Saint Kentigern, leadership has service at its heart.

Principal, Mr Peter Cassie welcomed Head of College, Mr Steve Cole who introduced this year’s College Head Boy, Oliver Hadfield. Oliver is a former Boys’ School student who has made his mark at the College. Oliver spoke to the boys with great confidence speaking of the importance of our Saint Kentigern values and encouraging them to always ‘aspire to be their best.’

Mr Cassie came forward to challenge both Michael and Benjamin with the Prefect Pledge: ‘Gentlemen, do you promise to uphold the values and standards of Saint Kentigern School and to serve its students, teachers and parents to the best of your ability and for the glory of God?’ The boys signed the Prefect Ledger, first started in 1995, then introduced the rest of their prefect team to the School, as they in turn accepted the duties of leadership.

In closing Mr Cassie quoted John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the US, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’

2015 pREFECT TEaM

Head Boy

Michael Hiddleston

Deputy Head Boy Ben Humphries

Chapel Prefect Flynn Cornelius Gilbert

Academic Prefect William Hadfield

Cultural Prefect Anthony Gu

Sport Prefect

George Falconer

HEad BOY - Michael Hiddleston

Michael is in his eighth year at the Boys’ School and has consistently been a hard-working, reliable, allround student who has achieved academically at the highest level. At the end of Year 7 he received an Academic Excellence Award and was first in social studies, science and art. He is fully involved in the co-curricular life of the School taking part in Kapa Haka, last year’s performance of ‘Rats’ and offering service in the Chapel. He was also the Year 7 cross country champion and represented the School in athletics and hockey. Michael’s everpositive mind set and selfless attitude make him an ideal role model for our students and well-deserving of this important leadership role.

dEpuTY HEad BOY - Benjamin Humphries

Benjamin is a determined and confident young man who always delivers above and beyond what is expected of him. He is a gifted sportsman, representing the School in tennis, hockey and athletics. He also won the Year 7 tennis championship. Benjamin also excels in our cultural groups, particularly music where he plays for the orchestra and award-winning jazz band. Enthusiastic and determined, he is admired by his peers for the energy and commitment he brings to all he undertakes. These characteristics make him an ideal choice for leadership duties.

Wishart Deputy Leader: Arden Ongley

Wishart Leader: George Barry

Hamilton Deputy Leader: Jack Hastin

Hamilton Leader: Finn McMahon

Chalmers Deputy Leader: Gabe Ross

Chalmers Leader: Jack Melhuish

Cargill Deputy Leader : Hayden Joyce

Cargill Leader: Josh Stephan

We Will Remember Them

The impact of war, and especially the First World War, on New Zealand as a nation, has been great. It has fashioned our nationhood and is embedded in our history and culture. Sacrifice has always been a central theme to ANZAC services around the country as we recall those who served in the many theatres of war over the last century. With reverence, we acknowledge the debt we owe to the many who fought, were wounded, disabled and, for a very significant number, failed to return to the shores of our country.

Every year since 1916, dawn services have been held on 25 April as a mark of respect for the fallen soldiers of World War 1 in particular. Marking the time of the initial landings at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, dawn holds the symbolism of darkness making way for the light of a new day. These services do not serve to glorify war but to honour the memory of those who, in time of war, faithfully served their country, many sadly paying the ultimate price.

‘Every day the dawn breaks, the light of a new day shines and the darkness is overcome. Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the World.’ We pray for his light to reach even the darkest corners of our world – where wars still rage. As we honour the past, we pray that God will continue to protect and defend the freedom we enjoy in this land.’

- Reverend Reuben Hardie

In this, the centenary year since the landing at Gallipoli, the combined Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, along with the Preschool, planned a special dawn service for their families to be held on the field at the Boys’ School on the Friday prior to Anzac Day. It was a fitting tribute that more than 1500 members of our community arose early to mark their respects.

The newly formed Boys’ School Pipe Band played prior to principal piper, David Allen, piping the official party to the field. Representative students and staff from each of the Schools and the Preschool, along with Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow, took their places under flood lights on the bank seating as the sun began to rise.

Principal, Mr Peter Cassie opened the service saying that World War 1, and the events at Gallipoli in particular, have moulded us as a nation.

It was in Egypt that Australian and NZ soldiers trained together and formed a bond that to this day remains - the ANZAC acronym was born!

In the early hours of Sunday morning April 25 the ANZACS leapt from their boats into shallow water ready to race across the beach for cover. They were not prepared for the terrain or the onslaught of firepower that greeted them. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the ANZAC actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy.

Mr Cassie also drew attention to the significance of the poppy and the amazing display of ceramic poppies around the School that were created by our boys.

Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston, took the reading from Romans Chapter 5, Verses 1-5 before Head Girl, Morailisa Aneru stepped forward to deliver the Gallipoli poem, ‘The Last to Leave’ by Leon Gellert. Both students spoke with poise and eloquence in front of such a huge congregation.

In a moving moment, Selena Agaimalo joined with Moiralisa to sing the first verse of ‘Abide with me’ before the community joined in. The girls had beautiful voices that carried across the field as the first light filtered through the sky.

For us today, it is hard to imagine what it may have been like to land on the shores of Gallipoli one hundred years ago. Year 7 student, Isaac Melys-Glynn delivered a chilling speech about how life would have been in the trenches in that far distant land as bullets rained down.

Four wreaths were laid - one by Mrs Sue Nash, Director of the Preschool long with preschoolers Olivia Lidstone and Boston Chester; one by Dr Sandra Hastie, Head of Primary with Head Girl Moralisa Anueru; one by Mr Peter Cassie and Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston and the fourth was laid by Dr Bruce Goodfellow on behalf of the wider Saint Kentigern Community, both past and present.

Year 3 Student Arden Matheson was called on to deliver Binyon’s well known poem, ‘For the Fallen.’

‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. We will remember them.’

The service concluded with the Last Post played by Zac Lerner followed by silence as we remembered the fallen.

Reverend Reuben Hardie

Poppies, poppies and more poppies!

I

n London, artist Paul Cummins envisioned making one ceramic poppy for every British soldier that died in World War One and then displaying them around the Tower of London. This led him and a large team of artists to make 888,246 poppies. The scale of this project was just amazing and truly represented what a huge cost World War One proved in lives lost. The Boys’ School decided to take on the task of making a small scale version of this.

Here, it also became a game of numbers to organise each boy make a ceramic poppy in time for the dawn ceremony held at school on 24 April. With each poppy representing 200 New Zealand lives lost during the war, Head of Art, Mr Tom Barter had to co-ordinate each boy to make, glaze and mount a poppy – a total of over 500 poppies through the kiln in five weeks!

As the work got underway, Mr Barter said that both he and the boys became increasingly aware of the enormity of what each of the poppies represented. Every poppy that was made at school is unique – just like each soldier that went to war. If we were to make 1000 poppies a year, it would take ten plus years to get to the number poppies made to represent each life lost. We have made a small dent in the number but it has been rewarding. Each boy will be presented with their poppy at the end of term in hope that we will continue to remember the cost of the war to our nation.

The poppies were formed from slabs of wet clay that were then cut and joined together to make the shape of the flower. These were then fired and dipped into a red glaze. Once fired for the second time, the poppies were mounted on green garden stakes and installed in patches around the School.

WHY THE pOppY?

Each year before ANZAC Day we see poppies on sale as a symbol to remind us of those who did not return from war. Why the Poppy?

In April 1915, Major McCrae was stationed in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium, in an area known as Flanders. In the midst of the tragic warfare, McCrae’s friend was killed by artillery fire and buried in a makeshift grave. The following day, after seeing the field of graves blooming with wild poppies, McCrae wrote his famous poem ‘In Flanders Field’ which was first published in December 1915.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

In 1921 NZ adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for all those who have died in war. Any money raised from the sale of poppies assists veterans or families of those affected by the death in war.

1870’s Revisited – a Boys’ School Community Picnic

‘Built in 1876, Roselle House was generously gifted by John Martyn Wilson to the St Kentigern Trust, a charitable entity with links to the Presbyterian Church. He stipulated that his bequest was for the sole purpose of educating boys, bequeathing a further £5,000 pounds to develop the first classroom block. Generous of nature, Martyn also offered three acres of land in Shore Rd to the Council, expressing the wish that the School, when established, should have the use of the land for field sports. To this day, Roselle House and Martyn Wilson Field are used by the School for this purpose.’

I

n a celebration of what ‘Roselle House has been and what it is about to become,’ the School community gathered on an incredibly hot and sunny Sunday afternoon to enjoy a shared picnic and a taste of a bygone era.

The majestic, historic house, that was so generously gifted, has been at the heart of Saint Kentigern School since the bell rang for the first time on 1 February, 1959. In those early days, Roselle was filled with the noise of young boys as many of the rooms were given over to classrooms for ‘Primers 1-4’ and the library. As the roll expanded over the years, new classroom blocks were established and Roselle’s primary function shifted from classroom use to become the administration centre of the School.

Now 55 years after the first boys entered Roselle, plans are afoot to ‘Reinvent’ Roselle and with ideas on the drawing board to create a Learning Commons on the upper floor, Roselle will once again be used according to John Martyn Wilson’s bequest – ‘for the sole purpose of educating boys.’ This, together with two new state-of-the-art science laboratories, that will be created in the space currently occupied by the School Library, will be the focus for the upcoming Roselle Foundation Capital Campaign.

When Roselle was first constructed in the 1870’s, as was befitting of a gracious home of the time, the gardens were laid out beautifully. As the home and grounds were developed, the setting lent itself perfectly to lavish entertaining, particularly in the form of garden parties. Family gatherings, annual picnics for the Mothers’ Union, Bible Classes, Sunday School and the YWCA were regular occurrences.

Martyn Wilson’s mother, Mary Ellen, was a stalwart of the YWCA and gave generous support in practical ways. The annual picnic was held at Roselle and was a highlight of the year for the ladies. Records show that no fewer than 350 members of the YWCA and their friends came to ‘amuse themselves, roaming around the grounds, boating and playing games on the lawn’ and ‘to peek at an unobtainable, grand lifestyle.’

With a touch of ‘Upstairs Downstairs,’ our current school staff, along with Trust Board members, took on the role of either hosts or parlour maids; dressing in period costume for our own special, community occasion. The men looked dapper in an assortment of tails, top hats and velvet waistcoats but it was the ladies who were truly transformed and had a taste of what life may have been like for women in the 19th century. Most learned by

error that a crinoline petticoat should be donned before putting on the dress! All were astonished at the weight and heat of the garments; of little surprise that the ladies of yesteryear were given to swooning! Our own ladies took on a definite glow as the afternoon progressed – but also discovered that the ‘swoosh’ of crinoline did keep the air circulating!

As guests arrived, the ‘parlour maids’ continuously delivered cake stands piled high with sandwiches, boiled fruit cake and melting moments to the tables on the lawn, whilst iced tea and fresh lemonade were also on hand. Live music filled the campus as Des Helu sang out from the Roselle balcony. The boys and their sisters raced around, at first defaulting to the timehonoured game of cricket on the lawn before discovering ‘new, old’ games awaited. A cry of, ‘Hey, I’ve played that game with my Nana and Poppa,’ saw knucklebones get underway with one young lad very knowingly tell the others that they must be ‘real dinosaur bones!’

There were hoops to spin and juggling skills to try, a Punch and Judy show to watch, with a message about saving the oceans, and a scavenger hunt to test sleuthing skills. Down on the pool, boats were sailed but there was one activity that stood head and shoulders above the rest for child appeal

– apple bobbing! An activity that has lost favour in more recent ‘PC’ years, large wooden barrels were filled with water and bottoms went in the air as the boys’ and girls’ heads disappeared under water! Bit by bit, strategies were developed and word got around to ‘push it to the edge’ or ‘choose one with a stalk!’

Meanwhile, the cool, calm interior of Roselle was open for viewing with rolling visuals on strategically placed screens to show the plans of how the upper floor will be developed into a Learning Commons.

After an afternoon of walking back and forth across the lawn with armfuls of afternoon tea, the ‘parlour maids,’ Mrs Sue Bowskill and Mrs Karyl Kidd, P.A.s to the Principals, were ready to put up their feet. The ‘hosts,’ quietly cooking in their brocade gowns and velvet waistcoats, were happy to change back 21st century attire and reflect on an enjoyable afternoon in celebration of a very special place - Roselle House.

Our thanks to the staff who gave so willingly of their time but in particular our huge thanks to Mrs Sue Bowskill for the enormous amount of work undertaken to bring this together.

Boys’ School Pipe Band

Pipers have long been a regular feature of cultural events at the Boys’ School and are often seen taking up their traditional role in ceremonies and on other special occasions. The Boys’ School has had students learning to play the Highland Pipes since the mid 1980’s.

In 2014, Pipe Band Drumming was introduced to the School and with Old Collegians, William Tremlett and Matthew McQueen, teaching both piping and drumming, the School now boasts its very own Pipe Band with around 16 students involved. Much to the delight of the School community and its nearest neighbours, the strain of the pipes and drums can be heard drifting up from the Roselle lawn each Thursday after school when the boys get together for their weekly practice. The newly formed band’s first performance was at the School Prizegiving last year, quickly followed by the Ellerslie Santa Parade when the Band combined to march with the College Pipes & Drums. This year, the Band paraded at Celtic Day followed by the chance to take part in ANZAC Day commemorations.

With the advantage of an early start, many School Pipers go on to the College bands, able to quickly step into senior roles with some going on to take up the leadership positions of Pipe Major and Drum Major in their final years. In fact two Old Boys of the School (Ian Allen and Pascal Tov-lev) have kept on with their piping and are regulars with the Old Collegians Pipe Band.

Celtic Day

Hark! When the night is falling Hear, Hear! The pipes are calling, Loudly and proudly calling, down through the glen. There where the hills are sleeping, Now feel the blood a-leaping, High as the spirits of the old Highland men!

(Scotland the Brave)

‘To wear the kilt is my delight

My hairy legs are thin and white

And if it blows you’ll get a fright

Spirits were definitely high, the blood was a-leaping and our clans were definitely calling loudly and proudly out on the… well, the field, not quite a glen, but a perfect spot for a day of Highland fun!

With flaming red hair, tam o’shanters, kilts, tartan boxers, strategically placed tea towels and enough face paint to challenge Mel Gibson’s Brave Heart, our sons of Kentigern gathered in their clans ready to do battle for the House Celtic Day Cup, on a day when the sun shone brightly ready for a full day of clan activity.

In that curious mix of heritage, our tartan-clad Kapa Haka group laid down the challenge, their voices carrying far across the field, signalling the moment for the College Pipe Band to begin the parade. This year, for the first time, the Pipes and Drums were joined by the newly formed Boys’ School Pipe Band. The younger boys did a fantastic job keeping in step as they followed on behind.

This is a day for our oldest students to show leadership and provide care for their junior clan members. With their younger counterparts firmly under their wings, our senior boys led the way as the House Clans followed the band in a ribbon of colour, marching towards the Jubilee Sports Centre for the official ceremony.

In his opening address, Principal Mr Peter Cassie explained to our new families that the day was to celebrate our Founders; a day when our Scottish ancestry is welcomed, unravelled and put and on show in ways you may not always expect. It is a warmly anticipated event for those in the know and quite an eye-opener for the uninitiated! His sage words of advice were to, ‘Go with the flow and keep your eyes and minds wide open!’

Whilst the singing of ‘Scotland the Brave’ stirs the soul, Celtic Day at the Boys’ School would not be the same without the addition of the irreverent ‘Jimmy of the Hielands’ and the trouble he gets into with his kilt!

I’m Jimmy of the Hielands!’

Each year we welcome parent, Mr Euan Allan, of ‘throw Mackintosh Toffees fame.’ The older boys have come to know that a quick answer to a question will score a toffee in return! As a true, blue Scotsman, he gives insight each year to aspects of his heritage, this year focussing on tartan and how every family from a Scottish heritage can identify with their own particular family tartan. He told the boys that currently there are over 3,500 tartans officially registered.

With each passing year, each successive Head Boy will tell you that with the pride of being named Head Boy of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School, comes the trepidation of knowing that Robert Burns’ fiendishly difficult ‘Ode to a Haggis’ will need to be learned and recited on Celtic Day – in Gaelic! Michael Hiddleston joined those who have gone before in not only mastering the soliloquy but delivering it with confidence and spirit. His long applause was well earned!

And so to the business end of the day as far as the boys are concerned! After the traditional tasting of the Haggis – a morning snack made from ‘the less interesting parts of a sheep!’ – the boys set about enjoying their day out on the field for riotous action with quiet interludes inside for craft activities. There was much to enjoy but nothing quite captures the imagination like the castle siege as boys set about with wet sponges to attack the cardboard ramparts created by staff and parents.

As always, we must thank our Parents and Friends Association, chaired by Mrs Laura Lane who did a fantastic job in providing support on the day from preparing shortbread for the guests’ morning tea, offering haggis to the boys (who let’s be honest, would have preferred the shortbread!), to being at the forefront of the games on the field. Our sincere thanks to a wonderful group of parents.

The more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

Dr. Seuss

World Book Day

Held annually on the first Thursday in March, World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries across the globe. No matter what the language, how rich or poor the nation, the day is devoted to the power of the written word to tell a story, the joy of reading and the love of books themselves.

World Book Day at the Boys’ School dawned bright and clear. Just as well as the profusion of book characters poured through the school gates – clearly Captain Underpants* won the day and the boys weren’t shy about turning out, scantily clad in their Y fronts! The many Captains were joined by characters from Seuss, Wimpy Kids, Tin Tins and a profusion of Bat and Spidermen. There were off-the-shelf costumes (whatever did we do before Onesies?!) and those that were given some careful thought with the papier mache version of Jeff Kinney’s ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ and a fantastic cardboard crab representing Eric Carle’s ‘Home for a Hermit Crab’ standing out. One theme was clear, the characters, one and all, clearly had ‘boy appeal’ – and there were plenty of swords, light sabres and rocket launchers on show!

Our senior boys collected their junior buddies and side by side they made their way to the Jubilee Sports Centre clutching their favourite books. The boys were not alone in their fancy attire as the teachers also got into the spirit of the day! Principal, Mr Cassie was the first to come forward to present a reading. Dressed as Old McDonald, with his very game P.A., Mrs Sue Bowskill and Head of Admissions, Mrs Julie Rand, dressed as farmyard animals, he presented a hardboard version of Old McDonald’s Farm and explained how hearing the repetition of ‘E-I-E-I-O’ could take him back to his childhood.

Hush descended as a number of teachers came forward to read passages from their favourite books. From Steinbeck to Dahl, Jonathon Livingstone Seagull to Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, the words were spoken, their messages absorbed. The School also welcomed popular author and illustrator, Stu Duvall. Mr Duvall is no stranger to Saint Kentigern and on each of his visits, he entertains with his fabulous storytelling and ‘wows’ the boys with his skill as an illustrator, always leaving behind his finished artwork to admire. We thank him for his time and the colourful images he evoked both in the mind as he told his stories, and on paper as he illustrated his words.

‘If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.

If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.’

Albert Einstein

So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away. And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.’

Roald Dahl in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Literacy is born from the human need to tell stories to better understand ourselves and the world in which we live; it can also transport us to another world on a journey rich with words. 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 Boys’ School library plays a key role as place for unlocking the imagination, 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.

Our thanks to Year 7 teacher, Mr Richard Kirk for suggesting and organising a day that brought both an element of fun and a chance to stop, reflect, listen and imagine.

*Editor’s Note: Sorry boys! The ‘Underpants’ costumes were seriously cool (in more ways than one!) but I’m afraid decorum prevents us from publishing your photos!

Boys Welcome Prehistoric Visitor!

Eyes opened wide and jaws dropped when a most unusual visitor paid a visit to the Boys’ School! And it wasn’t only the Year 3 boys in awe, the teachers were equally taken aback when a life-like baby Tyrannosaurus Rex, weighing close to 180kgs, lumbered across the Junior School playground with eyes glinting, tail swinging and its huge row of teeth taking snaps at anyone in reach!

To begin with, it was only the curious brave who stepped forward to get acquainted with the prehistoric creature – but one by one, the boys put on brave faces and inched forward, reaching out to touch the scaly skin. It didn’t take long before they all clamoured round – all that is except the two wee lads who’d taken fright and were later spotted seeking refuge indoors!

The visit from Dinosaur Experience heralded the start of a unit of work about the prehistoric creatures. It was explained that by necessity, the ‘Baby T Rex’ sessions are kept short as it is quite draining on the operator inside the animatronic creature – the heat build-up takes its toll. With the costume itself weighing in excess of 100kg, the weight alone is a trial but add the movement, twisting from side to side, limited visibility and two classes of excited, small boys, and it all adds up to a fairly challenging performance!

A small video camera lens on the outside of the dinosaur’s neck relays images to a TV screen inside the cramped space allowing the operator to gauge distances. For safety, amongst excitable school boys, a ‘keeper’ kept the creature on a lead to make sure those teeth didn’t cause any damage! And the verdict? Realistic, scary and great to experience!

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Tyrannosaurus (meaning ‘Tyrant Lizard’), was one of the largest terrestrial carnivores of all time, being roughly six tonnes in weight with its massive skull balanced by a long, heavy tail. The heavily reinforced skull of the ‘T Rex’ suggests that it was a devastating predator, with the strength to induce a bone-crushing bite from its jaws armed with 150mm long, sharp, serrated teeth. Relative to the large and powerful hind limbs, Tyrannosaurus forelimbs were small and retained only two digits. Recent specimens have shown the tiny arms to have been well-muscled, presumably to enable the animal to anchor itself to the ground as it attempted to straighten its hind legs and stand up from a prone position. It was among the last dinosaurs to exist prior to the CretaceousTertiary extinction event. More than 30 specimens of T Rex have now been identified, some nearly complete, which has allowed significant research into many aspects of its biology, including its life history and biomechanics.

Giant Moas Stalk Walkway!

Don’t be frightened when you find yourself staring up at 2 metre tall moa sculptures. These simple but elegant sculptures were made by Year 8 boys to help enhance the viewer experience along the Hobson Bay Walkway. The moa is part of a larger initiative from Saint Kentigern Boys School and the Orakei District Board to place student sculptures along this popular public walkway.

The moas were made as part of the Art Options class. In a series of lessons, all boys learnt the skills of designing and making a 3D model of a moa from foam board. These were then scaled up to create the five large, wooden sculptures for installation next to the path.

The Hobson Bay Walkway is now home to the Moas and other large mosaic and ceramic sculptures created by students from five local schools. The other schools were granted money from the Orakei Local Board and were guided by Boys’ School Head of Art, Mr Tom Barter.

The sculptures sit at different locations along the way for the public to enjoy between Wilson’s Beach and Martyn Field Reserve, with a few in the grounds of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School.

Mr Barter conceived and managed the project, while teachers from local schools mentored the students in designing and creating the artworks. The participating schools were Saint Kentigern Boys’ School, Kohimarama Primary, Orakei Primary, Victoria Ave Primary, Remuera Primary and Remuera Intermediate.

‘The sculptures are absolutely fantastic! I am extremely grateful to the students and teachers for creating the sculptures, and to Tom for the vision to create such interesting features for the walkway,’ said Orakei Local Board Chair, Desley Simpson.

‘Each sculpture was a major project in itself. Every student put in a huge effort and did a great job on their piece. I encourage you to take a walk and see them up close,’ said Mr Barter.

The Orakei Local Board and The Saint Kentigern Trust provided funding for the artworks.

Science with Boy Appeal!

‘Building a community of scientifically literate students as we aim for excellence in science education.’

The teaching of science at primary level aims to develop our boys’ knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and provide learning experiences that stimulate curiosity to help them understand the world in which they live.

Of course, if those learning experiences just happen to come with an element of hands-on ‘grossness,’ the boys’ curiosity grows tenfold! Both the Year 7 and Year 8 boys have had practical opportunities recently to undertake experiments and dissections with ‘body bits’ most of us would probably prefer not to handle!

The Year 8 boys were fortunate to welcome a visitor to their science class. Parent, Mr Neil Houston, is a veterinarian from Karaka, South Auckland who works primarily with horses, although on occasion, he has also had the opportunity to work with zoo animals. It would be fair to say that the photograph of Mr Houston with his arm up the bottom of a rhinoceros certainly captured the boys’ attention!

As the Year 8 boys are studying nutrition and how the body digests food, Mr Houston talked about aspects of his job and how the digestive systems of some animals are different to that of our own.

Having established with the boys that humans are mono-gastric, that is, we have a simple, single-chambered stomach, he then went on to explain the complex four-chambered stomach of ruminants such as cows, goat, or sheep. A mono-gastric digestive system such as ours works as soon as the food enters the mouth and saliva moistens the food to begin the digestive process. After being swallowed, the food passes from the esophagus into the stomach, where stomach acid and enzymes help to break down the food. This was then compared to the stages needed to break down the large quantities of fibre that ruminants consume and the need for them to ‘chew the cud.’ The boys learnt that when a ruminant swallows food, it goes into the first section, the rumen, where it mixes with other acidic digestive liquids and is softened. The softened food is called cud - small balls of food. Next, the rumen muscles send the cud back up to the cow’s mouth, where it is re-chewed and swallowed again, this time going to the omasum section of stomach in order to squeeze out all of the moisture. Finally, the food enters the last part, abomasum of the stomach where it mixes with digestive juices and makes its way to the intestine to be completely digested. The rumen muscles working to return the food was graphically illustrated with a short video of a camel – it was fascinating to watch the powerful muscles in action!

The boys formed groups and were each given a section of a sheep’s stomach to look at closely, inspecting the honeycombed texture of the lining. They were also challenged with the task of simulating small intestinal digestion using real pigs’ intestines, demonstrating how very small nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the semi-permeable membrane.

The following week it was the turn of the Year 7 boys. It could be argued that their specimens provided the more squeamish moments of the two – they dissected cows’ eyes!

Having previously done some experiments refracting light, the boys were challenged with taking a closer look at the makeup of the eye. As they began by cutting away the muscle and gristle that provides cushioning for the eye, a small voice could be heard to whisper, ‘You know they put this stuff in Happy Meals, eh!’

The boys were amazed at the toughness of the cornea, the protective layer of the eye, as they struggled to penetrate it with a scalpel. They were then taken aback when the black aqueous humour that supplies nutrients to the eye, squirted out and the eye deflated!

This practical hands-on approach has a huge amount of appeal for the boys but it also provides very valuable learning opportunities as they make discoveries for themselves to clarify their understanding. Our thanks to Mr Houston for taking the time to share his expertise; it was greatly appreciated.

Re-Enacting the Treaty Signing

FGlendowie’s waterfront, this year’s Year 5 cohort followed suit, leaving school dressed in period costume to stage a re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

With some taking on the role of the British, while others dressed as Maori chiefs, the boys made their way down the long, winding path to a quiet stretch of beach that marks the spot where the Ngati Paoa tribe signed the Treaty in the months following the Waitangi signing. Leading up to the trip, the boys had written and prepared a short play to perform on the beach.

Karaka Bay has a small community of ten households on the shoreline that can only be reached by the long, winding path. There is no street access; everything has to be walked in. Once again, resident, Mr Tony Watkins kindly offered his time to talk to the boys. Mr Watkins is Te Rarawa; his relatives signed the Treaty of Waitangi at Mangungu in the Hokainga and he now lives on the spot at Karaka Bay where the Treaty was signed in Auckland. He talked to the boys about just what a treaty means and how it came to mean different things to different people at the time of the signing.

Once the boys had eaten their lunch in the shade of an enormous pohutukawa, a table was laid out with the red ensign, re-creating the scene on the day of the signing in Waitangi. Teacher, Mr Anton Lorenzon took on the role of Captain William Hobson and those who had been assigned roles - the narrators, the missionary, William Colenso, James Busby and the chiefs, Tareha, Tamati Waka Nene and Hone Heke - came forward and delivered their lines with confidence. After each chief signed, they shook hands with Hobson who said...

‘He iwi tahi tatou’ - ‘We are one people.’

Oceans are Vital

Our Year 2 boys paid a visit to Long Bay Beach as part of their inquiry into how oceans are vital to our existence. The trip provided the boys with a hands-on experience of ocean habitats, the creatures in them and our responsibility to care for these environments.

The visit began with a session with the Educator, Shanthie Walker. Here the boys learnt about how precarious life can be if you are a creature who lives in a rock pool! They searched with their eagle eyes to find evidence of living

creatures. To their delight, evidence was abundant and the boys became deeply absorbed in identifying and examining the creatures. In accordance with their inquiry procedures, the creatures were returned to their habitat to continue to grow.

On their return to school, the boys designed their own sea animal from recycled rubbish to represent the harm rubbish creates in our oceans and on our beaches.

Service, New Friends, Fun and Challenge

There is always a mixture of excitement and trepidation as the boys get ready for camp. They know that they will have plenty of fun but also know that they will face some challenges that may need all their willpower to overcome. And there are also other challenges as simple as peeling potatoes for dinner, sharing your sleeping space and being expected to lend a hand with the chores!

Each year the boys in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 enjoy a camp away from Auckland, each in a different setting. For the Year 7s, it’s a time of forging new bonds as the new intake of Year 7’s to join with their new classmates - and it didn’t take long for new friendships to form. A highlight of the Year 8 camp was their service component, offering assistance at Cedar Manor Rest Home.

Year 5 Camp

peter Snell Youth Village, Whangaparoa

Well it turned out I was actually really good at archery although at first I was terrible - the arrow bounced off and nearly went into the rifle range next door.

Jaden Ludher-Chandra,Year 5

The confidence course pushed me to my limit. Jumping from tyre to tyre I could feel my body pushing me, my hands were burning and the rope hurt.

Austin McKegg,Year 5

Year 6 Camp

MERC (Marine Education and Recreation Centre) in Long Bay, auckland

Finally we got to Goat Island Marine Reserve. At the Auckland University Research Centre, we were able to touch real live kina, cushion stars and sea sponges.

Ben James,Year 5

As soon as my group came up to the rock climbing wall, I felt a shiver of fear up my spine because of my fear of heights. On my first attempt I didn’t make it, but on my second attempt I heard all the screams of encouragement so I pushed myself further. It felt amazing because I had conquered my main fear.

Jimmy Kemble,Year 5

Year 6 went to Camp MERC in Long Bay. Every night we would go out into the field across the road to play piece of cake. On the last night there were five containers hidden and I was determined to find one. We had formulated an awesome plan that involved me running around like a lunatic, screaming at the top of my lungs, while Jonathan crept around the back of the bush and grabbed the box!

Asher Matheson,Year 6

Abseiling changed me because I was afraid of heights but after my second attempt at going down the abseiling wall, I felt braver and I overcame my fear. That was pretty special for me. I felt the grip of the rope in my hands as I worked my way down and I could hear the shouting and screaming of the other boys encouraging me.

Joshua Barrett,Year 6

We attempted the world famous ‘Stack em High’. Once the instructor finished his directions, we were all eager to start. When it was our turn, we trembled with anticipation but everybody was cheering. We inspired each other and we were very proud of ourselves.

Jack Wright and Benjamin Graham,Year 6

It is another incredible day at camp!. My archery skills improved and Alex hit his arrow bam in the middle of the target and also popped the balloon that was there.

I thought abseiling would be very difficult but when I had achieved it, i realised it was really quite easy.

Kelven Zhang,Year 6

Year 7 Camp

YMC a Camp adair, Hunua

It was the smell that got to me, like something had died and then a skunk had come and marked its territory. The mud was thick and sticky, like molasses, trying to pull you in and devour you.

Marcus Findlow,Year 7

I was climbing slow but steadily, trying not to do one thing. LOOK DOWN! It was a slow journey up to the top, step after step, metre after metre. Suddenly I reached up for the next handle but it was just thin air. I was at the top of the pamper pole.

George Smith,Year 7

I jumped for the rope, hanging above the mud. It went dead silent. Everything slipped into slow motion as I hoped for the gritty feeling of the rope. But what I felt was something completely different. It was the squelching of the mud!

Nathaniel South,Year 7

I especially enjoyed ‘The Killer Hike’. That was surely a test of my abilities and strength. Overall, camp was a great experience to conquer fears, have fun and challenge your abilities.

Akash Mudaliar,Year 7

To me, camp was an experience. It was an opportunity to make new friends and get to know everyone a bit more. And learn their names. It was an opportunity to overcome our fears and learn more about ourselves. And most of all, it was an opportunity to have fun.

Matt Chandler,Year 7

Year 8 Camp

For me, Year 7 camp was all about making new friends, improving values, encouraging others and conquering your fears. I know for one that I made plenty of new friends, became friendly with those in my tutor group that I wasn’t already friendly with, and I got to know all the amazing teachers. I (almost) conquered my fear of getting muddy and the activities at Camp Adair, the leaders and of course the delicious food made Camp a great experience.

Sebastian Skerten,Year 7

A highlight of the Year 8 camp was their service component, offering assistance at Cedar Manor Rest home. The boys helped out entertaining the residents with singing or musical interludes, serving meals, playing sports or simply sitting and reading or chatting away over a cup of tea. They left a lasting impression on the residents and staff and have been invited back for future visit. We were very proud of them!

Mr Joe Johansen, Senior School Dean

At Year 8 camp I felt I showed service in many different ways. I helped my fellow team mates if they were feeling discouraged or unsure and tried my hardest to encourage them. I also helped around the campsite by helping prepare a meal and helping set up the dishwashing stations. When we arrived, I helped boys set up their tents and did the same when we left. I am really proud of my service contributions over camp. My favourite act of service was helping at the old people’s home. We read to them, played bowls and talked. I felt really proud to be helping in the community.

Michael Hiddleston,Year 8

Ocean Swim Championships

A s part of the New Zealand Secondary Triathlon Championships, six of our boys headed to Taupo to compete in the Ocean Swim and the Aquathon. Jourdan Klink and Will Bason competed in the U12 Boys age group and Eamon Foley, George Falconer, Teague de Jager and Michael Joyce competed in the U13 Boys age group.

Taupo turned on the weather with perfect sunny swimming and running conditions – a change from last year’s difficult conditions!

U12 Ocean Swim

Will Bason 1st

Jourdan Klink 2nd

U13 Ocean Swim

Eamon Foley 6th

George Falconer 7th

Teague de Jager 9th

Michael Joyce 15th

Offering Service

E ach year a group of Year 8 cricket boys go down to Bloodworth Park on Shore Road to help out with the annual Halberg Disability Sport Foundation’s Adaptive Cricket Day. This day is held in conjunction with Parnell Cricket Club and involves assisting a large number of students with disabilities from a variety of schools to learn the fundamentals of cricket. Parnell Cricket Club plays a big part in helping the boys to prepare for the event.

This is now the fifth consecutive year that our boys have been involved with Halberg events as part of their programme to offer service. The help they offer at the cricket session at this stage, prepares them for the annual Halberg Disability Sport Foundation event held at the Boys’ School later in the year where the boys are involved in a mentoring and coaching role, assisting disabled students from visiting schools to enjoy competition in a range of adapted games.

U12 Aquathon

Will Bason 4th

Jourdan Klink 5th

U13 Aquathon

Teague de Jager 7th

George Falconer 13th

Eamon Foley 15th

Michael Joyce 18th

At the cricket, our Saint Kentigern boys were allocated stations for the morning where they had key roles in assisting with the coaching. Four drills were set up: catching, fielding, batting and bowling where the visiting students learnt skills and finished off with games of cricket. To begin with, many of the Saint Kentigern boys were shy but as the day went on relationships were formed and all coaches and cricketers alike had great fun interacting and gaining new skills.

For our boys, this was a chance to learn about being compassionate and giving service to their local community, which is at the heart of the Saint Kentigern philosophy. We were proud to see their level of maturity, empathy and overall willingness to assist on the day.

Boys’ School students assist at Oxfam Challenge

Well done to the 28 boys who took on the role of ambassadors at the Oxfam Water Challenge held at the Boys’ School campus. The event attracted 21 corporate teams, largely engineering companies, joining together to make a big splash to raise money for vital Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) education projects in Melanesia, to ensure fresh water flows to their rural communities.

On the day of the challenge, the teams of four workmates designed, built, presented and deconstructed a solution to a ‘secret water problem’ challenge. From the day the teams signed up until the day of the challenge, each team worked towards fundraising $2000; as their fundraising income increased, they received clues that would help them on the day to create a series of pipelines to successfully carry water in challenging conditions. $32,000 was raised towards the project on the day with an expected final tally of $40,000.

Our boys were great ambassadors on the day, greeting guests and offering assistance wherever they could.

Cargill Wins Swimming!

A summer term of brilliant weather has assured plenty of pool time for the boys this year with the sunshine providing ideal conditions, day after day, for swimming lessons at the Boys’ School.

Once again, our swimming staff provided a superb programme, increasing the boys’ confidence and skill in the water from Years 1-8. Even our youngest students were ready to take on the full length of the pool at the Junior event. As always, our senior boys were on hand to give moral support in the water for those who needed it.

Each event concluded with the winners being invited to take their place on the podium and shake hands with Principal, Mr Cassie - there was only just enough room for the Juniors with three boys sharing the top spot!

Special mention must be made of this year’s record breakers:

Year 5 Brendan Meyer 25m Backstroke 19.28

Year 7 Jordan Klink 25m Backstroke 34.94

Year 8 Will Bason 25m Butterfly 15.50, 50m Backstroke 34.94

Well done boys!

BOYS’ SCHOOL SWIMMING CHaMpIONS 2015

AGE GROUP 1ST 2ND 3RD

Year 1 =William McLeod CA

=Toby McFarlane CA

=Toby Wigglesworth CA

Year 2 Max Trankels HA =Archer Kersey CH =Oliver Dennis WI

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

James Hiddleston HA

Sam McLeod CA

Brendan Meyer HA

Year 6 Oliver Avis WI

Year 7

Jourdan Klink CA

Year 8 Will Bason CH

REMuERa ZONE

Jaden Renault-Pollard CA

Ethan Knox CA

Archie Marshall CA

Alexander Dennis WI

Samuel Don CH

Eamon Foley WI

Points

=Christopher Revell-Devlin WI

=Oscar Bower WI

Max Irwin CH

Austin McKegg CH

Nicholas Forgie CH

Jack George CA

George Falconer CA

Well done to our Year 5 and 6 swimmers at Remuera Zone Swimming Competition.

Year 5 Brendan Meyer 25m Freestyle 3rd, 25m Backstroke 1st, 50m Freestyle 2nd Boys 4x25 Freestyle Relay team 2nd

Year 6 Oliver Avis 25m Freestyle 2nd, 25m Backstroke 2nd, 50m Freestyle 2nd

Boys 4x25 Freestyle Relay team 3rd Field Championship Open Relay 3rd, Boys Champions 2nd, Overall Champions 3rd

EaSTERN ZONE

The Year 7 and 8 boys competed in the Eastern Zone Swimming Competition. Open and Senior 100m freestyle: Will Bason 2nd, Eamon Foley 3rd 50m butterfly: Will Bason 2nd

Year 7 50m breaststroke: Adam Tamati 2nd, Taylor Tairua Doyle 3rd

50m backstroke: Jourdan Klink 1st, Samuel Don 2nd

50m freestyle: Jourdan Klink 1st, Jack George 3rd

Year 8 50m breaststroke: Eamon Foley 3rd

50m backstroke: Will Bason 1st

50m freestyle: Will Bason 2nd 4x50m freestyle relay Year 7 1st 4x50m freestyle relay Year 8 2nd 4x50m medley relay Open 2nd

Auckland Intermediate Inter-Zone

Jourdan Klink 3rd in 50m freestyle

Will Bason 3rd in 50m backstroke

Year 7 Boys freestyle relay team 2nd

HOuSE RELaY CHaMpIONS

Sports Tour to Christchurch

With thanks to student reporters, Arden Ongley and Ben Humphries

The 1st XI Cricket Team and the Tennis 8 were very privileged to have been given the opportunity to embark on a tour to Christchurch to play three matches against Medbury School, St Andrew’s College and Waihi School.

A rather sleep deprived cricket side turned up for their first game against Medbury straight off the plane! Due to the boys playing club cricket on the Sunday prior, they had a very early start to catch the plane. The end result was a disappointing 25 run loss to an in-form Medbury team. Gabe Ross bowled particularly well in the match and had figures of 3 for 18 off his 8 overs.

After the game we were billeted by Medbury on Monday night. We woke in anticipation of an exciting ‘rest day’ ahead, four hours of surfing at Sumner Beach! The boys loved it as they ‘wiped out’ and got some good rides in the chilly South Island water. It was indeed, an enjoyable day away from the cricket fields and tennis courts. It also gave us an opportunity to see the sights of Christchurch and, sadly, to see some of the lingering devastation caused by the earthquake around the Sumner area.

The next day, we all arrived at St Andrew’s ready for more cricket and tennis, and to also play against the billets that we had stayed with the previous night. The final result this time swung in our favour. Both teams did well, and the cricketers bowled them out for 47 and won by 8 wickets. Jett Robertson bagged 3 for 12 and Gabe Ross 3 for 11. Nathan Robinson scored 29. The tennis team also won their games without dropping a single game throughout their matches.

The third and final school that we faced was Waihi School. We started play in the morning mist and by the time the sun had burnt it off, the cricketers had posted a formidable 251 runs after 40 overs. Max Dudson had a great innings and finished with a very classy 93. Josh Stephan scored 42 and Will Bason 40. Bowling highlights included Louie Whata claiming 2 for 10 and Ben McCutcheon 2 for 2. The tennis team won all their games and the overall result was a very definitive win for Saint Kentigern. Some of us had an action packed two nights with our Waihi billets. Staying with rural families, some boys went shooting rabbits, driving motorbikes and swimming in freezing irrigation ponds!

As we headed back to the airport, after what had been a great tour, we made a surprise stop at the Cookie Time Factory, where excited boys stocked up on cookies.

We arrived back in Auckland to see our families waiting for us at the gate and we had plenty to tell! It was a great tour and we think we presented ourselves very well, always displaying our true Saint Kentigern values, on and off the field or court.

Special thanks go to our coaches, Mr Aspinall and Rev Hardie and especially to Mr Grant for organising such a great tour for us.

Klippel Shield Secured!

Since 1974 the ‘Klippel Shield for Preparatory School Cricket’ has been contested between three strong cricket playing schools – Saint Kentigern, King’s School and Southwell School - with the Boys’ School taking stewardship of the Shield on many occasions.

We are pleased to report that the 2015 Saint Kentigern 1st XI has ensured that the Shield was returned to, and then retained in, the Saint Kentigern trophy cabinet this year after three emphatic wins, firstly beating King’s by 87 runs early in the season, followed later by another sound win against Southwell. In the most recent and final Klippel Shield match of the season, our boys once again trounced King’s, winning by nine wickets, possibly the biggest winning margin in the history of these matches.

Along with the Senior School teams, the Middle School cricketers have been equally successful showing the depth of talent.

While there have been fantastic individual performances, it was the efforts from all team members working cohesively that produced the result - total commitment, energy and skill won each match! Well done boys!

Seeking Donations for Schools in Fiji

F

or the first time this year, a trip has been planned for students from both Saint Kentigern Boys’ and Girls’ School to go on an international service trip to Fiji.

Seventeen Year 8 students from the Boys’ and Girls’ School, each accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be attending the service trip planned for the last week of Term 2. The group will be accompanied by

REQUEST FOR HELP?

Reverend Reuben Hardie, Chaplain to the Schools, and Mr Richard Kirk, Head of English at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School.

The trip will predominantly involve the completion and opening of a village medical dispensary in Nawaka Village. They will also visit and work in two primary schools in and around Nadi, Nawaka District Primary School and Nadi Arya Samaj Primary School, as well as gathering/purchasing and shipping to Fiji, resources the schools desperately need.

The Fiji schools have asked for wooden seats and outdoor picnic tables, as well outdoor play equipment for the new kindergarten such as swings, slides and seesaws. If you are able to help with any of these requests please contact Reverend Reuben Hardie at the Boys’ School. Thanks to the generosity of a school parent a container has been arranged to ship items donated for this Fiji Service Trip.

Boys’ School Parents and Friends

The Saint Kentigern Boys’ School Parents & Friends Association has settled into 2015 with many events already well into the planning stages .

Celtic Day was held on 27 March and Parents and Friends were again delighted to be able to host and sponsor the field activities. With exceedingly tight time frames of ten minutes per group of boys on each one of the field activities, the event planning, led by Vanessa Playle and assisted on the day by Hilary Chaytor as well as a group of team leaders responsible for each activity, resulted in yet another successful and efficiently run Celtic Day.

On 5 May we enjoyed hosting a Mothers Morning Tea to celebrate and honour the mothers in our community. We were very lucky to secure the speaking talents of Allyson Gofton and took great pleasure in the opportunity to give our guests a small respite from their busy lives, enjoying

Allyson’s stories of the year she and her family recently spent in a small rural community in France. This will be reported on fully in the next issue of Piper.

The AGM saw us reluctantly accept the decision of the Vice Chair, Richard Beca, to step down from the role. Simon Ward was unanimously voted into the role and along with Nikki Joyce (Interschool Liaison), Naomi Hageman (Volunteer Coordinator), Katie Wilson, Corinne Stilwell, Kirsten Stanfield (Syndicate Liaisons) and the incumbent Treasurer, Donna Berry and Secretary Helen van Schaardenburg, we have an energetic and enthusiastic team in place for 2015.

As happens each year, we are forced to say goodbye to some stalwarts of the P&F and 2014 was no exception. I must acknowledge the time and effort given by Mrs Maryanne Looker over her ten years at the Boys’ School. Very much insistent in working behind the scenes, Maryanne took an involvement in all P&F events and without her calm efficiency, many of these events would not have been the success they were.

We welcome all the new families who have joined us, this year, and look forward to enjoying their company either at one of our meetings or one of the many events over the year.

Mrs Laura Lane, Chairperson

Laura Lane, Chairperson

College

I have been immensely proud of our students throughout the first part of the year... a kaleidoscope of images show these exceptional young people’s involvement and successes in a wide range of academic, service and co-curricular pursuits.

Fides Servanda Est

Steve Cole, Head of College

Saint Kentigern

Student Leaders 2015

In the second week of Term 1, we commissioned our new student leadership team for 2015. This year we congratulate Oliver Hadfield and Grace Wood who have been appointed as Head Prefects. Oliver and Grace are mature, personable students whose conduct is exemplary and have the right characteristics of confidence, pride in the College, leadership skills and commitment to duty. They also have a strong moral centre and display integrity in all areas of their leadership. Congratulations to these all these students on being selected for the role.

We congratulate the following students who have been appointed as prefects for 2015.

deputY Head pRefects

amorangi Malesala and ayden Lamont

Oliver and Grace will be ably assisted by Ayden Lamont and Amorangi Malesala in their roles as Deputy Head Prefects. Ayden is an accomplished sportsman focussing on cycling and rowing. He is a College Cycling Champion, a member of the Rowing U17 Quad, Cycling Senior A squad and was a member of the AKSS Cross Country Mixed team. Amorangi is a high achieving netballer having won the College Netball Player of the Year, Premier Team Captain Award, John Irvine Cup for Outstanding Performance in Sport – Premier Netball team and Wayne Michael Robinson Cup. This cup recognises 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. She is also a member of the Chapel Band and Cultural Group.

HOuse LeadeRs HaMILtOn

Braydon ennor and Lauren dalton

James Ellis, Amorangi Malesala (Deputy Head Girl), Steel Strang (Arts Prefect)

HOuse LeadeRs c aRGILL

Joseph Bradshaw and emily cran

Jessica Allen (Chapel Prefect), Jonathon Baskett, Christina Oscar, Nick Stanfield, Grace Wood (Head Girl)

Head BOY - Oliver Hadfield

Oliver gained an Excellence Endorsement at Level 2 NCEA, Merit at Level 1 and has achieved Academic Honours. A previous student at the Boys’ School, Oliver travelled to Vanuatu for Service and has been awarded Duke of Edinburgh Gold. Throughout his time at the College, Oliver has been a member of Kentoris Choir, and been involved in music and drama productions. A keen sportsman, he has played for the Water Polo Premier and 3rd XI Cricket teams, and has been a student coach in Water Polo.

Head GIRL - Grace Wood

Grace was the recipient of a Top Academic Award in both Year 11 and 12, also achieving Academic Colours Awards in both years. She gained an Excellence Endorsement in Level 1 NCEA and is studying towards her International Baccalaureate Diploma. She is a long distance running athlete who was selected for the NZ U18 Cross Country and was a national representative in the Australasian Cross Country. Grace is a talented musician and a member of the Concert Band. In 2014 she won a prize for her composition in the ‘Play it Strange’ music competition.

HOuse LeadeRs cHaLMeRs

Lauren Hendricksen and Henry saker

Oliver Hadfield (Head Boy), Trent Macdonald (Head Boy Bruce House), Jared Schnell (Sports Prefect), Rachel Worthington

HOuse LeadeRs WIsHaRt anthony Grant and Keshini Ketheeswaran

Lucy Conyngham (Service Prefect), Emma Hanley (Sports Prefect), Ayden Lamont (Deputy Head Boy), Becky Lane, Melissa McNaughtan, Valentine Pons (Deputy Head Girl Bruce House)

2014 External Examination Results

The 2014 results in both NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma qualifications were extremely good with a pleasing increase in the number of NCEA students gaining Excellence Endorsements across all three levels of this qualification. Overall, the majority of our students can be proud of their achievements with the vast majority gaining their respective NCEA Level Certificate. 91% of our students gained University Entrance.

Of further note, we also have a far greater number of students than ever who gained results high enough to be awarded Saint Kentigern Academic Colours and Honours, testament to student effort and acclaim of these awards. Details of this appear on page 46.

national certification of educational achievement (ncea)

The majority of students at Saint Kentigern College sit the NCEA and we are extremely proud that the majority of our measurable indicators at all three levels of the qualification have shown improvement on the previous year. Of greatest note is the continued rise in the number of students who have strived for and attained either a Merit or Excellence Endorsement.

The % of students gaining NCEA Certificates and Endorsements

ncea Level 1

At Level 1 (Year 11), 98% of all the students gained their certificates with 34% attaining their certificates with an Excellence Endorsement and a further 48% gaining a Merit Endorsement. We are pleased for the 55 students who have met the criteria for gaining Saint Kentigern Academic Colours or Honours.

Congratulations to our top five NCEA Level 1 students:

Has Brooke Average GPA – 99.0

cameron Low Average GPA – 99.0

Kevin shen Average GPA – 97.5

emma Westbrooke Average GPA – 97.5

nicola Williams Average GPA – 97.3

ncea Level 2

Our Level 2 results continue to remain strong with 99% of all students gaining their certificates. 24% gained their certificates with an Excellence Endorsement, representing an increase of 6% from the previous year and our highest results recorded to date. A further 41% gained a Merit Endorsement. We are proud to acknowledge the 60 students who have met the criteria for gaining Saint Kentigern Academic Colours or Honours.

Congratulations to our top five NCEA Level 2 students:

Marieke Kruiswijk Average GPA – 96.2

Rachel Worthington Average GPA – 95.5

scott Murray Average GPA – 95.2

Brandon Hoon Average GPA – 94.5

Jessica allen Average GPA – 93.7

ncea Level 3

Our 2014 leavers also produced a very good set of results. 99.6% gained a Level 3 Certificate while our University Entrance success rate was 91%. Excellence Endorsement was achieved by 14% of these students with a further 42% gaining a Merit Endorsement.

Congratulations to our top 5 NCEA Level 3 students:

sarah McQueen Average GPA – 96.6

Lucy Verry Average GPA – 96.0

sian seeley Average GPA – 95.6

andrew Jackson Average GPA – 95.0

Hannah Wood Average GPA – 95.0

International Baccalaureate diploma

At the end of 2014, our fifth cohort of 35 Year 13 International Baccalaureate Diploma students completed their two year course of study, culminating in their final external examinations. As in the previous years, our students performed extremely well. 100% of those examined gained 24 points or more with 97% being awarded a Diploma. The Average Diploma Points for Saint Kentigern College was 36 points which compared very favourably against the world average of 29.94 points and 34.15 points for the rest of New Zealand.

We are particularly proud of three students, Shuo Yang (43 points), Rachel Smith (42 points) and Andrew Qi (42 points) who gained ‘40 points and over’ from a maximum of 45. They join the elite few that gain more than 40 points in the Diploma Programme worldwide; their results are outstanding.

Top Performing IB Diploma Students

shuo Yang 43 points

Rachel smith 42 points andrew Qi 42 points

Explanation of the IB Diploma Points

NB:  The point scale used for IB subjects is 1 (poor) to 7 (best). Students take six subjects = 42 points. A further 3 additional points* are available based on individual performance in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. Therefore, the maximum available score is 45.

Shuo Yang

Has Brooke

Marieke Kruiswijk

Sarah McQueen

Saint Kentigern

NZQA Scholarships 2014

In the end of year NZQA Scholarship examinations, 23 of our students gained a total of 30 Scholarships, with one classed as Outstanding, across a broad range of 16 subjects. In particular, we offer congratulations to our highest performing students; Georgia Foster for her Outstanding Scholarship, and Aditya Arolkar, Ashley Chan, Bokai (Andrew) Qi, Callum Andrews, Hannah Wood, Max Christie and Theodore Lloyd David who were each awarded two Scholarships.

Scholarship exams are rigorous, requiring high level abstract thinking and the application of knowledge and ideas to complex situations. NZQA’s intention is that 3% of the total number of Year 13 students in the country sitting Level 3 in each of the 27 available subjects will be awarded a Scholarship, provided Scholarship standards are met. Of this top 3% nationwide who gain a Scholarship pass, a small number, equating to approximately 0.5% nationwide will be accorded an Outstanding Scholarship.

At Saint Kentigern, our brightest NCEA students can elect to study towards Scholarship exams. Scholarship exams are offered by NZQA and are, therefore, aligned to NCEA. Where course content is similar, our IB Diploma students can also elect to sit Scholarship exams. However, in many cases this is not possible for some of our brightest IB Diploma students as each year there are examination clashes.

There is great monetary incentive for students to aim to achieve in these exams. New Zealand students who do well in Scholarship gain substantial monetary awards. A Scholarship in just one subject receives $500, as a single payment. Georgia’s award as Top in a subject is worth $2000 a year for three years of tertiary study, provided a B average is achieved.

NZQA Scholarship 2014 Results

top nzQa scholarship Mark in new zealand for Georgia!

Our congratulations to Georgia Foster who has been awarded Top in Subject in New Zealand and an Outstanding Scholarship Award for her NZQA (NZ Qualification Authority) Scholarship exam in Printmaking. Georgia is one of 23 Saint Kentigern students to be awarded a Scholarship in the 2014 external Scholarship examinations.

Printmaking has been offered at NCEA Level 2 and 3 since 2013 through the combined paint and print course with students selecting their medium according to their strength or interest. Art teacher, Ms Vicci Sword said, ‘Georgia produced a brave and contemporary folio that was grounded in traditional print practice but used a new vocabulary of modern technologies. The context of her work surrounded people and place, developing formalist abstract imagery from a realistic starting point.’

Georgia also integrated photography, design and drawing-based approaches to extend her work and utilised the technologies and equipment available to her in the Jack Paine Centre, including the dark room and laser cutter. Ms Sword said Georgia’s outstanding achievement was the result of ‘Hard work, late nights and high level thinking!’

Well done Georgia!

*Georgia Foster was awarded an Outstanding Scholarship She was also

Academic Colours and Honours

At special assemblies early in Term 1, Academic Colours and Honours were awarded to our highest achieving Senior School students whilst our top Middle School students received their Academic Endeavour Awards. In recognition of our students who strive to achieve at the highest academic levels, Saint Kentigern College awards Academic Colours and Honours twice a year. Those awarded in Term 1 are recognised for their achievement in the previous end of year external examinations.

ncea

(national certificate of educational achievement)

Year 13 ncea academic colours

Marieke Kruiswijk, Rachel Worthington, Scott Murray, Brandon Hoon, Jessica Allen, Byron Lam, Georgina Alcock, Finn McGregor, Yingqi Wang, Jeffrey Chan, Keegan Chessum, Daniel Clark, Caitlin Houghton, Joseph Sterritt, Devika Dhir, Emma Hanley, Harry Rillstone, Sarah Courtney, Meheer Zaveri, Rebecca Lane, Keshini Ketheeswaran, Matthew Swiatek, Kelvin Chiu, Ezra Puni, Isabella Richards, Andrew Wei, Ginna Auld, Lucy Conyngham, Samuel Broadhead, Oliver Hadfield, Thomas Hammond, Zachary Searle, Charlotte Walkley, Anthony Grant, Joshua Waterman, Joshua Holroyd

Year 13 ncea academic Honours

Bentley Atkinson, Samantha Brown, Claire Carville, Dayna Chung, Emily Cran, Caitlin Dodd, Henry Donald, Martin Dow, Aaron Duncan, Miracle Faamalosi, Alana Gillespie, Caitlin Hogan, Annelise Katz, Stephanie Kirkman, Melissa McNaughton, Claudia McVey, Harrison Rainger, Henry Rowden, Charles Rillstone, Alexander Sames, Jaiden Walmsley, Sophie Watson

InteRnatIOnaL B accaLauReate dIpLOMa

The standard set to gain Academic Awards is high and intended to motivate our top academic students to achieve at the highest levels of excellence. We are extremely pleased that the number of students attaining Colours and Honours is growing each year, showing our students’ commitment to achieving at their personal best; a philosophy we promote to our students. The students who are awarded Colours receive a special breast pocket to wear with pride on their blazer.

Year 12 ncea academic colours

Haswell Brooke, Cameron Low, Kevin Shen, Emma Westbrooke, Nicola Williams, Andrew Fu, Samantha Louie, Joanna Mao, Zirui Yao, Chava Arymowicz, Victoria Zhu, James Hansen, Henry Mellsop, Dominic Devlin, Emily Peart, Erik Jorgensen, Edward Barry, Wing Kei Tang, Harrison Fleming, Harriet Carter, Alexander Monk, Greer Hunter, Jonathan Lee, Kelly Anne Connolly, Caitlin Walker, Matthew Wong-Kam, Nicholas Allen, Maximilian Ballard, Samuel Elliot, Benjamin Rutherford, Iris Lee

Francesca Armstrong, James Brown, Katherine Chang, Otto Couper, William Eaddy, Alexandra Gordon, Kurt Hawkins, Spencer Johnstone, Matthew Kelly, Connor Mattson, Ella Mayhew, Aislin McGinity, Karinne Moss, Elizabeth Mudford, Oliver O’Rourke, Jason Owens, Anna Patton, Charlotte Powell, Kevin Reid, Timothy Roxburgh, Amelia Sayes, Rose Sudworth, Zachary Tucker, Sarah Weston, Jong Won

MIddLe scHOOL acadeMIc endeaVOuR aWaRds

Year 8 (Year 7 in 2014)

Year 13 IB academic colours

Daniel Ng, Grace Wood, Willam Xu, Kevin Yi

Year 13 IB academic Honours

Hanna Thompson, Ming Hong Huang

Sarah Braid, Lulu Denholm, Kate Eastgate, Robbie King, Ling Kong, Grace Maddren, Caitlyn McKenzie, Erin Porter, Olivia Powell, Dion Shen, Rebecca Stewart, Helen Yu

Year 9 (Year 8 in 2014)

Kate Armstrong, Alice Donald, Libby Downs, Tess Elliott, Claire Hollingworth, Jenny Jiang, Emma King, Connor McKenzie, Isobel Merrie, Olivia Montgomery, Sarah Peart, Annabel Shepherd, Ben Shepherd, Alice Smith, Felicity Williams

Year 10 (Year 9 in 2014)

Andrew Chen, Olivia Dodd, Zara Iqbal, Natasha Leishman, Hannah Williams

Year 12 ncea academic Honours

Bruce House Head Prefects

At the first formal dinner for 2015, the newly appointed student leaders for Bruce House were presented with their Bruce House prefect’s badge. This was a proud moment for the new Bruce House Head Boy and Head Girl, Trent MacDonald and Sienna Spence. Trent will be supported in his role by Deputy Head Boy, Charlie Rillstone and Sienna will have the support of Deputy Head Girl, Valentine Pons.

This year’s cohort of 115 boarders has 84 boys and 31 girls from Year 7 through to Year 13, including 19 international students. This year 29 new boys and 17 new girls have started boarding.

This is now the 61st year of boys’ boarding and the 5th year since girls first had the opportunity to board. The transition to a co-educational boarding facility has been so seamless that it now feels as if the girls have always been there!

In a message to the new boarders, both Trent and Sienna said that they will come to understand that it is a privilege to board. ‘Although it all seems a bit much at the start, living with your peers allows a close bond to occur that day students may not be able to achieve. They don’t have the same sense of family and teamwork that boarders do. The availability of resources that we all have access to is another huge benefit of boarding. We are a walk away from trainings, a second from class and it only takes a minute to spark up a game of touch or volleyball out on top of the field.

There is another perk that other students might not know about… Prep! Even though it’s a hassle, it does help to get work done in a sensible time frame that could easily turn to procrastination at home with the vast amount of distractions. And an added benefit, is the possibility to get extra help from teachers up here and from other students.’

Over the years, Bruce House has been the home of some very fine young men and women like Trent and Sienna. There is an emphasis on Bruce House adding value to the College and boarders develop as leaders and willing contributors. Whether academically, on the sports field, the music centre or the stage, there are many boarders who are not only involved, but excel at all they undertake. For the senior students in particular, their

proximity to the College facilities mean that they are easily able to juggle their academic and cocurricular commitments without spending time travelling to and from school.

House Master, Reverend David Smith and his wife, Karen, live onsite, as does Mrs Cathy Kirkman who has current responsibility for the girls while Mrs Juliet Dale in maternity leave. These families are at the heart of Bruce House ensuring that the boarders feel like they have a true home base at College when they are away from their own families. The overwhelming feeling is that of a community where inclusion across the age groups is the norm and students come to recognise fellow boarders as an extension to their family. Just as the duty staff play an important role in boarders’ lives, so too do the matrons who care for them and kitchen staff who prepare their meals. They all play a part in the Bruce House Family.

Boarding has come a long way since Bruce House first opened in 1954. Cold showers, muddy fields and frozen sandwiches at lunchtime are definitely a thing of the past!

WeLcOMe tO OuR InteRnatIOnaL students

This year there are 19 international students in the boarding houses representing many countries as diverse as Indonesia, Germany, China, Taiwan, Tahiti, Fiji, Malaysia, Hong Kong Thailand, Korea, Australia, Fiji and Tahiti. It’s fantastic to have such a mix of nationalities and cultures at Bruce House adding diversity and richness to our boarding fraternity.

Bruce House Head Boy Trent Macdonald

Bruce House Head Girl sienna spence

College Receives Butterfly Garden award

During term 1, the College welcomed Glenn Johnstone and Cheryl Krull, trustees from MBNZ (Moths & Butterflies of New Zealand) to award the College a plaque for their outstanding work in creating a successful butterfly habitat. The ‘Certified Butterfly Garden or Habitat Award’ is only granted to well-established gardens that have proven successful in attracting butterflies for at least two to three seasons. There are generally only one or two habitats a year that are granted an award and it recognises the College’s commitment and perseverance in creating an environment that encourages Lepidoptera*, in particular the monarch butterfly, to our horticultural area.

The Lepidoptera Club at the College has been a labour of love for English teacher, Mrs Xanthe Noble. The Butterfly Garden was first established three years ago with a five year plan to gain certification from the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust. Over the last three summers, and again this year, the gardens have been filled with the signature orange and black monarch butterflies and their green and gold chrysalises. The students have protected and released over 300 first generation butterflies that have enjoyed the protection the College gardens have given them.

Students have cleared areas of land in the horticultural area and planted over 300 swan plants. Each week building up to summer and over the summer months, students meet to plant advantageous flowers and plants, weed plots and nurture the swan plant seedlings – the favoured plant for monarch butterflies. They take huge pleasure in watching the chrysalises form and the subsequent butterflies emerge.

One of the group, Year 13 student, Matthew Swiatek, explained that the voracious appetite of the ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ in Eric Carle’s popular children’s book is founded on reality. The group have learnt that it is necessary to protect the young swan plants until they are strong enough to withstand the onslaught of the caterpillars!

Last year a group of practically minded students gathered together at lunchtimes and planned, designed and created seating for the gardens with materials kindly donated by Martin Baker Timber. Signs have been created by the students to provide an outdoor learning environment for visiting classes, including our Preschoolers, as well as a restful place to sit and enjoy the gardens.

*Lepidoptera

Butterflies and moths are members of the insect order Lepidoptera, from the Greek meaning ‘scaly wings’.

applying for certification from MB (Moths & Butterflies of new zealand)

Before applying for certification, gardens or habitats need to meet a strict set of criteria:

• They can be privately owned or public spaces, e.g. owned by council, land care groups, schools etc

• They must host plants for at least three different Lepidoptera species

• They must have nectar plants for all seasons of the year

• The must have evergreen shelter trees of appropriate height on the southern side of the garden

• There must be water for ‘puddling’

• In public spaces, signage must be on display to explain the purpose of the plants for each species (hosts) and/or nectar during which season of the year (to inspire and encourage others to keep a continuity of planting)

• Predators and parasites are to be discouraged by natural means

• The gardens must have been established for two or three seasons with evidence to show on-going commitment and perseveranceIndoor habitats with tropical species do not qualify, as the idea is to boost numbers of NZ’s endemic and native species

Saint Kentigern

Saint Kentigern Uniforms for Malawi!

Working through World Vision NZ, the College was pleased to recently donate 165 kg of obsolete Saint Kentigern uniforms to our partner school in Chigodi, Malawi. The partnership with the school is an initiative led by Service Coordinator, Mr Mark Robinson who visited the small village last year and witnessed their hardship first hand. After years of devastating drought and more recent flooding, this landlocked African country is one of the poorest worldwide and in need of life-changing support. Chigodi has become the World Vision 40 Hour Famine focus project for the College for the next three years.

The uniforms were remainder stock after a recent change of fabric and style for some of the College clothing items. Former House t-shirts, sports uniforms and senior boys’ formal shirts were all donated by the College to be shipped by World Vision for distribution to the high school students in Malawi. For those who do not own much in the way of clothing, the uniforms were all gratefully received. When World Vision delivered the consignment, there was a huge amount of excitement as the students unpacked and tried on their new clothing; later banding together on the school field to spell out an enormous ‘Thank you’ for our donation. Saint Kentigern has had a long and significant relationship with World Vision and has been one of the top fundraising schools in the country for a number of years. Through World Vision, the College has already been able to make a worthy difference to Chigodi School and its community. In 2014, we provided 125 goats to the school which has helped to vastly improve the students and their families’ health, nutrition and quality of life. Most importantly, the livestock has provided the basis for on-going, sustainable income.

Service to Malawi

Our partnership with World Vision and the Chigodi community has also created a special service opportunity for some of our older students. During the July holidays this year, a group of students from Years 10, 11 and 12 will be taking a 19 day trip to Malawi, with six of those days assigned primarily to work at the two schools in Chigodi. In addition to their service component and seeing aid work in action, the students will also be climbing Malawi's highest mountain, the Mulanje Massif, visiting a game reserve and exploring Malawi.

Through their visit, the students will gain a fuller understanding of the hardships faced in an impoverished nation and the difference that can be made to those whose needs are greater than our own when we offer time, resources and new opportunities to help improve the quality of life. We look forward to hearing their impressions when they return.

performing arts and Media tour

S

an Francisco, New York, Los Angeles. Where better in the world to take Performing Arts and Media students to absorb live theatre performances, behind the scenes studio tours and hands on workshops than the homeland of the motion picture and entertainment industry?

With many months of meticulous planning, the Performing Arts and Media tour of 56 students and 8 staff headed to the USA during the Easter holidays for a programme chock full of events and sightseeing. What lay ahead over the next 15 days would take them from the West Coast to the East and back again, and to some of the best theatres, television studios and dance academies in the world. From warm, windy San Francisco to cold and wet New York and on to a very hot Los Angeles, the students and staff thoroughly enjoyed this amazing opportunity.

Whilst the group travelled as one, at each location they split into their media, drama and dancefocussed groups to undertake their own programme of subject-specific visits and workshops.

MEDIA

With thanks to Amy McLeod

How lucky are we to travel to the one and only, United States of America!

Beginning our trip in San Francisco, we visited famous tourist attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz prison, but to me, nothing compared with what our next stop, New York, had to offer. Lights, noise, signs, people, people, people, you honestly can’t put a price on that overwhelming feeling experienced in Times Square! New York was definitely my highlight of the trip.

As a media student, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Paley Centre, the Museum of Moving Image and New York University. As a group, we also enjoyed fabulous broadways shows, the Empire State Building and the moving 9/11 memorial. After eight fantastic days exploring all of what New York had to offer, we moved on to our last leg of the trip, Los Angeles. The city of fame and fortune, Los Angeles was one of the most exiting parts of the trip that taught me a lot about the opportunities available in the media industry. We also spent the day at Mira Costa High School, pairing up with one of their students and attending their everyday classes where we learned a lot about typical teenage culture in America.

We spent our last three days touring around the DreamWorks and Warner Brothers studios, and then finishing off with two days at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland! Overall, this trip had a impact on me in ways I certainly did not expect. I not only learnt about the incredible opportunities the media industry has to offer but I also learnt a lot about New Zealand. New Zealand!? But you went to America!? Odd, I know, but I truly came to appreciate how beautiful New Zealand really is. So we are pretty lucky. We get to live in this amazing country we call home and we get to visit crazy exciting ones like America!

DRAMA

With thanks to Keshini Ketheeswaran

On behalf of all of the drama students, I can confidently say that it was one of the most amazing and educational trips that we have ever been on. The drama group were fortunate enough to see a whole different side to the world of theatre. Especially in New York, the drama we witnessed and were taught was of a whole different level to anything we’ve ever experienced. We were made aware of the extreme performance levels of theatre and just how much it is possible to achieve.

We were fortunate to attend many workshops with incredible people who are currently in the business. Some of these people included Clay Thomson and Chris Rice, who have been in many Broadway shows in New York including Oliver, Newsies, West Side Story and Matilda, just to name a few. We also did a musical workshop with a cast member from Wicked and visited the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts for a class on acting for screen. Surprisingly, these weren’t even all of our workshops but the list is too extensive! Getting to work with these unbelievably talented people was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and we all greatly appreciated it.

Visiting San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles in such a jam packed two and a half weeks was truly inspiring. We all saw the massive world that was ahead of us outside New Zealand and the idea of ‘anything is possible’ was definitely a lasting concept that was left within us all. America was an amazing gateway to show us what is possible in the world of drama. Meeting people who have actually been successful in the business, getting advice from them and hearing first hand experiences is something that is indescribable for young kids with aspirations. This trip couldn’t have been better!

DANCE

With thanks to Lucy Floyd

On arrival in San Francisco, the dance students, along with teachers Mr Wilcox and Mr Harada, went straight to a dance studio called ODC where we were fortunate to see their Youth Dance Company perform. This was our first look at American dance training and the style of contemporary dance and it was so exciting for us to see. The following day we went to the San Francisco Ballet to watch their morning class. It became clear that the ballet dancers in America are trained very differently and we loved seeing the contrasting techniques and the different ways of teaching. Following a contemporary class at Alonzo Kings Lines Ballet, we were able to see the company perform; it was an incredible show and all of us were in awe of how much strength and control each of the dancers had.

Heading to New York, we visited the Lincoln Centre of the Arts – the home of Julliard School, the New York City Ballet, the American Ballet School and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Later that day we travelled to Harlem and were given a guided tour of the Apollo Theatre; a place where many greats have performed. Mr Apollo invited some of us on stage to do an impromptu talent show! After seeing the dressing rooms, backstage area and wall of signatures we left feeling star struck to have stood on the same stage a Beyonce!

Whilst in New York, the dance students went to the Broadway Dance Centre and Steps on Broadway where we each selected two classes to join. All of us took this opportunity to try new genres of dance. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to try new dance styles and get a better understanding of the sort of dancer that I am.

Along with the drama students we attended a Broadway workshop where we all learnt a part from the Broadway musical ‘Wicked.’ Our teacher was fabulous – we all left with big smiles on our faces! Immediately after, the dance girls had a class with a Broadway dancer and learnt two high energy pieces from the musicals Memphis and Mama Mia, again we had a ton of fun!

We saw dance performances by The Dance Centre of Harem and Stephen Potronio and two Broadway musicals: ‘Something Rotten’ and the highly anticipated ‘Chicago.’ We also watched the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The set was amazing and the Rockette dancers were stunning!

In Los Angeles, each of us chose two classes at the Edge Performing Arts and the hip hop classes, in particular, provided entertainment for all our students whether participating or watching! Each of us took something valuable from our time there. The following night we went to see Alvin Ailey perform. The performance was truly inspiring and all of us left the theatre with an even greater love for dance.

The trip provided the dancers with the opportunity of a lifetime. To go to so many classes and see so many world class companies perform was invaluable to each of us. All of us fell in love with dance all over again and that is due to the incredible experiences we had. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity. We would like to say a huge thank you to Miss Bishop, Mr Wilcox and Mr Harada for organising the dancers, we had an amazing time and know that it was down to your hard work and organisation - thank you!

Tour to France

With thanks to English teacher, Mrs Joanne MacDonald

For the purpose of practising language skills and learning more about French culture and history, twenty students and three teachers visited France in the Easter holidays. The group was comprised of both NCEA and IB students from Years 12 and 13. The trip began and ended in Paris, with short stays in Nice and Bordeaux filling the weeks in between.

In Paris, the students visited la Tour Eiffel, l’Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, le Louvre and le Sacré Coeur. They toured the Latin Quarter, Monet’s house and garden and Paris by night; by bus, boat and on bikes. The cycle tour was one of the highlights for many of the students; navigating Parisian traffic and stopping for photo opportunities. As use of language and comprehension was a focus, Mrs Mcmillan’s and Mr Navarro’s instructions and conversations were delivered in French. Tour guides also led the tours in French. As a result, the students’ comprehension skills and confidence in speaking greatly improved. Listening and time management skills were honed when catching the metro. Students gained a new appreciation for the meaning of rush hour Paris-style.

Extended time was provided at le Louvre as well as an additional trip to le Musée d’Orsay for interested art students. Some directly related the visits to their IB Extended Essay assessments. Time in Paris was brought to a close with another highlight of the trip; Disneyland.

In Nice, students attended a language school each morning and explored cultural and historic attractions each afternoon. Walking tours in Nice, Monte Carlo and parts of the Cote d’Azur gave students an insight into Italian architectural influence, medieval villages, majestic cathedrals and the life of the rich and famous in Monaco. The Matisse museum was another highlight for art students in this area. The weather was unfailingly beautiful and a number of students spent a very enjoyable afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The broad variety of experiences gave practical and memorable ways for students to learn new vocabulary. Students attended a French cooking class and played pétanque, having learnt a few tips from the pétanque club members.

The evenings in Nice were spent with host families who gave the students more opportunities to use their French. They toured the perfume factory at Eze and enjoyed the picturesque French countryside from the train, between each main centre.

The homestay students and families were a highlight in Bordeaux. Pupils of Lycée Vaclav-Havel had been corresponding with the College students since 2014. Many Saint Kentigern College students considered attending classes in Bordeaux as a highlight of the trip. The principal of the lycée was very welcoming to the students and staff; giving a tour of the eco-friendly school himself and passing the rugby ball with our Saint Kentigern College rugby players.

One morning’s class was taken by five year olds at the Elisabeth Milot and Ferdinand Buisson kindergarten. The pre-schoolers performed skits, sang, posed questions to the visiting kiwis and gave gifts they had made themselves. The Saint Kentigern College students did their best to keep up with the language skills of the five year olds and gifted picture books, written in English, to the kindergarten.

Afternoon excursions in Bordeaux included visits to Chateaux de Roques, St Emilion, Dune du Pyla and the beach at Arcachon. In the city centre, the students completed a scavenger hunt that gave them a good idea of the layout and attractions. Mrs MacDonald gave some of the English students an introduction to the French play Antigone, as part of the IB course. They attended a live performance, asking questions of the actors afterwards.

The last evening in Bordeaux was the main highlight for the students. At the musical café, Cajou Café, students joined in with singing traditional French songs and sang some kiwi numbers.

Students were very pleased with the progress they made in understanding French and using it themselves to communicate. Many thanks to Mrs Mcmillan for the time and effort put into organising this trip for the benefit of her students and to Mr Navarro and Mrs MacDonald for assisting with the smooth running of this memorable trip.

Saint Kentigern

Tour to Japan

With thanks to Japanese teacher, Mrs Christine Leishman

Traditional meets modern, east meets west, temples shrines, shopping and language, language, language!

During the April school holidays – fifteen students, accompanied by Mrs Leishman and Mr Hart, travelled to Japan for 13 days of sushi, Sakura (the famous Japanese cherry blossom), shinkansens (the bullet trains that reach speeds of 320km per hour), shopping, and of course speaking Japanese as much as possible.

The group left early on Easter Friday and after an eleven hour flight and a further one and a half hour coach ride, we arrived at Sakura Youth Hostel in Tokyo’s Asakusa. Over the next three days we were able to visit very traditional places such as the Meiji Jingu temple, the Asakusa Sensooji temple and Ueno Park, alongside the latest that Tokyo has to offer in Ginza, Shibuya, Akihabara (electrical city), Odaiba and Shinjuku. Along the way we tried out Japanese food, as well as fitting in a few shopping opportunities! We spent the day at Tokyo Disneyland on the first Monday and rode subways, the famous Yamanote circle line, and walked at least ten kilometres each day.

Wednesday saw us lining up on the Shinkansen platform at 9:00am for our first experience on the bullet train. The seats were far more comfortable and spacious than economy class on our flight so we all really enjoyed that, and all subsequent, bullet train rides. Kyoto is organised in a grid-like pattern, and we were able to walk to our hostel which was clean, modern and centrally located. At every stage, we tried to ask for information using Japanese and most of the time we were understood!

We spent our first evening in Kyoto in Gion, watching the traditional entertainers called geisha and walked along a street built in the style of 16th Century Japan. The following day we took in the sights of central Kyoto. We saw the beautiful golden shrine at Kinkakuji, the former Imperial castle called Nijojo, followed by lunch and a visit to Kiyomizudera up on top of the hill overlooking Kyoto city.

From Kyoto we made a day trip to Nara, the first capital city of Japan. Famous for its big Buddha statue, I think the wild deer roaming the park remained the real attraction for our students. The rain held off on this day and it was an enjoyable day out. On Sunday morning we made a start on the last leg of our trip to Hiroshima, with a stop-off at Himeji castle – one of the iconic images of Japan. It was a stunning day – and a beautiful castle.

The A-bomb Dome in Hiroshima and the museum in the Peace Park were always going to be a focus of our visit to this city. We were careful to take our time as we went through the museum so that the students could understand the full impact of what happened to Hiroshima on August 6th 1945. It was a horrific event and the images we saw in the museum will stay with us for some time.

The students were ‘set free’ that afternoon to wander around downtown Hiroshima, shopping and using their Japanese some more. Tuesday morning we went to Miyajima Island – a local tourist attraction for foreigners and Japanese alike, starring the Itsukushima shrine (the shrine in the water). It was nice to get out on the water and enjoy a lovely day in the sun on our last day in Japan.

It was a really long trip back to Auckland on Tuesday. A six hour ride on the bullet train, another two hours changeover in Tokyo onto the Narita express for the airport trip, and a further three hours waiting for our flight before the eleven hour flight home.

The tour to Japan was an amazing trip with a great group of students who really got a lot out of the experience. Japan is an incredible place – full of contrasts - and I would encourage all Japanese languages students to take the opportunity to go if it is offered to you.

european Physics Tour

With thanks to student reporter, Georgina Alcock

On the first day of April, 27 aspiring physicists from the Senior School, along with five staff members, met at Auckland airport to embark on an experience of a lifetime to Europe. After over 30 hours of flying and airport lingering we touched down in Paris. All slightly exhausted but buzzing with excitement we set out on an orientation tour of Paris and an afternoon exploring the Louvre museum.

Our physics experience started on our second day where we spent the day at the Palais de la Decouverte science museum in Paris; a museum created by physics Nobel Prize winner Jean Baptiste Perren. Firstly we enjoyed an electromagnetism workshop where we explored the phenomenon of electromagnetism using huge currents, huge magnets and magnetic fields. We discovered Lorentz’s force law, with some students personally experiencing the pure strength of the force created by the mega magnets. We spent the remainder of our day exploring the extensive museum on a self-guided tour, where we created standing waves on a huge suspended slinky and tested our knowledge on torque, using our own human weight and strength.

Next we spent a day of enjoyment and entertainment thanks to physics at Disneyland Euro. We spent our final day in Paris exploring the city, including a climb up one of the world’s most famous infrastructures, the Eiffel Tower, and discovering the beauty of the Palace of Versailles.

Our journey continued as we made our way on a seven hour bus ride from Paris to Geneva, Switzerland. Here we experienced the highlight of the trip at a full day visiting CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. During our special visit, we were launched into a world of fundamental research where we were guided through parts of the experimental areas. This included an up close encounter with an antimatter decelerator experiment, where we were walked through the concept of antimatter and CERN’s role in accessing their suitability for purposes such as cancer therapy. The afternoon was spent in a hands-on computer data analysing workshop where we were all got the opportunity to analyse real data from the ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) experiment which is used to study the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities, mimicking conditions similar to the big bang. The day, in whole, was a hugely inspiring insight into contemporary physics research and its role in both the present and future.

The next morning we visited the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO is the UN system’s authoritative voice on the state of the Earth’s atmosphere, and during our visit we had a talk on the statistics and nature of global warming. We were exposed to the questions of what is causing climate change and what we can do as a society to minimise its effect on our world.

The next morning we made our way to Lausanne to visit The Centre for Research in Plasma Physics (CRPP) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale

de Lausanne (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). Here, through a guided tour, we were introduced to the concept of plasmas, fusion and their related experimental devices. This included a visit to the Tokomak which is the most advanced concept for a thermonuclear fusion reactor, a conceptualised way to produce energy through fusion in the future.

That afternoon we continued our journey to Mühleberg to explore the physics of nuclear fission where we enjoyed a guided tour through the Mühleberg Power Plant. We were walked through exactly how the plant utilises energy from these nuclear fission chain reactions and also the security and safety required to work with such dangerously radioactive materials.

Next we began our seven hour journey to our last hotel in Munich Germany. On route to Munich we stopped at Berne to take a tour of Einstein’s house, where he lived between 1903 and 1905. We were guided by a local physics professor to explore a bit of Einstein’s life history and better understand his special theory of relativity, which he developed during his time in Berne.

Our first day in Munich was spent at an excursion to Dachau, one of the first Nazi Concentration Camps of World War II. Our tour of the grounds and museum was a chilling experience for everyone; it was an eye opening experience which will not be forgotten.

Our physics journey continued as we spent a full day visit to the Deutsches Museum; the world’s largest museum of Science and Technology. We started the day with a two hour specialist physics guided tour where exhibitions took us from classical mechanics to modern particle physics. The tour finished with a high-voltage demonstration of alternating 300,000 volt pulse discharges simulating lightning hitting a building with 800,000 volts. We spent the remainder of the day exploring the huge museum and its excessive experiments, demonstrations and expeditions discovering the world of science and technology.

On our final day we visited the BMW Plant to gain an insight into the state -of-the-art automobile manufacturer. On our guided tour through BMW’s original plant, following the production from the press shop and body shop to assembly, we witnessed the precision and quality gained by the robotic production line which gave us an exciting insight into all areas of automobile production.

The physics tour was an amazing and inspiring experience for the lucky students involved. As well as expanding our knowledge on physics and its role in our evolving world today, it also opened our eyes to the study and jobs available to us involving the ever developing subject of physics. On behalf of all students involved I would like to thank all staff and parents for making this amazing once in a lifetime experience possible and especially Mr Naude who led the organisation of this amazing and successful trip.

Monty Python’s

SPAMALOT

When considering the classic British legend of King Arthur and his fabled Knights of the Round Table, we think of chivalry, bravery and the epic quests, dangers and challenges faced in their pursuit of the ultimate prize - the Holy Grail. We also think of the ethereal, Lady of the Lake clad in white silk, holding the jewel encrusted sword, Excalibur, aloft. The man brave, strong and righteous enough to make Excalibur his, is destined to be the King of England. The legend teaches strength, courage and most importantly, loyalty.

OK, throw those thoughts out the window… just as the Monty Python team did when they first penned the 1975 film, ‘Monty Python and The Holy Grail!’ A musical theatre spin-off, ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ was ‘lovingly ripped off’ from the original film and parodies the Arthurian legend by following the trials of King Arthur and his servant/horse, Patsy, as they wander the countryside in search of candidates to join the Knights of the Round Table.

For those who arrived in Elliot Hall with no

foreknowledge of Monty Python – the team of comedians who changed the face of British comedy in the early 70’s – it didn’t take long to discover that their humour was absurd, farcical, cheeky, irreverent and squirmingly, unashamedly hilarious!

As the man whose adventure was bequeathed to him by the ‘finger in the sky,’ Braydon Robinson was dashing as Arthur, King of England; his majestic presence gaining the audience’s attention with his passion, position and arrogance. Unfortunately, the audience were not his loyal subjects! Despite not receiving one iota of respect from anyone he encounters on stage, Arthur manages to recruit a motley crew of Knights including the strangely flatulent, inept scholar, Sir Bedevere (Kurt Hawkins); Sir Galahad (Sid Chand), the once grubby ‘mud gatherer’ who becomes dashingly handsome once knighted; the homicidally brave Sir Lancelot (Oliver Hadfield) who is fearless to a fault; and Sir Robin the Brave but-not-quiteso-brave-as-Sir-Lancelot because quite frankly, he isn’t (Nick McQueen).

The diversity of talent that Sid, Kurt, Oliver and Nick brought to the stage as a quartet of marvellous misfits was fantastic to watch. These were fine character actors who displayed excellent comic timing along with strong vocals for the musical numbers.

Sam Elliot played the role of the King’s greatly under-appreciated servant Patsy, who longs for Arthur’s approval but never receives it. We also discover from the outset that he doubles as the King’s horse and gains untold comedic mileage with a pair of halved coconuts to beat out the thrum of horses’ hooves - a low-budget stand-in for a cantering horse! As the ‘pack mule’ to Arthur, he was lovable, presenting bright optimism with his rendition of the much loved song, ‘Always look on the bright side of life.’

The final lead role belonged to the big voice of Lili Taylor playing the Lady of the Lake; strong, beautiful – egotistical and petulant, a high maintenance Diva! As a true Diva, her amazing singing voice, and the ability to sing effortlessly in many styles and vocal registers, was crucial to the role; one

that Lili played to a tee. Backed up by the all singingdancing Laker Girls, she revels in the Las Vegas-style show scene that was definitely not the Camelot of folklore, and then returns later to vigorously complain ‘Whatever happened to my part?’ when she ‘disappeared’ from the stage for far too long in her view.

It’s almost five decades since Monty Python first aired on newly coloured television and for the nostalgic fans who were familiar with Python’s ‘off kilter brand of humour; they must have been well pleased with this faithful rendition. For a cast who were born almost 30 years later, the students did a brilliant job of keeping up the high energy, madcap mayhem as King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table galloped into Elliot Hall. The physical and comedic demands of the show could have been daunting but the combined ensemble of character actors, dancers and musicians did a fantastic job of rising to the challenge. A brilliant night of comic theatre, well done!

Our thanks to Head of Music, Ross Gerritsen who compiled a mixed orchestra of students, Old Collegians and professional musicians to piece together the 230 pages of ‘complex music’ to support the cast on stage. He also designed the set which was built to compliment a 24m2 proscenium projection screen to depict time and place. Assistant Musical Director, Lachlan Craig worked with the cast on the large chorus scenes while directing some of the lead characters through their feature items. Head of Dance and the show’s Choreographer, Mr Geordan Wilcox spent considerable time introducing the cast to the myriad dance styles they needed to master before the show opened and Director and Head of Drama, Ms Emma Bishop took on the costumes, designed and coordinated to combine the ‘ridiculous’ with the period dress of medieval Europe; and also worked with the leads to establish characterisation and style while working on accents, comic timing and the unity of the team of misfit Knights. Along with lighting and sound, the technical aspects were skilfully programmed and executed to make this a truly magical night of musical theatre.

‘We dine well here in Camelot. We eat ham and jam and Spam a lot.’

Historic Debating Win for College!

Russell McVeagh is the most prestigious debating tournament of the year. It is fair to say that for the debaters, it is the equivalent of the 1A competition for the 1st XV! Throughout the tournament, selectors are looking to pick teams to represent Auckland at the debating nationals in May. Over a weekend in late March, Saint Kentigern College sent three teams to compete at the annual Russell McVeagh Auckland Debating Regional Championship held at Auckland Grammar School.

After the initial preliminary stages of the tournament, SKC1 (Becky Lane, Rachel Worthington and Keshini Kestheeswaran) was the only team left unbeaten and were top of the table. SKC2 (Sarah Courtney, Josh Looker and Oscar Simms) placed third with three out of four wins. In the history of the tournament, this is the highest ever placing by a school's ‘second’ team after the first day of debates. This allowed both teams to progress to the second day of the tournament which was structured as an eight team single elimination bracket.

In the quarterfinals, SKC1 defeated Kings 2 while SKC2 won a hard fought battle against Macleans 1. In the semifinals, SKC1 defeated Westlake 1 while SKC2 defeated Lynfield, both with 2-1 split decisions. This lined up an all Saint Kentigern final. The significance of this achievement cannot be undersold. This is the first time in the tournament’s history that one school has had two teams in the Grand Final. It would be the equivalent of the 1st and 2nd XV making the final of 1A. Truly a groundbreaking achievement.

In the Grand Final, the teams debated over whether women should have places reserved for them in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at university with SKC2 affirming and SKC1 negating the motion. After an incredibly high quality debate, SKC1 emerged victorious and successfully defended their title from last year. This in itself is significant as it is the first time since 1999 that a school has managed to defend a Russell McVeagh title.

After winning the tournament, a few speakers were singled out for their incredible performance over the weekend. Josh Looker (Year 11, SKC2) was named 'Most Promising Speaker' of the tournament; an award reserved for a speaker who is not Year 13 who the adjudication team thinks shows incredible promise. Rachel Worthington and Becky Lane were named as members of the Auckland Regional Squad which represents the highest level of achievement possible for a student at the tournament.

Jesse Hart was the head coach of both SKC1 and SKC2 and was capably assisted by Old Collegian Arun Prakash (who was a member of the New Zealand team last year). The debating programme is overseen and run by Mr Chris Hodder.

Kevin to represent New Zealand

Congratulations to Year 12 mathematics student, Kevin Shen, who has been selected to represent New Zealand at this year's International Mathematical Olympiad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in July.

Kevin will be joining a team of six students from schools across Auckland when they take on the challenge in Thailand. These six were selected from a larger squad who have been training together in recent months hoping for a place on the team. The Olympiad aims to promote enthusiasm and curiosity in mathematics and to give young people an opportunity to exhibit their problem solving skills through a wide variety of challenges put to them by mathematicians.

Kevin was also successful at the inaugural New Zealand Linguistics Olympiad; an event which uses language data to solve logic problems. After his success at regional level, Kevin has also been selected to progress to this national event in July.

Auckland Win Year 10 student, Andrew Chen also proved he knows his sums when he placed 1st in his age group in the Auckland Mathematical Olympiad held at the University of Auckland. This demanding examination was hosted by the Department of Mathematics.

Sample Maths Olympiad Question:

On an infinite chess board, a whole number value is assigned to every square of the chessboard, such that the value of each square is the average of the value's 4 squares adjacent to it. Prove that every square has the same value.

Answer: Consider a square with a minimal value of S, which is the average of the values of the 4 adjacent squares. The 4 squares adjacent to it must also have the value S. If there is a square with value less than S, it contradicts the minimality of S. If any adjacent square had value larger than S, then it is larger than the average, so there must be another square with value less than S, again contradicting the minimality of S. We can apply the same reasoning to the 4 adjacent squares with S. Thus the value of the every square is equal to S.

Kentoris Sing at the Dawn Service

The College was well represented at the Anzac Dawn Service held at the Museum in celebration of the centenary. Students in their formal uniform were easily spotted and many Saint Kentigern Families were in attendance.

Our Premier Choir, Kentoris, was given a fanstastic opportunity to be part of the impressive 100-voice choir for the centenary celebrations; a choir which also featured many recent Old Collegians. It was an early start to the day with some of the students up as early as 3.30am to be part of the official proceedings.

The Dawn Service drew a crowd of over 20,000 and the choir led the singing of the hymns ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘Lest We Forget’ from the steps of the Museum. The choir, together with the Auckland City Salvation Army

Band also sang, ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ as Mayor Len Brown lay a cross in the Fields of Remembrance. The choir then led the singing of both the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems before the veterans and servicemen marched off the forecourt.

Several of our senior students together with recent Old Collegians then joined the Auckland Youth Choir to perform a concert in the Sanctuary of the Museum. Surrounded by the thousands of names of fallen New Zealanders, they performed poignant and moving music that was accompanied by very emotional readings from Percy Hillary’s diary; read by his grandson Arthur Boyer. The choir then sang the 11.00am Civic Service, and a small group travelled out to Ranfurly Village in Mt Albert to sing for the Veteran’s service there. The day finished with choir members sharing tea, biscuits and stories with the Veterans and their families.

Website Whizzes!

Underlining:

We believe in beautiful websites – designed with you in mind!

When Underlining Web Development was initiated in late 2014, the founders, Year 12 College students, James Brown and Harry Mellsop, set out with the goal of earning some money in their spare time. Today, with several clients in the US and elsewhere abroad, Underlining is becoming less of a hobby and is rapidly closing in on a full time job. Armed with an education in Design and Digital Technology from the College, and putting all their spare time into trying to grow the business and client base, James and Harry are getting a taste of the real business world, and gaining knowledge and experience in the process.

In early 2015, the team acquired a new member – Operations Manager, Harry Rillstone. With the addition of a second Harry, Underlining was able to expand internationally; Brown and Mellsop were left to focus on producing a great and reliable product for the client, and Rillstone was able to utilise his skills learnt through the Accounting department at College in order to keep everything operating smoothly. The team currently specialise in creating beautiful websites, and also providing effective social media marketing campaigns and company rebranding solutions for businesses.

It’s still very early days for Underlining but their growth and initial success is a testimony to the education that all three current members have received from the College, in each of their areas of knowledge. Their passion for design and creativity, coupled with several years of combined experience developing websites is what drives the trio, and they have plans for the future; hoping to keep the momentum going for a long time yet.

If you want to get in touch with Underlining, or browse their portfolio of work, you can find their website at www.underlining.co/, or other information can be found on their various social media accounts:

@_Underlining for Twitter and Instagram, Underlining Web Development on Facebook, or you can email them at team@underlining.co.

Solo Music Competition 2015

How do you compare a pianist to a violinist, a singer to a saxophonist, a cellist to a flautist or clarinettist? Clearly not without a huge amount of deliberation - and a great deal of understanding about the technical aspects of a solo musical performance!

A stellar line up of twelve of the College’s best musicians dressed in their finest recently to compete for the title of this year’s Solo Music Champion. Selected through earlier audition, the finalists performed to an appreciative audience in one of four categories: Piano, Strings, Voice or Wind.

Unlike the many other musical performance opportunities during the course of the year, this event put each individual player in the spotlight under the watchful scrutiny of our three guest judges for the evening: Catherine Blomfield, who works for the Auckland Philharmonia; Old Collegian, Nelson Lam, who is an avid musical performer and composer; and Nicholas Forbes who currently teaches music at King’s College.

As the winners were announced, the judges conveyed the difficulty of their decision. They were most complimentary about the level of technical and musical proficiency of our musicians but indicated that at competition level, it was not just about playing the piece but the total performance from the time they stepped onto the stage and the connection they made with their audience that counts. They said there were moments of breath-taking ability and control of technique from each of the students but in this evening of exceptional talent, one performer stood out and they were universal in their decision to award saxophonist, Daniel Ng the title of Overall Solo Music Champion. For string and voice finalists, Ryan Tong and Sid Chand, this was the second year that they have won their section title. Iris Lee was a first time finalist and winner of the piano section with her exceptional performance.

This is now the ninth consecutive year that this competition has been run. Judge and Old Collegian, Nelson Lam was a finalist himself in 2009. He thoroughly enjoyed his return to College and said he felt truly humbled by the calibre of the performers. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Nelson, Catherine and Nicholas for sharing their time and expertise to make the evening such a success.

Solo Musician of the Year

Daniel Ng - Saxophone

Piano Finalists

Yu Chen Dong

William Xu

Iris Lee

Piano Winner: Iris Lee

String Finalists

Emily Young - Cello

Joshua Pan - Violin

Ryan Tong - Violin

String Winner: Ryan Tong

Voice Finalists

Lili Taylor

Aaron Leng

Sid Chand

Voice Winner: Sid Chand

Wind Finalists

Ethan Blight - Clarinet

Daniel Ng - Saxophone

Annelise Katz - Flute

Wind Winner: Daniel Ng

Saint Kentigern

AnZAC Parade

As New Zealanders and Australians looked back on 100 years of Anzac Day Remembrance, it was fitting that the College Pipes & Drums marked the occasion after 50 years of parading for Anzac Day ceremonies and services.

Fifty years ago, on the 50th Anniversary of this day, the then fledgling Saint Kentigern Pipe Band answered an invitation from families of Saint Kentigern College boarders and travelled to the Waikato town of Te Kauwhata to lead their Anzac Day parade. Over the following four and a half decades, without fail, the band returned each year to lead the parade, renew old acquaintances and meet up with Saint Kentigern farming families from around the Waikato. The band’s involvement was important to successive generations of our students as they quickly recognised the significance of the World Wars and the devastating effect they had on small New Zealand communities.

In just recent years, with the passing on of many veterans and the closure of the Te Kauwhata RSA, the Pipes & Drums took the opportunity to shift its attention and serve the local community and accepted an invitation to take part in the Parade and Remembrance Service at Stockade Hill in Howick. This year Saint Kentigern was well represented as the College

Pipes & Drums, The Old Collegians Pipe Band, College Prefects and student representatives from Saint Kentigern Girls’ and Boys’ Schools joined the parade of veterans and current serving personnel.

During the very poignant service, prefect representatives, Jonathan Baskett and Lauren Dalton laid wreaths on the memorial, before the full parade reformed and marched back down through the village.

Even with the passage time, ANZAC Day is just as relevant to our students now, as it ever was. There is important recognition and an acute awareness that so many who paid the ultimate sacrifice were not much older than themselves. For the students of the Pipes & Drums their continued commitment is their tribute to all of those who have served.

Eight in a row!

In the blistering heat of a February Saturday, the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern once again kilted up and competed at the Auckland Provincial Pipe Band Championships. This annual event sees competition across the grades, culminating in the Massed Bands at the end of the day. Saint Kentigern were again victorious, successfully defending the U19 grade title. This is the eighth year in a row the band has been awarded the Alexander Family Trophy, once again establishing them as the top juvenile band in the region!

One of the highlights of the full day of competition was the band’s third place across all disciplines of piping, drumming and marching drill in the Street March event, judged against the adult bands across their grade, which is a significant accomplishment for such young players. The extra practice hours required of the students, as well as extra rehearsals in the summer holidays and weekends, helped secure the band their success. Special mention should also be made to the new members who have graduated through to the Pipes and Drums this year. This was their first taste of the pressure of competition and they rose to the challenge, ably supported by the senior students.

The Saint Kentigern CEILIDH

Saturday 22 August 2015

7.00pm for 7.30pm

Elliot Hall

Dress: formal – and a kilt if you have one!

You are cordially invited to The Saint Kentigern Ceilidh. A social event in support of the Pipes & drums tour to Scotland.

The evening includes great hospitality – drinks on arrival – dancing to live music – roast dinner of fine Scottish fare – a traditional haggis piped in with due ceremony in honour of the great Poet – Scottish Country dancing – Scottish Songs – and a couple of Highland Flings for good measure.

A cash bar will operate from 7.30pm Auctions will take place during the evening.

Challenge, Fun and Smiles at Year 7 Camp

There were smiles all round when our youngest sons and daughters of Kentigern headed to the Year 7 orientation camp at Chosen Valley in the Bombay Hills. All 126 students enjoyed the sun, fun and camaraderie of a ‘full-on’ camp run by Head of Year 7, Mr Kevin Taylor and the Year 7 teachers. The many activities on offer provided an excellent means to ensure that the new students were well integrated into our College community.

Activities are plentiful at camp to provide new challenges, plenty of fun and the chance for students to get to know one another. Of all the activities on offer, the students definitely put a positive spin put on those that involve water – fresh and clean or cloudy and muddy, it doesn’t seem to matter!

Before camp I would never have dreamed of attempting the Confidence Course, let alone loving every second of it. The rope swing, the struggle of climbing nets and the splash of falling into the eely river made it my camp highlight!

Lucas van den Brink

Wherever there’s the opportunity to enter water at high speed - the bigger the splash the better!

These camps are an invaluable part of our orientation for students who are new to Saint Kentigern. New bonds are formed, House loyalties are entrenched and big, tired smiles of campers saying, ‘Awesome, let’s do it again,’ make the experience worthwhile.

Our thanks go to all the staff but in particular to the many parent helpers who were able to join us at camp and provide valuable assistance and supervision.

I loved how on the trolleys you thought you were going to die, but you did it anyway!

Connor Popplewell

I found camp valuable because I know the College now and that I belong here.

Nathaniel Hutchinson

The weirdest thing I did was touch an eel when I was swimming to the stairs from the waterslide.

Siobhan Balle

Camp taught me how to respect others and myself. Sleeping in tents taught me real friendship and good bonding. I found the food made me appreciate my mum's cooking way more!

Charlotte Parke

I really enjoyed how we said Grace because it is respecting God and thanking him for the food he has provided.

Kayla Cammish

The best thing about camp is cooking noodles with a billy.

Anna Liu

One of my favourite parts of camp was the Flying Fox because I overcame my fear of heights.

Archie Freeland

The main thing I got from camp was to put others before myself and encourage others in activities they weren’t so good at like the confidence course.

Lucia Newcombe

I learnt at camp how to work well with a team and how to be a good group member. Camp has helped me to develop new skills such as cooking and to never give up as you can do anything if you want.

Emma Savory

Saint Kentigern

Camp was like surviving in the wild, but safely while having fun! There was a lot of walking but the best bit was bombarding into the murky water on the Canadian slide.

Annie Yu

Rain and Sun at Year 9 Camp

Year 9 had a fantastic week away at Totara Springs Camp in Matamata with students in Hamilton and Wishart heading off for the start of the week, dodging the rain, followed by Cargill and Chalmers taking their place for the second half, in glorious sunshine!

The Year 9 camp so early in the year is a great opportunity to help cement new friendships and create strong bonds in each of the Tutor Groups. With a new intake of Year 9 students at the beginning of the year, joining those who have already been at the College for two years, this camp is strategically timed to bring new groupings together in a week where activities and the opportunity for challenge were plentiful. Camp is a fantastic opportunity for the boys and girls to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves physically and mentally in a new yet supportive environment. Through their time away from home, they were able to learn more about themselves and others, while growing in self-confidence. Our Year 13 Peer Support leaders played a big part at camp, providing support, encouragement and guidance for the Year 9’s and instilling a sense of what it means to be a son or daughter of Kentigern.

Not only was it a really good way to start off the year and a super fun trip, but we got to know our tutor group, we learned vital independence skills, and values that I bet will stay with most of us forever.”

Nevill

I learned to accept other's ideas.

Monty Scholtens

Camp was great. It was full of activities, friends, water, frights and 9JJO.

Jessica Grainger

From the Canadian waterslide to team building, camp was a great way to get to know our peer support, tutor class and tutor. I got to know everyone and had experiences unable to be replicated inside the classroom or at home.

Samuel Clarke

During camp I realized that I wasn't that different to the others in my class and I found out that they were quite funny, friendly people.

Lewis Redmond

A moment I found quite challenging was convincing myself to jump of the bridge into the cold river.

Lewis Redmond

Camp was a great experience in many different ways. It was action packed from the fast paced hydro slide hiding new excitements past each bend, to the dangerously dare-devilish abseiling, to the flying fox, an opportunity to fly like a bird, to becoming a modern day Robin Hood on the archery range. There really was never a dull moment.

Isobel Merrie

I learnt more about most of the girls in my tutor group and discovered that we are a loud bunch!

Jaymie Kolose

I learnt to be a risk taker.

Kishan Soma

Gibson

Hamilton Wins College Swimming Sports!

t was a clean sweep for Hamilton House at this year’s College Swimming Sports. They proved strong in the preliminary rounds, taking the lead with some feisty swimming, but really came into their own on finals day, winning by a whopping 201 points ahead of nearest rivals Wishart!

In a summer that has been blessed with amazing sunshine, finals day was in complete contrast to last year’s damp overcast event. This year, the day dawned with bright blue skies and stayed that way as the four Houses made their noisy arrival poolside, with plenty of friendly banter between sides.

Whilst part of the fun is bringing the Houses together on mass for the first full College event of the year, the main focus is on the swimmers themselves and the skill and effort they bring to the races. For our youngest swimmers in particular, it can be quite daunting to step up to the start of the race in front of so many onlookers but our newly elected prefect teams and older students were on hand to lend support.

We also welcomed the Year 7 and 8 girls from the Girls’ School to compete with some strong performances from their Year 7 girls.

Congratulations to all participants but to our age group winners in particular. A special mention to Year 8 Boys’ Champion, Tom Harford who won all his races! Well done Tom.

Our thanks to Sports Manager, Miss Lynne Scutt and her team for an incredible amount of organisation across the preliminary and final events to give as many students as possible the chance to compete.

COllege SWiMMing SPOrTS

2015

1ST 2nd 3rd

YEAR 7 GIRLS (COLLEGE ONLY)

Brooke Hill (Ch) Sophie Spencer (Ch) Ava McKenzie (Ca)

YEAR 7 GIRLS (COLLEGE AND GIRLS’ SCHOOL)

Florence Dallow (W) Brooke Hill (Ch) Elyse Tse (Ca)

YEAR 7 BOYS

Harry Lowe (H) James Oliver (W) Samuel Everitt (W)

YEAR 8 GIRLS

Beth Harford (Ca) Holly Simmons (Ca) Abbey Keyte (H)

YEAR 8 BOYS

Tom Harford (Ca) Fraser McOmish (W) Logan Cowie (Ca)

JUNIOR GIRLS

Olivia Overfield (Ch) Madison Clarke (H) Annabelle Waterworth (Ca)

JUNIOR BOYS

Cameron Church (Ch) Dylan McCullough (H) Liam Hosking (Ch)

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS

Mayah Coleman (W) Chelsea Simmons (W) Lisa Miyaura (H)

INTERMEDIATE BOYS

Benjamin Fleming (H) Jonte Wright (H) Benjamin Morrison (W)

SENIOR GIRLS

Emma Hanley (W) Samantha Brown (W) Alexandra Gordon (Ca)

SENIOR BOYS

Thomas Moulder (H) Joshua ScallySherborne (Ch) Liam Ward (Ca)

Hamilton Wins College Athletics!

t’s been a great start to the year for Hamilton House at the College. Hot on the heels of winning the Swimming Sports, they also laid claim to the House Athletics title!

Over two fantastic days of competition, the students were out in force, representing their Houses on the track and field. In the preliminary rounds, the students made the most of competing in as many events as possible for House points, with an equal measure of fun, competitive drive and friendly rivalry. At the end of the preliminaries, Chalmers was in the lead with Hamilton in second place and Wishart following in third.

Finals day brought some fantastic racing on the track in front of the College crowd. With some close calls on the 100m and relays, Hamilton took the lead with Chalmers dropping back to fourth. When all points were combined and tallied, Hamilton retained the lead to win overall. Well done!

The logistics for this event is huge with well over 5000 participants across all events over the course of both days. Our thanks to organiser, Miss Lynne Scutt and the team of staff for a wellrun event.

HOUSE ATHLETICS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND WISHART

3RD CHALMERS

4TH CARGILL

Braydon Ennor H = Harrison Gosling Ca = Cameron Low W COllege

1ST 2nd 3rd

YEAR 7 GIRLS (SKC & SKGS combined)

Florence Dallow W Ava McKenzie Ca Addison Peebles Ca

YEAR 7 GIRLS (SKC only)

Ava McKenzie Ca Mia Harries W Hannah Riley Ch

YEAR 7 BOYS

Jacob Spring Ch Harry Lowe H Ajay Smith Ch

YEAR 8 GIRLS (SKC only)

Briana Gibson W Caitlyn McKenzie H Sarah Braid H

YEAR 8 GIRLS (SKC & SKGS combined)

Zara Smith W Briana Gibson W Moiralisa Ainu'u Aneru Ch

YEAR 8 BOYS

Mac Rogers H Zander Diedricks W Logan Cowie Ca

JUNIOR GIRLS

Jaymie Kolose W Sam J Watson Ch Lisa Putt Ca

JUNIOR BOYS

Ben Pauga Ch Theo Thomson H Cameron Church Ch

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS

Hannah Ward W Mayah Coleman W Tori Kolose W

INTERMEDIATE BOYS

Dylan Bartholomew W Ethan Blight Ca Michael Wood Ca

SENIOR GIRLS

Isabella Richards Ca Sydney Fraser H = Grace Wood Ca = Hanna English H

SENIOR BOYS

Conditioning for Peak Performance

The importance of good physical preparation for our growing sporting talent at the College is essential to our students’ wellbeing. In recognising that it takes more than skills coaching for for our top athletes to perform in peak condition, in recent years the College introduced a Strength and Conditioning programme.

Whilst the programme was originally devised to prepare our Premier teams for top competition, it was further extended this year to include the sports development teams and core Physical Education at Year 10, with the intention to later include Year 9.

The specific training aims to carefully build our athletes to be faster, stronger and more powerful through exercise prescription to improve their individual performance in competition. Additionally, it helps to prepare the students mentally for some of the hardest school competitions in New Zealand.

The College now employs the services of two full-time Strength and Conditioning Coaches who are assisted by two students from AUT. The College is also in the throes of employing a PhD student who plans to write a curriculum for Strength and Conditioning to be used in schools.

Jan Reyneke oversees the Strength and Conditioning programme, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the role, sourced from a strong background in coaching. He worked in this same role for the North Harbour Rugby Academy and New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby, and was Head Coach for the North Harbour Rugby ITM Cup.

Prior to this, Jan held a coaching position at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and in Chile he combined coaching with teaching PE. He holds a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and is currently studying towards his Master of Philosophy in Strength and Conditioning, investigating the movement patterns, heart rate demands and match activities during international women’s rugby sevens match play.

Jan is assisted by Angelo Hubert who has been working with athletic development for more than ten years in Brazil and eight years in New Zealand. His specialty is to develop training programmes for athletes who aspire to the next level of their physical condition; improving speed, agility, strength and power. Angelo used to work for Ulbra - Lutheran University of Brazil as an Athletic Performance Coach which is where he completed his Bachelor of Physical Education. During this time, he worked with many high performance and college athletes and with some of the top coaches from Brazil, USA, Cuba, Jamaica and Russia. Angelo also had the opportunity to gain in depth learning about many different schools of sports at a high level - on track, court and field.

In New Zealand, he has been working with elite athletes, including the Black Sticks, Rugby (NZ Academic), the Wellington Hockey and Wellington Basketball teams. Since 2006, Angelo has been doing speed and agility research and studying sports courses from the International Youth Conditioning Association in the USA. His training methods are unique. They have been developed in conjunction with several different styles of training –athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting, capoeira, natural fitness, boxing and jiu-jitsu. He is constantly updating and developing new programmes.

This conscious decision to extend the programme has seen it evolve to another level altogether says Director of Sport, Mr Martin Piaggi. Before and after school sessions in the Sports Centre turns the Weights Room to a hive of activity as the students work with the coaches on their sports codefocused programmes at assigned times across the week. These are attended by both the girls’ and boys’ Premier teams, the Sports Academy development players, as well as individual athletes. Training can begin as early as 6.00am, before the sun is even up, and finish at around 4.30pm, with an average of three or four sessions per week. After their warm up, the students work on everything from speed and power to weightlifting and conditioning, with a big emphasis placed on the individual’s movement patterns. It is essential that they learn to perform all exercises correctly and are well educated to help prevent injury and increase the longevity of their sporting career past College life.

Mr Piaggi says, ‘Quite simply, we are doing what no other school in Australasia is doing, and we actually have the pick of the crop in the people we have delivering the programme. We are always judged on our results but regardless of whether our athletes win or lose, they are as well prepared as any. They are working physically hard but they are also mentally stimulated to think why and how the things they are being asked to do will help their performance.’

Filming with the All Blacks!

It was the opportunity of a lifetime for some of our youngest rugby boys when five All Blacks visited the College at the beginning of Term 1. Captain, Richie McCaw and team mates, Sonny Bill Williams, Ben Smith, Keven Mealamu and Old Collegian, Jerome Kaino were on location to film a television commercial with a selection of Year 8, 9 and 10 players.

The advertisement, for Sky Sport to promote the upcoming rugby season, followed a story line about the All Blacks as youngsters who dream of making the New Zealand team. Included in one of the feature scenes was Year 10 student, Carter Armitage who played winger, Ben Smith as a young boy. In his scene, Carter stands at the Bruce House changing room mirrors, deep in a moment of pre-game thought. As he fits his mouthguard, the scene travels forward in time to show All Black, Ben Smith running out on to the field.

Once filming had wrapped up at Bruce House, the production crew moved down to the rugby field to begin filming with the mix of Year 8, 9 and 10 boys. For their scene, the students displayed their tackling and passing skills under the watchful eyes of Richie, Jerome, Keven and Sonny Bill from the sidelines.

Along with Jerome, also returning to the College was second generation Old Collegian, Campbell Hughes who was producing the television commercial. Campbell attended the College from 1991-1995 and now works for Sky Television as a Sports Promotion Producer. The afternoon’s activities were a unique opportunity for our students to experience being involved on a professional set - and was truly memorable for the students to meet their sporting heroes on College grounds!

Kayaking, Snorkelling, navigation and Service

With thanks to PE Teacher, Mr Chris Dowdle

Early in Term 1, the Year 12 Outdoor Education students travelled to Tawharanui Regional Park for an overnight trip to put their skills to the test in an outdoor setting. The students completed four activities over the two days: kayaking in the surf, service, snorkelling and a half day walk.

A steady surf provided an ideal first opportunity to gain confidence and skills to be ready for their kayak assessment in Term 2. In these rough water conditions, students had to learn to control their kayak and complete a roll. Also in the water, the snorkelling session provided the first chance to start their scuba licence with this activity counting towards their dive licence which they will gain in Term 2.

Out of the water, navigation skills were taught on a day walk to prepare the students for their three day tramp which is part of Achievement Standard 2.9.

Finally, in line with the Saint Kentigern Mission Statement, the group linked up with Park Ranger, Maurice Puckett to contribute their time over the two days to help maintain the Regional Park. Two jobs were completed including the metalling of a track and the pruning of trees from another coastal track.

Opportunities such as this beyond the College gates are vital for extending our students and putting their learning into context. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Success for Premier Tennis

neW ZeAlAnd TenniS CHAMPiOnSHiPS

Saint Kentigern College has a proud history in this event with the Premier Girls team having won the national championships five years in a row and the Premier Boys three years in a row. We knew this year would be tough with a new look boys’ team and injury-struck girls’ team. Both teams qualified for the nationals in February and went into the tournament with the boys as top seeds and girls as third seeds.

Over the first two days of competition, the boys’ team made it through pool play without too much trouble to place top in the pool. They played many close games against Christ’s College in the semi-final, holding out to win 7-1 and qualify for the final, once again against Scots College. The boys played to the best of their abilities but were unable to defend the title. Despite many close games, the boys were 3-1 down after the singles and had to win both doubles in two sets to win the title. The result came down to the very last match but in the end they lost 4-2 to a very good team from Scots College. Whilst the winning streak has been broken, full credit to all the boys as 2nd in New Zealand is still a fantastic result!

The girls’ team settled in well and were unbeaten in their first two games but came up against a higher ranked St Peter’s team in the final pool game. At the end of the singles it was 2-all, with all four girls playing well against higher ranked opponents. In the doubles the following morning, both pairs unfortunately lost in very close games, placing them against top seeds, Westlake in the semi where they lost 4-2, losing two 3 setters which could have changed the match. Overall the girls ended up 3rd in New Zealand which was a great effort and they, like the boys, look forward to attempting to claim the title back next year.

Premier Boys Tennis: Connor Williamson (Captain), Reid Burrows, Liam Stoica, Freddie Cashmore Chatwin, Trenton Leleni.

Premier Girls Tennis: Shaylee Syme (Captain) Lana Popovich, CT Ampornachariya, Sarah Wardenburg, Julia Woolf

AUCKlAnd CHAMPiOnS OF CHAMPiOnS

Over three days in March, twelve Saint Kentigern College students competed in the Auckland Tennis Champion of Champions competition. This is an individual event with the points of the students’ individual results going towards an overall top boys’ school and top girls’ school trophy. This long-standing annual school tennis event was established to give the top two players at each age level from each school in the Greater Auckland area the opportunity to compete with their peers and become Auckland Champions. Many of New Zealand’s leading tennis players have taken part in the tournament during their school days.

Congratulations to Connor Williamson who continued Saint Kentigern dominance of the Senior Boys singles event to win the Senior Boys Singles and combined with Reid Burrows to win the doubles. Liam Stoica also won the intermediate Boys Singles and then the doubles with Freddie Cashmore Chatwin.

Ten out of the twelve Saint Kentigern students entered made it through finals day with the following results:

Boys’ Team 1st Overall Boys Competition

girls’ Team 2nd Overall Girls Competition

Connor Williamson Senior Boys Singles and Doubles Champion

reid Burrows Senior Boys Doubles Champion, Singles Semi-finalist

Shaylee Syme Senior Girls Doubles Runner up, Singles Semi-finalist

Sarah Wardenburg Senior Girls Doubles Runner up, Singles Semi-finalist

liam Stoica Intermediate Boys Singles and Doubles Winner

Freddie Cashmore-Chatwin Intermediate Boys Doubles Winner, Singles Semi-finalist

lana Popovich Intermediate Girls Doubles Runner Up, Singles Semi-finalist

Maja Wendlik Intermediate Girls Doubles Runner Up

Max Allias Junior Boys Doubles Runner up

Sean Kelly Junior Boys Doubles Runner up

AUCKlAnd TeAMS CHAMPiOnSHiPS

With over 30 tennis teams competing in Term 1 across all age groups it has been another outstanding season for the top tennis teams with all but one of the A1 teams making it to the finals (the Premier A1 Boys team competition will conclude in Term 3).

Results

Premier Boys Competition still going currently in 1st place

Premier girls 2nd in Auckland Senior Girls competition

intermediate Boys Auckland Champions

intermediate girls 3rd in Auckland

Junior Boys 2nd in Auckland

Junior girls 2nd in Auckland

New Zealand Titles for Triathletes!

Lake Taupo was the venue this year for the 2015 New Zealand Schools Triathlon Championship. Thirty two Saint Kentigern College triathletes lined up to showcase their season’s training efforts over four events: the Open Water Swim, the Aquathon, the Triathlon and the Tag Team Triathlon.

Dominant all four events was Dylan McCullough who claimed three New Zealand titles and a silver medal over the two days. Dylan gained gold in the Aquathon, the Triathlon and as anchor for the three person Tag Team Triathlon, after narrowly missing the Gold against specialist swimmers in the Open Water Swimming Championship. Of note is that Dylan led from start to finish in every multi-sport race he has contested while representing Saint Kentigern College this year.

AUCKlAnd SeCOndArY SCHOOl eVenTS

AKSS AQUATHlOn AKSS TriATHlOn

The blue and white of Saint Kentigern was also on the podium in the feature event of the day, the Senior Boys (U19) Triathlon. Liam Ward raced with a smart race strategy and full determination to gain Silver against formidable opposition. Similarly, Sophie Wilkinson showed she is a triathlete to watch in the years to come achieving Bronze in the U16 Girls Triathlon. In the very popular teams event, where schools present their best in each discipline, the College proved successful with three Golds and one Silver.

Our first Gold in the Tag Team Triathlon Championship was in the Junior Boys: Cameron Church (swim), Callum Walsh (cycle), Dylan McCullough (run).

This was followed by the Junior Girls win: Olivia Overfield (swim), Sophie Wilkinson (cycle), Maddy Clarke (run).

Our third Gold was by the Senior Girls with the very competitive line-up of Emma Hanley (swim), Lizzy Mudford (cycle) and Isabella Richards (run). In the final event, the Senior Boys gained Silver with a gallant display of determination from Tom Moulder (swim), James Fouche (cycle) and Liam Ward (run).

The Saint Kentigern College Triathlon Team was once again successful in taking the prestigious Best Overall School Trophy, based on best placings in both the individual and teams categories. This is the thirteenth time the College has won this Award!

TriATHlOn nZ CHAMPiOnSHiPS reSUlTS

Top School Trophy for the overall results

individual Medal Winners

dylan McCullough Junior Boys Gold

Sophie Wilkinson Junior Girls Bronze

liam Ward Senior Boys Silver

Team Medal Winners

Junior Boys Gold: Cameron Church, Callum Walsh, Dylan McCullough

Junior girls Gold: Olivia Overfield, Sophie Wilkinson, Maddy Clarke

Senior Boys Silver: Tom Moulder, James Fouche, Liam Ward

Senior girls Gold: Emma Hanley, Lizzie Mudford, Isabella Richards

U19 Boys Liam Ward, 1st 1st Team: Tom Moulder/James Fouche/ Nick Houghton-Brown

U19 Girls 1st Team: Emma Hanley/Lizzy Mudford/ Isabella Richards

U16 Boys Daniel Whitburn, 2nd

U16 Girls 1st Team: Mayah Coleman/ Hannah Ward 1st Team: Mayah Coleman/ Kate Fouche/Hannah Ward

U14 Boys Dylan McCullough, 1st Dylan McCullough, 1st Jacob Hannan, 3rd

U14 Girls Maddie Clarke, 2nd Sophie Wilkinson, 3rd Yr 7/8 Girls Emma Hannan, 2nd

neW ZeAlAnd rePreSenTATiVeS

Impressive results at Kinloch in February earned three College triathletes places in the U19 team to represent NZ at the World Triathlon Championships in Chicago later this year. Considerable talent combined with total commitment to their rigorous training programmes has seen 16-year-olds Fraser Hamilton, Daniel Whitburn and Anna Wilkinson gain selection despite being some of the youngest qualifiers in this age group. College Deputy-Triathlon Captain Joshua Chapman also gained selection, but having competed for NZ last year has decided not to do so in 2015. Congratulations to all these triathletes on their well-deserved selection. We look forward to seeing them representing the College and NZ with pride!

New Zealand Rowing Championships

Students from the College Rowing Club continued their season of improvement and success with two medals at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing championships.

Known as the Maadi Cup, this year’s championships were held at Lake Karapiro with over 125 secondary schools from around New Zealand, represented by 2,400 students competing in over 600 races across the week.

Racing is held over the course of six days with heats and D-F finals on days 1 & 2, Repecharges, semi-finals and C finals on days 3 & 4, and A & B finals on days 5 & 6. Despite bad weather forecasts the weather for the whole week was ideal, providing, smooth calm conditions which presented rowers with excellent conditions. As a result competition was tough and race times fast.

Given the larger squad this year, the club was able to compete in more events and took to the water in a total of 20 events over all categories from Novice to U18 and in over 68 individual races in order to qualify for an impressive 7 A finals and 7 B finals – a pleasing improvement on last year’s finals numbers.

Medal Winners

Silver, Under 16 8+

Tom Mills, Angus Wilson, Matt Kelly, Joshua Grant, Nicholas Lyon-Ramsdale, Ethan Blight, Sam Morrow, Harry Ramakers + Sam Ingleton (cox)

Bronze, Under 15 8X

Abigail Pool, Lauren Oliver, Jessica Munnik, Lucy Farnsworth, Emily Swiatek, Grace Barry, Lucy Wilson, Alex Hynds + Georgia Evans - (cox)

North Island trialists Edward Barry and Oli Rhodes

NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Rowing Club enjoyed a successful weekend at the North Island Secondary School championships held on the familiar waters at Karapiro.

Our rowers competed in a total of 62 races over a wide range of categories from Novice to U18 and went on to contest 15 A finals and 5 B finals; a very pleasing result at this level of competition.

Medal Winners

Gold Boys U16 8+

Tom Mills, Angus Wilson, Matt Kelly, Joshua Grant, Nicholas Lyon-Ramsdale, Ethan Blight, Sam Morrow, Harry Ramakers + Sam Ingleton (cox)

Silver Girls U16 4+

Rebecca MacQueen, Olivia Hofer, Georgia McLeish, Claire Hofman + Georgia Evans (cox)

Bronze Boys U17 8+

Tom Mills, Angus Wilson, Matt Kelly, Joshua Grant, Nicholas Lyon-Ramsdale, Ethan Blight, Sam Morrow, Harry Ramakers + Sam Ingleton (cox)

Bronze Boys U15 4+

George Beggs, Harry Church, Sam Russell, Matt Graham-Williams + Alex Johnston (cox)

Bronze Boys U17 4X+

Ollie Rhodes, Edward Barry, Andrew McBain, Jamie Sinclair-Eagle + Thomas Hussona (cox)

OLD COLLEGIAn HOnOuRED

The College Rowing Club proudly unveiled their newest rowing skiff at the North Island Secondary School Championships. With ever increasing levels of high performance at secondary school level, the need to be equipped with the best available boats for College rowers remains a constant priority.

The recent naming of Old Collegian, Anthony Allen (SKC 2006-2011) into the 2015 New Zealand Rowing team in the Coxless Four was both the cause of much celebration and perfect timing as our new boat had arrived and was in need of a worthy name. We were delighted to welcome Anthony and his parents Tony and Lyn to the naming ceremony at Lake Karapiro and, likewise, they were all very excited and humbled by the naming of our new Four, the ‘Anthony Allen.’

Touch Girls Claim Auckland Title!

The Premier Girls Touch team has had a very successful start to the season with an unbeaten run through the Eastern Zone and Auckland Championships to claim the Auckland title for the first time ever!

Throughout the Eastern Zone tournament, the Premier Girls squad were split into two teams with the Premier team scoring 63 tries for and 8 against in just seven games. The girls moved on to the the Auckland Championships, which is also the zone qualifier for the New Zealand Championships later in the year in December. At Auckland level, the welldisciplined girls’ team beat Auckland Girls 12-1, Botany Downs 9-4, Alfriston 5-2, McAuley 10-0 and also Mt Albert Grammar 6-3 to take out the title. Year 13 team captain, Chrissy Oscar, displayed strong leadership throughout the tournament to lead the girls to victory. Chrissy, along with Year 12, Sydney Fraser and Year 11, Tori Kolose, all produced outstanding performances throughout each game. We now wish the girls all the best for the National Championships in December.

BOYS TOUCH

The Premier Boys Touch team were successful in the Eastern Zone competition, upholding their proud traditional of winning the Eastern Zone title to reach the National tournament qualifier. The Zone 2 qualifier, however, didn’t go to plan with a tough assignment against Mt Albert Grammar, St Paul’s College, King’s College, Sacred Heart College and Alfriston College. The team only managed one win, beating Alfriston College 11-2 in the final game of the day. This young team continues to develop knowledge of the game and with more time and leadership, this group of players will perform well as their skills mature.

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES

We are particularly proud of the students who have been selected as NZ representatives and wish them well as they take on this higher level of competition.

NZ Women’s Open Team

Mererangi Paul

NZ Women’s U19 Team

Mererangi Paul

Sydney Fraser

NZ U17 Girls Team

Tate McGregor

Tori Kolose

Mererangi Paul

NZ U15 Girls Team

Summer-Jean Motufoua

Jaymie Kolose

Lisa Putt

Amy Waters

NZ U21 Men’s Team

Brosnan Meleisea

NZ U17 Boys Team

Brosnan Meleisea

NZ U15 Mixed Team

Rivez Reihana

Great Results for Swimmers

Sixteen students represented our College at the Counties-Manukau Zone Champs in March. Against strong competition, our swimmers performed extremely well with Emma Hanley, Tom Moulder, Ben Fleming, Cameron Church and Liam Hosking all gaining top three places in the individual events. Congratulations also to the Senior Girls’ Backstroke and Breaststroke Relay Teams, the Open Boys Butterfly Relay Team, the Intermediate Girls Backstroke Relay Team and the Intermediate Boys Freestyle and Medley Relay teams, all of whom also placed in the top 3.

Later in March, Emma, Tom, Ben, Cameron and Liam also qualified and raced in the Auckland Champion of Champions. With tough competition throughout Auckland, we came away with pleasing results with Emma Hanley securing 1st place in the Senior Girls Breaststroke. Also congratulations to the Senior Girls Backstroke relay of Chelsea Simmons, Alex Gordon, Mayah Coleman and Emma Hanley who also paced 1st.

Auckland Golf Champions!

During Term 1, our golf teams performed extremely well and won all three levels of competition in the Auckland College Sports Team tournament, staged at various Auckland Golf Club venues.

All our teams were unbeaten during the term by any other school, however, there was one half when horrendous conditions made play near impossible, eliminating all skill levels and a half was recorded.

The Premier Team was represented by six players. Andrew Meng, Karan Nalam, Erik Jorgensen, Jonothan Farrow, Kelvin Chiu and Tommy Liu, who not only won the Premier Auckland section of the event but also defeated the 2014 National Champions in a North Harbour v Auckland Premier Final.

In the final, the team scored well with Tommy Liu shooting a 70, Karan Nalam and Andrew Meng recording 72 each and the Academy Captain,

Kelvin Chiu scored 75. Saint Kentigern College beat a quality Massey College team by two shots at the Pupuke Golf Club. At one point the team were well in front but a few errant tee shots saw a large 9 hole advantage disappear. Nerves stood strong as the last putt dropped on the 18th green for the team to win the Auckland title!

Athletics Record Breakers!

greATer AUCKlAnd ATHleTiCS

Over 30 students competed at Mt Smart Stadium in the Greater Auckland Athletics Championships. All these students had qualified in the top three from the Eastern Zone championships a few weeks earlier.

The 4 x 400m Open Girls Relay team finished the day off with a blistering performance, beating all other teams by 50m! The Junior Girls 4x 100m Relay team won gold and set a new College record. Bella Richards secured her second Gold with a great run in the 1500m, breaking her own 1500m record for the third time this year. Lisa Putt, along with setting the relay record, also set a further two new College records in the Junior Girls long jump and triple jump.

Jaymie Kolose was part of both gold medal relay teams and added a further gold, silver and bronze to her tally. Dylan McCullough dominated his race from start to finish winning gold in the Junior Boys 1500m. Mayah Coleman won gold and silver in the Intermediate javelin and discus. Braydon Ennor ran a very impressive 100m to win silver.

Overall, the students amassed 22 Track Top 10 results and 15 Field Top 10 results and 2 Relay Gold Medals.

The 3000m was held at King’s College two days later with two outstanding races from our College students. Dylan McCullough cleared his field with ease to win the Junior Boys 3000m and in the Senior Girls race, the only person pushing Isabella Richards was fellow student, Hanna English - but she too couldn’t keep up with Bella who won with a new College Record!

Medal Winners

Jaymie Kolose Gold 4x 100m Junior Girls Relay, Gold 4 x 400m Open Girls Relay, Gold Junior Girls 200m, Silver Junior Girls 100m, Bronze Junior Girls Long Jump

lisa Putt Gold 4 x 100m Junior Girls Relay, Gold Junior Girls Triple Jump (new college record), Silver Junior Girls Long Jump (new College record)

isabella richards Gold 4 x 400m Open Girls Relay, Gold Senior Girls 1500m, Gold Senior Girls 3000m (new College record)

Braydon ennor Silver Senior Boys 100m

Hanna english Gold 4 x 400m Open Girls Relay, Silver Senior Girls 1500m, Silver Senior Girls 3000m

grace Wood Gold 4 x 400m Open Girls Relay

imogen Pilkington Gold 4 x 100m Junior Girls Relay

elise Conway Gold 4 x 100m Junior Girls Relay

dylan McCullough Gold Junior Boys 1500m, Gold Junior Boys 3000m

Sydney Fraser Silver Senior Girls Long Jump

Mayah Coleman Gold Intermediate Girls Javelin, Bronze Intermediate Girls Discus

Yachting

Our top sailors have been out on the water representing Saint Kentigern at a variety of events. Early in the term, the team comprising Stephanie Kirkman (captain), George Kirkman, Thomas Morton and James Delegat sailed at the Harken Schools Regatta hosted by the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron to finish 3rd overall in the Gold Fleet racing.

nOrTH iSlAnd CHAMPiOnSHiPS

The North Island championships were held at Mt Smart stadium. Five of our students were selected to represent Auckland in these championships.

Medal winners

Hanna english Gold, Senior Girls 3000m

lisa Putt Gold, Junior Girls Long Jump (new College Record)

lisa Putt Gold, Junior Girls Triple Jump (new College Record)

Jaymie Kolose Silver, Junior Girls 100m

dylan McCullough Silver, Junior Boys 1500m (new College Record)

This was followed by the Regional Championship held at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club later in the term where, after two days of racing in light to moderate winds, the Premier Yachting team finished in 2nd place in the Gold Fleet. The Development Team were first in the silver fleet which was a great effort and indicates good depth in the squad.

During the second week of the April holidays, thirty of the best sailing teams from around New Zealand converged on Lake Taupo to contest the Secondary Schools Team Racing Nationals. Conditions ranged from 0kn to 25kn with morning temperatures averaging 2 degrees and ice on the decks!

Saint Kentigern finished 7th in the first round robin but with the numbers in the repechage increased from 2 to 6, Saint Kentigern was included in

the Gold/ Silver repechage. As a result, the team was relegated to the Silver Fleet, which they won quite comfortably but could not finish better than 11th overall. So great to win the Silver Fleet Trophy but not really the ‘colour’ we were after!

Team: Jessica Allen (Captain), Thomas Morton, Crystal Sun, George Kirkman, Nicholas Allen, Alexander Maehl and Ben Nathan

Auckland Cricket Champs!

AUCKLAND SEASON

Our Premier Girls Cricket team played well throughout the Auckland season with only two losses in the weekly rounds. This meant that their last game for Term 1 was to be the final of the Auckland competition, competing against Diocesan for the Auckland title.

In an exciting, final game of cricket, the Saint Kentigern girls drew on vital playing skills and teamdetermination. In a tight, wellmatched game, Diocesan’s total of 79 for 6 was not enough to prevent Saint Kentigern from scoring 80 for 6 to take back the trophy from Westlake, who won the competition last year. This was a great finish to a successful season for the 1st XI Girls Cricket Team.

REGIONAL NZ QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

During Tournament Week, the Premier Girls competed in the NZCT Girls Secondary School National Qualifying Tournament at Keith Hay Park.

Firstly, the girls played Westlake who were soon all out for 76. Saint Kentigern then batted scoring 77 for 3 wickets. Up against Diocesan, the girls achieved 107 for 4 wickets but in a very exciting and close game, the opposition scraped in a win by scoring 108 for 8.

Following this loss, the girls went on to beat Mt Albert Grammar and Glendowie College. Next up was Epsom Girls Grammar but unfortunately the rain appeared and affected the game. Our girls were batting well and had scored 81 for 3 when rain interrupted play. Unfortunately the rain continued on and off and the game could not be completed. The end result of this vital game was unfortunately a draw.

On the final morning, Saint Kentigern beat Baradene, scoring 103 for 7. Congratulations to Rae Allright who top scored with 28 not out, Ella Mayhew for taking 3 for 10 runs and Isabella Ching for taking 3 for 22 runs. In their last game the girls played Westlake for 3rd and 4th positions. With 117 for 6 against Westlake’s 79 for 10, the girls placed 3rd overall, unfortunately not qualifying for this year’s national tournament.

Junior Boys National 3 on 3 Basketball Champs!

For the second year, the College entered three teams – Senior Boys, Senior Girls and Junior Boys - into the 3 on 3 Basketball National Secondary School Championships at Trust Stadium in West Auckland.

This was definitely the Junior Boys time to shine! After 16 fast paced games, the team won the National Championship! Their overall skill and team work in pool play resulted in beating Kelston 10 – 5, Te Aroha 18 – 4, Palmerston North Boys 18- 10, Pukekohe 16 – 9 and Rangitoto 14 – 9, to make it through to the Top 8 teams.

After playing Kelston 12 – 10, Hobsonville Point 13 – 9, Fraser 21 -7, Palmerston North 15 – 12, Ashburton 21 – 11, and Northcote 18 – 16 , they qualified for the semi-final where they beat Fraser High School.

The Junior Boys final featured the unbeaten Saint Kentigern College team against favourites, Kelston Boys’ High School. Kelston led 5-3 at the mid-point and were 9-8 entering the final two minutes. However, in an exciting finish, the score was tied 10 apiece with 30 seconds remaining … in nail-biting final moments, and with time about to expire, Zac Chang scored the game winning basket – 11-10, Saint Kentigern were the winners! Well done boys!

Junior Boys Team: Ryan Laumatia, Max Shorter, Zac Chan, Tom Chester, Lachie Harvey

Saint Kentigern

P&F Asian Parents Social Group

The Asian Parents Social Group has been a roaring success since the meetings started up this year by College parent, Ms Jessie Liu and Chairman of the P&F, Mr David Courtney. At their first monthly gathering in February, 44 parents joined together in the Saints Café to ask questions about all aspects of their children’s life at College. Also present for this meeting was Trust Board member, Dr Vivienne Adair and Deputy Head of the College and Head of the Senior School, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, whose responses were translated into Chinese for the parents by Ms Liu. The group is a fantastic support network of parents who are provided with guidance and information in their own language, that they might otherwise find hard to understand. If you have difficulty with English and want to participate more fully in College life and meet new friends, please email Jessie.liuxq@gmail.com to obtain WeChat Code to join the group.

今年年初，亚裔家长联谊会在学生家长Jessie Liu女士和家友会主席 David Courtney先生的带领下取得了迅速的发展。在二月份举行的第 一次每月例会中，44位家长聚集在高中部咖啡厅，询问他们孩子在 校期间各方面的情况。当天参会的还有校董事会成员Vivienne Adair博 士和学校副校长及高中部校长Suzanne Winthrop女士，她们解答的问 题由刘女士提供中文翻译。联谊会成为能够运用中文提供指导和信 息的交流平台。 如果您有英语语言困难，希望更多地了解学校的教 育教学情况、 结交新朋友，请电邮jessie.liuxq@gmail.com获取微信二 维码，加入亚裔家长微信群。

College Parents and Friends

The Parents and Friends started the year with a very busy first term including hosting the Year 7 Parents’ Social Evening and the Year 9 parents at their Meet The Tutor Evening as well as supporting students and staff with grants for travelling sporting and cultural groups.

We held our AGM in March at which two new members were elected to the Management Committee. These are Jessie Liu who is the Convener of our Asian Parents Group and Margaret Wind who will understudy Amanda Selvadurai in the role of convenor of the Saints Café and the Tuckshop.

The meeting also marked the retirement of Pippa Styles from the Management Committee after many years of service to the Parents and

Can you help?

Friends and Saint Kentigern College, including two years as Chairperson. We all thank Pippa for her work and dedication to SKC P&F.

The Management Committee members for 2015 are: Sandra Oliver, Treasurer; Claire Russell, Functions Convener; Julia Clancy, Social Convenor; Amanda Selvadurai, Saints Café and Tuckshop Convener; Desiree JenkinsAllright, Secretary; and David Courtney, Chairman.

The Asian Parents Group has been a great success, holding regular meetings at which parents have been able to ask questions and receive information that they have missed out on due to the language barrier. The meetings have been strongly supported with attendances by Mr Cole, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Mr Duncan McQueen and Dr Vivienne Adair. This group is an opportunity for Asian Parents who have little English to meet other parents and to engage more in College activities.

MEETING DATES FOR 2015

All parents are welcome to attend our meetings. We have a speaker on a subject of interest to parents at each meeting. The meeting dates these year are: May 25; June 22; July 27; August 24; September 21; November 2.

We always need parent volunteers to help at Saints Café, the Tuckshop and at functions such as the Parent/Teacher evenings and Open Days. Parent volunteers at these events make a vital contribution to the running of the College. If you can help at Saints Café or the Tuckshop please email Carla Perry at: SKC_Cafe@saintkentigern.com If you can help with functions and social events such as parent/teacher evenings or Open Days please email Claire Russell at: claire.russell@blackpepper.co.nz

David Courtney, Chairperson

Old Collegians

President’s rePort

The 2015 SKOCA year is nearing midway, with record student numbers at all three campuses in 2015, which is a clear sign that life at Saint Kentigern remains prosperous and rewarding.

Boys’ school sKocA Golf dAy

The Boys School Annual Golf Day was held again on a sunny Friday in early February and saw a full field enjoy a wonderful day. Peter Nelson and his team ran another excellent event with a handsome prize pool. This included the humorous introduction and awarding of the ‘multi-coloured dream coat/jacket’ for the ‘most golf’, which was ably won by the Principal, Mr Peter Cassie.

sKocA AnnuAl dinner

The AGM and Annual Dinner were held in Elliot Hall on Friday 10 April and was focused on the OC’s who attended the College in the first decade 1953-63. The attendance from the Foundation decade was very strong with many also attending the tour of the College, led by Warwick Bell. This allowed them to see the extent to which the College has grown since their time when initially the campus consisted of only two classrooms. Warwick also took them to view the new Archives area that records the history of the College and stores a great many photographs and memorabilia.

During dinner, OC’s Manase Latu, Lachlan Craig and Sam Downes sang a three song rendition which, with the acoustics of Elliot Hall, created a tremendous example of the incredible talents of many OC’s graduating at the College today, and we thank them for the enjoyable performance.

The three Heads provided an update of life at their campuses today to an attentive audience and Head of Primary, Sandra Hastie, who departs to the UK in August, received a standing ovation for the 20 years of diligent teaching at the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. Sandra has been an avid supporter of SKOCA and we will miss her but wish her all the very best in the UK, and look forward to catching up annually at the London Reunion in the future.

Guest Speaker for the Annual Dinner was OC Denis Currie, who is also a past president of the NZ Cricket Association, who spoke of his time at Saint Kentigern College in the 1950’s and the lifetime friends he made. He also provided an enlightening opinion on NZ Cricket today on the world stage, and the huge future ahead for our talented sports men and women. I would personally like to thank Denis for the preparation and content of his speech which again the audience enjoyed immensely.

The Dinner Auction, performed with great aplomb by the very able OC Mike Gowan, raised funds for the pending College 1st XI UK Tour in June this year, where they will play eight games including games against Eton, Harrow and St Bedes and will join the SKOCA London Dinner after the game at Harrow on the 26th, and also attend the annual Oxford vs Cambridge match at Lords. This will be an incredible experience for the boys and we wish them every success and encourage all OC’s in London to get to a game to support their Saint Kentigern team.

the AGM

The AGM was well attended and recorded a return to surplus for the association after 10 years of ongoing contributions totalling $1.2M of SKOCA funds invested into projects at the three campuses, under the guidance of our able and re-elected Treasurer,Mr Neville Lyne. We also welcomed our new Vice President, Tom Meek who has been on the committee for a number of years and was College Head-Boy in 2002.

I hope to see many of you attending the pending SKOCA Rowing Regatta, London Reunion & Cricket matches, the Australian Reunion in Sydney to coincide with the second and final Bledisloe match, the ROC’s functions, Bruce House Reunion and the SKOCA Golf Day as listed in the SKOCA calendar as we progress proudly through the rest of 2015 at Saint Kentigern.

Fides Servanda Est

Andrew Morgan, President

SKOCA Calender

FRIDAY 26 JUNE

london reunion (With sKc 1st Xi)

Dinner Time: 6.45pm

Come and watch the College 1st XI play Harrow followed by dinner in the evening. SKC v Harrow starts at 10.30am.

Price: £65 (ROCS’s £40)

Venue: Overseas House, St James, London

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or dgowan@dacbeachcroft.com

FRIDAY 29 JULY

otAGo uni - roc’s (Recent Old Collegians) cocKtAils

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: Starters Bar, Frederick Street, Dunedin

(Contact: James Hackett 027 7516388)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or hacjames@gmail.com

FRIDAY/SATURDAY 7-8 AUGUST

AustrAliAn reunion - sydney

Dinner Friday: 6.30pm

Venue: TBA – Central Restaurant/Bar

Ticket: A$65 (ROC’s A$40) Refreshments provided.

Game Saturday: 2nd Bledisloe Cup Rugby, ANZ Stadium (tickets available)

(Contacts: Andrew Morgan/Thomas Steel)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST

VictoriA uni / WellinGton - roc’s (Recent Old Collegians) cocKtAils

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: El Horno Bar, Courtenay Street, Wellington

(Contact: James Hackett 027 7516388)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or hacjames@gmail.com

Obituaries

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Bruce house BoArders dinner – 2000-2010 leAVers

Time: 6.30pm

Price: $65 (ROC’s $45)

Venue: Bruce House, College

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER

sKocA - netBAll

Premier and Senior A Netball versus Old Collegians Girls

Start: Games start at 6.00pm

Venue: Gym1 and Gym2

Drinks and nibbles to follow

(Contact: Kelly Alexander)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or kelly.alexander@outlook.com

MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER

sKocA Golf dAy

Time: Assemble at 11.00am

Venue: Remuera Golf Club

Ticket: $100.00 per head. Refreshments provided.

Corporate hole sponsorship available $600 (incl. GST)

(Contact: John Howard)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or john.howard@raywhite.com

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER

AucKlAnd - roc’s (Recent Old Collegians) cocKtAils

Time: 6.15pm

Venue: Juice Bar, Windsor Hotel, Parnell

(Contact: James Bennett/Thomas Steel)

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or jamesb@brb.co.nz

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER

sKBs - touch ruGBy & BBQ for 2010 Bs leAVers

Time: 3.30pm

Venue: SKBS Sports Centre & No 1 Field

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com or sue.bowskill@saintkentigern.com

It is with sadness that we note the passing of our Old Collegians. Our condolences are extended to their families.

reV. KiM frAncis BA BTHEOL MA(HONS) MNZAC

Kim Francis (SKC 1964 – 1971) passed away suddenly on 18 October 2014 in New Plymouth where he was Minister of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Kim retained a lifelong interest in Saint Kentigern College and often talked with pride about his old school and its Headmaster. At school Kim was a keen Hockey player, gaining Colours in the 1st XI for three consecutive years and captaining the team from fullback in his final year at the College.

Kim had strong leadership qualities and his calling as Minister involved him in Military chaplaincy in the NZ Army 1984 – 1988 and also took him to parishes in Southland and Mt Roskill before his move to St Andrew’s in New Plymouth.

Kim was married to Prue, a teacher, and they had three children, Rebecca, Sarah and Andrew, and three grandchildren at the time of his death.

roBert huGh holroyd

Robert Holroyd (SKC 1971 – 1977) died suddenly on 13 December 2014 after returning to New Zealand for Christmas from his recent base in Zug, Switzerland. Robert was one of three brothers who attended the College in the 1970s and 1980s.

His family has a long connection with Saint Kentigern as Rob’s son Harry is also an Old Collegian and his nieces and nephew are current students.

Rob had been a prominent hedge fund manager who founded and managed a specialist commodities funds management firm in New Zealand for many years, then more recently relocated to Europe, setting up Commodity Strategies AG in 2011, based in Zug.

Rob leaves behind his children, Sarah, Harry, Madison and Lily, and his wife Sarah.

If you are aware of the passing 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

SKOCA Boys’ School Golf Day

Used to telling the boys to pull up their socks and tuck in their shirts, the tables were turned on Principal, Mr Peter Cassie at this year’s SKOCA Boys’ School Golf Day at the Royal Auckland Golf Club, when it was politely pointed out by the Club Captain that he would need to tuck his shirt in and change his socks to comply with the club’s dress code!

In welcoming his 90 guests for the afternoon’s Ambrose Tournament, Mr Cassie said he had been looking forward to this event for the last 364 days; he believed that in that time he had improved his golf skills sufficiently to better his 2014 ‘average’ performance - and he quipped that his team members sincerely hoped so too!

The guests, many of them former students, enjoyed lunch and a catch up before setting off in their fours under a blazing summer sun. As players walked the course, Number 1 Foundation Boys’ School student, David Adams, along with fellow former College Head Boy and past Trust Board member, John Gilbert, kept the players fed and hydrated, doing the rounds on golf carts loaded with provisions.

Following play, the teams retired to the club house for refreshments and the prize giving. The School is grateful to the many generous sponsors who provided some fabulous prizes for those whose score cards were favourable; we thank them for their generosity.

Instituted for the first time this year, the top team was awarded ‘The Mungo Cap’ - a replica of the original grey school cap worn in earlier times. The inaugural winners were Warwick Kiely, Steve Richmond, Diane Moffitt and Hana Fuhiniu who are charged with entering a team again next year when they return ‘The Cap’ and defend their title.

The prize for the ‘blooper’ shot of the day was not exactly one to be coveted! Having failed to achieve the lofty heights of a Master’s Green Jacket, Principal Peter Cassie found himself the recipient of a gaudy, multi-coloured blazer for a less than admirable shot – it didn’t make it past the ladies’ tee! For those old enough to remember, the jacket bore a remarkable resemblance to an old television ‘test pattern!’

This was a fabulous afternoon and it was great to see former students of all ages turn out to support the School. Mr Cassie is once again counting the days to next year and is wondering whether he should be booking some golf lessons before then!

Our thanks to organisers, Mr Grayson Aspinall, Mrs Sue Bowskill and Mrs Karyl Kidd for their work ensuring that the day ran smoothly and to Old Collegians’ representative for the Boys’ School, Mr Peter Nelson for his support.

Our thanks to the following sponsors for their generosity:

Outline Design, Ricoh, Matassa, Andrews Property Services, Boyd Visuals, PB Technologies, ANZ, Business World Travel, Toshiba, General Issue, Allyson Gofton, City Works Depot, Griffins, Victoria Ave Butcher, Jacks Coffee, Moa, Ecoya, Samex, DFS, Amber & Company, Jucy Rentals, Lexel Systems, Cosmetic Company, Ricoh, FL Bone, Resene, Andiamo, Victoria and Paul Wilkes, Bay Tree, Volom, New World Remuera, Flowers After House, Top Catch, Golf Warehouse, Family Boats, The Hills, The Spire Hotel, Family Boats, SKOCA

World Learning - Youth Leadership

hAnnAh Wood

At the end of her final year, 2014 Head Girl, Hannah Wood was selected as part of a New Zealand contingent to attend a youth leadership course in the USA. Here, Hannah reflects on her experience: It all started with a passing comment from my tutor teacher, Mr Fullerton who suggested I apply for a trip to the USA with an organisation called World Learning. It had an environmental theme and was about developing youth leaders. After the selection process, I was fortunate to be chosen as one of nine New Zealanders and nine Australians. Now back in New Zealand, I carry with me one of the best experiences of my life.

Our adventure began for five days at Lake Tahoe, Nevada in a log cabin on the lakefront. As it was winter, each morning we woke up to snow and a beautiful alpine glow as the sun reached over the lake mountaintops and reflected off the water. The focus of this section of the trip was largely on environmental conservation and restoration. We visited many NGOs and organisations and received informative and inspirational presentations from their leaders. Lake Tahoe is a unique place and has had a lot of money dedicated to it from the US Federal Government. For this reason, it has attracted a lot of dedicated and intelligent scientists, environmentalists and mindful people who have recognised an opportunity to be involved in a place where real progress can be made on a holistically sustainable level. All united under the banner of ‘Keeping Tahoe Blue’, this small part of the US has the potential to become a template for how government, residents and NGOs can all work together to preserve the environment while remaining economically viable. This really shone a light on exactly how individual people and small charity groups can have huge impacts, significantly changing a place and a people for the better.

The group then split in two and headed off to Portland and Seattle for 12 days before reuniting again in Washington DC. I, along with another student, Rachael, had been billeted with a host family in Seattle, a large progressive city on the West Coast. Being part of a real Seattle family meant Rachael and I were really able to become immersed in Seattleite culture. We spent our days attending workshops and presentations where we continued to learn about environmental initiatives taking place around the city, as well as developing our leadership and communication skills. A highlight was attending a journalism workshop at the University of Washington. The enthusiasm from with which the presenter, Sarah Stuteville conveyed her ideas and passions was contagious. We left with a new appreciation of the media and the role that storytelling can play in getting a message to large volumes of people. As we attended more of these presentations, it was clear that we were all beginning to grow immensely from these experiences. Our self-confidence and knowledge was building and because of this, we became increasingly engaged – asking questions, bringing our own opinions to the table and having some incredible conversations.

In Washington DC over four days, we reflected on the trip and culminated the experience by making plans for the future and harnessing our inspiration.

We spent most of our mornings at the World Learning Headquarters, talking, brain-storming and planning. Here, we all began to think of projects we could get involved in once getting home. A common theme that came up within the group was creating a platform for people to talk; to get the conversation started on some of the big issues we see affecting our youth and society. We all presented our ideas to each other and it was interesting to see what we had in common and the deviations we had taken on the same issues. Although our time was limited, it was a start and we all felt very inspired to go home and make change where needed.

The biggest highlight while in Washington DC was getting up early amidst a very cold winter wind, and bussing into the gigantic Lincoln Memorial. Washington DC is full of huge government buildings and presidential memorials but this was by far one of the most impressive and iconic ones. It was here, at the steps of a huge statue of Abraham Lincoln, at the location of a Forest Gump scene and in the very same place that Martin Luther King Junior delivered his, ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, that we did the same thing. All 18 students wrote and delivered speeches on our own dreams; some personal, some global, some light-hearted and some incredibly deep. Being there in that moment and hearing people share their stories, with such incredible passion brought us to tears and really seemed to symbolise the whole trip. We had all grown and learned about each other, but also ourselves and we were all different people – inspired by the possibility and conceivability of change.

I owe a huge thank you to those who made the trip possible, from where it started with Mr Fullerton, to Mr Cole, Mrs Winthrop and Mrs Shaw who all supported me and granted permission, to the people at World Learning and the US Consulate who organised everything and facilitated the whole experience. I also owe a special thanks to 2014 Head Boy, Sam Dakin, and especially Deputy Head Girl, Lucy Eden who filled in for me on those final Prefect commitments that I was unable to attend.

I’m tempted to say it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity but to be honest, it’s actually just the beginning. Completing a trip like this only inspires and drives a hunger to do more of it. I cannot wait to travel again, and more importantly, I cannot wait to be involved in more things and with more people as driven and compassionate as those I spent my time with in the US.

Three Generations at Saint Kentigern

A chance conversation with proud grandparents, Helen and Grant Wallace at last year’s College Year 7 & 8 Grandparents’ Day raised a question about how many ‘third generation’ families there are at Saint Kentigern. Grandfather Grant, son Cameron and now grandson Peter are all proud Saint Kentigern boys, with Grant and Cameron having attended both the Boys’ School and the College in their time.

Discovering the answer to the question was not easy. If the full family relationships were not identified at the time of the enrolment, then the connections were not recorded in the database – as was the case with the Wallace family! A small number of families were identified from our records but we would love to hear from you if your family has a third successive generation now attending Saint Kentigern.

AdAMs fAMily

David Adams was a Foundation pupil at the Boys’ School in 1959 and holds the distinction of being assigned School number 1 – not because he was the first boy to enrol at the School, but because he was first in the alphabet that year! He later went onto the College in 1961. David and wife, Julie’s sons, Timothy and Peter were the second generation to attend Saint Kentigern. Both boys went to the ‘prep school’ during Jack Chalmers and then Brian Irwin’s headship, and later went on to the College. It’s Timothy’s son Charles who has now become the first of the third generation of the Adams family. Charles is currently in Year 4 at the Boys’ School.

David says he has particularly fond memories of the Boys’ School prize giving that used to be held outside in the sunshine on Roselle Lawn. This carried on until JC Chalmers Hall was built in 1982 and he said that it seemed like it never rained on the occasion!

He says that the continuing education of his family here is because Saint Kentigern is a very special family school; academically, spiritually and socially. ‘The schools provide a well-rounded education that would enable any child to flourish.’

BedoGni fAMily

John Bedogni attended the College from 1959 to 1965 along with his three brothers, Lyndsay, Keith and Andrew. His son Mathew attended from 1986 to 1989 and Mathew’s late brother, Clinton was also a College student, as were his cousins, Nicoli and Pierce. Matthew’s two sons are now the third generation with Edward in Year 10 and Alex in Year 8 at the College.

John said that when he joined the College in 1959, in Form 1 with Mr Hughes in the original wooden building, the College was in its infancy. Elliot Hall had just been completed, the pool did not exist and facilities were minimal compared to today. Mr MacFarlan - ‘Dougs’ - was the Headmaster and he knew the name of every boy in the school. Mr ‘Herb’ Massey was first assistant and the teachers all wore gowns to all classes while the boys wore caps and blazers to school every day. The Pakuranga Highway was a two lane concrete strip with a ditch either side. John travelled daily from Henderson by public train and bus, making for a long school day. By contrast today, Edward and Alex enjoy superb facilities, modern classrooms with full computer facilities which were unknown in John’s time - as were mobile phones!

cheeseMAn fAMily

Brian Cheeseman attended the College from 1956 – 1960. His son Nathan started at the Boys’ School in 1984, moving on to the College in 1986. The third generation, Nathan’s children, currently both attend Saint Kentigern. Ryan is in Year 4 at the Boys’ School and Ashley is in Year 2 at the Girls’ School, having also attended the Preschool from 2011-2013.

Brian’s younger brother, Ian also attended the College from 1957-1962 as did Ian’s son, Fraser, from 1987-1990.

The Cheeseman family say that the most notable changes between generations has to be the level of resources, and the diversity offered to the newer generations which only further enhances the value today’s children get from their days at Saint Kentigern.

‘What hasn’t changed, however, is the sense of belonging that is created by the community environment which sets our school apart. Whether it is the boys, girls, parents or grandparents, all generations remain engaged in all things ‘Saint Kents.’

The education received is so much more than the one provided in the classroom. In many ways it is the personal development, enduring friendships and the challenging yet nurturing environment that Saint Kentigern provides that lays the foundation for us to succeed in both our personal and professional lives once our school days are over. It is great to be reconnecting with old friends now that Ryan and Ashley are at the school and we look forward to the 4th generation Cheesemans becoming part of the community in the future!’

Timothy, David and Charles Adams

Alex, Edward, Matthew and John Bedogni

Brian Cheeseman, Nathan Cheeseman, Ashley Cheeseman and Ryan Cheeseman

‘What hasn’t changed, however, is the sense of belonging that is created by the community environment which sets our school apart. Whether it is the boys, girls, parents or grandparents, all generations remain engaged in all things ‘Saint Kents.’

Nathan

Cheeseman

JorGenson And Jones fAMilies

The Jorgensen family tree has two Saint Kentigern branches. Finn Jorgensen (senior) attended the College from 1958-1962. The first branch belongs to his son, Alex, who joined the Boys’ School in 1976 and went on to the College from 1985-1989. His son, Finn (junior) is currently at the Boys’ School in Year 4.

The second branch stems from senior Finn’s daughter, Sophia who married Stuart Jones. Stuart is also a son of Kentigern, having attended the Boys’ School from 1977-1984. Sophia and Stuart’s twin boys, Charles and Oliver,

WAllAce fAMily

both joined the Boys’ School in 2012 and are currently in Year 9 at the College.

Finn, Alex and Stu observe that although there have been considerable changes to the facilities and physical environment of both the Boys’ School and the College (much is made of the fact that the Boys’ School pool is now heated!), the benefits of a Saint Kentigern education remain the same. All agree that both the School and the College continue to provide an excellent foundation for life beyond school, regardless of what that entails.

Brothers, Grant and Tony Wallace attended both the Boys’ School and the College. Older brother Grant was at the Boys’ School from 1961 and went onto the College from 1963-1967. Tony followed later in 1964 to the Boys’ School and onto the College from 1969 - 1973.

Grant and Tony’s sister, Diane married Bryce Hawkins and their son, Ben also attended the Boys’ School and the College.

Tony married Alison who was a teacher aid at the Boys’ School for a number of years. Their three boys, Timothy, Raymond and Stephen also attended both the Boys’ School and the College.

The ‘continuous family tree’ continues with Grant’s son Cameron who started at the Boys’ School in 1981 and went onto the College from 1983-1987. Cameron’s son Peter is currently in Year 8 at the College.

The Wallace family say the greatest differences between 1963, when grandfather Grant attended the College, and today, with grandson Peter in Year 8, are the size of the school role, the addition of girls at the College, the vastly improved facilities and the much larger range of subjects available for students to choose from.

‘It is truly a credit to the work of the Trust Board over the years that so much physical improvement has been achieved and, along with it, a healthy roll growth to provide the opportunity for more pupils to experience a Saint Kentigern education.’

Grant said, ‘The College was a great school to attend in the 1960’s, despite it being in the very early phases of development and, on reflection, it did a very fine job of providing us with a sense of direction for future success in life. There was a special something about the people involved in leading the school and teaching the pupils in those days that has stayed with the majority of past pupils for life and cannot help but make each one of us proud to be a Saint Kentigern Old Collegian.’

Jorgensen Family

Finn Jorgensen (junior), Alex Jorgensen, Finn Jorgensen (senior)

Jorgensen/Jones Family Stuart Jones, Sophia Jones, Charles Jones, Oliver Jones, Finn Jorgensen (senior)

Grant, Peter and Cameron Wallace

Cameron Moore

The Flat Bush architectural designer has run his own practice, Moore Architecture, since 2011. He teaches architecture to students at Unitec in Mt Albert and is writing a book about well-known Kiwi architectural firm Gummer and Ford. Cameron is also more than 12 months into a six-year PhD degree in architecture through Griffith University on Australia’s Gold Coast. He has two children, aged three and six-months and a baby girl due in July, with wife Faye Moore, a former senior teacher at Farm Cove Intermediate School.

Cameron graduated from the College in 1994 and completed a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Marketing at Manukau Institute of Technology in his early 20s. He held a number of jobs in various fields and worked overseas, including in the United States, France, Czech Republic, Canada and Australia, before returning home to begin his studies in architecture. He completed a Master of Architecture degree with Honours at Unitec in 2010 and has been working in the industry and teaching since 2008. Since launching his practice, he’s designed homes and property alterations for customers throughout New Zealand and overseas countries including Fiji.

During his time at Saint Kentigern, Cameron was in the Premier Basketball team from 19911994, captaining in his senior year and winning The College Basketball Cup for Player of the Year at Prizegiving. He also enjoyed cross country and athletics. Cameron says the people and his fellow students had the best influence on him, and he has best friends from the College still today.

Campbell Hughes

F- Sports Promotion Producer

ollowing his passions for Sport and TV led Campbell to The University of Auckland to study a BA/BCom in Film and TV Studies and Marketing from 1996-2000. The following year, he managed to get his foot in the door at Sky TV doing odd jobs and was fortunate enough to find his way into the Promotions Department. Here he was trained to edit, produce and direct, and started making sports promos until heading off to London on his OE in 2003.

While he was overseas he says he was lucky enough to see a lot of the world. He worked at a Scandinavian TV company Viasat from 2004-2009, living in Copenhagen for six months and then ESPN UK from 2009-2011.

In 2011, Campbell came back to New Zealand to start a family and returned to working for Sky TV. He says he feels very fortunate to have a job that allows him to be creative, and that the ability to expand and push that creativity motivates him every day. ‘Filming promos with the big sports teams are the defining moments, whether it’s the All Blacks, the Black Caps or the Breakers, those are the jobs that really give the most satisfaction as there is a lot of planning that goes into producing a 30 second promotion.’

Looking back over his time at Saint Kentigern College, Campbell says that Nick Sheppard was a big influence, being coach of both the 1st XV and 1st XI in his final year, but also having coached him all the way through the grades. He also counts Bruce House as a special place that taught him a lot, and certainly feels indebted to all the housemasters like Malcolm Cowie and Jim Wyatt. Likewise, Nigel Toy was an inspirational leader to Campbell growing up, and he says he is most certainly indebted to him too.

Campbell says he enjoys seeing how Saint Kentigern continues to evolve and excel, especially in the 1st XV, and gets along to games when he can.

Successful Entry to Medicine

Congratulations to 2013 College graduates, Amy and Jessica Aspoas, Ali Hooshyari, Oli Lyons and Daniel Lowe, who have all gained successful entry into second year medicine at The University of Auckland after their first year of study.

Each year there are only a small number of students who are accepted onto this course after one year, so we’re very proud of you! In the case of sisters, Jess and Amy, it’s even more remarkable – not many families can boast two top scholars in one household!

Simon Gentry

- Director of Strategy and Business

Simon attended the Boys’ School from 1983-1984, followed by the College from 1985-1989. After graduating, he completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing at the University of Otago.

Simon then worked in various marketing roles in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and was a Board Member of Diabetes Auckland for three years.

Along with his Prefect role in his final senior year, Simon was a keen sportsman with a passion for cricket and athletics while at the College. He captained the 1st XI Cricket team which toured to Australia in January 1989. He was a member of the Senior Cross Country team, winning 3rd overall in the School Cross Country Senior event, a member of the Senior Athletics team where he placed 2nd in the 1500 metres at the Athletics Championships. At the end of year Prizegiving, Simon was awarded with the Cricket 1st XI 3rd Captain Award along with the Caisley Cricket Cup.

Today Simon is Director of Strategy & Business at Global Media Co, an independent media and marketing house and a partner in data company, MIME Analytics. The company was set up four years ago together with co-founders Clive Reed and Bernard Braithwaite. Bernard is married to Boys’ School teacher, Dilys Braithwaite, with a son, Liam, at the College.

MIME specialises in technology solutions for businesses who want their advertising to be accountable. The business has recently developed a software solution that analyses the effectiveness of advertising and media strategies on business performance. It also takes part in ‘smart partnering’ – one of the latest business trends, which works by linking growing companies with universities and other business experts for help and advice. MIME has worked with the University of Waikato and government agency, Callaghan Innovation in developing their product, which recently won its first overseas client in Britain.

Sian Seeley - Prestigious Scholarship

We are delighted to hear that NCEA Dux for 2014, Sian Seeley, has been awarded yet another significant tertiary award. At Senior Prizegiving last year, Sian was not only named Dux but was also awarded a Saint Kentigern Tertiary Scholarship and The University of Auckland Faculty of Business and Economics Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarship.

Since receiving her NCEA results, Sian has reviewed her options and is excited to be awarded a Monash University (Melbourne) Scholarship for Excellence which equates to approximately $31,250, being a grant of $6,000 per year over 5¼ years study! Sian’s NCEA score, when converted to the Australian Standard (ATAR), put her at 99.9% out of maximum of 99.95%, placing her in the top 1% of students entering University. Sian will be studying Engineering/Commerce at Monash. Congratulations Sian, we wish you well for your studies!

Anthony Allen - New Zealand Rower

Congratulations to Old Collegian and New Zealand Rowing representative, Anthony Allen who has recently been selected into the Elite Men’s Coxless Rowing Four where he and his team mates will be trying to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio next year.

Anthony is well remembered from his rowing days at College. After leaving school he went on to represent New Zealand in the U23 World Championships winning a silver medal in 2014.

As part of the Elite Rowing Squad, members do recieve a small subsidy to cover costs but there are a lot of other associated costs when trying to achieve the ultimate goal of gold at the Olympics. Anthony would love to hear from you if you are able to assist with sponsorship or contribute anything that may help him towards achieving his goal. He would be very appreciative.

Contact Details: Antallen101@hotmail.com

Phone: 021 059 7571

Anthony Allen, second from right with his Elite Coxless Rowing Four team mates.

Myron Simpson - Elite Cyclist

Elite cyclist, Myron Simpson, has been busy on and off his bike since finishing Year 13 in 2008. After graduating, Myron raced in Europe with the New Zealand team for three years and finished two Diplomas in Digital Film and Photography by correspondence. Unfortunately early in 2012, he broke his collarbone which ruled him out of the London Olympic selection but he did travel with the team as a reserve.

2013 saw Myron head off to spend the season in Luxembourg, racing for a Continental level based road racing team. All was going well until another serious crash broke his shoulder blade and he had to return home for surgery. This injury took a good six months before Myron was comfortable and strong on his bike, which disappointingly, meant missing out on the 2014 Commonwealth Games selection for Glasgow.

Myron then turned his focus for 2014 to racing with an Australian based and sponsored team - Budget Forklifts. He had good form at a tour in China in November with a few pleasing results, and was lucky to get a call up into a New Zealand training camp and gain selection to the UCI London World Cup in December, coming home with a silver medal in the Team Pursuit. He was then selected to head to Colombia in January for another UCI World Cup which, despite no results, was a good experience for the young team.

Myron’s Muesli

Now with the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil in his sight, Myron’s fundraising venture, ‘Myron’s Muesli’ is helping to support his move back to Cambridge to qualify. The idea was borne from his appreciation for good food and knowledge that a healthy and balanced diet is a key ingredient to success. High in energy and protein and low GI, the fresh, handmade muesli is toasted in honey and organic coconut oil and has received great feedback. If you would like to help support Myron’s achieve his goal, check out his Facebook page on how to purchase bags of his cranberry, coconut, orange and cashew or apricot, almond, date and ginger muesli

http://facebook.com/myronsmuesli

http://myronsmuesli.com

Myron has just signed up to coach the junior cyclists at the College which he is really looking forward to, and says hopefully we can unearth some more cycling talent and results in 2015!

In Memory of Niki Dow

Old Collegian, Niki Dow, was tragically killed in a car accident in Portugal, where he was living and working, in August 2013. He had been in Portugal to gain further experience as a wine maker when the accident happened. Niki graduated from the College in 2008 and is well remembered as a bright academic student who excelled on the rugby field. He received academic honours, played for the 1st XV and was made Chapel Prefect in his final year, attending to the role dutifully.

In March this year, a group of Old Collegians rallied to organise a charity golf day in Niki’s honour with the aim to raise funds to provide scholarship

Back row – Hayleigh Niterl, Sam Anderson, Anthony Niterl, Jordan Drinkall, Matt Fraser, Matt Woodward, Myron Simpson, Carl Williams, Harry Lyford, Jamie King, Matt Weir

Front row – Jono Hickey, Sam Lyford, Matt

Hendl, Rachael Garner, Benjamin Lyford, Craig Kamins

assistance to Lincoln University for a student to follow in Niki’s path and develop a passion for wine making. The golf was held at Whitford Golf Club followed by a function at Turanga Creek Winery, Whitford where Niki was employed during his work experience whilst studying Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.

A large group of Old Collegians attended the golf day and auction which raised funds beyond expectation. Principal organiser, Myron Simpson would like to thank everyone who sponsored, donated, supported, attended and turned up on the day. Niki would have loved it!

Mitch Evans - International Racing Driver

Alot has happened since I left Saint Kentigern College back in 2010! I moved overseas to England at the start of 2011 when I was only 16 to pursue my dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver. When I first moved over to Europe I was in a category called GP3, two steps below F1. I had a reasonably good year, but it was more of a learning year and to find my feet overseas while getting used to the different driving and new circuits. Come 2012, I stayed in GP3 and had a very successful year becoming GP3 World Champion. To this day, it is the best result of my career. I had won many championships before but that one felt really special, as the competition I was up against was huge.

This progressed me nicely into GP2, Formula One’s feeder series. I had a very up and down year in my rookie season and grabbed a few podiums - two at Monaco which was really cool and a best result of 2nd but overall, I was quite disappointed with my first year placing 14th. I moved teams for 2014 hoping to better my chances of going for the title. I had some bad luck in the first two races but then had a really good second half of the season, picking up two wins and six podiums, finishing 4th overall in the championship. To me that was a pretty big achievement, the competition is massively tough, the cars are very powerful and not easy to drive. Most circuits are over 300kph.

In 2015 I will stay in GP2 and fight for the title. The past 14 years have been a massive rollercoaster for me, and what I’ve achieved nationally and internationally is honestly something I would have never thought was possible. I’ve made huge sacrifices and given each step of the way 100% of my capabilities. To succeed in anything in life you need to be passionate about it and enjoy doing it, I’m so fortunate I’ve found that with car racing and now I am competing in one of the highest and most competitive categories in the world. I look back at Saint Kentigern with great memories, and definitely at times I miss it! Make the most of your opportunities, you’re only here once!

Allie Rout - Med Student and Skater

During her time at Saint Kentigern, Allie is remembered for her ability to juggle the demands of doing well in her academic studies, with training and competing as an ice skater. Here she reflects back:

After years as a competitor, I gave up figure skating in 2010, just as I began the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Year 12, since I knew the course was demanding and I was aiming for a pretty high score so I could get into biomed at the University of Auckland. In late 2010, desperate to have some, sport back in my life, I started speed skating as I could easily pick this up, and training required a lot less on-ice time - from 15-20 hours on-ice a week for figure to 1-3 hours on ice for speed - therefore I could fit it around my studies more easily.

I fortunately did well in speed, gaining the NZ Senior Womens Speed Skating title in 2011 in my last year of school – and I also got high enough points in IB to gain entry into biomed at UoA. In 2012 I was selected to represent NZ in the Junior World Championship in Melbourne for speed skating. After this I began my first year at university doing biomed with the intention of applying to get into the medical course at Auckland which is decided at the end of the first year. That year was perhaps the hardest of my life as the standard expected of us to gain entry into med is insanely high! I was rewarded at the end of 2012 by obtaining entry into med school which has basically been a lifelong dream of mine - to become a doctor.

2013-2014 were my second and third year of med school. In mid 2014, I once again felt unsatisfied with the lack of sport in my life and so I once again began figure skating. Initially I intended to just head down to the rink once a week for some fun, however, within a couple of sessions I had rediscovered a lot of my skills and began having coaching again in preparation to compete. I skated in the 2014 NZ National Championships and gained the Senior Women’s title and also scored enough points to be selected as NZ’s only singles A international skater and was selected to go to the Winter University games in Granada, Spain. Currently I am still training and have the intention on skating in the 2015 NZ nationals.

Juggling my studies and skating has always been tough but I’m lucky enough to have a super supportive family who have always been ready to encourage and assist.

Andrew Stewart

andrew@lubenz.co.nz

Lubricants NZ Ltd

20 Marphona Cresent

Randwick Park

Auckland 2105

p. 09 640 0004

e. sales@lubenz.co.nz

www.lubenz.co.nz