Piper Issue 57 December 2015

Saint Kentigern Trust Board

130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, 2010

PO Box 51060, Pakuranga Auckland 2140

Phone: 09-577 0720 Fax: 09-577 0736

Email: trust@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern College

Head of College: Mr Steve Cole

130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga 2010

PO Box 51060, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140

Phone: 09-577 0749 Fax: 09-577 0700

Email: skc_admin@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern Boys’ School

Principal: Mr Peter Cassie

82 Shore Road, Remuera 1050

PO Box 28790, Remuera, Auckland 1541

Phone: 09-520 7682 Fax: 09-520 7688

Email: skb_admin@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern Girls’ School

Acting Principal: Mrs Judith Dobson

514 Remuera Road, Remuera 1050

PO Box 28 399, Remuera, Auckland 1541

Phone: 09-520 1400 Fax: 09-524 7657

Email: skg_admin@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern Preschool

Director: Mrs Sue Nash

514 Remuera Road, Remuera 1050

PO Box 28 399, Remuera, Auckland 1541

Phone: 09 520 8814 Fax: 09 524 7657

Email: skp_admissions@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern OCA

PO Box 51060, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140

Email skoca@saintkentigern.com

President: Andrew Morgan

Vice President: Tom Meek

Secretary: James Bennett

Treasurer: Neville Lyne

Chairperson: David Courtney

Secretary: Desirée Jenkins-Allright

Treasurer: Sandra Oliver

Chairperson: Laura Lane

Vice Chairperson: Simon Ward

Secretary: Helen van Schaardenburg

Treasurer: Donna Berry

Parents & Friends (SKGS)

Chairperson: Rebecca Gadsdon-Green

Secretary: Stacey Colyer

Treasurer: William Black

Boys’ School

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Girls’

Bruce House Dinner |

Boys vs Wild | 47

Preschoolers Perform at Carol

| 60

Boys’ School Choir in New Caledonia | 50

From the Trust Board

As 2015 draws to a close, it is useful to set aside the time to reflect on the achievements of our Saint Kentigern community, the place of our community in this dynamic rapidly changing city, and also look forward with anticipation to what 2016 is likely to offer.

The Auckland of today is an exciting vibrant city to live in. Despite the stresses and strains (and traffic congestion) that accompany rapid growth, there are many positives as the city transitions to a truly multi-cultural environment and in the process welcomes residents from across the globe. These new Aucklanders bring a different perspective, new ideas, new thinking and new challenges for long term residents to grapple with. We are all the better for the greater diversity in our wider community.

The challenge, of course, for all organisations is to remain relevant in an environment of rapid change. Saint Kentigern is no exception. The evidence of 2015 suggests that we are succeeding – with four separate schools offering families the convenience of quality education for their son or their daughter from the age of 3 to 18. This offering clearly resonates well with families as our rolls continue to grow.

The challenge, of course, for all organisations is to remain relevant in an environment of rapid change.

Internally across Saint Kentigern we have a focus on what we call ‘One Organisation’ – in a nutshell this means that we will embrace opportunities for collaboration across our schools, where to do so is best for our students. Our new website reflects this focus as does our continued transition to digital communications.

At an individual site level, each school has cause for quiet satisfaction. The College curricular and co-curricular programmes are unrivalled in their depth and, most importantly, there are high levels of student engagement across all programmes. The Boys’ School roll goes from strength to strength and we have been very pleased with the early responses to the Building Minds, Building Futures fundraising campaign. The Girls’ School is now coming to the end of its sixth year as part of the Saint Kentigern family. In August we said farewell to Dr Sandra Hastie but also celebrated with her the strong foundations that she had laid for the future success of the School. We look forward to the arrival at the start of 2016 of Miss Juliet Small as Dr Hastie’s successor. Miss Small has considerable experience as a school principal and will bring a wealth of knowledge to her role. During the period of transition, the Girls’ School has been very ably led by Mrs Judith Dobson - we thank her for her contribution. The Preschool continues to operate with a full roll – testament to the quality of the education that is offered to the youngsters who attend. Consistent achievement at a high level does not happen without careful leadership and quality caring staff. I wish to thank every member of staff at Saint Kentigern for their efforts in 2015 – each one of you has a part to play, and each one of you has played that part well. Thank you. I also wish to thank the Parents and Friends Associations for their dedication to Saint Kentigern. Your volunteer work truly makes a difference for our students – and those efforts are much appreciated. My thanks also to Mr Andrew Morgan who will step

down as President of the Old Collegians in 2016. The Association has thrived under Andrew’s leadership and is well placed to contribute significantly to Saint Kentigern in the coming years. Finally, my grateful thanks to my fellow board members for their long hours, dedication and commitment to the governance of Saint Kentigern.

As we look ahead to 2016, I believe that we are well prepared for the challenges ahead. As we face up to those challenges, rest assured that we will continue to nurture every student in our care.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all members of the Saint Kentigern family a happy and safe Christmas, and a prosperous 2016.

Fides Servanda Est

Bruce Goodfellow

Chairman

Relationship

Set in Stone

Saint Kentigern has a special kinship with St Andrew’s College in Christchurch, as we share Scottish roots and Presbyterian values. In October, we were pleased to receive a visit from Mrs Christine Leighton, the Rector of St Andrew’s College. Their college suffered significant damage in the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and subsequently a number of buildings had to be demolished. One of these buildings was their College Chapel.

St Andrew’s has launched an appeal to raise funds towards the cost of building a new Chapel, which Saint Kentigern Trust Board has made a donation towards. The relationship between the two organisations was also further cemented with an exchange of bricks from our Chapels. Mrs Leighton presented Saint Kentigern General Manager, Mr Eric Shiels, bricks from the St Andrew’s College Chapel. When the Chapel of Saint Kentigern is expanded, the bricks from Saint Andrews will be incorporated into the new building. The bricks from our Chapel will be used in the rebuilding of the St Andrew’s Chapel.

We wish St Andrew’s well with their appeal and look forward to seeing the results when their new Chapel finally takes shape.

Scholarship Applications for 2017

A number of Scholarships are available to each of the three Saint Kentigern schools for entry in 2017. Scholarships are awarded to motivated students who display outstanding academic, sporting, artistic or musical ability. To be considered for a Scholarship, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or hold New Zealand residency. All students applying for a Scholarship regardless of the category, sit an academic entrance exam and will be interviewed. Those applying for a Musical or Dance scholarship will be required to prepare an audition piece.

In addition, the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians’ Association funds scholarships to each campus which will be awarded to a recipient who is a child of an Old Collegian or has a family connection to an Old Collegian. Sons and daughters of Ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand are admitted on special terms.

Some Bursaries are also available to secondary school students whose circumstances would otherwise not enable them to attend the College.

Scholarships to Saint Kentigern Schools

Scholarships to the Girls’ or Boys’ Schools are available for girls and boys who are currently in Year 6 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 7 in 2017. Scholarships cover a portion of the fees for two years.

Boys’ School

Applications close on Thursday 24 March 2016.

Applicants must sit a test on Thursday 31 March 2016.

Girls’ School

Applications close on Friday 13 May 2016. Applicants must sit a test on Wednesday 25 May 2016.

Scholarships and Bursaries to Saint Kentigern College

Scholarships to Saint Kentigern College are available for girls and boys who are currently in Year 8 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 9 in 2017. Scholarships cover a portion of the fees and are normally for five years, reviewed annually.

Applications for Scholarships and Bursaries close on Friday 1 April 2016. All applicants must sit a test at the College on Friday 15 April 2016. Visit

Phone:

Email:

Phone:

Celebrating Festive Season

Go tell it on the mountain

In the beautiful St Mary’s cathedral on a very hot evening, our preschoolers waited in anticipation for their performance at the Girls’ School carol service. It was soon our turn and up we all went to arrange ourselves on the stairs in front of all our family and friends. An amazing rendition of ‘Go Tell It On the Mountain’ rang out throughout the cathedral from the mouths of the youngest children in the Saint Kentigern community. Much pride was felt and smiles were seen before loud claps of appreciation saw lots of very excited and tired children sit through the rest of the service, with many sleeping innocently in their teachers’ arms.

Come on ring those bells

xcited Preschoolers sat up the front of Holy Trinity Cathedral at the Boys’ School carol service intently watching everything going on. It was their turn to perform and up they went—with the boys transitioning to School ready with their bells. ‘Come on ring those bells’ was sung with great gusto—much to the delight of not only their parents but all members of the Saint Kentigern community. A true ‘strawberry moment’ as spoken about by our very own Reverend Reuben Hardie.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Our annual Christmas party seems to get better every year…

Fifty-five preschoolers and 11 staff up on stage at the Girls’ School waited for the curtain to open and, wow, when it did there were more than 250 mums, dads, grandparents, friends and siblings all watching, including our special guests from the Trust Board and Principals of Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. But no stage fright for these accomplished performers. Every child had their moment to be the star performer up the front as they took turns to sing each song accompanied by the rest of their friends and teachers. ‘Santa got stuck up the chimney’ started the show, and ‘Rudolph’s cheeky reindeer dance’ went down a treat with our guests.

Seven more songs including our song in French about a Christmas tree and our carols from the carol services were rounded off with a great rendition of ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’.

Off back to Preschool for special party food before we hear the bell of the ‘big fat man in the red red suit—with the twinkle in his eye’ – he must have heard the children singing about him! Down the driveway, driven by Mitchell the elf, he arrived in a beautifully restored vintage car (borrowed from Kai’s grandparents) as Santa’s sleigh was not road worthy. Photos with Santa, a present of buckets and spades, and the morning was complete! Another amazing Christmas party!

Performing our Carols

At Christmas time our students look forward to receiving gifts from family, friends and, of course, Santa. Our Director, Sue Nash, feels it is important to teach the children at a young age about the importance of giving to others—not just receiving. Her motto is: ‘Never get tired of doing little things for others, because sometimes those little things occupy the biggest parts of their hearts.’

With this in mind, the opportunity for our Preschoolers to go and give some Christmas cheer to the elderly residents of retirement villages saw all of the children go on two trips out of Preschool. First, they boarded a bus in early December to go to Grace Joel Retirement Village where they performed two shows – one in the lounge and one in the atrium. On another occasion they went to Epsom Retirement Village during the last week of the school year. How rewarding to see the delight on the elderly residents’ faces and many tears of joy as our three and four year olds excelled.

Grandparents’ Morning

‘What is a grandparent? A hugger, a kisser, a grandchild misser; a carer, a sharer, a sometimes grey-hairer; a thinker, a winker, a cup of tea drinker; a pleaser, a teaser, affectionate squeezer.’

The treasured family members who attended the Preschool grandparents’ morning had all of these traits on display during their special visit. There was an air of feverish excitement as the students waited for their grandma, granddad, or both, to arrive, then gasps of delight followed by huge hugs when they spotted their nan and pop.

With education having changed dramatically over the last couple of generations, especially with the proliferation of technology, there was much for the students to share, including iPads and the many apps they use. The learning at the Preschool also retains a traditional flavour – which the grandparents could definitely relate to! The students showed them their favourite books and recent artwork, and the fun of playing with wooden blocks will never get... well, old!

After the students had led the grandparents to every corner of the Preschool, everyone gathered for a singing performance by the young ones, including, appropriately, ‘Grandma’s Glasses’. The grandparents then enjoyed morning tea before saying goodbye to the students, with more hugs, of course. Thank you to all the grandparents who made the morning so special for the students!

All Creatures

Great and Small

‘Did you know that snails are slimy?

‘Snails eat cabbage and broccoli’

‘How do they breathe inside their shells?’

‘Their eyes are on the end of their antennae.’

After finding two snails in our Preschool vegetable garden trying to eat our cabbages, it was decided to make a snail garden. Carefully designed and constructed in a large tank by the children, the garden had dirt, plants and branches added to make the snails feel like they were at home. The arrival of 30 more snails made the snail garden complete. After the first few days of the snails escaping at night and walking around our Preschool, a special lid was made by caretaker Ross. Our snails then became our children’s friends, with daily turns to hold them while they slithered up their little arms – to much delight and giggles. Many a moment was spent watching them with magnifying glasses as they crawled around their amazing enclosure. What awesome learning about little creatures.

ERNIE THE EEL ARRIVES AT PRESCHOOL

Abigail and Harrison took three students on an adventure to Auckland Fish Markets. What were they going to buy? WOW—an eel! Slippery, slimy and wiggling around in its bag on the way back to Preschool. Our snail garden had been replaced with fresh water, stones and a filter all ready for our new surprise to arrive. There was much excitement as the eel slithered out of the bag into the water. A naming ceremony got underway as to what we could call our eel – Ernie was the name decided.

Daily feeding of bread, mealworms, liver and mince kept Ernie in good form. Visits out to swim in the big water trough with the children stroking and holding him, with squeals of ‘ooohs’ as he squirmed in their little hands, ensured Ernie had a great adventure at Preschool. Ernie was released into a stream to live with his friends, although our Preschoolers are adamant Ernie the eel will come back to Preschool next year.

Blackout Day!

Saint Kentigern blue was swapped for Kiwi black as the staff and students showed their support for the mighty All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup. Everyone came to Preschool dressed from head to toe in black to get behind Richie McCaw and his team as they sought to defend the William Webb Ellis Cup! Our encouragement for the All Blacks, albeit from afar, certainly did

ShakeOut!

‘If the earth begins to shake, what do we do for safety’s sake?

‘Get under a table and hold on tight, and everything will be alright.

‘If there aren’t any tables or you’re outside, we have a different way to hide, ‘Crouch on the ground and cover your head, just like a turtle tucked up in bed.’

The boys and girls at the Preschool were among the 1.36 million Kiwis to take part in the ShakeOut drill to practise what to do in the event of an earthquake. The old adage of drop, cover and hold still applies: DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!), take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. For the preschoolers, they were taught to be ‘turtle safe’, by finding a table to be their turtle shell if they are inside when a quake starts. If they are outside, they know to get curled up in a ball, ‘just like a turtle tucked up in bed’. They practised what to do in both situations, making the Preschool look like it was full of little blue turtles dotted around the playground!

the trick as the lads went on to make rugby history by becoming the first team to win consecutive world championships and the first to win the world cup three times! Congratulations Richie, Steve Hansen and the All Blacks, Saint Kentigern Preschool was with you all the way!

Embracing Change

At the beginning of 2015, we had little idea of the changes that our School would be preparing to undertake. Change is healthy in an organisation and the School community is looking forward to new beginnings in 2016. As our roll continues to grow, we continue to seek new ways to challenge our students in all aspects of their school life.

The Saint Kentigern Way is based on the values by which we all try to live and work; one which we want to encourage in our students by developing confidence, resilience, enthusiasm, positivity, a work ethic, empathy and all the other attributes we hold dear, while always urging the girls to reach for the sky to become the people they aspire to be.

John Holt, teacher and later a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, says, ‘Since we can’t know what knowledge will be most needed in the future, it is senseless to try to teach it in advance. Instead, we should try to turn out people who love learning so much and learn so well that they will be able to learn whatever needs to be learned.’

Every year we look for ways to showcase student stage talent and this year we presented a Creative Arts Evening. For those of you who attended, I hope you were impressed with the depth of talent we have in the school in singing, dancing and acting. I was immensely proud of the work that went into getting the girls stage ready, and I acknowledge every staff member who understood the value of performance and continued to challenge the students to realise their talent. Events such as these create memories of learning; far beyond memorising times tables and basic facts; memories that will never be forgotten by the girls.

Having a positive view of themselves is also encouraged by the wide variety of sporting opportunities offered. The number of activities that are available to them is commendable as is the level of success that is attained from a school the size of ours. Sporting events this year demonstrated excellent examples of team work, good sportsmanship and recognition of natural talent enhanced by hard work. Teaching our children to value each other’s strengths is as important for us as developing individual talents because, while we may not achieve Olympic status, we can be inspired by those who reach the pinnacle of their career. My thanks go to all staff who have supported the girls through the sport programme. Through our service programme, we endeavour to instil in our students the understanding around service to others. This is embodied in the prayer of St Ignatius of Loyola which we say every week in chapel; part of which encourages us ‘to give and not to count the cost’ and ‘to labour and not to ask for any reward’. To all those girls who remembered to bring

a donation of food to chapel each week, your contribution made a difference to someone else’s life; for those of you who donated clothing and toys and other goods through our Sharing Shed, you made a difference to someone’s life at Dingwall; for those of you brought a gift to Carol Service, you made a difference to a child’s life at Christmas.

We also recognise that the link between home and school must be strong and this has been especially evident with the incredible contribution made by Parents and Friends this year. How fortunate we were to have been offered the opportunity to make Gibbs Farm the centrepiece of the Parents and Friends fundraising this year and for this we are very grateful to Greg and Shelley Horton for being the conduit between Allan Gibbs, the owner of this extraordinary sculpture park, and the School. From that initial contact, a wonderful group of dedicated parents managed and marketed this event to the wider community and as a result, the School was able to develop a new playground for our younger students. The School is immensely grateful for the contribution made.

There have been a number of other occasions throughout the year where the school community has joined together and supported Parent and Friends events, including the Mother/Daughter High Tea and the Father/Daughter Breakfast and the ever popular disco. A very big thank you is due to Chairwoman Rebecca Gadsdon-Green and her team of willing helpers, all of whom believe in the future of our School and who work so hard to support School initiatives. We are also grateful to the Old Collegians, led by Mr Andrew Morgan. They have been wonderful supporters of our School from the very beginning.

In August, we farewelled the first Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, Dr Sandra Hastie. She came into this school to do a very challenging job; to build a new all girls Year 1-8 school community which would become known as Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. Sandra worked tirelessly to achieve this goal and departed from our School leaving it well set up to meet the ongoing challenges of modern education.

At the beginning of 2016, we welcome Ms Juliet Small as Principal to Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. I know that she is very excited about the prospect of leading a school such as ours and she will bring her own unique experiences to our community. New ideas and different perspectives are essential in any organisation. Our staff are looking forward to working with her in 2016 and the girls are excited to meet their new principal.

Judith Dobson, Acting Principal

'This festive season, let us share our special gifts with those around us to make our communities a happier place.’

The Gifts of Christmas

Christmas being a special time of giving was the pervading theme of this year’s Girls’ School Carol Service.

The giving of time to be shared, of gifts under the tree, of love between family and friends, and of thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ were celebrated during the jubilant service at St Mary’s Church.

After the congregation was welcomed by The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, followed by Acting Principal Mrs Judith Dobson, the guests rejoiced in the gift of music with the opening carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. It was introduced with a beautiful duet by Head Girl, Moiralisa Aneru and Chapel Prefect, Selena Agaimalo which inspired the guests to be in full voice for the following verses.

The readings and hymns chosen for the service all touched on gifts to remember during the festive season: those of love, hope, joy, peace, friendship and God’s gift to the world. The students from Saint Kentigern Preschool made a cameo appearance to sing ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’, with big voices and enthusiastic actions! The girls reading Bible verses, poems and Christmas messages were interspersed with carols performed by the students, who were joined by the congregation for traditional favourites such as ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Mary’s Boy Child’. Year 8 student, Ava Beca’s reading invited her schoolmates to bring forward offerings that would be provided to Auckland City Mission for families in need. ‘The joy of brightening other lives with gifts is part of our service to the wider community,’ said Ava. ‘As the shepherds and the wise men brought gifts of love to place at the manger for the new baby, so we too leave our gifts.’ Alexandra McOmish, who is in Year 5, expressed similar sentiments: ‘As we celebrate the birth of Jesus tonight, let us reflect for a moment on these important gifts and what Christmas really means. This festive season, let us share our special gifts with those around us to make our communities a happier place.’

Accompanying the School Choir singing ‘Child in a Manger Born’ were the Year 1 girls arranging themselves in a cherubic nativity scene at the front of the church. The Performers’ Choir appropriately followed with ‘The Angel Song’. Reverend Reuben Hardie’s message was based around people’s reactions to gifts. He presented a handful of girls with a variety of presents from a rubber chicken to chocolate coins, with their reactions making plain how desirable their gift was! He imagined what Mary and Joseph’s reactions to the gifts from the wise men would have been. Gold would have been a very welcome gift, while the unusual gift of frankincense might have confused them, until the wise men pointed out that it was used to anoint those who served God. Myrrh was traditionally associated with death so could have been disappointing for Mary and Joseph. ‘Yet the wise men who gave it perhaps knew that the death of Jesus on the cross was going to be the significant moment in his life,’ said Rev Hardie.

The service ended with a moving moment as the Year 8 girls came forward to receive their leavers’ candle from Rev Hardie and Mrs Dobson. The candles had each student’s name printed on it, and will be a lasting reminder of their time at the School, along with their leavers’ scarves and bracelets. The congregation sang ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ as the students lined up in front of them before filing out ahead of the guests. The recognition of the gift that the leaving girls had provided to the School, through their personalities, dedication and leadership, was a fitting way to end this merry and joyous occasion.

Rewarding Success

Excellence, progress, diligence, spirit, and promise – whether it be in academics, the cultural programme, sport or citizenship, these qualities were all recognised at the Girls’ School prizegiving. There wasn’t a spare seat available in JC Chalmers Hall at the Boys’ School as families gathered to conclude the school year with a celebration of the girls’ achievements.

The ceremony opened with Girls’ School graduate and now College pupil, Fayth Doherty giving back to her community by piping in the official party of Trust Board members and staff, School leaders and special guests. The Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow, congratulated the School on another successful year and encouraged the girls to continue to maintain and enhance the standards of excellence they have set. Acting Principal Mrs Judith Dobson recapped the many accomplishments the students have achieved this year, both individually and in performance groups and sports teams. ‘The Saint Kentigern Way is based on the values by which we live and work, which we want to encourage in our students by developing

confidence, resilience, enthusiasm, positivity, a work ethic, empathy and all the other attributes we hold dear, always urging the girls to reach for the sky to become the people they aspire to be,’ she said.

Academic prizes were awarded from Year 0 to 8, with awards for individual subjects starting in Year 5. The prolific cultural and sports programmes at the School were celebrated with awards for speech and drama, art, and music, and for the winners of our School sports championships and most valuable players of our teams. For the second year running, multi-talented athlete Zara Smith was named Sportswoman of the Year. The first of the special awards was for citizenship, which went to Selena Agaimalo. Head Girl, Moiralisa Aneru is the inaugural recipient of the Dr Sandra K Hastie Cup for School Spirit, for her embodiment of the values of Saint Kentigern.

As well as being a successful sportswoman, Zara Smith is a musician, actor, all-round academic and accomplished public speaker. Zara gained distinction in her oral assessment this year and won the senior speech competition, as well as winning the

Remuera Zone speech competition. She was first in social science and Christian education in 2015 and is this year’s Proxime Accessit.

Kristen Hansen received distinction in her Grade 4 Trinity College speech and drama examination. She was selected as the most promising performer in her age group at the Auckland speech and drama competitions and placed first in the School in Science. She is a well-deserved recipient of the Dux of the School for 2015.

While this was largely a time of celebration, there was a tinge of sadness with it being the final gathering of the Year 8 girls before they embark on their various new challenges next year. In her vote of thanks to the School, Head Girl, Moiralisa Aneru paid tribute to this group of girls who will always be daughters of Kentigern. ‘This School has no doubt brought out the best in us and allowed us to explore our full potential.’ She encouraged her ‘little sisters’ that she is leaving behind to follow their dreams as they continue on their path to becoming bold young women.

Dr Sandra K Hastie Cup for School Spirit - Moiralisa Aneru

Citizenship Award - Selena Agaimalo

Kristen placed first in Year 8 science and excelled in English, demonstrating maturity and innovation in her writing. She has shown great interest in the arts, and has successfully participated in outside competitions and external examinations. She sat Grade 3 and 4 Trinity College speech and drama examinations and received distinction in her Grade 4 examination. She was selected as the most promising performer in her age group at the Auckland speech and drama competitions.

Proxime Accessit – Zara Smith

Zara has achieved results of the highest standard throughout her time at the Girls’ School. She has continued to work hard and achieve excellent academic results this year, and has succeeded in being placed first in social science and Christian education. She has combined her accomplishments in the classroom admirably with her leadership role as Deputy Head Girl and sporting success, which also saw her receive the Sportswoman of the Year award for the second consecutive year.

Leaver’s Scarf Presentation

The final Chapel of 2015 was made even more poignant with the presentation of leavers’ scarves to the Year 8 girls. These scarves are unique to Saint Kentigern Girls’ School as they are handmade of silk with each one being individual in design. They have four symbols that signify specific events in the life of Saint Kentigern: the tree, the fish, the bell and bird. The girls were presented their scarves by the Year 0 and 1 students in the customary tradition of gratitude from the youngest members of the School to their older role models. ‘I hope that you will wear it with pride, that you will treasure it in the years ahead and that wherever you are next year, you will always remember this School and that you will always be a daughter of Kentigern,’ said Acting Principal, Mrs Judith Dobson.

Girls Host Local Heroes

What does a spray paint artist, an ear, nose and throat specialist, an Olympic athlete and an optometrist all have in common? These were some of the local heroes who shared a morning tea with the Year 4 class as part of our social sciences curriculum. After an initial brainstorm about global and national icons, the girls devised their own definition of a hero: ‘a hero is someone who thinks about other people and keeps working hard at doing good things for the world.’

The girls then nominated eight different local heroes. A nanny, a hairdresser, a physiotherapist and a psychology student were also included in the list. These nominees were all people who had made a considerable contribution in one of the girls’ life by going above and beyond their expected professional requirement.

After making an appointment to interview the local heroes, the girls all set to task generating a slideshow to celebrate their nominees’ achievements and hard work. They also created songs, acrostic poems and raps about their local hero.

Along the way, the girls gained a lot of knowledge about a range of different professions. They also learned about the value of people’s work and the way people give back to society without any expectation of reward or recognition.

Dux – Kristen Hansen

Year 4 give to new Kiwis

With thanks to Year 4 teacher, Mr Andrew Finn

For our social sciences unit, the Year 4 girls learned about the plight of refugees. At the start of the unit, the girls had a very good conceptual understanding of the factors that cause people to become refugees in the world. They also conveyed as a class a strong sense of sympathy towards displaced people. The class was asked if there was anything they could do to help refugees ‘within the next 24 hours’ – to see how connected they were with the aid process. One girl, Frances Revell Devlin, went home and found out about the refugees from Afghanistan who had helped NZ troops as interpreters, and made a financial donation to the Red Cross refugee appeal to help with their settlement in the Manawatu. She returned the next day to school with a receipt of the donation.

The girls learned through a simulation in class of the tough decisions refugees have to make, sometimes with little or no time, using the Rwanda conflict with the Hutus and Tutsis as an example.

Using the book ‘One Day We had to Run’ by Sybella Wilkes as inspiration, the girls also took time to generate artwork to represent the situation facing refugee children. Many of their drawings portrayed overcrowded boats crossing the Mediterranean Sea, trains overflowing with people and countless tiny dots walking along long roads.

When the refugee crisis began to occur in Syria, the girls were already very knowledgeable about aid agencies and the work they do. At a Parents and Friends meeting, it was discussed about how the School could help with the cause as refugees began to arrive in Auckland. The Year 4 class decided to gather items from home to donate to the Mangere Refugee Centre through the Red Cross. The girls donated a huge pile blankets, pillows, duvets, quilts, soft toys and clothes which have now been delivered to the new Kiwis in need.

Singers Shine in Prestigious Competition

At the prestigious New Zealand Aria Celebration of Song competition, Amélie James-Power, Scarlett Jacques and Addison Peebles came away with a number of great results!

Tip Top Factory Visit

The trip to the Tip Top factory for the Year 4 girls was more than just seeing where their favourite ice cream is made! The tour of the iconic factory was to freeze in their minds the process they had been learning for procedural writing.

Citizenship Awards

Hannah Timo (Year 8) and Vivian Pettigrove (Year 6) were chosen as this year’s recipients of the Remuera Lions Citizenship Awards. They were presented with certificates and a badge to wear on their blazer at a special ceremony at the Boys’ School.

Halberg Day

The Girls’ School Halberg Day pushed the students’ physical capabilities all in the name of raising funds for a great Kiwi cause. It also gave the girls a chance to push the limits of fitness fashion, as they dressed up in funky sports gear for the day! Each girl donated $5 to be in mufti, and they also collected online sponsorship from family and friends.

The money raised went to Halberg Disability Sports Foundation, which works with physically disabled young people and their families to provide the health, wellbeing and social benefits of sport. Saint Kentigern has a special connection to the Halberg Foundation with former Boys’ School Principal, Mr Geoff Burgess now the Endowment Executive of the organisation. Mr Burgess, whose wife, Mrs Barbara Burgess is a teacher at the Girls’ School, visited the Halberg Day three times to offer his support.

The Junior, Middle and Senior School each had a session of activities, with the Year 0-3 girls getting the fun underway with skipping relays and a jump rope jump-off! The Year 4 to 8 students took part in a cross-fit circuit programme, featuring stations for skipping, shuttle runs, planks, basketball shooting and step-ups.

The girls had to complete the entire circuit as many times as possible within 20 minutes with awards presented for first, second and third as well as spot prizes for categories such as best supporter and best dressed. The girls ended up raising more than $2000. Prior to the day, the girls were inspired by a visit from four-time Paralympian, Dave MacCalman, who has won three Paralympics medals, including two gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney. The Year 7 and 8 girls had also received special training sessions from Newmarket Crossfit.

Year 8 Leavers Encouraged to Think Big

As the Year 8 leavers celebrated their time at the Girls’ School during the Graduation Dinner, they were reminded to maintain the spirit of youth as they continue their journey into adulthood. During the evening at Sorrento restaurant in Cornwall Park, a great mix of inspirational speakers encouraged the girls to be brave and believe in themselves as they move on to their college years and beyond.

Acting Principal, Mrs Judith Dobson greeted the girls, parents, teachers and other members of the Saint Kentigern community followed by Mr Andrew Morgan, President of the Old Collegians’ Association, who gave the sponsor’s address. ‘The special memories you have built up in your time at the Girls’ School will help guide you in your times ahead,’ he said. ‘Be proud to be a Saint Kentigern girl.’ He welcomed the girls into the Old Collegians’ Association and urged them to connect with their fellow members as they embark on their careers in future years. Likewise, Old Collegians committee member and 2013 Head Girl of the College, Sharnika Leleni said the girls will always be daughters of Kentigern. ‘You must be so proud of what you have achieved and of the privilege of having the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school. The values that have been instilled in you will hold you in good stead for the future.’ The 2015 Head Girl of the

College, Grace Wood, had some sage advice for the girls as they enter secondary school. ‘Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Be openly friendly from day one – learning to make friends is a skill needed for life.’

The special memories you have built up in your time at the Girls’ School will help guide you in your times ahead,’

The guest speaker was pioneering shoe designer, Mrs Kathryn Wilson, whose line of work immediately had the girls hanging on every word. She regaled the audience with the seemingly crazy things she had done to build her brand, such as creating a shoe covered entirely in diamonds, building a store in the shape of a shoebox, and inviting her idol, Jimmy Choo, to come to New Zealand. In keeping with the theme of the night, Mrs Wilson enlightened the girls to the power of thinking big. ‘Just because it hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try,’ she said. She referred to the mindset of eminent scientist Sir Ray Avery, whose philosophy is that people are

born with 30,000 days in their life and the challenge is think in a way to take advantage of every one of those days.

Mrs Dobson began by making special mention of the four girls who had been at the School since Year 1: Katherine Fletcher, Chelsea Rose Haydon, Alexandra Knox and Hannah Timo. ‘It is what makes the job of an educator so special, so joyful, when a quiet shy five-year-old develops into a confident young woman on the brink of an exciting new adventure and we are there to witness that.’ An avid reader who has charted the lives of successful authors, Mrs Dobson shared the story of ‘Harry Potter’ writer JK Rowling’s rise to prominence. Mrs Rowling’s manuscripts had been rejected a dozen times before finally being accepted. The qualities of hard work, perseverance and self-belief in her story are traits that Mrs Dobson hopes the students will emulate. She also read a message from former Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie which reiterated her final words of advice before she left for England earlier this year: ‘be kind, have courage and be a friend.’

The occasion was a special way to celebrate and reflect on the students’ primary school years and mark their transition from girls into strong, accomplished young adults.

Learning in the Field

Tiritiri

to ‘buffeted by the wind’, but after the previous day’s stormy weather, we trusted the forecast from MetService that our trip would see fine, calm and sunny conditions. Our day of nature watching started on the ferry ride as the girls kept their eyes peeled for signs of dolphins, whales and korora (little blue penguins), but to no avail. As we approached the jetty on the island, torea (oyster catchers) could be seen walking the stony shoreline and kingfishers were darting into nesting holes in the cliffs.

With thanks to Mrs Jess Francis, science teacher Photos by Mrs Deb Ward, parent

Matangi translates

Once we had disembarked the ferry, we were in the expert hands of the volunteers who guided us through the tracks leading to the lighthouse. The guides’ invaluable skills in spotting well camouflaged and fast-moving species allowed the girls to tick off plenty of names on their list of rarest birds in the world. We walked quietly as we patiently listened to the chorus of birds, with the call of the tieke especially pronounced. As the track curved its way through the bush, we were able to see many birds we had studied in class: toutouwai (NZ robin), hihi (stitchbird), tieke (saddleback), piwakawaka (fantail), tui (parson bird), korimako (bellbird), kereru (NZ wood pigeon), and tauhou (silver eye) were easy to spot. Popokatea (whitehead), miromiro (tomtit), pateke (brown teal), kakariki (parakeets) and takahe were harder to find but some groups managed a glimpse. Some even spotted the beauty of the kokako and many heard its song. Less visually appealing were the tree weta found in the roosts distributed along the board walks!

At the visitors centre, education officer Barbara Hughes spoke about the ways we can ensure the sustainability of our special wildlife in NZ. Her talk included many aspects of conservation the girls had learnt when studying the impact of plastic on the world’s oceans.

The afternoon saw us walk along the ridge track and down to Hobbs Beach, where some groups helped to tidy the coastline. We were warned away from the nests of the oyster catchers by territorial cheeping and carefully tiptoed past the timid dotterels, who were a rare but precious visitor to the island this season. Finally we boarded the ferry with the sun still shining for a smooth crossing.

The experience of being outdoors, travelling to a mini paradise is now a lasting memory for the students. The skills and knowledge they gained by being in the field are important –learning from a book or a web search can only inspire so far – we were seeing, hearing and feeling the call of the wild. The students can confidently take pride in the native species they now know and continue to support the long-term future of endangered species.

Girls’ School Athletics Days

After the senior girls had competed alongside College students in Term 1, it was the Junior and Middle School’s turn in Term 4.

Junior School

The determination and exuberance shown during the Girls’ School Year 0-3 Athletics Day was perfectly encapsulated during one race in particular. The final of the Year 0 50m sprint was closely contested right down the last metre, and then many more! Instead of stopping at the finish line, the girls carried on sprinting around the track for at least another 50 metres! The Year 8 girls who were helping as officials could only just catch them, such was the youngsters’ excitement! It was a brilliant display of the competitive spirit that was evident throughout each of the events by all of the students. With the previous day bringing heavy downpours, we couldn’t have asked for better weather for the competition, with clear skies greeting the girls as they arrived at the Boys’ School track. There were individual titles up for grabs in ball throw, 50m sprint and long jump and there were also House points available during the sack race, Frisbee and obstacle course events.

Middle School

The extra day’s rest from the long Labour Weekend came in handy for the Girls’ School’s Year 4-6 Athletics Day. The girls travelled to Pakuranga Athletic Club at Lloyd Elsmore Park to compete in sprint races, shot put, long jump, discus, high jump and an optional 800m event. While the sun was out, a chilly southerly breeze kept the temperature down and provided a handy tailwind during the sprints. The House competition was extremely tight with Hamilton winning by just four points! Congratulations to all the winners and place-getters!

Girls’ School Year Group Champions 2015

1st 2nd 3rd

Year 0

Amelia Hardie Violet Lindsay Smail Phoebe Wakelin

Year 1 Sienna Robertshaw Laura Koeman = Rosie Ward, Brooke Rowntree

Year 2

Claudia Stewart Ashley Cheeseman = Alianna Hay, Milly Macleod, Amie Hilliam

Year 3 Sienna Haar Priscilla Zhong = Sienna Hirst, Endrica Dhani

Year 4 Isabella Hughes Alisa Iosua Audrey Lee

Year 5 Mary Stanfield Gracie Curtis Zoe Wong

Year 6 Coco Hewitt Eva Barry Verity Ward Year 7 Florence Dallow Addison Peebles Ella Grayson Year 8 Zara Smith Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru Aimee Johnson

House Relays

The House relay race competition is an afternoon when friendships are put aside, classroom allegiances left behind and House loyalty comes to the fore! Teams of four from each House were selected featuring the top runners from each year level, based on results from sprint races at Junior, Middle and Senior School Athletics Days. Having the fastest runners isn’t necessarily a guarantee of relay success, however, with time and places to be gained with a clean and efficient baton exchange! HOUSE RELAY CHAMPIONS

Teamwork Day

The 2016 Year 8 girls are going to have a fantastic final year if the leadership and camaraderie displayed during their teamwork day was anything to go by! The girls spent a day at Adventureworks outdoor education park learning about how to work together to gain individual and team outcomes. They made a group contract to be encouraging, supportive, attentive, caring towards others, fun, humble and inclusive during the challenges ahead. The activities involved problem-solving tasks and conquering their fears by negotiating the high ropes. In thanking the instructors, J’adore Tavita-Harris summed up what the girls had realised throughout the day: ‘We’ve learnt that we have an impact on others and others have an impact on us.’

Girls vs Wild

With thanks to student reporters, Zara Smith and Mia Dobbe Girls v Wild lived up to its name on the first day with some crazy weather on Motutapu Island. The groups thought they were moving pretty quickly through the scavenger hunt challenge but when the thunder and lightning went off, they realised they were capable of much faster speeds! That wasn’t all though, the black clouds, pounding rain and water spout certainly made our trip one to remember! However, we woke up the next day to a beautiful morning – a day perfect for wharf jumping. After helping the Department of Conservation to pull out weeds from the river bank, we were all ready for a swim. The water was crystal clear and very inviting. As soon as we were suited up in our togs, we had built up enough courage to take the leap of faith. A moment of free falling ended with a bomb into the cold but refreshing water. A truly amazing experience.

Zara Smith

Throughout Girl v Wild, we faced many challenges and obstacles to be overcome. One of the first major challenges was to go on a tramp around the island to learn about its history. We relied on our teammates to support us and help us when we found it difficult. If someone was struggling, we’d make sure to help them by carrying their bags and jumpers. If someone couldn’t complete challenges, such as eating wasabi or sardines, the team would divide their share. If a teammate wasn’t strong enough to hold others, we would make sure they would be on the top of the pyramid. This was a great exercise as it helped us forge relationships which would assist with teamwork. We know that we can rely on each other if we are ever in trouble.

Mia Dobbe

Grandparents’ Morning

The pleasure of being a grandparent was encapsulated perfectly by Acting Principal, Judith Dobson in her welcoming speech at the Girls’ School grandparents’ morning.

‘I had been told by others what a joy it was to be a grandparent but until you become a grandparent you never really understand the uniqueness of that role,’ said Mrs Dobson. ‘I was blessed with two wonderful grandmothers. Both of these women held a special place in my heart and whilst they have long since departed from my life, I hold the fondest memories of them.’

‘Children learn so much from the connections they make with adults from various generations. The world I grew up in is so very different from the one our grandchildren will inherit yet the need for human companionship and relationships will always remain.

‘Children learn so much from the connections they make with adults from various generations.’

Children can absorb from their grandparents a sense of history, identity, heritage, and the vital connection with the past. The life stories will grow in value as the children become adults.’

The school hall was packed full of proud grandparents eager for the opportunity to see their granddaughter’s school and what she has been learning about. The students were waiting outside the hall to meet their grandparents, peering over the

heads of their schoolmates to spot them. There was an overflow of emotion when the two generations were united, especially for those grandparents who had travelled from outside of Auckland. The girls gave their family members a tour of the School and their classroom, with the art studio, engineering laboratory and library being must-see highlights. Many of the students were keen to show off their latest work and introduce their teacher and grandparents to one another.

The visit was capped off by morning tea with a hot drink back in the school hall. Neither the students nor the grandparents wanted the experience to end and extended their time together as long as possible. Mrs Dobson had concluded her welcome earlier in the day with a challenge to the girls. ‘Listen to the stories that your grandparents share – in time those stories will become so important to you as part of your history,’ she said. The students had definitely taken the advice on board as they listened to their grandparents’ tales intently!

Girls’ School Parents and Friends Association

Chairperson’s Report 2015

It is with great pleasure that I reflect back upon the 2015 year and share many of the wonderful achievements of the Parents and Friends’ Association and that of our numerous parent volunteers.

The Parents and Friends Association plays an important role to enhance our school spirit and camaraderie along with providing many exciting events for our families to enjoy. The year started with our annual school picnic on a beautiful Auckland evening.

The amazing Gibbs Farm fundraiser excursion was simply outstanding. With a stunning autumn day and a ‘sold out’ crowd, we were all left to marvel at the incredible surroundings. This event was superbly organised and executed and we once again thank the organising committee of Shelley and Greg Horton, Deborah Higgins and Kim McGregor along with the many and varied supporters on the day.

The Mother and Daughter High Tea assembled together a wonderful turn out of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, carers and friends. A special thank you to the organising committee led by Barbara Chin with assistance from Aiko and Alistair Stewart, Henry Ray, Kim Gear, Sharon Bluck and Jennifer Duncan.

This years’ Winter Wonderland-themed School Disco was eagerly anticipated by all of our girls. Our appreciation goes to the many volunteers who prepared the school hall and assisted during the evening so magnificently. Particular acknowledgement goes to Justine Murchison who led the organising of this event again.

The Father and Daughter Breakfast was timed to coincide with Father’s Day, and was another special event which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The organisation of this event by Cate Scragg, Rebecca Scoones and their teams was greatly appreciated.

It has been a real thrill to see some new developments at school which have been due to the efforts of the Parents and Friends Association. The completion of the Junior School playground was a major highlight and one that is well received every day by all the Year 0 to Year 2 girls.

The Parents and Friends’ Association would like to sincerely acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Dr Sandra Hastie throughout the year along with Judith Dobson, Janine Bennett, Karyl Kidd and staff. Many of our achievements would not have been possible without the support of the school staff who have been

so accommodating to our many requests. My personal thanks also go to the Parents and Friends’ Association immediate past Chairman, Paul Fletcher.

I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a very supportive and energetic Executive Team of William Black and Stacy Colyer along with our fabulous Committee of Shelley Horton, Deborah Higgins, Kim McGregor, Andrea Dennis, Michele Parent and Denise Yonge who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes. We are a very cohesive team who want the very best for our girls and the School.

The 2016 year is shaping up to be an exciting year and the Parents and Friends Association look forward to fully supporting our new Principal, Miss Juliet Small as she settles into her new role. The parents are all excited by Juliet’s announcement and we have total confidence that the Trust Board has chosen an excellent candidate who can continue to take the School forward during this exciting period of growth that we are experiencing.

Rebecca Gadsdon-Green, Chairperson, Girls’ School Parents and Friends

Open for Playtime

The popular Gibbs Farm visit organised by the Girls’ School Parents and Friends was a successful fundraiser which paved the way for the new Junior School playground. The Parents and Friends along with the Old Collegians’ Association combined to fund this initiative, which was opened in Term 4. After eagerly watching its construction throughout the year, the girls in Years 0-2 couldn’t wait to get in the sandpit, get on the slide and start planting in the garden. Rebecca Gadson-Green, Parents and Friends Chairperson, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of this fantastic new development before the girls christened the new equipment with its first playtime.

Boys Can Do Anything!

They can produce quality work displaying the necessary pride and accuracy

They can be organised

They can effectively use their time

They can think for themselves

They can be creative

They can wear their heart on their sleeves

They can express themselves clearly and confidently

They can be caring

They can wear their uniform with pride

They can multi-task

They can and do achieve in academic, cultural and sporting arenas

Our 2015 prizegiving was living proof of boys succeeding in our education system. During the course of the ceremony, prizes and awards were given for excellence and achievement in cultural, sporting, and academic endeavours as well as recognising citizenship and service by our student body. The achievements of our 2015 students deserved to be acknowledged and celebrated at the final formal gathering of our community.

My very last words at our 2014 prizegiving were to encourage our boys to think about the talents, skills and qualities that each of them possess and to understand that it is not about winning at all costs but rather ‘What You Do With What You’ve Got’ that makes the difference.

‘What's the good of two strong legs, if you only run away?

And what use is the finest voice, if you've nothing good to say?

And what good is strength and muscle, If you only push and shove?

And what's the use of two good ears, if you can't hear those you love?’ 2015, as with other years, has been busy and our boys should feel justifiably proud of their contribution and achievements. They have embraced and made the most of opportunities available, have shown progress and have willingly been involved in a number of service activities. I have been impressed with their growth during the course of the year and most importantly their manners, pride and courtesy displayed. Very rarely do I not see a smile on their faces on arrival, during and as they depart school each day.

The many achievements and successes that have been acknowledged throughout the year have seen the school continue to grow and strive for the excellence that must continue, and when I reflect on the past 12 months, the following are the standouts for me personally, where each day brings something special or unexpected.

Life changing moments: Witnessing our Year 8 students helping in a retirement home in Tauranga and the inaugural Year 8 parent and son service trip to Fiji.

Greatest cultural experience: Performers’ Choir tour to Noumea and coming to grips with communicating in French.

Best daytime event: While Celtic Day continues to be a highlight of our annual calendar, this year it was our Community Anzac Service held in the early morning, commemorating the landing of our soldiers on Gallipoli 100 years ago.

Most impressive artistic display : The 500+ ceramic poppies created by our students symbolising the importance of the NZ Anzac Spirit.

Best night-time event: Fireworks Skyshow. What an amazing display enjoyed by us all.

Sporting achievement: Water Polo team taking out the North Island, Winterfest and Tim Sonderer tournaments, where skill combined with teamwork was the winner.

Highest and most consistent academic achievement: Attending the ICAS medal ceremony where Nathaniel Bailey was presented the medal for Year 7 Science, acknowledging the top mark in NZ, which also happened to be for the third year in a row.

Best example of generosity and service: The entire School community. We continue to set the standard for primary schools in New Zealand supporting local and international organisations financially and, more importantly, where our boys are prepared to do the hard work.

Most humbling moment: Our Year 8 boys hosting and assisting students in attendance at the Halberg Sportability Day.

Musical highlight: The resurrection of the House music competition.

Best EOTC experience: Hard to go past the sailing experience for Year 8, however, the success of the Year 4 camp to Kaueranga Valley does just that. While it has taken a couple of years to get this underway, we are already planning for Year 3 in 2016.

Garden to Table moment: The Junior School options programme has provided different experiences for our boys. How great it was to walk into my office and see a collection of vegetables grown by the boys that I know are totally organic and as fresh as they could be.

Best thing to look forward to: Building Minds, Building Futures – how fantastic to bring the boys back into Roselle House with the Learning Commons on the top floor and then the creation of a Science Centre that will provide our boys with a real passion for a subject that is our country’s future.

What an amazing community you are!

Fides Servanda Est

Mr Peter Cassie

A Time of Transition

The signs that our Boys’ School leavers were more than ready to take on the next step of their education were plain to see. Reverend Reuben Hardie had noticed it in their physical appearance on the sports field, as the Year 8 boys played a game of soccer in sandals that are too small, and uniforms that are too tight!

Senior School Dean, Mr Richard Kirk could see it in the boys’ attitude, having watched them grow into mature, confident young men. Principal, Mr Peter Cassie knows that the academic grounding they have been given and the sporting, cultural and service opportunities they have been offered has put them in the driving seat for their future.

The boys, their parents and teachers celebrated the end of the era that has created these fine young citizens at the Graduation Dinner. Ellerslie Events Centre was decked out in the House colours with jars of jaffas, candy bananas, mentos and spearmint leaves representing each House in confectionery. Mr Kirk opened the proceedings by congratulating the boys on the manner they have undertaken their classwork, sport, drama, music and service, and the level they have achieved in each area. ‘The academic successes, the sporting achievements, the musical performances – you will leave a lasting memory here,’ he said. ‘You should look back with pride on your time at Saint Kentigern, and look forward knowing you are well prepared. You have the tools to go out and achieve whatever you want in whatever field it is that you choose.’

Following the main course, we were privileged to have Old Collegian, Blair Tuke as the guest speaker. The reigning three-time world champion in the 49er class, Olympic silver medallist and 2015 co-world sailor of the year gave the boys advice on how to deal with transition. Using examples from his own life, including moving to Auckland from his hometown Kerikeri when he was a teenager and when he joined Emirates Team New Zealand, Blair had a number of tips for the students to utilise as they progress to college. These included maintaining their ‘inner fitness’, as character is of utmost importance to achieving their hopes and dreams.

In his closing address to the leavers, Mr Cassie told the boys their contribution to the school has been greatly appreciated. ‘My final wish is that all of you will be the best that you can possibly be, building on what you have received by following the sound advice and guidance provided over the years. You are well prepared for the next level of your education and you can move forward with confidence and enthusiasm to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.’

The boys responded by performing the OneRepublic song ‘I’ve lived’ with its apt lyrics, ‘I owned every second that this world could give, I saw so many places, the things that I did’ followed by a rousing haka.

As Rev Hardie started the night by saying, while these young men have outgrown the School, ‘may they never outgrow the values, the friendships and the sense of wonderment we have tried to instil in them’.

Celebration and Inspiration – Prizegiving 2015

contributions to the success we were there to celebrate. ‘The boys should feel justifiably proud of their achievements,’ he said. ‘They have embraced and made the most of the opportunities available and have willingly been involved in a number of activities. I have been impressed with their growth during the course of the year and most importantly their manners, pride and courtesy.’

The purpose and outcome of a prizegiving ceremony is twofold: to congratulate those who have worked hard to be the best in their endeavours and to inspire others as they continue to strive for excellence. At the Boys’ School prizegiving, we recognised the students who through effort and persistence, and under the guidance of their teachers and parents, had achieved at the highest level within their class, subject, service, cultural activity, sporting code or leadership role. With these boys as role models, and seeing the Sports Centre at the College full of proud families celebrating their success, their schoolmates couldn’t help but be motivated to aim for that spotlight in 2016 and the years to come.

‘The boys should feel justifiably proud of their achievements,’

The awards covered the full gamut of the 'World of Opportunity' that Saint Kentigern offers. Following the address by Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow, the first prizes presented were for music, speech and cultural distinction. These were followed by the sports awards, culminating in the team of the year shield going to the Senior A water polo team. There were three categories of academic award for the Junior School classes, for excellence, diligence, and effort and progress, with the Middle School tutor groups also recognised for Christian Education. The Senior School students were vying for diligence, excellence, and progress awards as well as in their individual subject areas. A boy from every class was also nominated for a Christian Living Award for demonstrating the Saint Kentigern Way. Principal, Mr Peter Cassie’s address reflected on his favourite moments of 2015, which included the Halberg Sportability Day and the special commemorative Anzac Service. He thanked the prefects, parents, staff and Trust Board for their

It was then time for the special awards. The Brian Matthews Cup went to Rafael Newland for consistently showing empathy to others and being responsible and courteous in the Junior School. Jonathan Benjamin and Michael Hiddleston received the Middle and Senior School Citizenship Cups respectively for their outstanding service and leadership. The Joel Campbell Memorial Trophy, for service to others, went to Hayden Joyce. For displaying true grit and spirit in the sporting arena, James Stables received the Knox Family Lion Heart Award. Isaac Wong and Will Bason were the Sportsman of the Year recipients for the Middle and Senior School respectively. Joshua Stephan has demonstrated diligence, cooperation, courtesy, sportsmanship and friendliness to earn the Rex Hooton Cup for School Spirit. With an average grade of 91, Xavier Yin finished as the Proxime Accessit, with Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston named Dux of the School with an average of 95.

In their final act as students of the Boys’ School, the Year 8 students joined the official party as they filed out of the Sports Centre. Congratulations to all of the boys who received awards and we hope the occasion encouraged your peers to do their utmost to become recipients in the future.

Proxime Accessit

Xavier Yin

In addition to his leadership duties as Head Boy and success in athletics, Michael excelled in the classroom. He finished first in Year 8 in four subjects: art, social science, science and English, and was awarded his class’s Christian education prize. In his core subjects, he averaged 95 per cent, including 98 in social science and 97 in science, to be a deserving recipient of the Foundation Pupil Cup for Dux.

The Jubilee Cup for Proxime Accessit was awarded to Xavier Yin. Xavier achieved excellent results across his core subjects, averaging 91 per cent, including 95 in mathematics and 94 in science. He gained the top mark in Year 8 mathematics and was presented the Connell Cup for the best combined score in mathematics and science.

Boys vs Wild

With thanks to student reporter, Anthony Gu Arecord number of 54 boys set out for Shakespear Regional Park for this year’s Boys v Wild adventure. After arriving at Army Bay, we split into groups for the one-hour trek to the campsite. Each team had a map and had to find a route to the camp, without using the main road, and to make the challenge harder, all teams had to go to the lookout as a check point. With the teams starting at five-minute intervals, it was a race to the campsite!

Our service activity for the camp was clearing a 100-metre long swamp of Mexican Devil weed. After a couple of hours of long and hard work, we came back to the campsite having completed a successful session of weeding. Mr Johannson let out the long line in the hope of returning with fish the next day.

For the camp, each boy had been given a ration pack that contained a main meal, crackers, vegemite, jam, chocolate, hot chocolate, cereal, and two packets of instant noodles. Some people survived just fine, others didn’t. Mr Haar organised a game of Find the Teachers. The reigning champion for five years, Rev Hardie, was ready to win, and he did so. Rev Hardie managed to have a conversation on the phone and win, without anyone finding him.

The next morning, Mr Johannson reeled in the long lines and ended up with five fish. The snapper were really tasty after going on the barbeque. Overall the camp was an amazing experience. We had many fascinating walks with amazing views, learned about some of the nature around the campsite, and got to help the community and others around us.

To qualify for the Boys v Wild outdoor experience, students must have completed the requirements for the Saint Kentigern Silver Service Award. The camp is part of the criteria to achieve the Gold Service Award.

Dux

Michael Hiddleston

Rex Hooton Cup for School Spirit - Joshua Stephan Joel Campbell Cup - Hayden Joyce

Senior Sportsman of the Year - Will Bason

Middle School Sportsman of the Year - Isaac Wong

It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

The joy of the festive season was ushered in with an evening of song, prayer and worship at the Boys’ School Carol Service. The Holy Trinity Cathedral was standing room only full of students, family and other members of the Saint Kentigern community eager to participate in this treasured Christmas tradition. The guests were greeted at the door by groups of boys and welcomed into the impressive venue by tunes played by student musicians.

The first carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, was introduced with a solo by Year 7 student Cameron Dean, before the whole congregation joined in. Cathedral Reverend Tony Surman and Principal, Mr Peter Cassie welcomed the carollers, especially those there to support the Year 8 boys when they lit their leavers candle and received their blessing. ‘We are thrilled to share this rite of passage,’ said Mr Cassie.

The first reading was by Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston followed by the Performers’ Choir singing ‘African Crib Carol’. As tradition, the second reading was by Michael’s mother, Dr Phillipa Hiddleston. After sitting patiently in the front rows, it was the junior boys’ turn to sing, with a rendition of ‘Three Wise Men’. The boys had come to love this tune, singing it at every opportunity, and it showed in their stirring performance. Two long-serving staff members who left at the end of the year, Mr Dominic Yates and Mrs Janet Harvey, did the next reading, before everyone joined to sing the classics ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Away in a Manger’.

The full contingent of staff then took to the altar to sing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, which was then outshone by the youngest Saint Kentigern students, our preschoolers singing ‘Come On Ring Those Bells’! The boys who are transitioning to Year 1 at the Boys’ School next year chimed bells to accompany the words and their fellow preschoolers performed the actions. A beautiful solo by brothers Oscar and Leo

van Druten led the congregation into the next hymn ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’. A highlight of the service each year is the message from Reverend Reuben Hardie, which always has a poignant theme related to the spirit of Christmas. This year the theme was ‘Strawberry Moments’ and Rev Hardie was accompanied on stage by a student feasting a huge pile of sumptuous strawberries! The message started with the tale of a boy who was being chased by a tiger through a forest. When he came across a cliff, he grabbed a vine and jumped to avoid being eaten. However, waiting in the gully below was another tiger. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, two mice started to gnaw on his lifeline, the vine. In his moment of despair, the boy spotted a single strawberry growing on the cliff face. He grabbed the strawberry and ate it slowly, savouring the delicious fruit. Rev Hardie explained when you are faced with challenges, it is important to take the time to enjoy life’s little moments. Christmas, which brings with it time to share with family and friends and rejoice in the birth of Christ, is one of the best opportunities to do this!

Chapel Prefect, Flynn Cornelius-Gilbert then led the Prayer of Saint Kentigern before the Year 8 leavers and departing staff members lit a candle and received their blessing. The occasion was a fabulous way to start the celebration of Christmas!

Bikes go ‘round again

For a refugee, the gift of a bicycle provides a source of transport and independence, as well as fun for all ages. Our Year 7 students have been contributing to an initiative to supply second-hand bikes to refugees for two years, with a bumper donation of 39 bikes delivered this time around. The idea to collect and supply the bikes was born out of the boys learning about refugees in a social science inquiry. The boys discover all about the plight of refugees and the courage they show while being forced to flee their homelands to escape war and political tyranny. Up to 750 refugees a year are integrated into New Zealand society after arriving at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. The centre helps them to overcome the challenges of settling into a new country and offers advice on how to contribute the skills and personal characteristics they bring with them to their new home in Aotearoa.

The provision of a bicycle can go a long way to assisting with the refugees’ resettlement, as a means to get to and from employment or education, as a form of exercise, and to become acquainted with their new environment. Supported by Auckland Transport, old bikes are being collected by the humanitarian agency RASNZ (Refugees as Survivors NZ) to service and donate to families at the Mangere centre. The recipients are given cycle lessons focusing on bike safety, including New Zealand’s road rules and the importance of always wearing a helmet.

During Term 3, the School Council sent a request to Saint Kentigern families to donate old bikes no longer in use. Our Year 7 councillors were proud to deliver the 39 bicycles of all shapes and sizes to the Mangere Refugee Centre, knowing that our donation could make a difference for refugee families.

Beautiful Christmas Exchange

The spirit of Christmas lies in family and giving, both of which were present at the Boys’ School donation of nearly 70 massive hampers to Wymondley Road School in Otara. Throughout the final term, the boys had been bringing in items to form the hampers, which were lovingly packaged by the parent volunteers.

The boys who received the Christian Living Award from each class at prizegiving gathered up the hampers, which were received at a special assembly at Wymondley Road.

‘It’s an absolute pleasure to be here today,’ said Principal Mr Peter Cassie. ‘This is the highlight of our calendar. We feel a very close relationship with this community and this is a special part of who we are. Like you, we agree

that Christmas is about giving, it’s about family, it’s about developing relationships.’ To show their appreciation, the students from Wymondley Road presented our boys with candy leis, which was a heartwarming moment for everyone there.

‘I’m blown away by the generosity of the Saint Kentigern community and humbled and grateful to accept these hampers,’ said Wymondley Road Principal, Mr Pele Leaupepetele.

‘Giving a lei represents an endless line of love, of aroha, to the person you are giving it to. To the young men of Saint Kentigern: you have done an amazing job. We talk about leadership through service, and what you’ve done here is amazing.’

Choir Performs in New Caledonia

The trip to New Caledonia by the Performers’ Choir was a prize opportunity for the boys to immerse themselves into their performances, into the French culture, into their host families and into the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific paradise.

With thanks to Mr Grayson Aspinall, Deputy Principal

Prior to their departure, the 23 students were apprehensive but excited about the journey ahead. After arriving in Noumea, the boys and five staff members accompanying them were greeted at College Georges Baudoux by the local students and billeting hosts with open arms.

The second day of the trip started with classes at 7am. The boys were involved in many lessons which included science, English, physical education and mathematics. This was where the boys really had to work hard on communicating in French with their counterparts. Later in the morning they visited the cultural centre for a guided tour and learnt about the history of the country. The boys had their first opportunity to warm up their vocal chords at the centre and sang to a group of tourists, all of whom were noticeably impressed!

Day three bought a much-anticipated trip with the billets and their families to Amedee Island, off the coast of Noumea. The activities included a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to see the underwater environment and feed the fish and a hula dance show. After a traditional island lunch, the choir performed to a packed audience of tourists. An impromptu school haka led by Meli Young Yen had the crowd

on their feet in appreciation. This was a pioneer moment in the history of the Boys’ School as it was the first time our haka had been performed outside New Zealand! The most positive aspect of this day was the interaction between our boys, the billets and their families – a very successful day of crosscultural bonding had by all!

The following day started with a guided

At the first stop, the boys took a spontaneous opportunity to sing to the fellow travellers.

train trip around Noumea. At the first stop, the boys took a spontaneous opportunity to sing to the fellow travellers. One of the subsequent stops was the aquarium where the boys completed worksheets about the inhabitants of each pool – all in French, of course!

A trip to the markets on day five offered an ideal chance for the boys to hone their French language skills while purchasing a gift for mum or dad. The staff realised that there was a large throng of shoppers, so the boys got into formation and sang to the gathering masses. From there, they walked

to the Cathédrale Saint Joseph, built in 1890. They ventured inside, in the hope to possibly sing in the cathedral, as the acoustics would be superb. It was certainly a highlight of the week for the staff listening to the boys sing inside such a magnificent environment. The afternoon involved a treasure hunt around the town square which the boys conquered with reasonable ease, showing their French had really improved in a short time. The boys spent the penultimate day with their host families doing a variety of activities, including kayaking, picnics, gokarting, sailing and jet-skiing. On the final morning, they headed to a marine reserve to go snorkelling and got up close to turtles, parrot fish and even white-tipped sharks! The tour concluded with a concert at College Georges Baudoux that included a rousing haka and pitch-perfect choir recital.

Over the course of the trip the boys proved to be fine ambassadors of Saint Kentigern, and in every performance they sang with confidence, pride and conviction. The many activities and experiences provided an introduction to French culture which the students can compare to their lives in New Zealand, and they have made lasting connections with their peers at College Georges Baudoux and host families.

Arts Evening

The date of our Arts Evening was important because it fell on Armistice Day. To commemorate this, the individual ceramic poppies which each of the boys made for our Anzac Memorial Service were made available for parents to take home.

The event showcased the best of the visual and performing arts at the Boys’ School. Every boy had a piece of artwork on display ranging from ceramic penguins to glitter pattern paintings.

A comfortable atmosphere was created by the Parents and Friends and the audience was kept entertained by the choir, jazz band and the performance band. The mood was light and jumping as students led their parents to look at what they had created. The best part of the evening for most was to sort through the more than 500 poppies to find the one that they had personally made. Head of Arts, Mr Thomas Barter expects the Arts Evening will return even bigger and better in 2016.

Music Showcase

The fantastic music programme at the Boys’ School demonstrated its superb wares at a special showcase assembly. Parents and guests accompanied the entire school in JC Chalmers Hall to hear the fruits of the efforts of our leading student musicians under the guidance of Director of Music, Mrs Janet Grierson, music teacher Mr Emma Chatterton and the various itinerant instrument tutors. The audience was welcomed into the hall by the Pipes and Drums Band, which was sounding very polished after forming just last year. The band has fast become a popular

sight at a number of events throughout the year and set the bar for what was to follow.

The programme included solo performances by students on 10 different instruments. The boys had earned the privilege of playing in the showcase by being selected as the top practitioner of each instrument. Interspersed throughout the individual performances were appearances from the many ensembles on offer for boys to join. As well as being a platform for the best soloists, the showcase provides a taster of the various instruments that boys can take up and the group

performances give budding players a goal to aspire to.

From traditional pieces by Mozart to a number one Bruno Mars hit song, each of the individual and group performances were expertly executed and resoundingly appreciated by the audience. Principal, Mr Peter Cassie concluded the assembly by congratulating the boys on their recitals. ‘Music has the ability to make people happy,’ he said. ‘The audience couldn’t help but tap their feet and nod their heads as you performed.’

Dragons Inspire Marketers!

The Senior School classrooms and quad were turned into a bubbling bazaar of commerce for the Year 7 Market Day! The boys had spent months creating and fine-tuning their products and marketing as part of their enterprise studies. In groups of four, they took on chief executive, marketer, designer and accountant roles within their companies. A virtual economy was used with Kents money as the currency, and each group was given a weekly wage. After they had come up with prototypes, their ideas were pitched to business leaders in a Dragons’ Den style forum. The dragons – parents who had offered their commercial expertise – quizzed the boys on their advertising plans and profit expectations, and gave advice on how to price their goods and reduce costs.

When the products were finalised, they covered a wide range of applications, including homemade hair wax, trading cards featuring teachers as superheroes, cellphone speakers, miniature cricket sets, table ornaments, and toys. At the market day, the teams had two hours to tout their wares to the Year 5 and 6 students and parents. Some cleverly tied into the impending festive season and sold Christmas-related goods, while others offered entry into a prize draw with every purchase. The prime spots in the marketplace could be bought with Kents, and those groups who opted not to do so used music and wandering salespeople to attract people to their outlying stall. As well as the profits to be made, there were prizes for best product, best teamwork and best marketing. When the doors finally closed, the students had learnt how to operate a budget, considered the economics of how to allocate their time and Kents, developed their communication skills and applied all of these into a cohesive business plan!

Year 5 Boys Explore Museum

The Year 5 classes had been learning about the discovery and settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand by studying the various explorers and adventurers to first visit our remote shores. To support the work they had been undertaking in the classroom, the students embarked on a field trip to the Maritime Museum on the waterfront for a morning of exploring and discovery of their own. The boys were greeted by museum educator, Emma, who asked them what they already knew about New Zealand’s early history. Emma was impressed with their answers that included the routes taken by Polynesian and European seafarers and the motivations for leaving their homelands. The museum tour featured a screening of the animated documentary ‘Te Waka’ which imagined the voyages by the early Polynesians. This encouraged the boys to think about the how the sailors navigated the great distances they covered, what

provisions they needed to have on board, and what they did on arrival at their destination. Emma led them on a guided tour of the highlights of the museum, prompting the students with questions on the dangers and difficulties the initial explorers faced and the subsequent groups to call New Zealand home, such as whalers, sealers and gold miners. The boys also roamed the museum in small groups to revisit items and exhibitions of particular interest. High on the list of top attractions was the history of New Zealand’s high-profile modern day mariners: the sailors from our America’s Cup campaigns. The students disembarked from the museum experience with an improved understanding of New Zealand’s past, the courageous actions of our forbearers and how these have shaped the society we live in.

Proud to Host Halberg Event

It was our pleasure to host the Saint Kentigern Halberg Junior Disability Sports Day at the Boys’ School! This is the sixth year we have offered to hold the event at the Jubilee Sports Centre and it is growing every year. There were 75 Year 1-8 students from 35 schools taking part in more than 15 modified sports, including boccia, goalball, polybat, swish, blind cricket, ambulant football, powerchair football, waka ama, and sitting volleyball. Some of the activities offered the visiting students the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at a new sport, while others were competitive with the chance to win prizes such as sports gear, vouchers and apparel. As well as providing the venue, 80 Year 8 students from the Boys’ School volunteered their time at the various stations. The boys had received training to

learn more about disability sport and how best to support the athletes on the day, and performed their tasks admirably. They kept scores, offered tips in the sports, encouraged the competitors and assisted the visitors around our facilities. They can be very proud of how they conducted themselves and for helping to give the guests an enjoyable experience.

The day ended with a prizegiving where Jean-Luc Gofton was named the top helper. Halberg Disability Sport Foundation Chief Executive, Shelley McMeeken thanked the boys for the ‘fantastic’ part they played during the day and Deputy Principal, Mr Grayson Aspinall for co-organising the event. Like Mrs McMeeken, we hope we have helped to kick off the journey of a future Paralympian!

Boys’ School Water Polo Team on a Roll

The terrific run of success produced by the Boys’ School Water Polo team over the past two years continued at the North Island Year 7 and 8 Championships. A total of 39 teams competed in 130 games over four days at four Auckland venues during the tournament. The Boys’ School team stormed through the field undefeated to

defend the title it won last year. In the semi-final, the boys avenged their AIMS Games final loss by beating Aquinas College 8-2. The title was decided with a resounding 9-2 victory over the Sacred Heart Snappers. The closest result was the 6-1 win over Diocesan A in pool play.

After the final, Will Bason was named the most valuable player and Teague de Jager received an outstanding player award. The result carried on a phenomenal period of achievement for the team, which has won all three Auckland tournaments in 2014 and 2015, back-to-back North Island championships and second place at the AIMS Games.

North Island Championship results

Pool play

12-0 v SKC A

6-1 v Diocesan A

8-0 v Mount Maunganui Intermediate

Mixed 8 – 0

8-2 v Murrays Bay

9-2 v King’s A

Semi-final

8-2 v Aquinas College

Final

9-2 v Sacred Heart Snappers

Athletics

With a diverse circuit of events to compete in, the Year 0-3 athletics day on the top field provided an opportunity for the students to find and display their sporting strengths.

There were sprint races for speedsters, long jump for the leapers and shot put and discus for those with power and technique. The sack races and golf ball and spoon challenge added some entertainment between the more traditional track and field disciplines. The Middle and Senior School competitions were held at Mt Smart with records broken at both events. The positive spirit on display made for enjoyable and memorable days for everyone who took part, leading to personal best performances and closely-fought contests! The final athletics event of the year was the House Relays, with Cargill proving to be the best at passing the baton!

Tennis Championships

The high standard of tennis players among the Boys' School students was again evidenced during the finals of the annual tennis championships. Congratulations to all the winners:

Year 4 – William Lawrence Vai Vai beat Hugo Wigglesworth 6/0 6/0

Year 5 – Noah Payman beat Josh Ongley 6/1 6/3

Year 6 – Christoph Grant beat Campbell Joyce 6/0 6/0

Year 7 – Max Dickey beat Zac Lerner 6/2 6/3

Year 8 – Ben Humphries beat Stephan Bigio 6/2 6/3

Year 4 Camp

With thanks to 4RC

In November, the Year 4 boys embarked on the first ever Year 4 camp, a four-day adventure at Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp near Thames. We slept in cabins, swam in the river each day and were busy taking part in loads of fun activities. We went on a four-hour tramp, swam at a water hole, jumped off rocks, burned marshmallows and listened to dads tell us stories at night.

One of our favourite activities was go karting. The speed of the go kart was thrilling and we all wanted more attempts at driving. Another awesome activity was using air rifles to shoot at targets. Archery was also fun because it was challenging and felt really good when you got a target. Kayaking on the river was a great experience especially because some of us had never kayaked before.

Overall, camp was the best week we’d had in Year 4. We were lucky to have summer weather, great parents and amazing teachers. We didn’t want to come home!

Grandparents' Morning

A group of junior boys stood proudly to attention at the entrance of the gym, handing out 500 single yellow tulips to the delight of the Grannies, Grandmas and Nanas as they arrived to take their seats at the Grandparents' Morning.

Whenall were settled, Head Boy Michael Hiddleston welcomed one and all, telling the grandparents about their special place in the lives of the boys, particularly the fond memories created as they ‘grow up and grow old’ together.

Principal, Mr Peter Cassie came forward in welcome reminding those that had returned that he set them some ‘homework’ last year – to ‘Make a Memory;’ a lasting story of their lives, knowing that these life stories grow in value to grandchildren as they grow older. He had encouraged them to do this for their families – and for those that had forgotten, he said that today was as good as any to start!

He acknowledged the distances that our visitors had travelled, from as far south as Dunedin to Kerikeri in the north and everywhere in between – with special thanks to those who made the trip from Australia, the USA and England! He also took a moment to acknowledge all the grandparents who weren’t able to be with us, knowing full well that they were with us in spirit.

Mr Cassie said, ‘We are proud of your grandsons and are honoured to have them at our school. Their contribution in all aspects of school life is appreciated. All we ask in return is for them to strive for excellence and not settle for anything less than their best, which is achievable with the right attitude and focus. We want the boys to be proud of themselves, their families and their school.’

There was then much excitement as the boys waited expectantly on the top field to collect and escort their own special guests to visit their classrooms and tour the school before taking time out for morning tea.

Citizenship Awards

Isaac Wong and Samuel Cox were chosen as this year’s recipients of the Remuera Lions Citizenship Awards. They were presented with certificates and a badge to wear on their blazer at a special ceremony.

Podium Results on the Slopes

The snow sports team carved up at the Auckland primary and intermediate school championships at Snow Planet.

Playing Ball with Breakers!

Our basketball players understand exactly what it takes to be a professional athlete following a trip to a New Zealand Breakers training session!

Charles Repeats Singing Success

Year 4 student Charles Adams repeated his success from 2014 by winning the best overall boy in the under-10 division at the New Zealand Aria Celebration of Song competition, having achieved a first and a second place for two of his performances.

Tug of War

Cargill House won the second annual Tug of War competition. Head online to check out all the action.

Cargill Claim Mathex Win

If five cats catch five mice in five minutes, how many cats are required to catch 100 mice in 100 minutes?

Now considering solving this problem as fast as you can and with the pressure of performing for your House!

Skyshow

WOW, what a show! After the disappointment and anxiety of last year, when the much anticipated annual fireworks display encountered a bit of a ‘hiccup’ at totally the wrong moment, there was a huge sigh of relief when this year’s Skyshow went off without a hitch! Promising to be ‘bigger, better, louder and longer,’ all expectations were fully met as Van Tiel Pyrotechnics Ltd set off over 550 fireworks, lighting up the night sky to everyone’s delight!

The weather is a critical factor in the success of the evening and for once there was no cause for concern as the weather maps promised favourable conditions. The gates opened at 5pm in glorious sunshine as 2000 ticket holders made their way in to settle down on the field for a picnic in the build-up to the ‘main event.’

Whilst the Boys’ School Jazz Band, and rock bands from the Boys’ School and College kept the crowds entertained, for the youngsters, it was the pre-show field activities that were the biggest draw card. This year, a wrist band could be purchased that allowed for multiple rides without the need to chase up parents for coins! Along with the adrenaline-filled activities, there was also a barnyard of animals for petting, feeding and grooming. The favoured, but very wet, dunking machine was set aside this year for an equally popular sponge-throwing activity, as staff, who were game enough, poked their faces through a giant photo of School Head Boy, Michael Hiddleston, only to get drenched! Principal, Mr Peter Cassie and chaplain to the Schools, Reverend Reuben Hardie drew the biggest crowds and most accurate sponges!

As the night sky darkened, it was a proud moment for the fledgling Boys’ School Pipes and Drums as they marched onto the field and took to the stage for the first time ever to herald the start of the show! The young pipers and drummers were clearly bursting with pride as they played. Our thanks to Old Collegians, Matthew McQueen and William Tremlett who work with the boys. It was then left to Mr Cassie to welcome the large gathering of families as they settled back for the main event which proved to be one of the best shows ever!

The logistics for a Fireworks Night held on school grounds are such that a lesser team, faced with so many hurdles and safety requirements, may have simply placed it in the ‘too hard basket’ long ago. Our own determined organising team has conquered the paper work over the years ensuring that both people and property are safely protected. Planning began at the start of March and the team, spearheaded by parents, Mr Peter Green and Mr Simon Ward, has been totally focused on ensuring that a safe and successful Fireworks Night continues as our school's signature event. Well done! It was fantastic!

Our sincere thanks to the Fireworks Organising Team for their immense effort in bringing this to fruition: Kerry George, Simon Ward, Blair Knill, Kathryn Hughes, Laura Lane, Naomi Hageman, Amanda Washington, Robyn Kenna, Campbell Shearer, Ronald Mudaliar and Peter Green.

Our thanks to the following sponsors: Kennards Hire, New World Eastridge, A-Ward, Waste Management plus Todd McLeay and his team at Whybin\TBWA and prize donors, The Maple Room and Panasonic New Zealand.

Boys' School Parents and Friends Association

Chairperson’s Report 2015

Yet again, 2015 has been a busy year for the Saint Kentigern Boys' School Community with our involvement not just in fundraising activities but also taking a very active role in the School's ‘friendraising’ activities.

We have continued to host, on the first morning of each term, a New Parents Morning Tea. This provides a great opportunity for the Parents and Friends to introduce ourselves. Many thanks to Kerryanne Tisdall who organises this each term and the team of School liaisons, Katie Wilson, Corinne Stilwell and Kirsten Stanfield who help host.

The Year 7 picnic is proving to be a very popular event in the school social calendar. The picnic allows existing families to welcome new families and build on the connections the boys have already made in the early weeks of the year, in a very relaxed setting.

donated to the Medicine Mondiale in support of two incubators for premature babies in developing countries. The success of the morning has guaranteed it a place in our calendar.

Wilkinson and Robyn Kenna, truly provided a huge bang for our buck. I must actually thank their families as well, as this event, of all the events we run, has a tendency to be all encompassing in its time commitment.

With around 600 grandparents on site, many pots of tea, jugs of milk, cups of coffee were consumed.

The Parents and Friends were again delighted to be able to host and sponsor the field activities at Celtic Day. 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 occasion.

In May, it was our pleasure to be able to host a Mother's Morning Tea. Allyson Gofton generously gave of her time to speak about the year she had spent in France with her family. The rationale surrounding this event was to allow us to give back to the members of our community who are always the first to step forward when we require support for our events: the mums. It was not run as a fundraiser and we had not anticipated a profit, however, the $4000 surplus was

We were very lucky to be donated the services of Kevin Biggar as the speaker for our annual Father and Son Breakfast this year. Finding a speaker that holds the interest of a wide age group is never an easy feat but Kevin easily held the attention of both the older and younger members of his audience. The new team, headed by Cath Costello, did a marvellous job of catering for in excess of 700 fathers and sons over two mornings. It is an honour to be involved in the support of Grandparents' Day by way of supplying the catering and serving staff on the day, as well as providing a single flower for presentation to each grandmother. With around 600 grandparents on site, many pots of tea, jugs of milk and cups of coffee were consumed. Thanks must go to the parents who offered to provide sandwiches and slices for the day and also to the team of mums who came in to man the teapots.

Quiz Night was again a successful fundraiser this year. Christina Bai ably led a team that brought together another funfilled night. This fundraiser has taken on a life of its own over the years and sells out very quickly with many teams trying to get tickets prior to them even going on sale!

Fireworks 2014 and its associated technical difficulties became a very distant memory after this year's spectacular event. The team, led by Peter Green with the invaluable support of Simon Ward, Blair Knill, Kerry George, Naomi Hageman, Amanda

Dedicated staff recognised

Saint Kentigern is very proud and appreciative of the loyalty of our long-serving staff members. At a special morning tea, a number of people who have dedicated decades of service to Saint Kentigern were recognised for their devotion to our organisation and to their craft.

Mrs Gaye Pilkington and Mrs Sue Castle have both taught at the Boys’ School for 25 years, while Mrs Belinda Baker has been with us for 20 years! After starting as a part-time remedial reading teacher and having also taught Christian education, Mrs Pilkington now leads our learning support and values programmes. ‘We really live the values that we so often talk about and that is due to you and what you provide,’ said Principal Mr Peter Cassie. ‘You are the role model.' Mrs Pilkington said she wakes up every day feeling happy and excited about her work. ‘Time flies when you’re having fun and that is how it feels to me. I have made some wonderful friends, there is great congeniality. I always refer to this as my God-given job.’

As the school year draws to a close I wish to thank the parent community for their support of all our events. Our calls for assistance are often very close together but we still manage to get the volunteer support and help we need each time. None of the events that we hold would come together without the generous time commitment that comes from our parent community.

The filling and packing of Christmas Hampers for Wymondley Road School brought our year to an end. The Parents and Friends Association look forward to maintaining and growing the already close working relationship we have with the management and staff of Saint Kentigern Boys' School.

Mrs Laura Lane, Chairperson, Boys’ School Parents and Friends

Mrs Castle has taught Year 2 boys for her entire 25 years at the School, having started in 1991. ‘You are firm and fair and I constantly get comments from parents about how amazing you have been for their children,’ said Mr Cassie. ‘It is a true credit to your professionalism.’ Mrs Castle said: ‘The thing I love about this school is the children and the parents’ interest in their child’s education. That is what has kept me here.’

Mrs Baker has worked in learning support since joining Saint Kentigern in 1995. ‘You do a fantastic job with the boys and show genuine care and compassion and a real interest and enthusiasm,’ said Mr Cassie. Mrs Baker feels blessed to have the ‘best job in the world’. ‘The opportunities I have had here are absolutely amazing. It is a beautiful environment that is created here for our boys and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. Most of all I feel incredibly lucky to work among the people I work with.’

Looking Back on

In our 63rd year on the Pakuranga campus of the Saint Kentigern Trust, the College is perhaps unique amongst independent schools in New Zealand, for its present all round success. We continue to be in a fortunate position, with demand for places at unprecedented levels.

This is reflected in the 2016 Year 9 intake being the largest in the College’s history. Added to this, an increasing number of students from our Boys’ and Girls’ Schools are choosing to continue their education with Saint Kentigern.

Our roll continues to increase in a manner that would be the envy of every other independent school in New Zealand. Against a background of the relative prosperity of Auckland, people are attracted to the outstanding site that we occupy and undoubtedly the growing reputation of the College, offering as it does a truly rounded education with effective pastoral care, a wide range of subject choices and a genuine breadth and teacher involvement in our co-curricular programme.

Most important is academic success. The 2014 pass rates at NCEA were outstanding, with increases in merit and excellence endorsements equally pleasing. Both the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Mathematics for Year 10 also achieved considerable success.

Staff and students responded well to my challenge that all students gain their Level 1, 2 or 3 NCEA certificates in 2015. Academically we continue to make excellent progress and continue to be responsive to the academic aspirations and needs of every girl and boy. Our talented Heads of Department and their faculties, led by Mr Richard Stead, seek success for all their students regardless of academic ability.

To keep pace with digital change, we continue to take innovative approaches to teaching and learning led by Mrs Tracey Dykstra and supported by Mr Carl Lidstone’s ICT team. Our classroom practice is flexible, relevant and most of all engaging for modern students. Adding to a teaching cohort that is amongst the very best in the country, I will welcome another exciting, talented group of 14 new teachers for 2016.

Spiritual life continues to be at the heart of the College and all are very mindful of the Christian ethos. Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Mr Duncan McQueen and the Reverend David Smith are passionate, active and indeed strong guardians of this aspect of our culture.

Our dedicated Trust Board, under the leadership of Dr Bruce Goodfellow, has much to wrestle with and their knowledge of the College, their appreciation of what it stands for and their wise and entirely appropriate governance is much appreciated.

In the spirit of our Mission Statement our service programme is well established with every youngster involved in the service of others in some way. Mr Mark Robinson has many new ideas for more service opportunities that include new partnerships with low-decile schools. Also large amounts of monies raised from fundraising initiatives have been gifted to a range of charities, many chosen by our student council.

The future is hugely bright for the College; we have the best site in the world, a growing reputation and a very positive demand for our type of education. To keep pace with our growth, the development of the College site is important and extremely exciting but to do what the Board and staff envisage will of course take many years.

This was put into perspective for me during the year while on the cricket tour. We were fortunate to visit Eton College one of the oldest schools in England, which has stood on its site since 1440. Imagine what Saint Kentigern College will look like in 2528, 575 years after its foundation.

I continue to thoroughly enjoy working with my Senior Management Team who are all undoubtedly at the top of their profession. Mrs Winthrop is simply outstanding as Deputy Head and in her leadership of the Senior School. My thanks to Mr McQueen, who brings a tireless and steadfast uniqueness to the many roles he fulfils. Mrs Dykstra has added an invaluable strategic and innovative perspective to our discussions and in 2016 is taking a year’s study leave to complete her PhD in educational leadership. Mr Stead continues to drive the highest standards in his highly important role.

Senior staff are well aware that the demands on academic teachers continue to grow. The NCEA assessment system has many positives but it is a constant round of marking which can be debilitating. This, combined with the College’s expectation that all staff be involved in the co-curricular programme, makes for a demanding workload. We all appreciate this and I am always extremely grateful for it.

I am also grateful for the highly professional support services of our General Manager, Mr Eric Shiels and the marketing, finance, HR and facilities teams employed by the Trust.

Our Senior Student Leadership team of Grace Wood, Oliver Hadfield, Amorangi Malesala and Ayden Lamont, had a full, demanding and highly successful year. They led a positive group of Year 13 students, many of whom have given excellent service as prefects, peer support leaders and council members.

Our founders were Presbyterian, professional and business leaders, men like Sir William Goodfellow, Mr N L Mackie, who, with Ministers of the Presbyterian Church initiated the Saint Kentigern Trust Board. They were hardworking, humble, rounded and service-minded citizens. They all, as we can, took inspiration from the biblical statement ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.

Fides Servanda Est

Mr Steve Cole HEAD OF COLLEGE

Rare Invitation to Perform in Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern was presented a unique opportunity to perform alongside the world’s best marching bands and cultural groups in the foremost exhibition of Scottish and military culture! Our pipers and drummers were the youngest performers to play in the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Wellington during February. The 20 band members and teacher in charge, Mr Andrew Lightfoot, joined a cast of more than 1,200 musicians and dancers, performing to 100,000 people across four days at Westpac Stadium.

This was just the fourth time in 65 years that the Tattoo has left Scotland to tour overseas. The show featured traditional Scottish favourites including the United Kingdom’s best precision drill teams, pipers, fiddlers and highland dancers. Held annually in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, the event is a sell-out every year, with 220,000 people flocking to its pomp and ceremony, and another 100 million people in 40 countries watching on television.

The invitation for our Pipes and Drums to take part was a fantastic recognition of Saint Kentigern’s Scottish heritage, and was a oncein-a-lifetime experience for the students involved. It kicked off 2016 as a year to remember for the band members, with the triennial pilgrimage to Scotland due to take place in July.

Leadership Camp Inspires College Student

With thanks to Jess Hunt, student reporter

I was lucky enough to be chosen to represent Saint Kentigern College at the World Vision and Sanitarium scholarship week. Students from 31 of the top fund-raising secondary schools in this year’s 40-Hour Famine were awarded scholarships for their efforts in helping World Vision.

Day one started with mixing and mingling between the students as we arrived at the World Vision head office in Penrose. The World Vision crew organised a simulation game where we undertook tasks similar to those which people living in poverty would have to do on a daily basis. These included carrying a bucket of water on our heads with only one hand to support, building a shelter, purifying water, planting seeds and finding information off a large piece of paper with many statistics. Although it got very competitive, as is to be expected from 31 high school students, it was a great insight into the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves and really gave us the opportunity to see what it would be like to walk a day in their shoes. For the rest of the day we met and interacted with the World Vision staff, learning and seeing what their job entails, how they came to be in that position and how all these jobs come together to ensure World Vision runs smoothly and has the maximum possible benefit for those people it strives to help.

The smile, delight and passion on the faces of the children as they presented the songs to us brought the majority of the room to tears.’

Day two was kicked off with a speaker from Amnesty International who introduced us to our topic for the day – the refugee crisis. We learnt the difference between the commonly mistaken migrants and refugees, alongside being shown some very moving videos and statistics parallel to their campaign ‘Double the Quota’, which hopes to double the current refugee quota as it has not been changed in 30 years. Later in the day we visited Glen Innes School where we learnt about the Breakfast Club programme which Saint Kentigern has a very large and positive relationship with. The stories we were told demonstrated to us how our shoe banks, mufti day money and donations of used sports equipment have immensely impacted the lives of children living in low-decile schools in Auckland.

Possibly the highlight of the week for many of the students was our next activity – visiting the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Being some of the very few people ever allowed to visit the facility, we felt extremely blessed and fortunate. After a presentation on how the centre works and its core values, the primary school aged children came and sang us a couple of traditional Maori songs

including ‘Tutira Mai Nga Iwi’, commonly taught in primary schools all over New Zealand. The smiles, delight and passion on the faces of the children as they presented the songs to us brought the majority of the room to tears. After coming from devastating circumstances and only being in the country for five weeks, the happiness in their faces was the most moving experience I have possibly ever experienced. Afterwards we were given a tour of the facility and met with some students the same age as us who were learning English to be ready to move to schools all around the country shortly after.

On day three we were fortunate enough to have a visit from Labour MP, David Shearer and Greens MP, Marama Davidson who spoke about their views on the refugee crisis and other current global issues at the moment. Their honesty and transparency in answering the questions thrown at them was very surprising to many of us.

That night was the awards dinner where Saint Kentigern was awarded with the Special Project Award presented by Sanitarium – it was such an honour to accept this award on behalf of my school. I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with the C.E.O of World Vision, Chris Clarke, where I heard some of his fascinating stories of travelling to see how our funds are truly impacting the lives of these people and was able to share some of my overseas service stories as well.

On the final day, one of the World Vision staff gave the scholars a seminar on leadership, the different kinds of leaders, and how to have the greatest impact on changing the world through our leadership style. Throughout the course of the week we were blessed to meet some people who are serving their communities by following the ‘buy one, give one’ rule as when a customer purchases their product they will donate the same product to someone less fortunate in their own community.

I feel a changed person after the experiences I gained throughout the week. I now have the courage to use the skills and knowledge I have gained to go out there and make a change in the world in any way I can. A quote from Mother Teresa sums up my newfound knowledge and excitement towards how I can impact the future: ‘I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.’

Recognising Excellence Middle School Prizegiving

Ayear of excellence, effort and diligence by our Year 7 – 10 students at the College was recognised in fine style at the Middle School prizegiving. The students, their families, staff and members of the Saint Kentigern community marked the end of the College year in a celebratory mood in the Sports Centre as the academic, cultural and sporting successes were acknowledged.

After the official party of teachers, Trust Board members and College leaders was piped in, the guests were welcomed by Head of Middle School Mr Duncan McQueen. In between performances by the College Sinfonia, Trust Board Chairman, Dr Bruce Goodfellow and Head of College, Mr Steve Cole addressed the audience and congratulated those students about to receive awards. Prizes were awarded for the top academic performers in each year level as well as in each class. These were presented by Trust Board member, Dr John Kernohan and retiring long-serving teacher and Middle School Head of Hamilton House Mr Rick Faulding. Special prizes were also given for sport, speech, individual subjects and citizenship.

To conclude the formalities, the Second Pipe Band signed off the year in true Saint Kentigern style by playing ‘Beating the Retreat’.

Congratulations to all of the award winners and we wish our Year 10 students all the best as they progress to the Senior School in 2016!

The Birch Cup for the Year 10 girl showing all-round ability

Juliet Shepherd

Juliet is an exceptional all-rounder in the Middle School. Her excellent attitude and diligent approach to learning has seen her gain excellent results in all her subjects, including Academic Honours. Juliet played in the Netball Mystics with her strong skills seeing her awarded Netball Player of the Year. She was part of the crew of the Middle School Production ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, in the 1st XI Cricket team which won the Auckland 1A title, the Cross Country AKSS Mixed Team and Duke of Edinburgh Bronze.

The

Sajith epitomises the College ethos of a well-rounded student. He has had a vast and varied year of co-curricular activities participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, and starring in the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ as the plant in the Middle School production this year. He captained the Colts Cricket team which won the Auckland Competition, Tennis Intermediate A1, Basketball U17D, Table Tennis SKC 2 and Junior Debating. Sajith’s excellent communication skills, rapport with peers and leadership potential were clearly evident as he excelled in his Middle School leader role. Sajith has had an exceptional year academically with excellent grades in all his subjects.

Dux of the Middle School

Andrew Chen

Andrew’s academic achievement has been evidenced by his ability to gain either excellence or excellence plus in his subjects. He is an accomplished mathematician gaining high results in Year 12 calculus whilst in Year 10 and top in New Zealand for the Australian Mathematics Competition. Andrew won the Auckland Mathematics Olympiad run by Auckland University which has gained him selection into the New Zealand Mathematics Olympiad training camp for 2016. Adept in Science, Andrew is studying the Year 11 programme and has attained high distinction in ICAS science as well as digital technologies. He clearly displays the Saint Kentigern ethos to strive for excellence in all areas of College life.

J.E.H Kururangi Cup for the Year 10 boy showing all-round ability

Sajith Dhambagolla

Senior School Prizegiving

The Senior School Prizegiving signalled the end of another notable year in the life of the College as the Saint Kentigern community gathered in Elliot Hall to congratulate our Year 11, 12 and 13 IB (International Baccalaureate) and NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) academic prize winners, including those who have received scholarships to continue their education at tertiary level. As well as our top academic achievers, Senior Prizegiving also recognises our very best sportsmen and women, debaters, actors, dancers and musicians, and those who have given well beyond expectation in Service.  At all levels, there are many who strive to achieve their utmost in every endeavour they undertake.

Each student who came across the stage could be rightfully proud of awards that recognised their significant contribution. The ceremony culminated with the announcement of the highest academic honour, the Dux. The honour was awarded to both the top IB Diploma student, William Xu and the top NCEA student, Marieke Kruiswijk. Congratulations to these two deserving students who have worked hard and made the most of every opportunity.

As the Prizegiving ceremony came to a close, students, staff and guests were invited to Elliot Quad to watch the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern beat the retreat as the flag was lowered.

Dux Medallist – IB Diploma

William Xu

Joining the College in 2011 as a Year 9 student, William quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding academic student with a remarkable work ethic. He was awarded Academic Colours in Years 11, 12 and 13 and the award for the Highest Achievement in NCEA Level 1. In Year 12 he was the top student in both IB Biology and Mathematics. As a result of his academic achievements, William was chosen as a member of the Year 13 Scholars Group. This year, William was first in IB Biology and will be sitting Scholarship examinations in Geography, Media Studies, Art History, Calculus and Chemistry.

In addition to his academic success, William has been extensively involved in the co-curricular life of the College. As an outstanding pianist, he has

been a member of several Chamber Groups and the Chamber Orchestra. In 2015, he played in the College Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Combo, was a finalist in the Solo Music Competition and played in the 2015 Stage Band which won a Gold Award at the KBB Music Festival. He has also gained a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and has been a member of the Senior Water Polo team.

William has also served others as a member of the Academic Council, a Peer Support Leader and an Academic Mentor. In addition, he has mentored ESOL students and been involved with service at Riverina Primary School. In 2016, William hopes to study Medicine.

Dux Medallist – NCEA

Marieke Kruiswijk

Marieke is an outstanding scholar with tremendous academic talent who joined the College in 2009 as a Year 7 student.

Achieving Academic Colours in every senior year, Marieke was First in Year 11, also winning the Latin Prize and the V.J. Little Cup and Accounting Prize. In Year 12, she was awarded the P.G. Hadfield Prize for First in Year 12 NCEA and the Top Year 12 academic prizes for Chemistry, Latin and Physics, also gaining First in Physics this year. As a result of her academic achievements, Marieke was chosen to be a member of the Year 13 Scholars Group and

will be sitting Scholarship Examinations in Biology, Chemistry, Latin and Physics.

Marieke plays the oboe and has been in the College Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra over a number of years. She has served others at the College as a Peer Support Leader and Academic Mentor, and also serves in the community as a player, umpire and coach for Howick and Pakuranga Netball Club.

In 2016, Marieke intends to study Biomedical Science.

32 Tertiary Scholarships Awarded!

The College is thrilled that by Senior School Prizegiving, 25 of our graduating students had already been awarded 32 significant tertiary scholarships, providing them with financial assistance for their chosen tertiary studies. In some instances, these provide a very substantial sum and these students can be very proud of their achievement. Other students can be equally proud to have been offered more than one scholarship, opening up choice as to where they continue their education.

Each year the number of scholarships awarded usually increases over the summer break as exam results become available; in particular for those seeking scholarships from universities in the Northern Hemisphere. Already, Ayden Lamont has accepted a place at prestigious Princeton University in the USA for the academic year beginning in 2016.

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements!

THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

The University of Auckland Scholarship

The University of Auckland Scholarship

George Turner Wilson Music Trust Scholarship

George Turner Wilson Music Trust Scholarship

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (AUT)

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship:

Significant Student Scholarship:

Significant Student Scholarship:

Bachelor of Science Scholarships

THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

New Frontiers Scholarship

New Frontiers Scholarship

New Frontiers Scholarship

New Frontiers Scholarship

New Frontiers Scholarship

Jessica Allen Up to $50,000 over 3 years

Grace Wood Up to $50,000 over 3 years

Lili Taylor $2,500 for first year

Caitlin Houghton $2,500 for first year

Nathan Walker $6,000 p.a. for 3 years

Lucy Conyngham $6,000 p.a. for 3 years

Emma Hanley $6,000 p.a. for 3 years

Keegan Chessum $6,000 for first year

Marieke Kruiswijk Up to $45,000 over 3 years

Theresa Yeung $6,000 for the first year

Keegan Chessum $6,000 for the first year

Lauren Hendricksen  $6,000 for the first year

Keshini Ketheeswaran $6,000 for the first year

Oliver Hadfield $2,500-$5,000 results dependent

Tom Hammond $2,500-$5,000 results dependent

Caitlin Hogan $2,500-$5,000 results dependent

Trent Macdonald $2,500-$5,000 results dependent

Sophie Watson $2,500-$5,000 results dependent

Saint Kentigern Scholarships

Each year at Senior School Prizegiving, the College awards special Saint Kentigern Scholarships to our highest achieving scholars in recognition of their academic achievement. This year, seven scholarships were awarded to be put towards further study.

William Xu and Marieke Kruiswijk, our IB Diploma Dux and NCEA Dux each received $3000. Byron Lam, Daniel Clark, Brandon Hoon, Daniel Ng and Grace Wood each received $1000. These students have applied themselves fully to their academic studies whilst at College and we wish each of them the very best as they move on to their tertiary studies.

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

Excellence Scholarship

THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY

Emerging Leaders' Scholarship

Engineering Top Scholars Award

Emerging Leaders' Scholarships

UC Engineering High Achievers’ Award

UC Engineering High Achievers’ Award

MASSEY UNIVERSITY

Annie Wang $5,000 for first year

Rebecca Lane $5,000 for first year

Anthony Grant $5,000 for first year

Sarah Courtney $5,000 for first year

Harry Rainger $5,000 for first year

Keshini Ketheeswaran $5,000 for first year

Oliver Hadfield $5,000 for first year

Grace Wood $5,000 for first year

Grace Wood $5,000 p.a. for 2 years

Scott Murray $5,000 for first year

Finn McGregor $1,000 for first year

Scott Murray $1,000 for first year

Vice Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship

RSM PRINCE

RSM Prince Accounting Scholarship

Keegan Chessum $3,000 for first year

Daniel Clark $1,200 for three years

Bruce House Dinner

‘As I cast my eyes over you, I see a community, a family, a whanau – a very special whanau – which others never really ‘get’ until they belong.’ Reverend David Smith, Housemaster

As the College year drew to a close, parents of the Year 13 graduates, staff and Trust Board members joined the boarders at Bruce House to celebrate their achievements and give thanks to those who care for them – their surrogate family members during term time. This is a special evening where the invited guests soon gain an understanding of the very strong family bond that pervades the boarding house. Housemaster, Reverend David Smith, told of the privilege he felt to be able to share in the daily lives of 112 young people who make Bruce House their ‘home away from home’. He said that the particular enjoyment for him comes from the ‘every-day stuff,’ hearing their laughter, observing the camaraderie, hearing their stories and celebrating their successes, as talent abounds amongst the boarders. He said that whilst it was hard to explain the enormity of the responsibility he feels for all the girls and boys in his care, he found it equally hard to express the immense pride he has in his ‘extended family’. ‘Each one of you is your own person, yet each one of you is part of something bigger than yourselves. You can be proud of yourself for who you are, for what you do and for all that you contribute to the fabric of the College.’

The Bruce House Head Prefects, Trent MacDonald and Sienna Spence, both came forward to speak with passion about their boarding experience. They were both excellent role models to the younger students and epitomise all that is good in such a community. Sienna holds the distinction of being a foundation girl boarder. Having started in Year 9, she is the first girl to have completed five years since girls were first introduced to the House. Along with sister, Maija and brother, Lucca, the Spence siblings are currently the biggest family group to board. Sienna finished by saying, ‘If I could leave one thing with you, it’s to keep being yourself and always remember how strong all of you are.

To live away from home at such a young age takes so much courage and that courage will continue with you all when you leave these safety nets.’

Trent is a true son of Kentigern. His brother, Rafe, also boards and his father is an Old Collegian. He opened by saying, ‘Being able to stay at Bruce House has been an honour and a privilege. The memories we make and friendships we create will last forever. Going to Saint Kentigern College is one thing but boarding at Bruce House is on a whole other level. Whether you’ve been here for one year or six, we all have experiences we will recall and cherish.’

The evening concluded with Head of College Mr Steve Cole presenting the Bruce House Awards for 2015 followed by the announcement of next year’s Bruce House student leaders: Head Girl, Iris Lee, Head Boy, Alfie Robertson and their deputies Ainslie Paxton, Tayla Farmer, Joe Haddleton and William Langley.

Bruce House Awards 2015

The MacFarlan Award for Head Boy: Trent MacDonald

The MacFarlan Award for Head Girl: Sienna Spence

The McGuiness Cup for Academic Honours: Annie Wang

The Morgan Cup for Year 11

Academic Achievement: Lisa Mayaura

The Bruce House Cup for All-Rounder Boy: Joseph Bradshaw

The Norma Cowie Cup for All-Rounder Girl: Hanna English

The Marcroft Cup for Sportsperson of the Year: Hanna English

Ending and Sending – Year 13 Graduation Dinner

‘Saint Kentigern has truly shaped me into the person I am today and for that I will be forever grateful. When we take our formal uniform off for the very last time tonight, we aren't just saying goodbye to a highly fashionable garment, we are saying goodbye to years of memories and experiences we will never forget.’ – Lauren Hendricksen, Chalmers House prefect 2015

The final Chapel and Graduation Dinner marked the end of our Year 13 students’ time at the College, as we send them on to their next challenge in further study or the workplace. More than 300 leaving students and members of their family joined with staff, board members and Old Collegians at Ellerslie Events Centre to celebrate their years at Saint Kentigern, which for many meant having been at the College since 2009! The simultaneous ending and sending was the context of the address by Reverend David Smith during the Chapel service. Rev Smith reiterated the messages he had conveyed at Chapel throughout the year and asked the students to embrace the next chapter of their lives with the Saint Kentigern values in mind. ‘You’ve been an excellent cohort and as I look out at you I cannot help but think what interesting and full of life people you are, how much you’ve grown and come into your own. So go for it, give it heaps, take with you all that Saint Kentigern has given you.’

The culmination of the students’ secondary education was recognised with the presentation of their diplomas by the Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow and Head of College, Mr Steve Cole. The guests were then led to and welcomed into the dining area by pipers; the last time for a while that the students will hear the sounds synonymous with Saint Kentigern. Mr Cole addressed the students for the final time, saying, ‘You are a multi-talented remarkable group of young people and very ready for the next stage in education and life. As Head of College I am proud of you all. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to get to know such a special group of young men and women; you will continue to serve and lead with distinction.’

The mood of reminiscence of the past times shared by the cohort and of excitement about their futures was reflected in the speeches made by the Head Prefects and House leaders. ‘We’ve had moments we’ll never forget here,’ said Cargill House leader

Joseph Bradshaw. ‘It’s all been a part of the Saint Kentigern journey and memories. As a graduating son of Kentigern, I stand here in a much better place than I was only five years ago. You people here today and some who aren’t here today… have all helped me change my attitude, guide me down the right path and grow up.’ Emily Cran, also of Cargill House said: ‘I have no doubt that as daughters and sons of Kentigern each of us will make our own way into the world, so good luck and go hard.’

There was also an air of gratitude in the room as the speakers each thanked their parents, teachers, tutors and other mentors within the College. The sentiments expressed throughout the night of thankfulness, friendship and pride in having attended the ‘World of Opportunity’ Saint Kentigern offers confirmed that these students will go on to great things. We wish them well in their future endeavours and thank them for everything they have done to extend the Saint Kentigern legacy.

Celebrating the Arts

Celebrating the Arts evening is an opportunity to join in celebration and reflect back on the year to recognise our many talented performing artists across all disciplines.

Our all-boys choir, Menasing, were first to perform singing ‘Wairua Tapu’ and ‘Le Chanson de Mardi Gras.’ Menasing had a stellar year winning a Gold award at the Choral Federation’s Big Sing National Finale in Wellington. They were named as the Best Music Group for 2015.

The dance programme is continuing to grow in strength at the College with a second dance studio having been added to cater for demand. A Year 13 group presented a version of ‘Too Darn Hot’ from the Cole Porter musical ‘Kiss me Kate.’ The Year 13 Extension Group performed ‘Steal your Rock n Roll’ from the musical ‘Memphis.’ These students were part of a tour to the USA and were taught this dance at a musical theatre workshop on Broadway!

Year 13 drama student Becky Lane is well remembered for her commanding presence as the despotic Queen of Hearts in the production of ‘Go Tell Alice in Wonderland.’ Becky took to the stage with her NCEA Level 3 devised piece prepared for her Scholarship Drama exam. The piece showcased her understanding of creating dramatic impact through ‘seamless transitions and multi-rolling’ to create an engaging piece of solo theatre.

The evening’s entertainment was interspersed with the handing out of the Cultural Awards for 2015, building to the 2015 Performer of the Year, which went to talented singer Lili Taylor.

Performer of the Year 2015: Lili Taylor

Lili is well known for her amazing voice and the ability to sing effortlessly in many styles and vocal registers. She has been involved in many of our stage productions taking the female lead in the 2014 production of ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Spamalot’ in 2015. Lili’s talent on stage extends beyond her ability to sing, bringing a strong, dynamic performance to each role she has taken on. In addition, Lili has also been a member of our auditioned choir, Kentoris; the all-girls choir, Musettes; the Chapel Band; the Massed Choir, where she featured as a soloist in the Town Hall performance; and as a solo vocalist with the Stage Band. She has been a finalist in the College Solo Music Competition and plays percussion in the Symphony Orchestra.

Outside of College, Lili was awarded an Auckland University George Turner Wilson Memorial Scholarship allowing her to receive lessons with one of the university professors in preparation for a classical music degree next year.

Oh What a Night!

The brilliant College production of ‘Go Tell Alice in Wonderland’ was recognised as one of the top secondary school stage shows with a bumper crop of five prizes at the Showdown Awards! The awards celebrate the best Auckland secondary school productions with a glitzy ceremony at Sky City Theatre. The judges, who are all experienced theatre practitioners, attend shows across Auckland before releasing a list of nominees in 23 categories: performance, technical and production; musical and drama. The College consistently has a high number of nominees and this year was no different with 14 nominations in 11 categories for the Senior School musical ‘Spamalot’ and drama ‘Go Tell Alice in Wonderland’. Our winners covered the full range of what is required to put on a great show, from acting talent, to mise en scene and creative guidance. Year 13 students Becky Lane and Trent McDonald were judged to have played the best supporting roles, as the Queen of Hearts and caterpillar in ‘Go Tell Alice’. The College Head of Drama, Mrs Emma Bishop, scooped three prizes for her work on the play, receiving the best costume, best set and best director awards! Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees and everyone who worked on the productions to contribute to this success!

Filmmakers’ Skill Recognised

Atalented film-making duo from the College has been reeling in accolades recently, in national and international competitions. Year 11 student Hunter Williams has spent a large part of the year working on a short documentary called ‘NVader’, which addresses the horrific issue of human trafficking. Hunter entered his 12-minute film and another of his creations, ‘Quinn’s Quest’, into the All-American High School Film Festival, which is the largest festival in the world for young filmmakers. Both of his films were accepted to screen in the festival at the AMC Theatres in Times Square, New York. At the festival’s awards show, ‘NVader’ was named as a finalist in the best editing, best documentary and best international film categories. This means it was among the top eight to 10 films in these categories out of more than 1400 submissions from around the world.

Year 13 student Henry Donald put together a film which documented a group of College cyclists undertaking an Everesting ride. Everesting

Dancing for Megastar

challenges cyclists to ascend a hill as many times as necessary to reach the equivalent height of Mt Everest, 8848m. Liam Cappel, Edward Barry and Harry Mellsop scaled the Whangapoua Hill on the Coromandel Peninsula for eight hours, covering 120km, to complete the epic feat. Through a Givealittle page, they raised $4375 for the College’s World Vision project in Malawi. Henry was in tow to capture all of the action and crafted the footage, including behind the scenes of the build-up and interviews with the riders and World Vision’s Devon Davids, into a short film called ‘Mountains for Malawi’. The documentary was entered into the Making a Difference film competition and has been selected as a finalist for best cinematography, best secondary school film, and also the social justice award.

Hunter and Henry’s films were also finalists in the Outlook for Someday competition, and their collaboration, along with Sam Strang, placed third in the Fair Go ad awards!

Maddison Barnett and Brianna Dixon’s dance moves have been watched on YouTube nearly 200 million times! The girls feature in videos for songs from Justin Bieber’s new album ‘Purpose: The Movement’. Year 10 student Maddison performs in clips for ‘Sorry’ and ‘What do you mean’ and Brianna, who is in Year 8, can be seen in the video for ‘Children’. The pair was chosen to be amongst a select group of Kiwis for the filming by world-renowned choreographer Parris Goebel from Palace Dance Studio. ‘Filming was really fun,’ says Maddison. ‘We had to keep drilling until we had it perfect. It was a good experience to learn what we have to do if we want to make it in dance.’ The girls were subject to confidentially agreements ahead of the album’s release, so had to keep their big news secret from friends and schoolmates. ‘I knew when it released it would go off so I was excited,’ says Maddison. ‘Seeing all the millions of views is crazy.’ Maddison is part of Miss Goebel’s Sorority crew and Brianna is in the Bubblegum crew. The girls study dance at the College and have performed as part of the Dance Showcase and other events. College Head of Dance, Mr Geordan Wilcox says Maddison and Brianna are ‘awesomely talented students’. ‘They have amazing energy when they perform. They have something you want to harness and that you want other students to experience.’

Middle School Music Evening

Twice during the course of each year, College Middle School students, who are learning an instrument, have the opportunity to perform at a relaxed and friendly recital evening. The second of these evenings was held in the Music Centre, with a large turnout of family and friends in support of these students in Years 7-10.

The music programme at the College continues to gain strength and this year alone, over 400 students are learning an instrument or receiving voice tuition through the itinerant programme, with 32 specialist itinerant music teachers providing the tuition. Head of Middle School Music, Mr Oliver Gilmour explained that the instrumental evenings are a great opportunity for the students to perform in front of a live audience. These may be students who are learning a musical instrument for the first time or those who may already be proficient, but it is not often that instrumentalists have the opportunity to perform solo as most will work within an ensemble or orchestra. The concert is also an ideal learning platform for those students who are considering studying music as an academic subject in their senior years. This is good preparation for those who will go on to be assessed as a performer.

The evening’s acts opened with the Middle School Pipe Band followed by the Saint Kentigern Sinfonia before solo artists steeled their nerves to perform on the piano, violin, guitar, saxophone, flute and piano accordion. The quality of these performances in some instances was outstanding and bodes well for the future of our large music ensembles.

From Chopin and Tchaikovsky to Michael Jackson, Rogers and Hammerstein and Ed Sheeran, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Proud parents looked on – and held their breath as their own child stepped up to play!

An Evening of Baroque

Kentoris finished their year with a fantastic concert of Italian Baroque music in the College Chapel. The first half of the concert showcased some of the College’s finest soloists performing early Italian arias with harpsichord accompaniment. Victoria Tse, Liam Braithwaite, Declan Fisher, Jessica Allen and Emily Young sang an assortment of these dramatic and beautiful songs which transported an appreciative audience to the chamber music halls of Venice; a unique and new experience for most. Filling in for a student unable to attend, Choir Director and Old Collegian, Mr Lachlan Craig also performed an aria. The choir gathered together for the remainder of the evening to perform Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria;’ a large and challenging choral work that moves through several styles of early music over 11 movements. They were also joined by young, professional soloists Fiona Tibbles, Luana Prictor and Dilys Fong. It was a treat for the students to see where their singing might take them in just a few short years. The evening was accompanied skilfully by Tom Chatterton – an English organist who has recently moved to NZ to become part of the Saint Kentigern Family with his wife Emma. Emma Chatterton has been appointed Assistant Director of Music at the Boys’ School and we welcome them both.

Thanks go to the talented team of Year 13s that led the choir in 2015 with humility and grace, and to the musical team of Mr Lachlan Craig and Miss Gracie Francis.

Andrew Adds to Medal Tally

Year 10 College student, Andrew Chen has continued his outstanding form in the Australian Mathematics Competition. The renowned competition is undertaken by around 600,000 students each year in more than 30 countries around the world. The paper consists of 30 questions, ordered in increasing difficulty, which must be answered in 75 minutes. Each year, a select number of students are awarded medals for their performance. The number of medals allocated is equivalent to a standard achieved by 1 in 10,000 entrants, the top 0.1 per cent. Andrew was one of 14 competitors to receive a medal in the intermediate section (Year 10-11). He was the only New Zealander to medal in the intermediate category. In the past four years he has also received a prize for placing in the top 0.3 per cent. He also received the Prudence Award for having the highest number of consecutive correct answers among entrants from the College. Andrew travelled to Christchurch to be presented his medal by Professor Mike Clapper, executive director of the Australia Mathematics Trust. Well done, Andrew!

Winning Eye for

Design

Year 8 College students, Chris Dirks and Chris Manning have proven themselves to be future focussed by winning Genesis Energy’s SchoolGen Mean Green House competition. The boys were first in the intermediate (Year 7-8) section of the nationwide contest, which tasked students to investigate eco-house design from an energy conservation perspective. Students had to research, design and build a scale model of a ‘mean green’ house. Also included in the brief was to film a video that explains their creation.

The team decided on a smaller house, with Auckland’s lack of available land and compact living in mind. There are solar panels to harness renewable and sustainable energy. Rain water is collected from the house’s flat surfaces and directed into a storage tank underground. Recognising the environmental benefits of public transport, there is no garage for a car, replaced by space for bicycles. The walls are made of stone to contain solar heat during the day and release it at night. There is double glazing on most of the windows to reduce heat loss and the design makes use of an agricultural by-product by insulating the house with wool.

‘The team from Saint Kentigern combined thoughtful use of materials with creative design flair to develop their ‘iconic’ E house,’ says Rob Duff, SchoolGen team educator. For their efforts, the students won a $100 Prezzie card for themselves plus two Polaroid mini action cameras for the College. Well done, boys! Congratulations also to Year 9 student, Leon Chaplow, who was highly commended in the secondary school division!

Win for College Food Technologists

College

students, Alexander Sames and Keegan Chessum won the Auckland regional CREST Student Product Development Challenge. Run by The Royal Society of New Zealand and the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology, the challenge gives teams of senior secondary school students the experience of exploring creative solutions to practical, food science and technology problems and questions. The teams work with food industry mentors for two terms, in the development of an innovative new food product.

Alexander and Keegan formed Team Bijan and were paired with food technologist Abigayl Ayo from Kerry Ingredients. They created an Asian-inspired sesame dressing made from all natural ingredients and no artificial flavourings, thickeners or preservatives. The boys researched the salad dressing market and identified their idea as a new flavour opportunity. They carried out taste trials on their target market and established the product’s pricing to ensure it could be competitive. Part of the brief was for the product to have a shelf life of 12 months, which necessitated thorough assessment of whether to use an emulsifier to stabilise the dressing and prevent it splitting. A total of 16 teams presented their prototypes and research to a panel of judges. Team Bijan was awarded first place for their ‘outstanding product and report.’ The judges also commented that the ‘market research was well done,’ the report had a ‘nice balance of creativity and science’ and was ‘impressively presented.’

Another Saint Kentigern team, Burger Buddies, consisting of Lucy Floyd, Rebecca Roberts, Zachary Littlejohn and Maximilian Ballard gained a highly commended award, placing them in the top five in the upper North Island.

The judges said the team had a ‘good grasp of food safety and designed a product that met their brief and target market perfectly.’

Robotics Team

Visits Trade Me

There was a meeting of the minds when our national medal winning Robotics team visited the workplace of Trade Me to exchange ideas!

Staff at Trade Me were curious to understand how the students go about programming their robots. For our students, it was a chance to gain insight into how coding and programming operates in the work place and to understand where their developing IT skills could take them.

The students showed the Trade Me staff how their robots are programmed to play a game of soccer. In the soccer competition, two robots need to work together to protect the goal, attack the opposition, gain the ball and score across the ‘field.’ They also demonstrated some of the other skills they had learnt for other categories of the competition they had entered such as ‘rescues.’

The students shared a pizza lunch with staff and were proud to receive a standing ovation before they left.

Decathlon, Challenge Week and Home Centre

While the Year 10 students were on their Field Centre adventure, the rest of the Middle School embarked on various adventures at the College and around Auckland. The annual Year 7 decathlon tested our youngest students with quizzes, sports and club activities. The Year 8 Challenge Week included creating a cardboard city, mountain biking in Woodhill Forest and culminated in Top Town Day. During Home Centre, the Year 9s completed service tasks at local schools, attended a drama show and visited the zoo and a trip to Rainbow’s End. For all involved, it was fun and memorable way to finish off the school year!

College Community Reaches Out

The service efforts at the College have a large and wide variety of recipients, including readers at the Mt Eden Prison Library. The College librarians asked if members of the Saint Kentigern community had books they would like to contribute and were met with an overwhelming response.

Legendary Sailor Inspires Students

Barbara Kendall, one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting stars, was the perfect person to inspire the Middle School students at the College ahead of their Field Centre and Home Centre weeks. The Middle School sailors had their photo taken with the windsurfing legend.

Finalist in Prestigious Art Awards

Exclusive Dance School Beckons

The College is thrilled to announce that graduating student Christopher Clegg has been accepted into the prestigious New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington from 2016.

Kudos for College Entrepreneurs

At the Young Enterprise Scheme regional awards evening, Cases for a Cause was delighted to be named Start-up Company of the Year for the Auckland area.

College student Amy Laing’s photographic ability has been recognised at the Wallace Secondary School Art Awards, which reward and celebrate emerging artistic talent in New Zealand. Organised by the Wallace Arts Trust, the awards is a nationwide competition which attracted 290 entries this year. Amy, who is in Year 13, was one of 31 finalists chosen to exhibit her work at the historic Pah Homestead gallery. Her photographic work ‘Paul’ is a blue futuristic piece highlighting the architecture of the Auckland Museum. This was Amy’s first entry into an art competition and follows her exhibition in the Jack Paine Centre at the College. She is influenced by alternative jewellery, art and clothing along with artists who challenge traditional ideas within art and art practice, such as Sally Mann and Damien Hirst. She is inspired by the concept of chance events that change our view on life. Her work was displayed in the Jack Paine Centre in the exhibition space called the Meeting Room. Titled ‘Uncomfortable Comfort’ it features photographs of her work and also small resin sculptures of animal remains. ‘My artwork kind of suggests there is beauty in death,’ she says.

In the future she hopes to continue her passion for photography as this will assist her further studies in media production and advertising.

Menasing on Maori TV

The College all-male choir, Menasing, features on the Maori TV programme ‘The Big Sing’, about the national secondary school choir competition.

Third in World in Duathlon

Cameron Low is in the top three in the world in duathlon for his age group! Cameron won the bronze medal in the men’s 16-19 years sprint category at the Duathlon World Championships in Adelaide.

Invited to Perform at Premier Dance Festival

A select group of dance students from the College showcased their talent in New Zealand’s foremost dance festival, Tempo.

Five-year Winning Streak in Accounting

The Accounting team from the College won the annual CETA (Commerce and Economics Teachers Association) Pursuits Competition for a record fifth consecutive year!

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My journey in the Philippines

With thanks to Year 8 student reporter, Lulu Denholm

Itravelled to the Philippines and spent a week with kids living on a rubbish dump; with trafficked girls; and helping at feeding programmes for slum children. During our time there we went to places that most people wouldn’t dare to venture and saw the faces and heard the stories behind the statistics we learn about at school. The faces of the poorest of the poor, of those who live off $1 a day in cardboard boxes, of those that are sex trafficked and of those who have no hope that they will ever rise above the poverty they were born into.

Our first few days were spent with the largest Filipino human trafficking prevention organisation called Visayan Forum (VF). Trafficking is one of the main forms of child labour and is now one of the most profitable illegal industries in the world, generating billions of dollars a year. Sex trafficking is when kids are sold into the sex industry –every 30 seconds a girl is trafficked in this way. Many Filipino children are at risk of being trafficked.

VF has three main focuses: prevention, rescue and rehabilitation. We were able to see their prevention campaigns with teenagers at schools and their amazing rescue work in brothels and intercepting traffickers at the ports. The rehabilitation base is called The Centre of Hope. This is a safe house where they take kids that have been trafficked to rehabilitate. The kids usually suffer huge physical and mental trauma and it can take them months or years to get well. We took lots of games to play with the girls.

The youngest trafficked girl in the centre was one year old, and there was also a nine-year-old girl called Maryan. I got very close to Maryan, she was a similar age to my younger sister and was recently rescued. It seemed so wrong a little girl could have such a brutal life by her age. The rest of the girls were in their teens and at various stages of recovery. They were so happy to see us but as some of them started to share their stories you could see the pain they carry. Some were waiting for their case to come up in court where they would be required to testify against their traffickers. The girls were brave and beautiful.

The Philippines is an extremely poor country with over 20 million people living in slums. In the next few days we visited a massive slum based around an old rubbish dump called Smokey Mountain. The first thing you notice when you arrive was the sweet sickly smell of fermenting food and human waste. Then you see the indescribable living conditions that they call home; families of up to 10 live in boxes and in tiny shacks with no water, no electricity, no sewerage and no food.

We spent a lot of time helping at feeding programmes, but the highlight was meeting the kids and hearing their stories. The first boy we met was five-year-old

‘It seemed so wrong a little girl could have such a brutal life by her age.’

Danilo, who was in charge of his younger siblings while his parents scavenged through the rubbish all day to earn $1 – enough to buy one meal. Despite his age, his face looked like an old man’s. I then met a one-year-old called Romeo. Romeo was the youngest of eight kids and was so malnourished. I knew as I held him that this sickly baby was unlikely to live much longer. A beautiful, big-eyed boy called Clarence followed us around all day, carrying our bags and never leaving our side. He didn’t stop smiling the entire day. We found out later that Clarence had died of pneumonia. He was only nine years old, and died simply because he couldn’t afford antibiotics.

Another thing I will never forget is meeting a girl my age who was cooking something called bugbug for dinner. She and her friends had scavenged through KFC rubbish bins, collected the used bones, and were recooking them. I kept thinking we wouldn’t let our animals eat bugbug, yet for these kids, just like me, this was dinner!

This whole experience changed my life forever and is not one I can walk away from and forget. We are so privileged in NZ and have the money and the resources to make a difference – and that’s certainly something I want to do. It was quite overwhelming to see the enormity of the poverty but I kept reminding myself that at the end of the day all I need to think about is helping just one child. For Danilo, for Romeo, or for Maryan… helping one is enough.

Making a Difference in Tanzania

With thanks to Year 12 student reporter, Gabbie Duncan Gabbie Duncan travelled to the city of Arusha in Tanzania to visit the child she sponsors and see the work of the education programme run by her family for the last five years. Saint Kentigern has been a huge contributor to the programme, called Arusha Children’s Effort, with a number of chapel collections being donated to the project. Gabbie shares the experience of going to Arusha and meeting her sponsored student for the first time.

‘Arusha Children’s Effort (ACE) has been run by my mother, Vinnie and sister, Mary, in Arusha, Tanzania for the last five years. The main objective of the programme is to offer children from disadvantaged situations the opportunity for an education and inspire them to do the best they can in their studies. This will hopefully set them up for a successful future, with a job, stability, and the ability to influence change in their communities. Through ACE, families are able to sponsor a child through assisting with school fees and associated costs, enabling that child to gain a quality education. During my experience in Tanzania, I was able to see firsthand the effects of the donations from the likes of Saint Kentigern and the value it provides was truly inspiring.

Aside from a few main buildings and streets in the town centre, Arusha is basically a sprawling area of dirt roads, basic mud and stone huts and slum dwellings. The majority of the city’s population barely survive, getting by on subsistence farming, small good sales (cheap sunglasses, local jewellery) and street begging. Some areas are very dangerous, even during daylight. Like many places, the cost of urbanisation can be a total breakdown of family structure and tradition. Combined with drugs, alcohol, AIDS, crime and general poverty, the ones who suffer most are the children.

The main purpose of our trip was to attend the graduation of five ACE students. It was amazing to see some of ACE’s first students complete their education. Of the five students graduating, two gained top prizes in their grade which is an incredible achievement. These students have had to work much harder than anyone else, and coming from positions of such difficulty the achievement is truly astounding. To put it in perspective, only 25 per cent of students that attend school in Tanzania go on to secondary school education. My personal involvement is as a sponsor. For the past three years I have sponsored Meshack Judika into Haradali Primary School. We had exchanged letters and I have received Meshack’s reports and teacher’s comments, however, nothing could compare to meeting him for the first time. Meshack lives with his older sister and his mother in a very small room. Meeting and speaking to him was such an incredible and special moment for me, it really solidified in my mind the importance of an education for him. To be able to physically see the difference it makes to him and the benefits of sending Meshack to school, not only for him but for his family too, really confirmed for me why I chose to sponsor him. After meeting Meshack, we both have a much deeper understanding of what this opportunity really means for him and I look forward to seeing how he develops.

Journey of Reflection

Although Arusha can be intimidating and completely alien, I loved every minute of my time there. The atmosphere that surrounds the place and the people are so inspiring and beautiful that, although I felt like a stranger, it also felt like a second home of sorts and I know that I will be returning to Arusha. I will return as soon as I can and spend enough time to learn the culture, the language and the people. Arusha is without a doubt one of the most incredible places I have ever been, and actively contributing with ACE and its goals has changed my life forever and will continue to for a long time coming. This was an eyeopening experience and one that I will never forget.’

The grass labyrinth that appears on the Chapel lawn each spring offers a chance for our Year 12 students to step out of their ordinary routines and onto a path where they can walk and reflect on their year.

Labyrinths have been created by many civilisations over the last 5000 years and has been an annual occurrence at the College since 2009. The 900-metre walk allows students to consider some key questions posed during their Christian education classes throughout the year, based on the movie ‘The Ultimate Gift’. In this story, the main character, Jason, is set to inherit considerable wealth from his recently deceased and estranged grandfather. Jason has to complete a series of tasks in order to receive his grandfather’s 12 gifts. These gifts form the focus questions students consider as they walk through the labyrinth. The gift of work: how have you felt when you’ve worked hard? The gift of friends: are you a good friend? Are your friends good to you? The gift of love: do you know that you are loved? Jason is a self-centred, spoilt and arrogant young man whose only aim in life is to be rich, own nice things and have a good time. Before the movie begins, students are asked to write down the one thing they would most like to have and one thing they would most like to give. They can have anything they ever wanted. The labyrinth is a space where they can perhaps reconsider some of their ideas and priorities – what is of ultimate importance to them.

For Jason, in the end it wasn’t money or things – it was the desire to know that he was genuinely loved and had meaning and purpose.

In a time and place where this ‘World of Opportunity’ doesn’t always allow for slowing down and reflecting on what is of real importance in life, the labyrinth on the lawn provides a momentary respite to do just that.

Field Centre

If only the Year 10 students knew how they’d feel after Field Centre before they left! Ahead of leaving for this epic adventure in Tongariro National Park, the predominant emotion among the students is trepidation: ‘Will I be able to make it through the physical challenges? How will I cope without the comforts of home, especially technology? ‘I’ve heard the weather can be extreme…’ Upon returning from the six-day programme of tramping, mountain climbing, rafting and camping, all traces of trepidation are gone, replaced by feelings of pride, strength and triumph! Field Centre has been a cornerstone of College life for 43 years and never fails to be recalled as one of the highlights of a Saint Kentigern education.

Sun, rain, cold. Field Centre was an absolute blast. Whether it was drinking the warm hot chocolate in the lodge or climbing up to the summit of Mt Ruapehu in the cold alpine conditions, Field Centre was an experience I will never forget. Thinking about it afterwards, it was tough. The three-day tramp was hard. The biking hurt. The Tongariro Crossing was painful but I am proud that I completed it. Along the way, friendships became closer, patience and perseverance were tested but most importantly, the fitness of everyone was put to the test. Field Centre has capped off what an experience our time in the Middle School has been and gave everyone a taste of living in environments that are not always favourable.

With thanks to Year 10 student reporter, Sajith Dhambagolla

With thanks to Year 10 student reporter, Kenya Ashcroft

It’s not every day one gets to experience the sensation of utter silencethe spellbinding views of dazzling emerald lakes, snowcapped peaks, and volcanic craters resembling lunar landscapes created a consciousness so overwhelming that 26 teenage girls were muted. Incredible. The Tongariro crossing not only exemplified New Zealand’s remarkable geographical features but also showcased Field Centre’s ‘rite of passage’. The treacherous, steep and trying times of trekking was worth all its hard work and the sense of togetherness, purpose and also our own individuality was rewarding. The time we spent away from the ‘rat race’ presented us all with new talents, strengths and weaknesses. The lovely girls of my tutor are now closer than ever; all our exciting and awe-inspiring experiences has given some of us a real passion for adventure. More importantly, learning the backgrounds and stories of peers and going without everyday creature comforts has taught me personally that there is so much to be grateful for, that the best things in life aren’t things. Field Centre has given us memories to cherish forever and has introduced us to a world of possibilities that await in the Senior School and the world beyond.

Tramping Club

With thanks to student reporter, Joshua Waterman, Year 13

The dappled light filtering through the fronds, soft trickling of a stream and the earthly smell of a wet forest morning; they are all the ingredients necessary for a great New Zealand tramp. This year the Saint Kentigern College Tramping Club made a comeback. Heading off from the College several times a month, the group ventured out into the wild forests and untamed coastlines of the Waitakere Ranges rainforest, witnessing some incredible sights along the way and gaining a newfound respect for nature and all its mighty force and beauty! Our first tramps of the year took us out into the heart of the Waitakere Ranges, traversing old forest tram tracks, clambering under waterfalls, creeping through tunnels and getting vertigo upon the high faces of Auckland’s intricate and widespread dam network. Our next outing took us across the wilder side of the ‘Waitaks’, off the grid and into the Pararaha Valley. Clambering across rock faces with only a rope to hold us steady, the Tramping Club certainly isn’t boring! In Term 4, the group set off to the Coromandel, setting their aims high to conquer the 750-metre high Pinnacles! Climbing the original pack-horse route up the valley, using rock steps cut by hand, we got a sense of the hardships the kauri millers of those times faced, when traversing the untouched bush to get at the towering kauri. As we stood and looked out across the ranges, we admired our effort and looked back upon all our memories with the club.

College Sports Awards

A sporting year which featured Auckland, national and world champions in individual and team competitions was celebrated at the annual College Sports Awards Dinner. More than 500 people attended the ceremony in the Sports Centre to celebrate our sporting students’ wide-ranging successes.

This year the College had 39 national representatives, who were presented their blazer bearing the silver fern by Head of Senior School, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop and Head of Studies, Mr Richard Stead. Director of Sport at the College, Mr Martin Piaggi was the master of ceremonies and paid tribute to the network of coaches, managers and administrators who make our sports programme thrive. ‘Were it not for their willingness and dedication, we would not be able to deliver the sports programme we do,’ said Mr Piaggi. ‘The success of the sports programme is a direct result of their efforts. Their goal is to ensure that every student’s sporting experience is a positive one.’

Dux Ludorum Isabella Richards

The Dux Ludorum is the major individual sporting award of the year and is awarded to the most outstanding sports person, girl or boy. The winner is generally an all-round sports person who has represented the College at a number of sports.

Nominees: Hanna English, Grace Wood, Sydney Fraser, Christina Oscar, Mererangi Paul, Ayden Lamont, Braydon Ennor.

Isabella is the senior athletics and cross country champion, winning a number of titles at College, Greater Auckland and national level; most notably the New Zealand senior girls cross country championship. She is the captain of the girls’ 1st XI Football team which placed second in Auckland and second in the Auckland Knockout Cup, and she also represented New Zealand in the U20 Women’s Football team.

The sports prefects, Emma Hanley and Jared Schnell, reflected on their sporting experience at the College, from budding juniors to leaders in their respective codes. They both expressed a belief that Saint Kentigern offers the best sports programme in New Zealand and felt privileged to be a part of it.

We were proud to welcome Old Collegian, Albert Vete as the guest speaker. Albert spoke of the values and life lessons instilled in him at the College, which have benefitted him as a professional rugby league player for the New Zealand Warriors and in his training to be a physical education teacher at Auckland University. ‘I owe a lot to this school for what it has done for me,’ he said.

Girls’ Runnerup to the Dux Ludorum Hanna English

Hanna placed third overall for the senior girls in athletics at the College. She is the North Island senior girls champion for the 3000m and she placed third in the North Island senior girls 1500m. She placed second in the College and Auckland cross country. In the U20 New Zealand nationals she placed second in the 3000m, second in the 5000m and third in the 1500m. She is a valued member of the girls’ 1st XI Football team and was named in the U20 New Zealand squad for the 2016 FIFA World Cup.

Boys’ Runner-up to the Dux Ludorum: The Bruce Palmer Memorial Award

Braydon Ennor

Braydon has consistently performed at athletics and swimming throughout his seven years at the College. This year he took out the 33m freestyle title at the swimming sports and was the senior boys’ athletics champion. At the Eastern Zone Athletics he won the 100m, the long jump and placed third in the discus. At the Greater Auckland athletics he placed second in the final of the prestigious senior boys 100m. He has played 2nd XI cricket and withdrew from consideration for 1st XI cricket this year to concentrate on his rugby. He was an integral part of the 1st XV this year leading the midfield.

The Philip Yolland Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Junior Sportsman in Years 10 & 11 Dylan McCullough

Nominees: Ben Fleming, Ryan Church, Rivez Reihana, Callum Walsh

Dylan has excelled in his chosen sports of athletics, cycling, swimming and multisport. He won or placed in the top two in a large number of events at College, Auckland and North Island competitions. He is the Auckland and New Zealand aquathon, duathlon and triathlon champion.

The Leyton Monk Award for Year 9 Sportsman of the Year Cameron Church

Nominees: Ben Lowe, Connor McKenzie, Ben Shepherd, Jacob Hannan, Josh Harford

Cameron is the junior boys swimming champion and placed third in junior athletics and junior cross country. He is a valued member of the U15 Open Weight Rugby team and was picked for the U14 Auckland East rep rugby team and appointed captain. He was named most valuable player at the tournament.

The Sissons Award for Year 7 & 8 Sportsman of the Year

Harry Lowe

Nominees: Campbell Jordan, Jacob Spring, Tom Harford, Tom Downs

Harry is the Year 8 swimming champion and was second overall in athletics. He played in the Year 7/8 1st XI Cricket team and in the Year 7/8 1st XI Football team. At the AIMS Games he was named in the tournament team.

Year 10 & 11 Sportswoman of the Year

Tori Kolose

Nominees: Tate McGregor, Anna Wilkinson, Hannah Blake, Mayah Coleman, Elise Conway, Viona Silao, Amy Waters

Tori won the 200m, 400m and the long jump for intermediate girls. She plays in the Premier Touch and Premier Netball teams and is an U17 Counties Manukau representative player for netball and a New Zealand representative Touch player.

Year 9 Sportswoman of the Year

Jaymie Kolose

Nominees: Sophie Wilkinson, Siobhan Waters, Annabelle Waterworth, Maddy Clarke, Lisa Putt, Olivia Overfield

Jaymie is the junior girls’ athletic champion and also won medals at the Greater Auckland championships, including gold in the 100m. She is a member of the 9A Netball and girls’ Premier Touch teams. Outside of the College she is a Counties Manukau athletics and touch representative and was also named in the New Zealand U15 Touch development team.

The Year 7 & 8 Sportswoman of the Year

Ema Miyaura

Nominees: Emma Hannan, Olivia Brewster, Ling Kong, Sophie Spencer, Ava McKenzie, Beth Harford

Ema is ranked number one in New Zealand in tennis at U12 level, winning the national singles and doubles title. As a Year 8, she played in the College Premier Girls’ Tennis team, and she won bronze at the AIMS tournament. She made all of the finals at the College swimming and athletics.

Headmaster’s Awards

Kristina Tipene, Jared Schnell, Amorangi Melesala, Dalton Papalii, Braydon Ennor, Christina Oscar, Jimmy Ellis, Liam Ward, Henry Saker, Emily Cran, Connor Williamson, Hayden Church, Hanna English

These awards go to students who have played for the College demonstrating commitment and professionalism in their chosen code. The recipients are power houses within their premier teams and made a difference every week as to the performance of the team.

Grant Dalton Cup Dalton Papalii

This cup is awarded to a leader who builds a team around them and demonstrates leadership qualities by helping others within the team to develop their skills. Dalton has been captain of the 1st XV.

The John Irvine Cup for Outstanding Sporting Performance of the Year Madeleine Park

This award is for a team or individual who has achieved at the highest level and gained the results reflective of their dedication, determination and desire to succeed. Finalists from all the other major awards have been considered for this award. Madeleine was selected for the NZ U19 track cycling team for the world championships in Kazakhstan. The team won gold in the 4000m pursuit, beating Australia in a new world record time. Old Collegian and New Zealand representative cyclist, Myron Simpson spoke about the significance of the team’s achievement.

Jerome Kaino Cup Amorangi Malesala

The Kaino Cup is presented to a team athlete who ‘the team could just not do without.’ Amorangi has been captain and goal shooter of the Premier Netball team.

Team of the Year 1st XV Rugby

Nominees: Cycling Senior Girls, Cycling Senior Boys, Distance Running Senior Girls, Football Girls’ 1st XI, Football Boys’ 1st XI, Netball Premier, Tennis Boys’ Premier, Tennis Girls’ Premier, Touch Girls’ Premier

The 1st XV won the Auckland 1A title after an epic final victory over Auckland Grammar at Eden Park. The team went on to win the Blues region and place third in New Zealand, enduring a horror run of injuries with eight starting players made unavailable during the national tournament.

Touch Team

Premier Girls Best in NZ!

After two years of making the decider of the New Zealand Secondary School Touch Championships, our Premier Girls team was determined to finally win the coveted title on the third attempt. The tournament at Bruce Pullman Park brought the top 16 sides from around the country to compete over three days. The opening day resulted in three strong wins over Trident High 5-0, Southland Girls’ 6-2 and Whakatane High 11-0 to finish top of Pool A unbeaten. In the crossover matches on day two, we beat St Peter’s 5-4 before going down to Hamilton Girls’ 4-2. The girls needed to beat a resolute St Hilda’s team to progress and after a close first half, they showed their fitness and skill to win 8-5 and book a semifinal spot.

The semifinal was another match against Southland Girls’ in terrible weather conditions with strong wind and rain making passing difficult. A polished game from the girls saw them dominate from start to finish and won 7-2 to place them in the final for the third year in a row. The final was against unbeaten Hamilton Girls’, the only team we had lost to in the tournament. Our girls were focussed for this game and had the most amazing start, scoring twice in the first five minutes. This set the platform for the girls who then defended strongly and went on to win 4-3.

To top it off, Saint Kentigern had five girls named in the tournament team: Tori Kolose, Mererangi Paul, Sydney Fraser, Lisa Putt and Jaymie Kolose. Tori was also named MVP of the tournament.

The girls really did appreciate the fantastic support from Saint Kentigern staff, families and students throughout the tournament and wish to thank all of them.

National Champion Premier Girls Touch Team: Christina Oscar, Emily Cran, Xhavinae Samuel, Verity Bowring, Emily Braid, Sydney Fraser, Mererangi, Paul, Tori Kolose, Summer-Jean Motufoua, Elise Conway, Amy Waters, Jaymie Kolose, Lisa Putt, Gemma Laverick, Jemma Tasman Jones, Imogen Pilkington. Head coach: Lance Watene. Manager: Lynne Scutt. Assistant coaches: Pete Samuel, Tone Kolose, Emily Colebourne. Physio: Josh Rodgers.

Junior Touch Girls Defend Their Title!

The Junior Girls Touch team, captained by Elise Conway, put aside their disappointing loss to Howick College in the Eastern Zone competition to win the Auckland Championships for the second year in a row!

Amassing more than 60 touchdowns in their six games, Elise and the girls blew away Mahurangi 7-0 in the semi-final to face our local rivals once again in the final. A tough encounter followed and Saint Kentigern was 0-1 down in the first half. Learning from the previous game against Howick, the girls made great yards, put their bodies on the line on defence and showed creativity to come away with a 2-1 victory. Imogen Pilkington was named most valuable player of the final.

Ms Emily Colebourne, Head of PE and the Junior Girls coach, said after the win: ‘I am exceptionally proud of these girls. A mix of players from experienced to novice, who worked so well together, played our tactics and showed good tenacity to win!’

A special mention to Richie Barnett and Lance Watene for their support on the day and over the season. Several of these junior players are also numbers of our Premier Touch squad and we wish Elise, Jaymie Kolose, Imogen, Lisa Putt, Amy Waters and Jemma Laverick all the best for future play at this level.

Premier Netball Team

Second In New Zealand!

The College Premier Netball Team finished as one of the top two sides in New Zealand following the National Secondary School Championships! Playing in Ashburton were the 16 best teams from around the country, which had been decided from regional competitions.

Our girls defeated Southland Girls’ High 46-37, St Margaret’s College 27-22, and Wellington Girls’ College 34-27 in pool play. This put them into the top eight where they beat Cashmere High 41-25, Manukura 51-28, and St Mary’s College (Wellington) 41-29 to qualify unbeaten for the final against Mt Albert Grammar (MAGS). This was the fourth time this season these two teams have faced off in a final, with MAGS winning the previous three occasions in the Auckland, Combined Points and Upper North Island tournaments. In this encounter, MAGS were ahead by one goal after the first quarter but our girls had tied the scores at 16-16 by halftime. In the second half, MAGS led 28-26 at three-quarter time and went on to win 41-35. Following the tournament, Mererangi Paul, Amorangi Malesala and Sydney Fraser were named in the all-tournament team. Well done to the players and coaches on the great result and for coming so close to being New Zealand champions!

Silver Ferns Boost Netball Dreams

The College was the venue for a memorable day of netball action as star players took to the court with more than 80 excited youngsters. Silver Ferns Grace Rasmussen, Temalisi Fakahokotau and Malia Paseka along with Northern Mystics representatives Cathrine Latu, Megan Craig and Sulu ToneFitzpatrick conducted a special training camp for budding netballers. Among those receiving the elite tuition were the Saint Kentigern Year 8 Tactix team, which features students from the College and Girls’ School. Also invited were schools that we work with as part of the Service programme at the College, including Glen Innes School, Elim College, Randwick Park School and Glenbrae School. Some girls also travelled from the Bay of Plenty to take part, with vanloads from Rotorua Intermediate and Kaitao School making the trip. The experience started with each of the Silver Ferns and Mystics players putting small groups through their paces in a number of drills. Cathrine Latu showed how to evade a defender, Grace Rasmussen demonstrated ways to make space on the court, and Megan Craig, a former New Zealand Tall Ferns basketball representative who stands at 2.04m, was the perfect person to hone shooting skills. Our College Premier Netball team, fresh from its secondplaced finish at the national secondary school championships, was also onhand to help out with the training exercises.

During a break for lunch, the girls got to chat with the pros and find out how to become an ANZ Championship or international player. With the Silver Ferns due at training, the girls formed a tunnel to each give them a high five as they departed. The initiative was organised to provide a chance for the young players to improve their netball skills, raise the profile of netball at the respective schools and promote sport in general. Following on from the day’s success, Head of Service, Mr Mark Robinson hopes it will become an annual event.

Cycling Team Caps off Successful Season

The College cycling team capped off another successful season with a bevy of medals from the National Schools Road Cycling Championships. Held over three days in Horowhenua and Manawatu, the event is the pinnacle of secondary school cycling. More than 900 riders from around New Zealand compete in a Team Time Trial, Road Race and Points Race for boys and girls in age groups ranging from U14 to U20 years of age. The College sent a team of 38 riders to take part across all divisions and disciplines. The racing started with the 16km team time trial on the opening day, followed by the 18km road race on day two and culminating in a points race. The Saint Kentigern team picked up five medals in team and individual events. The Year 7&8 girls’ team of Emma Hannan, Sophie Spencer and Niamh Bilsborough and the Junior Boys’ team of Dylan McCullough, Ryan Church, Callum Walsh and Jacob Hannan won bronze in the time trial.

Dylan also won silver in the U15 boys’ road race and followed it up with silver in the U15 boys’ points race. Connor Brown took home silver in the U20 boys’ points race. There were also a number of top 10 finishes.

Connor Brown: U20 boys’ road race, 8th.

Elizabeth Mudford: U20 girls’ road race, 9th.

Liam Cappel: U17 boys’ points race, 6th. U17 boys’ road race, 6th.

Jacob Hannan: U15 boys’ road race, 4th.

Callum Walsh: U15 boys’ points race, 6th.

Annabel Waterworth: U15 girls’ road race, 4th.

Claudia Spain: U15 girls’ points race, 8th.

Caleb Atkinson: U14 boys’ points race, 10th.

Ben Connell: U13 boys’ road race, 6th. U13 boys’ points race, 10th.

Sophie Spencer: U13 girls’ points race, 6th. U13 girls’ road race, 8th.

Emma Hannan: U13 girls’ road race, 6th. U20 boys’ team: time trial, 5th. U20 girls’ team: time trial, 5th. Junior girls’ team: time trial, 6th.

Tennis

The Premier Boys’ Tennis Team retained the Auckland title for the College with emphatic victories in the final rounds. The boys went through the round-robin competition earlier in the year unbeaten, winning 43 matches and losing just two. This made them the top qualifier for the knockout rounds in Term 4, along with Sacred Heart, Auckland Grammar and Westlake Boys’. In the semi-final, the College team beat Sacred Heart 8-1 and recorded the same score against Westlake in the decider! Congratulations to Liam Stoica, Reid Burrows, Freddie Cashmore-Chatwin, Clayton Barry, Tate Fullerton, Jake Ellis and Connor Williamson for their performances!

Oceania Champion!

In addition to the world and national titles won by our riders this year, we also now have an Oceania champion. Year 13 student Connor Brown competed at the Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Southland and powered his way to two gold medals. Connor won the U19 3000m individual pursuit and representing New Zealand he won the U19 4000m team pursuit discipline. The Kiwis beat Australia in the final to become the first team to win this event since 2012. Congratulations Connor!

Maddie Named Region’s Best

College student and world champion cyclist Madeleine Park has continued her recordsetting ways by winning the Counties Manukau Sport Supreme Athlete of the Year award!

Madeleine has had a dream 2015, winning two medals at the Junior Track Cycling World Championships, being part of a world-record ride, and now the top honours at the prestigious Counties Manukau Sports Awards. The Year 12 student was part of the New Zealand team to win gold and set a new world’s best time in the women’s pursuit at the Junior World Track Championships, and followed it up with bronze in the individual pursuit. Her record-breaking effort earned her the Performance of the Year at the College Sports Awards. Earlier in the year, she had also broken New Zealand cycling legend Sarah Ulmer’s junior individual pursuit record by two seconds. At the Counties Manukau Sport event, she was first awarded the Junior Sportswoman Award, then became the first-ever junior winner to also take home the supreme prize! Madeleine joins a list of Kiwi sporting icons to win the supreme award, including Jonah Lomu, Barbara Kendall, Scott Dixon, Cameron Brown and she succeeds 13-time consecutive winner Valerie Adams. Congratulations Maddie!

Gold Medals at NZSS Athletics

Four students travelled to Timaru to compete in the NZ Secondary Schools Athletics Championships. Hanna English won gold in the Senior Girls 4km Road Race with the next runner more than 20 seconds back. Hanna was also named in the NZSS Road Race Team and was awarded a $200 New Balance Voucher for being one of the best athletes of the meet.

Lisa Putt won gold in the Junior Girls’ Triple Jump with a final jump of 11.32m. This was a personal best for Lisa and she also smashed the College record by 80cm. Matthew Manning raced in the senior boys 800m and placed fourth in the final. Mayah Coleman finished fourth in the junior girls discus, missing out on a medal by .01cm.

YSPOTY Awards

Seventeen students from the College were named as finalists for the ASB Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards. The top three athletes from each sport are selected as finalists and the winners of each category vie for the supreme prizes. Five of our athletes were chosen as the best in their sport: Dalton Papalii (Boys’ Rugby), Brosnan Meleisea (Boys’ Touch), Connor Williamson (Boys’ Tennis), James Fouche (Boys’ Cycling), Isabella Richards (Girls’ Distance Running). Dalton was also one of three finalists for the Boys’ Sportsperson of the Year honour. Christina Oscar and Sydney Fraser received All-Rounder awards for reaching an elite level in multiple sports. Laura Inkster was the only recipient of an International Award for representing New Zealand in show jumping. Long-time Girls’ Touch coach Lance Watene was recognised with a Service to Sport award. Our other finalists were: Shaylee Syme (Girls’ Tennis), Reid Burrows (Boys’ Tennis), Hanna English and Grace Wood (Girls’ Distance Running), Amorangi Malesala (Netball), Dane Schnell (Boys’ Football), Liam Ward (Boys’ Multisport), Mererangi Paul (Girls’ Touch), Finn Allen (Boys’ Cricket).

College Parents and Friends Association

Chairman’s Report for 2015

The Parents and Friends had a successful 2015 providing support to students, families and staff and we are looking forward to 2016. I am grateful for the supportive relationship that we enjoy with College senior management, teaching and administration staff. This year the Parents and Friends have continued our traditional support for various aspects of College life and have taken new initiatives to enhance our activities. We have provided approximately $43,000 to support a wide variety of travelling cultural and sports groups and to buy equipment for various sporting and other groups.

The feedback that we get from the students is very positive and we feel that we are providing a good service.

Management of Saints Café and the Lunch Bar is one of our two vital activities and, of course, it produces the funds that we distribute. Our two new staff members have settled in very well and sales at both the Lunch Bar and Saints Cafe continue to be consistent. The feedback that we get from the students is very positive and we feel that we are providing a good service. We are aware, however, that there is always room for improvement. We have been able to offer students who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards, an opportunity to do their service component. For one hour each morning before school, a student helps out at Saints Cafe assisting staff by serving

College Students Welcome Grandparents

It is an eagerly awaited highlight of the College calendar when the Year 7 and 8 students have their grandparents pay a visit to the campus! More than 300 grandparents travelled from across the North Island, some from the South Island and one from London to witness their grandchildren’s education in action.

The visitors were shown to the Sports Centre by student ushers to enjoy a morning tea provided with support from the Parents and Friends’ Association. They were welcomed by the Head of Middle School, Mr Duncan McQueen, and the Head of College, Mr Steve Cole. Mr Cole said that while many facets of education have changed over generations, having an inspiring and caring teacher remains the most important factor in a child’s success in the classroom. He thanked the guests for their deep love and commitment to their grandchildren and for coming to observe a slice of their daily lives at Saint Kentigern.

When it was time for the students and visitors to meet, the wide smiles and tight embraces showed the regard the boys and girls have for their grandparents, and vice versa! The grandparents were escorted to the Elizabeth MacFarlan Centre where each class had planned a presentation. These included musical performances, speeches, examples of schoolwork and sports reports. This was followed by a quiz for the grandparents on what school was like in their day, which produced some ‘wow’ moments for the students!

A tour of the campus showed the grandparents where the students attend chapel and our other landmarks before reconvening in the Sports Centre for the weekly Middle School assembly. The Middle School Pipes and Drums played as everyone took their seats, and there were also performances from Year 8 dance classes, the Middle School jazz combo and the debut of the Maori and Pasifika Cultural Group. A large number of performing arts participants received badges recognising their commitment to one or more disciplines, and it was extra special for the students to have their grandparents on hand to see this acknowledgment.

and doing other light duties. In 2016 we will work with College management to establish a pre-ordering system for lunches, which initially will be available to Middle School students.

The Asian Parents Group has continued to be a great success from the first meeting in February last year attended by 44 parents. There were eight meetings during 2015, all of which were enthusiastically supported with attendances by Head of College Mr Steve Cole, Head of Senior School Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, Head of Middle School Mr Duncan McQueen, Trust Board members Dr Vivienne Adair and Mr David McCulloch and staff members Mrs Sandra Shaw, Mr Chris Duncan and Mr Tom Gordon. The group is a support network of Asian parents who are provided in Mandarin with guidance and information about the College that they might otherwise find hard to understand. There are 82 parents who are part of the WeChat group for easy day-to-day communication and of these, 64 parents have attended at last one meeting and many have attended every meeting. WeChat has become a media channel for parents to ask and answer questions, seeking help, sharing important information from the College and get to know each other. Jessie Liu is the convenor of the Asian Parents Group and she and I thank the various staff who attend these meetings – especially Mrs Winthrop and Mr McQueen.

At the end of 2015, our two most significant convenors, Claire Russell (functions) and Amanda Selvadurai (Lunch Bar and Saints Cafe), stood down from these roles. In early 2016, our long-serving Secretary Desiree Jenkins-Allright will retire from this role. These three parents have made tremendous contributions to the Parents and Friends and we would not have been able to function without their generous devotion to the College. I am very grateful to them. During the year Claire and Amanda have trained their replacement convenors (Sarah Storer and Margaret Wind respectively), and I am confident that these vital roles will be in good hands from 2016.

David Courtney, Chairman

OLD COLLEGIANS

President’s Report

The highlights of 2015 included the successful Annual Dinner which focussed on the first decade of the College, the London Reunion which included the attendance of the touring College cricket side, and the successful College Golf Day which raised funds for the SKOCA Scholarship Trust. The Boys’ School Golf Day was also a profitable and well attended event.

The committee accepted two new members this year and with a number retiring or heading overseas, the full committee now totals 18, with two further 2015 leavers confirmed to join in 2016.

Old Collegian, Denis Currie was the guest speaker for the Annual Dinner, which more than 200 people attended. An auction was also hosted by OC Mike Gowan. The focus was the first decade at the College and this was clearly a success. 2016’s focus for the Annual Dinner will be the 1960 decade with OC Air Vice Marshall, Peter Stockwell as speaker. In 2016, we will also be hosting a Boys’ School first decade dinner in July/August.

The London Reunion Dinner attracted more than 50 attendees and the touring College cricket team, all smartly dressed in their formal SKC blazers. Old Collegians enjoyed talking with the team over dinner and many more OCs had attended some of the seven games the team played while in the UK. I attended the Eton and Harrow games and had the pleasure to meet a number of 1950-60’s OCs who made a point of attending the closest cricket game to support SKC. A number have married and remained in the UK for last 40+ years but always enjoy reading ‘Piper’ and remain proud members of SKOCA.

More than 50 OCs and partners attended the Australian Reunion Dinner in Circular Quay in Sydney at which past headmaster, Reverend David Williams was guest speaker. Thirty-five OCs again had lunch on Saturday and attended the first Bledisloe Cup rugby match in the evening. This event continues to grow as OCs complete work experience in Australia. The committee has joined forces with the careers department at the College and the College Parents and Friends. An email was sent by the department to SKOCA members seeking speakers for the careers evening and had a great response with more than 50

The committee is also supporting the archives department and archivist, Warwick Bell, and considers this is a key history link for many OCs, which helps foster the sense of belonging amongst members. It is also a valuable resource to promote greater philanthropy amongst the members as they prosper in their lives, and then give back to Saint Kentigern to help others learn and prosper. We congratulate the Heads and the Trust Board on yet another successful year at Saint Kentigern, with record enrolment numbers across all three campuses.

Fides Servanda Est.

Andrew Morgan, President of the Old Collegians Association

In Memoriam

We express our condolences to the families of these members of our community who passed away recently.

EVERETT PERRY

Mr Everett (Ev) Perry, who taught at Saint Kentigern College from 1960 to the end of 1963, passed away in September at the age of 87.

Mr Perry is remembered by Saint Kentigern Old Collegians not only as an inspiring history teacher but also as a coach of the 1st XV with a great interest in the game of rugby. He went on to become a senior teacher and later Principal of Tamaki College which he headed from 1971 until his retirement in 1986.

Mr Perry’s son, Dr Geoff Perry, was a student at Saint Kentigern College and later returned to teach at the College himself before moving to AUT where he is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law and a Pro Vice-Chancellor.

JOHN BAYFIELD

Mr John Bayfield LRAM ARCM, who taught at the College for more than twenty years, passed away in November 2015 at the age of 84 years. He had lived in retirement at Waiuku for some years before his death. Mr Bayfield had been Head of Music at Saint Kentigern from 1963 to 1985.

Not only as the College music teacher but also as a very accomplished pianist himself, Mr Bayfield was involved at the College with orchestra, choir and musical productions. He also produced a number of entertaining revues. He played the organ at midweek Chapel services and special Easter and Advent services, and he initiated recordings of College music groups and individuals in 1973 and 1981.

In the wider College life, Mr Bayfield was involved for some years in organising distinguished and stimulating speakers for a special senior school civics programme called ‘SOMEC’, and he was the enthusiastic organiser of a service activity where he took ‘UE accredited’ students to carry out track maintenance with the Park Rangers at Lake Waikaremoana and later on Little Barrier Island. Mr Bayfield is survived by his wife Gay and their children and grandchildren.

SIMON RODWAY

Old Collegian Simon Rodway #1557 died in London in October. A Prefect at the College in his final year, Simon attended the Boys’ School from 1959 – 1963, and the College from 1964 to 1968.

Simon worked as a copywriter before leaving for London in 1975 where he continued working in advertising. He made the history of London his own speciality, becoming a guide in the 1980s, taking tourists on themed walks of the city.

Simon is survived by his wife Judy whom he married in 1997, a daughter Cara and her husband Miles, and granddaughter Dinah. Simon’s brother Paul is also an Old Collegian.

STUART WILSON

Dr Stuart Wilson #113 1954 – 1957 was a foundation boarder at Bruce House. He died in Dunedin in October. Old Collegian Malcolm Wilson attended the funeral service.

ROBERT JACOBS

Mr Robert Jacobs, a long serving teacher whose name is on the College staff honours board, passed away on 9 October 2015 at the age of 81. Mr Jacobs taught in the languages department from 1971 until 1985, with French as his main teaching subject.

Mr Jacobs was a man of many interests including sports, sailing and outdoor education.

Mr Jacobs and his wife Anne had three sons, Mark, Blair and Paul who attended Saint Kentigern College. Mark was tragically lost at sea when the yacht on which he was sailing disappeared in a cyclone in the Coral Sea.

ANNUAL DINNER & AGM

FRIDAY 18 MARCH 2016

COlleGe 1960’s DeCADe FOCus

speaker: Air Vice Marshall Peter stockwell (1803)

Venue: Elliot Hall, Saint Kentigern College Campus

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

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

TICKETS:

$70 per head

$650 per table of 10

ROCs

$50 per head

PROGRAMME:

6.15pm: AGM

6.30pm: Pre-Dinner drinks

7.15pm: Dinner

RONALD SELWYN STONE

Mr Ron Stone, teacher at Saint Kentigern College from 1963 to 1989, passed away early in January this year at the age of 78 years. His large funeral in the Chapel of Saint Kentigern was a tribute to a man who made a huge contribution to the development of College life in its early decades.

Ron Stone became Head of Physical Education and Housemaster of Bruce House in his second year at Saint Kentigern. Not only is his tenure of 17 years at Bruce House with responsibility for over 100 teenage boys unparalleled, but his work in developing Physical and Outdoor Education programmes and in sports coaching, and later in organising links between the College and overseas teams and schools, set standards in place for the future development of the College.

A keen sportsman himself, Ron coached the First XV Rugby from 1967 to 1978, developing successful teams, maintaining links with his players and their families that have been maintained till the present day.

The College Silver Jubilee publication summed up some of his involvements: ‘Mr Stone has played a very important part in the success of a wide variety of College activities in addition to Rugby. Coaching of Athletics, Cross-Country and assisting Duke of Edinburgh Award candidates have all occupied him over the years. High points, he feels, have been his association with outdoor education – the May Camps at Cashmore Valley, South Island tramping trips and the setting up of the Field Centre at Tongariro National Park.’

After leaving the College and working for Fletcher Challenge, Mr Stone continued to live in Pakuranga and maintained strong links with the College and former students and families through significant work with the Old Collegians Association, and with Jubilees and reunions; a greatly valued link for many with the history of the College. He was a man known for his outgoing personality, generosity of spirit and interest in people.

The Stone family themselves have had a very close association with the College, for Ron and Judy’s three children, Natalee, Rachel and Matthew, all grew up on campus; Matthew #5022 attended the College as a student and his wife Narelle became a teacher and House Leader. Natalee’s son Oliver recently graduated from Year 13 #12497.

Mr Ron Stone will be remembered by former staff and students alike as a friend and mentor, a man with great enthusiasm and affinity for the outdoors, for his understanding of boys’ education and for his wonderful contribution to what makes Saint Kentigern College unique.

Life in the USA!

Anumber of recent Old Collegians have been successful in gaining places and scholarships to attend universities in the United States. Andrew Qi is well remembered as the International Baccalaureate Dux of the College for 2014 and a member of national champion Premier Boys Tennis Team. He received a scholarship to attend Carleton College in Minnesota. Shuo Yang achieved the highest score among 2014 College students in the International Baccalaureate with 43 points and is studying at the University of Chicago on a scholarship. Leba Korovou attended the College for three years and was a member of the Premier Netball team that won the Auckland title in 2014. Alex Clark also attended the College for three years, winning the national football championship in 2013. Other Old Collegians studying in the USA include Aditya Arolkar (UC Berkeley), William Matheson (Columbia University, New York), Ross McPhie (California State), Joanna Kim (Freso State), and Cordelia Oh and Arun Prakash (both University of California).

Andrew Qi

College in America has by far been the most engaging experience I’ve had so far in my life. Liberal arts education, residential life and everything that comes in between have made the first semester in college an unforgettable first step in the long journey that is up ahead.

To sum up my first term in college in one phrase, it was eyeopening. The diversity of people here is amazing. Not just in terms of background but also in terms of hobbies, interests, academic pursuits, future goals and much more. At school, no one has to be afraid of being weird or quirky, because simply everyone is quirky in their own way. Witnessing the diversity of academic subjects available here at Carleton was also a pleasant experience. When I started the semester, I was so sure I would major in economics; after the first term, I cannot be more uncertain of where my future studies are headed. Computer Science? Political Science? East Asian Studies? Luckily, I still have one year left before I have to declare my major.

Classroom discussions are always a highlight of each day. Unlike New Zealand universities where you would expect to be in large lecture halls with hundreds of other students, lectures here consist

of small classes, full of dialogue and student discussion. The professors are wonderfully inspiring; they genuinely appreciate everyone’s opinions, and they love to learn from their students in return. With many professors being prominent scholars in their respective subjects, it always amazed me how close a connection I could establish with people who are so respected in academia. The courses are certainly tough, more challenging than anything in high school, but the thought-provoking nature of class discussions never make the classes dull.

Outside the classroom, my newfound tennis teammates and residential dorm-mates add so much colour to my college experience as well. For the first time, I’m living with or near friends 24/7. The possibility of going out with friends to do something exciting anytime throughout the day, even at 3am, makes the entire dorm feel as one big family. The tennis team is another extremely supportive family. Although competition season has yet to begin, we still train hard and play hard every week, on court and off court.

Overall, my first term at college has been much more than I expected. Only one of twelve trimesters done and dusted, I can’t wait to find out what challenges lie in the semesters ahead.

Shuo Yang

Iam currently studying at the College of the University of Chicago. I am undecided about my major. I am considering majoring in economics but am unsure yet – one of the great things in my opinion about the University of Chicago is that you do not need to decide on a major until your second or third year, and you can also easily change majors. So currently I am taking classes to fulfil my core requirements (humanities, social sciences, maths and chemistry sequences for this quarter). It has been very enjoyable so far!

Alex Clark

Leba Korovou

Old Collegian Leba Korovou (2014) originally started playing basketball to strengthen her netball skills. Now her basketball prowess has earned her a lucrative scholarship to a United States university. Leba has been offered a five-year, fully paid scholarship to attend Missouri Western State University, where she is playing on the women’s basketball team in NCAA Division II. She was scouted at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, where she won the gold medal playing for her native Fiji. While at Saint Kentigern, Leba was named the Senior Netball Player of the Year in 2013 and earned Sports Honours and Colours as well as a Silver Fern for representing the New Zealand Under-20 team. She is grateful to coaches Tania Hunter and Colin Driscoll for furthering her sporting talents while at the College. ‘They gave me a lot of opportunities and taught me so much,’ she says. Leba is studying at Missouri Western State’s Craig School of Business, where she is majoring in Finance.

Alex Clark has quickly become a key member of his university football team. Alex earned an athletic scholarship to Bethany College in Kansas, USA, after leaving Saint Kentigern last year. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, books, meal plan, travel expenses and many other additional costs. Alex is studying marketing and plays in the midfield for the Bethany soccer team. Around 800 students attend Bethany, whose sports teams are known as the Swedes. ‘Some of the top colleges I have played against include Oklahoma Wesleyan University who are ranked number two in the nation for men’s soccer and Baker University who are ranked number five in the nation,’ says Alex. ‘The quality and intensity of the game is a big step up from the level I was previously playing in New Zealand but I have benefitted from this and have developed as a player.’

‘Life here at Bethany has been a new challenge, not a difficult challenge but a challenge that has taken some time to adapt to. Classes are taught in a different fashion to Saint Kentigern and the workload is quite hefty but I am enjoying my time here and I have made many new friends. Although I am still adapting to the lifestyle, I feel that I have found the perfect college for me. I am able to play soccer at the highest level I possibly can and work towards a degree in what I enjoy and am passionate about.’

‘Although there are many differences between the two education systems, Saint Kentigern College has prepared me to be versatile and be prepared for change and I have benefitted from this here at Bethany.’

CAN YOu HelP?

We are seeking willing contacts who can offer work experience for our senior students

Head of Student Services, Mrs Sandra Shaw is working with the Parents and Friends Association to build a list of contacts who would be willing to offer our senior students one of the following:

• Work experience

• The opportunity to shadow an employer

• A visit to a work place to observe a wide range of occupations

• The chance to talk to an employer about a particular career

If you are able to offer assistance, Chairman of the Parents and Friends Association, Mr David Courtney would be pleased to hear from you.

Please email: pandf@saintkentigern.com

SKOCA Golf Day

This year’s SKOCA golf day was played at a new venue and with a change of purpose. Rather than focusing on fairways made and greens in regulation, the emphasis moved to fellowship and fundraising. Sixteen groups of four took part in the tournament at Remuera Golf Club, with the goal to raise money for the Old Collegians Scholarship Fund as much as shoot low scores. The ambrose competition was played in great spirit, with additional incentives of prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive as well as a Volkswagon Golf TSI R-Line on the line for a hole in one on the 17th. The Bayleys team of Nick Bayley, Mike Brickland, Scott

Cordes and Joe Grima came out on top, with Nick, Mike and Joe also winning individual prizes. Chris Dowdle, John Howard and Marty Winter took out the remaining closest to the pin honours. Following the round, the groups socialised over a meal and bid in a silent auction on items generously donated by the event’s sponsors. With help from benefactors including Giltrap Group, Lexel Systems, ANZ Bank, Ricoh, Toshiba and Test & Tag, a significant amount was raised for the scholarship fund, which makes a real difference to the recipients.

SKOCA Netball

With thanks to Old Collegian Sharnika Leleni

The Old Collegians vs Premier Netball team fixture was as enjoyable as ever. The teams recognised that the objective was to have fun and so participated accordingly. The competitive edge was still evident though and so it was no surprise when the difference in score at the end of the game was only two goals in favour of the Premier girls. The aftermatch function was also a highlight of the evening with delicious finger food to share while chatting about memories and netball stories from the past. There was also a good turnout of current College parents who participated enthusiastically in the festivities. A suggestion of having a three-match series next year as a preseason warm up was welcomed by both teams. It can only get bigger and better!

Manase Latu

Old Collegian, Manase Latu was surprised and thrilled to hear he had been awarded a 2015 Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Pacific arts. A talented tenor, Manase received the 2015 Iosefa Enari Memorial Award. Named after the late Samoan opera singer who was at the forefront of Pacific opera, the $4,000 award recognises exceptional Pacific singers from classical genres.

Manase is well remembered from his time at the College for his magnificent voice, having played lead roles in musical productions, winning the Solo Music competition two years in a row and for his significant input to the choral programme. College Head of Choirs, Mr Lachlan Craig was one of the first people to recognise Manase’s potential. Mr Craig took the young Manase along to meet Associate Professor, Karen Grylls, the director of the University of Auckland Chamber Choir. Manase joined the choir and shortly after, while still at the College, was awarded the George Wilson Turner Scholarship to attend the School of Music at the University of Auckland. He is currently in his second year of a conjoint degree, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice performance, and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. Manase says his dream is to one day sing opera on the world’s stage.

To get there, he is singing with Auckland Chamber Choir, New Zealand Youth Choir, Voices New Zealand Chamber choir, 4Shades, SOTO Voce and as a soloist for various choral societies in and outside of Auckland.

Rory Nolan

Rory was no stranger to the stage during his time at College, an interest he has continued since graduating. Since returning to New Zealand earlier this year after 8 months living in the Netherlands, he is currently juggling his acting commitments whilst working as a lawyer at the commercial law firm Bell Gully.

Rory is now appearing as one of the leading roles in Amici Productions’ version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic Phantom of the Opera, playing the part of Raoul. The production is playing at Auckland’s Civic Theatre in February/March 2016.  He is hugely excited for the role which is easily his biggest theatre credit to date, and feels it is a dream come true to be acting in such an iconic musical on the beautiful Civic stage.

Rory attended the Boys’ School from 2003-2004 and joined the College in 2005 until graduating in 2009. He is best remembered at the College for the lead role he played as Jean Valjean in the production of ‘Les Miserables’. He says this role was a particular highlight and that it was amazing to play such an epic and iconic musical role at such a young age.

‘I was relatively inexperienced at that stage, and I feel that it was the time I spent playing this role which ignited my passion for performance and equipped me with the necessary theatre skills to progress forward,’ he says. He credits the support from the fantastic Music and Drama Departments for the tremendous opportunities for him to thrive in Performing Arts, in particular Ms Emma Bishop and Mr Ross Gerritsen. Rory has also had vocal tuition with Robyn Kennerly (who teaches singing at the College) since 2008.

Since graduating from the College, Rory has appeared in numerous productions including a featured ensemble role in Miss Saigon (Auckland Civic Theatre, 2011), and several leading roles including The Artilleryman in Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds (2012), and Sky in Mamma Mia (Auckland Civic Theatre, 2014). Rory has toured professionally as a performer with Operatunity Entertainment since 2013, completing three nationwide tours performing in musical theatre productions in 25 centres around New Zealand. Rory has also worked as an actor, appearing in several television commercials, plays and also had a brief stint on the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, playing petty criminal, Jimmy Taylor.  Fellow Old Collegians, Mark Bradley (2010) and Tiffany Utama (2009) are also involved in the production.

For those interested in seeing Rory in Phantom of the Opera, tickets are now available on Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/The-Phantom-Of-TheOpera-tickets/artist/804174?tm_link=edp_Artist_Name

Image courtesy of Creative New Zealand Photographer: Michael Hall

Save the Date

The second annual golf day to commemorate Old Collegian, Niki Dow is being held on March 4. Niki graduated from the College in 2008 and was in Portugal pursuing his passion for winemaking when he was tragically killed in a car accident in 2013. In his memory, a group of Old Collegians formed a charity to raise funds to assist a budding vintner to study at Lincoln University. The first golf day in 2015 was a huge success raising funds beyond expectation. The 2016 event will again be held at Whitford Park Golf Club followed by a function at Turanga Creek Winery. To get involved, contact principal organiser Myron Simpson at nd.charitabletrust@ gmail.com or 021 105 0196.

Alice Boyd

Alice Boyd represented the College in fencing for seven years, and captained the squad for three of those, becoming the first girl to hold that position. She won the Auckland secondary school and U20 titles in her final two years and represented New Zealand at age group level. Here she reports on her experience as part of the 90-strong NZ team at the World University Games.

‘I left the College in 2014 and since then have gone onto start my Bachelor’s degree, majoring in nutrition at Auckland University. During semester one, I managed to juggle university as well as training for national competitions for fencing. I had two podium finishes at the open national events and this led to my nomination for the World University Games, held in Gwangju, Korea.

I was subsequently selected by the New Zealand Olympic Committee, along with two other Auckland fencers. Training leading up to the games was long and intense, made more challenging by end of semester exams.

I left for Singapore where my coach and I met with some New Zealand fencers who were competing at the Asian Senior Championships. For a week, I trained at the national fencing centre in Singapore, fencing against some of the world and Asian champions from countries like Korea, China, Japan, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei. The experience and confidence which I gained through this training changed the way in which I fenced, becoming more aggressive and confident. During this week, I had lessons from one of the national coaches from Kazakhstan.

We then travelled to Seoul, where we were met by the University Games officials. We were put on a train to Gwangju along with athletes from Canada, Poland and the Netherlands. We arrived late at night and were greeted by the New Zealand delegation. During our time at the games, we were treated like celebrities. There were 125 countries and thousands of athletes. There is so much prestige about these games and this was constantly emphasised by FISU, the international university sports federation.

Training during the games was early in the morning until lunchtime, when there was usually a New Zealand team function in the afternoon. As a team, we were welcomed at a traditional temple, witnessed the raising of the New Zealand flag and walked into Gwangju Stadium as athletes for the opening ceremony. This was a highlight which every athlete should experience.

I came 46th at the games. As this was my first international competition, this result wasn’t disappointing as I was also the youngest competitor. The nature of the sport and competition is extremely different to fencing in New Zealand. The only way to gain experience and achieve results is to train and compete overseas. I would thoroughly recommend the World University Games for any student who wishes to become a high performance athlete. These games are treated as preparation for the Olympic Games. The village, training venues, competitions and ceremonies are structured like the Olympics. This trip would not have been possible without the support of the Old Collegians Association. Their kind donation made it possible for me to travel and train in both Singapore and Korea. The skills which I have learnt both in fencing and experiences will be of benefit for me back home in New Zealand.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as part of the New Zealand team and I look forward to competing again in 2017 in Chinese Taipei.’ Fellow Old Collegians Daniel Hunter (swimming) and Daniel Lowe (table tennis) also competed in the World University Games.

Ceri Mcvinnie

Old Collegian Ceri McVinnie (2009) made the top five in the Miss World New Zealand pageant and was crowned Miss Tourism International.

‘Life has been very hectic for me since winning my title. I think the greatest thing about winning is I now have a platform to make a difference. I am proud to have been made a spokesperson for Women’s Refuge and am working on fundraising for them and spreading awareness about domestic violence in New Zealand. This is a cause close to my heart and I hope that I can make a difference, even to just one young woman.

I have also been made an ambassador for Brand Value Ltd, a company which includes makeup brands such as Radiessence and Natural Glow. In my years since leaving the College, I lived in the Waikato, spending time in both Matamata and Hamilton. I have a Level 5 certificate in Early Childhood Education and am also a qualified nanny, so have spent the last few years working in preschools and nannying. I am now back in Auckland and working in a preschool which I love doing, while studying towards my Bachelor of Teaching ECE by correspondence.’

Albert Yen

Since graduating from the College in 2004, Dr Albert Yen has made rapid progress in his dentistry career. Albert started at Saint Kentigern in Year 9 and went on to excel in the academic and sporting fields. He was a member of the Premier Boys’ Basketball team for three years, winning a Counties title in that time. He was also part of the Scholars’ Class as well as being a Cargill House prefect. In Year 13 he studied all the sciences, which is fitting given his choice of career. However, he also enjoyed English and says it has been a big influence on his success. ‘I look back and English is really important for what I do now – speaking to patients and writing academic papers and business plans.’ Albert went on to study health science and dentistry at the University of Otago for six years before starting his career in Wellington. In 2012 he relocated back to Auckland, a stone’s throw from the College at Bright White Dental in Pakuranga Plaza. He has climbed the ranks to become the principal dentist at Bright White, a promotion which is almost unheard of in the short time he has been practising. Albert says being a Son of Kentigern put him in great stead to be a leader in his field. ‘Saint Kentigern gave me a sound platform to build to where I am now. The good habits and manners that I learnt make a real difference in the workforce.’ He is now giving back to Saint Kentigern by hosting senior students at his practice who are interested in pursuing dentistry.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Andrew Marck

Andrew Marck graduated from the College in 2009 and has gone on to achieve success in his chosen sport of baseball as well as in business. Andrew had already represented the New Zealand Men’s Baseball Team while at the College and has been a pivotal member ever since, as a starting pitcher. His baseball talent has taken him around the world, to play in Canada, the USA, Australia and in the World Baseball Classic in Taipei. He has won a number of New Zealand club championships with the Howick Pakuranga Hawks and been named most valuable player of the tournament. As well as making the most of every baseball opportunity that has come to him, Andrew has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in management and marketing at the Auckland University of Technology. He has combined his passion for diamond sports with his commercial acumen as the owner of The Fieldhouse, which operates batting training cages and is the country’s leading baseball and softball equipment and uniform supplier with two locations in Avondale and Pakuranga. In February, he will represent the New Zealand Diamondblacks again in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers against Australia, Philippines and South Africa in Sydney in February. Of his time at the College, Andrew says he realised the value of commerce teacher, Mr Paul Ventner’s classes as he went through university and into business.

WH e R e AR e YO u ?

EVER WONDERED WHAT YOUR OLD CLASSMATES ARE UP TO?

EVER THOUGHT THEY MAY BE INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU DO?

These pages belong to you, our Old Collegians. We need your help to make these pages interesting and informative. Write a few lines to fill us in on what you’ve been doing since leaving school, or what you are about to do, a recent achievement, a momentous event or any other item of interest. Alternatively, we also welcome more in depth articles, as appear on these pages. Family and friends, tell us what our sons and daughters of Kentigern are up to nowadays.

Pictures speak a thousand words! In this digital age, it’s really easy to provide a photo but please email all digital pictures at maximum resolution. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please direct all correspondence to the Editor:

jane.kneale@saintkentigern.com Communication Manager, Saint Kentigern Trust Board

andrew@lubenz.co.nz

p. 09 640 0004

e. sales@lubenz.co.nz

www.lubenz.co.nz