Piper Issue 63 December 2017

Phone:

Email:

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

President: Hayden Butler

Secretary: James Bennett

Treasurer: Neville Lyne

PO Box 51060, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140

Email skoca@saintkentigern.com

Parents & Friends (SKC)

Chairperson: David Courtney

Secretary: Mark Jenner

Treasurer: Sandra Oliver

Parents & Friends (SKBS)

Chairperson: Simon Ward

Secretary: Katie Taylor

Treasurer: Fiona Freeland

Parents & Friends (SKGS)

Chairperson: Mrs Rebecca Scoones

Secretary: Mr Stacy Colyer

Treasurer: Mrs Julie Bolton Published

Ara MoanaOcean Roads

From the Chairman of the Trust Board

A Good Year, and an Important One for Continuing to Build the Saint Kentigern Community

Every December, one of the happiest times of our school year comes around with prizegivings. They are a terrific showcase for the energy, commitment and achievements of our studentsand I mean all of them, not only those who have won prizes. They also reflect the commitment of parents, caregivers and teachers and everyone who, each year, bring to life the values of the Saint Kentigern community.

In taking those values forward, 2017 has been a good year, and an important one. Our schools are in excellent heart and well-placed for continued educational gains into the future.

We strengthened our governance and leadership teams, and defined our strategy for educational excellence. We also presented a proposed Master Plan for facilities development, which is now going through a stakeholder engagement process.

The proposed Master Plan is committed to the Saint Kentigern ethos and maintaining single-gender primary education. The engagement process reflects the Board’s recommitment to listening ever more closely to you, the Saint Kentigern community.

As the Board, we rewrote key aspects of governance and advanced a succession plan to ensure the Saint Kentigern vision continues to flourish for generations to come. We welcomed three new members onto the Board, Rev Martin Baker, Mr Andrew Morgan and Mrs Kelly Smith, who bring an expanded breadth of knowledge and astute skills. We expect further appointments soon.

Earlier in the year, we were delighted to appoint Mr David Hodge as Head of Saint Kentigern, with oversight of the four schools and the Preschool. He brings an outstanding reputation as an internationally-recognised leader in education and under his leadership, we have produced our first Statement of Intent for Educational Excellence: defining both

goals and how success will be measured. We look forward to achieving our goal of Saint Kentigern being firmly recognised as an international leader for the quality of its education.

During the year, we restructured the Pakuranga campus into a Middle College and Senior College to address the needs of each age group, with each College now having its own Principal and Senior Management Teams. We also introduced two new Houses on the College campus, reducing the ratios of students and enhancing our Pastoral Care.

The proposed Master Plan we presented in November sets out a vision for world class educational facilities, and we have posted a full backgrounder on this on our website, which I would urge you to read, along with a feedback form seeking your input and comment.

Currently, the focus is mostly on the Shore Road campus, with proposed master planning for significant reinvestment still being progressed for Pakuranga. At Shore Road, we have been targetting benefits for both our Primary Schools and Preschool, and are proposing to achieve these by relocating the Girls’ School from Remuera Road to a purpose-built, separate new facility on the north eastern side of the Shore Road campus.

This would allow for significant reinvestment and the construction of a new Preschool. Importantly, however, it is also based on a commitment to the separate and single-gender ethos of the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. Each of the two primary schools would have its own distinct part of the campus; and separate classrooms, Principals, teachers and administration, with separate and timetabled access to new specialist or shared facilities.

We look forward to everyone’s input on the proposed Master Plan, and to feedback from stakeholder reference groups at each school. We know all views will be grounded in a shared commitment to what makes Saint Kentigern special. This is what unites us all - and what we all look forward to continuing to see for a long time to come.

Fides Servanda Est

Dr John Kernohan Chairman of Saint Kentigern Trust Board

We welcome three new members to the Saint Kentigern Trust Board

During the year we were delighted to welcome three new members to the Saint Kentigern Trust Board, who bring a breadth of knowledge and astute skills to help lead Saint Kentigern into a strong future.

Andrew Morgan

Mr Andrew Morgan, along with his two brothers, is an Old Collegian of the College and has just concluded a nine year term as President of the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians Association. During this time, he has developed a large personal network within the Old Collegians membership both in New Zealand and overseas. The Trust Board noted that Andrew has been a tireless, loyal supporter of Saint Kentigern ever since his graduation.

Andrew attended Lincoln University and has been in the banking and finance industry for over 30 years and is currently the Managing Director - NZ of Australian finance company, Balmain Commercial Mortgages Ltd, which specialises in financing commercial property transactions, being a position he has held for 13 years. The Trust Board believes Andrew will continue to add great value to Saint Kentigern as a Trust Board member.

Kelly Smith

Mrs Kelly Smith, currently a Year 9 parent, has had a very long association with Saint Kentigern. Her four children have attended Saint Kentigern with three having graduated and one still attending the College. She has been a very active parent and strong supporter of our values. Robert, her husband is an Old Collegian.

With a background in sales and marketing management at two large food manufacturers in Australasia, Kelly has more recently established her own consulting and training business which specialises in sales and marketing, leadership training, mergers and acquisitions, planning and strategy development. Many of her clients are overseas. Her involvement in training has led her to an interest in education, particularly in aspects of information technology. Kelly is very enthusiastic about joining the Trust Board and we look forward to her contribution.

Rev Martin Baker

Rev Martin Baker has been a Saint Kentigern parent and is an appointee of the Northern Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently the minister of Clevedon Presbyterian Church, which offers an ambitious daily family programme, Martin was previously the national executive officer of the Presbyterian Church based in Wellington with a team of 27. In that role, he provided strategic, management and administrative leadership for the church. Prior to that, he served the church in parishes in Dunedin, Wellington and St Heliers. He has wide interests including environmental concerns.

Martin is a strong supporter of Presbyterian Schools and their connection to the church, and we look forward to his contribution to an important area of our organisation’s life.

From the Head of Saint Kentigern

‘One of the Best Educational Communities

Saint Kentigern’s recently published Statement of Intent sets out a goal for our family of schools to be recognised as ‘one of the best educational communities in the world.’ This is a big aspirational goal but one that the Board and the senior leadership team are all totally committed to. And while it is aspirational, we believe that it is achievable.

I believe that Saint Kentigern has all the right foundations upon which we can build. Furthermore, we have the all the right ingredients, which will motivate our students to be the very best that they can be. In this article I want to concentrate primarily on how students will gain success ‘in the classroom’. It should not in any way be interpreted as not valuing or staying true to the broader and holistic aspects of school life. These are, and will remain, an essential and vitally important aspect of a Saint Kentigern Education.

Building on Tradition

in the World’

service of others’. This sense of purpose – explicit in Chapel, and implicit in everything else - gives our students the essential and additional reasons to do their very best. This deeper purpose also makes our students more resilient when the going gets tough. It gives them a fulfilling reason for putting in all the effort needed to achieve excellence. As the famous psychiatrist and holocaust survivor Dr Viktor Frankl once wrote, ‘He who has a why, can bear any how.’

Building on Proven Advantages

Our Mission Statement states: ‘The Mission of the Saint Kentigern Trust is to provide education which inspires students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others.’ This has been the steadfast foundation of Saint Kentigern for over 65 years. It, in turn, is built on a wonderful tradition of Presbyterian Education that goes right back to John Knox – who set out to provide a ‘virtuous education and godly upbringing of the youth of this realm.’ Our students have an advantage in being connected to this history of scholarship and personal development.

Inspiring Students through Purpose

In asking young people to strive and work hard to fulfil their potential, they need to feel a purpose that is greater than just their own personal advantage. Education at Saint Kentigern is driven by its importance in making a difference to our family and to the lives of our community. It is for the ‘the glory of God and the

Saint Kentigern has the advantage of being able to offer the optimal connected pathway for our students. We offer the very best Preschool education so that our students arrive at the door of the school classroom totally prepared and ahead at the start. Our commitment to totally single gender education from Years 1 to 8 means that our students are given a tailored curriculum, and their gender specific learning and behavior needs are more easily met. Students can be themselves in their own learning environment. They, and their teachers do not have to contend with another level of differentiation and so have more time to meet individual needs. Our students in Years 9-10 continue to be taught in single gender classrooms for all core subjects, gradually integrating in some option subjects, before moving to full integration in Years 11, 12 and 13. This means that students transfer into a mixed gender environment gradually and at the right time in their maturity.

Saint Kentigern can offer the advantage of a seamless schooling system – from aged 3 to 18. In a world where so much is changing so rapidly, giving students structure and consistency is extremely important. This starts with the values that are at the heart of all we do. These values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Love underpin everything. Having these values explicitly taught and demonstrated give our students a coherent set of standards for behaviour which will hold them strong throughout their life.

A Smooth Transition

In standard education systems, the transition from one school to another can be problematic. As a recent Education Review Office Report states: ‘Students need to make positive adjustments to their new school and classes so that their wellbeing is maintained, and their learning is coherent and continuous. Our family of schools, and the ability for us to be connected, means that Saint Kentigern students will have a smooth transition and there will be no pressure on them socially or gaps in their learning.

I am excited to be part of the Saint Kentigern journey towards even greater excellence that each of our students deserves. The Saint Kentigern community is extraordinarily talented, creative and knowledgeable. It has the capacity for hard work. It can compete and cooperate with the best. We draw on a proud 65-year legacy. In continuing to serve our students and future generations, we are confidently targeting new and greater gains.

Saint Kentigern will be ‘one of the best educational communities in the world.’

Recognising the Special Character and Customs of each school

We have made a commitment to allow our schools to develop their own ways of achieving excellence in academic outcomes for their students. Beyond the overriding ethos and values of Saint Kentigern, each school will meet the needs of their students in their own way and continue to develop their own special character and customs.

While recognising and encouraging difference in the character of our schools, we will use our capacity as ‘one organisation’ to ensure that our curriculum is unified and our students’ progress is carefully monitored so that all we do contributes to the success of our students when they reach the Senior College and beyond. We will ensure that that each stage of a student’s learning builds on what has gone before.

‘Common to All’ Assessments

The Statement of Intent spells out ‘common to all’ assessments in English, Mathematics, Science and Information Technology across the Primary Schools and Middle College. This is about ensuring good student outcomes and having rigour in the curriculum. While this provides an assurance in the core subjects, the options are not forgotten. We are equally focused on languages, the arts, technology and health and physical education. In addition, we have just had a full review (with external experts) of the Christian Education programme and we are assured that the content is developmental, challenging and appropriate to each level. We are in the process of creating a comprehensive, age specific E-Learning curriculum which will ensure all Saint Kentigern students have the values and skills to be high performing digital citizens.

A Culture of Learning

Great schools are built on a culture of learning and this starts with the adults in the organisation. We know that if students see adults learning and growing then they will follow this example. Saint Kentigern has a wonderful capacity to ensure that we all learn from each other and that best practice is shared. Our organisation has a wide range of extremely talented educators and administrators and we will fully utilise the range of skills available, so we get the best for everyone from everyone. Ensuring that all our staff are growing their expertise for the benefit of our students is an important commitment we have made. In a time of chronic shortage of teachers in New Zealand and worldwide, Saint Kentigern is fully staffed with very high levels of expertise.

Planning for and Measuring Success

The goal of being ‘recognised as one of the best educational communities in the world’ requires us to benchmark student achievement across our schools and to look outward to other top schools in New Zealand and the world. We know that to be truly world class is a huge challenge given recent trends in the international benchmarking of New Zealand’s student achievement. Back in 2006, when I first started marketing for international students to come and study in New Zealand, I could argue that the nation’s students were ranked inside the top 5 in the world in Reading, Mathematics and Science. New Zealand has been rapidly slipping down the rankings ever since. The 2015 OECD PISA (Project for International Assessment) saw New Zealand drop to 10th in Reading, 12th in Science and 21st in Mathematics. The recent U.S. based TIMSS (Trends in Maths and Science Study) saw similar decline – especially at Year 5 level. The 2017 PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy study) saw us ranked 32nd of 50 countries. Where once the world came to New Zealand to learn how to achieve educational excellence – we now must learn from other countries. If there is any consolation in the rapid international decline in our education competitiveness, it is that the best students in New Zealand are still on a par with the best students anywhere. Therefore, our first challenge is to ensure that our Saint Kentigern students are ‘top of the New Zealand class.’ Once there, we will look to benchmark ourselves against a selection of top performing schools internationally. We will also provide multiple opportunities for our students to work with top students across the globe.

I am excited to be part of the Saint Kentigern journey towards even greater excellence that each of our students deserves. The Saint Kentigern community is extraordinarily talented, creative and knowledgeable. It has the capacity for hard work. It can compete and cooperate with the best. We draw on a proud 65-year legacy. In continuing to serve our students and future generations, we are confidently targeting new and greater gains.

Saint Kentigern will be ‘one of the best educational communities in the world.’

Fides Servanda Est

David Hodge

Head of Saint Kentigern

OPEN DAYS 2018

See how we learn.

Scholarship Applications For 2019

A number of Scholarships are available at the following Saint Kentigern schools:

BOYS’ SCHOOL – 23 February

Years 0-8 – 82 Shore Road, Remuera

MIDDLE COLLEGE – 7 March

Years 7-10 – 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga

SENIOR COLLEGE – 7 March

Years 11-13 – 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga

GIRLS’ SCHOOL – 15 March

Years 0-8 – 514 Remuera Road, Remuera

PRESCHOOL – 15 March

Ages 3-4 – 514 Remuera Road, Remuera

Please join us for our Open Days. To assist with planning, please register to attend at saintkentigern.com We look forward to meeting you.

• Girls’ School: For students currently in Year 6 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 7 in 2019

• Boys’ School: For students currently in Year 6 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 7 in 2019

• Middle College: For girls and boys who are currently in Year 8 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 9 in 2019

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. For more information please visit saintkentigern.com

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.

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

Scholarships to

Saint Kentigern

Boys’ School and

Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees for two years and are reviewed annually.

Boys’ School Applications close on Friday 16 March 2018.

All applicants must sit a test at the Boys’ School on Monday 26 March 2018.

Girls’ School Applications close on Wednesday 28 March 2018.

All applicants must sit a test at the Girls’ School on Wednesday 11 April 2018.

Saint Kentigern Boys’ School

Phone: 09 520 7696

Email: skb_admissions@saintkentigern.com

Scholarships and Bursaries to Saint Kentigern Middle College

Academic and Performing Arts Scholarships to Saint Kentigern Middle College are available for girls and boys who are currently in Year 8 at a New Zealand school, entering Year 9 in 2019. Scholarships cover a portion of the fees and are normally for five years, reviewed annually.

Applications for Academic and Performing Arts Scholarships and Bursaries close on Friday 30 March 2018. All applicants must sit a test at the College on Friday 13 April 2018.

Sports Scholarships are awarded on merit. There is no formal application timeline.

Saint Kentigern Girls’ School

Saint Kentigern Preschool

Phone: 09 529 5750

Email: skg_admissions@saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern Middle College

Saint Kentigern Senior College

Phone: 09 577 0677

Email: skc_admissions@saintkentigern.com

Update on Engagement Process for Proposed Master Plan

In response to requests from the Saint Kentigern community, the Trust Board launched a stakeholder engagement process in November seeking feedback on the proposed Master Plan for development across all campuses.

The Board welcomes this process as an opportunity to draw on the collective wisdom of our community and has posted more information about the proposed Master Plan and engagement process on our website. We encourage all members of the Saint Kentigern community to provide feedback.

The proposed Master Plan aims to support the Saint Kentigern vision for educational excellence, make the best use of resources and support significant investment in facilities. The Board has made core commitments to:

• First class education at every level

• Single-gender education at the Primary Schools

• The construction of a new Girls’ School (at the best site for this)

• New facilities for the Boys’ School

• A new Preschool

• Investment in our Colleges.

Initial focus on Shore Road

We welcome comment on all aspects of the plan, although expect most feedback at this stage to be about the Shore Road campus as master planning for proposed developments at the Pakuranga campus are at an earlier stage.

How to engage with this process

As noted, we have set up a dedicated portal www.saintkentigern. com/engagement with more information about the proposed Master Plan, the engagement process and a feedback form.

Stakeholder reference groups

We have also established representative stakeholder reference groups to provide additional input and are delighted that the following members of our community have agreed to chair each of the following groups:

• Boys’ School: Mr Greg Horton

• Girls’ School: Mrs Rebecca Scoones

• Preschool: Mr James Smith

• Pakuranga Campus: Mrs Desiree Thompson

As always, you can also talk with one of our Principals, email comments to buildingfutures@saintkentigern.com, or write to us at:

Stakeholder Engagement

Saint Kentigern Trust Board

P.O. Box 51060

Pakuranga 2140

Auckland

Next steps

We are inviting submissions until March 2018. All feedback will be collated and reviewed closely. The Trust Board expects to confirm a final decision in April 2018.

A Great Start is Everything

For children and parents, the reality of starting school for the very first time can be stressful.

Our Transition to School programme makes a real point of difference for our Preschool families - a supportive, seamless and positive process in their child’s continual learning journey.

At Preschool, the children have ‘a world of opportunity’ to meet the goals of the New Zealand curriculum that has the vision for children to be confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners – who during their schooling years will continue to develop and affirm the Saint Kentigern Way with the values, knowledge and competencies that will enable them to live full and satisfying lives. The true sense of belonging at Saint Kentigern is embedded from the day they start Preschool as part of our ‘one organisation’. The children proudly wear their Saint Kentigern uniform with pride and on visits to schools, hold their heads high as they meet the ‘big children’.

The world of opportunity that Preschool provides in all areas of a child’s development – aligned with the Early Childhood Curriculum Te Whariki - supports the children in their readiness for school. Preschool offers an ever changing environment where through play, the children’s days are filled with fun, enthusiasm and new experiences. Learning happens as passionate, qualified and experienced staff scaffold and plan both set and impromptu activities for children to learn and embed a varying range of new skills. Skills developed through our daily programme include correct pincer grip – learnt through our Nimble fingers programme which leads on to correct letter formation – with our Casey the Caterpillar writing programme.

From 3 years of age, children are provided with opportunities in planned and impromptu teaching and learning, with preparation for school a key focus. With phonics included in our programme, the children develop both letter sounds and the alphabet throughout their days. A print rich environment with children’s individually produced work displayed, shows an appreciation and value for their creativity.

Social skills – playing with their peers co-operatively, taking turns, sharing, interacting

effectively with peers irrespective of gender, ethnicity or background are all integral skills in becoming a worthwhile citizen of our everchanging world.

Independence and self-help skills are fostered as children take responsibility for carrying their own bag into Preschool to their lockers, looking after their own belongings, dressing after swimming lessons, feeding themselves at all mealtimes and are competent in toileting. Finishing activities, tidying up after themselves, having resilience to attempt and achieve new skills are all areas that ensure children show a sense of responsibility for their own well being and belonging.

Small and large group activities in all areas of the learning programme – art, music, science, drama, French, Te Reo, Yoga and mindfulness, gross motor, pre-numeracy and language - occur throughout every day and prepare the children for activities that school will provide.

Experiencing daily mat-times, story reading, attending school events like Chapel and Carol services, assemblies and watching productions and shows is further preparation for school. These activities ensure the children’s concentration, focus and expectation for appropriate behaviour is strengthened – as well as extending and consolidating their listening skills and being able to follow instructions.

Routines are established at Preschool to meet the children’s needs – they are clear and consistent to ensure that knowing the boundaries is a key area when at school.

Developmental reports, assessments and observations – clearly documented throughout our children’s individual portfolios – which show their learning journey. These ensure our teachers know where each child is at in their development and where they need support or encouragement. This continues once at school as this information is shared with staff.

An important part of a child’s learning journey as well as a child’s attitude to learning, technical skills or abilities is gaining a sense of acceptance by their teachers and peers. Our Transition to School programme provides a seamless process as our boys and girls have fostered a positive relationship with their teacher and the students they will be in class with.

To start school as a competent enthusiastic learner sets the children from our Preschool off on a head start in their educational journey.

Fides Servanda Est

Mrs Sue Nash Preschool Director

Christmas Television Stars!

Keeping Us Safe

Alarge group of our children were welcomed to Onehunga Police Station by Sergeant Dean and Constable Don along with station dog, Piper. They spent time looking through the Police Station, seeing the cells, watching themselves on camera in the interview room, and learning about Tasers, pepper spray, radios and what they are all used for.

The arrival of police dog handler, Kelvin with police dog, Fagan was exciting. As Kelvin made hand signals, Fagan sat, lay down, stood and barked. What a clever dog! Under supervision, some of the children tried to pull Fagan’s favourite toy out of his mouth— a special ‘toy’ used as a reward when trainingbut he was too strong!

The learning continued when Sergeant Gavin visited the Preschool. His uniform, handcuffs, baton and radio came under special attention from the children. Outside the experience became even better with when the children had a chance to inspect the police car. Every light was flashing and the children had turns to push the buttons to make the sirens work. The Preschool mini police loved the experience!

SKY TV and the Starship Foundation approached the Preschool for our 3 and 4 year olds to feature in a television advert to support Starship Foundation in their fundraiser, selling wooden Christmas stars at New World over the festive season. There was a little trepidation from the film crew as they were not sure that children this young would be able to handle it! Little did they know just how amazing our children can be! Being followed throughout the process at SKY TV headquarters with a camera that was filming for a ‘behind the scenes documentary’ did not faze our little champions.

Rehearsing the lines of the script with Sue took some practising but the children were fabulous. After changing into ‘TV clothes’ and having their makeup and hair done, they waited in the ‘green room’ for their turn, able to watch their friends in the film studio on the big screen TV. The highlight was finally, all joining together in the magic red chair in front of the TV cameras and the big Christmas tree covered in Christmas stars. Sue was very proud of how amazing the children were – their behaviour, their ability to focus and concentrate and to deliver their lines articulately. What an amazing experience to help children in need.

All A-Buzz

September was Bee month in New Zealand and the Preschool was a-buzz with learning.The arrival of a beehive and 80 ‘leafcutter cocoons’ brought much discussion to Preschool. Leaf cutter bees are noncolony, non-stinging and do not make honey; their sole use is for pollination of flowers. The bees needed 20 warm sunny days to hatch, which earlier in Term 4 was a challenge!

Our ‘little gardens’ have been a great source of educational learning as the children planted a bee friendly garden with a variety of flowers and specific plants that attract bees.

‘Did you know? – a bees wing can move at 200 times per second and that is where the BUZZ comes from.’ ‘Bees can fly really fast at 25 kms an hour.’ ‘If we don’t have honey bees in New Zealand, we won’t have any vegetables to eat.’ ‘All worker bees are girl bees – and they do all the work to collect the pollen.’

Kids Aren’t Afraid!

Whilst most adults might think twice about handling a large spider, it was all in a day’s learning for our preschoolers! ‘Bug man,’ Brian from HANDS ON CREATURES brought all kinds of fantastic creatures to visit the Preschool. The children had plenty of opportunity to learn from Brian as they engaged with lizards, reptiles, insects, arachnids and more!

Some of the children were very brave and sat with the huntsman spider crawling on their faces or held bearded dragons and blue tongued lizards. Being able to touch and interact with the creatures up close allows the children foster their curiosity, and develop sensitive and caring natures. The experience helped our children gain new understandings and develop their working theories of the natural world.

Grandparents’ Day

The Preschool was buzzing with excitement on the morning our treasured grandparents came from far and wide to spend time with us! Morning tea had been prepared and the children just couldn’t wait for them to arrive! The occasion was a chance for the children to share quality time as they showed their grandparents around their place of learning.

Our visitors really enjoyed the children’s performance of some of their favourite songs and watching their fitness routine.

We Love Music and Performing Welcome Santa!

Music,

dance and drama are a huge part of our Preschool programme. Children gaining the confidence to perform in groups to a few friends or to an overflowing Cathedral is an integral part of preparing the children for their future.

All forms of expressive arts are regularly available. In daily fitness, children join as a group and learn how their bodies work –balance, movements left and right, concepts of forward and back, and gaining ‘midline’ ready for further skills.

Special occasions to perform on stage are met with great confidence. Parents are often surprised at the children’s ability to learn the words of songs! Extending their memory and repertoire of songs supports listening skills and concentration, and the knowledge of sounds helps the children to read and build words as they become developmentally ready. Rhythm, timing, tune, volume and sound of tones all are learnt through regular music and drama opportunities.

Music at Preschool is used for calming children, expressing joy and excitement, engaging children and strengthening social and emotional intelligence.

There was much excitement at Preschool in anticipation of a very special seasonal guest – Santa! Before his arrival, over 50 children performed a spectacular concert on stage at the Girls’ School, in front of proud family, friends and invited guests, including Trust Board members and the Principals of the Boys’ School and Girls’ School.

Each child had their time to shine as they sang their little hearts out, with dance moves to match! You could not help but smile, seeing the joy on each and every one of their faces! The Preschoolers sang eleven different songs including ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ in English, Maori and French. Following on from the concert, everyone went back to the Preschool for a special party lunch.

The loud sirens of a police car saw all the children rush to the fence, squealing with delight as Santa arrivedwithout his sleigh - and made his way down the driveway. When Santa finally had a chance to sit, each child came forward for a photo and received a present. Before Santa left, he congratulated the children on their fantastic concert – he knew where to come because he could hear them singing so well!

Reflecting On 2017

As I reflect on the 2017 year, I am gazing at two beautiful thank you letters on my noticeboard:

Dear Miss Small,

Thank you for teaching us about the Value each week… Year 3 pupil

Dear Miss Small,

…you teach us values and you see us in the morning. You have a happy smile. Year 1 pupil

The Saint Kentigern Values are the backbone of our School; as staff and parents, we are the role models for those values of Respect, Integrity, Service Excellence and Love. Families choose Saint Kentigern for the values and the importance of being part of a familyoriented community. After two years in the Principal role, I love that I know all the girls and their families!

There have been outstanding examples of service and community involvement this year. Three Year 8 girls, Eva Colyer, Eva Melhuish and Torie Pickering achieved their Gold Service Award at the end of the year. Our Year 6 classes continue to be involved in the design of the new playground at Wairua reserve, liaising with Council to create real benefits for our community by improving the immediate physical surrounds at Wairua reserve. This was a direct outcome of an Inquiry Unit during Year 5 and demonstrates real, authentic learning.

Many new initiatives have been implemented successfully:

• In Middle School Design Time, the girls utilised the specialist facilities, working in mixed year groups. They followed the technology design process resulting in creations which reflected the girls’ interests. For example a Wearable Arts head piece with an extensive Lego construction.

• Year 4 stayed overnight at Kelly Tarlton’s, amidst the penguins and ice, as part of their Inquiry Unit about protecting the environment. Both the Year 5 and Year 6 girls enjoyed the challenges on Camp at Shakespear Lodge.

• For the first time, Year 7 and 8 had a choice of three languages: French, Spanish and Chinese.

• School Assemblies are now completely student-led, showcasing the talents of the girls and providing a supportive audience for classes to ‘have a go’ and get adventurous with their performance ideas. Even our Juniors demonstrated their leadership ability when they ‘MC’ed’ Assemblies and organised their classes.

• Sport goes from strength to strength across the School, with recordbreaking achievements noted recently from individual senior students. More girls are playing team sports and discovering the rewards of team work and the benefits of persevering with skill development. Staff initiated the Year 7/8 Netball Development Programme across schools which incorporated aspects such as nutrition information, strength training and specific skills development.

• The Creative Arts Evening was an absolute highlight of the year, integrating different curriculum areas such as Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance and English. We all appreciated the variety of talent on display from juggling to gymnastics to drama. We also valued the cultural diversity. Of note was the Karanga performed by our Kapa Haka group and the Chinese fan dance. I personally loved the humour throughout and that the personalities of the girls shone out through performances.

Earlier in the year, I emphasised the importance of resilience and independence with both our staff and the community. I have had many conversations with parents, who have acknowledged the benefits of stepping back, having high expectations and being pleased with their daughter’s improved ability to self- manage and be organised for each day.

At the 2017 Prizegiving, I mentioned that I am particularly proud of our Year 8 leavers, because they are all articulate, capable young women who know their own minds, and act with both selfassurance and humility. I am proud of all our girls. We strive for excellence across the academic, sporting, cultural and arts arenas and encourage the girls to make the most of the many opportunities. I look forward to 2018, embarking on the goals within our Saint Kentigern Statement of Intent to further enhance the learning and opportunities for all our students.

After serving over thirty years at Corran and Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, Mrs Judith Dobson is retiring from teaching. Judith gives 100 % and she expects staff and girls to do the same. She is also well known for her phrase ‘no wispy bits’ and outrageous stockings. Mrs Dobson is leaving a legacy… of high standards and high quality. This is a legacy that we will continue to uphold and treasure. We thank her for her dedicated service and wish her all the best for her new adventures as a ‘lady of leisure’. I look forward to working with Mrs Jill Wahlstrom who moves into the Deputy Principal role at the start of 2018.

Fides Servanda Est

Miss Juliet Small, Principal

Haere Rā Mrs Dobson

As 2017 drew to an end, so did the long teaching career of muchloved Girls’ School Deputy Principal, Mrs Judith Dobson, as she prepared for retirement. A teacher for almost 50 years, with 31 of those years spent on the Remuera Road campus, Mrs Dobson leaves a legacy of exacting standards and strong female role-modelling for generations of girls.

Mrs Dobson worked at the former Corran School for 23 years, in which time she saw many changes in both educational philosophy and leadership. A new chapter opened in 2010, with the merger of the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards, resulting in a full primary school for girls in Years 0 – 8 on the former Corran campus and later, the addition of a Preschool. The Trust Board greatly appreciated Mrs Dobson’s support and wise counsel during this period; it was a difficult time for all and her knowledge of the history of the organisation and her steady hand were invaluable.

To mark her retirement, the girls hosted a special assembly in Mrs Dobson’s honour, inviting the Preschool to also be part of the proceedings as they presented ‘The Tapestry of your Life.’ Former Girls’ School student, Fayth Doherty, returned to pipe a surprised Mrs Dobson down the driveway lined with girls and preschoolers regally waving flags! Yes, that was Mrs Dobson’s face on every single flag!

Known for her sense of style, especially her range of outlandish stockings (green frogs on this day!), it was hard to miss the colourful leg-wear as all the staff got into the spirit of the occasion! She

soon discovered the hall had also been transformed – the girls had decorated stockings that were hung gaily around the walls! From the Preschool to the oldest girls, each group made a presentation. The Junior School came forward with some hilarious suggestions of part-time work she could take on to fill her days - like a ‘no wispy bits’ hairdresser, a stocking designer or parking warden on Ranui Road, to keep future parents in order!

The biggest laughs were saved for the end with a PowerPoint compiled by the girls of ‘The Many Faces of Mrs Dobson.’ From Superwoman to gracing the front of Time magazine, there was much laughter, but it was the true face at the end, of a woman filled with character that brought the most applause.

In her long career, Mrs Dobson has garnered respect not only from her colleagues but also from our families and the girls themselves who, throughout many years, have been fortunate to have benefitted from her experience and wisdom. Earlier in the term, at an evening function, we welcomed back former Principals from Mrs Dobson’s Corran days, Gillian Eadie and Sally Dalzell, along with the first Principal of the Girls’ School, Mrs Sandra Hastie – all concurred that every school needs a Mrs Dobson!

We wish her well as she heads into her retirement years. She has already indicated that she is not one to sit still, that life is for livingand that’s what she plans to do!

Follow the Star

In celebrating the Christmas story, we are reminded that a shining star led the way to Bethlehem. In her opening address, Principal, Ms Small shared a whakatauki, a traditional Maori proverb. She said, ‘Me mātau ki te whetū, i mua i te kōkiri o te haere. Before you set forth on a journey, be sure you know the stars.’

Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call to worship before the congregation stood to join soloists, Sharmaine Tapling and Lily-Kate Umaga in singing ‘Once in Royal David’s City.’ Year 8 student, Grace Paul set the theme for the service, ‘Follow the Star’ with Year 4 student, Gabriella Lamb continuing the readings.

The Preschool students made their way to the front to perform ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’, impressing the congregation as they continued the verses in English, Maori and French. As the service continued, the girls progressed through their readings and songs, including a whole school song with Year 7 student, Arya Blackler playing the flute. Head Girl, Lola Wiltshire, along with her mother Mrs Wiltshire, presented the seventh and eighth readings, continuing the Christmas story.

As the Girls’ School Performers’ Choir sang ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Ave Maria’, the Year 1 students came down the aisle in pairs to create a nativity scene at the front of the church. The ‘three wise men’

following on to present their gifts to the ’New Born King’. Reverend Hardie then addressed the congregation, saying when the stress of Christmas starts to occur, we must remember to ‘Follow the Star’ and to remember what Christ sacrificed for us. To add a little more ‘sparkle’ to the evening, he explained that over the weekend he travelled all around Auckland to find 250 glow stick stars! The students held them high as the audience were asked to switch on their phone flashlights and the Christmas tree was lit. Lastly, the Reverend’s stole was lit with Christmas lights to attain just the right ‘amount of sparkle,’ which was so unexpected, it caused an eruption of laughter.

The girls prepared gifts for the Dingwall Trust and these were presented during the service. As they were brought forward, School Council Prefect, Sharmaine Tapling said ‘Once again this Christmas, we hope that these gifts will start a smile that glows as bright as the star over Bethlehem.’

Deputy Head Girl, Zoe White said a prayer of thanks before the Year 8 students came forward to receive their Leavers’ Candle from Ms Small and Mrs Dobson. This was a poignant moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School has come to an end. The congregation sang ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ as the girls lined up at the front, to lead out of the church ahead of our guests.

Graduation Dinner

After receiving their Leavers’ Scarf at Chapel and their Leavers’ Candle at the Carol Service, our Year 8 girls marked the end of their primary school years at their Graduation Dinner, held at Sorrento in Cornwall Park. Principal, Ms Juliet Small warmly welcomed friends and family, members of the Trust Board and invited guests before President of the Old Collegians, Mr Hayden Butler gave the sponsor’s address.

A graduate of both the Girls’ School and the College, Ms Samantha Louie spoke on behalf of the Old Collegians. She said it was refreshing to see a group of girls so dedicated to doing their absolute best and told them that what makes a person truly brilliant is their kindness and love towards others. She said, ‘Wherever you are next year, always remember to be kind, always include others, stick to your morals and be true to yourself. Be grateful, especially to your parents and be graceful, hold your head up but stay humble and enjoy your next journey.’

Head Girl of the College, Isabella Denholm is a familiar face to the girls and congratulated them on how far they have come. She explained that her favourite quote is ‘Carpe Diem - Seize the day’ and told them to do just that, to go out and make their lives extraordinary! ‘Find what you love and give it everything. Draw on the skills and character traits you have been developing over the past eight years. Fill your daily life with moments that are new, exciting and meaningful.’

Following dinner, the girls mixed and mingled seeking signatures on their white and blue Graduation Bears before retiring Deputy Principal, Mrs Judith Dobson introduced the guest speaker for the evening, The Honourable Nikki Kaye, a Member of Parliament for the Auckland Central electorate, and a past student and Head Girl of the former Corran School. Ms Kaye is remembered as a strong young woman from her school days with great leadership potential. She credits former Corran Principal, Gillian Eadie for setting her on track after being told, ‘One of the first lessons in life is that when things bring you down, you need to get back up.’ It was Mrs Eadie’s belief in her that turned her life around, setting her on the path to political success. She reiterated Samantha and Isabella’s words telling the girls that being self-confident and staying true to themselves will help create a path for a successful life.

With the night coming to an end, Ms Small concluded by saying, ‘Be the best that you can possibly be and continue to make the most of opportunities, remembering all the advice and support provided to you over the years. You are well prepared for the challenges of secondary education and you can move forward with confidence and enthusiasm to make the most of all opportunities that lie ahead.’

In offering words of advice to the parents, she finished, ‘But as you are no doubt coming to learn, raising teenagers is like trying to nail jelly to a tree!’

Girls’ School Prizegiving

As the year came to an end, students, their families, guests and teachers filled the JC Chalmers Hall at the Boys’ School for the annual Girls’ School Prizegiving. It was a time to reflect on the past 12 months and to congratulate our students on their academic, sporting and cultural successes.

Piper, Kate Pennycuick, one of the first Girls’ School students to learn the bagpipes, led the procession of staff and invited guests. Principal, Ms Juliet Small welcomed everyone before Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr John Kernohan congratulated the girls on how far they have come this year, saying by doing so, they have lived out the Saint Kentigern values.

Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr David Hodge gave his address before Ms Small spoke again about the year in review and emphasised the importance of resilience and independence, finishing by wishing the Year 8 graduates all the best as they move on.

The Junior and Middle School academic awards were presented by Trust Board Deputy Chair, Mrs Rosemary Harris. Principal of Senior College, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop presented the Year 7-8 girls with their awards. The cultural programme was celebrated with awards for art, speech, drama and music, which were presented by Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr David Hodge. Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Merle Boniface presented the awards to our sports champions.

DUX

Isabel Li

Isabel entered the Girls’ School quietly focused on her learning. Highlights for her have been swimming sports and learning the violin at Year 4. This kindled an interest to the extent that Isabel set herself a goal to play in the orchestra. Isabel felt that speech and drama really helped her to become more confident. She has set goals around her academic learning and sometime in the future she would like to train to be a doctor. Service is important to Isabel, so she will continue to support service in her church group.

This year’s ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ was presented to Year 8 student, Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa, who also received the award last year. Deputy Principal, Mrs Judith Dobson said, ‘In and outside of school, Khanye’-Lii is recognised as an elite, passionate young sportswoman who consistently strives to give her absolute best in a wide range of sports.’

The final awards of the morning, the ‘Special Awards’ were presented by Ms Small. Emma Csite received the Citizenship Award for demonstrating initiative, sincerity and supportiveness to others. Mariana Paravicini received the Service to the Preschool Award and three girls were honoured to receive their Gold Service Award - Eva Colyer, Eva Melhuish and Torie Pickering.

Isabel Gilbert was recognised for her perseverance and resilience, by being awarded The Roberts Trophy. Sharmaine Tapling received the Gillian Eadie Trophy for her initiative and entrepreneurial skills. A new trophy introduced this year, The Gaudeamus Cup for Making a Difference was presented to Eva Colyer, while Lola Wiltshire was awarded the Dr Sandra K Hastie Cup for School Spirit. With a very successful academic year, Kate Christie finished as the Proxime Accessit and Isabel Li was named the Dux of the School.

Proxime Accessit

Kate Christie

Kate entered the Girls’ School and quickly established herself as a student with clear goals for her education. She joined the Performers’ Choir, loving the opportunity to develop her voice skills. She also enjoyed continuing with instrumental tuition. Speech and drama has also been a new subject for Kate and this year she took private lessons for the first time. In Year 7, she was first in English and took the overall prize of 1st in Year 7 and this was a highlight for her. This year she has been awarded that Social Science and Christian Education prize.

Senior Sportsman of the Year:

Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa

Khanye’-Lii is a very talented sportswoman. At school she is a member of the Basketball A team and zone team. She has represented the school in the top Netball team, playing at the Netball zones, interzones and was a member of the AIMS team. She also represented and captained the Touch A team, Zone team and Tournament Touch team. She qualified for the Cross-Country Zone team and the Athletics zone team placing in the top 3 places. As a motivated team member, she uses every opportunity to learn and improve.

AStunning Performance

It is now three years since the Kapa Haka group was first formed at the Girls’ School, following a visit to Ruapotaka Marae. Since its inception, the group has grown considerably under the direction of their teacher, Whaea Vikki Demant. With her extensive knowledge and experience in Kapa Haka performance, both locally and internationally, Whaea Dermant has brought out the very best in our girls. During rehearsals, emphasis is placed on self-expression and discipline and the girls are also taught the cultural and historical significance in the items they learn. As a result, the combination of their confident stage presence and beautiful voices has resulted in the group giving some commanding performances in recent times, most notably on stage at this year’s Boys’ School Fireworks Show.

As the Fireworks evening descended into darkness, both the Boys’ School and Girls’ School Kapa Haka groups came forward to perform. As the stage area was limited, the performers were largely selected from the soon-to-graduate Year 8s, along with soloists Xayra Knox (Year 6) and Jade Nomani (Year 7). Whaea Demant sourced the beautiful costumes worn on the night and Year 4 parent, Sherry Lee, applied the stencil mokos on the girls.

At the sound check in the afternoon, the reality of what they were about to undertake set in, realising that they would be performing to their biggest audience ever – 2000 people! Despite their initial nerves, their performance of Kia ora Koutou and Pokarekare ana was ‘electric’ - the girls looked and sounded stunning!

Gaudeamus CupEva Colyer Lola Wiltshire

Gillian Eadie TrophySharmaine Tapling Roberts TrophyIsabel Gilbert

Marvellous Matter

How can you change something from a liquid to a solid, a liquid to a gas or a solid to a liquid? It may sound like an impossible task or maybe require a little magic, unless of course you are a scientist - or one of our girls in Years 0-3 who will confidently tell you that is it’s all about understanding the science of matter!

To help them develop their scientific understanding, we were pleased to welcome parent and scientist, Mrs Rachel Heeney, who came in to conduct experiments with the girls, allowing them to safely observe before conducting investigations of their own under the guidance of their visitor.

With keen, enquiring minds, the girls engaged in experiments that required them to sort substances into solids, liquids and gases, and then observe, describe and compare the physical and chemical properties that occur when materials are mixed, heated or cooled.

We are delighted that the girls had the chance to work alongside a scientist and see that science is exciting and accessible. Our sincere thanks to Mrs Heeney for spending time with our girls, they enjoyed the activities and learnt a great deal.

Saving Monarch Butterflies

With thanks to Year 4 Teacher, Mrs Michela Carnegie

Before summer truly arrived, the Year 4 students came to the rescue of some very helpless monarch butterfly larvae. After noticing several around a swan plant outside their classroom, the girls went to inspect. The swan plant had about 50 or so caterpillars of all different sizes, but on closer inspection, they noticed wasps attacking and killing them. Year 4 Teacher, Mrs Michela Carnegie sent out an SOS to ask for ideas on how to save them.

With the help of their science teacher, Mrs Jess Francis, the Year 4 students made a temporary cover to stop the wasps until further help arrived to put in steel rods and bamboo, so the netting could sit above the plant. From there, the girls were on wasp detection, using a fly swat to divert them!

As the process from caterpillar to chrysalis and then to butterfly can take a while, Mrs Carnegie showed the girls a video of the process which served to

An Amazing Opportunity

Year 8 student, Sharmaine Tapling was afforded an incredible opportunity to cook in Simon Gault’s restaurant, Giraffe, to promote ‘Homegrown Meats,’ after being approached at the Food Show to take part in some filming. Excited and nervous, Sharmaine worked alongside the restaurant’s head chef to cook a roasted and stuffed butterflied lamb shoulder, accompanied with cauliflower puree, crispy basil leaves, caramelised carrots, a secret crumb and a very special mint sauce. Once cooking was complete, Sharmaine was given free rein to plate the dish. She said she loved seeing how busy the kitchen was and despite the seeming chaos, how organised and disciplined the workers were.

further enthuse them. Over three weeks, the caterpillars turned into chrysalises and after another two weeks or so, the girls saw the first butterfly hatch. After waiting for its wings to dry out, the girls released it from the safety of the netting to fly away free.

After a quiet week of no movement, the girls discovered the chrysalises turning black and before they knew it, ten beautiful monarch butterflies emerged almost at once. As the weather started to get warmer, the girls opened the netting as more started hatching quite quickly.

The students and their parents thoroughly enjoyed the process as it was such an authentic learning experience and the girls were able to learn firsthand about the life cycle of butterflies. It is great to see the recently hatched butterflies coming back to start the cycle again!

Leadership Discovery Day

As our Year 7 girls prepare to move up in the Senior School and take on the leadership roles next year, they spent a day of adventure-based learning at the Adventure Works site at UNITEC in Mt Albert. Working within a team to develop an understanding of group cohesion and group dynamics was the focus of a day; with opportunities throughout for each to take on leadership of their team.

Girls vs Wild

The Unitec Leadership Discovery Programme is designed to help students explore the concept of leadership and what it may mean for them. Through gaining a greater understanding of the opportunities that can arise through learnt leadership skills, it is hoped that the girls will be inspired to seek leadership roles as they move through their schooling and beyond.

The day involved team building and problem-solving activities such as working together to find a means of getting ‘from A to B’ with limited resources. Using pulleys, team members were hoisted up high, to find themselves balancing on high ropes and poles, walking along at great height before jumping off to catch a swing. Each student faced their own challenges, whether it was a restriction in their own ability, overcoming a fear or learning new skills. Team work was critical and the girls soon learnt how their own positivity could influence others as they built skills to relate and communicate with others in a leadership context.

Throughout the day, they girls learnt how to be influential and creative, to value the opinion of others and discuss problems and then work together to come up with strategies to solve them. They gained self-confidence and awareness, and learnt how to have confidence in their peers. It was a great day for the girls to discover more about themselves and what it means to be a leader.

With thanks to Mrs Jess Francis, Science and Mathematics Teacher Agroup of Year 8 girls set out to Tawharanui Regional Park for an action-packed outdoor experience as part of the Saint Kentigern Gold Service Award.

As the group travelled north, the girls first challenge was to purchase food for the ensuing two days. Their selection had to be suitable to prepare on a camp gas burner stove and within a set, limited budget. With great success, no one went hungry, despite a few burnt pancakes!

Through the Auckland Regional Council and the help of the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society, the Tawharanui Peninsula is a special area for the conservation of species. Both parties are working to establish a predator-free location which will allow the native species to succeed and survive.

Through the coordination of Reverend Reuben Hardie and a council warden, the girls were tasked with removing an old fence as their service project. Following this, the girls explored the predator-free fence that had recently been built. Before finishing for the day, the girls had time to reflect on the work they had done in Science on rock identification and native species.

The evening activities ranged from group challenges, team building, star gazing and reflecting on the past year, and ‘not so fun’ eating

challenges. Let’s just say that there is a limit to how much wasabi one can eat!

The following morning, after a wholesome breakfast, the girls took a long walk to explore the caves and rockpools at low tide, before returning to pack down their tents. The trip to Tawharanui finished off with a glass bottom boat ride to Goat Island. This was another chance for the girls to explore and discover the diversity of NZ species and marine environment. The girls enjoyed all that Tawharanui and Goat Island had to offer; from a beautiful beach with great surf, rolling hillsides and an abundance of protected wildlife, as well as their main objectivegiving service to others.

Pilot Students’ Last Oral Assessment

Recognising the importance of having the ability to speak with confidence in public, in 2012, the Girls’ School first offered an Oral Assessment programme in conjunction with the Speech NZ and Trinity College Speech and Drama exams. Many of our girls have achieved great success with the externally assessed ‘Trinity’ exams; the in-school Oral Assessments were seen as a great complimentary speech and drama programme to enrich the curriculum.

Year 8 students, Isabel Li, Verity Ward, Kate Frazer and Eva Colyer were in the ‘pilot group’ that first sat these tests as Year 3 students. Now six years later, the group has sat their final assessment, bringing this chapter in their lives to a close. In offering the assessment programme, Speech and Drama Teacher, Mrs Judy Norton said, ‘I

wanted to give all students the opportunity to develop their confidence and communication skills in a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment.’

A qualified assessor conducts the assessment where the students present a programme of individual and group work including a speech, participate in discussion skills and present a devised group piece. This group piece allows them to develop competencies and skills that are required as 21st century learners. They must collaborate, negotiate and use a range of drama elements, conventions and techniques to communicate their ideas and develop a cohesive polished performance. The programme encourages students to understand, respond to and use English in a variety of contexts.

Auckland Speech and Drama Competition

With the success of the Speech and Drama programme at the Girls’ School, a group confident speakers - Milly Macleod, Keeley Berkovits, Chloe McGregor, Kate Christie, Eva Colyer, Zoe White, Katie Dirks, Kate Frazer and Verity Ward - participated in the Auckland Speech and Drama Competition held at St Cuthbert’s College with some excellent results.

Year 8 student, Kate Christie won the Junior Advanced Speech Scholarship, having

received the highest overall marks in four classes - test poetry, sight reading, character recital and prose speaking.

Year 8 students, Kate Frazer and Verity Ward placed first in the ‘Group Drama 13 years and over’. Kate and Verity performed a scene from ‘The Children’s Hour’ by Lillian Hellman. This is a play set in American in the mid-1930s and the girls dressed for the era.

Poetry Competition

The quality of poems and the standard of presentation at this year’s Poetry Competition were outstanding, making it very difficult for the adjudicator to select winners. The girls had been given the freedom to write original poems about any subject of their own choosing but with the time of year, halloween and food proved the most popular topics.

In-class competitions were initially held to select the finalists to present to the whole school and parents under the watchful eye of this year’s adjudicator, Elena De Roo. Ms De Roo has been writing for children since 2004 and has had a number of stories, poems, plays and readers published by educational publishers in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

With the high standard of writing from our students in Years 4-8, selecting the winners was no easy feat but Ms De Roo said every girl who was on stage morning should be very proud of themselves.

Congratulations to all of the students who performed and especially to our winners. Our thanks to Ms De Roo for spending time with our girls and giving such important feedback.

Poetry Competition Winners

Year 4 Millicent Macleod ‘The Werewolf’

Year 5 Caroline Healy ‘In My Pantry’

Year 6 Xarya Knox ‘Longing for Freedom’

Year 7 Amelia Paris ‘Little fairy’

Year 8 Eva Colyer ‘We’re Killing Them’

Girls’ School Athletics Champions

Wishart Win Athletics

Our Junior and Middle School students made their mark at their individual Athletics Days during Term 4, with the seniors having competed earlier in the year.

Competing at the College, our Middle School girls had to battle against intermittent, torrential downpours but they didn’t let this affect what they were there to do – give everything a go and compete to the best of their abilities. In contrast, our juniors had beautiful, clear blue, sunny skies - sunblock, hats and plenty to drink were a must on a day when summer felt so close!

Each day started off with the optional long distance race. For Years 1-3 it was the 200m and students in Years 4-6 could opt to do the much longer 800m, which resulted in some rather shocked faces when they realised they had agreed to do two laps of the field but they gave it their all.

The girls were in great spirits and gave each activity a go, from running to throwing and jumping with a brilliant display of competitiveness and sportsmanship.

The Senior School students competed alongside the College students earlier in the year, with Year 7 student, Jade Nomani placing 2nd overall, against 100 girls.

Later in the term, all the girls joined with the Boys’ School for a morning of House relay races. A fun morning enjoyed by all.

HOUSE RELAY CHAMPIONS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND CARGILL

Year 0 Champions

1st Elsa Taylor WI

2nd Lulu Lang CA

3rd = Emily Albrecht HA

Lola Leport-Symonds WI

Year 1 Champions

1st Kasey Wray HA

2nd Willow Carnegie CA

3rd Sadie Fitness CA

Year 2 Champions

1st Ameila Hardie WI

2nd Sofia Ondra HA

ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS

1ST WISHART

2ND HAMILTON

3RD CARGILL

4TH CHALMERS

64 POINTS

61 POINTS

3RD CHALMERS

55 POINTS

4TH WISHART 40 POINTS

3rd Queenie Lang CA

Year 3 Champions

1st Laura Koeman CA

2nd Rosie Ward CH

3rd Sienna Robertshaw CH

Year 4 Champions

1st Emily Cornaga HA

2nd Amie Hilliam HA

3rd Tanaka Rusero CH

Year 5 Champions

1st Sahara Knottenbelt WI

2nd Sienna Haar WI

3rd Priscilla Zhong CH

Year 6 Champions

1st Alex Campion CH

2nd Marissa Jones CA

3rd Isabella Hughes CH

Year 7 Champions

1st Jade Nomani WI

2nd Olivia Rooney HA

3rd Arya Blackler HA

Year 8 Champions

1st Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa CH

2nd Savannah Samson-Tuinukuafe WI

3rd Eva Barry WI

South Eastern Zone

Jade Nomani, Year 7: 1st High Jump Record

Broken @ 1.50m; 2nd Discus; 2nd 400m

Olivia Rooney, Year 7: 3rd 800m 3rd; 3rd 1500m

Remuera Zone

Alexandra Campion, Year 6: 2nd High Jump, 100m and 200m; 3rd 60m

Interzone

Jade Nomani Year 7: 2nd – High Jump Record

Broken @ 1.49m

Grandparents’ Day

‘Being a grandparent isn’t a big thing… it’s a million little things. It’s the hug, the walk, the birthday card or the phone call.’

Many grandparents are renamed when they become a grandparent. This naming right is generally given to the firstborn grandchild when they start to talk and that first utterance sticks to become the grandparent’s name for life – Granny, Granddad, Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Poppa – whatever the name, it comes with unconditional love!

Grandparents’ Day at the Girls’ School is a highly anticipated event and many of our grandparents travel vast distances to join their granddaughters for the morning. This year, the sun was out without a cloud in the sky and as our guests filled the hall, the girls’ faces lit up with joy as they scanned the crowd to find their special visitor.

The Kapa Haka group opened the morning with a beautiful performance from the Creative Arts Evening. Principal, Ms Juliet Small welcomed our guests and thanked them for being there for the girls, as each grandparent has a special place in the girls’ hearts. Before the entertainment started, Ms Small read a few hilarious quotes that grandchildren have said about their grandparents.

‘When a grandson asked his grandpa how old he was, the grandpa replied, ‘I’m not sure.’ ‘Look in your underwear, Grandpa,’ he was advised, ‘Mine says I’m 4 to 6.’

Also, ‘A 5-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. ‘Oh’ he said, ‘She lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go and get her. Then, when we’re done having her to visit, we take her back to the airport.’

The Orchestra, including Ms Small on the violin, played two songs for our guests, the Year 5 class performed their Creative Arts piece, Cinderella from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, and Year 6 student, Mia Hooten, performed a monologue of Jack and Jill. At the close of the formalities, our guests were invited to visit the classrooms and take a tour of the school with the girls.

The library book sale was popular once again with excited girls buzzing around to choose a book, taking a moment to read it together with their grandparents. All book purchases were for donation back to the library and were finished with a bookplate inscription of the girls’ names.

The morning concluded with a shared morning tea in the hall. We thank the Parents and Friends for their assistance with this and to the visiting grandparents for coming along to share a special morning at school.

Saint Kentigern Banner Underway

As part of a combined Christian Education and Visual Arts project, the girls in Years 4-7 have been working on a ‘Miracles of Saint Kentigern’ banner. After many weeks of designing, sketching, painting and applying dyes, the girls have completed their artwork ready for the sewing and quilting process. Working in small groups within their year level, the girls were each responsible for a section of the banner. Each panel replicates the four miracles Saint Kentigern performed during his life.

The Year 4 students were tasked with working on the ‘fish’ which symbolises the one caught by Kentigern in the Clyde. When it was slit open, a ring belonging to the Queen of Cadzow was miraculously found inside it, clearing her name of infidelity. The Year 5 students took care of the ‘tree’ which is a symbol of another incident in Saint Kentigern’s childhood. Left in charge of the holy fire in St Serf’s

monastery, he fell asleep and the fire went out. However, he broke off some frozen branches from a hazel tree and miraculously rekindled the fire.

The Year 6 students designed the ‘bell’ which is thought to have been brought by Saint Kentigern from Rome. The original bell, which was rung at funerals, no longer exists and was replaced by the magistrates of Glasgow in 1641. The bell of 1641 is preserved in the People’s Palace. The Year 7 students were responsible for the ‘bird’, which commemorates the pet robin owned by St Serf, which was accidentally killed by monks who blamed it on Saint Kentigern. He took the bird in his hands and prayed over it, restoring it to life again.

When the designs of each miracle were completed, they were transferred onto calico so the girls could work on the panels. They applied fabric dye and used permanent markers to add the detail. The banner will be presented to the School during a Chapel Service early next year. It will then hang permanently in the School Hall.

Girls’ School Parents and Friends

It is hard to believe that the 2017 school year has come to an end. It has been my first year as Chairperson of the Girls’ School Parents and Friends and it is with great pleasure that I share the tremendous achievements of our team and numerous dedicated volunteers this year.

Our annual Mother Daughter High Tea was held in May and was a sell out event with mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters and special friends attending this fantastic afternoon tea. The girls were able to make use of the photo booth to capture some casual pictures with their guests and they were entertained by Le Cirque du JP who defied logic with his magical talents. A very special thank you to my co-organiser, Mrs Abbie Griffiths for all her efforts in pulling together this memorable event.

The school disco is always an anticipated event for the girls. This years ‘Rock’n’Roll’ themed event, complete with ‘Dobson’s Diner’, showed an array of poodle skirts, high ponytails and timeless music. The girls had a fantastic time and went home happy, if not a little tired. Thank you to the fabulous organisers, Mrs Gretchen Weightman and her team.

Another highlight on the Girls’ School calendar is the annual Father Daughter breakfast. This was held at the Ellerslie Event Centre, against the morning backdrop of the iconic Ellerslie racecourse, and was a very enjoyable event. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, special guests and the girls were all treated to a talk from guest speaker, Mrs Diane Levy who is a counsellor, family therapist and author. She

spoke about the special relationship between fathers and daughters and encouraged the girls to think about their father’s strengths and values. A huge thank you to the organisers of this event, Mrs Denise Nel and Mrs Elizabeth Lim.

A chance fundraiser proved very successful in Term 3. The girls had the opportunity to sell scented Illumina soy candles to family and friends with the top sellers receiving prizes and the top selling House getting its own mufti-day. Cargill celebrated as the winning House and over $ 9,309 was raised for the School. Thank you to Mrs Kim McGregor for her organising efforts and Ms Jennifer Del Bel from Illumina Soy Candles Limited for providing such a generous fundraiser for the School and making all the candles.

The Girls’ School Parents and Friends have been able to give back to the School in a variety of ways this year. We have purchased a loud speaker for the School to use at events, some giant playground games, supported the soap box derby, and are painting some playground games around the School and providing a new marquee for school events.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Ms Juliet Small and Mrs Judith Dodson throughout the year and Mr David Hodge, Head of Saint Kentigern, and Dr Bruce Goodfellow and Mrs Rosemary Harris from the Saint Kentigern Trust Board for their valued support of the Girls’ School this year.

In my first year as Chairperson, I have often been amazed by the sense of community and support within the School. I would like to thank my team on the committee, Mrs Gretchen Weightman, Mr Stacy Colyer, Mrs Julie Bolton and Mrs Melissa Burnett for their tireless efforts and commitment. I am very fortunate to have such a supportive and dedicated team.

Lastly, a big thank you to all our wonderful volunteers over the last year. We couldn’t do it without you all. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated by the School community.

Rebecca Scoones, Chairperson

The Last Word

As we finish another school year, I felt it was time for the last word of 2017 to be that of my Head Boy, George Beca.

George completes his ‘innings’ of eight and a half years and is ready to move to the next level of his education. Our boys are incredibly talented and able, and for staff to witness their growth over the course of their years is quite special. During his time at Saint Kentigern, George has certainly made the most of every opportunity.

The Last Word from George Beca, Head Boy 2017

‘Mr Cassie has asked me to provide a reflection of the eight and half years that I have been at Saint Kentigern. It is very hard to distil all that has happened into 500 words but I am going to give it a try!

I started as a New Entrant just before my 5th birthday. The honest truth is that I can’t remember a thing about that term other than playing with blocks but my parents remember that I absolutely loved it and made lots of friends – all of whom, I am still friends with now.

The Junior School years started my love for all sport and set me up for learning with amazing teachers who certainly knew how to manage young boys with few life skills. Even getting changed for PE was a challenge in those days requiring a lot of concentration and time.

The Middle School years gave us a lot more independence and responsibility. Everyone was involved in some sort of sport and there were lots of cultural and arts opportunities as well. The Year 6 Expo was a highlight – lots of hard work but really interesting and challenging.

The Senior School has been my favourite time in the School. The opportunities offered to us all are incredible, whether you want to be involved in the arts, music, sport, service or academics. Mr Cassie has always said that you get out of school what you put into it and we Year 8s have all tried to heed this advice. In fact, that would be my main message to boys starting

at Saint Kentigern. Get involved in everything you can – give it a go and don’t be scared to do something new. Camp is a great way to meet new boys and do things outside your comfort zone. The camps organised by Saint Kentigern are amazing – thank you to our great teachers for all the time and effort you put into this.

Other events that I will remember forever are Celtic Day and Grandparents’ Day. Celtic Day is so much fun and really celebrates our School and its heritage and values. My Nana has come to every Grandparents’ Day and she has loved every one of them. I have felt very proud showing her my school and letting her be part of it. And I will always be proud of having been a buddy to the Junior School boys. This is one of the most rewarding things we do – hopefully the young boys enjoy it as much as we do.

One of the most important aspects of Saint Kentigern is service and this has been a highlight for many of us. The Fiji service trip was a real opportunity to make a difference and it was amazing to have 40 boys take this up. Many thanks to Mr Kirk and Reverend Hardie for organising it and to all the parents who came with us.

While many of us are going on to different schools, I’m sure the friendships we have made will last a life time. I am already looking forward to our reunion in five years’ time when we all come back to Saint Kentigern Boys’ School after completing our secondary education.

Mr Kirk recently talked to the Senior School about values. One of the examples he gave us was the All Blacks saying of ‘sweep the sheds’. After every test match, the All Blacks literally sweep the shed and tidy up after themselves. They believe that this shouldn’t be done by a cleaner but that it is their responsibility to do it as they created the mess. And it is usually done by the senior players who want to show that this is their job and not the younger players. This is what we have tried to do this year and this is my challenge to the incoming Year 8s. Make sure you uphold the Saint Kentigern values and lead the way by example – make sure you 'Sweep the Sheds!’

George, like many Head Boys before him has been an exceptional student and role model. I wish George has his fellow Year 8 graduates all the very best as they move on to their secondary education.

Fides Servanda Est

Mr Peter Cassie, Principal

Boys’ School Graduation Dinner

In a change of venue this year, over 400 students, parents, staff, Trust Board members and invited guests gathered at Eden Park Function Centre, to reflect back on the Year 8 boys’ last eight years of friendship and learning, as they prepare to move on to the next stage in their education. The boys were excited to find themselves high above the hallowed rugby grounds!

The Dean of the Senior School, Mr Richard Kirk, opened the formalities saying that the boys could be proud of themselves for the contribution they have made to the life of the School, particularly this year, when so many have stepped up to show leadership.

This year’s special after-dinner guest was a former student of both the Boys’ School and the College. Fresh from Emirates Team New Zealand’s (ETNZ) America’s Cup win in Bermuda, and in the midst of negotiating the logistics for the next challenge, we were pleased to welcome back ETNZ CEO, Grant Dalton. Rightfully full of pride for all his team had achieved, Grant was ‘on fire’ that night. In his own dry, laconic, ‘Kiwi’ way, he kept interest high and the laughter coming as he explained some of the behind the scenes secrets that few could know. He also gave us a glimpse of the future, sharing the fantastic new boat design for the next challenge; leaving no doubt that the new 75 foot mono-hulls carry incredible design innovations that will take racing to the next level in 2021.

Graduating Year 8 student, Jackson Horton was a frequent visitor to ETNZ’s team base in Bermuda, as his father, Greg was on the ETNZ Board. At the dinner, Jackson proved he was almost as media savvy as the ETNZ boss as he lined him up for an interview! Throughout the interview, Grant reiterated that the drive, ethics and innovation behind ETNZ was Kiwi through and through. ‘When resources are limited, you have to make the most of what you’ve got.’ He acknowledged Jackson’s searching question about the decisive loss in 2013 to Oracle in San Francisco, saying that the positive to come from that experience is that they ‘had to think and do things differently. Adversity can create advantage.’ And what did it feel like to win in Bermuda? Sheer relief! Relief they didn’t lose!

Deputy Head Boy, Archie Nightingale gave thanks to Grant. Speaking ‘off the cuff,’ Archie spoke confidently, referring back to key points in Grant’s speech; a reminder how well our boys are prepared for public speaking. The evening concluded with one last Haka from the boys, led by Tetauru Cuthers.

In closing, Mr Cassie told the boys, ‘Always remember who you are and what it means to be a son of Kentigern. During your life you will encounter change, challenges or pressure: make sure the decisions you make, your actions and words reflect our core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and love.’

A Cracker Christmas

The joy of the festive season was ushered in with an evening of song and worship at the Boys’ School Carol Service at the end of Term 4. It was a joy to stop for an evening, to sit quietly in the grandeur of the Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy time with our boys and their families, as we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas.

This annual service is always a delightful time of music; whether it’s the congregation singing time-honoured carols, listening to our youngsters raise their voices in song or listening to our talented orchestra, music fills the air. This year, there was a new musical addition, as our fledgling Boys’ School Pipes and Drums opened the service, backing Zavier Edmonds as he beat out a rhythm on the snare drum to introduce ‘The Little Drummer Boy.’ As early summer sun streamed through the stained glass windows, Year 8 student, Oscar van Druten took the solo, singing the first verse before the congregation joined in, setting a wonderful tone for the evening.

The Junior School loves to sing! ‘Christmas has started,’ was their selection, some of the boys a little wide-eyed as they turned to face a congregation well in excess of 2000! By contrast, our Performers’ Choir is well used to an audience, making a superb job of an upbeat, ‘Christmas

Calypso’ and the heart-warming ‘Saint Kentigern Blessing.’ For the first time at a Carol Service, the Middle School boys also came forward to sing as one, filling the nave as they sang a moving, ‘Mary, did you know.’

No pressure staff, but these were big shoes to follow! The staff came together to sing the beautiful New Zealand carol, ‘Te Haranui.’ It’s fair to say they ‘nailed it!’

Every year, Reverend Reuben Hardie’s Christmas message is keenly awaited. From boys erecting tents in the nave and playing cricket, to downing strawberries and pavlova, there’s always some fun and just when you think you’ve seen it all, he has another idea up his sleeve - this year it was a Christmas cracker. Of course, not any cracker. Not the little cracker with a hat, lame joke and plastic trinket that waits to be pulled over Christmas dinner. This was a ginormous, shiny cracker with a hint of a deeper message waiting within. Reverend Hardie asked, ‘How do you have a Cracker Christmas in the best sense of the word?’

He explained that there are always three things in every cracker – a joke, a hat and a gift. He said the joke was to inject some laughter and joy for when the angels appeared to the shepherds the night Christ was born, they said ‘We bring you good news of great joy.’

The second item, the hat, is always in the shape of a crown. The crown reminds us that Jesus was born a King. The three wise men recognised how special the baby would be, for Jesus would learn to love unconditionally. So maybe the crown in the cracker is there to challenge us to find extra love for everyone at Christmas.

And finally the gift. For Mary and Joseph, it wasn’t something wrapped in beautiful paper or tinsel – it was a baby boy. Jesus was God’s gift to the world. We too can be the gift to people around us at Christmastime and he encouraged the boys to think about ways they could be a gift to others.

Joy, loving and giving of ourselves - three things that make for a Cracker Christmas! But a cracker isn’t a cracker unless it pops and pop it did – with three boys tumbling out to share their joke, hat and gift!

The night of the Carol Service is always a poignant moment for the families of the boys in Year 8 as their association with the School draws to a close. At the conclusion of the service, the Year 8 boys came forward to light a candle, before Head Prefects, George Beca and Archie Nightingale led their peers from the cathedral, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.

A Heart-Felt Exchange

The spirit of Christmas lies in bringing families together, the giving of gifts and sharing of food as we remember the birth of Christ. The spirit of Christmas was shared in a most heart-felt exchange when over 80 massive hampers, and a further 50 meat packs, were donated by the Boys’ School to Wymondley Road School in Otara.

Each year, a list of suitable items is drawn up that includes staple food items for a family, along with other items such as school stationery, sports equipment and something to add a little festive cheer. Each class collated enough items for three hampers each, which were lovingly packaged by parent volunteers headed by Mrs Sarah Walsh. In addition, money raised from Term 4's mufti day went towards the purchase of the meat packs. This ensured that every family at Wymondley received something to take home.

The boys nominated to receive the Christian Living Award at prizegiving all travelled to Wymondley to share in a special assembly. Wymondley Principal, Mrs Fleur Petelo said she was ‘blown away’ every year by the generosity shown by Saint Kentigern and said her community was really grateful to the ‘amazing boys in blue.’ She concluded, ‘Thank you does not seem enough but please know that it comes from a deep appreciation for all you have done.’

Over the last six years, the Boys’ School has begun to forge a special relationship with Wymondley School. Again this year, three of their boys joined the recent Boys v Wild camp and our boys also assisted at their recent ‘runathon.’ One of the students who attended the camp gave thanks for the opportunity and said he now realised that he could do more than he thought he was capable of achieving.

Principal Mr Peter Cassie said, ‘We are humbled to be accepted into your community and we will continue to seek opportunities where our students and staff can connect and work together. Visiting and meeting with your students is always a pleasure.’

To show their appreciation, the students from Wymondley Road presented our boys with candy leis. Mrs Petelo explained that giving a lei represents an endless line of love, of aroha, to the person you are giving it to.

Boys’ School Prizegiving

At the very last Boys’ School event of the year, Year 8 Piper, Nicholas Berry had the honour of leading the procession of staff and invited guests into the Prizegiving ceremony. Students, their families, guests and teachers filled the Old Collegians Sport Centre, at the College campus, to congratulate this year’s prize winners on their academic, sporting and cultural success.

Following the address by Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr John Kernohan, the Music, Speech and Cultural Awards were presented by Mrs Sarah Bartholomew, who moves on at the end of this year, having completed 14 years of dedicated service in the Junior School. Proud ‘Old Boy No 20’ and stalwart supporter of the Boys’ School 1st XV, Mr Peter Nelson presented the Sports Awards.

Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr David Hodge gave his address before the presentation of the Academic and Christian Living Awards. Junior School Dean, Miss Rachael Fullard, presented the Junior Awards as a final act before she, too, moves on to a new leadership position. The Middle School Awards were presented by Mrs Rosemary Harris, Deputy Chair of the Trust Board and the Senior Awards by Mr Hodge. Dr Kernohan presented the Christian Living Awards. We sincerely thank all our presenters for their time and their constant support of the Boys’ School.

DUX

Benjamin Poole

Benjamin Poole has strived for excellence in all areas of the curriculum during his time at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. This year his combined marks were: English 87%, Maths 97%, Social Science 94%, and Science 95%. This was a total 373 with an average of 93.25. Benjamin has been a hard-working young man and is a worthy recipient of the Foundation Pupil Cup for Dux.

Senior Sportsman of the Year: Jack Mitchell

Prior to presenting the ‘Special Awards’, Principal, Mr Peter Cassie gave a heart-felt speech. In his 37 years dedicated to teaching boys, he has seen many changes. This year, he said, he could see three themes emerge that we need to keep at the forefront of our minds and hearts: Firstly, ‘It’s what you do for others’ - a reminder of our strong values and ensuring we live those values by putting them into action. Secondly, ‘It’s how you play the game’ – for long after the score is forgotten, the actions of the players, coaches and spectators are remembered. In all endeavours, it’s about how we perform, treat each other and the opposition. And finally, ‘Creativity, collaboration and innovation is the future.’ Thinking of new ways of doing things, working together and then doing those new things will create students prepared to tackle anything - and that is exactly what this world needs - fresh eyes to look at old problems to find new solutions.

To conclude, graduating Head Boy, George Beca made his final Valedictory Speech, before he joined with his Deputy, Archie Nightingale, to hand the mantel of leadership to the new Head Prefects for 2017, Head Boy, Austin McKegg and Deputy Head Boy, Benjamin Hardie.

In their final act as students of the Boys’ School, the Year 8 boys joined the official party as they filed out of the Sports Centre. Congratulations to all of the boys who received awards and we wish our Year 8s well as they move on to secondary school.

Proxime Accessit

Lachlan West

The Jubilee Cup for Proxime Accessit was awarded to Lachlan West, another deserving, hard-working recipient. Lachlan’s combined marks were English 85%, Maths 92%, Social Science 87%, Science 97%. This was a total of 361 with an average of 90.25%.

The Ross Perry Cup for Senior Sportsman of the Year goes to Jack Mitchell who has represented the School in many sporting codes: Swim team, Inter-Zone Swim team, Senior A Touch team, Eastern Zone Touch team, Senior A Basketball team, AIMS Basketball team, 1st XV Rugby team, Year 8 Cross Country champion, Eastern Zone Cross Country team, Inter-Zone Cross Country team, North Island Intermediate School Skiing Individual Champion, Year 8 Athletics Champion, Eastern Zone Athletics team and Inter-Zone Athletics.

ICAS Medal Awarded!

Congratulations to Patrick Healy who has been awarded a medal for having scored the top mark in the ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) New Zealand and the Pacific region in Year 7 for Digital Technologies. This year there were over 980,000 entries in the ICAS exams, but only 100 students from New Zealand and the Pacific Region were awarded medals for their outstanding achievement. A further three medals were awarded to students at the College.

Year 6 Local Community Gardening Service Trip

With thanks to student reporter, Theo Washington, Year 6

Throughout the year, Saint Kentigern students seek opportunities to be of service to others. Last term, a group of Year 6 students from the Boys’ School spent a day at Glenn Innes Primary School, a Decile 1 school not far from Saint Kentigern, to offer their service in the school garden.

The school has vegetable garden beds and a fruit orchard that needed some work in readiness for the summer growing season and during the day, children from each Glen Innes class came out to help. Overgrown with weeds since last used, the boys spent time weeding, digging out dead plants and removing ‘unwanted guests’ in the vegetable garden, notably snails! It was great to see the soil was rich with worms and we discovered during digging that some of the old plants had long deep roots and others had spread out, fine ones.

By morning tea, the gardens were looking good, empty of weeds and ready for planting. After morning tea, the team all headed to Mitre 10 to pick up plant and irrigation supplies. We wanted the vegetable garden to have a variety of nutritious plants, so we selected strawberries, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, parsley, mint, carrots, tomatoes, courgettes, radishes, celery and beans, as well as some marigolds and snail pellets to keep the bugs away. The gardens also needed fresh soil and equipment to extend and repair the irrigation system as we didn’t want the plants to dry out and die after all our hard work.

On arrival back at Glen Innes, it started to really rain hard but we were very determined to finish all the planting before the end of the day, so we carried on in the rain and got all eleven beds completely planted out. They looked brilliant! At the end of the day we were all very tired, wet and muddy, but had had a great day with a huge feeling of pride at what we had achieved.

Middle School Sportsman Ethan Knox Brian Matthew Citizenship Cup Harry Lyus (Junior School)

Joel Campbell Memorial Trophy Thomas Hiddleston

Junior Citizenship Cup Sam McLeod (Middle School)

Knox Family Lion Heart Award

Edward Chaytor

Rex Hooten Cup for School Spirit Jack Priddy

Senior Citizenship CupJackson Horton

Remuera Lion CitizenshipBen White

Remuera Lions CitizenshipRicky Shen

Open For Business!

Bring your ‘People’ together, develop a ‘Product,’ decide a ‘Purpose,’ determine a ‘Price,’ devise a ‘Promotion’ and work on earning a ‘Profit’ – the six ‘P’s of marketing were put to the test in fine style at the Boys’ School! The Senior School quad was abuzz as the Year 7 boys manned their stalls and got trading underway at their Market Day; the culmination of a term-long Social Studies unit on ‘Enterprise: Building and Running a Small Business.’

Working in small groups, which included a nominated CEO, accountant, marketer and designer, they were responsible for the launch of their business from product conception to retail. Each group was required to develop a detailed business plan that included market research to determine the purpose and viability of their product, development of a prototype, the working out a suitable marketing plan, ensuring they were on budget, finetuning mass production and finally preparing to sell their goods to fellow students and parents.

A virtual economy was used with ‘Kents’ money as the currency. Each group was given a weekly wage from which deductions were made for services such as using the printer, advertising costs per poster displayed, ‘import duties’ on such things as electrical equipment or plastic bags required on the day, a music license if required and a ‘mobility’ license for those who chose to ‘wander and sell.’ So there was no unfair advantage from stall positioning, an auction was held to pre-purchase each team’s location.

And so it was down to trading, the students had two hours to tout their wares to the younger students and parents. Some tied their offerings into the impending festive season and had a range of suitable gifts, others offered miniature games, there was an eye-catching pile of Saint Kentigern pillows and plenty of oozy slime! When trading finished, the students had learnt how to operate a budget, considered the economics of how to allocate their time and ‘Kents,’ had developed their communication skills and applied all of these into a cohesive business plan!

Junior Masterbuilders

Do all people live in homes like ours? What do people use to create their homes? Does climate influence the type of home you build? What does a home need?

These were all questions the Year 2 boys considered during their inquiry into ‘Where we are in place and time,’ as they looked into how people adapt their homes according to where they live in the world and their environment. To extend their knowledge, they were fortunate to visit Keith Hay Homes in Henderson to gain an understanding of the construction process.

The Hay family and their staff had prepared an amazing experience for the boys. Dressed in high visibility vests for safety, the boys were guided around the building site to witness the step by step processes. Starting at the beginning, they made their way to a house with only

its frames, then walked along scaffolding erected in preparation to add a roof, and finished inside a house without wall lining; this was to give them an understanding that enclosed inside the walls of our homes are insulation, wires and pipes. The boys then joined a builder who was waiting to quiz them on their tool knowledge.

Taking it in turns, the boys were given the products and tools needed to make their own hammers under the guidance of builders and then worked in groups to make a team catapult. The boys took on the catapult challenge with great delight. Having been shown a prototype, the boys worked collaboratively, selecting parts from a box filled with all manner of plumbing pieces provided by Chester’s Plumbing. The trip culminated in a competition with each team seeing who could catapult their ping pong ball the furthest!

Trips beyond the classroom such as this helps to put the boys’ learning into context. We are grateful to Keith Hay Homes for opening their site to the boys and taking the time to work with them.

Nevermoor Author Visits

The literary world is abuzz at the moment with a new name on everyone’s lips. Recently published author, Jessica Townsend is already being compared to J.K. Rowling with her debut novel, Nevermoor,’ about a cursed child named Morrigan who was born on Eventide, the unluckiest day of the year. Townsend has created a breathtakingly vivid and compelling new world that explodes off the page and is guaranteed to capture young readers’ imaginations. Interest in her book has been so great that the rights have been sold to 28 territories around the world and filming rights have already been snapped up by 21st Century Fox for a Hollywood production. An incredible feat for ‘an unknown children’s author’ in her early 30’s! The Boys’ School was fortunate to be one of few schools to secure a visit from the author.

Years 4-6 students were privileged to welcome Miss Townsend. With the ‘Nevermoor’ book tucked tightly under their arms, they entered the hall excitedly. Miss Townsend spoke to the students about her childhood, why she wanted to be an author, how she got to where she is now and the process of writing ‘Nevermoor’. She told the students it took her 10 years to write it with a lot of inspiration coming from real world locations and situations. Miss Townsend read

a passage from Nevermoor to the boys before she personally signed their books.

Miss Townsend then led a workshop with selected Year 7 and 8 students about the basics of ‘world-building,’ using the well-known Harry Potter books as examples. The boys were tasked with using their imaginations to recreate their own bedrooms into a new world. The workshop was a fantastic experience for these students to learn firsthand from an author and gain inspiration for their own writing.

House Spirit!

When students enrol at the Boys’ School, they become a member of one of the four Houses which are central to our pastoral care system. Affiliation to the House is strong, with links across generations and family groupings.

House competitions at the Boys’ School are always colourful affairs as students represent Cargill, Chalmers, Hamilton and Wishart with a sense of pride and camaraderie. Green, blue, red and yellow House shirts make spectacular bodies of colour by the pool, out on the field, and in the Sports Centre and JC Chalmers Hall as the Houses come together in the spirit of friendly rivalry. House chants ring out with gusto – for the boys do not hold back when it comes to pride for their House!

Right throughout the year, there are House competitions in a variety of activities, including academic, service, sporting and cultural events, along with House points given to reward good behaviour. Each of the events accumulates points that build to winning the prestigious House Cup, presented at the end of each year.

In the latter part of the year, the Houses came together to compete in Chess, Music, Athletics, Running Relays, Spelling and Mathex, with the year culminating with an all-out show of physical prowess at the House Tug of War.

And the winning House this year? Despite the results on this page from these most recent results, across the whole year, it was Wishart who won the House Cup for 2017!

Chess Results

CHESS MIDDLE SCHOOL RESULTS

CHESS OVERALL HOUSE RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND WISHART

3RD= CARGILL

3RD= CHALMERS

1ST SCOTT NEIL WISHART

2ND WILL ORMOND HAMILTON

3RD OLIVER CORBETT CARGILL

4TH OLIVER SCHNAUER CHALMERS

CHESS SENIOR SCHOOL RESULTS

1ST ALEXANDER COATES HAMILTON

2ND ROSHAN TER WAL CHALMERS

3RD FERGUSON MUTHU CARGILL

4TH JOHN ZHU WISHART

House Music

OVERALL HOUSE MUSIC RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND= CARGILL

2ND= WISHART

4TH CHALMERS

Tug of War

HOUSE TUG OF WAR CHAMPIONS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND WISHART

3RD CHALMERS

4TH CARGILL

House Relays

HOUSE RELAY CHAMPIONS

1ST WISHART

2ND CARGILL

3RD CHALMERS

4TH HAMILTON

Mathex

MATHEX MIDDLE SCHOOL RESULTS

1ST CHALMERS

2ND HAMILTON

3RD WISHART

4TH CARGILL

MATHEX OVERALL RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND CHALMERS

3RD WISHART

4TH CARGILL

MATHEX SENIOR SCHOOL RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND WISHART

3RD= CARGILL

3RD= CHALMERS

Spellorama

SPELLORAMA RESULTS

1ST CARGILL

2ND= HAMILTON

2ND= WISHART

4TH CHALMERS

Histoires en Action!

‘La classe commence en Français. Ouvre la tête, enleve l’anglais. Je mets l’anglais dans la poche, c’est vrai! Et je parle seulement en Français.’

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

Those who attended this year’s Junior School concert could not help but be impressed by the Year 2 boys’ recital of ‘La Poule Maboule,’ a long story retold with passion and humour entirely in French, complete with actions. The children concentrate on this one story throughout the learning unit. Adapted from the English version, ‘Chicken Little,’ the familiarity, predictability and high level of repetition in the story (‘histoire’) helps the children to build vocabulary in context quickly. Songs, dances and plays are used to engage the boys (‘en action’ – in action). Even at this young age, the boys also memorise grammar raps to learn and use the grammar rules effectively.

The AIM (Accelerated Integrated Methodology) Language Learning Programme is a verb based, oral language programme. This means that rather than

reliance on word lists of nouns, the children are given a story context for their learning. Through storytelling, the children are quickly drawn into the activity, making sense of what is happening, building their own versions, listening, telling, retelling, talking about, reflecting upon and ultimately responding. During the programme, nothing is taught in isolation, with gestures from the teacher, students are spoken to in full sentences and a response is encouraged in the context of a full sentence. All the learning is oral and there is no written component at this stage.

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

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

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

New Bundles of Life

There was great excitement amongst our Year 3 boys when the first of their chicken eggs began to hatch! A set of ten fertile eggs was delivered in incubators to each of the Year 3 classrooms and as the days went by, the chicks began to hatch! It didn’t take long for the bedraggled chicks that emerged blinking into the world to soon dry off and fluff up into healthy looking yellow bundles of life!

The eggs were supplied by the Living Egg company which specialises in providing eggs and all the equipment required for a ten day stay in a school classroom. After arriving in a warm incubator, once hatched and ready, the chicks moved into a brooder box for their next stage of development. Both boxes have big, clear windows so the boys can observe all the action. Prior to the arrival of the eggs, the boys had discussed not only about the life cycle of chickens from a scientific perspective, but also about how they would care for them in the classroom to ensure that the young birds had the best start to life. And, when the time came for them to say goodbye to the chicks, they were happy to know that the Living Egg company rehomed them on free range farms.

Ara Moana – Ocean Roads

Explorers, Adventurers and Traders

Voyagers tell the remarkable stories of New Zealand’s rich maritime heritage. Many of the world’s greatest maritime pioneers have emerged from our nation’s spirit of exploration and discovery. As part of the Year 5 Social Science Inquiry into ‘How we Organise Ourselves’, with a focus on how explorers and traders have influenced the world that we live in today, the boys embarked on a ‘voyage’ to the New Zealand Maritime Museum.

Spending time with the Museum’s Educator, the boys came to understand the bravery and sense of adventure that our early settlers needed as they left their home shore for New Zealand. Whether it was Kupe’s journey by early Polynesian waka, crossing the Pacific under lateen sail; or the long voyage by sea endured by Abel Tasman and Sir James Cook, the first European explorers to reach our shores; or the ‘immigrants’ who left Europe from the 1840s onwards, the conditions at sea were harsh.

They also explored why people were compelled to seek new lands and came to understand that trade played a large part in this as mariners ventured further to seek not only uncharted countries but the potential riches that could be discovered. As time moved on, this resulted in trade routes opening up as goods were exchanged.

The boys visited the Hawaiki Gallery with the Museum Educator to inspect the various styles of Polynesian canoes. Here, new facts were brought to light. The boys were amazed to discover that no nails or glue were used in the construction of these great ocean-going waka. Even more incredible, the procedure used to lash the pieces together

with sennit, rope made from coconut fibres, used no knots, as knots weakened the rope. They were told of the Maori digging the nails out of James Cook’s ship, the endeavour – an early example of an exchange of technology, as the British also came to understand the strength and value of flax.

At the far end of the Museum, in total contrast, they visited the Blue Water Black Magic gallery, the tribute to New Zealand born yachting legend, Sir Peter Blake. Here the boys learned about New Zealand’s early foray into yachting technology that claimed the America’s Cup for the first time back in 1995, setting New Zealand on a sailing path to claim it again in 2000 and once again this year.

The highlight of the visit for the boys, however, was a brisk sail out on the Waitemata Harbour aboard the Ted Ashby, a traditionally built, ketch rigged scow (a flat bottomed vessel) that, in the days of early cargo trading around Auckland, was ideal for working both the shallower waters of estuaries and the deeper water harbours. The boys were able to ‘get a little wind in their hair’ as they came to understand how sails are rigged and that the wind could be a primary source of power. Boys being boys, they loved hoisting the sails! As the boat headed under the Harbour Bridge they were delighted to witness bungy jumpers leaping off the bridge!

The Maritime Museum is all about sea travel through the ages from the early waka to the most recent, technologically advanced America’s Cup designs. But it’s not only about the boats, it’s about the people behind them too. The boys came to learn a great deal about the sea-going explorers and adventurers of the past in a rich learning environment.

Music Showcase

JC Chalmers Hall was packed wall to wall with boys, parents and invited guests for the annual Music Showcase; a morning when the leading music groups had a chance to share their talents with a large, supportive audience.

The audience were welcomed into the hall by the Pipes and Drums, before the Symphonic Orchestra picked up the strains with two contrasting pieces, ‘Gonna Fly Now’ from the movie ‘Rocky,’ followed by ‘See The Conquering Hero Comes’ by Handel. The orchetra rehearses a variety of pieces throughout the year, from classical to pop. The group comprises beginners playing alongside our more experienced players. Joining them were three new players who were playing for an audience for the first time!

The Performers’ Choir is a polished group of auditioned singers from Year 6-8 who sing at many events throughout the year. They performed ‘May the Road Rise’ followed by the upbeat ‘Sing.’ A little later, the younger Saint Kentigern Singers took to the stage. This is an ‘all-comers’ choir for boys in Year 4 and above who simply love to sing! This was evident as they performed a medley of Maori songs.

In addition, we heard from the flute, recorder and guitar groups, all giving confident performances before the everpopular Jazz Band finished on a high with a rousing performance of ‘Thriller’ and ‘Uptown Funk.’

Principal Mr Peter Cassie closed the morning, once again in awe of the level of

Kids for Kids Concert

New Zealanders have a proud history of raising their voices for important issues on the global stage

Early in Term 4, the Saint Kentigern Singers combined with other schools to create a massed choir of 500 children in the ‘Kiwi As’ Kids for Kids Show, singing to raise awareness for those less fortunate than themselves through World Vision.

The Kids for Kids concert series is celebrating its 23rd year. This year alone, 10,000 children around New Zealand will have had the chance to take to the stage in a variety of venues around the North Island, joining in massed choir performances that not only celebrates their musical achievements, but also encourages them to raise their voices for children in need. At each concert, the number on stage can vary from 300-1000!

Our boys joined the concert at the Bruce Mason Theatre. Having learnt the items at school over the previous few weeks the boys had a full day of rehearsal at the theatre before the evening performance. Well known performers, Jackie Clarke and Nathan King, hosted a brilliant show of singing and actions to popular Kiwi music. Dressed in vibrant colours, the boys showed energy and enthusiasm on stage and joined the ‘Mod Squad’ dancers and the ukelele players for special items. It was a concert thoroughly enjoyed by all, with funds raised for a worthy cause.

music being performed by boys who are only 8-14 years old. The music programme has always been strong at the Boys’ School and continues to be so. Mr Cassie gave his thanks to the graduating Year 8 boys who have given so much to the programme, singling out Zavier Edmonds, the Cultural Prefect who has shown great leadership in the music groups this year.

Our thanks to Mrs Janet Grierson, Mrs Georgina Jarvis and our itinerant music teachers for the fantastic work they do with the boys. Well done to all the performers!

Exploring Signs and Symbols

Everywhere we look we see signs. Signs give us quick messages such as how fast we can drive, where to enter or exit, or where to find an item in a supermarket and how much it costs. It offers a simple message with the same meaning for everyone, regardless of language.

In contrast, symbols influence how we feel about something and they work well when we find it difficult to put our thoughts or feelings into words. In visual art, an artist’s use of symbolism, such as the use of colour, placement, scale, pattern and shape, can evoke powerful emotions for artist and observer alike.

This term, our boys in Year 6 have been looking at ‘how we express ourselves,’ specifically exploring the central idea that ‘our world can be expressed through visual arts.’ They asked, ‘What is art, where is art and how is art communicated?’

As cultural documents, works of art provide important insights into both past and existing cultures, helping us to understand how others live and what they value. With this in mind, the boys have explored the many and varied styles of art, and looked at mediums from painting to sculpture. Through their research and discussions, they came to learn that over the centuries, society and particular periods in history have influenced the nature of artistic works, and the way in which they have been used to communicate ideas and feelings.

Above all, they have come to understand that the making, creating and appreciating of art is a personal experience.

To support their unit of study, the boys embarked on an enriching experience at Auckland Art Gallery, exploring the themes of signs and symbols in artwork. The programme was split into two sessions with each group taking part in a self-guided gallery tour and a studio art lesson. During both activities, staff, parents and the gallery educators discussed with the boys some of

the diverse ways artists use symbols in their artworks and what these symbols tell us.

Over the morning they were encouraged to talk about their ideas, opinions and emotions around many themes and subjects, including identity, historic and modern cultures, imagination and emotion. They also took the time to sit quietly and sketch artworks that caught their imagination, building their growing portfolio of work. As they observed each piece of art, the boys could be heard confidently discussing their creative and critical thinking with each other, using a rich vocabulary of descriptors.

In the practical art session, the boys were given a simple explanation about signs and symbols that they could all relate to. A tick at the end of a piece of work means we got something right. What about that same tick when it appears on a pair of Nike sports shoes? It could be argued that the tick is symbolic of choosing the correct sportswear.

The boys learnt how symbols can be representations and how we can use these to tell people about ourselves. Using a template, they were first challenged to express in words what defined them individually, such as their favourite clothing, colour, food, pets, activities or place. From this they built a personal art work, firstly using shapes to block coloured dye sprayed from bottles, before filling in the areas left white with things that are important to them, using lines and colours to compare and contrast the representation of feelings and the meanings associated to these.

The gallery visit encouraged the boys’ curiosity, awareness and understanding in the arts, helping develop critical thinking skills that are transferrable to other learning environments. Interaction with the art works opened opportunities for discussion, enabling the students to articulate and share their own artistic insights with enthusiasm and confidence.

Heart of the Pacific Goes Off with a Bang!

What a difference a day makes!

After an early morning start on Saturday 4 November, in readiness for the Boys’ School Fireworks Night, steady rain throughout the afternoon sadly prompted the Parents and Friends to put their plans on hold and postpone the event to Sunday. We are so glad they did! Unlike the ‘umbrella night’ a few years back, Sunday threw up a perfect night sky with just the right amount of cloud cover to set the stage for another fantastic Fireworks Night - and a relieved team from the Parents and Friends could relax knowing that their months of planning could now come to fruition!

After Celtic Day in Term 1, the next most favoured event on the Boys’ School calendar must surely be Fireworks Night! The gates opened at 5pm as a capacity crowd of 2000 streamed in, loaded picnic baskets at the ready, for an evening of relaxation and entertainment. With the main focus of the evening skywards, every patch of turf was a perfect picnic spot! As parents set up camp, the children quickly did the rounds to check out the ‘fairground’ activities.

From late afternoon, the stage came to life, as the Boys’ School musicians entertained, drawing a mini-mosh pit of proud parents to record the performances on their phones! Meanwhile the majority of the youngsters flocked to the rides, purchased wrist band at the

ready, to take advantage of as many turns as possible while the daylight lasted. Amongst the adrenaline-filled fun was the ‘world’s tallest inflatable slide,’ that caused more than a few wide eyes as those brave enough to climb, whizzed down the slippery slope! A new addition this year was a maze that proved a true puzzle for some!

Without question, one of the biggest draw cards is the rare chance to target a teacher with a wet sponge! Amongst the staff willing to test their dignity was a very game Principal, Mr Peter Cassie and School Chaplain, Reverend Reuben Hardie - good preparation for next year’s castle siege at Celtic Day! The gold coins flowed in as hopeful students took aim!

This year’s theme, ‘Heart of the Pacific’ gave a distinctly New Zealand flavour to the evening. As the night sky darkened, Mr Cassie welcomed the Saint Kentigern community before the Girls’ School Kapa Haka group, followed by the Boys’ School group, owned the stage with two commanding performances. Keeping to the NZ theme, Mr Cassie and Reverend Hardie returned as Wal and Dog from Footrot Flats, as Wal tried to secure a spot with the All Blacks. As they kicked the ball out wide, Pipers, Nicholas Forgie and Nicholas Berry crossed the field before the Girls’ School returned to the stage to accompany Xarya Knox and Jade Nomani as they sang Pokarekare Ana. Their hongi on completion signalling the start of the fireworks!

Year 11 College student, Valance Yates had offered his talent for the voice-over at the start of the show, setting the scene for the discovery of Aotearoa. As the night sky burst into life, the imagery and music took us on a dramatic journey through New Zealand’s history; the show including some fiery kiwi!

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. Over the years, our own determined organising committee has conquered the paper work to ensure that both people and property are safely protected. Planning began at the start of March and the team, spearheaded by Parents and Friends Chairperson, 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, parents and staff for their immense effort in bringing this to fruition: Naomi Hageman, Simon Ward, Deb Ward, Kathryn Hughes, Robyn Kenna, James McLeod, Michael Hewes and Logan Aves. Our thanks to the staff from the various campuses and many parents who gave their time to assist with the field rides and barbeque. Thanks also to the many others who helped in the clean-up.

A special thank you to the following sponsors: A-Ward, New World Eastridge, Hirepool, True Advertising Agency, Kiwi Flush.

Year 8 Boys Lead and Serve

It was an absolute pleasure to host the Halberg Sportability Day at the Boys’ School for the eighth consecutive year; a day that gives visiting students with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy and shine in a range of tailored sports events, assisted by our own Year 8 student mentors.

Over 60 disabled and vision impaired young sportspeople from 25 different schools around the Auckland region competed against each other in abilityappropriate sports, including gymnastics, ambulant football, wheelchair racing, athletics, pop tennis, cycling and more. The adaptive sports allowed our visitors to ‘have a go’ at something new.

Along with enhancing the lives of physically disabled children through sport, the day also aims to involve our own Year 8 boys in a service element. Our boys diligently played their part in assisting their visitors when and where needed, alongside the families and staff from their support networks. Staff from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, who had helped organise the event, were also on hand.

Meanwhile, other Year 8 boys were down at Bloodworth Park in Parnell, involved with the Adaptive Cricket Day run by Parnell Cricket Club. These boys, too, were on hand to assist physically disabled youngsters with an adapted game of cricket. They worked through a set of drills before joining in a game.

We were proud to witness the boys taking responsibility of their physically disabled peers, showing compassion and spirit as they helped them perfect their sports techniques, encouraging them and sharing in their triumphs.

Thank you to all students who helped to make the day run smoothly, and thanks also to our Parents and Friends who were on hand to help serve a rolling morning tea and a barbecue lunch. We hope our visitors enjoyed their day!

Tennis Championships

Congratulations to the finalists in the annual Boys’ School Tennis Championships.

Year 4 – Scot Nel Beat Raphael Deperrois 6/0

Year 5 – Marco Alpe beat Tudor Dalzell 9/7

Year 6 – Max Richardson beat William Lawrence-Vaivai 9/0

Year 7 – Dawson Parekowhai-Lage beat Benjamin Hardie 6/0 6/0

Year 8 – Christoph Grant beat Joshua Hartner 6/3 6/3

Boys’ School Athletics Results

Run as three separate events for the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, this year’s Boys’ School Athletics saw ten records tumble, as eight of our boys out-ran, out-jumped and out-threw earlier standings.

Well done to Year 3, Miki Cronin running 100m in 16.09; Year 4, Charlie Field clearing 1.13m in the high jump; Year 5 Jaden Renault-Pollard throwing 36.04m and fellow Year 5, Pierce Gault high jumping 1.28m. Year 6, Astin Palenski threw 41.87m while Year 7 students, James Ford and Joe Berman both broke two records; James running the 100m in 12.5 and the 800m in 2.24.88, and Joe running the 200m in 26.09 and leaping 4.76m in the long jump. Year 8 student, Eddie Chaytor was also a record breaker running the 800m in 2.26.02.

Whilst these eight boys were record breakers, there were many more who gained podium places for individual events. With points accumulated across all the activities, our year group champions were proud to take the top spots. The final athletics event for the year was the colourful House Relays where Wishart reigned supreme!

Inter-zone Athletics

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 students who placed at the Auckland Inter Zone Athletics competition held at Mt Smart Stadium. James Ford cleaned the board in the Year 7 sprints winning the 100m, 200m and 400m. Joe Berman also performed exceptionally well placing 1st in Long Jump and 3rd in the 200m, while Sio Vaolupe placed 2nd in the 100m and 400m, and 3rd in the 100m. Brodey Warren placed 2nd in the 800m and the relay team placed first over all.

HOUSE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS

1ST WISHART 289 POINTS

2ND CHALMERS 287 POINTS

3RD CARGILL 252 POINTS

4TH HAMILTON 240 POINTS

Year 0 Champions

1st Bruno Dickinson CH

2nd Thomas Bottomley CA

3rd Austin Watson CH

Year 1 Champions

1st Kieran Vaseegaran-Hey WI

2nd Harry Simpson HA

3rd Maddox Bedford WI

Year 2 Champions

1st Harry Lynn CA

2nd Harley Evans CH

3rd Benjamin Durose CH

Year 3 Champions

1st Miki Cronin WI

2nd Ruben Spooner HA

3rd Ethan Farley WI

Year 4 Champions

1st Max Trankels HA

2nd = Angus Paterson CH

2nd = Charlie Field HA

Year 5 Champions

1st Pierce Gault CA

2nd Tom Butler CA

3rd Oliver Hardie WI

Year 6 Champions

1st Ethan Knox CA

2nd Ashan Weerasinghe HA

3rd Astin Palenski HA

Year 7 Champions

1st Joe Berman CH

2nd James Ford WI

3rd Eddie Chaytor CA HOUSE RELAY CHAMPIONS

3rd Brodey Warren HA

Year 8 Champions

1st Jack Mitchell WI

2nd Sio Vaolupe WI

Grandparents’ Day

‘Blessed are those who spoil and snuggle, hug and hope, pray and pamper…for they shall be called Grandparents.’

Over550 proud grandparents filled the Jubilee Sports Centre for Grandparents’ Day. It is a special morning that gives the boys a chance to proudly show their grandparents around the school, through their classrooms and share what they have achieved this year, while spending quality time with each other. The morning began with a selection of junior boys standing tall and proud at the entrances of the Sports Centre, handing a colourful gerbera to all the Grandmas, Nanas and Grannies before they took their seats.

Head Boy, George Beca welcomed our guests and said, ‘This is the eighth year in a row that my nana has come to Grandparents’ Day and sadly for us, it will be her last as I move on to College. Every year she tells me how much she enjoys this day and how welcome she feels.’ He went on to mention that everyone has so much to learn from our families and especially our Grandparents. George said, ‘You are such important people to us all, and we are very lucky to have you, and your guidance, as we learn how to be adults.’

As many had travelled great distances to be there, Principal, Mr Peter Cassie promised they wouldn’t be disappointed as their grandsons are worth it. Mr Cassie explained that as a child, he didn’t have grandparents as he grew up, therefore, he didn’t come to appreciate the very special bond and relationship that exists between grandparent and child until much later. He said, ‘It wasn’t until my own children were born and right from the outset I was quickly able to see that special connection, that unconditional love, that sheer joy and laughter when the two generations got together.’

Our special visitors were treated to a performance by the Jazz Band and entertaining pieces by both Wishart and Hamilton House, before Reverend Hardie gave a blessing. The boys waited excitedly on the top field for their grandparents to make their way out, greeting them with arms wide open. Hand in hand, the boys led their special visitors around the school and into each of their classrooms, to meet their teachers and show them what they have learnt this year. After building up a hunger, the boys led their guests into the hall where morning tea awaited, some enjoying it out in the winter sunshine. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents back next year!

Boys' School Parents & Friends

If there was one word to sum up our many teams of awesome volunteers and incredible events over 2017, it would be ‘WOW!’ Raising the bar on our world class goals once again, we have achieved another industrious and successful year within the Saint Kentigern Boys' School community fundraising endeavours. With goals well accomplished for 2017, it is always a case of balancing the promotion of the School’s strong community and friendship values, while simultaneously, raising money.

The promoting of values has always been an integral part of the Boys’ School mandate, ingrained in its boys and proven in the strong reputation the School has within the general public. The values don’t stop there though, and also extend internationally, with Boys’ and Girls’ School students and accompanying parents participating in annual Fiji service trips. This further reinforces and supports values such as kindness, goodwill and generosity, making this a leading school to be very proud of. With so many diverse service opportunities on offer, I hope that parents have enjoyed getting involved in the action the year has provided.

Every year is kick started with a new parents’ morning tea, continued at the start of each term through the year. The aim of this has been to provide constructive insights for parents to help make the transition for their son a smooth one, while giving new parents a chance to socialise and get to know more about The Parents and Friends in an informal environment. Many thanks to the liaisons and all those parents who have helped this year.

The school picnics were crowd pleasing and happy events on the top field and a chance for parents and students to socialise with new families and strengthen connections going into the New Year.

One of the most anticipated events on the school calendar, a Parents and Friends and school joint event, is Celtic Day. This was again very successfully led by Vanessa Playle and her group of team leaders responsible for each activity. Great project management allowed for a quick turnaround of ten minutes per activity and a wide range of action for the boys to participate in added to the fun. From more cultural disciplines such as drumming to the always popular sponge throwing combined with box fort protection, the day was non-stop – and the caretaker was grateful that there were no trenches on Roselle lawn this year!

In May, the Mother’s Morning Tea, run by Phillipa Hiddleson, set out to thank our busy Saint Kentigern Mums and for all those who attended, it did just that. The JC Chalmers Hall was transformed with white table cloths and ‘all the tea in China’. Individual classes entertained and gave a most enjoyable chance to see what had been happening in the classroom. After being piped to the hall, Mr Cassie and his team of Year 8 boys served the mums their special morning tea. The guest speaker, well known author Nicky Pelligrino, delighted the crowd with her own life stories and insight into her writing. Some guests were lucky enough to leave with spot prizes, certainly all left feeling happy and loved. The proceeds from this event were donated to Women’s Refuge and the Auckland City Mission.

Quiz night this year was another fun but always competitive night that filled the hall with a flurry of activity and decorations. This year’s theme was 'S & K' and it was incredible to see the effort of the different teams costumes and table decorations. There was everything from a Kitsch Christmas, with all the trimmings to a Sheikh Middle Eastern tent. Taking out top prize and bragging rights as the School’s ‘Parent Geniuses’ was definitely hard fought this year. I look forward to seeing what type of event our new quiz night co-ordinator, Georgina Astwick, can create for Quiz Night 2018.

This year saw the special ‘Brushwork and Bids’ fundraising event added to our busy calendar. This fantastic event showcased the many skills of every boy and staff member in our school. The Ed Hillary ‘pin work’ stole the title as top bid, however, I personally felt Peter Cassie’s ‘spelling puzzle’ item was the bargain of the night. Special thank you must go to Fiona Freeland and Thomas Barter for putting this event together.

The annual Father and Son Breakfast was another sell out and highlight for the boys spending quality time with their Dad or significant care giver this year. Guest speaker, Tony Cristiansen with his ‘I CAN and I WILL’ presentation showed what you can achieve with the right attitude. There was an over-whelming number of attendees expressing their enjoyment at this event and feedback was that boys and fathers left feeling really inspired. Always tricky with an early morning start to gather helpers, with so many parents occupied with work and school duties at that time of day, so a big thank you to Cath Costello and the many people who baked pies, served or helped with clean up, you all came through to produce yet another outstanding event and these events would not be possible without your support.

Grandparents are highly regarded within the Saint Kentigern community and the huge contribution they make to our boys lives, so it is always an honor to host them at school for our annual Grandparents Day. While this is a school event, the P & F provides a very memorable morning tea. The grandparents are the kings and queens of ‘bring a plate’ but still they always are amazed with our wonderful ‘spread’. Numbers for this event continue to exceed 500 and thank you to the generous baking contributions from so many of the school families. Thank you to Phillipa Hiddleston for coordinating this.

As the school year neared an end for 2017, the ‘Heart of the Pacific’ Fireworks Night rolled into action. This iconic event had another record sell out of 2000 attendees, with fantastic feedback of ‘best ever.’ Tasked with the aim of always creating a better show year on year, the fireworks team ‘sparks’ into action in March to ensure boundaries are pushed even further with entertainment and pyrotechnics. This included greater pre-fireworks theatrics starring Kapa Haka groups from both the Girls’ and Boys’ Schools, followed by the unmissable Peter Cassie (Wal Footrot) and Rev Reuben Hardie (as Dog), stealing the stage with their Oscar winning acting skills. World class pyrotechnics were controlled by Dr Martin Van Tiel for a 15 minute spectacular world class theatre and fireworks display.

The fireworks crew is a small team to coordinate what has become now such a major event, so several new members this year were welcomed which helped ensure perfect planning and an incredible result. However, all the planning in the world can’t stop ‘Mother Nature’ and her continuous Saturday rain was no match, eventually forcing our first ever delayed Sunday event. After a full day setting up on Saturday, the team returned to repeat it on Sunday to produce one of New Zealand’s best fireworks shows. Thank you to the fireworks team of Deb Ward, Naomi Hageman, Robyn Kenna, Kathryn Hughes, Logan Aves, Michael Hewes, James McLeod and myself.

A final thank you for the amazing community work that Corinne Stilwell does in organising ‘Meals from the Heart’ which continues to be a really great initiative that has been incredibly beneficial so far to those going through tough times. Also thanks go out to Sarah Walsh for organising the abundant Christmas hampers to Wymondely Road School. An incredible experience to be able to help and many thanks to those who offered their time to make up these very abundant hampers. Along with this, are the many that help to empty the Sharing Shed and Halberg Day volunteers.

Like always, I would like to finish with my small note for 2018.

I know we are all busy people but if you can give a small amount of your time to help out with one event or if you would like to help out with some goods or services, please let us know. Trust me when I say ‘every little bit, helps make our school the best in the world!’

Simon Ward, Chairman

Giving Purpose to Passion

Recently I read with interest a speech given by the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg to the Harvard graduating class of 2017.

In it, he is not focused on academic success, though we would all strive for that, but rather on challenging the graduates to make a difference in the world beyond Harvard. Indeed, he went on to state, ‘Finding your purpose isn’t enough. The challenge for our generation is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.’ The underlying idea of service to others is very aligned with our Saint Kentigern values and mission. I admire the way Zuckerberg highlights the dual nature of both knowing your own purpose and inspiring and guiding other to find theirs. This thought is incredibly pertinent to our purpose as educators and begs the question, ‘How can we most effectively help our students have a sense of purpose?’

The first step is to provide students with numerous opportunities to discover new strengths and passions within themselves. Here at Saint Kentigern College, we pride ourselves on the ‘world of opportunity’ we offer to students. Our Middle College end-of-year programmes are one example of the opportunities provided. These allow a diverse range of activities and learning experiences.

The focus on ‘outside of the classroom’ education is deliberate and is nowhere more evident and strong than at Year 10 Field Centre in the Tongariro National Park. The challenges it provides are both physical and emotional and the skills learnt are invaluable. At times, the conditions test the students, especially the ascent of the Ruapehu summit. For some others, the longer three day tramp and the collaborative skills and personal resilience developed over the course of Field Centre can be life changing. Many past students acknowledge that this experience was the best thing they did at Saint Kentigern, helping them learn about themselves and others and helping them to find and develop their God-given passions and strengths. We look to evolve the programme further in the next few years to benefit future generations of students.

Students also have the opportunity to discover passions through their learning in the classroom. Finding the areas of learning that each student personally connects with the best does not happen overnight.

Sometimes a passion for a particular subject develops when a student shows ‘grit’ and perseverance, ultimately leading to success, in a subject in which they find learning a challenge. By the inherent nature of the broad curriculum we offer in Years 7 to 10, every student has the opportunity to discover and develop their passion(s) for learning in academic subjects.

Having a passion does not necessarily lead to developing a purpose. Passion is an intrinsic motivation, a driving feeling, a fire of enthusiasm within. Acting on this can create a sense of identity and achievement. Our students may find this on the tennis court, on the stage, or in a Mathex team. They may find it leading a Duke of Edinburgh tramp, or playing in the Pipes and Drums. They may find it in a multitude of areas. However, it is what we do with our passion that creates a sense of purpose. If we can, as educators, help create within the lives of our students an understanding of their passions, and help them to give purpose to these passions by using them to serve others, then we have achieved something of lasting value to them, our community and, in time, our country.

The vision of Saint Kentigern is clear: to develop young people who will ‘serve and lead with distinction’. A crucial step in this process is for our students to find their passion. The next step is encouraging them to think beyond themselves to how they can use their passions, abilities, strengths and talents to serve others and contribute to the world around them. Young people with this understanding have the potential to impact their generation. Through our learning activities, both inside and outside of the classroom and our curriculum, broad yet fine-tuned, relevant and delivered in meaningful and engaging ways, we can support this goal. Ultimately however, in the pursuit of passion and purpose, it is up to our students to get involved, be prepared to take some risks, lift their eyes to the mountains and challenge themselves and others to unlock their true potential.

Fides Servanda Est

Mr Duncan McQueen

Principal, Middle College

To Serve and Lead with Distinction

What does it mean when we say that our ‘Saint Kentigern Graduates will Serve and Lead with Distinction?’

The Saint Kentigern Vision Statement is certainly bold and one that challenges us as teachers and Senior Managers on a daily basis. By constantly talking about, and living out, our Mission Statement to ‘inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others’ we know our students will have a clear understanding of what is important in life and by doing so they will begin to fulfil our Vision as they put the words into action.

While at school, our students are given many opportunities to serve and lead. This could be as captains of sport or coaching younger students in activities such theatre sports, debating, maths or sports teams. In Year 13 there is a range of leadership opportunities on Councils, as Peer Support Leaders (leading and mentoring Year 9 students) and as Prefects. Many students also choose to serve and lead in the classroom by helping other students and modelling excellence by striving to do their best. Many of these students volunteer their time to as academic mentors, or providing help to our ESL (English as a second language) students. But most importantly all Senior College students can lead with distinction simply as positive role models to the younger students. Those who do so, quickly realise leadership is a responsibility.

Opportunities are also presented to serve in an international capacity by joining the trips to Vanuatu (two groups annually) or Malawi (every three years) to build houses or to help out in primary schools. At a local community level, our students help a primary schools nearby. Every week tutor groups make lunchtime service visits to Riverhills Primary, Riverina Primary, Ruapotaka Primary, Sommerville Special School and Tamaki Primary. In those settings, they read to students, play puzzles, coach sports and help out with Lego and Breakfast Clubs.

The Assistant Principal from Tamaki Primary School has really appreciated our students working with their children. She said, ‘The contribution made to our lunchtime programme has been beneficial by offering variety and more one on one for children to develop their playing skills. Your students have always been respectful and kind, showing interest in getting to know the children. For some of our students, having 'Saint Kents’ kids is a highlight they look forward to.

Does the outcome of ‘to lead with distinction’ mean being famous or earning top dollars? Well it might do but that’s certainly not the intent. In fact this phrase

is not about titles or money, rank or privileges. The definition of distinction is ‘excellence of character, distinctive qualities’ or ‘the state of being different or distinguishable.’ King George VI said, ‘The highest of distinctions is service to others.’

As a Presbyterian school, we want our students to learn to lead and serve with humility and the best leadership model that exhibits this type of leadership is Servant Leadership. This type of leadership is not focussed on self. Those who serve and lead with distinction will be principle-centred leaders who have integrity and make ethical decisions.

Ambassador Peter Thompson, a former College boarder in the 1960’s, has just completed a term as President of the United Nations General Assembly. In a speech opening the 71st session of the General Assembly in September 2016, the UN’s prime decision-making body, Peter said that it would be the year for implementing the goals aiming to end poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change. He also pledged to strengthen relationships between the UN’s various bodies and help find new ways of resolving conflict, better management of migrant flows and reversing the decline in ocean’s health. Peter has, and continues to serve and lead with distinction.

Current Year 12 student Lewis Elliott, who also attended the Boys’ School, has been named as a College Prefect for 2018. This account of Lewis was reported by a staff member: ‘Last night I went to the Contemporary (Rock) Music night and witnessed ‘leadership with distinction’. In this instance it was watching Lewis Elliot. He went from ‘cool dude’ in a band, to spending the rest of the night helping the younger students set up, so their bands were stage ready. More important than that, once they were ‘plugged in,’ it was the simple touch on a back and quiet word of encouragement that caught my eye. Lewis was also at the fundraising brunch the Year 12 girls organised, spending the morning as a barista. He showed how being of service isn’t necessarily about the big things, it’s those small gestures of kindness that go a long way.’

These members of our Saint Kentigern community, contributing to the greater good, are good examples to our current students of serving and leading with distinction.

Fides Servanda Est

Middle College Prizegiving

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

The official party of College leaders, Trust Board members and teaching staff were piped in by Jack Frewin, followed by the College Sinfonia, comprising our Middle School musicians, accompanying the National Anthem.

In recognition of excellence, effort, diligence and achievement, the top students in each age group came forward to collect their prizes from Trust Board members, Dr John Kernohan and Mr Murray King, with Middle College Principal, Mr Duncan McQueen, awarding the

DUX Of The Middle College

Heeju Rho

‘special’ prizes in each age group and Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr David Hodge presenting the cup to the Middle College Dux.

Special cups were awarded to Grace Chang for the ‘All-Round’ girl and Hayden Joyce as the ‘All-Round’ boy. These two students have been fully committed to all aspects of Middle College life. The top honours of the morning went to Heeju Rho as Dux of the Middle College; a student who has attained significant academic achievement.

At the conclusion of the formalities, the Second Pipe Band finished the year in our traditional manner by ‘Beating the Retreat’ from the bridge.

Our congratulations to all our award winners and especially to Heeju!

Heeju Rho has the honour of being awarded the Dux of the Middle College in 2017. Heeju has consistently achieved Excellence or Excellence Plus in her subjects, which include Year 11 Science and Year 11 Cambridge Mathematics even though she is Year 10. Her exceptional results are underpinned by all-round outstanding effort. In 2017, Heeju received a Distinction award in the Australian Mathematics Competition and was placed in the Top 30 in the New Zealand Junior Mathematics competition. At Prizegiving, she also received Honours, First in Class and the Social Studies Prize.

Excelling not only academically, but also in her varied co-curricular involvement, Heeju has enjoyed success in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and the Year 10 Mathex Team. She has also been a member of the Middle College Scholars’ Group and a Junior Football team member. Heeju is an excellent role model, her teachers and peers celebrating not only her academic and co-curricular achievements, but her dedication, motivation, positivity, and consideration of others. Heeju, with her commitment to strive for excellence in all areas of life, is a true Daughter of Kentigern.

The Birch Cup

For The Year 10 Girl Showing All Round Ability Grace Chang

Grace is an outstanding student in every respect. Her diligence, vigour and tenacity have led to excellent grades across all her subjects, including outstanding results in Year 11 Science and Year 11 Cambridge Mathematics. Grace received a High Distinction award in the Australian Mathematics Competition and also gained a coveted first place in the New Zealand Junior Mathematics Competition. In addition to this academic success, Grace has shown a tremendous capacity to embrace and excel in cocurricular opportunities.This year she has been involved with Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, the Premier Junior Debating Team, the Year 10 Mathex team and the Middle College Scholars’ Group. She was Swimming Junior Champion, winner of the Swimming Championship Trophy and represented the College at the Auckland Secondary Schools Swimming competition. Grace had also found the time to be a Middle College Student Leader and a student coach for the Year 8 Mathex team.

The J.E.H Kururangi Cup

For The Year 10 Boy Showing All Round Ability

Hayden Joyce

Described by his teachers as hardworking, positive, enthusiastic and determined, Hayden is an exceptional student, who is involved in an impressive range of academic, sporting and cultural endeavours at the College. He is incredibly wellrounded and successful, involved in Junior Debating, U15 Rowing, 14B Football and participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. In addition, to this, he has also served the Middle College as a Student Leader. His outstanding attitude and effort, and strong work ethic, have led to excellent grades across all his subjects, including outstanding results in Year 11 Science and Year 11 Cambridge Mathematics. Hayden received a Distinction award in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

Senior College Prizegiving 2017

Senior Prizegiving signalled the end of another notable year in the life of the College as the Saint Kentigern College community gathered in Elliot Hall to congratulate our Year 11, 12 and 13 NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma 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

Alyssa Hatton

NCEA Dux Medallist for 2017

Alyssa is a student of exceptional academic ability who has achieved considerable success during her time at Saint Kentigern College.

Achieving Academic Colours in every senior year, Alyssa also gained an NZQA Scholarship in English and won the Media Prize in Year 12. As a result of her outstanding academic performance, Alyssa was selected to be a member of the Year 13 Scholars Group and will be sitting NZQA Scholarship Examinations in English, Media, Classics and History. This year she is awarded the Rotary Senior College Service Award, The Stevens Prize for Classical Studies, The William Fletcher Memorial Prize for English, The Bankier Prize for History, The Media Studies Prize, The Frank Reeves Memorial Cup for Literature, and a Saint Kentigern Scholarship.

Alyssa joined the College in Year 7 and during her time here has made a significant contribution to the Arts. Alyssa has worked on costumes for all Middle School Productions since Year 9 and has been a valued member of the stage crew on all Senior Productions since Year 11. She stage-managed both ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ productions in 2017. Alyssa will take her experience and passion into tertiary study where she is intending to study Performing Arts Management at Toi Whakaari in 2018.

Alyssa has also participated in the Theatresports Premier squad, Coaching and Debating and served others at the College as a Peer Support Leader.

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 afternoon culminated with the announcement of the highest academic honour, the Dux. The honour was awarded to both the top NCEA student, Alyssa Hatton and the top IB Diploma student, Joshua Looker. Congratulations to these two deserving students who have worked hard and made the most of every opportunity.

Joshua Looker

IB Dux Medallist for 2017

Josh joined the College in 2013 as a Year 9 student, immediately demonstrating his outstanding academic ability across a range of curriculum areas, particularly Latin and Science. This culminated in Josh being awarded Middle School Dux in 2014. He was appointed Deputy Head Boy in 2017.

Josh has been a three-time recipient of Academic Colours in the Senior College. He received a Top Academic award for both Year 11 and Year 12. In 2016, as a Year 12 student, Josh achieved a NZQA Scholarship in English. He also won the IB Diploma Prize in Chemistry, Latin and Physics that year.

As a result of his academic achievements in Year 12, Josh was selected as a member of the 2017 Scholars Group. This year, he is awarded the IB Diploma Prize for Physics and a Saint Kentigern Scholarship. He also gained High Distinction in the New Zealand Economics Competition. He will be sitting NZQA Scholarship examinations in Chemistry, Economics, Latin, Physics, Statistics, Earth and Space Science.

Josh’s co-curricular involvement has also been a significant part of his time at the College. He is a member of the Premier Water Polo and Premier Debating teams and has also coached other teams. As a talented musician, Josh has been part of a wide range of music groups including the Concert Band (which won Gold at KBB), Big Band (which won Gold at KBB and the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club competition), Jazz Combo, Sax Ensemble, ‘Spamalot’ Musical Orchestra and Sinfonia. Josh has also been involved in the Hamilton House Choir and Band. Josh participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and has been of service to others through the 2016 Service Trip to Vanuatu and as a volunteer at the Salvation Army.

In 2018, in recognition of his exceptional academic ability and extensive involvement in a range of activities, Josh has been awarded a ‘Top Achiever Scholarship’ from the University of Auckland. Josh plans to study Sustainable Engineering.

47 Tertiary Scholarships Awarded!

The College is thrilled that by Senior College Prizegiving, 43 of our graduating students have already been awarded 47 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.

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements!

THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship

University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship

University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship

University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship

University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship

University of Auckland - George Turner Wilson Music Trust Scholarships

THE UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO

University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Māori and Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Scholarship

University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Entrance Scholarship

University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Entrance Scholarship

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Excellence Scholarship

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Excellence Scholarships

Victoria Achiever Scholarship

David Thibaud $20,000 paid in first year

Josh Looker $20,000 paid in first year

Ashley Potter $20,000 paid in first year

Isabella Denholm $20,000 paid in first year

Tate McGregor $20,000 paid in first year

Sid Chand $2,500 for first year only

David Thibaud up to $45,000 over 3 years

Crystal Sun $16,000 over three years

Victoria Tse $16,000 over three years

Daniel Whitburn $16,000 over three years

Lauren Pickett $16,000 over three years

Kyle Robb $12,000 for one year

Matthew Stirling Up to 15,000 for first year only

Lisa Miyaura $6,000 for first year only

Georgia Bennett $6,000 for first year only

Callum McDonald $6,000 for first year only

Rebecca Worthington $6,000 for first year only

Alexander McDonald $6,000 for first year only

Lucy Wilson $2,500 for first year only

Lauren Oliver $2,500 for first year only

Nick Vyle $2,500 for first year only

Olivia Shepherd $2,500 for first year only

Kane Cocker $2,500 for first year only

Brooke Wielenga $6,000 for first year only

Olivia Hofer $5,000 for first year only

Alexander Murray $5,000 for first year

Michelle Zhou $5,000 for first year

Kendall Mead $5,000 for first year

Clark Murray $5,000 for first year

Patrick Ye $5,000 for first year

Alicia Robb $5,000 for first year

Sophie Stone $5,000 for first year

Lucy Scarborough $5,000 for first year

Saint Kentigern Scholarships 2017

Each year at Senior College 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.

Joshua Looker and Alyssa Hatton, our IB Diploma Dux and NCEA Dux, each received $3000. Chris Lee, Lisa Miyaura, David Thibaud, Matthew Stirling and Erin Meek 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.

A Last Word from Year 13

In their final year at College, there are many ‘lasts’ for our Year 13s. Starting with their last House swimming and athletics at the start of the year, and culminating in their last Chapel, last exam and last time they pass through the gates as the year draws to a close.

In the final days before exams, the students were piped from Chapel to attend a Farewell Brunch, pausing first on the field to mark their graduation year with a giant human 2017. Other than returning for examinations, this was the last day they spent as school-age students.

Their final time together was an enjoyable, emotion-filled gettogether at their Graduation Dinner, held this year at the Logan Campbell Centre in the ASB Showgrounds. There, Reverend Smith spoke to the graduating students about life after the College, encouraging the students to never forget that they are sons and daughters of Kentigern. In her final word to her charges, Senior College Principal, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop urged the students to be ‘strong and compassionate people who lead as examples of excellence in servant leadership.’ She finished by saying, ‘You only have one life, make it a life that counts.’

Each year, our graduating Year 13 students are given the chance to write a personal ‘profile’ for inclusion in the College Year Book. Constrained by a word limit, many of the leavers think carefully about their ‘last words,’ taking the opportunity to reflect on their time at the College and give thanks to those who have helped shape their journey.

This year’s cohort expressed many sentiments in their profiles but the over-riding message has been one of gratitude; whether those thanks are directed to their parents, their teachers or their friends, the one aspect they are truly thankful for is the ‘opportunity’ - the opportunity to attend our College, and ‘the world of opportunity’ that Saint Kentigern made available to them.

‘As I reflect on the two years I spent at Saint Kentigern, to say I am grateful is an understatement for what the College has given me. You have taught me what it means to serve, and through serving what it means to be a leader. You have also taught me to keep the faith always, especially in the face of disappointment and adversity. I truly believe that I came with nothing, but am leaving with more than I ever wished for.

Edward

Baker,

Year 13

‘Being part of this diverse, yet united community has exposed me to so many different people. Not only has this allowed me to see many people with passions and dreams, but it has also helped me discover my own. The environment, the people, and the spirit have all shaped me into who I am today.’

Lloyd Hsieh, Year 13

‘Finally, thank you Saint Kentigern, you have taught me to ‘fail forward’ - to embrace failure and to learn from it. Without these experiences, I would not be the person I am today - fulfilled yet ready to challenge the unknown.’

Lisa Miyaura, Year 13

‘I would not have accomplished my long list of goals, or become the person I am today without the support of my fantastic teachers, directors, coaches, friends and family. Thank you for inspiring, mentoring and believing in me. Thank you for challenging me and sparking my love of learning.

Amelia Ayres, Year 13

‘Every single teacher who has taught me right up until this year has my utmost respect and appreciation for making my school days so special. As teachers who love teaching, you have taught me to love learning. I may not remember all that you have taught me, but I will remember how important you have made me feel as your student. Words truly cannot express how thankful I am for your guidance.

Sayaka Chen, Year 13

‘Saint Kentigern College has provided me with the necessary tools to take that next step into the real world, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.’

Thomas Mills, Year 13

‘As my five years at Saint Kentigern College come to an end, I am beginning to fully grasp how incredibly lucky I am to have been sent to this school. I want to say thank you to my parents for offering this opportunity to me. I believe that the College has set me up for life outside of secondary education and I am ready to take on any challenges that life throws at me.’

Ella Moss, Year 13

‘Although I have only spent two years at the College, these two years have really shaped me. The opportunities available at a school like Saint Kentigern College still astound me. I have also learnt that the staff here will do anything to help get you to where you need to be.’

Oliver Brookes Ham, Year 13

‘The College taught me to break boundaries and to pursue the impossible, to serve others, strive for excellence and acknowledge my religious values and beliefs. All these attributes I will continue to foster in my future endeavours. The College has been a fundamental part of my life and will forever hold a special place in my heart.’

Summer-Jean Motufoua, Year 13

‘Education has turned mirrors into windows and opened countless doors of opportunities. Not only have I learnt how to achieve to the best of my ability academically, but also in all other aspects of my life’

Renee Gray, Year 13

‘Saint Kentigern is a place where teachers encouraged us to break the status quo and define ourselves as we choose. Where a sports star can cook up a mean crème brulee and a ‘brainiac’ can break down on the dance floor. It’s a place where one person, if it’s the right person, changes us all.’

Zoe French, Year 13

Middle College Graduation Lunch

Onthe eve of their departure for Field Centre, our Year 10 students came together for a final Chapel followed by a shared lunch. With the separation of the Middle and Senior Colleges at the start of this year, some new traditions have begun; the formal Middle College Graduation Lunch being the first of many to come.

Our Middle College students generally join the College in one of two intakes; either in Year 7 or Year 9. Whether they have been with us for two years or four, the Graduation Lunch marked their last day at school as Middle College students; the last time that they will be taught separately in single gender classrooms before they transition to the co-educational Senior College next year. The ceremony marked the closing of one chapter as another is about to begin.

The Chapel opened with Grace Kelly singing ‘The Climb’ (Miley Cyrus). Grace was later followed by the Middle College Chapel Band giving vocal support to the hymns.

William Hadfield and Lulu Denholm gave the bible readings, and Molly Siddell closed with a final solo performance, singing One Direction’s ‘I lived.’ Each of these students sang or spoke beautifully, and were wonderful representatives of our Year 10 cohort.

Reverend Smith focused his sermon on change, courage and the Year 10 ‘rite of passage’ – Field Centre. In his friendly words

of advice he suggested that whatever else they pack for their trip of a lifetime ‘down the mountain’ to make sure they pack a ‘good attitude’ – for a positive mindset can make all the difference when faced with adversity.

Just like their Year 13 counterparts earlier in the term, the Year 10s were piped to the Sports Centre with Cameron Dean and Jack Frewin on pipes and Ryosuke Murayama on drums. A lunch for almost 400 students and staff had been prepared with the students sitting in House groupings. Middle College Assistant Principal, Mrs Marianne Duston welcomed the students and special guests, former Head Girl, Sharnika Leleni and former Chapel Prefect, Taylor Watson.

Sharnika and Taylor were both active students during their time at the College, fully immersing themselves in their academic studies, service and co-curricular activities. In their speeches, they encouraged the students to do the same, both acknowledging that Field Centre is a watershed, marking the step up to the senior years and the high expectations that come with it.

The lunch was a most enjoyable occasion, the first step towards closure on their Middle College years. The students were wished well as they headed away to Field Centre with the reminder to ensure a dose of ‘good attitude’ was tucked in their backpacks!

Bruce House End of Year Dinner

Parents, it’s time to restock those pantries because we’re coming home!

Lisa Miyaura, Bruce House Head Girl

As the College year drew to a close, parents of the Year 13 boarding 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 was a special evening where the invited guests soon gained an understanding of the very strong family bond that pervades the boarding house.

Year 11 student, Valance Yates, led fellow boarders in a highly charged House Haka before the guests were escorted to their tables.

Following dinner, recently appointed Housemaster, Mr Adam Bannister gave credit to the boarders for their exceptional attitudes and all they contribute to the life of the College. It’s not easy to bring 121 individuals representing over 100 different family backgrounds together under one roof, yet it works! Mr Bannister said, ‘The way that you wrap around and support one another when people need help or comfort, and your inclusiveness and acceptance of others in such a diverse and multi-cultural community such as ours, speaks volumes of your character. It is a truly special place to be part of - our place, Bruce House.’

Current Bruce House Head Prefects, Harrison Taylor and Lisa Miyaura both came forward to speak with passion about their boarding experience. They have both been excellent role models to the younger students and epitomise all that is good in such a community. How many families can say they’ve rallied around to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ over 100 times in one year? Harrison called Bruce House his ‘million-dollar experience’ because money cannot buy the memories, relationships and the lessons he has gained over the last four years. He said, ‘From a young age, we have learnt, through this environment, the ability to understand and connect with different types. To be successful in life, we need to make connections with many different people, cultures and environments, just like we have here in Bruce House.’

Both Lisa and Harrison have come to know the sense of belonging and family within the House. They paid tribute to their fellow boarders and the many staff who care for them amongst the duty, nursing and catering staff. In particular, Lisa paid homage to Matron, Mrs Rosemary Capill who retires this year after 25 years’ service, ‘Matron, no words can describe how amazing you are. Every morning, no matter what, you come in to the House with a huge smile on your face and make someone’s day just a little brighter. You are truly someone with a patient, thoughtful, compassionate and beautiful heart.’ Matron was given a well-deserved standing ovation.

If the parents of our graduates were once worried about the idea of their child leaving home to board at school, their fears would surely be have been allayed last night as they came to fully understand the strong bonds and support networks between the boarders and those that care for them at Bruce House.

The evening concluded with Senior College Principal, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop presenting the Bruce House Awards for 2017.

Bruce House Awards 2017

The MacFarlan Award for Head Boy: Harrison Taylor

The MacFarlan Award for Head Girl: Lisa Miyaura

The McGuiness Cup for Academic Honours: Lisa Miyaura

The Morgan Cup for Year 11 Academic Achievement: Fiona Wang

The Bruce House Cup for Top All-Rounder: Lisa Miyauri

The Marcroft Cup for Sportsperson of the Year: Tayla Earle

Celebrating The Arts

In absolute spectacular fashion, the Celebrating the Arts evening brought a close to the 2017 Performing Arts calendar. It was a time to celebrate the amazing talent we have at the College but also a time to reflect on the year that has passed. After another very successful year for the Arts, the night came together without a hitch. The Jazz Combo played as our guests arrived and took the opportunity to view the Visual Art displays from our NCEA Year 11 and 12 art students.

The Pipes and Drums opened the evening, making a grand entrance onto the Elliot Hall stage. Hosted by Head of Performing Arts, Mrs Jane Horder and Arts Prefect, Amelia Aryes the evening offered a mix of entertainment while awarding those students who have dedicated many mornings, lunchtimes and evening hours to the Arts, achieving great things and succeeding in their field. After each award presentation, there were performances from solo dancers, Erin Meek and Jo Crawford, the Tongan Cultural Dance Group, the Premier Theatre Sports team, a Year 12 devised drama piece and a beautiful performance by the Chamber Orchestra with Sid Chand as vocalist.

This has been a fantastic year for our music groups and soloists, with some of the highlights being our Pipes and Drums holding onto their U19 Auckland grade title for the ninth year in a row and taking part in the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, the Chamber Orchestra winning Gold and being in the Top 4 at KBB, and Owen Fan winning both the NZ and South Pacific Junior Virtuoso Accordion

Championship titles. Our Senior College productions received 22 nominations for both actors and crew for the Auckland Showdown Awards resulting in a win for Stephanie Ramlose for her lead performance of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, and Jordan Rogers-Jenkins winning Best Male in a Minor Role for his portrayal of Sir William Lucas,

As our dance programme continues to grow, worthy of mention is Year 13 student, Jo Crawford who has been accepted into Transit Dance, a contemporary dance training institute in Australia for 2018 and Year 13 student, Erin Meek, who has been accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance for 2018. Erin was also offered places at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts WAAPA in Perth, Transit Dance in Melbourne and is on the wait list for the Sydney Dance Company. Outstanding achievements for both Erin and Jo.

The most anticipated item of the evening was who would be named ‘Performer of the Year.’ An exceptional programme is only made possible by the dedication of students, which made the decision this year, extremely difficult. But there was one student who stood out covering all areas of the Arts – Braydon Robinson.

Performer of the Year 2017:

Braydon Robinson

At the College, the teachers have worked hard over many years to develop what has become a leading Performing Arts programme. Our musical, cultural, dance and drama productions are exceptional. Our music programme dominates in a number of areas making us arguably the strongest single school music programme in Auckland. Our exceptional dramatists have sat at the top of both the Sheilah Wynn and Theatre Sports competitions and our Dance students compete at an international level, in some cases, moving on to pursue careers in dance.

An exceptional programme is only made possible by the dedication of extraordinary students who deliver performances of the highest calibre. This year, through our productions and each performing arts subject’s co-curricular programme, there have been numerous outstanding performers making the decision to pick one person extremely difficult.

Braydon Robinson was named Performer of the Year – he is a chorister, actor, singer and orator. He was a finalist in this year’s Solo Music Competition, a multiple nominee at the Showdown Awards, a double Gold winning chorister and has had exceptional speech competition results. We know him best as King Arthur, Javert, Judge Turpin, King Lear and of course Humpy Dumpty.

While this award is specifically for Braydon’s performances this year – his success as a performer stretches back to his time in the Middle

College. Many may recall his imposing frame as Bill Sykes in the 2014 Middle College production of Oliver. Having shown significant potential in that show, Brayden went on to feature in a further eight roles in the College, through Senior College Musical and Drama Productions and the Sheilah Wynn Shakespeare Festival.

His singing led to a successful audition for the choral programme, a Gold Award at the National Finale of the Big Sing with Menasing in 2015 and Kentoris in 2016, and a Silver with both this year. Outside the College, Braydon is a member of the Auckland Youth Choir which sang at New York’s famous Carnegie Hall in 2016. Anyone who has seen Braydon perform knows that he is a formidable and unforgettable presence and without question a worthy recipient of the 2017 Performer of the Year.

Secondary School drama and musical productions in order to determine the most outstanding students and staff in a variety of categories. Run by the Auckland Community Theatre Trust and presented at SkyCity Theatre, the Awards Night brings together the best performing artists and technical crews from across the city. This year, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ were nominated in 22 acting and technical categories for the final round of judging. We were absolutely delighted when our leading lady from Pride and Prejudice, Year 12 student, Stephanie Ramlose was awarded Best Leading Female in a Drama Production. Stephanie was faultless in her portrayal of the strong-willed Elizabeth Bennet, taking ownership of the role. Fellow actor Jordan Rogers-Jenkins was also awarded on the night with Best Male in a Minor Role for his portrayal of Sir William Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, a role he played with flamboyance and pizzazz.

Middle College Solo Music Competition

How can you judge a piano recital against a violin, cello, flute, French horn, piano accordion or vocal performance? Not easily is the answer! What does a judge look for when he hears 14 beautifully performed pieces, one after the other, and has to select an overall winner?

At this year’s Middle College Solo Music competition, visiting adjudicator, Associate Professor David Lines, had that difficult task. Director of the University of Auckland School of Music, Professor Lines has lectured and published extensively in the field of music education and is a prominent jazz pianist. Years of experience did not make his judging task any easier!

Each of the 14 finalists gave a fantastic performance for which they can all be proud – as were their families! A winner was selected from each of the four sections – string, wind, voice, piano – with one chosen as the overall winner. This year, Year 10 student, Catherine Chang, won the wind and overall title playing ‘Concertino for Flute, Opus 107’ (C. Chaminade). What set Catherine apart? The ability to connect with the audience. In summing up, Professor Lines said that Catherine gave a very musical performance that was confident and assured with lots of character, ‘She led the performance.’

Well done to all our finalists and in particular to our winners for their fine musicianship.

STRINGS WINNER

Esther Oh - Violin

STRINGS FINALISTS

Celina Tsui - Violin

Masha Pavlenko – Cello

WIND WINNER

Catherine Chang – Flute WIND FINALISTS

Evan Metcalfe - French

Horn

Adam Perry - Piano Accordion

VOICE WINNER

Chloe Haerewa

VOICE FINALISTS

Elsdon Yong

Alicia Lynn

Ivan Zhang

PIANO WINNER

Lisa Sun

PIANO FINALISTS

Alissa Huang

Ethan Huang

Daniel Huang

Shakespeare Winners

Earlier in the year, all Year 10 English students were invited to enter a competition to design a ‘static image’ based on their favourite Shakespeare play. There was a great incentive - the winners would have their images put on display at the Globe Theatre in London! Who could resist?

Inspired by their Shakespeare topic of study in class, the students first discussed the intention behind a static image – a melding of visual and verbal cues to convey a message. Static images are an aspect of the English curriculum. Fired up, the resultant student work was entered in the Static Image section of the Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Adam Foundation Shakespeare Poster Competition. Tayla Smith (10KA) and Lisa Schulze-Bergkamen (10KA) were selected to be in the Top 4 from thousands of entries across New Zealand. The girls came joint 2nd and were presented with their awards in Wellington at the Michael Fowler Centre during the University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.

Their entries were highly praised and were described as ‘charming’ and ‘intricate’. Tayla focused on the famous tragedy ‘Romeo & Juliet’ while Lisa selected the comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Cheques and prizes were presented to the girls by MPs Paul Foster-Bell and Grant Robertson and the girls participated in workshops during the day. If you’re going to the Globe in England this year, look out for their entries!

Overall Winner:

Catherine Chang

The Kents Film Awards 2017

‘A night at the movies’ took on its own unique Saint Kentigern flavour at The Kents 2017; an awards evening to showcase the filmmaking talents of our Year 12 and 13 Media Studies students. This year, the top seven films were shown, drawn from the best work of our NCEA students, along with the group that entered the Auckland 48 Hour Film Festival.

The students were being assessed on their ability to write, plan, shoot and edit short films of no more than ten minutes in length. Following a narrative study of Netflix hit, Stranger Things, Year 12s were tasked with creating a character specific prequel for a new TV series –Darkness Falls. For the mainstream Year 13s, they took inspiration from the thought-provoking series, Black Mirror, where students developed films focusing on our collective unease regarding technology. The Liberal Arts Year 13 Media students focused on Film Noir, weaving together the themes, conventions, and grime that is ‘Noir’ (black).

To be successful, they needed to combine creative ideas with practical application, artistic flair with audience engagement, as well possess the technical and organisational skills to run their own production from concept to broadcast. Most of this year’s films had a dark, gritty element with an undercurrent of tension that the students had mastered to the greatest effect. It was noted that, technically, this year’s films were of the highest calibre in the history of The Kents.

On the judging panel, we were pleased to welcome back Old Collegians and previous Media Studies students, Jason Hoon (2012), Calvin Sang (2012), Cameron McColl (2013), Charlotte Parker (2013), Maddie Fenn (2014) and Jake Latham (2014). Each of these former students have all had their own personal involvement with The Kents

Special Awards

during their time at the College and are all now currently studying or working within the media industry.

The ‘Judges Choice’ awards went to James Matson, Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams for ‘Past Mistakes,’ a film that explored correcting bad decisions in typical noir fashion. The film also won a further three awards for Best Music, Best Script by James Matson and Best Actor for Mark Charles. The judges said, ‘Past Mistakes’ showed not only storytelling techniques found at the highest level of high school media, but an exceptional technical skill. This was an outstanding production and an amazing testament to the calibre of Media Studies at Saint Kentigern.’

As always, there was a great turnout for the evening, with the largely student audience taking the opportunity to vote for a ‘People’s Choice’ award. This year the award went to 48 Hour Film team for ‘Can you run in heels?’ an incredibly well-made comedy, offering a fresh take on the well-worn superhero genre.

Two special prizes were also awarded to ‘Future Film Maker,’ Hunter Williams who has been making films most of his life already, including award winning documentaries, and looks set to become a significant figure in the film industry. The ‘Soaring Talent Award’ was awarded to Stella Taylor who has made her mark as a talented actress this year, most notably for her earlier role in the larger than life Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. An exceptionally talented emerging filmmaker, Stella has a natural talent for editing, understanding rhythm, tone, and pace within her films.

In concluding, Head of Media Studies, Mr Ian Thomas said that there is a point during the course of Year 13 that his Media Studies students move from being ‘students’ to becoming ‘film makers.’ We were privileged to witness this last night. We sincerely thank the judges for giving their time to both pre-judging and spending time with the students on the night, and to MCs Isabella Denholm and Sid Chand for hosting with style!

Best Script: James Matson for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Actor: Mark Charles for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Cinematography: Alyssa Hatton, Isabella Bostock, Sid Chand for ‘La Rose Mortelle’

Best Music & Judges Choice: James Matson, Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams for ‘Past Mistakes’

Best Actress: Sabina de Lange for ‘Can You Run in Heels?’

Best Sound: Alasdair Carmichael-Lowe, Callum Davies, Brett Edwards for ‘Blink’

Peoples’ Choice & Best Editing: 48 Hours Team for ‘Can You Run In Heels?’ 48 Hour Film Team: Alexander Murray, Hunter Williams, Alyssa Hatton, Calum Davies, Brett Edwards, James Matson, Stella Taylor, Michaela Ansell, Erin Meek, Travis Conway

Future Filmmaker Award: Hunter Williams

Soaring Talent Award: Stella Taylor

The IB Group 4 Project

As part of the International Baccalaureate programme, Year 12 students are required to undertake around ten hours of crossdisciplinary scientific research called the Group 4 Project. As Term 4 was winding down, students in each group collaborated and worked on a research topic of their choice, spanning two or more sciences.

All the groups chose to design their own experiments, allowing them to practise their research and analysis skills, while having some fun carrying out their experiment and presenting the findings to each other at the end. The use of computers, smartphones and laser thermometers has transformed the experiments possible at Senior College level. From heat-sensitive, colour-changing slime to bloodcurdling special effects, the modelling of volcanic eruptions, sucking eggs into ever smaller bottles, creating toothpaste for an elephant and perfecting the chemical reaction for hokey pokey, the students were fully engaged with their learning, with a drive to out-perform the other groups! On a more serious note, the skills developed were vital to student success in their Internal Assessments for each of their IB science courses. In particular, students realised how information from various disciplines (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) can be used to collaboratively approach and solve an authentic problem.

The students also learnt that despite their best intentions, not all experiments are successful, with some failing to explain their hypothesis and needing to modify their methods of collecting convincing data. They were all required to write a reflective statement about the experience considering all aspects from team work to how successful they had been.

The ‘Aotearoa House’ Exhibition

What is New Zealand’s unique design character? Most people can close their eyes and conjure images of Scandinavian, Italian or German Design; but what about us here in Aotearoa, what is our design language or more importantly what could it be?

Taking the name, ‘Aotearoa House,’ New Zealand design became the focus of a year-long project for our technology students, with each learning area having a slightly different focus. Our Product Design students unpacked the contents of a modern kitchen and have designed new products for this environment, while Food Technology students investigated native New Zealand ingredients and how these can be used to develop new and innovative food products, targeted initially at the artisan food market with the potential for overseas export. Fashion and Textile Design students looked into high fashion and couture, while Art Design students concentrated on creating a unique typeface for local iwi and Sculpture students investigated the place of adornment and taonga in contemporary practice.

The Aotearoa House Project finished with an exhibition that opened in the Jack Paine Centre for students to showcase their outcomes for all to see.

Seventh Win in a Row for Accounting!

The Accounting team from the College won the annual CETA (Commerce and Economics Teachers Association) Pursuits Competition for a record seventh consecutive year; an outstanding result! In the past thirteen years, Saint Kentigern has won the cup eight times.

Representing Saint Kentigern, Nick Vyle, Ollie Strang, Victoria Tse, Sam Ingleton and Daniel Mar joined other secondary schools from across the Auckland region to participate in the seven rounds of rigorous questions to find the supreme champions. While the team faced some tough

competition from ACG Parnell and Lynfield College, our students’ exceptional application of their decision making skills led them to victory – like many Saint Kentigern teams before them!

With the additional challenge of the competition taking place in the middle of the Senior College Practice Examination week, these students, along with their teacher, Mrs Karen Naude, can be congratulated for stepping up to the challenge and using the competition as a revision tool for their upcoming examinations. Well done team!

Scholars’ Group Dinner

The 2017 Scholars were a group of the College’s most outstanding Year 13 NCEA and IB academic students. Students were invited to join the group based on their academic success in Year 12. The premise of the Scholars’ Group is to promote academic excellence in all areas and to provide collegiality among like-minded students to support and ‘sharpen’ one another. Scholars are required to be enrolled in at least three Scholarship subjects for NCEA and two scholarship subjects for IB.

This year’s multi-talented group made contributions to many areas of College life. The group consisted of prefect leaders, top sportspeople, musicians, a dancer, debaters and artists. In 2017, for the first time in the history of the Scholars’ Group, girls outnumbered boys. With a balance of NCEA and IB students, the Scholars’ group was always a bubbly, unique environment of driven Year 13s with similar academic goals and driven to support one another. A further focus of the group’s meetings was the transition into university, and they were fortunate to be visited by many former Scholars who provided invaluable insight. These included

how to identify a passion worth studying, and tips for navigating through university. Together, the scholars explored strategies for resilience and the importance of having grit, as well as how to combat stress by identifying character strengths.

The year was topped off with the annual Scholars’ Dinner where CEO of Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, was the evening’s special guest. His words left each head in the room spinning with dreams, aspirations and new-found drive. It was an honour for the students to spend an evening in the presence of an individual who is obviously so talented, but also possesses so much humility.

The range of courses that the Scholars will embark on next year reflects this academic breadth. These include Law, Architecture, Dance, Stage Management, Engineering, Medicine and Commerce. There is no doubt that the Saint Kentigern Scholars of 2017 will play a part in shaping our future with their passion, talent, intellect and service to others. We look forward to watching them excel and make an impact in their chosen fields.

Three ICAS Medals Awarded!

At a special ceremony held at the University of Auckland Business Centre, three Saint Kentigern College students (and a further Boys’ School student) were awarded an ICAS Medal for achieving the top score in the country for their year group in the New Zealand and Pacific International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).

From the College, Alissa Huang received a medal for Year 8 Writing, Thomas Cranefield for Year 9 Science and Andrew Chen for Year 12 Science. Patrick Healy from the Boys’ School was also a medal recipient having scored the top mark in Year 7 for Digital Technologies.

ICAS, commonly referred to as the University of New South Wales competitions, is conducted annually in Australia and over 20 countries globally. These are independent skills-based assessments and school tests for primary and secondary school students in Computer Skills, English, Maths, Science, Spelling and Writing. Earlier in the year, a large number of our students from each of our schools were entered in ICAS in a range of subjects.

This year there were over 980,000 entries in the ICAS exams, but only 100 students from New Zealand and the Pacific Region were awarded medals for their outstanding achievement. Congratulations to all of these high achievers!

Richard Wilson McDonald Memorial Literature Contest

Saint Kentigern is filled with talented playwrights, poets and short story writers – we see it every day in our students. The Richard Wilson McDonald Memorial Writing Competition is held annually to harness that creativity and select the best entry in each genre from those who have a passion to write. The annual competition commemorates a former student who was tragically killed in 1979 at the end of his 5th Form year at the College. The prizes for this competition were endowed by Richard’s parents in memory of their son. Richard was a writer and since its inception, the competition has inspired students to strive for their very best in poetry, prose and the art of storytelling.

Richard is remembered as a happy-go-lucky young man with exuberance and a joy for life whose legacy lives on through this contest. Like so many before and since, he had particularly enjoyed Field Centre during his 4th Form year and at the conclusion of that year, he wrote a poem for the 1978 School Magazine.

This year has seen a wide range of writing voices and subject matter. Those who have placed in this competition have written in a way that lifted off the page and commanded attention from the reader. Across the board, students have produced some imaginative narratives that showcased strength in their writer’s craft.

2017 LITERATURE CONTEST WINNERS

The annual literature competition is open to all students in three age categories to submit an original poem or short piece of prose. Congratulations to this year’s winning students:

Year 7 Poetry

1st Jacob Johnston The Night Sky

Year 7 Prose

1st Kate Thibaud (Untitled)

Year 9 Poetry

1st Nathaniel South Snowfall

2nd Oscar Salmond Winter in Taumarunui

3rd Luka Borland-Lye NZ Beach Time

Year 9 Prose

1st Danielle Mayer I am a Stranger

2nd Samantha Street Autumn Forest

3rd Alicia Lynn Number 22

Year 10 Poetry

1st Ella Shirtcliffe Opium 1977

2nd Heeju Rho Fear

3rd Kristen Hansen The Definition of Our Love

Year 10 Prose

1st Tayla Smith Who wouldn’t want to be that girl?

2nd Nicola Stewart Reunion

3rd Holly Simmons Having Children

Year 11 Prose

1st Caleb Atkinson The Sound of Silence

2nd George Kozlov The New Student

3rd Jack Horsnell Do You Remember the Vietnam Jungle?

Year 12 and 13 Poetry

1st David Thibaud Beneath the Delta

Year 12 & 13 Prose

1st David Thibaud The Fall

2nd Anna Todd The Social Worker Middle College Winners Senior College Winners

Year 8 Take on EPRO8

When the exams were over for the year, it didn’t mean that learning stopped! Over two days, the Goodfellow Centre became a fastpaced hub of engineering teamwork as groups of Year 8 students pooled their problem-solving skills to compete in the EPro8 Challenge.

EPRO8 pits teams of students against one another to complete a variety of tasks in a set amount of time. Each team was located at a workstation that contained an impressive assortment of equipment, including gears, wheels, pulleys, weights, tools, aluminium framing, motors and electronics. Working quickly and collaboratively, the teams were required to plan/design and build a range of solutions to novel problems, all within certain specifications and under time pressure. The heat was on!

EPRO8 Competition

In August, eight of our Year 9 College students, divided into two teams of four and put on their problem-solving hats to compete in an engineering competition against teams from a variety of schools.

Our two teams were placed 2nd equal and with only the top two teams moving to the Auckland finals, a high-pressure activity was used to break the tie. In the end, the girls’ team just pipped the boys’ team for a shot at the finals. Although they didn’t place at the finals it was a great learning experience.

Girls’ team: Charlotte Cornwall, Sarina Wang, Danielle Mayer, Hannah Riley.

Boys’ team: Hamish Campbell; Lachlan Douglas; Jeremy Kleine; Nathan Smith.

From creating a robotic guard dog that can wag its tail, bark and sit on command from at least two metres away, to a working prototype for a theme park ride, a solar powered satellite with two dimensional tracking and a bridge to hold a four wheeled test vehicle that activates a traffic light, their work was cut out! Practical problems were solved, machines invented to complete tasks, electronic circuits were constructed and mathematical workings employed.

In addition, there was a need for some strategic thinking. The harder the challenge, the greater the possible score – but there was not enough time for the teams to complete all the challenges – the strategy required working out which best to choose for maximum points in the allocated time! Throughout the challenge, a live leader board kept track of the score, increasing the sense of urgency and competition.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our Middle College students to work collaboratively on tasks that were mentally challenging, requiring them to draw on scientific, technological and mathematical principles, while learning to listen and value each other’s opinions.

Sharing Stories with our Preschoolers

Agroup of College Year 8 English extension students travelled across to the Preschool on two consecutive mornings, to share stories they had written. Earlier in the year, the students had studied the crafting and design of children’s picture books as part of their literature unit. They focussed on aspects of characterisation, typical narrative arc, text features and sentence construction, as well as physical layout and design elements.

At the conclusion of the unit, each student authored and illustrated their own picture book and produced it digitally using graphic design software. These have been professionally printed and to validate their work, the students read their publications to a very discerning audience of 3 and 4 year olds at our Preschool!

Given the option to write about anything they wanted, as long it was child friendly, helped unlock our students’ creativity. The personalised stories were vast in genre, including ‘What’s in Granny’s Basement’ by Jack McKenzie, ‘A Slippery Trip up Mount Fuji’ by Will Richardson and a few about monsters under the bed. These were thoroughly enjoyed by the preschoolers, with many requests for the students to read them repeatedly.

Each student’s work was assessed in two ways for separate marks. Firstly, on the crafting, development and language use in their story, and secondly on the effectiveness in design and layout of their print publication. The Year 8 students enjoyed being able to share their stories with an authentic audience, and we know the preschoolers loved the opportunity to sit and listen to a morning filled with stories!

Sign Language Club

Anew

club this year has seen a group of students meet regularly to learn sign language. Last term they brought their learning to the Goodfellow Centre ‘flash mob-style’ to sign the words to Pharell Williams’ popular song ‘Happy!’ Cutting their way through the Centre’s lunchtime gathering of students, the attention was soon drawn to them as the curious gathered to watch.

The students said that sign language has enabled them to broaden their perspective on the world, opening their eyes to the difficulties many people have to face. They came together with the goal to be able understand how hearing impaired individuals communicate. Through the club they have developed skills that will allow them to interact and form connections with a wider range of people. They have come to understand the sacrifices and hardships that hearing impaired individuals face each day.

Within the deaf community, people are gifted ‘sign names’ which are actions that represent themselves, that are shorter than spelling out their name in full. Several students have put in the extra effort to meet with members of the deaf community where they were gifted their own names. By interacting with the wider community, these students have been able to gauge what it is like to live with a hearing impairment.

Brunch Raises $4000 for Refuge

With thanks to student reporter, Year 12 Chelsea Simmons

At the end of Term 3, a group of senior girls organised a Mother-Daughter Fundraising brunch, with all the proceeds going towards Women’s Refuge. The idea for the brunch was sparked after a senior girls’ talk at assembly. These talks are based around inspiring the girls, while motivating them to set goals and strive to achieve success. Occasionally the talks focus on the ways that students can help out in our community. After seeing a video about less fortunate women in Auckland dealing without monthly sanitary products, a group of girls discussed ways in which they could help provide access to these necessary items for those who go without.

Chelsea reports: ‘The idea of holding a Mother and Daughter Brunch was born. We really liked the idea because it allowed us to celebrate the bond between a mother and daughter, while also giving us an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Women’s Refuge, which helps so many women in our community. The team of Chelsea Simmons, Bella Conynham, Bella Thornton, Julia Hart, Emma Hitchcock, Laura Porter and Olivia Eskrigge got to work, firstly approaching many, varied companies for sponsorship. In particular we are grateful to Oi company, who came on board to allow us to donate a wide variety of sanitary items, as well as the proceeds from the brunch, to the Women’s Refuge.

The morning of the brunch saw an early start for the team of girls and mums, preparing food and finalising decorations before the doors to the Goodfellow Centre opened at 10am. Well over 80 guests arrived and at this hour the coffee machine was running hot - a special thanks to Year

12 barista, Lewis Elliot, who fuelled up the conversations with his wonderful coffees!

Our thanks to Mrs Karen Olsen who took on the role of MC, welcoming the guests and introducing Head Girl, Izzy Denholm, who gave thanks to all mothers before saying grace.

Brunch was served by a group of willing young men from Bruce House and we thank them for coming on board for the cause.

The first guest speaker is a New Zealand icon - fashion designer, Karen Walker. Karen has forged her way internationally with her unique, counter-cultural range of fashion. Her mantra to ‘challenge the market before the market challenges you’ has played a huge part in her success. At a time when the girls are making decisions about future pathways, Karen told them that no amount of talent will help, unless you have drive and are brave enough to take a risk. We thank Karen for her wonderful donation to our cause, and for the gift for our guests.

Our second guest speaker, Mrs Heather Walton gave a very personal and meaningful account about her pathway to finding happiness and success. Her strong messages gave everyone something to think about, as she made the point that life isn’t always easy. She told the girls to ‘live their lives with intention not chance,’ encouraging them to goal-set daily.

The girls did a fantastic job and certainly learned a huge amount about the logistics of organising such an event. Our grateful thanks to our sponsors and to the mothers who came along in support. We raised close to $4000 for Woman’s’ Refugee – this totally exceeded our expectations!

Field Centre

Spellbinding

views of dazzling emerald lakes, snowcapped peaks and volcanic craters resembling lunar landscapes - New Zealand’s remarkable geographical features are exemplified in the central North Island. Along with the sensation of being so far from civilisation, it’s a landscape that opens up yet another amazing ‘world of opportunity’ for our Year 10 students, as they undertake the ‘rite of passage’ that is Field Centre.

Year 10 and Field Centre go hand in hand. As the epic adventure approaches each year, our students quietly voice trepidation about what lies ahead; questioning whether they have the stamina to face the physical challenges of tramping, rafting and camping in difficult terrain; challenges that include the Tongariro Crossing and a three day tramp. They wonder how they will cope without the comforts of home, especially the lack of toilets and technology – in no particular order!

In their final Chapel before departure, Reverend Smith told the students, ‘If you pack the right attitude, your load will certainly be lighter.’

For the majority of the students, when they return from the mountain, all traces of trepidation are gone, replaced by feelings of pride, new-found physical and emotional strength, exhilaration and sheer triumph! Field Centre has been a cornerstone of College

Field Centre challenged me mentally and physically pushing me beyond my comfort zone. I have learnt that I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. The most important lesson I took away from Field Centre was to respect the environment and help in any way possible to preserve New Zealand’s natural beauty for the future generations of our country.

Jack Frewin, Year 10

life for close to 50 years and never fails to be recalled as one of the highlights of a Saint Kentigern education.

The logistics involved in getting the whole of Year 10 ‘down the mountain’ is huge; a task that was magnified this year by the biggest cohort ever undertaking the journey. With staff included, over 400 set off in four waves over four days.

There is one thing that is impossible to plan for months out. Even days out it can be a bit of a ‘best guess,’ for we know weather reporting in New Zealand, like the weather itself, can be fickle. Our students are advised to be prepared for every eventuality and over the years, some groups have faced some pretty grim, demoralising weather. Not so this year! For the first time in a long time, this Field Centre will be remembered for endless sunshine, resulting in every aspect of the planned programme being perfectly executed! Every single group was able to cross the snow-line to ascend the summit of Mt Ruapehu – and then experience the adrenalin-pumping sensation of sliding back down snow on polythene bags!

As each activity was ticked off, the students gained a growing sense of self and achievement. Field Centre is a unique opportunity to gain independence and explore personal strengths in an exciting, spectacular and challenging outdoor environment.

People had told me that Year 10 Field Centre was the highlight of their years at Saint Kentigern College so I was intrigued from the outset. I went to Tongariro National Park having no expectations but … my Field Centre experience was incredible. It was physically and mentally challenging which I believe pushed each and every one of us to the edge of our comfort zones. I kept reminding myself every day that we were all in this together. What a great learning experience it was!

I think during the course of just one week, my character developed so much into the person I had always wanted to be. Through helping others up steep slopes, volunteering for lodge duties and always keeping a brave face, Field Centre helped me to demonstrate compassion, thoughtfulness, encouragement and resilience. These are life skills we will keep with us forever.

Christie Martel, Year 10

Jessica

Conover, Year 10

Whether we were sliding down Mt Ruapehu or climbing through the bushes of Tongariro, we were always enjoying ourselves. We laughed till we cried, we shared good times and bad, and lifelong friendships were made.

Lulu Denholm, Year 10

During Field Centre, I believe that the summit was the most fulfilling day as it was a very big accomplishment for me as it was very difficult. I found the sliding scary at first, but it wasn’t as bad as it looked and I ended up enjoying it. I Field Centre was hard work but overall it was a great learning experience.

Connor Stevens, Year 10

Field Centre was extremely challenging but an incredible, amazing experience. That feeling of standing on the top of the mountain, looking down at how far you’ve climbed and what you’ve accomplished, breathing in the crisp air - I realised anything is possible. You can do anything as long as you put your heart and soul into it. Mother Nature is so incredibly beautiful and I’m so grateful to have had this experience.

Crystal Chen, Year 10

Field Centre was an absolutely phenomenal and memorable experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I was part of one of the happiest and loudest lodge groups and have learnt so much about myself. Many thanks to all those who helped make Field Centre possible and such an incredible learning curve.

Amélie Murphy, Year 10

Field Centre 2017 was not only an experience of physical challenges but the chance to improve team bonding skills, leadership and my inner mental strength. It really showed who had the biggest desire to succeed and to push through, no matter their fitness levels. With unbelieving and breath-taking views, Field Centre is something I will never forget.

Hamish Jones, Year 10

My experience at Field Centre was very challenging but rewarding and certainly fun. For example, in mountain biking and white water rafting everyone was slightly nervous and we ended up having so much fun we forgot what we were worried about in the first place. White water rafting took a lot of teamwork and cooperation to make sure we could get through the rapids safely. Overall Field Centre was a great opportunity to bond with the girls, come out of our comfort zones and make so many memories.

Hannah Monaghan, Year 10

Home Centre

At the end of the academic year, when exams were over and the Year 10 students had left for Field Centre, the rest of our Middle College students embarked on their own adventures, enjoying a series of rewarding activities both on and off campus, that included physical and mental challenges, and plenty of collaborative team work, along with an element of service to others.

The Year 7 Decathlon, challenged the younger students in fun-filled afternoons of sport whilst also being mentally taxed in academic activities which included quizzes and project work. Each activity earned points towards prizes at the end.

The Year 8 Challenge Week saw groups of students mountain biking in Woodhill Forest, completing a fact-finding treasure hunt at the Auckland Museum and participating in an all-day event, Top Town, working in teams through a variety of physical challenges. They also discovered that some strategic thinking is required to survive Laser Strike!

One of the enduring activities of Challenge Week is Cardboard City. The students were set on a path to build a cardboard city by thinking ‘outside the box,’ to make original ‘structures’ - not houses - based on a word their class had been given. These words included, arched, intersected, segmented, tall, blocks, connected, curved and stepped. From there, the Year 8 students were given a 1.4m x 2.4m flat piece of corrugated card between two, packing tape and a large roll of white cotton string – it was then up to the students how they expressed their word/concept as a structure.

The Year 9 students participated in Home Centre, a practical and activity based programme that is aimed to build on the learning that

has occurred throughout the year. It provided mental and physical challenges, created situations for team building and introduced an element of competition between students and tutor groups.

The students explored the physics of catapults, made their way through the conservation trail at the Zoo and designed site-specific art work inspired by the streets. They were challenged through activities such as the film festival, Kelly Sports Olympics and an amazing race, orienteering their way through the College campus. The students also gave service to local, low decile primary schools, by helping in the classroom and getting involved in a garden to table programme.

This year, the programme was revised and saw the introduction of new meaningful activities with a first aid course administered by St John and an ‘enviro’ clean-up of our local estuary. Harnessing care and respect for our community, our students swept through the surrounding estuary clearing a total of 200 bags, filled with everything from rubbish to harmful weeds!

During the first aid course, a St John Community Educator taught our Year 9 students important lifesaving skills and how to act confidently in an emergency. They learnt how to help someone who is unconscious but still breathing and how to accurately give CPR to someone who is not. After each lesson and demonstration, the students then buddied up to practise what they had learnt.

Whether engaged in the Decathlon, Challenge Week or Home Centre, each provided learning opportunities that were embraced by our students.

Sporting Year in Review 2017

2017 has been an outstanding year for Saint Kentigern College sport. In most codes and in most age groups, Saint Kentigern has been at the forefront of all Auckland competitions and where the opportunity has been presented, teams and individuals have also performed well at National and International level.

The summer season highlights included the girls’ Touch team winning the newly formed premier competition for Touch and then qualifying for the Nationals which they went on to win. The boys’ 1st XI Cricket team had an unbeaten record going into the final of the Hal Marryatt Cup at Eden Park. Unfortunately the result didn’t go our way and the opportunity to attend the National Gillett Cup competition in December was lost. Saint Kentigern College was once again the only college in New Zealand with enough depth to enter three teams into the National Tennis competition. We were represented by a boys’ team, a girls’ team and a mixed team. All three teams placed 3rd which was an exceptional result. Showing good depth in the programme, the senior boys’ team, the junior boys’ team and the junior girls’ team all won their Auckland competitions.

Other teams to record a Top 3 placing at National level were the Springbok IV Rowing crew winning bronze at the Nationals at Karipiro. It is 11 years since we have had a podium finish at this event so this was a significant result. The Junior Girls’ Cycling team and the boys’ Golf team both placed 3rd nationally. The 1st XV Rugby team won the Auckland 1A competition and then the Blues playoff match earning them the right to represent the Blues region at the Top 4 rugby nationals in Palmerston North.

After losing the first game to the eventual winners, Hasting Boys High School, Saint Kentigern placed 3rd when they beat Southland Boys.

Going one better and recording Top 2 placings at national level, we had the boys’ Badminton team, and the girls’ Netball team. The girls’ Netball team dominated the netball scene here in Auckland and were favourites to retain their National title after winning the Upper North Island. They met Howick College in the final. Although up after the first three quarters, Howick came over the top in the final quarter to take the National title for their first time. Not the result our girls were looking for but an amazing season none the less.

The boys’ Badminton team battled all year in the Auckland competition and attended the Nationals ranked 4th. Their never-saydie attitude saw some mammoth games going late into the evening as they dispatched Auckland Grammar who were ranked 2nd. Eventually they drew with Hamilton Boys but won enough games to secure 2nd place overall.

National champions in 2017 include the Year 7/8 girls’ Cycling team, the boys’ Duathlon team, the girls’ Duathlon team, the mixed Triathlon team , the girls’ Touch team and the all-conquering girls’ 1st XI Football team. The girls’ Football team were particularly impressive

in not losing a game all season. This included the round robin series, the Auckland Knock Out competition and winning the National title for the first time.

Other Auckland champion teams included the Table Tennis team who were dominant in securing the Auckland title. Nathan Xu our Year 9 number 1 player completed the entire season unbeaten. Since the season finished, he has now earned the opportunity to qualify for the next Olympic Games. The boys’ Tennis team also secured their 5th title in a row. The boys’ 1st VIII Rowing team won the Head of Harbour for the first time in 13 years and the boy’s Golf team won their Auckland competition for the 5th time in 6 years. The Senior Boys’ Cycling team also won their Auckland Team Time Trial series.

When the opportunity presented itself to take out North Island titles, the Rowing Springbok IV, the Boys’ Water Polo team, the Senior Boys’ Cycling team, and the Senior Girls’ Cycling Team all recorded top 3 finishes.

In all, Saint Kentigern College won 15 Auckland age group titles including some at Premier 2 level. We were in the top 3 in far more Auckland age grade competitions than we were not.

In 2017, Saint Kentigern once again sent a strong contingent of Year 7 and Year 8 sports people to the AIMS Games in Tauranga. Attending one of the biggest sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere, with came away with medals in hip hop, swimming, golf, gymnastics, badminton and tennis. Whilst they didn’t medal, special mention should be made of the combined College/Girls’ School netball team who placed 5th out of a whopping field of 122 teams!

In 2017, we recognise 42 students who have represented their country, competing in an International event in their chosen sport. We recognise 23 students who receive Sports Colours for being ranked in the top 3 individually in their sport for U18 or making an U18 or older age group national team. We nominated 42 students for the College Sport YSPOTY awards. Nine of those students won their categories with Daniel Whitburn named as overall Sportsman of the Year. Daniel

is our third world champion in the past three years having won the World U19 Age Group Standard Distance Triathlon in Holland.

Victoria Kolose has signed a professional contract as a training partner with the Mystics for 2018. A number of students will take up a sporting scholarship in the USA. We also have boys who have signed with provincial rugby sides; Mitch Gibson with Canterbury and the Crusaders, Kershawl Sykes-Martin with Tasman and the Crusaders, Etonia Waqa with Bay of Plenty and Etene Nanai with the All Black 7’s. Kayleb Milne has signed with the Melbourne Storm and Dakohta Taimani with the Warriors.

Five of our boy’s Football players attended the U17 World Cup in India. Jordan Spain, Charles Spragg, Kieran Richards, Jacob Clark and Max Mata all took part in warm up games or the actual tournament. Charles Spragg scored goals against England and Mali and has the impressive statistic of scoring 8 goals from 8 internationals played. Before he has even finished his Year 12 here at the College, Max Mata has been invited to train with the Phoenix 1st team as cover for injured players. Hannah Blake and Amy Waters both played football for the women’s U20 and U17 teams respectively, and Brooke Wylie made the New Zealand Secondary Schools side.

Josh Oxenham has once again competed as a mountain biker on the International stage and is looking forward to a successful season next year.

In 2017, former student, Blair Tuke played a major role in Emirates Team New Zealand, securing the America’s Cup. Current student, Crystal Sun carries on this legacy earning a place in the NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team. She will compete in the 2017 Youth Sailing World Championship.

Sport continues to offer pathways for boys and girls and not just with playing. Sport also remains a vehicle to learn so many life lessons. 2017 has been a fantastic sporting year.

Martin Piaggi, Director of Sport

College Sports Awards 2017

At the end of each year, the Sports Department hosts an Awards Dinner for over 500 people to honour our sporting elite - there was much to celebrate! In a sporting year which featured Auckland, national and world titles, 34 students received Sports Colours for being ranked in the top three individually in their sport, or making an U18 or older age group national team. A further 43 students were chosen to represent New Zealand in an international event, including our third world champion, Daniel Whitburn who won gold at the International Triathlon Union World Championship in Holland!

Our sports programme is deservedly one of the most diverse and successful in New Zealand and our players, coaches and managers can be proud of the efforts they have made to maintain that competitive edge, while inspiring our students to strive for their

Dux Ludorum Tori Kolose

personal best in all they do. Head of Sport, Mr Martin Piaggi said that, ‘…any success is down to all the parts. We are so lucky to have the facilities that we have, but even luckier to have people who care. We have the resources that can be used to lift the level of performance but we do this by having the very best coaches, the very best facilities and the very best intentions. What we do is for the athlete. What we do is for the love of the game.’

We welcomed back former Head of College, Mr Steve Cole to present prizes, including one named in his honour. Mr Cole had a profound effect on the development of sport during his time at the College and the Steve Cole Sports Trophy honours the foundation blocks of our sports programme: ‘Respect for everyone, integrity for what we do, always deliver your best in the pursuit of excellence.’

The Boys Runner-Up To The Dux Ludorum Bruce Palmer Award

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: Tori Kolose, Luke Paanakker, Ryan Church, Summer-Jean Motufoa, Tayla Earle, James Uhlenberg, Daniel Whitburn, Mahina Paul, Benjamin Fleming, Jimmy Webb, Mitchell Gibson, Conor Ansell

James Uhlenberg

Tori is the College Senior Girls Athletics champion after winning the 100m 200m 400m and the long jump. At the Greater Auckland Athletics, she won the 200m and was 2nd in the 100m. She is the captain of the Premier Girls Touch team who are the Auckland and National champions. She is co-captain of the Premier Netball team who are the Auckland champions, the Upper North Island champions and were runners up at the Nationals. She was named in both tournament teams for Upper North Islands and Nationals. She was in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball team and has signed a contract to be a playing partner with the Northern Mystics netball team for 2018. She is also a member of the Counties Manukau Open Women’s Touch team and the Counties Manukau U17 Girls Touch team.

James is the College Senior Boys Athletics Champion after winning the 800m 1500m and 3000m, and coming 2nd in the 400m. He also won the javelin. He is the Auckland 1500m and 3000m champion. He is the National 3000m champion breaking the College 3000m record. He won the College Cross Country for senior boys. He placed 3rd in Auckland for Senior Boys Cross Country. He is part of the Auckland and the National champion Duathlon Tag team for U 19 boys.

Girls Runner-Up To The Dux Ludorum

Mahina Paul

Mahina is a member of the Premier Netball team who are the Auckland champions, the Upper North Island Champions and runners up at the National championships. She is a member of the Premier Girls Touch team who are the Auckland and National champions. Outside of College, she was a member of the New Zealand Open Women’s Touch Blacks who competed in the TransTasman Tournament and is also a member of the New Zealand U18 Touch team. She has played 7’s rugby for Poverty Bay and is a squad member for the New Zealand U17/18 Girls 7’s team.

Principal’s Sports Awards

Jerome Kaino Cup

Dane Schnell

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

Dane has been an integral part of the Premier Football team for three years. He gives 110% at every practice and in every game. His blood is blue and white! He is the player, week in week out, the team could just not do without.

Grant Dalton Leadership Cup

Tate McGregor

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.

Tate led a very successful Premier Girls Football team that went through the season unbeaten winning the Auckland championship, the Auckland Knock Out and the National tournament for the first time in College history. Through good captaincy, the team continued to strive for results with their captain leading from the front.

The Steve Cole Sports Trophy Mitch Gibson

This Award is presented to Sportsman or Sportswoman who epitomises the values identified by Mr Cole as the foundation blocks of our sports programme. ‘Respect for everyone, integrity for what we do, always deliver your best in the pursuit of excellence.’

Mitch has been at the College since Year 7. He hasn’t always been the biggest, the fastest or the leader but he has always shown respect, acted with integrity and delivered his best in the pursuit of excellence. Through demonstrating these qualities, he now leaves the College being bigger, being faster and being a leader!

Team of the Year

The 1st Xl Girls Football Team

This team went through the season unbeaten. They won the Auckland Championship, the Auckland Knock Out Championship and the National championship. They were exceptionally well coached, well managed and well led, and they never gave up in their pursuit of their first ever National title.

Team: Tate McGregor, Hannah Blake, Amy Waters, Henrietta Masson, Amber Whitley, Lizzie Ellis , Ekaterina Lieshout, Jemma Tasman Jones, Gorgi Van Lienen, Brooke Wylie, Charlotte Rowden, Katelyn Gray, Brooke Wielenga, Grace Maddren, Erin Shields, Helena Danesh-Clough.

Manager: Alice Hamilton. Coach: Allan Hindson.

John Irvine Outstanding Performance of the Year

Daniel Whitburn

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

As a 17 year old, Daniel travelled to Holland to compete in the U19 age group World Triathlon Championships over the Standard Distance. Through a strong performance and sheer determination, Daniel pushed himself to become a world champion.

Year Group Sports Awards Winners

The Sissons Award

Year 7 & 8 Sportsman of the Year

Bailey Liu

Bailey is the Year 8 Boys Athletic Champion having won the 100m, 200m, 300m, the long jump and the shot put, with 2nd in the discus. At the Greater Auckland Athletics he was in the 100m final.

He was 3rd overall in the Year 8 College Swimming Sports. He played in the Year 7/8 1st teams for touch, rugby and basketball. He also played in the AIMS games basketball team. At the NZCAA National Inter-Provincial competition he was national champion for the 100m and the 200m and overall best performed athlete in the 12yr old age group.

Nominees: Harrison Boersen Year 8, Bailey Liu Year 8, Nick Parkman Year 8, Sunny Sun Year 7, Maddix Brady Year 7, Daniel Zhu Year 7

The Leyton Monk Award

Year 9 Sportsman of the Year

Harry Lowe

Harry was 3rd overall in the College Junior Athletics, named player of the season for the 14A Football team and also played for the 13A Knock Out Cup team. He was a member of the College Colts cricket team. Out of College he plays cricket for Auckland University Club and also plays football for Eastern Suburbs 14th grade.

Nominees: Ben Connell, Harry Lowe, Adrian McCord, Tommy Stevenson, De’ontae Perese, Jacob Spring, Nathan Xu

Year 10 Sportsman of the Year

Will Bason

Will is the Junior Boys Swimming champion winning the 33m free, 33m backstroke, 33 breaststroke, 33m butterfly 100m free 200m free and the medley, At the EZ swimming he placed 1st in the 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke and 2nd in the 50m breaststroke. At the Auckland swimming championships he was 1st in the 50m free, 2nd in the 50m butterfly and 3rd in the 50m breaststroke. He was part of the Intermediate Aquathon Tag team that won the Auckland title.

He was the captain of the U15 Rugby team. He plays in the Premier Boys Water Polo team that placed 2nd in Auckland, 2nd in the North Islands and 4th at the Nationals. Outside of College he plays both rep rugby and water polo.

Nominees: Alex McNaught, Will Bason, Taine Kolose, Logan Cowie, Aiden Iqbal

Year 7 & 8 Sportswoman of the Year

Isabella Campion

Isabella is the Year 8 girls swimming champion winning the 33m freestyle, 33 backstroke, 33m breaststroke, 33m butterfly and the 100m freestyle. At AIMS she was 3rd in the 100m freestyle and 3rd overall in the 12yr old age group for girls. She was 3rd overall in the Year 8 College Athletics. She was part of the U13 girls Tag Duathlon team who are the national champions, she was 2nd overall in the year 8 college cross country, and she plays netball and touch for the Year 7/8 teams.

Nominees: Ruby Spring Year 7, Kaia Ashmore Year 7, Charlotte Richardson Year 7, Neve Webster Year 8, Isabella Campion Year 8, Sophie de Vries Year 8, Finn Bilsborough Year 8, Charlotte Manley Year 8, Maia Perry Year 8

Year 9 Sportswoman of the Year

Sophie Spencer

Sophie was 3rd overall in the College Junior Swimming placing 1st in the 33m breast stroke, 2nd in the Medley and 3rd in the 33m butterfly and the 200m freestyle. In the College junior athletics she won the 1500m and the 3000m and placed 2nd in the 800m. She is the College Junior Cross Country champion, and the NZ triathlon, duathlon and aquathon champion for U13 girls. She is a member of the Junior A girls cycling team which placed 3rd at Nationals. Outside of College she placed 2nd , 3rd, 2nd and 1st in the Panasonic Triathlon series and was named Counties Manukau Open Water swimmer of the year.

Nominees: Sophie Spencer, J’ adore Harris-Tavita, Natalia RankinChitar, Bridget Han, Olivia Ropati

Year 10 Sportswoman of the Year

Cecile Velghe

Cecile was 3rd overall in the College Intermediate Athletics. At Auckland Athletics she was part of the winning 4 x 100m relay team that broke the record. As a Year 10, she plays for the Premier Girls Touch team who are Auckland champions and have qualified to compete at the Nationals, and she also plays for the Premier Girls Netball team which won the Auckland and Upper North Island Championship and placed 2nd at the Nationals. She also captained the Year 10 Netball team which placed 2nd in the Auckland competition.

Nominees: Sacha McLeod, Jasleen Singh, Cecile Velghe, Emma Hannan

Daniel Whitburn Named Young Sportsman of the Year

The annual College Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards were held at Eden Park to honour the best student athletes in Auckland across 32 sanctioned college sports. The top three students in each sport from the Auckland region had earlier been selected as finalists to attend the dinner which culminated in naming an overall male and female sports person of the year. This year, the College was pleased to have 21 of our students selected as finalists.

Overall Sportsman of the Year - Daniel Whitburn

Category Winners

Tori Kolose Girls All Rounder for athletics; touch and netball

Josh Oxenham International Award for Mountain Biking

Etene Nanai Rugby

Hannah Blake Girls Football

Max Mata Boys Football

Mahina Paul Girls Touch

Nathan Xu Boys Table Tennis

Liam Stoica Boys Tennis

Daniel Whitburn Boys Multi Sport

Finalists for Top 3 in their sport in Greater Auckland

All Rounder - Tori Kolose; International Achievement - Joshua Oxenham; Badminton - Jason Seto; Cricket - Conor Ansell; Distance Running - James Uhlenberg; Football -Max Mata; Football - Hannah Blake; Football - Amy Waters; Golf - Andrew Meng; Multisport - Daniel Whitburn; Multisport - Dylan McCullough; Multisport - Ryan Church; Netball - Tayla Earle; Rugby Union - Rivez Reihana; Rugby UnionEtene Nanai; Table Tennis - Nathan Xu; Tennis - Liam Stoica; TennisCaitlin Ward; Touch - Mahina Paul; Water Polo - Benjamin Fleming.

Year 11 Sportswoman of the Year

Lisa Putt

Lisa is the College Intermediate Athletics champion winning the 100m, 200m and the long jump. At the EZ she won the 100m the triple jump, the long jump and was a member of the 4x 100m relay team which placed 1st. At the Auckland champs she won the triple jump and was a member of the winning 4 x 100m relay team that broke the record. She plays in the Premier Girls Touch team who are Auckland champions and have qualified to play at the Nationals. She is a member of the Premier Netball team who are the Auckland champions, the Upper North Island champions and placed 2nd at the Nationals. Outside of College, she represented New Zealand at the Oceania Games in Fiji where she placed 2nd in the U18 age group for triple jump. She has been in the NZ touch camp for U16 girls and she is a member of the U17 squad for New Zealand Girls 7’s.

Nominees: Jamie Kolose, Maddy Clarke, Lisa Putt, Kayla RobertsonTekii, Annabelle Waterworth

To receive an invite to these awards is an honour as it means the student has been noted during the season as one of the top three players in their chosen sport from every secondary school in the Greater Auckland Area. Over 600 people attended the event and it was a proud moment for the students, their families and the College when the winners were announced. We were delighted when nine Saint Kentigern students were chosen as the winners in their category. A particularly notable achievement was Nathan Xu winning the boys’ table tennis category. As a Year 9 student, he was amongst the youngest there.

Daniel Whitburn had an incredible personal achievement earlier in the year, winning a gold world triathlon medal at an international event. Not only did he win the multisport category but he was also named as the Overall Young Sportsman of the Year! A very worthy achievement! He represents the strength of the multisport programme at the College. Recently retired teacher, and world class triathlete himself, Mr Rick Faulding, has had a huge influence on developing our multisport students over a number of years. Daniel also went on to be named Junior Sportsman of the Year at the Counties- Manukau Awards.

Well done to all these students. It was a very enjoyable evening for all who attended, including Senior College Principal, Mrs Suzanne Winthrop, who said, ‘Not only is Daniel a top sportsman, he is also a humble, hardworking true Son of Saint Kentigern of whom we are very proud.’

The Philip Yolland Memorial Award

Year 11 Sportsman of the Year

Cameron Church

Cameron is the College Intermediate Swimming champion having won the 100m freestyle, 33m breaststroke and 3m free style. He was also the College Intermediate Athletics champion winning the 800m, 400m and long jump He went on to represent the College at both the EZ and Auckland swimming and Athletics. As a Year 11, he is a valuable member of the 1st XV rugby team which won the Auckland 1 A competition, the Blues region and placed 3rd at the national top 4 competition.

Nominees: Cameron Church and George Kolzlov

Two Day Cricket Wins

Playing the long form version of cricket over two days can bring out some special qualities in the game, as our senior cricket players have discovered this term. Our 1st X1 and 2nd X1 both won their respective 2 Day competitions playing attractive and competitive cricket.

The 1st X1 played off against Westlake Boys, with the game going to the last over, which Westlake needed to win outright. Saint Kentigern had won on the 1st innings earlier in the day and only had to draw. It was nail biting stuff!

For both senior teams to win their competitions is a real credit to them and especially for our young men in Year 13 who are moving on, having given wonderful service to Saint Kentigern sport. We wish them all well for the future and hope they continue to love this great game of ours.

We also wish Mr Prins well as he, too, moves on. He did a wonderful job as Master in Charge of Cricket. We wish Mr Prins all the best for his future.

Records Broken at Zone Athletics!

Year 9 Cricket off to Nationals!

Our Year 9 Boys’ Cricket team, captained by Harry Lowe, went through a week of competition, unbeaten, to clinch the Auckland title. During the course of the week, the team beat Mt Albert Grammar, King’s, Westlake Boys’ and Rosmini to earn themselves a place in the final against Auckland Grammar– a match they also won! A well-deserved win after a determined week of play from the team. It was very much a team effort as our young cricketers had to focus for over 2500 balls during the five matches! There were some outstanding performances by individuals, however, the key to their success was the ability to play as a team of 13 players, working together as they faced a new opposition each day.

The win not only earned them the Auckland title but also the opportunity to play in the National tournament next March in Palmerston North. Well done boys!

Team : Harry Lowe, William Gregory, Henry Drillien, Varun Garg, Regan Nash, Carlos Stone, Daniel Presland, Oscar Reed, Harry Bashford, Tom King, Zach Hughes,Ollie Dawson, Charles Wilkes

Medals were won and two records were broken at the South Eastern Zone Athletics. A team of boys from the College and a combined team of girls from the College and Girls’ School stacked up 19 podium places for Saint Kentigern in the Year 7 and Year 8 events! Along with the wins came two record breakers as Bailey Liu from the College broke the South Eastern Zone record for the boys’ long jump with a leap of 5.25m and Jade Nomani from the Girls’ School broke the high jump record with 1.5m. A fantastic effort, well done!

College Results

Bailey Liu, Year 8: 1st Long Jump *Broke SEZ record @ 5.25m, 1st 100m; 1st 200m; 1st Shot Put

Charlotte Manley, Year 8: 1st 100m; 1st 200m; 3rd High Jump

Ruby Spring, Year 7: 1st 200m; 1st 400m

Neve Webster, Year 8: 2nd 400m; 2nd 800m; 2nd 1500m

Isabella Campion, Year 8: 1st 400m

Liam McKenzie, Year 8: 3rd Discus

National Silver Medal for Lisa

Congratulations to Lisa Putt who won Silver in the senior girls triple jump at the National Secondary School Athletics Championships in Hastings during December. This capped off a fantastic year of athletics success for Lisa.

Best in NZ –Premier Girls Touch Team!

It was a determined team of girls who headed to the New Zealand Secondary School Touch Championships, determined to win the coveted national title. The tournament at Bruce Pullman Park brought the top teams from around the country to compete over three days in unseasonably hot and muggy conditions.

The two days of pool play resulted in the girls going unbeaten and scoring 61 tries, including two strong wins over last year’s finalists, Hamilton Girls and Columba College, placing them top of their pool.

Sunday morning saw them matched against a resolute St Hilda’s team. With time out for an injured ref and a field move, the girls found themselves battling from behind for most of the game until Mahina Paul burst through the line and scored with two minutes to go - to give the girls the win they needed for a spot in the final for the fourth time in five years!

Facing an equally determined Hamilton Girls, in front of a huge crowd, both teams started nervously and took a while to settle and then score. It was 1-1 at half time, then 3-3 with three minutes to go in the game! In a nail-biting finish, with strong defence, they held out and finally scored in the final moments securing the national title!

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

The girls really did appreciate the fantastic support, in such hot, tough conditions, throughout the tournament and wish to thank their supporters.

Auckland Junior Waterpolo Champs!

After winning the Challenger Cup tournament in Hamilton over Labour weekend and coming through the Auckland season unbeaten, the Junior A Boys’ Waterpolo team played in the Auckland League final against Western Springs. The team started off strongly in the first quarter with positive attack, going up 3-0. The second quarter was much closer, however, strong defence and relentless offence allowed them to take a 4-1 lead into half time. The third quarter tightened up the game with Western Springs scoring two goals to take the game to 5-3 heading into the last quarter. An early goal to Western Springs in the fourth quarter made the game 5-4 before both teams took time outs. A quick counter attack goal, with a minute left on the clock, was enough to give us a 6-4 lead and close the game with a win, earning the Auckland Junior Waterpolo Championship title.

Year 7 Welcomes Grandparents!

It’s an eagerly awaited highlight of the Middle College calendar, when the Year 7 students invite their grandparents to see their place of learning. Our visitors travelled from far and wide to witness their grandchildren’s education in action. Smartly dressed in their formal uniforms, students were on hand to greet their guests on arrival and guide them to the Year 13 common room, where they enjoyed a morning tea provided by the Parents and Friends, with support from the Year 10 Middle School student leaders.

The grandparents were officially welcomed by the Head of Middle School, Mr Duncan McQueen, who established that from Christchurch in the south, to Kerikeri in the north, distance was no barrier for a visit to Saint Kentigern – nor was age, with a proud 92 year old great grandfather ready to tour the College!

When it was time for the students and their special guests to meet, the wide smiles and tight embraces showed the bond between the generations! 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. Whether they rode to school on a horse, did not discover a ballpoint pen until later in life

or knew caning was the outcome for a misdemeanour all those years ago, it soon became apparent that despite the many changes in the intervening 50 and more years, our grandparents have not been left behind. Just like their teenage grandchildren, many were quick to whip out their cell phones and Ipads to record the action!

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 Middle School assembly. The Middle School Pipes and Drums played as everyone took their seats, and there were also performances from the Middle School Sinfonia and the Maori and Pasifika Cultural Group. A large number of performing arts participants received badges to recognise 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.

Grandparents play a very special part in the lives of our students, offering not only love, support and moral guidance but, in many cases, also offering the financial resource to ensure their grandchildren have the very best education available to them. Thank you to all grandparents who came from near and far for your support to your grandchildren, families and the College.

College Parents and Friends

The Parents and Friends have had a busy and productive year.

Saints Café and Middle College Lunch Bar

There has been much positive change at Saints Café and the Middle College Lunch Bar this year. The hiring of a chef/manager in Term 2 has resulted in a greatly enhanced and expanded menu, with new items such as hot breakfasts and delicious freshly-made food, including gluten free and vegetarian options. We also now use biodegradable packaging. With our new chef, we have also expanded into offering in-house catering and this has proved popular with the College staff.

Exciting news for the Middle College is that the Lunch Bar is being upgraded to a café and will be open from day one of Term 1, 2018. It will have a modern, café look and a greater variety of food available with the new design ensuring significantly faster serving times.

We have restructured for efficiencies and profitability, and these changes, along with new hours for parent help, will enhance their volunteer experience. We would like to thank those wonderful parents who gave their time to help in the Café or Lunch Bar this year.

On-line lunch ordering is being investigated with the College potentially supplying student lunches to all three Saint Kentigern campuses, thereby fully using our café’s food preparation capability. All profits would be given back to the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools to contribute to their fundraising efforts.

Compliance with recent safety and food law changes, and required improvements with hazard management, training, and ensuring food preparation and storage standards have been exceeded.

Ms Margaret Wind, our Café Convenor, has had a busy year and I thank her for her significant efforts. Ms Wind will be stepping down at the end of this year to take over as Chair, and is being replaced by Ms Marlene Jackson.

Thanks also to our Parent Help Roster manager Trish Heikoop who has done a magic job filling and juggling shift spots to ensure we have enough help each day.Parents helping means that our wages cost is less, thereby increasing our profit, which is returned through the P&F funding to our students. This is our primary way of fundraising.

Catering for College Functions and Events

Ms Sarah Storer, our Functions Convenor, this year organised tea, coffee and light refreshments for a significant number of College functions including: 18 evening events, 4 morning or afternoon teas attended by 70-600 people; Open Day for 600+; New Entrants Day for 500-600; 3 Sunday mornings after Chapel for 200+; Grandparents Day; plus the set-up for the Sports Awards Dinner and

the Year 10 Graduation lunch. Thank you to those wonderful parents who help Ms Storer deliver this fundamental service to our College.

College Social Events

Major social events organised this year by Ms Julia Clancy, our Social Convenor, were the Year 7 Parents Welcome to the College with 200 parent attendees; the Year 9 Parents Welcome to the College with 400 attendees; the Year 11 Parents Welcome to Senior College with 200 attendees. Our assistance to the Graduation Dinner for the Year 13’s remains a significant activity and this year we are expecting some 1000 attendees. Thank you to all those parents who helped with these major College events.

Ms Clancy leaves us after four years’ significant contribution as our Social Convenor for which I thank her. She is replaced by Robyn Kenna.

Parent Talks and P&F e-newsletter

Information and Social Evening talks this year were: Parenting in the Digital Age, Exciting Updates at the College, How to help your child succeed at school and beyond, and Supporting teen mental health. Talk topics were selected after surveying parents to find out what subjects interest them. Between 200-250 parents attended each talk, mingled over a glass of wine, and were able to chat to either Mrs Suzanne Winthrop or Mr Duncan McQueen.

A newly-created, short e-newsletter is now sent to all College parents to keep them up-to-date with P&F activities such as parent talks, fundraising and what’s coming up.

A new approach to Entertainment Book sales saw a threefold increase in sales and raised $4,460 for our fundraising account to support College group requests for financial support. These activities were organised by our Convenor Ms Mary Eyre.

Asian Parents Group

The Asian Parents Group which is organised by Convenor Ms Jessie Liu continues to be popular with Chinese parents who have limited English language skills. Some 169 Chinese parents have joined Wechat, an informal chat App. The six meetings held this year attracted between 25 to 65 parents to each meeting and were on topics of great interest to our Asian parents where Ms Liu translates, something she also does for parents at Parent Teacher Interviews and ESOL meetings.

Funding

We have paid $104,000.00 in support of students including our contribution to refurbishment of the Middle College lunch bar and fulfilling every request for financial assistance that meets our criteria. These have included contributions to travel for sporting and cultural groups, and equipment for various groups. Our Treasurer, Ms Sandra Oliver, stood down earlier this year after four years of dedicated service for which I thank her, and is replaced by Mr Mark Jenner.

David Courtney, Chairperson

Opening of the Archives Centre

Towards the end of Term 4, the Saint Kentigern College Archives Centre was formally opened for use by staff, students and Old Collegians. In a brief ceremony, Dr Maitland MacFarlan an Old Collegian and son of the foundation Headmaster, cut the ribbon and declared the Centre open.

Utilising a number of small rooms in the office area of the first administration building, the Archives Centre ensures that the records and artefacts considered to be of value and significance to the continuing history, heritage, culture and direction of the College are secured, preserved and made accessible. Archives act as the corporate memory of past events, achievements and development. They are a vital part of the fabric of a College. They tell our story.

The development of the Archives Centre was spearheaded by Warwick Bell, an Old Collegian and former teacher. Warwick retired as an Associate Head of the College in 2005 but has continued to work parttime to organise an archives facility that will serve to keep the history and heritage of the College alive for students, staff and Old Collegians

Five years ago, the publications, photographs and early written materials of the College were stored in various inaccessible areas of the campus. The founders of the College and the first Headmaster, Dr Adam MacFarlan, preserved the early publications and documents from the early years. Many valuable pieces of our history were collated and stored securely by Deputy Head, Jack Paine and later by the first archivist, Mrs Anoma De Silva. Since then, a large amount of material had collected but much was unsorted and lacked an easy retrieval system. This included artefacts, photographs, Yearbooks, Piper magazines, newsletters, College newspapers, media clippings, audio and video tapes and discs, printed publications, letters and internal publications, brochures and programmes.

Warwick Bell was briefed with ‘transforming this situation.’ A strategic plan was presented to make the Archives Centre ready to open in 2017. Work has been ongoing over the last five years and, the College campus now has a suite of

rooms housing our main archives, including an attractive display area for some of our precious artefact and picture heritage and for resources assembled for special occasions. Archives not currently on display are now located in easily accessible situations with an effective system for retrieval. Authorised users have access to a web based ‘finding’ system to locate and, in many cases, read or view the heritage item without having to physically locate or handle the original. Much work has gone into this Accessit system; it will enable people researching information to type a keyword on the computer and be able to read on-screen important newspaper items and documents and also learn precisely where the original item is stored.

The archive suite has a strong-room for special secure storage; a ‘Box Room’ for numbered archives boxes, a temperature controlled ‘Cabinet Room’ for storage of newspaper clippings, audio visual materials, Minute books, small artifacts and other archive materials, and file copies of Yearbooks. Clothing items are also kept there in acid free tissue paper in special large boxes. Other rooms contain racks for framed photographs and other large materials. Shelves hold books related to the history and heritage of the College as well as volumes of The Voice and Yearbooks for every year since 1953. There is a large reading desk.

In the main display area there is room for archives on permanent display. Specially featured are facsimiles of Dr MacFarlan’s Military Cross and other World War 2 medals; large restored aerial photographs of the College campus and surrounding areas, showing not only the development of the buildings and fields but also the changes of east Auckland from a rural to an urban area; and many items specially related to the history of Saint Kentigern.

At the Opening Ceremony, Warwick Bell, who is retiring this year, stressed that the Archives of the College are now entrusted to future generations of administrators, students and Old Collegians. ‘You have a responsibility to use, protect and enhance the collection of treasures of our past. This is our Saint Kentigern story!’

65th Anniversary Celebration in 2018

In March 2018, we will join together to celebrate 65 years of Saint Kentigern on the Pakuranga Campus, a moment in time when we can look back and share our proud history.

Saint Kentigern is stronger today than it has ever been and we gratefully acknowledge the wise stewardship of our Trustees and all those who have gone before, whose clear strategic intent has made the best use of this magnificent campus. As much as this is a celebration of all we have achieved, it is also a springboard for the future; a future that will demand ongoing vision and energy.

We do hope that you will join us for this weekend of celebration. We look forward to welcoming you back to Saint Kentigern for this special occasion.

Mrs Suzanne Winthrop Principal - Senior College

Mr Duncan McQueen Principal – Middle College ege

1953-2018 65th Anniversary Celebration Programme of Events

Our celebrations will bring together students, staff, Trust Board members and parents from past years, along with our current College community. To enable us to plan effectively, especially for catering, please register well in advance by completing the registration form inserted in Piper and return it with your preferred payment method.

FRIDAY 16 MARCH 2018

Cocktail Evening

Time: 7.00pm - 10.30pm

Venue: Goodfellow Centre and Marquee on the Chapel Lawn

Hosted by the Old Collegians Association, this is an informal evening for reminiscing and rekindling old friendships.

Refreshments and finger food will be served. Partners are welcome to attend.

Tickets are limited. Cost: $35 each, $50 per couple

SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2018

Cricket Match

Time: 11.00am onwards

Venue: Saint Kentigern College Sports Grounds

As the summer sports season nears the end, come and see how our 1st XI is faring. Afternoon tea will be available in the Nigel Toy Sports Centre Lounge from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

No cost but please register.

Guided Campus Tours

Time: All day Saturday

Take a tour with student leaders of the College. No cost but please register.

65th Celebration Dinner

Time: 6.00pm for 7.15pm

Venue: Old Collegians Sport Centre

Join us for the ultimate celebration of our 65th year as the Sports Centre is transformed for fine dining. Pre-dinner drinks will be served from 6.00pm before sitting down to a sumptuous four course dinner.

Tickets are limited. Cost: Adult: $100

Or book a table of 10 for $900

Recent Old Collegian (ROC <24): $65

SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018

65th Chapel Service and Morning Tea

Time: 10.30am

Venue: Chapel of Saint Kentigern

The celebration weekend concludes with a special commemorative service in the Chapel of Saint Kentigern followed by a morning tea in the Goodfellow Centre. No cost but please register.

SKOCA vs 1st X1 Cricket Match

Time: 12.00pm onwards

Venue: Saint Kentigern College Sports Grounds

Refreshments and BBQ provided. No cost but please register.

From the President of the Old Collegians

As the year draws to a close, we can reflect on another successful year for the Saint Kentigern Community across all three campuses. The Old Collegian network has been incredibly proud of the achievements of the students and I have had many comments and emails commending their performances this year.

We continue to work on our core goals of Fellowship, Scholarship support, Philanthropy, Special Grants and Graduation Celebrations and I am pleased to report on these events as follows:

The Saint Kentigern College Archive Centre was officially opened on Friday 17th November by Old Collegian, Maitland MacFarlan. The Old Collegian Network has been at the forefront of donations and support to create a very special area that celebrates and remembers how Saint Kentigern first took shape. It was great to see some foundation Old Collegians at the event. Warwick Bell, who is preparing to retire after 50 years of involvement with Saint Kentigern, has been the engine and driving force behind the Archives Centre, and we would like to acknowledge just how influential he has been in bringing this to fruition. The amount of unseen hours he has put in to create the systems and archive footage is absolutely incredible! Well done Warwick – we applaud you and await to see what your successor brings to the role.

The Annual College Golf Day was held at Remuera Golf Course on Monday 13th November and we had a very successful turnout from a large range of OC’s. The College Staff team took out the honours with a fantastic net golf score of 53.5! The weather turned it on for sublime conditions and Remuera Golf Course was in top condition, a great day was had by all.

A new initiative from the OC’s has been the Field Centre Provision Fund. Principal of Middle College, Duncan McQueen, and Head of Field Centre, Chris Duncan, asked for our support in creating a pool of hiking equipment for students who might otherwise struggle to equip themselves. Our response has been an initial grant of $4,000 plus funds raised from the Golf Day to kick start the initiative.

We have sponsored a number of Saint Kentigern Graduation occasions, including the Year 8 Boys’ School Leavers’ Dinner, the Year 8 Girls’ School Leavers’ Dinner and the Year 13 Leavers’ Brunch at the College. As students move into the next stage of their schooling/lives, it’s important that they realise that Saint Kentigern will stay with them, and the Old Collegian network is there to support them in the future.

SKOCA sponsored the recent College Sports Awards evening, held in the Sports Centre. It was an awe-inspiring night to see the sheer number of students and the achievements that were being celebrated. Congratulations to all award winners, the continued success in the sporting arena makes all Old Collegians very proud. Speaking of Old Collegians and sport, our OC Netball Team, captained by committee member, Amorangi Malesala, recently took on the Saint Kentigern Premier/Senior A team in a friendly match. It was a close game in which the College team stretched the lead a few times but our girls fought back admirably. In the end a 34-30 win for the College. Better luck next year!

Planning for the 65th Saint Kentigern College Anniversary is well underway, in what promises to be a great, long weekend of celebration, with a cocktail evening, a formal dinner, Chapel and sporting events. I urge all of you to get involved and come back to the College to join in the celebrations. The Archive Centre will be open for viewing and campus tours are being arranged for those who haven’t been out for some time and want to see how much has changed. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Fides Servanda Est

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

Mr Hayden Butler, President

SKOCA 2017-2018 Calendar

BOYS’ SCHOOL - SKOCA GOLF DAY

2 FEBRUARY - FRIDAY

Time: 12.00pm (1 pm Teeoff)

Venue: Auckland Golf Club Refreshments provided

RSVP: sue.bowskill@saintkentigern.com

skoca@saintkentigern.com

SKOCA vs COLLEGE 1st XI CRICKET

18th FEBRUARY - SUNDAY

Time: 12.00pm

Venue: No 1 Field, College Refreshments & BBQ provided

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

SKOCA vs COLLEGE XI HOCKEY

22nd FEBRUARY

Time: 12.00pm

Venue: Lloyd Elsmore Park Astro Refreshments & BBQ provided

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

COLLEGE 65TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

16-18 March – FRIDAY to SUNDAY

Venue: College

Cocktail Evening – Friday Night

65th Dinner – Saturday Night

Chapel Service – Sunday Morning

See the full advertisement on page 81

SKOCA Golf Day

On a hot, sunny day with perfect conditions, a record number of teams gathered for the Ambrose Tournament at Remuera Golf Club. A barbecue lunch was served while the teams readied themselves for tee-off.

The main focus of the day was on enjoyment, fellowship and fundraising, which is a polite way of saying - all levels of skill on the course were acceptable! Whilst there was an element of fun, and some seriously competitive golf between ‘certain’ teams, the primary goal of the day was to raise money for the Old Collegians Field Centre Provision Fund to help assist those who need extra help to kit out their Year 10 student for Field Centre.

There were additional incentives to rise to the occasion with prizes which included closest to the pin and longest drive, as well as a $2000 cash prize on the line for a hole in one on the 8th – a close watch being kept by John Gilbert and Bryan Haggitt.

The College staff team, which consisted of Ross Gerritsen, Peter Harries, Steve Martin and Chris Dowdle was the winning team, with Hamish McGregor and Amanda Wilkinson taking out the longest drives and Matt Hoare and Cameron Marcroft taking out the closest to pin honours. Nobody won the Hole in One – funny that!

With help from sponsors including Toshiba, Test & Tag, Jack’s Coffee, Lexel Systems, Camelot, Ricoh, Spices Thai, Bayleys St Heliers, Boyd Visuals, Auckland Apartments, BBD, Outline, Chilltainers, Architectus and PB Technologies and Nourish, a significant amount was raised for the Field Centre fund, which makes a real difference to the recipients.

A. Maitland MacFarlan - Service in Nepal

Iwas born in Scotland, but managed to leave before developing a full Glaswegian accent. While my father had flown out to New Zealand at the end of 1952 for the opening of the College, my imminent birth delayed my mother’s departure. As a result, she, my brother, Donald and I arrived in NZ on the RMS Rangitoto in mid1953. After going to primary school in Pakuranga, I was a student at the College from 1964 to 1970. I then went to the University in Auckland, focusing on economics and mathematics, and continued with postgraduate studies in economics at Duke University in the U.S.A. It is there that I met my US-born wife, Sandy, who was also studying for a doctorate in economics. We both taught economics at university level in Michigan for several years before moving back to NZ, accompanied by our newly arrived twin girls. We lived in Wellington from 1987 to 1992, where I worked for the Treasury – an exciting time to be there as ‘Rogernomics’ was then in full swing, even if these economic reforms and Treasury economists were much reviled by some sectors of the population!

The travel bug hit again, however, this time taking us to Paris when I had the opportunity to work for the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). My time there included many fascinating trips to countries in central and eastern Europe that had recently gained economic and political independence when the Soviet Union broke up. Despite the many attractions of living in Europe, after seven years in France, we decided it was time to move

on – returning to the U.S., where I joined the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC. During my time at the IMF, I worked first on the global economic situation and outlook, and then moved to the African Department to provide economic advice to low and middle income countries in western and southern Africa, all facing a range of development challenges. One of the highlights was spending three years (2007-10) living in Malawi (in south-east Africa) as the IMF’s representative in that country. During that time, my wife and I decided to adopt a further set of twins (boy and girl) who were in a crisis nursery/orphanage near where we lived and where my wife and one of our daughters worked as volunteers.

I retired from the IMF in 2012, and we returned shortly thereafter to NZ. We now live in Bucklands Beach, with the ‘new’ twins now 10, active pupils at Bucklands Beach Primary School, and looking forward to attending the College in a couple of year’s time. A substantial part of my ‘retirement’ time seems to be taken up with the children’s school and recreational activities, but I have also done some consulting work with the Reserve Bank of NZ and take part in various volunteer activities with the Presbyterian Church and other groups. A recent highlight was going to Nepal with a Habitat for Humanity team from NZ, where we began building a house for an elderly couple whose current dwelling was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake. We completed the house foundations, which are designed to withstand future quakes: they comprise several layers of heavy stones set in mortar and liquified mud (or ‘Nepali cement’), and topped with a ring of reinforced concrete. It was hard work but a great experience, enhanced by daily views of the Himalayas and visits to major cultural and World Heritage sites in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Some post-build trekking is already penciled in for the next visit!

WHERE ARE YOU?

WHAT DO YOU DO? 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

Warwick Bell - A Long and Loyal Servant

Delve back into the history of Saint Kentigern College and you cannot help but become aware of the enormous contribution that Warwick Bell has made to the Saint Kentigern community, spanning a period of over 50 years; firstly as a student and subsequently as a staff member, ascending through the ranks from teacher to Head of English, to Senior Master until his retirement as an Associate Head at the end of Term 1, 2005. He didn’t stay retired long, returning to work as the archivist until he retired at the end of 2017. Over all those years, Warwick has only spent a short time away from the College, firstly at university and then later teaching overseas for a year.

Warwick joined the College as a 3rd Former in 1957, taking up residence as one of the early boarders at Bruce House. By the time he reached his final year, Warwick was Deputy Head Boy of the College, Head Prefect at Bruce House, Captain of Rowing and was awarded the St Andrew’s Prize for Senior Divinity.

Warwick went on to the University of Auckland and gained a Master of Arts Degree with Honours in History, before going to Teacher’s College where he specialised in teaching English and History. Following graduation in 1967, he was appointed by the Reverend Dr Adam MacFarlan to teach History, English and Social Studies and, apart from 12 months teaching at a school in England, he has been at the College ever since, working as a

teacher for all four Headmasters of the College: Dr Adam MacFarlan, Mr Nigel Toy, Reverend David Williams and Mr Warren Peat.

As well as a lengthly service teaching English and History, Warwick was also involved with extra curricular duties which over the years included organising Debating and Public Speaking competitions, running the Rowing programme and coaching Tennis, as well as his increasing senior management responsibilities in his final teaching years.

Having been Head of Bruce House as a student, Warwick also served as a Housemaster at the House from 1981 – 1985, adding real value to the lives of the boarders, including assisting with the plans for the Year 13 Lodge that was completed shortly after he finished his tenure there.

Warwick’s final full time role was as Head of Admissions, a kindly, warm and welcoming man who students nervously met with their parents when they came to be interviewed for a place at the College.

Warwick was an outstanding educator and has remained true to Saint Kentigern. He is humble and compassionate with a good sense of humour and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others.

Warwick has officially retired once before, but this time he knows he is ready to step back and enjoy his retirement years with his wife Alison. We all wish him well.

David Clark - Member of Parliament

David attended the College from 1986 – 1989 and is now currently a Member of Parliament for Dunedin North, Minister of Health and Associate Minister of Finance. He said, ‘Saint Kentigern helped me achieve academic success. This spring-boarded me into further study, and the roles and responsibilities I’ve taken on.’

After leaving the College, David pursued tertiary study at the University of Otago and in Germany at Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen. He did undergraduate degrees in German and Theology and achieved first class honours. David then went on to complete a PhD (with contribution from a Saint Kentigern scholarship) on the work of German refugee and existentialist thinker, Helmut Rex.

David said, ‘I’m particularly proud of completing my PhD. I also completed an Eisenhower Fellowship in 2013, focusing on the priority accorded to the values of fairness and freedom in New Zealand and the United States.’

In 1997, David was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister and has also worked as a Treasury analyst. Prior to being elected to Parliament, David was the Warden at Selwyn College at the University of Otago. In that role, he enjoyed working with hundreds of young people –including students from Saint Kentigern.

In 2011, David was elected as the MP for Dunedin North, and has been re-elected twice - at the 2014 and 2017 elections. David decided to stand for

Parliament because he was concerned about the growing gap between rich and poor in New Zealand with too many missing out on the building blocks of opportunity. He said, ‘I saw that things had swung too far out of balance. In my role as an MP, I am guided by my belief that everyone, no matter their background, should have the opportunities to make their best contribution in life. I feel incredibly privileged to now be the Minister for Health in the new Labour-led government.’

In this position, David has promised to work hard towards making sure every New Zealander has affordable access to quality healthcare. He said, ‘As a matter of priority, I am working to establish an inquiry into mental health in New Zealand. I want to make change that better ensures people can access the support they need when they need it most.’

Harry Melsop - Studying at Stanford

After graduating from Saint Kentigern, Harry was accepted to Stanford University, USA. Harry reports on his impressions:

‘The first few weeks here at Stanford have been incredible – I’ve met so many awesome people, classes have been great, and it’s been extremely interesting exploring a new city and part of the world.

I’m working towards a degree in Computer Science/Economics, which should take four years to complete. One of my most interesting experiences has been in Aeronautics and Astronautics, where I’m working on developing a constellation of CubeSats (tiny, 12kg satellites) to map the magnetosphere of Earth, and using the data to train AI that will ultimately help protect the Earth from dangerous inbound coronal mass ejections and solar radiation. We’ll be presenting the mission plan to a 3-person NASA Panel in early December, which is both nerve-wracking and extremely exciting at the same time.

Adjusting to life in the US has been relatively straightforward thus far, although it’s been an interesting challenge dealing with the enormous portion sizes

in the dining halls! Cultural things like American Football have been the most confronting; attending the games seems to be a religious exercise here, and epitomises the ‘American College culture’ that you see on TV.

Coming here was something that I started thinking about at the end of 2014, thanks in part to the opportunities afforded to me by attending Saint Kentigern. I’m enormously thankful to my teachers for giving me the academic preparation and support that I needed to get here, and for encouraging me to travel overseas for tertiary education; it has already been an experience that I’ll treasure, and I’m extremely excited for what is to come. The process of applying to schools like Stanford, and other UK/ US schools is more complex than for New Zealand; if it’s something that you’re interested in, I’d suggest having a chat to your teachers and the careers department – they’ll point you in the right direction. You’ll need to take supplementary examinations to NCEA/IB, write multiple application essays, and collect letters of recommendation, so I’d suggest getting started earlier rather than later!

Edward Reeves - Head Analyst

Edward graduated from the Boys’ School in 2006 and completed his secondary schooling at King’s College. Whilst studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Maths under the Cambridge curriculum (A-levels), he also became a dedicated rower, winning gold at the North Island Secondary School Championships. After his final college season rowing, he was selected to be part of the U18 North Island Rowing team for the annual North v. South regatta at Lake Karaprio, winning sweep events in the 4+ and 8+. A few months later, he was selected for the U20 Auckland Regional Rowing team for inter-regionals.

After rowing for these representative teams, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Stanford and Brown all reached out to suggest he applied to their schools to compete on their respective heavyweight rowing teams. He felt fortunate to be recruited by Yale University, one of America’s most prestigious and oldest educational institutions from where he graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics. Whilst at Yale, he rowed on the heavyweight crew team for four years, coached by Steve Gladstone, one of the ‘winning-est coaches in U.S. Collegiate Rowing History.

Prior to his senior year, he interned at a student housing development company based out of New Hampshire called CF Ventures. This was his first exposure to real estate and laid the foundation for his career. In December 2015, Edward received an offer to work at Crow Holdings Capital Real Estate (CHC-RE) – a private equity real estate fund, founded in 1998 by Harlan Crow, son of Trammel Crow, considered one ‘fathers of real estate’ in the USA who created a real estate empire under his own name. CHC-RE has $15b in Assets Under Management focusing on all types of commercial real estate investments (retail, office, industrial, multifamily, hotel, selfstorage, student housing, etc.).

After working there for a year and a half, Edward has been selected as the head analyst for Retail Funds (CHRF I & CHRF II). These funds focus primarily on retail properties with tenancy comprised of service-oriented tenants (barbers, restaurants etc) and day-time use

tenants that are resistant to competition from Amazon online sales (because you can’t ship a massage in a box right?). He is currently working with the team to help place US$417 million in equity for our second fund focused on these kinds of investments.

Edward says that working for a company like Crow has been an amazing experience/learning opportunity, and has given him the opportunity to work with RE professionals who have been in the industry for 25+ years and get exposure to working in the best markets across the U.S.

Whilst he is loving life in the USA, he is not sure what the future will hold as he says, ‘Eventually I will return to New Zealand because I’m sick of watching rugby at 3am in the morning!’

Mark Vette – Animal Behaviour Consultant

Ihave many fond memories from my time at Saint Kentigern; friendships that have stayed with me for a lifetime, great laughs, sport and the deep encouragement of various teachers to study harder! Sports and animals have been my passion all my life and I had many opportunities to grow my interest and skills there.

I have had a passion for animals from a very young age, fostered by my grandfather who trained war dogs and who gave me a very unruly German Shepherd at six years old. That dog got me into all sorts of trouble and it fuelled my desire to learn all I could about dogs and other animals. At high school, biology and in particular animal behaviour and human psychology, interested me most and I studied hard in these topics

My schooling set me up well to pursue Zoology and Psychology at the University of Auckland. I went on to do my Masters in Zoology on the ‘Ontogeny and Genetics of Sheep Dog Behaviour.’ After I graduated, I went to study the wolf in North America and was awestruck by this magnificent species. I was lucky enough to study under several world-leading scientists in canine behaviour - an incredible opportunity to learn how to become an Animal Behaviour Consultant, which later, I was to become the first of its kind in New Zealand.

By the late 1980s, I had established my kennels in Auckland and was teaching in various tertiary institutions. I consulted to the Animal Industry and grew my practice to include an in-residence behaviour training facility. My arms bear the scars of some of the more difficult dogs I encountered! I am proud to have transformed a lot of dogs that others had given up on.

By the mid-nineties I was reasonably well known and was approached to help out on a film set that further fuelled my passion for animal welfare and so another career was born – creating animal performances for film and TV. Training everything from wolves and elephants, dogs and cats to butterflies! That career has been an extraordinarily varied and rich experience. I have been lucky enough to be involved in films like The Last Samurai, Lord of the Rings and The Piano as well as the two TV series, Xena and Hercules. My personal favourite was training the wolves for Narnia.

We have also done 1000s of TV commercials like the Genesis ‘Pukeko’ ads and the Toyota ‘Bugger’ ad, with my beautiful soul mate dog Hercules. He became so well known that when he died in 2004, the NZ Herald gave him a one-page tribute and 100s of people came

to his funeral. It seems in many ways each decade of my life is marked by some extraordinary dog.

In the last few years we’ve created Pound Pups to Dog Stars, a show that follows rescue dogs from death row to service roles and their new families. If still continues to amaze me how forgiving and loving dogs can be given half the chance.

As a result of ‘Driving Dogs’ (dogs driving a car around a racetrack), created in 2013, in collaboration with the SPCA and Mini, I was approached by a UK based Production Company to explore dog cognition, cumulating in teaching three dogs to fly a plane. It captured the globe’s imagination with over 100 million tweets and calls coming at all hours from the international media! These gags were all fun but underlying them was the message that rescue dogs are smart dogs and I hoped to create empathy and understanding towards them.

The last couple of years have seen my focus return squarely to my first love – dogs - moving away from being responsible to fixing difficult dogs myself, to teaching others to transform dogs or prevent the issues from developing in the first place. We have created a comprehensive science based education ecosystem called Dog Zen – now a book - a philosophy and training method on how to best rear and train your dog. Ideally it encourages doing the ‘Right thing at the right time’ and, therefore, ‘Prevention is Better than Cure!’

Saint Kentigern prepared me well for the world by teaching me to find my purpose, do what needs to be done and to do it mindfully. I have been deeply grateful for all that I have been gifted by the world. Also during these years, my three wonderful children came along Jazmin, Bodhi and Koan. I have been very lucky that at various stages, they have all worked with me and it has been one of my greatest joys seeing them share my love of animals and grow our adventures together along the way.

If you are interested in being involved in any of Mark’s ventures then please contact him on mark@markvette.com - he is always looking for partners along the way.

Sophie Stewart Hobbs - Studying in the USA

AfterSophie graduated from the College in 2016, she played in the NZ U20 Football team preparing for the World Cup in 2018 in France before she moved to the United States to take up a full athletic scholarship at the University of Kentucky for Football, while studying Business Management.

Before Sophie moved, she knew studying at an overseas university would be hard, but she underestimated how hard it would actually be. She described the ‘schooling part’ as easy as it is quite broad in terms of what they study during their first year. She said, ‘The football side of studying is insanely tough. If you don’t have the mind-set to pursue it as a career, you’re definitely going to struggle. A lot of players in every team end up dropping out early in the season or in pre-season because they underestimate the workload and the high level of soccer at US universities.’

As an international student, Sophie felt a little lost to begin with, but now she loves it. The university has helped Sophie immensely, because she is so far from home, and she now says that she forgets she is half way across the world. By receiving such an incredible scholarship at the highly successful University, Sophie said, ‘It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about the costs involved with going to university and I get to continue playing soccer at a high level, whilst earning a degree, is more than I could have wished for.’

Sophie’s day begins at 6.00am for a two-hour film session looking at previous and upcoming games, she then undertakes two hours of training and then completes a full day of school – ‘It’s definitely hard work, but it’s worth it.’

Sophie believes that Saint Kentigern helped turn her into the person she has become. She said, ‘It changed my work ethic, my desire to win, my organisation skills, my ability to rely on myself and do things for myself, especially from being a boarder.’ The College helped changed Sophie’s mind-set in what she wanted to pursue in life and she said, ‘If I didn’t go to Saint Kentigern, I don’t know whether I would’ve been tough enough to push through the grind that US university athletes have to overcome. I can’t praise that school enough for the person it has made me.’

Old Collegians vs College Netball

It is always good to return to the College, to take part in the annual Old Collegian v Premier Netball game. The match started with a hiss and a roar, with both teams scoring at each end, however, the current runners-up of the National Secondary School championships had one up on the Old Collegians with a 10-9 lead in the 1st quarter. Many changes were made between both sides. At half time the score was 19-25 to the current students and throughout the rest of the game, the Old Collegians didn’t quite manage to pull through, losing the match 30-34.

Following the game, the girls had a chance to mix and mingle in the sport centre lounge, where we met with past and current families of the Saint Kentigern netball program. Speeches commenced, followed with refreshments. Our special thanks to Mr Cowie and Glennis Pearson for managing, and making this event happen. Lastly, thank you to Miss Nicola Lewis and the girls for the competitive game, it was good to see that the development of the Premier netball team improves each year we return! We look forward to next year’s game!

Amorangi Malesala, Sharnika Leleni, Kelly Alexander.

Our Latest All Black – Matt Duffie

Sincehe was named Dux Ludorum two years in a row in his final senior years at Saint Kentigern, we have watched Matt Duffie’s professional sporting career with a huge degree of pride.

In his final College year, 2008, he played fullback in the 1st XV but he also excelled at athletics, making the national finals of the 200m, 400m and high jump. Whilst at College, he also played league for junior clubs and as a 16 year old, went on to also play senior Australian rules football, earning selection in the New Zealand national team, after which he was invited to an Australian Football League training camp.

He began his professional career playing rugby league with the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League and was a part of their U20 premiership winning team in 2009, scoring 25 tries. In 2010, Melbourne Storm named him ‘Rookie of the Year.’ Despite a whole season off the field in 2014 following injury, he continued to play for Melbourne Storm until 2015. In 2016, he signed to play rugby union for the Blues and North Harbour and became a regular starter for those teams by the end of 2016, after consistently performing at a high level.

Following season-ending injuries to All Black wingers, Israel Dagg and Nehe Milner-Skudder, and fullback, Jordie Barrett, Matt was called up to the All Blacks as an injury replacement and was named in the 37-man squad for the 2017 end of year tour to the Northern Hemisphere where he discovered the euphoria of scoring his first try for the All Blacks in the game against France.

Saint Kentigern Super Rugby Stars

In the 2018 Super Rugby season, a number of former students will be on the field! The majority will play for the Blues with two in the Crusaders, two in the Chiefs and one at the Highlanders. The Saint Kentigern rugby programme that Tai Lavea and Elliott Sharp initiated has done such a good job that it is starting to impact on rugby beyond the College gates. The programme focussed on ensuring that career paths could be opened for those with the talent and work ethic. When the upcoming season gets underway, the entire Saint Kentigern community will have a vested interest in the talent on display. The exciting reality is that there is more to come from our current crop of outstanding athletes. Here are some to watch out for in 2018.

Sam Nock Blues

Blake Gibson Blues

Sione Mafeleo Blues

Jerome Kaino Blues

Scott Scrafton Blues

Matt Duffie Blues

TJ Faine Blues

Dalton Papalii Blues

Seta Tamanivalu Crusaders

Braydon Ennor Crusaders

Findlay Christie Chiefs

Jonathan Faauli Chiefs

Paripari Parkinson Highlanders

Andrew Cornaga –Award Winning Sports Photographer

Multi-award-winning sports photographer, Andrew Cornaga is a former student of both the Boys’ School and the College. He is also a Saint Kentigern parent with his son, Harry in Year 10 at the College, and Emily in Year 4 at the Girls’ School.

After graduating from Saint Kentigern in 1984, Andrew went on to ATI for his tertiary education, graduating with a NZCC, NZ Certificate of Commerce (Accountancy and Economics). His first job was working in a black and white photo lab which set the foundations for a future career path. At the time, a freelance sports photographer was also working at the lab. He invited Andrew to join him on a job one day and his interest was piqued. Shortly after, in 1987, the Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand and he set off to photograph with enthusiasm, admitting at that point, his enthusiasm outstripped his skill but he was determined to learn and headed back to the darkroom to learn how to process and print while shooting different sports events every weekend.

From there he moved to work with the former Auckland Star Newspaper as a darkroom technician and junior photographer. Unfortunately, he was made redundant when the paper closed in 1991 but turned this to an opportunity, using his redundancy money to buy a good lens and fund a trip to England for the next Rugby World Cup. After meeting full time sports photographers working in the UK, he began to make plans to specialise in sports photography back in NZ, setting up a photo library business, Photosport, on his return –this was good timing as rugby had turned professional and the Warriors had arrived on the scene.

He says the highlights of his career have been attending the Olympics, the Cricket World Cup and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 was incredible. He released a book documenting the South African trip. His favourite sports to cover are cricket, tennis, rugby and rugby league.

Andrew made it to the top of his field in 2015, winning the Sir Terry McLean Sports Journalist of the Year for a record third time, having previously won it in 1992 and 2001. And his tips for would-be photographers? ‘Buy a decent SLR camera, try not to use your phone, keep taking pictures at every opportunity and just be patient, the right shot at the right time is often waiting for you!’

Luke Galli - Project Engineer, USA

Luke Galli, now 22, attended the College for seven years, graduating in 2012. He then moved to Christchurch where he received a BE degree in Civil Engineering. While completing his undergrad degree, he spent his summers back home in Auckland, labouring and interning at concrete precast factories. Two of these summers were spent working at a South Auckland factory that manufactured the tunnel segments for the Waterview Connection. He quickly developed an interest for a career in construction management.

After graduating university in 2016, his education and internship experience opened opportunities to work overseas. He moved to San Francisco, and in January, 2017 was hired as an engineer for Turner Construction, one of the largest general contractors in the USA.

His first assignment was the Transbay Transit Center, located in the financial district of San Francisco. The Transbay Transit Centre (due to open in the first quarter of 2018) is a public transportation megaproject, with a total construction value of $4 billion. The transit centre is locally referred to as the Grand Central Station of the West and will serve as a new hub of multi-modal transportation for 100,000 people daily. Luke spent January to October of 2017 living in San Francisco, enjoying city life and weekend retreats. He gained valuable industry experience in areas such as L.E.A.N. (construction efficiency), safety and sustainability.

forward to the experiencing mid-west American culture and the adventures to come in his early 20s.

After only 10 months working for Turner construction, Luke accepted an opportunity for career growth in Des Moines, Iowa. In November 2017, he packed up his apartment in San Francisco and moved to the Mid-West. He is currently a Project Engineer on a team managing the construction of data centres for Facebook. He looks

Luke can be found on LinkedIn and is always welcoming to talk to anyone interested about construction management, engineering design or architecture in New Zealand or the United States. He believes the construction industry offers well-paid steady work with great opportunities to travel internationally and work for high profile public and private clients.

Logan Alderson - Apprentice of the Year

Congratulations to Logan Alderson who was named the 2017 Auckland Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year.

After leaving Saint Kentigern College in 2015, Logan went straight into an apprenticeship with a Pukekohe based company, CS Building. After completing two years of his apprenticeship, he was eligible to compete in the competition. Through the competition process, Logan impressed the judges with a written project submission, followed by an interview with a regional judging panel, from there the top ten apprentices in each region were selected. Judges then visited each apprentice on site to discuss their project and the personal contribution made to it. The judges commented on how Logan shows passion and maturity far beyond his true age and has a good grasp of his building environment. At the time of writing, Logan was preparing to compete against the other nine regional winners at the National competition. At this competition, each finalist will undergo a 45-minute interview with the national judging panel, they will then compete in a practical carpentry challenge, of which the product will be donated to a local charity.

Logan believes that his education at Saint Kentigern has definitely helped him to transition into, and succeed in a working environment. Logan said, ‘Although work is much different to College life, the lessons I learnt through the academic and sporting side of the College has built leadership qualities and confidence that has helped me to build my career. I am currently still working through my apprenticeship with approximately two more years before I’m qualified. While preparing for nationals, I also hope to build

experience and knowledge to help me to grow my own business in the future.’

As well as being crowned apprentice of the year, Logan was also awarded a range of fantastic products and tools, $2,000 to spend at CARTERS and a spot at an Outward Bound Course.

Ben and Claire Smith (Nee Bayley)

Claire and Ben were married in Whitianga earlier in the year- in a week that never stopped raining! The bridal party included Old Collegians, Bridget and Kurt Stougie, Michael Chapman, Michelle Parkins, Luke Stockman and Andrew Cameron.

Ben joined Saint Kentigern in 2001 and Claire in 2005 and both graduated in 2007. Claire is a teacher at Beachlands School and Ben has his own plumbing company.

Five Years On Boys’ School Class of 2012

On a scorching evening just before Christmas, a large group of boys from the Boys’ School Class of 2012 (now 2017 college graduates) along with their parents, came together for a BBQ to catch up with old friends before they head off on the next stage in their lives.

It was great to see these friendships rekindled as the boys shared stories of their respective college experiences and talked about ‘where to from here.’ Parents also had chance to reconnect and remember a time shared during their sons’ days at the School.

The boys took the opportunity to take a look around the grounds to see how things have changed on campus before tucking into a BBQ dinner cooked up by Principal, Mr Peter Cassie, President of the Old Collegians, Hayden Butler and ‘Student No 20,’ Peter Nelson.

Boys’ School Head Boy 2012, Joshua Looker, then and now!

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