Piper Issue 68 October 2019

Trust Board

Boys’ School

Preschool

Girls’ School

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

Email skoca@saintkentigern.com

Parents & Friends (SKC)

Chairperson: Margaret Wind

Secretary: Sharon Coombes

Treasurer: Andrew Ellis

Chairperson: Craig Irwin

Secretary: Jane Petersen

Treasurer: Manisha Kesha

Chairperson: Rebecca Scoones

Old Collegians

The Saint Kentigern Trust Board is made up of twelve members whose collective expertise provides guidance and governance for our four Saint Kentigern schools. The Board members, along with Senior Management staff from each campus, meet together on a regular basis throughout the year to consider reports from each school and to discuss the future planning of the Trust.

An independent body, with the power to appoint its own members, the Trust Board includes two who are nominated by the Presbytery of Auckland, while all others must be members or adherents of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Without exception, the current Trust Board members, like all those before them, are all extremely hardworking individuals who give an enormous amount of their time voluntarily for the betterment of our students and their place of learning. All Trust Board members donate their professional expertise and time to Saint Kentigern and no honorarium is paid.

A charitable entity with strong links to the Presbyterian Church, the ‘St Kentigern Trust’ was originally founded in 1949 for the purpose of providing schools for boys in the Auckland Province and is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 and 2005. The wishes of the Founders are expressed in the Trust Deed, which was amended on 12 December 1995, by an Act of Parliament, to provide for the education of girls as well as boys. In 2003, the 50th Jubilee year, the education of girls commenced at the College. In May 2009, the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards merged, with the Saint Kentigern Trust Board assuming responsibility for staffing and operations on the Girls’ School campus, with the Preschool opening two years later, at the start of 2011.

As the overall governing body for all Saint Kentigern’s schools, the Trust Board has responsibility for the governance of New Zealand’s biggest independent school organisation, which is also one of the largest in Australasia. Saint Kentigern currently caters for 2901 students on three campuses, with students from ages 3 to 18 – a wide age range with vastly different needs, yet the aim for all students remains the same – to provide excellence in education and a positive sense of well-being for all.

The Board employees 338 permanent staff and approximately 100 additional contractors or casual staff, and takes final responsibility for the standard of education provided. The Board seeks to employ staff of the highest quality with the drive and vision to continue their own professional learning, to ensure the very best outcomes for all our students.

With an annual operating budget approaching $60 million and bound by the Education Act and the Charities Act, the Board has statutory and legal responsibilities in respect of the Financial, Property, Employment and Health & Safety aspects of each school, and the organisation as a whole. To this end, sub-committees of Board members and senior staff representatives form working groups to examine specific areas such as educational policy, property

Governance and Leadership

development, fiscal responsibility and fundraising opportunities, reporting their findings back to the full board. The working groups have evolved over time to reflect changes in both campus and educational development.

In more recent times, reflecting the rapid growth of the organisation, as more families came to recognise the benefits of a Saint Kentigern education, another role was introduced to ensure that all the Board’s requirements and responsibilities are met operationally across all our schools, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students and their families at the highest level.

The role of the Head of Saint Kentigern, currently held by Mr David Hodge, is ultimately responsible to the Board for the performance of all the schools in all areas of strategic operation. The role requires the Head of Saint Kentigern to ensure that the Principals and the Board are closely aligned and that the strategic direction set by the Board is carried out. Mr Hodge is also the chief adviser to the Board on educational issues. It is the Board’s wish to see that the distinctive cultures of our schools are respected and promoted while at the same time making sure that the benefits of ‘one organisation’ are realised –Mr Hodge is charged with ensuring this happens.

The charts on the opposite page reflect the Governance and Leadership structure from the start of 2020, when Saint Kentigern Middle College and Senior College will return to a single College structure with one Principal. The charts outline how each of the key governance and leadership roles intersect to give our community an understanding of the extent of the work that goes on ‘behind the scenes.’

Since our foundation, we have been fortunate to have the dedicated services of many gifted and enthusiastic Trust Board members and staff over the years who have all contributed greatly to the continued growth of Saint Kentigern. The original College building, a humble two classroom block still standing in Elliot Quad, is a stark reminder of how far we have come – from a fledgling College of 93 students and 4 teachers in 1953 to an organisation which today encompasses four schools on three campuses with almost 3000 students and 450 staff! Such growth is not possible without prudent guidance and wise counsel and for this, we give thanks, in particular, to past and current Trust Board members.

Saint Kentigern is built on tradition but looks to the future. We aim to inspire our young people to go out and make a positive difference to the world as they ‘strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others.’

Mr John Kernohan

Chairman of the Trust Board

Mr David Hodge

Head of Saint Kentigern

From the Chaplain

The Saint Kentigern motto, Fides Servanda Est – Keep the Faith - presents us with a challenge as we seek to encourage our students to know God and to serve others within and beyond our school communities. As a Presbyterian School, Christian values are an intrinsic part of our special character. Students take part in Christian Education classes and attend weekly Chapel services with either Reverend David Smith (College) or Reverend Reuben Hardie (Boys’ School, Girls’ School and Preschool). In addition, once a term, families are invited to join their sons and daughters at Sunday Chapel Services. Here, our Chaplains will take it in turns to share their words…

Find Success from Failure

It was Game 6 of the NBA final series. Michael Jordan was centre court. The Chicago Bulls trailed by one point with 20 seconds to go. I’m sure you’ve heard the story. In his career, he had been given the ball 26 times to take the game-winning shot, and he had missed. With 5.6 seconds to go, he shoots. He makes it – they win! Following his career, Michael Jordan reflected, ‘I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.’

There is a lot of talk currently about failure. Research around learning suggests that you are more likely to grow in understanding if you risk speaking up, if you risk having a go at an answer and make a mistake, as opposed to keeping your thoughts to yourself.

At the recent Boys’ School Year 7 and 8 Science Symposium, both guest speakers spoke about the important role that failure plays in scientific discoveries. This echoed a similar message we had heard the previous week at the Presbyterian School’s Conference, where Dr Elizabeth Peterson from the University of Auckland spoke on failure and anxiety. Dr Peterson talked about how failure is a certainty. It provides a vital opportunity for learning and growth. She urged us to stop avoiding failure and start talking about it. We need to create environments where students and staff can fail and learn. ‘If you are not making mistakes, then you are not working on hard enough problems – and that’s a bigger mistake.’ (anon)

Perhaps, this is why the Bible presents us with a series of failures. In fact, the heroes of the Bible all have their stories of failure. Eve failed to resist temptation; Moses failed to enter the Promise Land; Samson failed to keep his hair; David failed to realise his dream of building a temple; Martha failed to live up to her family’s expectations; Paul failed to do the good he knew he should, and yet God used them all, and so many like them, to show us that our weaknesses and failures have a way of revealing God’s strength.

Of course, no one likes to fail. It doesn’t feel good. Often when I fail, my brain goes into ‘auto play-back’ and I re-live it, over and over. I imagine how it could have been different. Perhaps, many of us tend to stay in those moments of failure, instead of learning from them and moving on?

The Psalms tell us that God doesn’t hold onto our

failures and mistakes like we do. In Psalm 103, we read how God takes our mistakes and transgressions and separates us from them as far as the east is from the west. In fact, the essence of the Bible is the story of our failure and God’s redemptive power to transform us through Jesus Christ.

Jesus speaks a lot in the Bible about the importance of persistence. He tells us a parable of a persistent friend who turns up again and again on his neighbours’ doorstep seeking help. He has a genuine request, he is a genuine friend, but Jesus says it is not because of these things that he gets help. He gets help because of his persistence. He won’t let up! In the same way, Jesus says be persistent with God, ‘Seek, and you will find, knock, and the door will be open, ask, and it shall be given to you.’ (Luke Ch. 11)

Throughout the Bible, we find encouragement to keep going, to not to lose our patience, even when things don’t go how we think they should, even when we find ourselves turned away from certain paths, we need to persist.

Do you remember the wonderful story in the Bible of Balaam’s donkey (Number Ch. 22)? Balaam couldn’t see that the path ahead of him was blocked for a reason. The donkey that carried him did not want to go where Balaam wanted it to. Balaam was overcome by frustration and anger until his eyes were opened and he saw that a better way lay ahead of him. It was just different from the one he imagined. As the saying goes, one door might close, but another one opens.

The world today presents us with a picture of what success looks like, and it is pretty rose-tinted. I believe the Bible offers us another narrative; a narrative that can really help us as we struggle to find success through our failures. We are imperfect, failure is part of who we are, but this doesn’t mean that we should dwell in failure; we need to forgive ourselves, learn and move on, showing persistence and trust that God has wonderful things in store for each one of us.

To finish, I like what Sir Edmund Hilary said after another failed attempt to climb Everest before his success in 1953. He stood at the base of the mountain and shook his fist at it, and in defiance, he said, ‘I’ll defeat you yet…Because you’re as big as you’re going to get, but I’m still growing.’

Fides Servanda Est

Reverend Reuben Hardie College Chaplain

From the Trust Board

Over the years the Trust Board has welcomed and farewelled many men and women who have given freely of their time to provide guidance and governance for our Saint Kentigern schools. During the course of this year, we farewelled a long-serving member, Mr Alan Burton, who has given countless hours of his time to serve the Saint Kentigern community. We also sadly said goodbye to former long serving member, Mr John Gilbert who passed away in August.

In Memoriam

It is with sadness that we record the passing of Old Collegian and former Trust Board member, John Gilbert.

John attended the College from 1961 to 1965 and was Head Prefect in his final year. He was also involved in many other ways, especially in the Rowing Club, where he was Captain of Rowing in 1965. In 1975, John was the first Old Boy to be appointed to the Saint Kentigern Trust Board, where he contributed over twenty years of dedicated service, especially to the Works Committee. His work on the Trust Board was honoured recently when he was accorded the status of a Founder Trustee.

His son is also an Old Collegian and some of his eight grandchildren are already part of the Saint Kentigern community. John will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his faith and his love and ongoing interest in all aspects Saint Kentigern.

Alan Burton – Appointed as Founder Trustee

We offer our sincere thanks to Mr Alan Burton who served as Trust Board member from 2005 until his retirement from the Board in May 2019. Alan bought to the Trust Board a most extensive understanding of education, particularly secondary education in New Zealand.

During his tenure, he was very active in a number of the Board’s sub committees and, in particular, the Chaplaincy and Special Character committee. He has wide ranging experience in education, both as a teacher, Principal and in Ministry of Education positions, and, until recently, was active in establishing new schools in the Auckland area.

Alan has had a long association with Saint Kentigern in both this role and as a past parent. He was recently appointed as a Founder Trustee. Founder Trustees are an important reference group for the Trust Board and are guardians of some elements of Saint Kentigern’s special character. Since 1949, the status of Founder has been conferred on only ten people in recognition of their contribution to the Saint Kentigern Trust. We look forward to our continued association with Alan in this role.

Distinguished Service Award for Dr Goodfellow

At the recent Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) conference, former Chairman of the Trust Board, Dr Bruce Goodfellow received a Distinguished Service Award for ‘Outstanding Service to Governance in Independent Schooling in New Zealand.’

Dr Goodfellow was the third of three generations of the Goodfellow family to serve on the Saint Kentigern Trust Board. He has been a Trustee for 35 years and was Chairman from 2000-2017. He is also an Old Collegian, having attended both the school and the College, and is a past Saint Kentigern parent.

The Goodfellow family’s generous contribution of time, involvement and philanthropy has nurtured many organisations across Auckland over the years, but none more so than Saint Kentigern. We thank Bruce for the enormous contribution he has made as a true son of Saint Kentigern.

From the Director of Development

The best communities are based on strong relationships, shared values, a clear vision and a sense of belonging. At Saint Kentigern, we have long recognised the importance of creating strong bonds between our staff, students and their families, and continuing to foster those relationships when students move on to become Old Collegians. Thriving independent schools rely on their communities for additional support in many ways from volunteering time to offering extra financial assistance for a wide range of projects, and Saint Kentigern has always been delighted by the response from our community. The importance of an engaged Parents and Friends association and active Old Collegians’ network should not be underestimated in this process. Building a strong and supportive fundraising community is reliant on these connections built and nurtured over many years.

These connections form solid foundations that have allowed us to embrace the new challenges of commercial sponsorship,

active fundraising and building a culture of philanthropy. We are currently seeking those in our community who are willing to partner with us as we continue to build a bright future for our students at each of our schools.

Finally, the Saint Kentigern Bequest Programme has now been launched and is another way for members of our community to support the various schools, projects, students and secure a strong future for Saint Kentigern.

John Evans Gilbert

Fides Servanda Est Richard Lindroos Director of Development

Building Saint Kentigern

Masterplan Phase 1 Developments

During 2018, the Trust Board was pleased to confirm the Master Plan for significant development of new, purpose-built facilities, and enhancement of current facilities, on the Shore Road Campus and Pakuranga Campus.

Since the last issue of Piper, the Trust Board has been pleased to confirm the sale of the current site of our Girls’ School and Preschool on Remuera Road to the Auckland Hebrew Congregation. We are particularly delighted that another faith-based organisation has purchased the property and that they are planning to use part of the campus as an educational facility, which sits very well with the heritage of the site. Pleasingly, this outcome provides for continued, uninterrupted use of the Remuera Road campus by our Girls’ School and Preschool until they are ready to move to their new facilities at Shore Road when the new buildings are complete.

Design work on the new buildings at Shore Road has further progressed to look at potential floor plans, which is generating both earnest discussion and excitement as ‘wish lists’ begin to take shape.

Both Mr Peter Cassie, Boys’ School Principal and Ms Juliet Small, Girls’ School Principal are pleased with the progress to date as they

The Boys’ Senior School Classrooms

lead discussions with their staff to ensure the new facilities offer the very best outcome for teaching and learning. Both Principals have reiterated that ‘boys need to be educated as boys’ and ‘girls need to be educated as girls,’ ensuring that each school will be maintained as a distinct entity.

Like the exterior to the buildings, the interiors will have some very striking features – the most notable is that both buildings feature distinctive atriums with large, wide staircases that double as access between floors and seating steps that can be used both socially and as an auditorium for teaching, group gatherings or class presentations.

Whilst some aspects of the internal configuration may change, we are pleased to share the preliminary, indicative images of how the designs are progressing to gain an understanding of the outstanding, new facilities being developed on the Shore Road Campus for your children and future generations of Saint Kentigern students.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Phase 1 Projects, please email masterplan@saintkentigern.com

The new Senior Boys’ Classroom block will house the Year 8 classrooms on the upper floor, accessed by the wide atrium stairwell. The Year 7 classrooms will be on the floor below with access from ground level on the school side of the building. In addition to the classrooms on the Year 7 and Year 8 floors, there are also ‘break out’ spaces to allow for both social and collaborative work.

The lower level makes provision for a large staffroom that faces out on to the field, allowing adequate space for all teaching and administration staff. This level opens to a large courtyard, providing paved recreational space alongside the field.

The New Specialist Facilities

The new Specialist Facilities for Boys and Girls are under the same roofline as the Senior Boys’ classrooms and will offer superb teaching and learning spaces for a variety of specialist subjects. Currently, Food Technology, Design and Drama will occupy the ground floor. The first floor will be home to Hard Materials, Soft Materials and three Science labs. The top floor will house a further Design room, three Art rooms and three Music classrooms. Again, each floor will also offer breakout and presentation spaces away from the classrooms. The girls have a separate entrance to the Specialist Facilities accessed via a covered walkway from the new Girls’ School.

The New Girls’ School

The Girls’ School has undertaken careful planning to ensure it maximises its new location on a sloping site. The result will be a completely unique, multi-level, terraced school with its own distinct entrance and presence on Shore Road.

The first floor will house Reception areas and Senior Leadership offices, as well as large storage areas. The Junior, Middle and Senior School syndicates each occupy their own floor with each level featuring their own unique outdoor recreation areas.

The classrooms for Years 1-3 are on the second level, along with their own shared ‘wet area’ for art and design. The staffroom occupies a corner of this floor. Years 4-6 occupy the third level with Years 7-8 on the top floor. Both these floors have a shared Library/Learning Commons and break out areas. Like the new Senior Boys’ Classroom block, one of the most distinct features of the new Girls’ School is an atrium that opens from the second to fourth floors with the multi-use stairwells.

The basement floor will be given over to carparking with approximately 22 parking spaces anticipated.

Preschool Pre-Literacy

The absolute highlight and sense of achievement for a child in pre-literacy is the day they learn to write their name!

The importance of Preschool preparing children for school and giving children the best possible educational start, means our emergent programme has a positive balance between a structured and unstructured programme and play, to encapsulate children’s developmental levels for learning. ‘Age and stage’ are imperative in children being ready to learn – meaning the children’s readiness for pre-literacy is a major part of our teaching and programme.

A collaboration of staff and child-focused approach to learning is used at Preschool – where staff support children’s oral skills through listening, extending and playing with vocabulary, ordering and expressing ideas, thinking skills, letter and sound recognition, story-telling and celebrating who the children are and capturing their learning experiences. Literacy is embedded in our programme, achieved in many forms at Preschool in an inclusive, supportive, fun and comprehensive way with a strong oral foundation and rolemodelled behaviour from qualified and experienced staff.

Daily access to writing materials. Children throughout the day move between activities of their choice inside and outside with a full range of quality pencils, pens, clipboards, letter charts, computer work, letter and alphabet charts, magnetic and white boards, chalk and chalk boards and language games. Photos and names all consolidate the importance of pre-literacy in the programme.

Our ‘Nimble Fingers Programme’ helps all children gain a pincer grip ready for prewriting. It includes using padlocks and keys, pegs and clips, threading of beads and straws – this is done daily with small groups of children and staff, so progress can be monitored. Once the children have gained a pincer grip to correctly hold a pencil, they naturally progress to our writing programme.

The ‘Casey Caterpillar Writing Programme,’ is the next stage, which also continues in the Boys’ School and Girls’ School Junior classes. This programme follows shapes that begin to form letters: an

open mouth (c) and a tall stick (l) form a (d). When the children can form each shape correctly, without being reminded, they continue to alphabet letters. This process ensures both differentiated learning for the children and the ability to move at their individual developmental level. We start with the letters in each child’s name, as they gain a sense of belonging and achievement once they achieve this.

A focus on children gaining a ‘mid-line’ to help with writing and fine motor skills is essential before children can gain the skill of writing. This is supported with strong links to our fitness, music and drama programme.

Our environment is print-rich and literacy/words are displayed throughout Preschool. English, French and Te Reo form the basis of the three languages used at Preschool – verbal and written words throughout the programme. Each week new words, sounds and expressive language are learnt in French and Te Reo, as well as regular fun-filled mat times where children listen to and act out stories, listen to books, learn songs, use puppets and poems, while learning the importance of print and pre-literacy learnings.

Daily signing in by the children reinforces this process. Information packs of the Casey writing programme are given to parents, so they too can be involved in the connection between Preschool and home by helping the children with correct letter formations.

Phonics are learnt throughout our programme in a fun, inclusive way, where children are exposed to developmental alphabet letters, phonic sounds and the Casey writing programme.

iPad, laptops and IT on our interactive touchscreen TV all have programmes built in that children (with staff scaffolding) can use to research, develop and learn, with print and alphabet apps to extend

their pre-literacy knowledge and ‘techno-literacy’. The iPads are used solely for educational purposes and with staff, and are limited occasions due to the amount of screen time our children get outside of Preschool.

Books play an integral part throughout all areas of our programme, both inside and outside, for pleasure, research, specific focus on our projects and visits to both school and the Remuera library. All this ensures that the love of literacy learning is achieved.

The importance the Trust Board places on maintaining our high staff ratio is integral to ensure children have quality time with staff allowing children to be regularly observed individually from the day they start. This ensures staff are aware of each child’s developmental level, their skill areas and where they need support and encouragement. Evaluative reporting for each child is documented showing evidence in the children’s portfolio of their progress in all areas as well as pre-literacy development. This is supported through observation with Learning Stories, Magic Moments and photographic and written evidence. Goals each term are reflected on by staff from these observations and feedback to decide on what areas children need support with, and to ensure that all areas of development are covered. All children gain pride and achievement when they can write their own name, with each child having their photo and name accessible on wall displays, lockers, artwork, as well as a specific goal of ‘writing their own name,’ to see the progress of the children during their time with us.

Expectations about teaching practice in pre-literacy are covered in staff meetings, through regular Professional Development and staff upskilling, both through professional readings and practical seminars and workshops.

ERO stated, ‘children are focused, highly engaged and positive in their learning – the learning environment challenges and extends children – there is an appreciation of literacy with the children and staff which is well supported – the environment celebrates children’s work and their contributions to the learning programme.’

At our Preschool, we are proud of the educational programme that has developed and continue to ensure we foster an expectation for the children to achieve their best. Through continual encouragement, support and learning through actions, we believe they are given the best possible start for their educational journey through Saint Kentigern.

Happy Snow Day!

It was a magical morning as tonnes of ‘snow’ were dropped outside for Snow Day, transforming the sandpit into a winter wonderland. The annual event is now very much part of the Preschool’s ‘Seasons’ unit which looks at the topics of winter and snow – a very new concept for some of our children!

From snowballs to snow angels and snowmen, wrapped in their winter woollies and gumboots, the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, throwing ‘snow’ and sharing many laughs with their teachers and friends. What a great morning!

Fides

An Entertaining Show

Cheers could be heard from afar as the preschoolers enjoyed a performance from our Senior College Drama students. Based on the children’s book, ‘One More Sheep’, the performance took the preschoolers on wild journey. From sleepy farmer Sam and his five sheep, to a lone wolf, the play fired up their imaginations and gave the children endless opportunities to get involved, be curious, empathise with the characters and sing, dance and howl along to some of their favourite songs. The oldest Saint Kentigern students put on a well-polished, energetic show that was full of fun - and kept our youngest Saint Kentigern students well entertained!

Emerging Engineers!

Can they build it? Yes they can!

After discovering the world of architecture and learning about different buildings around the world, the preschoolers put their hard hats on and dug in to uncover the work of construction engineers!

The Preschool is full of resources for the children to explore, whether it’s outside in the sandpit, bark or gravel pit, or making use of wooden blocks, Lego, Mobilo and connecting magnetic blocks indoors. With the limitless imagination of children, conversation started to flow, theories were tested and the children proudly watched as their ideas came to life. Whether it was constructing a building, a farm or a zoo, or finding the best way to build a road or a water course, they worked together in groups, sharing ideas and creating solutions.

As well as researching how things are built, a group were also supervised on a visit to a demolition site to watch a house on Ranui Road be demolished – the young visiting crew had a great time dressing up in their hi-vis and safety hats!

A Visit from the Police!

Real life experiences and learning about the world we live in is crucial for young minds—and learning about the Police has been right at the top of the list for our preschoolers recently! The children spent time discussing the New Zealand Police to learn about the role they play in society, how they are trained and what they wear.

To help the students with their learning, Old Collegian, Constable Cooper Rand visited the students to talk to them about his role as a new Police Officer at Otahuhu Police Station. Questions were flying and the children were keen to test out his handcuffs, dress up in uniform and show Cooper their Police artwork – including a life size portrait of Cooper himself!

Jammies for June

Our annual Pyjama Day - ‘Jammies for June’ was particularly special this year! Not only did the Preschool collectively donate 150 pairs of pyjamas to go to Starship Children’s Hospital, they joined the Rawhiti Retirement Village residents for a Pyjama Party Disco!

The students walked down the hill dressed in their pyjamas to Rawhiti and discovered the Village was beautifully set up with balloons, gold and silver confetti and streamers. On arrival, everyone called out, ‘Play the music Mr Music Man!’ and from there, conga lines were formed, and the dance was on! The students had fun making new friends and dancing with the residents – some were remarkably sprightly for their age!

There was much tooting and waving on the way back to Preschool, as it’s not every day you see 50 children and 15 adults dressed in their pyjamas walking the streets of Remuera!

Happy Fathers’ Day

The Preschool was abuzz at the Fathers’ Day morning tea as, to add to the excitement, special guests, New Zealand Police Sergeant Steve Pike and Senior Constable Chris Harris brought their three Police dogs, Floyd, Primo and Luca along to Preschool.

As part of the Preschool’s focus on Police, this was a great opportunity for the students and fathers to learn something new together and watch the police dogs in action. Steve and Chris spoke to the children about the work of the Police and the dogs showed off some of their search skills.

Working as a Team

‘I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.’ Mother Teresa

At Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, our staff are role models for the girls. They are a highly experienced, effective, collaborative team whose ongoing commitment to their own professional development ensures that we always deliver strong curriculum programmes. Our teachers are specialists in areas such as STEAM, Science, Mathematics, Christian Education, Physical Education, Art, Music, Speech and Drama, Food and Materials Technology, and Languages: English, French, Spanish and Chinese.

We have a stable staff with a very low turnover. I love working with the team because of the great loyalty that they demonstrate to the girls and school, along with pride, commitment and a good dose of humour. Our staff also have wide ranging personal interests such as their own sporting and cultural endeavours, personal hobbies and busy family lives.

We do have a lot of fun and I think that when we are all enjoying our work and our time with the girls then this sets the scene for happy days. The girls form relationships with their own teacher and often with other specialist teachers who share similar interests to them. We balance ‘wrap- around’ care with real rigour and high expectations of achievement.

We have three new Deans who have joined the team this year:

Ms Melinda Clifford, Year 0 Teacher and Junior School Dean: Melinda has taught all age groups from Year 0-6 during her time at All Saints College and St Andrew’s Grammar in Perth. Prior to Saint Kentigern, Melinda worked as a Principal Consultant and Curriculum Manager for the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. She is now leading our Junior Syndicate and is enjoying being back in the school environment and is particularly enthusiastic about her class of 5 year olds! She also has significant strengths in the teaching of Drama and Performing Arts, supported by a Bachelor of Arts English/Drama.

Mrs Bernadette Haerewa, Year 7 Tutor Teacher and Senior School

Dean: Bernadette may be familiar to many of you, as she has taught both Year 7&8 at Saint Kentigern College for the past 4 years. Prior to the College, Bernadette was the e-Learning facilitator and teacher at Somerville Intermediate. Bernadette has strengths in Te Reo Maori, e-Learning, English and Mathematics. Bernadette has a Bachelor of Teaching along with Te Kakano Maori Language qualifications. Her care and well-being of adolescent girls is proving to be a significant advantage in our Senior School. Bernadette has already made a positive impact on the girls with her involvement in the Year 8 Fiji Service trip and the award-winning ShowQuest Dance.

Miss Gina Hemmingsen, Year 4 Teacher and Middle School

Dean: Gina joined us from St Thomas’s Primary School where she was a Deputy Principal. Prior to this, Gina worked at Kohia Terrace School and she also has experience teaching at private schools in London. Gina brings tremendous expertise in curriculum, utilising the knowledge gained from completing a Master of Educational Leadership, to lead our staff professional development. She is also making a significant contribution to schoolwide music at Assemblies and Chapel.

Melinda, Gina and Bernadette work alongside Jill Wahlstrom (Deputy Principal) Helen Prescott, (Assistant Principal) and I, as part of the Leadership Team. We work collaboratively utilising each other’s strengths and supporting each other.

This year we are all involved in the ultimate collaboration! Our team of teachers are planning the designs of our new school buildings at the Shore Road campus. Although we are dialoguing about building structures, really at the heart of every conversation is ‘what do we want teaching and learning to look like?’ Representatives of each syndicate here at the Girls’ School are involved in conversations with the architects about specific design matters pertaining to their age group. In addition, the specialist teachers have worked collaboratively with the specialist staff at the Boys’ School to plan the different specialist spaces. The teachers have utilised their curriculum experience and their unique knowledge of catering for girls’ education. It is the perfect example of putting heads together to achieve some amazing outcomes.

Fides Servanda Est

Miss Juliet Small, Principal

For the Service of Others

Looking for ways in which they can serve others, last term our girls took part in several events, or ventured off on their own to raise money for those less fortunate.

Year 6 students, Poppy Heazlewood and Daliah Shin joined forces to raise money for those in need in Fiji and Vanuatu. They used their personal time to make and sell scrunchies that were made from recycled uniforms. A group of Year 7 girls took part in Starship Foundation’s ‘Bake it Better’ fundraiser – a nationwide bake-sale to bring better health and brighter futures to Starship Hospital children. In the end, they raised more than $1000 in only a couple of hours!

In addition to these fundraisers, the whole school put on their ‘crazy’ hats and raised money and awareness around brain injuries. In keeping within the Saint Kentigern Mission Statement, ‘...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’ – our girls strive to achieve this mission.

Farewell Janine

After 36 years teaching, working with the youngest students, Girls’ School Junior Dean, Janine Bennett has retired. Beginning her teaching career at the Boys’ School in 1983, Janine worked for Saint Kentigern for six years before a brief stint at Victoria Avenue School. Following this, Janine was appointed to Corran School in 2001. During 2009, Saint Kentigern assumed the responsibility for staffing and operations of Corran – opening as a Saint Kentigern girls’ primary school in 2010, where Janine continued to teach the junior students. Janine was of great assistance during this period to ensure a smooth transition for the girls and their families.

$4,711.30 Raised for World Vision

Every year our students put their heads together to come up with different ways in which they can raise money during the World Vision 40 Hour Famine. Some of our girls went about their daily life without a bed, a cell phone, a television and some even went without a voice for 40 hours! Driven by the Student Council, the students raised a total of $4,711.30 to help the Sudanese Refugees.

World Vision Ambassador, Anika visited the girls to congratulate them on their efforts and share stories of how their contribution has helped. The visit from World Vision staff enabled our students to gain a greater understanding of the impact our school communities make through fundraising endeavours, to help World Vision continue its work around the world.

Janine modelled hard work, commitment, loyalty and above all, the value of relationships between the girls, their parents and staff. Not only did she create strong bonds, she maintained them during the girls’ future schooling. Alongside teaching, Janine was instrumental in the creation of all school productions and carol services for the Girls’ School – the very youngest creating their nativity scene at the annual Carol Service will be a lasting memory!

We thank Janine for her service, and we wish her all the very best for her retirement years.

Fourteen Awards at Science Fair

Aselect group of Year 8 students presented their Science Fair projects for judging at the NIWA Auckland City Science and Technology Fair. After being judged on their ability to produce investigations that demonstrate how to carry out and write up a fair test, seven students were awarded 14 awards collectively. Several judges commented on how well the girls presented their projects to their audience. They also acknowledged the noticeable difference in the girls’ choice of topics, moving toward future-thinking and looking at how we are using the resources of our world. The investigations made an impact, as not only were they executed well, thoroughly planned and accurately recorded, they showed a connection with people within the community or other scientists.

Keeley Berkovits was awarded second place in the Physical World category with her project, ‘What Watt’. Her project caught the judges’ attention as she investigated what the best orientation is for solar panel placement to optimise weather conditions. She was also awarded the Silver Sponsor’s Award: ASTA Award for Experimental Design. Abby Heazlewood placed second in the Planet Earth and Beyond category with her project, ‘Plastic Beaches!’ that focused on the amount of plastic to be found on our beaches. Abby also received the Bronze Sponsor’s Award: Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi & Fullers Cruises prize. Abby Davidson also picked up a second place in the Living World category for her project, ‘A New Antibiotic?’ Abby tested if kawakawa can be used as an antibiotic and her findings

discovered that it can kill off minor bacteria. Abby was also awarded the Bronze Sponsor’s Award: Delta Education Supplies Prize.

Jamie Chandler received three awards for her project, ‘Waters in the Wetland.’ She gained a Highly Commended in the Plant Earth category and claimed the Bronze Sponsor’s Award: Birds Auckland Award and the Silver Sponsor’s Award: RIMU Auckland Council Award. Jamie aimed to prove that the pond drainage system at the Maungarei Springs Wetlands is effectively treating the stormwater from the stonefields. Also awarded Highly Commended was Anamia Rangihaeata for her Technology project, ‘Solar Saviour.’ Anamia focused on creating a solar panel that collects more energy and electricity than the average panel. For this, she also received the Silver Sponsor’s Award: ESA Publications Prize. Cillia Fa’afua entered the Living World category with her project, ‘Gluten Free Balloon’ and also received a Highly Commended and a Special Award. Cillia tested which flour contains the most gluten and was given the Bronze Sponsor’s Award: NZIFST Award for Food Technology. Chelsea Wijntje entered the Technology category with her project, ‘Flat Light Café’ and also received a Highly Commended. Chelsea tested LED lights and the theory behind the Fibonacci Tree pattern.

The results this year represent the ability and hard work exemplified by key students in this cohort. All projects showcased a diverse range of investigations, where the students focused on fair testing principles, innovation, inquiry and skills in accuracy of measurement and presenting statistics. Well done girls!

Immersed in Virtual Reality

With thanks to Assistant Principal, Mrs Helen Prescott

It has been said that the future of teaching may lie in a virtual experience where actual teachers are replaced with a holographic version - this may come sooner than expected at the Girls’ School, as the girls learn to code in a virtual world!

A relatively new technology, that not many have had the chance to experience, Virtual Reality (VR) provides a real world, immersive experience that links the key human senses of hearing, sight and touch. Smell surely won’t be far away. Wearing a virtual headset, the subconscious mind has trouble distinguishing whether the experience in front of the eyes is false, and the mind is tricked into believing it is real, immersing the wearer into the virtual world on display.

The Girls’ School are exploring the use of VR to help develop their language and creative writing skills. Assistant Principal, Ms Helen Prescott, said, ‘Speaking skills – and in turn writing skills – are proven to show a marked improvement in students who have had the opportunity to explore a virtual environment. The immersive, sensory nature of VR improves the quality of students’ language; the immediacy of the experience is particularly beneficial for those students who struggle to think of what to write. When the girls were asked to write scary stories, the opportunity to experience a Virtual Reality ‘scary house’ first-hand, greatly enhanced their writing.’

Tilt Brush is another Virtual Reality app which the girls have been exploring. This allows the user to ‘paint’ in 3D. Disney animators use Tilt Brush to create their characters, drawing them in a 3D space, so characters and images appear as ‘real’ objects rather than a flat 2D representation on paper. This is a great tool for developing characters when preparing a story.

The next step from ‘experiencing’ an immersive VR environment was to give the girls an opportunity to learn how to ‘create’ their own environments to engage in. Over the course of the year, the girls have been leading up to learning how to programme by using a variety of programming platforms from Scratch to Python and now C#. Through a connection with Peter Dong, Founder of VRVoom in Newmarket, the Year 7 girls were invited to spend time with their VR developers, to teach our girls to learn how to code in C# programming language, using a platform called Unity, so they can start to create their own 3D VR games.

At its most basic, learning how to code is learning to tell machines what to do. But this requires the mastery of a problem-solving skill known as computational thinking, which involves breaking larger tasks into a logical sequence of smaller steps, diagnosing errors and coming up with new approaches when necessary. The girls started by

learning how to create a number guessing game, which taught the basics of coding. The exercise involved lots of maths concepts and the reinforcement of new language such as ‘integers’, ‘Booleans,’ ‘if, then and else’ statements and the use of logic.

In the most recent session, the girls learnt about Vectors to move 3D model players in a 3D environment. This is just the start of a very exciting journey for our girls. They are going to progress to developing a game which VRVoom is going to make available to be played by anyone who visits their centres. They have two premises, in Newmarket and Sylvia Park, offering virtual reality experiences to the public.

The VR market maybe relatively new but is growing exponentially with applications being implemented into key areas such as healthcare, the military, education, real estate and entertainment. The girls aren’t the only ones to have benefitted from a virtual experience. As plans begin to take shape for the new Girls’ School to be built at Shore Road, senior staff have been using virtual reality to ‘walk through’ the proposed school to give feedback to the architects. Mrs Prescott said, ‘What you see on paper plans compared to actually experiencing walking through the environment has had huge advantages in optimising our new learning environments.’

Coding is an important and necessary future-focused literacy skill that is essential to developing the digital world which we live in today. As our world becomes increasingly digital, the ability to code will become an in-demand and employable skill - and our girls are in a good place to gain those skills!

Speech Competition

Eighteen of the best Year 4 to 8 speakers stepped up to present their speeches at the annual Speech Competition; all speaking with great clarity and poise. Each year group had an assigned topic on which to base their speech to ensure variety across the age groups, with the Year 4 to 8 competitive speeches interspersed with talks from selected students in Years 1 to 3.

This year, we had the privilege of welcoming adjudicator, Mrs Del Costello to judge the students on their delivery and presentation, content and engagement, use of language and overall impact and message. With topics such as racism, equality and social media, every finalist was a strong contender with excellent speech making skills and consequently, making judging no easy task!

SPEECH WINNERS

Year 4 Lillian Tang ‘Flute’

Year 5 Amelia Paterson ‘Dunedin’

Year 6 Poppy Heazlewood ‘Women and Men Should be Equal’

Year 7 Ada Hu ‘Social Media is Running Your Life’

Year 8 and Overall Winner Xarya Knox ‘Teachers Need Better Working Conditions’

SPEECH FINALISTS

Alexandra Doull, Cara Zhong, Jeanna Ho, Charlotte Albrecht, Charlotte Lee, Phoebe Hirst, Phoebe Wood, Evaghn Fereti-Alainuuese, Holly Scoones, Mikayla Chung, Jamie Chandler, Anise Umaga and Cilla Fa’afua.

Win with Words

Poetry Competition

F rom stormy weather and haunted houses, to dragons and zoo animals, the girls were given the freedom to write about a topic of their choosing for this year’s poetry competition. The girls presented their poems to their class before the finalists were selected to present to the whole school.

The quality and standard of all the poems were outstanding, making it hard for adjudicator, Ms De Roo to select the winners!

POETRY WINNERS

Year 4 Isabelle Qu ‘Storm’

Year 5 Erin Costello ‘Old Ghost House’

Year 6 Charlotte Lee ‘I Think my Teacher’s an Alien’

Year 6 Milly MacLeod ‘Dragon Flames’

Year 7 Nora Caffery ‘Feelings’

Year 8 Anamia Rangihaeata ‘Hope’

POETRY FINALISTS

Amelia Hardie, Lillian Tang, Alexi Bower, Sienna Robertshaw, Phoebe Hirst, Daliah Shin, Amelia Duff, Sophie Yan, Priscilla Zhong, Tiana Gray, Olivia Lin and Sophia Mercer.

After submitting her creative writing piece, ‘Kaia’ into the ‘My Maunga – my personal mountain’ special topic category, at this year’s ‘Win With Words’ competition, Year 7 student, Zambezi Butler was delighted to receive a special prize! Hosted by Remuera Library, the competition encourages students in Years 7 and 8 who live in or attend a school in the local area, to submit an original story of less than 500 words. At a special awards evening to acknowledge the excellent work of students and to inspire them to continue to write for the sheer love of words, Zambezi received her award and was acknowledged for her creative efforts – her careful selection of words used to illustrate her ideas, set her piece apart!

Learning to be Cash Clever

Learning to be ‘cash clever’ and developing lifelong financial literacy skills from a young age is one of the key elements of the mathematics programme. This year, the Year 5-8 students have taken part in workshops and exercises that have tested their abilities to budget, save and spend their money wisely. All Year levels had the privilege of welcoming ASB’s GetWise Educator, Callum. The Get Wise programme aims to teach ‘good’ life-long money habits.

The Year 6 students were given a $20 budget to create, market and sell a product to ‘customers.’ During the task, the students surveyed their ‘customers’ to find out what ‘the market’ wanted, learnt how to budget effectively, compared costs between three different supermarkets, made their product and marketed and sold it. They then counted their profit and analysed the figures before donating the outcome, $943, to the Vanuatu Service Trip.

The Year 5 and 6 students looked at ways in which they can earn money. They spoke about doing chores around the house to make a ‘wage’ in which they could learn to save and spend their money. Callum reinforced the idea that the students divide up the money into three jars – a spend jar, save jar and a share jar.

For the Year 7 and 8 students, the focus was on planning an overseas holiday, learning about different types of insurance, needs, wants, expenses and maintaining a budget along the way. Callum split the students into groups and gave them ‘$2,000’ to spend. The group with the most money saved in the end won.

While developing financial literacy skills, students are required to think realistically about aspects of spending they may not have considered before, preparing them to think wisely about their financial decisions in the future. We thank Callum for his time and expertise!

Discovering Coding and Programming

The library was abuzz with activity when our girls in Years 1 to 3 were invited to work collaboratively to solve mathematical and spelling problems. Pooling their science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematical (STEAM) skills, the students were tasked with coding and programming devices to move sphero robots to their designated location – to spell a word or solve a mathematical equation.

Run by educators from MOTAT, learning outcomes were many and varied as the girls worked on the tasks, learning about the language of coding and how to troubleshoot, adjust and complete the missions through programming the robots. Working in groups, the girls learnt the need to value opinions and be willing to make compromises to achieve a common goal. This was a great hands-on session that encouraged plenty of discussion!

The Snow Queen

Proud parents gathered over two nights to see the Year 0-6 Girls’ School students bring ‘The Snow Queen’ fairy tale to life – a play adapted by Jenny Wake from the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Combining acting, singing and dancing, the girls took their audience on an enchanted journey to help Gerda (Charlotte Lee) find her friend, Kay (Daliah Shin) whose heart had been frozen by the Snow Queen (Poppy Heazlewood). Showcasing the struggle between good and evil, Gerda tries to rescue Kay and meets many unlikely friends along the way, including a princess, reindeer and talking crows. The mood was set in the first scene, as the cheeky Year 4 hobgoblins made their way through the crowd with their ‘hobgoblin glass.’ Demonstrating how the glass freezes human hearts, the goblins captured the audience’s attention with scary masks and creepy cackles. As Kay and Gerda played in the Children’s Village, a piece of glass, enacted by the Year 0 girls, pierced Kay’s skin. Enticed by the Snow Queen, Kay was captured by the Snow Warriors (Year 5) and imprisoned in the Snow Palace.

Sensing Kay was in danger, Gerda went on a mission to find him, along the way, meeting two river birds (Sevgi Yildiz and Claudia Stewart). Ending up in Old Magic’s (Amber Cai) Garden, Old Magic casts a spell on Gerda, attempting to turn her into a lily. The flowers of the garden, danced by the Year 3 students, rescue her as they don’t want Gerda to end up with their fate, as they were once children too.

Gerda travels on and finds herself at a Palace surrounded by courtiers. Here, she is helped by the Palace Crow (Sophie Grant), the cheeky Forest Crow (Grace Bluck), the Prince (Emily Bolton) and the Princess (Nolah Kiri). Having borrowed a Footman (Isabel Gilbert), clothes and gold, Gerda once again finds herself in danger when

attacked by robbers in the forest. Abandoned by the Footman, two pigeons (Emma Scholtz and Vrishti Subbaiah) and a reindeer (Stella Pearson) help her to continue her search for Kay.

On the final stop, Gerda meets the Arctic Woman (Amelie Rae) who takes her into her house to keep her warm for the night. It is the Artic Woman who discovers Gerda’s inner strength which she draws on in her final confrontation with the Snow Warriors and Snow Queen. With Kay finally rescued, all the characters joined together on stage to celebrate and sing their final song, ‘Be the best that you can be’. It was great to see all students singing at the top of their voices with huge smiles on their faces - as they knew they had done a great job of their show!

The girls had been working on the production since the beginning of the term. Spread across all year levels, the production fits within the Drama Curriculum and has been integrated into the Literacy Programme by teachers, where students explored a range of fairy tales and developed their understanding of story structure and the retelling of tales. The production was a great way to give the students the opportunity to hone their performance techniques and develop their knowledge of stage presence.

Congratulations to all students, staff and helpers who made the show possible! The show was a pleasure to watch as the girls stepped up to their roles and showcased their talents with great relish and enthusiasm! Well done!

Girls Win Auckland Showquest!

The audience was left reflecting on the issue of racism, after our girls blew them away with their powerful performance at this year’s Auckland Showquest - a performing arts platform for schools.

Thirty six girls from Years 7 and 8 took advantage of the Spark Arena stage to communicate the importance of equality and treating people with respect, regardless of the colour of their skin. The student-led performance told the story of Rosa Parks – the American civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott, where she refused to give up her seat to a white man in 1955.

Showcasing their acting, art, music, dance and technology talents, the girls portrayed their theme and messages clearly from the beginning, as several girls addressed the audience in the build up to their performance, sharing their thoughts on segregation in the 1950’s, and how they would never accept that same behaviour in their community today. They spoke about Rosa Parks and how they admired her bravery to give us a better life today, while also reminding the audience that despite this, racism still exists in our society today.

The girls used formation, lyrical and hip-hop dance to tell the story of that era. Martin Luther King was inserted into their performance – the American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement. His powerful, ‘I Have A Dream’ speech was broadcast in the background.

To conclude their performance, the girls fast forwarded 64 years and danced on stage as one, celebrating the acceptance and equality that we endeavour to share today.

With the help of Year 11 College student and choreographer, Chloe Haerewa, and teachers, Miss Vanessa Shen and Mrs Bernadette Haerewa, the girls were awarded the Choreography Award, a Participation Award and the Theme Award, which overall won them the title of First Place!

Girls Enjoy Aims Games!

What a fantastic week of sporting competition for those girls in Years 7 and 8 who travelled to take part in the AIMS Games in Tauranga.

Attending one of the biggest sporting events in the southern hemisphere, with a record 11,500 athletes taking part in 23 sports, representing over 365 schools from around New Zealand and the Pacific, this was a non-stop week of sporting competition!

Eighteen of our girls joined with girls from the Middle College to represent Saint Kentigern in swimming, netball, hockey, football, tennis, badminton, gymnastics and cross country.

Saint Kentigern had some very competitive swimmers and with the swimming results from the finals tallied across the campuses, their combined points contributed to Saint Kentigern being named as the top school in first place for swimming, winning gold. Year 7 swimmer, Amelia Duff contributed to that win.

Success also continued on the tennis courts with Girls’ School student, Chelsea Wijntjes pairing with Middle College student, Annabelle Loutit to win bronze in the girls’ tennis doubles. Jasmine Tran’s points in the singles were combined with Annabelle’s, to gain them silver as the overall second placed tennis team in the competition.

Whilst none of the team codes placed, there was much to enjoy and learn for these students.

Whilst coming home with medals is fantastic, the AIMS Games, for these younger students, is as much about taking part and experiencing a taste of competition away from home, which was a first for many. It has been reported back that our students were exemplary in their behaviour and it didn’t go unnoticed. Well done for sporting our blue and white with pride!

Our sincere thanks to the staff and parents who accompanied the students for their time away.

Bronze at Kids Sing!

The Highland Belles sang well at this year’s New Zealand Choral Federation’s Kids Sing music festival. The two-day event saw 35 junior choirs from around Auckland fill the Town Hall. The competition required each choir to sing the same test piece, as well as two other songs of their own choosing, one of which must be written by a New Zealand composer. This year’s test piece was ‘The Wind’ by David Hamilton. The choir also performed ‘Buy Me Chocolate’ by George Mysels and ‘Albatross’ by Murray Lennox. Conducted by Nicola Brown and accompanied by Yolanda Wu on the flute, they were congratulated on their performance and awarded Bronze. Well done!

Hamilton Wins Cross Country

The Girls’ School Cross Country was split into three separate events again this year, with the Year 7-8 races taking place earlier in the year, followed by the Middle School and Junior School races during Term 3.

After postponing the Middle School races due to wet weather conditions, the Year 4-6 girls laced up their shoes, put on their House colours and braved the strong winds to race the College course. This proved challenging for some and really put their speed and stamina to the test.

The Junior School races were also postponed after heavy rain turned the course to a mud bath. When race day finally came around, the sun was shining with a cool breeze at their backs as they raced the around the Boys’ School course.

House points were award for the placings and once collated, Hamilton won for the second year in a row, with Wishart second, Chalmers third and Cargill fourth. Well done to all the girls for their great effort and especially to those who took podium spots!

Year 0 Champions

1st Evie Reynolds CH

2nd Ashley Wang H

3rd Charlotte Dobson W

Year 1 Champions

1st Alyssa Wary H

2nd Darci Barnes CA

3rd Emma Ishii W

Year 2 Champions

1st Lydia Tang H

2nd Lola Leport-Symonds W

3rd Emily Albrecht H

Year 3 Champions

1st Kasey Wray H

2nd Eve Van Aalst CH

3rd Farrah Palmer CA

Year 4 Champions

1st Amelia Hardie W

2nd Channelle Huang W

3rd Queenie Lang CA

Year 5 Champions

1st Bianca Ivanova W

2nd Brooke Rowntree CA

3rd Alexi Bower W

Year 6 Champions

1st Emily Cornaga H

2nd Amie Hilliam H

3rd Phoebe Hirst CH

Year 7 Champions

1st Sienna Moyle H

2nd Cleo Hancock W

3rd Amelia Duff CH

Year 8 Champions

1st Tiana Gray W

2nd Isabella Hughes CH

3rd Cilla Fa’fafua H

Skiing Championships!

Agroup of students travelled to Mount Ruapehu in August to compete in the North Island Primary Schools Skiing Championships. All students performed at a high standard and conquered the slopes with great enthusiasm and determination. The girls were competing against more than 120 other teams from around New Zealand and managed to secure 15th place! For such a young team, this puts Saint Kentigern Girls’ School in good stead for next year. Well done to all the students who competed.

High Tea

‘My mum always helps me with parts of my homework I don’t understand.’ ‘She supports me with all my sports. She is very athletic and kind.’

When the girls were asked what they liked about their mums, there were many positive responses for Principal, Ms Juliet Small to share in her words of welcome at the annual MotherDaughter High Tea. The Guineas Ballroom at the Ellerslie Event Centre was humming with mothers and other special women in the lives of our girls as they enjoyed an afternoon of fine company and refreshments. Laughter and conversation filled the room and the food was enjoyed by all. While the adults chatted, the girls took the opportunity to put on some outrageous headgear and sit in the photobooth for snapshots.

Guest speaker was New Zealand Police Dog Handler and Senior Sergeant, Peter Pedersen, who brought one of his dogs along. Peter spoke about his role in keeping people safe and how the dogs contribute to that. The girls and mothers were not shy when it came to asking questions and having a chance to pat the dog.

Our grateful thanks to the following sponsors and donors who generously supported the event: The Bay Tree of Remuera, Paul Whitford SSL Security, Giraffe, VnC, Grethchen Weightman and Tom Berkovits, the Saint Kentigern Old Collegians’ Association, Dmi Homestagers and Core + Co.

Visit to Christchurch

With thanks to Senior School Dean, Bernadette Haerewa. The Year 7 and 8 students travelled to Christchurch to take part in a week-long exchange with Selwyn House School. As soon as the girls stepped foot in Christchurch, they were immersed in a busy, funfilled, educational schedule!

The girls’ first visit was to the International Antarctic Centre where they looked at innovations to aid survival in extreme conditions. This was a rewarding experience for the girls as they encountered a ‘snowstorm,’ enjoyed a 4D theatre show, undertook a journey over obstacles in the Hagglund vehicle - and had the opportunity to handle huskies!

On Tuesday, the students took part in an educational session at Rutherford’s Den and the Museum. Here, they learnt about atoms, inventions and innovations, and immigration and refugees, which linked back to their studies in Science and Social Studies.

The following day, the students enjoyed a day with the friendly staff and students of Selwyn House School. In the morning, some students took part in debating workshops, while other students were involved in music workshops. Both choirs and orchestras joined together and learnt new pieces which they performed to everyone before lunch. The girls also did a sensational drumming performance on bongos

and chairs. To finish the busy the day, the girls competed in football, netball and tennis, with Saint Kentigern winning every game. Well done girls!

The girls were billeted by Selwyn House School students, which has resulted in many firm friendships. We were very grateful for the generous and warm hospitality of the staff and families of Selwyn House School - they took very good care of our girls. It will be a week the students will never forget!

Father and Daughter Breakfast

The unique bond between a father and daughter was fully evident at the Father and Daughter Breakfast this year. Following Father’s Day, dads, their daughters and guests shared a special morning together at the Ellerslie Events Centre.

Ms Juliet Small welcomed the guests and reminded the fathers of the vital role they play in their daughters’ lives before breakfast was served. The room was abuzz as the fathers and daughters chatted over a shared meal.

The guest speaker for the morning was Phil Somerville. Phil is not only an Old Collegian but is also an actor and stuntman who has featured in the likes of Mission Impossible and Iron Man. Despite his love and passion for acting, he decided to give up the Hollywood lifestyle and move back home to New Zealand with his family and focus on reducing the carbon footprint. Phil sailed for 6 months, all the way from Los Angeles to New Zealand to test how much plastic is in our waters. In his travels, he was not only sampling the waters for micro-plastics but he also stopped at nine different islands to educate the locals on different ways in which they can help keep our waters clean. Phil spoke about the food chain and how by eating fish, we as humans are also consuming plastic. He said, ‘more than 8 million tonnes of rubbish gets dumped into the ocean each year and that there are around 240 million tonnes of plastic waste in our oceans today.’ While sailing, Phil discovered that in more than 80% of his water tests, plastic was present. This fuelled his motivation to educate people and start the initiative, ‘Eat Less Plastic.’ Phil now travels around the world sharing his story and ways in which people can help keen our waters clean.

Mrs Jill Wahlstrom closed by thanking the guests for attending and gave particular thanks to the Parents and Friends who did a fantastic job organising the event. The morning was a great success as everyone left feeling satisfied, inspired and happy as many laughs, hugs and smiles were shared.

The Complexities of Sport

Changes are afoot…about time, good, bad or overreaction?

Aschool’s role is to provide students with a myriad of experiences as they move through the education system. Academic rigour is a given, but sport, cultural, creative, service and leadership opportunities should also form a natural and essential part of their school day and development. When given such opportunities, students are set on a path to develop future interests and passions that they can pursue and maintain in life after school.

Of late, there has been much media interest, comment and debate about declining numbers in our major sports, the role of competition, representative teams in junior grades, early specialisation and over training. I do think it is time for a reality check, however, instead of reacting to negative opinions by making sweeping changes, we need to take a step back and look at what role sport should play in the lives of our children.

Competition should be encouraged and is a very important part of life, as long as parents, clubs and schools work together to provide children the right messaging about both winning and losing. Clubs have endeavoured to eliminate scores in the younger grades, but the players don’t. They know who has scored the most goals or crossed the line the most times. You don’t play against another team without having a result. You only have to look at the unstructured playground battles, where supremacy is sought and physicality is evident, all without adult direction or intervention – this has gone on in school playgrounds since schools were established. It is how you play the game and treat the opposition that matters. Is a game where the score indicates a drubbing, the right message or is it just massaging the coach’s ego? We need to establish ground rules and a code of expectations for all concerned, to ensure we bring the enjoyment back to sport and, therefore, retain numbers. If teams are getting thrashed, change it up so that at the end of the game, both teams have been challenged and have enjoyed the experience.

Unfortunately, we regularly witness or hear about poor sportsmanship, from players, coaches and spectators at all levels, with this type of behaviour, sadly, starting to become the norm. For it to be stopped, parents, coaches, schools and clubs must play their part by modelling and instilling expected behaviours and values from an early age.

Clear expectations about what is acceptable and supportive

behaviour must be made more explicit. If we get this part right, then we can break the cycle.

Let’s reboot our attitudes and remind ourselves about the purpose of sport: It provides much needed physical activity, it is fun, it is quality time with mates and in a number of cases, those mates become mates for life! It is not win at all costs nor should it consume many hours of training and practices each week.

We don’t want children dropping out of sport because of bad experiences. We should be encouraging our students to continue playing a team sport as the benefits are immense.

My ‘Top 10 Tips’ to restore the balance:

1. Get rid of adult egos and understand that children join a team and play sport to have fun, learn new skills, test themselves or their team against others, work together and spend time with their mates.

2. Have parents on the side-line who support their children and their team, allowing them to play their game and who understand that mistakes aren’t intentional and that the referee and coach are doing their best.

3. Have coaches who treat their team members with respect, by providing opportunities for players to learn the skills of the game and to get quality game time. You don’t join teams to sit on the bench.

4. It is what you learn on the field, while playing against an opposition that improves your game.

5. We need to revert to seasonal sport to ensure children get to play and experience a variety of sports, as well as learning different skills. (NZ's last dual international for cricket and rugby was Jeff Wilson.)

6. Sportsmanship must be taught.

7. Ensure there are opportunities for all who wish to play a sport. Match abilities, weights and ages.

8. Encourage flair and innovative play as unpredictability is what the young bring to sport. Understand that children are not mini professionals and should be given the freedom to have a go rather than modelling their play on what the professionals do.

9. Reduce overtraining.

10. Competition is important – winning and losing must be experienced. Sport is a natural extension of free play. Providing structure, rules and proper coaching adds another important dimension to children's lives, however, let’s not take the fun out of sport by wholesale changes that take away the very essence of competition and pitting yourself against others. Fides

Presbyterian Schools Youth Conference

W hilst key staff from Presbyterian schools around the country were gathered at a conference at the College, invited Year 8 student leaders came together to take part in the annual Presbyterian Schools Youth Leadership Conference – a conference that focused on creating a legacy of service, the impacts of service and ways in which the students can create service opportunities that are meaningful and sustainable.

The two-day conference saw students from fellow Presbyterian schools, Rangi Ruru Girls' School, St Andrew’s College, Scots College and St Cuthbert's College, join our own students from the Boys’ School, Girls’ School and College, to bond and work on ideas together.

On arrival, the students were piped to the front of Roselle House by Year 8 student, Charles Adams and then challenged by the Boys’ School Kapa Haka group, led by Year 8 student, Sam McLeod. The day began with ice-breakers to become familiar with one another and in the following sessions, the students unpacked the concept of service, discussing what it meant to each of them and their schools. They also shared their experiences in taking part and witnessing service in their own communities. As a fun exercise, they performed skits in groups to demonstrate how service could look and different ways to offer it. Later, the students had the privilege of welcoming guest speaker and Jucy Group Director, Tim Alpe to speak to them about innovation and his experience in the world of business.

$36,760.00

Raised for World Vision

Efforts during the 40 Hour Famine this year saw a whopping $36,760.00 raised by the Boys’ School for World Vision. As part of their service endeavours, the boys, led by Student Council leaders, ran several fundraising events across all year levels to help the less fortunate in Sudan.

World Vision Ambassador, Cameron MacCarthy visited the boys to congratulate them on their efforts and share stories of how their contribution has helped Sudanese refugees. He mentioned the money raised this year will go towards providing students with the essentials that they need to attend school – such as stationery and school bags.

The visit from World Vision staff enabled our students to gain a greater understanding of the impact our school communities make, through fundraising endeavours, to help World Vision continue its work around the world. Well done to all the students and staff for their efforts to help raise funds.

Over lunch, the students learned about the Social Enterprise, Eat

My Lunch as they enjoyed one of their meals and the satisfaction of knowing that by purchasing a meal, they were also providing a meal for the less fortunate. Later, they travelled to Glen Innes School to learn about The Breakfast Club and the great work they do in the community, helping families in need with supplies and food.

Left feeling inspired, the students brainstormed different ways their own schools could serve others in their community. The following day, they travelled to the College to present their ideas to their Chaplains and Principals and took part in several leadership activities, before sharing lunch at Bruce House and hearing from Presbyterian Youth Ministry, Anne Overton speak about serving others.

The conference was a great opportunity for our students to further develop their knowledge of service and leadership. Each student left feeling inspired, each taking something different away from their experience. The students went on to share their knowledge, ideas and learnings with their peers.

Service Trip to Fiji

With thanks to Chaplain, Reverend Reuben Hardie In recent years, the Boys’ School and Girls’ School have undertaken combined trips to Fiji and Vanuatu to give a group of Year 8 boys and girls the opportunity to offer service overseas. During July, twenty students, twenty parents and four staff made the trip to Fiji for the first overseas service venture of the year. Later in the year, a further two groups will travel to Vanuatu.

The group set off at the end of Term 3 to undertake work at Nawaka School, in their community and at a new school, Sabeto District School. Saint Kentigern has a well-established connection with Nawaka, having now returned there five times, and the latest group to travel were warmly welcomed to the village. Even though it was a new experience for the Sabeto community, it did not take long for this new relationship to blossom, helped greatly by the warmth of our students and parents, and their willingness to work hard to complete our projects.

Each year, we grow in ambition in what we want to achieve for the community during our time there. This year, in three and half working days, we opened a new community kitchen in Nawaka, installing ovens, sinks, kitchen benches and painting the floor and walls of the kitchen inside and out. We created a new drinking tap area modelled on an existing area on the fields at the College, and installed a basketball area at Nawaka School at their request.

At Sabeto, we installed a new, large play fort, two outdoor tables and benches, as well as repairing an existing bench and restoring swings in the swing frame. We also repainted the rest of their playground area.

As well as this, we distributed clothes, bras - as part of our Uplift Project - shoes, sports equipment and hygiene packs to both school communities. One of the highlights this year was supplying toothbrushes and toothpaste to all the students at Sabeto – the excitement of the students and teachers will be long remembered as they rejoiced at receiving this practical gift.

As expected, our students were outstanding, whether it was mixing cement, painting, playing sport with the Fijian students or reading in the Year 2 classes. It is these connections and friendships made between our students and the students of Nawaka and Sabeto which really makes these trips so special. This was very evident when we took our students to support the Nawaka rugby teams at their annual rugby tournament. This was a great morning as Nawaka teams won three of the championship finals and our students loved being able to watch and support them as much as their teams enjoyed the extra support!

The trip went exceptionally well and it was great to see the strong bond with Nawaka School and Village that has spanned five years continue to grow in strength and to now see a new relationship with Sebeto School begin.

Our grateful thanks to so many in the Saint Kentigern community who donated items for inclusion in the container of goods that was sent to Fiji prior to our arrival. Your contribution helped make a difference to the communities we support and they were truly thankful.

The last word goes to Year 8 student, Sam McLeod, ‘As rewarding as the work was, the smiles on the children’s faces was the most incredible and humbling feeling. These kids have so little, but all it takes is for you to turn up and play with them to make their week. So, for anyone thinking of making such a trip, I would recommend it. There is a lot of hard work involved and so much fun along the way, but watch out, they are very good at rugby!’

Ready to Serve Passport

‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’

Martin Luther King Jnr

In keeping with our Mission Statement: ‘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,’ Saint Kentigern schools have a strong service ethic and our students from Preschool onwards are encouraged to find ways to be of service to others.

Service does not always have to be about big issues; it can be acts of kindness, consideration and compassion in the classroom, at home and in daily living. It is these little acts of service that build a foundation for moral reasoning later in life.

The Boys’ School Middle School ‘Ready to Serve Programme’ has been a new initiative this year, aimed to encourage our boys in Years 4-6 to find ways to consciously offer service in their daily lives. Each boy was issued a ‘Passport’ to help them create a plan and record the ways in which they have served.

The ‘Passport’ is divided into a number of specific acts of service and on completion of each section, verification is entered, with space for an illustration or photograph, and the student’s passport is stamped. The aim is for the boys to be self-driven to offer help to achieve a full set of stamps.

From collecting for Foodbank, taking part in World Vision, giving from the heart on mufti days, assisting towards collation of our Christmas Hampers for Wymondley School, offering at least one term of service for a classroom chore and at least another month helping at home, to committing to a co-curricular activity and ensuring school lunches are ‘wrapperless’ to minimise waste and litter, there is plenty for the boys to focus on as they begin to gain an understanding of how they may be of service in their community.

In addition, there is one more stamp to strive for – ‘Going the Extra Mile.’ At Year 4, to complete their ‘Passport,’ they need one Extra Mile stamp, two stamps at Year 5 and three stamps at Year 6. This may be achieved by exceeding the expectations of one of the Ready to Serve Passport challenges or setting a whole new service initiative for themselves.

With three terms behind them, the boys are filling up the pages of their passports. This service learning allows our students to discover ‘their best selves,’ to come to an understanding of what it means to be of service, and begin the journey of developing lifelong habits of caring and compassion for others.

To stay faithful to our Mission Statement, we will continue to provide opportunities for pupils to put service into action; for service to become an intrinsic part of every Saint Kentigern students’ outlook on life - to live The Saint Kentigern Way.

Boys’ School Science Symposium

Would you eat food made from insects? Do you think you could run faster in a pair of biomechanical HiTex socks? Does colour influence taste? Is the right brain, the right brain?

There was certainly plenty to ponder at this year’s Boys’ School Science Symposium!

In the five years since the Science Symposium was first held, interest in attending the event has grown exponentially, so much so that the Symposium has outgrown JC Chalmers Hall and was held this year in the Jubilee Sports Centre to accommodate the Senior School students and their families who were keen to hear from specialists in their field of endeavour.

The aim behind the Symposium is to help students consider the possibilities of future learning and career pathways in the varied areas of science. It is timed to support the term’s focus on the Science Fair for the boys in Years 7 and 8. With their work on display, the evening allowed the boys to communicate their findings back to their peers and the School community. It was an impressive display!

First to take the floor were science teacher, Mr Steven Tait and Year 7 student, Tex Ward to discuss Tex’s entry for the Science Fair, his own innovation, a pair of biomechanical socks with extra elastic to assist muscle strength and speed. Tex believes he’s on to a winner and his invention could prove to be the difference between a gold medal or no medal!

Our first invited guest was Dr Andrew Kralicek, the team leader of the Molecular Sensing Team at Plant & Food Research. Andrew is passionate about science and the potential it has to change our lives for the better. He has spent the last decade working out how to harness insects’ amazing sense of smell to revolutionise the world of electronic sensors. Possible commercial applications range from human health, pest and disease detection, food quality and defence technologies. Dr Kralicek told the boys that to be a good scientist, they needed to learn to collaborate well, share ideas, be ever curious and not to be discouraged by a ‘failure’ as this can often lead to greater learning.

Keeping with the theme of insects, Year 8 students, Finn Watney and Tom O’Donnell were next to share their project - ‘Bug Buffet.’ With an eye to the future problem of how the earth can sustain feeding millions of people, they looked at the viability of whether eating insects could be a sustainable alternative in our diet and offer a solution to food shortages in over-populated areas.

Our final guest for the evening, Blair Smith from ‘The Imagination Experience,’ has a mission ‘to inspire the next generation into the field of science in a time when the world needs science more than ever to address so many global issues.’ He certainly caught the boys’ imagination! From elephant’s toothpaste to clouds of steam, giant smoke rings and flaming soap bubbles, he knew how to entertain both boys and parents alike, whilst keeping the questions to boys flowing. He reiterated Dr Kralicek’s words to take failures as challenges. Ask why it didn’t work, ask how it could be done differently and be forever curious.

Twenty Awards at Science Fair!

Following on from the Boys’ School Science Symposium, a select group of young scientists from our Senior School presented their science projects for judging at the Auckland Regional NIWA Science and Technology Fair, alongside the top 200 projects from 29 schools within the central Auckland area. We were delighted that 17 of our boys were recognised for their outstanding achievements. Six of the projects were singled out for ten special awards!

Jack Scarlett was awarded first place in the Physical World category with his project, ‘Crackle! Pop! Bang!’ Jack’s project involved testing to see whether different water temperatures used in the formation of a Prince Rupert’s Drop, affects the strength of the glass head. He was also awarded with the Gold Sponsor's Award from the University of Auckland and his was one of only five projects chosen to represent Auckland City Science to be showcased at MOTAT later this year.

Coming second in the Human Behaviour category, was Luca Roberton and his project ‘Game Brain Drain’, which focused on the effect of computer gaming on visual and audio memory. Luca was also awarded the New Zealand Statistical Association prize. Hugo McKenzie, picked up third place in the Physical World category with his project, ‘Headgear Fact or Friction’. He investigated whether changing the material that your headgear is made from, would reduce the force of impact on a player’s head. He also received a Silver Sponsor’s Award from the Science Awards Trust.

Another unique project titled, ‘Bug Buffet’, was presented by Finn Watney and Tom O’Donnell, looking at the viability of insects as a sustainable and nutritious food source. As well as a Highly Commended certificate, they also received First Prize from the Baking Industry Research Trust. Hugh Webber was awarded a Highly Commended certificate and two special prizes for his project ‘That Sinking Feeling’. Using the context of the Christchurch earthquakes and liquefaction, he tested whether the depth of a building’s foundations can prevent it from sinking. His two special prizes were awarded from the Geoscience Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Statistical Association. Winning the Delta Education Supplies Prize for Innovative investigation in the Living World, as well as a Highly Commended certificate, was Jack Doherty’s project ‘Plants Plus Pollutants’. Jack investigated the impact pollutants in our waterways have on plants.

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Finn Watney & Tom O’Donnell Bug Buffet (+ Special Prize)

Jack Doherty Plants Plus Pollution (+ Special Prize)

Hugh Webber That Sinking Feeling (+ 2 Special Prizes)

Alex Dunn & Daniel Haines Planting Plastic

Will Ormond Alkaline Advantage?

Cayden Lin-Vaile & Harry Becker Heart Beat Fast Beat

Hamish Tye The Cereal Killer

Fletcher Muthu Man That’s Cold

James Knottenbelt & Nathan Dick Stop that Sunburn

Zach Freeland The Big Apple’s Core Issue

TOP PLACED CATEGORY WINNERS:

Jack Scarlett Crackle! Pop! Bang! Physical World First place and Special Prize

Luca Roberton Game Brain Drain Human Behaviour Second place and Special Prize

Hugo MacKenzie Headgear Fact or Friction? Physical World Third place and Special Prize

Sharing Musical Talent

Our Boys’ School musicians have had a busy year with plenty of opportunity to share their musical talents, whether singing as a choir or playing as part of an ensemble.

The Performers’ Choir made a memorable trip to Hawke’s Bay to be hosted by Hereworth School, an independent day and boarding school for boys in Years 1-8. Saint Kentigern has a long-standing association with Hereworth, and the boys and staff were warmly greeted by their billets.

The choir spent time in workshop with fellow choirs from both Hereworth and Lindisfarne College during their visit, joining with each of their choirs for concerts, as well as performing at Te Mata, another local primary school.

The boys also had the chance to put on their ‘tourist hats,’ with visits to the National Aquarium and Napier’s famous art deco waterfront, taking advantage of a spur of the moment decision to sing in St John’s Cathedral! The boys sang ‘God be in My Head’ and with the exquisite acoustics, they sounded superb! The accompanying staff were beaming with glee!

Back in Auckland, the choir was pleased to welcome Southwell School from Hamilton, another school with whom we regularly share sports and cultural exchanges. This time, both choirs presented their work to a respectful Junior School audience who listened quietly, enjoying the opportunity to hear the older boys sing.

Later, it was the turn of our instrumentalists to learn from, and join in with, an older Concert Band from Lindisfarne College who had travelled to take part in the Auckland Band Festival. They were pleased to present their concert, finishing with our own Jazz Band joining forces to play the irrepressible, clap-along ‘Happy!’

A Taste of the College

Biology, chemistry, physics, premier sports training, a touch of drama and a bit of fun in food technology were all on offer when our Year 7 boys paid a visit to the Pakuranga Campus to gain a sense of College life. The boys began with lunch at Bruce House before setting off to get involved.

In the Science Centre, the boys were given a taste of biology and physics by the College Science teachers. Peering into high powered microscopes brought gasps and 3D printed miniatures of the skulls of our early ancestors gave plenty to discuss, whilst in physics there was no shortage of volunteers willing to try to make an aluminium bar ‘sing’ in a squealing, high pitch by rubbing with rosin!

The students could select an option for the second session to get a glimpse of the co-curricular programme. The boys could choose to take part in a training session with the coaches of 1st XV Rugby, 1st XI Football and 1st XI Hockey, try out a session in the fitness centre, or delve into some Theatresports or try their hand in the Food Technology kitchens.

The boys thoroughly enjoyed their visit and we sincerely thank the College staff who forfeited their lunch break to give our students a ‘taste of life at the College.’

Art and Nature - A Day of Two Parts

Education beyond the classroom can have a profound effect on our boys’ learning as they encounter new and memorable experiences beyond the school gates - and hear first-hand from experts who can answer their many and varied questions with authenticity.

On a recent trip to Titirangi in West Auckland, our Year 3 boys were given insight into aspects of New Zealand’s history, gained understanding of the use of motifs in art, and learnt about native flora and fauna indigenous to the area. With the day split into two parts, the boys spent part of the day at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery in Lopdell House and, in complete contrast, also visited Arataki Visitors’ Centre on Scenic Drive for a guided bush walk in the Waitakere Ranges.

TeUru is a small, eclectic gallery with a constantly changing display of work.

On the day the boys visited, the exhibition was focussed on examples of local contemporary art and fashion influenced by Pacifica. Pacific-inspired patterning was to be the theme of their own artwork in the later workshop, so the boys took careful note. Gallery educator, Jodi pointed out connecting themes and the cultural motifs the boys could look out for. Faces lit up when they spotted the familiar, Air New Zealand uniform on display with its koru motifs and Pacific inflection!

Leading up to the trip, the boys had been learning about how the early Polynesians migrated to New Zealand. Jodi explained how the first Polynesian explorers sailed to New Zealand in wakas lashed together with fibres and how this differed from the first arrival by Captain James Cook, and the following Europeans, who arrived by large sailing ships. The boys learned that despite the different vessels, both sets of early explorers to our shores had something in common – they used nature to find land. Water, currents, the wind, stars, migrating whales, birds and clouds were all used to assist navigation in their discovery of New Zealand. The boys were given the task of designing a sail with motifs that told the story of that journey. The boys set to work and, thinking back on all they had heard and seen, created some great pieces!

While waiting for their artwork to dry, it was back on the bus to visit the Arataki Visitors Centre. Before they could enter the bush, their guide, Simon, explained about Kauri dieback and showed the boys how to disinfect their shoes effectively before entering the track to protect the trees. On the walk, Simon spoke about how the early settlers made use of the bush from finding building materials to making medicine - and even deodorant! The boys could also see how motifs such as the unfurling korus they’d seen at the gallery had nature as inspiration.

The boys heard about the negative impacts that logging has on the forest and how predators are a threat to our native animals. They learnt that possums are one of New Zealand’s biggest issues and that there are currently an estimated 70 million of them who chew their way through 21,000 tonnes of choice green shoots, fruits, berries and leaves in our native forests each night – that’s the equivalent of eating 190 million hamburgers! Their voracious appetites are destroying our forests and the boys heard about steps being taken to control this problem.

The boys were blessed with a superb spring day for this trip which turned into a fabulous day of learning in two contrasting environments linked by nature.

We thank Jodi, Simon and the parent helpers for their expertise and time spent with our boys.

Speech Competition

The hall was packed as selected Middle and Senior School speakers presented their speeches at this year’s Speech Finals. Students in Years 4-8 spent the term crafting their original speeches before they were shortlisted to present in front of adjudicators, Erica Kroger, Sonia Gray and Wendy Petrie.

From motivational messages, educational tips and entertaining pieces, the Year 4-6 students covered a wide range of topics. Winner, Sebe Poole spoke about ‘The Art of Procrastination’ and the four different types of procrastinators - ‘the anxious procrastinator, the fun procrastinator, the plenty of time procrastinator and the perfectionist procrastinator.’ Johnny Ormond placed second with his speech, ‘Be Positive’, and Ben Roberton and Toby Wigglesworth received special mentions for their speeches on integrity and surnames.

The Year 7-8 students spoke about topics such as being resilient, using your imagination and entrepreneurship. After much deliberation, the adjudicators named Sam McLeod the winner as he spoke with great emotion about resilience and how it is important to ‘Bounce Back’ when you are faced with challenges. Second place went to James Hiddleston for his speech on ‘Bare Feet v. Shoes’ and how as a Kiwi, he loves the freedom of wearing bare feet. Due to the high calibre of performances and the tough decision of choosing the winners, the adjudicators created a ‘Highly Commended’ award for Seth Mellis –Glynn who spoke about ‘Nursery Rhymes and What They Teach Us’.

All finalists were scored on their delivery and presentation, content and engagement, use of language and overall impact and message.

Both Sebe and Sam went on to win their age groups in the Remuera Lions Speech competition – a double win for the Boys’ School! Well done boys!

Middle School Speech Finalists

Senior School Speech Finalists

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH WINNERS

1st Sebe Poole 6AB The Art of Procrastination

2nd Johnny Ormond 6AB Be Positive

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH FINALISTS

Max Carr, Will McLeod, Scott Nel, Theo Colyer, Jacob Hageman, Toby Wigglesworth and Ben Roberton

SENIOR SCHOOL SPEECH WINNERS

1st Sam McLeod 8LG Bounce

2nd James Hiddleston 7DB Bare Feet

HC Seth Mellis-Glynn 7BH Nursery Rhymes and What They Teach Us

SENIOR SCHOOL SPEECH FINALISTS

Rafi Newland, Joe Robertson, Adam Andrews, Harry McNamara, Will Ormond, Thomas Hageman and Luca Roberton

Saint Kentigern Wins with Words!

Each year, Remuera Library organises a writing competition for Year 7 and 8 students who live or attend school in Remuera. Students are invited to submit a narrative of no more than 500 words. They may write on any subject of their choosing but each year there is the option of writing a piece for two special categories. This year’s special topics were ‘My Maunga – my personal mountain’ and ‘Once my Grandpa told me…’

Over the years, Saint Kentigern students have regularly entered the competition, often with success, but this year was our most successful ever!

Six senior Boys’ School students were selected from hundreds of entries as 2019 finalists and were invited to a prizegiving at the library. Each of the selected students had passages of their writing read aloud to the audience, received their prizes and had their work presented in a book produced by the Library.

Year 7 student, Billy Simpkins was named the overall winner of the Year 7 general category with ‘ The Lost Memory’ - a dark twist on the story of the ill- fated airship, Hindenburg. Year 8 student, Eddie Biss was the winner of the special category ‘ My Maunga’ with ‘Spirit of Rangitoto’ - a story of revenge by the Maori god, Rangitoto, with a modern ending. Both of these pieces were exceptional pieces of writing.

Four further Boys’ School students were awarded as Runners

Up to the winner: Nathan Dick for ‘The Thing,’ Hugh Webber for ‘Operation Cookie Jar,’ Maxwell Clarke for ‘The Spark’ and Devaansh Gupta for ‘ Ice.’ Congratulations to all these students for their winning way with words!

Sebe Poole Middle School Winner

Sam McLeod Senior School Winner

Robocup Win!

Robotics

teams from around Auckland gathered for the 2019 Auckland RoboCup Competition, which entailed teams of students quickly programming robots to navigate a range of challenges.

This year, the Boys’ School Robotics Club entered three teams in the Open Division of Robo Soccer event which involved ‘soccer’ teams, with two robots on each side, competing against each other to control and ‘kick’ an infra-red transmitting ball into the opposition net. All the club members spent many lunchtimes designing, building and programming their robots in the months before the competition to hone their skills and quick decision making.

Robotics offers ‘five subjects in one’ as it draws on the boys’ skills in Science, Computer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to meet the challenges. Using Lego Mindstorms EV3 Education Kits, the boys work on different challenges each week, collaborating in small groups to design, build, programme and test their robots. Students who undertake robotics are challenged to be creative in their design of programs and to develop excellent problem-solving skills. On the day, the competition encompasses not only these skills but also encourages sportsmanship, the sharing of ideas and teamwork.

After a tense day of competition, the team comprising Luca McKeown, Eason Paini and Tom Peters took their place in the final round, winning their event 3-2 to finish the day as Auckland Regional Champions in the Open Soccer. Well done boys!

Earlier in the term, our Year 2 boys undertook an inquiry into ‘how the brain works,’ with a particular focus on thinking – their young minds absorbing the most incredible details and range of facts!

Over a number of weeks, they discussed how the brain works; how people think in different ways; considered what it means to have a growth mind-set; how they can ‘think about their thinking;’ how they can think about other people’s thinking and respect their opinions; and how they can ‘think about their learning’ by trying new things or finding new ways of doing familiar things.

The boys learnt that the brain is the hardest working part of their bodies – the brain tells their lungs to breathe, their hearts to beat and their organs to function. Their brains let them see, hear, touch, feel and smell, and their brains give them the ability to think, remember, reason and have feelings – and it needs a good night’s sleep to rest!

The brain is so important that it has four layers of protection, including the skull (ask a Year 2 boy to name the other three layers!). To illustrate the importance of brain protection, the boys did a very simple experiment with eggs. Shake an egg in an empty jam jar and the inevitable happens. Shake an egg in a closed jar of water and no matter how hard the boys tried, the shell did not crack – until, ‘inadvertently’, it hit the ground with force and exploded! This was an excellent illustration for the boys of the importance of wearing a bike helmet as protection. But it also gave them cause to think a little deeper – what would have happened if the jam jar had been given an extra layer of protection? This gave them a chance to put forward a hypothesis and test their thinking.

To support their learning, they were fortunate to welcome neuroscientist, Dr Brigid Ryan, PhD Research Fellow (Curtis Lab) from the Centre for Brain Research at The University of Auckland to work with them. Dr Ryan set up three stations of interest, two of them to tax the way the brain works.

From a relatively early age, we can all button up a shirt, but what happens if you have impaired use of your limbs as a result of a stroke? The boys discovered that it was no easy task to dress themselves and do up a set of buttons with just one hand! Another task required them to trace around a star by only looking at its reflection in a mirror. This took some thinking to train the brain and hand to co-operate. By far the favourite, however, was the third station – the opportunity to sit with Dr Ryan and handle brain samples. They had the chance to see and compare the brain of a rat, a cat, a chimpanzee and a human (for ethical reasons, we were not allowed to photograph the human brain), considering its form and size, relative to each animal.

Finding new ways to think has continued with the boys becoming confident with de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, giving them new ways to expand their thinking. Dr Edward de Bono devoted his life to encouraging people to approach thinking as a skill that can be learned and improved.

De Bono said, ‘You can analyse the past, but you need to design the future.’ These boys are our future and we are equipping them with the skills to make it a bright one. For now, they have learnt the importance of being a ‘wise egg’ and protecting their brain, and that their brain can be trained to master new skills.

House Music and Haka

It’s been two years since the boys last competed for the House Music Cup and it was worth the wait - what a fantastic, rebel-rousing afternoon of song and action from our House choirs!

The Houses once again took on the challenge to create extra-large choirs to sing in unison; not an easy task when four excitable groups of almost 150 boys from Years 0 – 8 take to the stage to sing as one!

Under the watchful scrutiny of guest judge, Miss Mary Lin, Head of Music at the College, each House had their chance to impress. The theme this year was Rugby Anthems, in recognition of the Rugby World Cup, with each House selecting a song of their own choosing. Like any good rugby match, the volume was there, and surprisingly, so was the tunefulness!

Cargill opened with ‘Ireland’s Call,’ complete with an Irish band and jig, with Charles Adams (Year 8), Frankie Fitness (Year 6) and George McGuinness (Year 6) taking the solo spot. Chalmers’ ‘World in Union,’ introduced in Japanese by Cayden Lin- Vaile (Year 8), was a

The Boys’ School Haka

The Boys’ School Haka was developed in 2010 to symbolise our School and the ‘Miro Miro’ concept of the ‘older one looking after the younger one.’ Senior School teacher, Mr Kurt Dorset, helped devise the words with Mr Hemi Dale MEd, PGDipArts, BA, DipTchg, Senior Maori Lecturer at Auckland University at the time.

HOUSE HAKA CUP 1ST CHALMERS 2ND CARGILL 3RD HAMILTON 4TH WISHART

HOUSE MUSIC CUP

1ST CHALMERS

2ND CARGILL

3RD HAMILTON

4TH WISHART

bright blaze of waving world flags! Louis Kwok (Year 2) sang solo, and Oscar Horton (Year 8) and Freddie Gardner (Year 8) sang in duet for Chalmers. Wishart picked up on England’s theme, singing ‘Jerusalem’ with fervour. Last to perform, Hamilton chose to reflect our Scottish roots, all in tartan sashes with bagpipe support to sing ‘Flower of Scotland.’ Year 8 student, George Wilby took the opening solo.

Judging was no mean feat as Miss Lin applied the criteria based around articulation, presentation and the involvement of the all the boys. Musicianship and overall performance were the final factors separating the groups as Miss Lin looked for dynamics, rhythm, pitch, actions, and even their self-presentation as they moved on and off stage. And, most importantly, the sheer degree of enjoyment they brought to the performance to share with their audience! In her final summation, it was Chalmers outstanding rendition that won, followed by Cargill, Hamilton and Wishart.

This year, for the first time, each House was offered a second opportunity to impress. Transferring from the hall to the gym, each

HAKA: TŪ TANGATA

Kaea = haka leader

Kapa = group

Kaea: E te Kura e, Kia whakamiromiro au i ahau e!

Kapa: I au au auē hā hī!

Kaea: Tēnei mātou e tū ake nei, Te mihi atu nei ki a koutou ē

Kapa: I au au auē hā hī!

Ko te piko o te māhuri

Tērā te tupu o te rākau

HAKA: TŪ TANGATA

Translation

Kaea: Saint Kentigern Let us transform ourselves in to miromiro birds

Kaea: This is us standing proudly, welcoming you all

Kapa: It is said that the way the sapling is bent; is how the tree grows

Kaea: Poipoia, manaakitia rā Kaea: Nuture and care for us

Kapa: Anō te pai me te āhuareka o te mahi tahi

o te tuakana me te teina e

Kaea: Poipoia, manaakitia rā

Kapa: Whāia te mātauranga

Kia manawanui rā

Whāia te iti kahurangi

Tū tangata mai rā

Kapa: How wonderful is the working together of the tenia and the tuakana

Kapa: Follow the path of education and be steadfast in that pursuit.

Follow your aspirations and stand proudly

Kaea: Tūturu whakamaua kia tina, Kaea: Bind us all together

Kapa: Tina!

Kapa: Bind us tightly

Kaea: Haumi e, hui ē... Kaea: Join us together as one

Kapa: Tāiki e! Hī!

House gathered to present the School Haka to assembled parents, each with their own interpretation. Noah Whata led Chalmers; Hugo Wigglesworth, Sam McLeod and James Deacon all took a lead for Cargill; Tama Timu led Wishart and Ashan Weerasinghe took on the leadership for Wishart.

Visiting judges, Kandace Williams and Te Mihaia Matene, who facilitated last year’s staff Te Reo course, judged on entrance, actions, pronunciation, synchronicity, facial expressions, leadership and the overall impact of the performance.

Prior to announcing the winners, the whole school, almost 600 boys, took to the floor to perform the haka in unison, led by Sam McLeod – what an amazing sight and sound as the boys gave it their all!

Chalmers erupted when they were declared winners for the second time that afternoon, taking advantage to sing out their House chant

We thank Miss Lin, Ms Williams and Mr Matene for spending time with our boys and the many parents who came along in support. Well done Chalmers!

Young Cellist Plays at Carnegie Hall!

Oliver Mar may be only Year 3 at the Boys’ School but his musical talents have already taken him across the globe! Oliver began to show interest in music from a very young age, firstly learning the piano before starting on the cello at six and a half. His natural ability and willingness to learn soon became apparent and in a short space of time, he progressed very quickly.

His cello teacher told him that there are competitions all over the world, entered by submitting videoed recordings. If he entered, he could be offered the opportunity to perform at some famous concert halls around the world! Never one to shy away from a challenge, he practised hard to achieve this goal and earlier this year, Oliver was awarded third place in the American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition and 1st place in the International Music Competition ‘London and Paris’ Grand Prize Virtuoso. As a prize winner, Oliver was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Amphitheatre Philharmonie Paris and the Royal Albert Hall London! He chose to play at Carnegie Hall!

Reporting on his experience, Oliver said, ‘I walked onto the brightly lit stage and looked out into the darkness. As I sat down, the hall turned silent. I thought about the piece for a moment, then I started to play. I filled the hall with lively music. I was completely mesmerised by the sound of my cello. As I played the last note, a great rush of pride rushed over me like a tidal wave!’

Wow Oliver, what an incredible experience!

Weather Disrupts Cross Country!

When the heavens opened to deliver a never-ending downpour in the days leading up to the Year 4-8 and Year 0-3 cross countries, the decision was made for the first time in memory to postpone the racing. As a result, the Year 4-8 races were split over two days the following week.

Cross Country is traditionally a House event where students gain House points for participating and placing but due to the weather disruption, the subsequent Year 4-8 event was made noncompulsory for students in Year 4-8 and consequently no House points were awarded.

Year 0 Champions

1st Jack Stephens CA

2nd Archer Hill H

3rd James Bruford H

Year 1 Champions

1st Edward Moon H

2nd William Johnston CH

3rd Jeffrey Chen CA

Year 2 Champions

1st Austin Watson CH

2nd Thomas Bottomley CA

3rd George Lyus CA

Year 3 Champions

1st Hugo Gordon CH

2nd Eden Reynolds CH

3rd Marco Manson CH

Year 4 Champions

1st Zacharia Dalzell CA

2nd Benjamin Durose CH

3rd Ben Roberton H

Year 5 Champions

1st Miki Cronin W

2nd Harry Sisam CA

3rd Tom Carter W

Year 6 Champions

1st Ben Worrall CA

2nd Max Trankels H

3rd Sebe Poole CH

Year 7 Champions

1st James Hiddleston H

2nd Benjamin Gordon Glassford CA

3rd Harry McLeod W

Year 8 Champions

1st Luke Gibson W

2nd James Crosbie CA

3rd Ashan Weerasinghe H

YEAR 0-3 HOUSE RESULTS

(No House points record- ed for Years 4-6 due to the weather disruption)

1ST CARGILL

2ND CHALMERS

3RD HAMILTON

4TH WISHART

With racing resumed for those who chose to run, strong winds tested the boys’ stamina and speed and proved challenging for some, however, some excellent times were still recorded. Despite the weather, it was great to see plenty of support on the side-lines!

The rain didn’t let up for the Year 0-3 event, scheduled a few days later, so this too was postponed for the first time. The new date dawned bright and clear and provided perfect conditions for our youngest boys to run. As the format was unchanged, the Junior School boys were awarded House points resulting in a win for Cargill.

Well done to all the boys for a great effort and especially to those who gained podium places!

Eastern Zone Cross Country

The selected Year 7 and 8 teams who went on to compete in the Eastern Zone competition gained outstanding team results! The Year 7 team placed second overall and the Year 8 team placed first. Well done!

Year 7 team: Joshua King (5th), Benjamin Gordon-Glassford (8th), James Hiddleston (10th), Oliver Davies (12th), Monty Simpson (23rd), Luca Joint-Rotondo (24th), Harry McLeod (25th) and Hayden Callander (26th).

Year 8 team: Luc Quesnel (6th), Hugo Wigglesworth (9th), Cayden Lin-Vaile (11th), Harrison Klouwens (15th), James Crosbie (18th), Ashan Weerasinghe (19th), Oscar Aitken (24th) and with special mention, Luke Gibson who placed third overall. Well done!

YEAR 5 AND 6 ZONE COMPETITION

Our Years 5 and 6 teams also won their zone competition with Benjamin Worrall placing first overall in the Year 6 event!

Year 5: Harry Sisam, Ethan Mora, Miki, Hugo Bricklebank, George Corbett, Carter Thomas, Fredrick Littlewood, Toby Wigglesworth. Year 6: Benjamin Worrall, Dylan Harding, Max Trankels, Angus Paterson, John Ormond, Sebastian Poole, Oscar Innes, Ryan Harding.

Interzone Cross Country

After a win in the Eastern Zone competition, the Boys’ School Year 8 Cross Country team went on to win the Auckland Inter-Zone Cross Country Championships held at Pukekohe. Well done boys!

Team: Oscar Aitken, James Crosbie, Luke Gibson, Harrison Klouwens, Cayden Lin-Vaile, Luc Quesnel, Ashan Weerasinghe and Hugo Wigglesworth.

Winter Sports Round Up

With thanks to Director of Sport, Mr Duncan Grant

The winter season always brings a buzz around the school grounds, as boys sign up for the various sports and trial for a place on the teams, showing their skill set to the best of their ability. We welcomed two visiting schools over the winter - Hereworth School from the Hawkes Bay and Scots College from Wellington. These occasions are great for the boys to play other schools from different parts of the country, billet them and show them the highlights of Auckland City and on both occasions, the scores were in our favour.

Rugby

Our Rugby teams had a successful year. The Year 5/6 under 40kg team won the Remuera Zone Field Day. The Year 7/8 1st XV had a great year retaining the shield for most of the season but they narrowly lost a game to King’s at the end of the season and relinquished the shield. This year, competition was close between the 1st XVs from all schools, which made for an exciting rugby season.

Basketball

It was another successful term for basketball with approximately 80 boys from Year 3 to 8 playing in the weekly ABSL tournament. The Year 7/8 Hawks team had an exchange with Scots College from Wellington that they all thoroughly enjoyed. The Year 7/8 Hawks also went to the AIMS Games where they were out-sized but not out-muscled and put in a solid performance to finish 22nd out of 64 teams.

Hockey

Hockey had a rebuilding year but held their own in the competition. They have been fortunate to play on the new Baradene waterbased Astro turf a couple of times this season which has been a great experience.

Football

Football has had another strong season. They won the shield off King’s at the beginning of the season only to lose it back to Kings later in the season.

Both Year 7 and 8 Eastern Zone football teams made it through to the finals but both narrowly lost to Sacred Heart College.

Great Results on the Ski Field!

This year’s Year 7-8 ski team was the strongest we’ve ever had, and they were hungry for victory at the North Island Intermediate Ski Champs! They didn’t disappoint and cleaned up the overall schools’ title. There were great individual performances with Sebastian Lynne finishing as 2nd overall and Morgan Lay 3rd overall, as individuals.

Aims Games Swimming and Tennis Medals!

The Boys’ School came home with gold, silver and bronze after a fantastic week of sporting competition for selected Year 7 and 8 students at the AIMS Games in Tauranga. Attending one of the biggest sporting events in the southern hemisphere, with a record 11,500 athletes taking part in 23 sports, representing over 365 schools from around New Zealand and the Pacific, this was a non-stop week of sporting competition!

The Boys’ School entered competitors in a range of team and individual sports including swimming, tennis, basketball, football, futsal, waterpolo, sailing, cross country, gymnastics and mountain biking. In some instances, competitors from the Boys’ School joined with those from the Middle College to form the strongest combined squads.

Saint Kentigern has some very competitive swimmers and with the swimming results from the finals tallied across the campuses, their combined points contributed to Saint Kentigern being named as the top school for swimming, winning gold. Boys’ School student, James Crosbie won bronze for the third overall boy, and fellow students, Harry Klouwens and Mark Galloway joined with James and Alex

Campion from the Middle College to win the 200m Medley Relay. Well done swimmers!

Success continued on the tennis courts for the boys with Lev Gorb earning bronze in the singles with fellow students, Max Richardson and Eddie Biss, combining for the doubles to win silver for the Boys’ School. The combined points from Lev and Eddie in the singles, went towards them winning gold as the top boys’ tennis team at the competition.

Whilst none of the team codes placed, there was much to enjoy and learn for these students.

Whilst coming home with medals is fantastic, the AIMS Games is as much about taking part and experiencing a taste of competition away from home, which was a first for many. It has been reported back that our students were exemplary in their behaviour and it didn’t go unnoticed. Well done for sporting our blue and white with pride!

Our sincere thanks to the staff and parents who accompanied the students for their time away.

Father and Son Breakfast

An ‘ad’ for Adventure!

Every year, without fail, a willing band of Boys’ School mothers set up kitchen to prepare breakfast for a sell-out crowd of over 750 hungry boys and their dads over two mornings! Amongst the cereal, hotcakes, bacon and fruit on offer is the ‘world famous in Remuera’ Father and Son Bacon and Egg Pie. Forty-four enormous, home cooked pies are prepared for cutting into 375 pieces for each of the two mornings. That’s a lot of pie! The smell is heavenly, and it doesn’t stay on the plates long!

Each year, we welcome a speaker to our breakfasts and generally leave with a very strong message of inspiration. Parents and Friends Chairperson, Craig Irwin, was pleased to introduce Professor Simon Mitchell, a doctor and scientist with specialist training in diving medicine and anaesthesiology. He works as a consultant anaesthetist at Auckland City Hospital and is Professor in Anaesthesiology at the University of Auckland. He is also an under-water explorer! Simon has done more than 6000 dives spanning sport, scientific, commercial and military diving.

Professor Mitchell had a very strong message for the boys –presenting his ‘ad for adventure’ he encouraged them to ‘get out of cyberspace’ and into something real-life and adventurous! He told the boys that current technology has no end of uses and advantages but not to let it rule their lives. In this risk-adverse era, he challenged the boys to get out and test their own limits and discover what they can find. Taking on adventure at a young age can lead to life-changing experiences – as he knows only too well. He spoke to the boys

about one of his passions, the ‘history and mystery’ of shipwrecks, explaining that he has performed one of the deepest sea dives ever to a shipwreck to solve a historical mystery. He took up diving while still at school and it’s an interest that has served him well. He also spoke of his good friend and colleague, Richard Harris, who was the doctor who anaesthetised the boys who were trapped in a cave in Thailand last year, so that they could be taken to safety through the flooded underwater passageways – an extraordinarily risky operation that saved the lives of all the boys.

It takes a huge number of parent volunteers to make this event happen. Over the three days of preparation and the two breakfast mornings, a team of 130 mothers, organised by Celia Motion, roll up their sleeves to get involved - including the famous pie makers, the setup team, the serving teams, ticketing teams and of course the clean-up teams. For some, this means being at school by 5:30am on the two mornings to ensure breakfast is on the table with plenty of coffee and hot chocolate at the ready! When the extended Saint Kentigern family comes together, there are a fair few logistics involved, especially where the food is concerned!

Breakfast Team: Celia Motion, Sam Priddy, Denise Nel, Amanda Burn, Kate Watson, Sarah Wilby, Christie Dunwoodie, Anna Lindroos, Anna Perry and Jen Aspinall.

Our grateful thanks to the following sponsors: Jacks Coffee, Pacific Linen, The Gift Loft, Venluree

Ancient Thinking for Modern Times

It was once said that ‘Educating the head without educating the heart is no education at all.’ (Aristotle 384–322 BC).

However, you could equally state that learning based solely on emotion, empathy and experience is not an education at all. It is all about balance and ensuring that the development of our young people covers all areas of cognitive, emotional, spiritual and physical learning and challenge.

Aristotle believed that education was central, and the fulfilled person was an educated person. There are central elements of his thought that continue to influence the theorising for education.

Firstly, he believed that our thinking and practice as educators must be infused with a clear philosophy of life. There has to be a deep concern for the ethical and political. We have to continually consider what makes for ‘human flourishing.’ From this, we should act to work for that which is good or ‘right’, rather than that which is merely ‘correct’. Taking it to this level will enable our sons and daughters of Kentigern to live the core values we live by at the College, encouraging them to carry this thinking into their lives and careers beyond the College gates.

Along with many others in his time, Aristotle placed a strong emphasis on an all-round and ‘balanced’ development. Among his students, elements of play, physical training, music, debate, creativity, and the study of science and philosophy all had their part in the forming of body, mind and soul. Learning happens through life, with different emphases at different ages and in different environments, be that the classroom, playing field, stage - shopping mall or sitting around the dining room table! Each environment produces unique opportunities to learn.

Aristotle also looked for both education through reason and education through habit. By the latter he meant learning by doing. ‘Anything that we have to learn to do, we learn by the actual doing of it… We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate ones, brave by doing brave ones.’ (Aristotle). This is a significant challenge and reminder to us, as adults, that the younger generations will look to our example and how we live. Such learning is complemented by reason and this involves teaching ‘the causes of things’ and that ‘actions have consequences’ (a regular theme in Middle College assembly addresses as our young teenagers test the boundaries of life!).

As it has been stated many times before, there is nothing new under the sun, and these ancient ideas and concepts are timeless and essential aspects of a quality education. Ensuring a balanced educational experience and learning is a strength of a Saint Kentigern education. Our students are presented with opportunities to develop across a great many academic, co-curricular and service learning areas. However, whether they do so, is largely a result of finding and following their passions, maintaining their focus, even when the learning context gets hard, and facing fresh challenges head on.

Indeed, some of the best and most meaningful learning comes about in challenging situations. This might be learning an oral speech in Te Reo, or Spanish, understanding how to apply the quadratic formula in mathematics, or planning an essay in English or History.

This term, we have enjoyed success and promoted creativity and design in our Middle College Wearable Arts Show, and number of our most able students have excelled at Mathex (our Year 9 team are Auckland champions) and in the World Scholars Competition in Australia. Our top Middle College netball and football teams, and others, have risen to new heights, a group of Year 10 students took on exploring Cambodia in the mid-year break, and were immersed in its culture and involved in service projects there…the list could go on but it’s clear - learning is not just confined to the classroom. Being outside of a comfort zone, while it may be stressful, can also increase focus, lateral thinking, problem solving skill, creativity and resilience.

The role of teachers and parents to is create environments where young people, like the scholars of two millenniums ago, are able to question, debate, play, compete, study, research and ultimately learn, to ensure they are best prepared to face life beyond their formal secondary education. Yes, formal examinations need to be ‘ticked off’ and passed, preferably with merit and pride, but a person is more defined by their character, words and behaviour than by the number of NCEA credits they gain or their Middle College GPA. Aristotle understood this two thousand years ago and I believe his wise philosophy stands the passage of time.

Fides Servanda Est

Mr Duncan McQueen Principal, Middle College

Service Learning

At the recent New Zealand Presbyterian Schools Conference, hosted by Saint Kentigern, one of the speakers, Brother Damien Price from Queensland, challenged us about the concept of ‘Service Learning.’

The key challenges were that service opportunities should be integrated into the curriculum, reflect our values and be more than just ‘volunteerism.’ The speaker quoted from Dorothy Day saying, ‘The greatest challenge facing the world today is how to bring about a revolution of the heart.’

For this ‘revolution’ to begin, the students need to understand not only ‘how’ they can offer service but ‘why’ they should do so. They should then reflect on ‘what’ they have learned as a result, and what they could do differently or better.

Year 13 student, Nikith Perera, was one of a small number of students who joined the service trip to Vanuatu this year, to build houses for two families in need. He reflects on his experience: ‘My experiences began when I met two young boys named Adrian and Anthony as we began the process of building the house, taking the required materials to where they needed to be. Within two minutes, the boys had already opened up to me. Anthony had two pieces of chewing gum and offered me one. Naturally, I refused. How could I take anything from someone who had so little? ‘No, please take it,’ he told me. Somewhat baffled by this expression of kindness so early into our relationship, I took the gum. I began to understand the joy of giving.

This has made me realise where I want to go with my life. The joy of helping others in need gives me the most satisfaction I have ever felt. As the trip went on, we all built friendships with these two young men and the rest of the children within the community, and, of course, the two young men for whom we were building the houses. I personally would give anything to go back and see them and sing with them and just see pure elation on their faces any time we would interact with them. Every minute we spent was savoured and I am so grateful we got to experience little moments with them. Whether it be dancing, singing, or just walking around and talking to them about anything and everything.

We are all so caught up. Caught up in a world of material goods. When we went to Vanuatu, we all learned in one way or

another that material goods mean nothing. People are what we need. The best part of life is people. No matter how advanced our technology gets, people will always be what we need. Human interaction these days is not what it used to be. I doubt all of you would interact with your neighbours on a regular basis, and yet what we saw on Lelepa Island was that literally everybody knew everybody. This was unbelievable. They were all so kind to one another, they helped each other, and the entire experience was incredibly humbling from that point of view.

We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. In Year 11 and 12 we hear about this trip, and students say, ‘Apply for this trip, it changed my life.’ Well I thought this to be ‘corny’ until we arrived at the building site. Knowing that we aided the lives of two disabled young men in the village who would’ve struggled without us has brought us so much more happiness than anything money could buy. The unlikely friends we have made will last a lifetime, as will the

From this, I know what I want to do when I finish school. Service is such a core value within our school and I used to see it as a chore. Now I feel as if it is an obligation - when you have the ability to do something for the benefit of others, you should do that. I want to help. However I can, wherever I can, whenever I can and whoever I can. Simply because, if I could see their faces now, I know they’d be smiling.’

Service learning is grounded in experiential education - learning by doing - and is reinforced when there is a cycle of action and reflection to address real community needs. The learning occurs as the students take part in the experience, reflect upon what happened during the experience and as a result of the experience.

Our hope, when our students graduate, is that they will come to value the opportunities they had to serve in the community and will go on to ‘Serve and Lead with Distinction.’

Fides Servanda Est

Mrs Suzanne Winthrop Senior College Principal

Giving Service in Vanuatu

Year 12 Service

With thanks to Year 12 Student reporters, Guy Weenink & Grace Naden

The Year 12 Service trip to Vanuatu involves spending a week living and working in a school. It provides our students with the opportunity to experience a cultural setting considerably different from their own, as well as make a valuable contribution to the lives of the people they meet.

Eager to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, a group of fourteen Year 12 students, accompanied by Mrs Mudford, travelled to Port Vila, Vanuatu. From the main island of Efate, we travelled in small boats to the much smaller island of Mosso, for a five night stay in the isolated village of Tasiriki.

With us, we brought more than 100kg of stationery and school supplies, sports equipment, clothes and other essential items that those living in the village had very little access to. All of this was either left in the school classrooms or given to the Headmaster to divide between the families of the village.

On our first night, we were given an extremely warm welcome, with a feast of local fruit and vegetables, as well as singing from the children and adults – of a calibre that would challenge even the abilities of our very own Kentoris! Our impromptu rendition of the National Anthem brought great amusement to the locals, given that we lacked any sort of vocal talent!

Calls of wild roosters at sunrise on Monday morning signalled the beginning of the work, with classes beginning at 8.30am. The primary school ranged from age 5 to 13. The oldest children in Years 5 and 6 spoke mostly fluent English, while the Year 1s and 2s proved much more of a challenge to teach, due to their limited grasp of ‘our’ language and our total lack of theirs!

Working in groups of two or three, the 14 of us spread ourselves between the school’s four classrooms, where we began establishing relationships with the children. We very quickly discovered that we had as much to learn from the children, as they might learn from us.

School ran from 8.30 to 11.30am, when the children returned to the village for lunch. Afternoon classes then ran from 1.00pm to 3.30pm and were usually followed by some form of mass football game, where no one really knew who was on what team but it was a great deal of fun!

Wednesday was different, as the entire country celebrated National Children’s Day, meaning no school. Instead the day was filled with singing, dancing, marching and concluded with a huge shared lunch for the entire village of about 400 people.

Unknowingly, we taught our last classes on Thursday morning. One of the teachers casually announced that there was no school that afternoon as it was a time for students to clean up around school. During this time, we all pitched in and helped with jobs such as finishing the mural we painted in one of the classrooms, laying down a coral path, building picnic tables and digging tree stumps out of the football field.

On Thursday night we were treated to a leaving ceremony that was filled with dancing, crying, singing and of course a massive feast. They had killed and cooked a pig for us, which we were told was one of the greatest honours. We all cherished our time spent at Tassirki Primary School and village. It’s safe to say that we found saying goodbye to the pikinini, mammas and papas one of the most challenging parts of the trip.

We left Tasiriki knowing that we had helped them in some way. We left plenty of teaching resources, clothes, bed mats, towels and footwear for them to use, as well as a water tower that will enable the children to have showers and flushing toilets. They gave back by teaching us that we don’t need a lot to be happy in life. Things such as blowing bubbles, letting the students braid our hair, playing hand games and listening to them sing made a world of a difference. The gratitude that Headmaster Paul and his staff showed when they looked at what we had gifted them was extremely heart-warming. We left the school hoping that they will be better able to help themselves for years to come.

Year 13 House Building

With thanks to Year 13 student reporter, Karl Jorgensen Vanuatu - sun, sand, surf and smiles. To many minds, it is simply an idyllic South Pacific nation comprised of more than eighty tropical islands. For fifteen enthusiastic Year 13 students, it was all of this, and yet much more. For well over a decade, Saint Kentigern has been sending teams of Year 13 students to the Pacific Islands each July school holiday to build cyclone proof houses for deserving local families. This year, we students, along with four College staff members, met at Auckland International Airport early on a Sunday morning ready to make the three-and-a-half-hour flight to Port Vila. At that moment, none of us could predict just how much of a memorable and eye-opening experience it would be for us all.

One 40-minute van ride and a 10-minute boat ride later, we arrived on Lelepa Island at the village where we would be building the houses. With all the excitement of what lay before us, we were itching to get started on the project, but being in remote location where electricity is possible only when running a portable generator, our eagerness to get building would have to wait until the next day.

No one could sleep that night. This was not due to the excitement, but the roosters. And the dogs. And the occasional pig. These creatures who lived in considerable numbers in the village began to crow, bark and oink. This cacophony started from about 2am!

Half of our group were assigned to work at the first building site which was a five-minute walk from where we were staying. The other half of the group were stationed about fifteen minutes further away in a clearing near the beach.

The first day, Monday, was the hardest. The site needed levelling so after a seemingly endless number of wheelbarrows of dirt had been dug out and shifted, in order to make the site flat, we began digging holes for the foundations. The frames were erected on the first day and some of the posts were concreted into the ground. All of this was done in the searing heat of a cloudless day.

Building materials delivered by boat also required carrying to the respective sites. Needless to say, most of us were not used to manual labour or the hot and humid climate, so we had a bit of adjusting to do. But any discomfort we were experiencing was put into perspective when we got the opportunity to meet the family for whom we were building the house. Our half of the team met Joshua and his family. Joshua is sixteen. However, due to his significant physical and mental disabilities, he cannot walk, speak or care for himself. He is able to communicate emotion and it was clear that he was excited by our presence. The other half of the team were building for Kiki and his family. Kiki, much like Joshua, is extremely limited physically, although he is very expressive in non-verbal ways and has some use of his arms and hands. Again, the joy he radiated toward us as we met and interacted was both deeply moving and truly humbling.

Over the next four days the houses quickly took shape. We had to assemble and install the three windows and a door, clad the exterior walls, put on the roof, and complete a multitude of other tasks. It was very rewarding at the end of each long day to stand back and see how much progress we were making from the sweat of our own brows.

Friday was the completion date for the two builds and it was an incredible feeling to see what our group had accomplished in four and a half days. If you really work hard at something, the feeling of accomplishment and pride afterwards is incredible.

Once the houses were largely complete, we said our emotional goodbyes to the Lelepa community, knowing that we had made a contribution to the life of Joshua’s family and Kiki’s family, although we were realising that they had probably made a more profound impact on us.

In Acts 20:35, it says, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’

Middle College Tour to Cambodia

With thanks to expedition leader, Mr Al Ronberg and student reporters

Whilst there is a lot to be said for lazing away at the side of a pool, or relaxing in some exotic beach locale, two groups of Year 10 students, three staff and two World Challenge expedition leaders instead embarked on an exciting expedition through the Kingdom of Cambodia during the July school holidays. The second year that the Middle College has conducted this expedition, students were presented with learning opportunities at every chaotic turn of the tuk-tuk.

Cambodia is a country rich in archaeology and history, and has its fair share of compelling narratives that serve to excite the imaginations of all who visit. At the heart of this expedition is the opportunity for students to facilitate most of the trip. The logistics of accommodation, transport, managing a budget and organising several people to be fed and hydrated is something that truly brings

Cycling And Tramping:

Both teams were excited to be offered the opportunity to spend two days mountain biking through the Temples of Angkor Wat and then to the base of Phnom Kulen National Park. The ability to travel on backroads, that are seldom accessed on the main tourist routes through the temples, ensured that the experience was something to be treasured. The hiking component was over three days in intense heat and humidity through jungles, waterfalls and a very challenging descent.

Alissa Huang – Team One:

‘Our first day of the challenge involved a 45km cycle through Angkor Archaeological Park, visiting many breath-taking temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Bayon. We stood is awe as we beheld Angkor Wat in particular, which still remains the largest religious monument in the world.’

Jack Buckingham – Team One:

‘The trek/cycle was the hardest yet most rewarding part of the trip. Cycling 50km on the first day in 36-degree heat was far from easy but also showed us a different part of Cambodia that is far from the modern life we were used to back home. That night was spent at a home stay where we really experienced Cambodian culture and what life there is really like. Getting on our bikes the next morning with sore backsides for another 20km ride was a hard task but that was followed by a 8km hike. We spent the next two nights staying at campsites and tramping another 18 and 11 km before heading back to Siem Riep. Over this time, we learnt the importance of helping each other out.’

out the best in our students. The itinerary for both teams involved five days of cycling and trekking through the World Heritage temples of Angkor Wat, four days of service to schools and environmental charities, and the balance of time immersing in the culture, history and environment of Cambodia.

One of the outstanding opportunities that this trip presents our Middle College students is the ability to push their leadership skills and overcome several personal challenges. I have appreciated the opportunity to walk alongside these students as they thrive in the heat and frustrations of this expedition. Over the course of two and a half weeks, the positive change in our students was entirely evident.

The following reflections from the students serve to capture the amazing scale of this opportunity for Year 10 students at the College.

Service:

The Elephant Valley Project is a sanctuary for abused elephants who have been given the opportunity to experience their twilight years learning to behave and roam naturally. All of the elephants have a back-story which more often than not has seen abuse, neglect or mismanagement. Their philosophy is very clearly to let elephants be elephants and they also work extensively with the indigenous Banong community around the project.

Emma Csite – Team Two:

‘The Elephant Valley Project was my favourite part of our trip. I will always remember the moment when I saw the tops of trees moving and heard sticks crushing, a brown top appear in the distance and the most beautiful delicate creature arriving: the Asian elephant.’

James McKelvie – Team One:

‘It was amazing seeing elephants closer than we had ever seen them. The people there were so nice and what they do for elephants is amazing. We dug out bamboo shoots and planted them for the elephants to have reliable food sources.’

Culture And History:

Both teams had time in between their treks and service opportunities to experience the culture and history of Cambodia.

Xing Xing Lawrence – Team One:

‘

The Killing Fields and S21 museum made me appreciate every little thing I have and taught me so much I didn’t know. Cambodia has taught me many things and one of the biggest is gratitude. My perspective on how I see the world has changed completely.’

Miles Rae – Team Two:

‘The food in Cambodia was a unique blend of French and south-east Asian meals and I especially enjoyed the frog. Seeing the local population’s economic situation gave me a greater appreciation for all I have. The overall experience was amazing and I would like to do it all again.

Kelly McKinnon – Team Two:

‘Exploring the temples and learning how they were built, who lived in them, and how over hundreds of years they have slowly broken down was really interesting. Going to S21 and the Killing Fields was a different experience for me. Discovering what happened was a hard experience but I feel it was good for us to go and learn about this part of Cambodia’s history. ‘

Treak Community School in Siem Reap gives 470 students access to English and IT skills. Ranging in age from kindergarten to young adults, it is exclusively staffed by Cambodians. They seek to provide learning that allows communities to gain employment in the Siem Reap tourism industry. They also make bricks that integrate waste plastic, that they then use to build toilets in local communities that have no sanitation or sewerage systems.

Danielle Eccles – Team Two:

‘The Treak Community was such an inspiring and motivating experience. To see all the kids enjoying and engaging with the learning opportunities provided to them and their families was so moving.’

Rory Merrie – Team Two:

‘Treak was another massive learning experience, as it demonstrated how people who are less fortunate take enjoyment from the simple things, which is something we could all learn from.

Save the Bears in Phnom Penh is a charity that works with mistreated animals.

Arwyn Stevens - Team One:

‘We went to Save the Bears which was a bear sanctuary for Sun bears and Moon bears. We prepped all their food and created enrichments for them all, which were toys for the bears with mashed up fruits and jam inside. It was so impressive how quickly they emptied the balls. Watching the bears in the sanctuary was awesome and I’ll never forget their faces once we bought out their food.

Final Thoughts:

This trip is something that leaves students with an insatiable hunger to make the most of what they have experienced and let it change their view of their world. The investment that these families have made is something that will bear fruit for years to come. Exposure to a different culture, different histories and different approaches to life is something that truly gets under your skin. The teachers that accompanied this trip have been unanimously impressed with the attitude and actions of these students.

Richard reports:

Bronze at Geography Olympiad

Year 13 student, Richard Lu has a vested interest in geography and was delighted when an essay he wrote last year, comparing climate change challenges between Hong Kong and Auckland, secured him a place, last October, at the selection camp in Wellington, for the International Geography Olympiad (iGEO).

‘After undertaking multiple tests over two days at the camp, I was proud to be chosen as one of four members of the New Zealand Team to train for the Olympiad. From then on, rigorous team training took the form of wide reading, lecture notes and videos, as well as a final training camp together in Raumati during the April holidays. The Olympiad was held in Hong Kong early in Term 3, with 43 nations and 165 participants!

There were three parts to the competition including a written task, a fieldwork exercise and a multimedia test. The written test

asked questions such as, ‘Explain the relationship between the temperature and salinity of sea water in the North Atlantic Current.’ Each question was different and probing. The fieldwork task involved creating a land-use map of Sai Kung, a small fishing village in North East Hong Kong and generating a development plan for the village while considering economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability factors. Overall, I found this task extremely rewarding as it incorporated multiple elements of geography, including urban planning, population demographics, transport systems and ecocity designs. The multimedia test was a 40 question multi-choice test which asked about specific geographic knowledge. Questions included topics as diverse as, ‘What is Algeria’s overshoot day?’

Overall, I earned a bronze medal and came 18th in the written test. But aside from pleasing results at international level, for me, the biggest takeaway from the Olympiad was the people I met from all across the world. Being at a competition where everyone has a common love for geography really allowed me to broaden my interests and extend my perspectives.’

Scholarship and Chile for Charlie!

Year 12 student, Charlie Thomlinson was fortunate to be selected to take part in ‘Entrepreneurs in Action’ at the Massey University, Wellington campus; an event hosted by the Young Enterprise Scheme. Out of the 3400 students participating in the Young Enterprise Scheme across the country, 80 were chosen to attend the Wellington event. Students from all over New Zealand were allocated to one of 10 teams and were joined by a host company who mentored the team over the weekend. Charlie’s group was hosted by Wellington company, Uprise Digital, one of the leading digital marketing agencies in New Zealand. The weekend was split into two competitions which each group had a 48 hours to complete.

The first challenge was for the Ministry of Primary Industries, where the groups were tasked with designing a product that would help reduce or reuse organic waste in New Zealand’s agriculture industry. The groups had to produce a business plan outlining the process, financial information and marketing strategies that could make theirs a feasible solution.

Charlie’s group scored the highest in their business plan and pitch meaning they won the first challenge and each member of the group received a $7,000 Massey University Scholarship for Business!

The following day the groups had another challenge to face - to produce a market entry strategy for an already established business in America that was looking to enter the Latin American market. The established business specialises in emergency response systems for large businesses to evacuate employees. The groups were required to choose a country within Latin America based on gathered research, which would allow the business to easily enter their market.

The prize for the second challenge was a fully funded business venture trip to Chile which Charlie will be attending in the October holidays! The trip will be orientated around business activity within Chile and business conferences.

Charlie said the weekend was tough and he enjoyed meeting other Young Enterprise students from around New Zealand and is now looking forward to the trip in October. What an incredible opportunity! We’ll look forward to hearing back from Charlie’s trip to Chile.

World Scholars’ Cup – Global Round

With thanks to student reporters, Irene Wang and Alissa Huang In mid-August, six Year 10 and 11 students, having qualified through the NZ round of competition, were fortunate to travel to Sydney, Australia and participate in the Global Round of the World Scholars’ Cup. This was an incredibly exciting academic opportunity, with scholars from over 50 different countries engaging in various activities and competitive events. Held in the International Convention Centre, the Cup involves the research and studying of six subject areas, with course material that deviates from usual curriculum work. The theme this year was ‘World on the Margins’ which focused on the marginalisation of people and events throughout history in different forms from poetry and art, to controversial experiments and even unsolved mysteries!

After checking in, we immediately headed to the Scholars’ Social which took place on a cruise ship around Sydney Harbour. On the second day, we competed in Group Debate, Collaborative Writing

and Scholars’ challenge with some fantastic results. Year 11 student, Sarina Wang did particularly well, placing 3rd overall out of over 600 competitors in the individual debate! Sarina was then invited to adjudicate the prestigious debate showcase on the 3rd day, after we all competed in the Scholars’ Bowl, which involved teams of three using a clicker to answer quick-fire questions.

It wasn’t all work though, as we also attended the Scholars’ Ball - allowing us to meet many scholars from around the world with different cultural backgrounds. We also spent a free day exploring the Sydney Maritime Museum, Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Darling Harbour. Overall, both our teams did well, placing in the top teams and qualifying with Gold for the Tournament of Champions held annually at Yale University – unfortunately during our own exam period. We would like to thank Mrs Watts for taking us on such a culturally and academically immersive experience.

United Nations Youth Tour Selection

As captain of the College Premier Debating team, Year 13 student, Ben Fraser is well skilled in the art of persuasive oratory, leading the charge on convincing others to his point of view. This is a skill that has served him well in his other area of great interest, social issues and local politics – for Ben is as articulate as many members of Parliament!

We are proud to hear that Ben has been selected as one of 22 young New Zealanders to participate in the United Nations Youth New Zealand Global Development Tour in January/February 2020. The tour will take in six countries to learn about different approaches that will help him serve the community more effectively. The delegation will visit the New Zealand permanent mission to the UN, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as well as the OECD, UNESCO and UN headquarters while visiting New York, London, Paris, Rome, Vienna and Berlin!

Ben said he developed an interest in social issues during the course of Year 10. Back then, he thought he might pursue a career in communication and the media but through his interest in national

news, he came to realise that he would rather ‘influence the news rather than report it.’

Since then he has become the Deputy Chair of the Howick Youth Council, a member of the Youth Board for ‘I am Hope’ – Mike King’s mental health organisation - and holds several roles in the Labour Party. He’s chair of its ‘southern hub,’ sits on its local government committee for Auckland, is secretary of the Pakuranga electorate committee and is a member of the party’s Auckland northern regional council.

Ben is most excited about how the tour will allow him to more effectively serve his community. He says his motivation stems from a self-awareness of his own privilege and a sense that he should utilise his own opportunities to try to give back and empower others.

London International Youth Science Forum

In late July, Year 13 student, Theo Thomson was privileged to travel to the UK to attend the 61st London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). This is the second consecutive year that a Saint Kentigern student has attended. This is an extraordinary event that brings together five hundred young people passionate about science from 75 countries around the world to discuss modern-day problems and their solutions, better understand each other’s cultures through interaction, and learn more about both the various fields within science and present-day advancements. This was supported by a programme with principal lectures and demonstrations, specialist lectures, visits to research and scientific institutions, to hear about a wide range of current advances in Science.

Team 854 - Blake Bain (Year 10), Alissa Huang (Year 10),

Team 855

For Theo, the site visits entailed visiting some of the leading scientific institutions across the UK, including the Kings College stem cell and regenerative medicine lab, Rolls Royce and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. They also had the option to take advantage of their location to attend other visits such as the London Eye, Stonehenge and Salisbury, theatre shows, Oxford, Cambridge and Buckingham Palace. At the end of the trip, a smaller group, including Theo, travelled on to Paris and then to Geneva to visit the nuclear research centre, CERN where the Large Hadron Collider is located.

Theo said, ‘it was a busy yet very rewarding schedule that helped me better understand the wider world of scientific principles and allowed for so many opportunities to meet different people from all over the world.’

Irene Wang (Year 10)

- Sarina Wang (Year 11), Charlotte Cornwall, (Year 11) Olivia Pang (Year 10)

48 Hour Film Competition

Making a film usually entails weeks of planning and shooting - so having only 48 hours to script, shoot, add sound and edit a film in a competition setting certainly put the pressure on! A group of College Media students (Team Mice on Screen) took on the task and walked away from ‘48Hours’ – New Zealand’s largest ‘guerrilla’ filmmaking competition - with multiple awards!

Year 13 students Thomas Webster, Jason Hatton, Ayesha Hunwick, James Houghton-Brown, Nick Tait, Annika Sethi, Johnathan Do and Harriette Taylor hunkered down over the allocated 48 hours to create ‘P.A.N, The Nature Runs Amok Movie,’ gaining two nominations and one win in the Auckland Finals: ‘Best School Team’ (nomination), ‘Best use of overhead shot’ (nomination) and the ‘Audience Choice Award.’ This put them through to the Auckland Regional Finals where they won the ‘Best School Team Award.’

In the National Finals, the students were up against more than 170 pieces of work from around the country. In the end, the group managed to make the top five which is a great achievement!

‘P.A.N, The Nature Runs Amok Movie’ is a film shot in a documentary style and follows a character, Pete Jones (played by Thomas Webster) - a conspiracy theorist who is in charge of the

People Against Nature movement (P.A.N). His goal is to grow the movement by gaining new followers to the cause and ultimately inform the people of the dangers nature poses to humanity, risking an apocalypse. His bizarre predictions come true and we see him and the documentary film crew caught up in ‘nature apocalypse’ – all of them meeting their final end!

The team used a variety of clever camera work and visual effects to make the film authentic. They also learned valuable communication skills from working in a team under immense pressure. In addition, they also further developed their production and post-production film making skills in a ‘cooker style’ situation.

Well done to all the students who were involved - getting into the National Final is a huge achievement and something each of you can be proud of!

You can watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNaZJrz1fOo&t=3s

Ninth Consecutive Win for Accounting!

The Senior College Accounting team once again won the annual CETA (Commerce and Economics Teachers Association) Pursuits Competition last week for a record ninth consecutive year; an outstanding result! In the past fourteen years, Saint Kentigern has won the cup ten times!

Representing Saint Kentigern, Arul Gaundar, Elliot Watson, Joshua Mayer, Christopher Simonds and Keegan Wong 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 Macleans College, Avondale College and Mount Albert Grammar, they led throughout the seven rounds and our students’ exceptional application of their decision-making skills led them to victory – like many Saint Kentigern teams before them!

The Accounting team weren’t the only Saint Kentigern team to place with the Economics team taking on their own competition to place third. Accounting team member, Joshua Mayer plans to carry this interest through to his tertiary studies and was pleased to hear that he has been offered a place on the PWC (Price Waterhouse Cooper) Accelerate Programme that will offer him a professional network and support throughout his studies. Well done Josh!

A History Win

Ten teams from around the Auckland region, including two teams from the College took part in the Bee and Bowl History Trivia Competition in July. Hosted by the College, the room was abuzz with groups of students answering question on topics such as the Ancient World, American History and South East Asian Cultural and Political Development.

The competition was played in two sections – preliminaries and playoffs. During the preliminary section, students in each team had to answer 10 short questions without conferring with their teammates. In the second quarter, students answered eight longer questions. In the third quarter, the students had 60 second rounds and had to answer eight questions on a chosen topic. In the last quarter, the students had eight long questions to answer worth either 10, 20 or 30 points each. The winning teams then competed in the playoffs.

The Saint Kentigern College A Team of Simon Zhang, Oliver Mitchell, Daniel

Blake Walker and Samuel Costello did particularly well and placed first

Daniel and Blake also placed in the top three of their respective divisions!

Farrar,

overall! Simon,

Female ‘Voice of Tomorrow’

Our congratulations to Year 13 student, Harriette Baxter who won the National Council of Women New Zealand – Auckland Regional speech competition earlier in the year. The topic was a challenging one for a student, ‘Local Government – who cares?’.

Harriette made a mature, well researched speech about the need to address sex education and teenage pregnancy within our local regions. It was a strong message that had a resounding impact on the judges and audience. In winning, Harriette received a significant financial reward and was also presented with tickets to the National Women’s Council’s annual dinner in June where representatives from local, regional and national government boards were in attendance.

On the strength of this win, Harriette was invited to speak again at a Suffrage Day event in September, held at the Auckland Suffrage Memorial to celebrate 126 years of NZ women being able to vote and 100 years of NZ women being able to stand for Parliament. Harriette had the honour of speaking alongside Mayor, Phil Goff and Fala Haulangi QSM, Climate Change and Living Wage activist – and she did a superb job!

We congratulate Harriette on her ability and confidence to speak in public at this level!

Debating Grand Finalists

Three members of our Premier debating team, Ben Shepherd, Ben Fraser and Grace Chang, certainly know how to think on their feet and put forward a strong and persuasive argument. During this year’s Auckland Schools Debating Competition, the team won 6 out of 7 debates in the heats during Terms 1 and 2, which allowed them to progress favourably into the break rounds.

In the quarter final, with the assistance of fellow member, Margaret Li as First Speaker, they defeated Diocesan to qualify for the semi-finals. In this spectacular debate against Westlake Boys High School, the team won, allowing progression into the Grand Final.

The Grand Final was against Auckland Grammar School, on the moot ‘This House regrets the prominence of rugby and the All Blacks in New Zealand’s cultural identity’. This was a dramatic show of skill from members of two rugby-strong schools, providing entertainment and education to the large viewing audience. Unfortunately, by just a handful of points, the College team was defeated but, nonetheless, delivered a strong performance worthy of a Grand Final. Our congratulations to the team for making it to the top two schools in the Auckland region!

Speak Easy Competition

A selection of Middle and Senior College speech finalists went head to head at this year’s annual ‘Speak Easy’ speech competition. Students from the Boys’ School and Girls’ School also attended to showcase some of the upcoming talent and speaking skills to family and friends in the Goodfellow Centre. It was a fantastic evening with a wide variety of topics covered from engaging and humorous pieces, to personal, historical and social issues - there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Well done to all the students who presented their work and especially those who gained awards! We thank Adjudicator and Old Collegian, Letitia Puni for her feedback and time.

SPEAK EASY WINNERS

Senior College Mia Dobbe Being Jewish in a non-Jewish Society

Year 12 Middle School Alissa Huang If You’d Only Listen

Year 7-8 Charlie Bain Why the English language is so hard to learn

SENIOR COLLEGE FINALISTS

Danielle Mayer, Charlotte Cornwall, Harjot Singh Dharni, Campbell Jordan and Lucy Nie.

Year 10

Year 7

MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS (Including the Girls’ School and Boys’ School) Amelia Evangelidakis, Thomas Mallard, Sean Trombitas, Isabella Nigro, Jashil Rana, Katie Dirks, Arwyn Stevens, Nora Caffery, Xarya Knox, James Hiddleston and Sam McLeod.

NIWA Science Fair

Following on from the College Science Fair, six Year 7 students who represented the Middle College at the NIWA Manukau Science Fair, received awards for their efforts.

Lucy Waters placed first overall in the Planet Earth and Beyond Category for her project ‘Road Kill.’ Lucy looked at the effects that roadside pollutants have on plant life.

Hannah Anderson placed third in the same category for her project ‘Protecting our Wai.’ Hannah tested the effectiveness of washing dishes with less soap and chemicals. Greer Gilhooly submitted her project ‘Organic? Non-Organic?’ into the Intermediate Consumer Science Category which won her third place. Greer tested the lifespan of organic fruit in comparison to non-organic fruit.

Chris Revell Devlin and Reilly Richardson both entered their projects into the Planet Earth and Beyond Category and received Highly Commended Awards. Chris was curious to find out whether paper straws are that much better environmentally than plastic straws in his project, ‘The Final Straw’ and Reilly tested different wind turbine rotors and their effectiveness in his project ‘Catch the Breeze’. Ava Galloway also received a Highly Commended Award for her ‘Fizzer or Not’ project. Ava placed her project in the Physical and Material World category and looked at the fizz duration of a ‘normal’ bath bomb mixture in comparison to a mixture containing double the amount of corn starch. Well done to all of the students who submitted their projects, you have done yourselves and teachers proud!

Top Place Category Winners:

Lucy Waters Road Kill First Place

Hannah Anderson Protecting our Wai Third Place

Greer Gilhooly Organic? Non-Organic? Third Place

Highly Commended:

Chris Revell Devlin The Final Straw Highly Commended

Reilly Richardson Catch the Breeze Highly Commended

Ava Galloway Fizzer or Not Highly Commended

Year 9 Win Mathex Cup!

More than 200 teams of Year 7-10 mathematical brains from schools across the region lined up to compete at this year’s Auckland Regional Mathex Competition held at the ASB Stadium.

The exciting and fast-paced event brought teams of four students together to race against the clock and answer 20 challenging mathematical questions in the attempt to gain a maximum of 100 points. However, this was not a typical mathematics competition, it required one of the team members to not only think fast but run fast! A runner from each team had to sprint a loop of the stadium to collect each question for their team and return to the markers with the answer. If the answer was wrong, the runner had to run back to their team and try again until the correct answer was achieved.

The College Year 9A team comprising Emma Ying, Eric Lee, Eric Liang and Marco Lazzaro was awarded the overall first place for their year group and the Mathex Cup! Coached by Grace Chang (Year 12) and Kevin He (Year 11), the team was the fastest to gain 100 points. This was a great achievement - and even more of an achievement for those who were also in the winning Year 8 team last year.

The College Year 7A, Year 8A, Year 9B and Year 10A and B teams also did well gaining 100 points but, unfortunately, not in a fast enough time to gain podium places.

Well done to all the budding mathematicians and to the student coaches. You should all be proud of yourselves!

A Letter from Jacinda!

After studying the planet’s threats and ways in which we can combat these, our Year 10 Social Studies classes wrote to Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden to express their apprehension for the planet. As part of their unit, ‘World at Risk,’ the students outlined their concerns for the planet, in particular risks to New Zealand, and spent time refining their letters in the hope of getting a response. It was a great exercise for the students as they learnt how to undertake social action in a positive way and they were ecstatic when they discovered Jacinda replied acknowledging their concerns! She congratulated them on how well informed they were on carbon emissions and said, ‘Letters like yours have played an important part – I have heard children and young people across the country speaking up and asking the Government to tackle climate change and I promise I will keep doing everything I can.’

$109,708.00

Raised for World Vision

During the 40 Hour Famine this year, Middle and Senior College students raised a substantial total of $109,708.00 for World Vision, with special mention to the Year 7 and 8 students for raising $69,750.00 - $4000 more than their total last year.

The College has had a long-standing relationship with World Vision and has been one of the top fundraising schools in the country for many years. World Vision’s National Director, Grant Bayldon was presented with a College cheque by Emma King and Aria Bhej. 112 students were presented with certificates for raising $500 or more individually and Stark was named the winning House having raised $26,801. A special mention was also made to Emma King who raised the most overall - $8006.50. Well done Emma!

The money raised by will go towards helping people in Chigodi Village, Malawi. Since our relationship began with the Village, the improvements have been significant. The schools have new and upgraded facilities, student and staff numbers have grown, and the students’ achievement rates are continuing to excel - the money raised this year will go towards building a new water pump for the Village.

The visit from World Vision staff enabled our students to gain a greater understanding of the impact our school communities make, through fundraising endeavours, to help World Vision continue its work around the world. Well done to all the students and staff for their efforts to help raise funds.

Baking for a Cause

Every year, thousands of Kiwis take part in Daffodil Day initiatives to raise money and awareness around the ongoing fight against cancer. Over the years, Mrs Xanthe Noble’s tutor groups have become known for their ability to cook up a storm to raise money for a cause. Her current tutor group are Year 10 girls who planned, pre-sold and then baked cupcakes to order, to help fund the ongoing research, support services and education that is needed. The night before, over 300 cakes were baked, iced and decorated with a daffodil theme, earning $3 per cake for the Cancer Society.

The girls’ services don’t stop there, throughout the year the group frequently get together in the Food Technology rooms to prepare cakes for special occasions for staff and visitors. When you stop to consider there are well over 200 permanent staff at the College, that’s a lot of cakes!

Experiencing the Language and Culture of Spain

With thanks to Year 11 students, Saskia Dorresteyn and Sarah Harper

After three years of developing Spanish language skills, 29 senior students and 4 teachers spent a most enjoyable July immersed in the language and the culture of Spain.

Barcelona was the first taste of Spain for most of us. On arrival, we could see the amazing architecture that the city had to offer and in the following days visited many of the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, such as Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia. His design seems decades beyond its time, with its curved edges and bright colours. The amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral was a highlight for all of us. The cathedral has been under construction since 1882 and is still not completed. It is easy to see why once you lay eyes on the incredible sculpture and soaring towers. They are aiming to finish it by 2025, and we all agreed that it would be incredible to see it in its finished form at some point in our lives.

The Casa Batllo was similarly beautiful. Although smaller, its unique facade caught our eyes, as bone-shaped columns and mosaic tiles covered its street front. Inside, it was breath-taking as single light-wells illuminated the rooms from top to bottom. We also walked through the older Gothic Quarter of the city - the bell towers and narrow alleyways were much different from the modern streets of New Zealand, highlighting the difference in age between these two countries!

Arriving off the bus to a blanketing 42 degrees heat, our entire cohort pulled their massive suitcases up tiny cobbled streets and collapsed into the picturesque hostel Osio. A lovely guide picked us up and took us to the mesmerizing Mosque of Cordoba. This extraordinary building is a mix of a cathedral and a mosque, meaning every corner we turned was like walking into a completely different culture. The Moorish columns were beautifully integrated with Renaissance-style altars - all explained by our excellent guide, Ana. After this visit, we took a walk through the Jewish quarter of Cordoba, pinpointed with a sculpture of Maimonides - the ancient Jewish scholar. Our guide led us through the famous flowerpot lined walls of Cordoba and we saw beautiful views of the Mosque’s Minaret from a quaint courtyard. In between this, we had gelato and looked around the shops before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, complete with gazpacho y torta.

The next day we transferred to Sevilla, the beautiful and historical capital of Andalucia in the southern region of Spain. In Sevilla, we visited the imposing Real Alcazar and made our way to the Cathedral of Sevilla - the biggest gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Christopher Columbus and his son are buried there - we were constantly in awe at the years of history surrounding us. Before we boarded the coach again, we stopped at the Plaza de

España - a landmark square with a beautiful fountain and a pavilion lined with tiles depicting every province in Spain.

During the second week, we went to the seaside village of Nerja. Here, we fully immersed ourselves in the language and culture, where we not only attended a language school, but also stayed with local families for a week. The school was lovely, with friendly teachers and beautiful classrooms looking out onto an Andalusian courtyard. Our homestay families made the experience a real treat as we had to speak Spanish and cook authentic meals. One night there was a festival celebrating the Virgin of the Sea - the streets crowded with people as fireworks went off and a statue of the Virgin of the Sea was paraded around ceremoniously.

While in Nerja, we took a day trip to the city of Malaga. Here we saw some Roman sites and walked through the extravagant, albeit smaller, palace. From a high vantage point on top of a hill, we could see the entire city, including a bull-fighting arena. The guides pointed out that these are slowly dying out as the younger generations recognise the cruelty towards the bulls. After this, we visited the place where Picasso grew up and walked around the museum where many of his works were on display.

After Nerja, we went through Granada Old Town. The River Darro was the highlight, winding its way throughout the cobbled streets blanketed by thick vegetation on both sides. We also had our

first glimpse of the Alhambra and Generalife. The sight of them, surrounded by forests and the Sierra Nevada mountain range as a backdrop, was certainly awe-inspiring.

The next day, we got up bright and early for the tour of the Alhambra and Generalife. The Alhambra was named one of the most beautiful places in the world and has around 8000 people visit it every day! That night, we saw our very first flamenco show. The dancers were very talented and proud of their culture. We finished our trip to Granada with an excursion to the Parque de Ciencias, complete with a visit to the BioDome inside.

Madrid was our final destination - here we managed to squeeze in a trip to the Real Madrid football stadium. It was impressive, with a sprawling green turf and seats for 81,000 people. We were able to visit the players’ changing rooms, their ice pool and other facilities including the museum full trophies and various awards won over the years.

The trip was an experience of a lifetime! We made many friends and fully immersed ourselves in the culture which we had read so much about. We were able to live like the Spaniards live, having our lunches at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and dinners at 9:30 and improved our language skills.

Our most sincere thank you goes to Ms Martinez, Mrs Leishman, Ms Gordon and Mr Taylor who gave their time and support to make the trip such a success.

History Trip to Europe

‘This trip has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life…’

Nineteen days, twenty three historical sites, eight towns and cities, seven museums, five countries and twenty four lost bags (for a brief moment in time) – for the 28 students who took on this challenge, they turned history into a reality as they ventured across Europe in the footsteps of those who went before.

The very full itinerary was designed to explore the historical battlefields of significance to New Zealand and further develop the students’ understanding of our Year 12 NCEA history units on Nazi Germany, the Russian Revolution and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, as well as the Year 11 Origins of World War Two units, through visits to Berlin, Warsaw and St Petersburg respectively. Links were also drawn to our IB Diploma history curriculum, particularly in relation to the emergence of Authoritarian States and the ‘Cold War’ era proceeding World War Two. Sufficient time was allowed at each site for the students to be fully emerged and achieve our intended educational outcomes.

Mr Johnston reports:

The initial stages of the trip focused on enhancing the students’ historical knowledge and understanding of the significant role New Zealanders played in World War One. With the long flights behind us, we arrived in Paris eager to explore everything this amazing city had to offer. It was on our arrival at the Grand Palace of Versailles that all of the previous learning about the significance of the Great War began to come together.

Standing in the Hall of Mirrors, where arguably, the beginning of World War Two was forged, we reflected on the moment when the victorious powers of the world in 1919 created the powder keg that would lead to a much more devastating war.

Our first stop out of Paris was the quiet and peaceful poppy covered fields of the Somme - the battle in 1916 which saw New Zealanders’ first action on the Western Front after the failed Gallipoli Campaign. Here, 103 years ago to the month, the British opened up a new offensive that will be remembered as their biggest military disaster in history. Over 20,000 soldiers killed in one morning. New Zealand troops were to join the efforts in September and looking past the Longueval Memorial, the students could see the exact route our brave soldiers took under the creeping barrage of artillery shells in front of them - some so close they were ordered to accept shrapnel wounds as an indication of where they needed to be.

A sobering experience ensued as the students individually made their way around Caterpillar Valley cemetery reading, first-hand, the

Patrick Wilkins, Year 13

gravestones of so many young New Zealanders lost in the battle. Standing in the fields that once bore witness to hell, opened the eyes of students and staff and brought home the horrible truth about the ultimate sacrifice our troops from the ‘uttermost ends of the earth’ made in this eerily haunting landscape. One which would have looked so very different many years ago…

Our next stop was in the beautiful town of Amiens, where students were encouraged to get amongst the local cuisine and culture. We had the morning to explore the town and uncover the hidden links to New Zealand in the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. Plaques commemorated the NZ efforts in the surrounding area of the town and the enormity of Allied involvement began to become noticed by the students as we passed Commonwealth cemetery after cemetery in only very short distances.

We were fortunate to continue our World War One theme with a visit the French town of Arras. It was here that New Zealand troops were deployed as miners in the Western Front. Interestingly, the tunnels beneath Arras were closed after the Second World War and not rediscovered until 1990. They are one of the few physical traces left by the New Zealanders on the Western Front.

The road to Passchendaele followed and it was here that the students took charge, taking turns with the microphone on the bus to inform their peers of the events of 1917. At the Gravantafel Memorial, the students were informed that this ‘hill,’ a mere rise in the landscape to the untrained eye, was the highest and furthest point the NZ soldiers would get to and was the starting point for our blackest day. On October 12, 1917, 800 NZ soldiers and 45 officers would be killed and a further 2,700 wounded as NZers stormed over the top in a hopeless assault on the German frontlines. We stood on the exact ground this offensive began and retreated ourselves to Tyne Cemetery which still remains the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. The hopelessness of this war came to light here, as we passed thousands upon thousands of headstones that merely uttered the words – ‘Known only unto God.’

This feeling was exemplified when Fin Wong and Jack Horsnell were chosen to represent Saint Kentigern and lay a wreath at the famous Menin Gate memorial. Here, the students witnessed an event that occurs every evening, 365 days a year for the past 90 years. The traffic of the town of Ypres stays still for 15 minutes, whilst the people from all corners of the globe pay their respects under the names of the 54,395 Commonwealth soldiers who still remain missing in the area of Passchendaele. Hearing the Last Post and laying our wreath,

With thanks to History teacher, Mr Simon Johnston

designed and brought from home, was an experience that will never be forgotten.

Our World War One focus came to an end in this tranquil town after a platoon experience consisting of the chance to wear a full World War One soldiers’ kit, including gas masks and experiencing a ‘Tommy tucker’ meal in the old trenches from the war.

From here, we flew from Brussels to Berlin to see first-hand what remained of the lost peace after the Great War. Berlin was a new experience and focus for us, not only because the airline lost 24 of our 32 bags, but because this city is drenched in history!

We learnt through the Berlin Bunker experience how Germany rebuilt itself under the Nazi regime and our visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was testament to the rise of evil. This day truly emphasised the horrors that humanity is capable of and it took some time for the students to digest what had happened in the very place they were standing not so long ago.

April 19, 1943. It was here that Jewish resistance fighters successful held off Nazi deportation forces for a period of time and further inspired a mass revolt at Treblinka on 2 August, 1943.

Yes, one can look at the hopelessness of the situation, but it was here that we wanted our students to understand and see the good in situations of such evil. Resistance can carry many forms and here we learnt about the heroic deeds of cultural resistance, moral resistance, spiritual resistance and of course, violent resistance. This theme of resistance carried us through the emotionally draining visit to Treblinka, a site where 800,000 people were murdered in a matter of months. A haunting memorial in the depths of the woods gave us all time to individually reflect and pay respect to the victims of the Nazi regime. Again though, we were forced to ask ourselves, how is this humanely possible? I don’t think anyone can truly understand the enormity and scale of such evil, but we can understand the importance of being messengers and carriers of history to ensure such evil can never occur again. A simple message of being an upstander in society has never felt more relevant than it did on this day for us….

In addition to this, another dark experience that will remain with us was standing in the very room where the ‘logistics’ of the final solution were discussed and agreed upon by Nazi elites at Wannsee Palace. The question of how this is humanely possible will be forever etched into our minds… and perhaps one that we will never understand.

Berlin also offered us our first experience of the effects of the Cold War and how close the world came to Mutually Assured Destruction on multiple occasions. Our tour of the Berlin Wall hammered home this reality and after a short stop in the old Stasi headquarters, we had a better understanding of life on the East side and the element of secrecy during the Cold War era.

Our last day in this city was spent experiencing a different aspect of Berlin – street art. Here, students designed their own personalised graffiti canvases and were taken around a unique section of Berlin, adding to their enlightenment of the wide variety of culture Berlin has to offer.

From Berlin, we continued our journey east and into Poland focusing on the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising which famously occurred on

Our remaining days were spent exploring another incredible element of history that was moulded in St Petersburg Russia. Here, we immersed ourselves in Tsarist history and the revolutions that followed. We stood in awe of the glamour of the Winter Palace, the Hermitage, Peterhof Palace and the heart and soul of St Petersburg in general. We learnt of the siege of Leningrad during World War Two and the birth of communism as a direct result to the disastrous Russian campaign in World War One. This was a fitting end to such a broad array of historical experiences.

I need to note that on a lighter note, one cannot visit Russia without the ballet experience, and this helped ease our way out of a heavy historical experience!

Such a trip of this enormity will be forever remembered by both staff and students and is certainly a history trip for the ages. The journey was thoroughly enjoyed by all and our students were superb ambassadors for Saint Kentigern at every step of the way.

Drama: Making the Ordinary, Extraordinary

With thanks to Mrs Jess Acheson, Head of Drama

It’s easier to be a critic than a creator, to stay close to the familiar and do what you already know, rather than push boundaries and face failure. The essential role of a school is not only to prepare students for their future but to also help them make sense of the world around them. ‘The Arts can take us there in ways nothing else can,’ says Head of Drama, Mrs Jess Acheson.

The skills gained in Drama, one of the academic subjects that make up the Arts Curriculum, empower students to cultivate creativity, make the ordinary, extraordinary, and prepare our young people for a world that lies ahead of them - future-proofing if you like. Mrs Acheson says, ‘Although our students sit examinations, the majority of our classes have students working practically in an open space. The nature of the practical skills and experiences played out in a Drama class, is very different to other subjects. At Saint Kentigern, the Drama Department puts particular focus on embodying differing viewpoints and human experiences, as well as developing personal skills so students become adaptable, innovative and confident young people. Unlike other subjects, where this material may be researched, read and discussed, there is an added dimension in Drama as these thoughts and ideas are embodied. Our Drama staff put a lot of time and care into establishing safe and enriching learning environments, where students can see and be themselves, while also challenging them to step beyond their comfort zone and be open to new possibilities.’

Why is Drama relevant in school today? In his TED talk, ‘What 60 Schools Can Tell Us About Teaching 21st Century Skills ( 2013 ),’ Grant Lichman discusses his findings after spending time in more than 60 schools with more than 600 excellent educators. Two of his main findings were that schools were not innovative enough for an evolving future and that teachers needed to be prepared to ‘teach into the unknown’. Sir Ken Robinson agrees, most will have seen his work on the importance of creativity in education and a need to shift from the traditional educational model set up to meet the needs of the Industrial revolution. Most studies of ‘21st Century learning skills’ suggest that collaboration, creativity and innovation will be important for our young people to navigate a changing future. Drama offers students all of these.

We grow empathy in our classes. We always have one foot in the real world and the other in the imaginary world and become the voice that isn’t represented in the room. The Arts are vital because they are the bridge to possibility.

Just as play shapes us and helps us learn about the world, Drama does the same – the students ‘practise’ or imitate challenging and diverse situations, interpersonal relationship scenarios, and learn about historical events through multiple viewpoints - all this broadens their world view and their social skills at a pivotal time in their life. The power of play is important - students learn best when they feel safe and happy.

A common myth is that Drama is only important for those who want to work as an actor, but our students tell us differently. Most of them are here to practise being ‘seen’ to stand up and be vulnerable in front of a group so that they can grow in resilience and take this confidence with them to board meetings, presentations, production meetings, and social gatherings. To Law School and Fashion Runways, to Veterinary Practices and Filmmaking, to Project Managing, Accounting, Engineering, coaching a team and travelling the world, and some, yes, to the stage.

In Drama we start from nothing and create something,

and not only through acting but set design, costume design, sound, lighting, multimedia, directing or stage management. There is no moment in Drama to sit back and not be involved – there is a place and a task for everyone. We are a team, and every class is an evolving project. In January 2019, the United Nations announced that despite Global Trading slowing down, the Creative Economy was bucking the trend and growing

Mrs Acheson says,

‘Our drama classes are a place where we are training young people to be effective communicators and genuinely hard working, mindful people who employers and colleagues want to work with.’

The diversity of skills that our students gain include reading and interpreting text, showing perceptive understanding of the wider social, historical, psychological and political context, leading themselves and others, and project management. Then they step into an empty space to communicate their ideas in creative, meaningful ways, unpacking the layers of critical thinking and multiple perspectives, adding their own voice through a fresh view point.

The final word goes to a Year 12 Drama student, ‘Drama has made me a better, more confident person and I love the subject for it. Drama is the one subject I have gained the most out of. This is due to the amazing supportive teachers and classmates who allow and encourage students to be themselves and be proud of it.’

Drama Student Mentored by the Best!

‘Here I am, in Switzerland, being taught by teachers from Juilliard and professional actors alike. I am the luckiest person in the world.’

Performing arts students the world over look to the Juilliard School in New York as the world leader in performing arts education. Their mission is ‘to provide the highest calibre of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.’ When aspiring Year 13 actor, Sam Ashton, stumbled online across a summer camp, run by Juillard, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland during July, he set his sights on a place. After much paperwork and audition videos, he learnt he had been accepted.

Sam Ashton, Year 13

Sam reports: ‘The course I entered was called the Young Artist Programme and focused solely on drama. Each day began with a three-and-a-half-hour class in the morning, where we worked though different aspects of drama such as improvisation, stagefighting and team-building exercises.

We were an eclectic group aged 10-18 from countries all over the world. The most common nationality was American, with students from Virginia, Texas, Chicago and New York, but other nationalities were also present. There were Spanish, Portuguese, Bahamian, Romanian, Greek, Italian and British people in my class alone.

Each afternoon, we spent time with our own select teachers. I was privileged to spend my time with Mr Mike Rudko and Mrs Jenny Lord. Mrs Lord is a directing and acting teacher at Juilliard and Mr Rudko is a seasoned Shakespearean actor, having performed at the Globe in London, on Broadway in New York and the ancient Greek amphitheatre in Epidaurus, Greece. In those afternoon classes, we prepared monologues, and presented and gathered feedback on how to improve them, and looked at script analysis in depth. What I learnt from the course has changed my approach to acting and the way I will now start the process of learning to become a character; to be a part of their world and to step out of my shoes and leap into theirs! I look forward to that challenge ahead.’

Sam’s full and detailed report can be read on our website: https://www.saintkentigern.com/news/drama-studentmentored-best/

Art practitioners are people who go out there and make it happen.

Play Series

Each year, our Senior College drama students perform their NCEA assessment pieces for an audience. Often edgy productions that push the boundaries for the students and audience alike, these ‘mini productions’ have become more sophisticated with each passing year. With minimal props and costuming, the focus is placed clearly on the actors and their stage craft; their ability to not only deliver their lines but to use complex dramatic skills to fully engage their audience.

For those privileged to attend, they witnessed true theatre in the making. As students poured heart and soul into their roles, it was hard to believe that these were ‘just’ assessment pieces rather than fullscale productions!

Play Series One: Year 11 - Zero for the Young Dudes and Wheeler’s Luck

NZQA Standard 1.6 ‘Perform an acting role in a scripted production’

For Year 11 students who study drama, the NCEA Level 1 course encourages ‘the exploration and development of dramatic ideas in inventive and imaginative ways’ and ‘to clearly communicate ideas and feelings through performance.’ Year 11 presented two New Zealand plays: ‘Wheelers Luck’ by Nigel Collins, Toby Leach & Damon Andrews and ‘Zero For The Young Dudes’ by Alistair McDowall. Each student’s performance was assessed for NCEA Level 1 standard 1.6 –‘Perform an acting role in a scripted production’.

With two plays, many actors; some roles played by multiple actors, some actors playing multiple roles – Year 11 put on a great night of entertainment!

Play Series Three: Year 12 - King Lear and Metamorphosis

NZQA Standard 2.6 ‘Perform a substantial role in a scripted play’

The Year 12 classes performed excerpts from two plays, ‘King Lear’ by William Shakespeare and Stephen Berkoff’s interpretation of Franz Kafka’s book, ‘Metamorphosis’ – two very differing plays yet each focussed on a troubled character.

Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most symbolic plays as we watch Lear’s descent into ‘madness.’ Having divided his ‘Kingdom’ between two daughters, and banishing his third, as well as anyone who defies him, Lear ultimately finds himself betrayed and alone. His arrogance has cost him everything and his fall from power is personally devastating. In our production, we changed Lear to a woman and imagined she was CEO of a company. The genders of other characters were mixed throughout the play, for students to explore and experiment with ideas,

concepts, debates and arguments, providing a forum to challenge their world view.

In Kafka’s play, Gregor Samsa wakes to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect.’ How will his family and collegues react? They respond in different ways as they struggle to come to terms with his transformation. Feelings change and as they move from a state of sympathy to horror we, as an audience, looked on wondering how sympathetic the world around us is, when someone is different or identifies with ‘other.’ Kakfa’s story hits a nerve that still resonates very strongly in 2019. It’s a piece of theatre that is both comedic and tragic, absurd yet seemingly rational and our students took these ideas on board and ‘owned’ their performance.

Play Series Two: Year 13 - The Laramie Project

NZQA Standard 3.6 - Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production

The NCEA Level 3 Drama curriculum calls for students to demonstrate their understanding of theatre in a variety of ways. The Assessment Standard 3.6 requires Year 13 students ‘to prepare for and perform a substantial acting role that must have had sufficient depth and length to allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the play.’ Choosing a play for a Year 13 cohort can often be a difficult process as all students must play a significant role for the requirements of the standard. We must also consider the genre of plays already covered by the student in previous years to give them exposure and experience with a wide range of play styles and theatre forms. ‘The Laramie Project’ by Moises Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theatre Project ticked these boxes as it is a modern play with mature content and many different multi-layered characters, as well as challenging the students with the use of different styles of the American accent.

The Laramie project is a culturally significant work because it documents the true events of the hate crime of Mathew Shepard, a young gay man who was beaten and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. It offers a unique and direct insight into the reactions and differing points-of-view from the Laramie community, who were not only dealing with the shock of the murder, but also the onslaught of the media in their small town.

Aligning with the words in the Saint Kentigern prayer ‘In hating all that is evil and cruel and wrong. May we ever strive to banish these things from our land,’ our Year 13 students delivered a powerful piece of contemporary theatre.

YEAR 7 AND 8

SUPREME WINNER & WHITECLIFFE AWARD

Amelia Evangelidakis

KINA

Middle College Wearable Art Show

Music, lights, action…chicken wire, zip ties, inner tubes, bread bag tags, 7000 straws, used coffee cups, bottle tops, chip packets, juice cartons, used rugby tickets, loo roll inners, disposable cutlery, a few rolls of duct tape… and a whole lot of imagination! What an amazing show!

YEAR 9 AND 10 SUPREME WINNER

Onceagain,Saint Kentigern’s own ‘fashionistas’ stepped out on the catwalk for a spectacular show, as students in Years 7-10 confidently ‘strutted their stuff’ in in a range of ‘wearable art’ garments they had designed and constructed themselves. With over 60 costumes on show and each section introduced by a dance group, there were close to 200 Middle College students involved, with support from choreographers and dancers in Year 11. With generous prizes on offer across five categories, excitement was high, ticket sales were brisk and there wasn’t a spare seat in the house as an audience of almost 700 family members turned up in support!

For the eighth year in a row, we are truly grateful to two remarkable women who have given freely of their time since the very first show. Kiri Whitford-Joynt, director of both Red Studio and 3wj+boy Talent Management agency, has been a stalwart since the outset, spending many patient hours working with the models to give them confidence out on the catwalk. This year, she was joined by her daughter, Old Collegian, Maddi Whitford-Joynt. Media personality, Wendy Meyer, returned once again as the continuity announcer, setting a relaxed yet professional tone for the performers and keeping the audience involved. Over the years, she has become the ‘voice and face’ of the show.

The three judges this year were Belinda Watt, HOD Fashion Design at Whitecliffe College, Liz Farr, also from Whitecliffe and mixed media artist, Jenny Foster. Their judging criteria was: creativity, zest and innovation, how well the garment represented the category, and presentation and construction of the design.

The range of garments on display was awe-inspiring, as was the confidence for each young model to strut the catwalk alone in front of such a big audience! After much discussion, Amelia Evangelidakis won the Year 7-8 Supreme Award with her much talked about ocean-inspired, spikey kina! Amelia was also awarded the Whitecliffe Award for the most innovative use of sustainable materials. Stella Carter, Jenna Sholtz and Emily Robb worked together on the winning design that earned the Year 9-10 Supreme Award with their Rubber Couture; a simple, elegant black frock – made from old tyres and inner tubes!

Stella Carter Jenna Scholtz & Emily Robb Rubber Couture KIWIANA AND PASIFIKA

Year 7 and 8

Year 7-10

Gabby McDonald and Mackenzie Alley Papatūānuku

Lucy Waters and Greer Gilhooly Shipshape

Blake Muldoon Ultimate Rugby Supporter Hannah Cavanagh Modern Metallica

Isabella Hayes Griffin Gemma Williams World of Creativity Havana Smith Sprinkled with Cocoa Julia Koeman and Yvonne Bulcraig The Girl in the Spiders Web

Mia Denholm,Georgia Fulford and Sarah Archer Flower Power

Danielle Dudek and Emma Straka Medusa of the Sea

Katelyn Quay-Chin Deep Sea Thoughts

Hayley Searle and Chantelle McIntyre Fruity Smoothie

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

There are probably not many people who realise that the much-loved family film of the 1960’s, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, was actually based on a children’s story by Ian Fleming of James Bond fame!

Witha villain, an attractive companion and a flying car with all the bells and whistles, this year’s Middle College production had all the hall marks of a good spy story! The show flew onto the Saint Kentigern stage with as much infectious energy as its title song, delivering a joyous musical experience for young and old alike.

The story is centred on the adventures of two lively children, Jemima (Sophie Ward) and Jeremy (Oliver Evans), who are adored by their father, the eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts (Josh King) and their ‘slightly potty’ grandfather, Grandpa Potts (Fionn Steele Smith) - a close-knit family who miss the children’s mother.

Despite their loss, the household is a happy one and the opening numbers, ‘You two’ and ‘Them three,’ made it clear that Josh, Sophie, Oliver and Fionn, with their clear vocals and strong acting skills, are set for a long future on the Saint Kentigern stage!

As Caractacus, Josh was the ‘glue’ that held the show together, displaying family warmth for his onstage children and suitable brusqueness - then bashfulness - when a lady arrives on the scene. Playing brother and sister, Sophie and Oliver worked in perfect harmony throughout the show. Fionn played for laughs and showed he is a great character actor.

All good spy stories have a love interest and, in this case, it was Truly Scrumptious (Melody Lui-Webster), the daughter of famous candy maker, Lord Scrumptious (Hayden Cox). Melody has a very confident

stage presence and played this role with great maturity, creating a real affinity with the children - her diction and singing were superb.

In order to please his children, Caractacus agreed to purchase a battered, old Grand Prix racing car, to prevent the much loved children’s plaything from being melted down for scrap. Raising the 30 shillings for the exchange was not easy, but a delightful scene ensued, involving one of Caractacus’s inventions – a not quite refined hair cutting machine, that scalped its first customer! Who would have guessed that the disastrous invention would be perfect for the local turkey farmer – monetary problem solved!

Once rebuilt, the car becomes one of the stars of the show, named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, for its unusual, rhythmical noises. We offer our grateful thanks to Southwell School, Hamilton for the loan of the car with fully computerised hydraulics!

On their first outing in the car, the family, with Truly in tow, discover that the car has magical properties, allowing it to float on water and fly through the air. The audience soon discovered the Chitty Chittty Bang Bang refrain is one they won’t forget in a hurry!

Pleased with their acquisition, the family are oblivious to suspicious activities going on in the background. The story takes a turn when the Baron (Oliver Barclay) and Baroness Bomburst (Chloe McGregor) of Vulgaria, hire a couple of spies to find the old Grand Prix winning race car, and bring it to Vulgaria as the spoilt Baron’s birthday gift.

As with many family musicals, the villains got to truly shine and this show had its fair share! Tyrannical wife to the immature, petulant Baron, Chloe nailed her role as the Baroness with just the right amount of feigned indifference to her husband. This was not a woman to be messed with! Yet the pair turn out to be surprisingly loveable for a couple of selfish, children-hating rulers of a kingdom that has banned children and employs an evil Child Catcher (Millie Eaton), to capture and lock away all children in their country! Chloe was suitably ‘over the top’ and the pair gave a wonderfully hammed up performance of their duet, ‘Chu-Chi Face!’

At the end of the phone, and just out of the Baroness’s reach, were the duo of Boris (Arwyn Stevens) and Goran (Catalina Addis), as the ineffective Vulgarian spies. The girls delivered a flawless performance as they kept their slap-stick characters bumbling along, popping up in the least expected places. Arwyn was kept busy with quick changes, to also take part in the dance numbers.

As the Baroness stepped up her plans, inadvertently, Grandpa Potts is kidnapped. The show gathered pace in the second half when Chitty and the family landed in Vulgaria to try and rescue Grandpa, only to have Jeremy and Jemima spirited away by the Child Catcher. In this role, Millie had just the right amount of menace as she crept across the stage. The Toymaker (Olivia Costello), although resistant at first, lent a hand, leading to the freeing of all the children in the kingdom and building to a finale where, with the children’s blessing, love was declared between Caractacus and Truly to deliver a happy ending!

Dance groups featured throughout the show, setting the stage alight with action. From the great machines in the candy factory, bathing belles on a beach, to the delightful, twinkling, night-time backing for the lullaby, ‘Hush-a-bye Mountain’, the exuberant ‘Me ol’ Bamboo’ and the ‘Bombie Samba,’ it was clear that there is great strength in the dance programme at Middle College level and those on stage were loving dancing for an audience!

The ensemble of students onstage were focused and their discipline and effort to deliver an excellent performance was inspiring. Alongside the cast, the orchestra was a mix of ages, giving their full commitment to the show, providing live music for the keen and talented cast on stage. Backstage crew were also a mix of ages, the older students mentoring younger ones. All in all, it was a great team effort for a great team show! It was truly, truly scrumptious!

Why Dance?

More than 100 enthusiastic dancers lit the stage at the annual Dance Showcase – an evening that celebrates the beauty, energy and raw emotion of dance. From hip hop to jazz, lyrical and contemporary, the audience was drawn to over 30 dramatic, dynamic and emotive performances from our College dance students in Year 7 to 13, with a guest appearance from the Girls’ School.

From solo to group performances, the largely student-led production was a mix of co-curricular and curriculum dance with performances from the Dance Academy, dance troupes, class groups and student choreographed NCEA level 1, 2 and 3 pieces. We also welcomed a group from the Girls’ School to perform an extract from their award-winning ShowQuest piece, choreographed by Year 11 student, Chloe Haerewa.

In preparation for the show, dance students in NCEA level 1, 2 and 3 researched social and environmental issues they resonated with, going on to choreograph a performance piece to communicate

and express specific messages to their audience. From racism, discrimination and human rights issues, to raising awareness around teenage suicide, pollution and other environmental issues, the students developed powerful works to communicate their intentions.

But more than that, they communicated the sheer joy of dance. Throughout the show, the performances were interspersed with snippets of video that gave voice to why the students chose to dance. Above all was the freedom to express themselves without the need for words. Nobody invented dance, it is deep in the heart of every culture throughout the world, throughout time and is part of the pulse of humanity. Dance is also inherently social and many of the students spoke of bonds that develop when dancing in synchrony. It became very clear that across a range of genres we have some exceedingly talented dancers, both girls and boys.

Why dance?

I danced when I younger was to challenge myself. The challenge of discipline, the challenge of pushing myself to the limit - I didn’t want to fail at my own challenge. I am now educating young dancers and I hope that for whatever reason they dance, they discover who they are through dancing, and find their happiness within.

Mr Ichiro Harada, Dance Teacher

Why Dance?

As a dancer and a dance teacher I have seen and felt first-hand the transformative nature of dance. Dance offers the opportunity to express and share ideas, collaborate with others, and develop a strong understanding of self and others. From finding an expressive outlet, a way of communicating without words to building relationships, developing creativity, confidence and for wellbeing. These are some of the reasons why I dance.

Mr Geordan Wilcox, Head of Dance

Why Dance?

With thanks to Year 12 student, Simran Chand

Why dance? This question has been raised many times throughout the year to the students who take dance as a subject or take part in any dance activities at the College. This gets all students thinking about the many reasons as to why they choose to dance.

Dance because you’re passionate, dance because it’s a way of expressing hidden or exposed emotions, use dance as a way to introduce yourself to new cultures and create a better understanding of the world, dance to entertain, dance so you make specials bonds and connections with those whom you may not usually choose to connect with, and most importantly, dance to keep both body and mind, fit and healthy.

Dance is something truly special and can be often underestimated. Many don’t see the sheer hard work at rehearsals to bring something to the stage. Dance is an art. It’s not easy but it’s rewarding. Although the process may get tough, the motivation, positive energy and creativity it entails is what helps us get though.

As dancers, our purpose is to perform and create the illusion that ‘dance is easy’ and to transport the audience to ‘a different place’. Here at Saint Kentigern, taking dance allows us to generate and bring together our own creative ideas while developing traits of leadership within groups. Many dances that have been performed on the Elliot Hall stage have been choreographed by talented, hardworking students, this allows and opens up many opportunities to those who may want to pursue dance when they leave the College and gives them a chance to work with many different people. It also allows others who may not normally give things a go, a chance to try new things, broaden their knowledge and get out of their comfort zone.

Many opportunities open up when taking dance as a subject. You learn many new things as new dance opportunities arise within in school and out of school, such as becoming a part of the Dance Showcase and getting to perform in front of your peers, teachers and

parents, or joining workshops out of school with professional dancers and getting familiar with what ‘outside’ dance has to offer. Taking dance doesn’t limit you to only taking the subject at school but encourages you to carry on out of school hours. This motivates many to go out, explore and bring back their experiences to share with our ‘dance family.’

The staff involved with dance, Mr Wilcox and Mr Harada work strongly together as they constantly provide the top opportunities for everyone who may be interested in taking dance. Both teachers create a safe space in every class which welcomes each student in helping them to feel comfortable and ‘free’. Both teachers push each student to the best of their ability and embolden each student to get familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. Although dance is a subject which many classify as lots of movement and ‘fun,’ it still requires a high level of discipline.

The College Dance Department has amazing new purpose-built studios. These studios are always open to students, during and after school for rehearsals. The space includes ballet bars, mirrors and Bluetooth speakers which enables the students to rehearse in a brilliant space of an amazingly high standard. We show our appreciation and gratitude towards this by holding some of the performing arts shows up in the studios, as it also allows seats and has space for performing on.

Gold and Silver for our Musicians!

The hard work our College musicians put into preparing for this year’s KBB Music Festival paid off, as Saint Kentigern came away with eight awards by the end of the week! Held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St Mary’s Church in Parnell, the annual event showcased the very best in secondary school music across Auckland. Our students hit all the right notes!

Following their initial performances, the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band were all selected to participate in the final Gala Concerts, meaning they were chosen as one of the top four schools in Auckland for their category. The Symphony Orchestra performed a well-balanced programme that was pleasing to the ear – and the judges, who presented them with a Gold Award! The highlight was the ‘Bassoon Concerto Movement

Two’ by Mozart, featuring Year 13 bassoonist, Venice Qin. This piece received the award for ‘Best Performance of a Classical Work’ - a deserving achievement for an outstanding recital.

With a strong performance and great audience engagement, a second Gold Award was presented to the Concert Band. They, too, received a special award. Playing ‘Air Poetique for Horn and Band’ by Ted Huggens, and featuring Evan Metcalfe on the French Horn, the Concert Band was awarded the ‘Tour Time Soloist Award.’ The Big Band was also proud to receive a Gold Award, again, the students can be proud of their performance. The Chamber Orchestra and Stage Band were also acknowledged for their performances. The Chamber Orchestra received a Silver Award and the ‘Best Performance of a New Zealand Work’ – playing ‘Waltz Suite’ by David Farquhar. The Stage Band also came away with a Silver Award for their performance.

These results, our best ever, highlight the growing depth of instrumental music at the College, ensuring a strong flow of musicians for the future.

Silver for Kentoris

The choral programme at Saint Kentigern College is as strong as ever, demonstrated by Kentoris’ selection and participation at the national competition, The Big Sing Finale, held in Dunedin.

Saint Kentigern was one of over 250 schools to compete in the regional Big Sing competitions during June, and Kentoris, the College’s premier choir, was invited to travel to Dunedin to compete as one of the top five mixed voice choirs in the country. As one of the 24 choirs selected overall for the Finale, Kentoris was asked to perform two recitals of contrasting music: the first of three pieces totalling ten minutes, and the second of two pieces totalling eight minutes. The choir received a Silver award for their performance overall, which was a welcome reward for the students’ dedication and hard work over the past six months.

In their first recital, Kentoris performed ‘Darling Johnny O,’ an arrangement of a New Zealand folk song by Richard Oswin followed by ‘En la Macarenita,’ arranged by Bob Chilcott, a folk song native of Andalusia. Accompanied on the shaker and wood block by Year 12 students, Catherine Chang and Elsdon Yong, the choir sang of a torero, or bullfighter, wooing through dance. Kentoris ended their first recital with an arrangement of ‘Deep River’ by Moses Hogan, a stunning rendition of the sombre negro spiritual. Their second recital consisted of ‘Lullaby,’ a beautiful piece accompanied by piano, with text and music by Daniel Elder, and ‘Nyon Nyon’ by Jake Runestad, a slightly bizarre piece of choral ‘art music,’ where the singers explore the range of sounds that can be made with the human voice!

Those who have heard Kentoris sing this year at the Choral Showcase, Auckland Big Sing or the earlier combined Saint Kentigern schools’ concert in Holy Trinity, will know that Kentoris is a well- disciplined choir with a beautiful sound under the guidance of their choral director, Mr Jared Corbett. Kentoris now welcomes a number of new students as they work towards an overseas tour to the USA and Canada in April next year!

The New Zealand Concert Band Association Festival

The New Zealand Concert Band Association Festival was held over two days attracting a high calibre of bands from around the country, so we were incredibly proud when the Saint Kentigern Concert Band was awarded National Gold. In addition, a number of smaller ensembles entered and our Sax Quartet, comprising Sam Ou, Visha Bhakhaven, Serina Wang, Bill Zhang, was also awarded National Gold, as was Evan Metcalfe for his French Horn solo. The Horn Quartet of Evan Metcalfe, Steven You, Julia Huang, Torie Pickering were awarded National Silver as was Cindy Yi for her clarinet solo. Basoonist, Venice Qin was awarded National Bronze. It wasn’t only our band members who were busy. Following on from selection at the Auckland Chamber Music competition, the trio of Ian Chiao, Esther Oh, Ashani Waidyatillake, named Trio Kaleido, went on to compete at the National final were they were recognised nationally with a Silver award!

Silver at Kids Sing

For the first time, the Middle College entered a Year 7 and 8 Choir in this year’s New Zealand Choral Federation’s Kids Sing music festival. The two-day event saw 35 junior choirs from around Auckland fill the Town Hall to sing from the heart.

The competition required each choir to sing the same test piece, as well as two other songs of their own choosing, one of which must be written by a New Zealand composer. This year’s test piece was ‘The Wind’ by David Hamilton. The choir also performed ‘Wedding Day’ by Anthony Ritchie and ‘ICantar’ by Jay Althouse. Conducted by Jane Horder and accompanied by Catherine Chang on the piano, Winnie Liang on the flute and Brendon Tsai on the cello, their joyful performance earned a silver award! Well done!

House Music

Clean Sweep for Hamilton!

With thanks to Head of Middle School Music, Mr Oliver Gilmour

Hamilton scooped all the awards at this year’s College House Music with a win for the choir, the band and the overall marks, to win all three cups and the title of House Music Champions for 2019 – the win in all three categories making history!

House Music is gleefully anticipated each year, as the Year 13 student leaders muster their choirs - in excess of 200 students - and spend many lunch hours trying to coach them into tunefulness! Meanwhile, the House Bands are selected and they, too, get their repertoire underway – and under wraps until the night!

Buses of students descended on the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau with family members swelling the ranks to fill every seat in the auditorium. Middle College Head of House for Wilson, Mr Al Ronberg, put aside his house bias and did a fine job of MC for the night, delivering up a string of ‘dad jokes’ to keep the audience entertained during the logistics of getting the choirs on and off stage. The prefects led the seven house choirs (Bruce House making up the seventh House) up to sing, dazzling in their House colours, and entertained the crowd with well-known, popular songs.

Following on, each House presented their band ‘ensemble item’. They were permitted a maximum of 8 minutes on stage, with a maximum of 16 students, to deliver a medley of songs of their choice. This latter half of the evening was a true showcase of spectacular student talent and stage presence!

As the judges deliberated, the Staff Band proved to be another highlight with Mr Ronberg, Mr Broun, Mr Hedder, Mr Gilmour and Mr Rodgers entertaining with the Crowded House classic, ‘Better Be Home Soon’ and finishing with Ed Sheeran’s ‘Castle On A Hill’ – lead singer, Mr Ronberg resplendent in a ‘Red Ed’ wig!

We were fortunate to welcome Jackie Clarke and Emma Featherstone to the event as judges. Jackie is a household name in the NZ entertainment industry as a singer, entertainer and MC and Emma Featherstone is the Head of Music and Performing Arts at King’s College and is a renowned music educator.

Congratulations to the Year 13 students for their fantastic leadership of this event. You rocked!

HOUSE CHOIR RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND CHALMERS

3RD STARK

4TH WISHART

5TH BRUCE HOUSE

6TH CARGILL

7TH WILSON

OVERALL HOUSE MUSIC CUP

1ST HAMILTON

2ND CHALMERS

3RD STARK

4TH WISHART

5TH BRUCE HOUSE

6TH CARGILL

7TH WILSON

HOUSE BAND RESULTS

1ST HAMILTON

2ND CHALMERS

3RD STARK

4TH WISHART

5TH WILSON

6TH CARGILL

7TH BRUCE HOUSE

Stars Align for Grace

The stars have all aligned for talented Year 12 singer/ songwriter, Grace Kelly! Having made her mark as a confident performer at College Rock Nights, SKC’s Got Talent and as part of the Chalmers Band at House Music, her international music career is starting to skyrocket, after becoming the face and voice for the San Jose, Tourism Board in the USA!

Grace was flown to San Jose to film a music video after a catchy song she wrote came to the attention of their Tourism Board, and was later flown back to attend the premier screening. During the visit, Grace was also invited to perform at a sold-out concert at a Californian vineyard and to sing on radio!

Now the 16 year old Saint Kentigern schoolgirl has caught the attention of US country music ‘royalty’ Blake Shelton! Shelton is a host on the TV programme, The Voice and boyfriend of singer/songwriter Gwen Stefani. In a surreal moment for Grace, she received an email with an offer to be the opening act for Blake Shelton at a San Jose concert in September! Grace is on stage at the time of writing!

Grace has always had a love of music. She plays both guitar and piano but considers vocals her main instrument. She has been song-writing for almost six years but recognises that her best work has developed over the last three. She used to write and listen to pop songs, was also influenced by jazz, and while she liked country music, she didn’t listen to a lot of it. This all changed when she got the chance to visit Nashville! She fell in love with country music and knew she wanted her music to have a country sound.

She is very grateful to her parents for recognising and nurturing her talent and is also extremely thankful to the support she has received at Saint Kentigern. She said, ‘The NCEA Music Projects Course they run at Saint Kentigern is so amazing for artists like me, where the more theory and classical-based music course isn’t quite fitting. It’s so amazing getting to come to class and write, record, work on performances, and share songs with each other. I think some may underestimate the value of the course, however, for students like me who want to do music as a career, it provides me more time during the day with help from teachers and professionals to learn more. Ultimately, I wish I could be there all day but the dream is that one day, that will be my reality!’

Winter Sports Round Up

With thanks to Director of Sport, Mr Richard Stead

The winter sports season is almost complete - there are some National titles to compete for during the October holidays, but otherwise most teams have finished. Firstly, I would like to personally thank all athletes who have competed for the College during this time. You have been a real credit to yourself, family and the College community. Coaches, managers, and parents, thank you for your

support of our athletes. From early in the morning until late into the evening, throughout the winter months, you have encouraged our young athletes to train hard and to represent Saint Kentigern to the very best of their ability.

The culmination of winter sports for our Premier teams is the nationwide secondary schools’ Winter Tournament Week. For many

Netball – Auckland and Upper North Island Champs!

The Premier Netball team have had a stellar season so far but it has yet to finish - they will head off to the Nationals in Nelson during the October holidays, but they can go into the competition with confidence, having already won the Auckland Premier 1 competition after beating Howick College 32-27 and winning the Upper North Island Tournament (UNISS) where they beat St Peter’s, Cambridge in the final 44-21. They headed into the Auckland and UNISS final unbeaten, meaning they have played and won 22 games in a row!

Placing within the top 6 at UNISS has now allowed them to qualify for the Nationals in October. Three players were named in the UNISS tournament team, Cecile Velghe, Jaymie Kolose and Jas Singh. Lisa Putt was named MVP for the grand final game. Well done girls!

The Senior A Netball team had a successful season making it through to the Premier 2 final in the Auckland Competition. Unfortunately, Baradene were too strong on the evening despite a gallant effort by the girls and management. The Year 10 Mystics won their grade in the Auckland Competition and the Year 9 Mystics were placed runners up. The Year 7 Steel also won their grade for the first time ever and a further three teams were runners up. All in all, our netball girls can be very proud of their efforts this season!

Hockey – Auckland Champions And National Bronze

The Premier Hockey teams have had another very good year. The boys 1st XI retained their Auckland title but lost to Rosmini College in the Supercity final. At the Rankin Cup in Christchurch, the boys’ 1st XI were very keen to retain their 2018 title. Unbeaten throughout the tournament, they lost in a penalty shootout to King’s High School in the semi-final. Although disappointed by their loss, they bounced back the next day to beat Hamilton Boys High School for the Bronze medal.

During Tournament week Lennox Moss, Kervin Guttenbeil, Josh Child and Daniel Woud all passed a huge milestone of 100 caps for the College. Five boys from the 1st XI also gained selection into the New Zealand Under 18 Squad: Lennox Moss, Kervin Guttenbeil, Josh Child, Daniel Woud and Luke Holmes. Congratulations to all these boys!

A young girls’ 1st XI also had a very good season, placing 3rd in the Auckland Competition and 4th in Supercity. The team was placed in a tough pool at the National Championships. Losing two games on day one meant they were placed in the Marie Fry Cup section. The girls played some great hockey to place 4th in this competition, and we look forward to this team progressing over the next few years.

Hockey has 20 junior age group representatives this year across the age groups.

team members, who will go on to graduate later this year, this was the last time to don the blue and white and represent Saint Kentigern. Whether or not their teams went on to place, they can leave knowing that they represented their college and chosen sport at national level, playing amongst the very best in the country.

There is much to learn from being an athlete; whether as part of a team or competing individually, it takes drive, hard work and a true passion for their sport to succeed. With this comes resilience to ride the knockbacks and determination to make every performance better than the last. Whether a win or a loss, pride comes with knowing you gave your personal best.

Rugby – National ‘Co-Ed’ Winners!

It has been a successful season for both the 1st XV and grade rugby teams with good competitive games across all grades played with determination and good spirit.

The 1st XV began their season contesting the Presbyterian Schools Quadrangular Rugby title, held annually between Scots College (Wellington), Lindisfarne College (Hawkes Bay) and St Andrew’s College (Christchurch), winning the final against Scots to retain the title.

The 1st XV played some hard and fast games throughout pool play of the Auckland 1A competition securing a spot at the 1A final played in front of a huge crowd at Eden Park. They faced an equally determined side in King’s College who went on to win the title 29-22. During Tournament Week, the team went on to firstly play the ‘Blues Co-Ed’ final, beating North Shore team, Rangitoto, to secure the right to represent Auckland at the New Zealand Top 4 Co-Ed final against Feilding High School, a spirited game they won away in Palmerston North, 29-22.

During the early part of the season, the 1st XV won the Moascar Cup (a knockout cup equivalent to the Ranfurly Shield), in a tight match against St Peter’s College, retaining it for much of the season before losing it to King’s College in the 1A final.

Congratulation to Cam Church, Allen Craig, Te Rama Reuben and Tiaan Tauakipulu who have been named in the NZSS Rugby Team to play against Fiji Schools and Australia U18s in the October Holidays. Treyah Kingi and Jona Mataiciwa have been named in the NZ Barbarians team and Valance Yates has been named in the NZ Maori U18 Rugby team.

Four grade teams made semi-finals in their respective grades, including 6A, 5A, 1R and U15 Restricted. Unfortunately, none of these teams progressed to finals. The introduction of a new grade, 1R (Restricted), has been successful. This allows boys to aim for an alternative ‘1st XV, weight restricted’ grade, and should gain in popularity in the years ahead, opening opportunities for more boys to stay playing their sport of choice.

Golf – Third in New Zealand

The Premier Golf team of Karl Jorgensen, Stephen Liu, Nathan Smith and Kelly Wu placed 2nd in the New Zealand qualifying tournament in Term 2 to book a place in the New Zealand Secondary School finals in Cromwell during Tournament Week. After two rounds of golf in very cold conditions, the team were pleased to place a strong 3rd in New Zealand! Stephen Liu finished third overall in the individual scores.

Football - Auckland Premier League Title

The Premier Boys Football claimed back-to-back Auckland Premier League titles for the first time in College history. Playing a high tempo brand of football, the squad recovered from an early loss to claim the title with a game to spare.

Nationally, the team performed below expectation at tournament missing out on the top eight play-offs, finishing a disappointing 11th place.

Basketball – Regional Champions

The Premier boys have had an amazing season to date. Throughout the season they dominated the local competition, losing only one game, which qualified them for the semi-finals for the Greater Auckland Premier competition. They defeated Auckland Grammar School in the semi-final and met Rangitoto College in the final. They narrowly lost this final by 2 points.

During Tournament Week, the team then competed in the regional competition. They went through pool play undefeated, won both their quarter-final and semi-final matches. In the final, they beat Rosmini College, current New Zealand champions. They now progress to the Nationals, hoping to go better than their third placing last year.

The U17A boys had a terrific season. They finished first in the Central East Auckland division, only losing one game to Pakuranga during pool play. Winning this division qualified them for the Greater Auckland Championships. They played well throughout this

Across the College, boys’ football remains strong with 15A1 and 13A1 playing a highly attractive brand of football and winning their respective competitions. 14A1 also won their second-tier competition as well as having many B and C grade sides finishing top four in their grades.

2019 signalled a rebuilding phase for the Premier Girls’ Football side. Many of the title and cup wining side from last year graduated at the end of 2018, giving the opportunity for a new group of players to claim spots within the side. The team competed well against the best sides in the competition, finishing the season just outside the top four in fifth place. National tournament brought highs and lows with the girls narrowly missing out on a top eight play-off spot on penalties.

In the junior grades, the Junior A side also missed out on a top 4 finish but competed well throughout the season, often dominating games with great team play.

tournament meeting Auckland Grammar school in the final, they lost this final by one point.

The Senior A girls had a tough season in the Auckland competition but won several of their games to qualify for the Greater Auckland Semi Finals. This saw them face Epsom Girls Grammar, playing with passion, heart and determination, they gave their all, however, they lost the semi-final and finished 3rd overall in Auckland.

Table Tennis – Golden Season!

Over the winter season, a small group of Year 7 and 8 students played in the primary and intermediate school competition. The team of Terry Chen, James Moyes, Cody Zhang and Sai Prabhu went unbeaten to win the B grade competition. Terry Chen had a 100% winning record in his grade!

In the secondary school competition, the College again achieved excellent results with three teams winning their respective grades. Our Premier team (Nathan Xu, Joanna Yang, Kelly Wu and Yixiong Hao) went unbeaten throughout the season, with Nathan Xu recording a 100% winning record! Premier team member, Joanna Yang is only a Year 8 student who has achieved great results against senior players! Year 11 student, Nathan Xu continues to perform well at a high level. This year Nathan has won Oceania

Age Group titles and the Senior Open title at the North Island Table Tennis Championship. At the recent Auckland Table Tennis Open Championship, Nathan won the Mens Doubles and the Mens Singles, beating the New Zealand number 1 ranked player in the process! At the Secondary School Table Tennis Nationals, Nathan again showed his class by winning the Under 19 Singles. We wish Nathan every success at the New Zealand Table Tennis Championship which will be held in October.

The College also tasted success in the B1 Grade and C2 Grade in Term 2. The team of William Feng, Karl Jorgensen, George McCready and Jann Schmiedel were successful in the B1 Grade. In the C2 Grade, the winning team comprised Alan Chow, Jim Guo, Samuel Parr, Charlie Porter and Michael Wang.

The winning Premier and B1 Grade teams also went on, undefeated to win gold in the Champion of Champions tournament. Well done!

Cycling – Over 70 Medals for our Cyclists!

This year’s cycling season has been very successful with the National Schools Road Championship, at the time of writing, yet to come. Our first event was the Pukekohe Points Race where Ethyn Brooks (U13B) and Ruby Spring (U15G) won Gold; Lewis Atkinson (U14B) and Jensen Foster (U20B) won silver; and Sophie Spencer (U16G) won Bronze. The North Island Road Championship had some pleasing results with our Senior Girls A team (Annabelle Waterworth, Emma Hannan, Sacha McLeod, Sophie Spencer and Sophie Wilkinson) taking Bronze in the TTT . Ruby Spring won Gold in both the U15G Road Race and the U15G Criterium, and Jensen Foster won Gold in the U20B Criterium.

Some of our cyclists went on to compete at the North Island Track Championships, where we also had some great results: The U20 Boys Team (Zac Cantell-Roberts, Ben Connell and Jensen Foster) achieved Bronze in both the sprint and the pursuit. Jamie Cantell-Roberts placed 3rd overall in the U13 boys, Maddy Ballard placed 4th overall in the U14 girls and Ruby Spring placed 2nd overall in the U15 girls.

In this year’s Pukekohe race series, at the final’s day race, the Senior A Boys (Zac Cantell-Roberts, Ben Connell, Jacob Hanan, Jensen Foster and Jack Melhuish) missed out on Gold by 0.5 seconds. The Senior A girls (Annabelle Waterworth, Emma Hannan, Sacha McLeod, Sophie Spencer and Sophie Wilkinson) and the Junior A girls (Izzy Bannister, Finn Bilsborough, Olivia Rooney and Ruby Spring) both achieved Bronze. Our U14 Boys A (Nico Jancys, Coen Anderson, Josh GordonGlassford) and the only girl, Maddie Ballard, achieved Silver. In the championship series the Senior A boys missed out on Gold by one point and the Senior A girls and Junior A girls both achieved Bronze. Our Senior B girls, Niamh Bilsborough, Jaime Wilkinson and Nika Martinez-Azaro and Junior D boys, Ethyn Brooks, Antony Gault, Ben Stewart and Mark Liu, both won Bronze in the most improved category.

At the North Island Intermediate and Middle Schools Road Cycling championship our Year 8A team, Coen Anderson, Jamie Cantell-Roberts, Ethyn Brooks and Maddie Ballard, a mixture of Year 7and Year 8, achieved silver. Jamie Cantell-Roberts achieved Gold in the Y7 boys Road Race. We had one cyclist at the Southern Tour, Ruby Spring, who won Gold in all categories of the U15G.

At the Northern Tour we had some great results in the ITT with Ruby Spring coming first and taking an U15G course record! In the Hill Climb, Ruby also came first and was only 2 seconds from the course record. The Criterium proved to be challenging with variable winds and a tight course. Ruby Spring came first in the U15G and, in the U20B, Jensen Foster, after a highly contested race, also came first. Both these cyclists are now the National Criterium Champions in their respective grades. The Criterium also had a Sprint Ace category with Ruby Spring and Sophie Spencer achieving second. In the overall tour General Classification Ruby Spring came first in the U15G, Jack Melhuish and Jensen Foster came second in the U20B B and U20B A respectively, Ethyn Brooks, Olivia Rooney and Sophie Spencer came third in the U13B, U15G and the U16G categories.

Great Week at the AIMS Games!

What a fantastic week of sporting competition for our selected Year 7 and 8 students at the AIMS Games in Tauranga. Attending one of the biggest sporting events in the southern hemisphere, with a record 11,500 athletes taking part in 23 sports, representing over 365 schools from around New Zealand and the Pacific, this was a non-stop week of sporting competition!

The Middle College entered competitors in a range of team sports including basketball, football, hockey, netball and hip hop, as well as entering students in individual codes such as swimming, tennis, badminton, table tennis, yachting and gymnastics. In some instances, competitors from the Boys’ School and Girls’ School joined with those from the Middle College to form the strongest combined squads.

Saint Kentigern has some very competitive swimmers and with the swimming results from the finals tallied across the campuses, their combined points contributed to Saint Kentigern being named as the top school in first place for swimming, winning gold. Middle College student, Alex Campion won gold for overall first place in the girls’ event, breaking a record in the process in the Girls’ 13 100m Individual Medley. She joined Boys’ School students James Crosbie, Harry Klouwens and Mark Galloway to also win the 200m Medley Relay. Well done Alex!

Middle College students Darcy McDonald, Meredith Webber and Connor Eccles each earned gymnastic success. Meredith won silver in the girls’ Open Junior Advanced

category with Darcy just behind in bronze place and Connor won bronze in the Open Men’s Trampolining, bringing three more medals to the overall tally.

Success continued on the tennis courts for Annabelle Loutit from the Middle College who, combining with Chelsea Wijntjes from the Girls’ School, won bronze in the girls’ tennis doubles. The singles points from Annabelle and Jasmine Tran from the Girls’ School were combined to earn them silver as the second placed team in the competition.

Another gold was scored in table tennis by Middle College student, Joanna Yang who won the girls’ singles. Joanna joined with Joy Xie to earn silver in the girls’ doubles. In badminton, the Middle College combination of Carlos Li and Eric Wu won silver in the boys’ doubles.

Whilst none of the team codes placed, there was much to enjoy and learn for these students.

Whilst coming home with medals is fantastic, the AIMS Games, for these younger students, is as much about taking part and experiencing a taste of competition away from home, which was a first for many. It has been reported back that our students were exemplary in their behaviour and it didn’t go unnoticed. Well done for sporting our blue and white with pride!

Our sincere thanks to the staff and parents who accompanied the students for their time away.

National Swimming Champion

At the recent New Zealand Secondary School Swimming Championships, Year 9 student, Liv Peebles swam up a storm, winning eight gold medals in the 13 year old girls event! She swam to victory in the 100m and 200m Individual Medley, 50m backstroke, 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly and, along with team mates, Isabella Campion, Oliver Avis and Alex Perry, also won the Mixed Relay. Not surprisingly, these results secured her title as the 13 year old female National Swimming Champion! Not only that, she also claimed an Auckland Age Group record in the 100 Fly with a time of 1.03.84. Well done Liv!

The College Ceilidh

The Saint Kentigern community came together to celebrate our Scottish heritage at the 24th annual Ceilidh. In support of the Saint Kentigern Pipes and Drums return to the famous Basel Tattoo next year, the evening attracted those who appreciate plenty of music, singing, dancing, haggis, banter and, of course, good cheer!

The combined 2nd Pipe Band and Boys’ School Pipe Band played in Elliot Quad as the guests arrived, before one and all were led into Elliot Hall by the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern. Entry to a Ceilidh can be a little chaotic to begin with as guests are wrangled into a Grand March! Couples are brought together to form lines of four and after one circuit of the hall, joining with another four to form a line of eight, finally moving into lines of sixteen across the hall. Sounds simple? You had to be there!

Ceilidhs are centred on camaraderie, good food and dance, and it took very little convincing for dance caller, Bev Young, to entice our

Anyone for Tea?

When it comes to food, diversity is the keydiversity in flavours, textures, appearance, smell and ways of presentation. Feedback is allimportant to know whether the combination of these has hit the mark for the consumer.

Food Technology is a diverse field with many potential areas of focus. Our Year 10 students are given the opportunity, throughout the year, to explore different aspects of culinary design, food science and nutrition.

As part of a unit based around ‘technological practice,’ the students had to ‘demonstrate an understanding of the needs and opportunities within a design context, use of key attributes and stakeholder feedback to inform the development of an outcome and its evaluation.’

To achieve this, staff were invited to High Tea! Each class chose a theme and catered to their guests’ pre-determined preferences and dietary requirements. From floral and pastels to the ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’, Autumn and ‘Beauty and the Beast’, each class of students did an outstanding job and delivered tempting food and spectacular table service.

Once word got around, they were not short of ‘stakeholders’ – staff willing to enjoy a late afternoon tea for the small price of feedback to the students on their work!

guests onto the floor for each round of dance – of which there were plenty! Gauging by the smiles and laughter, everyone had a good time - regardless of their dancing abilities!

Our drummers stepped up to give an amazing display of precision drumming before the haggis was paraded in. The audience applauded Year 11 student, Cameron Dean on his passionate address and performance of Robbie Burns’ ‘Ode to the Haggis’ before the haggis was added to the buffet.

Entertainment continued when the audience welcomed diminutive highland dancer, Grace Broun to the floor. She may only be nine years old but she was nimble on her feet as she demonstrated the sword dance to almost 200 spectators!

With dinner complete, out came the song sheets! Year 13 student, Venice Qin sang before everyone joined in some hearty singing followed by – yes, more dancing!

From the President of the Old Collegians

Amajor event in the spring calendar is the Old Collegians’ Golf Day, held annually at Remuera Golf Course. If you’re a regular player or a newbie, please register your interest soon as places tend to fill rather quickly. Funds raised will go towards our continued support of the Old Collegians Field Centre Fund. This allows those in Year 10, who would otherwise struggle to make it to Tongariro, to attend. Equipment is a costly business and our ever-growing outdoor equipment cache, helps make the week all it can be. This year we are also raising funds for student/s to help complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students will be able to apply for a partial scholarship starting 2020.

Winter Sports have finished for another year at the different campuses, and there have been a number of outstanding achievements by top teams at all three campuses. Again, I would like to encourage you all, as Old Collegians, to re-engage with sporting teams and go along to watch. The standard of sport is high and it’s great to see different teams competing so well in their respective Auckland competitions.

We have a number of special reunion dinners/weekends coming up for Saint Kentigern College past students. Leavers from 1989 are having a weekend reunion over the weekend of 18-19 October to celebrate graduating 30 years ago. Spread over two days, Friday involves meeting at the College in the afternoon for a light afternoon tea and a full College tour. For those who haven’t been back for 30 years, be prepared for a few major shocks! On Saturday, Old Collegians reassemble in the afternoon for a few games for cameraderie, hopefully watching the 1st XI Cricket Team, then a dinner

in the Sports Lounge. Please contact Mark Richardson markr@ metropolitanair.co.nz to register your interest.

As Term 4 comes around, the number of events SKOCA is involved with increases as we sponsor events like the Leavers’ Dinners at all three campuses and the Senior College Sports Awards. It’s a special time for students who are leaving their respective campuses and either heading to their college years or indeed moving into a different phase in their lives, be it university, travel or straight into

SKOCA 2019 Calendar

OCTOBER 17th - FRIDAY

DUNEDIN - ROC’S (RECENT OLD COLLEGIANS)

Time: 7.00pm

Venue: Starters Bar

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

OCTOBER 18th - SATURDAY

CHRISTCHURCH - ROC’S

(RECENT OLD COLLEGIANS)

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Fox and Ferret, Riccarton

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

Please check the SKOCA calendar for the events yet to occur in 2019. As mentioned previously the Annual Golf Day is on 11 November. We also have a number of Recent Old Collegian Events being held in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin over the next few months. Our final event of the 2019 calendar is the Boys’ School 2014 Leaver’s BBQ in December. Every year it increases in size and last year we had a fantastic turnout. I encourage you all to become more involved in your respective alumni events.

Finally, it is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of one of our biggest supporters, Mr John Gilbert. John was a former Head Boy of the College and served on the Trust Board for over 25 years. He worked tirelessly to foster fellowship and philanthropy with Old Collegians and his long years of service to the Saint Kentigern Community will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace John.

Fides Servanda Est Mr Hayden Butler, President of the Old Collegians

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

NOVEMBER 11th - MONDAY

SKOCA – COLLEGE GOLF DAY

Time: Assemble at 11.00am

Venue: Remuera Golf Club

Ticket: $100.00 per head. Refreshments provided.

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

NOVEMBER 22 - FRIDAY

AUCKLAND - ROC’S (RECENT OLD COLLEGIANS)

Time: 6.00pm

Venue: Lula Inn, 149 Quay street

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

15 DECEMBER - FRIDAY

BOYS’ SCHOOL BBQ FOR 2014 LEAVERS

Time: 3.30pm

Venue: Boys’ School Sports Centre

RSVP: skoca@saintkentigern.com

Lucy Scarborough – Sky High!

After graduating from Saint Kentigern in 2017, Lucy applied to Victoria University to study a Bachelor of Communication Design. In February 2018, she moved into Katharine Jermyn Hall ready for the new adventure ahead. She loved her first semester and made some amazing new friends - ‘it was a true halls of residence experience.’ However, by the time the second semester came around, she found herself unsatisfied and was unsure that university was the right choice. During that time, Lucy visited Nelson and experienced her first tandem skydive, something she had wanted to do for years. After the jump, Lucy said she had never felt so alive and knew this was how she wanted to feel every day. The next day she researched how to become a skydiver, without knowing it was an actual career option. Lucy found Parakai’s New Zealand Skydiving School – a school that allows you to achieve a Diploma in commercial skydiving. She applied and before she knew it, her life had completely changed, taking up the course in January 2019.

Lucy said leaving University was one of the hardest decisions she has ever had to make but now says it was the best. ‘There are no words to describe my love for skydiving and how it makes me feel, but I know this is what I am meant to be doing. It’s different, it’s me!’

Skydiving school was hard, both physically and mentally, and she had to push herself to the ultimate limit. Lucy completed five months of training, including completing 200 jumps and now lives in Airlie Beach, Australia where she is completing her three-month work placement.

After her placement, Lucy hopes to work as a camera flyer until she can reach her goal of becoming a tandem master which requires 800 jumps. ‘If there was one thing I could say to any students unsure of what they want to do after school, there is no rush to decide. We are all still so young! If you can find something you love and are passionate about, the training and hard work to get there becomes much more rewarding,’ she said.

Isaac Williams – Girls’ School Teacher

Isaac says, ‘I’d describe teaching at Saint Kentigern as a return home for me. I was lucky enough to not only attend Saint Kentigern as a student, but I also grew up living on the College grounds as my father was Chaplain and later, Headmaster at the College. As a family, we lived on the campus until we decided to move to Australia when I was 13. After finishing school in Sydney, I moved back to Auckland to study at the University of Auckland. There I completed a Bachelors Degree in Music and later finished my Grad Diploma in Primary Teaching.

I taught for two years at Saint Thomas’s School in Kohimarama before my wife, Chloe and I moved to London - Chloe is also an Old Collegian! After a year in London, I took on an Assistant Chaplain role at Newington College in Sydney where we stayed until the beginning of this year. Although we loved living in Sydney and had the joy of welcoming our first daughter, Aria, there, we felt a strong call home to be with our friends and whanau in Aotearoa. We recently welcomed our second little girl, Eden, into the world and we’re hoping to put down permanent roots here in Auckland.

The return to Saint Kentigern has been wonderful, surreal and without a doubt, a homecoming. I truly feel part of the family at the Girls’ School and look forward to being part of the life of the school in the years to come.

In Memoriam

It is with sadness that we record the passing of the following members of the Saint Kentigern community. We express our condolences to their families.

BANBROOK Anthony David (Tony) #478

GILBERT John Evans #1019

POLLOCK John Bretton #1448

SHAND Bruce Innes #576

MURRAY Evan - Boys’ School teacher 1959-1970

Mike Morgan – Dental Dean

Raised in a rural town, Mike was a border at the College from 1970 to 1974, holding the position of Head Prefect of Bruce House and Deputy Head Prefect of the College in his final year. He said, ‘My parents believed in the value of education, so after primary school, my siblings and I were ‘dispatched’ to Auckland to board. For me, leaving home at 13 was a scary proposition.’

But, he says, that ‘scary start’ led to an education, insights and leadership that are still with him today. ‘It was at school that I began to appreciate the value of leadership and how good leaders can shape the fabric and the future of an institution, and in this case, its students.’

At that time, Reverend Dr Adam McFarlan was headmaster, ‘He recognised and instilled educational and community values, the importance of self-development and importantly how organisational change is fundamental to ongoing relevance. His insights into education and learning stay with me today. The fact that Saint Kentigern continues to go from strength to strength today could, in large part, be traced to Dr McFarlan’s vision. I was very privileged to have his guidance and support.’

Mike also pays tribute to former staff, Ron Stone and Warwick Bell. He says, ‘Ron was housemaster when I was at Bruce House and he provided strong direction and managed the boarders with skill and understanding. Warwick was also a great mentor and provided quiet encouragement to those under his care, having

experienced boarding himself as a former College student.’

Following graduation, Mike studied at the University of Otago in Dunedin, graduating as a dentist in 1979. The following decades have mostly been spent in Australian academia – as well as a three-year spell in Hong Kong. During those years, he has undertaken significant research and filled many leadership positions – including his current role as Head of the Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, at the University of Melbourne.

At the start of 2020, Mike will take up the position of Dean of the University of Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry. University of Otago ViceChancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne said the appointment of such a well-respected, highly qualified and vastly experienced person was worthy of celebration.

University of Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry, founded in 1907, is New Zealand’s only dental school and is ranked as one of the top dental schools in the world. Mike said the opportunity to return to the faculty, with its long history, brand-new world-class facilities, and its ranking as one of the world’s top dental schools, was an honour. University of Otago Division of Health Sciences, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Brunton said Professor Morgan was an excellent researcher, teacher and senior administrator.

Steve Armitage - General Manager Ateed

Steve graduated from Saint Kentigern in 1996, having been Chair of the School Council, Captain of the 1st XI Football team and winning the School Soccer Cup and First XI MVP award (1996) and was also a member of the 1st XI Cricket team.

He says, ‘My career path has evolved organically rather than being part of a long-term plan. I had always had a passing interest in politics and can recall first contemplating this as an area of deeper learning and perhaps a potential career while I was at college. I remember discussing with one of my teachers the possibility of working within the foreign service, and also remember Q and A sessions with central government ministers who came to visit the school from time-totime. These encounters spurred me to learn more and I began to read about the ‘art of politics’ and to take a closer interest in civil society in all its forms. It eventually led me to determine that political science was the subject I wanted to major in and went on to study at Auckland University, gaining a Master of Arts in Political Science.

Initially, my career path was centred around central government with roles in the New Zealand High Commission in London, followed by a stint in Wellington. Eventually, I became ‘seduced’ by the opportunity to work within the Beehive and took on a strategy role within a senior minister’s office across a range of portfolios, including tourism. It was a real privilege to work within this environment and to be immersed in the mechanics of how the country is run. This experience – and the diplomacy skills that it helps to foster – has proven to be transferrable into other sectors. Afterall, where there are people, there is politics!

I am presently the General Manager – Destination at Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) which requires me to utilise the skills I honed in the political arena to balance the

expectations of central and local government, the wider tourism sector, and Auckland’s visitors and residents. Overall, I lead a team responsible for promoting Auckland domestically and internationally as a place to visit, invest, study and do business in. Most visibly, this is seen through the delivery of our major events portfolio which includes annual events like the Lantern, Pasifika and Diwali Festivals, but also includes key roles with events like the upcoming America’s Cup and APEC meetings in 2021, as well as the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Cricket World Cup, respectively.

Having recently visited the campus with my daughter’s future schooling in mind, I can safely say that it has undergone a vast amount of change in 20 years! The facilities are simply incredible and provide such a great platform for students and their families to use before embarking on their chosen vocations, but my reflections on my time at Saint Kentigern tend to centre more on the people and the strong impression that they made on me. Through the support of certain teachers and then Headmaster, Nigel Toy, I built confidence, resilience and determination which continues to serve me well and has indelibly shaped who I am. Whatever your background and personal circumstances, your time at Saint Kentigern is a golden opportunity to shape your future – don’t take it for granted!

Mark Graham - Sponsorship & Events

Iwas at Saint Kentigern from 1980, graduating in 1984. Living on the North Shore, I was part of a small group of boys who would catch multiple buses from over the bridge to Pakuranga each day. The irregular bus services in those days meant for early starts and late finishes!

My time at the College taught me to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way in life, stemming from a wellrounded education across academia and sport, but also great memories of such things as Field Centre and NZ’s great wilderness. I had the privilege of experiencing the end of the ‘old school era’ with the first Headmaster, Dr Adam MacFarlan and the beginning of the modern school era in Nigel Toy’s first year. Along with legendary Deputy Principal, Jack Paine and a few influential teachers, they all helped shape the importance of core values in our lives. In my final year, I was a school prefect and was awarded Dux Ludorum, sharing the award with Gary Howard, after representing the school in basketball, volleyball, athletics, cricket and swimming.

I credit Jack Paine for encouraging me to enrol at Auckland University, where I studied and completed a Bachelor of Commerce, while still continuing my basketball career. I was fortunate to play for ten years in the NZ National Basketball League for North Harbour, Nelson and Canterbury teams, playing in three National finals. I made the NZ Under 20’s team and went on to play for the NZ Tall Blacks from 1988 to 1990, touring the USA and playing against global powerhouses Russia, Australia and England.

Graduating from University of Auckland in 1988, I combined my interests in business and sport, setting up a sports marketing and event company with a fellow basketballer friend. The company continues to operate today under the name of SMC Events, running the likes of the Weetbix Tryathlon Series here in NZ and Australia, Big Boys Toys, ASB Polyfest and the NZ Horse of the Year show.

After retiring from competitive basketball in 1995, I travelled overseas for 12 months with my eventual wife, Lynne. Landing back in NZ in 1996, I began a 23-year career working in the sponsorship and event industry, primarily for NZ’s major banks, ASB and Westpac, as well as a stint as CEO of Tennis NZ. I currently am Head of Community, Sponsorship & Events for ASB.

I am forever grateful for my parents supporting my time at Saint Kentigern. I learnt about working hard to get results, taking the opportunities in front of me and the importance of friendship to get you through the tougher times. I still have many friends that I keep in touch with from school days. My sporting career has taught me the importance of working in a team environment to achieve great things and how to get back up after a loss or failure. I encourage all students to make the most of their time at the College – they are likely to be some of the best years of your life!

Grant Calder - Managing Director of America’s Cup Events Ltd

I graduated from Saint Kentigern in 1998 and I would have to say sport was my main passion. I was involved in weightlifting, coxed the Senior Eight Rowing team and captained the 2nd XV before joining the 1st XV in my final year. I was also a prefect and was deeply involved with House duties for Hamilton.

One of my most memorable College moments was winning the Senior Eight North Island Rowing Championships in 1997. As we came into the last 500m metres of the race, we were four lengths ahead and we could hear the clubs chanting from the banks of Lake Karapiro and saw a wave of blue and white supporters, with flags, running along the banks cheering as we crossed the finish line. Another was playing for the 1st XV against the New Zealand Barbarians, with All Blacks such as Scott McLeod, Mark Hammett, Ofisa Tonu’u and Isitolo Maka playing, with the All Black coach and selectors in attendance.

Saint Kentigern for me was defined by the quality of teachers we had and their ability to get the best out of us, either in the classroom or on the sports field and although I wasn’t ‘an academic,’ I felt the approach from our teachers made all the difference, as they were invested in our success.

My current role is Managing Director of America’s Cup Events Ltd, which is headed by Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and America’s Cup Events Limited. Grant is also an Old Collegian. I am also Managing Director of Mayo&Calder, an events delivery company with offices in Auckland and Hong Kong, that has previously delivered the World Rowing Championships, and is the exclusive event delivery company for The Ocean Race in Asia Pacific, delivering events in New Zealand, Hong Kong and Australia.

As for my current interests, it’s off-roading and diving, whether it’s diving in the Maldives with manta rays, ship wreck diving in Bali or shark diving in Fiji. I am currently planning on doing the Reno to Vegas Desert Race in America next year with a friend in a trick truck!

Take everything you can out of your time at Saint Kentigern, from your friendships, teachers, classroom, sports and other activities. This school offers a great platform to learn about who you are and who you want to be!

Cooper Rand – New Zealand Police Devon Rand – Saint Kentigern Preschool Teacher

Saint Kentigern is very much a family affair for the Rand family with siblings, Cooper and Devon having attended the College and mother, Julie, working in Admissions at the Boys’ School.

Devon was one of the inaugural intake of girls at the College and after graduating in 2009, went on to study at Auckland University, completing a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). After three years working in a childcare centre, she returned to Saint Kentigern in 2015 to take up a teaching role at our Preschool. She is now Assistant Supervisor, having made her mark as a passionate and enthusiastic teacher with huge empathy for the children in her care.

Her brother, Cooper recently visited the Preschool in his new role as a member of the New Zealand Police force based in Otahuhu. Cooper graduated from the College in 2011 and having excelled in multisport, he was named Dux Ludorum in his final year. After graduation, he pursued his love of sport, competing internationally in triathlons, but he always had a focus to join the police and was proud to graduate from the New Zealand Police College in February this year.

It was a proud sister who introduced him to our preschoolers during his recent visit with fellow police officers, including a police dog handler. In anticipation, the Preschool was adorned with ‘all things blue’ –including a life size portrait of Cooper in his uniform!

Eddie Stoica –Tennis Scholarship

Istarted playing tennis at 10 years old and loved it from the start! I would go all the time to the local club to play with my dad until I was good enough to play tournaments. Once I started to do well, I heard about the programme at Saint Kentigern and looked at continuing my studies there, as at the time, I was attending high school in Christchurch.

I moved up to Auckland and started to train with the Saint Kentigern Tennis Academy and play for the College. It was a great experience, learning and competing with guidance from Peter Langsford. He really took my tennis to another level enabling me to aim to play college tennis in America.

Not knowing anything about college sports in the USA, I started emailing schools and coaches trying to get my foot in the door and find a school that would maybe sponsor me and let me continue my education and earn a degree in a specialised field while continuing developing my tennis game. Of course, in every situation you need some luck and I think I got pretty lucky finding Wichita State University (WSU). I had a few offers but the best offer financially and tennis-wise was WSU. They were a top 75 programme in Dvision One which is the highest division in college sports in the US.

With the help of my family and coach, Peter Langsford, I went through the huge process to move to the States and I could not have been happier with that decision. I played four years for Wichita and helped the school obtain a conference championship my first year, which is like winning regionals, improving the school’s high ranking.

At the athletic awards at the end of each year, I was lucky enough to receive the award given to someone with overall excellence in sports and academics. This was an honour and after receiving this, I was also blessed to be granted a manager position for the men’s tennis team, which would allow me to go on and pursue my masters. I am currently in the process of finishing my degrees and starting my Masters.

Most people don’t know about college sports here in America but, similar to high school sport competitions New Zealand, it continues on in America into tertiary years and there is nothing quite like it. I would encourage all young athletes to work hard and strive for a scholarship to continue their sport and studies. I encourage young athletes to look at this option as it has been the best experience of my life.