Piper Issue 85 - December 2025

Piper Summer 2025/2026 | Issue 85

Leaders of Character Wilson Bay Farm: Setting the Foundation Better Never Stops: Staff Professional Learning

Contents

SAINT KENTIGERN TRUST BOARD Trust Board Chair: Mark Conelly Executive Trustee: Dr Kevin Morris 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga 2010 Phone: 09-577 0720 Email: trustboard@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN COLLEGE Principal: Damon Emtage 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, 2010 Phone: 09-577 0749 Email: skc_admin@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN BOYS ’ SCHOOL Principal: Peter Cassie 82 Shore Road, Remuera 1050 Phone: 09-520 7682 Email: skb_admin@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN GIRLS ’ SCHOOL

One Organisation

03

Preschool

15

Boys’ School

21

Girls’ School

39

College

55

Alumni

79

Principal: Marianne Duston 82 Shore Road, Remuera 1050 Phone: 09-520 1400 Email: skg_admin@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN PRESCHOOL Principal: Megan Storey 82 Shore Road, Remuera 1050 Phone: 09-520 8814 Email: skp_admissions@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION President: Thomas Steel Vice President: Matthew Jones Secretary: Laura Porteous Treasurer: Daniel Quigley Email: alumni@saintkentigern.com SAINT KENTIGERN COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS Acting Co-Chair: Anna Lindroos and Rebecca Scoones SAINT KENTIGERN BOYS ’ SCHOOL PARENTS & FRIENDS Chair: Lynda Millward Vice Chair: Michaela Shaw Secretary: Ally Huang Treasurer: Sarah Bruinsma SAINT KENTIGERN GIRLS ’ SCHOOL PARENTS & FRIENDS Chair: Jess Wahlstrom Vice Chair: Amanda Stretton Secretary: Brigit Winter Treasurer: Grace Zhang Published by the Marketing Department for the Saint Kentigern Trust Board and the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association.

For all enquiries ask@saintkentigern.com

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PIPER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025

One Organisation

At a Glance KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SAINT KENTIGERN

‘Better Never Stops’: Teaching That Grows With Our Learners Flowing from collaborative learning teams straight into the classrooms, our Specialist Educator feature explores how our Boys’ School teachers are being equipped with evidence-based practice. The Science of Learning is being applied in classes across syndicates and collective teacher efficacy is improving how our boys are delivered information. Read Jarred Wilson’s full feature on page 12.

Wilson Bay Farm: Looking Ahead This year marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the acquisition of Wilson Bay Farm, a site set to become a future hub for outdoor and experiential learning at Saint Kentigern. With plans now underway for the development of a residential lodge, the vision is to create a space for extended stays and deeper connection to land, sustainability, and learning beyond the classroom.

Explore the full story and future plans on page 8.

Excellence Recognised Across Our Campuses Prizegivings across the Boys’ School, Girls’ School, and College marked key moments of celebration for academic achievement, leadership, and service. The highest honours of Dux and Proxime Accessit recognised students who demonstrated exceptional commitment and performance across the year. Full coverage of each prizegiving can be found on page 24 (Boys’ School), page 42 (Girls’ School), and page 62 (College).

Community at the Heart of Preschool Life In her Principal’s Message, Megan Storey reflects on how community is intentionally nurtured from a child’s very first days at Preschool. This sense of belonging was visible throughout the year, with strong family turnout at key events including Grandparents’ Day (page 17), the Christmas Show (page 17), and Tabloid Sports (page 18). Together, they reveal how connection, participation, and shared experience shape everyday life in the Preschool. Read the full Principal’s Message on page 16.

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Building on Our Foundation Mark Conelly BCom, FCA, CMInstD

Trust Board Chair

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radition, combined with a constant drive to evolve and stay ahead, is at the core of many great organisations.

I was reminded of both throughout the past year: the presence of the Pipe Band at the Year 13 Graduation Dinner and at the Boys’ School Carol Service were stunning reminders of our Scottish-inspired tradition; the lighting of candles by our Year 8 leavers at each of our primary schools’ Carol Services is another special tradition, reminding students of their journey so far and of new beginnings in 2026.

Our evolution as an organisation took a significant step forward with the acquisition of our third campus at Wilson Bay, made possible through the generosity of the Saint Kentigern Alumni Association and several of its members.

Much planning has gone into the next phase for this campus across four workstreams, with help from members of our alumni and wider parent body, for which we are very grateful. Curriculum development and programme design continue at pace, alongside planning for a proposed residential village. Read more on this on Page 8.

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While planning for our third campus moves forward, so too does the new Years 12 and 13 Building. Now taking shape on the Pakuranga Campus, we remain on target to have these purposebuilt learning spaces available in early 2027. This sits alongside the completion of a new Manor Park carpark, with further improvements to traffic flow around the campus also planned.

The Trust Board also undertook a governance review at the start of 2025, with several outcomes implemented to strengthen stewardship, maintain focus on long-term planning, and uphold the strong foundation for the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning across our schools.

We also advertised for recruitment of new Trustees to join the Board for the first time in our history. Alongside this, the Board spent time refreshing our longer-term strategy and Statement of Intent. We look forward to building on this direction in 2026, including welcoming new Trustees to the table. I am grateful for the contribution of our existing Trustees, who honour our tradition, guide us well in the present, and step forward with confidence and courage.

Alongside our Trustees, we are supported by a talented leadership team led by Dr Kevin Morris. This team continues to push Saint Kentigern to be at its best, and they do so with purpose and humility. We continue to celebrate achievements in all aspects of school life,

whether that be on stage, on the field, or in the classroom. We have much to be proud of.

The Trust Board is deeply grateful to the staff across our four schools and Trust Services. Whether it be our team at the Preschool nurturing our youngest sons and daughters of Saint Kentigern as they embark on their primary school journey, or our Year 13 Tutors who complete their final year supporting our students, each play an important role and will be remembered with fondness.

Saint Kentigern would not be what it is without a strong community. The Trust Board recently met with leaders of our Parents and Friends groups and our alumni, and we expressed our appreciation for the work they do on behalf of our community. Thank you also to families who completed our Parent and Caregiver Survey: the insights gathered will help shape priorities across our schools, with Principals sharing outcomes and actions with their communities as this work progresses.

Our community is vital to who we are, and we thank you all for choosing to believe in Saint Kentigern, what it was, what it is, and what it can become.

I trust you enjoy summertime with family and friends, and find moments to reflect with gratitude and hope for the year ahead.

Fides Servanda Est.

One Organisation

Across the Board Dr Kevin Morris EdD (Boston) Executive Trustee

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e’ve made some changes this year in the way the Trust Board operates, and I thought it would be useful to explain why and how.

Firstly, some background. In the initial years, there were two boards at Saint Kentigern, one for the Boys’ School and another for the College.

As the organisation evolved, with the integration of girls at the College in 2003, and then the addition of the Girls’ School and Preschool in 2010, the needs and opportunities for the organisation changed considerably.

Over time, the two boards were brought together into a single Trust Board, and for the last ten years or so, has allowed a more pronounced focus for the alignment of our four schools, what we internally refer to as One Organisation.

This means that each school continues to develop and cater to its own priorities and needs, but that all schools are underpinned by a shared foundation. It also means our schools are supported by a centralised team of more than 40

professionals, known as Trust Services, who provide specialist expertise in areas such as finance, people and culture, digital services and property management, to support teaching and operational delivery.

Our Statement of Intent, developed in recent years, is proving to be an important strategic framework that guides all of our operations. It represents a strong commitment of the Board and leadership team to maintaining our heritage, while also defining the core principles that shape our schools. As we have grown over the years, and as the world changes rapidly, we want to have a strong sense of identity and clarity around what makes the Saint Kentigern community distinctive. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to evolve and progress strategic initiatives such as Wilson Bay Farm, while also making sense of AI and a troubled national curriculum.

Throughout this, we will always have a timeless reference point which orientates our approach.

This has led to new ways of reporting at our monthly Board meetings, which now follow the cycle of board subcommittees, along with annual planning days. At each Board meeting, our four Principals – Megan Storey, Marianne Duston, Peter Cassie and Damon Emtage – report against the strategic pillars of

the Statement of Intent in their school context. The Chief Operating Officer, Merle Boniface, leads the reporting and discussion on business enablers.

This year, a decision was made to alternate the themes of the monthly Board meetings to allow for deeper exploration of specific educational and business areas. In five of those meetings, we centred discussion around one of the Pillars or Guiding Principles of the Statement of Intent. The Principals were each allocated a Pillar and facilitated a Board discussion based on a report they had prepared. These collective discussions helped us build a shared understanding of what each element of the Statement of Intent represents in context and daily practice, and to identify development opportunities across the schools.

It has been an important piece of work in shaping our future. Insights from this are now being developed into a ‘Welcome to Saint Kentigern’ booklet for our community, with tailored versions created for different contexts and depths of use. The goal is to ensure that everyone, particularly new families, has clarity on our priorities and the shared values that sits at the heart of our community.

Fides Servanda Est. SAINT KENTIGERN

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Everyday Miracles Isaac Williams B.Mus, Grad Dip Tchg, Grad Dip Theol

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Assistant Chaplain

his year, I’ve been reading E.B. White’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’ with my children. While it may have inconveniently turned our girls vegetarian, thanks to the horrifying thought of Wilbur becoming Christmas lunch, there was a moment in the story that stayed with me: it comes in a small, easily overlooked chapter where Mrs Arable visits her local doctor, anxious about her daughter Fern and all the “business” with the spider’s web and the pig.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Charlotte, a gentle and clever spider, weaves words into her web to describe her friend Wilbur, a pig whose future is looking grim. Her web-words transform him into a local wonder and ultimately save his life. In the scene that caught my attention, Mrs Arable questions Dr Dorian about the strange writing in the web. This excerpt captures the moment:

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“Well, do you understand it?” asked Mrs. Arable.

“Understand what?”

“Do you understand how there could be any writing in a spider's web?”

“Oh, no,” said Dr. Dorian. “I don't understand it. But for that matter, I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place.

When the words appeared, everyone said they were a miracle. But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle.”

This small exchange captures something profound: the sense of awe and wonder we often lose in our busy, practical lives.

God’s creation is filled with these quiet, ordinary miracles. From the intricacy of a spider’s web, to the rhythm of the seasons, or the magnificence of the night sky, God’s fingerprints are all around us. Like Mrs Arable, we can be uneasy about what we can’t fully explain, but I’m reminded that trust is part of faith. When we pause, breathe, and pay attention, we discover a world pulsing with God’s creativity and care.

Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s extraordinary, ordinary miracle. The Son of God entered the world, not in

splendour or spectacle, but in the most everyday way: born into a humble family, in an unremarkable town, placed in a manger. Jesus’ birth reveals a God who chooses the ordinary, who steps into our humanity, who is not distant but is Emmanuel: God with us. God delights in working through simple people and simple moments. He entrusted a young girl from Nazareth, a carpenter, a borrowed stable, and a newborn child to bring salvation to the world.

And He continues to work in that same gentle way today – in our homes, our classrooms, and small everyday moments of grace.

This year, I encourage you to actively look for God’s presence in all things – not just to admire the beauty of the world but to recognise the One who made it. I wonder if there’s beauty to be found that we don’t fully understand – how can our school community be a place where the small, ordinary miracles are noticed and celebrated? And how can we carry with us the truth that the God of the small miracle is also the Saviour of the world? Faithful, near, and forever at work in us and through us.

Fides Servanda Est.

One Organisation

Service Roundup AN OVERVIEW OF SERVICE INITATIVES AT SAINT KENTIGERN

2,075 Food Boxes Delivered Across Auckland Our Saint Kentigern community has continued its strong support of ‘The Shed’ initiative, delivering 2,075 food boxes to families in need across more than 40 schools in South, West, and East Auckland this year. College students also contributed through the annual Foodbank House Competition, donating highvalue food items each term.

Additionally, on 27 November, students and staff packed 500 Christmas boxes, which were delivered to Women’s Refuge, Island Child, and Presbyterian Support.

Shore Road Christmas Giving

40 Hour Challenge Raises $147,429 for the Pacific The College’s 41-year partnership with World Vision remained as impactful as ever, with students raising a remarkable $147,429 for communities in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Years 7 and 8 students contributed over $99,000, with more than 100 students raising $500 or more. Creative collective efforts including bake sales, barbecues, raffles, and social events, all contributed to the total.

In partnership with Island Child, Preschool families created personalised Kiwi Christmas Boxes for children whose families face added pressure at Christmas. The Boys’ School provided 84 meat boxes to Wymondley Road School families, gifted every student a new sports ball, and extended further meat boxes to Glen Innes School following the Carol Service. Through Christmas Gifting Day and Carol Service offerings, the Girls’ School also donated a substantial supply of new sporting equipment to May Road School and Dingwall Trust.

Boys’ School Makes a Difference in Whangārei Year 8 Boys’ School students travelled to Northland to support two local schools through hands-on service projects: teams demolished old structures, cleared pathways, poured concrete, revitalised garden spaces, and worked alongside staff and local students. The days were full of hard work, followed by afternoon surfs, bouldering, and shared meals. An experience for all that strengthened resilience, gratitude, and connection.

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Service and Survival in Tawharanui Year 8 Silver Service Award recipients from both the Boys’ School and the Girls’ School headed to Tawharanui for separate Boys vs Wild and Girls vs Wild camps. Though the programmes ran independently, each offered the same mix of service, challenge, and adventure.

Students worked alongside the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society, helping to restore sand ladders, clear flax, and improve access paths. Back at camp, students tackled budgeting and cooking, took part in surfing lessons, and competed in the ever-popular MasterChef Challenge.

The camps provided an unforgettable blend of teamwork, resilience, and meaningful service.

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Wilson Bay Farm: Setting the Foundation

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n April, we announced Wilson Bay Farm as our new third campus, a natural extension of our existing schools, designed to broaden the Saint Kentigern learning journey through experiences grounded in nature, service, and connection. Since the announcement, significant preparatory work has been undertaken to understand the site fully, and to prepare for the next stages of development, a Resource Consent application has now been lodged.

Over the past eight months, staff, alumni, and partners have visited the farm as part of the early planning process. These visits, together with specialist assessments of the land, access points, and environmental conditions, have contributed to a clearer understanding of how this campus can support learning across Years 4 to 13. This work reinforces the potential for enriched immersive experiences in areas such as environmental science, sustainability, agribusiness, horticulture, and outdoor education.

explore how leadership, life skills, and hands-on learning can be strengthened through practical problem-solving to experiences that build resilience and independence.

As Wilson Bay Farm will continue to operate as a working farm, early exploration has focused on stock management, land care, and day-to-day operations.

Bringing these strands together will remain a key focus in 2026, ensuring that educational design and farm operations align well and that the farm integrates seamlessly with learning across our existing campuses.

THE RESIDENTIAL VILLAGE CONCEPT

Curriculum planning is in its early stages, with work focused on how experiences at Wilson Bay Farm will align with learning across our schools, support our mission, and reflect the strategic pillars of our Statement of Intent.

Initial discussions explored how the working farm, bush, and the coastal environment can complement, extend and enhance existing programmes, as well as offering new learning opportunities. Curriculum planning will also 08

PIPER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025

Part of this year’s planning has centred on determining the most suitable location for a residential village to sleep up to 100 students. The ridgeline behind the existing farmhouse has emerged as the preferred location, offering safety away from the road, a layout that supports supervision and wellbeing, and stunning views over the bay and Firth of Thames. These considerations balance the realities of the campus’ coastal terrain with the practical requirements for accommodating students on site.

As part of preparing the site for future use, early work will focus on essential infrastructure. This includes utilities, road access, and ground preparation to support construction

One Organisation

Growing Our Legacy Through Shared Generosity Walter Chieng BSc, GradDipOR

and enable safe student visits. The development will take place in stages, with the village built progressively over time to accommodate long-term plans.

At the heart of the building design concept is a communal hub and dining hall, drawing inspiration from the long-standing traditions of Bruce House (the College’s boarding house dining room), where shared meals have played an important role in the rhythm of student life. Surrounding this hub will be a series of student lodges and staff accommodation, positioned within close walking distances to form a compact, connected village.

Each lodge will offer practical living and learning spaces that offer comfort, belonging, and a ‘home away from home’ for students during their stay..

Director of the Foundation

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his past year has been one of genuine encouragement as we continue to witness the shared aspirations of our Saint Kentigern community. The alumni who have taken the time to reflect on their school years, and the paths they pursued afterwards, have offered uplifting insights into the experience that shaped them, and the responsibility we now carry to sustain and strengthen that legacy.

We are deeply grateful for these stories. They guide us as we build on the generosity that established Saint Kentigern and invite more of our community to join our founders and benefactors in supporting the future of our schools.

Philanthropy is part of who we are becoming – a shared commitment to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities that shaped so many lives before them.

We have hosted more than a hundred alumni at Wilson Bay Farm. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and early support have played an important role in encouraging others to step forward. These engagements have shown that our developing culture of giving is taking hold – grounded in belonging, strengthened by participation, and driven by a collective belief in what Saint Kentigern can achieve.

The growth of our development programme will depend on this widening circle of support. It is through broad, community-wide involvement that we will make what is distinctly Saint Kentigern possible and empower the next generations to make their mark.

LOOKING AHEAD: COLLECTIVELY PREPARING FOR 2027

With the preliminary building design completed, and Resource Consent underway, 2026 will focus on the detailed design work, enabling works and infrastructure.

Progress will also continue across the wider programme streams, including curriculum development, operational design, and community engagement, to support student experiences at the Farm from 2027.

QR code below links to our website for all community members wanting to learn more.

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We invite those interested in being involved to get in touch at walter.chieng@saintkentigern.com We now look ahead to the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards, where we will honour graduates whose excellence, service, and lifelong impact embody the very best of our mission. Their achievements remind us why this work matters, and why supporting the future of Saint Kentigern is an investment of enduring significance.

Thank you for travelling this journey with us as we continue to build a culture of giving that reflects the strength, gratitude, and generosity of our community.

foundation@saintkentigern.com

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Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards

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aint Kentigern is proud to announce that the next Distinguished Alumni Awards will be held on Saturday 5 September 2026, ‘Under the Dome’ at Auckland War Memorial Museum – a grand setting befitting an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, service, and lifelong impact.

This biennial marquee event has continued to grow in stature thanks to the support and guidance of key alumni and community champions, including David Boyd, Rosemary Harris, Ernie Willoughby, Warwick Bell, Thomas Steel, and Kevin Morris. Their leadership has helped shape an occasion that brings our community together to honour alumni who exemplify the very best of Saint Kentigern.

2026 NOMINATIONS OPENING SOON

We invite the wider Saint Kentigern community to begin identifying outstanding candidates who embody the criteria of a ‘Distinguished Alumni’ – those who have made exceptional contributions in their professional field, demonstrated leadership and integrity, given meaningful service to others, or made a significant impact locally, nationally, or globally.

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• Nominations open: 11 February 2026 • Nominations close: 30 April 2026 The Foundation team will be on hand to support throughout the process for both nominators and nominees, from early conversations through to the formal submission, assessment, and the preparation leading into the Awards Evening.

ENGAGEMENTS AND COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

In the lead-up to September 2026, nominees and nominators can expect a series of touchpoints and engagements designed to strengthen the bonds that define our community and celebrating the breadth of achievement among our alumni.

As we look ahead to this special occasion, we encourage you to consider exceptional individuals within your networks who reflect the Saint Kentigern values and whose stories and lives deserve to be recognised on the Distinguished Alumni stage.

Join us as we honour those who inspire, lead, and uphold the legacy of Saint Kentigern.

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One Organisation

Pakuranga Campus Building Development YEARS 12 AND 13 BUILDING TAKING SHAPE

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s of the end of November, the building footprint and main structure are complete and fully wrapped, a major milestone since construction began eleven months ago.

External wall and window installation, along with roof covering, are also well underway. Internal works are also progressing well, with wall framing and first fix services advancing in accordance with the construction programme.

Aside from the building, sealing the new service road along the Pakuranga Road frontage is scheduled to be completed over the summer break. The project remains on programme for construction completion in November 2026.

Scan the QR code to view drone footage filmed in late October, showing the building close to being fully wrapped, and ready for internal works to progress.

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Better Never Stops A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS GROW TH IN TE ACHING

Jarred Wilson BTchg

Deputy Principal – Academics

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ack in 2014, my first year at Saint Kentigern, a comment from the Auckland Blues coach at the time, Sir John Kirwan, struck a chord: “Better Never Stops”.

He used this phrase as a challenge to his players – to stay humble, stay hungry, and keep improving.

More than a decade later, the same message sits at the heart of how we approach professional learning at Saint Kentigern – it reminds us that great teaching is never accidental, it is continually shaped by reflection, collaboration, and a willingness to grow alongside one another.

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Teaching is a multifaceted profession, and the landscape in which we work continues to shift. Successive curriculum changes require teachers to be nimble, adaptive, and confident in their practice. Research on how students learn continues to expand, and advances in technology are transforming how knowledge is accessed, shared, and applied in the classroom. The needs of our learners continue to evolve. All of this reinforces a simple truth: if we want our students to achieve personal excellence, they need excellent teaching, and excellent teaching requires ongoing teacher learning.

A commitment to growth really does matter. Renowned New Zealand educational researcher Professor John Hattie has spent decades analysing what has the greatest impact on student achievement through his ‘Visible Learning’ work. His synthesis

of thousands of studies highlights one factor that stands above all others when it comes to improving student outcomes: ‘Collective Teacher Efficacy’. This refers to the shared belief among teachers that, together, they can influence learning – and when they act on that belief through shared practice, inquiry, and problem-solving, the impact on student achievement is profound. It is about what happens when teachers work in teams, hold one another to high expectations, challenge assumptions, and build shared expertise.

This evidence drives our professional learning programme, with collaboration and shared understanding at its core. This year, we implemented Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), creating a space where staff reflect together, share expertise, and leverage Collective Teacher Efficacy to improve

One Organisation outcomes for all learners. Comprising teachers from across the school, PLTs meet fortnightly to share strategies and engage in structured modules that build on existing expertise. I’ll draw on two modules from this year’s programme to illustrate how PLTs have been used to bring research and practice together: The first module focused on best practice for teaching boys. Drawing on Michael Reichert’s research through the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, staff explored ‘Relational Teaching’ – the deliberate practice of building strong, authentic relationships with students to enhance engagement and learning. Teachers reflected on their own practice in light of this research and shared strategies with colleagues about what works best. Feedback showed the process to be both affirming and enlightening, strengthening our collective understanding of how to support our learners most effectively.

The second module emerged from a desire to create greater consistency in our students’ learning experiences.

As a staff body, we explored what best-practice teaching looks like in our context, and aligned these

insights with educational research.

This collaborative work has directly informed the development of our new ‘Excellence in Teaching Framework’, launching next year.

Grounded in evidence-based principles, the framework reflects both our shared understanding as a staff, and the research evidence for effective classroom practice. It will be invaluable for new staff members and serve as a clear reminder to all teachers of the high standards we aim to achieve in every classroom.

Beyond these in-school initiatives, our staff also seek professional growth through experiences outside our school grounds. This year, staff have attended external workshops, connected virtually with colleagues around the world, participated in national and international conferences, pursued sabbatical research, and taken up Parents and Friends Association scholarships.

Whether exploring best practice in boys’ education, deepening subject expertise, or learning from innovative schools overseas, these experiences bring fresh insights back into our classrooms and staffrooms, strengthening our collective

knowledge and expanding the professional networks our teachers can draw upon.

As we look ahead, we are guided by a whakataukī embedded in our Boys’ School haka: ‘Whāia te iti Kahurangi’ – seek the treasure that you value most dearly. It speaks to striving for excellence, to aiming high, and in many ways, it captures the spirit of our profession: we keep working, keep improving, and keep climbing because the young people in front of us deserve nothing less.

And so we return to our guiding message: ‘Better Never Stops’.

Not because perfection is possible (and longstanding Blues fans will appreciate the irony of that era’s lack of success) but because the pursuit of better, together, is what makes the difference. Our students thrive when surrounded by teachers who collaborate, reflect, and challenge one another to be their best. At Saint Kentigern, we are fortunate to have a team of committed educators who believe deeply in the power of working collectively for the success of every learner. For our staff, Better Never Stops.

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College Brings the Theatresports Gnome Home

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he annual Intercampus Theatresports Competition returned to the Shore Road campus, bringing together performers from the Girls’ School, Boys’ School, and College for an afternoon of sharp thinking, quick wit, and unfiltered improvisation.

First established in 2016, the competition has grown from a two-team face-off between the College and the Girls’ School, to a three-campus battle, with the Boys’ School now firmly in the mix. Across its history, the Girls’ School has claimed the title five times, the College three, with the Boys’ School closing the gap in recent years. Notable past winners include Arwyn Stevens, now a two-time Auckland Theatresports Champion, and alumna Nora Caffery, Wishart House Leader at the College this year.

This year’s event drew a crowd of around 300; among them, a lively group of parents matched the energy of the performers on stage. Dave Sheehan, Head of Drama at the College, kept the pace sharp as MC, while Girls’ School Head of Drama, Judy Norton, ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Each school was represented on the judging panel, ensuring fairness as teams navigated quick-fire prompts, character twists, and unexpected scenarios.

Ultimately, ‘The Little Boys’ from the College clinched the win and the coveted gnome trophy, closely followed by the two Girls’ School teams: ‘Drama Queens’ in second, and ‘Exp Goat Cheese’ in third. The result was an afternoon of workshopping, quick wit, and plentiful laughter.

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Speaking of Presence and Press

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peakEasy returned to the Girls’ School this year with a full house and a simple brief: share something meaningful to you. Finalists from the Girls’ School, Boys’ School, and College delivered polished and thoughtprovoking speeches on topics ranging from identity and technology to history and ethics.

The Senior winner, Year 12’s Lincoln Jones, captivated the audience with ‘The Lost Art of Being Present’, a reflection on slowing down in a world of constant motion. “It’s easy to move through life without actually living it,” he said, reminding listeners that moments rushed are often moments missed.

In the Middle category, Coco Veber-Nichols (Year 9) won for ‘Don’t Lose the News’, defending the value of journalism and the need for a strong, independent media. Irene WendtLatu (Year 7) stood out among the youngest finalists with ‘Two Lands, One Me’, a vulnerable reflection on belonging.

Adjudicator and alumna Emily Young (2016) praised the students’ poise, originality, and depth.

By the evening’s end, one understanding was clear to all – this is a community that values young voices. Presence, public accountability, and belonging emerged as universal themes that were personally expressed, leaving the audience with something to ponder.

Preschool

Upcoming Events MARCH 6 PRESCHOOL FAMILY PICNIC APRIL 2 EASTER HAT PARADE APRIL TBC EASTER SERVICE MAY 8 MOTHERS DAY EVENT

A Community of Belonging Megan Storey BEd (Tchg)

Preschool Principal

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s Preschool Principal, I have the joy of witnessing our youngest learners take their first steps into the Saint Kentigern community. When a child and family join us in the Preschool, they become part of something far greater than a single classroom – they enter a connected, multicampus family of students, parents, staff, chaplains and alumni who all share in guiding their journey.

At Saint Kentigern, community is not an abstract ideal: it is lived every day.

You see it in the way older students collaborate across campuses, in parents forming friendships on the sidelines, and in alumni who return – often with their own children – to the place where their journey began.

These moments, from Preschool right

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through to College, are expressions of a community that genuinely cares for, and invests in, each of its members.

Being a three-campus organisation, means community doesn’t happen by accident – this sense of belonging is intentionally nurtured. Community is one of the four pillars shaping our future, and it begins right here in the Preschool. Through shared play, chapel, service projects and friendships, our children experience what it means to belong to Saint Kentigern. As they grow, that early foundation is mirrored across the wider organisation: in family involvement at events, in chaplaincy that anchors each campus, in student leadership opportunities, and in alumni reconnecting through service and celebration.

Our shared values – Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Love – form the fabric of this community. We see these values in small Preschool moments, such as children persisting

in challenges, celebrating their friend’s successes, collaborating on shared projects, listening to one another’s ideas, or teachers designing projects around a child’s curiosity. We see them strengthened and amplified across the wider Saint Kentigern family in parents who give their time, students who lead with purpose, and graduates who return to support the next generation.

Saint Kentigern’s vision is simple yet powerful: to be a leading, deeply connected educational community.

For Preschool families, this means your child is welcomed into a place where learning is measured not only by academic progress but by character, wellbeing, and a profound sense of belonging.

At Saint Kentigern, community is not simply something we talk about, it's the heartbeat of who we are. It begins the moment you entrust your child into our care.

Fides Servanda Est.

Preschool

Around the World at Christmas

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ur Preschool community unpacked Christmas traditions across the globe in this year’s ‘Around the World’ Christmas production. Over 200 delighted guests arrived at JC Chalmers Hall, each received a boarding pass and passport, and we set off on our most festive adventure yet: We began in China, where our first act honoured the custom of gifting apples on Christmas Eve, a symbolic gesture wishing peace and safety.

From there, we travelled to India for a joyful Bollywood-style Christmas, followed by a wintery glimpse of France, where the Foundation children retold the nativity by the hearthside, as soft snowflakes fell.

Our tour continued to Mexico, armed with maracas, where the children sang ‘Feliz Navidad’ and a lively donkey song.

Next came the Pacific Islands, where the youngest members donned grass skirts and sang island-inspired carols. Finally, we returned home to Aotearoa: everyone gathered to sing our Saint Kentigern blessing and a Kiwi Christmas song.

The morning ended with a little Christmas magic with the arrival of Santa himself, showering the children with bubbles and cheer. It was a wonderful celebration that showed just how beautifully Christmas is celebrated around the world. However, as we all know, there’s no place like home.

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A Morning for the Grandparents

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randparents’ Day was marked on 26 September with a morning of simple pleasures at the Preschool. Club sandwiches, a touch of gardening, and performances from grandchildren were all part of the programme for the guests of honour.

In the Foundation class, the oldest children presented a fullcostumed retelling of ‘Noah’s Ark’, drawing on what they had been learning in Christian Education. Painted faces, animals parading in pairs, and a rainbow to end the storm delighted the doting audience, with the roles of God and the rainbow receiving particular smiles.

Meanwhile, the youngest room had prepared thoughtful keepsakes for their visitors, gifting handmade cards with bookmarks tucked inside. They then joined forces with their grandparents to decorate pots and plant sunflower seeds; a task relished by those with green thumbs, who helped scoop the soil and settle the seeds into place.

In the middle rooms, classic craft stations provided plenty of entertainment, with portraits and drawings sparking laughter as families compared the children’s ‘creative’ likenesses. The morning rounded off with a spread of finger food and fresh treats, a fitting end to a day that celebrated the satisfaction of simple moments shared across generations.

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A Big Day for Little Athletes

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ver two energetic mornings, our Preschool hosted its annual Tabloid Sports and Sprints. An event encompassing movement, teamwork, and fun. The younger children kicked things off with ten-pin bowling, football scoring, ring toss, beanbag throws, and a challenging obstacle course to test coordination and confidence. The much-loved egg-and-spoon race drew laughter from all, especially during the parents’ wobbly rematch.

The next day, the older group brought equal enthusiasm, seamlessly moving indoors when rain dampened the turf.

Cheers echoed through the gym as the children tackled each challenge with determination and delight.

After a quick refuel, the sprint finals saw faces of fierce focus and unrestrained joy. From first steps to photo finishes, every participant showed perseverance and heart.

From start to finish, Tabloid Sports demonstrated the value of determination, teamwork, and joy in movement. Every child left knowing that effort matters most, and perhaps, feeling just a little tuckered out.

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Introducing Literacy in Loch Rannoch

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n Loch Rannoch, we introduce literacy in ways that feel natural and exciting for young learners. Tactile, playful activities allow our children explore small sets of focus sounds, learning how letters look, sound, and link to words.

Each new discovery builds confidence and gently fosters their growing love of reading and writing.

A key part of our approach is the Casey the Caterpillar handwriting programme. Through the story’s memorable characters including a butterfly, caterpillar, grasshopper, possum, sticks, and leaves. These characters have helped our children learn how shapes come together to form letters.

Another habitual practice is the daily sign-in sheet, where our children must write their name. On the weekly cadence, our Letter of the Week is another rhythm built into our programme to embed literacy. Children bring in objects beginning with the focus letter and share them with the class, building oral language skills, active listening, and ownership in their learning.

Watching the children recognise letters, write their names, and share discoveries is a joy. These early milestones truly set the foundation for lifelong literacy.

Preschool

The Bee Lady Visits for September Bee Month

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eptember doubles as Bee Month for those who celebrate, and to feed the growing interest in bees among the children, Loch Lomond welcomed a special visitor to Preschool. The Bee Lady, Sara Russ, captivated the children from the moment her whimsical self entered the classroom.

Sara began with lively bee songs that filled the room with laughter, before describing the vital role bees play in pollination. She showed the children different types of blossoms like potatoes and onions, explaining how flowers can become our food. They were fascinated to learn that bumble bees pollinate but don’t make honey, and that honey bees are the only bees in New Zealand that do. The children were equally amazed to hear that honey never spoils and that bees can fly up to 25 km/hr.

Sara also reassured the group that bees only sting when frightened and demonstrated what to do if someone is stung.

The morning ended with beeswax candle-making and a chance to examine a real hive up close, including spotting the Queen Bee.

Mapping Our Way Around Campus

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n Loch Ness, the children have been exploring their sense of place by learning more about the Preschool and the wider Saint Kentigern community. Regular walks around the Shore Road Campus, including visits past the Boys’ School, the Girls’ School, the maintenance shed and the playgrounds, have helped build their confidence and familiarity with the spaces they move through each day.

Using the campus map as a guide, the children have been introduced to what a map is and how it helps us understand our surroundings.

These outings have become lively opportunities for observation and conversation. The children enjoy pointing out classrooms, the swimming pool and Club Mungo, and they are always excited to greet staff such as Derek the gardener or Boys’ School Principal, Peter Cassie. Their growing awareness led teachers to offer a Preschool map so the children could trace their route and record where they had been.

To extend the learning further, the children created their own maps of the Preschool. They used what they could see, as well as what they remembered, to shape their designs. These drawings revealed not only their confidence within the space but also a growing understanding of how maps help us make sense of our world

It was a memorable, informative visit, one that left the children eager to “take care of the bees who take care of us.”

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MOTAT gets the Cogs Turning

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spark of curiosity in the Foundation Class began when Thomas Clark shared the Lego Concorde he built with his dad. Fascinated, the children then explored books on flight and created observational drawings, noticing shapes, features, and how different planes work. Their growing interest led naturally to a visit to the Aviation Hall at MOTAT. On a sunny morning, the class arrived full of excitement.

Half the group joined an educator-led session, ‘Pardon My Planes’, flying around with their own wings to find, and learn about, specific aircraft. The other half enjoyed a tram ride, marvelling at the sights and the novelty of travelling by vintage transport, before the groups swapped activities.

The children were enamoured by the exhibits, particularly the interactive helicopter, where they pressed buttons, pulled levers, and imagined piloting a real aircraft. It was a memorable outing that deepened the children’s interest in aviation and strengthened their observational skills and teamwork.

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All Blacks Start Somewhere

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n Term 4, our Foundation Class had the exciting opportunity to learn Rippa Rugby with Coach Aidan. The children began with the basics, but learnt quickly. They were showed how to “rip” tags safely and confidently, and played drills that helped them build both skill and courage.

Before long, they were ready for full games. The children gained a strong sense of the rules, learning to form defensive lines, track gaps, and support one another on attack. As expected, scoring tries was the clear highlight, and it was wonderful to watch the games become smoother and more fast-paced as their confidence grew.

Coach Aidan’s encouragement played a huge role, and he often commented on the impressive progress the children made each week. We may have some future All Blacks among us!

Boys’ School

Upcoming Events 9 FEBRUARY YEAR 7 & 8 MEET THE TEACHER EVENING 11 FEBRUARY YEAR 1- 6 MEET THE TEACHER EVENING 19 FEBRUARY BOYS’ SCHOOL GOLF DAY 29 MARCH SONDAY FUNDAY

The Absolute Last Word for 2025!

Peter Cassie TTC, BEd

Boys’ School Principal

As we close the chapter on another remarkable year at the Boys’ School, it is both fitting and meaning ful that the final word of 2025 comes from our Head Boy, Austin Watson. Having spent the past eight years growing, learning, and leading within our community, Austin truly embodies what it means to be a ‘lifer’. His journey reflects the spirit, values, and opportunities that define our school. I invite you to read his reflections, a thoughtful testament to resilience, friendship, and the lasting impact of a Saint Kentigern education.

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hen I walked through the gates of Saint Kentigern with my two brothers, Fraser and Hamish, over eight years ago, little did I know the impact this school, and the people here, would have on me.

Mrs Blackhall was my first teacher, welcoming my classmates and I into the Junior School. Together, we embarked on our journey of learning to read, write, count, and so much more. ‘Fabulous Fridays’ always ended the week, one of my favourite occasions, where we baked, painted, played music and always had so much fun.

We had pool swims in the summer and played dodgeball and tag in the gym when it rained. The playground, sand pit, and slide were where we spent our breaks. Days were filled with new excitement, stories, mat time, show-andtell, and time to share our news.

School excursions to Kelly Tarlton’s, The Stardome, and Auckland Museum were highlights on the calendar, as were

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author visits, the School’s birthday celebration, sports challenges, Celtic Day, and House competitions.

Through all this, the Saint Kentigern values become part of how we learnt, played, served, and grew together. They encouraged us to choose to believe in ourselves, in others, and in what we could achieve. I didn’t realise then just how much the school would challenge me, teach me, and help shape who I am today.

The Middle School was a big jump up from the Junior School; we had to be more independent, and make more of our own choices for the challenges set. There were opportunities for leadership through Sport and Music, the Ready to Serve Passport, service, and House competitions.

Mr Cassie has consistently ingrained in us that excellence isn’t about perfection, but striving to be the best person you can be.

We encountered some obstacles during

Boys’ School

COVID, but daily meetings and chats with our teachers always remained supportive and fun. Together, we learnt, laughed, and grew up believing in one another.

Along the way, I have faced many challenges and had to be resilient.

This meant that I sometimes failed, but it also meant that I kept getting up, and kept going.

Senior School has been one of the most memorable parts of my time at the Boys' School. Our year group nearly doubled in number, with new faces and new friendships made, along many opportunities in Music, Sport, House competitions and service programmes, both local and abroad, being offered. The school production was another highlight, and an excellent experience to be a part of. There are so many ways to get involved, especially through service and helping those in need, and I encourage everyone to take those opportunities when they come.

I am very sad to be leaving the Boys’ School, and it has been my absolute honour to serve as the Head Boy of 2025. Everything I have learnt here, from my teachers, my friends, and from the many opportunities and the values we live by, are lessons and memories I will take with me.

I am really looking forward to meeting new people and making the most of the new opportunities that Saint Kentigern College will offer as an alumni.

Alumni Return to Mark Graduation

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he Boys’ School Year 8 Graduation Dinner brought students, parents, and staff together at the Ellerslie Event Centre for an evening of equal parts reflection and celebration. Earlier that morning, the boys received their leavers’ ties in a special assembly led by their Year 4 peers. This rite of passage made their arrival at the graduation venue all the more meaningful, each wearing the tie to symbolise their imminent alumni status.

Year 8 Dean, Steve Aucamp opened the evening before the programme shifted to a Q&A with guest speakers and alumni, Luka Patumaka Makata, and Nico Stanley.

Both had been selected to represent New Zealand in the Secondary School’s rugby team this year. Luka is completing his final year as Head Boy of Saint Kentigern College, and Nico is preparing to enter Year 13 at Auckland Grammar School. Hosted by Principal Peter Cassie, and Deputy Head Boy, Charlie Henderson, the conversation offered insight into the years to come.

Luka and Nico spoke openly about managing schoolwork alongside rugby commitments, making good decisions, and staying balanced socially. They shared how setbacks, including injuries that sidelined them from pivotal games, had shaped their resilience. Both stressed the importance of being well-rounded, not defining yourself solely by sport, and choosing to be “a good person first.”

The two also reflected fondly on their time at the Boys’ School, crediting their parents as their biggest inspiration – a poignant moment, as the graduating boys sat with their families around the tables.

As the evening closed, there was an unmistakable sense that this group of Year 8s is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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If you never try, you will never know what you are capable of, or what you could and can achieve.

Fides Servanda Est. Austin Watson Boys’ School Head Boy 2025

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Honouring Effort and Excellence

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he Boys’ School gathered to conclude the year in fine tradition at the 2025 Prizegiving.

This celebration awarded a range of excellence within academia, character, leadership, and service. From our newest Junior students to our leavers, boys were affirmed not only for performance, but for the values they demonstrated in the way they contributed to school life.

In his address, Principal Peter Cassie reflected on the year’s highlights and memorable moments before leaving the boys with a clear challenge for the coming year: “Be brave, be bold, be capable, be confident.” His message encouraged each student to step forward with courage into the opportunities that lie ahead.

Head Boy Austin Watson delivered his final address with both clarity and

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conviction, urging the boys to remain focused and resilient in their goals: “A goal without a plan is just a thought or a wish,” he shared, encouraging persistence, and reminding students that obstacles are not reasons to stop, but opportunities to grow stronger.

Special character and service awards honoured boys who have embodied the spirit of Saint Kentigern, including Cyrus Tong, named Dux of the School, whose year was described as one marked by extraordinary consistency and excellence across every academic discipline. Linhao Chen received the Jubilee Cup for Proxime Accessit, recognised for his sustained high achievement and commitment to learning. The Ross Perry Cup for Senior Sportsman of the Year was awarded to Alby Richards, whose wide-ranging

sporting success reflected both performance and determination.

Leadership was also acknowledged with Austin Watson receiving the Saint Kentigern Cup for Head Prefect, and Charlie Henderson named Deputy Head Prefect. The Years 7 and 8 Cross Country Team was celebrated as Team of the Year, and Hamilton House clinched the overall House Points Shield.

Prizegiving closed with a strong sense of momentum as the school community celebrated a year of effort, growth and shared success. We send the boys forward with confidence into the year ahead.

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Boys’ School DUX – CYRUS TONG

Cyrus achieved exceptional results across a wide range of subjects, setting the academic benchmark for the school in 2025. His focus, consistency, and quiet determination reflect a student of remarkable discipline and ability.

PROXIME ACCESSIT – LINHAO CHEN

Linhao was consistently among the highest achievers in every learning area throughout the year. His sustained excellence and strong work ethic exemplify what can be achieved through quiet commitment and perseverance.

SENIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR – ALBY RICHARDS

Alby enjoyed an outstanding year across multiple sporting codes, representing the school widely with distinction.

His achievements highlight not only physical ability, but resilience, teamwork, and competitive spirit.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Brian Matthew’s Citizenship Cup – Declan Wong For consistently showing empathy to others and being responsible and courteous in the Junior School Baker/Pilkington Cup – Theodore Reid For Citizenship in Year 3 and 4, presented to a boy who adopts our values through humility and kindness.

Saint Kentigern Poole Cup – Jack Stephens For Outstanding Service and Leadership in the Middle School Senior Citizenship Cup – Harry Chapman For Outstanding Service and Leadership in the Senior School Joel Campbell Memorial Trophy – Freddie Russell For Service to Others Middle School Sportsman of the Year – Zach Lovell Years 5–6 Remuera Zone Athletics, Years 5–6 A Tennis Team, Year 6 Cross Country Champion, Years 5–6 Remuera Z]one Cross Country Team Rex Hooton Cup For School Spirit – Max Kidman The Senior boy who best demonstrates the School spirit of diligence, cooperation, courtesy, sportsmanship and friendliness.

Top: House Points Winners; Bottom: Parents and Friends Staff Scholarship Winners SAINT KENTIGERN

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Carols and Candlelight

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ong before the Kapa Haka began their welcome, families and students from Year 3 upwards streamed into Holy Trinity Cathedral for one of the Boys’ School’s most treasured traditions: the annual Carol Service.

Set beneath the cathedral’s soaring vaults and stained glass, the service invited both reverence and reflection. The cathedral is a place that makes you feel small while prompting you to consider something far greater.

Head Boy Austin Watson and his mother delivered the first nativity reading, with Year 3 students portraying the accompanying scene with great passion. Outgoing staff member Penny Foster and Deputy Head Boy Charlie Henderson continued the readings, bringing the timeless story to its conclusion. Throughout the service, carols filled the cathedral, including a beautifully performed staff rendition of ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’.

Assistant Chaplain Isaac Williams offered this year’s address on the theme ‘The Light of the World’. His memorable illustration – a student sealed inside a fully wrapped present, impervious even to the brightest torch – revealed its message the moment the box was opened and light streamed in from every angle. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it” (John 1:5), Isaac reminded the boys, encouraging them to carry that same light into their own communities.

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The service also featured the Boys School Pipes' and Drums, a special rendition of ‘Mary's Boy Child’ by Years 3 and 4, and three outstanding performances by the Performer's choir.

The service concluded with the treasured tradition of the Year 8 leavers’ candles and was made especially moving by the atmosphere within the cathedral. Principal Peter Cassie reflected that “[this] service was one of the best I have experienced in my thirteen years here.”

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Boys’ School

A Joyful Retelling by Our Juniors

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his year’s Junior Nativity Play once again welcomed families into a warm and joy-filled retelling of the Christmas story, brought to life by our youngest performers. The boys stepped confidently into their roles as shepherds, angels, townspeople, and stable animals, each adding their own character to the familiar scenes.

While the narrative followed the traditional journey to Bethlehem, it was the small, unscripted moments that made the performance especially memorable; a particularly charming highlight came from the donkey, who crawled dutifully beside Mary and Joseph on their scenic route to the inn, drawing delighted laughter from the audience.

Carols were woven throughout the play, giving the boys the chance to sing with enthusiasm and anchoring the story in the wonder of the Christmas message. Families watched with joy as the boys shared the story with sincerity, energy, and an abundance of festive spirit. It was a classic, heartening reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Gathering the Grands

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his year’s Grandparents’ Day began in fitting style, with the skirl of the pipes welcoming guests to Shore Road campus. For the first time, the morning opened with a formal assembly held in JC Chalmers Hall, and the turnout was so large that the hall reached full capacity, with overflow seating outside.

Principal Peter Cassie set the tone with his trademark humour, reflecting on the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. He quipped about his own grandchild’s supposed future as a genius and Olympic athlete, drawing knowing laughter from an audience well aware of the ‘rose-tinted glasses’ that come with grandparenthood.

Musical performances from the Jazz Band, Junior Chorus, and Kapa Haka offered a taste of the talent within some of the extracurricular programmes which entertain at many school events, year-round.

After the assembly, grandparents joined their grandsons in classrooms to share in the year’s learning. They were read poetry, proudly shown artwork, coloured cartoons of themselves with their grandsons or joined in with a science experiment, before resting for morning tea together. Many took guided tours of the campus, seeing first-hand the environment that shapes their grandsons’ days.

By morning’s end, grandparents departed wellfed, well-entertained, and perhaps even more convinced their grandsons are destined for greatness, and who could argue with that?

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Beyond the Classroom AN OVERVIEW OF OUTDOOR EDUC ATION IN TERM 3 AND 4

Juniors Complete EOTC Day Our Years 0–2 students relish any chance to head outside and learn in a tactile, hands-on environment. Fortunately for our youngest boys, they woke to sunshine for their EOTC Day, beckoning a full day spent in the outdoors.

The boys were mixed by year level and class for their rotational activities, giving them the opportunity to connect with peers outside their usual sphere.

Together they explored the Shore Road Teaching Garden with microscopes, planted their own seedlings, tackled the ‘Confidence Course’, banded together in water challenges, and had a go in the new ‘Hungerball Arena’.

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Year 3s at Willow Park

Year 7s at Motutapu

Our Year 3 boys enjoyed their first taste of camp life with an overnight adventure at Willow Park, Eastern Beach. Designed to build confidence, curiosity, and teamwork, the twoday programme saw the boys rotate through activities such as giant stand-up paddle boarding, a parentled coastal challenge, archery, and mountain biking. Determination was high, especially on the biking ramps, and the loudest cheer of the day came when one camper hit the elusive bullseye in archery.

Our Year 7 boys enjoyed four actionpacked days on Motutapu Island, taking part in snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, high ropes, the ‘Motutapu Challenge’, ‘Survivor Challenge’, and ‘Flying Kiwi’.

It was a full day of learning to work with new people, problem-solve as teams, and get hands dirty along the way.

A shift in weather on day two moved activities indoors, but the enthusiasm didn’t waver. Team-building games in the gym encouraged cooperation and problem-solving, rounding out an experience that, for many boys, included their first night away from home.

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PIPER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025

Half the cohort completed an overnight campout at Home Bay, with Lachie Richwhite naming the sunrise walk to the island’s highest point as his highlight.

Despite weather cancelling the second group’s overnighter, the boys showed resilience and strong team spirit. As student Henry Wright reflected, it was inspiring “to see someone push themselves and achieve something they didn’t think they could do.”

We look forward to seeing the skills the students learned in-play next year as our school leaders.

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Boys’ School

‘Dynamite and Dust’ at Fireworks Night

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ur Fireworks Night once again proved why it’s one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. This year’s western-themed affair, ‘Dynamite and Dust’, brought together a crowd of families ready for an evening of music, laughter, and spectacular skies.

The campus was transformed into a frontier fairground complete with games, rides, and an impressive range of food stalls that drew steady queues from dusk until the first spark flew. Music groups from both the Boys’ School and College provided the soundscape that complimented the excited laughter and family chatter all evening.

opened the performance was, in fact, harbouring Principal Peter Cassie and Deputy Principal Richard Kirk.

A raffle added extra excitement, with one lucky winner earning the honour of detonating the first fireworks explosion.

The sky soon erupted alongside the sounds of classic western tunes, delivering a finale worthy of the night’s name: all dynamite, dust, and delight.

The staff performance was, as ever, the highlight of the pre-firework entertainment, featuring a posse of cowgirls, inflatable cowboys, and a talented dance crew. A special musical start from Rev. Reuben Hardie singing ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ had the crowd singing along, while rumours swirled that the unassuming horse that SAINT KENTIGERN

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The Long-Awaited Celtic Day

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o stone was left unturned in pursuit of finally holding the most anticipated day in our school calendar: Celtic Day. In Term 2, wet weather forced the postponement of the full day’s celebration, and so a Celtic Day assembly offered a small taste of tradition instead. But in Term 4, under clear skies at last, kilts and clan colours returned in full display for the long-awaited, activity-packed Celtic Day – it was well worth the wait.

The morning began with the stirring sound of bagpipes as the Boys’ School Pipe Band led a full-school parade across the campus. Following in step, the Houses gathered in formation, banners held high, before Head Boy Austin Watson delivered his ‘Ode to the Haggis’, a highlight that set the tone for the day’s festivities.

Principal Peter Cassie reminded students that the event was more than pageantry; it was an opportunity to honour Saint Kentigern’s Scottish heritage, symbolised by unity, courage, and loyalty. His words resonated as students dispersed for

a full programme of spirited inter-House challenges. The stakes were high, with the winning clan earning the right to see their flag fly proudly above the school for a week.

The atmosphere all morning was electric; mischievous laughter coming from Roselle Lawn indicated the Castle Siege Water Wars were well under way. Across the school, Houses lined up head-to-head for tugs-of-war. Traditional Highland lawn games, zorbs in the pool, obstacle courses, and a new addition of axe throwing, kept the excitement high on each rotation. The morning’s competitions gave way to the serving of traditional Scottish fare, haggis and shortbread, thanks to the efforts of staff and parents.

As the day concluded, it was clear that the spirit of Saint Kentigern and his Scottish heritage had once again been fittingly honoured in a celebration that remains both unique to the Boys’ School and distinctly Saint Kentigern.

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Boys’ School SAINT KENTIGERN

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Learning At a Glance AN OVERVIEW OF CL A SSROOM LE ARNING IN TERM 3 AND 4

Years 1 and 2 Acquire a Taste for Water During an investigation of water earlier in the year, our Years 1 and 2 students found this simple molecule deceivingly complex in the way it interacts with the earth, and humanity’s reliance on its existence.

Through hands-on investigations and guided inquiry, the boys began by observing water’s scientific attributes, then expanded their discussion to its necessity as a resource.

Through a range of experiments, they discovered how water can freeze, melt, boil, and evaporate, developing a deeper understanding of how temperature affects water. The boys also explored how water behaves in different containers and moves through the environment.

Stories, conversation, and simple experiments helped bring the concept of the water cycle to life as the boys learned about evaporation, condensation, and rainfall. By the end of the unit, they had gained not only a deeper understanding of water’s importance, but perhaps a few fewer juice box requests too.

A Fair Test for Budding Scientists Term 4 marked an exciting shift for our Year 3 boys as they stepped into the role of scientists, trading ‘Social Science’ for realworld scientific discovery. The unit began with an introduction to lab safety and basic equipment before the boys explored how scientists investigate the world through the scientific method.

The students quickly picked up key terminology like ‘hypothesis’ and ‘variable,’ and began designing their own fair tests by applying these concepts to experiments spanning Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each week brought a new investigation as they planned, conducted, and reflected on their results like true scientists-in-the-making.

A highlight came when 3HH visited the Macky Building Science lab to explore the states of matter. Turning milk into ice cream with salt, ice, and plenty of shaking proved that sometimes the sweetest part of science is the result you can taste.

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Boys’ School

Survival of the Fittest This term, Year 6 explored what it means to survive in different environments through an integrated unit combining History, Science, Literacy, and Outdoor Learning. Starting with an investigation on early Māori adaptations to Aotearoa’s unique landscape, and applying practical to modern survival strategies, the boys honed their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Experiments on insulation, solar energy, and decision-making challenged them to think critically, while outdoor sessions in navigation, fire-building, and first aid brought lessons to life. The unit concluded with a focus on digital and financial survival, equipping students with practical knowledge for a modern world.

The boys came to see that survival isn’t just about endurance, but about applying resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration to any challenge they face.

Through the Looking Glass Year 8 boys concluded their Science unit on ‘The Eye’ with a hands-on investigation that tested curiosity, composure, and queasiness: dissecting a cow’s eye. After studying the structure and function of each part, the practical brought their learning vividly to life.

Guided by teachers, students examined how the cornea, lens, and retina work together to create vision, gaining insight into human anatomy and the precision of biological design. Discussions also explored how technology draws inspiration from biology, linking science to innovation.

The experience sparked both fascination and respect for the complexity of the human body, leaving the boys seeing science in a new light.

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Flora, Flooding, and Foreign Language Projects Win at NIWA

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ur Year 8 students excelled at the Auckland NIWA Science and Technology Fair, earning top prizes across categories from the Living World to Technology and Human Behaviour. Eighteen of the cohort’s best projects were selected to represent the school at the Science Symposium earlier in Term 3.

Three students took home first-place finishes. Jesse Heads won the Living World category with ‘The Babylon Blueprint’ which explored how plants alter air quality, affecting carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature, though not always for the better. Nic Smith’s ‘Go With the Flow’ claimed the Technology title, demonstrating how siphons can both block and redirect floodwater to prevent damage. In Human Behaviour, Jordan Metcalfe’s ‘Man vs Machine’ tested AI translation accuracy against human translators, revealing that humans excel with photos, while AI performs better with digital text.

Additionally, seven projects received ‘Highly Commended’ recognition, and a total of thirteen Special Prizes from external sponsors were collected

by Saint Kentigern Boys’ School students. The depth of inquiry and creativity on display was well reflected in the range of topics explored and the thoughtful lines of questioning pursued. The students’ continued exploration of ideas with real-world impact will no doubt carry forward our nation’s reputation for a bit of Kiwi ingenuity.

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Boys’ School

Dads and Lads Take on Taskmaster

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n the lead-up to Father’s Day, our school hosted its annual ‘Dads and Lads’ Taskmaster Competition: four evenings of laughter, teamwork, and friendly rivalry, with one House competing each night.

Each session saw teams of three father-and-son pairs tackle a series of creative, physical, and mental challenges designed to test quick thinking, humour, and collaboration.

From recalling rapid-fire image sequences to making the Taskmaster laugh in ten seconds, the activities kept everyone on their toes. Highlights included a fiercely contested limbo challenge, pirate hat construction using only newspaper, and a paper plane accuracy test that let the boys’ aeronautical skills take flight.

Ultimately, the competition celebrated the unique bond between the men in our households. With the support of our Parents & Friends committee, teachers, and volunteers, these nights were a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating what next year’s Mums and Sons competition might hold.

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Music Extravaganza Hits All the Right Notes

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he JC Chalmers Hall was filled to capacity for this year’s Music Extravaganza, as families gathered to enjoy an evening celebrating the depth and diversity of the school’s music programme. Under the direction of Head of Music, Georgina Jarvis, ensembles from Years 2–8 took to the stage, showcasing the growth and confidence of performers across the school.

The evening opened with the Pipe Band welcoming guests through the gates, followed by all three choirs performing a lively ‘Fanga Alafia’. A polished Drum Corps salute set the tone for a fast-paced sequence of choral and instrumental performances, ranging from ‘Fantasia on Greensleeves’ and ‘Steam Train’, to Broadway hits, and rock classics.

Ensemble items were balanced with standout solo moments, including Austin Watson’s refined trumpet performance of ‘Café 1930’ and Cyrus Tong’s spirited ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ medley.

To bring the night to a close, two mega collaboration pieces took to the stage: every instrumentalist combined with the Pipe Band for a strong performance of ‘Hector the Hero’.

Then, Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ was a dramatic and sweeping song fit for the finale of an evening overflowing with vibrancy and talent.

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Celebrating the Arts

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very two years, our school transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity for the ‘Celebrating the Arts’ festival: two nights dedicated to showcasing the rich talents of students in Music, Drama, and the Visual arts. Across classrooms, courtyards, and stages, families and friends roamed from one performance to the next, soaking in the energy of a true festival atmosphere.

Night one placed the Middle School in the limelight, their performances unfolding in a constellation of stations.

Refined string ensembles, spirited drama excerpts, and jazz quartets were available for entertainment, as guests strolled around the premises. Early in the evening, the Junior School drew a large crowd into their shared performance space, where they delighted audiences with a series of wellrehearsed songs. Alongside the music, the Visual Arts trail revealed striking class projects: skateboard designs, intricate printmaking (with a hands-on opportunity), and sculptural wings that hinted at imagination taking flight.

The Senior Night commenced with the commanding prologue of the Kapa Haka followed by the Performers’ Choir, returning from their acclaimed Wellington Tour earlier in the year. Both delivered performances that filled JC Chalmers Hall with energy and talent. Senior students then guided audiences through an eclectic repertoire, featuring

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orchestra, jazz, dance, and drama, while embracing the interactive art installations, including the creation of delicate ceramic poppies.

Across both evenings, the campus was filled with admiration of the ingenuity, originality, and confidence of our young artists. With the much-anticipated art auction still on the horizon, this celebration of creativity promises to leave a lasting resonance well beyond the festival itself.

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Boys’ School

Records Fall on the Track

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he Boys’ School Athletics Days took place across three dates at Lloyd Elsmore Park, giving each year group the chance to compete and hone their strength, speed, and determination – all qualities that define this annual event.

Years 7 and 8 opened the programme with disciplined performances and strong House spirit. The Years 3–6 day followed, highlighted by two record breakers: Eli Diekema in the Year 3 200m (35.74s) and Tennyson Stein, who cleared 1.20m in the Year 4 High Jump.

Additionally, this record comes in the first year this event has been expanded to the Year 3 boys to compete.

The Years 1 and 2 athletes rounded out the series with great enthusiasm, taking part in fun races alongside championship events. Louie Campbell delivered a standout performance, setting a new Year 1 Ball Throw record at 20.51m.

Each age group produced its own champions, many achieving personal bests and pushing themselves in true Saint Kentigern fashion.

Year 5 1st Ollie Doole 2nd Sebastian Dow 3rd Liam Cooney

YEAR GROUP CHAMPIONS

Year 6 1st Zavier Makea-Wilson 2nd James Bruford 3rd Zach Lovell

Year 1 1st Louie Campbell 2nd Freddie Quinn-Dunn 3rd Stefan Yin Year 2 1st Finn Preble 2nd Ashton Forbes 3rd Daniel Moon Year 3 1st Nathan Wijaya 2nd Eli Diekema 3rd Jackson Greenslade Year 4 1st Conrad Bartlett 2nd Tennyson Stein 3rd Maddox Maxwell

Year 7 1st Edward Moon 2nd Finn Gray 3rd James Ogden Year 8 1st Alex Morris 2nd Koby Arlidge 3rd Charlie Henderson The House Relays delivered a fitting finale, with tightly run races and photofinish moments. Chalmers claimed the overall win, followed by Hamilton, Cargill, and Wishart.

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SAINT KENTIGERN

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Sports Round Up AN OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT THE BOYS ’ SCHOOL

Cross Country Following strong performances at our Boys’ School Cross Country, our runners delivered outstanding results at both the Remuera and Eastern Zone events. At Churchill Park, Alby Richards won the Year 8 race, leading his team to first place and qualification for Inter-Zones. Alby continued his excellent form at Pukekohe, placing 3rd individually, while the Year 8 team were crowned Auckland Inter-Zone Champions.

Year 5 runners also impressed at Remuera Zone, with Year 8 Hawks Finish Third in Auckland Our Sebastian Dow and Liam Cooney finishing 1st and 2nd, and For the first time in school history, our Year 8 Hawks qualified for InterZones after winning the Eastern Zone Championship. It was a special milestone for the team and Coach PJ, who have built a consistently strong basketball programme over the years.

Representing the Eastern Zone, the boys opened with confident wins over Huapai (29–16) and Bader Intermediate (23–17), followed by a narrow 21–23 loss to Belmont. Their results secured a semi-final spot, placing them among Auckland’s top four intermediate teams. After a hard-fought match against Clendon Park, the Hawks regrouped and produced their best defensive game of the season, defeating Belmont 21–11 to claim 3rd place in Auckland.

A remarkable achievement and a fitting finish for a dedicated and talented group of players.

AIMS Games 2025 This year, we sent our largest-ever group to the AIMS Games in Tauranga. The students competed across a wide range of codes, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the week. Aside from the results, the boys showed school spirit and rallied to support their peers from both the Boys’ School, but also Saint Kentigern Girls’ School and the College.

Standout performances included: Golf: 2nd Cyrus Tong Tennis: 3rd, Doubles (Teo Serlachius-Williams and Damien Cheung) Cross Country: 1st Year 8 team, 4th Alby Richards Swimming: 2nd 100 Back, 3rd 50 Back, 3rd 200 Back William Gascoigne Badminton: 3rd team Orienteering Rogaine: 2nd Year 8 team Orienteering Individual: 1st William Reeves Water Polo: 3rd Hockey: 2nd A fantastic set of results from a memorable week of competition.

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six boys placing inside the top ten.

Congratulations to all athletes on their determination, teamwork, and superb achievements.

Girls’ School

Upcoming Events 9 FEBRUARY PREFECT COMMISSIONING 7 MARCH COLOUR RUN 27 MARCH FLORA MACDONALD DAY 24 APRIL ANZAC SERVICE

Empowered for Excellence Marianne Duston BPharm, GradDip Tchg, MSSL (Distinction)

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Girls’ School Principal

025 has been a transformative year at Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, driven by our theme word: empower. This concept has shaped every facet of our school community. What a year it has been – action packed and energizing!

• Teaching and Learning: Teachers have been empowered through professional learning, focused on the science of learning and drawing upon research from neuroscience, cognitive psychology and education.

Experts including Dr Nina Hood and Fem Castles (Liz Kane Literacy) provided valuable insights into memory formation, the influences of emotions and belonging on learning, and effective instructional design.

These initiatives have enabled teachers to embed evidence-based practices in their classroom.

• Student Leadership: Year 8 students demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiating creative projects that enriched school life, including a popular weekly wellbeing lunchtime club led by the Wellbeing Prefect. Homework club was also taken to a new level by the

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Academic Prefect and her team.

Additional student-led competitions in writing and art further fostered engagement and community spirit. It has certainly been a year where ideas have been put into action, which has been great to see!

• Sporting Achievements: For the first time in the history of our school, Saint Kentigern Girls’ School athletes represented the school independently at regional competitions and AIMS. This milestone strengthened our school spirit and enabled us to celebrate individual and collective successes. At AIMS, our water polo team finished 2nd, our netball team came 7th out of 122 teams and athletes earned medals in badminton, sailing, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis and trampolining.

• Academic Progress: Structured literacy and mathematics were key focus areas this year, resulting in significant student growth.

Between 60–88% of students in Years 3–8 achieved greater than expected progress in Mathematics, as measured by PAT scale scores. Noteworthy individual accomplishments include Emma Barker (Year 4) who received an ICAS Medal in English, and Elly Chiu (Year 5) who won gold at the Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad.

• Arts and Culture: The school’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was a highlight of the performing arts calendar, involving every student and showcasing exceptional collaboration among staff, students, and parents. The quality of the show was exceptional, and a tribute to all the hard work put in by the show directors, students, staff and parents.

It was an incredible experience for the students to perform in a space of the calibre of the ASB Waterfront Theatre, and we are very grateful to have had this opportunity.

This year has been defined by purposeful action, achievement, and a shared commitment to excellence.

By empowering both students and teachers, we have fostered a culture of initiative, resilience, and continuous improvement. Empowerment has enabled individuals to take ownership of their learning and leadership, resulting in innovative practices, enhanced wellbeing, and outstanding achievements across academic, sporting, and cultural domains.

The collective efforts of our community have established a strong foundation for ongoing growth and success. 2025 has certainly been a fabulous year for our school and we look forward to sustaining this momentum as we move into 2026.

Fides Servanda Est.

Girls’ School

Courage for the Road Ahead

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he Guineas Ballroom at Ellerslie Events Centre once again played host to our Year 8 Graduation Dinner.

The occasion brought together our Year 8 students, families, staff, and special guests to honour the impact of this 2025 cohort.

The programme opened with words of welcome from Principal Marianne Duston, followed by an address from Saint Kentigern Alumni Association President, Thomas Steel, and representative Laura Porteous. Their reflections linked the girls’ time at the Girls’ School with the wider legacy they now join as they move into secondary school and beyond.

One of the most memorable moments came from guest speaker Amy Wilkinson, whose story resonated widely: a scholarship recipient and former student athlete in two U.S. college sports, Amy spoke about courage, not as a dramatic act, but as the quiet resolve to stick to your wildest goals and dreams. Amy shared how following that inner voice often meant taking a different path, choosing conviction over convenience, and refusing to quit when challenges arose.

In a serendipitous connection to this year’s school production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Amy reflected on discovering the courage she already carried within her, a discovery made all the more fitting given that part of her college journey took place in Kansas. Her encouragement to the girls was simple but compelling: step boldly into high school, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to follow your own road.

The evening concluded with dinner, musical performances, the presentation of graduation gifts, and a nostalgic photo slideshow capturing the girls’ journeys from new entrants to leaders of the school.

To the Year 8 Class of 2025, we celebrate all you have been, and all you will become.

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Prizegiving Honours Excellence

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he Girls’ School gathered in celebration at their 2025 Prizegiving, an event that honoured academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and service across every year level. Families, staff and students came together to reflect on a year shaped by growth, resilience and purpose.

In her address, Marianne Duston reflected on the school’s guiding word for the year: empower. She spoke of how this theme has been woven through the development of the school’s new knowledge-rich curriculum, informed by the Science of Learning. Through intentional teaching practice, students have been increasingly empowered to understand how they learn, take ownership of their progress, and grow in confidence as learners.

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The ceremony acknowledged a wide range of internal awards celebrating resilience, creativity, service, citizenship and leadership. Students were affirmed not only for achievement, but for the way they model the Saint Kentigern values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Love.

Head Girl Layla Tuala-Glassie delivered a deeply personal final address, reflecting on her leadership journey and the many opportunities that shaped her during her time at the school. Speaking of her own growth beyond her comfort zone, Layla credited the support of teachers, coaches, friends and family, and spoke movingly about how Saint Kentigern had given her confidence, identity and belonging. Her message to younger students was simple: “Dream big, be brave, and never be afraid to try something new.”

Special honours were awarded to Audrey Gu, named Dux of the School, and Monica Qian, awarded Proxime Accessit, recognising outstanding academic achievement at the highest level.

Leadership was also acknowledged with Christine Cooney confirmed as Head Girl and Irene Wendt-Latu as Deputy Head Girl for the year.

Prizegiving concluded with a sense of completion and anticipation for what’s ahead, whether that be for our leavers as they cross the threshold into secondary school, or our returnees for next year.

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Girls’ School

DUX — AUDREY GU

Audrey Gu began her Saint Kentigern journey in 2017 as a Year 0 student and has consistently demonstrated maturity, focus, and academic excellence. She approaches learning with diligence and clear purpose, excelling particularly in Science and Mathematics through her strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. A talented musician, Audrey is also a member of both the Chamber Ensemble and school orchestra.

PROXIME ACCESSIT — MONICA QIAN

A proud member of the Saint Kentigern community since her Preschool days in 2016, Monica Qian is an outstanding all-rounder who excels academically, in golf, and in the performing arts, including a lead role in ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

She is an independent, driven learner with a strong work ethic and consistent high performance.

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR — LAYLA TUALA-GLASSIE

Layla Tuala-Glassie has delivered an exceptional year across multiple sporting codes. Her achievements include Year 8 Athletics overall runner-up, Touch Rugby Player of the Year and Captain, Tag Rugby Player of the Year, Eastern Zone Cross Country champions, Eastern Zone Netball champions, and AIMS Netball MVP. She was also selected for both the Aotearoa Māori Under-13 Netball team, and the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Under-14 Rugby League team, serving in leadership roles across both.

SAINT KENTIGERN

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Production Brings Timeless Oz to the Stage

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he curtain lifted at ASB Waterfront Theatre and with that, the audience was whisked from Kansas into the technicolour world of Oz. For four showings from 15 to 17 September, our Girls’ School brought the L. Frank Baum classic to life with a production that was as bold in scale as it was rich in heart.

‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ opened the evening with a note of nostalgia, pulling the audience instantly into the world of Oz. Dorothy, played alternately by Molly Boyd and Isabel Selwyn, led the journey with curiosity and conviction.

Joined by her companions, the Tinman (Annabel Bartlett/ Addison Aves), Scarecrow (Eva Gillespie/Savannah Fuscic), and Lion (Teagan Harrison/Monica Qian), Dorothy followed the yellow-brick road, past apple-throwing forests, to the Emerald City. The Wicked Witch of the West, played by Madison McQueen and Willa Gilchrist, was in hot pursuit of the determined group, appearing in the box seats throughout the show.

The staging and props were ambitious and inventive: a Toto puppet crafted by librarian Lisa Bently was deceivingly realistic, particularly when brought to life by puppeteers Norah Zhang and Grace Baker. Years 0–6 ensembles filled the stage with jitterbugs, munchkins, and protective trees under the direction of choreographer Jess Wahlstrom, while Bel Moore’s dance troupe, and vocal coaching from Bianca Porter and Anji Toy, ensured the musical numbers resonated with clarity.

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For the cast, the process was a maturing experience: “Performing has taught me it’s about having fun, not being perfect,” reflected Isabel, one of the Dorothys. Wicked Witch performer Madison admitted she “was jumping around and yelling with excitement,” when cast, while Tinman actor Annabel noted the thrill of trying something completely new. Their reflections suggested the story’s own themes had spilled into reality, with the process building confidence, collaboration, and courage both on and off the stage.

The Wizard of Oz may be a story about seeking what one believes is missing, but this performance proved the opposite. Our students already carry remarkable bravery, imagination, and talent. And so, the sentiment remains: courage, heart, and brains were never in short supply.

Girls’ School

Behind the Curtain While the stage belonged to Dorothy and her companions, the success of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was the result of a wholeschool effort.

Our Front of House team decorated the theatre foyer so that guests stepping inside felt as though they, too, had arrived in Oz. They also looked after our leads with sushi dinners and treated the entire school to handmade ‘Wizard of Oz’ biscuits.

A crew of Years 7 and 8 students managed lighting, backstage changes, marketing, ticketing, and catering, leading teams with efficiency and clarity.

Student artists designed imaginative digital backdrops, while costume, hair, and make-up crews ensured every munchkin, tree, and jitterbug looked the part. Junior students also played a major role on stage, with the Years 0–6 ensembles filling the theatre with energy and colour.

At the heart of every production is an ‘allin’ spirit. A seamless show requires many hands, and it was the collective effort of the entire school that made the magic of SCAN FOR MORE Oz possible.

SAINT KENTIGERN

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Learning At a Glance AN OVERVIEW OF CL A SSROOM LE ARNING IN TERM 3 AND 4

Year 3’s ‘Jam-Packed’ Business Experience .

Our Year 3 girls were all business this term, as a simple jam-making project unlocked the foundations of economics and enterprise. The unit began with a visit from a representative of Silver Fern Farms, who shared insights into how New Zealand’s food producers grow, market, and sell their products both locally and abroad.

Inspired by this, the students set out to create their own small businesses in the (sweetly) competitive jam industry. They learned the process step by step, developing a business plan, deciding on products, setting prices, and designing advertisements. Market research and taste-testing made the learning hands-on and, at times, delicious, while personalised labels gave each brand a unique identity.

The unit culminated in a school-wide assembly, where the girls presented their business’ journeys before selling their jams to the wider school, raising over $600. After thoughtful discussion, the cohort decided to use the proceeds to create something lasting for the Junior School, to remind them of their final year in the syndicate.

“It was neat to have someone from Silver Fern Farms tell us how products get to the supermarket,” one student shared. Another reflected, “We didn’t just make jam, we learned how things come to market.”

Through this engaging, hands-on project, the girls discovered that successful business is about more than numbers and plans. The keys are creativity, collaboration, and bringing great ideas to life

Middle School Sails Through Māori History In Term 3, our Middle School girls took their Te Ata Hou learning to the sea with a rare opportunity to sail aboard a waka hourua at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. The voyage brought their study of Māori navigation and early migration to life, deepening understanding through handson experience.

The trip, made possible through a scholarship from Te Toki Voyaging Trust and supported by Live Ocean Foundation, began with a mihi whakatau before students rotated through sessions on waka design, traditional navigation, and Pacific voyaging.

Year 6 student Alice Harri reflected, “It was really cool to see how small and detailed the boat models were,” while classmate Zoe Han added, “When we got on the waka, I recognised things from the videos; it made it feel familiar.”

Though the weather shortened their sail, the sojourn left a reflective impression. As their waka traced the Waitematā, the girls’ learning did the same, following the currents of Aotearoa’s continuing story 46

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Girls’ School

‘Pipe Down’ Places Third at NIWA for Girls’ School Our students once again proved curiosity is alive and well with the results earned at this year’s Auckland NIWA Science and Technology Fair.

The group of fifteen Year 8s were recognised across multiple categories for their inquiry skills and innovating testing.

Seniors Ask: What’s the True Cost of Fashion?

This term, our Year 7 and 8 students uncovered the complex world of fast fashion, discovering the social and environmental impact behind the clothes they buy. What began as a simple question, Where do our clothes come from? soon expanded into a thoughtful investigation of global production, consumer culture, labour conditions, and the environmental footprint of textile waste.

Through case studies, debates, videos, and hands-on activities, students examined how the fashion industry shapes, and is shaped by, the choices we make every day.

Students also explored sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, from slow fashion and ethical brands to secondhand shopping and upcycling.

The standout project came from Ria Toemen, whose investigation titled ‘Pipe Down’ won her third place in the Physical World category and a Special Award. Indigo Staples’ project ‘Baking Powder Boost’ also received a Special Prize from the Science Awards Trust for outstanding scientific method.

Several other projects were recognised with Highly Commended awards in various categories, including: ‘Baking Powder Boost’ (Indigo Staples), ‘Cruch? Munch? Clink? Cerealsy? Iron?’ (Teagan Harrison), ‘What’s Eating My Metals?’ (Audrey Gu), ‘Appleley Ever After’ (Aanya D R), ‘Vitamin C Cook Off: Broccoli Edition’ (Alannah Luo), ‘Colour Shock’ (Dina Lei), and ‘Citrusy Electricity’ (Emily Folkard).

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The unit culminated in a persuasive campaign project, where students designed presentations encouraging their peers to rethink their habits and consider more responsible choices.

By looking past the price tag, our students acquired greater awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how informed consumers can drive positive change.

SAINT KENTIGERN

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Speaking to the Heart of Whenua

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cross two crisp August days, JC Chalmers rang with the sound of persuasive words, clever turns of phrase, and the courage it takes to stand before an audience.

This year’s Rehu Tai Festival of Oral Language invited our students to explore the theme of whenua (the land), and they embraced it wholeheartedly: weaving personal stories, humour, and conviction into their performances.

The Years 7 and 8 finals opened the programme with JoAnn Wordsworth, Head of English at the College, lending her keen eye as adjudicator. Irene Wendt-Latu (Year 7 Prepared Speech) spoke with moving clarity about identity and belonging to win her category. Layla Tuala-Glasse (Year 8 Spoken Word) delivered a lyrical and urgent reflection on the bond between people and the land, earning her a second consecutive win at this event. Meanwhile, Ria Toemen also impressed with her runner-up performance, ‘Where My Feet are Planted’.

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The following Monday, the Middle School finalists took their turn. Annie Li (Year 4) whisked the audience away on ‘My Disney Cruise Adventure’, Harriet Yeoman (Year 5) brought doe-eyed adoration with her flash talk on ‘Monkeys’, Maddy Elias (Year 6 Spoken Word) challenged the audience with ‘No One Cares’, and Jadya-Bella Gonzalez-Smith (Year 6 Prepared Speech) spoke warmly about gardens as tiny pieces of whenua that bring us together.

Both Irene and Layla went on to represent the Senior School at the Remuera Cluster Rehu Tai Competition, where Irene claimed 1st place in Prepared Speech and Layla secured 2nd in Spoken Word.

Our Years 5 and 6 students also represented the school in the Remuera Cluster, with Jayda-Belle Gonzalez-Smith placing 2nd in Prepared Speech and Harriet Yeoman finishing 3rd in Flashtalk. It was a fitting finale to a competition that once again proved the art of speaking is alive and thriving at the Girls’ School.

Girls’ School

Year 8s Reimagine Shakespeare

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he Year 8 Performance Evening showcased months of creativity and collaboration as students staged their own interpretations of ‘The Tempest’.

Building on last year’s study of ‘Commedia dell’arte’, the performances explored how Shakespeare drew inspiration from the early Italian style, while encouraging students to add a modern twist.

Earlier in the year, the Ugly Shakespeare Company’s performance of ‘The Tempest’ inspired the girls to reimagine characters and themes through a contemporary lens. Their resulting scenes combined Shakespearean language with originality and flair, revealing confidence, teamwork, and an understanding of theatrical technique.

Some students also completed their Waiporoporo/Purple Oral Assessments on the night, performing before an encouraging audience of family and peers.

The Year 8 Performance Evening was a thoroughly entertaining night of theatre. It also marked a point of growth for the students as they transitioned from Middle School performers into more confident and mature actors.

Their creative interpretations of ‘The Tempest’ proved that Shakespeare’s themes of power, freedom, and transformation remain fertile ground for exploration, especially when approached with the bold imagination of Year 8.

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SAINT KENTIGERN

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The Promise of the First Noel

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athed in the soft glow of advent light, the Saint Kentigern Girls’ School community gathered at Holy Trinity Cathedral for this year’s Carol Service, themed The First Noel. The evening opened with a powerful welcome from the Girls’ School Kapa Haka, their karanga and waiata settling the cathedral into a reflective hush before the congregation lifted its voice in the first carol.

invitation to a divine birthday.” In a joyful and unexpected moment, he presented a birthday cake to two students celebrating their actual birthdays that evening, delighting the community and reinforcing his message. Reuben spoke of the amazing love at the centre of Christmas, when God sent his Son, so that we might know the transforming power of his grace, joy, and hope.

Across the programme, students from every year level brought the Christmas story to life through readings, choral pieces, kapa haka, orchestral items, and carols. A powerful moment came midway through the service, when alumna Nora Caffery returned to collaborate with the Girls’ School Orchestra, to sing ‘Noel’.

The service drew to a meaningful close as the Year 8 students stepped forward to receive their leavers’ candles, marking the final chapter of their Girls’ School journey. Surrounded by family, friends, and a cathedral filled with song, the evening offered a tender reminder of the promise at the centre of the First Noel and the light He continues to bring.

Chaplain Rev. Reuben Hardie delivered this year’s message, reflecting on the meaning of the word noel, “to be born.” He reminded the congregation that Christmas is, at its heart, “an

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Girls’ School

Year 7s ‘Lean In’ Camp

A Good-for-the-Soul Grandparents’ Day

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ur students murmured with excitement as anticipation grew for one of the most treasured events of the year: Grandparents’ Day. With some travelling from across New Zealand to be there, it was especially touching to see the warm embraces as girls proudly welcomed their grandparents to the school.

As the gymnasium filled, the Orchestra performed a selection from their repertoire, setting the tone for a morning of celebration. Principal Marianne Duston then welcomed guests, reflecting on the joy of seeing generations come together, before introducing performances from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ musical. The lively ‘Jitterbugs’ dance and a tender rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ were both equally captivating, while a new hip-hop group brought an infectious burst of energy and delight.

After the assembly, grandparents joined their granddaughters in classrooms to share in their learning and admire work from throughout the year. The book stand in the foyer returned once again, inviting families to donate a storybook; this sharing of stories is now becoming a cherished and growing school tradition.

The morning offered a restful pause from routine: a chance to chat, laugh, and connect across generations and proof, perhaps, that morning tea with grandparents is good for the soul.

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arlier this term, our Year 7 cohort travelled to the Dilworth Campus in Mangatāwhiri for a three-day camp focused on leadership.

Set among rolling hills and native bush, the site offered the perfect environment for students to step outside their comfort zones and discover new strengths.

Each activity brought its own challenges: the Adrenaline Forest high-ropes course required courage; the Karangahake Gorge bike trail demanded grit; bouldering called for fearlessness; Theatre Sports drew on creativity; Quiz Night tested recall; and even cabin inspections required clear communication and collaboration.

Together, these experiences strengthened friendships and revealed leadership qualities within every girl.

Of course, no Year 7 camp would be complete without the Mangatāwhiri Mud Run. This year’s course delivered its usual blend of challenge and chaos, with students wading and sliding through the mud before emerging triumphant and smiling.

Across the three days, the girls embraced independence, supported one another, and pushed through moments of uncertainty. They returned home tired but happy, carrying new confidence and a stronger sense of who they are as learners and leaders.

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SAINT KENTIGERN

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Musicale Tuned to Excellence

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he 2025 Musicale opened with the sense of occasion that has come to define the culmination of the Music year. Held in mid-November, the evening gathered families, staff, and students to celebrate a year of artistic growth through a programme that showcased both technical skill and confident young performers.

A warm welcome from the Kapa Haka rōpū grounded the evening before the Flora MacDonald Strings offered a lively selection from their repertoire. Pianist Isabel Xu followed with a beautifully controlled solo, setting an impressive benchmark for the performances to come.

Junior choir Vox Box delivered a standout moment with ‘Whisper’, a piece that flickered between the listeners ears like a choreographed echo. Their second item, ‘My Dragon Wasn’t Feeling Good’, injected a playful contrast to their items.

Across the programme, soloists, rock bands, the Chamber Ensemble, the Highland Belles, and the Orchestra each contributed their own flavour, creating a showcase that reflected the breadth of musical opportunity at our school.

Another highlight came from pianist Olivia Mu, whose scale-rich, technically formidable solo was delivered with remarkable poise and musical intelligence.

As the evening drew to its final bar line, it concluded a music programme growing in depth, confidence, and joy, nurtured under Head of Music, Anji Toy. SCAN FOR MORE

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PIPER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025

Wishart, Chalmers Share Win at House Relays

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he banks surrounding the Shore Road pool were filled with colour, music, dance-offs, and cheering as House representatives took to the water for one of the term’s most anticipated events: the House Swimming Relays.

This year’s competition saw tight races across the board, with each house fielding A and B teams in the Senior year groups.

Younger swimmers also showed impressive determination, completing their laps of the pool. From the first whistle, Wishart appeared to be the house to beat, powering through the early events with confidence. But Chalmers, steady and consistent throughout the morning, chipped away at the scores, quietly closing the gap.

When the final results were tallied, the scoreboard told a surprising story: Wishart and Chalmers finished in a tie for first place, Hamilton claiming second, and Cargill close behind in third.

The relays captured the friendly competition that inspires excellence and the House spirit that defines the Girls’ School community. A fitting finale to another season of swimming success.

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Girls’ School

Athletics at Full Tilt

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he Girls’ School Athletics Days in Term 4 once again captured the energy, determination, and House spirit that defines this much-loved sporting event.

The Years 0–2 students competed on the Top Field with the youngest athletes sprinting, jumping, and throwing their way through a rotation of activities that balanced friendly competition with fun.

Meanwhile, the Years 3–8 girls took to Lloyd Elsmore Park, where performances across the track and field demonstrated skill, strength, and speed. Overall, it was Wishart that claimed the House Athletics cup, for their strong performances across the year levels.

YEAR GROUP CHAMPIONS YEAR 0

1st Nora Zahara Kohli 2nd= Tilly Gage-Brown and Maddy Wilkinson YEAR 1

1st Athena Stirling 2nd Willow Swan 3rd Lena Luo YEAR 2

1st= Anna Tagi and Eliza Campbell 3rd Georgia-May Mahony YEAR 3

1st Bella Zhao 2nd Angie Nong 3rd Rebecca Situ YEAR 4

1st Mei Holy 2nd Lola Seton 3rd Stella Ouwerkerk YEAR 5

1st Olivia York 2nd Mofan Yang 3rd Olivia Boyd YEAR 6

1st Evie Reynolds 2nd Maya Verbeek 3rd= Aubrey Tait and Emilie Gallaugher YEAR 7

1st Mila Henison 2nd Christine Cooney 3rd Sophie Kotua YEAR 8

1st Tamia Tavita-Falesiu 2nd Layla Tuala Glassie 3rd Alyssa Dempsey The House Relays brought the athletics programme to a close, delivering tight races and disciplined baton changes across all age groups. In the end, Chalmers separated from the rest finishing first, with Hamilton (2nd), Cargill (3rd), and Wishart (4th) just behind.

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Sports Round Up A CONCISE OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT OUR GIRL S ' SCHOOL

A Strong First Year at AIMS This year marked the Girls’ School’s inaugural appearance at the AIMS Games as its own entity, and what a debut it was. Across multiple codes, our athletes competed with grit and composure, returning home with an impressive haul of nine medals.

In water polo, our Open Girls’ team enjoyed a superb season, fighting their way to the final and earning silver after a close match against Diocesan.

We also had a number of individual medallists, as listed below: •Annika Wells dominated the water, winning gold in the Year 7 Girls’ Optimist yachting competition.

•Bessie Li claimed gold in the Open Girls’ table tennis grade, defeating the top seed in a decisive final.

•Phyllis Xi earned two silvers in the pool for the 13 Years 50m and 100m breaststroke.

•In rhythmic gymnastics, Cecilia Song placed second in the Open Stages 2–4.

International category, while Olivia Wang secured bronze in the Open GNZ 1–4 category.

•Ashlee Babbington rounded out the medal tally with bronze in both trampoline and double mini tramp (GNZ 7+, 13–14 years).

Touch Team Finishes Second in Auckland Our Auckland Touch Team delivered an outstanding campaign, reaching the championship final and finishing second, narrowly missing gold in extra time.

A remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.

Tongan Netball Representatives Congratulations to Honey Onehi, Tyana Maka, and Irene Wendt-Latu, who were selected for the Tongan National Netball Team and competed in the Pacific Cup: an exceptional honour and testament to their dedication.

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College

Upcoming Events 9 FEB SWIMMING FINALS 13 FEB ATHLETICS DAY 6 MARCH ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY 10 MARCH SHAKE THE QUAD

Physical and Creative Learning: A Strategy Taking Shape Damon Emtage BEd, M Ed

College Principal

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aint Kentigern College has entered an exciting new chapter as we begin the rollout of a refreshed strategy that strengthens the way we support the growth of every student. While our long-standing commitment to academic excellence remains steadfast, we are now placing deliberate emphasis on the interconnected development of physical, cultural, spiritual, and creative learning.

The first phase of this strategy is now underway, supported by new structures and leadership that will guide its implementation over the coming years.

A key component of this launch has been the establishment of the Deputy Principal for Physical and Creative Learning, a new role within the Senior Leadership Team. This position has been created to bring direction across PE, Health and Sport, Creative Arts, and Performing Arts, ensuring these programmes sit within a unified framework. Although the work is only just beginning, this leadership appointment signals a clear and intentional step toward a more integrated and coherent experience for our students and families.

The strategy recognises that physical and creative learning are not adjuncts to a Saint Kentigern education, they

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are defining elements of our identity and essential pillars of student development. With unified leadership now driving these programmes, we are seeing the coherence, consistency, and momentum that were envisaged when this work was first conceived. Students experience a more connected journey, one where learning in the classroom is complemented by performance on the stage, collaboration in the studio, and challenge on the sports field.

At the centre of the strategy are three principles that guide every decision and touchpoint: Integration ensures the alignment of academic and co-curricular programmes so students can explore knowledge, movement, creativity, and culture as interconnected experiences.

This alignment is now reflected in pathway design, staff collaboration, and the growing number of interdisciplinary initiatives across theCollege.

Inclusion signals our commitment to ensuring every student has genuine access and opportunity. With the strategy now embedded, barriers have been reduced, participation pathways widened, and a stronger sense of belonging is felt across performing arts, cultural groups, sport, and creative programmes.

A Holistic Approach remains the heartbeat of the model. We are deliberately designing environments where students flourish not only intellectually but emotionally, physically,

spiritually, socially, and culturally. This has reshaped everything from the way we frame wellbeing in the curriculum to how we design leadership opportunities and build communities of practice.

Although still in its early stages, the strategy is already creating momentum. Staff are beginning to collaborate across departments, students are sharing ideas about opportunities they want to see developed, and the College community is engaging positively with the direction ahead. As these programmes become more aligned, we will see greater coherence, stronger participation, and a deeper sense of belonging among students.

With the Deputy Principal for Physical and Creative Learning now leading the early stages of implementation, we are laying strong foundations for long-term cultural and educational impact. Much of the work lies ahead, but the direction is clear and deeply aligned with our mission to foster character, wellbeing, creativity, and community.

This launch marks a renewed commitment to helping every young person at Saint Kentigern College flourish. As the strategy unfolds, it will continue to shape a future where students grow with purpose, confidence, and connection, supported by an educational environment designed for their whole development.

Fides Servanda Est.

College

Honouring Four Decades of Service

I Wilson House Makes History

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or the first time since its introduction in 2017, Wilson House has claimed the College House Cup, an achievement eight years in the making. Their victory reflects a year of consistency across the full calendar of House events, from high-participation competitions to finals-day performances where every point counted.

Wilson was the ‘House of athletes’ this year, securing first place in both Athletics and House Volleyball, while also finishing second in Swimming Sports and Cross Country.

Their final tally of 43 points placed them well clear of Cargill on 35.5 and Chalmers on 34.5.

The addition of Wilson and Stark in 2017 reshaped the House and pastoral care landscape of the College, and this year’s victory signals just how firmly Wilson has established itself.

Determination and teamwork across year levels proved decisive, earning Wilson its first-ever House Cup and a place in College history.

n October, the College formally recognised the significant milestone of forty years of service from two longstanding staff members, Graeme Martin and Andrew Lightfoot.

Both joined in 1985, and their names have since become synonymous with the care of our grounds and the nurturing of our students.

As Head Groundsman for much of his tenure, Graeme Martin has shaped and safeguarded the College’s parklike campus through every season. His practical expertise, quiet leadership, and forward-looking approach have kept the grounds both functional and beautifully maintained, while embracing new technologies to improve efficiency. Graeme introduced New Zealand’s first GPS robotic line-marker and led the adoption of solar lighting across the campus. His stewardship of our fields and facilities is unmatched.

Andrew Lightfoot began as a part-time Piping tutor and Band Master. Forty years on, he has grown the Pipes and Drums into a defining feature of College life. His leadership has taken the band to national events and international stages. His design of the Saint Kentigern College tartan is a lasting contribution to our identity.

Together, they embody the service, excellence, and loyalty that define our community.

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Student Successes Premier Team Wins Debating Grand Final Our Senior Debating Team once again claimed victory in the Auckland Schools Debating Grand Final. The Premier team of Edison Zhou, Alan Chen, and Chris Revell-Devlin successfully argued in favour of increased government regulation of artificial intelligence, defeating St Cuthbert’s College in a closely contested final.

Alan Chen was named Best Speaker on the night and also earned the title of Best Speaker overall in the Premier Advanced division. The Grand Final capped off a successful season across all levels, with the Junior Premier team finishing runnersup in their own finals series earlier in the month.

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Koru Racing Makes History at Worlds Saint Kentigern’s Koru Racing team (Reilly Turner, Aydan Hawken, and Lucas Alward) represented New Zealand at the 2025 STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore, the first Kiwi team in 25 years to compete. Their car achieved the thirdfastest individual lap and second-fastest overall average, an impressive feat among 83 teams worldwide. The performance marked a proud moment for both Saint Kentigern and New Zealand engineering talent on the global stage.

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Double Victory at NZCETA Pursuits Competition Our business students achieved an impressive double win at this year’s NZCETA Auckland Pursuits Competition, taking first place in both the Accounting and Business categories.

The Accounting team (Andersen Chen, Jack Doherty, Saif Ebrahim, Noah Farman, and Blake McKinnon) defended the College’s title for the fourteenth consecutive year, while the Business team (Aidan Chu, Anna Ros, Lucy Sweetman, and Sophie Whelan) secured back-to-back victories. Hosted at the University of Auckland, the annual competition tested students’ knowledge of Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics through seven rounds of challenging quizstyle questions.

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College

Engineering Science Team Takes National Runner-Up A team of Year 13 students placed second in the highly competitive NZ Engineering Science Competition, a nationwide mathematical modelling challenge run by the University of Auckland.

From 268 teams representing 79 schools, Alan Chen, Yi Nan Chen, Joey Zhang, and Daniel Xian were named national runnersup for their report analysing the question, If New Zealand built gravity batteries near wind farms, how much energy could be stored during strong winds?

Young Enterprise Teams at Auckland Finals Two College businesses earned an Excellence Award at the Young Enterprise Scheme Auckland Regional Finals this October. ‘Cream Ease’ (Siwoo Baik, Micah Chen, Aidan Chu, Ann Huang, Cynthia Liu, and Preston Tee) received the Excellence in Finance award for their innovative powdered cream product, impressing judges with both concept and execution. The group also secured the runner-up spot in one of the country’s most competitive regions.

Additionally, ‘LendingKiwi’ (Lucas Alward, Alex Blong, Aydan Hawken, Ben Thorburn, and Reilly Turner) was awarded Excellence in Technology for their peer-to-peer rental platform, marking their second consecutive year of recognition at Regionals.

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Two in Top Three at National Physics and Mathematics Competition Year 13 student, Daniel Xian, and Year 11 student, Bernard Boen Wang received exceptional results in this year’s New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition. Daniel placed second in the Senior Division, while Bernard rounded out the Junior Division in third, demonstrating precise analytical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and academic excellence in one of the country’s most challenging STEM competitions.

Top Performers in National Economics Competition Eight College students achieved High Distinction in the New Zealand Economics Competition, placing them in the top 10% of more than 2,500 participants nationwide. The 50-minute assessment, run by the University of Auckland, challenged students to apply economic theories and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Our High Distinction recipients were Daniel Xian, Aidan Chu, Alan (Kaiyue) Chen, James Wang, Tim Bacchus, Samuel Millington, Ann Huang, and Lisa Shi. Daniel also placed 3rd overall in the Division 1 (Year 13) category. A further five students earned Distinction, placing them in the top 25% of the country.

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Third in Auckland for EPro8 Our Years 9 to 10 EPro8 team placed third in Auckland this year, marking their second-highest finish in school history. After advancing through regional and semi-final rounds, Charlie Kay, Tom Capener, Alexander O’Brien, Oliver Morgan, and Liam Winter (finals substitute) secured their bronze, placing from more than 90 competing teams. Edged out only by ACG and Sacred Heart, the team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and engineering skill under pressure.

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The Final Chapter for the Class of 2025

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he final days of Term 4 brought a wave of celebration and sentiment as we farewelled the Class of 2025.

For our Year 13 graduates, this milestone began quietly and meaningfully in the Chapel, where students gathered for a dedicated graduation ceremony acknowledging their achievements and focusing their thoughts of the future.

Leavers were challenged to hold fast to the Saint Kentigern values, to make them an integral part of their character, as they moved on to the challenges and opportunities beyond school.

For the Year 13s, the week unfolded with the traditions that have come to define a Saint Kentigern send-off: themed dress-ups, the much-anticipated barbecue breakfast, and water activities on the lower fields were all on the cards as students embraced the joy of being together as a cohort for one last time.

These moments carried an awareness of how quickly their five or seven years at the College had passed.

Now in its second year, a Guard of Honour awaited the cohort on their final afternoon. The Pipes and Drums led the leavers procession, with the route from the Chapel to the Sports Centre lined with students and staff, from our youngest Year 7s through to the Year

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12s. This symbolic walk offered a visual reminder of the journey behind them – where they began, who they have become, and the legacy they now step into as Senior leavers.

In their final assembly, Head Boy Luka Patumaka Makata delivered his Last Word in front of a collage of images of his ‘village’. Luka spoke candidly of the people who had shaped his time at the College and acknowledged his own regret at not pursuing leadership sooner. His message: it is never too late to begin, to step up, and take ownership of your story.

Following the formal exams, the Class of 2025 reunited for their Graduation Dinner at Spark Arena on 30 November.

They were piped into the venue before joining their families to celebrate the momentous occasion. One by one, students crossed the stage with their Tutors, marking their formal transition from students to alumni and honouring their place within the wider Saint Kentigern community.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Valedictorian, a peer-voted honour recognising the student who best represents the cohort and the College’s values. Deputy Head Girl Morgan Alley was named the 2025

recipient. Her speech blended humour, gratitude, and a moving reflection on the unity of shared experience. She spoke of beginnings and endings, of surviving challenges together whether it be lockdowns or Tongariro, and of the lessons found in both triumphs and failures. “We are products of our trying,” Morgan reminded her peers. “Put yourself out there, you have so much potential, you just need to act on it.”

Head Prefects Amelia Evangelidakis and Luka also addressed their peers, offering words of thanks, encouragement, and appreciation for the community that has supported them. Their messages, together with Morgan’s, captured the spirit of a year group who learned, grew, stumbled, persevered, and ultimately shaped one another.

As the Class of 2025 steps into the world beyond the gates, they carry with them the values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love. Though their paths will soon diverge, the roots laid here in friendship, service, challenge, and growth will always link them to their time at Saint Kentigern.

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Academic Excellence at Prizegiving

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he Full College Prizegiving gathered our community together for a celebration of academic achievement, leadership, and service. The proceedings opened with an official welcome, comprised of the official party being piped in, a mihi whakatau, the prayer of Saint Kentigern, and our national anthem.

Prior to any awards, Principal Damon Emtage reflected on the year’s accomplishments and the long arc of learning that shapes every Saint Kentigern student. His message honoured the collective effort of families, teachers, and staff who support each learner’s journey.

Across the morning, awards were presented to top achievers from Years 7 to 13, recognising distinction, subject excellence, service, leadership, and special honours. Top students in their year-level included Bryn Laird (Year 7), Christian Tan (Year 8), Jasper Li (Year 9), Peter Hu (Year 10), and Boen Wang (Year 11). The PG Hadfield Prizes acknowledged the highest academic achievers in Year 12: Madelyn QuayChin (NCEA) and Rémi Geron (IB).

Senior academic honours formed the pinnacle of the ceremony. The NCEA Proxime Accessit was awarded to Nadia Turner, and the IB Proxime Accessit to Daniel Xian. The College’s

highest academic titles went to NCEA Dux, Morgan Alley, and IB Dux, Alan Chen – both of whom balanced outstanding academic performance with significant leadership and service, and each continuing a family legacy, with siblings Mackenzie Alley (2023) and Andrew Chen (2018) also having been named Dux. The ceremony concluded with a last address from Head Prefects Amelia Evangelidakis and Luka Makata before the Pipes and Drums closed the assembly with the lowering of the flag, a tradition marking the end of another year at Saint Kentigern College.

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College NCE A DUX — MORGAN ALLE Y

Morgan worked toward an NCEA Excellence Endorsement with consistently outstanding academic results, balancing a demanding leadership and creative workload. Her achievements include a GPA reflective of Excellence-level performance across all subjects, alongside major prizes in Drama, French, Media in Society, and Visual Arts.

IB DUX — AL AN CHEN

Alan excelled across the full breadth of the International Baccalaureate while serving as Academic Prefect, demonstrating discipline, talent, and a global outlook. His academic success, combined with achievements at international level and significant co-curricular involvement, speaks to a student of exceptional capability and character.

NCE A PROXIME ACCESSIT — NADIA TURNER

Nadia achieved exceptional results across Biology, Chemistry, French, Mathematics with Calculus, and Physics, earning top awards in Biology and Physics. With multiple Excellence subject grades and a near-perfect rank profile, she exemplified determination and a purposeful commitment to her aspiration of studying Medicine.

IB PROXIME ACCESSIT — DANIEL XIAN

Daniel attained outstanding results across his IB subjects, including exceptional achievement in his Higher Level courses, underpinned by strong self-discipline and organisation. His academic profile, supported by a high predicted IB score and subject prizes in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Chemistry, and Physics, reflects a scholar of consistency and depth.

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Celebrating Excellence at the College Sport Awards

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he Sports Centre welcomed students, families, staff, and supporters on 30 October for the annual College Sport Awards.

This evening recognises outstanding achievement across every sporting code at the College. With a full gym, buffet dinner service, and a programme packed with honours, the night marked a fitting end to an exceptional year of sport.

This year’s guest speaker, alumnus Albert Vete, brought warmth and honesty to the stage. A former professional rugby league player and now a College PE teacher and Bruce House staff member, Albert reflected on resilience, family influence, and the lessons gained through high-performance sport. His Q&A with broadcaster Wendy Petrie offered further insight into the realities of elite competition and the values that sustain young athletes.

Sports Prefects Ashleigh Tuumaialu and Siale Pahulu also made their final addresses, acknowledging the teammates, coaches, and families who shaped their journeys.

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The evening concluded with the presentation of the College’s most prestigious sporting honours: Blake McKinnon was named Dux Ludorum, recognising his achievements across yachting, multisport, orienteering, hockey, athletics, and cross country; the Runner Up awards were presented to cyclists Neve McKenzie and Alex Bishop, both of whom have excelled at national level this year.

Our Girls’ Cycling Premier Team was named Team of the Year, following a dominant season and a third consecutive national Team Time Trial title. The Girls’ Tennis Premier Team received Performance of the Year, acknowledging their outstanding run of championship results.

These awards reflect more than individual success – they highlight the collective culture, effort, and support behind every athlete. We congratulate all recipients and look forward to seeing what the next season brings.

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A Night to Celebrate the Arts

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lliot Hall was alive with colour, sound, and celebration on 16 October as our community gathered for ‘Celebrating the Arts’. This annual awards evening recognises the creativity, discipline, and achievement within our Performing Arts programme.

Guests were welcomed by the smooth energy of the Jazz Combo, followed by performances from the Pipes and Drums and Big Band, setting a tone of excellence for the night ahead. The event, part formal celebration and part showcase, offered a seamless blend of awards, live performances, and reflection on a thriving year for the arts.

The programme featured standout performances across disciplines: the Year 13 Dance Performance, the Theatresports Premier Team, and a beautiful waiata led by vocalist Nora Caffery, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra.

Awards were presented throughout the evening, culminating in the presentation of Arts Colours and the symbolic

passing of the mantle to the next generation of creative leaders in Tamsin Low and Caleb Bisley. The evening concluded with the announcement of the Performer of the Year Awards, recognising two students whose talent and dedication have shone brightly across the College’s arts community: Middle School Performer of the Year – Oliver Bennett Senior School Performer of the Year – Nathan Dick In presenting the Senior award, Principal Damon Emtage commended Nathan’s artistry and leadership. “He is a performer of extraordinary talent, heart, and discipline; a true role model who has elevated every stage he’s stepped on.”

The celebration affirmed the vitality of the College’s arts culture, one defined by commitment, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Against the Elements at Field Centre

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ield Centre 2025 began with the familiar energy that has carried this programme through more than half a century. Months of planning, fine-tuning, and training had prepared staff to welcome nearly 400 Year 10 students across two consecutive weeks, supported by around 90 staff and based across eleven lodges on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The momentum was strong, the structures refined, and expectations high. Yet this year would become memorable for reasons far beyond the itinerary.

Just days before the first group was due to depart, wildfires broke out across parts of Tongariro National Park.

Conditions shifted hourly as tracks closed, access routes were restricted, and visibility and air quality became unpredictable. For a programme of Field Centre’s scale, such disruption could easily have unravelled the first week. Instead, it revealed the collective resilience and professionalism of our teams; staff worked tirelessly to redesign, reroute, and re-shape plans, making hundreds of decisions that ensured student safety while protecting the spirit of adventure central to Field Centre.

What emerged was a modified, but still deeply meaningful, programme that allowed students to explore wild spaces,

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form bonds, and challenge themselves, even as the environment around them bore the scars of the fire.

Across both weeks, students immersed themselves in their three-day expeditions through the Tongariro National Park or the Kaimanawa Ranges, tackled the Tongariro Crossing, rafted the Tongariro River, and took part in activities from abseiling to rock climbing. Adjustments made from last year strengthened the flow of each day, deepening engagement and creating space for reflection, teamwork, and leadership.

A highlight for many remained the visit to a local Papakāinga in Tūrangi, where students were welcomed into a living Māori community. Through mihi whakatau, waiata, shared stories, and the preparation of a traditional hāngi at a geothermal site, students gained insight into the deep relationships between people and whenua.

Environmental stewardship continued through our partnership with Project Tongariro, where students contributed to a long-term restoration initiative by clearing invasive weeds and supporting the health of native ecosystems. This hands-on service reinforced the belief that adventure is inseparable from responsibility.

Throughout the programme, students

demonstrated resilience of the quiet, determined kind, embracing long days, steep climbs, uncertain weather, and ever-shifting plans. They supported their peers, discovered new capacities within themselves, and returned with the confidence that comes from navigating challenges together.

Field Centre’s success rests on an extraordinary team effort. Special thanks go to Jo Horgan for coordinating food and lodge support across both weeks, to Leigh Meek for managing the extensive administration behind the scenes, and to Chris Duncan and Stuart Mudford for leading logistics and safety with skill and steadiness. Partnerships with Adventure Specialties Trust, Dempsey’s Buses, Tongariro River Rafting, Four Square Onehunga, and OnRoad Rentals also remain vital to the programme’s success.

Field Centre 2025 will be remembered not only for the adventure, but for its heart. In a year when the landscape changed, our young people learned to adapt, endure, and move forward with courage, a lesson as valuable as any gained on the mountain.

Written by Head of EOTC, Will GageBrown SCAN FOR MORE

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Dylan Wiliam Offers Expertise to Staff

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ylan Wiliam, a British educational researcher and former schoolteacher, has spent decades exploring how teachers can make the biggest difference to student learning.

Wiliam is best known for his work on formative assessment – the everyday interactions between teachers and students that help move learning forward. His message is refreshingly simple: small, deliberate tweaks in classroom practice can deliver sizeable gains for students.

During a college professional learning day, staff were guided through practical strategies that any teacher can use. These included clarifying success criteria in student-friendly language, checking for understanding more frequently, and giving feedback that focuses on improvement rather than judgement. Wiliam emphasised that learning happens when students think hard, so teachers were encouraged to experiment with techniques such as mini-whiteboard checks for understanding, structured peer feedback, and questions designed to make every student contribute – not just the confident few.

These ideas matter because the evidence is clear: when students understand where they are going, where they are now, and what their next step is, progress accelerates.

Wiliam’s research shows that these approaches consistently lift achievement across age groups and subjects. The day left staff energised and equipped with practical tools to help every learner thrive, and, true to Wiliam’s style, reminded us that great teaching is less about flair and more about finely honed craft.

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Year 7s Open Their World to Grandparents This year’s College Year 7 Grandparents’ Day drew more than 200 guests from across New Zealand, filling the morning with connection, curiosity, and plenty of shared stories. Over morning tea, grandparents mingled before being welcomed

by Associate Principal Duncan McQueen, whose trademark wit set a warm, relaxed tone for the day.

In classrooms, students presented a lively cross-section of their learning in the form of radio plays, projects, musical items, and subject work that all highlighted the role of technology in the Year 7 programme. An impromptu interview segment saw grandparents recalling childhood mischief and school-day memories, much to the delight of their grandchildren.

Families then toured the campus before gathering in the Chapel for an assembly. College Principal Damon Emtage reflected on the heritage and importance of grandparents within the Saint Kentigern community, before the Year 7 Service Awards were presented alongside several student performances.

A final Pipe Band item farewelled guests as many made their way to Saints Café to continue the day over lunch. It was a memorable celebration of intergenerational connection and the vibrant learning that defines Year 7 at the College.

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College

Bruce House Celebrates Graduating Boarders

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he annual Bruce House Formal Dinner brought together all boarders, staff, and the families of our Year 13 leavers to celebrate another memorable year of boarding life.

Held in the familiar warmth of the dining hall, the evening reflected on the friendships, achievements, and shared experiences that define the Bruce House community.

Director of Boarding Bridget Anitelea spoke with affection for the graduating class, describing them as “a cohort of remarkable depth and resilience,” and reminding them, “you all have a unique story, and I continue to be in awe of your willingness to share those stories with us.”

Head Boy Sam Macky shared a deeply personal address that captured the strength and connection at the heart of Bruce House, encouraging his peers to remember their worth and the love that surrounds them. Principal Damon Emtage reflected on the lifelong bonds of boarding, noting that even years later, “the shared experience of Bruce House will always be a powerful connection.”

Awards recognising leadership, contribution, and community spirit were presented before prefect gowns were passed to the 2026 leaders. The evening closed with gratitude and a blessing – a fitting farewell to those leaving their home away from home.

‘Pulp Fictionaries’ Win Quiz Night

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n 16 August, the P&F hosted a 'Back to the 90s' Quiz Night in Elliot Hall. We had 200 parents and staff competing in twenty quiz teams. It was a great night, with a brilliant group of parents who really got into the spirit of the 90s!

‘Believe it or Not’ Quiz Master and college parent, Brendan Lochead, presided over a hard-fought battle for the top spot: the College Staff team kept parents on their toes, ending up just one point off the podium! The ultimate winners on the night were team ‘Pulp Fictionaries’, with teams ‘Nevermind’ and ‘Tarantino Delinquents’ hot on their heels.

This year, the table styling was fantastic, effort had been made with costumes, and once again, we put the electronic dance floor through its paces, reliving those 90s club hits until the lights came up.

Thanks to the generosity of all our parent sponsors, we are able to run the night with the sole focus of building connections and creating a fun night out with fellow parents.

Photos are courtesy of College parent, Jay Santiago Photography

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The Many Faces of Innovation

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he Jack Paine Centre, home to the many Technology course offerings, once again played host to this year’s Technology Exhibition. Parents, friends, and staff explored displays that revealed not only impressive final products, but also the imagination and persistence behind them.

Among the highlights were finely crafted wooden planter boxes, architectural mock-ups, and sleek wine stands. Food Technology students earned praise for their catering efforts, serving freshly made canapés and donuts designed with stakeholder feedback in mind. Their creations were enjoyed as quickly as they were plated.

Computer Science students invited visitors to test immersive virtual worlds of their own design, while the Year 11 Product Design light corridor glowed with colour and innovation.

The evening concluded with the ever-popular Fashion Show, where student models presented original garments met with enthusiastic applause.

Whether through the taste of a hand-made canapé, the glow of a student’s light installation, or the thrill of stepping inside a virtual world, the 2025 Technology Showcase captured the full breadth of talent and imagination fostered across the Technology programmes. Head of Faculty Miriam Slow reflected: "It is a privilege to showcase such innovation and imagination across so many areas of Technology, and I am immensely proud of the way our students are shaping the future through their creativity.”

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Creativity in Focus

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he versatile JPC Atrium played host to ‘The Kents’ film awards 2025, our annual awards evening for Year 12 and 13 Media Studies and Animation students working at Excellence level. Part film premiere, part prizegiving, the event brought together peers, families, and a remote judging panel to recognise technical excellence, imagination, and the persistence required to take a project from concept to screen.

This year’s selection was rich in both variety and vision. Two Year 13 films shared the honour of Best Film for ‘Pestilence’, a haunting historical drama, and ‘Brightside’, a tech-noir thriller exploring the cost of digital escape. In Year 12, ‘As the Rain Falls’ earned Best Film for its evocative cinematography and strong storytelling, while ‘Homework’ collected several awards for creativity, score, and use of genre conventions.

Head of Media Studies, Luke Oliver, hailed this year’s entries as “the best ever,” noting the exceptional storytelling and innovation on display. The works shown at The Kents demonstrate not only filmmaking skill, but the creative confidence that will serve these students far beyond the classroom.

To see the full list of awardees, scan the QR code.

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College Arts Show Celebrates Creativity Across Disciplines

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ow in its second year as a full College-wide showcase, the Arts Show once again brought together displays of extraordinary creativity across fashion, performance, and media.

Elliot Hall was transformed into a dynamic arts venue, where over forty Wearable Arts entries shared the stage with dance performances, short films, and interviews with visual student artists. The result was a seamless intersection of movement, design, and storytelling.

The Wearable Arts competition remained the centrepiece, adjudicated by alumna and former Arts Prefect Mackenzie Alley (2023), Head of Faculty for Creative Arts Rodney Stratton, and Shelley Ferguson, whose two decades in fashion and interior publishing added professional insight.

Categories ranged from sustainability to world-inspired themes, each showcasing imagination and technical skill. The overall Senior Winner was ‘Re: Incarnation’ by Beatrix Chau, Kate Sung, and Victoria Lin, a piece that captivated judges for its concept, construction, and stage presence.

Visual Arts winners were also announced, while auditioned dance groups and Middle School performers added fresh energy. Several of the College’s top short films rounded out the evening, offering cinematic perspectives on youth creativity.

Full House for ‘SKC’s Got Talent’

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packed Elliot Hall and an atmosphere charged with anticipation made this year’s ‘SKC’s Got Talent’ a standout highlight of Arts Week. The annual event gives students the freedom to perform beyond the confines of assessment, and the lunchtime crowd filled every seat to cheer on the finalists who had earned their place through a competitive audition process.

The range of acts covered music, dance, theatre, and comedy, each taking their turn in the spotlight. Judges Amanda Burnett, Sam Ashton, and Principal Damon Emtage brought their combined expertise to select winners from a line-up excelling in both creativity and polish.

First place went to Year 12’s Josiah Paletaoga, whose soulful rendition of ‘Nutshell’ by Alice in Chains drew rapt silence followed by thunderous applause. Second place was awarded to Milana Dean, Alina Wu, and Daphne Laker for their emotive dance to ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Florence and the Machine, while third place went to 7KJR for their witty original skit, ‘Detective Pickle and the Case of the Missing Sandwich’.

This year’s SKC’s Got Talent stood out not only for the size of the crowd, but for the breadth of performances. The variety on stage captured the full spectrum of creativity and expression thriving across the College.

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The Arts Show proved a vibrant reflection of the talent nurtured across the College, highlighting students who crossed disciplines to express their artistry. It stood as a reminder that creativity thrives where ideas meet courage.

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A Stage for Emerging Talent

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n 1 September, three Year 10 Drama classes took to the stage for their annual Drama Evening, presenting short plays that balanced wit, imagination, and bold theatricality. Serving as a prelude to the Senior Play Series, the night showcased the emerging talent of the Middle School.

Steph Cooke-Allen’s class opened with ‘Over the Wall’ by James Saunders, an absurdist exploration of fear and division among islanders faced with a mysterious wall. The ensemble’s sharp characterisation and timing carried the play’s mix of humour and unease.

Next, Dave Sheehan’s class delivered a lively adaptation of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, peaking with the Great and Terrible Oz silhouetted behind the cyclorama as Dorothy faced her final challenge.

Lauryn Edmonds’ class closed the night with ‘10 Ways to Survive the End of the World’, a fast-paced satire filled with alien invasions, killer bunnies, and asteroid threats; its energy was matched only by the laughter it inspired.

Reflecting on the evening, Head of Drama Dave Sheehan said, “Productions like this build connection and confidence.

These students have become a motivated, caring, and cohesive group, ready to take on the demands of Senior Drama.”

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College Hosts Actors’ Auditions for New Performing Arts Pathway

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n 14 November, the College became an audition hub for the inaugural Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) at Western Sydney University, developed

by Theatre Nepean and Actors Centre Australia (ACA). Four Auckland actors took part, including two of our own Year 13 Drama students.

A few weeks later, Deputy Head Girl Morgan Alley was thrilled to receive an offer of acceptance. Reflecting on her years in the Performing Arts programme, she spoke with fondness about the College’s large-scale productions, where ensemble work allowed her to explore a wide range of roles and genres. Looking ahead, she hopes to strengthen her communication, confidence, and her ability to “be a voice for change” wherever she may go next.

This new partnership marks an exciting pathway for aspiring performers, offering direct access to one of Australia’s most respected acting degrees. Initiated

by Head of Drama Dave Sheehan, an alumnus of Theatre Nepean, the collaboration promises ongoing opportunities for future Saint Kentigern actors to audition locally for an internationally recognised programme.

College

Cultural Celebration Tells Stories From Many Shores

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Under the direction of Denzel Panama, Kentoris offered a moment of calm reflection through ‘Ka Waiata Ki a Maria’ (arr. Richard Puanaki) and the Samoan hymn ‘Musu E’ (arr.

Steven Rapana).

This year’s performances showcased traditions from twelve nations, each performed with authenticity and artistry. A powerful pōwhiri led by Allen Martin and the stirring waiata and haka from the Kapa Haka group set a tone of pride and unity for the evening.

The night concluded with the Pasifika performances – always a highlight. From the Cook Islands’ ‘Kua Iti Te Marama’ to the Tongan and Samoan segments, the hall pulsed with rhythm, grace, and community spirit. Jamaria Chan Kau’s sacred ‘Taualuga’ provided a fitting crescendo before all performers returned for a powerful mass finale.

ne night and many worlds: home to the College’s annual cultural evening, Elliot Hall became the celebration ground for music, movement, and storytelling, carrying the voices and traditions of students honouring their roots.

Scotland’s skirl of bagpipes and tartan energy contrasted beautifully with Miriam MacFarlan’s expressive African dance. The Chinese Cultural Group combined classical instrumentation with dynamic choreography, while the Indian Cultural Group dazzled with vibrant colour and rhythm. Making their debut, the Korean Group impressed with a Taekwondo display of board-breaking precision and aerial agility.

Reflecting on the night, Head of Pasifika Amanda Raea said, “It has been pure joy to see our students come together as one big family. That spirit of unity is what makes this event so special.”

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Music Highlights AN OVERVIEW OF MUSIC AL EVENTS AT THE COLLEGE

KBB Festival Marks a Gold-Standard Season` This year’s KBB Music Festival marked one of the strongest showings in recent memory, with Saint Kentigern ensembles earning an impressive four Gold Awards, one Silver Award, and three Bronze Awards across the event. All four premier ensembles, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Big Band, were selected for the prestigious Top 4 Gala in their categories – a rare achievement.

The Symphony Orchestra’s expressive programme, featuring Amy Chen as soloist in Bruch’s ‘Violin Concerto’, earned them not only gold, but the festival’s Best Soloist Award.

Concert Band also impressed with a Gold Award and the Best Original Composition Award. Big Band delivered high-energy flair to secure gold and Best Improvisation, while Chamber Orchestra’s refined Baroque performance earned gold along with Best Baroque Performance.

Servanda Strings received silver, with MacFarlan Strings, Jazz Orchestra, and Symphonic Band earning bronze. The

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Junior Jazz Orchestra also showcased its growing strength in a non-competitive performance.

It was a festival defined by excellence, depth, and a music programme continuing its upward trajectory.

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College

Mega Big Band Brings Jazz at Full Volume Auckland’s top secondary jazz programmes collaborated this September when Saint Kentigern College, Rangitoto College, and Sancta Maria College formed the High School Mega Big Band for a two-hour showcase at the Birkenhead RSA. With just three rehearsals to prepare twenty charts, including classics by Ellington, Basie, and Sinatra, the 27-piece ensemble delivered a high-calibre performance that reflected both musical discipline and sheer enjoyment.

Saint Kentigern’s contingent featured standout players across saxophone, trumpet, trombone, rhythm section, and vocals, working under the direction of Nate Collings, Albert Lee, and guest conductors. The collaboration offered students the rare experience of performing in a large, professional-style big band while learning alongside peers from across the region, closing to the same rousing applause that greeted its opening number.

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A Year Concludes in Two Movements Across two packed evenings, the College celebrated its year-end Music Finale with a Rock Showcase followed by the Middle School Music Showcase. Fifteen bands filled the Music Centre on night one, including RockQuest Manukau Regional finalists ‘Groovy Gorillas’ and ‘Last Chance’, with thanks and farewells offered to departing tutor Jonathan Annandale.

The following evening, Middle School ensembles took the spotlight in Gym 1, with polished performances from the 2nd Pipe Band, MacFarland Strings, Junior Jazz Orchestra, Junior Boys’ Choir, Sinfonia, Musettes, and the Symphonic Band. Together, the showcases provided a lively and accomplished conclusion to the College’s musical year.

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Music Galas Showcase Depth Across Ensembles Across two evenings, the College’s Music Galas brought together jazz, orchestral, and concert ensembles in a vibrant prelude to the KBB Festival. Students performed across a full spectrum of groups including Yoshi’s Jazz Combo, Village Vanguard, the Big Band, MacFarlan Strings, Sinfonia, Chamber Orchestra, and the Symphonic and Concert Bands. Each performed with full competition gusto, refining their repertoire before KBB the following week.

Featured soloists included Middle School Solo Competition winner Peter Hu, Senior co-winner Lawrence Liu, and pianist Isaac Chang, whose poised performance drew one of the loudest ovations of the series.

The Galas offered a polished snapshot of the College’s musical breadth, uniting families and peers in two SCAN FOR MORE energised nights of performance.

Choral Highlights: Big Sing and Kids Sing Our choral programme flourished this year, with strong showings across The Big Sing and Kids Sing festivals. Kentoris delivered a polished and expressive programme at Cadenza, earning a Gold Award among the region’s top auditioned choirs. At the same time, the College’s all-comers ensembles, ‘Musettes’ and ‘Menasing’, brought energy and enthusiasm to their performances, giving new singers the opportunity to grow in confidence. The newly formed Junior Boys Choir also made an impressive debut, performing at multiple school events and taking the stage at Kids Sing with assurance well beyond their first year together. It has been a season that reflects both depth and growing strength in choral music.

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Sports Highlights AN OVERVIEW OF SPORTING EVENTS AT THE COLLEGE

From the Director of Sport Yann Roux M.L.E.M, M.E.M

Director of Sport

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s the newly appointed Director of Sport at Saint Kentigern College, it is a privilege to step into a community with such a proud tradition of excellence, character, and commitment.

Over the past few months, I have been inspired by the performances, resilience, and sportsmanship demonstrated across all our codes. The achievements

Football It was a strong end to the season for our football programme, with three College teams progressing to the Auckland Knockout Cup finals.

The finals were held at Seddon Fields, where both the 1st XI and the 13th Grade claimed their titles. The 1st XI beat Sacred Heart 3–0, and the U13s defeated Northcote 5–2. The U15s fought hard but fell to Grammar 5–0.

At Winter Tournament Week in Palmerston North, the 1st XI continued their strong form. They won their semifinal against Westlake to reach the NZSS final, where they finished runners-up after a determined effort against Scots College.

highlighted in this edition of the Piper are a testament not only to the talent of our students, but also to the dedication of our coaches, the unwavering support of our families, and the strength of our culture.

To all our athletes, congratulations!

Whether you stood on a podium, contributed quietly behind the scenes, or simply strove to be better every day, your efforts make Saint Kentigern proud.

As we look ahead to 2026, I am incredibly excited about the growth and opportunity in our programmes. We are

committed to raising the standard of our performance pathways, expanding participation, and ensuring every student feels welcome and supported in their sporting journey. Together, we will build on our strong foundations and continue to foster an environment where excellence, enjoyment, and belonging go hand in hand.

I look forward to celebrating your successes in the year ahead and supporting you to reach even greater heights.

Ngā mihi nui.

Athletics New Zealand Secondary Schools Championship was held in Hastings early December.

Eden Moyle won gold in all her events, placing 1st in the Junior Girls 100m (12.13 seconds), 200m (PB 24.81 seconds), and long jump (5.64 metres).

Paige Fletcher won gold in the Senior Girls Hammer Throw with a distance of 60.49 metres. Paige also came 2nd place in the Senior Girls Shot Put throwing 13.31 metres.

Young Sportsperson of the Year The annual College Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards were held on 27 November at Eden Park. Once again, our College had a large group of finalists representing Saint Kentigern.

Congratulations to everyone in attendance. Being named in the top three for your sport is a great achievement.

Overall Finalist for Sportswoman of the Year: Emma Zheng, Golf Winners: Emma Zheng, Golf Audrey Tran, Tennis Blake McKinnon, Orienteering Neve McKenzie, Triathlon Neve McKenzie, Cycling Ben Archer, Cycling Blake McKinnon, All Rounder Alex Bishop, All Rounder Zofia Wells, World Championship Acknowledgement For the full list of finalists scan the QR code.

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College

New Zealand and North Island Track Cycling Championships Our riders delivered outstanding performances at the School Track Nationals and North Island Championships.

Hunter Dalton capped off his final year placing 1st in the U20 Omnium to be North Island and Nationals Champion. He also teamed up with Remi Dalton and Jack Allen to win the Team Pursuit – North Island and Nationals Champion and 2nd in the Team Sprint.

Premier Girls’ Touch The Premier Girls’ Touch team placed third at the NZSS Championships in Rotorua after an outstanding ten-game campaign.

Their only loss came in the semi-final to eventual champions Hamilton Girls’. In the bronze-medal match, a 4–4 draw with Christchurch Girls’ forced a drop-off, where Saint Kentigern scored on their first play to secure third place.

Cycling NEW ZEALAND ROAD

Basketball PREMIER GIRLS ’

The Premier Girls’ Basketball team delivered a strong season, advancing to the Winter Tournament Week final after an 82–69 semi-final win over Mt Albert. They finished runners-up to Westlake. At the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in Palmerston North, the team maintained their momentum, reaching the semi-finals before a narrow 59–65 loss to Hamilton Girls’ High School.

JUNIORS

Both Girls’ and Boys’ Junior teams enjoyed excellent Auckland Championship campaigns, progressing undefeated through pool play and their semi-finals.

The girls beat MAGS to reach the final, while the boys overcame Dilworth. In two close contests, both teams finished runners-up—with the girls falling 52–55 to Westlake Girls and the boys edged 51–53 by Auckland Grammar. Exceptional efforts from both squads

CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Cycling team delivered outstanding performances at the New Zealand Schools Championships in Palmerston North, securing multiple podium finishes across the Team Time Trial and Road Race events.

The Premier Girls’ team claimed their third consecutive NZ Team Time Trial title with a commanding win, while the Premier Boys finished second and the Junior Boys took bronze. The Boys’ School Years 7–8 team added to the success with a gold medal in their division.

Further medals followed in the road race, held in challenging windy conditions, and in the points race on the track.

Neve McKenzie U20 Girls – Road Race 2nd, Points Race 1st Holly Bishop U20 Girls – Points Race 3rd Ava van Rij U17 Girls – Road Race 2nd, Points Race 2nd Jack Allen U17 Boys – Road Race 2nd Sophie Archer U16 Girls – Road Race 1st, Points Race 1st Angus Dickinson U16 Boys – Road Race 2nd Tom Underdown U15 Boys – Road Race 1st Dylan Dalton U14 Boys – Road Race 3rd

Mountain Biking The Auckland Schools Cross Country Series saw standout results across all five races, with Harley Bell 1st U20, Luuka Peterso 3rd U17, Sam Lawson 4th U17, and Tom Underdown 1st U15. Relay Day was another highlight, with all Saint Kentigern teams earning podium finishes, contributing to the College winning the Overall Top Co-Ed School Trophy.

At the North Island Schools MTB Championships, riders impressed across fast single-track courses. Jack Parfoot placed 2nd in Enduro and 3rd in Downhill, the Senior Cross-Country Relay team claimed gold, and Sam Lawson finished 2nd overall in the Combined category.

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AIMS Games The AIMS Games took place in Tauranga from 30 August to 5 September, with a strong contingent of Saint Kentigern students representing the College across several codes. The week produced an impressive medal haul.

BADMINTON

Boys’ Singles Team – 1st Ethan Yu, Elliot Leung, Jayden Hua Boys’ Singles – 3rd – Ethan Yu Girls’ Singles – 2nd Amy Zhang Boys’ Doubles – 1st Ethan Yu and Jayden Hua, 3rd Carson Huang and Cooper Jiang Girls’ Doubles – 1st Amy Zhang and Amber Li RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Maggie Li: 1st in Ball, 1st in Clubs, 1st Overall GOLF

Team placed 3rd overall in the Stableford competition: Rory Zhou, Kayden Wang, Bruce Xiao, Kyle Huang A fantastic set of results from a dedicated group of young athletes.

Swimming At the Auckland Individual Swimming Championships, our students secured strong podium finishes: Junior Boys Relay Team – 2nd (U15 200m Medley Relay), 3rd (U15 200m Freestyle Relay) Michael Chen – 1st (Boys 14–15 100m Butterfly), 2nd (Boys 14–15 200m Butterfly) Yifan Zhang – 2nd (Boys 14–15 50m Backstroke), 3rd (Boys 14–15 50m Freestyle) Leo Liu – 3rd (Boys U13 200m Breaststroke) At the New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships in Hamilton last weekend, Michael Chen and Yifan Zhang were standout performers: Yifan Zhang – Gold (U14 100m Backstroke, 200m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle), Silver (50m Backstroke), Bronze (100m Freestyle) Michael Chen – Gold (U14 200m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly), Silver (50m Butterfly) Together they also won Gold in the U14 2x50m Freestyle Relay.

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Sports Bites Fencing t was a strong end to the season for our football programme, with three College teams progressing to the Auckland Knockout Cup finals.

The finals were held at Seddon Fields, where both the 1st XI and the 13th Grade claimed their titles. The 1st XI beat Sacred Heart 3–0, and the U13s defeated Northcote 5–2. The U15s fought hard but fell to Grammar 5–0.

At Winter Tournament Week in Palmerston North, the 1st XI continued their strong form. They won their semifinal against Westlake to reach the NZSS final, where they finished runners-up after a determined effort against Scots College.

Hockey The Boys’ 1st XI capped off an outstanding season by winning the Auckland Supercity Competition, defeating Westlake 1–0 in a tight final at North Harbour Stadium. It was a gritty, disciplined performance, lifted by strong support from families and supporters who made the trip across the bridge. A fantastic result for the team, whose consistency throughout the season earned them a welldeserved title.

Table Tennis Congratulations to the Premier Table Tennis team of Allen Zhu, Oscar Du, Rex Zhou, Sebastian Ye and Arush Gupta, who secured a silver medal at the NZSS Championships in Hamilton. The team delivered an excellent run through finals play, defeating Macleans in the quarterfinals and Pinehurst in the semi-final before meeting Auckland Grammar in the final.

Individual championships followed the next day, where Oscar Du claimed gold in the U15 Boys Singles, with teammates Sebastian Ye and Arush Gupta both earning bronze. A superb set of results from a talented squad.

CRICKET

Cricket the Colts 1 placed 2nd overall in Auckland Colts Competition.

TOUCH

The Junior Girls touch team won their Zone competition and the Junior A boys won the Central East Mixed competition in Term 4, but both missed the Auckland Championships due to a Field Centre date clash.

NETBALL

Saint Kentigern Y10A and Y9A netball teams both came 2nd to Howick College in the Auckland Netball competition.

DISTANCE RUNNING

Saint Kentigern fielded two teams in the NZ Secondary Schools' Road Race Relay, both producing impressive results.

The Senior Mixed Team of Alex Bishop, Isaac Morris, Sophie Archer and Mila Laarakkers claimed gold, while the Junior Mixed Team of Luke Staples, Ben Lee, Zofia Wells and Olivia Tan secured bronze. A strong showing from both groups in a competitive field.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL MEDALLISTS TAEKWONDO

Year 11 student Liam August represented New Zealand at the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Croatia, competing against athletes from 51 countries. Liam claimed a silver medal in the 60–65kg pre-junior sparring division and was the only New Zealand athlete in his category to medal at the 2025 World Championships. He was joined on the national team by Jacob Crichton and Isabel Cruickshank.

ORIENTEERING

Blake McKinnon returned from another outstanding Australian orienteering campaign, where he was crowned a two-time Australian National Champion in the Men’s U18 Sprint and Long events. He placed inside the top five in all seven races and captained Team Harua to victory in the TransTasman Schools Challenge against Australian state schools.

Alumni

Upcoming Events 19 FEBRUARY

Boys’ School Alumni Golf Day 26 FEBRUARY

Alumni & Friends Barefoot Lawn Bowls 21 MARCH

Women’s Wine Tasting 23 MAY

College Rugby 1st XV vs Kings College After-match

A Year of Connection and Contribution Thomas Steel Dip Bus

alumni give back by returning to campus to share their experience and guidance with students.

Alumni Association Collectively, these acts of giving carry President this legacy forward and help extend opportunities to the next generation.

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s we finish a year marked by strong momentum in growing engagement across our community, I want to thank our alumni for the involvement, support, and generosity shown throughout 2025.

Giving back takes many forms across our alumni community, and one example has been the continued support for our service trips – from playground and kindergarten construction to wider community projects. These service trips benefit the communities they serve, while also providing valuable learning experiences for the students involved.

Alumni and parents have contributed regularly and in practical ways.

This spirit of connection and contribution has long been part of who we are as a community and has again been reflected more recently through the support shown at events such as the Alumni Annual Golf Day, while other

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Commitment is also reflected in those who give their time to lead the Alumni Association. I want to acknowledge the 2025 Committee: Vice President Matthew Jones (2000), Secretary Laura Porteous (2018), Treasurer Daniel Quigley (2005), Immediate Past President Hayden Butler (1992), and committee members Ben Forrest (1994), Andrew Hay (2002), John Howard (1980), Oliver Kent (2006), Andrew Morgan (1980), Kayne Ngatokowha Peters (2002), Javier Raos (2017), and Kirsty Reed (2005). My thanks also go to Walter Chieng and Hayley Emery for their support throughout the year, and to Nigel Toy (1959) – Alumni Patron, past Headmaster, and valued

advocate of our alumni community.

At this year’s sell-out Alumni Dinner, Nigel Toy highlighted how the generous contributions of alumni, through “time, talent and treasure”, will strengthen Saint Kentigern’s growth and ambition.

Wilson Bay Farm is the project now calling our community forward, offering a meaningful opportunity to help build a legacy for generations to come.

As we look ahead to 2026, your involvement, support, and commitment to staying connected continue to strengthen the Saint Kentigern story.

Fides Servanda Est.

Alumni

Fairways, Friendship and Alumni Support

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he Saint Kentigern Alumni Annual Golf Day returned to Remuera Golf Club with a full field, perfect spring weather, and an atmosphere shaped from start to finish by alumni support. As the longest-running engagement event for the Alumni Association, the day once again brought together graduates from across the decades, including many who have returned year after year in support of this tradition.

A shotgun start sent teams across the course, where the energy stayed high from the first drive to the final scorecard.

Congratulations to Team Sam Walter, Mark Hurdley, Scott Hurdley and Luke Nobilo, who secured first place, followed closely by Team William Curtayne, Richard Pilley, Mike Cruickshank and Andrew Curtayne in second, and Team Mike Gowan, David Ambler, Darren O’Sullivan and Phil Picot in third. Strong performances also marked the longest-drive and closest-to-pin contests, with impressive efforts across all 18 holes.

Alumni support took many forms throughout the afternoon.

The 17th hole became a focal point thanks to the Bayleys' mulligan shot – a light-hearted opportunity that helped raise support for the College Rugby First XV’s upcoming tour to

Abu Dhabi. It was also great to have alumnus Liam Sceats join us on the course, and interest in his ‘High-Performance Team Experience’ auction item reflected the community’s support as he continues to build on his INDYCAR career.

With combined fundraising efforts just shy of $20,000 across the day’s activities, the event once again highlighted what makes the Alumni Annual Golf Day special: fellowship, connection, and alumni contribution making a tangible difference. The key outcome of the day was continued support for Field Centre, helping ensure every student can share in the formative experience of learning and growth beyond the classroom.

It is the steady participation and support of the alumni community that keeps this long-standing tradition thriving from year to year.

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Reunions at a Glance STAYING CONNECTED ACROSS DEC ADES AND DISTANCE

Marking a Milestone: Class of 2000 Reunion

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he 25-year reunion is always a special milestone on the Saint Kentigern calendar, and this year it was the Class of 2000’s turn to return and reconnect. The year itself remains unforgettable, with the arrival of a new millennium and the Sydney Olympics marking a time of energy and optimism. At Saint Kentigern, the Class of 2000 brought that same spirit – energetic, ambitious, and full of momentum.

Memories were shared of Dave Cracknell’s “smarten up” chats in the gym, Shakespeare with Mrs Cunningham, ‘Wild Bill’ Tutty’s Graphics room, Seventh Form’s ‘Crazy Day’, and the endless hours spent training, performing, and making good mates along the way and creating stories that have stood the test of time.

Two and a half decades later, that same sense of connection was felt. It was a privilege to have Rev. David Williams and

Nigel Toy, who both served as Headmasters during this group’s time at the College, join the occasion, along with several teachers from those years – including Neil Ritchie, Duane Dalton, Paul Venter, Walter Chieng and Duncan McQueen, some of whom are still part of Saint Kentigern today.

From the Chapel to the emerging Year 12 and 13 precinct, the campus tour offered moments of reflection and rediscovery, each stop a reminder of how far the College has come while still feeling unmistakably familiar. It concluded in the Nigel Toy Lounge in the Sports Centre, a building that was still under construction when this group left the College.

Special thanks to Matt Jones, Michael Stenner and Mark MacKinnon for their part in helping bring the event together. SCAN FOR MORE

Reconnecting After Four Decades

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he Class of 1985 gathered to celebrate their 40-year milestone, with some returning to campus for the first time in decades. Stories of open farmland, Bruce House traditions, and memories of student life in the mid80s set the tone for a meaningful return. It was a privilege to have Nigel Toy, who also served as Headmaster during this group’s time at the College, join the occasion, alongside classmates Kevin Morris (Head Prefect 1985) and Steve Couper (Head of Bruce House 1985), who helped bring the group together.

Alumni Classes of 2020-2024 reunion

Recent Graduates Meetup

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he Recent Alumni Event in Auckland welcomed graduates from 2020–2024. This stage of life takes everyone in different directions, so the chance to reconnect and share where life has taken them was genuinely appreciated. It was encouraging to hear how people are navigating study, work, and new experiences. Our thanks to Sam McLeod for helping bring the group together. These early-career connections remain valuable well into the future, and we encourage any alumni wanting to stay involved to reach out for support.

Sydney reunion 2025

Alumni Reunion in Sydney Across the ditch, the Sydney Reunion brought together alumni at Dusty’s Bar, with graduates from across the generations reconnecting and sharing experiences. Thank you to all who attended, and to our Alumni Committee and local alumnus Jason Kururangi for coordinating the evening.

Shore Road Hosts Year 13 Reunions Gatherings Sustained Across Decades

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hore Road recently welcomed back both the Girls’ School and Boys’ School Classes of 2020 for their Year 13 Reunions, celebrating students who have now completed their College journeys. These occasions are always a pleasure, offering the chance to reconnect with past students as they return as confident young adults.

A group of foundation pupils, fondly known as the 59ers, continue to meet monthly, recently gathering in Christchurch and Auckland for their Christmas reunions.

In friendship, fellowship, and fond remembrance, the groups continue to honour the enduring connections formed during their years at Saint Kentigern.

Principal Marianne Duston, hosting her second Girls’ School cohort, enjoyed hearing about their high-school experiences and future plans. The group shared fond memories of the former Remuera Road campus before touring the purpose-built Shore Road facilities to see how their old school has evolved.

A week later, Principal Peter Cassie welcomed the Boys’ School cohort for their reunion. Many had continued on to Auckland Grammar or the College and enjoyed the opportunity to revisit familiar spaces, share updates, and reconnect over a BBQ before touring the new facilities on campus.

Across both events, graduates, parents, and former teachers enjoyed the chance to connect and celebrate the foundations laid during their earliest years of learning. We extend our thanks to all who attended and look forward to welcoming the Class of 2021 next year.

Above: The 59ers at recent Christmas reunions in Christchurch and Auckland.

The Waikato group also continues to meet monthly at St Andrews Golf Club, recently sharing their Christmas lunch together. With the steady stewardship of Brian Marcroft, this gathering has remained a consistent touchpoint of connection.

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Saint Kentigern Hockey Team 1957 - Graham Atwell - front row, third from the right

Graham Atwell A LIFE SHAPED BY SCIENCE

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hen Saint Kentigern entered its second year, Graham Atwell, student number 138, joined the College and soon discovered a deep interest in science that would guide his future. Encouraged by inspirational teachers Freddy Orange and Jack Paine, his curiosity found direction and set the foundation for a lifelong career in science.

After completing an MSc degree at the University of Auckland, becoming the first Saint Kentigern student to do so, Graham joined the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre in 1963. There, he embarked on a career as a synthetic organic chemist, working with renowned scientist Bruce Cain. Over nearly five decades, Graham made significant contributions in the development of a number of different types of drugs for cancer therapy and became the coinventor of a clinically useful anti-leukaemic drug.

national sports representative from the College, playing hockey for New Zealand in 1967 and 1968.

Graham is enjoying retirement, with life enriched by classical music and travel with his wife, Sally. He remains deeply interested in science and sums up its importance by saying: “Every day, science is adding to our understanding of the natural world.”

Graham’s connection to Saint Kentigern endures through his son, Mark, and four grandchildren – James, Hayden, Mitchell and Stephanie – extending the family story across three generations.

Sport was also an important part of Graham’s life; a naturally gifted sportsman, he played cricket and hockey for the College. He later had the distinction of becoming the first

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Alumni

Neville Woodcock FAMILY MAT TERS

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eville Woodcock started Saint Kentigern College in 1954 as one of the first 46 boarders at the College. Those early years at Bruce House left Neville with vivid memories of shared routines, steady friendships, and a close-knit group of boys. Under the guidance of Rev. Adam MacFarlan and Neil (Polly) Macky, Neville felt both supported and challenged in ways that would guide him throughout his life.

One of Neville’s earliest memories is helping build the Bruce House hobbies room, a project that took nearly a year. Guided by staff, the boys helped create their own space. “We learnt how to work,” Neville recalls, “and how to work together.”

Friendships forged during those years have lasted a lifetime. Neville remains active in the Waikato Saint Kentigern alumni community, a group that has stayed connected for decades through regular reunions and gatherings, inspired by Brian Marcroft, who has kept the group together since their time in Bruce House.

Neville’s father, Raymond, was a pioneer in the early days of artificial breeding in New Zealand, and by 1960, father and son had purchased a 350-hectare sheep and beef property

east of Hamilton, beginning nearly six decades of farming life for Neville.

Neville married Carole in 1969, and they shared fifty wonderful years together, until her passing in 2019. Together, they raised three daughters, Sally, Jane, and Anne, and supported their local community in countless ways. They ran a busy farm that attracted local farmers and international visitors, including US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, European Union officials, and agricultural experts. For 25 years, the Woodcocks hosted 60–80 Waikato University international students each year, giving them a genuine, hands-on New Zealand farm experience. They were also regular providers of orphan lambs for Tauwhare School’s ‘Ag Day’, and Neville spent nearly 50 years visiting schools judging lambs and teaching generations of children.

Saint Kentigern runs deep in the Woodcock family: Neville’s brother Wayne attended the College, as did his nephew Barnaby Smith, yet nothing brings Neville greater joy than seeing his grandson Luke O’Connell begin his own Saint Kentigern journey.

Luke recently learnt about the new Wilson Bay Farm experiential learning campus, a project his grandfather is passionate about: “Kids need to get out there, learn how things work, see how land is cared for,” Neville says. He has become one of the early advocates of Wilson Bay Farm, encouraging others to help make the SCAN FOR MORE campus a reality.

Neville joined Rotary in 1966 and has now served for nearly six decades, including a term as President in 1994–95. His dedication earned him one of Rotary’s highest honours, the Paul Harris Fellowship. During the COVID lockdowns, Neville became something of a local celebrity, biking daily around Hilda Ross Village to stay active and keep spirits up.

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Alumni Highlights Alumni at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Saint Kentigern Alumni Pipe Band members, James Milner (2017), Matthew Clow (2016), Andrew Lightfoot (1982) and Taylor Watson (2012), recently performed throughout the month-long season of the 75th Anniversary Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. Joining a Commonwealth contingent alongside Canadian pipers, they marched nightly across the drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle to the tune of ‘Cabar Feidh’, as part of the Massed Pipes and Drums.

The milestone show, themed ‘The Heroes Who Made Us,’ featured more than 800 performers and has been described as one of the most dazzling yet. The 75th Anniversary Tattoo now tours internationally, with Auckland set to host the spectacle in 2026.

Emily Young Adjudicates SpeakEasy During her time at the College, Emily Young (2016) was a dedicated member of the Performing Arts programme, participating in choirs, orchestras, and stage productions. After graduating, she completed a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance (Voice), as well as a Certificate of Languages (Italian).

Emily then took up a role at womanswear brand Pagani as Fashion Buyer/Designer, while in her spare time working as a vocal coach, musical director, and performer in community theatre across Auckland. Earlier this year, Emily played the titular role of Mary Poppins at Harlequin Musical Theatre in Howick. She was honoured to return to the Saint Kentigern community to adjudicate the SpeakEasy competition and share her passion for performance.

Theo Dāvid Returns for Drama Workshop Theo Dāvid (2014) returned to the College to lead a workshop with Senior Drama students ahead of the school’s trip to see him play Romeo in Auckland Theatre Company’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ At the College, Theo had been a very active member of the drama community, including playing Friar Tuck in ‘Rocking Robin’ (2011) and the lead role in ‘Othello’.

Since graduation, Theo has pursued a professional acting career in New Zealand, appearing on the long-running TV series ‘Shortland Street’ as Viliami To’a from 2021 onward. His return to share insights, and mentor the next generation, marked a rewarding moment for staff and students alike.

In Memoriam

Reach Out and Reconnect There are many ways to stay connected with the Saint Kentigern alumni community.

UPCOMING REUNIONS: A number of reunions are taking shape for 2026, including the Class of 1996 30-year reunion on 6 June 2026, as well as the Classes of 2001, 1986, and our recent graduates from 2021–2025, planned for the second half of the year.

Details of our events and reunions will continue to be updated on our events page, or contact us at alumni@saintkentigern.com if you like to be involved or help bring your group together.

SCAN TO CONNECT 86

PIPER MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2025

I

t is with sadness that we record the passing of the following members of the Saint Kentigern community.

We express our condolences to their families. If you know of the passing of any of our alumni, please let us know at alumni@saintkentigern.com NATHAN, David

SKC#144

22/11/2025

HOOPER, John

SKBS#13

21/11/2025

HECTOR-TAYLOR, John

SKC#9

18/11/2025

MORGAN, Timothy

SKC#1446

10/09/2025

POLLOCK, Craig

SKC#512

16/08/2025

OSBORNE, Stephen

SKC#277

05/07/2025

MORGAN, Christopher

SKC#1169

07/03/2024

MATTHEWS, Brian

SKBS Staff 1975-2021

23/10/2025

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