Message
from the
President
10 years on… On Friday 1 November, several old friendships picked up where they had left off, when around 40 members of the 2009 year group reunited at Strowan House for the 10 Years On reunion. Rector Christine Leighton welcomed the Old Collegians to the reunion, which was also attended by their former Dean, Ian White, who expressed how proud he was of the year group and the things they had accomplished post St Andrew’s College. The guests enjoyed drinks and delicious food prepared by Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his team. They reminisced and laughed while looking at photo boards and their Leavers’ Profiles, which were also on display. After a couple of hours, many moved on to No.4 Bar and Restaurant in Merivale, where the catch ups continued.
These are certainly interesting times, and, as I’m sure everyone can appreciate, the rapidly evolving situation around the COVID-19 virus has presented some challenges for St Andrew’s College. It was of course disappointing that Founders’ Day and the Highland Games had to be cancelled and we hope these can be celebrated later in the year. The pandemic is affecting our reunion calendar for 2020, with the 60 Years On reunion postponed to 2021. Other reunions and functions, certainly within the next few months, are also likely to be affected. Discussions will be had with year group co-ordinators to assess if a reunion can proceed or whether it is postponed to 2021. While there are significant mental health benefits from being able to reconnect with your classmates, the health and safety of Old Collegians and school staff is paramount.
Class of
2009
On a brighter note, we were able to hold a Blenheim regional function in February, which was combined with a Boarding Road Show. Around 60 Old Collegians, current, and prospective parents, shared a fantastic evening. Also in February was the annual Golf Tournament, run in conjunction with St Andrew’s College cricket. Congratulations to Geoff Barclay (1982) who won the Old Collegians’ Trophy on a countback from Peter Darling (1981). Thank you to all sponsors, Paul McEwan (1971) for organising and hosting the day at Waitikiri Golf Course, and the First XI cricket coach, Mike Johnston, for arranging all the prizes. Last, but certainly not least, in December, the Old Collegians’ executive voted to support the Theatre Complex rebuild, pledging $150,000 and securing the naming rights to the new foyer. We look forward to what will be a fabulous enhancement to the College campus on its completion in 2021. Jonathan Wells (1987) President From left: Matt Gafikin, Harry Haske and Matt Cox
