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FAREWELL TO YEAR 13 LEAVERS

THERESA MILLER APPOINTED AS ASSOCIATE HEADMASTER

TEMPORARY HIATUS FOR LITTLEJOHN FAMILY

Network DECEMBER 2022 ISSUE 104 stpauls. school.nz

Haere Raa

Headmaster’s Pen

Issue 104

December 2022

Contributors:

Andrea Douglas

Kalena Finlayson

Melissa Good

Nerroly Hay

Morgan Mackenzie

Rachael Spitzer

Photographers:

Mark Hamilton

Morgan Mackenzie

Sarah Tafuna

Collegians (INC): 07 957 8805

collegians@stpauls.school.nz

Marketing Villa: 07 957 8898

St Paul’s Collegiate School Private Bag 3069, Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Cover Photo: Daniel Williams and Joanna Li pictured with their Great Oaks Award

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Headmaster Ben Skeen

Welcome104Message

As 2022 quickly draws to a conclusion, a review of the latter two terms of this school year is both a worthwhile and satisfying undertaking. One of the genuine highlights of Term 3 2022 was the opportunity for many of our senior students to participate in the national sporting ‘winter tournament week’ held at various locations across the country. In both 2020 and 2021 the scheduled winter weeks of national championships were cancelled due to Public Health restrictions established in response to Covid-19. Consequently, there was a collective delight when our accompanying staff, alongside parents and other St Paul’s supporters, were able to witness our premier athletes competing on a national stage, the vast majority for the first (and in the case of Year 13 students the only) time. And the results were impressive!

Congratulations to our First XI Boys’ Hockey team for their third placing at the Rankin Cup, our First XI Boys’ Football side for a Top 4 finish at the nationals, our First XI Girls’ Hockey team who were crowned as Marie Fry trophy champions (with this young side a very real possibility of challenging the top tier of girls’ hockey teams over the next two years), and our Premier Girls’ Netball side who backed up an excellent 11th placing at the North Island Championships by winning their Hamilton-based Saturday afternoon women’s grade competition a fortnight later.

However, it wasn’t just in sporting pursuits where our students flourished. Term 3 also provided platforms for our musicians, thespians, and performing artists to shine, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Our Chamber Choir performed superbly in their regionals being selected for the national Cadenza competition where they competed against 11 other school choirs gaining a well-deserved ‘highly commended’ award in the process. Similarly, our debaters delivered polished performances, sweeping the majority of Waikato honours with articulate, reasoned, and passionate speeches. And no one who attended

will forget the wonderfully entertaining 2022 School Production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ where our students’ vocal and acting talents were showcased for all to see in our very own Chapel of Christ the King.

All the meanwhile, students and staff worked away in a purposeful manner to prepare for Benchmark Examinations, to submit portfolios, and to complete final assessments as the business end of the academic year neared. If Term 3 is to be fondly remembered for numerous outstanding student performances, Term 4 2022 will be marked in our school records as the time where our full community were once again able to meet, face-to-face, to recognise excellence, acknowledge contribution, and celebrate a myriad of student achievements, without the limitations and widespread apprehension associated with Covid-19. To be able to join together to reflect on individual and collective success, while also being able to formally and sincerely thank and farewell student and staff leavers, across House dinners, awards functions, the final full-school Headmaster’s Assembly, Leavers’ Service, Senior Prizegiving, and Leavers’ Luncheon, has been an absolute honour. For such events not only applaud the efforts of many, but moreover elevate the importance of ritual and of belonging to something bigger than oneself. Put simply, these are critical rites of passage that must be treasured as unique expressions of connectedness and celebration, distinct from the individualism that sadly pervades significant parts of modern society.

Passionate New Zealand educator Celia Lashlie wrote of, and often espoused in countless interviews, the virtues of such rites of passage. She championed overt affirmation and tangible markers of transition for young people as they move across the ‘bridge of adolescence’. At St Paul’s we not only relish the opportunity to support young people as they cross a bridge into adulthood, but moreover we love celebrating such experiences with them as they do so. Please enjoy the recounting of many of these experiences on the pages that follow.

- Headmaster Ben Skeen

Haere Raa & Goodbye for Now

After years of Covid-19 hindered farewells, it was a joyous occasion to celebrate our Year 13 Leavers and their families in the school Dining Hall on Thursday 1 December.

Balloon garlands, festoon lights, and themed marquees greeted the students and their parents for their final hoorah. Throughout the evening, selfies, family photos, and lots of hugs were on the agenda.

Headmaster Ben Skeen celebrated and raised a toast to the students. Head Prefects Samuel Peoples and Leah Weck replied with a thank you to the parents, followed by parent Trina White replying and applauding the school.

The 2022 Leavers’ Gift was also unveiled and is a representation of the student’s time at the school. The final artwork consists of the 0.52m bronze oak sapling sculpture positioned on top of a 1.20m wooden totara.

We wish our new Collegians all the best with the next journey in life. Please keep in touch and share any news with collegians@stpauls. school.nz so we can remain connected.

Year 13 Leavers Year 13 Leavers’ Farewell End of year celebrations

The Power of Connection

The St Paul’s Foundation’s ‘Bubbles After 5’ is a unique event which creates a community that celebrates and connects the ladies of St Paul’s Collegiate School.

On Thursday 9 November, with the sound of popping corks, the bubbles were poured and Megan Smith, Chair of the St Paul’s Foundation, welcomed 300 women to the complimentary evening. Venessa Joyce (Year 12) opened the soiree with a musical performance, before guest speaker Lisa O’Neill took the stage. Lisa is a well-known author, speaker and mother of four who is passionate about women living magnificent lives.

She wants women to know their worth, speak their truth and love life. Lisa is the first to admit that a fabulous pair of shoes, bright lippy and a sparkle here and there does wonders for a daily dose of positivity!

Catherine Clark, Waikato Anglican College Trust Board and St Paul’s Foundation Director, concluded the evening by thanking Lisa for her energy and hilarious stories and acknowledging Megan’s remarkable work leading the St Paul’s Foundation.

‘Bubbles After 5’ will be back on 8 November 2023, so keep an eye out for the tickets!

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Lisa O’Neill Foundation Chair Megan Smith Ladies gather at Bubbles After 5

Nine Years as Associate Headmaster

As one of the longest-serving Associate Headmasters of St Paul’s Collegiate School, Ainsley Robson’s tenure will come to an end at the conclusion of the academic year.

Heavily involved with student enrolments, general day-to-day school activities, boarding, and school sports, Ainsley and his family have been entrenched within the St Paul’s community during his nine years.

Ainsley will begin his new chapter with Writers Toolbox, a cloud-based online writing tool that provides students and teachers with educational programmes utilising subject experts and award-winning artificial intelligence software to produce school writing improvement outcomes at double the current national rates. He takes up the role as Head of Operations where he will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and the performance of critical functional areas, such as revenue, teaching and learning, research and development, people and culture.

He is thrilled to be part of the expansion of the world-class innovative learning tool alongside his highly passionate team.

“I’m really excited to take on a new challenge in a totally different environment. I’ve loved every moment of my teaching career. The last 22 years have been the most rewarding and fulfilling time I could have possibly hoped for. As Mark Twain so eloquently put it; “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” However, I am at a point in my career where I crave change, a new challenge that looks to push me out of my comfort zone. “As I regularly say to the student body, if you never challenge yourself, you will never realise what you can become! In this regard, I want to walk the talk,” says Ainsley.

There are many things Ainsley will miss about St Paul’s, including the beauty of its setting, the collegiality amongst the staff, and the connections made within the supportive and like-minded community. However, the daily interactions with the students will be the thing

he misses most. As St Paul’s is the only home his children have ever known, that will take some adjustments within the family. St Paul’s Collegiate School staff, students, and families wish Ainsley and his family all the best for the future.

“As I regularly say to the student body, if you never challenge yourself, you will never realise what you can become! In this regard, I want to walk the talk”

Ainsley Robson 60th Reunion Service

Tauranga Mix n Mingle Wrap Up

On Wednesday 10 August, 35 Collegians and St Paul’s Collegiate School staff met at Latitude 37 in Tauranga. After years of not being able to catch up due to Covid-19, it was amazing to finally host the Tauranga Mix n Mingle.

It was great to see a mix of Collegians come together, including a number of foundation students and a special father/son Collegian combo with Roger Lindsay (School 1959-1960) and his son Greg (Sargood 1985-1989) who happened to be visiting from Brazil.

Drinks flowed, food was enjoyed and there was lots of reminiscing and storytelling to be had.

We look forward to heading to more cities in 2023 to host these Mix and Mingle events. If you would like to be part of the next Collegian Mix n Mingle, please contact Kalena Finlayson at collegians@ stpauls.school.nz

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Collegian Mix n Mingle

Theresa Miller Appointed as Associate Headmaster

St Paul’s Collegiate School is delighted to announce Mrs Theresa Miller as the newly appointed Associate Headmaster – Student Wellbeing, starting at the commencement of the 2023 academic year.

Theresa joins us from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls where she has been the Deputy Principal for five years, holding several senior portfolios over that time, including overseeing the senior school, boarding, and school-wide pastoral care.

Theresa’s experience gained across fifteen years of educating and leading at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls has also included managing and leading the wellness centre, peer support initiatives, student prefects, and school academia.

Theresa will provide St Paul’s with a wealth of experience as she leads our School’s newly

aligned Student Wellbeing focused portfolio. She will have responsibilities for integrating the School’s student wellbeing strategy, policies, and initiatives, alongside managing pastoral support and discipline structures within the day school. Theresa will also oversee the International Department and will lead the School’s important and continual Child Protection focus.

Theresa completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Waikato, was employed at Deloittes and then admitted to the bar, before undertaking her Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching at the Auckland College of Education.

Theresa is a familiar face to many long-serving staff around the St Paul’s Hamilton campus, having previously held a teaching position with us in mathematics and accounting between 2003-2007.

Theresa is married to Hayden and they have three sons, Brooklyn, Dominic, and Maxwell.

“I am excited to be joining St Paul’s. I have been very fortunate to have led a pastoral team and I know how important student connections and relationships are in establishing a positive teaching environment and creating joy in learning. I am looking forward to meeting the staff, students, and parent community next year,” says Theresa.

In partnership with Mr Craig Hardman, who from the commencement of 2023 will be the School’s Associate Headmaster – School Operations (responsible for the day-to-day operations of the School, including the boarding and Tihoi portfolios), Theresa will be an integral part of driving the School’s vision of “Turning possibilities into reality”.

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Theresa Miller

“I am excited to be joining St Paul’s. I have been very fortunate to have led a pastoral team and I know how important student connections and relationships are in establishing a positive teaching environment and creating joy in learning”

Joanna Li Awarded Dux of the School

As one of the top scholars St Paul’s Collegiate School has had the pleasure of teaching, Deputy Head Girl Joanna Li (Harington 2020-2022) has been awarded Dux of the School for 2022.

Joining St Paul’s in 2020, Joanna quickly proved her academic abilities by achieving a ‘Top of the World’ grade for Chemistry in the Cambridge International Education examinations that year. In the following year, she earned five Scholarship Examinations in Calculus, Earth and Space Science, Music and Physics, and an Outstanding Scholarship in English. She was also placed as an Outstanding Scholar in New Zealand, ranking her within the top 40-60 students nationwide.

To date this year, she has a GPA of 100% in NCEA Level 3, she sat nine Scholarship Examinations and aims to go one further and be included in the Premier Scholars Awards which would put her in the top ten results in New Zealand.

Alongside her impressive academics, Joanna is a strong badminton player who represents the premiere school team, the Waikato Elite team, and is training with the New Zealand U19 squad. Known for her articulate speech writing and performing, Joanna also placed second in the regional Race Unity Speech Competition 2021, which led her to participate in the Multiethnic Young Leader Conference.

In 2021, she was recognised for her extraordinary academic achievements with an Altrusa Youth Award. The Altrusa Youth Award is awarded to Year 12 students from around the Waikato who excel in school life and are considered role models within their community.

Joanna will continue her studies at the University of Auckland where she will study for a Bachelor of Engineering. Following this, Joanna plans to pursue further research or entrepreneurship in the field of chemical engineering, addressing issues around sustainability and futureproofing.

Wishing Joanna all the best for her ongoing studies, she will be missed within the St Paul’s community.

Joanna Li with multitude of academic awards

An Ever-Growing Collection of Art and Taonga

The gallery-style white walls of the Lander Centre were bare until Collegian David Hill (Hamilton 1964-1968) loaned four artworks to St Paul’s Collegiate School for display.

As part of this loan, St Paul’s decided to develop its art space further, creating the St Paul’s Art Collection. Guests celebrated this new era for art at St Paul’s on Wednesday 31 August, where the Pou was the backdrop for a warm welcome and the unveiling of the St Paul’s Art Collection.

Following the welcome, teachers Jonathan Cameron and Lila Price led the guests from

the Pou on an informative art trail. Gathering people around the artworks and sculptures, they acknowledged the artists and described their works in informative and entertaining ways.

One artwork visited was the Bushman’s Bunch which sits in the Tihoi Garden. Wellknown corrugated iron artist Jeff Thomson was among the guests, allowing him to speak about his artwork personally. Jeff has been instrumental in New Zealand in changing how we see corrugated iron, taking it off the roof and putting it on the wall.

As the guests made their way to the Lander Centre to unveil the 2021 Leavers’ Gift, the Luke Jacomb Bees, they passed through the Headmaster’s Office to view current students’ artworks that adorn the walls.

Guest and former teacher Susan Waddell remarked, “I wish I could return to school again to study ART – and nothing else!”

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Paul Dibble sculpture Bushman’s Bunch by Jeff Thomson

Grant Lander Receives Civic Award

Former Headmaster Grant Lander received a Civic Award for his outstanding service to the Community and Education at the Hamilton City Council’s 2022 Civic Awards on Friday 27 May. Every year, a small handful of Hamiltonians are acknowledged for their contributions to bettering the community within the education, health, disability, and arts sectors.

“It was overwhelming to be part of an extraordinary group that has given so much of their lives to the community,” says Grant.

When presented with the Civic Award, the Hamilton City Council noted that it was during his tenure at St Paul’s Collegiate School which made him an outstanding nominee. His dedication to establishing Tikanga Maaori within the school, connecting the communities around the Fairfield area, leading investments, and improving infrastructure were just some reasons Grant was chosen.

“One of my personal greatest achievements would be introducing the Te Amorangi Scholarship programme. Thanks to our extremely generous donors within the school, this programme allowed St Paul’s to

connect with a wider range of families and allow students who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend St Paul’s.”

Grant insists it takes a village to be recognised for community work and is thankful to his wife Judith Lander, Executive Assistant Jennifer Purvis, Associate Headmaster Ainsley Robson, and the school Senior Leadership Team. Grant also worked closely with Board Trustee Chairs Philip Morgan, Gregg Brown, and Andrew Johnson, along with Deputy Chair and avid Agribusiness supporter John Jackson, all of whom worked tirelessly alongside him during his 11 years at the helm.

“When you receive recognition such as the Civic Award, it makes you reflect on the amazing commitment and contribution to those who worked with you in order to achieve the goals that were set at St Paul’s. I felt extremely privileged to have a number of those who supported me during my time as Headmaster attend the ceremony with me. I really believe that it was as much their award as it was mine.”

Grant is still unaware of who nominated him but is eternally grateful to others sharing his passion for making a difference in young people’s lives.

Although Grant and Judith planned to retire after finishing St Paul’s, life certainly hasn’t slowed down for them. Grant is currently working with the Northern Districts Cricket Association where he Chairs the organisation’s finance subcommittee. Grant also mentors 20 aspiring principals from various primary, intermediate and high schools around Auckland and assists with a business that deals with an educational issue close to his heart, raising literacy levels, through the educational programme Writers Toolbox. Alongside these busy projects, he continues to assist in leading one of his main passions, the Agribusiness in Schools programme. Grant is currently supporting the University of Waikato in its implementation of Agribusiness as a Major in their highly respected Management School. He is thrilled to see his pioneer subject continue at a tertiary level.

The staff and students at St Paul’s Collegiate School congratulate him on receiving the welldeserved recognition for his service to the Community and Education within the Waikato. We wish him all the best as his ‘retirement’ plans fall into place.

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Grant Lander at Civic Awards evening

Riley Rolton

After a tough audition competition, Riley Rolton (Year 13) has been selected for the New Zealand Youth Choir. He and around 50 other keen performers will tour as a group both nationally and internationally over the next three years.

Riley has been a keen chorister since he was 13 years old. He has been a part of the St Paul’s Collegiate School choirs since Year 9

and more recently represented New Zealand in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir. After years of refining his singing, he found his niche and passion for stage and musical theatre.

An extremely familiar stage name around St Paul’s, Riley played The Cowardly Lion at this year’s Wizard of Oz production, and Jesus in last year’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

His stage presence and voice are undeniable and audiences cannot help but remain fixated

on him during his performances. Keen to fasttrack his music career, Riley is heading to the University of Waikato in 2023 to begin his Bachelor of Music. He then hopes to move overseas to follow his passion for the stage and implement his musical prowess.

Wishing Riley and the New Zealand Youth Choir all the best over the next few years, we look forward to seeing what’s next!

Riley and the NZSS Choir

“I’m really excited to focus on my music at a tertiary level. Singing is my passion and to be able to work on it full-time is a real honour.”

Bon Voyage to the Lewis Family

St Paul’s Collegiate School is farewelling two highly esteemed English teachers, Heidi and Colin Lewis, who are moving across the ditch at the end of the academic year.

Alongside their teaching roles, Colin is Housemaster of Fitchett House, and Heidi is Housemaster of Harington Day House, meaning the pair have made significant bonds with staff, students, and families over their eleven years at St Paul’s.

“The amount of support we have received from students and their parents is phenomenal. We have had families gift us their baches, they have taken our kids to the movies, and they have always shown a real interest in our lives. We honestly feel part of their family too,” says Heidi.

“Leading Fitchett House has given me a sense of purpose and I have loved every minute of it. I have seen young men and women develop substantially, and the culture within the House has positively shifted in the past eight years. You never take for granted that you get to work with amazing students and people, and I will forever look back on my time in Fitchett House with a great deal of pride,” says Colin.

Having already shifted from South Africa to New Zealand in 2010, Heidi and Colin knew all too well that this would be a tough decision. For them, this process has been drawn out over several years. It was during a Chiefs rugby game in 2019 that Colin and his brother-in-law Wesley first discussed the idea of moving both families overseas. The brothers then pitched the idea to their wives at lunch the following day, and it was evident that the move would benefit both families.

Shortly after, Colin had several phone interviews with a school in Townsville in preparation for the big move. The Lewis’s put their home on the market, but a pesky international pandemic was brewing in the background. Australia weren’t accepting overseas applications at the time

when the Lewis’s were applying. It became clear that their move wasn’t to be. The silver lining to stay in New Zealand became apparent when they chose to build a new home and relish their life in Cambridge, as Covid-19 wasn’t going anywhere soon.

Having pushed through three years of the pandemic and several bouts of lockdowns, the distance separating family between here and Australia became too much. Heidi, Colin, and sons Cayde (12) and Trystan (9) visited their relatives in Brisbane earlier this year and fell in love with the city and being around their extended family. On the plane home from their visit, Colin whispered to Heidi that Brisbane felt like home. Heidi couldn’t deny that being away from family had been terribly difficult and that her boys were missing out on making memories with their grandparents and cousins.

“I was shocked that Colin and the boys were even considering the move. Cayde has been looking forward to St Paul’s for so long, he’s even been training for Tihoi Venture School - and he’s only Year 8!” But it was obvious all the men in their household were on the same page, and that Brisbane would offer lots of opportunities for all of them.

After the whole Lewis family came down with Covid-19 earlier this year, they used their isolation period to plan out how relocating to Brisbane could work. They figured out where they are going to live, and what schools the boys will attend but decided to work out the rest along the way.

For their own careers, initially, Heidi and Colin figured that education would still be in their future. However, they are keeping their options open and are considering opening a cafe or a gym. The boys are so excited to be near their cousins and grandparents. Trystan is a super keen rugby player and has assured his parents that if he goes on to play professionally, it will be for the All Blacks, as New Zealand will always have a special place in all of their hearts.

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Heidi Lewis Colin Lewis The Lewis Family

Collegians Reunite After 20 Years

On Friday 11 November, over 30 St Paul’s Collegiate School Leavers from 2002 got together for their 20 year reunion - it’s hard to believe that we left the school that long ago! Attendees travelled from all over the country and Australia for an evening in the Hockey and Football Pavilion.

The event began with a welcome from Headmaster Ben Skeen in the Chapel of Christ the King, a place that was always a central hub of school life for us. It was during our senior years at school that the original chapel was transformed to what it is now.

We remember spending many months having to sit on the gym floor for Chapel Services and assemblies.

Collegians then went on a tour around the school to see all the impressive new buildings and improvements the school has developed over the last 20 years. It is inspiring to see how far the school has come and the opportunities the students now have available to them.

It was great to have so many Collegians back together again to reminisce on old school days and strengthen the friendships we started

from our time at St Paul’s. We came from very different backgrounds, previous schools and locations, but the connections we established at St Paul’s have remained constant in our adult lives.

We are already looking forward to our next reunion in five years’ time and hope to have more Collegians join us!

- Rachael Spitzer (Harington 2001-2002)

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2002 Collegian Reunion

Temporary Hiatus for Littlejohn Family

After 23 years of teaching at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Garth Littlejohn is taking a short hiatus to follow international sporting athletes, his children.

Over the next two years, Garth will travel between home and the United States of America to watch his two youngest children compete in their chosen sporting fields. Ben Littlejohn (Fitchett 2016-2020) is in his second year at Harvard University, where he gained a scholarship for swimming to study engineering and science. Laura Littlejohn (Year 13) is heading to the University of Tennessee next year, also on a swimming scholarship, although her academic subjects are yet to be decided. Kate Littlejohn (Harington 2015-2017) has now finished her Bachelor of Human Biology from Standford University; she also received a scholarship for her rowing abilities.

Having missed Kate’s international rowing races due to work commitments and Covid-19 restrictions, Garth and his wife Jenny decided that if they wanted to catch their two other children in action, they better get to it now. The pair will head over to watch Ben swim in the Ivy League Championships as he represents Harvard early next year.

After representing New Zealand at the World Swimming Championships earlier this year, the University of Tennessee was an obvious choice for Laura due to its world-renowned swimming programme.

With Kate, Ben, and Laura having achieved significant success in the classroom and their sporting fields, Garth and Jenny have simple methods for supporting their family.

“I honestly believe Jenny and I have continually focused on the fun and enjoyment in their chosen sports. If they aren’t enjoying it, it becomes a real grind. Ever since they were young, we have never focused on numbers or results. Kids put enough pressure on themselves. Our focus was always to try and ensure they were still competing in their late high school years rather than get burnt out earlier,” says Garth.

A household name in many St Paul’s families, Garth has been an integral part of sport throughout his tenure. Having coached and managed many sports, he understands the ins and outs of developing teenage athletes. His main advice for success: stay calm and focus on the process rather than the outcome.

“Why do any of us play sport? It’s because it’s fun, we meet new people, we get fit, we develop social skills and learn to handle pressure those are the things we get out of it. Most of us don’t become the world’s best athlete. There are so many other reasons why we participate in sport.”

In 2009, Garth and the Littlejohn family had one other small break from St Paul’s, where they completed a year-long stint in Ireland. This expedition allowed the three children to get a taste of different languages, cultures, and international travel.

“I’m so pleased we took the family away back then. This took away the fear factor of moving overseas, and it allowed the kids to see what other opportunities are out there for them.”

Garth and Jenny will return to New Zealand during the times when Ben and Laura aren’t competing. Garth will take on relief teaching during his downtime back in New Zealand before formally returning to St Paul’s in 2025.

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The Littlejohn family 2020 Cricket Reunion

Reflecting on World Vision Ambassador Role

After graduating from St Paul’s Collegiate School last year, Tanika Naidoo (Harington 2019-2021) launched into her role as World Vision Ambassador in March 2022. Considered one of the most prestigious roles within the World Vision organisation, Tanika’s responsibilities over the last six months have been influencing and inspiring young New Zealanders to take action and advocate for social change.

Tanika is currently in her ninth year of volunteering with World Vision, which made her an obvious candidate for the job due to her knowledge, experience and passion for the group. The most rewarding part of the role has been inspiring kids to want to seek out social justice for children living on the other side of the world. Tanika primarily does this by onboarding students to participate in events such as the 40 Hour Famine.

“To describe my role as World Vision Ambassador as incredible would be an understatement. It has been the most amazing opportunity, and I am forever grateful for the experience this year,” says Tanika.

Some of Tanika’s achievements during her time with World Vision have been recruiting thousands of students to join the 40 Hour Famine, implementing clean water in Malawi, Afghanistan and Syria and raising over 1.2

billion dollars for the cause. “Being able to help children and families gain access to something essential such as clean drinking water is an overwhelming achievement. The health and social benefits go beyond just water, which has a major domino effect in their life.”

The Ambassador role has been Tanika’s priority this year, meaning she has put her studies on hold. She knows this path isn’t for everyone, but her strong advocacy for the group meant it was an easy decision for her to make. In 2023, Tanika will begin her Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree from the University of Auckland and then study medicine in some capacity. Eventually, Tanika sees herself working within the health sector to seek out social justice in Aotearoa and beyond.

Although her time as the organisation’s Ambassador has come to an end, Tanika will continue to support World Vision indefinitely.

“Working with World Vision was a great way to learn more about the various social aspects here and around the world. It’s been an invaluable experience for which I will forever be thankful.”

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World Vision Team

Making cricket history at St Paul’s

Long-serving former staff member John Lloyd (1974-1994) joined St Paul’s Collegiate School after Headmaster HR Hornsby (1963–1969) wrote to him in England and asked him to come and work on staff in 1964. This was when the school was surrounded by mud, had severely limited infrastructure and was running low on funds. Hornsby wasn’t selling the dream, but when he described it as a brand new Anglican school worth trying to save, it piqued John’s interest.

Mr HR Hornsby and his wife Mary were influential in persuading John to St Paul’s all those years ago. Feeling comfortable knowing that Hornsby had successfully led Christ’s College for 11 years before heading St Paul’s, John knew that if anyone could turn the school around, it was Hornsby. He agreed to make the international journey and join the staff, where

he remained with his wife and family for a further 20 years.

During his tenure, John taught geography and led Williams House as Housemaster, but his main passion lay with cricket. In those early years, with next to no sporting facilities, John had to get creative to invigorate sport at St Paul’s. He visited Auckland Grammar School to explore cricket wicket and net options and was advised the costs would be in excess of $18,000. This was a considerable cost in the 1970s, but John and his colleague Michael Lawrence were compelled to take up the challenge.

Thanks to the generosity of staff, parents and the wider community who shared John’s vision, the wickets and nets were installed. He also negotiated free black netting from a Whakatane mill, which was made from rubber mats off a conveyor belt.

John spent many years coaching, managing and sharing his knowledge of cricket. In the early 1990s, John noticed an exceptionally talented bowler arriving at the school. He spent a bit of time with him and convinced him that spin bowling might better suit his technique. Daniel Vettori (Hall 1992-1996) has now gone on to represent the Black Caps and coach New Zealand cricket. The Vettori Gallery, upstairs in the Long Room, currently holds his name because of his sporting legend and his dedication to St Paul’s as a Collegian.

Despite retiring from St Paul’s in 1994, John is continually impressed with the evolution of the school and enjoys attending school productions, past staff morning teas, Good Vibrations concerts, Chapel services and, of course, attending the odd cricket match.

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“EverytimeI drive into the school I am incrediblyproudtohave behindbeenthedrivingforce the cricket nets. Thiswasa hugeproject inits dayandtook a smallvillageofstaffto helpseethevaluein installingthemas wellasraisingthefunds.”

John Lloyd

A Real Joy in Digital Technology

Joy-Farai Mika joins St Paul’s Collegiate School as the new Head of Digital Technology, after moving all the way from South Africa with his wife Lisa, and their three children, Isabelle (7), Ethan (5) and Romy (3).

Initially having accepted a position with the Ministry of Education (MOE) last year, a new variant of Covid-19 struck New Zealand at the same time. With tight Covid-related restrictions and complicated Visa regulations implemented by the government, this ultimately led to a retraction of a job offer due to major difficulties moving the Mika family to New Zealand. Despite the family having sold off their possessions and packed their bags way back then, the international venture wasn’t to be.

The family took some time to regroup but still believed that New Zealand was their calling when Joy came across the Head of Digital Technology role at St Paul’s.

Unsure of whether the family could withstand another round of regimented governmental rules, Joy decided to bite the bullet and apply for the job. What was the MOE loss became St Paul’s gain.

After a pleasantly quick application and interview process, Joy had a great impression of the culture at St Paul’s making it an easy decision for him and his young family. Despite all the unknowns of moving to a school, city and country sight unseen, he gladly accepted the post.

Joy originally grew up in Zimbabwe and completed his Honours Degree in Computer Science, majoring in Information Systems in 2006 from Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

After graduating, Joy worked in various IT support roles helping small businesses in Grahamstown. Nine years later, he stepped

in to teach a group of Year 13 boys who were struggling with IT programming at St Andrew’s College, a private boys school in the area. Not long into his stint at St Andrew’s, Joy was offered a short-term teaching contract. It was clear he had a passion for the environment, could easily build rapport with the boys and held the subject expertise needed. The Headmaster of the school witnessed his natural finesse in the classroom and suggested he come onto staff as a full-time IT teacher. Joy agreed, and within a few years was promoted to a Head of Department position. During his first two years of teaching, Joy completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Education to support his computer science background.

Having now completed his first term at St Paul’s, Joy is looking forward to see his students progress next year.

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getting“Seeingteenagers ready toleave schoolisa really lovespecialexperience.I oncehearingfromthem theyleaveschool andlearningwhatthey havebeenupto andhowtheyareutilising their skills.”

The Mika Family

Condolences

MAY 2022

Warren Bird (Sargood 1971-1975) spent the last 40 years living in Sydney, mostly within the travel industry. Warren was 65 when he passed.

MAY 2022

Daile Robert Casson (Hamilton 1962-1965)

Passed away on 2/5/22 aged 72. Lived in Australia for 54 years but enjoyed returning to his spiritual home in Whangamata as frequently as possible particularly in his later years.

MAY 2022

Greg Farmer (School 1985-1987) passed away at age 50 in May this year.

JUNE 2022

John Francis (School 1961-1962) was one of the early students here at St Paul’s. During his time here, John played cricket and rugby.

Weddings

Daniel Kenna (Sargood 2008-2012) married Josephine Kenna née Reilly (Harington 2010-2012) on 12 March 2022 at the Eagle Ridge Estate in Tauranga. They were married by Celebrant Defyd Williams, a past teacher and Sargood Housemaster at St Paul’s. The newlyweds met while attending St Paul’s as students and then studied together at the University of Canterbury. They now live in the Bay of Plenty. Congratulations, Daniel and Josephine!

MAY 2022

Paul Grinder (Sargood 1975-1979) was involved in several co-curricular activities during his time at St Paul’s including cricket, rugby, and school production and was Head of Sargood House in 1979.

SEPTEMBER 2022

Christopher Bryant (Hamilton 1964-1968) passed away aged 72 after 30+ years of living with Parkinson’s Disease. During his time at St Paul’s, Christy played hockey in the First XI through which he received his school colours, he was also in the school cross country team which won the Waikato Secondary Schools event on three consecutive years.

OCTOBER 2022

Peter Lorimer (School 1959-1962) passed away aged 76. Peter was one of the St Paul’s

Foundation students and continued to be a supporter of the school. In 2018, Peter received an ONZM for Services to the State and was recently awarded the Public Service Commission Spirit of Service Lifetime Achievement Award. Peter was immensely proud of being a foundation old boy at St Paul’s Collegiate, and remained a staunch supporter of Waikato rugby.

OCTOBER 2022

Brook Fawcett (Sargood 1995-1999) passed away, aged 42 after a battle with cancer. During his years at St Paul’s, Brook was a member of the First XI Cricket and First XV Rugby team and was a rugby house prefect.

May they rest in peace.

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Josephine and Daniel Kenna

Agroup of about twenty men, now referred to as the ‘Founders’ formed the inaugural Waikato Anglican Boys’ College Trust (WACT) in August 1957, and registered it under the provisions of the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.

In 2009 the name of the Trust was changed to the Waikato Anglican College Trust to reflect the admission of girls into the school. Girls were first admitted into the School in 1985 into Years 12 and 13. In 2010 girls were introduced from Year 11, creating a co-educational senior school and a boys’ only junior school.

Objectives of the Trust:

“Founding and providing for a school or schools of learning and other institutions, wherein boys of this country could be cared for, taught and educated in accordance with those principles and precepts traditionally present in that system of education, which, based on the religion of the Anglican Church, inculcates a desire for the acquisition of knowledge for the Glory of God and the benefit of mankind, a proper discipline of mind and body and a life of service to others.”

Our current trustees enjoy a close connection to school activities and regularly attend important school events where interactions with parents and students help guide their governance responsibilities.

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Andrew Johnson - Chair Catherine Clark Richard Ludbrook John Jackson James

Jackson - Deputy Chair Alastair Grigg Bruce Miller James Gurnick Jon Calder Karen O’Meeghan Ross Brown Teri Veitch

The St Paul’s Collegiate School’s Parents’ Association provides a forum which gives parents the opportunity to participate in, and contribute to, a wide range of school related activities.

The committee of the association is made up of people who are elected at the Annual General Meeting held in March. The committee aims to foster and promote the welfare of the School and to co-operate with the Board, Headmaster, Collegians and any other group working towards these ends.

Activities of the association are diverse and include raising funds to help the School and organising social functions. The committee also undertakes a number of responsibilities to further enhance the success of the School and to foster unity between staff, parents and students. Much of this work is carried out at sub-committee level and involves parents who may not be members of the committee.

If you wish to learn more about how you can be involved in the Parents’ Association, please email: parentsassociation@stpauls.school.nz

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Message from the Chair

Every student who has walked through the gates of our fine school has benefited from the giving of others, whether that be bricks and mortar or many other initiatives, made possible through the support of our community.

The St Paul’s Foundation is the friend-raising and fundraising arm of St Paul’s Collegiate School. It provides financial assistance to students who may not otherwise have access to a St Paul’s education; assists with the development of innovative educational programmes; and supports the construction of world-class educational facilities for New Zealand’s future generation of leaders.

The administration cost of the Foundation is covered by St Paul’s, which means every dollar you donate goes directly towards changing the lives of our young people.

As the Directors of the St Paul’s Foundation, we are honoured and humbled to facilitate our community’s generous philanthropy. Every gift is valuable, and we are grateful for each one.

The St Paul’s Foundation supports:

- Building a first-class campus

- Scholarship Fund

- Bequest programme

- St Paul’s Art Collection

Megan Smith St Paul’s Foundation Chair

St Paul’s Foundation

St Paul’s Foundation is the friend-raising and fundraising arm of St Paul’s Collegiate School. The strength of St Paul’s lies in the ethos of its community. The St Paul’s Foundation runs activities that advance this school spirit. Megan Smith

2022 University Graduates

Congratulations to the following Collegians who have achieved success in the completion of tertiary qualifications:

LOUISE ALICE VAN BYSTERVELDT

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)

LUCY NICHOL

Massey University

Master of Arts

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice

SAMUEL LOCKWOOD-GECK

Massey University

Master of Engineering

YINGJUN WANG

Massey University

Bachelor of Construction

REUBEN ANDREWS

Massey University

Bachelor of Business

GEORGINA FITCHETT

Massey University

Master of Education

AMANDA OLIVER

Massey University

Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching

THOMAS NICHOLSON

Massey University

Bachelor of Horticultural Science

LUCY TRAVIS

Massey University

Postgraduate Diploma in Planning

ALEXANDER GREY