DEAR PAST AND PRESENT FAMILIES, COLLEGIANS, FELLOWS AND FRIENDS OF ST PAUL’S
CONTRIBUTORS
Rebecca Robinson, Monica Holt, Sam Hewat, Hannah McCreery, Suzanne Miller, Rachel Fitness, Andrea Harper and Michelle Smith
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Hamilton and Andrew Constable
COLLEGIANS (INC)
07 957 8805
collegians@stpauls.school.nz
MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
07 957 8873
ADDRESS
St Paul’s Collegiate School
Private Bag 3069
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand
ADVERTISING
If you wish to advertise in Network, please contact Rachel Fitness on 07 957 8873 or r.fitness@stpauls.school.nz for a rate card.
From the Headmaster’s pen
On 4 September 1957, a decision was made to purchase the Great Oaks farm property on Hukanui Road in order to establish an independent Anglican secondary school in the northeastern outskirts of Hamilton. On 12 February 1959, St Paul’s Collegiate School was officially opened with an initial roll of 59 students. Since that day, sixty years ago, close to 14,000 students have passed through the gates; the first five girls were enrolled in 1985; while just under forty years ago, in 1979, 54 Year 10 boys made up the first intake at our Tihoi Venture School, on the western side of Lake Taupo
Next year marks the school’s sixtieth reunion celebrations. These will start in February 2019 with students and staff taking part in an aerial photograph, marking six decades the school has been in operation. Soon after, we will unveil two legacy projects: a timeline in the school’s sports centre highlighting St Paul’s milestones alongside Maoridom, our nation’s and world events during those periods; secondly, a self-guided trail marking significant historical sites around the campus, illustrated with photos and information.
One of the major events will be the welcome back reunion on the weekend of Friday 8 March through to Sunday 10 March. The celebrations will commence on Friday with a special event in the morning for the foundation and original students who attended St Paul’s in 1959 to 1961. The day will progress to a welcome back assembly for Collegians of all eras, with the current students in the chapel in the afternoon.
The biggest event, drinks and canapés in the sports centre, will be held on Friday evening where we are expecting around 800 people for this function. Saturday will be a day of fun with house competitions and group photos in the morning followed by a formal dinner and Collegian ‘on-the couch’ interviews with MC Mike Lane in the evening. We anticipate demand for tickets will exceed allocated spaces and we hope to have completely sold out tickets early in 2019. Initial sales are already over the 200 mark, with huge interest from Collegians and past staff.
We will host other events over our 60th celebration year, of which a reunion to mark Tihoi Venture School’s 40th year on 14 September, will be a major highlight. At this event, we will unveil a sculpture, which the Collegians’ Association has commissioned by renowned New Zealand artist, Fred Graham, for the dining room at Tihoi. While later in the year, we will unveil a bronze sculpture by Paul Dibble and commissioned by the Waikato Anglican College Trust Board for the grassed traffic island directly in front of Williams House.
The physical face of St Paul’s Collegiate School has gone through many changes over the past six decades, but what has not changed has been the place of the chapel at the heart of the school’s daily operation. Neither has the grounding influence of the mix of boarding and day students and the personalised nature of the educational experience of a moderate sized school, with relatively small class sizes.
We are very much looking forward to celebrating the strong sense of community and friendship forged within St Paul’s at the many welcome back reunion events in 2019. We hope over the 12 month period, and certainly during the weekend of 8-10 March, we will have opportunity of meeting many of you who have contributed to making St Paul’s Collegiate School what it is today.
G W LANDER HEADMASTER
COVER PHOTO
Read about Collegian and veterinary rehab nurse
Sheree Smith (nee Elliott, Harington 1999-2000) on page 6.
Service initiative wins award
A group of St Paul’s and Waikato Diocesan School for Girls students were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the 2018 40 Hour Famine.
They were awarded ‘best 40 hour event’ in the North Island by World Vision NZ.
In June, the students took part in 40 hours of community service, which included singing at St Joans rest home, preparing and serving meals for the homeless at The Serve Trust, landscaping alongside The Fairfield Project and assisting staff at Waikato Hospital. In total, they raised just over $5,500.
St Paul’s School Chaplain Reverend Peter Rickman spoke proudly of the initiative. “All the students involved committed themselves wholeheartedly to this task and were transformed by the experience. We are particularly appreciative of the local agencies and projects that supported us and gave us this opportunity to join with them as they each provide an incredible service to our city.”
Innovative solution for farm gates
A team of St Paul’s Agribusiness students were named young inventors of the year at Fieldays 2018.
Year 13 students Edward Sclater, Thomas Nicholson, Spencer Clayton-Greene and Jarrod Mealings designed ‘gudgeon guard’ – a sleeve that fits over a gate gudgeon to help lift it off the ground.
“The gudgeon extension is good for farmers of dry stock and dairy who experience a lot of problems with gates that slump or scrape across the ground due to wear and tear,” says Thomas. “Rather than having to replace the entire gate system, these guards can be fitted over the top of each gudgeon to help lift the gate up and get it swinging properly again.”
The group of young innovators developed the product in one of their Agribusiness classes at St Paul’s and exhibited it in the Innovation Centre at Fieldays. The prize for the Young Inventor of the Year award is $1000 cash, which the students plan to use towards developing their product further.
Diving into research in Africa
A unique research trip has given Year 12 student Alice Cao an insight into the ecological systems of lakes in Africa. Alice recently returned from a two-week expedition that took her to Tanzania and Malawi where she took part in collecting research data and studying breeds of fish, in particular cichlids. The opportunity was a result of Alice’s selection for the International Bio Olympiad – an annual Biology competition for secondary school students. The New Zealand team were to head to Iran for the international competition but, due to political issues surrounding the country at the time, made the decision not to attend.
The 40 Hour Famine Awards acknowledge the outstanding leadership and fundraising efforts of students, teachers, principals, schools, churches and community groups.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the commitment Aotearoa’s young people have shown to a global movement that’s helping combat poverty and injustice in the developing world,” says World Vision Senior Schools Partnership Manager, Harley Hamilton.
“With the St Paul’s and Waikato Dio initiative, we were really impressed with their ‘here and there’ concept – helping communities in need not just overseas, but within their own community of Hamilton as well.”
Rowing coach welcomed
With rowing successes both nationally and internationally, Gordon Trevett brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to St Paul’s as the new senior boys’ rowing coach.
Previously based at the University of Bristol (UK) for 12 years, Gordon held a number of roles including Director of Rowing and Head Coach, Sport High Performance Manager and Warden of Hiatt Baker Hall. During this time, he was awarded a British Universities Coach of the Year award, a Bristol Red and a lifetime coaching award.
He led his rowing team to win the British championships; to represent Great Britain six times in the European championships and secure gold in Banyoles and bronze in Brive; as well as numerous regatta wins to elite level. His experience prior to Bristol included working for Kings College and Auckland Rowing Club, and he was the New Zealand junior men’s VIII coach in 1993 and Director of Rowing and Head Coach from 1991-96.
Gordon himself was a New Zealand international elite rower and holds over 100 premier regatta wins. He is looking forward to developing the boys at St Paul’s to their full rowing potential.
Instead, the five students and two teachers joined Operation Wallacea (Opwall), an organisation that runs a series of biological and conservation management research programmes for tertiary students, for this expedition.
“This was an amazing experience. It wasn’t all about science, there was a lot of cultural learning, interacting with locals, and relaxing in the African sun. It is an amazing place that not many people would choose as a top travel destination, but it is definitely worth visiting,” says Alice.
In recognition of her top academic achievements for science both nationally and internationally, Alice also recently received a distinction award at The Kudos – Hamilton Science Excellence Awards. She was one of just three students chosen from the region.
Taking his coaching international
The whistle has just gone at Wembley Stadium in London, and 90,000 football fans file out of the stands and onto their trains.
Meanwhile, Matt Johl (Hall 2002-2006) has just arrived.
He’s heading up to his office looking out over the iconic venue that has hosted so many historic sporting moments.
But he’s not a football star. In fact, he doesn’t even play football. Instead, he’s working for one of the world’s biggest international sports recruiting services, which has its London offices inside the stadium.
How did he get there? The United States via Otago, via London, via St Paul’s of course.
Backpedal 12 years.
Matt was finishing his last year at St Paul’s as head of Hall House and a school prefect. Like many students, he was still trying to figure out his post-high school path.
A gap year teaching at Aldenham School in London seemed like a good fit, and it gave Matt the opportunity to coach the sport he had played at a high-level back at St Paul’s – field hockey.
“That’s where I got my first real taste of coaching,” Matt said.
“And that’s what inspired me to look at the physical education route.”
So when he returned to New Zealand, he packed up and moved to Dunedin where he spent four years studying a Bachelor of Physical Education at Otago.
All the while, his passion for coaching grew as he started working with the university women’s team, and the men’s Southern U18s and U21s.
“Suddenly I was coaching three teams on the go at once, as well as playing, and teaching! That’s when I started to get more and more excited about the coaching side of things.”
I attribute my passion for sport through my experience at St Paul’s…
At the same time, his sister Carla was playing field hockey over in the United States on a university scholarship.
Matt, along with his parents, made a trip over to see Carla play.
“That was my introduction into college sport if you like,” Matt said.
“I was blown away by the experience that she was having and university sport in general in the States.”
“I made some connections, networked a little bit, and fast forward a few years, one of those coaches gets back in touch,” he said.
“He said ‘listen, we’re looking for an extra coach this season at Wake Forrest University in North Carolina, are you interested?’ And I said, ‘I’ll see you in a few weeks!’”
So Matt finished his degree, sold his car, and got a one-year visa to go to the United States.
“I figured I could spend one season there and have a taste of it,” he said.
“Four years later and I was still there!”
Matt’s season with Wake Forrest saw them make the Elite 8 tournament –one of the most competitive hockey tournaments in the country. That was enough to give him the bug.
“Here I was in an elite environment where ultimately my two passions –education and coaching – I mean, there’s no place in the world that integrates those two things better than collegiate sport in the States.”
“After that season at Wake Forrest I thought to myself, ‘I need to find any way I can to stay here’”.
So Matt moved to James Madison University in Virginia where he would coach for three more years.
“It’s a real special environment and I’m really glad I got to be a part of it,” he said.
“There are fantastic opportunities for education all around the world. There are fantastic opportunities to play your sport all around the world. But the United States collegiate sports environment is, in my opinion, the best place in the world for an opportunity that integrates both of those things together.
“It’s an amateur sport environment, but for all intents and purposes, the routines, the facilities, the staffing, is very professional.”
Once Matt’s time was up at James Madison, he moved back to the UK where he now works as a sports consultant for First Point USA, which seeks to give young athletes the experience of collegiate sport in the States by helping them get athletics scholarships.
“Such was my passion for college sport, when I got to the UK, this job was the next step to stay involved in some way and use my recent four years of experience as a coach to help other young people have a similar life experience”.
But he doesn’t forget where it all started. Those fields at St Paul’s, all those years ago, are where Matt developed his passion for sports.
“I attribute a lot of my passion for sport through my experience at St Paul’s and my time on the 1st XI hockey team and 1st XI cricket team,” he said.
“In terms of an all round sports experience, St Paul’s certainly opened my eyes and gave me a real passion for sport.”
Matt’s time at Tihoi also helped set up his coaching career, teaching him the ability to work with all kinds of people in a team environment.
“I can think of a lot of times at my house in Tihoi that developed my skills and abilities to communicate, think on my feet, and take initiative.”
Despite moving away from coaching with his new role, Matt is enjoying helping others realise their sporting ambitions.
And he’ll be back. He’s promised when he returns to New Zealand he’ll return to coaching as well, and he may just be heading up a team of national significance in years to come.
The process and logistics of getting to the United States can be quite tough without a little bit of guidance. Matt is happy for any student looking at this opportunity to flick him an email at matt.johl@firstpointusa.com
SAM HEWAT (SCHOOL 2006-2010)
Going natural for animal healthcare
Veterinary rehab nurse Sheree Smith (nee Elliott, Harington 1999-2000) is on a mission to educate those in the industry about managing pain among animals – the natural way.
It was while working in the UK, that Sheree discovered nutraceuticals for animals. Seeing first-hand the benefits of Nutravet, a natural supplement, prompted her to bring the product back to New Zealand.
“Most vets and pet owners, prefer to combat pain with drugs. I checked the market before moving back and there isn’t a lot available here in the way of nutraceuticals or if there is, it is very pricey. I wanted to ensure I could supply an effective product that would be affordable.”
Trading under Kinesis Veterinary, Sheree started Nutravet NZ in June of last year. She now has nearly 40 vet practices throughout the country as stockists.
“Nutravet has a unique combination of ingredients –glucosamine and chondroitin, which help lubricate and support the animal’s joint capsules; boswellia, a natural inflammatory that plays an important role in maintaining smooth joint movement; as well as an extract of turmeric, which as we all know has many health benefits.”
“It is also a product where one size fits all – from cats up to large dogs. If they do still require drugs, they can half their dosages when combined with Nutravet, which is good for animals who get upset stomachs from certain medications.”
For Sheree, educating vets about this natural alternative is key and in her short time doing so, she can already see a shift in mindset. “It is awesome to see changes like this happening in New Zealand in the animal world.”
“Natural products are becoming a more effective way to go in terms of combatting pain and giving the body what it needs to not only recover quickly but maintain a healthier state as the body ages.”
Growing up on a farm in Morrinsville, Sheree has always been around animals.
At school, Biology was one of her interests, but having failed a fifth form exam at her previous high school, she knew she needed a “kick up the bum” academically. “I came to St Paul’s in Year 12 and Dr Etheridge, my science and biology teacher, was a huge inspiration to me.
She knew I needed to catch up so took extra time to help me regain my focus. This is also what sparked my passion for studying animals at the cellular level.”
Going on to complete a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing at Unitech in Auckland, Sheree then landed her first job at a nursing practice in Mt Wellington, Auckland. During this time, she appeared on the ‘SPCA Rescue’ TV programme. “We were filmed for a couple of episodes, one which included tracking down the owner of a cat that had travelled from one side of Auckland to the other – it had been missing for over a year!”
“My time in my first practice was a little daunting. You soon find that while you were taught one way, the reality of the job is quite different. We were also located in an area where we would see a lot of fighting dogs that had been held up at gunpoint. It really threw me in the deep end, but was a great way to learn how to deal with a variety of cases.”
After taking some time off to travel, Sheree took a role at a children’s holiday camp in England, it was here she met her now-husband Lee.
“I thought I would give working with children a go as physical education was another career path I had considered after being involved with sport (netball and rowing) at school. It was also a good stepping stone for securing a visa to live and work in the UK.”
Working with children however, wasn’t for her – her passion remained with animals.
“My Diploma came in handy when applying for jobs as it is equivalent to the UK nursing degree. I did some locum work all over the UK from small practices
Amid frequent trips back and forward to New Zealand, Sheree decided to shift her line of work to hydrotherapy, helping cats and dogs to walk again through water.
She completed a Diploma in Hydrotherapy and helped run a small centre alongside a veterinary hospital in the UK.
“Buoyancy helps take pressure off the joints and warm water helps with natural
While educating vets and others working in the industry about Nutravet takes up most of her time, she does continue to do some rehab work and recently published her first article in the New Zealand Vet Nursing Times.
It is awesome to see changes like this happening in NZ in the animal world.
“It’s a rewarding industry to work in, yes there are many sad moments, but also plenty of good ones, especially when you see an animal walk out happier and healthier than before.”
REBECCA ROBINSON
Sheree and husband Lee with their three daughters
I have known since a young age I didn’t want to go and work for someone else.
Sky’s the limit for entrepreneur
Door-knocking has helped kick-start John Heskett’s (Williams 2005-2009) ambitious tourism venture.
Three Hamilton constructionrelated companies are backing John’s vision to create ‘Waitomo Sky Garden’ – a tourist destination in the King Country.
The project, which is set to cost $20m, includes New Zealand’s longest watertouch bungy from a 70m wooden tower, a massive dry slide, a café, expansive gardens and hot springs.
It is currently at the resource consent phase and John is seeking New Zealand investors.
The proposed site is just a short distance from the famous Waitomo Caves, which attract huge tourist numbers.
His dream started while a student at Otago University, when he got a break with one of the country’s top tourism providers. “I managed to get an internship at AJ Hackett so that’s where the bungy experience came from.”
The job, literally throwing tourists off the bungy platform, allowed him to learn from the best in the business, as well as overcome his own fear of heights.
John, now 26, holds a Diploma in Tourism Management from Queenstown Resort College and also a Bachelor in Applied Management from the University of Otago.
John’s first business venture was in his early 20s when he set up a scaffolding business, Ultimate Protection Auckland, specialising in residential and light commercial work. He later returned to the South Island, living in Cromwell, and set up a similar business in Queenstown.
But it was in tourism, where he really wanted to be. “By this time, I was so over lifting metal I decided this scaffolding game wasn’t for me.”
He returned home to Hamilton. “I went to the drawing board and sold up all my scaffolding shares.”
He modelled his idea on what he had seen at AJ Hackett. “I wanted to create an atmosphere that was like that – a lot of fun.”
The original plan was to do a scaffolding bungy, but that evolved into a wooden tower concept.
After visiting Waitomo, and hearing how many people were passing through, he decided that is where he wanted to be.
“Two and a half years later, we have ended up with Waitomo Sky Garden.” He has enjoyed the start-up phase and being his own boss. “I have known since a young age I did not want to go and work for someone else.”
While he has enthusiasm in buckets, it has been a steep learning experience.
“You can’t go onto Google and just type in ‘how to start a bungy,’ or ‘how to start an adventure tourism park,’ so, I was a bit lost. There was no direction.”
Wanting to get others on board with his vision, John went to a cartoonist in Hamilton, so he had something visual to present to businesses.
“I called him up and I said, ‘hey mate, I have an idea, but I don’t know how to show people, can I come and sit down with you and you draw me up a few pictures that I can show people?”
Using these pictures, he was able to door-knock local businesses.
“A lot of people in Hamilton just pushed me away which I can totally understand. Then I took a step back and realised there was going to be a lot of steel in it. So, I went to Waikato Steel Fabricators, and they put me on to Form Construction.”
“I had a meeting with the General Manager, and he said, ‘do you want to do this?’ and I said, ‘yes I really want to do this,’ so he put full trust in me and we have never looked back.”
He met with other businesses, including Ignite Architects and BCD Group, who have helped him put the proposal together.
John says Sky Garden will have something to offer “every sort of customer.”
I want it to be a “happy place” where no one will be turned away. There is an activity for the people who want to have an adrenaline rush or for those just looking for something a lot more chilled. I want it to be a place where everyone can walk out with a massive smile on their face.”
“I told the team you have to make something jaw dropping and beautiful and driving into Waitomo there is absolutely no way you will miss it.”
The site is 300m from the centre of Waitomo and is currently “literally just a piece of grass.”
He came across it while with a real estate agent looking at another potential site nearby. “I drove around the corner and the landlord was there just by chance. I was in stubbies and a singlet, I was on a surfing trip and just happened to stop off there on the way.” A few weeks later a contract was signed with the landowner, Progress Waikato Ltd.
So, how likely is it, it will happen? “Put it this way, if we get the resource consent I am pretty confident it is going to go up.”
John says the process is “taking forever” as he has never had so many boxes to tick. “It is so unique, and we break all the district’s rules by a long shot. There is so much work.”
In his spare time, he enjoys surfing and hunting. You won’t find him on Facebook as he deleted his account a few years ago.
John attended Woodstock Primary and Southwell before arriving at St Paul’s. His younger sister Isabella Heskett is in her final year at St Paul’s.
MONICA HOLT
Artist’s impression of the Waitomo Sky Garden
Outstanding teacher and coach awarded
In recognition of his service to students and sport, St Paul’s teacher Craig Hardman was awarded an ISNZ Honours Award.
The annual awards, presented by Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ), are designed for staff who stand out above and beyond what might reasonably be expected as part of their paid employment.
Mr Hardman was nominated for the award by St Paul’s Headmaster Grant Lander. “Over the past decade at St Paul’s, Mr Hardman’s passion, enthusiasm and determination has seen him work his way up through the ranks into positions of responsibility and leadership,” says Mr Lander.
Currently the Head of Physical Education, Mr Hardman joined the school after completing a conjoint degree in teaching and sports and leisure. Having held the role of Head of Department and Leader of Curriculum for Physical Education since 2011, he was also recently appointed the Housemaster of Williams Boarding House.
Craig Hardman receives his ISNZ Honours Award from ISNZ Board Chair Heather McRae (left) and Associate Minister for Education Hon Jenny Salesa (right).
Since his arrival at St Paul’s, he has coached the schools’ 1st XI Hockey team, culminating in the team becoming national secondary school champions in the Rankin Cup and being named the secondary schools’ ‘team of the year’ at the Brian Perry Waikato Regional Sports Awards.
Mr Hardman has developed and implemented various initiatives such as the Xcellerator programme for junior high performance sportsmen and the Character Education programme, a drive to introduce character development into the curriculum.
He forged a partnership with the regional Midlands Hockey organisation and has helped establish a Collegians’ Hockey Club to enable past students and members of the community to play hockey through the school.
Craig is a motivated and goal-driven teacher and coach.
“Craig is a motivated and goal-driven teacher and coach. He develops strong relationships with students, is approachable and interacts with students and staff in a most professional manner.
“He is always prepared to do the ‘hard yards’, often going above and beyond the call of duty,” says Mr Lander.
The 2018 awards were presented to the successful recipients at the ISNZ Annual Conference, held in Auckland in June.
REBECCA ROBINSON
Ukulele a hit with St Joans residents
Come Tuesday lunchtime it’s smiles all round in the activity room of Hamilton’s St Joans care centre – smiles brought about by the sound of ukuleles.
Leading the musical lesson is Harry Forte, a Year 13 student of St Paul’s Collegiate School, and it’s clear he is getting as much enjoyment from the session as the elderly folk sitting in front of him.
Harry, along with fellow St Paul’s students Genevieve Scott-Jones and Alice Emeny, started ukulele lessons at St Joans this year, offering to give up one lunchtime per week to teach the residents how to play.
For some of the residents, it is the first time they have held an instrument. Others suffer from arthritis or dementia, however this doesn’t stop them picking up a ukulele and giving it a go.
At the beginning of the year, Harry approached Glenys Holden, St Joans’ Motivational Therapist, to suggest the idea. Having already started ukulele groups with both primary school children and St Paul’s students, he wanted to share his love of the instrument with the elderly.
“This is the first time something like this has been implemented on an ongoing basis and it is absolutely wonderful. Harry and the students have a great way with the residents,” says Mrs Holden.
“The residents look forward to it every week and during the school holidays they miss it. It creates such a lovely atmosphere and encourages them to really come out of their shells,” she says.
Each week there is at least three St Paul’s students taking the lesson. They are also joined by the care centre volunteer Tom Booth, who comes in specifically to play with the group.
Harry and the students have a great way with the residents.
“Some do have a problem with their hands and holding the ukulele, but that doesn’t matter, the important thing is they are getting involved and being social. They also sing, which is good for their lungs and music just makes everyone happy,” says Mrs Holden.
After seeing the success of the ukulele lessons, Mrs Holden asked the students if they would be willing to offer art classes as well, and there was no hesitation.
“Music and art are things that bring people back to when they are younger. To be able to offer both these sessions to the residents is having a really positive impact on their wellbeing,” says Mrs Holden.
For the students, their visits to St Joans provide an opportunity to de-stress away from busy school life. “It’s also really changed our perspectives on how we view the older generation and even our own lives,” says Harry.
They’ve been treated to some fascinating stories of war times, as well as meeting 103-year old resident, Jean Green, who’s husband donated the land on which St Paul’s was built.
“We aim to make the rest home a happier place and to engage with the outside community. We have all observed a lift in mood while we’ve been going, and they have really made us feel like part of the family. It’s been a life altering experience,” says Harry.
REBECCA ROBINSON
1 Leadership Camp at Tihoi 2 Cast of Legally Blonde
Facepainting at the Community Gala
Students meet Gov. General Dame Patsy Reddy at Fieldays
Tihoi excursion on Mt Ruapehu
Haka for St Paul’s
John Mortimer’s
Snippets
yellow and black Waikato Rugby Team in the Mitre 10 Cup competition.
Neil Thomas
Neil Thomas (Sargood 1970-1973) was just nine years old when he started working in his father Bob’s jewellery shop, Thomas Jewellers, in Tokoroa. The store, which Bob Thomas opened in 1952 was an iconic retail store in the South Waikato town. Later this year, Thomas Jewellers, which has been operating for 66 years, will close its doors for the last time along with sister store, Neil Thomas Showcase Jewellers in Hamilton. Neil is retiring and it’s time for new things. “It’s the end of an era, so it’s a happy-sad feeling,” says Neil.
Maks Wyndham-Smith and
Reuben
Andrews
Reuben Andrews and Maks Wyndam-Smith
Congratulations to Collegians Maks Wyndham-Smith (School 2012-2016) and Reuben Andrews (Fitchett 20122016) who were named in the New Zealand under-21 hockey team to play in the Sultan of Johor Cup tournament, being held in Malaysia in October.
David Rogers
David Rogers (Hall 2007-2010). At the young age of 24, David Rogers is taking the trucking world by storm. David won the EROAD NZ Young Truck Driver of the Year title in the 2017 NZ Truck Driving Championships. Based in Morrinsville, he covers the greater North Island. He put in a huge effort to win the award. In the New Zealand Trucking magazine, he stated, “I spent hours and hours studying. If I had a spare hour of the day, I’d set up some cones and have a bit of a play around in the truck just to tune myself up a bit. I definitely turned up wanting to have a good crack at it”.
Farewell to Bev McCarthy
Mrs Bev McCarthy recently retired from her role as Sargood Matron. Bev joined the team at St Paul’s in 1973 as a kitchen-hand. In 1975 through to 1987, she took up a housekeeping role firstly in School Boarding House and then in Clark House. Since 1988, Bev has been the Matron of Sargood House; tending to the pastoral needs of the 90 plus boys in the House; taking them to their medical appointments; supporting them when they have felt homesick, sad or stressed; repairing broken zips or ripped clothing or replacing buttons lost from shirts.
Over her 45 years of outstanding, loyal and committed service, Bev has worked with seven housemasters and five headmasters. The Sargood community have greatly appreciated Bev’s motherly influence, her kindness and compassion during tough times and her efficiency and excellent organisational ability. Collegians wishing to express their farewell wishes may email collegians@stpauls.school.nz
The nation is enjoying watching two of our Collegians entertain us
Benny Castles (Williams 1997-2001) features as a judge on TVNZ’s Project Runway. Benny was always destined for great things. As Head Boy in 2001, he noted in his leaving speech, “I feel I am prepared and ready to venture into the world outside St Paul’s”. His speech could have read, “I am prepared and ready to venture into WORLD”. Since leaving school, he has enjoyed an 18-year career in the high fashion label WORLD.
Jeremy Wells (Sargood 1994) was voted in 1994 by his peers as the student ‘most likely to become famous’, and ‘most likely to become Prime Minister’. The first prediction is fulfilled as Jeremy takes to the screen looking sharp each weeknight as a joint host on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp
TIHOI REUNION – The Pioneer Years
Vandalised houses, rotten floors, sooty stoves, rusted pipes and broken basins, and heaps of blackberry, welcomed the first students and staff of Tihoi Venture School. The faith of these early students, their parents and the staff was incredible and without it, Tihoi might have never succeeded. In 2019, we celebrate 40 years of Tihoi.
We invite the Tihoi classes of 1979, 1980 and 1981 to return to the place where it all began and celebrate with us. If you are part of this group, please let us know.
Save the date: 14 September 2019 | Email: collegians@stpauls.school.nz
Samisoni Taukeiaho
Mooloo ole ole ole! Congratulations to Samisoni Taukeiaho (Sargood 20132015) who has been selected to play for the red,
Samisoni Taukeiaho (photo courtesy of Waikato Rugby)
House Matrons (2000)
Benny Castles (photo supplied)
Jeremy Wells and co-host Hilary Barry (photo courtesy of 1 NEWS)
Corinthians connects St Paul’s to football
To encourage staff, students, Collegians and friends of St Paul’s to play weekend football, former St Paul’s 1st XI soccer coach Michael Groom started up the St Paul’s Corinthians Football Club this year. Mr Groom entered the team into the Waikato B men’s football competition, due to the strong relationship between St Paul’s and Melville United AFC, and they rounded off their first season with two draws and two wins. Plans are afoot to build upon the progress made this year; among these is the intention to make current All White captain, premier league player with Burnley and ex-St Paul’s striker Chris Wood (School 2004-2008) a patron of the team. If you are interested in getting involved with the Corinthians Football Club, please contact the School.
One of our foundation students, Peter Lorimer (School 1959-1962) was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday honours list 2018 to be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the State. Peter has held a variety of positions through which he has contributed to the public service. Since leaving St Paul’s, Peter received his BA LLB from the University of Canterbury. He continued his education and in 1969, received an MA in economics. He started at the Treasury in 1968 and was there until 1977, when he moved to employment at the Department of Labour until 1988. He then returned to the Treasury and is currently employed there.
Still hanging out after 50 years
Two of St Paul’s favourite staff members met in England this year. They prove that there is life after teaching and that friendships can last for over 50 years, even across the waters. Robin Bayley (1964-1967) and Rev Geoffrey Brown (1965-1978)
Tom Wood
Tom Wood (Hamilton 2004-2007) Kiwi race caller Tom is making his move to Hong Kong after calling in Singapore for the past 18 months. Promotion to a race-calling job in Hong Kong is very prestigious in the world of horseracing. He will be joining the broadcast team and doing the race calling for the trials and meetings at Happy Valley.
We occasionally like to send you an email or write you a letter. If we do not have your email or postal address, please update it by emailing: collegians@stpauls.school.nz or going to the Collegians tab at www.stpauls.school.nz
Peter Lorimer
Peter Lorimer
Robin Bayley and Geoff Brown, then and now
Corinthians football team
Condolences
We give our condolences to families of St Paul’s Collegians who have experienced the loss of a loved one over the past year.
Richard (Rick) Arthur Coleman sadly passed away on July 28, 2018. Rick and Kae Coleman were great supporters of St Paul’s spanning over a nine-year period from 1986 to 1994, following their three sons Brad (Williams 1986-1990), Guy (Williams 1988-1992) and Sam (Williams 1990-1994).
Rick and Kae were famously known for their regular weekly six-hour trip from their farm in Gisborne every Saturday morning to get there in time to watch the boys’ sport, whether it be rowing, rugby or athletics. They loved their association with the school, making many long-term friends among both the parents and the teaching community. This was evident with many from the St Paul’s community who attended Rick’s service and the numerous messages that followed. The family would like to acknowledge the support received from the school community, which started in 1986, 32 years ago.
Written by Guy Coleman
Remembering Rodney Greig ‘Rark’
Andrew Riddell (Williams 19751979). Andrew was Dux of St Paul’s in 1979. He passed away in Christchurch in August, 2018.
Trevor Barrett. Father of James (Fitchett 1988-1990) and Anna (Harington 2005-2006). Trevor passed away September, 2018.
John Mortimer was a long-standing and treasured member of our school community. He served the school for over 50 years, firstly as a St Paul’s Association representative and then board member (1963) and chairman (1973). John’s greatest legacy would be as one of the “four visionaries” of Tihoi.
Written by Pat Plant, Patron of the Collegians
When Hawkins Construction built St Paul’s, they simply constructed the buildings, not the furniture required such as bookcases, shelves, storage cupboards etc. People were unaware of the destructive capability of a mob of teenage boys so the school dealt with this issue by employing two maintenance men who would ‘boy proof’ structures and provide the essential furniture required for teachers to function.
As an enthusiastic environmentalist, John was keen to link outdoor pursuits and forestry at St Paul’s. He worked tirelessly promoting the scheme to would-be donors in order to get the operation off the ground. Current and past students will be familiar with Tihoi’s Mortimer (Mort’s) House, which was named in John’s honour. John remained part of the school community following his retirement from the board in 1981 and was appointed as the school’s first Fellow or “guardian of the school” in 1984.
Rod Greig was one of those men and he was an outstanding tradesman. He could repair things most of us would have given up on. It is usually more difficult to repair a product than make it. But Rod, and his co-worker Stan, were in constant demand around the school making alterations, repairs and additions for many of the staff. I was always amazed at his ability to work in awkward and restrictive positions and with numerous boys offering advice and ‘helpful’ comments. Rod’s additions and repairs are a great part of the school as it is today. These carpenters, the painter and groundsmen were known as ‘The Rarks’. They worked efficiently despite continual interruptions by pupils trying to avoid anything by disappearing down to ‘The Rarks’ shed.
Some Collegians may remember the Rarks’ shed for other activities, notably smoking. The Rarks’ shed was an Aladdin’s Cave with all the bits of timber, paint, nails, screws and practically anything to fix things. Collegians will be interested to know that Mr Doug Redfern (painter Rark) is still well and living in Hamilton.
Rod passed away on September 21, 2018, aged 94. Husband of Shirley for 67 years. He worked at the school from June 1964-1983.
John was honoured in a beautiful service at St Paul’s where family and friends remembered the life of an extraordinary man. Students performed a haka at the conclusion of the service as a tribute to his life.
Please contact us if you hear of the death of a Collegian, or if you have family members who are unwell (so our Reverend can offer prayers). Email collegians@stpauls. school.nz or phone +64 7 957 8805.
1975 junior debating team: J Allen, A Riddell, T Power, N Holdgate
Rick Coleman (1995)
M Lawrence, M Shaw, T Hart, M Clough, J Mortimer
S Cooke and R Greig building a fence (1966)
John Mortimer at Honikiwi (1996)
Social events see Collegians reconnected
Collegians have been very social this year. They met at an inaugural Lander’s Leaders night, a function prior to the performance of the school’s production Legally Blonde, the CNI rugby final and have mixed and mingled in Wellington and Tauranga. We saw an outpouring of Collegians from every era at these events.
Thank you to Craig Rofe (School 1982-1986) who helped organise the night out in Wellington at the Foxglove Bar followed by the Hurricanes game (and a win) and to Mark Bastin (Sargood and Hamilton 1996-1998) who took care of us in Tauranga at his Latitude 37 Bar, where we dominated patronage in the room.
We look forward to more socialising in 2019 at our Welcome Back reunion and regional mix and mingles.
Tauranga Mix and Mingle
Wellington Mix and Mingle
CNI Rugby Final
Members of the 1st XV through the years attended the CNI rugby final and cheered on the St Paul’s 2018 team (who came away with a win for the fourth time out of the past seven years).
The patrons of St Paul’s Collegians (Inc)
Pat and Diana Plant have been appointed as the Patrons of Collegians (Inc). Pat and Diana stay connected with many Collegians and they continue to support Collegian events. We are excited to have them ‘officially’ take on the role as Patrons.
Absolute joy in the reuniting of Mike Shaw and Nadine Hansen (Harington 1990-1991)
Andrew Gibbs (staff 2005-current), Bede Henderson
Peter Gilbert (staff 1979-current), Graham Campbell (staff 1982-2006), Paul Rennie (School 1972-1976), Petera Hudson (1971-1976)
Robert Carmichael, Gary Henley-Smith (staff 19942016), Connor Spence, Lee Patton (Hall 1996-1998, Fitchett 1999)
Richard Walker, Brian McKenzie (School and Williams 1960-1964), Warwick Wiles
School House men: Peter Hudson, Aakaash Chimanlal (School and Williams 2012-2016), Andrew Gibbs, Bon Scott, Mike Shaw (staff 19702002), Craig Rofe (1982-1986), Paul Rennie
Jonty Ward and Kelly Pilkington (nee Newton) (Harington 1996-1997)
Murray Illston (School 1959-1961), Pat and Diana Plant, Brian McKenzie (School and Williams 1960-1964)
Graeme Merwood (Sargood 1982-1985), Brent Mexted, Matt Carden (Sargood 1982-1986), John Templer (Sargood 1982-1986) and Pat Plant
Bryan Sanson (Williams 1998-2002), Chris Morris (Williams 1999-2003), Ryan Bradley (Williams 2001-2002), Malcolm Swney (Fitchett 2000-2003), Pier Baars (Sargood 1999-2003)
Brent Mexted (Sargood 1982-1986 and current President of the Collegians (Inc)), Graeme Merwood (Sargood 1982-1985), Mike and Judy Shaw
WHAT’S HAPPENING
www.stpauls.school.nz/reunion
Ticket prices
• Friday night: $79
• Saturday night: $100
• All weekend: $160
We are excited by the huge response from Collegians of all eras to return for our 2019 reunion.
Tickets are limited and will sell out. If you intend to come along, don’t wait to buy your ticket.
To purchase your tickets, go to www.stpauls.school.nz/reunion or call 64 7 957 8805 or email collegians@stpauls.school.nz
Thursday 7th March 2019
• 5:30pm Staff reunion for all past and current staff in the dining hall.
Friday 8th March 2019
• 9:30am Celebration in the chapel for the foundation and original students (1959-1961 enrolments), key people who helped establish St Paul’s, past headmasters, fellows, board members and other VIPs.
• 2:00pm Welcome back service and assembly with our current students in the Chapel of Christ the King.
Drink vouchers
Tickets purchased for the Friday and Saturday night events entitle you to four alcoholic drinks each night and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. You may purchase more vouchers for $5 each from the foyer of the gymnasium.
Historical Trail and House Photos
Each house has a display of house photos through the years. Visit your house to find you and your friends pictured in the ‘good old days’. We would love your help with updating names on these photographs. Take some time to have a wander around the school’s historical trail and enjoy seeing the history of the school.
• 3:30pm Tour of the school with our current students.
• 4:30pm onwards Reunion registration in the Student Centre.
• 5:00 – 9:30pm Canapés and drinks in the gymnasium. This is a ticketed event. Dress code is tidy casual. In keeping with our liquor license, the bar will close at 9:30pm for alcoholic drinks.
Saturday 9th March 2019
• 10:00am – 1:00pm House activities, morning tea and tours of houses.
• 10:30am Era group photos.
• 11:00am – 3:00pm Inter-house competitions. Support your house with a bit of friendly banter in the house competitions. Tennis, Cricket 6s and Touch Rugby will be played.
Saturday Evening
• 5:30pm till late Buffet dinner, drinks and on-the-couch interviews with Collegians from all eras in the gymnasium. This is a ticketed event and the dress code is formal. In keeping with our liquor license, the bar will close at 10:30pm for alcoholic drinks.
Sunday 10th March 2019
• 11:00am Eucharist service in Chapel of Christ the King, all Collegians and families are welcome.
Hungry for lunch?
Food trucks will be at St Paul’s on Saturday for you to purchase lunch.
The little kiwi company that could
It’s an age-old kiwi story. The small ‘number eight wire’ company making waves overseas. It can often come across as an overnight success story but Andrew Wong (School 20052009) will be the first to tell you it is anything but.
Andrew is the Senior Applications Engineer at IMeasureU. The company developed a wearable sensor that tracks movement and the internal and external workload of athletes, going beyond GPS and heartrate technology to allow the user to compare the performance of multiple body parts.
“It enables professional athletes and coaches to make better rehabilitation, training and performance decisions.”
Andrew’s role is to develop the algorithms and data processes used behind the scenes of IMeasureU’s insights.
Sounds impressive, because it is. The device is now being used by sports teams and research institutions worldwide, including a number of Australian sporting institutions, leading universities such as Harvard University, and the NBA.
“An athlete undergoing rehab will want to make sure they’re not reinjuring themselves in the process. Some of the athletes who use our technology can be worth millions of dollars so they want to get it right.”
Not bad for a 26-year-old biomedical engineering graduate who had no inclination towards sports science or business start-ups.
“My degree mostly focused on developing equipment and software for the medical industry. Engineering for sports was such a niche part of the industry so it was the last thing I expected to be doing.”
IMeasureU’s founder, Mark Finch, kept a watchful eye on Andrew during his final year at the University of Auckland and subsequently asked him to join as the company’s first employee in 2013.
“In the early days it was just Mark and I. We were both engineers with no business experience, bootstrapping the company from one desk at the university campus and learning as we went.”
Mr Hardman always reminded us that success doesn’t come without a lot of hard work.
The catalyst for growth came when IMeasureU won the University of Auckland’s entrepreneurial development programme, Spark Challenge (now known as Velocity), and were awarded $25,000 and a six month stint at business incubator, the Icehouse.
“Our time at the Icehouse was extremely important for us to learn how to create a product that was not only useful but something people actually wanted to buy.”
The journey certainly had its ups and downs. The company’s foray into the recreational running market resulted in a failed crowdfunding campaign, which Andrew saw as validation of the company’s place in the elite and professional market.
The success of IMeasureU in spite of its humble beginnings is a feat familiar to Andrew who learned his “do the māhī, get the treats” mentality from his days in St Paul’s 1st XI Hockey team coached by Craig Hardman.
“As a small school we were always punching above our weight but Mr Hardman always reminded us that success doesn’t come without a lot of hard work.”
Andrew urged students who are interested in the tech industry to begin making contacts now.
“Whether you’re at university or high school, don’t be afraid to reach out to people in the industry. You’ll be surprised how often people are willing to sit down and have a chat.”
The future of IMeasureU only seems to be getting brighter. Last year they were acquired by global motion capture company, Vicon, whose technology has been used extensively in the film industry, most recently for the latest Star Wars sequel trilogy.
“It’s exciting times. We’re currently working on ways to integrate our two technologies into something really robust.”
And with that, it looks as though the little kiwi company that could is heading for Hollywood.
RACHEL FITNESS
Learning to fly
Aviation enthusiast Mr Ozzie James, was determined to encourage young people to learn about aviation. So in 1997, Ozzie approached St Paul’s and proposed the school participate in an aviation education programme. The purpose of the programme was to give students the opportunity to build a microlight aircraft and when completed, allow them and future students at St Paul’s, the opportunity to take flying lessons in it.
St Paul’s accepted the challenge and the kitset of a Murphy Maverick was purchased, with the financial support of Ozzie James and his business associates. This initiative was the first for a New Zealand school.
With practical help from members of the Hamilton branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society, students worked for seven months, Monday to Friday full time on a roster, to ensure the build was completed within a year. The kitset nature of the aircraft was supplied with preformed parts together with raw materials, allowing the students to hand make 51% of the aircraft. This included 16,000 rivets to hold things together.
During construction, there was a regular stream of interested visitors, including aviation people, who stopped by the ‘construction hangar’ – a shed at the back of St Paul’s. Most notably was the visit from Prime Minister, the Rt Honourable Jenny Shipley, accompanied by MPs and council dignitaries.
When the ZK-SPC was complete, it was given to St Paul’s Aviation Trust and was based at Te Kowhai airstrip for flying lessons. In 1999, St Paul’s Aviation Club had ten students learning to fly.
In 2006, former student Stephen McGuire (Hamilton and Fitchett 1995-1999), one of the original students to build the plane and the first person to fly solo after its initial flight test, purchased the aircraft from the trust.
“The members of the trust were aging and the plane needed some money spent on it, so I bought it,” says Steve. “We upgraded the aircraft, maintained it and allowed the school to continue using it for flying lessons.”
Steve went on to Massey University and graduated with a degree in aviation. He gained his commercial pilot’s license and had a career in aviation until 2007.
The ZK-SPC aircraft is currently sitting idle after a crash caused considerable damage to it. Many offered to purchase the damaged aircraft from Steve but he was unwillingly to part with it given the sentimental attachment he has to. He is now working hard to have the plane repaired in time, for display at the school’s 60th reunion celebrations in March 2019.
St Paul’s Maverick aircraft was almost complete in October 1998. It is held by students who helped build it; Nathan Darke, Adam O’Leary, Jarred MacLachlan and George Dallinger along with members of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Photo courtesy of Waikato Times.
Building the plane in a workshop at the back of school. Students involved in the build included: Paul Aitken, Chris Bennett, Leicester Cook, George Dallinger, Nathan Darke, Tom Daly, Peter Eales, Charley Fordham, Andrew Gunton, Vicki Hill, Chris Kaelin, Ali Leigh, James Lux, Stephen McGuire, Jarred MacLachlan, Sam McLeod, Andrew Myers, Adam O’Leary, Tim Porter, Stacy Scott and Ryan Turfrey. Photo courtesy of NZ Herald.
Double the determination
Emotional resilience, mental stamina, focus and determination are what got two of New Zealand’s top athletes, Cameron French (Hall 2006-2010) and Owen Robinson (Hamilton 2005-2009), to where they are today.
Their journeys have been full of ups and downs, but their persistence has paid off earning them New Zealand records – Cameron in the 400m hurdles and Owen in the men’s trap shooting – and spots in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Cameron and Owen spoke to Network about the highs and lows of their careers, their secrets to success and where to next.
Their love of sport began at an early age.
“Being active has always been a natural part of my life. My parents say I would constantly be going a million miles an hour,” says Cameron.
“Although I was always the fast kid, initially I wanted to be an All Black. It wasn’t until high school that I seriously got into athletics.”
“I remember my coach, Paul Wilson, putting four hurdles on a little patch at the back of the school one day. We thought ‘that’ll do’. The next day I won the secondary schools athletics champs and then the regional champs not long after. I was on a roll, went to the North Island champs but clipped my foot and fell hard. I was still learning how to master hurdles and deal with distractions.”
“But from there things kept improving and I’ve got Paul to thank for getting me started.”
It was similar for Owen who says it was sport that got him through school. He played 1st XV rugby and cricket as well as water polo and a few other sports while dabbling in shooting. But it wasn’t until he left school and was injured playing rugby that he decided to make shooting his priority.
“I loved watching the Olympics and Commonwealth Games on TV. I always knew I wanted to get to that level, but I never really knew how. After getting serious about shooting and being selected for a few national teams I thought, ‘OK, I know I can do this’,” says Owen.
Except their road to Commonwealth Games selection wasn’t easy. It took many years of training, trialling and pushing themselves to the brink, mentally and physically. They missed out on the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games by the skin of their teeth –Cameron by .3 of a second and Owen by 1 target.
“I was completely gutted,” says Cameron.
Whether it’s sport or life, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to give it 100%.
“I knew I was getting close though. I had my sights set on Rio after that. Training went well, but then I pulled my Achilles, which added a lot of stress and I couldn’t quite get back to top form. I missed out on qualifying and that was an emotional time. Especially after four to five years of training.”
But he got himself back up and refocused. Three months out from the final qualifying opportunity for the Gold Coast Games, he dropped everything, including his three jobs, and put all his efforts into qualifying.
“I had literally put everything on the line. I’d drained all my cash, was scraping the barrel just to get by. I thought, ‘this is it’. I don’t have a plan B.”
“It was strange though. There was so much pressure, but as I stood on the start line I felt the clearest I’d ever felt.”
Cameron not only qualified for the Games that day, he also ran 49.33 breaking the New Zealand record and his personal best.
“It felt like a pressure bubble had popped inside me. It was a massive relief, but at the same time I was on an absolute high.”
Meanwhile, after missing out on Glasgow, Owen decided to take things up a notch.
“I went to international championships every year and lots of world matches. When I was finally selected it felt great. My parents were such big supporters and I think they were even happier than I was.”
Cameron French - moments before the 400m hurdles heat at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Owen Robinson - competing in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
He says stepping out into the stadium at the opening ceremony was a special moment.
“I remember thinking ‘I can’t believe I’m here’. Everything from the athletes’ village, to the atmosphere of the crowds, to mixing with some of the world’s best athletes was pretty awesome,” he says.
Cameron agrees, pointing out that it was like being part of a big reunion.
“It was awesome catching up with guys I’ve trained with from all around the world. Most of us have gone up the ranks together and have been through similar ups and downs so it was cool to be around that energy. And the village itself was pretty amazing – they had everything you could want including kangaroo and crocodile burgers.”
“Having the support of my family and friends around me during the Games was also special. Usually they’re trying to live stream my races from home so actually seeing them in the crowd was a big motivation.”
Cameron finished 14th, getting an injury right before semis while Owen finished eighth.
“The pressure is huge and it’s difficult because shooting is 80% mental,” says Owen.
“You’ve got to be 100% focused every shot or it destroys you mentally. One random thought can totally switch you off. One trick I have is singing to myself between shots to keep my mind from wandering.”
Alongside the mental pressures, it’s a constant juggle between training, funding and recovery.
“You give up a lot to do what we do,” says Owen.
“And it’s not just me, my wife sacrifices a lot so I can follow my passion. She’s a huge supporter and I can’t thank her enough.”
For Cameron, the trick is constantly reminding himself why he does it.
“If I’m 1% off on the day, I’m not in the mix. So trying to keep myself motivated can be tough. But it’s about enjoying the process and the challenge of pushing your body to places you didn’t know it could go. It’s worth the struggle for me because there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” he says.
The next big goal for both Cameron and Owen is the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Cameron will spend more time in the UK, training, racing and fine-tuning while picking up work where he can. His first opportunity to qualify will be the Doha World Champs in 2019.
Owen will continue training in New Zealand while running his electrical business. His next qualifying opportunities are World Cup events in Dubai, Korea and Finland in 2019.
As for advice to aspiring athletes, Cameron says it’s all about commitment.
“Whether it’s sport or life, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to give it 100%. Setbacks will happen, and you’ll get emotional about it, but figure out how to turn that emotion into motivation. That way, whether you achieve it or not, you can hold yourself high knowing you gave it everything.”
HANNAH MCCREERY
Cameron French - competing in the 400m hurdles heat at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Owen Robinson - proud winner of the 2016 National Olympic Trap title
2018 Commonwealth Games Village
Community Gala a monster success
From bouncy castles, food stalls and raffles to musical performances, games and a monster garage sale – the St Paul’s Collegiate School Community Gala had something for the whole family to enjoy.
Organised by St Paul’s students, the gala was run as a fundraiser to help the neighbouring Fairfield community with a number of projects. These include providing learning equipment for Bankwood and Fairfield primary schools; stocking a community fridge with healthy food for those in need; and providing a minivan for the Refugee Orientation Centre Trust to transport children.
Hillary Challenge tests students
Speed, skill and endurance were put to the test by our team competing in the Torpedo7 Hillary Challenge Final earlier this month.
The team made up of Sarah Jackson, Briana Cardon, Lane Tims, Tom Brown, Henry Carr (all Year 13), Lily Carr-Paterson, Miah McDonald (both Year 12) and Arna Morris (Year 11) finished in a remarkable sixth place overall.
Our students joined 11 other New Zealand schools at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro for the 18th annual challenge that seeks to find the top secondary school outdoor adventure team in the country.
“The team performed amazingly. It was the first time in a long time St Paul’s has competed while most of the other schools competing had long experience in the competition,” says teacher Mr Keegan Stewart.
The team’s major sponsor was Power Farming Ltd. Other sponsors included Swazi and donations to support the trip were received from the Parents’ Association and Kevin Deane.
The student-led organising committee spent the first two school terms planning the event. “The gala is centred on our community, so it’s really important that the money made goes towards things that will benefit others,” says committee leader Year 13 student Genevieve Scott-Jones.
The initiative forms part of the school’s service programme, which sees the students actively looking for ways to give back and help those less fortunate. The money raised was $10,000.
Shooting for gold
Year 13 student Louise van Bysterveldt outgunned her fellow female competitors taking away gold at the interschool clay target shooting competition in Matamata – a first for St Paul’s.
Louise scored 85/90 across the competition’s three events. Not only did she dominate the female competition, her combined score also placed her second equal in the boys’ competition.
For Louise, clay target shooting runs in the family. “My dad and four older sisters are all into the sport,” she says.
Although having competed before, this was a significant win for Louise. “I feel quite comfortable now when I’m shooting. It’s like a mind game; you get to a point where you know in your mind that you’re going to hit the target every time.”
Louise practises her shooting each week at the Waikato Clay Target Club. At home, her parents have a clay target shooting range that comes in handy for getting in extra practice.
Reminisce with us
The Collegians (Inc) have a new historical website. There are hundreds of photographs and 59 years of yearbooks. The site is great way to find your house photo or your name in a yearbook.
Check it out and enjoy finding pictures of yourself and your friends: https://stpauls.recollect.co.nz
St Paul’s Hillary Challenge team
Louise van Bysterveldt
An open invitation
to present families, past families and Collegians of St Paul’s rowing community
St Paul’s will be hosting Canapés on Karapiro on Thursday 28 March 2019 from 5.30pm in the Don Rowlands Centre during Maadi Cup. Come along and join us in the main hall where you will have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and celebrate the 2019 Maadi Cup.
Swimmers success at national champs
St Paul’s swimmers are among the best in the country, securing top 10 results at the 2018 New Zealand secondary schools swimming championships. Held in Wellington, this year’s championships saw 630 swimmers from 158 teams across the country take part.
Refreshments and finger food provided. Please RSVP to Andrea Harper –a.harper@stpauls.school.nz or phone 027 603 7260
“Graeme Smith and his staff at the St Paul’s Swim Club had done a fantastic job with the swimmers’ training programmes and Michiel Badenhorst at the St Paul’s gym centre had strengthened their body conditioning and coordination, meaning the squad were well prepared for the six sessions of racing,” says teacher in charge of swimming, Roger Bell.
The extent of this preparation was revealed right from the opening session.
Students unite at Asia-Pacific convention
In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, student leaders from across Asia-Pacific came together for a week of discussion and cultural activities.
A group of six St Paul’s students flew to Singapore to attend the Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Convention (APYLC), held at Nan Chiau High School. Representing New Zealand and St Paul’s, the selected students – Sarah Gajzago, Harris Moana, Simon Han, Chris Penno, Jasmine Fountaine and Isabel Mallett (all Year 12) – were joined by delegates from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Japan.
By the end of the meet, St Paul’s was in the ‘top 10 schools in New Zealand’ by coming eighth for the boys’ relay, eighth for overall boys’ points and fifth for co-ed secondary schools.
The swimmers were Brendan Hunt (Year 13), Ben Littlejohn (Year 11), Thomas Griffin (Year 12), Jacob Gibbs (Year 12), Sam Peoples (Year 9) and Ben Haskell (Year 9).
Ben was selected for the New Zealand under-17 squad to compete in the Australian State Championships 2018.
The theme of this year’s convention was ‘valuing diversity and embracing unity’. While the convention was largely centred around discussion, the students also had the opportunity to embrace Singaporean culture.
“Through the sharing and rigorous discussions each of us faced, I found my previous views being challenged and questioned and I emerged from this convention with new knowledge and perspective,” says Sarah Gajzago.
Memorial trophy honours passionate mountaineer
The Bryant family name has long been associated with St Paul’s. The Bryant Trust assisted the school in its early years by helping finance the purchase of land and houses. Several members of the Bryant family have enrolled at the school over the years, including two foundation pupils.
The Dan Bryant Memorial Trophy is awarded each year at prize giving to a Duke of Edinburgh Gold award recipient. Dan Bryant was a passionate mountaineer. He formed the Taranaki Alpine Club in 1930 and became the first club captain. In 1935, Dan went on an expedition to Mt Everest with the purpose of determining the chances of attempting Everest between June and August. He reached the Summit of Ten Peaks on that trip. He continued his passion for climbing including summits in Europe and in the Canadian Rockies.
In 1951, Eric Shipton was to lead a British expedition through Nepal and he was asked by the NZ Alpine Club to include two New Zealanders. He said he did so, “entirely due to the great respect and liking I had formed for Dan”. The two New Zealanders included were Edmund Hillary and Earle Riddiford.
Dan Bryant was killed in an accident in 1957. He was the headmaster of Pukekohe High School. The mountaineering world lost a colourful figure and a man who set New Zealanders on the road to the summit of Mt Everest.
St Paul’s students at the Asia-Pacific Convention
Ben Littlejohn
Dan Bryant at 21,000 feet looking across to Everest
St Paul’s FOUNDATION
Scholarship helping those who need it most
Jack Jenkins and his wife Alison have a long-standing history with the Tamahere Anglican Church, where they were approached by Reverend Craig Luccock to see if they would sponsor a boy who needed St Paul’s at a critical time in his life.
They said ‘yes’ and from this, the Te Amorangi scholarship was born at St Paul’s.
St Paul’s gave me continuity at a time in my life when I needed it the most.
Jordan Ogilvy (Hall 20102014) was 15 when he lost his father. Jordan’s family wanted him to re-join St Paul’s to provide stability and ongoing friendships after the tragic loss of his father. Jordan remembers being at his father’s funeral when Reverend Craig Luccock came up to him and said, “We have found a way for you to attend St Paul’s.”
“I would have been lost at another school. St Paul’s gave me continuity at a time in my life when I needed it the most”, says Jordan.
Jordan did not know who his sponsor was, but as part of the Te Amorangi scholarship, he wrote letters to Jack and Alison updating them on his progress and achievements. Jack would write back and the two became ‘pen friends’. “I still have the letters today,” says Jordan.
When Jordan came to St Paul’s he was apprehensive at first, but he thrived in the small class environment and had teachers who cared about him. He fondly remembers his English teacher, Mr Clothier, who used to bring fictional books from his own personal collection for Jordan to read.
Jordan was a shy and reserved boy who went on to gain NCEA level three with excellence, two scholarship subjects and a small but mighty group of friends. He has recently graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science and is working as a Game Developer for Blackout Games.
Jordan’s next goal is to work on games that tell a story – we are sure Mr Clothier will be very happy to hear this!
Jack is incredibly proud of Jordan and says, “The biggest return for the sponsor is the personal satisfaction of making a difference in someone’s life.”
“We continue to support students on Te Amorangi scholarships, because we know the full donation goes to the student’s education,” says Jack.
With the help of sponsors, the Te Amorangi scholarship aims to provide positive educational experiences that change lives. Jordan was the first student on the Te Amorangi scholarship at St Paul’s and it has now grown to support 17 students in 2019.
With the closure of the Government-led Aspire scholarship programme, we are seeking help to support more students like Jordan.
If you would like further information on becoming a Te Amorangi sponsor, please contact St Paul’s Foundation at foundation@stpauls.school.nz
Jordan Ogilvy (fifth row, second from right) with his Hall House peers (2013)
University graduates
Congratulations to St Paul’s Collegians who have recently had a tertiary qualification conferred. Please note not all tertiary institutions provide us with results; we include what is provided to us.
