WCOBSERVER HEADMASTER'S SCHOOL REPORT

Tena koutou katoa and hello to our Old Boys.

By the time you read this newsletter, we will be a couple of weeks into Term Two of this busy school year. Term

One had a positive start with 405 new Y9s joining our community – our largest intake ever. These young men together with students from across all year levels have demonstrated excellent attitudes on the whole and enthusiasm for learning and getting involved with extracurricular activities. Our staff have worked tirelessly to provide them all with a supportive and engaging environment.

Our 2022 academic results were nothing to sneeze at. Just prior to the end of Term One, we celebrated those who achieved academic success last year. A special assembly was held for these boys and their parents to acknowledge their impressive results and it was an honour to share in their success.

I am experiencing several firsts as I complete my first year here as Wellington College’s fifteenth Headmaster. I was very excited to attend my first McEvedy Shield and the 100th in the history of this long-standing competition with our brother schools. What an atmosphere and what a day – and of course, what a celebration it was for the Wellington College team, winning for our eighth successive year. Last year, because of Covid, the event was held without spectators. Fortunately, this year 750 students from each of the four participating schools were able to watch the event. We took our Y13s and Y9s: the Y13s because they had never been to a McEvedy, and our Y9s because I think it is important for them to experience a strong feeling of school spirit. And how great to have three of our Old Boys as part of our coaching team in various disciplines –Head Coach, Mark Tinkle, Adrian Shaw and Chris Wells.

I also experienced another first with the 2023 40-Hour Runathon. I cannot believe this event has run every year since 1998 and each year, the money raised has exceeded all expectations. I was so proud of the boys as they pounded the pavement and challenged each other in an array of activities to generate donations.

Another first coming up towards the end of Term Two is Wellington College hosting Quadrangular Tournament. I can’t wait to stand on the sideline (and maybe squeeze into the half-time huddle) to wish our 1st XV a successful tournament. Please come up and say hello and introduce yourself or come along to our supporters function on the Wednesday.

This year, we have introduced a House System, and has been taken up with much enthusiasm and competitiveness by both students and staff. You can read about our House System on the following pages of this newsletter.

A number of staff and students attended the funeral of Old Boy, former Head Prefect in 1961, and past staff member Gil Roper. Gil was a hugely respected member of staff at Wellington College and he was known throughout New Zealand schools. He played a key role in NZQA as well as being an author, musician and rugby coach. Our previous Headmaster, Roger Moses delivered Gil's eulogy beautifully and it was fabulous to see my predecessor Gregor Fountain there at the funeral and that while Harvey Rees-Thomas was not able to be there, his presence was also felt.

I was so proud of our boys. The Choir sang beautifully and the performance of our school haka was very moving. They understood the importance of being there and how important Gil was to all those assembled. I know Gregor and Roger were equally as proud.

The service was very moving. I didn't know Gil but had heard so much about him from staff. I think out of all the accolades that Gil received in his life, being an incredible father, grandfather, husband and friend to all would be at the top of the list. Gil has five sons, David, Mark, Paul, Simon and Luke and they all spoke. Each son sharing something special about their Dad. They spoke about the greatest thing that a parent could give a child, which is time spent together. My eyes filled with tears listening. Gil's wife Helen spoke last, and I can only describe her speech as full of love, strength and faith. Meeting Helen after the service was something I will always treasure.

Late in March, I got to see our boys at National tournaments. I saw them row at the Maadi Cup, play tennis, cricket, volleyball, floorball and paddle at the waka ama nationals. Our boys gave it everything; they were stars. The other stars were our teachers that were in support, and our parents. Our parents that were watching their sons play, row or paddle were just magnificent. There was only love, no berating, yelling, demanding, or unwanted advice. They were just in the background, supporting, not only their sons but all the boys – I was very proud to be part of this extensive and supportive community.

I hope to get out and about this year and meet many of you. Whether here at the College at the forthcoming WCOBA AGM and Quad, or later in the year at one of our cohort reunions or even when we can arrange regional events – there are so many of you to meet and hear your memories and to welcome back to your school and share our news with you. We have also introduced our junior school, plus Prefects and new Staff to the Archives. The displays within the Museum and around the school tell us so much about our 156 years of history and will inspire the boys during their journey at Wellington College and beyond.

Receive the light and pass it on.

Glen Denham, Headmaster