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middle college Giving Purpose to Passion Recently I read with interest a speech given by the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg to the Harvard graduating class of 2017. n it, he is not focused on academic success, though we would all Sometimes a passion for a particular subject develops when a Istrive for that, but rather on challenging the graduates to make a student shows ‘grit’ and perseverance, ultimately leading to success, difference in the world beyond Harvard. Indeed, he went on to state, in a subject in which they find learning a challenge. By the inherent ‘Finding your purpose isn’t enough. The challenge for our generation nature of the broad curriculum we offer in Years 7 to 10, every student is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.’ The has the opportunity to discover and develop their passion(s) for underlying idea of service to others is very aligned with our Saint learning in academic subjects. Kentigern values and mission. I admire the way Zuckerberg highlights Having a passion does not necessarily lead to developing a the dual nature of both knowing your own purpose and inspiring and purpose. Passion is an intrinsic motivation, a driving feeling, a fire guiding other to find theirs. This thought is incredibly pertinent to of enthusiasm within. Acting on this can create a sense of identity our purpose as educators and begs the question, ‘How can we most and achievement. Our students may find this on the tennis court, on effectively help our students have a sense of purpose?’ the stage, or in a Mathex team. They may find it leading a Duke of The first step is to provide students with numerous opportunities to Edinburgh tramp, or playing in the Pipes and Drums. They may find discover new strengths and passions within themselves. Here at Saint it in a multitude of areas. However, it is what we do with our passion Kentigern College, we pride ourselves on the ‘world of opportunity’ that creates a sense of purpose. If we can, as educators, help create we offer to students. Our Middle College end-of-year programmes within the lives of our students an understanding of their passions, are one example of the opportunities provided. These allow a diverse and help them to give purpose to these passions by using them to range of activities and learning experiences. serve others, then we have achieved something of lasting value to them, our community and, in time, our country. The focus on ‘outside of the classroom’ education is deliberate and is nowhere more evident and strong than at Year 10 Field Centre The vision of Saint Kentigern is clear: to develop young people in the Tongariro National Park. The challenges it provides who will ‘serve and lead with distinction’. A crucial step in this are both physical and emotional and the skills learnt are process is for our students to find their passion. The next invaluable. At times, the conditions test the students, step is encouraging them to think beyond themselves to how especially the ascent of the Ruapehu summit. For some they can use their passions, abilities, strengths and talents others, the longer three day tramp and the collaborative to serve others and contribute to the world around them. skills and personal resilience developed over the course Young people with this understanding have the potential of Field Centre can be life changing. Many past students to impact their generation. Through our learning activities, acknowledge that this experience was the best thing both inside and outside of the classroom and our curriculum, they did at Saint Kentigern, helping them learn about broad yet fine-tuned, relevant and delivered in meaningful themselves and others and helping them to find and engaging ways, we can support this goal. Ultimately and develop their God-given passions however, in the pursuit of passion and purpose, it is up and strengths. We look to evolve the to our students to get involved, be prepared to take programme further in the next few some risks, lift their eyes to the mountains and years to benefit future generations of challenge themselves and others to unlock their students. true potential. Students also have the opportunity to discover passions through their Fides Servanda Est learning in the classroom. Finding the areas of learning that each Mr Duncan McQueen student personally connects with Principal, Middle College the best does not happen overnight. middle college middle 46 senior college To Serve and Lead with Distinction What does it mean when we say that our ‘Saint Kentigern Graduates will Serve and Lead with Distinction?’ he Saint Kentigern Vision Statement is certainly bold and one that is not about titles or money, rank or privileges. The definition of Tchallenges us as teachers and Senior Managers on a daily basis. distinction is ‘excellence of character, distinctive qualities’ or ‘the By constantly talking about, and living out, our Mission Statement state of being different or distinguishable.’ King George VI said, ‘The to ‘inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the highest of distinctions is service to others.’ glory of God and the service of others’ we know our students will As a Presbyterian school, we want our students to learn to lead have a clear understanding of what is important in life and by doing and serve with humility and the best leadership model that exhibits so they will begin to fulfil our Vision as they put the words into action. this type of leadership is Servant Leadership. This type of leadership While at school, our students are given many opportunities to serve is not focussed on self. Those who serve and lead with distinction and lead. This could be as captains of sport or coaching younger will be principle-centred leaders who have integrity and make students in activities such theatre sports, debating, maths or sports ethical decisions. teams. In Year 13 there is a range of leadership opportunities on Ambassador Peter Thompson, a former College boarder in Councils, as Peer Support Leaders (leading and mentoring Year the 1960’s, has just completed a term as President of the United 9 students) and as Prefects. Many students also choose to serve Nations General Assembly. In a speech opening the 71st session and lead in the classroom by helping other students and modelling of the General Assembly in September 2016, the UN’s prime excellence by striving to do their best. Many of these students decision-making body, Peter said that it would be the year for volunteer their time to as academic mentors, or providing help to our implementing the goals aiming to end poverty, fight inequality and ESL (English as a second language) students. But most importantly tackle climate change. He also pledged to strengthen relationships all Senior College students can lead with distinction simply as positive between the UN’s various bodies and help find new ways of role models to the younger students. Those who do so, quickly realise resolving conflict, better management of migrant flows and leadership is a responsibility. reversing the decline in ocean’s health. Peter has, and continues to Opportunities are also presented to serve in an serve and lead with distinction. international capacity by joining the trips to Vanuatu Current Year 12 student Lewis Elliott, who also attended (two groups annually) or Malawi (every three years) to the Boys’ School, has been named as a College Prefect build houses or to help out in primary schools. At a local for 2018. This account of Lewis was reported by a staff community level, our students help a primary schools member: ‘Last night I went to the Contemporary (Rock) nearby. Every week tutor groups make lunchtime Music night and witnessed ‘leadership with distinction’. service visits to Riverhills Primary, Riverina Primary, In this instance it was watching Lewis Elliot. He went Ruapotaka Primary, Sommerville Special School from ‘cool dude’ in a band, to spending the rest of the and Tamaki Primary. In those settings, they read to night helping the younger students set up, so their students, play puzzles, coach sports and help out bands were stage ready. More important than that, with Lego and Breakfast Clubs. once they were ‘plugged in,’ it was the simple touch on The Assistant Principal from Tamaki Primary a back and quiet word of encouragement that caught School has really appreciated our students my eye. Lewis was also at the fundraising brunch working with their children. She said, the Year 12 girls organised, spending the morning ‘The contribution made to our lunchtime as a barista. He showed how being of service isn’t programme has been beneficial by offering necessarily about the big things, it’s those small variety and more one on one for children to gestures of kindness that go a long way.’ develop their playing skills. Your students These members of our Saint Kentigern have always been respectful and kind, community, contributing to the greater good, showing interest in getting to know the are good examples to our current students of children. For some of our students, having serving and leading with distinction. 'Saint Kents’ kids is a highlight they look forward to. Does the outcome of ‘to lead with Fides Servanda Est distinction’ mean being famous or earning Mrs Suzanne Winthrop top dollars? Well it might do but that’s Senior College Principal certainly not the intent. In fact this phrase senior college 47 Middle College Prizegiving n the final day of the College year, the Sports Centre was packed ‘special’ prizes in each age group and Head of Saint Kentigern, Mr Oto capacity as family, friends and special invited guests gathered David Hodge presenting the cup to the Middle College Dux.

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