CHRIST’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 32 SUMMER 2017 ISSUE 32 Contents
Prizegiving Values
College Dux 04 Positive Education Conference 68 Proxime Accessit 05 Acting locally, thinking globally 70 2017 University Scholarships 06 Be Inspired conference enthuses audience 72 Prizegiving 2016 07 Garth Wynne continues his Community Visits 74 Senior Prizegiving Photos 11 The Centre for Ethics & Spirituality 74 Sportsmen of the Year 12 Head Prefect 2017 14 Heritage Deputy Head Prefect 2017 16 Completion of the Tower Block a milestone 77 Academic “We will remember them” 78
NZQA Scholarship Awards for 2016 18 News & Events College reviews its curriculum 19 Te Reo in Year 9 20 Colin Sweetman retiring after 21 years as Bursar 80 The junior English experience 22 Architect Alec Bruce on Colin Sweetman 81 Setting the scene for future learning 25 Welcome John Quinn 82 Extending students’ skills 27 Hamish Thomas heads to Cambridge University 83 Lifting literacy for Year 9s 28 Sam Neill drops into College 84 Outstanding photographer 30 A personal memory of Tony Holland from a friend Student Writing 32 and Colleague 86 Exchanges enrich lives 34 Development Office Culture 2017 Annual Appeal 88 Treasure Island Junior production 36 Campaign begins. For the boys. For our future. 89 The boys have their say 41 Sponsorship 90 Chinese dumplings taste so good 42 What College means to me 91 College debaters success 43 Scape Sculptures on the Quad 45 The Quadrangle New rock band tutor Nolan Hungerford 46 From the President 92 Boarding Old Boys’ Race 94 Young Old Boys (YOBs) 94 College’s new Director of Boarding and The Centre From Christchurch to Kabul 95 for Character & Leadership 50 Reunions Reports 97 The Centre for Character & Leadership 51 CCOBA 2017 Calendar 100 New project to encourage character and leadership 52 Events 101 2017 Head of Boarding 54 Deaths 102
Sport
Making a splash 56 A fantastic athletics spectacle 61 Summer sport summary 62 GARTH WYNNE From our Executive Principal
Since the beginning of this year, the stands out for me. A vibrant school College Board and Executive, with is full of energy and life, it is high- input from the wider community, spirited, dynamic, vigorous and vital. have been working toward the This publication so captures this in creation of a new strategic plan to the stories it tells of our boys, staff direct College priorities toward 2020. and community. The words and Thoughtful respect for the past has photographs present a wonderful been combined with the needs of the tapestry of our programme and present and our hope for the future. its celebration of success in all its forms. It presents boys, busy and Through this process our College fulfilled by stimulating environments. motto, mission, and Gospel-inspired It recognises the centrality of virtues have all been re-affirmed relationships as the key to all we do. and we have articulated that we will work within a strategic environment All of this is achieved through the where “innovation and excellence combined efforts of supportive and are wrapped in tradition”. helpful parents, wonderful staff and remarkable boys. Please enjoy Our vision, the aspiration within this slice of our vision in action. and beyond ourselves for now and the future, has been stated in this way: Christ’s College will be a vibrant school community that educates boys to be men of virtuous character who make a positive contribution to society.
In the context of College, it is the Garth Wynne word “vibrant” from our vision that Christ’s College Executive Principal
Christ’s College Magazine Director of Admissions, College Magazine Writer: Issue 32, Summer 2017 Marketing & Communications: Kristi Gray Claire Sparks +64 3 364 6801 +64 3 364 6803 [email protected] [email protected] Graphic Designer: Change of Address: Melissa Hogan Admissions Registrar +64 3 364 8655 Sarah Fechney [email protected] +64 3 364 6836 [email protected] Printing: Caxton CONNOR LEADLEY College Dux
Science is a passion for 2016 College Dux, Connor Leadley. He was chosen to represent New Zealand at the 2016 International Biology Olympiad in Vietnam, where he won a silver medal, which he says came as a complete surprise.
“They read out the awards from the five academic students in his year lowest bronze medal to the highest group. He has also been a regular gold, so by the time all the bronzes feature in assemblies for High were awarded, I had resigned Distinction awards in competitions myself to getting nothing. But in the across most subject areas,’’ says end, I did come home with my shiny Darrell. piece of metal after having had an amazing experience.’’ Connor comes from a farm east of Ashburton. He was not planning Connor say the Olympiad was the on coming to College, but he had highlight of his time at College. He skipped Year 8 and decided to take only took part when a fellow Jacobs the entrance exam at College to see boarder persuaded him to go to how he fitted in academically. the Chemistry Olympiad, where he found to his delight that he was “While initially I missed my family, “good at science Olympiads’’. coming to College as a boarder was the best thing that ever happened “I met all sorts of people from all to me. I went from being a big fish sorts of different countries. The in a small pond to being a small New Zealand team also became fish in a big pond and, though I friendly with the teams which were had never done science in primary similar alphabetically, which was school, I soon got into the swing of the way they were ordered for the it all. competition. I made friends with the teams from the Netherlands, “The last years were a bit of a Nigeria and Norway. The best different experience as there were thing about the trip was not the no junior boarders coming into sightseeing or the silver medal, Jacobs, but with 20 to 30 senior but the people I met. There were boarders, we were a very tight- so many awesome people from all knit community. Some of my most around the world, and I hope I can valued moments have been messing keep in contact with all of them.’’ around with my mates.’’
Jacobs Housemaster Mr Darrell Darrell Thatcher says “Connor Thatcher says Connor has been was always motivated to succeed outstanding academically and it and was well-respected for his “I went from is a case of where to start when willingness to get involved in House being a big fish in outlining his successes. activities. This sent a positive message to younger members of the a small pond to a “Gold Badges for achieving 100 House about giving things a go and credits at Excellence level in NCEA representing Jacobs with pride.’’ small fish in a big Level 1 and Level 2 were topped off by his being awarded a College pond.” Gold Tie for being one of the top Connor Leadley
04 Christ’s College Canterbury CHRISTOPHER BROWN Proxime Accessit PRIZEGIVING
One of the biggest successes in the College career of 2016 Runner-up to Dux Christopher Brown was winning a gold medal in the New Zealand Mathematics Olympiad, which made him one of the top 30 student mathematicians in the country.
Another highlight was representing New Zealand at the 2015 International Olympiad in Informatics in Kazakhstan, where he gained a bronze medal, making him one of the the best young computer scientists in the world.
Christopher says his father stimulated his interest in computing. “I have been messing around with computer operating systems for a long time, trying to make them run properly. I have also enjoyed reading maths books, including Ian Stewart, who has three interesting collections of maths problems.’’
Housemaster Ben Vink says Christopher is an extremely diligent student who has a great sense of justice and always stands up for what he believes in. His personality has made him an influential member of his year group and the wider school community.
“Throughout 2016, Christopher was an academic role model both formally and informally. He was regarded as one of the top academic students that College has had in recent years. He has always worked closely with “I am thinking about a triple major his teachers to draw on what they at the University of Canterbury,’’ he know and what they could help him says. “I am interested in the idea with specifically. I like the fact that that you can apply both biology and he is ambitious,’’ says Ben. computing to complex problems.’’ Christopher is also a keen biologist and is interested in a future career combining the three subjects he most enjoys – computing, mathematics and biology.
College Issue 32 2017 05 CELEBRATING OUR 2017 University Scholarships
Congratulations to the Year 13 students who were offered university scholarships for tertiary study in 2017.
Tom Botting Joe Hutchinson University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship Scholarship University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship Young Sung Jang Jonty Brakenridge University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Victoria University Excellence Scholarship Scholarship University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship Hunter McKenzie University of Canterbury College of Business & Law University of Kentucky Scholarship and placement Award for Excellence University of Alabama Scholarship and placement
Christopher Brown Connor Leadley University of Canterbury Mathematics and Statistics University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance University of Canterbury Computer Science High Scholarship Achievers Award University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship University of Canterbury College of Engineering, Matthew Moore Mathematics and Statistics STAR Scholarship University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance Matt Cooper Scholarship Lincoln University Global Challenges Scholarship Hamish Penrose Jared Chin University of Otago Academic Excellence Entrance University of Canterbury Emerging Leaders Scholarship Scholarship University of Canterbury College of Business & Law Ngane Punivai Award for Excellence Lincoln University Sports Scholarship Angus Dysart-Paul Rowan Taylor Russell McVeagh School Leavers Scholarship University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Reid Edmond Scholarship University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Vice- Kale Thatcher Chancellor’s Significant Student Scholarship Lincoln University Sports Scholarship Massey University High Achiever Scholarship (Academic) Hamish Thomas Massey University High Achiever Scholarship (Sport) University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Massey Business School Future Leaders Scholarship
Angus Gray University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
06 Christ’s College Canterbury MAJOR PRIZE WINNERS Prizegiving 2016 PRIZEGIVING
Citations from Mr Rob Donaldson – Deputy Principal
Angus Gray
Head Prefect’s Prize and the Ormsby Medal
“The Head Prefect’s role is challenging. He has to represent the interests of his peers, the junior boys and be loyal to the school. He is often called upon at short notice to deal with problems and resolve conflicts.
Angus has risen to these challenges magnificently this year. His leadership is founded on humility and integrity and he has never put his own interests ahead of those of others. He has dealt with a hectically busy schedule, as well as personal challenges, with great courage, resolve and maturity.
He was in the 1st rowing eight and the 1st XV, but did not allow these commitments to overshadow his leadership role and his academic priorities. He led the prefects with great skill.
He was an outstanding ambassador for the school on many occasions. He has treated all boys and staff with respect and has been a role model for aspiring leaders. He has also been very adaptable, has welcomed the enhancement of student voice at College and has fostered a more democratic approach to student leadership.
We thank him for all he has done and wish him all the best for the future.”
Connor Leadley
Wacher Prize for Academic Head of School
“Our Dux this year, as you have seen, has amassed an impressive tally of subject prizes.
Furthermore, Connor’s NCEA results are superb. He achieved a Scholarship in Statistics in 2015. This year he was selected for the New Zealand Biology Olympiad team and received a silver medal, coming 66th out of 253 international competitors.
He has an exemplary approach to his studies. He has impressed his teachers with his academic maturity, motivation, diligence, self-discipline and scholastic consistency. He has been offered the Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship for Otago University and the Top Achiever Scholarship from the University of Auckland.
Connor has achieved all of this while being involved in the wider life of the school through sport and community service. He has succeeded with cheerful humility and is a role model for those aspiring to be the best that they can be.” College Issue 32 2017 07 Christopher Brown
Runner up to the Wacher Prize for Academic Head of School
“The recipient is a fine scholar, with an enquiring mind. Christopher is an outstanding academic role model and is respected by the students for his intellect and achievements.
He achieved a Scholarship in Statistics in Year 10 – then again in Year 12, while achieving Scholarship in Calculus in Year 11 and an Outstanding Scholarship in Calculus in Year 12. These results are extraordinary.
Other achievements include being in the New Zealand Informatics Olympiad team for three years and winning an Olympiad bronze medal in 2015. He has co-authored four papers for mathematics journals, achieved an A plus for his university STAR mathematics course and achieved outstanding NCEA results. This year he was awarded three scholarships for mathematics and computer science from the University of Canterbury.”
George Blake
Executive Principal’s Prize for Service
“The first recipient has made a huge impact on the culture of the school this year. George volunteered to run the Sports Support Committee and then took a number of initiatives to dramatically improve the quality of sports support at College. These included arranging new supporting chants, as well as chanting rehearsals for the school.
Most striking though, was his passion for support and his determination to support teams in all codes, in all conditions and at far-flung venues. He became a familiar sight, dressed in black and white, waving a College banner and urging College teams on with the help of a megaphone. His dedication helped to lift sporting morale and contributed in no small way to our outstanding successes, in many codes, in 2016.”
Jonty Brakenridge
Executive Principal’s Prize for Service
“The second recipient was Head of the Humanitarian Committee. Jonty was also Head of Rolleston House and therefore carried two substantial and time-consuming leadership roles.
The Humanitarian Committee supported a very worthy charity, the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre and raised $13,000 for Cholmondeley in a variety of ways. These included sausage sizzles, the Year 10 dance, the Year 11 semi-formal and donations from Thought Leaders’ seminars, where Jonty acted as the student host. The dances required a substantial organisational effort and were a great success. Jonty also organised a food collection for the Anglican City Mission.
His committee functioned well because of his excellent organisational skills and ability to delegate. He served the school and community with humility and clarity of purpose.”
08 Christ’s College Canterbury Angus Dysart-Paul PRIZEGIVING
Executive Principal’s Prize for Service
“The third recipient was a Head of House, a Chapel Prefect and Head of the Students Against Dangerous Driving Committee. Angus managed all of these roles with great dedication and skill. He was particularly effective in his Chapel Prefect role and was also a College student representative on the Anglican Synod.
He organised community service support for the Christchurch City Mission, as well as for the RSA. He supported the Boarding Committee, the Environment Committee and attended the Environmental Leadership forum for school students. He managed all of this while being heavily involved in the choir, drama productions, debating and Model United Nations. In these activities, he mentored junior students and acted as an outstanding role model.
All this, and more, was undertaken with selfless humility and dedication to College’s values.”
Ngane Punivai
Executive Principal’s Prize for Service
“The final recipient is the Deputy Head Prefect. Ngane managed his Deputy portfolio with great skill, supporting the Head Prefect loyally and acting as an outstanding leadership role model to the prefects and other boys in the school. He was chair of the Ball Committee this year and captain of the 1st XV. He provided superb service to the school in both roles. The captaincy provided him with an opportunity to lead a resurgent 1st XV with great mana and humility, while serving as an inspiration on the field.
Through all of this, he continued to make an outstanding contribution to Corfe House and to act as an ambassador for the school on public and promotional occasions. He has upheld the values of the school and set a very high standard of service and leadership, to which other students can aspire.”
Rowan Taylor
HM Chrystall Prize for All-round Merit in Sport and Scholarship
“The recipient of this award exemplifies the holistic education that College offers and the opportunities this school provides to excel in more than one sphere.
Rowan was in the 1st eight and 1st four which won their events at the Maadi regatta. He was captain of the 1st XI hockey side and played 120 games for this side in his time at College. This team won the Christchurch Schools’ Premier League competition and came 10th at the Rankin Cup. He was awarded the best senior hockey player of the year for College. He has attained scholastic success, having received a Gold Badge twice. He has also been involved in the choir as well as drama productions, to provide balance to his sport and academia.
Rowan has been awarded the Otago University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence as well as a leadership scholarship.”
College Issue 32 2017 09 Henry Rolleston
Somes Prize for Outstanding Overall Contribution to the Arts and General Scholarship
“This recipient is passionate about drama and music and has devoted a huge amount of energy to the performing arts at College.
Henry was the lead role in the senior productions of Dr Faustus and Our House. These very different roles were demanding and allowed Henry to showcase his considerable talent. He was the student leader on the Round Square performing arts trip to Malaysia and was the leader of the highly successful College Theatresports team. He was Deputy Head of the Chapel Choir and a member of Schola Cantorum. He has received Honours Ties for drama, choir and theatresports this year and has maintained a good academic record. Henry has been accepted into the prestigious The Actors’ Program, a one-year theatre intensive held in Auckland.
Through all of this, Henry has gone beyond a display of talent by providing dedicated service to the arts at College.’’
Will Burns
Maling Memorial Prize for Outstanding Service to the School
“The recipient has made an enormous contribution to the life of the school. William was head of the Arts and Cultural Committee. He was also Head of the Chapel Choir and a member of Schola Cantorum. His choral leadership was highly acclaimed and he has been an excellent role model for younger members of the choir. He has made an impressive impact in the arts in his time at College, in junior and senior productions, as well as in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. He also directed the most recent Christ’s College/St Margaret’s film calledA Perfect Child and was a member of the successful College Theatresports team. His crowning achievement was the creation of the College Arts Week. He initiated this festival and, against the odds, brought it to fruition. The week was a huge success and enjoyed by all. He even managed to get celebrities all over New Zealand, including the Prime Minister, to wish us well for the event.”
Christ’s College Interhouse Competition Trophy
The trophy goes to the House which has amassed the most points in interhouse competitions, both sporting and cultural.
For the first time, we had joint winners in 2016: Condell’s and Harper (the trophy was collected by Jamie Marshall-Lee from Harper and Matt Durant from Condell’s). In third place was Somes House.
10 Christ’s College Canterbury Senior Prizegiving Photos PRIZEGIVING
College Issue 32 2017 11 MAJOR PRIZE WINNERS Sportsmen of the Year
2016 SENIOR SPORTSMAN OF I enjoyed being part of a different “Everything I do is THE YEAR sport, but I loved the physical nature of rugby and I switched back. I not just for me, but Ngane Punivai made my first rep side in the Hutt under-11 team and, after that, it to repay my family.” It would perhaps be an has been a series of steps up, all of Ngane Punivai understatement to say that rugby which has given me a real sense of achievement.’’ is the main passion of the 2016 with loss. It was a learning curve as they Senior Sportsman of the Year, 1st Goal setting is an important part of had not played the way they wanted and XV Captain Ngane Punivai, but family life for the Punivais. At the were overwhelmed by the atmosphere that does not mean it comes at the beginning of each year, the family on the day. However, Ngane says it gave expense of everything else in his life. of six sit down at the kitchen table them a challenge and they just got on He was an excellent Deputy Head working out their individual set with it. Prefect, took part in athletics, plays of “smart goals’’ for the year and NGANE’S HISTORY the guitar, organised the senior ball reviewing their past achievements. and still found time to take take part • Medbury 1st XV in Year 7 and 8 “This is why everything I do is in House activities. not just for me, but to repay my • Canterbury Metro under-65kg team Ngane first started playing rugby at family,’’ says Ngane. “I think this is • Year 10 Canterbury under-16 team an important part of who you are the age of four and one of his earliest • Year 11 College 1st XV and and helps make you a good leader memories is of running in the Canterbury under-16 team sawdust doing drills for the nursery because you want to share this with grade team. Both his parents played others. At our camp this year, I was • Year 12 Captain 1st XV club rugby and he says watching happy to help the team set realistic • Canterbury Metro under-18 his father was an inspiration, even and achievable goals.’’ development side (B side) though he was not in the top side. He says this helped the team with • Vice-captain Crusaders Junior “He had no expectations about my the loss to CBHS. They had not lost Knights under-18 team playing rugby and I started playing a game during the season so it was • NZ Secondary Schools’ team football when I was seven or eight. a new experience as a team dealing
12 Christ’s College Canterbury PRIZEGIVING
2016 JUNIOR SPORTSMAN OF “I like the contest between bowler game really enjoyable and like the THE YEAR and bat, and trying to get the fact you can make friends around opposition out. I like the battle the country easily, meeting them at Nicholas Lidstone and the intrigue. The best part, national tournaments. though, is off the field when there “Hockey requires speed and skill, Cricket has long been a passion for is camaraderie with the other using such a small ball. No two game 2016 Junior Sportsman of the Year, team and you can chat about the scenarios are the same and each game Nick Lidstone, but he now finds game you have just been playing. is enjoyable because you never know hockey is taking precedence as his I find cricket is not as bruising as what is going to happen.’’ main sport. It all makes for a very rugby and your size doesn’t matter. busy life. It means anyone can be good at But sport is not Nick’s only interest. cricket because it’s about tactics He plays trumpet in the Big Band, Nick started playing cricket when and mental strength rather than French horn in the College orchestra, he was four, playing with his two physical strength.’’ and also sings in the Chapel Choir and older brothers and cricketing Schola Cantorum. It can be a very long father at the Halswell Cricket But Nick has now broken with day for Nick, who sometimes does not Club. This meant, when he was family tradition, turning his get home before 9pm. chosen for his age group team in attention to hockey. Year 5 at primary school, he knew “Cricket is my summer sport and, “It can sometimes be a bit of a struggle plenty about the game and was for a while, I played football as my fitting study in as well as my other well drilled in game tactics, an winter sport. But then I got a bit interests, but it’s how I like it to be. important part of the sport. bored, and looked for something Each activity has its own group of friends and being with them can seem “Cricket is big in our family, new, becoming the first one in my like downtime.’’ with my dad as a coach and my family to play hockey. I find the brothers still playing,’’ says Nick.
College Issue 32 2017 13 BEN MARSHALL-LEE Head Prefect 2017
How do you see your role as to focus on achieving some with other Houses and year groups. Head Prefect? of these ideas this year. This term, we have been encouraging boys to get out on • I see my role as putting me in a • I would like to be seen as a role Upper and kick a ball around or position to help make the school model, a voice for all boys at play a game of touch. It has been a better place for the boys. This school and to be remembered as really successful. gives me the opportunity to voice a leader who could help make my own ideas for improvements, changes and improvements. • Another change I would like to with the aim to leave the school implement is setting up social in a better place than when What differences would you sport within the school. At this I first arrived. like to make in your role? stage, it looks like touch is the most popular idea for this. • I believe the boys are one of • One of the main changes I would like to make is changing the the most powerful tools I have • I would also like to continue to to achieve this. A great example partial segregation that exists through the House system. develop the emerging student of this are the newly-formed voice. In line with this, I would student senate meetings. After I still think the House system is an amazing aspect of the school, like to see more opportunities attending the first one, I have for student-led leadership and already started to develop a but it can keep boys separated from other Houses during events, with more activities picture of how the boys such as Arts Week. would like to see the school in breaks. To try and fix this, I want the future, and will look to get the boys out of their Houses at lunchtimes, mingling 14 Christ’s College Canterbury LEADERSHIP
“I urge every boy to embrace all opportunities and seize the moment. It is those who jump on any opportunity in life who build their own pathway to success.” Ben Marshall-Lee
What are your interests? We came to Christchurch and I and the relationships I have • I am really into the outdoors. went to Fendalton Primary formed. Most of these have come We do a lot of snow skiing at School. From there, I had a year through school trips and House Treble Cone in winter, and then at Cobham Intermediate, a activities. We are very lucky spend heaps of time in summer year at Medbury, and then that College presents us with so on Lake Wanaka water skiing. started College in Year 9. many opportunities, but we must At school, I am really into not take them for granted. I urge What is your message for every boy to embrace all athletics (mainly the long the College juniors? distance events), and cross opportunities and seize the country in the winter. I also like • As junior boys, you will not moment. It is those who jump on to do multi-sport events when realise just how quickly your any opportunity in life who build I can, and love to head up into time at College will fly by. I their own pathway to success. the hills and go mountain biking. think you should take as many opportunities as possible What is your background? because I know my time has • I grew up in Wellington and been made really enjoyable left there when I was seven. by the experiences I have had
College Issue 32 2017 15 SAM CAMERON-DUNN Deputy Head Prefect 2017
Sam started his education in a small rural school near Blenheim, then followed his two older brothers to College.
“We chose to come to College because of the sporting and academic opportunities,’’ he says. “The school just seemed to be a good fit for my brothers, and it was natural for me to follow in their footsteps. As a boarder, at first it was a bit daunting being away from home, but once I arrived, the caring boarding house staff and positive environment in the House made the transition much easier. I guess it also helped having Tom, my older brother there to support me whenever I needed any help.’’
Both sport and academic work are important to Sam. He has been in the 1st X1 football team since Year 11 and says he has really enjoyed playing for College with such a great group of boys. “I love my sport, but the academic “I think all boys should aspire towards side of College has always been the primary focus for me – balancing leadership roles. As through the role Deputy Head Prefect business, NCEA and Scholarship. I have you develop great skills for later in learnt time management is key and life such as public speaking and time I try to keep everything in balance, especially this year, which is the management.” last year with my friends before we all go our separate ways.” Sam Cameron-Dunn
Sam enjoys working with Head skills for later in life, such as public and want to make College the best Prefect Ben Marshall-Lee, saying speaking and time management.” it can be for the boys. “I can’t think of anyone better to work with than Ben. We know each So far this year Sam says he has “I’m certainly looking forward to other’s strengths and weaknesses been impressed with the changes the rest of 2017, as it continues well and I think we make a really being made around the school. “It to be another successful year for good team. has been great to see more boys Christ’s College.’’ taking leadership with student-led “I think all boys should aspire initiatives that push for a stronger towards leadership roles, as student voice in the school. The through the role you develop great staff genuinely listen to students
16 Christ’s College Canterbury Give me knowledge and I can change the world.
At Christ’s College, every boy is encouraged to have an academic sense of purpose. This is what has motivated me to reach my potential.
Our teachers encourage us to push ourselves further, providing us with opportunities to take part in a wide range of examinations. It’s helped many of us win scholarships at some of the world’s top universities.
I think it’s all down to the way teachers work closely with each of us, working out how they can best help us as individuals strive to achieve our very best. www.christscollege.com Each boy at his best. ACADEMIC AWARDS NZQA Scholarship Awards for 2016
Congratulations to those students who gained NZQA Scholarship in 2016. Christ’s College students were awarded 39 scholarships, including seven outstanding scholarships.
Christopher Brown Connor Leadley Chemistry, Physics (Outstanding), Biology, Chemistry 2016 NCEA Results Statistics, Calculus (Outstanding), Physics, Statistics Simon Brown In NCEA, Christ’s College Statistics Samuel McGuire boys consistently out-perform English students in other decile 8–10 Tom Botting schools, with results that are English, Biology, Statistics Matthew Moore well above national averages. (Outstanding), Economics Biology, Statistics All College students in each year (Outstanding), Geography William Burns group sit NCEA. Drama Jack Murison Below is a comparison of English, Biology Benjamin Clark combined Merit and Excellence Drama Simon Patterson endorsements for Christ’s Physics College compared with other Reid Edmond decile 8–10 schools. Drama Henry Rolleston Drama Logan Finlay Visual Arts (Painting) Cameron Stevenson Christ’s College Calculus Harry Holland LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 Accounting Hamish Thomas 89.3% 73.3% 56.4% English, Biology Joseph Hutchinson (Outstanding), Decile 8–10 schools Biology (Outstanding), Physics, Statistics LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 Young Sung Jang Michael Williams 69.8% 57.1% 53% Statistics Physics, Statistics Samuel Julian William Win Visual Arts (Photography) English (Outstanding), Design and Visual Communication Seungje Jung Calculus
18 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 19 College Issue 32 2017 “The number one priority we is ensure to want so personalisation, has boy each that to platform his own his best.” be at Joe Eccleton They do, however, have the chance They do, however, to achieve their own personal goals a Merit for excellence, whether it’s want each or even an Achieved. We boy to set his goals and go for them. Reaching those goals is the real achievement.’’
“We believe the key to success “We for boys is to have a thirst for knowledge, so they can adapt and be successful in the changing nature of the work force.” Joe says the current curriculum review will lead to the development of key competencies, such as problem solving, critical thinking and adopting a global perspective. “A curriculum review is a long he process rather than a quick fix,’’ says. “NCEA provides us with the opportunity to be flexible in the way we assess students, while still maintaining academic excellence, so we can be creative in what we teach and how we are teaching. “Our focus is about personal excellence. Not everyone gets a or a Scholarship. Gold Tie
curriculum College reviews its its reviews College ACADEMIC In a bid to ensure all learning is relevant and fit for purpose, since 2016 College and fit for purpose, since all learning is relevant In a bid to ensure Joe Assistant Principal – Curriculum a curriculum review. has been undertaking been leading the charge. Eccleton has “We need to ensure we are “We considering alternative pathways for our students. Fundamentally, we want all boys to develop a love of learning both during their time at College and later on, so they are curious for the rest of their lives. “The purpose of a curriculum review is to ensure we deliver world-class programmes and that our teaching and learning is innovative, cutting edge and, relevant to the most particularly, he says. “The number future,’’ one priority we want to ensure is personalisation, so that each boy has his own platform to be at his best. What that really means is we want all boys to come to College, find their passion and pursue it, with our teaching staff supporting them along the way. A NEW PERSPECTIVE Te Reo in Year 9
The aim of the new Year 9 Te Reo programme is to ensure College becomes a school which embraces our New Zealand heritage and diversity.
Teacher Steve Everingham cultural aspects.’’ “I’ve been wanting to get more says it is essential to have a Te understanding of Maori culture, Reo class, as there is a strong Most boys coming to College especially Maori rights, the place appetite among parents and the have some knowledge of Te of women, tribes and iwi. In fact, community for such a programme. Reo and Maori protocol from I would like to have a full Te Reo primary school, but the year-long class and learn Maori as, after “It is a natural progression to take programme aims to also look at all, it is one of the languages of the three-day Year 9 immersion wider issues, says Steve. New Zealand. I’m enjoying it so programme we have been running Three Year 9 boys – George much, I wish we could keep up at the end of each year and to the continuity over the week by extend it,’’ he says. “Now, all Geary, Claude Tellick and Callum Hackston – are enthusiastic about having three periods instead of Year 9 boys have two periods a two.’’ week throughout the whole year, the new programme. where they can spend more time George Geary says it has been For Callum Hackston, the best experiencing Te Reo and Tikanga really good as they have not just part has been that previously his Maori – the Maori way of doing started with the basics, as they study had been whole-class based, things. did at primary school. As well as but the work this term has delved learning Maori vocabulary and into how it relates to each boy “In most New Zealand secondary personally, to his own heritage. schools, it is common practice useful protocol, they have been to have powhiri and, as with the looking at issues such as the “It’s important for us to haka, it is important to do this Treaty of Waitangi. They have also understand the issues that face properly and with meaning. By been focusing on Maori society all our society, and to be able to having all boys who enter the and how this has been changing be familiar with things such as school receive a detailed analysis over the past centuries. the stages of a powhiri, to know of Tikanga Maori, such as the Claude Tellick says he has also exactly what is happening when etiquette of a powhiri, they come been interested in what they have and why, rather than to just be to understand the meaning of been studying this term. passive observers. Knowing the such ceremonies and the wider cultural meaning behind each
20 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 21 College Issue 32 2017 part of a ceremony makes it much part of a ceremony makes it much more meaningful. “I feel it is important to get rid of the feeling of them and us, and being part of a powhiri is one small step towards fully experiencing our bicultural heritage.’’ Steve Everingham says he is impressed with the way the boys have embraced the programme and are so keen to learn. “I’m also impressed with their knowledge of modern issues such as treaty settlements and, on the whole, I think they are aware of the issues around cultural imbalance. By the end of the term, they should be competent to introduce themselves with their mihi and be aware of their boys do have We tribal identity. identifying from South Island iwi and it is also important that we recognise this.’’ Callum Hackston “I feel it is important to get rid of the rid of get it is important“I feel to and being part of and us, them of feeling fully towards is one small step a powhiri heritage.” our bicultural experiencing ACADEMIC The junior English experience
English teacher Melissa Campbell outlines the current practices in the College junior English programmes.
“We pride ourselves on delivering to work towards a shift from being “English students at College are a programme which encourages a “routine expert” to an “adaptive increasingly invited to contribute each boy at his best. In doing so, expert” (Timperley, 2011). decisions on these different we are increasingly shifting our approaches in the light of the focus towards providing greater “English Department planning outcomes that are of value to differentiation in the junior is moving towards thinking them. One Year 9 class worked English courses, thus honouring more flexibly about how to collaboratively with their teacher both the diverse young men organise teaching and learning. to decide what they wanted to before us and the New Zealand For example, a class may all be explore in respect to New Zealand Curriculum. As the New Zealand working in the same learning and Pasifika short texts. Given the Curriculum argues, this means area and participating in shared choice, they showed a genuine that making the curriculum learning activities. However, interest in exploring questions accessible for all students may simultaneously, some students they wanted to investigate. require thinking outside the may be working with different Close reading skills were taught square in daily practice. This content, within different to enable students to make an requires College staff to be curriculum levels, toward different independent investigation. One prepared to do things differently, learning outcomes, or in relation student chose to explore the most to different assessment criteria. popular themes in contemporary
22 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 23 College Issue 32 2017 a genuine love of learning and a genuine love of learning and an awareness of their unique characteristics as a learner. “In short, our English students have choice and they have voice. two key “These are, arguably, ingredients necessary to meet learning needs.’’ each individual’s “The days of only teacher-led “The days of only teacher-led learning have long gone. In its place are more collaborative teacher and student learning relationships. Creating these relationships takes a great deal of skill, time and effort, but the collaboration is far more effective at ensuring boys develop Melissa Campbell “The days of days “The teacher-led only havelearning In its gone. long more place are collaborative andteacher learningstudent relationships.” Maori poetry. Another chose Another chose Maori poetry. to explore expressions about nature in New Zealand poetry. These students also chose how they would demonstrate their learning. The result was greater engagement because of much greater ownership of what each boy wished to learn. 24 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 25 College Issue 32 2017 own digital technology as a means of solving problems, especially in the workplace. “It is so important that we move the boys from being digital consumers to digital creators. That is the key to all the work we are doing.’’ “Our curriculum area is changing so fast that we need to be the drivers of these changes and to extend the boys so they grow and rather take control of technology, than the other way round. A good example of this is applied science 11, run by and technology in Year Arthur McGregor.
“Down the track, we want to look at introducing Arduinos and involving the boys in making their own circuit boards, rather than using Makey Makey circuits and computers. “Our vision is to cross subject boundaries so we are not just teaching digital and material but can combine these technology, with other subjects so we become truly multidisciplinary.’’ Kevin Harris says parents are fully supportive of these changes and understand the difference between is using which digital literacy, and boys creating their technology,
future learning future Setting the scene for for scene the Setting DIGITAL THINKING DIGITAL Entering a classroom where boys are taking part in the new digital thinking part in the new digital where boys are taking Entering a classroom as they create music, is to see technology in action 9s all Year programme for and coding. The class is buzzing, enthusiastic and animation, and web design eager to learn. “It allows us to look at the important components of coding, then to look at the human interface. Things are now controlled by code, but we want them to build understanding of the interconnections between the human physical environment and the digital world. “Our style of delivery is very much that each boy has his own programme which suits his level of experience and style of learning,’’ Kevin says. “Boys immerse themselves in the programme and that is what digital thinking is all about. It allows them be creative bind them to a rigid and doesn’t plan. As part of College’s emphasis on emphasis As part of College’s specialisation and personalised learning, boys are encouraged to work on their own projects and those with previous experience are extended beyond the current class work. HOD Design and Technology Kevin HOD Design and Technology Harris says the new programme he and Eloise Nevin are running has fully engaged the boys. Eloise teaches HTML web design and coding and Kevin explores the world of physical computing and code, using Scratch coding, which he says is good for introducing logic flow and the idea of programming itself. “Boys now need to have a growth mindset and learn that what they currently see as ‘fixed and the right way’ may have to change, and they need to look for new ways of doing things. Through our project-based approach, we want them to see technology as a part of physics, science, maths and vice versa. They all fit together.
“The Year 9 programme will be constantly evolving as we try out new approaches to suit different boys’ needs,’’ he says.” The key to all this work is about boys learning flexibility, resilience and how to solve problems – skills that will be an essential part of all workplaces in the future.
“What we are doing now is just the tip of the iceberg of changes that will occur as technology continues to evolve exponentially. What we hope to see in five years is all teachers, especially those in art, “It is so important that we move the music and science, involved in technology. boys from being digital consumers to “While we know academic digital creators. That is the key to all the excellence is important, we also need to build in all our students work we are doing.” the capacity to meet the emerging needs of the 21st century.’’ Kevin Harris
26 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 27
College Issue 32 2017 “It’s all about “It’s the boys extending in ways interests them.” suit that Warren Lidstone Mr Lidstone is working with Mr Lidstone is working with 11 boys to ensure teachers of Year every able boy is being fully extended and to find the best ways to keep them interested, engaged and enjoying learning.
provoke academic dialogue to a provoke academic dialogue to a group of students from College Our next idea and St Margaret’s. is to have the students lead this concept and come up with ideas that interest them, rather than my deciding what they might be. extending the boys all about It’s interests in ways that suit them.’’ Another initiative involves Year 11 boys working with Rangi Ruru girls to find collaborative learning pathways. Thus creating social as well as intellectual interactions, and opportunities to meet like- minded people. Extending students’ skills students’ Extending ADVANCED LEARNING ADVANCED Year 13 student Chris Jung is a mathematics and computing expert who has mathematics and computing 13 student Chris Jung is a Year and prizes Informatics and won awards International Olympiad in attended the and, as part to share his knowledge But Chris is also keen for his achievements. classes to help running after-school Learning programme, is of the Advanced computer programming. also interested in learning those who are “We recently organised a session recently organised a session “We where a guest speaker came to Mr Lidstone talks daily with Mr Lidstone talks daily with groups of students undertaking Advanced Learning, acting as a mentor and sounding board for their interests. He is keen to get the boys to take responsibility for and to organise ways to extend their own learning. “We try to ensure every boy has ensure every boy has try to “We the opportunity to pursue any subject or interest he is skilled in or has particular talents in. We want to find ways to extend the knowledge of the boys who want to pursue subjects further and ensure they remain fully engaged in class. For example, we had a student who was a talented mathematician and had reached a level where he needed further extension, so we found him a computer programming class Another group of at university. boys are passionately interested in Model United Nations, so we made sure they took part in their debates.’’ Warren Lidstone is the Teacher in in is the Teacher Lidstone Warren Charge of Advanced Learning at College. For Chris, it is a chance to discuss For Chris, it is a chance to discuss his ideas with like-minded friends and to undertake further research in new and unfamiliar areas, as inspired by their work. LEARNING CENTRE Lifting literacy for Year 9s
College is committed to ensuring each boy’s learning is personalised and based on his individual learning needs.
In the Learning Centre, teacher Participants continue with their “We have three groups of five Kate Morris is running a new Year normal English classes and come boys who, for some reason or 9 literacy programme for boys who to the programme for three periods another, need a boost to their have come to College with either a week, instead of attending a knowledge and skills. The main significant learning needs, or gaps second modern languages class. areas of focus are reading fluency in their basic literacy skills. This Kate Morris is enthusiastic about and comprehension, punctuation, programme offers expert tuition the work the boys are doing and spelling and grammar, all the designed to lessen these gaps and believes that, even though the skills they need to be independent equip boys with the skills they programme has only been running within their wider school classes,” need to become independent for a term, it has already made a says Kate. learners. Boys with these needs are big difference for the boys taking identified before entering Year 9. part. “Most literacy programmes remove students from their mainstream
Head of Department for Learning Centre & ESOL, Lesley Anderson-McKenna
28 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 29 College Issue 32 2017 and work out what is required. “While we look at rules and phonological approaches to mostly spelling where necessary, we target high-use words, using dictation to find out which words can are most often misspelt. We help build the boys’ vocabulary to make them more independent writers. Reading is another key mixture of new use a focus. We technologies alongside tried and true reading strategies. Our aim is fluency and to increase each boy’s to increase their overall level of comprehension. “Understanding what you read is, of course, crucial for academic success. In order for each boy to be his best, we need to meet him at his starting point and develop strategies from there.” Kate Morris says the results of the literacy programme this term have been pleasing, and the future of the programme is promising for both College and the boys involved. not that different from anyone else here at College. Every boy has areas where there is room for improvement. For these boys, that introduce them We area is literacy. to strategies and technologies that they might not have been taught, or had access to, in the past. give the boys tools to use so “We they can fully engage in classwork, making sure we troubleshoot each give him needs. We individual boy’s the appropriate skills to deal with what lies ahead in his learning. If boys are having trouble in one of their classes, they can bring their a matter work along. Usually it’s of not completely understanding what is being asked of them in a project, so we can talk it through Kate Morris “We give the boys tools to use so to tools the boys give “We in classwork, engage can fully they each troubleshoot we making sure individual needs...” boy’s “We help them realise they are “We “There is no doubt that coming to grips with these skills gives the boys more self-esteem and confidence,” she says. “They say they no longer feel they are out of their depth or they are the only know things. one who doesn’t Being in a small group also helps them realise other people have challenges in their learning and may be just as reluctant to ask for understand help, or say they don’t something. English classes, but we don’t do English classes, but we don’t that, we give them a skills top-up three times a week so they can remain with the rest of their year level doing the same curriculum. Kate Morris running the Year 9 literacy programme Kate Morris running the Year SAM JULIAN Outstanding photographer
Sam Julian was a relative newcomer to photography but, as a Year 12 student, he gained a 2016 NCEA Outstanding Scholarship award in the subject.
Sam says he was originally doing art, but decided, although he really enjoyed it, it was all a bit messy and he wanted to do something that was more portable.
“I was already exposed to photography through social media, and in the third term last year, Ms Kempthorne [photography teacher] asked me if I wanted to try for a Scholarship, so I thought I would give it a go. I had considered going for a Scholarship in art history and graphics. Mr Holland had made it clear I could get a Scholarship in graphics, but I had never considered photography.’’
In compiling his photography portfolio, Sam decided he wanted to explore something he felt was really meaningful.
30 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 31 College Issue 32 2017 taken in sombre grey conditions, many of them on the beach in winter and in a deserted hut in the mountains. I organised every detail of the shot, refined it, concentrated on every aspect and set it up so that someone else just pressed the button.’’ Sam plans a career in architecture, but given the passion with which he undertook his Scholarship portfolio, it seems he could also have a career in photography. “I wanted to make the intangible make to “I wanted and symbols of use by and, tangible understand.” help people to metaphors, Sam Julian Sam developed a workbook in which, using a fountain pen, he recorded all his ideas, the photographs he would take, what they meant and how he would create them. he says. “I “It was a huge task,’’ planned every single shoot down to the last detail and I used myself for each one. It is a big thing to use yourself as it all has to be self- contained. I covered myself in glad wrap, had myself lifted by a crane, fell in the water and all shots were “I wanted to make the intangible tangible and, by use of symbols and metaphors, to help people understand.’’ Sam had personal experience with someone suffering from depression, which he says really opened his eyes. “So I picked an issue that went well with photos – mental illness, depression and social isolation. I felt so many people suffer with and depression, but do so quietly, have much idea many of us don’t about what sufferers go through. I wanted to use photos to create really awareness when words can’t explain – a photo can give a strong visual representation of what is really going on inside the world of someone with depression.’’ ACADEMIC Student Writing
THE WAVE hugging me. I get an odd look from could jump off my board, attempt the locals in the water (probably to dive under the monster, scream By Angus Mossman because I am the only white kid for help or simply let the wave (written 2016, Year 11) surfing this wave). I look back to take me; I won’t. I turn my board the boat. Dad is giving me a wave around, start the 1,2,3,4 count. I’ve seen the perfect waves rolling with the camera in his hand, while through on my phone screen, but the driver is lighting probably his I pop onto my feet and catch the now I am actually in the midst of 50th fag in the past 20 minutes. wave. The wave is sucking around it all. I’ve only been to Fiji once me; I approach the section of the before; I can only remember Sitting on my board. The only wave where the lip covers over me. amazing family memories. The boat thing separating me from the coral I increase my speed to avoid being driver is here. under my feet. “Set!” shouts one of too deep in the barrel. I’m in. This the locals in the water. The locals is what true beauty is. Only a select I’m getting on the boat with two are paddling with such strength number of people in the world get boards because when I read the towards the waves approaching. to experience what I am seeing recommendations online when Suddenly the warm offshore wind right now. But isn’t that the beauty surfing the outer reef, the website sends a chilly shiver throughout of it? Surfing is an art, a wellbeing, says to expect one of your boards my body. Monster waves are a true test of physical and mental to break. Doesn’t really get my charging from the horizon. strength. I’m thankful that I got the hopes up. However, we’re off! The chance to be a part of it. warm tropical wind blows through “1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4.” I am shouting my hair (that needs to be cut) out my paddling strokes. I feel a and for some odd reason, I feel at movement drag me, but the water 12 WAYS INTO A POEM home, even though I’m thousands isn’t moving forward. It is sucking of miles from Sumner. The boat from below me. The sound of the By Alex Hickman water sucking off the dry reef driver stops to refill the boat tank (Year 9) while lighting a fag. sounds like screaming. Paddling is an absolute understatement How Do I Die? “Almost here!” The driver shouts. for what I am doing (or what I am To face a six-foot wall of water trying to do). I hear a roar of sound Or by spikes from behind I see it. Waves delivered from coming from in front of me ... I look Unknowingly over my head the heavens. The driver stops up. Pummelled wave after wave and mumbles “Marm waiter.” I Red mixed with Blue and Green exchange a confused look with Fiji is overrated. A five-to-eight- Dad across the two-man dinghy. metre-thick wall of water getting But with a bang, whack, crash and We are here! Cloudbreak. I can’t ready to break on my head. I’m zip help but think. How the hell am I not a religious person. However, A sore hit lip here? Why am I here? I grab my I know that if there was a God ... Because of Dave on a wave board and dive into the water, I He does not want mankind to surf Which made some laugh and enthusiastically yell out “The water these waves. I have had a great others barf is like a bath!” The driver smiles life, great family and friends. For A surfboard and repeats “Marm waiter.” I give some reason the thought of death A bed him a grin and slowly say “Warm doesn’t worry me. All I can think A van water?” He smiles. about are Abi, Ella and Sally. Their Bright fluorescent green bright, bubbly, enthusiastic way of I am in the majestic warm Fijian life makes me thankful to be where Unknowingly over my head ocean, paddling out to the point. I am today. I can’t give up. I have a Red mixed with Blue and Green Beautiful colours on the reef gift of life, a gift that the girls never But What do we really love? beneath me, bright blue crystal got to fully experience. I will not clear ocean surrounding me ... let this wave take away my gift. I
32 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 33 College Issue 32 2017 breaths, I rested the barrel on a flat rested the barrel breaths, I He was in the centre mossy rock. breath I took a final of my scope. and squeezed. home about Dad and I arrived kicked off our We an hour later. into the kitchen boots and strolled asked if we got for a cuppa. Mum and said anything. I just smiled a look in the with a grin, “Just have killing house.” ONCE IN A LIFETIME ONCE Chaffey By Will 11) (Year the I was 10. I was enjoying nestled by the warmth of my bed, hut, when stove in the mustering a rough shake I was disturbed by to get up. from Dad. It was time and it would It was dark outside until it was be at least 45 minutes gun ready the light. I had got the was leaning night before and it I swung it over my by the door. shoulder and headed out. The back porch light had broken so finding my boots in the dark was an expedition and a half, but after bumping into the wood pile, stumbling over the broom tail, I and standing on the dog’s eventually got them on. on the quad bike set off We heading to Ladies’ Range. It was cold. The fact that I was wearing only my ripped CCC shorts that barely covered half my thighs a long drive really help. It’s didn’t out to Ladies’ Range and that particular morning it felt even expectation and The longer. anticipation was getting to me. At the gate before the ridge, there was a mob of 30 nannies stopped in the middle of the track. I don’t know who got the bigger fright. They scampered quickly from the scene while we appreciated the rarity of the moment. And our luck. Where there are nannies, there are bulls, and with a mob this big, there must be a huge bull lurking not too far away. snuck through the gate, We heading along the ridge to Spike’s our heads over poked Knob. We the East Face and suddenly stopped in our tracks. It was him. The big one. A once in a lifetime bull. I quickly slid the gun off my shoulder as we dropped to the ground. I quietly opened the bolt and loaded a bullet into a few deep Taking the chamber. Often I have a dream of déjà vu. Often I have a dream smash your I hate it when you and it stings. elbow or your knee Jacob played his Zada. I have some Usually afterwards philosophical thought. eel has It hurts like an electric zapped me. I had a moment of panic, but realised I had a Fumigate in my hand. Sometimes afterwards I have a question that I want to ask Mr Peters. The last time it happened to me was at indoor football. Jacob played Might of the Masses on Zada. even know I’ve seen Usually I don’t my future. Some fool was charging for the ball at the same time as me. He swung me with 6 8/8 Goblins. Then one day I’ll be walking along and realise that I’d just dreamed a previous moment. and it hurt real bad. collided We I struggled to deal with the combat. Sometimes it happens at really odd moments. And then I was a fish, flopping on the floor. I survived, then Fumigated his Goblins And it sometimes gives me like vertigo or something. Everyone came to help me up. infinite with I went turns later, Two my creatures. an insight into like always But it’s philosophical stuff. The guy apologised and I went back on soon after. And then we packed up and started again. By George Geary By George 9) (Year A TANGLE A TANGLE OF RECENT EXPERIENCES ACADEMIC Exchanges enrich lives
It is an amazing world out there – and going on an exchange opens up many opportunities to benefit from the experience of time spent living and learning, immersed in another culture. Recently, College students have gone to Japan and France, and College has hosted students from Japan and Hungary.
JAPAN Over the summer holidays, Year 13 students Caelan Murch and Jack Tracy spent several weeks living in Japan, going to school at Konan Boys’ High School in Kobe. Both say it was an extraordinary time, with life in Japan very different from New Zealand. “Japan is so crowded and busy and has such a fast pace of life. Everything happens at speed … it’s kind of crazy, kind of awesome,” says Caelan.
Nevertheless, they jumped right in, embraced the experience, and took every opportunity to explore their surroundings. Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are discrete cities that together form one huge metropolitan area.
Caelan and Jack were both hosted by Ryo Toyoshima in Kobe, and Jack also spent a couple of weeks with Kippei Minami in Osaka. They returned the favour, with Ryo and Kippei coming to College. They spent time at Jack’s family home and also based with Caelan, boarding in Richards House.
Ryo and Kippei say they enjoyed the more relaxed lifestyle here, the space, and easy access to parks and gardens. Ryo played in the Big Band and enjoyed sailing.
Their main goal while in New Zealand was to improve their English language skills.
34 Christ’s College Canterbury ACADEMIC 35 College Issue 32 2017 Jack, Blake and George all agreeJack, Blake exchange wastheir French “unforgettable”. is quite an isolated“New Zealand gave us a muchcountry and the trip perspective,”more international says George. understanding“I’ve a much better and culture.of French language French feels aHaving been there, says Blake. whole lot easier now,” experience …“It was an amazing embracinglearning the language, the culture, living the life, just being there and hanging out with friends. I loved it. I know I’ll go back one says Jack. day,” While they had a fantastic timeWhile they also trips, they on many different with spending time enjoyed simply the families, embracing their host of life and practisingFrench way had all “We their language skills. with our hostdifferent experiences was friendlyfamilies, but everyone really got on and welcoming. We well,” says George. a mix ofAt school, they attended and regularspecial language lessons varied fromclasses. School hours focus was solelyday to day and the Sport, musicon academic subjects. and other co-curricular activities were independently organised. With around 3,000 students, the Centre is like a International de Valbonne small city within itself. As Hungary is a land-locked Balint enjoys living near the country, sea in Christchurch and, when not in the pool, enjoys ocean swimming. He has found College different, but Back in his home city in a good way. wear mufti to the students of Eger, co-ed secondary school and there is no concept of BYOD, just good old- fashioned books. Balint is staying with Max and Louis Clark, and is looking forward to making the most of his time in Christchurch. He will be here for six months. Year 13 student Balint Tomozi was 13 student Balint Tomozi Year invited to come to New Zealand by the Head Coach at Canterbury Polo, Zoltan Boros, and Water College has reaped the benefit of his prowess in the pool. … AND HUNGARY It was destination Valbonne in Valbonne It was destination France, when Year Provence, Blake Jack Caunter, 12 students MurrayMcGuigan and George exchangejetted off for a six-week Billeted within December 2016. boys attendedFrench families, the Internationalschool at the Centre as well as visiting de Valbonne, attractions, many of the region’s factory inincluding a perfume Picasso atGrasse, the Musée Antibes, the Oceanographic of Monaco, Museum and Old Town and Thales Alenia Space – an aerospace manufacturer and satellite launching facility – in Cannes. FRANCE YO HO HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM! Treasure Island Junior Production
36 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 37 College Issue 32 2017 Director Robyn Peers says the choice of the year’s junior production was an easy one. Stuart Patterson’s adaptation of the famous children’s story seemed to be the right length and was very accessible, as it told the story clearly and explained the journey of cabin boy Jim in a way the audience could relate to.
“Last October we chose the cast, were able to create some amazing that evil can be cloaked in a mask of did the basic organising of scenes scenery. It gave us a different way good. He realises that the supposed and had the boys memorising of doing things.’’ “good’’ characters such as Squire their lines, so they hit the ground Trelawny and the Doctor are just running at the beginning of this While it is an action-packed as capitalistic and greedy as the year and we were able to have the adventure story, Treasure Island is pirates. production live by the middle of the really a story about greed, about a first term,” says Robyn. young cabin boy coming up against Robyn Peers and Drama Director good and evil, especially in his David Chambers are full of praise “The storyline was very episodic relationships with Long John Silver for the impeccable costuming with a lot of short scenes which and Ben Gunn. Jim recognises that created by long-term College made the staging a little difficult, not all is what it first seems and supporter, Mandy Dickie. but the author suggested we undertook it in a straightforward manner. So we adapted the staging and had boxes and tables which could be used in different ways in different scenes. We also used the cast to change the scenes, which was a great learning experience for them.
“The OBT was a perfect place to stage the production as it has a large screen at the back of the stage and we found strong images to indicate a sense of place. The department has just replaced its 17-year-old projector with a new state-of-the-art model, so we
38 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 39 College Issue 32 2017 Robyn Peers “The OBT was a perfect place to stage the stage place to a perfect was “The OBT the at screen as it has a large production strong found and we the stage of back place.” a sense of indicate to images “As with all our productions, we says found a pathway through,’’ Robyn Peers. “At some stage, things may have seemed a bit chaotic to the boys, but we knew what we were doing, and believed, in the end, it would be all right on the night. And it was.’’ This production was an opportunityThis production was Year 9 (now for the 2016 Year and,10) boys to test themselves awaken through the theatricality, their interest in drama and develop confidence in performance. “Over the past 10 years, Mandy“Over the husbanded ourhas brilliantly says David Chambers. costumes,’’ production, she chose‘’For this colour schemea monochromatic withof black, grey and sepia, of red for theincredible flashes has a hugepirates. Colouration and look of theeffect on the impact Mandy deliveredplay and, as usual, exactly what we wanted.’’ 40 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 41 College Issue 32 2017 our age group signed up for auditions. It was soour age group signed with the actors having to bemuch fun, especially to signing up I’m really looking forward stage crew. next year.’’ for the senior production Gibbs admits that in the finalChorus member Jim went up, he had some doubtsdays before the curtain would be able to pull it off. about whether they going to happen and it wasn’t “I felt we were doomed came inas it was all so chaotic. Then Ms Peers with Bugsylooking happy and said it was like this junior production, Bugsy Malone] and [last year’s and Mrit was all okay on the night. Because she that if theyChambers are so experienced, we knew it would be. So we all pulled said it would be okay, together and it happened.’’ and thoughtJim says he enjoyed the choice of play as itit was really appropriate for their age group, focus. Ahad an action focus rather than an acting which thehighlight for him was the incredible set crew had put together in a weekend. in on Monday and the theatre techies had came “We us all feelput it together over the weekend. It made he says. that things were really happening,’’ Props organiser Tom Tothill has usually been on has usually been Tothill Props organiser Tom really enthusiastic but was play, the acting side of a junior role in this year’s about taking a backstage production. be interesting to look at the“I thought it would and was amazed to see just howtechie side of things a production. So much that youmuch work goes into backstage, such as the lighting. It see goes on don’t was a real learning experience for me.’’ played by Dominic Edmond, was Long John Silver, of theindeed a challenging role, not just because but becauseactual demands of the important role, keep his legDominic had to wear a peg leg brace to pinned back throughout the play. that brace“The College drama department has had to use it. I wassince 1996 waiting for an opportunity it home for says Dominic. “I took the lucky one,’’ sitting down,the Christmas holidays and practiced so I gotfalling over and walking on and off stage, quite good at it. It really was fun!’’ to although is quick Dominic liked the choice of play, with girlsmention he would like to do a production sometime. and we“The play certainly got the boys’ attention “In fact, over half he says. were all keen to sign up,’’ The boys have their say their boys have The CULTURE Chinese dumplings taste so good
Getting friends and family together for a shared meal is one of life’s greatest pleasures … and the Flower’s House family enjoyed a special suppertime treat when Year 13 student Frank Shi and Year 11 student Mark Ma taught their fellow boarders how to make Chinese dumplings.
To make sure there was plenty for everyone, Frank and Mark started to assemble the dumplings almost three hours ahead of being joined by the other boys. “It was hard work, but lots of fun,” says Mark.
The boys had the choice of both steamed and pan-seared dumplings, served with a popular Chinese dipping sauce, made with oil and chilli flakes, called Lao Gan Ma (literally “old grandmother”).
It was a fun House event, eliciting plenty of positive feedback:
Year 13 student Nick Murray said it was a “great experience to learn about another culture. They were the best, so tasty.”
Year 12 student Oscar Wilson thought it was a “very cool way” for the students to get to know each other.
Year 12 student Louis Batchelor simply said, “Good on Mark and Frank. Awesome.”
While Year 9 student Henry Briscoe, whose family lives in Singapore, hoped it was “definitely something we’d do again”, as it reminded him of the food stalls back home.
The idea was suggested by Matron Karen Adams, who took Frank and Mark out to buy ingredients and liaised with kitchen manager Rex Quigley to supply the necessary cooking equipment.
42 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 43
College Issue 32 2017 individual strengths, but with individual strengths, a view to how well they would work together and complement them in the “Watching each other. says tournament was just poetry,” Chloe. “They were quick-witted, articulate and intelligent – and, after six debates back to back, they really wanted the win.” College had two teams competing in the Canterbury regional debating tournament: Thomas, Wynn 1 – Wills Team Henry Seaton, Fawzan Sugarwala 2 – Nick Stevens, Thomas Team Junie Wee. Josh Stevenson, Walker,
a successful debate, as is the ability a successful debate, construct to think analytically, an argument that considers all perspectives, and predict what “Content the opposition might say. and style, clarity of tone and intonation, are all important. It also helps if you can deliver your ideas in a persuasive manner and show why you are right and the opposition is wrong.” MiC Debating, Chloe Harland, says debating is going from strength to strength at College, with excellent coaching and a group of enthusiastic boys setting a very high standard. The premier team was selected on the basis of their College debaters success debaters College SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT TALK TO SOMETHING The premier College debating team won the prestigious Russell McVeagh the prestigious Russell McVeagh debating team won The premier College in an intensive two-day Debating Championship Canterbury Schools’ in March. at the University of Canterbury tournament, held Year 12 student Wills Wynn Wynn 12 student Wills Year Thomas says preparation is key to As defending champions, the team As defending champions, Thomas, Henry Wynn of Wills Seaton and Fawzan Sugarwala were feeling the pressure, but remained undefeated throughout to take first prize and bring the Press Cup back to College. In Thomas Wynn addition, Wills for was awarded the CSU Trophy Henry and Wills, Best Speaker, and Fawzan were all selected for the Canterbury representative debating squad, which travels to in May for the Russell Wellington New Zealand Schools’ McVeagh Debating Championship. 44 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 45
College Issue 32 2017
Quad Scape Sculptures on the the on Sculptures Scape CULTURE For most of Term 3 last year, the hallowed ground of the Quad was visited the hallowed ground 3 last year, For most of Term the installation of two large of art lovers, fascinated by by thousands by and Portrait of Mass Ascending Kiss by Gillian Gatfield sculptures, The responsible for the temporary installation of art in David McCracken. Scape is were part of the 2016 project. Christchurch and the works David McCracken’s work, Portrait David McCracken’s of a Mass Ascending, examined the fissures that emerge when clay is stretched. These fissures were then recast into a hardened form of steel. In the work The Kiss, by Gillian Gatfield, the X form has many cultural and symbolic references – the female chromosome, heraldic forms, a kiss in a text message and, of course, it marks the spot in mapping. In this work by the the Whangaparaoa-based sculptor, X form is rendered monumental in gleaming black granite. “The sculptures generated lots of discussion from the boys, who watched them being installed and were fascinated at the engineering required to get such large works in place, especially the large amount of concrete it took to secure them. The sculptures were a good profile for art. They encouraged the boys to think about the softer things in life and to understand what art can provide.’’ HOD Art Darren George, who is a member of the Scape committee, says the sculptures not only brought people into the College grounds, but also provided a focal point for the boys as they came and went from school each day. ROCKING IT IN THE MUSIC CENTRE New rock band tutor Nolan Hungerford
46 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 4747 College Issue 32 2017 College Issue 32 2017 College is great as it has so many opportunities for boys to get together and really enjoy music in events such as House music and Congers. “I have to say that all our guys are focused. Once we give them a goal, they have a reason to keep trying and it is great to be able to have class time for practice. They get a real sense of meaning from being given the opportunity to play and to learn as a group. I’m constantly looking for opportunities for the boys to play for an audience – for instance, at the start of a fun run, up on the ski field and, of course, at private functions. “In fact, I would encourage any College parents or friends who have a corporate event, to remember that College has the associated skills,’’ says Nolan. the associated skills,’’ “My plan is that when they leave school, these boys will have a catalogue of music they can play and have the potential to be want commercially viable. We them to be able to hold the group a good set list and have together, have fun. “Of course, some groups are very new and are still learning to play he says. “My their instruments,’’ rule is frequency of practice. The more you do, the more you get be excellent from it – you can’t without effort. But boys generally are keen to get better and will put in the hours. “Most adolescents love music and sometimes it is easy for schools to leave music on the side as something separate. Music has always been an important part of College life and the team in the Music Department make sure that boys can choose from a wide range of musical genres. “We give the boys the opportunity “We to experience being in a band, playing music, and learning all Rock music has long had a strong appeal for many teenage boys and, Nolan Hungerford tutor this year, is coming to College twice a week to help nurture 11 fledgling rock bands and groups. He works in the newly remodelled basement area of the Music Centre where extra soundproofing and sound systems have been installed. numerous groups who can play for their event, such as a covers band which can play for three hours or more and get everyone up on the dance floor.’’
Year 10 student Tim Ward is part of a four-man line up who have been together since the start of the year. He has been learning the piano since he was eight, writing music on his computer since he was 12, and spends a lot of time listening to music – it is his passion.
He says when the boys signed up for the rock band programme, although they had not played together before, they named each other as friends. They started up the group and it has worked out really well, as they all play different instruments. The band is Tim Ward, Max Thomas, Fearghus Bratten and Kynan Salt.
“We’d certainly like the band to go further,’’ Tim says. “I write the songs, Max writes the lyrics and we aim to have fun, release music and play shows. Our other goal is to
48 Christ’s College Canterbury CULTURE 49 College Issue 32 2017 Nolan Hungerford “We give the boys the opportunity to the boys give “We music, playing a band, being in experience skills.” associated all the and learning “I think the whole idea of having a rock band tutor is great, especially think about it being a as I didn’t possibility when I came to College. It just gives us all another creative outlet to do something we really but get have our freedom, We enjoy. more control when we have a music Nolangoing, the stuff get We lesson. helps us refine it.’’ “It’s great having Nolan to teach “It’s work, directsus. He critiques our ideas and helpsthe songs, gives us to do next.us plan what we want take over, He helps, but he doesn’t so we teach ourselves the original songs and he gives us a different perspective on what we have done. The boys have two lessons a weekThe boys have two in and as they all live together, a chance tothe same suburb, get the holidays. practice together in win Rockquest in a few years’ time. in a few years’ win Rockquest want to start we certainly However, by now and hope that, competing understand 13, we will really Year all the processes.’’ DARRELL THATCHER College’s new Director of Boarding and The Centre for Character & Leadership
Darrell Thatcher has been a familiar face around College for the past 15 years, as a mathematics teacher and as the Housemaster of Jacobs House. This year, he was appointed to a new role as Director of Boarding and The Centre for Character & Leadership, which makes him an important advocate for evolving new programmes.
The role of Director of Boarding This review has been looking at • Leave a legacy, so when they originated from a review of boarding current practices such as duties, come back to College they can see undertaken last year. Darrell says leave, discipline, prep, boarding boarding thriving and are able to the result of the review showed the programme and curriculum, and say they contributed to the change current boarding experience was facilities. • Encourage a new culture in the “Like a well-used chair. Nothing is Houses where all seniors get “Before the beginning of the year, broken, but some fine tuning would alongside the juniors and really we had meetings with Housemasters make something good, better.’’ interact to make it a worthwhile and House staff to look at areas relationship for both age groups. Since the review, new non- we could improve, and everyone is residential tutors have been motivated and positive to contribute The parents’ voice will be reflected appointed to help in the weekend to changes that will mean a better in the development of a Friends when most House staff are busy experience for the boys.’’ of Boarding group which will give with outside activities such as sport. parents the opportunity to have Darrell is keen to promote both There are now five staff in each their say and to discuss issues that the student and the parent voice, boarding House. may arise. giving boys and their parents the “As Director of Boarding, my role opportunity to contribute to what is “This is the first year we are looking is to be the voice and advocate happening in boarding. Already he at introducing subtle changes and of boarding at Christ’s College has established student committees processes and it is really the nuts across all areas,’’ says Darrell. “This in each House, led by the Head of and bolts year,’’ Darrell says. “From includes students, parents, boarding House, along with boys from each then on, we will be looking at the staff, resources, marketing and age group. bigger picture, such as the boarding promotion, strategic planning and curriculum, and how we can He says the main point of these administration. It’s a very wide brief. continue to encourage our boarders groups is for boarders to: to grow into fine young men.’’ “We want to ensure all boarders have a common experience, while • Have a growth mindset, not a still retaining the unique and special fixed mindset character of each House.’’ • Produce solutions rather than just identify problems
50 Christ’s College Canterbury BOARDING 51 College Issue 32 2017 For Darrell Thatcher, giving boys the opportunity For Darrell Thatcher, part of theto develop leadership skills is an integral well as beingCollege experience. In his new role, as an advocate for boarding, he wants to develop and promote leadership programmes. “Part of my role is to develop a cohesive leadership says Darrell.programme across all year levels,’’ 10 because it is an “The focus at the moment is Year want boys to be We important developmental year. able to mix and form relationships across their whole peer group, regardless of their House. but 10, however, are not just looking at Year “We plan to develop the leadership experience into a five- year programme across the whole school. important for “The bottom line, though, is it’s everyone to recognise that character leads to leadership, but leadership does not necessarily lead we need to develop both these areas. so to character, I define character as what you do when you are not being watched.’’ The Centre for Character & Leadership The Centre for Character IMMERSE AND INSPIRE New project to encourage character and leadership
Boarding has been an integral part of College life for over 160 years, providing a comfortable homely environment for boys, as well as opportunities to develop their character and leadership skills.
Soon all Year 10 boys at Christ’s four weeks. Dayboys and boarders Inspire is about helping to nurture College will have the chance to from different Houses will live the potential of each boy. experience life in a boarding House together in Jacobs House, while and, at the same time, take part still being part of their respective “Our mission at Christ’s College in an innovative new programme Houses during the day. Evening is each boy at his best and this is called Immerse and Inspire. This workshops will focus on different another way of realising that. We exciting four-week programme will topics, such as study skills, want to encourage boys to make be trialled with a group of Year 10 relationships, positive education, the right decisions in life and to be boys in Term 3, before becoming service and leadership. making them for the right reasons, a part of leadership and service to do the right thing even when activities for all Year 10s in 2018. Director of Boarding and The no one is watching them. That is It will give all boys the opportunity Centre for Character & Leadership what character is all about. We are to experience living on campus for Darrell Thatcher says Immerse and excited about this programme and
52 Christ’s College Canterbury BOARDING 53 College Issue 32 2017 Year 10 boys who are not part of Year the trial of the Immerse and Inspire 3 will be Programme in Term involved in the Lab5 course during 2. They will also complete Term their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey during the 4. 10 camps in Term Year “It needs to be noted that this 10 boys have been year all Year registered to complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award,” says Darrell. The programme already looks like being a popular part of College life, as highlighted by the fact that 80 boys expressed interest in being part of the initial trial group. Because of this interest, a second group will also trial the programme 3. in Term One of the highlights of the Immerse and Inspire Programme will be the Ministry of Awesome’s Lab5 course. The Ministry of is a company set up to Awesome support early-stage entrepreneurs to help them develop ideas for projects, events, start-ups, social enterprises and more – and to turn The Lab5 their ideas into reality. experience will take the boys out of class for a week, fully immersing them in the local entrepreneurial Social entrepreneur community. speaker panels, innovation tours, workshop and mentoring sessions will enable the boys to learn skills, including leadership, working in a team, communication and building ongoing resources to further their ideas and initiatives. Another feature of the Immerse and Inspire Programme will be the opportunity for the boys to complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey at Boyle Lodge.
unique strengths and character at an important time in their Introduce concepts of leadership as they relate to the College experience and to life Highlight the power of giving and service to others Allow all boys to experience the fun of boarding and learning to live with others as a key part of their College experience Foster new friendships across their peer group and across Encourage boys to better their and themselves understand
• development • • • Houses. • The intention of the programme is to: think it will be a great opportunity for the boys to really experience something different.’’ BEN MURRAY 2017 Head of Boarding
As Head of Boarding, Ben Murray represents 145 boarders, with 34 of these having started this year. We asked him for his views on the boarding experience.
have to find out the interests Tell me about your background, of senior boys and build a your family connections to programme for them? College, and your experience of boarding. To get this going I am talking with the seniors to see what activities I have lived all my life in the they really want to do. It could be Scargill Valley, an hour north of as simple as a swim at the beach for Christchurch, on a sheep and the day, or fishing trips and hunting beef farm, where my dad was also trips for the weekend. We want to brought up. I went to Greta Valley get the boys out of their Houses and Primary School, along with my twin having fun. brother. That school had around 30 people, so moving to College What are the good things about was quite a change – where some boarding? classrooms had more kids than we What do you consider your main My favourites at College are the had at our entire school. three House systems, the cubes, the goal as Head of Boarding? On my Dad’s side of the family, I had facilities, prep times with academic a lot of connections with College. A main goal of mine is to lead staff available and the food (my My dad, cousins, uncles, grandad, by example in the boarding personal favourite is breakfast). community. I would also like to and even my great-grandad, had all extend the number of role models If you had the chance, what attended College, and all in School for younger boys, with all boarding things about boarding do you House. prefects and senior leaders showing think College should keep, what I have enjoyed boarding at College juniors how it is to live in the should College get rid of and from day one, even though it was College boarding community. what changes should College a new experience for my brother implement? Another goal is to have the three and me. I admired and looked up to boarding Houses running with Because our boarding system the Year 13s when I was in Year 9, similar systems, while still retaining is already one of the best, if not even if I felt like it was going to take their unique cultures. the best, in the country, there is about a century before I reached nothing to get rid of, so everything that point! Now I am there – and Why? should be kept! However, being being in this position and being the The reason for having seniors lead involved in sport and having been role model I aspired to become, I by example is because, when I was a part of rowing, I would like to see cannot wait for the rest of the year. in my junior years, I aspired to be if we could provide the boys with like a few of the older boys and an afternoon tea, as it is a long time this has influenced my attitude between lunch and dinner. towards College life and being in What plans do you have to make the boarding community. new Year 9 boarders feel at The current boarding home? programme is great for Years A major one is for the older boys 9 and 10. How do you think to build relationships between College can provide for senior the year groups to bind the House boarders? What plans do you together with seniors as the big brothers of the House. 54 Christ’s College Canterbury Give a boy a home away from home.
Central to the character of the school, boarding at Christ’s College makes it easy for boys to find their niche and be supported in the choices they make.
Boarders can choose from a wide range of co-curricular activities as part of our unique Boarding Programme, developing lifelong friendships along the way.
Everyone’s welcome at Christ’s College. To find out more contact our Admissions Registrar Sarah Fechney [email protected] or 03 364 6836. www.christscollege.com Each boy at his best. SPORT Making a splash
56 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 5757 College Issue 32 2017 College Issue 32 2017 With swimming sports in the morning and athletics heats in the afternoon, Big Monday – this year held on Monday 13 February – is always one of the busiest days on the school calendar.
With the unmistakeable tang of eau de chlorine hanging in the air and the babble of excited voices, interspersed with clapping and cheering, it was all action at the College pool. It may have looked chaotic, but the programme ran like clockwork, as teachers kept time, swimmers dived in and out of the water and races were swum.
Several new records were set in both individual and House events, including: Bradley Shearer in U14 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle; Nathan Penrose in junior 200m freestyle and 50m backstroke; Harper House in U14 sprint relay; and Rolleston House in senior relay and in the Medley Relay Cup races. But the meet was dominated by Hunter Wilson, who created four new senior records and two new open records.
It was all over by lunchtime, however … and then the boys donned their athletics uniforms and converged on Upper for athletics. Various athletics heats continue throughout the week, culminating in one of the next big events on the sports and College calendar: Sports Day on Friday 24 February.
58 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 59 College Issue 32 2017 Overall House Championship 3rd Somes 2nd Jacobs 1st Rolleston Medley Relay Cup 3rd Corfe 2nd Harper 1st Rolleston Sprint Relay Cup 2nd = Harper, Corfe and Rolleston 1st Flower’s Senior Championship 3rd George Kral 2nd Max Clark 1st Hunter Wilson Intermediate Championship 3rd Finn Hamilton 2nd James Criglington 1st Louis Clark Junior Championship 3rd Connor Graham Simcock 2nd Will 1st Nathan Penrose Under 14 Championship 3rd Kyle Houston 2nd Gus Morrow 1st Bradley Shearer SWIMMING SPORTS 2017 SWIMMING SPORTS 60 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 61 College Issue 32 2017 House trophies Overall House Champion – Harper Field Events Champion – School Relay Champion – Harper – Julius Non-Championship Trophy Individual champions Under 14 – Sam Idiens and Louis Gunn Junior – Luke Hamilton Intermediate – Cody House Senior – Sam Averill Ardi–Lucy Cup for Bipedalism Modern Languages – Mr Steve Everingham Corfe Cup Neil Allen (8444)
Graeme Christey says such an event relies on the enthusiastic support of all staff and he is very grateful to his colleagues who helped make it happen. He was also thrilled to see so many a fun day parents come along. “It’s and a great way for the College community to get together and enjoy the spectacle.” Five new College records Sam Idiens 1500m Under 14 (4:41.00) Sam Idiens 3000m Under 14 (10:01.53) Dion Houston 3000m Intermediate (9:31.25) Cody House 100m hurdles Intermediate (14.79s) Samuel Bennetts Pole vault Senior (3.61m)
spectacle A fantastic athletics athletics fantastic A SPORT Perfect weather and a very positive atmosphere made for a memorable Athletics made for a memorable and a very positive atmosphere Perfect weather 24 February. Day on Friday Te Reo and Japanese teacher Mr Te Steve Everingham managed a well-timed walk to victory in the inaugural Ardi–Lucy race. Donated by retired biology teacher Graeme the Ardi–Lucy Cup for Worner, Bipedalism is named in honour of the first of our hominin ancestors to master the art of upright walking. Harper won the House competition, but was pipped at the post – by one point – by School House for the Field Events trophy. Five new College records were set in U14 1500m and 3000m, intermediate 3000m and 100m hurdles, and senior pole vault. There was a tie between Sam Idiens and Louis Gunn in the U14 individual championships. The prefects were victorious in the Boy and Old Staff vs Prefect Relay. current parent Neil Allen won the Corfe Cup, in a race that has been part of the athletics programme since 1872. Several weeks of preparation and some strongly contested heats leading up to the finals gave all boys the opportunity to get involved. “The boys have to be proactive, get out there,” says Master in Charge of athletics, “There’s Graeme Christey. something for everyone and the more they participate, the more chances they have to earn House points.” SPORT Summer Sport Summary
CRICKET match against Wanganui Collegiate, College scored 334/9 to draw the The 2017 1st XI cricket side match, with Kurtis Weeks scoring began the season with a number 83 and Harry Macdonald 92. of games during January. The first was the annual match at the Eleven other cricket sides Willows cricket ground in North competed for Christ’s College Canterbury against the Willows this season, with a number XI, which contains a number of outstanding individual of College Old Boys. It was a performances, including Logan competitive match and, while Stapylton-Smith (119no), Tom College was unable to chase down Macfarlane (103no), Jack Belcher 260 for the win, Ben Dickie scored (134no), Zach May (6 for 57), Tim a very good 97. Cross (6 for 16), Will Prentice (5 for 13), and Monty Rookes (145). The team then travelled to Auckland for the annual Trans- Tasman tournament. Over the week, they had a drawn two-day match against Shore School, Sydney; a one-day loss to King’s College, Auckland; and an excellent two-day victory over Canberra Grammar. In this match, College got the final wicket with only a couple of overs left in the day.
In the local competition, the 1st XI started the season with an excellent two-day win over St Andrew’s College and, with further wins over North-West and CBHS 2nd XI, the team was leading the competition. Unfortunately, the last two matches against Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI and Shirley Boys’ High School were affected by rain, which meant the team had to settle for second place in this term’s competition.
In interschool competition, the team travelled to Dunedin to play Otago Boys’ High School. Riley Tempero took five wickets in the first innings and College was set 225 to win, but fell 18 runs short of their target. Asked to follow on in their
62 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 63 College Issue 32 2017 10 boats in the Top 10 nationally, 10 nationally, in the Top 10 boats crews achieved podium and five and The U18 coxed quad finishes. coxed received Over15 lightweight The U17 coxed bronze medals. medal and the eight won a silver race taking U16 eight had a great this race, the the national title. In separated by top three boats were The crew just over one second. McBride, was composed of Erik Vincent, Tom Jamie Batchelor, Lachie Hazlett, Alex Todhunter, Chaffey Zac Cran, Will Jack Elvy, and Fin Smith. The Maadi Cup final was an outstanding race, with College taking a late lead, only to have sneak ahead to take St Andrew’s the title. It was a thrilling end to a successful week for the club. was After the regatta, Josh Wade invited to take part in a NZ Junior Louis trial, with Jamie Batchelor, Max Goodwin, Sam Batchelor, Aitken, Sam Darry and Zac Cran chosen to trial for the South Island U18 team to take on the North Island. came second and the U19 eight and the U19 eight came second first place. achieved at schools’ regatta held The first was the Canterbury Lake Hood After Schools’ Championship. College a weekend of racing, the U16, U17, achieved firsts in U18 quad. U18 eight and the won three College crews also medals. silvers and two bronze Cold and damp conditions Schools’ at the South Island made it Championship in Twizel but the lake tough on spectators, was flat and the racing competitive. In the eights, College was third in the U16 race, finished 0.4 seconds behind CBHS in the U17 race, and the top boat was second in the last other events, In race of the day. the U16 four achieved third and the U18 quad came second. The U15 crews raced well and the octuple boat was unlucky to miss out on a medal when the rowers finished fourth in the A final. The Maadi Cup regatta was held at the end of March at Lake Karapiro. After a week of racing, College had Over the summer break, College Over the summer rowers had three rowing The Otago camps and regattas. place Championships took before Christmas, followed by the Canterbury Championships Unfortunately, in early January. both regattas were affected by At the end of January, weather. for their the rowers were in Twizel third camp, which led into the South Island club championships. Rowing conditions were good on but the wind played the Saturday, its part for the finals on Sunday. At the end of the regatta, College rowers had achieved six medals. The U16 eight and U16 four were third, the U17 came eighth, the U19 quad and novice eight both It was another very busy summer very busy summer It was another club, culminating for the rowing (Maadi Cup) in the NZSS Lake Karapiro championships at College where, once again, successes, rowers had some great eight having including the U16 to claim the an outstanding race national title. ROWING ATHLETICS The Christ’s College athletics club has had another successful season, with many athletes performing at regional, South Island and national school and club events.
At the end of 2016, a group of 16 College athletes travelled to Auckland for the NZSS Athletics championships. It was a very successful weekend, with a number of athletes achieving personal bests and nine boys making a national final. College athletes took home five medals. Hugh Finlay won the 3km road race and received a silver in the 400m, and bronze medals were won by Jo Wilkinson in the pole vault, Dion Houston in the junior road race and Cody House in the junior long jump.
Each Saturday in Term 1, the club competes at Rawhiti Domain and many College athletes achieved notable results, as well as gaining valuable competition experience.
After another successful College Athletics Day, a large number of students were selected to represent the school at the CSS championship. Unfortunately, both the heats and finals were affected by rain and the championships could not go ahead. Only the pole vault and hurdles Jack Tyler – 1st in U16 400m were held, with Cody House winning Matthew Tod – 1st in U16 hammer the U16 hurdles and Edward Hsing the U16 pole vault. Boys were then Jack Tyler, Sam Averill, Sam King nominated for spots at the South and Harry Hartstone – 1st in 4 x Island championships, to which 400m relay. College took 26 boys. Three College athletes travelled The team travelled to Dunedin to the National Provincial Athletic for the final meet of the season, Championships as part of the achieving nine South Island titles, six Canterbury Athletics team. Harry seconds and five thirds. Hartstone ran a personal best in the U18 400m and received a silver Edward Hsing – 1st in U16 pole medal as part of the Canterbury U18 vault, with a new South Island 4 x 400m relay team. Sam King was record. fifth in the U18 200m, third in the Cody House – 1st in U16 long jump 400m and won two silver medals as and 100m hurdles a member of the 4 x 400m and 4 x 100m relay teams. Cody House came Sam King – 1st in U19 200m second in the U18 long jump, with a personal best of 6.66 metres. He also Hugh Finlay – 1st in U19 para 200m achieved a silver medal as part of the and 400m 4 x 100m relay team.
64 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 65 College Issue 32 2017 MOUNTAIN BIKING MOUNTAIN Despite the Port Hills fire affecting the new mountain biking adventure park, the newly-created schools’ single track race series at the was held on Wednesdays park. College had a number of riders competing across the four grades and, at the end of the series of races, was seventh overall. In the CSS champs, Michael Audeau was fourth in the boys’ 13 years grade, Ben Dando came 11th in the boys’ 15 years grade and Sebastien Lallemant was seventh in the boys’ 16 years grade. The last races in the series were held during Summer Tournament In the A Grade, Michael was Week. 11th, Ben Dando came fourth in B Grade, Thomas Stephens was second in C grade and Jeremy Kinley came third in D Grade. College sailors were most College sailors on the second day, successful became breezier when conditions very making it steady, and more on the usual conditions similar to five wins With Harbour. Lyttelton was very close in the bag, the team had they to the Gold Fleet and, beaten old rivals Christchurch they would have Boys’ High School, tight race, made it. It was a very error forced but a small technical a College a penalty to the leader, boat, so we had a disappointing to windward loss in the last beat to the finish line and just missed entering the Gold Fleet. Day three, the last race day, with the proved to be very unlucky, boys losing many close races. This was mainly because of a strong gusty northwest wind which gave some opponents lucky shifts and earned them the victory on the line. The team finished sixth in the Silver Fleet. the top of their pool in the Premier their pool in the the top of B1 College A3 and Grade, while B first equal in the sides were In 1 competition. Grade Division 10) competition, (Year the Junior was third after the top College side competition and the the term’s 9A side were second. Year SAILING The College sailing team, 10 and consisting of mostly Year 11 boys, spent three hard days of the South competing in the Top Racing Competition in Teams’ Picton over Summer Tournament Week. This event had three-on-three match racing on a back-to-front- sideways S shaped course, which is very exciting for spectators. The race had 14 other teams, many 12 and 13 with much older Year students, all vying for a place in the Gold Fleet, the top seven During teams during the finals day. the full round robin, which had 13 races, there was some excellent the light competition. However, conditions on day one were a challenge for the team and College registered only one win. VOLLEYBALL volleyball This term eight College the CSS weekly teams competed in worked hard competition. Teams had a number of over the term and close games, but were not always able to win the vital points. The Senior A team had a very good term in the Senior Boys’ Division 1 competition, making it through to the division final. In a close game, the team lost the final against Ellesmere College, but the match was played in great spirit. It was a very competitive game, with the first set very close (25–27), and the team served strongly and had a number of great pick ups. They rallied to take the second set 25–20, again on strong serving. Despite a late rally in the final set, the team lost the third set 25–16, and the final 2–1. College had 18 teams competing competition, in the Wednesday covering all grades. The two top senior sides finished the term at In the final tournament this term, the Canterbury Schools’ Senior Championships, Dylan Heap Tennis won the senior singles title, while Schneideman was runner-up Will in the Y11 grade. In the senior and Sam doubles competition, Will Bubb lost a super tiebreaker and finished runners-up. The team was undefeated at the NZSS championships after pool having beaten Hamilton Boys’ play, Boys’ High School 6–0, Westlake High School 4–2, and St Kentigern College 4–2. The team faced College in the semi-final Wellington and were 2/all after the singles. There were plenty of opportunities in both their doubles matches, but the boys could not win the vital points and eventually lost 4–2. They then lost their final match against St Kentigern to finish a very creditable fourth in New Zealand. The Senior A team have been very successful in interschool competition this term. They defended their Canterbury Schools’ title with a win over Christchurch Boys’ High School, and then repeated this at the SISS champs, beating CBHS 4–2. In January, Liam Adams won the Liam Adams won the In January, title and national U14 doubles the national Dylan Heap took out titles. In U16 singles and doubles Liam, Edwin team competition, were Dargue and Nic Schneideman U14 members of the Canterbury national team team who won the and Will event title, while Dylan Schneideman were part of the Canterbury U16 team who came third in their competition. It was another great season for great season It was another with the players College tennis in a number of major involved summer. tournaments over TENNIS POLO Polo continues at Waireka Farm in Sefton with a group of keen College riders. Both teams had a very successful season, coming first in their divisions.
In the South Island School Polo Championships at Rangiora, the College A team of Rohan Tennekoon, Jack Tracy, Freddie Cameron and Charlie Dyer won the title, receiving the Charlie Wood Trophy. They had wins over College B, Christchurch Girls’ High School and Christchurch Combined Schools. In the B Grade, the College C team of Will Hutchinson, George Lamb, Tom Turner and Edward Davidson also won their division, after wins over Rangiora 1, Rangiora 2, and a North Canterbury composite.
The College A polo side played a match against a touring Australian school side. In a very close match, they defeated the tourists 4–2, with Freddie Cameron and Charlie Dyer each scoring two goals.
66 Christ’s College Canterbury SPORT 67 College Issue 32 2017 annual Otago Boys’ High School exchange, the team played over three rounds and two courses, with a 7–3 loss after a couple of matches were decided on the 18th hole. Thomas McClean won both his singles matches. Other matches were decided late in the round, and Zach May and Fergus Williamson narrowly missed wins. The Canterbury Schools’ Stroke Play Golf Championships were held at Russley Golf Course in early March. In superb conditions, the Thomas College team of Zach May, McClean and Zach Gimblett finished fifth overall. In the individual competition, Zach May was the best coming 10th after College golfer, shooting an 81 for his round. GOLF The College golf team has had a couple of matches this term. In the These three students then travelled to the New Zealand schools’ triathlon event in Wanganui. Despite having a small team, College finished third overall, with four podium finishes. In the U13 grade, Sam Idiens had a superb two days, winning both the individual triathlon and the aquathlon events to claim two national titles. In the U14 grade, Kyle Houston came second in the individual triathlon and third in the aquathlon. In other recent events, Kyle came third in the junior section of the South Island Schools’ Triathlon Championships in Oamaru. TRIATHLON The Canterbury schools’ triathlon championships were held at Scarborough Beach in Sumner. Three College students entered the individual competition, which consisted of a 350m swim, 9km bike ride and 3km run. In the U14 grade, Kyle Houston had a superb race to finish second, with Sam Idiens coming fourth. Sebastien Fergusson was seventh in the individual event in the U16 grade. At the end of the tournament, three College players, Andrew Campbell, Louis Clark and Bilant were named in the Tomozi, tournament team, and Andrew Campbell was the tournament MVP. After this win, the team went into the South Island Championships they with confidence. In pool play, had wins over Shirley Boys’ High School, Burnside High School, John McGlashan College and Southland Boys’ High School. The team then had a semi-final win College 15–4 and, over St Bede’s in an excellent controlled final, defeated Otago Boys’ High School 14–6 to take the title. In the Canterbury Schools’ In the Canterbury scored tournament, the team only 13 85 goals and conceded throughout the competition. against The final was played Christchurch Boys’ High School. The game was tied at 2/all after the then College played a first quarter, to lead very good second quarter, 6–3 at half-time. They maintained the lead to eventually win 12–9. This has been a highly successful a highly successful This has been polo the senior water season for claimed the Canterbury team, who for the first Schools’ regional title They then time in over 10 years. South Island went on to win the the first time in Championships for 15 years. WATER POLO WATER VALUES Positive Education Conference
Inspiring presenters and engaged participants were key to the success of the inaugural Positive Education New Zealand conference, held at Christ’s College, in March.
Positive Education brings together John Quinn says the organisers – Wellbeing is becoming a much more the science of wellbeing with the 100% Project – plan to make mainstream topic in schools. It is best practice teaching to enable Positive Education New Zealand an made up of five different elements individuals, schools and communities annual event. – positive emotion, engagement, to thrive. The conference invited relationships, meaning and primary, secondary and tertiary “We want to see positive education accomplishment. It is far more than educators, and other interested embedded in the whole school,’’ the absence of illness, or just being professionals, to focus on how says John. “It will be entwined in the okay, it is about people’s lives going implementing wellbeing programmes language we use and what we value well and is a combination of feeling in schools – giving students tools to and reward. It isn’t an add-on, but good and functioning effectively. help them manage their lives – can part of everything we do. We know that one in seven New Zealanders benefit the whole community. How will positive education experience depression before they work at College? “I got sick of being the ambulance are 24 years old and one in four at the bottom of the cliff,” says New Zealanders experience anxiety John Quinn is delighted the John Quinn, College Counsellor during their lifetime. We want to Executive Principal has seen and Director of Wellbeing & help our young men avoid this.’’ Positive Education work at his Positive Education. “If we can teach previous school and has clarity of students about wellbeing, help So what is positive education? vision about what it will look like at them understand and manage their John Quinn will lead the three-year College. emotions, foster and grow positive implementation programme that will “We will have a Centre for Wellbeing relationships, find meaning and see positive education embedded & Positive Education which will be purpose, we give them the tools to across programmes both inside and a place of training. We want this to build resilience, grit and optimism, outside the classroom. be at the forefront of wellness in and flourish throughout their lives. Positive education is an umbrella education – we want to be world “We know 47% of current jobs will term used to describe scientifically leaders. not be there in 25 years, so we validated interventions and “We are beginning with a focus need to help our boys to become programmes for character education on the wellbeing of staff, defining adaptable and resilient, to cope with and positive psychology that have an wellbeing, what it looks like and these changes, to be able to show impact on student wellbeing. identifying what we are already the skills employers want, such as doing well. This will not just be the being able to build relationships.’’ Positive psychology conducts scientific inquiry into the factors teaching staff, but all non-teaching Key speakers included leading that help people, communities and staff as well – we also want to educators, psychologists and experts organisations thrive, by building on understand what life looks like for in the field, and breakout sessions their strengths and virtues rather them. We will think about what the gave delegates the opportunity to than focusing on what is wrong. It is school looks like at its best, noting find out about positive education the study of what goes right in life that it is not necessarily all about and wellbeing initiatives already from birth to death and all the stops change, rather about looking at what introduced in primary and secondary in between. is here and how we can build on schools across New Zealand. that. It’s about saying ‘That’s good, now how do we make it better?’ ” 68 Christ’s College Canterbury VALUES 69 College Issue 32 2017 “If people understand their own strengths and what they are able to do, they can change a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.’’ want teachers looking for the “We good stuff in the classroom and thinking about what they reward and the words they use to do this. Do we only reward academic excellence? want to stopOf course we don’t doing that, but we also need to acknowledge the boy who doesn’t get Excellence, but who has shown other qualities such as perseverance, leadership, commitment or a great work ethic. These are qualities we can reward. “Schools can sometimes cater for students at either end of the spectrum, but those in the middle can lose out. If we can get boys leaving school fully aware of their strengths and how to use them, we can help them be fully engaged.’’ What are the steps in settingWhat are & for Wellbeing up the Centre Education? Positive term focused on staffThe first be a 2, there will wellbeing. In Term discuss what isparents’ evening to happening. what we“This is a key part of want John. “We says are doing,’’ this initiative,parental support for school, a relationship between so it’s families. We students, and their whatwant everyone to understand with everyonewellbeing looks like, living and flourishing in life, with need people to greater resilience. We understand that, yes, life can be hard, okay when you have the but that’s tools to manage and deal with this. John Quinn “If we can teach students about wellbeing, help them about wellbeing, students can teach “If we and grow foster their emotions, and manage understand we give meaning and purpose, find relationships, positive and and optimism, grit resilience, build to them the tools their lives.” throughout flourish ROUND SQUARE Acting locally, thinking globally
Encouraging College boys to become global citizens is an increasingly important part of their wider education. Towards this aim, the school has been accepted into Round Square, a world-wide organisation characterised by a shared belief in an approach to education based on six pillars, or ideals, drawn from the theories of education philosopher Kurt Hahn. College is the only school in the South Island to be part of the organisation.
Deputy Principal Rob Donaldson This year, College will be focusing student welfare, sport, arts and says “We want boys to understand on internationalism and creating culture. The important thing is that the world from a global perspective links with other Round Square these committees are organised and to forge links with the rest schools through exchanges, in and led by the boys. of the world. We want them collaboration with the Modern to celebrate diversity and Languages Department. College Rob says College and Round internationalism. It’s not about will also run an international week Square values overlap, and tolerating people from a different in Term 3 to complement Modern therefore complement each other. background, but more about Languages Week. Boys will be able to take advantage understanding and celebrating our of a world-wide network of schools, differences.” College already encompasses some attend conferences and go on of the Round Square values with service trips. Before committing to applying its various student committees, for membership, Rob Donaldson but boys involved in leading its “It will take time for the boys to appointed a committee of boys and implementation at College will grasp the advantages of belonging staff to investigate the pros and be focusing on developing these to the organisation, but once it cons of joining Round Square. The further. Examples are committees starts growing and developing, committee recommended applying for the environment, service, and they start going on trips and for global membership.
70 Christ’s College Canterbury VALUES 71 College Issue 32 2017 have ongoing projects as part of school life, with an ethos of giving back to the community. “Round Square is not about ticking about giving boys the boxes. It’s the confidence that it is okay to be concerned for their future and to want to do something about it. “At the conference, it was great to see a group of international students of the same age talking about issues and sharing experiences of how they can make the world a better place. In the South Island of New Zealand it’s easy to feel isolated, but Round Square can make us part of the global citizenship where we talk about our shared ideals.’’ more clearly defined roles for our need to energise committees. We them and make them more active, useful and relevant.’’ knows it will take a Vincent change in mindset for Round Square to really take hold in the school, but he has high hopes and is passionate about setting a good foundation to build on in the future. HOD Biology Graeme Swanson also attended the conference. He says the schools that are most active in the organisation have a democratic and student-driven process. “It needs to be student-empowered and for students to have creative ideas, time to implement these ideas and a sense of idealism,’’ says Graeme. “This is a time when students can be idealistic, explore ways they can make a difference in their world and turn these visions into something concrete. The most successful Round Square schools Graeme Swanson “Round Square is Square “Round about ticking not It’s the boxes. boys about giving the confidence be to it is okay that their concerned for want and to future do something to about it.” “I like the fact that this is led by I want to see students. However, much more collaboration between our committees so we can combine on projects. The old Humanitarian Committee [now Service Committee] led the charge, but us to have much time for now it’s “A lot of their ideals line up with ours, but I think Round Square will be the catalyst to push existing service projects further and for developing new projects. We need to focus more on service, environment, democracy and have made a start leadership. We with the change to our prefect but there is so system last year, much more we can do. Year 13 student Vincent Li went to 13 student Vincent Year the Round Square Conference in Switzerland last year and returned brimming with enthusiasm about the opportunities it offers. Round Square believes in acting and has thinking globally, locally, already offered all member schools the opportunity to apply for a grant that can be used to benefit the environment in their area. Such a grant would help boys plant native trees on the burnt Port Hills. understanding our values in action, he says. the momentum will grow,’’ VALUES Be Inspired conference enthuses audience
The OBT was filled to capacity with 180 keen and eager Year 7s from intermediate and full primary schools around Christchurch. They were challenged to think about leadership, team work and how they could make a difference to the lives of others.
Be Inspired, a half-day leadership “It’s really about working out what Hamilton were enthusiastic about conference organised by Darrell you want to do, how you can make the conference. Thatcher and hosted by College, this happen and who can help you offered students who may be make it happen.’’ “It’s a great opportunity for our taking leaderships roles in their young students in all sorts of ways, schools next year, the chance to After Sam’s call to action for the especially having the chance to contemplate exactly what makes a students to take part in Serve for interact with those from other good leader. The main theme was New Zealand, where people commit schools and to work collaboratively about volunteering and how doing to at least one hour’s voluntary with them. College has organised a so could not only benefit other work each Anzac Day, the students great programme to challenge our people, but also be a fun, rewarding divided into groups for two prospective young leaders and we activity. workshops. appreciate being invited and at no cost to our school.’’ First up was Sam Johnson who These looked at different aspects organised the original Student of leadership and voluntary work, Year 7 student Guy Greening Volunteer Army in response to the getting the students to interact in from The Cathedral Grammar Canterbury earthquakes. He was teams, to collaborate on different School says, “It was an incredible chosen as Young New Zealander tasks and to explore concepts of experience for me and my class of the Year in 2012 for his work in what makes an effective leader. One talking with and listening to mobilising 11,000 Canterbury young popular workshop was a team effort inspirational leaders, then having people to help in the clean-up in to devise a way to drop an egg from the opportunity to try things for the aftermath of the devastation. a height of five metres without it ourselves.’’ breaking. Sam was quick to point out that Cobham Intermediate student while volunteering involves doing Organiser Darrell Thatcher says Bruno Vaughan says, “It was a great rather than talking, successful that while leadership happens at all opportunity to meet heaps of other programmes do require a vision, ages, Year 7s were a good group to kids to learn about leadership and planning, promotion, doing and focus on as they were moving into what we can actually do to help then reviewing. leadership roles in their schools and others, even if it is in a small way. “To build a team, you need all had probably not thought much The presenters motivated us to five stages and, as each requires about what makes a good leader. think not just about how we can different skills, you need to have As potential leaders, they were also earn money but how we can take people in each category to really in a good position to think about time to do things to help others.’’ make it work,’’ he says. “However, ways of encouraging their school to volunteering doesn’t have to be on volunteer and find ways to help out such a grand scale as the Student in the community. Volunteer Army. It can be just doing Chisnallwood Intermediate Deputy something that makes a difference Principals Todd Blake and Iva to the life of someone else.
72 Christ’s College Canterbury VALUES 73 College Issue 32 2017 Todd Blake and Iva Hamilton, Chisnallwood Intermediate Deputy Principals Todd Blake and Iva Hamilton, Chisnallwood Intermediate “It’s a great opportunity for our young students in all sorts students our young opportunity for a great “It’s with those interact to the chance having especially ways, of with them.” collaboratively work and to schools other from VALUES Garth Wynne continues his Community Visits
Garth Wynne has continued his Community Visits to South Island parents, Old Boys and friends of College.
Garth says “It is great to gather together with the family of College to celebrate, and for parents past and future, Old Boys and friends of College to find out more about what is happening at College at the moment.
“These events have proven to be very successful and are usually very spirited, for all the right reasons. We’ve had stories about College past and present, and I feel that all those coming along appreciate the chance to know more about our current aspirations and initiatives.’’
The visits will continue through to October and Garth says he is looking forward to criss-crossing the country, catching up with as many people as possible.
VALUES The Centre for Ethics & Spirituality
Spirituality is the term for finding In Religious Education, the school provides ethical meaning in life and the Centre for Ethics frameworks to help boys make decisions in an increasingly & Spirituality aims to challenge the complex world. In Year 11, all students are provided College community to think more deeply with different ethical decision-making theories. The about some of the many issues that Centre for Ethics & Spirituality builds on this and offers confront us in our daily lives. opportunities for parents, staff, and the wider community to think about and discuss a range of interesting ideas. Topics so far have included walking the Camino, euthanasia, belief in God in our contemporary world, how Future topics include positive psychology and Christianity, we can produce legislation to prevent the use of slave- ethical issues with Artificial Intelligence, biology and produced goods and mercy as a lens for making ethical reproductive ethics, and care of creation. decisions. Another popular talk was from Rev. Bosco Peters and his wife Helen, who discussed Thomas Merton (son of an Old Boy), a world leader in mindfulness. Ethical issues are rapidly becoming more complex.
74 Christ’s College Canterbury VALUES 75 College Issue 32 2017 Each boy at his best.Each boy his at Give a boy a boy Give values and he’ll give something back. www.christscollege.com Our aim isOur to aim help the boys develop a mature understanding of social and cultural differences. By helping them to meet the challenges of good citizenship, we encourage participation a range in of activities that give back to the community around us. While followingWhile the broad ethos of Anglicanism, encourage we the broader exploration of human values, rather than pointing the boys a specific in direction. Christ’s College is an Anglican school striving to instill Christian virtues. Amongst those is spirituality, which define we as an appreciation thatin seeking a fullness of life need we to look beyond our material needs and wants. 76 Christ’s College Canterbury HERITAGE 77 College Issue 32 2017 Boarders can now queue upBoarders can now queue as wasinside rather than outside They enter intopreviously the case. servery whicha room with a double speeds everything up, making it twice as efficient to move the boys through to the Dining Hall. Mr Cook says boys have been enthusiastic about the new and say it is so much servery, better whenever you eat in new surroundings. He says more boys have also been coming in to eat. The kitchen has been completely rebuilt, with up-to-the-minute catering facilities, and enlarged areas for food preparation and storage. Block is also completed. The Tower The result is a light airy space with the addition of a bonus floor created by filling in a void between the and above the kitchen, using Tower a strengthening process to tie the Sweetman says it Colin two together. provides a significant self-contained 150sqm of extra space. While the boys were able to continueWhile the boys were Hall, the kitchento eat in the Dining relocatedand storage areas were into prefabs on Gloucester Street next to Somes House. For nearly 18 months, this meant the food was prepared in the prefabs, then trucked across to the Dining Hall, causing many changes in the way staff worked. All crockery and cutlery had to be returned to the prefabs for washing rather than being done onsite and there were at more least three round trips per day, if there were other events on. Dining Hall Manager Paul Cook says despite the conditions, kitchen staff adapted, coped really well and just got on with the job. have had a much- now “We needed upgrade to the kitchen, so even though it has been a bit of an inconvenience, in a way the earthquake has been an advantage because we now have such great facilities.’’ The entrance to the Dining Hall is now through a new door off the cloisters outside Julius House.
The final project inThe final project earthquake College’s hasrecovery programme been completed, after nearly six years of an endless stream of tradies, scaffolding, hammering, trucks, cranes and diggers.
Block a milestone Block Completion of the Tower Tower the of Completion HERITAGE Thanks to previous earthquake strengthening, the Dining Hall was back in action a month or so after the 2011 earthquake. However, the kitchen had sustained some damage, so the board decided to take advantage of the situation and upgrade and update the whole area. The first kitchen and Tower task was to install sprinklers. The new kitchen and revamped Block is back in use, much Tower to the relief of kitchen staff and boarders. It was also the swansong project for Bursar Colin Sweetman, who delayed his retirement to ensure all earthquake repairs were completed before he signed off his final spreadsheet. FROM THE ARCHIVES “We will remember them”*
2017 marks the fourth year of our World War 1 commemorations. Over these four years, we have remembered Christ’s College Old Boys and staff who were involved in the many theatres of war 100 years ago. Place names like Gallipoli, Messines, Cairo, Samoa, Arras, the Somme, Palestine, Passchendale, Jutland and Jerusalem will be as familiar to us now as they were to those who read the newspapers then, each day searching for information about their loved ones at the Front.
Deaths were recognised throughout the war by the regular gathering of the school on the Quad when the Last Post was played. In addition, the Christ’s College Register regularly included obituaries and news of Old Boys, and Service Supplements appeared from time to time. In 1922, the Board of Governors decided Christ’s College should have a tangible memorial and, in conjunction with the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association, set up a subcommittee to decide whose names would be included. This involved considerable investigation, and the result is a detailed account of war service, regiments and decorations, which is housed in the College Archives.
Old Boys and staff who had died on active service in various ways – killed in action, died of wounds, died of sickness and disease – were, of course, to be included on any memorial, but what of those who had died after discharge and whose death could be proved to be due to war service? After research, it was decided an additional 10 names would be included, bringing the total to 151.
Meanwhile, the committee was investigating the memorial itself. Frederick Guernsey submitted three designs in November 1921 and, following a decision by the same committee that it should consist of an oak First War Memorial panel with names on separate brass plates, submitted a further design in May 1922 which was accepted. national anthem concluded the service.
The memorial was dedicated with due ceremony on 22 However this is not the memorial that is on the south April 1923 by Archbishop Julius, Warden of the College. west wall of the Chapel today. Rudyard Kipling’s Recessional (God of Our Fathers) Once the extensions to the Chapel had begun in 1955, was sung before Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Dobson the Joint Chapel Building Committee considered DSO, a member of the Board of Governors, spoke of whether another form of memorial for World War 1 the “sterling service of the Old Boys and masters of was appropriate. By August 1957, they had decided the College during the war” and stated that “in reality that it would be in Oamaru stone with the names in no tangible memorial was necessary to commemorate black lettering. The Warden (Bishop Alwyn Warren) those who had paid the supreme sacrifice”. The Last and the architect (Paul Pascoe) were to investigate the Post followed the dedication and senior members of the type of lettering. In the end, grey lettering was decided Cadet Corps then walked past the memorial, saluted, upon and the memorial completed in time for the re- and the rest of the congregation moved outside onto the dedication of the Chapel on 8 December 1957. Quad. A lesson, prayers, a hymn, the Blessing and the
78 Christ’s College Canterbury HERITAGE 79
College Issue 32 2017 - Te Ara http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/biographies/3g26/gurnsey-frederick-george Biography - Te • The Press 23 April 1923 p 10 College Archives 1914-1919, Christ’s War • Record of Service in the First World Sources: • Chapel Sub Committee and School Committe Minutes College Board Minutes • Christ’s College Register August 1914, June 1958 • Christ’s Frederick George Dictionary of New Zealand • Crighton, A and M Stocker; Gurnsey, Book of Memories of war and his two sons Cyril Robert Nichols (2526,of war and his two sons Cyril Robert Nichols Nichols (2525,killed in action 1918) and Joseph Cowie died of wounds 1916). (1662) wereFunds for a painting of Guy Stanley Overton in the College Artdonated in his memory and this is now established in memory Collection. The Bowden Trust, of John Desborough Bowden (2309) who was killed in action in 1916, provides books on history for the College while bequests from, and gifts in memory of Library, Edward Harris (905), Geoffrey Harrison (2509), Ernest Helmore (2582), and Ivan Manning (2182) have been combined into the sports, scholarships and prizes funds. recognises 655 Old Boys who served College Christ’s will on land, at sea and in the air from 1914–1919. We always remember them. 1914 * From the fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, also known as the Ode of Remembrance Record of Service of Old Boys and Masters inRecord Christ’s College today is in debt to many individuals College Christ’s 1. War and families and their association with World Bryan-Brown left money to College in his will and Rev. Ralph the fireplace in Jacobs House is in his memory. Edward Fulton Barnett (2306) is remembered in the House Library and by the Barnett Science Flower’s Sir Louis Prizes, made possible by a gift from his father, Barnett. Colonel J Cowie Nichols (719) endowed the Nichols Prize for Science in memory of his brother a prisoner Harry Nichols (1399) who died while Walter , also known as the Book of Memories, the Great War contains the names of all those who served during this men were involved in its creation in 1939. period. Two Alfred Cook planned and partially completed the work. William (Bill) Sutton, who also It was then finished by designed and executed the illuminations. It is contained in a carved case in the College Dining Hall and a page of this volume is turned by the Head Prefect whenever there is a formal meal in the Dining Hall. Current War Memorial Current War The chapel is not the only place where recognition of 1 can be found. War those who were involved in World The the Chapel in memory of Guy Spencer Bryan-Brown, thethe Chapel in memory of Guy Spencer on 4 OctoberCollege Chaplain who was killed in Belgium 1917. The Christ’s College Chapel also has two memorials College Chapel The Christ’s Edward Wynn The plaque recording to individuals. Ypres in battle of death in the first (1807) Chapman’s of transept. The boys 1914 is in the south November ina stained glass window the donors for College were NEWS & EVENTS Colin Sweetman retiring after 21 years as Bursar
When Colin Sweetman took on the role of College Bursar 21 years ago, his predecessor told him he was not taking on a job, rather he was taking on a way of life.
“I had no idea how big it would end The last six years have seen constant we still owned the land, so got a $17 up being,’’ says Colin. “I asked about building and repair work around million pay-out which we were able the hours of work and realise now College and he has waited until to use to build the magnificent Miles what a ridiculous question that was. the final work has been completed Warren Building.’’ The reply was that the hours are the before retiring. hours and this has certainly been the The second big moment had case. College has indeed been a way “I can leave now giving my successor a profound impact when the of life, especially post-earthquakes, a chance to look forward and focus earthquakes struck. and, as we have lived within the on the future. I think the place is in pretty good shape and I can go with Colin says, “I’d had a rush of blood College precinct, it has been hard to to the head and two years before separate the personal and College the thought that I leave things a little bit better than when I arrived.’’ the earthquake, bought a $50,000 life. generator. I have to say people “But it is a great place to work and, Colin has experienced many sniggered and said it was a waste while one gets consumed by it, it’s challenges in his 21 years at College, of money, but when the earthquake like being part of a community with but says there were two watershed struck and we had no power for so many people, both boys and staff, moments where the decisions he a month, we were able to use the living onsite. The place just works.’’ made had a huge impact. generator to run first Flower’s House, then other residential The Bursar is responsible for The first was the purchase of the properties. I moved my office and everything and everyone at College, Cranmer Square site, which he says was able to co-ordinate the recovery except for academic staff. He was a case of being in the right place from there.’’ works closely with the Executive at the right time. Principal making decisions about Colin and his wife Cathy, who “We took over the lease from St was formerly a bank manager, what goes on around the school, Andrew’s College. The Board Chair being responsible for finances, are retiring to their home outside and I then went to the CEO of Ashburton, where Colin keeps his investments, commercial properties, the Arts Centre, which owned the buildings and the day-to-day running large collection of classic cars from building, and asked if they would the ’60s and ’70s. of the school. sell the site. He said ‘We own it, we “What many people don’t realise can sell it if we want to’, and I said “I’m looking forward to being free of is that College is the second most ‘Would you?’. The rest, as they say, the 80 or 90 emails I receive every philanthropic school in the country,’’ is history. We bought it and when day and the rounds of engagement says Colin. “We have investments it was damaged in the earthquake, with the hundreds of contractors and our amalgamated fund provides for scholarships and assistance for 25% of the boys who come to “I can leave now giving my successor College. The Bursar looks after all a chance to look forward and focus on these financial matters, as well as all the buildings on the campus.’’ the future.” Naturally then, the earthquake Colin Sweetman provided a major challenge for Colin.
80 Christ’s College Canterbury NEWS & EVENTS 8181 College Issue 32 2017 who have been around the campuswho have so I’m pretty exhausted, since 2011. of nothing for the rest I plan to do I might go on a trip. the year except trucks or school busesthen drive around Ashburton.’’ forwardColin says he is looking the pile ofto catching up with waiting to bebooks that have been time with theread and spending to visit hisgroups and clubs keen he says he willcar museum. While of Collegemiss the companionship the constantstaff, he will not miss demands of those ever-present emails and the fact that the buck stops with the Bursar for so many aspects of College life. It is time now for Colin Sweetman to slow down and enjoy life. In recognition of his 21 years of dedicated service to College and its College Old the Christ’s community, Boys’ Association has made Colin Colin was an Associate Member. presented with a gift at the recent AGM, along with an Old Boys’ Tie. of his role, including the day-to-day running of the school. “He just stepped up and did it. The scale of work was huge, but he put a good team around him for the earthquake recovery projects. I had more than 120 meetings with him and some of them were incredibly intense as there were such high expectations. But Colin managed it all – triaging needs and priorities. it. disclosed never he agenda, own his had Colin “If He implemented the wishes of the Board and was always mindful that what he put in place was best for College as determined by its governors. There were so many contractors, so many demands, so many priorities, all putting pressure on him, It was a but Colin just kept everything together. tribute to his professionalism.’’ Architect Alec Bruce, from Wilkie + Bruce Architect Alec Bruce, from Wilkie Architects, has worked with Colin Sweetman on over 90 projects at College, including the design of Building. the Miles Warren He has nothing but praise for the professionalism Colin shows in his dealings with everyone. “He manages to treat everyone with respect no matter who they are, from the humble tradie through to a CEO of a big organisation. I have never seen him angry and he never takes sides whatever he feels, he manages to keep it all in.’’ Since the earthquake, Colin has worked with insurance companies and managed a huge budget. Alec says this alone was really a full-time position, but Colin incorporated it with all the other aspects Architect Alec Bruce on Colin Sweetman Architect Alec Bruce NEWS & EVENTS Welcome John Quinn
John Quinn was appointed our Counsellor and Director of Wellbeing and Positive Education at the beginning of the year. He brings a wealth of experience to the role.
John was a guidance counsellor at St Andrew’s College for 13 years. Before that he worked at Yellow Ribbon, Child Youth and Family, Te Poutama Arahi Rangitahi, and was a social worker for six years. He is also a director of the 100% Project and About Change, and has worked as a mental skills trainer with New Zealand cricket and rugby, as well as the Crusaders, Canterbury Cricket, Tactix Netball and High Performance Sport New Zealand.
At Christ’s College we aim to create an environment where boys flourish, and wellbeing and positive education are set to become key influencers on all our programmes. Through the Centre for Wellbeing & Positive Education, John will lead a three- year implementation programme that will see positive education embedded across the school, both inside and outside the classroom.
“The emphasis on wellbeing and positive education reflects a new way of approaching the science of positive psychology in all that we do,” says John. them the tools to manage life. “Working in a culture where It’s not about reducing stress, collaboration, confidence, respect because stress isn’t going to go and engagement prevail, we can away. It’s about teaching them inspire our students to embrace ways to manage stress and make challenges and approach life with the most of their time at school,” a growth mindset.” says John.
By teaching character and “We want to help the boys flourish wellbeing, College students will by building resilience, grit and build a “toolbox of skills” to help optimism – and see them grow them manage all aspects of their into young men of character, academic, sporting, cultural and ready to thrive in their community personal lives. “Our role is to give and make a success of their lives.”
82 Christ’s College Canterbury NEWS & EVENTS 83 College Issue 32 2017 His future looks bright. “I’m an even more happy and excited person than I was before. I’m looking forward to the challenges wait and changes ahead and can’t to meet the diverse and brilliant people studying and working at Cambridge.”
thinking, which I suggested were very important skills for a scientist. I think they agreed.” Currently a first year Health Sciences student at Otago Hamish plans to University, complete the semester – “lectures are so much more interesting without the pressure of exams” – before returning home and getting ready to leave.
Cambridge University Cambridge Hamish Thomas heads to heads Thomas Hamish SET TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A SET TO Hamish found out he had won the scholarship on Monday 20 March, after attending an “I think interview in Wellington. I was chosen because I excelled in different areas. In particular, the combination of my academic and cultural strengths made me a unique candidate. The selectors showed great interest in theatresports, as it was clearly one of my passions. Theatresports fosters creative and flexible The Worshipful Company of The Worshipful Girdlers has had an association with New Zealand since 1933 and, according to its website, “In 1950, at the instigation of the 3rd Brentford, the Company Viscount decided to provide a scholarship for an outstanding New Zealander to come to England to study for a degree”. Hamish intends to study Natural Sciences, but is yet to decide whether to pursue biology plus chemistry or physics plus chemistry modules. “I enjoy science and appreciate how it can shape the future and change lives. My goal is to pursue a career that will enable me to make a difference in the world.” While he says he is “still trying to process” the news, he is quickly getting used to the idea that later this year he will move to England, his life on a very different trajectory. Old Boy Hamish Thomas has been awarded a prestigious Girdlers’ Scholarship for Scholarship Girdlers’ a prestigious Thomas has been awarded Old Boy Hamish Cambridge University. study at Corpus Christi College, undergraduate NEWS & EVENTS Sam Neill drops into College
Well-known New Zealand actor Old Boy Sam Neill visited College at the end of last year and delighted the audience with his laconic manner, self-deprecating humour and inside knowledge of the film industry.
One student who was especially thing I ever did as it grounds you and, to my relief, the call never thrilled was then Year 12 student in so many things and is education came. While it would have been a Simon Brown, who bagged an in the broadest sense of the word. lucrative role, it would have been autograph on two DVDs of Sam’s We all know that students will need a poisoned chalice as I would then movies he had been carrying round to be more flexible problem solvers forever have been known as a all day hoping to grab the chance in the jobs of the future, so they Bond.’’ to talk to him. should be thinking seriously about taking a liberal arts degree.’’ Then it was question time and the Sam was in Christchurch for an sea of waving hands showed the Australian television programme In the early 1970s, when Sam boys had a range of things they tracing the early part of his life at started acting, there was only were keen to ask Sam. Christ’s College and Canterbury a very small film and television University, which was then sited industry in New Zealand. “There When asked about being rich and in the Arts Centre. His last visit were really only four or five actors famous, Sam had a quick answer. to College was in 1998 when he able to make a living here, and “I wouldn’t call myself famous. received a Senior Honours Tie. most of the talent was siphoned off Even today I can walk down by Hollywood,’’ he says. “However, Colombo Street and perhaps only “School is about discovering early on, I decided I was most yourself, finding your direction, three people will recognise me. comfortable acting in the UK, Really famous people get mobbed, making mistakes and learning Australia or New Zealand, even from them. When I was at school, even killed in the rush, but nobody though Hollywood really pays mobs me,’’ he says with a grin. “If I discovered drama was something well.’’ I was good at, although I wasn’t you have an ambition to be really much good at at anything else,’’ Sam found he was more interested rich and famous, I say good luck. he says with a self-deprecating in film rather than the stage. “I was For me it would be one of the laugh. “But drama then was all asked to be the lead in Sleeping worst things that could happen and co-curricular so it meant doing Dogs, the first film made in New I wouldn’t swap my life with that of three productions a year at the Zealand for 17 years, but it was my famous friends for quids. Repertory Theatre. I also think pretty chaotic, nothing was really one of the reasons I got interested planned, it just evolved.’’ in acting was because we worked with St Margaret’s and it was a After acting in more than 80 films good way to meet girls.’’ and receiving many awards, Sam “School is about still remembers the time he was Sam studied for an arts degree at turned down for a part. He tells the discovering university, and while he admits story, once again in his particular yourself, finding to not having a stellar academic brand of slow, laconic drawl. record, he believes he benefited your direction, greatly from taking a generalised “It was for James Bond in 1983,’’ degree he says. “I had a particularly making mistakes bossy agent who insisted I go “Many people nowadays think it is for an audition. So there I was at and learning best to take a career-type degree, Pinewood Studio, all dressed up but I am a firm believer in taking a as James Bond. However, I gave from them.” liberal arts degree. It was the best an absolutely terrible audition Sam Neill
84 Christ’s College Canterbury NEWS & EVENTS 85 College Issue 32 2017 “I guess I would say it will be worry about alright, mate. Don’t it. Being a teenager has its own challenges. I remember it being really awful, especially because I then I found but stuttered badly, acting which gave me a way through it. I think as you grow and develop, you can always find something that gives you a way through.’’ When asked what he would say self, Sam is to his 13-year-old reflective. “Am I a good actor? Here in New “Am I a good actor? a world of Zealand, we live in tend to talk self-deprecators and admit I won’t ourselves down. So just say let’s to being a good actor, I am durable.” “Saying that, I have worked in over I have worked “Saying that, countries and have 30 different same types of people found the I go. There is a universal wherever I that goes with a film. language the ones like other actors, except and who become over-celebrated than they really much more famous should be. NEWS & EVENTS A personal memory of Tony Holland from a friend and Colleague
The College community was shocked to hear of the death of Head of Technology Tony Holland who had been at the school for 43 years.
Monique Martin-Ellis knew Tony as at lunchtimes and after school and both a colleague and a friend. would never say ‘This is my time, I can’t help you’. I can’t remember She says, “Boys and staff a week without someone, boys or remembered Tony as a quiet, staff, coming to ask for his help, incredibly kind man who always and he never said no to anyone no went out of his way to help others. matter how busy we were. He would Over his time at College, he held a bring in vegetables and fruit from his number of acting senior roles and garden and, on weekends, he would he was seen as a ‘go to’ person who always be busy helping someone cut could always be relied upon to do a down a tree, fix something around job well. He would never advertise their house or just lending a hand. his talents, he would just get on and do things.’’ “When my husband and I moved to Christchurch, he and his wife were Among those roles, he was a there for us. I would always go in workshop teacher, graphics teacher, to have a chat before class and he HOD Technology, Senior Master, took an interest in me and my family, ran the book exchange, was MiC of and made me feel that nothing was shooting, MiC of water polo for many a bother and he was always around. years, and ran the long jump on The first time I called him on a Athletics Day for 40 years. weekend was when I was out and “Tony had an incredible range of came back to find my husband, who experience,’’ Monique says. “He had started on the renovations on activity. He was Mr Reliable and I came from a technical drawing our house, had ruptured a wall pipe remember not long after his death, a background and had a huge amount and steam was coming up through staff member said ‘It’s fair to say that of knowledge because of this. With the floor. Who do you ring on a no one knew just how much Tony the introduction of computers, Saturday afternoon? You ring Tony. did around the place’. That’s because he was constantly upskilling and “He arrived in 10 minutes, came, he was so capable. adapting to the ever-changing looked and fixed. technological environment. I think “He has left a huge hole in Christ’s it is a real tribute to his skills that “Tony was involved with Rolleston College and in my life and I am so he had four students achieve NCEA House as Assistant Housemaster grateful I had the honour of knowing Scholarships, which are few and far for more than 30 years and, as well him.’’ between in our subject. as looking after boys in the House on a day-to-day basis, he would “Tony had a very strong work ethic. get involved with any fund-raising He was always there for the boys
86 Christ’s College Canterbury NEWS & EVENTS 87 College Issue 32 2017 Each boy at his best.Each boy his at
Give a boy an boy a Give opportunity and he’ll run with it. Sports is an integral part of a boy’s education at Christ’s College, www.christscollege.com As many of our boys say: “Don’t just limit yourself to the you things youthink are good at. Sign for up anything and everything... you may evenhidden find talents.” In additionIn to weekly sports, have we many exciting activities including skiing, surfing and a dedicated boarding programme. with access to a range of coaching staff to assist them their in pursuit of excellence. DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 2017 Annual Appeal
We are delighted to The Piper window, in particular, Two cricket training nets for the announce the 2017 needs strengthening and rehousing Christ’s College Cricket Ground Annual Appeal, which in its frame before it gets damaged New nets would address safety, has a special focus on our beyond repair. increase training time and result in fewer balls being lost. College Chapel. As we did in 2016, we asked staff to submit applications for additional Gym equipment projects that enhance the learning At College, we take great pride in This will increase the gym capacity programme for the boys. stewarding the heritage buildings to 45 students at any one time, as we have so fortunately inherited. We Technical theatre training currently the gym is underequipped owe it to the many boys who have for the number of boys attending To give interested boys the skills and already passed through these gates training. aptitudes for all aspects of technical and to the others who are yet to theatre, including health and safety enjoy the benefit of a Christ’s College Resident poet/writer and the use of contemporary education. A fixed term contract for a poet-in- technologies. residence who would work at College, Now that the major repair and Dance & physical theatre tutor poetry workshops and deliver renovation work has finally been conditioning poetry to staff, students and the completed, it is time to focus on some wider community. of the smaller things that need to be Similar to Co-motion to develop safeguarded for the future. We would fitness, movement and physicality Restoration and preservation of like to ask you to help protect our through the creative arts. the painting of Maria Somes Chapel windows through our Annual To commission a unique College With one third of current College Appeal 2017. waiata boys able to attend College because of the Somes Scholarships and Several of the stained glass windows A multi-functional waiata that would Somes Exhibitions, it is appropriate in the Chapel were designed, built be used at College powhiri and that the portrait of Maria Somes, as and installed by artisans working in College functions. one of College’s major benefactors, the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. be prioritised for conservation, They are irreplaceable. We no longer Modernise Room P3 restoration and a covering process. have the skills and knowledge to To upgrade P3 to be an innovative, match the specialist craftsmanship of dynamic and engaging learning Centre for AR/VR development that bygone age. Some commemorate environment. An opportunity to develop boys’ skills the brave young men who fought as creators in the virtual reality and and died in the South African War Purchase of a dedicated jazz augmented reality space and build 1900–1902, the Great War and World drum kit educational knowledge and resources War II. How could we not ensure their A new kit would be smaller overall, to support learning. safety? Another window – The Tree have particular tonal quality, tuning and the River of Life by John Piper – and timbre specifically for jazz – and Athletics measuring equipment draws visitors from all over the world. be much more transportable. To speed up the processing of discus, hammer, javelin and shot events.
All of these projects are now funded and underway in 2017. Thank you again for your support as we look forward to providing boys with these exciting programmes.
88 Christ’s College Canterbury DEVELOPMENT 89
College Issue 32 2017
aerobics and aqua jogging A double-oar width indoor moving-water rowing tank for off-season rowing practice, muscle be configured for other activities such as water polo and underwater triathlon, lifesaving, water hockey, conditioning and technical training Strength and conditioning facilities, a gymnasium, weights and physio rooms and health teaching Wellbeing spaces and breakout rooms to facilitate a strong and positive social, emotional, psychological, medical and spiritual life balance and wellness focus for all boys •
• • For more information on the For the boys. For our future. campaign go to www.fortheboys.co.nz
An eight-lane short course A large indoor stadium space with swimming pool to be used for competitive swimming, which can two parallel basketball courts A commercial kitchen to support the use of the stadium space as a major indoor function or event centre • Sporting Excellence, Health Centre & Wellbeing This will be a multi-purpose educational environment, encompassing physical sport, health and mental wellbeing, in a stunning architecturally designed building on a major city site. The complex will provide: • PHASE ONE •
Scholarship enhancement Developing outstanding staff Innovative learning programmes Sporting Excellence, Health & Centre Wellbeing Science Centre Music Learning & Performance As the “For the boys. For our future.” campaign continues to build momentum, the continues to build boys. For our future.” campaign As the “For the first phase of the campaign is taking shape. The campaign goals identify the campaign is taking shape. first phase of around each of these. and creates three goals two priority areas Our immediate goal is to raise Centre $25 million to support these new facilities. Educational initiatives • • • Our immediate goal is to raise Building new facilities • $10million to support these programmes. • •
Campaign begins. begins. Campaign PHASE ONE PHASE For our future. boys. For the DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Sponsorship
The relationships and support we enjoy from Christ’s College sponsors cannot be overstated, and the value in real terms provides significant support to the boys in their various sports and drama activities.
Last year’s successful rugby Good sponsorship is a partnership ask that you will also support these sponsorship programme was between two organisations each organisations. duplicated for the rowing 2016/17 of which believe that it has a value season, with equally positive that will benefit the other in a Please contact the Development results. We are now seeing other mutual and corresponding way. Office if you are interested in sports, such as hockey, football and joining the Christ’s College family cricket, developing sponsorship Many of our sponsors are from the of sponsors. programmes to help support their College parent community who activities. run or own businesses, and so we
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS SUPPORTING SPONSORS
FINAL LOGO LEADING SPONSORS
NZ PIG FARM
Powell Fenwick is proud to have completed the services and civil engineering for the newly completed St Andrew’s College Gymnasium.
Mechanical | Structural | Hydraulic | Electrical | Civil Fire | Acoustic | Pool Design | Sustainable Design MAJOR SPONSORS Client: Moorpork Description: Brand Development Date: 2 November 2015 Presentation: 3
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Leicester Murray Landscape Architecture
90 Christ’s College Canterbury DEVELOPMENT 91 College Issue 32 2017 Fun, interest, relationships. I’ve never come to school dreading the day ahead or thinking I’d rather be somewhere else. And what has made it all the things it is, are the boys. There are always a few wallys, but mostly they are cool dudes from good homes who just want to engage, be uplifted, have a laugh, accomplish something, be valued and even loved. not always taken, a land of opportunity, College does all that. It’s Just look at the talent in House but eventually embraced by many. Music, drama, and on the lake and turf. I also love the way College boys punch above their weight. And I can meet some Old Boy in the supermarket 30 years on and take up where we left off. I love that! “What College means to me”
Michael O’Brien came to College in 1979 and, apart from two exchanges to the UK – to Eastbourne College in 1981–82, and to Charter House in 1988–89 – he has immersed himself in teaching English and Drama to scores of boys. These boys have been made richer for his talent and enthusiasm. Michael retired in 2014, but such is the respect for his abilities and knowledge, he continues to drop in and relieve classes on a regular basis. Here candid response. then is Michael’s We also realise the significant role also realise We of teachers at College and how their relationships with the boys are instrumental in developing memories. So we asked the same question of legendary teacher Michael O’Brien, whose significant association with College has left many positive and lasting memories. On the development campaign website www.fortheboys.co.nz, you are able to read a number of contributions from distinguished Old Boys about the significant College memories that have influenced their later lives. As 2017 continues, we will expand this website section.
Recently the Development has gone out to an Team interesting cross-section have hadof people who theassociations with ofschool in a variety capacities and asked the question “What does College mean to you?’’ What College means to me means College What DEVELOPMENT OFFICE DEVELOPMENT THE QUADRANGLE From the President
The 2016–17 year has been an exciting one for College and for the Association. There has been a resetting of our relationship with College, as well as some changes to the operations and activities of the Association. As we look forward, we will focus on three priorities: a new approach to signing up members, more active branches and greater contact with our younger Old Boys.
Third, the manner in which the Old Boys’ Association Scholarships Association supports College. In will increase. early 2016, the Committee adopted a new policy that set out conditions Finally, there has been a change to for the Association to donate to the way in which the Association College. The focus is very much interacts with the Board. The on support that is enduring and Association continues to appoint two contributes to the fabric of the Fellows of the College. However, a school and where there are no other memorandum of understanding has obvious forms of support. now been developed with College that will see us work closely with As a result, there has been a the Chair of the Board in making commitment by the Committee to a appointments, in order to ensure 10-year programme of art purchases. the Association appointees bring the Each year a new piece by a right skills and talents to the table. contemporary New Zealand artist, Relationship with College selected by Old Boy James Blackie, The Association is lucky in its two current appointees, Peter Davie and In early 2016, we welcomed College’s will be gifted to College. It is hoped Tom Elworthy. Although both were first Executive Principal, Garth this initiative will, over time, create a reappointed for four-year terms in Wynne. The change in title also cultural resource for the school. The 2016, unfortunately Tom will finish heralded a change in approach, with first piece, by Martin Basher, has early in 2017. We are sorry to see a much closer and more co-operative already been purchased. him go. Our thanks to both Tom working relationship between In addition, the Association has now and Peter for their hard work and College and the Association. This formalised its support of College dedication. has manifested in a number of ways: through the Scholarship Fund. The Reunions First, the relocation of the Committee has created a formal Association office into the Hare Old Boys’ Association Scholarship. As always, the 2017 Reunion Memorial Library – the heart of Previously, the Old Boys’ Weekend was a great success. The College. Through this, our Secretary, scholarships were discretionary and same is true of the 40 Years On Justine, is able to more easily awarded annually. There will now Reunion. The Association is grateful communicate and work with College be one award a year, for up to five to those who volunteer to help staff. years, for 33% of tuition fees. organise such events.
Second, the introduction of The Old Boys’ Association During the year, Justine Nicholl Community Events. These events Scholarship will go to a boy who, and I had the opportunity to visit were held around Australasia – often due to his educational achievements some kindred schools, including at Old Boys’ homes or offices – and and character, would benefit from Melbourne Grammar School, brought together Old Boys, current, attending College – but who, without Newington College and Auckland past and prospective parents, and the scholarship, would otherwise be Grammar School. At those visits, friends of College. These will be a unable to attend. As the Scholarship it became clear to us that our permanent fixture on the calendar Fund grows – through careful interaction with our Old Boys starts and will sit alongside our branch investment and donations – it is too late, usually some 15 years after events. hoped the number and size of the they have left College.
92 Christ’s College Canterbury THE QUADRANGLE 93 College Issue 32 2017 Members of the AssociationThe success For the its membership. depends on of so years, around 90% past 15 or signed up to becomeleavers have Association.Life Members of the number. That is an impressive up the process for signing However, consumingnew members is time out on someand we are still missing priorities forleavers. One of our with College to2017 will be to work that sees eachdevelop a new system on leavingboy become a member school. Conclusion It has been a privilege to be President of an Association that supports the best school in New Zealand to provide an education that opens a world of opportunities. I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance of Executive Principal who College is very Garth Wynne, lucky to have. I am also thankful for the hard work and support of the Committee – Vice-President Alexander McKinnon, Treasurer Andrew Springford and committee members John Luxton, Johnny Henry Cochrane, Ben Walker, Mills and Richard William Wright, Polson. fortunate to have are very We Justine Nicholl as our Secretary. Justine works tirelessly for the Association and for College, and the entire Committee is thankful for her work. Jeremy Johnson (12355)
Quadrangle is now published Second, around 10% of our Old Boys 10% of our Old Second, around it the Auckland, making now live in outside Christchurch.largest branch in the is going to grow That number Committee is workingfuture. The convenors towith Auckland branch of events. put on a greater array the Committee is also Finally, events. Inworking on more targeted held thelate 2016, the Association of the Collegeinaugural get together group – the official alumni Tuis bisexual and transgender for gay, plan to introduce Old Boys. We that canother “interest groups” sit alongside our branches and provide another way for Old Boys to connect. Communication The eagle-eyed among you would have noticed that 2016 saw a change to the way the Association communicates with its members. Quadrangle will now be published twice a year as part of College magazine. If you wish to receive it, please contact the office. As there is a greater less frequently, focus on e-Quad which comes out monthly (except January). E-Quad contains details of upcoming events, news about Old Boys and updates from College. Please keep an eye out for it in your inbox and if you do not receive it, please e-mail the office. The Association has also spent some time working on its social media presence. There is now an official LinkedIn group, as well as a Facebook page. News and events are listed on both those pages. Please connect with us (and invite your friends to connect with us too). Those of you who had previously asked to receive In Memoriam will have noticed a change for 2016 – instead you received Chronicle. Chronicle is the official record of the Association and its Old Boys. In the future, it will contain obituaries, lists of those graduating from universities and lists of those who receive honours from Her Majesty. Bay of Plenty Bay Hawke’s South Canterbury Hong Kong Looking ahead, one of our priorities is to have more active branches. There are three aspects to this. First, the Committee appreciates it can be a struggle to arrange successful events – particularly if the event is the same as in previous to work with the are going years. We branches to help generate ideas and provide speakers where possible, to help keep Old Boys engaged in their branches. All the events were well attended and enjoyable occasions – and they speak to the commitment of the Old Boys to College and to each other. all those who serve as branch To chairs, treasurers and secretaries, thank you for the work you do. • • Wellington • Marlborough • Nelson • • Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • • Bangkok • London • Auckland • Branches The Association is lucky to have such a large and active network of branches. In 2016 events took place in: We have also changed where the have also changed where We to the ReunionAGM sits in relation It will now be immediately Weekend. hope We party. before the cocktail lift attendancethis move will help engagementand lead to greater and itsbetween the Association members. In order to start buildingIn order to with our Old Boysconnections Association will in 2017 the earlier, a reunion for thosebe organising 2003 College between who attended become hope this will and 2007. We an annual event. THE QUADRANGLE Old Boys’ Race
It was three times a charm for Neil others who came to Sports Day as Allen (8444), this year’s winner of current parents. the Corfe Cup. Neil first won the cup in 2001, leaving it another 10 Dick Tripp (5627) treats the Old years before taking the title again in Boys’ Race as his annual warrant 2011, when his son Oliver (14519) of fitness. This year, he was sole was at school. He thought it only fair representative for the 70 Years On, that he should win it one more time being part of the group which had while his younger son, William, was started at College in 1947. Dick, who at school. lives in Governors Bay, won the race in 2007 and has regularly taken part A number of Old Boys from various in the event. year groups entered, as well as
Young Old Boys (YOBs)
No, not a group of uncultured The time span has been chosen help. If your son is part of this group, louts, but an acronym for our to cover those who started and please ask if his details are current, latest group – our Young Old Boys. finished in 2007, and everyone else especially his email. YOBs – start talking The Association has been aware in between! to your friends, and encourage them to for some time that we are slow to make the effort to attend. welcome our younger members The YOBs will be launched with back to College, leaving the first drinks on Thursday 16 November, Contact Justine – email [email protected] official reunion until they are in hoping to capture those home for – if you have any questions. their early thirties. Show Week. Tickets will be on sale closer to the time, but in the The event is targeted at Old Boys meantime, make sure your details who were at College in 2007. are up-to-date. Parents, you can
94 Christ’s College Canterbury THE QUADRANGLE 95 College Issue 32 2017 drinks and dinner most nights; cultural events, live bands and pub quizzes if you know where to look; EmbassyNGO and UN, at the parties compounds every Thursday and Friday; pool parties and volleyball games during summer; BBQ fire pits in winter. I most definitely burn the candle at both ends, and come back to NZ to relax, unwind and completely decompress. All of this is done before midnight. For the first time in my life I have which a security-imposed curfew,
strategic policy engagement with government ministries. The more mundane tasks include budgeting, spreadsheets and internal donor reports. Is there any opportunity for a social life? at least I’ve usually pretty busy, It’s found it so. In a normal week, if we’re not put under lockdown, I manage to get out and about almost every evening – social sports (field hockey at the British Embassy; cross-fit at other UN compounds; and co-ed netball at the Australian Embassy); meeting friends for
When Sam Clendon (12462) left Christ’s College in 2002, he never imagined College in 2002, he (12462) left Christ’s When Sam Clendon Programme as an Emergency he would be working in Afghanistan that one day exactly what Sam, aged Programme. But that is World Food the UN Officer with working in conflict and post-conflict for the past decade, 31, has been doing Africa and Central Asia. the Middle East, North contexts across From Christchurch to Kabul to Christchurch From SAM CLENDON SAM Work can run the gamut from the Work exciting through to the mundane. I’ve been lucky to see much of Afghanistan up close, from snow-capped mountain passes in northern Badakhshan, to cheering on buzkashi matches and exploring eating the Blue Mosque in Mazar, pomegranates in rural Nangahar and buying carpets in bazaars in Herat. Some days can be field co-ordination with co-operating partner and What is your working life like in Kabul? a I’m not a morning person, so it’s tough pre-coffee commute of 200m Food Programme’s (the World current guest house and office are in the same compound). The experiences you are having in from life must be so different New Zealand. I’d argue that the day-to-day experience of life in Kabul (or Khartoum, Sana’a or Nouakchott) is not much different from a regular 9–5 (or more normally 8am–8pm) anywhere else, albeit in locales that not for might seem more exotic. It’s everyone, but I’m an eternal optimist and make the restrictions of living in a conflict environment work for me. We caught up with Sam during his caught We recent visit back to Christchurch. It is a far cry from the hallowedIt is a far cry from the halls of Princeton University in the US, where Sam completed a BA in International Affairs and Public followed by an MSc in Forced Policy, Migration at Oxford University. is the one thing I will miss the least With some fantastic stories to share reason why not. I’ll probably look when I leave Afghanistan. over a few drinks, and memories to for less explosive contexts as I get last lifetimes, I have no regrets about older – and start prioritising stints One of the upsides of living in a non- any choices I’ve made. in New York or Dakar over Baghdad family/hardship duty station is that and Goma. There is a reputation we get Rest and Recuperation – so Do you ever fear for your among humanitarian workers that every six to eight weeks I’m traveling safety? we inevitably become conflict to see friends and explore new Threats are very real and are adrenaline junkies. Although there’s countries. something I fully accept as part of nothing wrong with that, I’d like to Is it a difficult way of life? the life I lead. I don’t consider my see some greener pastures every approach too blasé or dismissive, now and then. You have good days, and bad, and yet I do think international media How has your work changed those that fall everywhere at the representations of the countries in you? same time! Each country I’ve worked which I’ve worked, such as Yemen, in is different and being able to see Sudan and now Afghanistan, I’m grateful. I firmly believe that the immediate impact of my work can be misleading. Insecurity is my work has an immediate and on communities afflicted by poverty, not omnipresent and proximity profound impact on the most food insecurity and conflict is and exposure are two different vulnerable communities and I feel immensely rewarding. All in all, the things. Targeted attacks against privileged to be allowed to serve. number of good days far outweigh humanitarian aid workers are the bad. infrequent, and it’s very much wrong I also have more grey hairs that I ascribe to too much shelling and Why do you enjoy it? place, wrong time. It’s important to understand that daily life continues gunfire rather than ageing! I’m very privileged to be able to live, unabated – you still go to the I’ve found that distance from work and travel in these beautiful markets, drive through the city and those you love becomes harder, countries that unfortunately most see friends (albeit in an armored particularly as I’ve spent most of the people will only ever see as another vehicle). past decade in far flung non-family tragic headline on the evening news. Do you think you will continue duty stations, and so I appreciate I have a strong network of friends in these sorts of roles? more the moments, however that have spread around the globe, fleeting, with friends and loved ones. and amazing colleagues who work As long as I embrace new challenges Do you think you will return to to alleviate human suffering as best and continue to find the career live in NZ? they can. opportunities exciting, I see no Not in the immediate term. New Zealand will always be home, and family and friends will ensure I come back frequently, but my current work is not exactly required in NZ!
What are the benefits of going to university overseas? You have the chance to study at fantastic institutions. The facilities and financial support are world class and the opportunities are limitless. I sincerely believe that both Princeton and Oxford opened doors and helped position me to enter the fields in which I currently work.
Sam is currently living in Damascus, Syria.
96 Christ’s College Canterbury THE QUADRANGLE 97 College Issue 32 2017 After a somewhat slow and sluggish start, we managed to rally a very respectable 54 Old Boys and partners in Christchurch, plus an additional 10 in London for a very enjoyable reunion weekend. Richard Rookes (10770) was instrumental in delegating the reunion’s Jamin Marshall (12233) On 30 Years Rookes, Richard Shand, Back Row: Mark Hindmarsh, Tom Nick Scott Trolove, Scott, Willy Michael Allen, Tim Row: Hamish Hutton, Simon Andrews, Mark Lowry, Third Andrew Andrew Leete, James Wynn-Williams, Thomas Watson, Luisetti Richmond, Edward Church, Steve Judd, Grantley Judge, Simon Second Row: Tim Mike Evans, Matt Paddy Trolove, Sunderland, Adam Lowry, Brent Thomas Miller, Andrew Roberton, Berry, Front Row: Bruce Morton, Richard Daniel Joines, James Harrison, Arthur Ruddenklau, Antony Humphrey Tapper Walker, at my house for an afternoon of reminiscing untilat my house for an at the popular King of Snakethe evening event held wives and girlfriends Street. With restaurant on Victoria 55 or more. The our group had grown to in tow, of Christ’s enjoyment of the evening for this group even though, rather amusingly, finest grew, College’s to find bottleswe were limited to wine by the glass. Off our group headedrather than glasses, a large number of until the weeto The Dirty Land Bar where we stayed hours of the morning. a huge successIt was no surprise that the weekend was our year group. and a testament to the comradeship of the effort toI would like to thank all those who made On reunion! attend. Looking forward to the 30 Years
Saturday started with many weary faces on the school Photos were followed by lunch and refreshing tour. drinks in the Dining Hall, where many gained their then reconvened around the corner second wind. We The Cocktail Party was an eye opener as many had not seen one another for 15 years. It was great catching up, sizing each other up and learning how successful House contingent many had become. The large Flower’s changed sinceenjoyed catching up with BDL, who hasn’t 30 Years joined forces with the the day we started. We On group and continued the evening at the new RSA, eventually ending up at The Bog Irish Pub. This was an indication of how big the night was. The excitement of that first night was too much for one of our year’s premium prodigies, who did not reappear until Sunday. This year’s 20 Years On reunion group was one of the 20 Years This year’s has seen atlargest from this age group that College This seemed to be on-trend for us as Reunion Weekend. team to were the last we broke records at school too. We win the Boys’ High rugby match and were also the year many with the largest number of expulsions. Happily, bear a grudge and so we welcomed moreof these didn’t than 40 Old Boys from the United Kingdom, Australia and all over New Zealand. Reunions Reports Reunions THE QUADRANGLE 20 Years On 20 Years James Luhrs, George Baxter, Justin Thomson, DuncanJustin Thomson, Baxter, George James Luhrs, Row: Back Alex Neate, George Acland, Jamin MarshallRutherford, Chris Hurst, Johnathon Row: John Botha, Simon Rieter, Third Cameron Sam Spencer-Bower, McFarlane, David McKellar, Craigie Second Row: Lindon Moodie, Chris Green, Guy Nurse, Sam Black, Andy Bain, Andrew Hamish Kilpatrick, Chris Wanty, Houston Michael Lin, Jeremy Mark Fisher, Front Row: David Thatcher, Chuah, Beau Sheild, Ed Burrell, Nick Gdanitz administrative responsibilities, appointing me to help Those in Europe who couldn’t make it to the rally the troops, to find our main event location on Christchurch reunion gathered in London. Saturday night (thank you Harry Caine [7700] for a wonderful meal at the Leinster Rd Bistro) and finally We started out with afternoon tea at the New Zealand even to write this report! High Commission in Haymarket. It was then off to Merchants Tavern by tube for dinner and a few ales. We had a number of Old Boys travelling from far and Good to see the London locals – Cedric (10742) and Nigel wide – Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, (10775). Angus (10722) returned from a trip to New as well as throughout the South Island. Thank you all Zealand, and will soon be on his way back to Auckland. for making the huge effort, it would not have been the Great to see Clint (10728) all the way from Texas! Sam same without such a large presence. Reunions are a (10692) flew Ryan Air from Sweden as a passenger time for reflection and taking long trips down memory rather than pilot for a change. The oldest and newest lane, so much better to do so with good friends and father Christian (10678) came from the Ukraine. Matt fellow Old Boys with whom we shared so much of our Bywater (10679) from Switzerland and Tabs (10743) time. drove three hours from Bath and back! That leaves the Essex boys – Ants (10695) and Tom (10741). The 10 of I found it especially comforting to remember that us had a great time catching up in London. some things never change. Like giving it my all in the last 100m around Upper, whilst the field ahead slowly Tom McKenzie (10741) pulls away; that Brian Le Vaillant continues to have the sharpest memory and tongue at Christ’s College (thank you for your informative and amusing dinner speech); that the Jacobs House Class of ’87 continues 50 Years On to be a very tight bunch of friends (and the most represented House at the reunion); and that most of us who attended, irrespective of perceived intellectual or sporting abilities, hold special memories from our time at College.
The school seems in good heart, and almost fully recovered from the earthquake. It continues to maintain its good traditions, even in the face of ever increasing technology changes – technology that enabled us to talk briefly with the London reunion live over Skype, but I’ll let Tom Mackenzie (10741) elaborate further about that. Back Row: Marcel Piat, John Caldwell, Chris Ansley, A special thanks to Justine for her patience in helping Fourth Row: Quentin Wright, David Lough, Brett Russell, Andy us get everything organised. We wouldn’t have pulled Nurse, John Blunden, John Macphee, Brent Rawstron, Nick Robinson Third Row: John Wright, John Harper, Trevor Connolly, John Nichol, it together without you! Hopefully, we will see you all Peter Monro, Guy Wellwood, David Jerram in 10 years time for the big one, the 40 years on. Second Row: Charlie Rattray, Bill Sandston, Richard Shand, Charles Deans, Michael Taylor, Bill Hewat, Chris Dampier-Crossley, John Mark Hindmarsh (10715) Trengrove Front Row: Nigel Ensor, Richard Howarth, Chris Sellars, Ben Frampton, Neil Kay, Tim Fleetwood, Mark Nicholls
A very friendly and convivial weekend was enjoyed by 36 30 Years On – London from the Year of 1967, with numerous opportunities to catch up with old friends.
Celebrations began with a cocktail function on the Friday evening for all year groups. It was a very enjoyable function, with our year group amongst the last to leave.
Saturday morning was taken up with a tour of the school followed by lunch in the Dining Hall. It was pleasing to see a strong representation from Jacobs House Old Boys, which left us puzzling why the House had not survived as a boarding house.
The rebuilding carried out by the school post-earthquake was very impressive and many changes were obvious. 98 Christ’s College Canterbury THE QUADRANGLE 99 College Issue 32 2017 Fast forward 60 years to 2017. Some 25 of those young Some 25 of those 60 years to 2017. Fast forward remaining 93, but of the sadly passed away, boys have – toto reunite once again gathered together 38 (41%) and liereminisce, exaggerate old friends, to catch up with oldest at New Zealand’s time spent together about their school. ’57 was conspicuous by the class of Friday 24 February, Boys’ race at the school sports,its absence in the Old hips, heart valves and generalblaming new knees, their lack of participation. Thesemedical disorders for forgotten at the subsequent cocktaildisorders were soon of the class once again showedgathering where many consume alcohol, largely learned atthat their ability to lost. A great opportunity to catchCollege, had not been from ’57, but also with the otherup, not only with boys great to catch updecades present at the function. Also, it. with Zane Dalziel, frail at 90, but still with around their various groups were shown the On Saturday, (five) (eight attendees), Condell’s old Houses. Flower’s the schooland Corfe (four) had been moved outside resurrectedgrounds, whilst Jacobs (seven) has been School Houseto teach dayboys the perils of boarding. dismay has gone upmarket (six) – much to Mick Burdon’s in there in ourwith one boy per bedroom (we had four seemsday), while Richards House (two) thankfully (two) andto have disappeared from the Quad. Julius Harper (four) remain strong after post-earthquake refurbishment. lunch in theDrinks followed the House tours and then pudding (the Dining Hall. Roast beef and Yorkshire to “EJ”) werelatter being the closest thing on the menu from the currentfollowed by a very informative speech Principal (difficultheadmaster – should I say – Executive role of College into envisage Harry in that role) about the the community. earthquake repairs behind it, and a new focus and With direction, the future would seem to bode well for our just hope that the shortfall in pupils – 618 We alma mater. with a target of 660 – is not made up by the currently, addition of girls! Following a compulsory afternoon nap, those left standing gathered at the Canterbury Club for our reunion number of wives and sweethearts with a good dinner, in attendance. A splendid meal was enhanced with a typically dry and humorous dissertation on life at College Steve recounted with apparently a by Steve Brazier. good deal of fondness, his experience at the hands of and related with his subsequent GP, Kingsley Warden, some glee his choice of the navy with its rum, lash and “B” over those of us unfortunate (with the exception of Berry) to remain in what could only be described as remembered Army – the cadet corp. We a junior Dad’s fondly the fact that someone forgot to remove the firing response 303 and Killer McKay’s pin from De Buerger’s with the Kididga stick. 1957 – the year in which the Treaty of Rome established 1957 – the year in which the Treaty the EEC, Britain exploded its first H bomb over the Christmas Islands, and the United States army sold the last of its homing pigeons. It was also the year in which 118 young boys from throughout the country ventured nervously for the first time through the gates of Christ’s College to confront the fate that awaited them. Jonathan Pascoe, Jim Murray, Tony Dodwell, Denis Tony Back Row: Jonathan Pascoe, Jim Murray, Marshall, Alan Lock, John Baird Edmond, Rob John Gilbert, Richard Fifth Row: Mick Burdon, Dunlop, Keith Reay Rhodes, Tom Lewis, Dick Bristed, PaulFourth Row: Hamish Nimmo, Richard Scales, Leyden Baker Studholme, Warwick Broadmore, Alister Moore, James Douglas, Row: Tom Third Steve Brazier John Vernon, Martin Prior, Second Row: Bill Bristed, Forbes Mackenzie, Jerrold O’Neill, Ian Armitage, Peter Wilkins Tim Blair, David Lloyd Williams, Graham Foulds, Front Row: Stan Wilder, Orbell, Peter Davis, Rick Lowe Joel, Tim 60 Years On 60 Years Ben Frampton (7950) and Michael Taylor (8024) Taylor Ben Frampton (7950) and Michael All in all, a very enjoyable weekend. Chris Ansley closed the speeches with a toast to theChris Ansley closed on theboarders, including some thoughtful observations boardingrespective contributions made by the various pupils of our year. houses to the musical education of the Saturday evening around 50 of our year group, includingSaturday evening around recently rebuilt Christchurch Club.partners, dined at the evening and the new premisesThis was a very enjoyable no formal speaker had beenwere welcoming. While several impromptu contributions,arranged, there were of the school haka – what it lackedincluding a rendition than made up for with enthusiasm. in rhythm was more Executive Principal Garth Wynne (who in a former time (who in Principal Garth Wynne Executive the outlined been called the Headmaster) would have ustaken place. He updated changes that had significant and the the College, rebuilding around on the extensive taken place in the Dining work that had strengthening Hall. Late at night we said our farewells, promising to meet again in another 10 years. Let’s hope we can. Finally, a sad farewell to Virginia McKenzie who, having CCOBA 2017 joined us at our reunion, passed away just a few days later. Our very best wishes to you Forbes. Calendar
Richard Lewis (6646) Auckland Community Event Tuesday 23 May, 6-8pm 70 Years On Chapman Tripp, 23 Albert Street This is a combined event with St Margaret’s College
Christ’s College vs Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV Thursday 1 June – at CBHS 1967 and 1992 1st XV Reunions CCOBA Drinks at Trenches Bar, RSA from 4.30pm
Back Row: Robin Pridie, Bill Wilson, Alastair Chaffey, Richard Wells, 40 Years On Reunion - 1977 start Peter Chamberlain, Ian Cresswell, Gerald Batchelor, Edgar Turner, 8-10 September Dick Tripp Front Row: Roger Christmas, Daniel Richards, Tim de Castro, Terry Gentlemen’s Lunch Westenra, John Wheelans, Bill Ensor, John Packer, Donald Lill Wednesday 25 October Seventeen lads gathered at College on 25 February for Including 65 Years On (1952 start) drinks and lunch at the high table in the Dining Hall. and 75 Years On (1942 start) This feast was provided through the generosity of the CCOBA to whom we pass our grateful thanks. Garth Young Old Boys’ Drinks Wynne spoke of some of the school’s new initiatives Thursday 16 November which sounded interesting and innovative. 2018 AGM We were mostly from a start year of 1947 and had travelled variously from a few hundred metres to about Friday 23 February 2018 1,000km to be there. 2018 Reunion Weekend Excellent drinks at the new Christchurch Club on Year groups who started in 1998, Friday night, and lunch at Riccarton House, Dean’s 1988, 1968, 1958, 1948 and 1938 Bush on Sunday were enjoyed by all present. Our wives 23-25 February 2018 put up with stories they had heard countless times and continued to show us patience. Email [email protected] for more information We thought the College campus looked marvellous and the new Upham Quad a fitting testament to that brave soldier.
How are we faring? Mostly, we reckoned pretty well. It was great to see Don Lill (5595) and Terry Westenra (5631) amongst us, as well as John Wheelans (5632) and Eric Stonyer (5625). What the younger brigade thought of us all remains unrecorded.
We are contemplating a 75 Years On reunion in five years’ time. Possibly this will be pushing our luck, but we remain optimistic that we can hold decrepitude at bay for a while longer.
Tim de Castro (5571)
100 Christ’s College Canterbury THE QUADRANGLE 101 College Issue 32 2017 there were three generations of there were three generations their three the Carey family in Diana Bentleys. Bruce (4841), and sons Richard (9148) and Mike (8593), daughter Nikki and (13835). grandson Tim Our commiserations went to the Midgley family in the Bristol who were prevented from leaving Methven with a leaking water pump and were towed back to Christchurch. Son Henry (12682) in their Ferrari had to curtail his day as well, so they all picnicked on the roadside. Peter Evans (7945) also lost the clutch in his immaculate E Type. I am sure that this years’ Joe Studholme Memorial Day reflects great credit on Martin Vincent (7240) and all associated with its management, and may just have satisfied the impeccable standards of its namesake. On behalf of all participants, I record our appreciation and tender our sincere thanks. Bruce Carey (4841) in a most attractive setting with in a most attractive trees, and spreading lawns, noble shrubs and garden beds of choice to have perennials which appeared been extended since our previous visit several years ago. After a picnic lunch with the cars parked under the mature trees, our hosts spoke about the history of the property and led tours of the grounds, encouraging us to explore. The return trip took us via Glentunnel, Homebush, and Darfield. The day was judged an unqualified success in terms of organisation and outcomes. On the motor vehicle front, the vintage class was represented by the indefatigable Baby Austin 7 of Jonathan (6900) and Christine Hope, as well as the magnificent 1915 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost of John Chamberlain (5393). From the younger Old Boys, Nigel Walsh (9258) bought his TVR Griffith and Ian Hayman (10445) his Rover SD1. It was nice to see some multi- generational teams attending, including two generations of the Black family in their restored Mk Not to be outdone, 1 Range Rover.
The Joe Studholme Memorial Vintage & Classic Car Day & Classic Memorial Vintage The Joe Studholme We then travelled towards Mount then We and Somers via Thompsons Track Road, before reaching Tramway H72 and crossing the South Branch From of the Ashburton River. here, a short stretch of shingle road and a bridge over a small stream took us on to the drive in to our destination Surrey Hills, where our charming hosts Paul (8087) and Sara Grigg warmly welcomed us to their property. The lovely old homestead stands Following a photography session and the distribution of navigation documents, an orderly file of vehicles headed to Yaldhurst Road and State Highway 73, then to Hororata, Rakaia Gorge and Methven. The first stop of the day for morning tea was at the property of John and Joan McKay. museum their view to able were We with its interesting collection of mainly American cars and early post-war Hudsons at various stages of restoration, as well as many agricultural implements from generations of past farmers. Sunday 19 February dawned fine Sunday 19 February vehicles and and warm for the 26 participants who approximately 60 the Quad. assembled around Events THE QUADRANGLE College has learned of the following deaths in our commmunity. Deaths Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends.
James Graham PERRY John Anthony WALLER Graeme Euing SIME Anthony Hood CLAY (5610) (7911) (6949) (7005) Died 22 June 2016 Died 20 September 2016 Died 18 December 2016 Died 3 March 2017 Forbes Gifford MOORE Murray Aylmer Anthony James HOLLAND John Garland LESTER (5958) WESTENRA (Staff) (5500) Died 29 June 2016 (5539) Died 19 December 2016 Died 4 March 2017 Roger Howard WAIT Died 10 October 2016 Richard Henry Leon Patrick Granville (5900) Mervyn Henry VILE SULIMA-ROGACZEWSKI HARDING Died 23 July 2016 (4910) (8146) (4958) Michael Jeremy BRAZIER Died 12 October 2016 Died 1 December 2016 Died 12 March 2017 (9555) Marcus Richard Leighton Richard Julian Archer Richard Colin SPEIGHT Died 10 August 2016 GRENNELL CREGOE (6082) Frank Griffin Booth (11726) (5190) Died 12 March 2017 SIMPSON Died 2 November 2016 Died 1 January 2017 Philip Humphrey (5619) Bryan Lindsay MACBETH James Patrick William GARLAND Died 13 August 2016 (5430) HAYMAN (6394) John Edmund Died 11 November 2016 (13123) Died 15 March 2017 MAINDONALD Timothy John RAPHAEL Died 17 January 2017 Michael Ernle CLARK (7723) (5240) William Joseph (6866) Died 20 August 2016 Died 20 November 2016 CRANFIELD Died 25 March 2017 Peter Stafford Alastair Colin DEANS (5655) John Digby NORTHCOTE (5660) Died 22 January 2017 HYLTON-SMITH (5136) Died 23 November 2016 Jeremy James CLARK (5529) Died 20 August 2016 James Balfour WILL (9677) Died 2 April 2017 John Manson CHRISTIE (4820) Died 27 January 2017 Chris Edward Francis (5187) Died 2 December 2016 Robert Gifford BROWNIE Died 26 August 2016 Anthony Hugh GRIGG MIDDLETON (6259) Edward Gale LATTER (5939) (5507) Died 10 April 2017 (5041) Died 9 December 2016 Died 1 February 2017 Died 29 August 2016 Forbes George Peter John Albert GORDON Anthony Paul MULCOCK ANDERSON (5035) (4977) (11540) Died 9 February 2017 Died 2 September 2016 Died 12 December 2016 Ian Tyler MORTEN Derek Hay WARREN Hugh John MACLEAY (7330) (5071) (6790) Died 1 March 2017 Died 20 September 2016 Died 12 December 2016
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SHARED VALUES
Our cornerstone company value is Relationships: our word is our bond to our customers and our people. It’s a strength we’ve shown over and over again at Christ’s College, with our dedicated team on site just days after the first major earthquake in ECan Building, ABOUT September 2010. Christchurch US
Naylor Love is at the forefront of the commercial construction management industry in New Zealand. We have the capacity and expertise to undertake projects all over the country. We’re very proud of our team’s unswerving commitment to quality, with the gorgeous finishes they achieve on both new and heritage buildings testament to their craftsmanship. OUR We’ve just completed another major project SUCCESS at College, strengthening and refurbishing the Tower Kitchen. Bursar Colin Sweetman laid the We pride ourselves in our can-do attitude to achieving final stone for us, observing an old Scottish our clients’ goals. It’s an approach that works - we won tradition where a bottle of whisky is left for the four national category awards, six gold awards, three stonemason who will repair the wall 100 years silver awards and one bronze award at the New Zealand later. Commercial Project Awards last year, including five awards If you’re looking for a skilled head contractor, for our projects at Christ’s College. contact us to find out how we can help you.
[email protected] www.naylorlove.co.nz Inside, it’s an urban oasis.
But no more than a stone’s throw away, the thrum and hum of the emergent city draws you out.
Life here is social, stimulating and enriching. Nestled on the border of Christchurch’s CBD, Cranmer Gardens offers a unique urban lifestyle brimming with opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment, balanced with stunning green spaces and proximity to Hagley Park. Enjoy the freedom to roam between cafés, restaurants, shops and back home with ease.
For those seeking something special in the heart of the city, you will find it in the distinctive and contemporary flair of Cranmer Gardens, an elegant reinterpretation of our city’s heritage.
Enquires for these 39 luxury apartments are now open. View the experience at cranmergardens.co.nz.
LUXURY URBAN LIVING Inside, it’s an urban oasis.
But no more than a stone’s throw away, the thrum and hum of the emergent city draws you out.
Life here is social, stimulating and enriching. Nestled on the border of Christchurch’s CBD, Cranmer Gardens offers a unique urban lifestyle brimming with opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment, balanced with stunning green spaces and proximity to Hagley Park. Enjoy the freedom to roam between cafés, restaurants, shops and back home with ease.
For those seeking something special in the heart of the city, you will find it in the distinctive and contemporary flair of Cranmer Gardens, an elegant reinterpretation of our city’s heritage.
Enquires for these 39 luxury apartments are now open. View the experience at cranmergardens.co.nz.
LUXURY URBAN LIVING OUR VALUES HONESTY
LEARNING SPIRITUALITY RESPECT COMPASSION STEWARDSHIP
JUSTICE
CANTERBURY
Each boy at his best.