Dio Today - December 2022

Diocesan School for Girls

Clyde Street, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand Private Bag 99939, Newmarket 1149

P. 09 520 0221 F. 09 520 6778

E. office@diocesan.school.nz

W. DIOCESAN.SCHOOL.NZ

PRINCIPAL

ASSISTANT

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs Margaret van Meeuwen

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Mrs Dian Fisher Mr Simon Walker

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mrs Kate Burkin

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Mrs Suzanne Brewin

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Mrs Amy Thompson/ JUNIOR SCHOOL Ms Nicole Lewis

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS Mr Ian Walker/ AND PLANNING Mrs Kerry Burridge

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Ms Shelley Johnston

DIRECTOR OF Mrs Angela Coe DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE Mrs Jocelyn Anso AND CULTURE

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Mrs Kate Jones

HEAD PREFECT Emma Parton

DEPUTY HEAD PREFECT Ella Riley

“Most of the girls of 2022 will remember the outstanding teachers, tutor teachers, deans, coaches, mentors and supporters who helped them get through the ups and downs of life. There are also two others we hope that they especially remember – Ollie, our school cat and our counselling dog, Loki. In life, we share the planet with all other living things and when life gets challenging, animals can show us how to show gratitude, how to love, and how to deal with stress. We hope in life that the modern intellect will always include a love of the natural world in managing the unexpected.”

Heather McRae, Principal

In her article for this year’s Chronicle, Principal Heather McRae spoke about yet another year of COVID disruption, and how, even with high numbers of absences amongst students and staff, the School managed to keep going with a dual platform for learning and opportunities for everyone to succeed. She said: “It is with great pride that we see our Year 13 students graduate. They have lived through the most disruption to their education of any previous year levels and have shown the greatest courage and resilience. We wish them well and thank them for their support and service to others.”

In September the world farewelled one of the greatest icons of ‘support and service to others’, Queen Elizabeth II. Her personal motto could well have been our own Ut Serviamus (that we may serve) and her great legacy of service to her people was widely acknowledged by thousands, from ordinary citizens to world leaders.

Another attribute of the Queen much spoken about was her love of animals, in particular her dogs and horses. It was particularly poignant, as her funeral procession wound its way to Windsor Castle, to see membersof her staff standing at the roadside with her horse Emma and her beloved corgis. And, although she was unable to attend all the planned functions celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen’s absolute delight at the equestrian extravaganza show was plain to see.

The quote from Heather’s 2022 Chronicle article (above) sums up how an appreciation for the natural world can enrich our lives – whether we are a member of the Dio community or royalty.

Wishing all members of our Dio community a blessed Christmas and a safe and relaxing summer break.

Liz McKay and Deirdre Coleman, Dio Today editors

BOARD CHAIR Ms Nicole Xanthopol

Ms Heather McRae

CHAPLAIN Reverend Sandy Robertson

CHAPLAIN Reverend Bryan Haggitt

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

SENIOR PRIZE GIVING SPEECH

Nga¯ mihi nui kia koutou katoa –nau mai, haere mai ki te¯nei po whakanui o nga a¯konga.

Welcome to this very special evening where we celebrate outstanding achievements and share our hopes for the future.

We started the year with a few big challenges ahead, and while there were plenty of experts about how to manage the School during the pandemic, I take this opportunity to thank the Board, the COVID Action Team and staff for their ability to make decisions that were right for us as a school and community. The huge responsibility to manage close contacts, notify families, keep staff and students safe during constantly changing traffic lights and inept national direction, was like living through a nightmare that fortunately is a distant memory. The emergence of the best achievement results this school has ever attained spoke volumes about the extent to which staff managed the double commitment of online and classroom learning simultaneously. It takes a

special kind of commitment for people to step up, to work harder, and to care more after already challenging years of a pandemic. Our staff together achieved that commitment in eye watering measure, and I especially thank them tonight for those times where we wondered from day to day whether we could stay open. Thank you all – we made it together!

I also acknowledge the leadership of many who have inspired us over the year to be ‘more than we ever imagined’. The students and parents here tonight experienced the most disruption of all. It is an honour to thank Head Prefect Emma Parton, and Deputy Head Ella Riley who have unpacked their visionary selfcompassion and upstander aspects of Ko Tātou to deepen confidence in ourselves, address self-doubt, and build our sense of wellbeing, community and belonging. Senior students – you have collectively woven new insights into our culture and your legacy leaves us enriched. We know that your resilience was tested, but you did great – thank you!

At our recent Dio Open Day, an international visiting parent said how impressed he was walking into our School; he expressed his thoughts by describing Dio as the NASA of education. I was delighted with this view that he thought we were at the forefront of exploration and delivery of the highest standards of teaching and learning. It struck me that education and space travel do have commonalities – they are high stakes and highly impactful on the future of humanity. Both rely on making errors to improve but the impact of failure is life changing. Our collective aim is enhancing the quality of human life for the future and reaching for the stars.

As a scientist space travel was an eye widening passion. I was a Star Trek and Captain Kirk fan and read with interest William Shatner’s thoughts after travelling into real space on the Jeff Bezos spaceship launched by tourism company Blue Origin in October 2021.

Shatner commented that, on reflection, the feelings of euphoria he had expected were overtaken by a sense of profound grief.

“I saw a cold, dark, black emptiness. It was unlike any blackness you can see or feel on Earth.” While the allure of space, other worlds and weightlessness make for great television, Shatner was shocked at the sense of emptiness he felt. He says: “I could see the curvature of Earth, the beige of the desert, the white of the clouds and the blue of the sky. It was life and it was home.” In the end, Shatner was overwhelmed by emotion. He realised the importance of planet Earth.

While the reach into space is appealing, it is through education that we remain

“Education is simply a brilliant activity to be involved in. Acting as the ignition of minds and launching young people into their future, Mari Evans who is an African American poet, writer and dramatist describes education as ‘the jewel casting brilliance into the future’.”

Heather McRae

grounded in the opportunity to protect humanity and life on our planet. Education is simply a brilliant activity to be involved in. Acting as the ignition of minds and launching young people into their future, Mari Evans who is an African American poet, writer and dramatist describes education as ‘the jewel casting brilliance into the future’.

Our initiatives at Diocesan have provided the level of ignition we are looking for. We have been busy creating a lifeworthy education for women which takes them beyond what is settled and known in profound ways. Through leadership, ethics, philosophy, ma¯tauranga Ma¯ori, service learning and engagement in futures thinking, a student recently described these topics as her passion because they helped her step outside her standard thinking, to consider wider implications.

Hegemonies can often trap us in fixed world views, and we hope our young women learn to see the world through different perspectives that are imbued with various social, cultural, religious, and political insights. If peace is a current threat globally, we believe this thinking helps students understand the complex interactions of humanity, to stand up for respect, equity, and justice.

We would also like to see all women in the world with full access to education. Our new Ko Ta¯tou scholarships are designed to provide diverse students with opportunities for a Dio education. For students with disabilities, socio-economic disadvantage, and those with a vision for excellence, our scholarships offer opportunities to change a young

woman’s life journey and therefore the future of her family and community.

This principle extends to our in-school teacher education programme we initiated with 12 schools in Auckland. Collectively we have trained over 50 new teachers. We have pushed for speakers of Te Reo who have not had the opportunity to attend university to be accepted into the programme. It is a great honour to be the first school next year to offer this opportunity to a young Ma¯ori woman with children. We hope that this will put her on the income scale she deserves and help support her family in the future. These are the changes that will support the next generation of young women to succeed in life.

Influencing all young women in the future is their access to and use of technology. It has been a blessing and a challenge with this year’s big technological talk about the metaverse and a virtual world of avatars who can travel, buy and be social. However, we already have a world where we are real. One wonders how technologies in the future that create a virtual world will benefit the real world we live in. Will we

prefer the perfect virtual world and opt out of the imperfect life we have? How will this affect our wellbeing?

Wha¯ia te ma¯tauranga hei oranga mo¯koutou; seek after wisdom for the sake of your wellbeing. This whakatauki means that in a world full of noise and confusion, wisdom and wellbeing will come when we ask questions with a genuine desire to understand the answers. While Bezos and Zuckerberg make fortunes with daydreams, the facts of the matter under our feet need to be grounded in reality and in a great real-world education; an education at Diocesan that is truly lifeworthy. Our commitment is to the greater good of real life – an extension of a school into the wider benefit for these young women who are the real jewels that will blast into the universe casting their brilliance into the future of families, communities, nature and our planet.

Ut Serviamus. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.

Heather McRae, Principal

retiring Board members Paying tribute to long-standing

Ian Goodall

Ian has been a keen supporter of Dio for over 25 years, both as a parent of two daughters who attended the School, and also as a Board member. Having joined the Board in February 2004, Ian is one of the School’s most long-standing board members. When he retired in December this year, he had served on the Board for 18 years.

During that time, Ian has been Chair of the Campus Development Committee and has overseen a major transformation of the School’s facilities.

He has also been a member of the Board’s Succession Committee and was involved in new appointments to the Board and to the School’s Heritage Foundation. Projects that Ian and the Campus Committee have undertaken under his guidance include the establishment of the Junior School buildings, the senior common room, the Aquatic Centre, the hockey turf and carpark, the new music and drama suites, the Arts Centre auditorium, and the seismic strengthening of the chapel (amongst others). Ian brought a wealth of knowledge to the Board having owned his own construction and development business, Goodall Construction. Each of the building projects overseen by Ian was completed on time and on budget. A phenomenal achievement on any measure.

Ian was also instrumental in the scoping and formation of the new campus Master Plan that provides a framework for the further development of the School’s facilities over the next 20 years. Ian is a visionary thinker, and the experience he has brought to the role has been of significant benefit to Dio. Not one to be stuck in the board room, he spent many hours on site working alongside the construction team on each of the many projects. His dedication to this role has gone above and beyond, and he has been an incredible problem solver for the many intricacies of building on a very tight school site. The campus that the school enjoys today would not be the same without Ian’s eye for detail.

At Board meetings, Ian’s contributions were always welcomed. His judgment and commercial acumen were outstanding. A passionate believer in the School’s strategic direction of leading by example in girls’ education, Ian too led by example and embodied the values of excellence, collaboration and respect.

Ian and his wife Barbara are now enjoying retired life in Taupo where they are embarking on their own renovation project so their home can be enjoyed by their family. When asked what the highlight of his time on the Board might be, Ian replied: “The last 18 years have been the best of my life.”

Mindy Levene (Olde, 1983)

Mindy joined the Board in December 2009 and was appointed Deputy Chair in May 2012. When Mindy retired from the Board in December 2022, she had given 13 years of service to the School. During her time on the Board, she chaired the Marketing and Development Committee, and served as a trustee on the Heritage Foundation. She also sat on the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, People and Culture Committee, and the Student Support and Wellbeing Committee. Mindy

always gave generously of her time to the School.

Mindy’s financial acumen and leadership skills have made a significant contribution to Dio. She brought astute judgment to her role and helped forge a good working relationship with the School’s Chief Financial Officer that inspired confidence, and which enabled the School to navigate a number of significant capital projects. Mindy made insightful and valuable contributions at Board meetings and was always known for her ability to ask astute and challenging questions.

Mindy was herself a 13-year student of Dio as is her daughter who is completing her 13 years at Dio this year. The daughter of an Old Girl, Dio is in her blood and her love for the School is evident in all that she does. Mindy is a familiar face at all school events and is a firm believer that the Board should be

present in the School as well as in the board room.

When asked about her fondest memories, Mindy will always reflect on the incredible achievements made by the students and staff in all aspects and capacities of Dio school life. Whether it is the innovation, academic, sports or cultural achievements, Mindy is an incredibly proud past student, current parent, and Board member. Her perception is that it is not possible to get a better education than a Dio education.

As well as being exceptionally proud of Dio, as Deputy Chair, Mindy has shown unwavering support for the Board, and in particular the Chair by stepping up when needed to help. Mindy reflects that she truly takes to heart the genuine meaning of Ut Serviamus.

Mindy is looking forward to a change of pace, which will no doubt include serving on a few committees.

“The Board of Governors is grateful to both Ian Goodall and Mindy Levene for generously donating their time and skills over a considerable period to support Dio and the community.”

Nicole Xanthopol, Board Chair

NEW EXECUTIVE AND FACULTY APPOINTMENTS

Changing the guard at the Junior School

SUE CATTELL, HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Waking up with a sense of excitement for what the day will bring is how Diocesan’s new Head of the Junior School, Sue Cattell, views her chosen career. And she wants the same for all the students and teachers under her care.

Sue joins Dio after over eight years as Principal at Milford School, preceded by four years as Deputy Principal at Takapuna Normal Intermediate and eight years at Kristin School. She has also worked as an International Baccalaureate (IB) workshop leader and school evaluator for the past 17 years, travelling within Asia-Pacific, to work with many schools.

She says early childhood and primaryaged children are her favourite groups, with the learning environment providing the opportunity to explore, inquire and experience new things. It’s this sense of adventure and excitement about learning that she wants her students to go home with every day.

“I will be bringing my energy and passion for lifelong learning to Dio, ensuring the students have as many opportunities as possible, so they find what brings them joy, and perhaps uncover a talent they didn’t know they

had. I aim to ensure there are many opportunities for the students to have agency and to be self-directed learners and leaders.”

It’s not just students that she sees as learners, but everyone in the teaching team. Having recently completed her Master of Educational Leadership, she hopes to inspire and encourage others to continue their learning, taking opportunities to grow themselves and their leadership.

Sue is passionate about the IB programme, and in particular the Primary Years Programme run at Diocesan.

“It teaches students big concepts that are important through life. Students follow purposeful inquiry that ensures they are actively involved in their learning, following their interests, and building on their capacity through voice, choice and ownership. It’s such a great framework for teaching and, as Dio runs the IB programme across the School, students are well set up for long term authentic learning.”

Sue took a sabbatical in 2021 to conduct research into the glass ceilings that are sometimes unintentionally placed on students. She strives to create an environment where there are no such ceilings, where students can grow

beyond expectations and surprise themselves and others. She mentions one student she taught, and has never forgotten, who would have upside down and backwards days, even to the extent of mirror writing all day. Sue recognised and celebrated her uniqueness, something she believes is essential for all neuro-diverse students. That student is now a doctor and is an inspiring young woman.

Says Sue: “The experience of teaching that particular student taught me a lot about our students not needing to fit into a box, and how, as a school, we can work to help them be successful without stifling what makes them special.”

Sue lives on Herald Island, next to the water and says it’s this closeness to nature and time with her family that recharges her every night. When she’s not on the water paddle boarding or kayaking, she’s looking at the sea with a good book and coffee in hand. She is surrounded by teachers at work and at home – both her husband and two of her three children are involved in education.

Asked what drew her to Dio, Sue says: “Having been involved in leading IB workshops at Dio over the past few years, I have always felt a special warmth that exudes from the staff. Dio has a very good reputation as a school

of excellence and is highly thought of. I am excited to be joining this community and look forward to meeting parents and students from early next year. My door is always open and I welcome the opportunity to talk about how we can deliver the best possible experience for every student.”

NICOLE LEWIS, JUNIOR SCHOOL ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Sue will be supported in her role by Nicole Lewis, who has become the Junior School Acting Deputy Principal.

Nicole will be known to many at Dio as a teacher in the Junior School, Year 6 Dean and a water polo champion. She’s also a third generation Old Girl, returning to the School in 2018 after first teaching at Bucklands Beach Intermediate and then being lured to France to play water polo in Bordeaux. Nicole returned to New Zealand to

prepare for World League and World Champs with the New Zealand Water Polo team, while working at Auckland Normal Intermediate, and says one of her proudest moments was wearing the Silver Fern and representing New Zealand on the world stage.

Along with her teaching role at Dio, Nicole is also the Primary Years Programme Co-ordinator, and oversaw the Junior School’s International Baccalaureate five-year review in 2020.

“We received incredible feedback from the Evaluators as one of the best PYP schools in the world and were encouraged to share our practice with other IB PYP schools.”

Nicole believes Dio is a special place and says it’s the Dio community who make her want to come to work each day. “It is unique and there’s nothing like being part of the Dio family. Every day as I walk past School House, I’m so

proud to be teaching at Dio. It is such a special place, with passionate girls who love learning, inspiring colleagues, and a supportive parent community. The students are the changemakers and leaders of the future and I feel fortunate to be part of their learning journeys. They inspire me to do my best, every day, for them.”

Nicole says she hopes to inspire students to follow their passions, to be risk takers in their learning and help them to develop open mindedness, and empathy for those around them and the environment. “It’s important for me to grow leaders in the Junior School and ensure our girls are knowledgeable, confident, kind and active young women who make a difference in their communities.”

She’s looking forward to supporting Sue and working with the Dio team to continue building on the excellent reputation, pastoral care and learning environment in the Junior School.

Incoming Head of Junior School Sue Cattell (left) and Acting Deputy Head Nicole Lewis (right).

Director

Anglican values big drawcard for Dio’s new Director of Business and Planning

With a love of community, a commitment to Anglican values and extensive management and finance expertise, Kerry Burridge is excited to be taking on the role of Director of Business and Planning for Diocesan.

“For me, serving a community is not about profit, it’s about achievement. I see the Business and Planning role as helping to create the best possible learning environment, which then allows Dio’s teachers to support our students to achieve their best.”

Kerry is joining the School after eight years as GM Business Manukau, where a large part of her role was stakeholder engagement for the second largest retail district in New Zealand. She notes highlights including the association’s

role in improving the social and economic standing of Manukau’s diverse community and the partnership with a range of stakeholder organisations to rollout the 20-year Transform Manukau programme. She is also a professional director on the board of Anglican Financial Care, which manages a range of funds including Christian KiwiSaver.

Adding to her resume, Kerry has worked extensively across the Pacific Islands, providing specialist banking, finance and business advice to support private sector development. She lived in Niue for a year, while providing economic advice to the government, and has also been a director of the Bank of the Cook Islands. When asked which of the islands is her favourite, she names Vanuatu which she says provided her an opportunity to use her university level French.

Kerry grew up with a father who was always renovating houses, and as a preschooler she was trained in passing tools up the ladder to him. This interest in property continued into adulthood, and Kerry and her husband went on to own a residential and commercial property maintenance business, which quickly became the biggest insurance reinstatement company in the Bay of Plenty.

Kerry says her experience in property maintenance, strong finance and management skills and ability to successfully lead a team to deliver on complex and challenging projects will be strengths in her role at the School.

She acknowledges the great work done by outgoing Director of Business and Planning, Ian Walker. “This is a wideranging role, encompassing property planning and development, health and safety risk management, finance and the delivery of technology and business information. Ian has delivered on some fantastic projects, including the new Arts Centre, and I’m looking forward to carrying on his work and picking up on other exciting initiatives in Diocesan’s long term development plan.”

While sad to be leaving Diocesan, Ian’s family was keen to move out of Auckland and the appeal of a rural lifestyle near Taupo was too strong to resist. The School thanks Ian for his contributions and efforts.

Asked for a good work story, Kerry mentions a two-year campaign to expand Manukau’s business improvement district. “I ended up campaigning for the expansion over

“For me, serving a community is not about profit, it’s about achievement. I see the Business and Planning role as helping to create the best possible learning environment, which then allows Dio’s teachers to support our students to achieve their best.””

Kerry Burridge

Kerry Burridge

of Business and Planning for Diocesan.

24 months, including going door to door to hundreds of business owners, to get the vote successfully passed through Election Services. It definitely put an end to any notions I may have had about being a politician!”

Kerry lives in Remuera with her husband, three children and Rosie the Labraspoodle. Her children all attended local schools and she says Diocesan is well known to her. “It’s one of the great things about our local community – all the schools and students are connected and know each other, regardless of which school they attend.”

She started the role in November and is looking forward to supporting Diocesan School and its community.

Introducing Matt Bennett, new HOF Creative Industries

Dio’s newly-appointed HOF Creative Industries, Matt Bennett, is very much a career teacher, having spent more than 23 years in the classroom, sharing his passion for design and technology.

Born and trained in the UK, Matt moved to New Zealand in 2002 and taught for 15 years at Auckland Grammar and was head of the technology department, before taking on the Deputy Principal role at Avondale College. In 2018, Matt completed a Master of Educational Leadership. His dissertation focused on the opportunities that flexible spaces offered technology educators, and teacher experiences with these types of spaces. Matt has been working at Dio for the past year and is looking forward to taking on the faculty leadership role.

“Dio has fantastic resources and I’m excited about how these can be utilised to provide opportunities within Creative Industries and with other faculties.”

When asked about career highlights, Matt mentions taking a team of students through the F1 in Schools programme and on to the World Championships in Malaysia. This programme sees teams

of students deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from an F1 model block.

He also mentions leading a biennial school exchange to Avondale College’s sister school in Japan for 16 days to experience Japanese life, exploring Tokyo, attending a Japanese school and touring the Kansai province and Hiroshima.

Matt is looking forward to taking on a leadership role again and says he’s inspired by providing opportunities to excel.

“The highlight of my job is seeing the reaction of students when they achieve what they didn’t think they were capable of, or seeing students develop in their ability over a course or series of years in classes.”

Matt tells the story of one particular outstanding student who was preparing an application for a prestigious tertiary scholarship.

“The student spoke of the life challenges they had overcome and it made me realise that there is so much going on for our students that we don’t know. The conversations with this student shaped my approach to teaching and also opened my eyes to how much impact a teacher can have on a student’s life.”

Matt is married to Lana and has two children and a pet chicken. He’s a keen runner, enjoys a range of outdoor sports, is an enthusiastic DIYer and brews his own craft beer. Matt is also a committed football fan, supporting Ipswich Town, and has coached at a variety of levels and age groups.

Matt Bennett, new HOF Creative Industries

DIO STAFF HONOURED WITH

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AWARDS

Dio staff received two of this year’s nine national honours awards given by Independent Schools New Zealand (ISNZ) in recognition of staff who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Angie Winstanley-Smith and Rev’d Sandy Robertson were presented with their awards by the Minister of Education Hon Chris Hipkins at the ISNZ Annual Conference in Wellington in August.

Angie Winstanley-Smith

Dio’s Director of Sport and a former Great Britain Olympian, Angie WinstanleySmith received an Honours Award for her Service to Sports Administration and Water Polo.

The judges’ citation described Angie as: “Not simply a water polo coach, she is a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration for everyone to work towards their full potential. She inspires a hunger for students to learn about their sport.”

Angie has created a significant legacy of success with Diocesan, with her club and with the national Women’s Water Polo team. During her first season with the School, the Premier team ranked ninth nationally, the Junior team eleventh and the Intermediate team fifth. By the end of 2018, they had won all those national titles

and also picked up the Premier Auckland, North Island and national titles over the past four years.

A driving force in the development of women’s water polo in New Zealand, Angie has been an outstanding role model for young athletes over many years.

On the international stage, Angie has coached at a range of levels, including World Youth and Junior, World University, World Cup, World League and World Championships.

Angie and her team have launched the ‘Raising a Young Athlete’ series to ensure athletes, parents, and coaches, help our young women realise the importance of recovery, life balance, and fuelling your body in the right way.

Angie perfects the fine balance of providing coaches with the resources, knowledge and history, but allows them to find their own approach and philosophy.

Laura Whitley, a former student and fellow coach said: “I had the privilege of playing for Angie for all seven years of high school. Under her guidance my team and I have never been so motivated, challenged and driven to succeed. As a coach, Angie has unmatched skills and technical knowledge of water polo and is passionate to share that knowledge with all ages. As a player, she creates safe, positive environments in which to learn for young water polo players, and a competitive and motivational environment for the senior players, attracting players from across the country who all aim to be coached by her.”

“She inspires a hunger for students to learn about their sport.”

The Reverend Sandy Robertson

Dio’s Chaplain, Rev’d Sandy Robertson, received an Honours Award for her Service to Chaplaincy, Religious Studies, and the Spiritual Life of the School.

According to the judges’ citation: “Her work has encompassed a model of support and well-being for girls and staff. She ensures that young people can resolve issues that they face in life. She doesn’t give answers but empowers people to explore their own solutions”.

In 2008, Sandy completed a significant theological research dissertation into how the Anglican faith is reflected in the School.

Since then, she has ensured that the findings of her theological research into faith-based education have underpinned the Diocesan curriculum. She set about re-writing the curriculum and introduced NCEA subjects so that Religious Studies could be studied as a continuous pathway, something that was not offered before.

Through Sandy’s vision, excellent results have been achieved in Religious Studies Level 1 and Level 3 and also Scholarship. Apart from her vision for Religious Studies, she has a great sense of humour, and enjoys witty interactions with others. The chapels she leads are always interesting and engaging with Sandy’s broad and extensive intellectual capability ensuring her homilies are on point, empathetic and relevant. They are often humorous personal stories that make her so ‘real’ to the girls.

The kindness and care she has extended to so many Diocesan students, staff, families, and alumnae are simply immeasurable. She is a taonga, a gift.

She is a highly respected member of the team when it comes to discussing complex topics such as diversity, gender fluidity, racism, and cross-cultural understanding.

Rev’d Bryan Haggitt, Dio’s Assistant Chaplain and Religious Studies teacher, has worked alongside Sandy for the past five-and-half years.

“Her ministry and teaching has had a profound impact on my own development as a school chaplain and teacher,” he said.

“Sandy’s sense of the school values and Religious Studies curriculum is unparalleled. She holds the teaching of students to a high standard, and this is seen in the way her students express their learning, not only in her classes at any given time, but in their future year levels too. Students who have left Diocesan School have spoken of the way in which chapel enriched their lives in ways that they didn’t necessarily understand while they were at school,” he said.

“The ISNZ Honours Awards are just one way the independent school sector celebrates these inspiring professionals who develop a learning environment that will motivate and prepare students to be responsible global citizens, conscientious decision-makers and engaged change-makers.”

Deborah James, Executive Director of ISNZ.

“She doesn’t give answers but empowers people to explore their own solutions.”

DIOCESAN’S AWARD-WINNING PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

The winners of the 2022 Auckland section of the New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards were announced at an awards ceremony in July. Forty-one projects were awarded across twelve categories and we are delighted to announce that the Diocesan Arts Centre designed by Craig Brown (McIldowie and Associates, Australia) and Graham Upton (Upton Architects, Auckland) was one of the winners of an NZIA Local Award in the education section.

All winners of this award were entered into the national New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards.

Earlier this year the jury team visited the Diocesan Arts Centre and were shown through by Graham and Craig who spent more than 10 years involved in the consultation process and produced various iterations of the final construction design. It was the last building to be completed on the School’s master plan, developed over 20 years ago.

We are very proud of this award and congratulate Graham and Craig, as well as all members of the community who provided advice and guidance.

“This project is impressive in scale and ambition. The facility allows performing arts students to readily transition between studio learning and practice and includes a 920-person auditorium that provides the School with a key gathering space to celebrate the learning and life of the campus, while providing the broader community with a theatre of notable quality and versatility. Building on an already constrained site adjacent to the heritage listed Chapel of St Barnabas, the architects have carefully manipulated the external form and its finishes to provide a striking new frontage for the School and a nuanced neighbour to the chapel. The result is a built project that sensitively and elegantly mediates between scales, occasions and learning needs.”

Read more on the award here: https:// www.nzia.co.nz/awards/local/awarddetail/10328#

Arts Centre photos: Patrick Reynolds

The Diocesan Heritage Foundation and Diocesan School for Girls is proud to have created the Ko Ta¯tou Scholarship. This is a first for the school and we are asking those who are able, to consider donating to this incredible opportunity.

Our mission at Diocesan School for Girls has always been to create a genuine and authentic environment that instils in every student the courage and confidence to shape their own future. The Ko Ta¯tou Scholarship will open a doorway for many girls who would otherwise be unable to attend Diocesan, equipping them with the attributes and opportunities to be the difference.

To ensure the success of this Scholarship, we will raise $2.5 million in stage 1. This will ensure the Ko Ta¯tou Scholarship provides 100% fees for the first 20 students new to the school over 14 years from 2023. Each student will receive an exceptional education setting her on a path to flourish in all her future endeavours.

Donate online https://www.diocesan.school.nz/ donate by selecting the Ko Tātou Scholarship.

To learn more, please reach out to the Director of Development, Angela Coe acoe@diocesan. school.nz or 09 520 9378.

Thank you, your gift will last a lifetime.

WE ASK, CAN YOU BE THE DIFFERENCE AND HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOAL?

We are one, and together we can truly impact tomorrow...

The Honor Jensen Memorial Scholarship

The Diocesan Heritage Foundation invites applications for the Honor Jensen award for 2023.

Miss Honor Jensen was a much-loved history, Latin and English teacher and Senior Mistress at Diocesan for 27 years from 1937 to 1964. Her contribution to Diocesan was extraordinary and she devoted herself to the education and welfare of the girls at school.

Her bequest, and that of her dear friend and Dio alumna, the late Jan Colville, is held in the Endowment Fund of the Foundation and over the past 15 years has enabled several significant grants to be given.

Annually the Foundation invites applicants to apply to the Heritage Foundation Honor Jensen Fund for a grant, the criteria being:

. . . ‘for the advancement and enjoyment of history and the classics by any member of the Diocesan School community – current student, alumna or staff member.’

The Honor Jensen Memorial Scholar for 2022 was Alice Tilley, alumna, and Head Prefect in 2015.

To quote Alice: “I am truly grateful to be a recipient of the Honor Jensen Memorial Fund. The financial aid from the Fund was an immense relief during my time in Oxford and allowed me to focus on my academic studies.

“My final research project had a key historical component. In a broad sense, it looked at the different ways in which water can be valued. To explore this in detail, my research focused on the Clyde Dam in Cromwell – it was fascinating to research the historical aspect of the Clyde Dam and the interviewees provided a unique insight into the different ways in which water can be valued at the time of planning, implementation and in today’s water management decisions. The results showed that a collective shift towards incorporating multiple ways to value water is critical for effective water management.

“I loved the challenge and opportunity to create this piece of work.”

If you wish to apply, please contact Angela Coe acoe@diocesan.school.nz

HERITAGE FOUNDATION GRANTS

The Diocesan Heritage Foundation supports students in many different endeavours – sport, the arts, academic –to attend events or compete at national and international level.

The Student Scholarship, the Arts and the Sports funds all provide grants depending on the activity’s angle.

After the past two years with no travel and limited competition it has been wonderful to see a return to these activities and opportunities in 2022.

The following students have received funds:

SPORTS FUND

• Chantelle May – Junior World Fencing championships, Dubai

• Sienna French – European World Cup Circuit for trampoline

• Sophie Gardner – World Youth Water Polo Championships, Serbia

• Lauren Batchelor – World Youth Water Polo Championships, Serbia

• Millie Quinn – FINA World Water Polo Championships in Hungary and the World Youth Championships in Serbia

• Lucy Shennan – Oceania Area Athletic Championships in Australia

• Maddie Kelso Heap – Oceania Area Athletic Championships in Australia

• Christine Aixinjueluo – SEA Open Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Singapore

ARTS FUND

• Elizabeth Peters Writer and producer of her own play to be performed at TheatreFest for the One Act Play Festival.

• The Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival in Wellington – Amanda

Yu, Kennedy Howse, Ella Riley, Phoebe O’Neill and Libby Nicholls.

• The SGCNZ National Shakespeare Schools Production in Dunedin: Amanda Yu – costume design Kennedy Howse – performance in Twelfth Night

STAFF SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDED TO LISA MAVÉ

The Staff Scholarship is available for Diocesan staff to apply for grants for special one-off study, travel and accommodation over and above routine professional development.

The trustees are pleased to award funds to the Head of the Humanities Faculty, Lisa Mavé, to attend the Inge Woolf Memorial Seminar at the International School of Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem in January 2023.

Sienna French

Chantelle May

Lauren Batchelor, Sophie Gardiner and Millie Quin

GIVING BACK TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR YOUNG GIRLS

country’s most successful property development businesses with offices in Auckland, Singapore, and London.

“I am surrounded by strong women in our business, but women in the property development sector are still reasonably rare. My mother broke glass ceilings in the industry, as does my wife, who is Chief Operating Officer at Du Val Group. I watched both of them fight for their place in the industry, paving the way for women in the future.

“The skills and values students learn at Dio will hopefully mean the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs won’t have to fight so hard for their place at the table.”

“Giving back is really important to both Charlotte and me. When we look at the opportunities that Dio is providing our own daughters, we want to support other young people to have those same incredible experiences, to help set them up for their futures.”

Kenyon and Charlotte’s decision to establish a scholarship through their Du Val Foundation will enable two students to attend Diocesan from Year 7 (2023) whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to the School.

“I feel I am honouring my mother, (and wife Charlotte’s best friend), Jenny Clarke, with this scholarship. My mother passed away three years ago and was a fiercely independent, courageous, and entrepreneurial woman.

“My mother and wife embody those

qualities and values and I can see how Dio is instilling them in our own daughters.

“I am passionate about young women growing up to have the self-belief that no matter what industry they want to go into there is a place for them.

“Developing that self-belief in young people is incredibly important for their future success, and I was fortunate to grow up with my mother’s absolute belief in me, and her creative and innovative thinking.

“My mother was actually my first business partner, and we started developing and investing in property together.”

Kenyon and Charlotte founded Du Val Group in 2013, and the property company has grown to be one of the

The name Du Val came from Kenyon’s mother’s side of the family, and Kenyon and Charlotte established the Du Val Foundation as a way of giving back to the community they live and work in. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the well-being of children, as well as to address mental health issues in the construction sector.

“Charlotte and I hope that these scholarships, supported by our Du Val Foundation, can help young students develop the skills they need to be successful in whatever career they choose.

“Some of the many things I love about the education my own daughters are receiving at Dio is that they are taught to strive for excellence in everything they do and are encouraged to be creative and to try new things. They are also taught to give back through service to others which we both think is important to learn from a young age. These are integral qualities needed to be successful in business, and in life, and we are delighted to support other young people to have the opportunity of a Dio education.”

Founders of Du Val Group and Dio parents Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke have established the Du Val Foundation DIO Scholarship. We talk to Kenyon about why they are both so passionate about supporting young people.

Being post-COVID ‘match fit’

At a recent end-of-year school function when discussing the busyness of life, a parent used the expression that we are not yet ‘match fit’ to handle the resumption of events, functions, and meetings across the overlapping areas of family, personal and school life. It struck me that since the beginning of 2020 we have lived in a bit of a time warp, where cancellations, postponements and ‘let’s not even bother trying’ have been the norm. As frustrating as that has been, there was a level of pleasure too in not trying to do everything, meet competing demands of all facets of our lives, and perform at some kind of super level of perfection.

In 2022, apart from EOTC Week when our student and staff COVID numbers were at a peak, we have largely signed everything off. Balls, the Birthday Concert, House Music, award ceremonies and prize givings, sports events, exchanges and, finally, full school gatherings have slowly filled the calendars again. The Year 13 cohort will sit their first set of external examinations without the protective crash pad of UEGs (Unexpected Event Grades) and

for many Years 11s and 12s, their first set of external examinations ever. They perhaps will think more longingly about that aspect of COVID!

This new normal is one that we create with the benefit of some of the COVID learnings. The wonderful Arts Awards and Showcase evening, for example, effectively combined two events (a showcase and a separate dinner in the School Hall, which we have long outgrown) and so halved both cost and time pressures for families. Using the beautiful Performing Arts Centre meant that there was no limit on who could attend, so whole families could be welcomed to share the skills and talents of the performers. Another advantage of this is that younger students have the benefit of seeing the senior role models and have some idea of what they can aspire to in their senior years.

This magazine will showcase many of the events from the second half of the year and certainly remind us that those events provide the glue that keeps us connected. One event that epitomises this is the Relay for Life that the Year 10s organise to fundraise for the Cancer

Society. After a hiatus of two years, the relay was back in 2022 and proved to be a highlight for the year group. Over $83,000 was raised (well ahead of the $250 per head target the students set themselves), but in the words of dean Mr Neil Cheetham, the real highlight was being able to be together, to share experiences, to have fun and to demonstrate in a really tangible way the effectiveness of service learning in action.

So, we may not be ‘match fit’ to re-adjust to life post COVID, but we are certainly eager for the opportunities that are just around the corner.

This new normal is one that we create with the benefit of some of the COVID learnings.

CELEBRATING THE successes

OF OUR STUDENTS

If the last three years have taught us anything it is carpe diem –seize the day and make the most of these moments before the next curve ball comes our way.

The speaker at the recent Sport Awards, Sulu Fitzpatrick, reminded us that life is not always played in a straight line, that disappointments, roadblocks and failures can be as frequent as successes. But, especially in the examples of people we only know remotely, we are often unaware of that. It can seem to us on the outside that success comes easily to successful people. Sulu was courageously honest in her retelling of her story and the struggles she faced in getting into the Silver Ferns, being dropped after 15 minutes of court time and fighting to regain her place. The most telling thing she said in my opinion was that she came to realise if she was a good person off the court she would be a good person on it; that being a decent person could and would affect the way she trained and played and the team member she would be. Translate that into the school setting, and being honest, respectful, empathetic and a person of integrity will impact on the way you learn. It may not mean you are automatically School

Dux, but it will mean you are able to be satisfied with your achievements, can genuinely celebrate the achievements of others, have fun and enjoy the learning and the journey you are on.

I look around tonight at all our successful students – it is for that we acknowledge them tonight. My hope for you all is that you are enjoying the journey, and that at the end of the day when you look in the mirror you are satisfied with the way you have lived the day. And for those of you who will not walk across the stage tonight, the advice remains the same: the world needs good people and everything else will fall into place after that.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all –students, staff, parents, grandparents, invited guests. I hope you enjoy the music, the speeches, the awards, and most of all celebrating the contributions of all the senior pupils at Diocesan for 2022.

Margaret van Meeuwen Head of Senior School

Eliza Edwards Memorial Award

We congratulate Lola Wood on being the recipient of the Eliza Edwards Memorial Award for 2022. This is awarded to a student leaving the School who throughout her schooling has contributed to many school activities, shown high personal standards, and has exhibited the qualities inherent in the foundation of the School. Named after former headmistress Eliza Edwards, the qualities that define it are etched on the window at the back of the Chapel. Lola embraces those qualities: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, humility, faithfulness and self-control’.

Lola is an outstanding young woman; intelligent, articulate and a natural leader whether that be as Selwyn House Leader or on the football pitch with the 1st XI. She makes others around her feel important and through her commitment and deeds, peers have recognised and appreciated the huge contribution she has given to them and to Dio. Lola is kind and empathetic, always approachable and a tremendous role model to younger students.

Eliza Edwards Award - Lola Wood

The IB Dux for 2022 is Erica Hu

Erica Hu has completed the Diploma with distinction this year, and we expect her final score to be well in excess of 40 points out of the possible 45. Erica is prepared to put in 100% effort and her teachers note her willingness and self-discipline to continually challenge herself to achieve at the highest level. The creativity, activity and service (CAS) requirement of the Diploma challenges students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. This was most evident in Erica’s effort to learn braille and make a card game for blind people. This demonstrated her commitment to the service aspect of this course. Erica also sought opportunities to challenge herself, such as working with children to teach them science. Outside of the classroom Erica is fully involved in the instrumental music programmes, particularly the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Erica will study at the University of Otago with a Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2023. Congratulations Erica!

The NCEA Dux for 2022 is a joint award to Amie Cummack and Lucy Russ

Amie Cummack is no stranger to academic success. Since arriving at Diocesan in Year 7, Amie has crossed the stage many times to receive awards across a range of academic subjects, culminating in the joint NCEA Dux. Her teachers use words like exceptional, focused, committed and perceptive

to describe her. But what they most appreciate from Amie is her willingness to question and her intelligent contributions in class that raise the level of the discussion for everyone. This year Amie was one of 25 students in New Zealand who attended the training camp for the NZ Bio Olympiad, a magnificent achievement that recognised her love of the sciences. Amie has been the Academic Prefect this year and she has risen to the challenge of leading the council with good humour, collaborative leadership and approaching challenges with bravery and bold risk taking – always a bonus in the COVID environment. Alongside her outstanding academic success, Amie has been a long-term member of the Kapa Haka, handbells, Dio Cantoris and the DioVersity group. Amie heads to the University of Auckland next year on a Top Achiever’s Scholarship. Congratulations Amie!

Lucy Russ is a Dio Champion in more ways than one – not only has she been at Diocesan for all of her schooling, she has excelled academically. Her Year 1 report complimented her on being able to count forwards and backwards to 20! By Year 13 she has shown the rare ability to succeed at the highest level across all areas of the curriculum, having completed Level 3 courses in English, languages, sciences, mathematics and social sciences. Lucy showed us just how talented she is by receiving her Gold Scholars’ Award this year after achieving three scholarship passes as a Year 12 student in 2021. This is a feat normally achieved as a Year 13 student. Lucy’s teachers are in awe of the

breadth and depth of her knowledge, but also with her willingness to debate and question wider concepts. Most importantly, Lucy’s strong moral compass guides her and enables her to consider a wide number of views and perspectives. Lucy has been heavily involved in the wider life of the School in debating and mooting, as a chapel reader, as part of national winning cross country and orienteering teams, and this year she led the Ethics Council as their prefect. Lucy has been awarded an Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Otago for 2023. Congratulations Lucy!

Proxime Accessit to the Dux for 2022 is Ella Riley

Ella has spent all her years of education thus far at Diocesan, and in that time she has fully embraced every opportunity she has been offered. This year Ella has been Deputy Head Prefect, and has led the School with enthusiasm, maturity and with clear communication. It is inspiring that Ella has maintained outstanding academic results alongside her leadership responsibilities and her contribution to the wider life of the School, principally in the arts. Ella is a member of the Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Band and choirs Dio Cantoris and the St Cecilia Singers. Ella’s academic talents extend across the curriculum from drama to biology, from statistics to English. That broad ability and enjoyment of a range of subjects means that her future can take her in multiple directions. Ella is an outstanding Dio graduate who is heading to Victoria University next year with a Raukaraka Scholarship. Congratulations Ella!

Dio’s 2022 Duxes, from left to right: Erica Hu (IB Dux), Amie Cummack and Lucy Russ (joint NCEA Duxes) and Ella Riley (Proxime Accessit).

The Heritage Foundation Dorothy Shrewsbury Bursary

Named after a former headmistress Miss Shrewsbury, this bursary is awarded to the top academic student in Year 12.

This year it is awarded to two students, one from the IB Programme and one from NCEA, congratulations to Christina Cai and Alexandra Graney

IB Diploma Learner Profile Award

This is awarded to a student in Year 13, who, throughout the two years of the Diploma, has consistently demonstrated the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. The recipient of this award is Daniella Kassir.

The IB Learner Profile can be considered as a map of a lifelong journey in pursuit of international mindedness. It aims to develop active, compassionate and lifelong learners and to prepare students to make exceptional contributions both at school and beyond.

The IB mission is to encourage students to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, openminded, caring, risk-takers, balanced,

and reflective, thus educating the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship.

Board Academic Scholarships

Year 11

Sydney Bell Amelia Frear Ruby Hollister Zoe Wong

Amanda Yu

Arts Scholarship

Year 12

Christina Cai Alexandra Graney Rebecca Hounsell Alex Wackrow

The recipient of this scholarship demonstrates an exceptional level of skill in their chosen discipline and has had success at national level. This student displays a positive attitude and is fully involved in the Diocesan arts programme, including representing the School in competitions and events, and demonstrating a commitment to the wider arts culture within the School. The Arts Scholarship for 2022 is awarded to Elizabeth Peters.

Sports Scholarship

This year this scholarship will be awarded at the Junior High School Prize Giving.

Principal’s Awards

Up to eight Principal’s Awards are made for each year level to a student who, through her dedication and contribution to her studies and to others, has demonstrated:

Reliability and commitment, creative thinking and innovation, resilience and persistence in accepting challenges, personal excellence and demonstration of the School motto Ut Serviamus

Year 11

Alexandra Fletcher Charlotte Hannah Emma Imrutai Gillian Le Sienna Payne Riley Shrive Ruhani Thakur May Wang

Year 12

Grace Allan Felicity Bannatyne Jessica Barclay

Georgia BroadbentBerge Georgia Haskell Sydney Sparks Maddison Tongue Grace Wellington

Year 13

Alyssa Callander

Josephine Christie Sophie Gardiner

Piper Grammer Millie Quin

Bethany Simmonds Caitlin Tam Sunny Zhang

IB Diploma Learner Profile Award - Daniella Kassir

The Heritage Foundation Dorothy Shrewsbury Bursary - Christina Cai

The Heritage Foundation Dorothy Shrewsbury Bursary - Alexandra Graney

Arts Awards

Head Prefects for 2023

At Senior Prize Giving, the Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect for 2023 were

announced. They are Aniva Clarke and Samantha Smith respectively.

Sports Awards

Senior Prize Giving

Scan

2022 and 2023 Head Prefects, from left to right: 2022 Head Prefect Emma Parton, 2023 Head Prefect Aniva Clarke, 2023 Deputy Head Prefect Samantha Smith and 2022 Deputy Head Prefect Ella Riley

SCHOLARS' AWARDS

The annual Scholars’ Awards were held in the last week of Term 2 and this year a bumper crop of attendees enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the Arts Centre foyer before proceeding into the theatre for the presentation of the awards. The cut-off for Silver and Gilded Scholars is a GPA of 90 across all the subjects in the NCEA exams of the year before, or for Year 12 Diploma students, an academic prize in the Diocesan Senior Prize Giving.

The disruptions brought about by COVID in 2021 meant that NZQA offered additional credits and Unexpected Event Grades for all students. There is no doubt that this move boosted the Dio results, but given the extenuating circumstances of endless lockdowns, limited time at school for practical lessons and then a sudden and unexpected return to school for school examinations, it was felt it would have been heartless to raise the bar for the awards, simply because more girls than ever achieved the required level. We are proud of the tenacity, determination and sheer hard work demonstrated by the senior students of 2021 who achieved some of the best academic results the School has ever seen.

We are proud of the tenacity, determination and sheer hard work demonstrated by the senior students of 2021 who achieved some of the best academic results the School has ever seen.

Margaret van Meeuwen, Head of Senior School

Gold Scholars, left to right – Luci Trethewey (guest speaker), Eloise Robinson, Lucy Russ, Kate Wellington, Mathilda Hol and Sarah Young.

The Wellington family – Kate graduated last year, Grace is in Year 12, and they also have Hannah in Year 11 and Alice in Year 8.

The guest speaker was Luci Trethewey, Head Prefect of the class of 2017. Luci completed an engineering degree at Canterbury University and is currently working as an environmental engineer. Luci delivered a heartfelt message to the gathered award winners and families about being true to themselves and being prepared when things don't go as planned. The model of having a student speaker who is just a few years ahead of the students again proved a winning one, with Luci’s words of encouragement and sage advice being well received.

LIST OF SCHOLARS AWARDS

Year 11 Silver Scholars Awards are awarded to Level 1 NCEA students with a grade average of 90 or more across all subjects.

Grace Allan Annabelle Baigent

Jessica Barclay

Holly Barker

Arya Blacker

Lucy Blanchard

Georgia BroadbentBerge

Georgia Burns

Christina Cai

Maisie Cavanagh

Brooke Chandler

Lauren Chee

Eleanor Christiansen

Rebecca Christie Georgia Daly Eliza East

Charlotte Elliott Lucia Ferguson

Nina Fisher

Isobel Fletcher

Danielle Foster Alexandra Graney

Holly Haskell Emma Herrick Tessa Hickin Rebecca Hounsell Selena Hu Frances Hunt Maia Hunter Lucy Irwin Vera Jia Olive Kirk Sienna Kirk Sienna Kulatunga Simonie Lam Lilly Lang Bonnie Lin Bharathi Manikandan Mackenzie Marlo Hattie Miles Izzy Mullan

Juliet Nasrabadi Lucy Nevill Saranee Pasupati Coco Pett Aimee Schnuriger Alice Sharpe

Sophie Shuttleworth Kate Skinner-Spence

Samantha Smith Olivia Smithies Mia Souloglou Sydney Sparks Margot Sullivan Aiko Taylor Olivia Turnbull Jenna Veal

Pascale Vincent Alex Wackrow

Jessica Wang Grace Wellington Eva Wen Taylor West Xanthe Williams Rosa Willis Taylah Wood Victoria Wright Candice Yuan

Year 12 Silver Scholars Awards are awarded to Level 2 NCEA students with a grade average of 90 or more across all subjects.

Kika Blaha Brethouwer Peta Clark Penny-Ana Clark Holly Crausaz

Emma Cunningham Daniella Kassir Madeleine Kelso-Heap Eno Li Riya Punja Mia Reid

Year 12 Gilded Scholar Awards are awarded to students receiving their second award.

Sahaana Arunachalam Amelia Brawn Clementine Buchanan Josie Christie Isabella Cleary Amie Cummack Phoebe Duncan Eve Finlayson Sienna French Estie Hamilton Tiaré Hansen Olivia Hardie Anna Hare Erica Hu Hattie Johnston Sara MacGillivray Chantelle May Elyse Neill Katie Parr Emma Parton Riya Raniga Ella Riley Lucy Russ Erika Sessatid Lucy Shennan Anastasia Sun Caitlin Tam Sophia Winstanley Sarah Wong Erin Zhang Sunny Zhang Karina Zhu

Gold Awards

To qualify for a Gold Scholar’s Award, a student must achieve

40 points and above in the Diploma, which is the level that the national awards ceremony also honours, or three or more Scholarship awards. This year we have 13 Gold Scholars, another outstanding year!

Congratulations to these 2021 Year 13 girls: Joomee Choi Priscilla Huang Lara Johns Emilia Mackenzie Jessica Marshall Natasha Mori Esther Oh Amelie Thomas Matilda Hol Eloise Robinson Lucy Russ Kate Wellington Sarah Young

Lucy Russ

This year we are again in the delightful situation of awarding a Year 12 Gold Scholar Award.

Margaret van Meeuwen Head of Senior School

Students Lilly Lang (left) and Saranee Pasupati (right). Lilly’s mother, Sarah, and Saranee’s mother, Damaya, were at Dio together in the same year and house and now Lilly and Saranee are in the same year and house (Neligan)!

NIGHT OF DANCE ON THE SILVER SCREEN

On the nights of 11 and 12 August, the Diocesan Arts Centre came alive for two evenings full of creativity, passion and skill. Night of Dance 2022 involved over 320 Diocesan dancers ranging from Years 7 to 13, who graced the stage for two hours.

The theme this year, On the Silver Screen, meant that the dances took

inspiration from the movies. This was by way of soundtracks, costumes and even ideas portrayed within certain films. With everything from Star Wars to Chicago, there was something for everyone!

In what has been a difficult and disruptive few years, particularly for live performance, we continued to

Imagination is the source of all human achievement.

Sir Ken Robinson

be inspired by our ākonga and their passion and commitment to dance. Through this art form they continued to utilise skills such as creativity, innovation, leadership, collaboration and communication.

We are incredibly proud of our students who have navigated our changing world through these difficult times. This evening was a true showcase of dance and all that it can be – a celebration of culture, an opportunity to tell stories and communicate ideas, and a way to express emotion through skill and passion. Thank you to all involved who helped this evening to be such a successful calendar event!

A celebration of dance showcasing our incredible curriculum and co-curricular programmes here at Diocesan.

Serendipity, Year 11 curriculum dance choreographed by Daniel Cooper

Mandipa Mhuka in Afio Ane Loa, performed by the Pacific dance group and choreographed by Aniva Clarke

Yellow Brick Road, Year 13 curriculum dance, choreographed by Mrs Visvanathan

Scholarship dance choreographed by Mia Reid

Kapa Haka led by Whaea Kali Haenga

This Will Be, Year 12 curriculum dance choreographed by Mrs Visvanathan

Mega Crew choreographed by Natasha Levene, Jaymie Baxter Wilson and Maya Willis, with tutor Ashely Medcalfe

“I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY WITHOUT THE HELP I GOT AT DIO”

Dio alumna Alice Kitching (21) has just landed her dream job in London, working with cuttingedge technology as an engineer for plastics recycling firm Plastics Energy. She’ll be working with a team of fellow engineering specialists to remotely automate a production plant that converts valueless plastic waste into recycled oils. It’s an innovative way to reduce plastic pollution, and places Plastic Energy at the forefront of the move to a low-carbon circular economy for plastics.

After leaving school in 2018, Alice studied robotics and automation at Leeds Beckett University in the North of England and was widely praised for her final year project, which featured an app that allows dancers to measure their performance as they carry out their dance routines. Alice combined two of her greatest passions – robotics and dance –to develop the app and now has plans to carry it forward into real-world testing.

"I wanted to make something that's easy for everyone to use, from the youngest dancers to old age pensioners,” she says. “It had to be simple to navigate but still give good feedback on their dance performance

and progress. This lets everyone measure their development without any of the negativity or pressure that you sometimes get in dance classes."

When Alice first demonstrated the app to her Leeds Beckett classmates in June this year, Robotics and Automation course leader and project supervisor Dr Mark Judge commented that often the best projects are those that students come up with themselves.

“These students are much more focused on the topic, and they already have an investment in the project,” he says. “The result is that they really want to succeed, and they have the passion to do that. Alice has done a very good job with this. I know that she hopes to develop it even further and I wish her the very best of luck for the future".

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY TO REACH HER GOALS

Alice’s stellar career path didn’t come easy, however.

Being dyslexic, Alice found schoolwork challenging and despite wanting to be an engineer from an early age, she says trying to study the often-difficult subjects required for a career in engineering sometimes felt futile. She struggled with maths and physics to start with, along with English.

But she says the support she received at Dio allowed her to dig deep, overcome her challenges and ultimately achieve her goals against all odds.

“I had the most amazing help at Dio,” says Alice. “I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

She says Dio’s Centre for the Enhancement of Learning, then headed by Suzanne Buswell, was transformational in helping her make the most of her dyslexia instead of letting it hinder her.

She also says sheer hard work and determination helped get her through.

“Ultimately, I wouldn’t have achieved what I did if I hadn’t wanted it badly enough. I fought and persevered every step of the way and didn’t give up, despite wanting to at times.

“My perseverance was definitely what got me to where I am. No amount of help and pushing would have done anything if I hadn’t worked really hard at the same time.”

Alice says she developed her love of engineering from her father, who is currently an engineer with a reusable energy firm.

“I’ve always had an interest in how things worked, and my father really encouraged that,” she says. “He exposed me to his work and explained the sorts of things he did. I also played with a lot of Meccano as a kid!”

Alice has been a keen dancer since she was five years old, and went on to develop a real interest, dancing with Auckland ballet studio SABA.

Read more about Alice's final-year project in the blog 'I bet you look robotic on the dance floor' at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk

“It’s such a great way to express yourself and an amazing way to decompress,” she says. “I love having this amazing art form alongside my very technical life.”

SCHOOL FOSTERED A FEELING OF SELF-BELIEF

Alice credits Rob Boasman, Dio’s teacher-in-charge of physics, for being one of her greatest champions.

“He told me that unless I knuckled down, my dream of being an engineer would be difficult to achieve,” she says.

His advice stuck with Alice, as did his dedication, as he fielded question after question from her in their after-school tutorial sessions.

“His unwavering faith in me not only helped me academically, but also helped me to believe in myself.

“He helped instil passion and drive and I worked so incredibly hard with his

support behind me. I can’t thank him enough.”

Mr Boasman added, “I still clearly remember the moment Alice arrived in my class after having been told that she should give up on her dream of engineering in the future. I pointed out that she was the only person in control of her future, but the choice she had to make was whether she was willing to put in the effort and strive for her dream.

“Alice resolved to study hard and rewrite the future, and over the next weeks and months she transformed her understanding and success outcomes. She demonstrated incredible resilience and self-determination, which changed her life.

“Alice is the very essence of a growth mindset, and I am incredibly proud of all that she has achieved,” he says.

Other staff were on hand to help Alice manage her workload when it became overwhelming and taught her to have faith in her abilities. They also helped her explore possible options for overseas study, which led to her securing a place at Leeds Beckett University to study a three-year engineering degree.

AN EXCITING ROAD AHEAD

Dio’s Career Development Director, Grace Birdsall, says, “So often, students get the message that to get anywhere in life, they have to do well at school.

“What they don’t often get told is that performance at school is not necessarily an indicator of future success. Having a growth mindset and persevering to pursue a dream is far more important, and Alice is certainly a wonderful example of where a positive attitude and finding the right fit can lead.”

Alice has just moved to London to start her new role, and she says she’s very excited to be involved with an innovative solution to plastic pollution, as well as playing her part in helping save the planet.

“I've always wanted to be a part of something that would change the world for the better and being able to do that is a dream come true.

“My time at Dio really helped shape me, and just goes to show that anything’s possible if you put your mind to it.”

INSPIRATIONAL OXFORD SUMMER SCHOOL

Year 13 student Grace Field has returned from a two-week Academic Insights Summer School at Oxford University full of passion for the programme and the university’s 1000-year-old history.

Grace, who has studied global politics as part of the University of Auckland’s Young Scholars’ Programme, was awarded a scholarship to study international relations at Oxford with Immerse Education after submitting an essay in a global competition on the issues facing women in leadership positions.

Grace says she chose the topic for her entry in last year’s global Immerse Education Essay Competition because of the lingering regularity of the challenges faced by female leaders, as well as the need for continued awareness of the issues facing women at work.

During her two-week stay at Oxford in July, she attended lectures and tutorials, and completed a personal project on the United States’ participation in the Afghanistan War.

She says one of the best parts of the course was the people she met.

“After the restrictions of COVID, it was refreshing to be able to catch up with people from all over the world, especially as we all had common interests in the programme,” says Grace. “Of course, staying in the beautiful colleges that held so much history was incredible as well.”

The course curriculum was the equivalent of an entire semester packed into two weeks, and while the workload was intense, Grace says her lecturers’ obvious

passion for their subject matter helped make learning fun.

“International relations is something I’ve always been very passionate about, but I was unsure if I wanted to continue it through to university,” she says.

“The course gave me strong foundational knowledge, and its structure was very informative for what a university experience in the UK would be like.”

Grace, who is Dio Chess Captain, a Deputy Ethics Prefect, and leader of the Dio-Dilworth Big Band, is planning to do a law and commerce conjoint degree next year and is considering overseas study options, including UK universities.

Cadence Yu takes the chess world by storm

Twelve-year-old Diocesan student Cadence (Weiyang) Yu (Yr 8) has been dubbed ‘one to watch’ after her outstanding performance in the 2022 Chess Olympiad, the world’s biggest chess championships held recently in Chennai, India.

Cadence was the youngest competitor on the New Zealand Women’s Team, which was seeded 74th out of 162 nations at the start of the competition. The team ended up finishing 67th, which was a great result for a team who were all under 20 years old and facing off against some of the best chess players in the world. They achieved five wins, one draw and five losses.

Cadence, who has only been playing chess for three years, won four of the eight games she played. FIDE, the international chess governing body, recognised her outstanding performance with an individual Women's Candidate Master (WCM) title. Cadence will have to earn more points before she can fully accept the title, but she will have the award for life.

Cadence loves the responsibility you feel during a game of chess. “You make one wrong decision and your whole troop will be lost. I also like how you must keep your cool during every moment of the game because if you stop thinking and play illogically for just one move, you could throw away all the efforts made to date and lose.”

Female chess players only make up 11% of the worldwide population that plays chess and only one woman (Grandmaster Yifan Hou) is included in the world’s top 100 players. In New Zealand, there are only about 150 NZ Chess Federation-registered female players.

Cadence says: “I think there shouldn’t be such a huge gap between the female and male level of participation in chess. By training to become a stronger player myself, I hope to inspire more girls in New Zealand – starting with the people around me – to learn and enjoy chess.”

Despite her prowess, Cadence does not come from a chess-playing family

and says her interest in chess really surged during the 2021 Candidates Tournament when she watched commentary on a game by Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, who soon became her first idol. She is currently coached by former New Zealand Champion and FIDE Master Ewen Green.

Aside from chess, Cadence also plays tennis and the drums and loves writing, keeping a diary of her time at the Olympiad.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience, standing in a room full of the world’s best chess players and thinking ‘they are just like me’. It made me feel the joy of doing something I love, with all the other people who love the same thing. I have never played abroad before, and this was the first time I was able to represent my country… what more can I ask?”

Another Dio player, Lauren Ng (Yr 7), went to the Asian Youth Chess Championships in Bali in October. At the championships, Lauren played nine games and came away with three and a half points – three wins and a draw (including a win over Australia). Only one player in

the New Zealand Women’s team had more points.

Both Cadance and Lauren went through a lengthy application process for these competitions and were selected on the basis of their FIDE rankings and recent performance.

The Dio Chess Club’s current incarnation came about at the beginning of last year, driven largely by players coming up from the Junior School wanting to continue playing. It has fortunately taken off with senior students as well, and a number of seniors have played in the Auckland Girls’ Championship and the Interschool Chess Championship. But for most of the members it's just a bit of fun. Teacherin-charge James Easteal says: “We are in C4.25 during lunchtime on a day three –anyone is welcome to come and play, or even learn how to play.”

Cadence Yu

Right: Lauren Ng in action

ETHICS

At the start of Term 3, an ‘Instagram live’ with experts in ethical fashion Amanda Butterworth, Deborah Crowe and Andrea van der Meel replaced the Ethics Dinner that we had planned and that unfortunately had to be cancelled. They shared fascinating insights about how greenwashing (making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a product is environmentally friendly) can drastically alter consumer decisions. They also talked about how COVID and ongoing supply chain issues have impacted the fashion industry.

Under the umbrella of ethics, we have organised the Loves Me Not programme for Year 12 students, which is always movingly received. Loves Me Not is a whole-school approach to prevent abusive behaviour in relationships. It was originally established by the mother of murder victim Elliott. The aims of the Sophie Elliott Foundation are to prevent violence against women by raising awareness about the signs of abuse in dating relationships.

A new initiative was to involve all of Year 10 in a tutor class programme discussing case studies that centred on ethical issues. In Term 3, 26 teams (two New Zealand schools and 24 Australian schools) competed online in the Ethics Olympiad competition. Each ethical case lasted an hour and 15 minutes. Our girls did an incredible job listening to different points of view and engaging in discussions with other teams. They

expressed their personal views in a respectful and empathetic fashion.

A senior team won the New Zealand competition and took part in the international final coming fifth. Competing for the first time, our Junior School teams came second and seventh in the Australasian competition. The students were trained by Nina Blumenfeld and Ayelet Zoran-Rosen.

These are exceptional results for Dio, with both teams (Year 6) being among the youngest to compete. Most of the teams were Year 8 students, so our girls did incredibly well!

On Saturday 3 September, Maisie Cavanagh attended the Auckland High School Grassroots to Government introduction at Auckland University. She reports: “We began the day listening to two different stories of how Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick and Labour MP Naisi Chen got into politics as young women. We then had an introductory workshop on public policy, making us think about issues in our lives that we could address and how that would be executed.

“After lunch, community group representatives came in to talk to us about what they do, important issues within their communities and how we, as youth, can make a difference in our communities. This event was a really great way for me to learn more about politics and public policy as well as meeting people who are my age and

looking to get into politics. I feel that I have definitely learnt a lot more about how I can utilise my voice within my community and make changes which I feel are needed.”

We relaunched the Junior School Soapbox this year and this was an excellent opportunity for Year 6 students to use their knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to write a two-minute soapbox speech addressing a topic within their chosen goal. After a couple of lessons with Ms Blumenfeld about what a soapbox was and how to write one, every student presented to their class. From these heats, 12 Year 6 students were chosen for the big final, which was run by the Ethics Prefects. Congratulations to Jasmine Hughes who spoke movingly about poverty; runner-up was Andee Bell and Priscilla Bhaga came third. We were impressed by all the finalists and their ability to express their ideas.

Dio Blue – Ethics Olympiad Andee, Jasmine, Amy, Manon. Ella and Pricilla placed second overall.

Dio Orange – Ethics Olympiad Nina, Claudia, Zoe, Zara and Emily placed seventh overall.

Junior School Soapbox winners , L-R: Andee Bell, Jasmine Hughes and Priscilla Bhaga.

NEW ZEALAND’S TEACHER SHORTAGE HELPING TO ADDRESS

A new model of teacher education currently in its second year in operation at several Auckland secondary schools is set to address the country’s critical teacher shortage with its unique focus on immersive and innovative learning in key subject areas.

The Auckland Schools’ Teacher Training Programme for the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching was originally developed by a group of 12 Auckland secondary schools and the University of Waikato in 2020, with the first group of 24 trainees completing their studies at the end of last year.

The schools cover the geographical spread of Auckland, and include co-ed, single-sex, public and independent schools.

A novel approach to teacher training

Unlike the current university-based teacher training diploma, trainees studying under this programme learn on the job. They initially shadow a teacher and observe their classes while being involved behind the scenes with lesson planning and conversations about effective teaching. Course content is delivered online by the University of

Waikato, while mentoring, professional development and placement opportunities are provided by the participating schools who also cover the trainees’ fees.

The programme stemmed from a desire to attract high quality individuals into the teaching profession and address shortages in key subject areas, while supporting them through their training and ultimately retaining them at their allocated school.

Focus on key subject areas helping address New Zealand’s teacher shortage

With its focus on attracting candidates who are trained in maths, physics, chemistry, general science, economics and Te Reo, the programme is helping address the country’s teacher shortage in these key subject areas.

Feedback from the trainees, along with teaching staff at the participating schools, has been extremely positive, with many praising the cross-school innovation and collaboration to help address issues in the teacher training field.

Increased retention rates one of the programme’s goals

Heather McRae, Principal at Diocesan, which currently has two trainee teachers and has employed two teachers from last year’s group, says there are significant benefits from the programme for both trainees and the school.

“The reality of arriving in a school, once you’ve completed your 12-week practicums, can be overwhelming for

Left: Hands-on learning programme offers career changes to candidates and helps address the country’s teacher shortage. A film-set maker, orchestra conductor, biomedical engineer and university graduate train as teachers under the new model of immersive education.

many beginner teachers,” she said. “This model gives applicants the advantage of real-world experience as they learn on the job, working alongside outstanding teachers in their field and experiencing first-hand the pace of full-time teaching and school life.”

She said that one of the aims of the programme is increased retention rates for teachers.

“In the long term, we hope that it will result in new teachers staying on at our school and in the profession much longer.”

Dian Fisher, Deputy Principal of Dio’s Senior School and co-ordinator of the programme at Dio, added, “The programme keeps us in touch with how new teachers are being trained,

invigorating our teaching practice with new research and ideas.

“It tangibly demonstrates the value we place on the teaching profession and embodies our school motto of ‘that we may serve’, as teachers in the role of associates are giving their time, knowledge and experience to support the training of the next generation of teachers.”

Alex Woodall Mathematics teacher

Alex Woodall, who has a degree in biomedical engineering, was one of the trainee teachers at Diocesan School last year and now teaches maths to a range of age groups. He previously worked as a research assistant in the musculoskeletal group at the Auckland

Bioengineering Institute, focusing on basketball players.

Twenty-five-year-old Alex says he enjoyed the transition into teaching and was able to develop with the school as the year progressed.

“I was comfortable teaching in the classroom from day one. It helped that I was already familiar with the staff and the school environment.

“Because I had a lot of in-class training last year, I was confident coming into my classes and how to get them up and running. I can’t think of anything that the in-school training didn’t prepare me for.”

Lachlan Craig

Music teacher and Assistant Director of Performing Arts

This is a sentiment echoed by music teacher Lachlan Craig, who was in the performing arts department at St Kentigern College before he joined Dio.

A trained conductor and singer, 32-yearold Lachlan has spent several years singing in Voices NZ Chamber Choir and performing as a Freemasons Artist with New Zealand Opera.

“I’ve felt very comfortable moving into teaching this year, having been able to train in the classroom at Dio last year. Being able to build relationships with students last year and continue them in 2022 was a significant advantage in setting up my classroom culture and routines,” he says.

“Having a working knowledge of the school systems, calendar and curriculum meant that I was able to go into so much more detail with my planning and design for learning.

“I already had great working relationships with my colleagues and know where to find resources when I need them. Given the challenges that COVID is still bringing schools, I was very grateful to have so much institutional knowledge to rely on.”

Larissa Reddiex

On-call House tutor, teacher trainee

Larissa Reddiex (22) completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in

Alex WoodallMathematics teacher

Lachlan Craig - Music teacher, and Assistant Director of Performing Arts

anatomy and pharmacology at Otago University in 2021. She became very aware of the impact a teacher could have on a student’s learning experience and decided to take up teaching to help inspire students by providing a positive secondary school experience.

She is one of two trainee teachers at Dio this year.

“The school-based training programme has exceeded my expectations,” she says. “It allows for a far greater degree of student contact on the ground and in the classroom and is without a doubt the most effective way to develop as a teaching professional.

“Just two terms into this year I felt almost ready to take on my own classes!” she said.

Larissa says the regular and extended exposure to classroom life and teaching has immersed her into all elements of teaching life; including lesson preparation, content delivery, relationship building and problem solving.

“Being stationed at a school for an entire year has allowed me to work alongside other colleagues as I seek assistance, engage in co-planning, and attend faculty meetings and staff-only days.

“It’s been great to learn from experienced practitioners, and to build professional camaraderie with them.

“The other big plus is the opportunity to really get to know your students. As rapport and trust is established at a deeper level, your investment in the students is reciprocated by them.

“I can’t recommend the programme highly enough,” she says. “The experience you gain is unparalleled and sets you up for success as a first-year teacher.”

Simon Garrett

Teacher trainee, creative industries technician

Simon Garrett (43) has been working as a creative industries technician at Dio for the past four years, and is responsible for the running and

maintenance of art and digital manufacturing machinery such as 3D printers, laser cutters, glass kilns and virtual reality units. Prior to that, he spent 10 years in the film industry, making props for movies such as Avatar, Mulan, and The Chronicles of Narnia. He is also a qualified jeweller.

He decided to take up teaching to help round out his career experience, and to provide further employment options.

He is finding the trainee programme both interesting and rewarding, as he navigates his way between juggling a full-time job with full-time study.

“I’ve learned a lot in a short amount of time, and I love being able to teach the a konga while gaining valuable insights from our talented kaiako here at Diocesan.

“The School has such wonderful students who are a pleasure to teach, and combined with our amazing facilities and resources, I can’t think of a better place to be!”

Below : Larissa Reddiexon-call House tutor, teacher trainee and Simon Garrettteacher trainee, creative industries technician

Farewelling Junior School leaders

SUE BREWIN, HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Sue Brewin, Head of the Junior School at Diocesan School for Girls, has worked tirelessly since November 2008 to create an outstanding early learning and primary education for girls. It is therefore an honour to announce Sue’s retirement at the end of this school year, December 2022. While we will be sorry to see her leave us, it is with great appreciation that we acknowledge Sue’s brilliant achievements.

Sue came to Diocesan already recognised as a first-class educator and leader. She had been principal at two previous state schools. Sue set about reviewing the Junior School and expanded the offering with additional classes and a comprehensive after-school

programme. She also established parent representatives at each year level to enhance the communication between teachers, students and the School, bringing strength to educational initiatives and a holistic approach to learning.

During Sue’s time at Diocesan, the Junior School implemented the world-renowned PYP – the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. With a focus on developing the learner profile, this work encouraged students to participate fully in their learning through global contexts and inquiry. This has prepared students extremely well for the Senior School. Sue actively built a framework for transitioning students at key stages and for establishing the Junior School

CEL programme – the Centre for the Enhancement of Learning that provides learning extension and support for individual student needs.

Sue has also substantially grown the leadership and delivery of extra-curricular programmes including specialist coaching and a greater range of sport options. The range of musical and performance options has also continued to grow with many new additions to the school orchestra and choirs coming from the Junior School.

Sue has always ensured that the Junior School was well represented in terms of resources and campus development. Sue established the Foundation Classes – our Early Learning Centre that is now fully licensed. She was pivotal in establishing the new Junior School play area and turf, along with new classrooms to support an expanding roll.

Throughout her 14 years at Diocesan, we have been delighted to work with Sue. She is kind, collaborative, empathetic and firm in her views – the consummate professional. Sue’s leadership style reflects her desire to care about and bring out the best in others through coaching, mentoring, and listening to all opinions. She advocates for her staff and empowers them to do great work, provides opportunities, and shares in their successes. Sue is naturally inclusive and builds strong connections with and between the Junior School staff to ensure a positive and inclusive school culture is evident.

As Sue leaves, this whakatauki seems to reflect the shadow of professionalism she will leave with us: E huri to aroaro ki te ra¯, tukuna to¯ ataarangi ki muri i a koe – Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you.

We thank Sue for her outstanding achievements and wish her all the very best in spending more time with her family and husband Kris.

Nicole Xanthopol, Board Chair Heather McRae, Principal

AMY THOMPSON

Amy Thompson has been the Deputy Principal in the Junior School since beginning in January 2009. After almost 13 years, she left Diocesan in September to continue her leadership journey with Meadowbank School.

During her time Amy had responsibility for the Junior School curriculum. On her arrival in 2009, Diocesan was beginning the journey of authorisation for the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate. Amy oversaw the implementation and development of the PYP with authorisation being awarded in 2011 and subsequent successful evaluation visits thereafter.

Throughout her time in the Junior School, Amy also supported the diverse needs of our learners through learning support programmes and Copernicus (extension) opportunities. She worked with families and students to develop programmes of support for neurodiverse learners to achieve their full potential. Amy enjoyed working weekly with groups of children, offering maths problem solving extension and philosophy groups.

Since the inception of the extensive After-School Activities Programme, Amy managed the providers and the administration of the programme, growing it to over 200 enrolments per term and more than 15 classes offered after school across the week.

During her time at Dio, Amy continued with her study and completed her Masters in Educational Leadership, graduating in March 2022.

She has been a great leader in the Junior School and always added a sparkle to all that she did. Incredibly talented, Amy went about her school day with confidence and always with a calm manner – nothing was ever too much trouble.

Amy will be greatly missed by students, the Junior School parent community and the staff. We wish her well on her educational journey, as one of three deputy principals at Meadowbank School.

Sue Brewin, Head of Junior School

humphreyslandscaping.co.nz 09 815 4250

The Little Mermaid

Wow girls, what a show! With only 10 weeks of intense rehearsing, you rose to the challenge to take your audiences on a magical journey under the sea with your production of The Little Mermaid Jr.

I love the way you captured both the good and evil characters of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular tale and retold the story of the beautiful young mermaid Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home. Working with you on the fabulous toe-tapping songs from the show, like Under the Sea, She’s in Love and Part of your World, was such a highlight for me, and I know how much the audiences loved singing along with you!

A big thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into the

rehearsals each week. It was such a big task presenting this show in Term 3 and you never faltered once. I hope you will treasure the experience and memories of performing in Little Mermaid Jr on the Dio stage for years to come!

Congratulations girls for producing a truly magical undersea world!

Mehernaz Pardiwalla, Junior School Performing Arts Coordinator

ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA

The highlight of the 2022 Junior School performing arts calendar was the Arts Extravaganza, held for the very first time in the Dio Arts Centre.

String orchestra

Kapa Haka

Bella Voce choir

Our Junior School girls had a ball showcasing their talents in a variety of performances. The 90-minute spectacle, hosted by our three fabulous Year 6 presenters, Aly, Andee and Ella, featured performances from all our Junior School music and dance groups as well as items that showcased the girls’ weekly learning in performing arts lessons. Congratulations girls for a highly entertaining afternoon of performance. It was so lovely to see you shining like bright stars on stage! A big thank you to all the conductors, itinerant teachers and accompanists who were involved and helped make the Arts Extravaganza such an impressive and memorable afternoon.

Mehernaz Pardiwalla, Junior School Performing Arts Coordinator

Chapel Choir

A SERMON BY THE

REVEREND SARAH STEVENS-CROSS

Celebrating the centenary of the Chapel of our Glorified Lord.

On 6 August 1996, I sat here in this chapel. Seventh formers and Old Girls gathered to celebrate the Chapel Festival. Bishop John Paterson as he was then, now Archbishop Emeritus – the 10th Bishop of Auckland, and Catherine Paterson’s dad, was preaching.

An Old Girl of the School, the Reverend Anne Moody, was presiding. Bishop John shared his delight at an Old Girl of the School presiding at the event. Perhaps, he said, there may be others among you here who may feel called to ordained ministry within the church too?

Bishop John had a habit of sowing seeds of calling among students at church schools and confirmation services. I heard him do it many times. He himself experienced a sense of call while a student at King’s College.

That day, I heard those words as though they were spoken directly to me. I considered them deeply, wondered if I might be up to the task and discussed them with the then assistant chaplain, Win Blyth, and promptly embarked on a gap year, a degree in geography and psychology and a career as a journalist.

It was a very long time before I realised, to the best of my knowledge at least, that there was not another girl in chapel that day who heard or even noticed this comment, let alone gave it another thought.

DARING TO DREAM

This chapel is a very special place. If these walls could talk, I am sure they would tell stories of countless vocations discovered by young women who first dreamed of being 'more than they ever imagined' in this very space. Countless stories of God’s love and encouragement sensed in tangible and intangible waysof Olympians, world champions, medical professionals, scientists, teachers, administrators, lawyers, judges, advocates, social justice campaigners, parents, politicians, diplomats, designers, artists, architects, musicians, engineers and visionaries and leaders of all sorts, who dared to dream and imagine that they could make a difference in our world.

All those who have been inspired in large and small ways, to use their time, talents and resources for the common good, for the benefit of others and the good of our world – Ut Serviamus, ‘so that we may serve’ – through the regular, quiet discipline of gathering here to pray, reflect, sing and learn about their faith.

How many different ways has the prayer been answered, that we – who teach or learn in this school – may grow daily in the knowledge and likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ, be fitted for the service in life to which it would please God to call us – to loosely quote the school prayer?

Because if vocation is, as Fredrich Buechner wrote, “where our greatest

passion meets the world’s greatest need,” vocation can take many forms in our lives.

GOD’S CHOSEN ONE

This chapel was named The Chapel of our Glorified Lord. Its feast day is that of the transfiguration, the story we have just heard from Luke's gospel.

Jesus is up the mountain with his friends –close friends. They are praying together. As they do, God's glory is revealed in vision and in word. The appearance of Jesus’ face is changed and his clothes flash of lightning –what a moment of awe and wonder. Moses and Elijah appear with him – heroes of the Jewish faith. They speak about what is to come: his suffering and death in Jerusalem.

The disciples see Jesus’ glory. Peter is so moved that he wants to build a house for each of them and stay forever, but the mountain is enveloped in cloud. From the cloud they hear a voice, not unlike that which was heard at Jesus’ baptism from above, but this time from the very cloud which surrounded them: “This is my son, my chosen. Listen to him."

The voice of God affirms what Peter himself declared earlier in Chapter 9, that Jesus is the Messiah, God's chosen one.

The God we see here is both transcendent – a God out there – great and wonderful, worthy of our praise, and entirely imminent –with us and amongst us, closer than our very breath.

This is the God, encountered in this place, by generations of Dio girls, their families and staff, revealed in word and song, sacrament, scripture and prayer.

It is often said by Old Girls that the thing they miss most on leaving school is the chapel. There is something about the stillness of this place in the middle of the busy school day. There is something very special in the practice of coming together with others in prayer.

ARRIVING AS A STUDENT AND LEAVING AS A PILGRIM

In my later 20s, I had the incredibly good fortune to travel to St George's College in Jerusalem. St George's is an Anglican Theological College that runs shortterm study and pilgrimage courses for international students, so that they may better understand the geographical, cultural and historical context of the Bible lands.

I went as a student. There to learn about the places Jesus walked.

One place we visited was Mt Tabour – one of at least four places where the Transfiguration event might have taken place. The Bible tells us it was up a mountain – just not which mountain.

This phenomenon applies to many holy sites. It really bothered me at first. We would visit a place which may or may not have been significant in the Bible. What was the point of going, I wondered, if we didn’t know for sure where something happened? The tradition

of Mt Tabour in lower Galilee has been around since at least the third century and it has been a place of Christian pilgrimage for many centuries.

The Church of the Transfiguration that stands there today was completed in 1924. But this structure was built on the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church (from the fourth or fifth century), and a 12th century Catholic Church built during the Crusader period.

As I gathered in the Church of the Transfiguration to share communion with my fellow students, I not only thought about our own school chapel, which had so shaped my faith, but I was profoundly moved by the realisation that this place was not just holy because something may or may not have happened here. Pilgrimage sites are holy because of the faithful prayers of pilgrims who have been coming there to pray, to remember and to give thanks for thousands of years.

I may have gone to the Holy Lands as a student, but I left as a pilgrim, profoundly changed by the experience of joining my prayers with the faithful cloud of witnesses who had gone before.

A LASTING SOURCE OF JOY

In a similar way, we join our prayers today with those who have gone before us. Speaking at the Consecration, Mary Pulling expressed her joy that this place would be “forever set apart,” standing as a message from the first generation to all generations, written in permanent brick and stone and

marble, saying to those generations that “we believe in God.”

“This chapel,” she wrote, “will tell them that we believe in a God of beauty and of joy. It stands here in the very midst of the school a thing of beauty, and therefore a lasting source of joy and of an increasing sense of loveliness.”

And since then, day after day, week after week for 100 years, staff and students have gathered in this place to pray. This place set aside for the glory of God has been made holy by the hopes and dreams, exam worries and friendship strife, the heartaches, fears, disappointments and joys brought before God in silence or in tears, in word and in song.

How many Old Girls have declared their love for another in this place or brought their children, promising to share with them the faith they have themselves received? This chapel is sanctified by these actions and by their prayers. It is sanctified by our actions and by our prayer today.

Today we celebrate, we remember and we give thanks for all those who have gone before. And we look forward in hope and faith, confidence and trust, to the next 100 years, that in this place a new generation of young women may experience the beauty and the joy of God and be inspired, empowered and emboldened to ‘be more than they ever imagined’ in the service of our God. Ut Serviamus.

Reverend Sarah Stevens-Cross Dio alumna, Board of Governors member, Vicar of St Andrew’s Epsom

Heather McRae and Fay Moorhead

Bryan Bartley and Mary Stevenson

Angela Coe, Gail Thomson, David Gordon, Rev’d Sarah Moss, Rev’d Win Blyth and Jocelyn Armstrong

Celebrating years of blessing 100

Past students of various ages and stages of life were present along with current students, past staff and current staff, including former principal Mrs Gail Thomson and previous Chaplains Rev’d Win Blyth and Rev’d Sarah Moss. St Cecilia Singers led the worship for the first time in two-and-a-half years, and their singing was glorious. It was a day to give thanks for all that the Chapel has meant to the thousands of students, staff and parents who have attended service in it over the past hundred years.

In my article in the June 2022 issue of Dio Today, I wrote about the history of the Chapel and some of the examples of how the Chapel is the heart of our school, so I won’t repeat that here. Suffice it to say that it was very evident at the centenary service that the worship life of the School and the opportunity for stillness, reflection, and connection to God is something that many of our alumnae hold close to their hearts. It was a very moving celebration and was filled with joy and gratitude.

We were very blessed to have Rev’d Sarah Stevens-Cross, a past student of Dio, to preach. Her sermon was excellent and has been included on the previous pages for those who were not able to be present on the day. At the end of the service, we resurrected a very old church tradition by ‘clipping the church’. We gathered outside the Chapel and spread ourselves around in a big circle, offering prayer and a blessing for the future of this significant part of our school life. This tradition has been referred to as giving the Chapel a big hug!

This was followed by a beautiful time of refreshments and sharing of memories in the foyer of the Arts Centre. We are very happy that our celebrations have set the Chapel on a path of blessing for the next 100 years.

Sandy Robertson, Chaplain

It was a blessed day on 6 August this year as we met to celebrate the centenary of The Chapel of our Glorified Lord.

Leigh Williams and Louise Bentley

Kay Troup and Pauline Andrews

John Thomson, Mary Guyan and Keith Guyan

Judy Jenkin, Kendall Irvine and Anna Irvine

PERFORMING ARTS

OF PERFORMING ARTS FROM THE DIRECTOR

Finally, a year when most of our competitions have been lucky enough to run again, and what a year it has turned out to be. 2022 has produced outstanding successes across so many diverse platforms; remarkable journeys have been taken, against the odds, to participate, explore and achieve at an incredibly high level.

Extraordinarily high standards cannot be achieved without hard work and dedication from everyone involved and I feel privileged to work with a highly skilled team of professional teachers and tutors who work tirelessly to bring out the very best.

Thank you to all the devoted families who support our co-curricular activities. Without you encouraging the girls to practice and maintain busy rehearsal schedules, we simply could not run our programmes.

But most importantly, we have an awesome bunch of highly motivated and talented girls who have navigated and adapted to these challenging times; your enthusiasm, energy and commitment is infectious.

Shelagh Thomson, Director of Performing Arts

Years 7 and 8 winners, from left to right: Angel Tao 2nd (Year 7), Anna Yuan 1st (Year 7) and Tania Tupou 3rd (Year 8).

Years 9 and 10 winners, from left to right: Ella Bosselmann 2nd (Year 10), Lotosina Tavui 1st (Year 10) and Madeleine Christiansen 3rd (Year 10)

Exceptional results at the 2022 KBB Festival

For the first time ever, Dio entered six groups into this high-profile competition. The KBB Festival is the jewel in the crown for schools across the region and with instrumentalists from over 150 schools, thousands of students descend on Holy Trinity Cathedral for a weeklong ‘fest of the best’.

Dio had an incredible eight awards presented, including the Command Performance at the Gala Concert in Holy Trinity Cathedral. One of the loveliest

surprises was our JHS group, ConcorDio Intermediate Strings, chosen by the adjudicators as the most engaging performance across the entire festival. Quite an achievement for such a young group of predominantly Year 7 students.

RESULTS

Gold – Dio Chamber Orchestra (director Shelagh Thomson)

Outstanding Soloist Award – Elise Ji and Dio Chamber Orchestra (director Shelagh Thomson)

JHS Aria competition

In mid-September, we ran this annual competition after many interruptions and COVID postponements. Singers have been hit the hardest with no singing in Term 1, all rehearsals required masks and Zoom lessons were the norm. Then finally, our super talented Years 7 – 10 cohort got to perform on stage with an audience for the first time since 2019.

We were very lucky to welcome Catrin Johnsson, Swedish opera singer and one of New Zealand’s leading vocal exponents, to adjudicate. Once again she was blown away by the talent on show and with 15 finalists chosen from over 30 entrants, these girls did not disappoint.

We were also treated to a beautiful solo performance by Year 13 star and Arts Prefect, Hattie Johnston, who won Senior Aria last year. She has been an inspiration and mentor to many of our younger singers.

Gold – Dio/Dilworth Big Band (director David Stent)

Silver – Dio/Dilworth Concert Band (director David Stent)

Silver – Dio Symphony Orchestra (director Lachlan Craig)

Bronze – ConcorDio Intermediate Strings (director Shelagh Thomson)

Command Performance Award –ConcorDio Intermediate Strings (director Shelagh Thomson)

Highly Commended – Dio Intermediate Wind Band (director Lachlan Craig)

We apologise that in the June issue of Dio Today, the photo that appeared on page 46 of the overall winner of the JHS Concerto competition was not Channelle Huang. Her photo appears here.

JHS concerto winner Channelle Huang

KBB award winners

ConcorDio Intermediate Strings

BIG SING COMPETITION TOP AWARDS IN THE

After two years of cancellations, everyone was thrilled to share their passion for choral music with the rest of the country once again in New Zealand’s largest secondary schools’ competition.

At the regional Big Sing, St Cecilia Singers, Dio Cantoris and our joint Dio/ Dilworth choir, Divinitus, sang their hearts out in the Auckland Town Hall.

All choirs delivered stunning programmes and Divinitus was the outright favourite of the competition, taking out six awards.

Winner – Performance of a New Zealand or Pasifika composition

Winner – Performance of a Choral Art Music composition

Runner-up – Te tohu Manu Waiata Award

Runner-up – Adjudicator’s Award Runner-up – Recital Programme by a Mixed Choir

Winner – Margery Charlton Memorial Trophy – Gala Concert Performance Award

These three choirs were then selected to move to the next level in this competition, with both St Cecilia Singers and Divinitus selected for the national Finale and Dio Cantoris selected for the national Cadenza in Rotorua.

Distinction – St Cecilia Singers (directed by Rachel Sutherland)

Distinction – Divinitus (directed by Lachlan Craig and Claire Caldwell)

Highly commended – Dio Cantoris (directed by Rachel Sutherland)

The Big Sing Finale was held in Christchurch for the first time in 15 years and the city was buzzing with a thousand excited secondary school students.

St Cecilia Singers was honoured to be awarded gold and with their director Rachel Sutherland leaving after 18 years at Dio, going out with gold was a fitting tribute to the dedication shown to the choirs over the years.

Divinitus, our combined choir with Dilworth School, was awarded silver and had the very special honour of winning the Auahi Kore Ma ori Performance Award for E Rangi E

Taituwha King composed and gifted this beautiful waiata to the choir and it will be forever treasured.

A big shout-out to choral directors Lachlan Craig and Claire Caldwell.

And a huge thankyou to all the choristers who worked so hard this year. With rehearsals only starting in Term 2, it’s been a tough journey but it definitely paid off with every student shining on stage.

St Cecilia Singers

Divinitus choir

HIP HOP

After a hugely successful Tauranga Project Youth Hip Hop Competition earlier in the year, our talented Dio Hip Hop crews competed in the Eutopia CheerBranz competition during the July holidays.

Once again they triumphed — both the Mega Crew and Junior Crew (Years 7 and 8) won their categories and came out champions. The Dio AIMS crew were also awarded fourth place at the AIMS Games this year, and the Mega Crew came in sixth place in

Hip Hop International, gaining them a bid to the world's Project Youth Hip Hop Competition – a fabulous year all round for these young dancers.

Both teams had comments made around their ability to exhibit dynamic routines with genuine showmanship and audience appeal. Congratulations to the girls and their coach, Ashley Metcalfe, also to their leader, choreographer and student mentor, Natasha Levene (Yr13).

RACHEL SUTHERLAND

Rachel has been a constant in our music department since 2005, when she started as an itinerant singing teacher. Over the years she has coached and tutored many of our talented singers, and this has resulted in a seamless transition from vocal consultant to choir director, her first choir in 2012 being Dio’s Senior Choir. In 2013 she took over directorship of handbells and has nurtured a love amongst students for these beautiful and unique instruments. In 2014 she taught Year 5 and 6 classroom music and from 2015, has been a curriculum teacher for Years 7-13 music. She also took over the directorship of our Years 7 and 8 choir, Virtuoso Voce and they continued to achieve gold awards at Kids Sing. In 2016 she became co-director of St Cecilia Singers and was appointed Director of Choral Music in 2018, overseeing the entire choral programme.

Rachel’s tutelage and leadership has helped ensure Dio’s elite choir, St Cecilia Singers, maintains its reputation as one of the top upper voice school choirs in New Zealand. We know how much time and effort has gone into training the choristers and choosing interesting and challenging repertoire. This year, Rachel achieved her first gold at the Big Sing Finale, so this feels like the icing on the cake and is a wonderful way for her to retire from her position here at Diocesan. We thank Rachel for her dedication to the role and we know the next step in her journey will involve her passion for choral music.

Mega Crew

AIMS crew

Rockbands and songwriting

At this year’s Smokefree Rockquest, Dio made an impact with three rock bands awarded at the Auckland Central region finals and selected to go through to the Auckland finals.

Lift! (Olivia Turnbull, Eleanor Tenbensel, Victoria Wright, Olivia Smithies, Georgia Burns) was awarded second place.

tv_racket (Hattie Johnston, Mia Reid, Ella Reid) was selected in the top 12 bands through to the Auckland finals.

2nd World Problems (Catarina Young, Mila Hopwood-Craig, Sabine Messer-Goodall, Talia Wood,

Vanessa Huang) won the People’s Choice Award, gaining direct entry to the Auckland finals.

Lift! proceeded to the RockQuest Nationals (the top 20 bands in the country) and was the only independent girls’ school to be represented at this level. Part of this selection was the opportunity to go to a professional recording studio, Roundhouse Studios, and work with industry professionals.

2nd World Problems was selected as semi-finalists at Stand Up Stand Out, Auckland’s secondary schools’ premier music and dance competition.

OUR SHAKESPEARE SUPERSTARS!

We are delighted to announce that Kennedy Howse, Amanda Yu and Taipuhi King (Dilworth College) have all been selected to join one of the most exclusive acting families in New Zealand. The National Shakespeare Schools’ Production Company has been a springboard for some of our greatest talents and it is the pinnacle of the Shakespeare experience

for the thousands of students who enter the festival each year. Having beaten off competition from the best students in the country, they now join former students including Phebe Mason and Melissa Uren as national representatives. They will be mentored by the best industry professionals from around the world.

SGCNZ’s National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP) is a week-long intensive course, studying aspects of Shakespeare’s works and three of his plays under leading directors. High calibre tutors take workshops with the whole group for half of each day. For the other half, the students, in their three groups, rehearse with their director and group for the week, culminating in public performances of scenes from the play each cast has studied.

The final stage of this amazing experience is the opportunity to get a spot in the Young Shakespeare Company of New Zealand. Each year 24 students are picked to be ambassadors of Shakespeare and New Zealand on the most famous stage in the world, the Globe, London. These students take their acting skills and perform to the public. Any actor in the world will tell you that this is the dream. This year Phebe Mason and Melissa Uren will wave the flag for New Zealand and Dio. We wish them well and hope to see the newest NSSP members achieve the same success in 2023. Break a leg everyone.

Lift!

Lift!

Lizzie Peters, Taipuhi King and Kennedy Howse receiving their awards.

CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL

The Moon Festival organised by the Parents and Friends Association, which took place at the Arts Centre Foyer on 9 September, was a wonderful opportunity for parents and staff to come together to celebrate a culturally diverse Dio community. Also known as the Mooncake Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival is observed in many Asian countries and

traditionally prays for the harvest, fine weather and peace for the country. Because the harvest is tied to the moon cycle, the festival takes place when the moon is at its fullest.

The foyer was adorned with colourful lanterns, platters of food and beautiful moon cakes. There was reuniting of the wider Chinese community, sharing gifts and enjoying the entertainment on offer.

Year 7 student Angel Tao performed a stunning festive ribbon dance and our Year 8 Guzheng star, Eva Zhang accompanied her. This traditional instrument has been around for over 2000 years and is hugely popular in China due to its versatility and beautiful haunting sound.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event such a wonderful success.

AUCTIONEERING

In August, the Diocesan auctioneering team competed in the national youth competitions held in Auckland.

Auctioneers must have a high level of quick thinking and the ability to work out mathematical calculations, so that the competing purchasers know where they are at, and owners know that the best deal is being pursued.

Seven Diocesan students took part in REINZ National New Zealand Championships and we are delighted that Year 13 student Faith Tupuhi is the New Zealand Auctioneering Champion for 2022. Congratulations Faith for taking on this challenge and demonstrating the multiple skills required to win this award.

Faith Tupui auctioneering winner.

SHOWCASE AND ARTS AWARDS EVENING

The last full-scale Showcase and Arts Awards Dinner took place in 2019, and after the disruptions of the last two years, we combined these two iconic Dio events and ran one evening where we showcased music, dance, drama and visual arts along with awarding the trophies.

As usual, Dio students delivered a feast of performance styles, representing some of New Zealand’s finest young singers, instrumentalists, dancers and thespians. This evening did not disappoint with its awardwinning choirs, rock bands, orchestras, dance troupes, chamber groups, slam poets, actors, Kapa Haka performers, handbell ringers and visual artists, who displayed artworks on the screens around the foyer. By combining these events, it was the perfect way to ‘showcase’ the talent of our students. To see the very girls who receive our awards perform on stage to the community, put their awards into perspective and felt like a true celebration of their talents.

This year a special mention must go to our outstanding performers from the Year 13 cohort who have created the core of so many dance, drama, music and Kapa Haka groups during their time at Dio: Ella Riley, Hattie Johnston, Keltie-Kewan Young, Emma Parton, Natasha Levene, Mia Reid, Elise Ji, Sunny Zhang, Anastasia Sun, Phoebe O’Neil and Amie Cummack. With their departure at the end of this year, a legacy goes with them.

David Gordon Cup for Excellence and Commitment - Emma Parton

Averill Award for Services to the Performing Arts - Natasha Levene and Keltie-Kewan Young.

Imogen Wells Award - Mia Reid and Hattie Johnston

Rosey Eady Cup - Ella Riley

Kapa Haka group

Dio Symphony Orchestra

SPORT

AWARDS SPORTS

The annual Junior High and Senior Sports Awards were presented in two ceremonies on Thursday 27 October. The awards were made across several categories: Individual Merit awards, Team Merit awards, Individual Distinction awards, Team Distinction awards, Individual Blues awards and Team Blues awards.

In the Senior School there were also six Honours awards made – these went to Chantelle May (fencing), Sienna French (gymnastics), Lizzie Shapland (sailing), Millie Quin (water polo), Lauren Batchelor (water polo) and Sophie Gardiner (water polo).

A number of special awards were also presented – six in the Junior High and 11 in the Senior School.

JHS overall sportswomen of the year Isla Barker and Indie Williams

Allison Roe Cup for Service to Sport - Sophie Gardiner

Coach of the yearEvan Joseph

Student coach of the year - Madeleine Jorgensen and Olivia Hardie

Del Hooper Cup for outstanding individual achievement - Sienna French and Chantelle May

Sport Team of the Year - Premier Fencing

TOURNAMENT WEEK WINTER

HOCKEY

The Dio 1st XI hockey team competed in the Hawke's Bay at the Federation Cup for the top 32 teams in the country. The girls had a great week of hockey winning four games, drawing two and losing one game to a strong Wellington College team. Well done to our girls for persevering throughout the week and finishing 11th out of 32.

Team: Felicity Bannatyne, Liv Barker, Clementine Buchanan, Brooke Chandler, Shreeya Daji, Eve Finlayson, Anais Hamilton, Estie Hamilton, Grace HiltonJones, Holly Hilton-Jones, Sophie Johnston, Casey Lam, Lucy Pettit, Mackenzie Robertson, Sophie Ryan, Poppy Tingey

The 2nd XI hockey team headed to Taupo to compete in the Chris Arthur Cup. The week was a huge success with the team winning the first four games and making it straight into the semifinals. A tough game against Rangi Ruru meant they narrowly missed out playing for first and second. Finishing in the top four overall was a tremendous feat – the highest Dio has placed in this tournament in over 10 years.

Team: Lucy Blanchard, Sammi Edgar, Amelia Elsmore, Alexandra Fletcher, Anna Hare, Juliet Harland, Isabelle Head, Sophia Head, Gemma Kelly, Amelie Moore, Mclane Parore, Zara Preece-Twose, Indigo Riley, Amy Shennan, Sophie Tierney, Kate Wyber

Basketball

Our premier basketball team competed at Basketball New Zealand’s Northern Regional Cup. The tournament saw our girls play six games over three days where they were challenged by their opponents but fought hard through each game to stay competitive, finishing seventh overall.

Team: Erin Zhang, Athena Oliver, Vita Yarrell-Stevenson, Evie Sleigh, Samantha Ford, Frankie Ashford, Olivia Hardie, Zoe Yin, Chloe Luo & Ava Leach

Hockey 1stXI at King's mid season

UNDERWATER HOCKEY

Diocesan sent both our junior and senior underwater hockey teams to Wellington for the 36th New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Underwater Hockey Tournament. The junior team placed ninth at the tournament and the senior team came 10th. Zambia Neely was selected into the Tournament Team, which highlights 10 of the top athletes from all over the country.

Senior Girls’ team: Hazel Faire, Rachael Griffiths, Ava Hanley, Ruby Hollister, Mila Hopwood-Craig, Lucy Kilgour, Sara MacGillivray, Zambia Neeley, Greer Newman, Demira Reynolds, Selina Yu. Junior Girls’ team: Sarah Bunbury, Ines Cullinane, Stella Grayson, Michaela Harding, Molly Hopwood-Craig, Eve Lambert, Savannah Mortimer, Emily Penrose, Gray Samuels, Olivia Tongue, Emily Wackrow

SWIMMING

Our Diocesan premier swim team travelled to Hamilton over the last weekend of the July holidays for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships. The girls had a fantastic time competing against New Zealand’s top school-aged swimmers and were led extremely well by code captains Peta Clark and Eva Allan. Diocesan has had a history of performing well at this event and this year wasn’t any different. To have many of our swimmers placed in the top eight in the country is highly commendable and highlights the dedication and hard work these girls put into the pool every day.

Peta Clark – 6th 200m butterfly (17/18-year-old division).

Eva Allan – 3rd 100m individual medley, 2nd 200m freestyle, 2nd 400m freestyle, 1st 100m freestyle and 1st 50m freestyle (16-year-old division)

Alex Campion – 7th 200m breaststroke, 6th 100m freestyle, 4th 200m backstroke, 4th 100m butterfly, 2nd 100m individual medley, 1st 50m breaststroke and 1st 200 individual medley (16-year-old division)

Anna Lepua – 7th 100m backstroke, 7th 200m backstroke, 7th 50m backstroke (16-year-old division)

Cycling

At the end of Winter Tournament Week, the Dio cycling team competed at the Northern tour in Mount Wellington. This consisted of three events – the individual time trial, the hill climb, and the criterium. The Dio Girls came away with some outstanding results:

Alice Wellington and Mika James achieved podium finishes across the three events ensuring a second place overall finish for Alice and third overall for Mika.

The Dio Cycling Club then ended their cycling season in style at the National Secondary Schools’ Championship in Palmerston North.

The Years 7/8 A team picked up first in the team time trial (Alice Wellington, Maddie Worral, Mika James and Olivia Bethell).

The Years 7/8 B had a great race, coming fifth (Emily Keene, Pippa Forman, Chloe Ulmer and Sienna Gormly).

Grace Jeromson – 7th 200m individual medley, 5th 50m breaststroke, 4th 100m breaststroke and 3rd 200m breaststroke (14-year-old division) Frankie Dodunski – 2nd in the 50m butterfly and 4th 100m butterfly (13-year-old division).

15 and under relay results: 8th 4 x 50m medley relay – Emma Li, Grace Jeromson, Audrey Tse and Celest Vo 16 and over relay results: 5th 4 x 100m freestyle relay – Alex

Campion, Peta Clark, Anna Lepua and Eva Allan

2nd 2 x 50m freestyle relay – Eva Allan and Alex Campion

7th 8 x 50m freestyle relay – Alex Campion, Peta Clark, Anna Lepua, Eva Allan, Grace Jeromson, Frankie Dodunski, Vita Yarrell-Stevenson and Emma Li

7th 4 x 50m freestyle relay – Vita Yarrell-Stevenson, Eva Allan, Alex Campion and Anna Lepua

The Junior A came agonisingly close to a medal in fourth (Indie Williams, Molly Sherrard, Millie Ruddenklau and Annabelle Judd).

The Senior A had their best race of the season picking up fifth place (Jessica Finnegan, Juliet Harland, Lily Shanley, Nika Miller and Lily James).

In the individual road race, Maddie Worral had an epic race to finish third in the U-14 age grade, with Mika James and Indie Williams in fourth place in the U-13 and U-14 categories.

Well done to all the girls who raced over the weekend: Alice Wellington, Maddie Worral, Mika James, Olivia Bethell, Emily Keene, Poppa Forman, Chloe Ulmer, Sienna Gormly, Indie Williams, Molly Sherrard, Millie Ruddenklau, Chloe Xiao, Annabelle Judd, Jessica Finnegan, Juliet Harland, Lily Shanley, Nika Miller and Lily James.

Dio swim team in Hamilton

Dio cyclists at the Northern Tour

NETBALL

The premier netball squad attended the Upper North Island Secondary Schools’ (UNISS) competition held at the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre.

Going into the B Grade final, having won against Auckland Girls’ Grammar in pool play, the team was unbeaten throughout the week and met AGGs for the second time in the final. A strong second half by their opponents meant that the premiers were in catch-up mode and were unable to reduce the lead, finishing runners-up in the B Grade. They have qualified for the A Grade for 2023 for the UNISS tournament to be held in Hamilton. We also congratulate Clementine Dryden who was selected for the Tournament Team.

Premier netball team: Boh Curran, Lauren Batchelor, Josie Christie, Clementine Dryden, Phoebe Duncan, Sophie Jamison, Madeleine Jorgenson, Meg McKinnon, Ellie Millard, Zara Preece-Twose, Karla Stevenson, Sophia Winstanley

Auckland Netball Centre held the end-of-season prizegiving in September, with 16 teams awarded winners and runners-up places. It was a proud sight to see all the Dio teams in full school uniform accepting their awards. Auckland Netball also announced Diocesan as the Top Overall School for the 2022 season based on results.

FOOTBALL 1ST XI

It was a beautiful week down in Taupo for the first NZSS Football Tournament in three years. After the first day, the team placed into the top 16 as second in their pool, putting them up against Saint Kentigern College, the second ranked Auckland team, and meaning they would move into the 9-16 placed bracket for the remainder of the tournament. After some tight games, the team finished 9th

overall in the tournament, the best they have done in over 10 years!

Football 1st XI: Bella Cranefield, Lily Double, Eliza East, Olivia Erskine, Lara Flood, Sophia Haines, Ella Hanton, Mia Hanton, Georgia Headland, Gemma Kelly, Indigo Kirk, Sienna Kirk, Rita Price, Sydney Sparks, Anya Stephan, Maddison Tongue, Lola Wood (Captain)

Lacrosse

The lacrosse tournament team headed down to Cambridge to compete in a three-day tournament. With some strong opponents from around the country, the Dio team put up a strong fight, especially with having recent national champions St Peter’s and Cambridge High School in their pool! The team came 10th overall in their first appearance at nationals in at least five years and developed well over the tournament.

Lacrosse tournament team: Stephanie Holden, Alex Brewer, Sylvie Brewer, Alyssa Richardson, Amelia England, Ella Millar, Saskia Collins, Gemma Kidd, Lauren Shorter, Gracie Thomas, Aimee Herrod, Martha O’Keefe, Madeline Robinson, Ellie McDonald, Lilly Freeman, Jamie Cottrell, Tyger Craggs

Netball code captain Clementine Dryden and deputies Maia Hunter and Kate SkinnerSpence with their trophy.

1st XI in Taupo during Tournament Week

AIMS GAMES

After a two-year hiatus, Team Dio competed at the 2022 Zespri AIMS Games, the largest sporting competition in the Southern Hemisphere. The tournament-style competition event sees 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds compete in their age group against schools across New Zealand.

Team Dio participated across 10 different codes – Hip Hop, cross country, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, golf, netball, hockey, football and water polo. The growth we saw from every student during the week was phenomenal, and we thank all our parents for their support throughout the week.

NETBALL: 8A netball team came up against some tough competition, finishing 51st out of 110 teams. An epic result for the girls.

GOLF: Queenie Lang had a remarkable three-day competition on the golf course; competing in the 18-hole courses at Te Puke, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Queenie finished in third place in the Girls’ 18-hole category.

TENNIS: Chloe Rawlence had some fantastic matches on the court and finished eighth overall.

FOOTBALL: The Years 7 and 8 football team had some wonderful results

throughout the week, with grit and determination shown by all girls, who finished 27th overall.

HIP HOP: The Hip Hop crew had two great performances, finishing in fourth place.

HOCKEY: The Years 7 and 8 Navy hockey team had a successful AIMS week with a total of four wins, a draw and only two losses, finishing 11th overall.

Hip Hop crew

Queenie Lang

Years 7 and 8 football

Years 7 and 8 hockey

Chloe Rawlence

CROSS COUNTRY: Our cross country runners started the week strong for Team Dio, with Indie Williams crossing the line first in the Year 8 category. The three-person team of Indie Williams, Maddie Worrall and Tessa Lepionka gained first place too.

SWIMMING: Our swim team set the pool on fire. Channelle Huang placed first overall in the 200m and 50m breaststroke and third in the 100m breaststroke.

WATER POLO: Our water polo team had a fearless time in the pool. Gaining confidence with every game, they outplayed St Cuthbert’s in the gold medal match, winning 14-1 to become AIMS Games champions.

GYMNASTICS: The gymnastics team consisting of Georgia Pickles, Mikaela Fong and Alice Wellington had an extraordinary week. Georgia and Mikaela competed in the artistic category and Alice Wellington bounced her way on the trampoline. Well done to all the girls.

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT

The winter sports programme was in full swing during Term 3 and there were no disruptions!

A record 16 Junior School netball teams were in action, with our Years 1-4 netballers participating at the Windmill Park Netball Centre in Mt Eden and our Years 5 and 6 netballers competing at the Auckland Netball Centre at St John’s. These teams were supported by 31 student netball coaches and an additional five adult coaches. Our coaches delivered the NZ Netball Future Ferns programme, which is comprised of progressive skills development modules designed to facilitate effective learning for younger players. All in all, our players progressed well, while some lovely bonds developed between coaches and players and there was lots of fun for all.

Eleven junior hockey teams played in the Auckland Hockey Junior League, supported by 15 student coaches and three adult coaches. Our four Years 1 and 2 FunSticks teams participated at the One Tree Hill College venue and our student coaches took the lead, hosting these sessions, running skills development modules and facilitating mini games. Our juniors had so much fun and just loved our student coaches. Our Years 3 and 4 MiniSticks and Years 5 and 6 KiwiSticks teams participated in the junior league, playing a modified game format on smaller turf allocations. Our programme was designed to maximise participation and development, we formed smaller teams and this helped to reduce redundancy. Our skills training modules used a multi-skill learning approach; we concentrated on lifting intensity, energy levels and the fun factor. We witnessed some great progress and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Water polo

Cross country

Year 4 Opals netball team with student coaches Neve Cobham, Emma WIlson and Ruby Steel.

Meanwhile, our ever popular flippa ball programme ran five teams through Term 3 and our futsal programme facilitated three teams. Unfortunately, our ski racing programme was once again derailed, with the late cancellation of the North Island Primary Schools’ Ski Championships competition, this time due to bad weather at Mt Ruapehu.

Our artistic gymnastics programme produced some great results, competing at the Remuera Zones Competition in August. The general ability levels were high at this event as many club gymnasts were competing. Our Year 3 team finished in first place and Miranda Lai (Yr 4) placed fifth in the individual rankings, while our Year 5 team finished in second place. These gymnasts qualified to compete at the Artistic Gymnastics Champion of Champions competition in September.

Our awesome Jump Jam girls had a fantastic season led by Eva Blush, our PE teacher. The Dio Dazzlers competed in the Auckland Primary Schools’ Freshman Competition finishing in third place; and our Dio Stars competed in the Open Competition, which they won. Both teams qualified for the National Jump Jam Competition in Tauranga in November.

The big news for Term 4 is the long-awaited launch of our junior basketball programme. We are very excited to open our brand new basketball court. We’re introducing basketball to our Years 5 and 6 girls and plan to roll out to our younger girls next year. Just over 30 girls have signed up for the Term 4 programme, which promises to be high energy and lots of fun; six weeks of foundational skills training along with three weeks of invitational games in the all-girls junior league held right here at Dio on Monday evenings.

FunFerns netballers with their student coaches

Year 6 hockey girls Jump Jam girls

Artistic gymnastics - Junior girls

Junior basketball

Year 6 Andersons with special long-standing coach Aprill Anderson and student coach Isabella Gasan

UPDATE NATIONAL REPS

Water Polo

Millie Quin was selected to represent New Zealand at the FINA World Championships in Budapest in June. Millie was joined by Dio Old Girls Morgan McDowall, Libby Gault, Sophie ShorterRobinson, and Isabelle Jackson as the travelling reserve. Morgan picked up three game Most Valuable Player awards throughout the week. The head coach of the team is Dio’s Director of Sport, Angie Winstanley-Smith. The team finished in 10th place, our best result in the modern era. As a result, the team was invited to the World League Super Finals event in Tenerife, Spain in November.

Lauren Batchelor, Sophie Gardiner and Millie Quin were selected to the New Zealand Youth Women’s team that competed at the FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships in August. The team placed eighth overall. Millie picked up two game MVP awards and was also voted into the Media all-star team – putting her in the top seven players in the world for her U-18 age group.

ROCK CLIMBING

Rebecca Hounsell represented New Zealand at the Australia Youth Championships in July where she picked up the gold medal in the bouldering U-18 event.

Gymnastics

After two and half years away from international competition, Sienna French has been competing overseas. She first competed in a huge field at the Coimbra, Portugal Gymfest World Cup achieving her goal of making the finals (top 8) and placing fifth overall, (only 0.02 points behind fourth place). In Switzerland she competed at the 51st Nissan Cup, placing fourth in individual and third in synchro (Hors Concours). These amazing results have given her the perfect start to her international competition season this year and especially for her preparation for the World Championships later this year. Congratulations to Sienna on her outstanding international achievements.

Grace Wellington has been selected to represent New Zealand on a tour to Hawaii in January 2023. Here Grace will compete against other international athletes on the artistic gymnastics circuit.

FOOTBALL

Olivia Erskine (Yr12) has been selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ team in the Dallas International Cup from 4 – 9 April 2023. Teams from around the world will be competing at the event.

Rebecca Hounsell

Sienna French

Millie Quin

SAILING

Lizzie Shapland represented New Zealand at the World Youth 29er Championships in The Hague, Netherlands early in July, an event in which many of our sailing sporting heroes have been notable winners. Lizzie ended up in 20th place – an awesome achievement.

Also in July, Dio sailor Isla Barker was to travel to Denmark to represent our country at the European Championships after picking up the national Opti title, but instead went to the international regatta in Noumea where she came in 12th place out of 70 boats and was the fourth overall girl competitor. Isla has been awarded a Yachting NZ award for her achievements in the Optimist class in 2022. This award was be presented to her at the NZ Yachting Awards gala in November.

FIGURE SKATING

Year 9 student Christine Aixinjueluo recently competed in the NZ Ice Figure Skating National Selection Competition. Christine came second in the Advanced Novice Ladies’ division. Her placing means she has qualified for the NZ national team for the upcoming international competitions. Christine had to perform two different programmes in two days, the combined scores providing the final result.

Christine represented New Zealand in the Southeast Asia Open Trophy, an international figure skating competition in Singapore in early September. This was her first international competition as a member of the national team. She competed in the Advanced Novice Ladies’ Competition, which had the highest level of women’s single skaters in the competition, mostly from Korea, Taiwan and Australia. After performing two programmes, she finished in 12th place. Christine says that the experience has been a great source of inspiration and motivation for her future in the sport.

Christine Aixinjueluo

Lizzie Shapland

What a fantastic year 2022 has been! We started behind masks and ended it rockin’ in full ABBA costumes. Now that’s progress.

Parents and Friends had very busy Terms 1 and 2, as we welcomed parents back on campus with several cocktail parties, an Open Day and our AGM. At the same time, we welcomed many new committee members on board. We are thrilled to have a large, dedicated committee, and needed all hands on deck in Terms 3 and 4.

In September P&F hosted a Moon Festival in the Arts Centre foyer. Inviting parents to come together and share history and culture was a wonderful opportunity to embrace tradition and meet new friends. The WooZoo hospitality group were incredibly generous with their time and energy, providing sumptuous delights for everyone in attendance. Atomic coffee and Jadcup came to the party, caffeinating our guests in compostable cups, ever aware of our carbon footprint. We were very fortunate to have so many sponsors and volunteers to make this event a success. Our thanks go to Eva Zhang, as she played an impressive Guzheng performance, and to Angel Tao, who danced a beautiful ribbon dance in traditional dress.

Not wanting the fun to end, in November P&F hosted our second concert in the Arts Centre. Brought to us by Showtime Productions from Australia, ABBAsolutely FABBAulous lit up the Dio Arts Centre stage and gave our audience a night to remember. Rolling on from the success of our Queen Concert in 2021, we were thrilled to have Showtime back working with P&F to bring a world class event to our stage. With almost 30 volunteers working on the night, it was a chance to involve

not just our entire committee, but many other parents from around the School who were keen to pitch in and lend a hand. Costumes came out in full flare and we loved giving everyone a night to remember and celebrate.

Rolling quickly on from our concert, P&F hosted our year-end cocktail party. This event is always well attended and not surprisingly we had a packed house this year. Not only did this event give us a chance to farewell many Year 13 parents, but we were also pleased to have a chance to raise our glasses to Sue Brewin, Head of the Junior School, as she wraps up her time with Dio in 2022. P&F have greatly enjoyed working with Sue and the Junior School on many projects over the years and appreciate her dedication to Dio.

On that note, we also farewelled two of our wonderful cafeteria staff, Pru and HJ, at the end of 2022. Pru and HJ are both known for their incredible energy and efficiency. Together they have guided many of our staff and parent volunteers to make our café a successful one. Furthermore, Pru and HJ have worked closely with our Dio girls who volunteer in the café every day, ensuring there is kindness,

good humour and fun in our café. We wish our dear friends and their families the best of luck in their moves away from Auckland.

P&F wishes everyone a wonderful summer break and happy holidays. We look forward to seeing you all back on campus in 2023.

President’s column

The school year has marched on, and our wonderful team of Dio alumnae have been thrilled to be able to reinstate key elements of our usual slate of activities. There have been a few COVID-related disruptions and delays but we’re back on track. By now you should have seen the revised rules and the new name of our organisation. Lena Saad and Jenny Spillane have been working hard to ensure that the way we operate reflects the practicalities, context and future operational considerations associated with our mission. We did this to make it easier for our members to contribute and engage with us, and to modernise some of the less practical stipulations and semantics that have become a little anachronistic. We’re in good shape and we think our organisation will become stronger and more inclusive.

At the end of this year, we lose some of our long-serving and stalwart Committee members and they will be greatly missed. We’re fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers and women who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and do the hard mahi, which is the foundation of our agenda. We welcome some new members who have joined our ranks.

Something we’ve been focusing on of late is refining our approach to providing

mentoring and career advice to our younger cohort. Some exciting ideas have been floated to facilitate capturing and sharing the incredibly diverse range of skills and success that percolate through the Dio family. We want to make our information-sharing as accessible as possible and are thinking through online and podcast options that will allow us to build a dynamic library of experience and practical advice. Sheryl Tan has kindly stepped up to lead this initiative and we envisage updating you in the new year.

A highlight of this year has been working with Elizabeth Jenkins on the new Chapel banners. These are the result of hundreds of hours of time, reflecting what has been an amazing design collaboration between our fabulous house leaders and Elizabeth. It’s been particularly gratifying to be able to replace our current banners in the centennial year of our big chapel. We now have bright, refreshed representations of all our houses, and they will hang proudly in both of our chapels.

Five members of the Committee have students graduating from Dio this year. Around our meetings, we often reflect on various elements of the journey these young people have been on throughout

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION (INC)

Alumnae Association Committee contact details

PRESIDENT

Penny Tucker (Macdonald) M. 021 256 0454

TREASURER

Felicity Buche (Olson)

SECRETARY

Tania Fairgray (Railley)

FELLOWSHIP SECRETARY Emily Steel (Houlker)

COMMITTEE

Rachael Brand

Sarah Couillault (Willis)

Danielle Harper

Sarahmarie Liebmann

Sarah MacKenzie

Damaya Padupati (Rasanathan)

Lena Saad

Jenny Spillane (Orsborn) Vice president Sheryl Tan

Susan Tapper

Margaret Timms (Webster)

Dio Today Editor, League pages Deirdre Coleman E. d.g@slingshot.co.nz

Auckland Diocesan Alumnae Association PO Box 28-382, Remuera, Auckland 1541

their time at Dio. The last couple of years have undoubtedly had challenges and the pandemic roller coaster has been tough in many different ways, including health, welfare, opportunity and activities. But Dio’s management of the situation and the huge investment in communication and online support has been very impressive. The School absolutely stepped up and it speaks to the strength, resilience and excellent management of what is a proud and incredibly well-managed institution.

Penny Tucker Diocesan Alumnae Association President

Ut Serviamus

DIO CHAPEL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Diocesan Alumnae Association President Penny Tucker looks back on

some of her fondest memories of the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord as we celebrate its centenary.

100 years – that’s pretty stellar! It’s funny how some anchors keep one floating in place despite changing tides, fair and feisty winds, and all the hazards that can knock you off course.

I was sitting in the Chapel at Dio recently at a pretty service to commemorate and celebrate the centenary of the big chapel whose formal, sanctioned name is the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord. One of my daughters was giving out service sheets and so I was there early. I sat in my seat and looked around.

I remember going there for the first time for one of my sister’s services and being a little overawed by all the big girls in their floral frocks (yep, that era). I recalled the redoubtable and lovely Stanley Jackson always playing the organ with such commitment, physical engagement and vigour that my dad, a neurosurgeon, was perpetually worried that something might explode.

I reflected on the time that Canon Cameron was so enthused by his retelling of a story about camels that he fell off the altar step and came a cropper. I burst out laughing and a teacher, not entirely sure who it was (thanks, Ms Bellamy), clipped me from behind – deservedly, I might add.

Every day I was at school, we went to chapel. Every day the anchor was put into the water, efficiently, with little drama and utter predictability. Even for those not interested in the content, there was a degree of security. I didn’t really see it at the time, but it was the foundation for each day and chapel embraced us every morning. As I floated through my schooling, being pushed to and fro by different currents and working out how I would navigate the next part of my journey, the Chapel just stood there, watching and welcoming.

I joined the choir so, at big services, I didn’t have to sit with my mum who sang hymns with a degree of exuberance and tonal dysfunction that I viewed as deeply embarrassing. Having escaped the confines of her pew, I proudly contributed my own singing attributes; right up until the day Mrs Lawson realised I was the one making the entire outfit sound so bad and chucked me out.

Rev’d Jim took over and we were all intrigued by the changing of such an important crew member. On a hot day when the asphalt by A Block was decidedly unappealing, I once sat in the cool and calming Chapel to write a debate. Rev’d Jim asked me what I was doing, and I braced myself for being told off. I explained. He said something along the lines of: “This house is good for thinking and, by the way, I want to come to your debate.” After that, he attended nearly all of them. We used to exchange ideas and he got me thinking about many interesting things. I volunteer with debating at Dio now because Jim taught me that a bit of investment in kindness and korero goes a long way and makes people stronger.

I pulled up the anchor, set sail for a bit and became a diplomat. On that intrepid journey, the storms could be fierce, the barometer more uncertain than a kid with money in a sweet shop, and I roamed around. When I asked Rev’d Jim whether he would marry my husband and me in the School Chapel, he said: “Come and see me in Ponsonby and we’ll discuss it.”

Mum picked the hymns for the wedding, and I heard her from the altar. Jim married us and on we went. The anchor was still just there and waiting to be put into service for us. We were drawn away again and went on a different and longer voyage overseas. But my third daughter was baptised in the Dio Chapel with the entire extended family there. Her paternal grandad was delighted with the service and my eldest two annoyed everyone by insisting on ringing the Chapel bell.

Ministers will always say that the physical structures of a church don’t actually define the value of faith. They are not the house, they just put a roof over it. I agree with that, in principle, but our Chapel is still an anchor. And, as I sat in my seat watching and listening, I had nothing but best wishes for our lovely old Chapel.

AN extraordinary EDUCATOR

In September, former Diocesan principal Gail Thomson was honoured at the Alumna Merita Assembly. Gail was deputy principal at Dio for seven years before serving as principal from 1993 2003. Her commitment and contribution to the education sector was acknowledged in 2014 when she received a New Zealand Order of Merit. In her capacity as a consultant and commissioner, Gail has worked with schools of all year levels and deciles.

Gail Thomson’s extraordinary contribution to improving the systems that help young people to learn extends beyond Diocesan to New Zealand and the world. She is truly a groundbreaking educator who has helped change the learning journey of many thousands of students.

Gail has dedicated much of her life to fixing broken schools, making functional schools stronger, sharing best practices and fearlessly dismantling structures that do not work. She is a problem solver and a safe pair of hands to sort out all manner of educational challenges.

When Gail took charge as principal, Dio had an excellent academic reputation, but the facilities were a little tired and outdated. The buildings were draughty, the corridors echoey and the ambiance was more institutional than hospitable. So, Gail worked with the Diocesan School Board to develop a master plan for the modernisation of the School’s facilities – a subject that underpinned the thesis for her master’s degree. As a result, during her tenure as principal, the Junior School was replaced, the Science Building was doubled in size, Shrewsbury was extended, and the Centennial Building was opened.

A new Dio emerged – the school we know today, with its world-class facilities. It happened because of the relentless focus of a woman who was deeply invested in a better future for Dio.

The School is justifiably proud of its Anglican heritage. There were many other Anglican Schools throughout the country but there was no connection between them. Gail worked with the Bishop and discussed the possibility of establishing an Association of Anglican Schools so there could be positive interaction between the schools. This was agreed to and the Association was initiated, a positive and supportive interaction among Anglican Schools. All these initiatives just add to the collection of foundation stones that keep Dio grounded and protect our legacy.

After 10 years as principal, Gail took some time off to care for her terminally

Gail with the Principal and past Board Chairs, left to right: Raf Otto, Bob Wilton, Gail Thomson, Heather McRae, Angela Coe.

ill daughter and her young family. She was then asked by the Minister of Education to do a review of schooling in Southland with the focus on the rationalisation of schooling facilities, a task she completed superbly.

A one-year secondment to Qatar followed, where she advised boards and principals on the restructuring of the Doha school system, gaining insight into different cultures in the process. Gail subsequently became involved in several education projects back in New Zealand. She was acting principal of Kadimah School for a period before being charged with reporting on the school’s future viability. Her recommendation, to transition Kadimah from an independent school to an integrated one, was accepted, and Gail is still gratified to see the current changes and potential growth for that school today.

She worked with the Muslim schools Zayed School for Girls and Al Madinah, using the experience she’d gained in Qatar. Gail was appointed commissioner of Glenfield College and later Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Commissioners are usually installed when schools have issues that need remedying. It’s a hard job to balance fixing what’s broken with protecting a school’s culture and legacy.

During her tenure at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Sir Edmund Hillary’s former home became available to move from its Remuera site. Following discussion with the Ministry of Education, Gail actioned an application to shift the

house to the grounds of the Collegiate and set it up as an educational leadership centre. Executing this vision and preserving the house as a piece of New Zealand’s national heritage took sheer resolve to raise the several hundred thousand dollars needed to move and relocate the building.

Gail’s next appointment was as Commissioner to St John’s Anglican Theological College. Former Governor General and leading theologian Sir Paul Reeves had recommended changes to be made at the college and Gail was charged with implementing these. The challenge was to unite the three tikanga at the college, Pa¯keha¯, Ma¯ori and Pasifika, into an integrated unit.

Despite her impressive CV and list of

appointments, Gail is still going. She’s involved in an array of projects and is on the boards of three charitable trusts, Hillary House Leadership Centre Trust, Fountain of Knowledge Trust, and the Auckland District Kidney Society.

“You hear the words ‘Ut Serviamus’ all the time,” says Heather McRae, “but it isn’t all that often that you have the chance to appreciate someone who has lived it, breathed it and passed it on. We are honoured to share Gail’s legacy and proud to award her the Diocesan Old Girls’ League Alumna Merita award for services to education.”

The above was adapted from the citation Principal Heather McRae gave at the Alumna Merita Assembly

Gail Thomson and Penny Tucker

Left to right – Gail with past Dio colleagues Lorraine Pound, Sue Blakely, (Gail Thomson) and Merle Boniface.

Gail Thomson with her family

A PERFECT DAY

On Saturday 5 November the Diocesan alumnae graced the campus for our annual Founders’ Day. The day began with visits to the archives and our Senior Old Girls’ High Tea. This was a particularly special occasion as our new house banners were revealed and presented by the house leaders.

Attendees then gathered for the chapel service led by Rev Sandy Robertson. The banners were blessed before our alumnae moved into the Arts Centre theatre for the AGM.

This AGM was significant as it saw us formally change our constitution and name to the Auckland Diocesan School Alumnae Association – ensuring we keep our traditions in place but also move forward with the times.

Finally, we wrapped up the day with a buzzing cocktail party in the Arts Centre foyer where many hugs were shared and connections made. It really was a perfect day!

Blessing the Chapel banners

Viewing the banners on display in the School Hall

Carolyn Ward, Ngaire Garland (Atkinson), Jenny Kotlarevsky (Nicholson)

Heather McRae and Beverley Newton (Bullock)

Sue Maasland (Chambers), Rosalie Ashby (Winstone), Shirley McNamara (Horrocks) and Diana McIntosh (Wayne)

Sue Letcher (Frater), Tamney Garlick (Jones), Julie Barnes (Bevins) and Jane Williams (Mitchelson)

The 2002 peer year reunion group

The 1982 peer year reunion group

The 1992 peer year reunion group

Jess Brewer, Elizabeth Massey (Davies), Greer Bland, Gemma Sanders (Young) and Victoria Harris

Julie Hoskyn, Gloria Woolford, Victoria Fowler and Deborah Hassall (Fowler)

Deborah Laffoley, Mary Stevenson (Clifton) and Mia Gray (O’Leary)

Tanya Mallard (Cadwallader), Nikki Donald, Lucy Newcomb and Kelly Coyle (Hurley)

LIFELONG

A

labour OF

love

Hanging either side of the Chapel, the house banners are a familiar sight to Dio students, teachers and parents, past and present. In 2022, a project funded by the Diocesan Alumnae Association saw the banners replaced with new designs created by artist Elizabeth Jenkins with input from this year’s house leaders. On 5 November during Founders’ Day celebrations, they were officially unveiled.

In February 2022, Diocesan Director of Development Angela Coe contacted Elizabeth Jenkins with a request. The current Chapel banners were showing signs of age. Would she design and create some new ones to replace the set she’d made 30 years ago?

Elizabeth was delighted to take on the project and subsequently spoke with Penny Tucker, President of the Diocesan Alumnae Association, to get a more detailed brief.

“This project was just ideal for me,” says Elizabeth. “I enjoy research and it incorporated many of my design ideas; it involved working with lovely fabrics, beads, threads etc, and combined drawing, painting and sewing, both by hand and machine. It allowed me to be as creative as I wanted, using both old and new techniques.”

As part of the design process, Elizabeth spent some weeks researching the School’s founders and looking at heraldry. In early May, she flew up from Dunedin to meet with Penny, Dio Chaplain Rev’d Rob, senior staff, and the Dio house leaders to present her ideas (including initial sketches and fabric samples) and invite the house leaders for their input.

“The girls were understandably unsure about how to approach the designs. One or two made some sketches of their ideas and the rest were happy to be guided by me. We went over the basic parts and the general layout of each banner, and I explained the type of construction I would use.”

The house leaders discussed their idea of including a secret message on each banner. To this end, Elizabeth designed a new version of the ‘Dio rose’, which has become a recurring motif around the School. Her rose design is based on the pentagonal shape of a Tudor rose but using the colours of each house.

“Despite most of the houses having had male founders, this was a way of bringing a feminine touch to the banners,” she explains. “The roses are all embroidered and beaded like small jewels and open up to hold the secret message inside. The girls wrote each message, which I printed onto a fine parchment-like silk. These are finished with twin needle stitching and roll up inside in the form of a mini scroll with finials. The roses are closed with small domes.”

Measuring 1200mm x 700mm, to fit the existing rods and finials, the banners

are mainly made from pure cotton quilting fabrics. But Elizabeth also tried to include a wide variety of fabric types and sewing techniques – printed cotton, satin cotton, tulles and nets, French needle-run lace, fine gold kid and velum, cotton velvet and ribbons, guipure lace trim, silver and gold fabric, plus a small amount of pure silk for the scrolls hidden in the roses.

“A range of stitches were used in the appliqué, such as Assisi embroidery, machine embroidery, twin needle work, gold and silver couching etc. Handmade cords are featured throughout, plus lace edging and decorative trims.

“In each banner, there’s easily one kilometre of thread,” she says. “And they’ve all been protected with Scotchguard to inhibit dirt and fading.”

A key requirement for the project, Elizabeth explains, was to use bright colours. The fronts of the banners feature the two main colours of each house. The house name and emblems of the shield/crest, the scroll and motto, and the new Dio rose are appliquéd onto a background. Most of the smaller shapes were hand sewn and overlaid with tulle or net, which adds a softening effect to

the colours and holds everything firmly in place. The Dio rose, the three mitres and other smaller decorative features are also highly beaded with Swarovski crystals and small beads and pearls.

The House names are all created from gold kid leather and covered with a coloured net. The heraldic scrolls are made from parchment-coloured fabric with the mottos appliquéd in black Roman lettering.

While the name, shield, motto and scroll had to remain as close as possible to the originals, there was room for some variation. Elizabeth wanted each banner to be a small individual work of art, with symbolic touches to represent the character of the person whose house bears their name.

The back (reverso) features each house’s colours in a left-to-right diagonal. The base has an added chevron of one of the eight colours. This is decorated above the tassel with a geometric shape – using the tassel cord to frame a mini painted image of the school cat, Ollie. To give each banner individuality, a matching design was chosen: stars for Neligan, hearts in the form of flowers for Eliza Edwards, and fleur de lys for Cowie. Each reverso

was machine quilted and backed with a fine cotton batting by Bronwyn Hamilton from Darfield, Canterbury, an expert in the field.

A significant challenge of this project was the timeframe, as each of the eight banner fronts took at least 200 hours to complete. In the 21 weeks available to Elizabeth between May 2022 and Founders’ Day in early November, she dedicated more than 2000 hours to their creation.

INCORPORATING INDIVIDUAL TOUCHES FOR EACH HOUSE

Elizabeth devoted many hours to researching the people behind Diocesan’s houses so she could create meaningful additions to the banners.

WHO IS ELIZABETH JENKINS?

A former teacher, Elizabeth is a member of the Otago Art Society. She studied floristry and theatrical design in London and still-life painting in oils in Florence. Her subjects include New Zealand birds, historic cottages, flowers and portraits. She’s also designed costumes for ballets and operas, and played violin in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin orchestras. Her favourite interests are designing and building houses and gardens.

Elizabeth has had a long and warm association with Diocesan, as a Dio parent and a relief teacher from 1988 to 1992. Elizabeth has made four sets of

Created in 1922, four of the houses (Mitchelson, Mary Pulling, Cochrane and Neligan) are named after the School’s early founders. Four more houses (Eliza Edwards, Roberton, Cowie and Selwyn) were added in 1992. To distinguish the old houses from the new, Elizabeth used a vertical colour division for the background colours of the original houses and a horizontal division for the newer houses.

She was able to study the family archives of Stephen Cochrane’s granddaughter Jill Woodward, an orchestral friend of hers, and together they designed the oval red shield with a white horse passant [walking].

“We also found that Cochrane has a second motto, which was discreetly

ecclesiastical vestments for Diocesan chaplains and created the altar frontal in the Chapel. In 2003, she designed and created the silk Centennial cope (ceremonial cloak) for Rev’d Win Blyth. Two years prior, she was invited to submit a conceptual design for the Centennial Building window. She has created wedding flowers for Old Girls and made a number of graduation ball gowns.

“I owe a lot to my association with Diocesan School since I became a member of the school family in the late 1980s when my daughter Gillian started at Dio aged 12.”

When Elizabeth met with the house leaders back in Term 1 to talk about

added to the main motto scroll. An additional decorative theme of fabric ovals and horseshoes swirling from the Dio rose up around the shield to the house name helps to illustrate the meaning of ‘horsepower’, the house leaders’ secret message.”

With the help of the family, Elizabeth revisited the original Royal Charter of Sir Edward Mitchelson. On this banner, she was eager to use the beautiful whole heraldic crest, instead of just the traditional shield.

“For Edwards house, we introduced an important change by adding the name Eliza,” she says. “And with input from Rev’d Rob, and the students, we researched and included two new

In one of the squares on the new Roberton banner, Elizabeth included a small reference to the beautiful foliage design on the new Performing Arts Centre. The patterns add a feminine touch to include Ernest Roberton’s niece, Elizabeth, who was headmistress from 1966-1972.

“Bishop Selwyn, after whom Selwyn house is named, travelled around New Zealand extensively on foot, horseback, and by canoe and ship. We chose the circle as a symbol of travel and added nautical knots and freshwater pearls to the rose on this banner.”

ideas for the new Chapel banner designs, she noted that Ollie the school cat featured prominently in all their discussions. Subsequently, she painted a picture of Ollie and each banner has his image replicated and sewn above the tassle. At the unveiling of the banners on Founders’ Day, Elizabeth presented the girls with a gift – when unwrapped it revealed the picture that she had painted, framed for them to hang in their senior common room. They were delighted and the presentation of this thoughtful gift was a very special moment in the day. Unfortunately, in the way of cats who are a bit of a law unto themselves, Ollie was not in attendance to witness being honoured in this way.

mottos – for Eliza Edwards, ‘With service comes joy’ and for Mary Pulling, ‘Faith Service Adventure’.”

CAPTURING incredible real STORIES

Writer and film director Sally Aitken’s 2021 film Playing with Sharks was nominated in the News and Documentary category for Outstanding Nature Documentary at the 2022 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy Awards. The feature documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival (a huge coup, as very few films are selected for this prestigious festival), and it’s since had an amazing run of awards and festival showings.

Playing with Sharks profiles Valerie Taylor, the Australian pioneering ocean conservationist, diver and underwater photographer who has dedicated her life to protecting sharks.

“I hadn’t been aware of Valerie Taylor growing up,” says Sally, “but she and her cinematographer husband, Ron Taylor, were legendary on Australian TV in the 1970s and 1980s for their ground-breaking underwater films. Valerie is a contemporary of Jacques Cousteau, whose expeditions were handsomely supported by the French government. Whereas Valerie and Ron were working class DIYers, fashioning everything they

needed from scratch – their cameras, underwater housings, wetsuits, even weight belts. They’re a remarkable couple and it’s an amazing partnership on and off camera.”

The film charts Valerie’s personal trajectory from spear-fishing champion to shark protector after realising these magnificent creatures were very misunderstood.

“I had thousands of hours (half a century’s worth) of underwater film as well as access to Valerie’s handwritten diaries, kept every year since 1969. And she’s still going strong! At 86, her passion has not dimmed. If anything, her call to protect the ocean is more urgent than ever.”

Sally left Dio in 1993 to do a Bachelor of Communications Studies at AUT. At the end of her degree, she made a film about the iconic birth of pirate radio station Radio Hauraki in the 1960s.

“I was working part time in radio in Auckland while I was a student, and I was dumbfounded the story had never been told. A couple of feature films have since been made about the Radio Hauraki saga, but this was the first time the original ‘pirates’ had told their story. It was pretty special for a freshfaced student like me.”

Sally’s film was highly praised and was acquired by TVNZ, something that was unprecedented for a graduate at the time. After a couple of years combining radio and television work in New Zealand, Sally moved to London to do an MA in documentary production at Goldsmiths College, University of London. It was there that she met some future colleagues – and her husband – and her filmmaking career took off.

Since 2010, Sally has been living in Sydney. She originally went there to work on a French-Australian co-production called Au Bonheur des Dames, l’invention du Grand Magasin (known in English as Seduction in the City), a cheeky feminist history of the department store.

“The job itself was dreamy,” says Sally. “After arriving in Sydney, I promptly left again for Paris! I lived and worked there for two months during the shoot with my then one-year-old daughter and husband along for the ride.

“Since making this film I’ve travelled to many countries for work, including sailing the Pacific Ocean with Sam Neill for a documentary series, Uncharted, which examined Captain Cook’s epic Pacific voyages from indigenous perspectives. An absolute privilege.”

Much of her impressive catalogue of work focuses on well-known Australians. Sally’s feature documentary A Cinematic Life about world-renowned film critic David Stratton was selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 where it was nominated for a Camera D’Or. Also among her filmography are Getting Frank Gehry (2015), which explores the construction of the architect’s first Australian building; Nolan – The Man and the Myth (2018) a portrait of Australian artist Sir Sidney Nolan; and Shark Beach (2021) in which actor Chris Hemsworth looks at how sharks and humans can safely co-exist after a spate of attacks off Australia’s east coast.

Recently Sally joined forces with producer and media executive Aline Jacques to launch an independent Sydney-based production company called SAM Content. They have several projects in

production, including a documentary on the 30-year history of the iconic Australian group The Wiggles, which is being produced in partnership with another Dio alumna, filmmaker Cass Avery.

Sally’s also excited about another project she’s working on. “I have a film documentary, and drama series in active development about the story of the world’s first female rock-nroll roadie, Tana Douglas. She started with AC/DC as a teenage runaway and has basically worked with every major rock star since. Let’s just say the soundscape alone is going to be loud!”

You can watch Playing with Sharks on Disney+.

lead Learning TO

Dio alumna Hannah Brady (2017) will soon begin her training as an officer in the NZ Army. She’s been offered a position (one of just two available) at The Royal Military College of Duntroon in Canberra, Australia.

After leaving Dio, Hannah began her first year of an arts degree at the University of Auckland then transferred to the University of Canterbury where she completed her Bachelor of Criminal Justice in 2021.

It was during her studies in Christchurch that she entered the Army Reserves (formerly the Territorials), which she says is like being in the army part-time.

“I was at university during the week, and I’d be a soldier during the weekend and get paid for it. It was a great part-time job to have as a student as it provided some balance to sitting behind a desk all week. It also gave me life skills and work experience that will be valuable in any organisation I choose to apply to.”

After graduating, Hannah began working full time for New Zealand Defence Force Recruiting. She was encouraged to join the Regular Force and go for Officer Selection.

Where Army Reserves is a part-time job, the Regular Force is a full-time role in the army. Officers are like the managers of the soldiers, explains Hannah. They manage and lead them both in a camp and field environment. Officer Selection is a week-long job interview where candidates are assessed in a range of different scenarios to determine whether they’re fit to undergo officer training.

“For Officer Selection, we were first assessed through a series of tests and interviews. Those who passed this screening then travelled to Trentham Military Camp in Wellington for five days and were assessed by a panel of senior officers. We were put through different tasks and activities all while being watched and assessed. The idea is that

NZ Army officer cadet Hannah Brady with her father who is an ex-officer.

they get to see you for who you are in all these different situations.”

While most of the officer cadet cohort complete their 18-month Commissioning Course at the Waiouru Training Facility, some are sent to Singapore, and Hannah has been offered one of two positions at The Royal Military College of Duntroon, Canberra. She’ll start her officer training there in January 2023.

When she graduates from officer training, Hannah will be a Second Lieutenant working in a management position in charge of at least 30 soldiers. There will be opportunities for further training throughout her career in a specialist field (combat, engineering, intelligence, communications or logistics) and varied appointments as she climbs the rank structure.

Officers carry out many important tasks, including leading troops on deployment, instructing them during training exercises, operating and maintaining army equipment, helping in search and rescue operations, including disaster relief efforts here and abroad, budgeting and managing resources, and conducting operational and strategic planning.

Army officers need to be disciplined, organised and confident, as well as physically fit, healthy and strong. The role requires problem-solving and decision-making and the ability to lead and manage people. Officers must be careful, accurate and efficient and work well under pressure. And, of course, they need to be able to communicate well.

Women currently comprise around 15% of the NZ Army and 19% of the Regular Force (which includes the Navy, Army and Air Force), but the NZDF has been working hard to attract more female recruits.

“While there are some trades (areas of specialisation) that are still male dominated, the Defence Forces overall is much more equal for both men and women than it used to be,” says Hannah. “Women aren’t disadvantaged or given less opportunity than men, and the importance of having women in the military has been recognised. There are specific programmes for female school

students in Years 12 or 13 to experience the military and the different trades available. There are also programmes within the military to encourage equality and fair treatment, and support is always available for anyone who may need it.”

Hannah hopes to be one of the few female officers in a combat corps and

she wants to help break down the stigma that the army is a job for men. There are also future opportunities for her for deployments and United Nations postings.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered this opportunity and am excited to see where the role takes me.”

BECOMING AN OFFICER CADET IN THE NZ ARMY

Entry requirements for basic officer training:

• Be at least 17.5 years old

• No criminal convictions

• Minimum of NCEA Level 2 with 12 credits in English

• Current, clean driver’s licence

• Medically and physically fit

• New Zealand citizen or New Zealand residence visa holder.

You must also:

• pass aptitude and fitness tests

• attend a formal interview for your selected trade

• pass a selection board held over a week at Trentham Military Camp.

www.defencecareers.mil.nz

Hannah and her brother in the Army Reserves.

ALUMNAE NEWS

MOVEMENTS ON THE COMMITTEE

We’ve had a few changes recently to the Diocesan School Alumnae Association Committee. A heartfelt thanks to the women who have generously given their time, skills and energy over many years, and a warm welcome to the new committee members who are taking up the mantle.

Farewell to our outgoing members

After seven years on the Old Girls’ League Committee as secretary and Graduation Ball organiser, Tania Fairgray (Railley, 1987) is moving on as her daughter, Ella, finishes Year 13 this year. Tania says she’s thoroughly enjoyed serving on the committee and giving back to Dio while working with a great bunch of friends.

Over the last 10 years, Emma Cleary (Dillon, 1990) has served on the committee in the roles of vice president, fellowship secretary, Dio Cares

coordinator, Graduation Ball organiser and Women2Watch committee member. During that time, she’s enjoyed working with four presidents and many amazing committee members. “I’ve loved giving back to the Dio community – from helping with movie nights and golf days to sorting second-hand uniforms and working on the Dio House Tours.”

Annabel French (Smaill, 1988) has dedicated six years to the Old Girls’ League Committee. She’s been particularly involved in running the Senior Old Girls’ Morning Tea and developing the events of Founders’ Day. With her daughter about to leave Dio, Annabel feels it’s time to give other alumnae the opportunity to be part of a wonderful and worthy committee. “Time on the OGL Committee has been a fabulous way of staying connected to Dio while giving back to the School in a very productive and satisfying way,” she says.

Meet some of our new members

Sheryl Tan joined the committee at a time when COVID restrictions meant alumnae events were severely curtailed. A neuroscientist and research fellow,

VIENNA: BEHIND THE FAÇADES – A PERSONAL JOURNEY

By Jennifer Haworth (Wily, PY 1960)

Vienna: Behind the façades – A personal journey is the story of Jenny Haworth’s lifelong love affair with Vienna – its art, music and history. It’s the result of many visits to Vienna dating back to the 1970s when Jenny spent a month studying at the University of Vienna as part of a summer language course.

This personal memoir reveals the secrets of a city that once considered itself the centre of the world. It celebrates Vienna’s beauty, culture and grandeur, and also explores some shameful aspects of the city’s past and its influential role on the world stage. Much more than a travel guide or a history book, it reveals how the city emerged over the centuries and became the seedbed for some the best

and worst ideologies and freedoms of the 20th century.

Historian and Dio alumna Jennifer Haworth began her writing career as a travel writer. For more than 20 years she travelled the world writing for leading New Zealand and international newspapers and magazines. She’s the published author of eight books on history and travel and has written three novels.

Among her works, Jenny was commissioned to complete three studies on the history of the fishing industry. She also wrote Road’s the Mode: The story of New Zealand’s road transport industry, and Behind the Twisted Wire and The Art of War about New Zealand’s

she’s now looking forward to getting stuck in and making herself useful. “I’m interested in creating mentoring opportunities for alumnae who have recently left Dio; in particular, in the space of career mentoring wherever their profession/industry lies.”

Damaya Pasupati (Rasanathan, 1989) is excited about her new role as Grad Ball organiser. Her daughter, Saranee, is currently in Year 12 and Damaya joined the committee to extend her 13-year association as a Dio parent and continue her connection with Dio. She is clinical director of the Emergency Department at Starship Children’s Hospital and enjoys interior design and keeping fit with boxing classes and tennis.

Margaret Timms (Webster, 2003) attended Dio for seven years, five of them as a boarder at Innes House. Her eldest daughter, Harriet, is in Year 1 and her youngest, Matilda, will join the Foundation Class in a couple of years. Margaret says she loved her time at Dio, especially playing sport. She’s delighted her daughters can also attend and she’s enjoying being involved with the school community again.

commissioned war artists in WWI and WWII respectively. Her most recent published work, Forgotten Philanthropist, is a biography of Robert McDougall who donated the Robert McDougall Art Gallery to Christchurch in 1932.

LOCAL BODY ELECTION SUCCESSES

Congratulations to Dio alumna Desley Simpson on being reelected as Ora¯kei Ward Councillor and appointed as deputy mayor of Auckland and to Diocesan Alumnae Association President Penny Tucker on being elected to the Ora¯kei Local Board.

VACANCY: Diocesan School Alumnae Association committee secretary

Are you interested in giving back to the Diocesan School Alumnae Association?

We’re looking for a dedicated, energetic and organised Old Girl for the role of committee secretary, commencing February 2023. This is a paid role (hourly rate) that takes approximately four hours per

Alumnae Association Committee meeting (there are generally six), plus the AGM in November. The committee secretary is also a member of the Association Executive Committee. To discuss this role or learn more, please contact Association President Penny Tucker: pennydtucker@gmail.com or 021 256 0454.

ALUMNAE REUNIONS

In late September, Principal Heather McRae, Director of Development Angela Coe, and Development and Community Relations Manager Kate Eatts hosted three incredible Dio reunions around New Zealand. They took place in Wellington on Tuesday 20 September, Dunedin on 21 September, and Christchurch on 22 September. Alumnae of all ages attended and enjoyed each event. Here’s some of their feedback:

“Thank you so much for the wonderful event! It really highlighted how connected the Dio family remains even after leaving school, and it’s something I am incredibly appreciative of when living in a city away from home.”

“It was amazing how everyone is so connected, even those who are 20 or more years out of Dio. It’s so cool to be a part of a wonderful community like ours.”

“A very big thank you for organising the event last night – I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a bunch of new people. It is a super thing that you are doing.”

Thanks to everyone who attended the reunions. We encourage you to stay in touch with us via our Staying Connected form to ensure you hear of upcoming Dio reunions in New Zealand and abroad.

Christchurch reunion group

Dunedin reunion group

Wellington reunion group

TO A CHAMPION OF GIRLS’ EDUCATION Farewell

Diocesan alumnae aged 40 to 70 will no doubt remember Annette Johnson who taught geography, social studies and history from 1967 to 1997. She also served as Senior Mistress and Head of Humanities and volunteered her time in the School Archive. We sadly acknowledge Annette’s death at the age of 83 on 30 June 2022. Here is an abridged version of the eulogy Diocesan Archivist Evan Lewis gave at her funeral.

In 1975 she had learnt the tortuous business of timetabling and, during her many years as Senior Mistress, she would lock herself away for days at the end of each year, planning the next year’s timetable. Despite the perennial difficulties with both staffing and the availability of classrooms, she would do her best to accommodate the oftenconflicting requirements of as many students as possible.

Notwithstanding a sabbatical year in 1978, Annette continued as Senior Mistress from 1976 until 1988 when Miss Jones appointed Gail Thomson as a second deputy principal and abolished the Senior Mistress role. From 1989 until 1997 Annette was Head of Geography and eventually Head of Humanities.

delighted! But throughout her career, she took just as much pleasure from a class of lesser ability working and passing their exams by sheer perseverance.

In Spring 2004, Annette visited Centennial House and was introduced to the School Archivist. We quickly struck up a rapport, and I was very surprised when she responded with positive interest in my invitation to join the Archive volunteers. Thus began 17 years of Tuesday visits to the Archive.

In her first four years in the Archive, Annette was delighted to be working with former colleague, retired principal and head of geography Beverley Williamson. Together they sorted out hundreds of photographs.

Annette began work at Diocesan at the start of 1967 and found herself very much at home here. She demonstrated her ability from the outset. Her students’ results were so good that first year, that Headmistress Miss Roberton phoned her with joyful congratulations and the news that Annette would have a permanent room in the coming year.

In 1976 Headmistress Dawn Jones appointed her to the position of Senior Mistress – effectively making her third in the school hierarchy. In this role, Annette was involved in much of the day-today organisation of school life. She was responsible for running exams, organising prize giving, taking assemblies and shorter daily chapel services, as well as handling student issues.

Old Girls usually agree that Annette could be formidable and was not a teacher to trifle with. PE teacher Jenny Lloyd once remarked that she loved it when her PE class had Mrs Johnson next. There was no loitering in the changing rooms as Annette expected her girls to be on time and latecomers to class could expect a rather chilly reception.

However, girls who took senior geography often discovered Annette’s gentler side – her endless interest in the world, her genuine care for her students, the warmth of her personality and the sparkle of her sense of humour.

At the beginning of 1997 she asked her seventh formers to join her in making her final teaching year a really good one. The girls rose to the occasion and won nine geography scholarships. Annette was

After Beverley’s death in 2008, Annette continued to help in all sorts of ways –keen to contribute and bring her wealth of institutional memory to so much of our work in the Archive, providing she wasn’t off overseas exploring the world.

In the context of her archival work, Annette had the pleasure of meeting many former colleagues and past pupils. She’d often go home to look up any chance-met Old Girls in her old mark books and usually come back the next week to say: “Oh yes – she did all right.”

I will forever be thankful for Annette’s generous heart, her unique mix of common sense, ruthless efficiency and good humour, for the breadth of her general knowledge, for much laughter, and for 17 years of collegiality and service (on top of her 31 years of teaching!)

Births

Georgina Brebner (Gaisford) – daughters Paige in 2011 and Aiya in 2015, and sons Archie in 2014 and Cooper in 2018

Debbie Lyons (Foulkes) – a daughter, Charlotte, on 14 April 2003

Ashley Ropati – a son, Bobby, on 2 January 2021

April Sze Mun Kwong – a son, Austin, on 26 June 2011

Engagements

Dr Rebecca Brimble to Dr Aakash Rajay in January 2022

Victoria Henderson to Curtis Eward on 22 January 2022

Marriages

Debbie Foulkes to Tony Lyons on 2 May 2002

Ashley Ropati to Nicholas Blumsky-Gibbs on 21 July 2018

April Sze Mun Kwong to Choi Kuong Chung on 6 December 2009

Achievements

Dr Rebecca Brimble gained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Auckland in 2021.

Andrea Dawber gained a BA in history and art history, a Post-graduate Diploma in art history, an MA in history, and a Post-graduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching.

Shanell Le Loux (Gregory) gained an MBA from Hult International Business School in August 2022.

Ella Poole-Crowe graduated with a BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) from Massey University in December 2021

Ashely Ropati gained a Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Auckland, and a Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism, Publishing and New Media from the University of Technology, Sydney in 2013.

April Sze Mun Kwong, 1992 dux of Dio, graduated from the University of

MILESTONES

Auckland with a BCom/LLB in 1997 and was admitted as a solicitor and barrister of the High Court of New Zealand in 1998. In 2001, she was admitted as a solicitor of Hong Kong.

Deaths

Betty Bennett (Hobbs, PY 1948) on 6 July 2022

Rosemary Blackbourn (Marshall, PY 1957) on 18 August 2022

Katharine Bowden (Thomson, PY 1946) on 1 June 2022

Margaret Braun (Hart, PY 1951) on 13 June 2022

Erica Eady (PY 1961) on 31 October 2022

Inez Flavell (Speechlay, PY 1949) on 3 June 2022

Jennifer Gould (Cowell, PY 1960) on May 2022

Annette Johnson (Associate Old Girl) on 30 June 2022

Pamela Johnston (PY 1947) on 8 August 2022

Mary Keenan (Macduff, PY 1951) on 6 July 2022

Patricia (Mollie) Kershaw (Cooper, PY 1943) on 4 August 2022 in her 97th year

Noeleen Palmer (Rimmer, PY 1956) on 30 October 2022

Marianne Pepper (Strickett, PY 1959) on 24 July 2022

Helen Prothero (McDowell, PY 1951) on 19 August 2022

Hilary Reid (Rodwell, PY 1946) on 25 June 2022

Marie Shann (Alchin, PY 1939) on 16 June 2022 in her 102nd year

Glenn Shaw (Rogerson, PY 1949) on 16 June 2022

Hilary Smallfield (MacCormick, PY 1942) on 16 July 2022 in her 98th year

Mary Tofield (Pattinson, PY 1958) on 14 September 2022

Anna Wilson (Jones, PY 1986) on 20 May 2022

Lilian Wright (PY 1951) on 22 September 2022

We acknowledge the recent death of Hilary Reid (Rodwell, PY 1946). Hilary was a keen supporter of the School and a proud member of the Diocesan Old Girls’ League, often attending the Chapel Festival service, the Senior Old Girls’ Morning Tea and Founders’ Day. Hilary is especially remembered as a founding trustee of the Doris Innes House Trust. Over many years she made a significant contribution to the re-establishment of boarding at Dio and gave much of her time ensuring the girls at Innes House were well cared for. For many years Hilary was one of a faithful band of Old Girls who volunteered every week in the School Archive. Hilary’s daughter Catherine Cooke (Reid) and granddaughters Diana Stirling (Cooke) and Amanda Cooke also attended Diocesan. Her three great-granddaughters will attend in the future.

We also mark the passing of Noeleen Palmer (Rimmer, PY 1956). Noeleen was a much-admired member of the Diocesan Old Girls’ League and a founding trustee of the Doris Innes House Trust. Noeleen’s contribution to Innes House and her wonderful support of the boarders was legendary. She would pick up wherever she could help, and her aqua Mercedes was often seen parked outside. Noeleen would be doing the garden, acting as matron and nurse to those feeling unwell, and always arrived with fresh baking for the girls. She was loved by them all. Noeleen was thrilled to have her daughter Michelle Adams (Palmer) and granddaughters Briar Adams and Maddie Palmer continue the family tradition of attending Diocesan.

Note: PY is short for ‘Peer Year’ and indicates the year an Old Girl would have been in Form 7 (Year 13) had she continued her schooling at Dio through until the end.

As always, if you have any milestones to share – births, engagements, marriages, achievements or deaths – please contact Kate Eatts at the Development Office: keatts@diocesan.school.nz or use the online Stay Connected form in the latest Diocesan Alumnae Association email.