Message from the President Recently I have had the privilege of representing Old Collegians at two focal College events. The first was the annual Founders’ Day celebrations, where our community celebrated 99 years of life at the College. It may have been a dress rehearsal for the Centenary, but it will take some beating given the spirit and success on display across the day. At the morning’s assembly we were treated to a firstrate address by Mikae Tuu’u (OC 2003). Mikae spoke of his connection to the place, not as a new teacher but as an Old Collegian, regaling us with his memories of life as a student and laying down a challenge to current students to ‘not miss the boat’ by taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities that are presented at the College.
Events
(Back row) Simon Goss (2006), Fletcher Edmond (currently Year 12), Michal Matson (2015), Lawrence Darling (2015). (Front row) Dave Burridge (1981), Will Jones (2004), Adam Brand (2007) and John Robinson (1983).
Janet Storrey Tennis Tournament A great mix of players, from recent leavers to Old Collegians from the 1980s made up the St Andrew’s team that competed in the annual Janet Storrey Tennis Tournament against St Margaret’s College, Christ’s College, and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School on 10 February. The team comprising Simon Goss (2006), Fletcher Edmond (currently Year 12), Michal Matson (2015), Lawrence Darling (2015), Dave Burridge (1981), Will Jones (2004), Adam Brand (2007) and John Robinson (1983) played well, dropping just three sets, but it wasn’t quite enough to better Rangi Ruru, who took out the tournament.
We were also fortunate to have with us two illustrious Old Collegians, Gordon Ogilvie (1951) and Graham Dowling (1954). Gordon is widely known for his longstanding service as a teacher at the College and as the writer of the renowned High Flies the Cross, the seminal record of the College’s history. We were also able to honour Graham as one of our highest-achieving Old Collegians, which include his exploits as a member of the New Zealand cricket team for many seasons (including a number as captain). The second notable event was the official opening of the College’s impressive new Gym 2 and the Askin Pipe Band Centre. Sporting life at the College and the Pipe Band are two things held dear by many of our members, and I encourage Old Collegians to pay a visit to the Centenary Sports Wall that graces the new gymnasium. The wall honours Old Collegians and staff members who have achieved in sport to the highest level, as well as displaying a selection of College sports teams from across the generations.
Dave Burridge (1981)
Former Rector, Barry Maister, officially opened the new Gym 2. Those of us who attended the College during Barry’s era will recall his strong leadership, his commitment to sport and his powerful oratory skills. All of these were on display, with Barry giving an inspiring talk on the difference between being a winner and being a champion. His message to those gathered that we should continually strive to be champions, not just winners, in all endeavours resonates strongly as we enter the 100th year of life at the College. Nick Letham (2001) President
Michal Matson (2015)
