Message from the President; Events

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. 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. 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

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.

Dave Burridge (1981)

Old Collegians’ Cricket Each year the Valley of Peace Cricket Club hosts Old Collegians’ cricket matches with Christchurch Boys’ High School, St Bede’s College, Christ's College, and St Andrew’s College playing each other alternatively. In this year’s match, StAC Old Collegians dismissed Christ’s College for 150, and after lunch were dismissed just short of the total in a closely fought encounter. Both teams retired to an after match function enjoyed in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. Next year StAC will play CBHS Old Boys. Any Old Cols interested in playing, coming along in support, joining the team for refreshments, or a mixture of all three, are welcome.

Tom Byrne (1997), Duncan Bridgman (2013), Ben Cartwright (1996), Alex Leighton (2010), Elliot Darling (2013), George Mauger (2013), Phil Smith (1971), Cameron Darby (2010), Sandy MacLeod (1999), Jesse Tritschler (1999), Cameron Pickering (1997).

Bowls Bowlers from Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, St Margaret’s College, Christ’s College and St Andrew’s College competed for the Noelene McIlroy Bowling Challenge Salver. This year’s team of Wal Scott (1959), Rob Mulholland (1975), Pete Smith (1968) and Geoff Clements (1965) tried hard to make it back-to-back wins for St Andrew’s. Unfortunately the day didn’t go quite their way, although the team did manage to take out the Best Dressed competition.

Class of 1956–1960.

60 Years On It was special for St Andrew’s to welcome back a great turnout of the Class of 1956–1960 for their 60 Years On reunion, with organisers Don Maginness and John Rainey putting together a fantastic programme of events over the weekend. The Old Collegians were honoured as special guests at the Founders’ Day Assembly, enjoyed lunch with the boarders, watched the Highland Games, and most importantly caught up with old friends. Many in attendance were third or fourth generation families, with some having grandchildren currently at the College. During a tour of the College, the attendees spotted a marriage registry and several were able to find details of their weddings, which were held in the original Memorial Chapel. The Strowan dining room was filled with laughter as lots of fond memories and funny tales were shared during the traditional reunion dinner held on the Saturday evening. Given the pride shown by the attendees when the Pipe Band played, and the smiles and laughter shared over the memorable weekend, the class of 1956–1960 was obviously very happy to be back at the College and reunited with their classmates.

Snappy dressers: Geoff Clements (1965), Wal Scott (1959), Pete Smith (1968) and Rob Mulholland (1975).

Chris Sheppard with grandson George Gray (Year 11).

Don Reid (1965)