ADVERTISING
Judy.Watt@stcuthberts.school.nz
OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION
Kate Bacchus PresidentOGA@stcuthberts.school.nz
PARENTS & FRIENDS
parents.friends@stcuthberts.school.nz
PHOTOS
BWMedia photography
St Cuthbert’s Advancement Office
ADVANCEMENT TEAM advancement@stcuthberts.school.nz
EDITOR
Lucy Clark
DESIGN
Janice O’Kane
Contributions by St Cuthbert's Advancement Team
If you have an idea for a story, write to us at communications@stcuthberts.school.nz
We hear from our new Principal, Charlotte Avery, celebrate our wonderful community events, and hear about some of our inspirational Old Girls.
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03 — A message from our Head Girls
04 — Empowering Young Women, from our Principal Charlotte Avery
06 — Our new Service Values
08 — Service in Action
10 — Meet Kate Bacchus, our Old Girl President
11 — Lucy Hinton, Violet Wood Adanced Studies Grant Award
12 — Our Fundraising Initiatives
14 — A Gift of Legacy
16 — Our Junior School Difference
18 — Pō fiafia and Cultural Night
20 — Dads' Dinner
21 — Mother and Daughter Breakfast
22 — Alumni and Old Girls Events
26 — Lunar New Year Event
27 — Mooncake Festival
28 — Grandparents' Day
29 — Junior School Disco 30 — Athletic Sports
31 — Cross Country
32 — Riding the Wave of Success (Water Polo)
34 — Our Year in Music
36 — Visual Arts
38 — Visual Arts Inspiration in Paris and Venice
40 — From the Classroom to the Champs Elysées
41 — Commerce in Action: USA, April 2024
42 — Lockdown to Leadership – Noor Randhawa
43 — Amy Qian: Ivy League Inspiration
44 — The importance of Oracy
46 — Our Teachers on Fatherhood
As we reflect on our time this year as Head Girls, we are filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities we've had to serve our school community. From the very first day of the school year, our collective vision has been clear – to develop school spirit and foster a greater sense of unity and identity amongst the student body.
This vision has guided us throughout the year as we've rolled out a diverse array of initiatives and events. We started the year by greeting our fellow students with warm welcome signs, lollies, and bubbles, setting a tone of positivity for the first day of school! Our fundraising efforts, including a Pink Ribbon Bake Sale that raised $1,200 for the Breast Cancer Foundation and a Sausage Sizzle that brought in $800 for Communities Feeding Communities, have also allowed us to make a tangible difference.
We were also honoured to host a luncheon bringing together Head Prefects from 15 schools across Auckland, fostering connections and idea-sharing.
As we've undertaken these initiatives, we've learned invaluable lessons about the power of teamwork, and how everybody plays a different part to help make our visions come to life. We've also discovered the vital role that trust and communication play in effective leadership.
Our team has brought a wealth of individual strengths to the table - from organisation and attention to detail to infectious positivity and innovative thinking. As a group, we have all been able to contribute our unique passions and perspectives.
The support and role models we have at St Cuthbert's have been instrumental in our growth as leaders. Our Principals and Deans have demonstrated the power of compassion and trust, while past Head Girls have set an inspiring example. The more initiatives that we have carried out successfully as a team, the more confident we have become in our abilities to set goals and achieve them.
Jaime Lock (Head Boarder), Grace McGregor-Macdonald (Deputy Head Girl), Anita Iese (Head Girl), Luci Hollister (Deputy Head Girl), Jifei Shao (Deputy Head Girl)
One of our most meaningful projects was the Gratitude Tree we created on International Women's Day. Seeing students fill the branches with heartfelt messages of appreciation for the important women in their lives was a profoundly moving experience. We've also relished the opportunity to share "Last Words" in school assemblies, where prefects have spoken about what is special, memorable, or important to them.
Beyond these events, we've worked to shine a brighter spotlight on student achievements and daily life through our "Talking Tartans" Instagram account.
Throughout it all, we've been guided by the desire to be the kind of leaders and role models that our younger selves would look up to with admiration. This ethos has been especially meaningful in our interactions with the Junior School, as we strive to uplift and empower the next generation of St Cuthbert's girls.
As we prepare to pass the baton to our successors, we do so with immense pride in what we've accomplished, and boundless optimism for the future. The journey has been transformative, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our school community.
— Anita, Jaime, Grace, Luci and Jifei
By Charlotte Avery, Principal
It's been several weeks since I arrived at St Cuthbert's College, and I continue to be delighted by the warmth and vibrancy of our remarkable community. As your new Principal, I'm thrilled to be part of this prestigious all-girls school that has captured my heart.
Over these initial weeks, I've had the pleasure of connecting with your brilliant daughters, our talented staff, outstanding alumnae, and many of you - our dedicated parents. The depth and diversity of our community has impressed me. I'm committed to further fostering these connections, as I believe that when a student joins St Cuthbert's, it's for life, and her family is a treasured part of our community too.
I want to thank you for entrusting your daughters' education to St Cuthbert's. Your choice continues to be an excellent
one. I've encountered some remarkable and spirited young women and teachers here at St Cuthbert's.
Our all-girls environment offers unique advantages that I'm sure you've witnessed. Your daughters are diving into all sorts of subjects, co-curriculars and leadership roles, without hesitation. They're exploring a wide range of subjects, including those in the STEM fields, free from societal stereotypes. This setting fosters a special kind of confidence, empowering our girls to challenge themselves and make their voices heard.
The College's ethos of service, encapsulated in our motto "By Love Serve," deeply resonates with me. I've seen how this principle guides daily life here, shaping your daughters into young women ready to make a positive impact on the world. One of my first and most exciting initiatives has
been collaborating with our students and staff to develop a new set of values based on the SERVICE acronym. As you may have seen in our recent communications, these values are designed to reinforce and expand upon our longstanding motto, "By Love Serve." We are thrilled to begin embedding these principles into every aspect of college life, ensuring they guide our actions and decisions moving forward. These values not only honour our rich heritage but also provide a clear, memorable framework for the qualities we aim to instil in every St Cuthbert's student. We look forward to seeing how these values will shape our community and empower our young women to make a positive impact in the world.
As we navigate the challenges of modern education and parenting together, I want to assure you of our unwavering support.
We are experts in girls' development, and we're here to walk alongside you from Year 0 to Year 13 and beyond. Your insights and partnership are invaluable in this journey.
As I embark on this new chapter at St Cuthbert's College, I'm filled with enthusiasm for the future we'll build together. We'll continue to evolve our programmes to meet the changing needs of your daughters and the world they'll enter after graduation. We're not just preparing them for the jobs of today, but for careers that may not even exist yet.
I'm not just leading this esteemed institution – I'm becoming an integral part of its cherished community, just as you and your daughters are.
Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in St Cuthbert's. I look forward to our continued collaboration in nurturing and empowering the remarkable young women in our care.
We are proud to have introduced our new SERVICE values this year - a framework that encapsulates the spirit of St Cuthbert's and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Spirit
We have confidence and pride in who we are and know that we are connected to something greater than ourselves.
Excellence
We strive for our personal best for the greater good.
We are strong in character and adaptable when approaching new challenges.
Valour
We exemplify authenticity, courage and perseverance in matching our beliefs with action.
We embody honesty and respect in our learning, communities and environment.
We harness our diversity and unique perspectives, recognise the power of teamwork and strive for shared goals.
We care for one another, with kindness, compassion and humility.
Our values are intrinsically woven into our ethos of service, and will support our students to live 'By Love Serve' in their daily lives and future endeavors.
At St Cuthbert’s, our SERVICE values are more than just words. They are experiences, woven into the fabric of daily life at the College. From the classroom to the sports field, from community service projects to global initiatives, our SERVICE values will guide our students in their journey to become confident, passionate, and capable young women. These values will equip our students with the tools to make a positive impact wherever their paths may take them. Active service allows students to experience the joy of giving, gain a sense of belonging, and boosts their wellbeing. Here are just a few examples of how our students have been giving back to our wider community.
Throughout the year, our Senior School Tutor Groups have been undertaking weekly service trips to connect with our wider community and demonstrating true ‘By Love Serve’.
Here are some of the ways our students have been involved:
1. Working at Communities Feeding Communities (CFC) in their Foodbank and community gardens, including tending to our very own “St Cuth's Garden” vegetable beds at CFC which the students have planted, weeded and watered over the course of the year. The vegetables are then donated directly to the CFC Foodbank.
2. Assisting with the literacy programme at New Windsor School with weekly trips to read with their students. This is providing both schools with a unique learning experience as our students collaborate to build confidence and show empathy.
3. Visiting residents at Elizabeth Knox Home to provide companionship, go on walks and entertain them with dance and musical performances.
4. Planting trees on Mt Hobson for the Maunga Authority.
5. Packing pencil cases for School Start, First Impressions, a small Auckland based charity which provides school bags and supplies to families living in material hardship to ensure every child has the supplies they need to start school.
6. Packing hygiene bags for our College’s own Girls in Need initiative.
Our Junior School students are also showing Service in Action in a variety of ways including a tree planting day at Brookby to restore areas around the Papakura Stream and visits to Elizabeth Knox Home to chat to and sing for the residents.
2024 is the first year of our St Cuthbert’s Year 11 Diploma. As part of the Diploma, all Year 11 students are required to undertake 15 hours of community service which they must organise by themselves. So far this year, students have volunteered at local charities and events, such as the Cornwall Park ‘ParkRun’, Everybody Eats, knitting for premature babies, becoming a Red Cross Disaster Welfare Support Team member, coaching a variety of sports teams and preparing meals for the P&F Food from the Heart Initiative. In Term 4 all the Year 11 students will be participating in external service days where they will work in high equity index schools in South and West Auckland or at Communities Feeding Communities.
We have continued to hold our termly Foodbank collections for Communities Feeding Communities. In Terms 1 and 2, our College community generously donated nearly 4,000 items of food to the Foodbank. Communities Feeding Communities greatly appreciates the College’s support as an increasing number of families are suffering from food scarcity. With the rising cost of living throughout 2024, families are regularly having to choose between clothing their children, heating their houses and providing food for their families.
In Term 2, the College’s Blankets on Beds Collection saw the College community donate nearly 500 blankets to De Paul House, an emergency and transitional housing charity. Our donations are truly making a meaningful and real difference in the lives of so many families.
Kate Bacchus (née Kate Kennedy-Grant), 1992, lights up when she reflects on her time at St Cuthbert’s and how much the school means to her.
“St Cuthbert’s has played such a huge role in defining who I am,” says Kate.
“Many of my trusted friends are Old Girls, and the OGA bonds shared by other alumni are testament to how strong the sense of community is.”
This insight and genuine passion for our school is why Kate is such a great fit as OGA President, backed by her impressive skill set.
Kate boasts an extensive corporate HR management, facilitation, and coaching career, assisting individuals and businesses across many sectors, and leading her own consultancy, HR Butter.
With relationship management and effective communication as her bread and butter, we’re ecstatic to welcome her onboard.
Cultivating connections
Kate’s strategic plans, backed by an enthusiastic committee, are broken down into three areas that are all about creating meaningful connections.
The first focus is linking current students to an inspiring and growing alumni network. This happens through events like the annual Careers Breakfast or the Graduation Ball,
We chat with Kate Bacchus about the dynamic ways the Old Girls’ Association (OGA) is harnessing social media, facilitating connections, and reshaping events to inspire deeper relationships across our St Cuthbert’s community.
where the Year 13’s are farewelled and welcomed into the Old Girl community, or when the OGA connects Old Girls with communications or business students for interviews and case studies.
Secondly, the team aims to grow allimportant Old Girl to Old Girl networks – the powerful links between former students.
“This means broadening connections on social media platforms along with promoting and managing face-to-face events, like reunions held around the globe and on-site at school,” says Kate.
“Research shows that females are generally not as strong when it comes to networking or promoting themselves,” says Kate. “I want to encourage more Old Girls to lean into this and push that ‘connect’ button – virtually and in real life!”
Kate is also scoping a virtual mentoring programme spanning all ages and countries, giving recent Old Girls the ability to connect with older, experienced alumni with plenty of life lessons under their belt.
“We’re also opening up the ‘Club 50’ to a wider network, with the view to have as many of the ‘Club 50’ Old Girls who’d like to reconnect and reminisce annually over morning tea.”
Kate loves being involved with the Making Your Mark Awards, which were revamped in 2023. “We celebrate our accomplished
Please keep in touch by updating your details
Old Girls at this event and also start to build long-term connections between age groups.”
Thirdly, the OGA team manages fundraising activity, allocating funds and awarding a number of celebrated scholarships: the Kathleen Goulding Scholarship (awarded to a Year 9 student who shows all-round passion and ability), and the Senior Academy Scholarship. There is also the annual Violet Wood Advanced Studies Grant, awarding continued learning and community impact – the amazing women bringing ‘By Love Serve’ to life.
These scholarships total an impressive $150,000 (approx.) annually.
“One of my favourite days of the year is attending scholarship interviews, meeting these incredible nominees and knowing that the OGA is making such a positive difference.”
In her short tenure so far, Kate and the OGA have grown numbers across their social media channels, essential tools for connecting Old Girls in all corners of the world.
The team often gets queries from women who have recently relocated and are keen to meet up with local Old Girls. “It’s not transactional, but is an authentic way for women to support each other across all aspects of life” says Kate.
We’d love to keep you in the loop about our OGA events, networking opportunities and news, but we need your current contact details to do that. If you're an Old Girl or know any, please encourage them to update their information. It's easy! We also enjoy hearing about what you’re up to. Email alumni@stcuthberts.school.nz
Lucy Hinton's embodiment of ‘By Love Serve’ helped to award her the prestigious Violet Wood Advanced Studies Grant this year.
Lucy Hinton has made remarkable strides in her medical career since graduating from St Cuthbert’s College in 2007. Her surgical skills and future career plans are embedded in an ethos of great care, serving not only her patients but also her wider community.
This is why the Old Girls' Association honoured her with their annual Violet Wood Advanced Studies Grant of $6,000 for postgraduate study, an accolade celebrating and assisting Old Girls who have significantly contributed to their community.
Lucy chats to us from her living room in the US, as she balances intensive study and parenting, alongside her husband who is a radiologist.
Hard work, empathy, and many hospital hours
This might start to sum up Lucy’s career since completing a medical degree at the University of Otago, where she fondly recalls a six-year period studying in the deep South.
“The first year is very competitive and can be stressful, but once that hurdle is over, there’s an incredible culture of learning and support there. It’s intensive but so much fun,” she says.
With an esteemed medical degree under her belt, Lucy headed to Tauranga, following her now-husband, who was a year ahead of her at medical school.
“Living in a smaller town surprised me in a good way! I learned just as much there as I would have in a large city hospital environment” she says.
Her experiences in both Tauranga and New Plymouth Hospitals were pivotal, offering diverse clinical exposure and a close-knit
medical community. It was also where she studied anaesthesiology, initially the area she planned to specialise in.
But while she enjoyed the experience, she realised her passion was in general surgery. “I learned that I prefer to follow a patient through a wider health and recovery timeframe, not just during the operation as an anaesthetist might do,” she says.
In 2019, Lucy was thrilled to join the highly competitive General Surgical Training Scheme, embarking on a four-year journey that included rigorous exams, multiple relocations across New Zealand hospitals and many clinical hours.
“In a nutshell, I worked in emergency and non-emergency general surgery and also cancer and non-cancer abdominal surgery. General surgery is great as you can move into areas such as endocrine, bowel, upper intestinal, and breast surgery” she explains.
The couple's moves across New Zealand provided memorable experiences and opportunities to build strong professional bonds.
“In medicine, you’ll find smart people with similar mindsets and interests who can empathise with the long hours and challenges. It was fantastic to build these networks,” Lucy notes.
The young couple soon added a daughter to the mix, which naturally made things even more hectic for the two aspiring specialists.
A move to the USA
In a significant career and family milestone, Lucy’s husband completed his fellowship in New York at one of the world’s top cancer treatment hospitals.
This relocation fitted in well with her own study and maternity leave with her second baby, and has also opened doors for opportunities in the US.
Lucy has been selected for a prestigious year-long fellowship in North Carolina, seeing her working with leaders in the field, acquiring unique surgical techniques, and participating in cuttingedge research.
After this, she also plans to complete further training in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery.
“We all know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. To be able to make a difference in this field of medicine is my dream” she says.
Commitment to NZ communities
Lucy plans to return to New Zealand in 2029, bringing these pioneering skills and new surgical techniques to public hospitals here.
Lucy’s passion for medicine is deeply rooted in her love for science but also the human aspect of her work.
“I’ve loved science since school but I also love what I do because of the people and the fact it can change lives” she says.
An advocate for more women in medicine, Lucy highlights the importance of flexibility in the profession.
“Thankfully, these days, things are changing. Aspects like lifestyle and maternity or paternity leave are considered by professionals in medical councils, training and research facilities, and clinical managers. They understand how important it is to attract the right people and look after their well-being – and to support both men and women to have time off for children, or to take breaks for further study.”
“Surgery is extremely competitive – not everyone will make it. But working hard and doing your best is what it’s all about” says Lucy. “And of course, you must love what you do!”
An incredible $300,000 has been raised and now these education-enhancing
We are so grateful to the donations we’ve received from parents, past parents, Old Girls and staff which have allowed us to deliver these exciting new initiatives that will bring an immediate enhancement to St Cuthbert’s girls’ learning and lives.
We have purchased four Dino-Eye eyepiece cameras which turn our conventional microscopes into digital microscopes. This modernises our microscope suite and increases student engagement. We are easily able to replace the eyepiece of the non-digital microscope with the Dino-Eye eyepiece and connect it via USB to the student's computer and with the accompanying software students can capture an image or take a video recording, share it with their classmates and use it for their individual projects. They can even take calibrated measurements.
Two Zeiss Primostar 3 microscopes with digital cameras have also been added to our Science labs. We will be able to connect the microscopes via wifi in the classroom which will allow teachers and students the ability to measure their sample, annotate and document their results, share snapshots and record live video using their devices.
These microscopes will give our students an advantage as they will become familiar with the technology that is commonly used in Universities worldwide – in fact we believe we are the first school in the country to adopt these!
We are excited to be announcing the location of a new hub for Commerce and Enterprise projects in Term 4. This hub is being researched and developed by the Commerce Faculty who have visited inspirational workplaces such as Google Headquarters to ensure we will provide our students a new dedicated, collaborative space to work in, as well as sell their “side hustles” during lunch hours – encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit!
We are excited to be adding more Sphero robots to the Mathematics Faculty which will continue to transform the way Maths is experienced by our girls, bringing a fun, comprehensive approach to STEM and Mathematical science.
For those who recently experienced the sensational Girls Innovate 2024 event led by our Technology faculty you’ll know that the Digital Innovation Labs are very popular with our students. This year we are delighted that the Gifting Amazing Annual Fund has allowed the additional purchase of a Mindkits 3D FDM printer, as well as robotics competition equipment that will enable us to introduce First Lego League for Years 6 – 9. Plus, much to the delight of students studying Food Tech, a 3D chocolate printer is on its way!
The girls have never been more excited to see a digger than when one recently arrived onsite! Work has begun to update the existing Chapel Playground to accommodate new playground pieces the girls voted for including in-ground trampolines, refurbished swings and a fort with climbing equipment. We are mindful of the wonderful trees in the existing play area and are working around these to incorporate the new equipment, so girls get the benefit of nature’s finest, as well as the most modern play equipment. Opening early in Term 4, this new playground will provide students with a highquality environment in which they can develop physical, social and imaginative skills in their break times.
In 2023 we were proud to be able to enhance the existing staff scholarship programme to help two Junior School teachers attend a conference earlier this year. Teachers Victoria Mauala and Sally Chudzynski share here their appreciation for the support in part made possible thanks to the funds raised from the Gifting Amazing Annual Fund:
“The buzz from ISTELive 2024 in Denver has settled, but the learnings and connections we made are sure to inspire us as educators for months to come. This year's conference, held in June, brought together over 16,500 educators and edutech leaders from around the world.
ISTE is the International Society for Technology in Education and is highly regarded as the gold standard for edutech professional development and innovation. We feel very grateful to the Gifting Amazing Annual Fund that allowed us to experience this international extravaganza that will benefit our incredible Junior School.
Our focus was on exploring the latest advancements in technology and their potential to transform teaching and learning at St Cuthbert’s Junior School. We participated in a wide range of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to equip us with the knowledge and tools to create engaging and effective learning experiences for our girls.”
This year we shall support the Pōhutakawa Learning Centre staff through the scholarship programme.
We thank our community for their donations to the ‘Every Girl’ initiative which provides financial support for students to represent the College in sporting and other co-curricular activities that they might not otherwise be able to afford. This year the donations enabled vocal lessons for two of our talented Saints Alive singers, provided flexi boarding for a premier sports team member, supported the purchase of Kahunui incidental items for one student, and assisted two students to cover their Winter tournament sports costs.
A portion of the funds made to the Annual Fund are ‘paid forward’ to Communities Feeding Communities (CFC), a charity based in Mount Roskill who provide a supportive model for feeding people in need. The team at CFC store and distribute Foodbank items from our students and last year we donated shelving and refrigeration to assist their efforts. This year the CFC team has nominated a project important to their community – the establishment of a fresh herb garden which will be planted in the shape of our school crest. Our students will experience the garden firsthand during their service visits this year and into the future.
The days spent at school, the friendships that are forged and the learning and growth that happens in those early years leaves a lasting impression on an individual. We know that our alumni want to recognise the exceptional education that St Cuthbert’s has provided them, and a belief in continuing that legacy for generations to come.
How would you like to be remembered?
One of the joys in life is helping others. At St Cuthbert’s we call it By Love Serve, our school motto of over 100 years which is still ever-present and entwined within the St Cuthbert’s experience. We know many former students go on to lead lives in the service of others –whether that be for your family and loved ones, in a professional role, through volunteer work, or finding those little moments to help a stranger in need.
“By Love Serve is at the core of all of us, a motto that so many of us hold dear for the rest of our lives.”
By Love Serve is not unique to an individual, but it is unique to St Cuthbert’s and what we offer, which is delivering an exceptional and well-rounded education, to grow the next generation of leaders and change makers.
Leaving a gift in your Will is your opportunity to support young women to be the best version of themselves with the ability to do incredible things in the world. Making a gift to St Cuthbert’s
in your Will ensures we can continue delivering on the College’s strategic priorities. There remains much that can be done to improve educational outcomes for girls around the world. You may not know the person helped but the ripple effect of a life positively changed by education creates a better society that benefits us all.
“St Cuthbert’s College has benefitted from such legacy gifts in the past, with the generous help of former staff, parents and Old Girls who have left a provision in their Wills. One of our first gifts was from the Runciman family who in 1927 bequested for a heated swimming pool to be built for the students.”
There are also times when people wish to honour, celebrate, or memorialise the life of a member of their family or someone who has been important to them. A gift in a Will can be a wonderful way to remember a loved one.
Should you have any questions about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact our Advancement Team on 09 520 4159 or email development@stcuthberts.school.nz. The team would be happy to meet with you and understand how best we can honour your wishes.
If you have already chosen to include St Cuthbert’s in your Will, please consider letting us know so we can recognise your important contribution.
We recommend seeking legal advice when drafting a new Will or updating an existing one. There are several ways you can leave a gift to St Cuthbert’s College in your Will, and your lawyer can discuss these different options with you.
It all starts here. Our experience tells us that a happy and positive experience in the first few years of school lays down essential lifelong foundations.
In 2024, St Cuthbert’s College was ranked the top school in New Zealand based on its academic performance, extra-curricular and leadership opportunities, and access and diversity*. That success, along with our many scholarship-winning graduates and high-achieving alumnae, represent the culmination of the St Cuthbert’s journey.
But every successful journey starts with a well-chosen first step –and for our students, it all starts at St Cuthbert’s Junior School. “Our school provides a seamless education on a single campus, so you know your little girl is in safe hands from the very first day,” says Fe Tomich, Head of Junior School. “From the age of five, we help every girl grow her confidence and passion so she knows she can shine.”
Here at St Cuthbert’s Junior School, we are preparing girls for the future with remarkable teachers, academic support and programmes that recognise the potential of every student. As an independent school we have the freedom, resources and teaching talent to follow the science of learning, designing and innovating a curriculum that connects concepts, content and competencies to engage higher order thinking.
It begins with our smaller class sizes and highly committed teaching teams of classroom and specialist teachers with additional specialist or enrichment teachers and teaching assistants to ensure that our learners are supported and extended to achieve their personal best.
We are committed to maintaining our top academic performance, while also taking a holistic and future-focused approach to learning.
Our STEM programme, i-Explore is anchored in our curriculum learning. Each week, every Junior School student participates in the i-Explore programme. Specialist teachers from our Senior School collaborate with our Junior School team to provide rich learning experiences in Digital, Visual and Performing Arts that bring our Science, Technology and Social Sciences curriculum to life. Experiences include Robotics, Coding, Computational Thinking, Engineering, Problem-Solving, Modern Dance, Drama and Investigations.
We are part of a small elite group of NZ schools who are Apple Distinguished, enabling us to connect with other Apple Distinguished Schools globally, recognising our focus on innovation and learning with technology. Aligned with this, is our philosophy of using devices as tools to enhance experiential learning, not replace it.
We are proud of how well prepared our Junior School girls are for engaging with STEM subjects that may open their eyes to the fantastic opportunities available to them in these fields.
“A critical part of our approach to Digital Learning is ensuring that we are fostering innovative use, and girls who are creators, not consumers in the digital realm. We feel a huge responsibility to ensure our girls are navigating safely, and have a thorough digital citizenship programme,” says Fe.
Structured literacy – getting the basics right
After considerable research into the leading methods for teaching reading, the Government is introducing ‘structured literacy’ to all state schools from the start of 2025.
“Domestic and international evidence shows this method is the most effective way of equipping children with strong reading skills that are critical for their futures,” said Minister of Education Erica Stanford, in a press release. “A number of schools in New Zealand are already teaching structured literacy and have experienced significant improvements in student achievement. I want all children to have this opportunity.”
St Cuthbert’s is one of those schools, and our students are already seeing improvements from structured literacy, since we implemented this programme two years ago.
Through our structured literacy and numeracy programmes, girls establish a firm foundation in these core subjects. Our varied curriculum ensures that girls have fun learning and students are exposed to a wide range of subjects. From the day she starts with us, we’ll ensure your daughter develops the essential learning building blocks before moving onto the next stage. Only then can she fully embrace and sustain more complex concepts with confidence.
Socially responsible leaders
‘By Love Serve’ is at the heart of all we do at St Cuthbert’s, and, in particular, our Values Programme gives every girl a chance to contribute to the community. We emphasise the importance of respect, leadership through service to others, and caring for one another.
Girls at St Cuthbert’s Junior School can step up to leadership roles from their very first year. It starts with class values representatives at every stage, leading up to larger roles such as sports leaders, library helpers, tour guides, road patrol and reception helpers. As girls move through the year levels, opportunities broaden and they have the choice to take on greater responsibilities within their classroom and the wider school.
‘Big sisters’ inspire and guide We take full advantage of every opportunity to engage with our Senior School ‘big sisters’. Our older girls are outstanding role models: they attend events, run with the Junior girls on Cross Country days and regularly visit classrooms to act as learning buddies. They also help supervise before and after school and at break times, along with assisting our Kapa Haka group and coaching sports teams.
‘Big sisters’ connect with the Juniors at a different level to peers, teachers or parents, providing inspiration, friendship and aspirational goals for the younger girls.
Her mind, body and spirit
In the Junior School, our girls learn kindness, belonging, respect and sharing. They understand that no matter how big or small one is, it’s okay to ask for help. We encourage each child to ‘give it a go’ and have a “growth mindset” and offer them the chance to experience a wide range of Music, Sports, PE classes, Drama
and Art – all on-site and with expert teacher support. By getting to know each child, we tailor programmes that provide the right level of support where needed and extend her learning. In Year 5 and Year 6, every student is part of our band programme where she learns an instrument, and plays in a year group band.
As our girls prepare to graduate from Year 6 to enter the Senior School, we work with them through a dedicated “Stepping Up” programme to ensure they feel confident, well-equipped and motivated for the next chapter of their learning.
The St Cuthbert’s campus is available to girls from across the year levels, giving even the youngest students access to world-class teaching and sports facilities. Our Junior School girls benefit from stateof-the-art facilities such as the Performing Arts Centre, aquatic complex, dedicated Junior School gymnasium, turfed playing fields and plentiful play areas for exploration.
Girls also have access to College facilities including the kiln, technology suites and Science labs to enhance their learning. Plus, our playgrounds give the young girls the freedom to run and play whenever they can, helping build healthy and resilient students.
Education outside the classroom (EOTC) starts from Year 3, when girls attend an ‘entry level’ one-night camp, and as they move through the school, we build up their outdoor confidence with longer camps that feature more challenging activities that build and grow upon their skills year by year. We are cognisant of the huge benefit our girls have in being able to attend Kahunui in Year 10, and connect with staff there to ensure we are doing everything possible to grow our girls to prepare them for this wonderful experience.
* Crimson Education Top 50 NZ High School Rankings 2024.
Our annual Pō fiafia event was a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity. With 13 inclusive groups representing a variety of cultures, students had the opportunity to either explore new traditions or celebrate their own heritage. The event featured dazzling performances from Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Kapa Haka, Korean, Mongolian, Samoan, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, Tongan, Turkish, and Vietnamese groups. Well done to all the talented performers, dedicated mentors, and the team led by Dave Howard for creating such a memorable celebration.
Our annual Dads’ Dinner event was a huge success – having sold out overnight, we look forward to ensuring next year’s event is even bigger! Dads enjoyed catching up with friends and meeting our new Principal. Special thanks to our guest speaker, Jason Paris, and our wonderful community of St Cuthbert’s Dads who made this event truly enjoyable.
Our Mother and Daughter Breakfasts for the Junior School and Year 7 students were magical mornings of connection and celebration. Thank you to our Parents & Friends for their invaluable support, and for making these events so memorable.
Alumni & Friends
What a fantastic year of Alumni & Friends events! We loved catching up with our Alumni in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hong Kong, London and Perth. Thank you to all those who attended, it was wonderful seeing old friends reunite, and new connections being made.
All Alumni, past students, parents and staff are invited to attend these events. Keep your details up to date by emailing alumni@stcuthberts.school.nz
Each year the OGA Decade Reunion event is a highlight of the alumni calendar. This year's gathering amplified this sentiment more than ever – bringing together over 160 Old Girls from decade year groups ending in ‘8. Reunion events are a wonderful way to see old friends, hear classmates’ stories, and create new friendships. In 2025 we look forward to welcoming our alumni who attended or would have attended their last year at the College in a year ending with ‘9.
Arnold, Juliette 7
Carly Arnold (Allbon) Sue Allbon (Penman)
Ashcroft, Florence 6 Elizabeth Carroll (Arnott)
Bennett, Olivia 7 Amanda Bennett (Lawrence)
Conley, Eliza 7 Amber Conley (White)
Darrow, Georgia 7 Kate Larkin
Di Marco, Elisabetta (Elisa) 7 Katie Di Marco (Wilcock) Jan Wilcock (Lees)
Doell, Evie 8 Bridget Doell
Fakatoufifita, Fonokimoana 11 Lavinia Fakatoufifita (Kalaniuvalu)
Fenwick, Ella 0 Georgina Fenwick (Allen)
Foster, Henrietta (Hettie) 7 Geraldine Foster (Poynter)
Gunn, Coby 9 Toni Marsh
Hellriegel, Stella 7 Sarah Fortune
Hendry, Greta 7 Penelope Hendry (Knowles)
Hermann, Biba 12 Fenella Becroft
Hookway, Ella 1 Victoria Rose
Kimpton, Jagger 5 Rebecca Kimpton (Riley)
McDonald, Lilah 9 Kate O'Leary Virginia O'Leary (Butcher)
McDonald, Madeleine 11 Kate O'Leary Virginia O'Leary (Butcher) McKain, Isabella 6 Emma McKain (Smith) Penny Smith (Agnew)
McLean, Isla 7 Aimee McLean (Rendell)
Murray, Lily 9 Amelia Murray (Dawbin)
Ogier, Lauren 9 Angela Ogier (Lane)
Parfitt, Georgia 5 Freddie Parfitt (Haddrell) Patel, Sybella 7 Ruksha Patel (Kanji)
Pearce, Issy 7 Emma Mountfort
Rambisheswar, Zoe 7
Rachel Rambisheswar (Stenner)
Reid, Jessica 5 Sarah Reid (Higgs)
Robertson, Elizabeth (Lizzie) 0 Kate Robertson (Hudig)
Robinson, Maggie 7 Pippa Robinson (White)
Rutledge, Lucie 7
Shona Stenner (Collins) Great Grandmother: Joan Collins (Bridgens)
Maureen Rutledge (Dudman) Shirley, Winslow 0 Georgina Dawson Maree Dawson (Jackson)
Snelling, Tallula (Tallulah) 2 Bridget Snelling (Carnachan)
Speir, Ophelia 3
Jessica Speir (Sheffield) Debbie Sheffield (Timpany) Turner-Smith, Isabella 0 Felicity Turner
Wallace-Wells, Alexandra (Ally) 11
Great Grandmother: Barrie Harbutt
Wilson, Miriama 7 Emma Wilson (Carrington) Rosemary Carrington (Gow)
Woollams, Emily 5
Tania Woollams (Pilkington)
Great Grandmother: Rhoda Woollams (Robertson)
BAY OF PLENTY
Contact: Dearwyn Caulfield
Email: pdcaulfield@xtra.co.nz
BRISBANE & GOLD COAST
Contact: Trish Cotterell (Flitcroft)
Email: trish07.cotterell@gmail.com
CHINA (BEIJING)
Contact: Jennifer Jin Ma
Email: jenniferjinma@littleoasis.cn
DALLAS
Contact: Clair Robinson (Menzies) Email: clairmenzies@gmail.com
LONDON
Contact: Ashleigh Hunt
Email: ashleighh@spotify.com
LOS ANGELES
Contact: Amanda Wong
Email: kiwi_esq@hotmail.com
NEW YORK
Contact: Penelope Johnson
Email: penelopejohnsonus@gmail.com
PERTH
Contact: Marg Shorter (Hartnell)
Email: margshorter@gmail.com
SYDNEY
Contact: Greta Bennett
Email: g.bennett0001@gmail.com
TARANAKI
Contact: Robyn McNiece (née Parfitt) Email: robmcniece@yahoo.com
TONGA
Contact: Ana Tupou Panuve
Email: ana.tupou@panuve.com
WAIKATO
Contact: Catharine Stuart (Murray) Email: bandcstuart@gmail.com
Old Girls interested in becoming Local Co-ordinators in other cities and countries please contact: alumni@stcuthberts.school.nz
We sadly farewell the following Old Girls: Kirsten Davidson (Beckett, 1990)
Rosemary Ann Fenwick (Robinson, 1958) Gabrielle 'Gaye' Fowler (Guthrie, 1960)
Donna Griffiths (McLauchlan, 1972)
Shona Mary Seward (McKay, 1971)
Sheridan Wood
Please contact alumni@stcuthberts.school.nz
if you have a family notice to share with our community.
For the first time, a Lunar New Year dinner was organised early this year to mark this special holiday that many of our Asian families celebrate. The Violet Wood Dining Hall was vibrant with traditional decorations and performances, delicious food, and lots of laughter and good cheer to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.
In August, a cultural extravaganza was put on jointly by the Asian Friendship Group and the Chinese Cultural Group students to celebrate the Mooncake Festival. It was a wonderful evening filled with festive lights that adorned our campus and Clouston Hall, guests enjoying traditional games and crafts, delicious mooncake tastings, and spectacular performances by our talented students!
Our Junior School was filled with an extra dose of joy as we welcomed Grandparents and Treasured Friends for our annual Grandparents' Day. There was much excitement as our students proudly guided their Grandparents around the classrooms, showcasing their work and introducing their teachers.
Gleaming smiles and laughter filled the air as our girls danced their hearts out at the Junior School Disco, their LED glow sticks creating a mesmerizing light show. The event was a sensory delight, with face painting stations transforming eager faces into colourful works of art. It was an evening of pure fun that perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of our Junior School community.
St Cuthbert’s Water Polo programme has cemented its position as a powerhouse in New Zealand, with exceptional performances across all levels of competition. From local tournaments to national championships, our students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and teamwork.
The Term 1 season saw our Senior teams dominate the Auckland Secondary School competition. With six teams participating, our presence was felt across all divisions. Our Premier team's undefeated run culminated in a decisive 8–3 victory against Baradene in the final. Our Senior A team secured an impressive second place in their division, losing only one match all season. The Senior B team held their ground in the mid-table, while our Senior C, D, and E teams showed exceptional grit competing against older opponents in the Senior B competition, all finishing in the top half of the standings.
Our Premier Water Polo Team continued their stellar performance at the North Island Secondary Schoolgirls Water Polo Championships in Auckland. Undefeated in the pool stages, they notched victories against formidable opponents including Epsom, Baradene, St Kentigern, Diocesan, and Westlake. A commanding 13–6 win against Rangitoto in the semi-finals set the stage for a 10–3 triumph over Baradene College in the final. Year 13 student Bella Knight's outstanding performance earned her the tournament's 'Most Valuable Player' award.
The crowning achievement of the season came at the New Zealand Premier Schoolgirls Championships. Our Premier Water Polo Team clinched the title with
a 9–5 victory over Baradene, capping off an unprecedented unbeaten streak of 22 games. This historic run saw them claim the trifecta of Auckland Premier, North Island, and New Zealand Secondary Schoolgirl Championships. Holly Dunn's exceptional play was recognised with the Most Valuable Player award for the National Championships.
Our Senior A team also made their mark at the NZSS Championships. As one of only two second school teams in the tournament, they held their own against numerous Premier sides, finishing with a commendable 3 wins and 4 losses.
The success of our programme extends to our younger players as well. Our Year 7 and 8 team showcased their talent at the Central Zone Water Polo championships, going undefeated until a narrow 4-6 loss in the final against Auckland Normal Intermediate.
The impact of our Water Polo programme extends well beyond graduation. Two of our Old Girls, Ella Palmer (2021) and Libby Alsemgeest (2019), both former captains of our Premier Team, were named in the CWPA First Team All-Conference selection for their respective universities, Brown and Michigan.
Currently, five of our Old Girls are competing at the highest collegiate level with water polo scholarships:
• Bernadette Doyle – University of Hawaii
• Ella Palmer – Brown University
• Libby Alsemgeest – University of Michigan
• Molly Langridge – Mercyhurst University
• Tiaare Ahovelo – San Diego State University
National Recognition
Our programme's excellence is further evidenced by the number of students selected for national teams:
NZ U16 Women's Water Polo Team (World Championships in Manisa, Turkey):
• Isabella Lambie
• Zoe Knight
• Sophie Yeoman
NZ U18 Women's Water Polo Team (World Championships in Chengdu, China):
• Emison Styris
• Bianca Pennington
• Bella Knight
• Olivia Shine (non-travelling reserve)
• Katie Marshall
• Holly Dunn
As we reflect on this incredible season, we celebrate not just the victories and accolades, but the hard work, dedication, and team spirit that have made our Water Polo programme a source of pride for our school community. With a strong foundation at all levels and a pipeline of talent, the future of water polo at St Cuthbert’s looks brighter than ever.
Awarded a prestigious Water Polo Scholarship at the University of Hawaii, Old Girl Bernadette Doyle has swapped the familiar shores of New Zealand for the sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii.
With an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Photo Media, Bernadette has now set her sights on a Masters in the Science of Marketing Management. This blend of creative and analytical studies is setting her up for a promising career in Marketing or Business Management.
The Path to University in America
Reflecting on her journey to study in the United States, Bernadette recalls the challenges of the entrance process back in 2018. "I found the entrance process quite difficult at the time," she shares. "However, the academic advisers at St Cuthbert's, along with my parents, made this process a bit easier."
She emphasises the importance of being prepared for the numerous phone calls with coaches, extensive paperwork, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the process. Bernadette’s experience highlights the crucial role that St Cuthbert's plays in supporting students as they navigate these complex decisions.
When asked about life in the United States, Bernadette’s love for Hawaii shines through. "I love the Hawaiian lifestyle," she enthuses. "Living by the beach, surfing, and having amazing weather is great." She particularly values the exceptional opportunities the US has provided her in both academics and sports.
While Hawaii's similarities to New Zealand have eased the transition, Bernadette admits to struggling with homesickness. "I struggle a lot being away from my friends and family," she confesses. "Although I have many amazing lifelong friends in Hawaii, it doesn't make it any easier being away from home."
Life as a student-athlete in a popular tourist destination comes with its own set of challenges. Bernadette points out the difficulty in maintaining her focus on academics and training while striving for a balanced and happy lifestyle. Her experience on the Water Polo team adds another layer to this delicate balancing act.
Bernadette’s journey hasn't been without its twists and turns. Her initial experience at the University of Hawaii in 2019, at the age of 17, didn't meet her expectations. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to transfer back to New Zealand temporarily.
However, she didn't give up on her Hawaiian dream. "When I chose to return to Hawaii in August 2023, I made sure to do my best to fix all the parts that made me unhappy the first time around," she explains. This determination and self-reflection paid off: "I have loved everything about Hawaii ever since!"
For current St Cuthbert's students considering a similar path, Bernadette’s journey offers valuable insights. It underscores the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and the willingness to make changes when things aren't working out as planned. Her story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the right opportunity might require a second chance.
As Bernadette continues to thrive in her academic and athletic pursuits in Hawaii, her story serves as an inspiration to current and future St Cuthbert's students. It shows that with the right support, determination, and a bit of aloha spirit, our students can succeed anywhere in the world.
A selection of images from our Instrumental and Choral Showcases, KBB Music Festival, and our Senior School Production.
During the July school holidays, 21 Art students and four staff members travelled to Europe to visit the Venice Art Biennale. This bi-annual event is the equivalent to the Olympics of the art world.
Our trip began in Paris where students visited well known venues such as the Louvre and Pompidou Centre. They experienced first-hand famous art works from the very old to the very contemporary. They also enjoyed the amazing buildings such as the Musée d’Orsay or more contemporary spaces such as the Bourse de Commerce, all housing exceptional art.
After about a week we travelled to Venice and entered the famous Grand Canal on water taxis. The girls enjoyed this unique city with beautiful structures sitting on the water shrouded by centuries of industry from Murano glass to Venetian masks. We visited both Biennale venues and students were lucky to see a range of exceptional art practice from around the world. We
were particularly proud to see the New Zealand installation by the Mataaho Collective which won the highly coveted Golden Lion prize for the Best Participant in the International Exhibition 2024. Beyond the two main venues we visited what is known as collateral events throughout Venice at extraordinary venues as well as seeing some famous sites such as St. Mark’s Square.
Food was delicious in both cities; however, a culinary highlight was the cooking school on Lido Island where the students learnt to make pasta and gnocchi from scratch. We feasted on a fabulous lunch finishing with Tiramisu seated in a quintessential Italian private garden.
— Sue Disbrowe, Art Teacher
Below are highlights from some of our students …
Evangeline Speedy, Year 12
“The Arsenale venue of the Biennale was my highlight of Venice. Aotearoa’s award-winning work was stunning. I loved the pavilions representing Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and discovered many new artists to love, including Frieda Toranzo Jaeger from Mexico, and Chaouki Choukini and Omar Mismar from Lebanon.”
Valentina Gherman, Year 12
"At the Pompidou Centre in Paris, there was much to see which was fascinating and captivating. The interactive, modern and meaningful pieces meant my friends and I will never forget the art we saw at this gallery.
Both the Giardani and Arsenale venues for the Venice Biennale were amazing, with pavilions for Germany, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia and Italy really standing out and making an impact on me. The great art made up for the sweltering heat and bright sun outside, and visiting both venues of the Biennale was unforgettable."
Galathee Gaillard, Year 12
"A highlight from my time in Venice would definitely be when we visited la Biennale. I spent most of my time wandering the halls, my attention completely absorbed by so many of the incredible artworks, all the bright colours, shapes and messages the artists were trying to convey.
In Paris I was struck by the beautiful Musée d’Orsay, not only because of its incredible architectural design but the wide collections of paintings that covered the walls. I remember the time we spent there trying to replicate the pieces we thought were funny, guiding each other on the specific body placements."
In the July holidays, 16 language students and three staff embarked on an extraordinary educational adventure through France, immersing themselves in language, culture, and history. From the iconic landmarks of Paris to the charming streets of Rouen, our young scholars experienced the best of French life.
The journey began in Paris, where students marvelled at world-famous sights like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Mabel, Caitlin and Juni commented, "We took the lift up three levels to make it up to the very very top," capturing the excitement of scaling the Paris icon.
In Rouen, students lived with host families, attended daily French classes and explored the city's rich history. Students tried their hand at French pastry-making. The girls proceeded to create 15 macarons, following Arnaud's, the maître patissier instructions – all in French!
The group visited Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, and several Loire Valley châteaux, including Versailles. These experiences brought French history to life, complementing classroom learning with real-world exploration.
Throughout the trip, students practised their French, gaining confidence in real-life situations. From ordering in cafés to shopping in local markets, every interaction was a chance to improve their language skills.
The journey concluded with a final tour of Paris, including visits to Montmartre and the Musée d'Orsay. The students need to be commended on being absolutely fantastic; enthusiastic and resilient, funny and kind, and always on time!
This trip provided students with invaluable experiences, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the French language.
"Going on the French trip was an amazing experience and taught me so many new things about French language and culture. I especially loved staying in Rouen with a host family and taking French classes. Another favourite was St Malo, a coastal town in Brittany, where we got to see the beach, shop, and enjoy the nice weather. It was great to be able to get a glimpse into different aspects of life in France in so many different towns: Paris, Rouen, Giverny, Mont St Michel, St Malo, and Amboise. The trip was definitely a highlight of my time at St Cuth’s which I will never forget!"
— Jessica Sharma, Year 13
Over the April holiday break, 30 Year 12–13 Commerce students travelled to the West Coast of the United States on an “Empowering Women in Business” Tour. The tour exposed these students to a variety of female business leaders from well-known businesses covering a variety of industries.
On this trip, there were many links to what the students have been learning in Accounting, Business Studies and Economics which helped them put their academic learning into context. An often repeated piece of advice the business leaders gave the group was the importance of networking and having mentors supporting their career growth. A key takeaway for most students was that there are more opportunities within these businesses than they initially thought and that many people change their career focus by taking advantage of key opportunities for continued growth. The group also enjoyed visiting key university campuses and sightseeing along the way.
“The United States Commerce trip was an eye-opening experience for me. Throughout our trip, we had the opportunity to visit a range of businesses in different industries such as Microsoft, Boeing and L’Oréal. I enjoyed observing the interesting practices that each business adopts to ensure they are meeting their key objectives and fulfilling their overall purpose, whilst still ensuring employee engagement and motivation. In addition, getting the opportunity to speak to a variety of female leaders in industries such as technology and aviation was extremely empowering and inspirational for me!”
— Mia Reddy – Year 13
“During the April school holidays, I was lucky enough to be provided with the opportunity to travel to the States for a commerce trip. Not only did this experience help strengthen my knowledge of commerce subjects by seeing business operations first-hand and our learning in action, but it also changed my mindset as I learnt some valuable lessons and advice from a wide range of people, including Old Girls, university students and fellow Kiwis. Some of the advice given that personally resonated with me was to broaden my mind around career paths and not close any doors just because I may not understand something yet. I learnt that there are many opportunities in businesses like Alaska Airlines for example, around roles in Marketing or Finance, whereas I previously thought mainly offered jobs for pilots and engineers. However, the most valuable information I learnt was that there is something for everyone and to grab any opportunity passed your way.”
— Tvisha Bajaj – Year 12
Recent graduate, Noor Randhawa, has propelled her career through a strategy of building knowledge, giving back to the community, and good old-fashioned hard work.
Noor Randhawa beams from ear to ear as she reflects on her epic five-year journey from the school classroom to the boardroom at celebrated start-up, ZURU.
Graduating in 2020, Noor went straight into university and soon after, the disruptiveness of lockdown. But she certainly didn’t let this hold her back.
“As soon as I escaped the restricted environment of that, I went full throttle, joining a variety of societies, clubs, and events, and doing volunteer work as well as leaning into full time studying,” says Noor.
Despite a hectic schedule, she believes it was the best thing she could’ve done for her career.
“I learned that I had the capacity to fit loads in, so I would just seize every opportunity! I learned so much and got to meet so many inspirational people” says Noor.
Some of those activities included leading the Auckland University Commerce Students Association as Co-President, (resulting in a 235% increase in membership and over 15,000 impressions) and managing events.
She also interned for PWC as an Emerging Tech Data Analyst through one of her courses, which was a huge learning curve.
“My team spearheaded the development of a ‘digital twin’ – a software solution aimed at helping clients overcome ESG (environmental, social, governance) challenges. We got to work with Amazon and Spark, which was incredible,” says Noor.
As a third-year student council member, Noor also helped to develop, advise and
scope new ways of virtual learning for students.
At the end of her tenure, she received a Distinguished Graduate Award for her involvement in both community activities and her leadership.
“It was amazing to be given this recognition that acknowledged over 100 hours of co-curricular activities, alongside doing my degree,” she says.
Noor also won the Judges’ Choice for the University of Auckland EY Business Student of the Year 2023, where she fortuitously met her soon-to-be employer.
“We had a formal meet and greet interview session, which was an incredible opportunity to engage with exceptional judges – all business leaders in New Zealand,” says Noor.
“One of the judges was Nick Mowbray from ZURU, and we got chatting about international businesses doing innovative work. I was set to go to another company, but was drawn to ZURU and the work they are doing – and that’s what helped to launch me on this pathway!”
As well as her University of Auckland experience, Noor acknowledges her school days at St Cuthbert’s as her springboard to success.
“There were so many incredible learning and cultural experiences available. And in particular, it was doing two years of Young Enterprise that really got me excited about the realm of business and gave me a resilient, start-up mindset,” says Noor.
She talks about how her Year 12 team developed the formulation, development
and full promotional plan for new vitamin gummies targeting iron deficiency in women. Their exemplary efforts won them a seat at the Auckland Regional Finals and the regional prize for marketing.
Noor draws a parallel with this experience and what she is doing now for ZURU, where she’s given autonomy to develop and explore the potential of new products all the time.
“We’re encouraged to take time developing new, innovative products and marketing ideas, doing disruptive things in many categories. It really feels like you’re part of something incredible here.”
When asked what advice she would give to budding, commercially minded school students, Noor is quick to respond.
“I would tell them age doesn’t matter and to have confidence to speak your mind and share ideas. A younger workforce is shifting the needle. Ten years from now there will be roles that haven’t been created yet. Also, I’d say have an open mind and be adaptable to change.”
Noor is also upholding the motto of ‘By Love Serve’ as a UN Youth New Zealand Volunteer, a relationship that began at St Cuthbert’s.
“I’m directing the school youth tour that goes to Australian National Conference in July, and I’m grateful that ZURU is so supportive of this as well.”
Here’s to the learning and triumphs that this new role will bring you, Noor! We wish you all the very best.
Amy Qian, alumnae from 2019, is embarking on an impressive academic journey. We chat with her about her ambitions and a passion for entrepreneurship that began at St Cuthbert’s.
Currently in Shanghai, Amy is wondering what to pack for her trip ahead. Although she’s used to travelling internationally – her next move is a big one.
“I’m about to start a Master's at the University of Pennsylvania later this year, in Education Entrepreneurship,” she explains.
Officially a Master of Science in Education Entrepreneurship, she’ll be the youngest person to take the innovative programme.
"I’m so proud I’ve been selected along with all the other very experienced candidates and I love that it’s a mix of business and education” says Amy.
University of Pennsylvania, or ‘UPenn’ as it’s known colloquially, is a renowned Ivy League institution. Amy's innovative spirit and unique journey caught the attention of the faculty during a virtual interview, a process she found surprisingly casual.
“I thought I would try to manually book a one-on-one session with the faculty and was surprised to get a slot, before receiving the final outcome of my application,” she says. “Luckily, I was able to present some ideas to the team that focused on virtual production in education.”
It obviously made an impression, as she received a place soon after.
Amy strongly believes her foundation for success was laid at St Cuthbert’s College, where she was an enthusiastic all-rounder.
“I was well taken care of as an international student and boarder. As soon as I stepped through the gates, I felt at home and wanted to make the most of every opportunity.”
That she most certainly did, getting involved with a long list of musical, cultural and leadership activities, including International Student Prefect, organising Chinese cultural groups, directing the Shakespeare Soiree, singing soprano in Saints Alive, and the Big Sing competition.
Her excellence was recognised with numerous awards, including the Parent and Friends' Gold Award, Academic Excellence in NCEA and Cultural Honours in music.
She recalls the transformative experience of the Kahunui outdoor programme which helped improve her English, connect with new friends and be immersed in Kiwi culture.
Amy first became interested in business, innovation and tech when she was selected for the Young Enterprise competition. Her team’s product was healthy donuts made in collaboration with Little Bird Café, and winning the regional leg got them to the finals in Wellington.
“This sparked my interest in the start-up space, and played a huge part in getting me to where I am today!” believes Amy.
After a lot of internships and roles with start-ups since studying Commerce at Melbourne University, Amy has some golden advice for girls considering a career in business, “It’s important to act, not overthink, when an idea pops up in your mind. But first, test it out to see if it actually works! And making a lot of mistakes is okay, it leads you in the right direction.”
Amy is passionate about the potential of virtual production, an emerging technology that involves a virtual set displayed on large LED walls behind a physical set. The technology, which took off during the pandemic, offers vast possibilities for film, TV and streaming, and as Amy sees it, for educational applications too.
“This tech is disruptive to the film sector, so there are things to overcome. However, my focus is on the incredible opportunities it presents for education.”
This is what captured the interest of the team at UPenn.
Amy’s legacy here at St Cuthbert’s includes establishing the Chinese Cultural Night which continues to bring the Chinese and Asian community together to this day.
“A special memory is when we had 400 people on launch night and it was my birthday! It’s wonderful this event is still going strong. And the Mooncake Festival is this year, which is exciting for the school!”
Amy is also interested in actively helping girls consider international academic pathways from a young age. She believes that expanding participation in international competitions will helps elevate students’ confidence and build early world-wide connections. Amy recently shared her ideas on the topic with our leadership team, who welcomed her initiative.
We think Amy’s journey will inspire current students to dream big, act on their ideas and make a global impact.
Piece from Metro (Winter 2024)
Written by Amy Hamilton
Literacy and numeracy have been in the spotlight for Kiwi schools this year. But Charlotte Avery believes oracy is just as important, and she’s on a mission to make it a priority in her role as the new principal of St Cuthbert’s College.
“Oracy is the ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas effectively,” she says. “It’s a combination of active listening and mindful speaking – both are essential skills for personal and professional success.”
Charlotte has spent a lot of time considering the challenges young women face in 2024, from the personal to the global. Navigating friendships; managing mental wellbeing; conflict resolution; and making the best decisions in an uncertain and volatile world.
By helping young people to connect with each other and collaborate, Charlotte believes students can work together on common goals to achieve more – while simultaneously building stronger personal relationships.
“It all goes back to oracy. In structured places, we can teach young women how to talk with clarity, poise and conviction. Those skills help them in unstructured spaces, so they can speak out and speak up. It supports both social and personal development. Educating the mind and the heart – that’s what the best education is about.”
Friendships enrich all our lives and convey long-term benefit to our mental and physical wellbeing. Learning to build and maintain personal relationships is vital for young women, and friendship fallouts can be a huge source of anxiety that can disrupt learning. Building communication skills helps with conflict resolution and it’s an ability with lifelong applications.
“I will be working with teachers on a programme that supports young women in their friendships,”Charlotte explains.
“Young girls need to create friendships to help them feel valued. They need to know how to make good friends and keep them. That means taking ownership if there’s a problem – being able to talk through a friendship fallout and learn to negotiate space respectfully with others.”
These are the kinds of skills that can help the world solve some of its thorniest problems, says Charlotte. They empower young women to step up from school into the workplace, and onto the world stage.
“My mission is to ensure that every girl’s voice is heard in the school. Every girl should be understood and impactful, because they can be formidable forces on a local and global scale. I want our students to leave a mark on the world that’s profound and lasting.”
Beautifully spoken and confident herself, Charlotte is a superb advertisement for the effectiveness of oracy skills. She is an international leader in girls’ education, as a recent president of the UK’s Girls’
Schools Association and a current board member of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools.
For 17 years, she was Headmistress of St Mary’s School, a leading independent girls’ school in Cambridge, England, which boasts outstanding academic results. Charlotte has a master’s degrees in English from Oxford University and a master’s degree in education management from Kings College London.
Making the leap to a new country as well as a new school might seem daunting, but Charlotte loves a challenge and liked the idea of seeing “a new dimension” on girls’ education. Since April, she has been getting to know St Cuthbert’s and travelling around New Zealand.
“We’ve fallen hook, line and sinker in love with this country, and the school,” she
says. “It’s been a wonderful privilege coming into my new community, listening and learning from the students, staff, Trust Board, alumnae and parents and friends of the school. And I’ve been struck by the absolute beauty of the Bay of Islands, how gorgeously green Auckland is, and the amazing geysers in Rotorua. I can’t wait to get to the South Island.”
Charlotte is looking forward to building oracy skills among the students and her teaching team: “I hope the mark I leave on the world will be amplifying and acknowledging girls’ voices, giving them the confidence to make a difference in the world and serve for the greater good.”
Some of our students sat down with a group of our teachers last month, for Father's Day, seeking their insights and experiences on the joys and challenges of fatherhood. These educators, who guide and inspire our students daily, opened up about their most important role – being a Dad.
Mr Richard Darrow written by
Maya Ng
The Head of Faculty for Social Sciences, Mr Richard Darrow is known for his passion and insight in both NCEA and IB history. He is a father to Henry, in Year 9, and Georgia, in Year 7. He recollects fond memories with his children; such as the importance of spending time together, their family trip through Europe and being able to bring his experience of fatherhood into his profession as a teacher.
Mr Darrow describes the best part of fatherhood as “having two people that keep you very reminded about what's important.” He says that despite it being a “cliché”, having a family that is “relatively happy and safe and secure” helps power
through the various turmoil life throws. Mr Darrow spends a lot of his spare time with his children, going on bike rides and heading up to Buckleton Beach. He fondly recalls his favourite memory with his children being their trip through parts of France and Italy for 11 weeks.
Mr Darrow says he finds “no issues” with balancing his work and family life despite the frequent “preparation and marking” involved with his job. He explains that “One of the advantages of being a teacher is in the holidays. I'm at home and most afternoons I'm at home after school, so I’m home a lot of the time.” Mr Darrow also explores how being a parent helps with “understanding the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that we have for our children and understanding that parents
are coming from a place of care.” He also adds that his profession as a teacher has helped him understand “some of the problems and issues that early teens have”, which assists in how he navigates through obstacles with his children.
Mr Darrow concludes with some advice, that “trials and tribulations will pass… Let's get to the next day and next week and try to step out of the immediate.”
Mr Jamie Lloyd written by Charlotte McKenzie
Mr Jamie Lloyd is a well-known face to the Commerce students at St Cuthbert’s. Originally from Gisborne, he has worked at the College for over 20 years. Now Head of Economics, he has seen hundreds of students walk through the doors of his classroom. Outside the classroom, Mr Lloyd is father to two daughters, aged 17 and 21.
It’s not hard to tell that Mr Lloyd enjoys watching his children grow, naming the best thing about being a Dad as “watching my children make their way through life.”
It is clear that he has tried to instil a love for adventure and the outdoors in his children, as his spare time with them is often spent playing sports, going for beach walks and mountain biking. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that one of Mr Lloyd’s favourite memories with his children involves falling into ponds, or “singing their version of lyrics to songs.”
To him, it seems that it is the charming childlike habit of doing the unexpected that makes them so special. While he admits that he often sees himself in his children, Mr Lloyd says that just as often, his children’s reactions to situations are unique to them.
It is clear that he brings this into his teaching. Mr Lloyd notes that being a Dad has helped him in “recognising that different people react to the same event in different ways,” and that it has helped him in trying to be patient when things don’t go as planned. But just as being a father has helped his teaching, Mr Lloyd says that working with young people as a teacher has also helped him have a greater awareness of differences in people and to respect people’s different backgrounds, opinions, and choices.
Similarly, Mr Lloyd says that his children have taught him to not only see things at face value, specifically noting that things in life aren’t always clear-cut as they first appear. According to him, his children have taught him that there are many ways to approach a problem, — a lesson he’s sure to have passed onto his students. The influences of his professional
”Being a Dad has aided me in understanding that many challenges in day to day life will ‘blow over’ in a day or two.”
— Mr Jamie Lloyd
and personal life seem to intertwine, presenting the age-old challenge of balancing one’s work and family life.
Overall, Mr Lloyd builds on the lessons learnt from both his experience as a teacher and as a parent, saying that he’d like his children to remember to keep an open mind when interacting with other people.
Monsieur Florent Pieri
Interviewed by Arya Naidu & Ananrita Chaudhuri, written by Aanya Naidu
Originally from France, Monsieur Florent Pieri, has lived in New Zealand for 15 years, building a wonderful life with his wife and two-year-old son. It’s an exciting time in his life as he eagerly anticipates the arrival of their baby girl.
From day one, Monsieur Pieri’s son became his whole world, with his own needs taking a backseat. He knows other fathers will relate to this, “it’s all about the kids when you have kids”. Watching his son grow and progress as he learns the ways of the world is one of Monsieur Pieri’s favourite parts of fatherhood. That, along with seeing him run straight into his arms after daycare – “the best feeling ever!” With his son growing at a pace he can only describe as “too fast”, Monsieur Pieri makes sure to savour moments like these.
While he doesn’t feel that being a dad has changed his teaching style, the experience of working with children has definitely influenced his parenting. Just as he nurtures his French students’ capabilities, he does the same for his son, providing the gentle push that paves the way for success. In both his personal and professional life, fatherhood has gifted Monsieur Pieri the art of adaptability, whether it be planning when to go out, based on his son’s sleep schedule, or handling the unpredictability of life at school. Balancing his work/home life poses its challenges with a strongminded, energetic young boy in the house but he feels that “it is feasible, it just requires some organisation’. Not only does he find ‘taking walks with the family’ a wonderful way to bond together in his spare time but also a great way to decompress.
Monsieur Pieri is excited to see how fatherhood evolves as his two-year-old grows older and his baby girl enters the world. As they navigate this journey together, one piece of advice he would like his children to remember is that “time is precious and family is everything”.
Mr Tom Rutledge written by Lavinia Mahadevan
Mr Tom Rutledge, Head of Latin, is cherished amongst both staff and students at the College for his dedication to the Latin and Classics department and his passion for education. He and his wife have two children, his eldest daughter in Year 7, while his youngest son is in Year 5.
Mr Rutledge describes being a father as “pretty special”, and says he enjoys being able to experience the “highs and lows” of life together with his family. Although the times of challenge shared together as a family can be difficult, Mr Rutledge believes they allow for the joyous memories to shine brighter,“you get to have fun together, laugh together and you get to enjoy each other’s successes.”
When they are together, Mr Rutledge and his family find themselves travelling around Aotearoa in their campervan, and spending time talking, reading, and cooking together as a family.
While being a full-time parent and teacher
aren’t easy jobs, Mr Rutledge’s passion in helping the development of both his children and his students make the tasks easier,“ I like spending time with kids, I think it’s quite special. I always think that kids are more interesting than grownups, and that’s partly because children are prepared to take risks and get stuff wrong, which I think is really important.”
Although Mr Rutledge has an in-depth knowledge of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance literature and culture, being a Rhodes Scholar who taught at the University of East Anglia, he still finds that his children teach him some of the most valuable lessons of all, in how to see familiar things from a new perspective. It is clear how much Mr Rutledge enjoys reenvisioning the world and rediscovering its beauty through his children’s eyes.
Mr Rutledge believes that both teaching and parenting require true selflessness, “I think being a parent you always put your kids first, and that’s one of the things that you’ve got to do as a teacher, you’ve got to try and think ‘What are my students thinking? What can I do to help them?’ rather than ‘What is it I want to do?’ or ‘What’s the thing here that really grabs me?’” Along with being selfless, he says he has learned a lesson in humility from both his jobs as a teacher and a dad, “It is really about putting yourself into the other person’s shoes, and I think you do that full-time as a parent, and I think you do that full-time as a teacher.”
Mr Rutledge truly shows how special it is to be both a father and a teacher, as he emphasises how much he treasures both of these roles in his life. His dedication to helping children learn is shown in both his perspectives on teaching and parenting. His advice not only to his children, but to all his students is truly important: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or get things wrong. Follow the things that you’re interested in, the things that you love … take risks, don’t take yourself too seriously, always be humble.” He ended his interview with a message that everyone can be inspired by, “Follow ideas, follow knowledge, and see what happens…”
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