4 minute read
From the Desk of Justine Mahon
It was a delightful moment when we assembled our eye-catching Christmas tree in the Atrium, in early November, donated by our Parents and Friends’ Association. Although we knew it was sooner than tradition dictates, we felt the symbolism of joy and hope would be timely, right before we welcomed our new parents for 2023, at our Orientation Day, and just as our girls started their exams.
With the promise of a warm summer season around the corner, I reflect on another extraordinary year filled with tremendous school spirit and achievements, despite a few more pandemicinduced hurdles!
As you know, we were operating in the red traffic light for the earlier part of 2022, which meant that we were, unfortunately, unable to welcome our community on to the campus for the usual events. Even though the College was physically open for lessons, like many schools and organisations, we were managing unprecedented levels of staff absences due to the spread of Omicron, and other illnesses. I’m so grateful to my devoted teaching team, who once again gave their all, to help our girls and their colleagues.
I believe the passion and dedication of our teachers and the wider College community during the last few years, can be measured in part, by the sporting, cultural and academic achievements of the girls, some of which you can read about in this issue of Evergreen Ties.
On the sporting front, I congratulate our Year 8 hockey team who came first in the country when they competed at this Year’s AIMS Games against 100s of schools from across New Zealand.
The number of students selected to represent their country in Senior New Zealand teams, across various codes, is truly inspiring. Our warmest congratulations go to Tiaare Ahovelo, Erika Paterson and Holly Dunn for water polo, Zara Stewart for Orienteering, Emma Irwin in cricket and fencer, Jessie Yan. Moreover, we are thrilled that our rowing offering is going from strength to strength, gaining interest across age groups. We were very grateful for the generosity of some of our rowing parents and the Parents and Friends’ Association, who donated funds towards the purchase of two new boats to support the continued establishment of this national code, at the College.
To all our students, coaches, teachers and parents, who dedicated early starts, weekends, and after-school sessions to training across multiple sporting codes, well done! Your efforts make us all very proud, and I am delighted to see so many students continuing to participate in sport, helping them to keep fit and active.
Notable academic achievements this year include Brena Merz, member of the NZ Maths Olympiad Team and the only girl! The team competed at the Maths Olympiad in July, in Oslo, where Brena received an ‘Honourable Mention’! Year 11 student, Belle Yin, impressed us when she was selected for the New Zealand Team, for the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics and travelled to Turkey in October. When it comes to cultural endeavours, audiences raved about our Senior production, ‘Night with the Stars’. In conjunction with Auckland Grammar, students performed a kaleidoscope of colourful excerpts from various musicals and theatrical pieces. The acting, dance and musical talent of the students was, quite simply, outstanding, and the hard work behind the scenes from staff and parents was very much appreciated.
Heartfelt thanks go to our wonderful Head of Chemistry, Ian Torrie, who is retiring after 30 years of outstanding teaching and service to our students and College community. Ian’s contribution both to St Cuthbert’s and to education at a national level, has been immense. Thanks to his leadership and vision, we’ve had more girls doing chemistry than any other school in the country, and that is a real testament to his tireless promotion of his passion. Having over 60% of senior students choosing Chemistry as a subject, when the national average is in the twenties, is a wonderful legacy, and we wish him all the very best for his retirement.
I am immensely grateful to new Trust Board chair, Leigh Melville and her fellow members for their ongoing support and I would like to particularly thank outgoing Trust Board member, Guy Williams, for his valued service. We are delighted to welcome to the Board, Angela Bull, Adarsh Patel, Donald Reid and Scott Weenink. Their experience and enthusiasm will be a wonderful asset for our College. In this issue, we once again profile another Board face, Fraser Whineray, so you can get to know the team.
As always, I would like to mention our devoted parents, caregivers and wonderful Old Girl network. You all play such an integral role in our community and your active support and positivity has helped hold us together over the last few years.
And, of course, dear graduating students of 2022, the final plaudit must go to you. Despite the many complications the pandemic created, you have remained open, adaptable, and empathetic, acting as superb role models for younger girls. Your teachers have commented on your engagement in your learning, your hunger to know more and your desire to make a difference. As readers of JK Rowling, you know “You do not need magic to change the world, you carry all the power you need inside yourselves already”. We look forward to hearing about your contribution to society, as Old Girls, in the years to come.
To our readers– I hope that you have a restful break over the summer holidays and find time to connect with family and friends.
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou – Season’s Greetings for Christmas and the New Year.
