4 minute read
From the Desk of Justine Mahon
Welcome to the winter edition of Evergreen Ties. Reflecting on the past two years, we realise it has been an unprecedented period in history, but as we begin to look towards a post-pandemic future there is an array of exciting activities and plans ahead.
There are so many things to celebrate this semester, but in doing so, we must reflect on the recent past to add context to the magnitude of our collective achievements.
I am so proud of the resilience and aroha shown by our girls, our staff, our parents and caregivers, during a turbulent few years. Our motto, ‘By Love Serve’ was certainly at play as we were all forced to pivot and do things differently, in order to maintain a sense of productivity and normalcy during a global health emergency.
I would like to acknowledge the fortitude and dedication of our educators as they ensured online platforms were well-resourced and our students were prepared for seamless remote learning. And, while the official focus of lockdowns was on physical safety, our teachers also wanted to make sure each individual girl was emotionally supported.
I believe that the incredible academic results of our 2021 Senior cohort are a testament to these efforts. I am delighted to report that St Cuthbert’s students received offers of over three million dollars’ worth of scholarships from tertiary institutions in Australasia and globally – all despite the disruption.
During 2020 and 2021, at each level of our academic results, we held our place as one of the top schools in New Zealand. Congratulations to our girls and teachers for such a tremendous effort – and, of course, the parents and caregivers at home, supporting their children as best as they possibly could, given their personal circumstances.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers for their generosity to one another, filling in when colleagues fell ill, stepping up above and beyond their day-to-day roles and helping the College continue to thrive.
As you can imagine, it is with a profound sense of optimism that I look to our playgrounds, sports fields and assemblies, and appreciate the simplicity of being back together again. And how wonderful to welcome parents back on the campus recently! It also meant we could commemorate ANZAC Day together, where the sounds of song and school spirit, once again filled the cloisters of Clouston Hall.
It was during this service that I discussed the obvious parallel of historic ANZAC reflections and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Unfolding on our screens for months now, this issue is deeply unsettling for many of us. On a recent Mufti Day, the girls raised funds for Ukrainian women and children. Feelings were communicated openly in our classrooms, grounds and halls.
A message I shared to students which I would like to reiterate here, is for us to all live each day with more gratitude, tolerance, inclusivity and compassion. This is the embodiment of our College motto, ‘By Love Serve.’ You may have heard about our active promotion of Global Citizenship, where part of our role as educators is to help our girls understand the world and recognise their place within it, taking on leadership roles to create communities which respect one another.
On a much lighter note, I am thrilled to see our newest code, rowing, gaining momentum with so many girls relishing the opportunity of their time on the water. How exciting to have one of the country’s most accomplished rowing coaches, Kirsty Dunhill, with us! We profile Kirsty in this edition so you can get to know her a little better. I must also thank the generous parents who have helped us establish the new rowing programme to date.
It’s compelling to note that during the pandemic, a record number of schoolaged girls dropped out of sport globally, (which, comparatively, was not the same for boys). Yet, I’m pleased to say that participation has not dropped here at St Cuthbert’s! We are, however, looking at diversifying our sports offering, with a focus on getting everyone moving again.
Elizabeth Howard (Co-Director of Sport) is spear-heading our ‘Getting Girls Active’ programme, which is all about supporting every girl to lead a healthy, active life. Sports doesn’t always come easily to everyone, but it’s such an essential part of staying healthy – both mentally and physically. My personal vision is that whether it’s hockey, skateboarding, swimming or simply taking the stairs, our girls invest in our ‘fitness for life’ message. We profile Liz and the ‘Getting Girls Active’ programme in this issue.
An honourable mention must be made of College Prefect, Brena Merz, selected as the only female to represent New Zealand, at the International Mathematical Olympiad, to be held in Norway in September. An incredible achievement Brena!
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to our Trust Board Chair Hayley Buckley, who is retiring from the Board after seven years of service. Hayley has worked tirelessly to support the College, and we thank her for her outstanding leadership and hard work. We welcome current Board member and Old Girl, Leigh Melville, who will take up the role as Trust Board Chair at the end of July. Our Trust Board members offer exemplary strategic leadership support and governance and give their time voluntarily. We have started a series here in Evergreen Ties, called ‘Meet your Board’, and in this issue, profile Leigh, and Junior School parent, and new Board member, Hamish Firth.
I hope you enjoy this latest edition of Evergreen Ties.
With warmest regards,
