JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Contents Opening Remarks Empowering Girls – Katie Ellis
2 3
Middle School
19
Diana's Powhiri
4
Junior School
20
Centre for Innovation
6
Pre-School 21
Boarding Life
7
Out & About
8
Five Minutes With...
10
Foundation
11
PFA 12 International Baccalaureate 13
SMCOGA
22
Old Girl News
23
Coming Events / Deceased
25
Old Girl Events Alumni Profile – Gussie Cohen Alumni Profile – Olivia Loe
26 28 29
Alumni Profile – Chessie Henry
30
Arts
14
From the Archives
31
Sport
16
In Closing
32
Senior School
18
p11
p2
p14
p23
p8
Opening Remarks
Diana Patchett – Executive Principal
As we come into Spring, the glory of Nature is again on display. Early buds and the emergence of annuals give cause to marvel at the tenacity of plants to withstand the challenges of the winter months. In this age of smart technology and the internet of things, perseverance may be a rapidly diminishing attribute in us all. Rarely do we endure the ‘crunchy eyebrow’ moments of mental, physical or emotional challenge, instead opting for one of many ‘easy outs’ – Googling it, outsourcing it or tapping an App that will instantly take care of our predicament. To be reminded of the value of perseverance, we need look no further than to the outdoors, for Mother Nature provides innumerable examples. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, suggests we are suffering from ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ and, with that, we are missing valuable opportunities to learn from the natural environment.
wild winds. Likewise, there are many benefits to keeping an open mind and being flexible in our thinking. 3. Do not be afraid of change. Acorns and pinecones must destroy themselves completely to realise their life’s ambition, so too we will change. 4. Develop your roots. Trees and people profit from a strong foundation. Taking time to establish a solid values system will provide reliable guidance for future decisions. 5. Practice teamwork. The forest is a supportive ecosystem that enables other species to flourish. Each has a role to play in ensuring a sustainable environment.
1. Do not be intimidated by small beginnings. Tāne Mahuta began life as a tiny Kauri seed, we all have to start somewhere.
Thank you for the valuable part you play as members of the St Margaret’s College forest, supporting our girls, each other and the wider community. I hope you will revel in the joy of Spring and may this edition of Evergreen afford you time to marvel at the wonders of our College.
2. Be flexible. A tree that can move with the breeze will surely survive
Diana Patchett – Executive Principal
Consider these life lessons from trees:
2. EVERGREEN
Empowering Girls Katie Ellis
Meeting Katie Ellis (Y13) you could be fooled into thinking
years ago and to the Oceanias this year. I trialled for the team
she’s the girl who hated PE but went on to win two silver
in March and got the second spot in the U20 recurves and got
medals representing New Zealand on the international stage.
that same spot on the podium for two different events which
But that’s just one side of Katie. Yes, Katie is the girl who wins
was such an amazing experience.”
medals representing her country at sport but she is also on the rise as an academic superstar - proving girls can be good at maths and science – and has a talent for writing novels. A self-described “open book” these are the many sides of Katie Ellis, the young woman who just may change the world of medicine one day.
Ask Katie how on earth she fits in performing at such high levels of sport and academia and the answer is essentially hard work. “I put a lot of effort into my studies because I’ve got really big goals. I study from as soon as I get home until I go to sleep and archery kind of fits in. It’s a really good sport for concentration, it’s very repetitive and boring focusing on
Starting SMC in Year 6, Katie had no idea she was any good
a target but I have my brain working while I’m doing it, so it
at maths, and her previous school hadn’t even touched on the
doesn’t feel like a waste of time.”
subject of science. “At my first teacher-parent interview, Mrs Sheldon told my parents I was good at maths, and they said no Katie’s good at English - that was the start for me as no-one had noticed that skill before”.
Supported by a loving family, Katie says she gets her inspiration to work so hard from her Mum. “I started at SMC with a scholarship but I didn’t get one for Years 9, 10 and 11 so my Mum, knowing the huge opportunities I had, worked from
Discovering science was another light bulb moment for Katie,
really early in the morning to sometimes midnight or one in
in fact, ask Katie about her subjects of choice and you can
the morning to keep me here. It was such an incredible thing
see her passion ignite. “I like knowing how things work and
to watch and I work really hard because she works really hard.”
how they can be different and it’s also where subjects like Geography can be very helpful as the bridge between humanities and science, it explains how it works in a social context. I just love knowing why things happen and why they work.”
That work ethic is paying off. Next year Katie will study at University of Canterbury for a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Diploma of Global Humanitarian Engineering with a pathway to the Bio Medical industry. “My
So how does the girl who is currently studying English,
goal is to work making 3D organs, optimising our human
Geography and three sciences for Level 3 NCEA, as well
body systems to fix them up. I have a particular interest in the
as completing two University papers last semester and one
female reproductive system to help women with issues like
this semester, fit in winning medals for her country?
endometriosis and fertility”.
“It’s funny because my brother is the sporty one in our
And asked if there was anything people would be surprised to
family but we tried archery at school and I liked it so my Mum
know about her, Katie reveals a talent for writing novels. “I do
bought a Grabone voucher for some ‘Have a Go’ sessions.”
a lot of writing and have done for years. In Year 9, I wrote three
It was at one of these sessions that Katie was spotted by her
novels and haven’t been able to do quite that many in the past
future coach. “They said to me, you should do competitions
years, but I love writing novels and putting them on places like
and it went from there. I went to the US Nationals a couple of
Wattpad and seeing who likes them and what people think.”
AUTUMN 2018 3.
Diana's Powhiri
4. EVERGREEN
AUTUMN 2018 5.
Centre for Innovation The World of STEM
The world does not operate in singular subjects. Educational facilitators need to be encouraging seamless integration of knowledge toward an outcome. The concept of STEM is being challenged to change it’s anagram to STEAM to include the arts. An ongoing debate around what we call this model with the possible addition of PE for Physical Education or P for philosophy continues. In essence the “end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process” Susan Riley - Arts integration specialist, Education Closet. At St Margaret’s College we have some amazing STEAM opportunities available to our students such as: A visiting guest from Girl Boss, Alexia Hilbertidou brought her “ChangemakeHer” workshop to St Margaret’s College. Students from year 10 to 13 were inspired by Alexia to make positive change in their communities and to maximise their impact through science and technology. Alexia ran a hands-on workshop where students were challenged to engage in activities that enabled them to think about their connections. Alexia opened their minds to future opportunities as a female with an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Another prestigious event was the Hi Tech Gala Dinner. This formal evening was a gathering of the leading businesses in New Zealand who demonstrate innovative thinking. Three students were given an absolutely mind-blowing experience to be part of this high profile event. Thanks to Tait Communications, Year 13 student Katie Ellis had the
6. EVERGREEN
privilege to sit beside and chat with Clare Curran Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media. A chance to mix and mingle with New Zealanders who are creative thinkers, with investors in innovation and with high profile companies who are making their mark not only in NZ but also offshore. Linda Chong
– Centre for Innovation
Boarding Life The cooler months don’t dampen the spirts of our boarders. Many activities and nights have been organised by various staff members and students to get through the winter months. Our student leaders have hosted some fun evening activities for the girls including movie nights in Julius, Fat Matt Splat in the Gymnasium for anyone keen for a game and, of course, our “let’s all dress up as men just for something a little different” dinner. The girls work hard and play hard with winter sport in full swing and there are also dances for the younger year groups and semi’s and balls for our seniors. The Year 11’s having been developing some cooking skills with their counterparts from Christs College. Known as “Cooking with College”, the girls got together in groups with the boarders from down the road. Everyone was given an opportunity to cook twice, learning the skills to make a sweet and savoury dish. These goodies were then donated to the Women’s overnight shelter at the City Mission, who were delighted to receive some stunning chocolate chip cookies and lasagne. The girls were also invited in when delivering the treats to have a look around the shelter and hear the high praises and thanks from the staff and overnighters. We welcome visits from our girls' families. The girls love the opportunity to show a special aunty or grandparent their bedroom, or tour the boarding house with little cousins who can’t imagine what it is like to live with so many other people. There is a lovely dad who calls in when in town to have a game of Pool with his Year 12 daughter. We have also had visitors for our knitting sessions on Sunday afternoons which have been enjoyed by all members of our boarding community. Our Year 10 are involved with the Rite Journey program. One of the very special skills they learn as part of this is to knit. Many of the girls have been knitters for a long time but for the majority, this is a pretty daunting task. This year the knitting bug really took hold and staff and girls created some stunning goodies for premature babies and these were donated to the Christchurch Neonatal Unit. It was heart-warming to see girls from other year groups being encouraged to learn and give knitting a go. Thank you to the very special Grandmas that joined in to help with this project. Your knitting lessons and skill at picking up some dropped stitches was greatly appreciated. Nicky Langley – Director of Boarding
Out & About Open Day
Senior Ball
8. EVERGREEN
Auckland Regional Event David Stoner
From left: Suzanne Weld, Rachel Hellewell, Erica Westley
From left: Georgia Cameron, Sorcha Peren, Hannah Brown
From left: Kim Hamilton, Deborah Murphy
From left: Gillian Simpson, Bella Bonifant, Fiona McLaclan, Jess Bremner
From left: Liz Winstone, Alison Morton, Kathryn Mansell
From left: Kate Idiens, Susan Mohammed, Pam Stoner
Wellington Regional Event
AUTUMN 2018 9.
Five minutes with... Grant Marra Kathryn Gray
Groundsman Head of Middle School How long have you been at SMC? I’m in my fifth year. What does your role involve? Primarily I’m the Groundsman but I do a bit of everything. What’s the best part of your job? Arriving to something different each morning. Things are always changing and there’s something always happening. It’s a vibrant place to be, nothing surprises me anymore! What is your favourite food? KFC but that’s bad food! I do enjoy a good roast. Best weekend activity? I really like doing motorsport. I’m a rally co driver - the person that sits in the passenger seat and tells the driver where to go, I like getting away and doing that with my friends. You have two girls at SMC, what’s the best part of working at the same place as they go to school? It’s great. I was here for a year before they came so I saw the opportunities that were available for them here, the learning support side of things is very good. Most interesting job you’ve had to do at SMC? I really enjoy doing projects. Last year the Year 13s asked for help with their leaving gift. I designed and built the water feature that they gifted back to the school. It was great to be leading that - reinstating something that was a part of the school prior to the earthquakes.
How long have you been Head of Middle School? Since 2012. The job popped up somehow on my computer. I wanted to work at SMC and to be Head of Middle School so we moved as a family from Dunedin. Why Middle School girls? There’s something special about Middle School girls, they want to be adults and they’re starting to make their own decisions, but they still need guidance. It’s probably the most exciting time in their development as a young person as they test things out and push boundaries. But they’re still really enthusiastic about learning and they’re still keen to get involved in everything. What’s your highlight of the school year? I’ve got a couple. One is when we’ve had our teacher-only days at the start of the year and we’re getting ready for the girls to come back in - they bring the school to life and are its heart and it’s the most exciting thing to see them all come back. My second highlight is the prize giving when we see how far they’ve come – the celebrations and successes and the tough times and storms we’ve passed together as a Middle School. What stands out the most from your time at SMC? It is an amazing community. Once an SMC girl, always an SMC girl. The big sister, little sister, middle sister - it’s a wonderful friendly happy place. The privilege in my position is I see them go from Year 7 where they’re these tiny little people just out of primary school through to Year 10 where they’re on the verge of being these wonderful adults. It’s a bit like a flower blooming. What do you do to relax? I absolutely love watching sport on TV and I’m a keen runner – three times a week I go running with a club. What talent do you have that would surprise people?
10. EVERGREEN
I love to crochet. My mum always wanted to teach me and I was never interested but after she died I taught myself using You Tube so now I think ‘Look mum I did do it!!’
Foundation The Foundation’s key focus is to support a sustainable future for St Margaret’s College, ensuring the school continues to empower girls to live and lead, now and into the future. This year, the Foundation has supported seven students to attend St Margaret’s College, providing them with the opportunities of an education at this school. The funds raised from our recent Empowering Tomorrow’s Women, Today campaign allows the Foundation to increase the funds available for more girls to attend the school who otherwise would not be able to. This all-or-nothing campaign was run on Thursday 13 September 2018 where each gift was quadrupled by our very generous matching donors. A huge thanks to the generous St Margaret’s College community for your support! Stage Two of the Chapel Project is well underway and it's hoped that the former St Mark’s Church from Rotherham will be open to the girls before the end of Term 4. Enormous thanks must go to Caleb Ballin and Nicholas Hobbs from Cequent Project Management who have donated their time to ensure
that the project has progressed on time and to budget. The St Margaret’s College community have been incredibly supportive of the chapel and cannot be thanked enough for their generous contributions. As this issue goes to press, the Art Exhibition & Sculpture Garden is underway as our major event of the year. Plus the inaugural SMC Foundation House & Garden Tour is being held on Sunday 28 October 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm. A special thank you to the owners of the six beautiful homes that will be open for the day. Look out for beautiful Christmas cakes, mince pies and other delicious Christmas food. Maggie’s Café is on the move and will be open at one of the houses for sensational coffee and food. Thank you to the Foundation Chair, Mark Cox and the Foundation Trustees for the significant time and expertise they give to the school. Ngā mihi nui. Nicky Averill – Foundation Manager
SMC FOUNDATION
Christmas
FUNDRAISING 2018 www.stmargarets.school.nz AUTUMN 2018 11.
PFA
Growing A Parent Network
It was a great honour to take over the role of President from Tania Burden earlier this year and I’m happy to report we have had a successful and busy year (so far) at the PFA. Roger Martin (PFA Treasurer) has organised another fantastic year of Father-Daughter Breakfasts; we have had a wide diversity of speakers and all the events have been enjoyable and widely attended. It is a great event that brings our girls and dads together; we rely on our PFA volunteers to help support the wonderful cafe staff. We also made a large donation of iPads to the Centre of Innovation. As we look forward to the final term, our aim is to connect more parents into our PFA network and communicate the great work our parent/friend volunteers do to support our girls at school. As we approach the final term, we are looking for your support in time to help run school events (upcoming Art & Sculpture Exhibition and the House & Garden Tour); as well as support at upcoming social events for the Art and Sport Departments. We are also looking for support and donations
for the school’s gardening/coding project called TechToTable where we encourage girls to get involved in gardening by using technology to make a garden grow. You can track this group’s progress at facebook.com/techtotable If you would like to be involved with the PFA please do reach out and let us know. You can contact us on pfa@stmargarets. school.nz. For our meeting dates, and more information about what we do, please head to our webpage for more information, stmargarets.school.nz/pfa/ Flavia Timiani-Dean – PFA President
FOUNDATION
St Margaret’s College Foundation Presents
HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR Sunday 28 October 2018 • 10:00am – 4:00pm
Explore six stunning houses and gardens in Fendalton and Merivale Enjoy Christmas treats, barista coffee and delicious home baking Tickets: $55 + booking fee Book online at: stmargarets.school.nz/house-garden-tour 12. EVERGREEN
International Baccalaureate Why choose the International Baccalaureate pathway? At this stage of the year students are making subject choices for next year. For our current Year 11 students this includes deciding between the IB pathway or the NCEA pathway. Some girls find this decision easy; others find the decision more challenging. Through formal and more informal presentations and meetings, we try to ensure the girls and parents have as much relevant information as we can! Does the term ‘International’ mean that the course is only relevant to girls wanting to study overseas? Indeed, it will certainly ease the entry to universities and access to scholarships in other countries, as this is a qualification which is well-known and accepted world-wide. But just why is it so well accepted world-wide? Tertiary institutions, both here in NZ and elsewhere, tell us that the IB is extremely successful in developing confident and independent learners with a global perspective. The compulsory Theory of Knowledge course and the submission of the Extended Essay, in a topic chosen by the student, ensure that learners have extended practice in critical thinking and in distinguishing between evidence and opinion. After a year or two at university our IB girls tell us that starting university with previous experience of structuring and presenting a formal research essay has been invaluable.
The focus on global mindedness and a global perspective is enhanced by the requirement to include an acquired language in the subject choices. Despite English being spoken by many people world-wide, social and cultural differences are vast. The IB philosophy supports learners in making connections between topics within subjects, between different academic subjects and between different cultural understandings. Students are involved in a variety of oral presentations during the two years of the course. The first of these take place at IB camp – informal debates with a TOK focus, group literary interpretation, and the amusing but deeply insightful ‘Flawed Science’ Group 4 Projects which are presented in the last hours before we leave the venue. Discussion and oral assessments during the two years of the course do much in helping the girls develop the skill and the confidence which lead to successful presenters and interviewees. Breadth and depth of learning in the academic arena is experienced alongside an ongoing Creativity, Activity, Service component – a healthy and rounded life needs more than books, technology and assessment! And stepping back a bit, reflecting on the impact of these activities, does much for the student’s development and well-being. Beth Rouse – IB Coordinator
The IB has stretched me and made me realise what I am capable of achieving and how much I love to learn
When I looked back this journey, this experience is a treasure
The IB has taught me the importance of maintaining balance, and continuing my interests
The IB gave me the confidence and the courage to pursue different pathways
AUTUMN 2018 13.
Alice! & more...
Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
14. EVERGREEN
Arts
Alice reminds us to dream big, to be creative, open, joyful. Our production last term reflected all of these qualities as well as providing a stage for so many of our girls to shine. It’s remarkable how those girls managed to squeeze in rehearsals alongside their sports practices, community projects, homework and family life, but seeing their smiling faces shining up each evening made it all worthwhile. What an extravaganza! This kind of major production contains all the elements that are most treasured in our Arts departments: creativity, expression, innovation, inclusivity, collaboration, community. Such an expansive project also rests on a generous crossover of helpers, from the backstage crew to the hat making, the hammering and nailing, the bar and ticket sales: thank you to all those who helped make this show such a wonderful sell-out success. Meanwhile, our regular events programme has been “business as usual” with a plethora of concerts, performances, competitions and festivities and an array of achievements across the performing arts with representatives in national orchestras, bands, dance and theatre companies and girls scoring top marks nationally in Speech & Drama exams, winning songwriting competitions and dance awards. Nestled in the middle there we put our best performance foot forward to entertain visitors for Open Day and brought our colours out on House Day with magnificent celebrations demonstrating just how alive and well the arts are at St Margaret’s College. Mary Davison – Arts Facilitator
AUTUMN 2018 15.
Sport What Sport Teaches You We asked some of our top athlete’s what they have learnt from their involvement in Sport?
CHARLOTTE LEE – 1ST XI HOCKEY, SUPER TOUCH What 3 things have you learnt from Sport that can be used in life?
out or sometimes even sacrificing school work in order to train or play games.
1. Since I was a child I was taught if I have a commitment I need to stick to it no matter how much I don’t want to. Whether I had a commitment myself to a hockey lesson or a team training, I was always there because I didn’t want to disappoint my coaches or parents. Not matter whether it was minus 2 degrees or 9:30 at night I would be at training, fully engaged, ready to listen and improve. Without fully committing to every aspect of my hockey life I can guarantee I wouldn’t have achieved so highly in my age group.
3. Finally, I believe that sport has taught me to be humble and modest which can definitely be used later on in life. Although I am very proud of my various achievements, I have always been modest because I do not want to seem superior to my teammates or peers.
2. With all of these endless commitments I have had to make some sacrifices which is another thing I have learnt from sport that can be used in life. Often, making these sacrifices would pay off. A prime example of this is having to miss my last senior ball because I had a hockey camp in Hawkes Bay. Making this sacrifice ensured I developed as a player in front of my coaches, showing them I have the potential to make a great hockey player in the future. Other sacrifices included staying home to recover from a hockey game instead of going
16. EVERGREEN
What is the most important value you have learnt from involvement in Sport? Resilience. I believe that resilience is the most important value I have learnt from my sporting career. The resilience I have gained was built on foundations of hardships and obstacles. After battling a concussion which would rule me out of the U18 Regional Hockey Tournament in 2017, I learnt to come back stronger, prove that I deserve to be playing at the top level and not let this head knock determine the rest of my hockey career. With this resilience I developed a strong mindset. Not only do I value resilience when bouncing back from injury but also when losing an important game or missing a penalty shootout in a final.
AIMEE BROWN – SENIOR A NETBALL, SUPER TOUCH What 3 things have you learnt from Sport that can be used in life? 1. Turning losses into gains – I have lost games, missed practices and thrown away the ball too many times over the years but with these negatives, I have learnt to evaluate the situation to think what went wrong and adapt for next time to come back a stronger person with more knowledge. 2. Taking instructions – I have always struggled taking instructions from people as I often just want to do things my own way. With sport it has taught me to listen to others, take their advice and try what they tell me to do. Often when I listen to them, I figure out that they are in fact right and more knowledgeable than me.
3. Self reflection – Self evaluation is a huge skill that I think can be used in life. In the last couple of years, I have learnt how to assess myself to make me a better player. It makes you think about how you can become a better person which is valuable in sports and in general life. What is the most important value you have learnt from involvement in Sport? Growing up I have learnt that commitment is a major value which needs to be held in the sporting environment. If you are a committed sportsperson, you show determination and motivation to succeed. I believe that if you really love sport, you are willing to give up your time outside of training hours to become a better person/player on and off the court.
EMILY EVANS – SENIOR A BASKETBALL, SENIOR B NETBALL What 3 things have you learnt from Sport that can be used in life? Teamwork Leadership Communication
What is the most important value you have learnt from involvement in Sport? Resilience, because it helps you to deal with and overcome situations beyond your control. It also teaches you strength of character.
Stay physically active and involved in sport Keep learning Become the best version of yourself
AUTUMN 2018 17.
Senior School Sony Camp
We’re incredibly excited to be working with Christ’s College to bring the first ever Sony Children’s Holiday Camp to New Zealand. Sony Camp provides much needed respite for parents and siblings of children with disabilities by delivering a fun-filled three-day residential camp for children with special needs. The Camp pairs the children with their student companions from St Margaret’s College and Christ’s College who will have been carefully selected and who are dedicated to the needs of their child. The most remarkable element of Sony Children’s Holiday Camp is the far-reaching effect it has on the student companions, staff, parent volunteers, families of the children with special needs and, of course, the children themselves. For many it is life-changing. Between 10 and 15 high-needs children will attend the camp and every attention is given to their physical, medical and emotional needs. Each child will have two dedicated student companions who will spend every waking and sleeping hour
18. EVERGREEN
with their charge. The students will be supported by a team of professional adults – nurses, doctors, therapists and St Margaret’s and Christ’s College staff. The camp will take place at Christ’s College on 7–9 December and is free of charge for the families. To make it happen, we are looking for adult volunteers – medical professionals, music therapists, art therapists or just those great at organising activities for children. We need you to help support our student companions and provide the essential medical care the camp children need. If you can help out, whether it’s for a few hours or the whole camp, please email sonycamp@ christscollege.com for more information. Thank you for helping change the lives of these very deserving families – we look forward to giving them a holiday they’ll remember for ever. For further information on Sony Children’s Holiday Camp, visit sonyfoundation.org/about/childrens-holiday-camps/
Middle School The Puzzle Metaphor
Jigsaw puzzles were believed to be invented in the early 1760s in England. According to Wikipedia, the engraver and cartographer John Spilsbury, of London, is believed to have produced the first jigsaw puzzle. Early jigsaws, known as dissections, were produced by mounting maps on sheets of hardwood and cutting along national boundaries, creating a puzzle useful for the teaching of geography. Such "dissected maps", it is believed, were used to teach the children of King George III and Queen Charlotte by the Royal Governess Lady Charlotte Finch in the 1760s. Since then they have become popular toys for children of all ages and have been underneath many a Christmas tree. This winter I decided, as an experiment, to place a jigsaw puzzle on a table in the Winchester South breakout space, with no instructions or discussion. I simply placed it on a table. It wasn’t long until the box was unpacked and the pieces began to get sorted. Most mornings or afternoons there would be a student, or group of students, busy placing the pieces. On at least one occasion some staff members were even caught contributing to the puzzle. Now, four weeks later, the last few pieces have found their homes and the picture is complete. It got me thinking about how a jigsaw puzzle is a bit like a metaphor for our Middle School. We have lots of pieces yet we don’t quite know what the finished product will be like. We have to work at the puzzle and slowly and surely let the pieces fall into place. At the start of Middle School there are so many pieces it can be hard to know where to start. Some people start with the outside first. Others start with colours or shapes. No matter how many pieces there are, it all starts when the first piece
gets put in place and ends when the last piece goes into place, whenever that may be. Middle School, just like a jigsaw puzzle, can’t be rushed! Sometimes it can be very frustrating as one particular section doesn’t fall into place easily and sometimes you shuffle and shuffle the pieces until you convince yourself there is at least one piece missing. Sometimes you can stop and stare in one direction, or in one place, for some time only to find that another place or opportunity was waiting for you the whole time. Just like a jigsaw there are no shortcuts and it is always a work in progress, slowly coming together. Just like jigsaw puzzles our young people sometimes need to look with fresh eyes at the opportunities in front of them or we need to look with fresh eyes at them. I am in a very privileged position as I watch many pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that is Middle Schooling fall into some form of a picture – maybe not the final picture but a picture of who the student is graduating from Middle School ready to take on the challenges of the Senior School. From my placing a jigsaw puzzle on a table what I noticed was – sometimes people contributed on their own, some chatted and had a social time in a small group while placing puzzle pieces, for others it crossed the age divide and for some they took some time out of their busy day to help solve the collaborative task. What a joy it has been to quietly observe the ongoing developments of my jigsaw puzzle experiment and I am now considering what I could put in the jigsaw puzzle’s place! Thank you to all who contributed to the puzzle and helped me frame my thinking around the metaphor of the puzzle! Kathryn Gray – Head of Middle School
AUTUMN 2018 19.
Junior School STEM
For those who are past pupils, this acronym would be completely foreign to you. However, if you are a member of our Junior School, it is a critical component of our teaching and learning. STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths. While science and maths are nothing new to school, when we combine this with technology and engineering, it takes on a whole other meaning. The key element of STEM education is that it is a combined curriculum. STEM integrates learning units based on real-world applications. We are very fortunate to be in a position where our Year 1 – 6 classes have experts in these fields teaching STEM. Units of work do not always involve computers or IT equipment, rather they focus on the skills of innovation, creativity, communication, collaboration and other transferable skills such as persistence through trial and error. Audrey Campbell and Linda Chong are two teachers who are leading the way in the education arena in these subjects. Their innovative programmes mean more girls are being exposed to this future-focused world – and having a lot of fun on the way! Julie Calder – Head of Junior School
20. EVERGREEN
Pre-School Last term the Pre-school developed an Inquiry into expression through movement, sound and image. Renee introduced children to a variety of art techniques and styles including printmaking, portraits, mask-making and Māori design. Stacy supported the youngest children to experiment with free dance and the older ones practiced choreographed movement to a set piece. Maaka, the school kaumatua, regularly shared waiata with the children, as we built on our repertoire of traditional Māori songs. The children in our Transition to School group brought ‘The Gingerbread Man’ to life. This Inquiry engaged all the children as they were able to be involved at their own level and enjoy experimenting with these different forms of expression. We loved showcasing it to all the parents at our end of term Celebration of Learning. Sue Gleeson – Head of Pre-School
AUTUMN 2018 21.
SMCOGA
Message from the President
It’s a long time between leaving school and your first formal reunion – 15 years in fact! We didn’t want to lose touch with our younger Old Girls so we created a special group for those in their first 10 years following graduation. Gillian Simpson named them the ‘Margaritas’ and each year we hold a function for these Old Girls and welcome them back to school to reconnect over, you guessed it, a margarita. Our strategic focus for this year has been to stay connected with our Margaritas, not only locally but nationally. So, we teamed up with the Christ’s College Old Boys Association and over the winter hosted our first ever university events in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. These gatherings have proven popular with around 90 Margaritas and YOBs (Younger Old Boys) attending in Dunedin alone. For those of us who have been out for longer than 10 years, Reunion Weekend is just around the corner. If you were in the
3rd Form/Year 9 in 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988 or 1998, we would love to see you at the end of October. From this year onwards, we will also be including our 65 years-on Old Girls (1953) in the weekend celebration. Whether or not it is your reunion year, you are very welcome to attend our Old Girls' Service on Saturday 27 October at 9:00am. Meet our new Executive Principal, Diana Patchett, who will be giving the sermon. Remember to update us with your news – careers, travel, births, marriages. Just click on ‘Tell Us Your News’ (www.stmargarets.school.nz/tell-us-news/) under the Old Girls tab on the SMC website. You can check out all of our events via the website or on our facebook page at facebook.com/SMCOldGirlsAssoc/ and don’t hesitate to contact us at smcoga@stmargarets.school.nz for further details. We look forward to welcoming you along. Samantha MacGibbon – SMCOGA President
ST MARGARET'S COLLEGE OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION Notice of Meeting – Annual General Meeting St Margaret's College Staffroom • 12 Winchester Street • Merivale Tuesday 30 October 2018 • 6:00pm
Friday 23 November 2018 6:00pm – 8:00pm Old Girls' Atrium Email: smcoga@stmargarets.school.nz 22. EVERGREEN
Old Girl News Jenny Abrahamson SMC Old Girl 1948 – 1961 Jenny Abrahamson’s (Clark) recently published book John and Charles Enys: Castle Hill Runholders, 1864-1891, celebrates the history and stunning scenery of Castle Hill and the Canterbury high country. John and Charles Enys, the younger sons of a Cornish gentry family leased Castle Hill in 1864. They were the first men to live at Castle Hill trying to make a living from sheep in the days of wool booms and busts, the gold rush to the West Coast, and not so romantic travel on the Cobb and Co coaches. The text uses the brothers’ letters plus letters written by their nephew. Old Girl and daughter of the former Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, Molly Carrington’s, painting of the Carrington family crossing the Waimakariri in a horse-drawn wagonette features amongst more than 200 images in the book. Orders can be made www.castlehill.net.nz.
Helena Roake After leaving SMC aged 17, Helena Roake attended Balletto di Roma for one year. She describes this time as an amazing year of culture when she went to almost every ballet, opera and performance in Rome and sometimes outside of the city in small mountain amphitheatres. Following graduation Helena has performed in various shows and projects in Rome, Florence, Sicily and London. She has danced a piece called ‘La Folia of Don Chisciotte’ choreographed by Milena Zullo a very well-known Italian choreographer which was performed at the Sheraton
Hotel Rome and in Teatro Quirino Roma a theatre beside the fountain of Trevi. Has been in a short film both dancing and acting which has now been Bafta qualified. And has also been in a Chinese movie dancing and acting (in English) – this movie will be out in Asia this year. She has danced in a few music videos in London and is currently dancing in Dirty Dancing in London. And has also been invited to go to China to dance with the London Contemporary Theatre as a guest artist. As Helena says “these are my more notable experiences so far – we will see where the wind blows me next.”
AUTUMN 2018 23.
Prathe Chandru SMC Old girl Pratheeksha Chandru returned to Christchurch to receive recognition for gaining the highest distinction at the 2017 Speech New Zealand exams for her Associate Diploma in Performance. Prathe gained distinction for all
three of her modules and was presented with her trophy recently in Christchurch. Now studying medicine at Auckland University, Prathe attended SMC from 2011 to 2017.
Natalie Bocock SMC Old Girl Natalie Bocock has become the first woman to cox a men’s crew to a medal at world championship level. The team won silver at the recent Under 23 world champs in Poland. Former rowing coach Trudy Keys said of Natalie “She always had a commanding presence about her and she grew into being a leader with our squad at school.” In her final
Maadi Cup in 2014 Natalie was awarded the Simon Briggs Trophy for top coxswain and she collected eight medals. Since then she has been part of the Southern Regional High Performance Centre and has represented NZ at international age group level.
Ming On-Siri Siromol (Ming) On-Sri knows a thing or two about design. A SMC Old Girl who attended school from 2003-2008, Ming has travelled the world with her design ideas. After SMC she attended Parsons School of Design in New York, studying Product Design and was granted an international scholarship for all of her four years of university. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree at Parsons and received the best overall thesis award. After graduation she interned at several fashion houses including Alexander Wang, United Nude and John Varvatos and was then selected to
attend Pensole Footwear Design Academy for a five week intensive footwear course. The course is also run as a competition and Ming won the 2013 kids footwear category and had her design featured at a footwear trade show in Las Vegas. In 2014 she joined the adidas Design Academy as one of three selected trainees and spent two years working in China and United States and Germany, where she is currently a full time footwear designer at adidas headquarters.
100 Fendalton Road Christchurch (03) 351 7980 jennyburtt.florist@xtra.co.nz www.jennyburtt.co.nz
24. EVERGREEN
Coming Events 2018 October
Friday 26 & Saturday 27
Reunion Weekend
Tuesday 30
Old Girls' Association AGM
November
Friday 23
Christchurch Margaritas
Wednesday 28
Leavers' Ball
2019 February
Cranmer Chapel Service
March
Annual Golf Tournament
May
Saturday 11
Cranmer Lunch
Tuesday 28
Bridge Tournament
Deceased April 18 – Sept 18 6341 1535 2114 2345 1444 5146
Katherine Rees Ngaire Henderson Diana Jarman Beverley Ayres Jean Nelson Raewyn Chapman
(Smith) (Nicholls) (Bryden) (Adams)
2100 3169 3820 5048 1967
Jocelyn Stokes Rosa Chaffey Julie Scaife Virginia McMillan Janis Tiso
(Vile) (MacDonald) (Middleton) (Crawford)
AUTUMN 2018 25.
Old Girl Events Cranmer Assembly
26. EVERGREEN
Margaritas – Auckland Pippa Hayward
From left: Kate Idiens, James Idiens, Susan Mohammed
From left: Lucy Tothill, Lucy Thomson, Maddy Lloyd, Frances Redmond
From left: Madeleine Tilly, Gabby McDonald, Molly Crossland
Margaritas – Dunedin From left: Rachel Fulton, Fionnaula Lowry, William Currie
From left: Cecilia Foster, Georgia Bell, George Blake
From left: Liv Mendonca, Sophie Taylor, Sheryl Kamat
From left: Becky White, Lucy Davidson, Henny Tutton
From left: Tessa McKellar, Sophie McFarlane, Alex Hazlett, Maisie Bonifant, Olivia Pinckney
From left: Alice Batt, Tom Jackson
From left: Georgia Voice, Star Davidson
Back, from left: Georgia Voice, Henny Tutton Front, from left: Faith Gunn, Sophie McFarlane, Cecilia Foster
From left: Annabelle Lee, Maria van Kuijk, Victoria Levey, Monique Arthur
AUTUMN 2017 27.
Alumni Profile Gussie Cohen
The right to an education no matter gender, class, race or income is a passion for SMC Old Girl Augusta (Gussie) Cohen. This passion, and a love for the French language, led Gussie onto the international humanitarian stage when earlier this year she was one of two New Zealanders given the opportunity to meet and swap ideas with 59 other young global citizens at LabCitoyen in Paris. Places to attend the conference are highly sought after – candidates are interviewed and chosen for their proficiency of the French language and their humanitarian achievements. Translated as the citizens’ laboratory, LabCitoyen is organised by the French Embassy and Institut Francais to promote the French language as a tool for both discussion and action for young people. This year’s theme was education and human rights. Putting the French she was learning into practice and sharing ideas with young people from 47 countries, some of whom have limited freedom of press or resources to fund an education system, was an honour but also an eye opener for Gussie. “I felt very lucky to come from New Zealand, I talked to a girl from Lebanon where half the population are refugees and it was her job to work with torture victims.” A social awareness started for Gussie while still at school when, as Head Girl, she attended a leadership conference run by the Alliance of Girls Schools. It was at this conference she was inspired to develop the idea for Educating Girls Globally (EGG), a charity focused on improving the standard and access to education for girls in developing countries. While EGG is continuing to grow and has been successful in building classrooms for schools in developing countries Gussie has involved herself in other human rights projects. Now studying law at the University of Auckland she is leading the access team for the Equal Justice Project – a team focused on education and legal rights for low decile schools. The speakers, presentations and discussions at the conference were an inspiration for each of these current projects as Gussie explains, “Each day was split into one or two themes. One theme was gender in education which was really interesting through my experiences with EGG but the day I found most exciting was when we focused on technology.”
28. EVERGREEN
The way we teach has long been of interest to Gussie, she feels while we have embraced technology in many aspects of learning the semantic way in which teaching is delivered has not changed in many years. “One of the speakers at the conference talked about Wellington High School where the students write blogs at the end of every week outlining what they’ve learnt, their learning and recall is then episodic which is so much more powerful than learning by rote.” With an impressive CV herself, Gussie can hold her head high in very astute company but she was impressed and humbled by the array of talented individuals she met at the conference. In particular one girl from Nigeria stood out for her. “She was from a family of three girls and her mother faced a lot of discrimination in the community because she had not had a son. As the eldest of the three girls she felt compelled to prove her worth. She was on the national swim team, she was learning four languages and was at the top of her class studying chemical engineering - and the best part was she wasn’t bitter – she was excited for the next generation when hopefully views would be a little more liberal.” It’s meeting these inspirational people and learning about their challenges that really gets Gussie passionate. And it is this passion she is hoping she can spark into aspiring SMC international humanitarians. “I’ve had the opportunities I’ve had by coming from a privileged background. Having an amazing education is an advantage but you also have to be passionate about your focus. But don’t be afraid if you have no experience with what you choose, when I started EGG I’d never done anything like it before - you can learn as you go.” Her passion for education forms Gussie’s immediate future as she completes her honours dissertation in international law and a clerkship with a commercial law firm is lined up for the summer. “Gaining experience in commercial law is something a little bit different for me but I just want to take every opportunity I can get. My ultimate aspiration is to go overseas and work in international human rights and hopefully put my French into practice.” Without a doubt the future – immediate and long term, is very bright for SMC’s very own former head girl and international humanitarian – Gussie Cohen.
Alumni Profile Olivia Loe
No overnight success – SMC Old Girl Olivia Loe is testament to how far putting in the hours, ignoring the doubters and having one goal can take you. From SMC rowing to Maadi Cup, New Zealand under 23’s, Elites, the World Champs and the Olympics, Olivia has carved a path to success. Rowing was on Olivia’s radar as soon as she started at SMC in 2004, her sister Jessica had already cemented her place in the team and Olivia was watched with interest. “She roped me into it, she was good so the coaches were keen for me to try.” Embracing her new rowing family, Olivia thrived in the team atmosphere – everyone supporting each other to a common goal and in particular the Maadi experience. “It’s one of the biggest regattas and there’s a lot of pressure. The stakes are slightly higher when you’re at World Champs representing your country but if you don’t get that far nothing’s bigger than Maadi.” With rowing well and truly under her skin, Olivia did get that far. From schoolgirl rowing she worked her way through the ranks. “When I was a junior I never thought I’d make it to under 23’s and then I was in under 23’s and I never thought I’d make it elites and then I won elites and you just keep on pinching yourself.” In 2016 Olivia got what some would call the highest call up of all – she was named as a reserve for the Olympic team. “Going to the Olympics was a whirlwind you always dream of it and I got to go. To experience it from a reserve position was great, I got to enjoy my first time there and didn’t have the pressure that a lot of the others did because they were competing,” and being surrounded by so many famous athletes there were some fan-girl moments. “I was walking to the food hall following this group of Spanish people and realised it was Rafael Nadal. Someone you never expect to
see and they’re just casually walking around. You have to pretend you’re really cool and not fazed by it but you’re freaking out – obviously!” Sport is in Olivia’s blood – but her determination, courage and sacrifice has brought her own hard-earned success. Daughter of All Black Richard Loe, Olivia says sport was always a priority in her life. “It was placed above a lot of other things like University and socialising. Some people say sacrifices, I say they’re choices. Choices to commit to your sport and to put in the work when it may not seem likely that you will succeed.” In fact, Olivia credits the times when she was a fringe athlete, her years as a reserve, which actually made the difference to her success and believes she learned that determination to keep on going against the odds from her parents. Olivia’s odds did get higher when she, and team mate Brooke Donoghue won last year’s World Champs for the elite women’s double - a title which they will defend at this year’s champs in Bulgaria in September. Future goals include qualifying that boat for the Olympics and making the 2020 team. “I’ve just got to take one step at a time, making each crew – qualifying the boat. Break it down into achievable steps.” Breaking it down, working it through and silencing the critics is what Olivia does best. And in her usual quietly determined way, when asked if the ultimate goal is going to Tokyo in 2020? – she simply answers, “No, the ultimate goal is to win!”
AUTUMN 2018 29.
Alumni Profile Chessie Henry
The story of SMC Old Girl and writer, Francesca (Chessie) Henry’s life is made up of many chapters. An idyllic young life in Sumner, an island adventure on Tokelau, and back to Kaikoura where her father is under enormous pressure, like so many others in his profession of rural doctor. Amongst the stories of a close knit adventurous family – Chessie’s life is hit by two natural disasters and, while significant and life changing, they are just one chapter that she refuses to let define her life. This is the story told in her recently published book “We Can Make a Life”. Inspiration for Chessie’s book came from her family, thinking she was writing a story about the pressure rural doctors are under in their communities as she watched her father struggling to maintain his mental health, while dealing with other people’s traumas. What evolved was the story of her family and how her father’s bravery and her mother’s sense for the outrageous led to an extraordinary life. On February 22, 2011 Chessie was in Wellington. When news of the Christchurch earthquake broke she knew her father, Chris, had been in town for a meeting but had no idea he was still there and the extent of his involvement – Chris was honoured for his bravery on that day. In the aftermath of the quake he was in Latimer Square helping assess the injured and later crawled through makeshift tunnels in the recovery of trapped victims in the collapsed CTV building. Following the disaster Chessie describes how in his usual stoic way Chris just got on with life “We talked about it briefly afterwards but not in depth. There were people who had relocated to Kaikoura and they needed help so what Dad had been through wasn’t dealt with at the time.” And then disaster struck closer to home. November 14, 2016, once again in Wellington Chessie receives news of the devastation in her home town of Kaikoura – including the loss or her family home. Suffering loss first hand put the events of 2011 into a different perspective for Chessie “I’ve written in the book how there’s different levels of loss. We lost our home but others had the experience of losing people. I think going through it ourselves put that into perspective for me.”
30. EVERGREEN
Six years after the Christchurch quake with her book taking shape Chessie and Chris drive south from Kaikoura to Christchurch and discuss that day. It is during this, at times, highly emotional conversation that Chessie hears for the first time in detail the extend of the trauma her father faced. The emotion that he was dealing with and how the years have increased, not abated, his feelings of grief. The direct transcript of that day’s conversation is in Chessie’s book and although hearing the account in Chris’s words is traumatic, in telling it this way, it becomes less dramatic. The rest of the book is crafted by Chessie and almost without her knowing becomes the story of her parents' – and then her and her brothers' lives. Travels through North Africa in a Land Rover, being held at gunpoint by soldiers. Four children under ten on the primitive island of Tokelau when their dad was the island doctor and back to Kaikoura where the family watches helplessly as Chris burns out dealing with the stress of a huge workload. “The book is about earthquakes but it’s also about how you carry on through things. I don’t think any of us would say its defined us or become this pressing thing that we now define ourselves through. It becomes like a chapter in a much longer story.” Leaving school in 2009 Chessie completed her Bachelor of Communications at Massey University and a Masters in Creative Writing at Victoria. Now living in Portland Oregon she attributes her time and teachers, some of whom she is still in contact with, at SMC to nurturing her creative writing talent. And also to the often underestimated strength of the New Zealand writing community. Chessie was taught by leading writers Pip Adam and Emily Perkins and was mentored by Elizabeth Knox; in her foreword Knox describes Chessie’s book as ‘deeply moving’. For the full story and the many chapters of Chessie Henry’s life – her book “We Can Make a Life” is available at Scorpio Books, selected Whitcoulls and Paper Plus stores and on-line from Victoria Word Press.
From the Archives Vivienne Burrows (nee Benzie)
D.Phil (Oxon), M.Sc. 1st Class Hons (NZ). Recently Vivienne came to visit me in the Archives to donate her Oxford academic robes to SMC. We had a lovely afternoon tea while Vivienne talked about her time here at SMC and how she went on to further education at Oxford University gaining her PhD – the first SMC girl to graduate Oxford, and University of Canterbury gaining her M.Sc. Vivienne was the first recipient of a SMC Old Girls’ scholarship starting at St. Margaret’s College in 1949, featuring in the school magazine that first year with a story about an explorer in Africa and his brush with death. By her last year at SMC Vivienne was a prefect, house captain – Matipo, on the games committee, a chapel prefect, and the head (student) librarian. Looking through the school magazines for the years that Vivienne attended SMC, you can easily see that Vivienne was a high achiever appearing on the awards list nearly every year. Her time in tertiary education was hard, but also the source of pride in what she achieved eventually becoming a lecturer at University of Canterbury. Whilst doing some research of my own about Vivienne, I came across several articles from the 1960’s on whitebait and can see how her research might be used in what is now a very topical subject. It is with honour that SMC accepts these robes into the archives. They will be stored appropriately and available for Vivienne’s family to access if they wish to do so.
Farewelling a Principal of 10 years At the end of last term, we said goodbye to Gillian, David and Lilly Simpson. Members of our school community for 10 years. It was a pleasure, and an education on SMC history, to be able to contribute to the various gifts and presentations by scouring through hundreds of images. These images were used in “The Book” and in slide presentations through the different events that were held in Gillian’s honour. They were comprised of good old- fashioned photos, digital photos and recordings. The different formats highlighted the need to get on and get good quality scans of old photos and the conversion and backing up of digital media as formats change over time, photos fade or become degraded or affected by moisture, heat and cold. With the help and endless patience of Linda Chong, using the laser printer, we created a small acrylic box for Gillian to house some USB drives that stored images and recordings of Gillian’s time here at SMC.
AUTUMN 2018 31.
In Closing We rejoice that we are back in the Transitional Cathedral to celebrate the faith and commitment of our Senior students in the school. A delight for us was the preaching of Bishop Kelvin Wright, who spoke of his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago trail across northern Spain. He spoke of these strangers, who become community through the act of walking 780 kms together.
E te whanau a te Karaiti / Dear friends in Christ, God is love, God gives us life. We love because God first loves us. In baptism God declares that love; in Christ God calls us to respond. We welcome you as you come to profess your faith. At your baptism you were made a disciple of Christ, and we signed you with the cross. Come now to receive the laying on of hands with prayer, to strengthen you for the work of God’s kingdom.
It was a Compulsory Service for Year 11–13 – but the joy of seeing the students, many who have not had the opportunity to be in the Cathedral before, being part of our Anglican Diocesan community, was a highlight of the Confirmation process. We celebrated two baptisms, two confirmations and one renewal of confirmation vows. The understanding of what that means for those students is supported by everyone witnessing the event.
Their light in our community shines bright with the love of God, and brightens all of our lives.
These are the words of welcome from the Baptism/ Confirmation service:
Blessings, Peg Riley – Chaplain
Country Elegance + City Convenience Stamford Country Estate - $POA
Stamford is a fine country residence some 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport and offers a distinct charm and quality throughout. Dovetail your country home with your city base at 2 Park Terrace overlooking Hagley Park and botanical gardens, offering you the very best of country and city living. Visit www.stamfordestate.co.nz to view the complete property portfolio.
32. EVERGREEN
loyovure hair
Northlands
Westfield Riccarton
The Palms
Hornby Hub
P 354 4494 P 385 5525
P 348 8837
P 344 3129
@synergyhairnz
/synergyhairnz
www.synergyhair.co.nz
24/7 purchasing online, free freight with orders over $50 CHRISTCHURCH
WELLINGTON
TAURANGA HAMILTON AUCKLAND