EMPOWERING GIRLS YEARS 1- 13
Join Diana Patchett, Executive Principal, on a Virtual Tour to discover the world-class academic, sporting and cultural opportunities at St Margaret's College
https://www.stmargarets.school.nz/virtual-visit/ Contact Admissions Manager, Susie Campbell enrol@stmargarets.school.nz
Contents Opening Remarks
2
Pre-School
17
Current Leaders – Rosie Milne
3
Junior School
18
Her Success is My Success
4
Middle School
19
Wellbeing
5
PFA
20
Foundation
6
SMCOGA
21
Five Minutes With...
7
Old Girls’ Reunion
22
Old Girls’ Events
24
Old Girls’ – Steph Mainprize
25
Alumni Profile – Charlotte Bellis
26
Alumni Profile – Melissa Jebson
27
From the Archives
28
In Closing
29
Sony Camp Out & About – Housewarming Picnic, Sumner
8 10
Event, International Women’s Day Breakfast The Arts
12
Sport
14
Boarding
16
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100 Fendalton Road Christchurch (03) 351 7980 jennyburtt.florist@xtra.co.nz www.jennyburtt.co.nz
Opening Remarks
DIANA PATCHETT St Margaret’s College may be celebrating our 110th birthday this year, but our youthful energy and fortitude continue to give rise to many firsts; the most recent being this online version of Evergreen published from the SMC@Home offices. The special character of our school community is never more valuable than in these uncertain times, as we draw together to navigate our country’s response to the global pandemic. It is in these moments that the founding values of our school come into their own, for they run deep in us all, they are our guiding truth and they provide a firm foundation for our girls, parents and staff. Acknowledging and passing these values from one generation to the next is also our collective responsibility to ensure the spirit of SMC continues to flourish. It should be no surprise that our school values align beautifully with those of the five-fold Anglican mission statement, for we continue to develop these marks made on our history by Bishop Julius and the Kilburn Sisters over a century ago. 1.
We tell good news – this publication is testament to that, full of delight in the achievements of our girls and alumnae across academic, cultural, sporting and personal domains. This year’s theme SMC – She’s My Champion, offers opportunities to share positive examples of girls and women from all walks of life.
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We teach and nurture – included with this Evergreen is a copy of our SMC Wellbeing framework, a document that outlines the centrality of pastoral care and personal growth to an SMC education. The stylised camelia representing the
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five key tenets of wellbeing at SMC also offers a visual connection to Aotearoa New Zealand’s proud history of empowering women.
3. We tend and care for people in need – the eyes of SMC are always open to the need of our community and we continue to uphold our responsibility to service culture and social conscience, as shown by Old Girl, Melissa Jebson (page 27), even when facing her own adversity. 4.
We transform unjust structures and pursue peace – SMC continues to be a place of encouragement, a school with ‘a rising tide that lifts all boats’. Our mission to educate girls to live and lead and to empower women extends beyond the campus through our support of EGG (Educating Girls Globally) and our recent investment as an activator for female entrepreneurs through SheEO.
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To strive to safeguard, sustain and renew the life of the earth – our SMC Sustainability Charter continues to influence operational and strategic initiatives, with active community engagement across the cultural, environmental, financial, and social domains. We have doubled our native nursery stock to over 3,000 and our carbon footprint is rapidly shrinking.
Our Anglican traditions, our founding values, and the glorious commitment of our SMC family to uphold the special character of St Margaret’s College will carry us through times of joy and challenge for at least another 110 years. Diana Patchett – Executive Principal
Leaders
ROSIE MILNE “If you’re nervous or apprehensive that’s OK, try and see the positives in all situations and you’ll be able to push through and make it a good year.”
Being able to meet and get to know so many girls, especially the younger ones has been the highlight of the start of 2020 for Head Girl Rosie Milne and with this year’s theme, She’s My Champion, she is keen to see all girls at SMC shine. We asked Rosie to tell us exactly what the theme will mean to our girls at all levels. “It’s about realising we are all champions in our way and for different reasons and, in fact, it’s actually about the journey and not always the end result that makes us all champions. As a leadership team we came up with the seven values of championship, they are – curiosity, bravery, spirit, respect, kindness, pride and inclusivity. We also want all girls to celebrate their and other’s successes, so we have the motto “Her success, is my success and our success.” Through this we will be able to empower and lift each other rather than feeling jealous of what someone else has achieved. Together we can celebrate all success.” Alongside a desire to invest time into the community through charities such as Ronald McDonald House and Nurse Maude, Rosie is keen to see all SMC girls take every opportunity offered to them in 2020, especially in trying times. Rosie Milne – Head Girl
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1. Be yourself 2. Uphold the seven values of championship: CURIOSITY BRAVERY SPIRIT RESPECT KINDNESS PRIDE INCLUSIVITY
3. Celebrate others’ success 4.
“HER SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS AND OUR SUCCESS”
Wellbeing at St Margaret’s College The wellbeing of our school community lies at the heart of St Margaret’s College. Life at SMC embraces the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of our students, as well as their academic growth and their development in sport and the arts. Positive relationships are powerful in our learning community and the sense of ‘family’ is fostered from Years 1 to 13. Wellbeing at St Margaret’s is based on five core elements – character, hauora, faith, service and headspace. These elements and how they are interwoven throughout the fabric of the school are detailed in our new “Wellbeing at St Margaret’s” booklet which accompanies this copy of Evergreen as an
e-publication and is also available as a printed publication once school reopens. The five core elements of St Margaret’s College’s wellbeing are represented on five petals of the white camellia, a symbol of women’s suffrage, empowerment and of love and admiration. This wellbeing camelia was designed by the talented Ruve Crawford from our Visual Arts department and the flower symbolises flourishing and growth. The petals can be taken individually or combined to create a holistic representation of support for the wahine toa of all ages of St Margaret’s College.
He hauora te taonga Our health is our treasure
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Foundation
LEAVING A GIFT
Old Girl and Archives Volunteer, Amber Gazzard, with Archivist, Vickie Ward Thank you so much for the kindness and generosity shown by our donors, in particular our Old Girls. You are truly wonderful. Two in particular have stood out to us in recent months. Amber Gazzard (1956-1958) is a tireless volunteer for our school, visiting the White House at least twice a week to help name, sort and restore photos in Archives. She has also ensured her legacy will continue long into the future by leaving a gift in her will to St Margaret’s College. Throughout her life Judith Todd (1945-1949) spoke of her College association and attended many Old Girl functions and class reunions. Judith was a particularly active person and the grounding she received and the school values she acquired while she was at St Margaret’s paved the way for her activities in adult life. Judith died suddenly aged 86 in September 2018 and the generous gift she left to the SMC Foundation will help those values to be passed on to ensure other girls, who wouldn’t normally have had the opportunity, will benefit from an education at St Margaret’s College. If you would like to know more about leaving a gift to St Margaret’s College please contact Foundation Manager Nicky Averill, nicky.averill@stmargarets.school.nz. Your gift can reflect your personal interests or an area of the school that is important to you. Nicky Averill – Foundation Manager
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Old Girl, Judith Todd
Five Minutes With...
HR Manager Admissions Manager
SUSIE CAMPBELL What did you do before you came to SMC? I had a career with a variety of roles, all people orientated and about building relationships. Most recently I was working with an external provider in the careers sector across schools in New Zealand which involved liaising with a number of leadership teams and students in independent and public schools – coaching and facilitating workshops with young people. What’s the best part of your job so far? I love being immersed with the families and the girls within such a caring, modern and innovative environment and constantly being inspired by watching these young girls grow up and how lucky they are to be in such a beautiful education facility.
BELINDA CUZENS
What does your role at SMC involve? My role as a Human Resource Manager is to support the staff and Leadership Team with advice on employment, pastoral care, recruitment and develop policies and a framework to assist the school to be an employer of choice. What do you enjoy most about your role here at SMC? I really enjoy the staff and the whole atmosphere and culture at the school. When I am sitting in the staff lunch room listening to the staff and their discussions, the conversations are centred around genuinely supporting the girls with all facets of school life. In turn I thoroughly enjoy advising on best practice, recruiting the right person for the team dynamics and hopefully helping them with concerns to enable them to keep doing their role with as much support as possible. What did you do before you came to SMC?
Any highlights or moments that have stuck out this year?
I worked in Human Resources with various firms.
Watching the new girls coming in at the beginning of the year in January 2020 and how easily they settled in right from day one was a highlight. Also, because I’m across the whole school when I take a family on a personal tour, I love watching the girls go about their day and seeing them so happy while they are learning.
You're an Old Girl, what is your most memorable time at SMC?
What do you do in your spare time? I try to remain fit. I run, enjoy skiing in winter and have just taken up mountain biking. I’m also a real family person. All of my close family live within 10 minutes of me so we spend a lot of time together, I enjoy cooking and gardening, and being around our beautiful black labrador ‘Charlie’! What is your favourite food? I love cooking, but I can’t go past a good cheese platter with a timely refreshment!
Probably the Founders Day Service, we used to hold oranges with candles in them at the Cathedral, very beautiful. Also watching Mātipo win every award year after year! Who was your favourite teacher when you were at school and why? Miss Blair , I really enjoyed her dry sense of humour, she called a spade a spade but was very supportive, plus it made my school life easier when she became Principal. What do you do in your spare time? Did you say spare time? Favourite book or movie? I wish I could come up with something profound and moving, however favourite movies are: About Time, Marley and Me (cried for days). Any book, love reading.
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Sony Childrens’ Holiday Camp Sony Children’s Holiday Camp NZ in December is possibly the most remarkable weekend in the school calendar. It’s when our senior students, who have already achieved so much in the weeks prior with exams, extend themselves still further with compassion and empathy for an extraordinary three days. Sony Camp involves over 100 students from both St Margaret’s and Christ’s College and is a unique programme for children with special needs, providing respite for their families and a fun residential camp for the children themselves. The campers enjoy three days of entertainment and activities, culminating in a Christmas lunch for them and their families, including a visit from Santa himself! Throughout the three days, the children are looked after by the volunteer students from SMC and Christ’s College. They are with them night and day, quickly learning the challenges and
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rewards of caring for those with high special needs. The children’s time at the camp is documented through video and photography, providing their parents with a valuable keepsake in the form of individually tailored scrapbooks – truly a labour of love. The bonds that are built between the students and children are heart-warming and enduring, many staying in touch with their families beyond the camp. For the students, the experience is life changing. They learn a huge amount about themselves and what they are capable of, and for the supporting staff, the sense of pride is at times overwhelming as we witness what remarkable human beings these young men and women are. It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of this remarkable initiative and we’re looking forward to the memories Sony Children’s Holiday Camp NZ will create in 2020! Victoria Murrary-Orr – Director of Community Relations
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Out & About
HOUSEWARMING PICNIC
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SUMNER EVENT
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST
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The Arts As I near the end of my first term as the Arts Facilitator, each day I am blessed to see the breadth of offerings in the arts at SMC. Whether it is the Year 11 free range dancers breaking out of the classroom to use the school environment as the basis for their choreography, the Art Club creating fabulous works of art for Valentine’s Day, or the Year 7 girls sitting outside my office on their ukuleles creating fabulous musical offerings. I firmly believe the importance of the arts cannot be overstated. Michelle Obama’s quote sums it up perfectly – “The arts are not
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just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.” Seeing the arts in action here at SMC reminds me of the motto of my old school in Wells in the UK, “esto quod es – be what you are”. Be the champion, be the musician, be the dancer, be the actor, be the artist, but most of all be what you are! Gill Blackler – Arts Facilitator
“be what you are”
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Sport
SHE’S MY CHAMPION “SHE’S A STAR IN MY EYES” - Yene Damtew
When we see the word “champion” in the sports section of a magazine, it would be natural to assume we are referring to someone who has either shown marked superiority in a sporting context, or someone who came first or won a competition. In reality the word “champion” can mean so much more. To me “champions” are people who make a difference, those who have an impact on our lives. But it’s not always because of their own tangible achievements. When we look at the people in our lives who we have admired or who we “champion”, what is it about them that leads to our feelings of adoration and respect? Unpacked, it can be many things: pride in their achievements, respect for their actions and decisions, or trust in their advice. Ultimately, how we relate to someone and their actions, and how this makes us feel about ourselves, determines who is a champion in our eyes. Winning can label someone as a champion, and it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the work, effort and ultimate accomplishment of finishing first. But being a champion covers a broader spectrum of personal attributes.
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In the Sport Office we spoke about what a champion looks like to us and who, in our lives, we consider as our champions. One shared the following: "My Mum was a caring, selfless lady who always put the needs of others before herself. Even though I was surrounded by many champions during my time as an international athlete, I would without hesitation say... ‘my mum’”! Another named Sarah Ulmer, the former New Zealand, Olympic and World Champion cyclist, as someone she thought of as a champion. Not being able to articulate exactly why, I contacted our friend Google for inspiration and shared with my colleague the following article statement which, for her, explained her choice: “Sarah’s talent and grace were one thing. But in addition to this she reflects back a bit of ourselves. She is quintessentially a New Zealander. She represents what is best about our country, not just in a sporting sense but in forging an identity. Her refusal to make excuses matched with her refusal to give in easily followed by her refusal to revel in victory made her easily identifiable as a Kiwi. She is also personable and ‘real’.
It's this as much as her success in Athens (2004 Olympics) that will ensure her legacy as one of New Zealand's sporting greats.” A champion sportswoman, and many people’s champion! A third member, who is also a former national sportswoman, spoke of Kate Sheppard – the leader in the NZ women’s suffrage movement and the driving force behind NZ women being the first to be granted voting rights in 1893. She’ll never forget the pride she felt when travelling the world in the 1990’s, having someone say to her how awesome New Zealand was for giving women the vote. How progressive and open-minded we were. At that time she didn’t know too much about our history but felt instant pride in being a ‘Kiwi’ and being a woman. She thought “go you, Kate Sheppard!. Thanks for doing this for us!” So three people, with three very different champions. But all powerful in their own very unique way. This subset, while small, highlights how our champions do not fall into any one box! St Margaret’s has a proud tradition of producing champions. Leaders in sport, on the stage, in the arts, in science, and in
the law. All guided and influenced by people who have been to them, their champions. We can never underestimate the power of our senior students connecting with a junior at a school event, a teacher’s influence over a student’s learning or the impact a coach may have for feeding an athlete’s passion. Our champions wear many faces, and can be few or many depending on life’s stage or direction.
Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. – Rita Pierson As you move through life remember: If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a champion. And from a sporting perspective: “A champion is someone who gets up when they can’t” – Jack Dempsey Helen Belcher – Director of Sport
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Boarding She’s My Champion is the theme for 2020 and boarders are true champions in every sense of the word. Becoming a boarder for the first time is a huge step out of one’s comfort zone. Making the choice to live away from home with so many others could sound quite daunting, not for the faint hearted but our champions make this move from as young as 11-years-old. To celebrate the beginning of our year together we have our annual Big Day In. This year we had a fun-filled day at The Groynes. Our catering team came along to cook us a great BBQ lunch and enjoy watching the girls kayaking, playing cricket, competing in team races and a very competitive tug-o-war. Our new boarders have settled well into boarding life. The bumps in the road have been few and we are pleased to see these gorgeous girls embracing the spirit of friendship and belonging as they learn to live in our large shared community. We have celebrated the 2020 boarding leaders and Boarders’ Council. The Boarders Council comprises of representatives from each year group. These ladies meet regularly to discuss ideas they would like to see introduced to the boarding houses. Our Year 9s have met up with their Year 13 buddies and enjoyed some ice cream together. We had our first dinner swap for the year. Our Year 10 girls enjoyed dinner at Christ College and the Year 9 boys joined the girls for dinner at St Margaret’s. For our older girls, they had their annual Valentine’s Day breakfast hosted by Christ’s College. The International Club have enjoyed the first of many outings they will have with their Christ’s College contemporaries. A dinner out to meet and greet was a great way to get to know each other in a fun environment. The Year 11 girls shed a few tears at a movie outing with their supervisor Vicky. Perhaps a comedy might be a wise choice next time! Our weekend boarders have enjoyed some fun outings, movies, mini golf, Mega Air, canoeing on the Avon River, sight-seeing bus, the beach, Riverside Market and numerous ice cream outings. Mary had some willing helpers join her to produce some delicious baking for the Southern Rural Trust to donate to the farmers in Southland after the severe flooding they experienced. Themed dinners are always fun and a great way to celebrate all sorts of occasions. St Patrick’s Day was the first for this year. Everyone loves a reason to dress up, to celebrate being an SMC Champion! Nicky Langley – Director of Boarding
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Pre-School
Our Pre-School teachers are my Champions!
CHAMPION noun plural noun: champions 1. a person who vigorously supports or defends a person or cause.
The teachers in the Pre-School are not only champions for the children, they are champions in my eyes too. The teachers support the children through the best and worst of times, throughout the year and now through a country-wide lockdown. They are posting ideas and videos, songs and online specialist classes to our virtual pre-school classroom to support children and families, to maintain routines and connections with us.
So a huge thanks to all the champion teachers in the Pre-School and also our champion specialist teachers of PE, Dance, our Librarians, our cooks and everyone who “vigorously supports or defends” our pre-school children. Ngā manaakitanga Sue Gleeson – Director of Pre-School
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Junior School
Leaving the safety of your nest is always a challenge. It takes nerves of steel, faith and whole measure of trust in yourself that it will be OK! For the Junior School teachers, this has proven to be very apt as we have moved out of our classroom “bubble” and into Remote Learning for the next wee while. We are social creatures who thrive on interactions with each other. On any typical day in the Junior School, you will find us connecting with our classmates and teachers, interacting with all the other girls in the Junior School through learning or break times, participating in activities organised by the Senior Students during our lunch hours, specialist subjects or sports, being together as a large group and feeling an important part of our SMC community. For all the Junior School teachers and families, relationships are key to our day and are the foundation of our Junior School. But how does this work in this new reality that we are finding ourselves in? This is a new way of thinking, connecting and learning for a lot of us. Having to develop a new form of thinking around our teaching practice with Remote Learning technology to ensure our girls continue to learn, develop different forms of communication and ensure that any learning we provide still allows for creativity, competence and collaboration through technology, has been invigorating, to say the least. We are no longer looking at Remote Learning as a “Future Focused Educational Directive” that we can dabble in! One thing that is clear and of certainty during a time such as this is that our REDS values are transferable in any situation
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and ready for any stage of learning and life. Responsible Citizens, Effective Communicators, Dynamic Thinkers and Self Managers! These values are part of our Junior School daily life. They are our “north star” that will direct us in any new opportunities or curves that we find ourselves moving through. With our new “Super Hero REDS Capes” all our Junior School members will be able to power through this chapter of their learning journey with confidence. Julie Calder – Head of Junior School
Middle School
She’s My Champion – Middle Schoolers – without a doubt are my champion! If you can’t be a Middle Schooler be with a Middle Schooler – they are an amazing mix of enthusiasm and mystify most adults – myself included. They are a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same time. When the world gets crazy and adults are hard to deal with, Middle School students often speak the truth. They can cut straight to the point and suggest a solution often one that adults overlook. When there is a problem or a person in need, Middle School students are the first to run to their teachers to propose a solution. They KNOW they can make a difference in the world. They don’t worry too much about obstacles in their way which might at times mean they don’t come up with the best results – but when it comes to their plans of saving the world, they are absolutely inspiring… they are not bogged down by a national qualification system so they throw themselves into the tasks that come their way whether it is screen printing, solving quadratic equations or solving ethical dilemmas. Our Middle School has 349 amazing young women who never cease to amaze me. They come here ready to take on the world, sign up to everything and there are so many things they can sign up for – any one of 40 plus performing arts groups, 35 sports or 12 tech clubs.
From acapella choirs to hip hop, orchestra, theatresports, dance troops, netball, hockey, water polo, volleyball to robotics… and as well as these more formally organised activities we have student-run groups such as run club, chess club and ethics club. I love the way our girls give everything a go – they don't hesitate – this term our Year 8s threw themselves in the waves at Waimairi beach, and our Year 10s all completed an 18 hour solo. When I am asked what I am most proud of it is without a doubt the girls... the girls who battled her way through school to find her success later in life, the girls who shone throughout Middle School, the girls who blossomed, the girls who found her voice on the stage the one who shone on the sport field, the one who went on to serve others and give back to the community – the one who holds her head up looks people in the eye, smiles and makes the world better because they are in it – and that could be every girl who has been through SMC Middle School. As Whitney Houston said: I believe the children are our are future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be. Our girls are amazing and it is an immense privilege to work with them every day! Kathryn Gray – Head of Middle School
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PFA
I write this update bearing in mind that at present our beloved school is on “lockdown” and to use a phrase that seems so tired from news articles already, the St Margaret’s community faces “unprecedented” times. With that in mind, I choose to look back and reflect on achievements and more joyous moments. Our Association started with a bang, we had an excellent turnout at the House Warming BBQ, the PFA donated a photo booth and we were overwhelmed with girls and their families dressing up, pulling funny faces and having a marvellous time reconnecting with their friends after the summer break. I had the privilege of meeting new parents and chatting to them about the months ahead and how their daughters were so excited to be joining our community. From a PFA perspective, we have had a couple of productive meetings as well as our AGM. Diana has given us such informative presentations on her plans for the year, myself along with the Executive Committee (Roger Martin and Rachel Murrell) have worked with Diana to look forward to the year ahead and shared our thoughts on how the PFA can support extracurricular activities for the girls. We’ve made substantial donations during the first term from boarding house mirrors to a printing press. We do enjoy getting feedback at our meetings and seeing how our donations have enriched the learning and welfare of the girls. We really got off to a cracking start for 2020. And here I pause, right now my thoughts go to how we can keep our girls connected and safe during these worrying times. I applaud the school’s approach to scaling back on activities for the safety of the school community. In these coming months I hope, as parents, we can all keep connected with the school, teachers and staff virtually to support our girls through this challenging period. We look forward to coming through this on the other side and having some semblance of normality in school, sports and fun activities in the future. Our contact details if you need them are: pfa@stmargarets.school.nz. Stay safe and I sincerely look forward to when we can see you in person. Flavia Timiani-Dean – Parents’ & Friends’ Association President
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SMCOGA If you receive our online newsletters you will know at the last AGM in November I was elected as the new President. My thanks, and that of the committee, go to Samantha Carr, our Immediate Past President, for so very ably guiding the Association for the last two years. We welcomed two new committee members at the AGM, Jo Ritchie and Rachel Wells, both of whom bring energy, new ideas and a willingness to help the association whenever possible. Our existing committee is made up of most decade groups so you are well represented by very capable Old Girls.
From left: Susan Mohammed (President), Lavinia Shanks (recently resigned SMCOGA member), Samantha Carr (Immediate Past President)
As we go to print we are all living in a fluid and evolving environment. This has impacted on events that were planned for the foreseeable future and it is with regret that we have had to postpone or cancel our participation in the Auckland regional event, the Auckland and Dunedin Margaritas events scheduled for May along with the Cranmer ladies attendance at the Maundy Thursday service in April and the very popular Cranmer Luncheon in May. We must act in accordance with Ministry of Health advice as I’m sure you all fully understand. Other scheduled events will be reviewed in due course after consultation with the Executive Principal, Diana Patchett and the school’s policies. I must make mention of the Leavers’ Dinner/Ball that the OGA hosts annually. Last year was the largest evening we have hosted to date – just over 450 girls, parents and guests. The evening was, as always, very successful but only made so by the dedicated work of Emma Bradley, our Association Co-ordinator, the hard-working committee and staff from the Community Relations office. This year the school celebrates its 110th anniversary and we would like you to mark in your diaries the cocktail evening event on Friday 30 October. This event forms part of the reunion weekend celebration however to mark this special anniversary this year it will be open to all Old Girls. Let’s keep positive and if it’s your reunion year we’ll still work towards the event happening. I would encourage you to keep connected with the OGA by looking for information on the school website: www.stmargarets.school.nz/old-girls-association and if you’re on FaceBook ‘like’ the Association page. Dates of planned or rescheduled events will be posted on these pages so this is your best way to keep up to date.
From left: Susan Mohammed, Juliet Manson (recently resigned SMCOGA member), Samantha Carr
Old Girls Ring – $138, Necklace – $98, Bangle – $150 (all are available for purchase online: oldgirls.stmargarets.school.nz/)
Keep well and please reach out to the Association if we can assist you personally in anyway during these unsettling times. Susan Mohammed – SMCOGA President
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Reunion Weekend
Emily Acland, Jessica Bell, Prue Johnstone, Tori Sumner
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Janne Pottinger (Wright), Jo Turner (Dobson), Mandy McMaster (Freeth)
Rachel Challis (Talbot), Amanda Marchant (McBeath), Sophie Tripp
Anne Howarth (Wood), Joanna Donaldson (Perry), Deb Woodhouse (Palliser), Jacqui Watson (Hamilton)
Jessica Terzaghi (Cuningham), Shirley Horgan (Rhodes), Liz Bradley (Parry-Jennings), Kirsten Taylor, Paige Begley (Toomer), Jocelyn Southby (Lowe)
Alice Mew (Keegan), Charlotte Dapas (Sevier), Emma Jackson (Irving)
20 Years-On group
Tania McVicar, Leonie Greville (Roxburgh), Catherine Baddeley (Paterson), Pip Morton (Harry), Tania Leighs (Mannis)
Diana Patchett hosted a luncheon in Kilburn dining room for Old Girls from the 65-, 70- and 70-years plus groups. It was a wonderful afternoon of catching up with old friends.
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SMCOGA Upcoming Events August
Thursday 6 August
Wellington regional event
Thursday 27 August
Cranmer Assembly (10:00am)
October
Wednesday 28 October
Sports Awards
Friday 30 October
SMC 110 year Celebration Cocktail Party. Open to Old Girls
of every age and year group
Friday 30 – Saturday 31 October Reunion Weekend
(Those in 3rd Form in years 1950, 1955, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000)
November
Tuesday 3 November
AGM
Friday 20 November
Margarita graduation / Time Capsule opening (2010 Leavers)
Old Girls’ Golf Tournament 2020 Our combined schools’ Golf Tournament was recently played at the Waimairi Beach Golf Course on the 6th of March. Participating schools’ included Rangi Ruru, St Hilda’s, Craighead and Columba. A huge thank you to our sponsors who donated so generously. Best Gross (Old Girl’s Jug) 1. Vicki Moore 2. Lorraine Smith
Best Stableford Parents (Cranmer Cup) 1. Melanie Sanders 2. Wendy Timbs
Best Gross Bronze (Nancy Simpson Bowl) 1. Annabel Shand 2. Louise Guthrey
Best Net (Perkins Scott Trophy) 1. Pam Hughes 2. Emma MacFarlane
Best Stableford (Partridge Cup) 1. MaryAnn Sidey 2. Julia Nurse
9 Hole Best Stableford (St Margaret’s Salver) 1. Margaret McPherson 2. Jan Simpson
Melanie Sanders
Wendy Timbs
Annabel Shand
MaryAnn Sidey
A Sad Farewell to... Constance Hutton (Meikle)
#1026 aged 99
Janet Currie (Wilson)
Judith Parrott (Dickson)
#1399 aged 87
Joy McGregor Smith (Robilliard) #2265 aged 88
Jocelyn de Vore (Goggin)
#1520 aged 90
Elizabeth Warden (Finney)
#2281 aged 84
Norma Halliburton (Blakey)
#1663 aged 91
Ruth Gray (Hempstalk)
#2289 aged 86
Ursula Bisley (Richards)
#1748 aged 86
Anne Mace (Deans)
#2366 aged 77
Helen Mather (Bridson)
#1765 aged 93
Anne Thompson (Humphries) #2533 aged 79
Tessa Westnra (Taylor)
#1921 aged 89
Judith Petry (Sutherland)
#2622 aged 81
Joan Wilkinson (Wilkinson)
#1924 aged 90
Judith Finlayson (Manson)
#3084 aged 74
Dawne Reynolds (Lamond)
#1938 aged 88
Jeanette Inwood (Mundy)
#3277 aged 76
Rosemary Maxwell (Barlass)
#1959 aged 86
Annette King (Toms)
#3853 aged 71
Diana Johnstone (Carson)
#5262 aged 57
Melissa Souter
#6736 aged 47
Kathleen O’Loughlin (Gillespie) #2071 aged 88
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#2107 aged 88
Remembering
STEPH MAINPRIZE Steph Mainprize joined St Margaret’s College as a Form One boarder in January 1987. During her seven years at St Margaret’s, Steph had numerous sporting achievements. She represented school in life saving, swimming, hockey and cricket. In her final year, she was selected as a School Prefect, Head of the Sports Council, and Vice-Captain of Mātipo House. Steph was a passionate member of the school; she took pride in wearing the SMC uniform. She was extremely hard-working and always gave 100% of herself. Those who knew Steph remember her as loyal, responsible, courageous and inspirational. Her energy, enthusiasm, and positivity brought joy and happiness to those around her. After finishing St Margaret’s in December 1993, Steph travelled to England on a GAP year. On her return, she studied at University of Canterbury and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. It was during her time at university that she met her husband, Stephen Sibley. The couple married in December 2006 and in September 2011, they had a beautiful daughter Cate. Steph had an incredible work ethic, she started her professional career in 2000 as a Case Manager at the Ministry of Social Development. Steph then worked for Inwork NZ as an employment coach. She was entrepreneurial, highly creative, and had highly attuned problem-solving skills. In 2004 Steph branched out on her own and started SM Consulting, contracting to Work and Income to provide an employment placement service. Steph's love of learning and growing (while running a business) also led her to work for the IRD, University of Canterbury, and The Brain Wave Trust. She had an agile, quick mind and was very capable. In 2017, Steph started working at Oranga Tamariki, she loved the challenge of this role and was hugely influential in helping teenagers transition into adulthood and on to a life of fulfilment. Steph died on 11 August 2019. We all remember her as an exceptional contributor to society. Steph was an absolute powerhouse of a human being. Cate will carry on Steph’s legacy at St Margaret’s as a Year 7 student in 2023.
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Alumni
CHARLOTTE BELLIS
Being in the right place at the ‘right’ time secured Old Girl Charlotte Bellis (1999-2003) the job of a lifetime. Already a well-known journalist in New Zealand (One News and Prime TV), Charlotte was working for Al Jazeera in London at the time of the London Bridge terror attack in 2017. “A friend of mine was on the Bridge and called me to say something weird was happening and you should come down here. So, I got down there and filmed before the police got there.” Her quick thinking and initiative meant the coverage Charlotte reported was an exclusive for Al Jazeera and she was offered a promotion – a position that would mean being based in Doha, Qatar. Charlotte describes Doha as a really unique place to live. “It’s very hot and dry, essentially a desert. But it’s really interesting and so new, the people are emerging out of a tribal, nomadic life to living in high-rise buildings and driving Lamborghinis – a bit like Dubai 20 years ago.” While relishing living in such a unique place, Charlotte does acknowledge there are some challenges. “Qatar is a Sunni majority and they are quite good with foreigners. They understand we haven’t grown up with their laws, but alcohol is illegal and you have to dress conservatively, luckily I have a liquor license so I can have house parties!” However, living this lifestyle is not all house parties, Charlotte spends the majority of her time reporting from very inhospitable places. “I’ve been really lucky over the last couple of years to deploy to Afghanistan a lot, most of the time we are in Kabul because we can manage the security threats there but last year I got to travel outside of Kabul quite a few times.” One destination that stands out for Charlotte was Kunar, a province in mountainous Afghanistan held by the Islamic State where there was active fighting with theTaliban. “Twenty thousand people had to flee their homes because of the fighting and the UN wanted to understand what they could do to support these people.”
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It’s these types of assignments that drive Charlotte to continue working as a journalist and being based in the Middle East gives her the opportunity to report on stories that make a difference. “In New Zealand we can tell a story and you’ll help some people but it’s not life and death. Over there if you tell a story and expose corruption or hold a government to account – if say millions of people are living in a cave with no running water – then you can make quite a massive impact on those people’s lives. I’ve got a window into a place not many people see, and I feel really privileged to be there.”
Alumni
MELISSA JEBSON A misbehaving sister led Old Girl Melissa Jebson (1971-1978) on a new path that would shape her life for many years. “Virginia was into horse riding, but she was naughty on the bus one day and banned from riding – that cost Dad a new pony, I loved it!” At fourteen, Melissa had found her passion. All of the disciplines appealed as Melissa did very well in the Canterbury region – show jumping, eventing, one day horse trials, and as she recalls sometimes not even knowing how ‘well’ she was doing. “My home A&P is Malvern and recently I was presenting a trophy – the teapot for Best Lady Rider – and oh my gosh there’s my name on it, I never knew I’d won it!” A woman of many talents, Melissa’s other passion is music and in particular singing, installed in her by SMC teacher Jill Kerr. “I did music through School Cert and UE, it was the academic side, it wasn’t performance as it is now. It was more listening and going through works. I did some stage shows, I remember the Gondoliers and I have gone on to do other musicals with Christchurch Operatic in the Town Hall, if I hadn’t sung at school, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity.” In 1979, after leaving SMC and while in her first year at teacher training college, Melissa auditioned for the inaugural New Zealand Youth Choir. As a foundation member of the choir she had many opportunities for travel and 1982 sang with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at Wembley Stadium. “I remember we crashed out behind the scenes to have a rest and she came and lay down on the floor with us!” Many more travels later and newly married, life changed dramatically for Melissa. “On 8 May 1993 I was heading to Malvern to umpire netball, but I never arrived, my car tyre burst, I flipped a fence and rolled the car, basically I’m very lucky to be here and to be able to walk.” In the spinal unit she was told she could never ride again. Living on a farm and showing sheep and cattle, Melissa had to be particularly careful with the cattle and suffering from a head injury she struggled with a loss of tolerance, concentration and stamina. Daughter Genevieve arrived in 1995 and Melissa suffered from post-natal depression, she believes, as a result of her injuries, but being on a farm she had no time to dwell on herself. “Lambs had to be fed and lawns had to be mowed, you just got out and did it. I couldn’t go back teaching, I got so tired – you have to learn to work through that – I say it a lot but you’re a long time dead, I was dealt this and I just got on with it.”
This sense of ‘getting on with it’ led to Melissa’s drive for community involvement, volunteering with her local Plunket and toy library when her children were younger as well as mucking in after the Christchurch earthquakes, cooking meals and washing. She is on the Central District’s Council and was recently elected to the National Executive. And in equestrian circles Melissa is a well-known and respected horse judge, “It’s taken me all over New Zealand and last year I judged in England. Judging also got me into the Royal Agriculture Society which is the parenting body for all of the A&P Shows. My husband is an all-breed cattle judge and a sheep judge, so I have knowledge in a lot of areas. When not judging, I really enjoy announcing at horse shows.” Melissa’s involvement in the community continues with help at Darfield High School, she is their rugby administrator, paid by Canterbury rugby and when she doesn’t have her rugby hat on she helps out as a reader writer for exams. “I enjoy helping the community, things like doing minutes I can do, you can pick it up and put it down when I need to have a break and being able to work from home is brilliant.” So in 2018 Melissa was the only ‘shocked’ member of her community when she received a QSM in the New Year’s Honours List but sums up the honour in her own very humble way. “I just do what I do. I got the confidence to put myself forward from being at SMC. Life often throws you curve balls and it’s how you relate to those curve balls that matters.”
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From the Archives Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo3
We are celebrating 110 years at St Margaret’s College this year. In the lead up to Open Day 2020 I was working on a display to be shown in the Atrium. This was to be the start of a bigger display for the SMCOGA Reunion Weekend in October. The first part of the display is ready to go and tells five “stories” focusing on girls and buildings through the years. I will be building on this theme for the remaining stage, but in the meantime, here is a peek preview:
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
Our school pool was first opened in 1939 and had diving boards! (Photo 1). In 1957 swimming displays were happening (Photo 2). In 1972 school swimming sports included diving. Photo courtesy of Jo Donaldson (Photo 3). 1973 saw the baptism of our sixth house, Mānuka, and of course the school swimming sports at the beginning of the year was the best place to do this! Photo courtesy of Sue Talbot (Photo 4). Unfortunately, the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes broke the pool, but in true SMC fashion, it was reconstructed and baptised in 2012 by… Peg! (Photo 5). Fast forward to 2020 and we can see the pool, and swimming sports, as an integral part of our school traditions (Photo 6). It has been very interesting to look at the girls through the years. Our first photo is around the 1920's. A black and white informal photo of girls outside Cranmer Square (Photo 7) shows the girls looking very relaxed. Photo 8 is from Sue Talbot, taken in 1973 and is a group of 7th Formers (Year 13). Our last photo in this “story” is a group of girls in the last few weeks having fun in the Quad.
Photo 7
Vickie Ward – Archivist
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Photo 8
Photo 9
In Closing
Following in the Footsteps of our Champion - St Margaret Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a spunky princess in the far away land of England. Her birth was in Hungary in 1045. She led a very quiet and studious life learning Latin and studying with the monks who lived in the palace and sewing with the women of her royal family. Her name was Margaret and she was the favourite of all the palace, a pearl of great price (or the name Margaret means ‘pearl’). Then one day everything changed. War had broken out as Norman knights invaded her peaceful country, and so Margaret, with her mother and siblings, were hurried off to a ship in the London harbour and set sail to find safety in another country. Their plan was to go back to Hungary. However, as soon as the ship reached the English Channel, a fierce storm came up and winds blew their fragile ship ever northward until at last, when the storm calmed and the sun came out, they lay off the coast of Scotland. As they sailed into the Edinburgh Harbour, the king of that unsophisticated land came out to meet this rare visit by a royal ship. Malcolm III was his name and when he saw the royal person who stepped down the gangplank, he instantly feel head-over-heels in love with the lovely princess named Margaret. As it is in all the great love stories, it wasn’t long before the two were married and the lovely Princess Margaret became a great Queen. Indeed, they lived as happily ever after as a king and queen could live in the 11th Century in Scotland. Margaret became beloved and revered as queen, wife and mother. It wasn’t long before she became the central figure for all Scotland as she had a vision for her land. Margaret was brought up in the Catholic faith, (as the Anglican Church hadn’t yet come into being) and as she was a deeply religious person, she began to reform the Christian faith of
Scotland, making it more important and central in the lives of the people. She saw the rebuilding of many churches and two great monasteries on the holy islands of Iona and Lindesfarne. As queen, she civilized the “rough and ready” people of Scotland by bringing education and culture to the people, her firm yet loving influence brought grace in settling both her warrior king and his wild highlanders. The quality of life of a whole nation greatly improved. It was in her role as mother and teacher that we best remember Margaret as a Saint. Along with bearing eight children (six sons and two daughters, three of whom became kings and one queen mother) she founded many orphanages and schools in which she took a personal interest, teaching, feeding, and loving the children of her community. Through her life, Margaret demonstrated dedication to her faith, she was full of compassion for the poor and needy in the kingdom, she proved she was “pure of heart”. Her strict observance of the religious seasons and spending time with the sick probably contributed to the illness from which she was suffering when news arrived that Malcolm and her eldest son had been killed in battle. Margaret died four days later on 16th November 1093. It is St Margaret’s grand vision that inspires and guides the vision of this school some 930 years later. We are following in the footsteps of our beloved saint for whom we are named, to build up this wonderful school as a place of faithful worship and renewal, establishing activities of service to the needy, fostering music, arts, sporting pursuits and providing an excellent academic education as we empower our school community for the future generations to be taught and fed both physically and spiritually. St Margaret is our champion! Peg Riley – Chaplain
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www.stmargarets.school.nz
