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Contents
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Opening Remarks Current Leaders – Madison Dalgety Empowering Girls – Mia Wright: Youth Parliament Sisters at SMC Foundation Five Minutes With... EGGs Factor Boarding Sport The Arts Pre-School Junior School Middle School Senior School Production – Grimm Tales Middle School Production – Wizard of Oz Out & About – Senior Ball, Wellington Event Out & About – Foundation Ball, Grandparents’ Day PFA SMCOGA Alumni Profile – Lucy Adams Alumni Profile – Emma Fu Old Girls’ Events – Cranmer Chapel, Blenheim event Old Girls’ News Old Girls’ Upcoming Events, Bridge results, Deceased From the Archives In Closing
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Opening Remarks DIANA PATCHETT As a parent first and an educator second, I am proud to have chosen a career that shares many of the same hopes and dreams and goals, but boiling that all down to a phrase, or sentence, an elevator pitch or even a TED talk proves difficult as there is so much wrapped into the purpose of both parenting and education. Families and schools of the past may have aspired to greater prosperity for the next generation, and by greater prosperity, they really meant greater wealth; such that their efforts might have raised the GDP of our country or ensured our children made enough money to look after us in our old age. But it’s not more money that we really want for our girls, we want them to have a good life. More than that, we want them to cultivate their talents, to build long lasting relationships with others, to be happy, to contribute meaningfully to the world. In a word, we want them to flourish. There is a growing body of modern research in the field of happiness and wellbeing and what it takes for us to flourish. Martin Seligman is one internally recognised expert in the area of positive psychology, and his most recent book is actually titled Flourish. In it, Seligman offers a blueprint, a road map, and specific techniques to realise this state. It’s a book I return to often, as a compass for my own life and my responsibilities as Principal. He asserts that one key component of flourishing is the realisation of positive accomplishments in your life, if you feel like you are achieving something, that you are fulfilling
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a purpose then you are more likely to flourish. To do so, he offers a simple truth on what it takes to realise this: Achievement equals Skill x Effort Our entry-level of skill will vary depending on what it is we are trying to achieve. Some of us may be blessed with natural talents, high levels of skills, while others may start from a position of awkward beginner, and many of us will be somewhere in between. So the real leverage that we all have to realise more achievement is more effort. And effort, by its very name, sounds like it would be difficult, but it is simply how much time we practice the task at hand – whether that is shooting hoops, playing the violin, public speaking, or solving algebraic equations. And the beauty of effort is that it acts in two ways – it multiplies the skill you already have and it improves that skill at the same time. And while our entry-level of skill or knowledge may be beyond our control, the amount of effort we add is not. How much time we devote comes from the exercise of conscious choice, our own free will. We continue to be blessed with so many girls demonstrating the power of this choice, to make an effort in the pursuit of excellence here at St Margaret’s – our musicians, our sporting teams, the incredible cast and crew of our productions, and many more. By doing so, they take one step closer to realising our shared ambition – for our girls to flourish. Diana Patchett – Executive Principal
Current Leaders MADISON DALGETY Deputy Head Girl Madison Dalgety loves people – meeting them, working with them and getting to know them. And in her role as Deputy Head Girl, Maddi has met a lot of people this year. “I’ve gotten to know so many more girls and staff and work with people from outside of St Margaret’s College, it’s really been a highlight of the leadership role for me.” And in a year full of traditions like House Day, sports fixtures and arts performances, Maddi has loved every one of them but says her coolest project so far has been EggsFactor. “Sujean and I were so lucky it came on our year, it was exciting to organise and such a hoot for the students to reverse the roles and put the adults on the stage.” Nearing the end of her time at SMC is bitter sweet for Maddi. “I’ve been here since Year 7 and it’s been great coming up to Year 13 and being able to interact and create relationships with the girls below me in the same way I remember when I was younger.” As she finishes her final exams and last few weeks at SMC before heading to Dunedin to study neuroscience and psychology, Maddi has some words of advice for any budding young leaders. “Put yourself forward for everything, even if it looks scary, once you get into it, it’s so much fun and you get to meet so many amazing people!”
“Put yourself forward for everything, even if it looks scary, once you get into it, it’s so much fun” 3
Empowering Girls MIA WRIGHT – YOUTH PARLIAMENT
“Take every opportunity no matter how small it is” Mia Wright (Year 12) has no plans to go into politics but if that’s where she ends up, she wouldn’t be surprised and even at the age of 17 her name is touted in political circles. With a passion for technology, positive mental health and better cancer treatment, Mia was approached by National MP, Nicky Wagner’s team to apply for a seat in the 2019 Youth Parliament. Youth Parliament is a six-month tenure from March to July. For the first five months students are allocated to an MP, but also get the opportunity to work with other local MPs and their youth MPs. The students then spend three days actively at Parliament where they attend Question Time and can address questions to the Prime Minister and leading MPs and also attend a Select Committee. They also get to take part in a Legislative Debate and then a General Debate. When asked if the whole experience met her expectations, Mia is enthusiastic. “It absolutely met my expectations, we were given a lot of briefing, but it was so interesting which way the debates went.” Mia is passionate about better cancer care and getting girls into technology but it is her commitment to mental health awareness that came to the fore during her time in Parliament. “I’m passionate about mental health and it was something that really came up a lot in Parliament. It wasn’t a bill or anything but every speech had an aspect of mental health in it.” Mia was selected to be Chairperson for the Primary Industry Select Committee and found her experiences at St Margaret’s College gave her an edge. “I was really lucky in the background I had from SMC that I was able to facilitate those important conversations, also as a youth talking about our friends and family who were going through mental health situations.”
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Youth Parliament is not Mia’s first experience of the political world, earlier this year she was asked to attend a Climate and Peace Conference run by former US President Barack Obama’s sister. At the conference, they discussed climate change and how it has the potential to affect peace around the world. And as Mia describes, it has the potential to affect peace in New Zealand. “We have a lot of land conflicts here and as climate change increases, we’ll see an escalation in these types of conflicts.” So, when asked again if she really has no plans to enter politics, Mia laughs. “No plans, but if I did it wouldn’t surprise me, I’m particularly interested in going into engineering at UC or doing some sort of Crown law at Victoria.” And for the highlight of the time she experimented with politics, and any advice for others wanting to follow in her footsteps, Mia points to the diversity of people involved and the opportunities available to girls at SMC. “I was so happy to see how many girls were at Youth Parliament and how inclusive it was. During our time here we just need to take every opportunity no matter how small it is because that opportunity could open the door to another one, and another one – and put 100% into it!”
Sisters at SMC A supportive environment where everyone is friendly sums up St Margaret’s College for Anoushka (Year 13) and Lara (Year 11) Chiswell, however their needs and interests are completely different. As Anoushka says, “I’m sport all the way – all day every day, and Lara’s more into the arts – singing, dancing, drama, anything to do with musical theatre.” Their needs within the classroom differ as well, Lara is dyslexic and receives support from the Leck Faculty for Learning Enhancement. She likes the way everyone is treated as an individual. “When girls get great results like an achieved we all celebrate it. You get the support you need to reach your own goals.” And both Chiswell girls have large goals for when they leave SMC. Anoushka is off to the States these holidays to scout out universities to apply for a hockey scholarship and Lara will hopefully head the same way in a couple of years to pursue her musical theatre career. Their advice for anyone thinking about SMC is to come for a day visit. “You really get a feel for the classes and there’s so much to offer, if you don’t like sport then you might like arts, you’ll find your passion and really enjoy your schooling experience.” Smaller class sizes and sport are two of the reasons Ally (Year 9) and Sophie (Year 7) Booth chose to come to SMC. Ally started in 2017 and when asked if Sophie followed suit this year because her sister was here the answer is no – “It didn’t matter to me that she was here,” says Sophie but as Ally points out there will be things she’ll be able to help Sophie with. “I think Sophie will really enjoy me being here and helping her with assignments!” Although both sporty, the girls excel at different codes – Sophie is into long distance running and was selected in the Canterbury touch team and Ally prefers hockey, basketball and swim club. And as to the smaller class sizes, Sophie thinks they’re great because you can ask lots of questions and Ally because you get more one-on-one time with the teacher and get to know everyone in your year group. Olivia Dyer (Year 13) says that coming to St Margaret’s College changed her life. “Coming here has changed me into a better person because I want to do well for the teachers that have helped me, I’m not the easiest student to teach. I don’t sit down and do my work, I have to be encouraged and when I get the reward it makes me happy because everyone’s happy for me.” Liv and sister Mimi (Year 11) have been at SMC since 2012 and both love the vibe and atmosphere of the school. Mimi says, “I like how there are heaps of different opportunities. If there’s something you’d like to try that isn’t on offer they’ll make it happen for you.” Liv is sporty, “I play lots of sports, I play hockey for school, club and Canterbury. Sport is my thing.” And Mimi rides horses and loves performing arts, “I play bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and piano and ukulele and I sing.” But both agree having your sister with you at school has its advantages. “Everyone knows we’re sisters but we’re also friends. We are so different; we take very different subjects and we have such different interests but it’s good to know we’re here for each other.”
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Foundation AMBER GAZZARD A belief in the importance of education for girls was installed in Amber Gazzard at a young age when she was sent to St Margaret’s College. This belief, and an appreciation for the education she received while at the school, are two of the reasons Amber has decided to leave a gift to the St Margaret’s College Foundation in her will. “I liked all of my teachers and I enjoyed my time at St Margaret’s College. My education stood me in good stead throughout my working life, I started work at 17 and retired at 70.”
Amber’s generosity will ensure that future generations of girls will benefit from an education at St Margaret’s College but as she explains times have changed and she has enjoyed being back at SMC to see the changes. “It’s a lot different from when we were at school, I think we had it a lot stricter, there was an emphasis on being ladies. Your hair had to be above the collar and Miss Edwards would make you kneel down on the landing, it wouldn’t matter who was coming up the stairs, to see if your frock would touch the floor.” Amber has a strong connection to the St Margaret’s College community. She volunteers at least once or twice a week in Archives, her late brother was a Christ’s College Old Boy and it was important to her parents she attended SMC so her decision to donate was based on family. “It comes down to family, if you want to leave a bequest, consider them and what they have done for you. For me it was the benefit of the good grounding I got from St Margaret’s College.” If you would like to know more about leaving a gift to St Margaret’s College and investing in future generations of girls, please contact Foundation Manager, Nicky Averill on 03 379 2000. Your gift can reflect your personal interests or an area of St Margaret’s College that is meaningful to you.
“My education stood me in good stead throughout my working life”
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Arts Facilitator
MARY DAVISON
EMMA BRADLEY
Old Girl’s Co-Ordinator
5 Minutes With...
Emma is an Old Girl (1982-1986) as is her mother Christine Percival (1956-1960) and Emma’s daughter Lily is a current Year 10.
What does your role as Old Girls’ Co-Ordinator involve? For older members, it’s a lovely way to keep in touch with friends, and have events on the calendar to look forward to. For younger girls, we can be the link to find friends they’ve lost touch with. No matter what age you are, it’s always fascinating to see what’s going on at SMC now and how different it is from when we were here. What did you do before you came to St Margaret’s? I have been at home looking after my three children and before that I had a career in fashion, then in the grocery trade. You’re an Old Girl – what is your fondest memory of school? Boarding – we had so much fun! They were such simple times, there was no social media, it was all about eating meals at lightening pace, trying to get on the phone when the seniors weren’t talking to their boyfriends and the things we did in the weekends like ice skating, movies and going to friend’s farms. Did you have a favourite teacher? Barbara MacDonald. She taught social studies and geography and she took us skiing. She was lots of fun – not very teachy! What are you most looking forward to? I really enjoy the work environment here; I work with such lovely people. The school is like its own little town with so much going on, it’s so vibrant and energetic and the girls are friendly, polite, high-achieving, motivated, and they do good things for others. They are lucky to be here at SMC but we are so lucky to have them here as well. I guess I’m looking forward to getting to know the current girls, seeing them become Old Girls and finding out what we can do for them to keep them engaged and connected back to school so they keep those wonderful schooltime friendships.
How long have you been at SMC and what were you doing before you were here? This is my eighth year and before here I worked at Papanui High School as the Arts Co-Ordinator. In a previous life I was an actress and I still do that when I can. Twelve years ago, I came back to New Zealand after living in Barcelona, Spain for nearly 20 years. It is still my second home – my husband’s from there and my girls were born there. I worked as an actress, mostly in touring companies, so I got to see a lot of Europe and other bits of the world and I also worked on arts projects in schools. In Barcelona there’s a lot of immigration and some of the schools I worked in had 80% foreigners, so they have enormous problems with cultural understanding. What does your role here encompass? All of the girls in the school right from littlies to biggies and is mostly co-curricular but sometimes support for curricular. We cover all of the arts – music, dance, drama, visual art and sometimes debating and technical. I manage all of the processes like awards, scholarship auditions, and all of the events that happen, of which there are many! What do you most enjoy? I love that every day is different, you never know what is going to happen. I love working with young people – they keep you on your toes! I love the arts and I love my colleagues. What do you do in your spare time? I like to go and see performances, whether it’s drama, theatre, dance or music. I love to read, walk the dog, do yoga. I also love to eat and drink – my husband’s a great chef!!
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EGGs Factor
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Photo: Shane Morgan –Timbertop Photography
Photo: Shane Morgan –Timbertop Photography
Sport KEYS TO BEING A CHAMPION (Excerpt by Olivier Poirier-Leroy) Sure, we can look at a swimmer like Michael Phelps and say, “He’s talented and works hard,” but what we really want to know is how much of that success is talent, how much is genetics, and how much of it is environment.
1. Fierce desire to overcome challenges. Whether it is coming back from an injury, or being omitted from a team, top athletes face these missteps with a determined resolve. They are also very proactive about training at a high level. “I always felt that there’s no chance, nobody or anybody could train more than I did. I always had that confidence,” said one athlete.
2. Constantly setting new goals and challenges. High performers don’t sit on their laurels, satisfied with what they’ve done to date. They are continually moving the yard-sticks, setting new goals and never allowing themselves to be completely content.
3. Intrinsically motivated. Clear differences are found in how various athletes view their sport and what they find rewarding and motivating. High performers tend to engage in a lot of reflection on their own performances. One athlete found the ritual of reflecting in his training log to be an utterly critical part of improving: “After every event and training session I would complete my diary, highlighting areas for development and setting goals…I had to do it.” While high performers tend to focus inwards, the “almosts” tend to motivate themselves via what other athletes were doing.
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4. Parents and coaches who weren’t pushy From purely anecdotal experience we can say that very often the best athletes come from families where the parents are hands-off. This doesn’t mean the parents don’t care, or that they don’t help with the carpool etc; quite the opposite. They do the parenting stuff, and let the kid do the athletic stuff. As a result, the athlete has the sport for themselves, is able to take ownership of their training and performances, and as such, help them find their own motivation to engage in the sport. “They were supportive, but they didn’t drive me, they didn’t push at all,” said one athlete. Coaches of top performers manage the expectations and advocate a longer-term approach. Whether intentional or not, parents and coaches create a situation for the athletes where they were intrinsically motivated, and not training and competing in order to please others or for external rewards.
The Takeaways It’s about adopting a mindset that thrives in the face of setbacks, find internal pleasure and reward in the work being done, keep an evolving set of goals, and have an environment that allows you to take accountability of your sport. Those are the things you can control. It’s the way you react to the conditions you are dealt, which dictates the way you eventually perform. Helen Belcher – Director of Sport
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The Arts ART IS POWER (LONGFELLOW) Cross-pollination within the arts is a powerful and creative instrument for our students’ expression and gives our staff the chance to share their tools and vision. In Term 2, Year 12 Drama and Music classes joined forces to present pieces exploring the topic of identity, using published texts and music alongside original devised work and musical compositions. This collection of bold, funny and poignant pieces addressing issues that are meaningful and relevant was a wonderful way to celebrate our girls’ talents whilst also challenging them and us, the audience. Later in the term, Year 12 dancers visited the Christchurch Art Gallery, using visual art media to inform the choreography for their solo pieces. One choreographer is developing a dance exploring the themes of women’s emotions, hysteria and discomfort. Other subjects being explored are love, relationships, mortality, escape and presence. We look forward to seeing how the girls manage to creatively convey these concepts. A rich mix of genre is to be found within our school productions, and both senior production Grimm Tales, with its dark but hilarious humour and the delightfully joyful Wizard of Oz from our Middle School have given our girls
and staff valuable space to learn and to thrive, allowing both students and teachers to strengthen their skills and relationships. Gaining confidence and knowledge through activities we enjoy will always facilitate education. St Margaret’s College musicians performed for the hundreds of students protesting against climate change earlier in the year in Hagley Park, and our staff took to the stage once again in Term 3 for EggsFactor 2019. Lucy Tothill, former SMC Deputy Head Girl and one of the event’s instigators, updated us on the latest improvements to the girls’ school in Malawi that we are supporting, adding to an evening of great entertainment where students guide staff and funds are raised. The Arts can be instrumental in helping our rangatahi investigate and process ideas or issues important for their positive and healthy growth. Arts-based projects are perfect vehicles for collaboration between members of staff and students, who welcome the opportunity to gain insight and inspiration from each other. The Arts also provide us with the ideal platform for promoting and supporting causes that are dear to us. Mary Davison – Arts Facilitator
“Life beats down hard upon the soul, the Arts remind us that we have one.”
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Boarding
The New Zealand Boarding Schools Association introduced “Boarding Week” to their calendar this year. This week was a chance for a few schools across New Zealand to showcase a very special part of their schools; their boarders. There is nothing half-hearted about a St Margaret’s boarder, so together we completed quite a mission! After deciding to share the love with every boarder in Christchurch, we baked 1,000 Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, individually wrapped them, sealed them with a handmade heart label and packaged them up. Delivery to each of the boarding schools took place on the Thursday evening in time for supper. This was a team effort where we worked together, laughed together and shared the Manawa of our boarding community with our wider community. Our boarders love a celebration and the cooler months invite the need to get together and celebrate. Mid-winter Christmas dinner consisted of nachos and chocolate brownie, an unusual menu but a very popular one! A little bit of preparation was required from each house to learn a Christmas song selected for them. The girls performed these following dinner. Some very entertaining versions of some classics. The song and dance routine our Year 13s put together to Feliz Navidad was the winner on the day. Winter sport, semi-formals, dances, prelim examinations, Middle School production and sport tournaments have kept our girls busy this term. There have been movies and clip’n’climb outings on the weekends but a new favourite seems to be the panic rooms. The girls certainly enjoy the challenge of figuring out the escape. The Boarders birthday dinner is when we celebrate everyone’s birthday. This year it was Mexican themed. This wonderfully colourful dinner saw some stunning creations, the menu was amazing and the ice cream birthday cake was a perfect way to finish a great dinner. The end of Term 3 is when we farewell our very special Japanese exchange student, Haruka has been with us since the beginning of term one. We value the wonderful relationships we build with these girls and it is always sad to see them go. We wish Haruka all the best in Japan and hope to catch up with her in the future.
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Nicky Langley – Director of Boarding
Pre-School SENSORY EXPLORATION Young children build knowledge about their world by experiencing it through active exploration rather than thinking about it. In Term 3, the teachers have been providing a range of experiences to encourage sensory exploration through sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. Our various technology times have given us opportunities to engage many of these senses. During baking, Emily-Kate has encouraged tamariki to experience a wide variety of smells, tastes, textures and visual delights as they make peppermint slice, marshmallow jelly cake, and chocolate slime! The children joined Tracy to experiment making scented, fizzy bath bombs to use in the water trough – a sensory sensation. Sarah has encouraged children to visually explore and observe their own image in order to recreate it through visual art and to draw without the benefit of sight. Taylor challenged the children to complete an obstacle course blindfolded!
We also emphasise the other senses of proprioception (body movement awareness) and balance during PE and yoga classes. These experiences and movements support children’s increasing ability to make sense of the feedback their brain and vestibular system are receiving, to understand where their bodies are in space, and in relation to gravity. Through sensory exploration children: • Build nerve connections in the brain’s pathway • Are developing language, motor skills, social interactions and problem solving • Can engage in a calming activity to reduce anxiety and frustration • Learn sensory attributes (sour, hot, rough) • Develop and enhance memory All while having fun. Sue Gleeson – Director of Pre-School
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Junior School GREEN FINGERS, GREEN HEARTS! We have always had gardens that the children have had an important part in developing at St Margaret’s. This year, we redeveloped our courtyard and replaced the flax with edible gardens. This has become an important learning space for our Junior School, especially our Year 1 and 3 students who have taken the responsibility of growing deliciousness. Developing a future generation who respects and cares for the environment has become an essential learning area.
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Teaching our children the importance of our surroundings is an essential component of our REDS (Responsible Citizen, Effective Communicator, Dynamic Thinker, Self Manager). Giving the girls lots of opportunities to contribute and feel like they are making a difference to our place develops empathy, understandings and connections that will form the grounding of our girls to live and lead in the future. Julie Calder – Head of Junior School
Middle School
If it’s true that your school days are the happiest of your life, then it’s arguable the best time of all must be the Middle School years. And September 2019 is no exception. This year saw our first Middle School production in my time at the school, it was an absolute treat for all who saw it. For me, the opportunity for the girls to showcase their talents was wonderful. As I looked out at the audience from my spot backstage, the joy was evident on people’s faces. The girls danced their way from Kansas to the Emerald City and back again. The leads told the story so well and the singing was second to none. To say it was the best two hours of entertainment is an understatement. However, it is the story behind the scenes that gives me the most pride. As Head of Middle School, I get to see the girls going through four years of immense change and challenge, second only to infancy in the number of changes they go through. For some actors, they arrived at the school confident in their ability to perform on stage. For others, they had to overcome nerves and had the struggle of
remembering their lines. And for yet other students, six months ago they would not have dreamed that they would be dancing on stage as they preferred to shy away from the limelight. These personal journeys are a tribute to each and every student who was brave enough and dedicated enough to commit to the hours of rehearsals and give up numerous nights and weekends to share their skills. This is one of the things that makes St Margaret’s Middle School so amazing. It provides a platform for girls to have a go at many things and find what they love. Every student who wanted to perform was given the chance and they were on stage in several scenes. A cast of 100 students who sang, danced and acted for us superbly led by a team of talented teachers with a vision to create the show. As Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home”, and to have St Margaret’s as your second home is pretty special. She is right, “There’s no place like St Margaret’s”. Kathryn Gray – Head of Middle School
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Senior School Production
GRIMM TALES
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Middle School Production
THE WIZARD OF OZ
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Out & About SENIOR BALL
WELLINGTON EVENT Sally Vilsbaek, Lis Whyte, Jo Shackel
Caroline Speight-Moore, Jane Parker, Merryn Best, Charlotte Fisher, Belinda Forbes
Sarah Zino, Justine Nicholl (CC Old Boys), Victoria Coad
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Jo Shackel, Jane Parker
Sally Vilsbaek, Diana Patchett, Lis Whyte
FOUNDATION BALL Caleb & Miranda Ballin
Mel Wareing & Nick Pfahlert
Lizzie de Lambert, Jules & Sue Fulton
Leith & Kerry Wells, Jeff Fulton
Grant Dean, Felicity Price, Chris Rennie
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
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PFA (Parents & Friends Association) I sit down to write this Evergreen update hot on the heels of seeing the Middle School Production of the Wizard of Oz. When I’m asked to contribute to Evergreen Magazine it is a reminder that the academic year is drawing to a close and gives me an opportunity to look back and reflect. 2019 has been no exception, it has been another amazing year. When I look back through the calendar and review all of the sporting achievements and co-curricular activities the girls take part in, I realise how privileged they are to have such dedicated teachers and staff. This time of year is particularly mindful of that. We have, Arts Soiree, Middle School Production, Momentum Dance to name a few. So many opportunities for our girls to showcase their talents. It’s not only timely to thank the staff but also to give recognition to you all, as parents and how much you do to support your girls’ participation in all of these co-curricular activities. At our September Parents and Friends Meeting, our Treasurer (Roger Martin) reminded us that over the past seven years through PFA donations, we have been able to contribute $250,000 to support various projects which come up through the school year. This year the PFA have contributed towards board games for the Junior School, netball equipment and high-end broadcast equipment for the theatre and for class use. We have also supported gardening
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projects around the school. The PFA have been particularly proud to contribute to SchoolTV, an invaluable resources for girls, parents and staff. I would highly recommend you taking some time to look at this website. From a parent perspective, it is an excellent online resource which gives credible and realistic information on how to deal with a multitude of issues. I particularly recommend the section on cybersafety which I found very interesting. This year, managing the PFA reserves we have taken the decision to hold back a larger sum of money which will be carried over to 2020 and will be available for the Principal and her team to allocate to a larger project. More details to follow on that in upcoming PFA meetings. The success of our group is reliant on the participation of parents, grandparents and friends. Please do come along to our monthly meetings to find more out about what we do and your chance to hear directly from Diana and her leadership team on what is going on in the school. Finally, if you have any suggestions as to how to connect into our PFA network, please do get in touch. You can connect with the PFA Team at pfa@stmargarets.school.nz. For our meeting dates, and more information about what we do, please head to the school for more information. Flavia Timiani-Dean – PFA President
SMC Old Girls’ Association MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 2019 has brought a continued focus on staying in touch with the newest members of our alumnae. We again held regional Margarita events in Auckland and Dunedin, and this year we moved offsite to hold our Canterbury Margaritas event with CCOBA at a bar in town. Our annual Cranmer lunch proved popular and Cranmer Old Girls had another opportunity to observe the working life of the school at a recent chapel service and morning tea. Our largest Old Girls’ gathering is at Reunion Weekend, where this year those in the 3rd Form/Year 9 in 1949, 1954, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989 and 1999 will be celebrating. It’s not too late to register and all Old Girls are welcome to attend our chapel service on 1 November at 9.00am. Contact smcoga@stmargarets.school.nz for further details. I will be stepping down as President at this year’s AGM, having completed my two-year tenure. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the Association over the past seven years and during this time I have observed many changes. As a committee, we are fortunate to have all decade years
groups represented but it is fair to say that our average age has dropped significantly, and we are now made up largely of working members. We value the close alliance we have developed with the School and the many local and regional events we now co-host. It certainly makes sense for us to collaborate at every opportunity and it is my hope that this connection continues to strengthen. I would like to thank each member of the committee for their commitment and time given so generously to support our 10,000 strong alumnae. I also thank our patron, Executive Principal Diana Patchett, our Trust Board Representative Kat McCorkindale, and our Association Coordinators this year, Wendy Groves and Emma Bradley. I am indebted to you all. The Association is in good heart and with a committee of such vibrant, talented and dedicated members, I step down knowing that the important work of reconnecting Old Girls with each other, and with the College, will continue. Samantha MacGibbon – SMCOGA President
St Margaret’s College Old Girls’ Association
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 5 November 2019 6:00pm St Margaret’s College Staffroom 12 Winchester Street • Merivale • Christchurch Celebrate your time at SMC with jewellery Necklace:
$98
Bracelet:
$150
Silver Ring:
$138
(Gold & Rose Gold on application)
Contact Emma Bradley: 963 2645 smcoga@stmargarets.school.nz
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Alumni Profile LUCY ADAMS An interest in global business and a positive approach to every opportunity has led Old Girl Lucy Adams (2013-2017) to China, not once, but twice. A six-week placing at Peking University in Beijing, the top University in China with ties to Harvard and Oxford, in 2018 and a three month internship at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Shanghai this coming November through to February 2020. Lucy openly admits she didn’t think she would ‘take the Asia route’, learning Spanish all through school and currently taking papers at the University of Canterbury, she was convinced she would lean more towards travel and study in South America. However mature, level headed Lucy knows you have to grab what you can when it presents itself and a part-time job in Cromwell, Central Otago has opened the door to the tourism industry - taking her to Beijing with the University of Canterbury for real-time research into how Chinese tourists act when they come to New Zealand. “We did a research project for the Mayoral Forum in Christchurch, we were researching what food Chinese tourists want when they come to New Zealand and my part was how they pay for that food. The Chinese have skipped the whole credit card payment system and have gone straight from cash to digital platforms – but how does that work when they come here?” Her three months in Shanghai will give Lucy a taste of that technology, preparing with Chinese language classes she must also learn how to navigate day-to-day life in a different culture. “Everything is on-line so not having a Chinese bank account is a drawback, they use apps for everything – it took us two hours to order a taxi in Beijing.” Lucy’s internship to Shanghai came through the UC Club Global Connect and their Shanghai Shout programme, it didn’t however just fall in her lap. Always being on the
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look-out for opportunities is something Lucy is adamant about. “They are there, I mean who wouldn’t want a free trip to China, but you do have to be open to it – I can’t believe how many people don’t apply for them.” Getting through the first few round of interviews she then had to present ‘Dragons Den style’ to the GM of Tourism NZ. Her 15-minute presentation on the change from traditional Chinese tourists travelling on buses to the free and independent travellers or FIP’s we are seeing now sealed the deal and she was the youngest to be selected for an internship to Shanghai along with two others working for Fonterra and Synlait. Lucy believes the skills she needed to get this far were instilled at SMC. “I really believe my grounding at St Margaret’s helped, we were put through the interview process for prefect roles and having done that helped me immensely. I also think we are taught to not be daunted by older people, everyone is equal.” Lucy also attributes the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to helping her ‘look good on paper’ and therefore secure the first interview, “Most girls are already doing the requirements without realising it so you might as well get a certificate and put it on your CV. I can’t believe how many girls don’t it’s such a shame and I have to promote Duke of Ed, Gill (Blackler) will love me for it! It’s such a nice thing to recognise and it shows you’re a hard-working person.” And where to next for this hard-working person? Lucy has a few more years of study left to complete her Law and Commerce degrees but will definitely be signing up for more trips in the future. “There are heaps of trips I want to do through Uni including a wine tasting trip through South America. Or there’s another intern programme in Thailand which would be a bit warmer than China in winter!”
Alumni Profile EMMA FU Drama, public speaking and camping were just some of the culture shocks for Emma Fu when she started at St Margaret’s in Year 10 after moving to New Zealand from China. With limited English, there would be many others for Emma as she settled into life in Christchurch, but the transition was made easier by the time she spent at school. Emma embraced life at SMC – she played badminton and discovered a love for art and design. Four years and an International Baccalaureate Diploma later, Emma is now studying at University of the Arts London – London College of Fashion. Her determination and focus are credited for getting her through her studies at SMC, along with two of her teachers, Mrs Henshaw and Ms Crawford, who guided her towards Creative Technologies in which she was just one of three students studying IB. Emma’s love for fashion she credits to her mother who had a passion for the industry and always had fashion magazines in the house. Drawing inspiration from her Chinese heritage and introducing elements of her
experiences in the western world Emma won a national third place for her IB artwork. In Christchurch briefly to see family, Emma laughs about her first experience of camping on the Year 10 Rite Journey Camp. “I had never used a toilet outside or even slept in a tent before. We had to bike for two days which I’d also never done before – I think I fell off 16 times, but I was so happy that I achieved it, my Mum didn’t recognise me when I got off the bus!!” Catching up for coffee at Maggies with sister Yoyo, who has started SMC this year in Year 7, they talk about how different they are as sisters. Yoyo is a talented golfer who practices every day with her coach Peter Davis and has an impressive handicap of five. Also a keen ice skater, she has her eyes set on a future US college scholarship but first will make the most of her time at SMC. Emma is quiet and softly spoken, Yoyo is more exuberant and bubbly, but both are so thankful for the opportunities provided by St Margaret’s College.
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Old Girls Events CRANMER CHAPEL
Prue Lamont, Helen Anderson
Robyn Hewland, Adrienne Puskas, Rae Miller, Jocelyn Murray, Loma Johnson
BLENHEIM GET TOGETHER
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Joce Atkinson, Jan Simpson
Old Girls News Three generations of SMC Grace Performing Arts in Zambia was recently opened by Old Girl, Samantha Brown 2008-2012. After battling with the Zambian government for three years she has finally opened the doors and offers a wide variety of teaching from ballet, jazz and hip hop to yoga and photography. After leaving SMC, Samantha gained a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts majoring in Contemporary Dance. Samantha’s sister, Tiki Brown 2006 – 2009, is managing polo horses in Harare after being Head Chef at Royal Zambesi Lodge for five years. Tiki was a member of the South African women’s polo team which played at Cirencester against England, losing by just one goal. The girl’s mother, Penny (Harvey) Brown 1976-1979, along with husband Simon, is developing virgin land in Northern Zambia and growing potatoes for local people. And back in New Zealand Samantha and Tiki’s Aunts Penny (Harvey) Gerard, 1974-1978 and Fleur (Harvey) Schmack 1983 – 1986 are both farming in Pelorus Sound and Ashburton respectively. While Grandmother, Denise (Clark) Harvey 1952-1956, is retired with husband John in Blenheim.
Raising awareness of HIV Prevention in Asia Thanawan Tangthanasup left SMC in 2005, completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Geography at the University of Canterbury and studied Applied Environmental Science at Lincoln University. Finding there was a shortage of jobs in Christchurch following the earthquakes and after living in New Zealand for over a decade, Thanawan made the decision to go home to Thailand. Having had an awareness of the not-for-profit sector, she applied for a job which appealed and has been working in area ever since – most recently for Linkages FHI 360 raising awareness of HIV prevention among sex workers in Thailand. Now based In Bangkok where her parents live, Thanawan also has two younger sisters who went to SMC, Thitikarn (left 2008) is now a university lecturer in Guangzhou, China.
Regular coffee group The class of 1951 is a committed group that still regularly meets twice a year. The meetings are held on the last Friday of April and October at 11am, please note the change of venue – get togethers will now be held at Bakermans in the Fendalton Mall on Memorial Ave. Please feel free to join in and contact Dorothy Adams (Wilson) 358 3610 for information.
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SMCOGA Upcoming Events November
Friday 1 & Saturday 2
Reunion Weekend
(1st weekend in November due to Labour Day on Monday 28 Oct)
Tuesday 5 November
AGM – 6pm in SMC Staffroom
Friday 22 November
Margarita graduation / Time Capsule Opening (2009 Leavers)
A Sad Farewell to... 948 Mabel Jacobson
(Little)
2096 Lesley Roberts
(Stuart)
1157 Mary (Cynthia) Blackley (Allison)
2222 Pamela Heinzmann
1425 Judith Ager
(Verrall)
2412 Betty Chambers
(Croft)
1518 Shirley Wooff
(Gilbert)
2733 Joy Potter
(Machin)
1676 Joy Turner
(Day)
3231 Jacqueline Ann Moss
(Armstrong)
1710 Dorothy Jameson
(Moss)
3305 Annette Kent
(White)
1889 Marilyn Paterson
(Holliss)
3576 Alison Pepper
(Wright)
1944 Elsa Glen
(Ormandy)
6924 Stephanie Mainprize
2010 Gwen Webster
(Richards)
Combined Bridge Tournament Results On 28 May, St Margaret’s College and Rangi Ruru Old Girls held their annual Bridge Tournament at the Christchurch Bridge Club. Derek, who has been the director for many years, did a wonderful job directing the tournament and doing the scoring. The 110 players enjoyed a delicious lunch and catching up with friends as much as they enjoyed the Bridge.
The results were: NORTH SOUTH
EAST WEST
1. Jan Carthy, Sally Shrimpton 1. Pauline Miller, Ros Crighton 2. Anna Bullen, Rana Simes
2. Jenny Wilkinson, Kathryn Kerr
3. Jenny Shore, Liz Duke
3. Rosemary Smart, Robin Denley
100 Fendalton Road Christchurch (03) 351 7980 jennyburtt.florist@xtra.co.nz www.jennyburtt.co.nz
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From The Archives The performing arts play an important role here at St Margaret’s College with annual productions encompassing large numbers of the student population. Whether they are SMC productions or we partner with Christ’s College, they are all of epic proportions! I took a look back into the archives, using some of the recently scanned images and have come up with a few gems from across the years: 1914 The Knaves of Hearts (there is some dispute over the date on this play – do you know more? Let us know!) 1945 The Romantic Age, 1950 Alice in Wonderland,
1950 “Alice in Wonderland”. From left: Dawn Ballantyne, Joan Macfarlane, Sally Harrison, Margaret Boleyn.
1964 Murder in the Cathedral, 1978 Earnie’s Incredible Illucinations, 1987 Merchant of Venice, (no date) Primer Nativity play. Our archive has more information about the various plays and musicals that have taken place over the years. If you have informal photos of the preparation and rehearsals for an SMC show, let me know so we can arrange a copy to be made. They can add a richness to our history that future generations can look back on and enjoy. Vickie Ward – Archivist
1945 “The Romantic Age”. From left: Margaret Westgarth, Helen Binney, Barbara Scott, Marjorie Harris
1978 Cast of “Earnie’s Incredible Illucinations”
No date. Primer Nativity Play.
1964 Cast onstage for “Murder in the Cathedral”. These characters are some of the Women of Canterbury.
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In Closing For two consecutive years, it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to spend a short time within the wonderful family environment of St Margaret’s College. I have been repeatedly struck by how warm and welcoming the students and staff are; it is nothing less than genuine, special hospitality. This is so great to witness in a school which acknowledges the place of God in its communal life. Actually, hospitality is an incredibly important theme in the Bible. God’s people were specifically asked to be hospitable to those in need, as well as to people who joined them from other cultures. In ancient times, God also spoke to surrounding countries about how hospitable (or not!) they were to God’s people as they travelled to their homeland. In the Bible we read, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). All of this goes toward saying how important hospitality is to God. In view of that, I hope it is encouraging for you to realize just how hospitable you are as a school family!
Chapel times this term have been a terrific opportunity to think about the wisdom God gives us. In Junior Chapel services, Paris Counsell has often opened with a Māori whakatauki, or proverb. We therefore took the opportunity to reflect on some of the many whakatauki we read in the Bible. In the school chapel services, we spent some time looking at some lesser-known women in the Bible and how their lives and speech pointed us toward God. I’m particularly grateful for the spiritual leadership shown by the Chapel Committee girls, led by Emma Taylor. We met weekly and talked about their thoughts, ideas and questions related to God. We looked at how God had spoken to us in the Bible about such matters. In that way, the committee became the shaping focus for chapel; they became a ‘window’ for others in the school community to hear about God. Bridie Boyd and I are very grateful for this term at St Margaret’s College. We pray that God will continue to work amongst you and grow you all under His special care and blessing. Toby Behan – Interim Chaplain
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St Margaret’s College Foundation Presents
House & Garden Tour
Sunday 10 November 2019 10:00am – 3:00pm Explore six stunning houses and gardens in Fendalton and Merivale Tickets: $55 (+ booking fee) Book online at: www.stmargarets.school.nz
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