From The Rector

Firstly, I would like to say a massive well done to all those who braved the horrible conditions last Friday to support the 1st XV in their annual Rugby match against St Kevin’s. Our school value of resilience was well and truly on show. Apologies to whanau whose young men returned home wet and cold. Congratulations also to the team who won the match 12 – 5 and retained the ‘peanut’.

This match capped off a truly memorable week of activities and my personal highlight was how the boys supported each other and in particular the senior boys support of the junior teams. These younger boys are truly inspired by this support. The (new) school haka has become truly embedded in our school’s culture.

It was also encouraging to see the increasingly positive manner in which both schools engaged in the competition, and we thank St Kevin’s for providing such determined competition (as always) along with the camaraderie that follows. The friendly ‘banter’ between the supporters was another highlight of the week.

A huge thank you to our amazing sports co-ordinator Mel Lewis who did a wonderful job ensuring the whole week ran smoothly. It is a great way to finish the term and certainly cemented our goal for the term which was about ‘resuming normal service’. The Year 13’s have endured over two years of disruption and it was great that they could represent the school in this interschool for the last time.

At our assembly on Friday morning, we welcomed old boys’ from the 1972 and 1982 1st XVs who were celebrating their 50th and 40th anniversaries respectively. These were both hugely successful teams (the 1972 team went through a 20-match season unbeaten – winning all 8 interschools they played; whilst the 1982 team remains the only 1st XV to represent the South Island at the national ‘Top Four’ competition). Roger McCrae (hooker in the 1972 side) spoke beautifully to the school about the foundation Waitaki had given him for future success and the life-long friendships it had provided. These messages resonated strongly with the current students. We also celebrated the achievement of current 1st XV captain Tyree Manaia in being selected for the North Otago Heartland championship team. Congratulations also to 2021 Deputy Head Boy Danyon Ashcroft on being selected in the New Zealand Under 18 Basketball team. It is encouraging to see this pathway exists from within our school and we are all very proud of Danyon’s achievements.

We also bade a ‘farewell’ of sorts to two staff members – Dylan Ball and Robert Sullivan. Dylan has been covering in the Technology department awaiting the arrival of Daniel Childerley who is now here. We are incredibly thankful to Dylan for helping us cover this staff shortage and are hopeful that he will still be around school as a relief teacher in the future.

Dr Robert Sullivan is taking up an on-line position as an Associate Professor of creative writing at the Wellington campus of Massey University. Robert has made a huge impact in his time here as Maori Dean and has revitalised tikanga Maori at the school. A mark of Robert’s values and his love of the school is that he has agreed to continue teaching his NCEA Te Reo class for the remainder of the year and we very much look forward to continuing to have him around as well as wishing him all the best in his new role.

Maku te ra o to ana kei a koe te urunga ake o te ra.

Let mine be the setting sun, yours is the dawning of a new day.

The week began appropriately with the opening of the multi-purpose turf. This was a great occasion with 1986 Head Boy and 115 cap New Zealand Hockey player Scott Anderson as our guest speaker. Scott is now a Detective Inspector with the Police in Christchurch and an incredibly impressive man. Like Roger McCrae later in the week he too spoke fondly of his time at Waitaki and the opportunities it had provided for him. He referred repeatedly to a quote from Michael Jordan - “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but I can’t accept not trying.” His message was all about taking your opportunities! It was a lovely touch to also have ‘Tosh’ McIntosh join us, who was Scott’s mentor at school along with our former guidance councillor Colin Pine who formally received his farewell gift – a key to the Hall of Memories (hand made by engineer and old boy Ross Hayes). Between ‘Tosh’ and Colin they have given over 70 years service to our school!!

After much disruption caused by various unavailabilites and trying to be as equitable as possible we have had to make a final change to the dates for the Scrano cultural competition. We can confirm that the public shows will take place on Tuesday 9th August and Wednesday 10th August. Ticketing details to follow asap. However, rest assured previously purchased tickets will be valid for either show.

Finally - This coming September sees the triennial Board of Trustee elections. As we lead into this period, the Board is welcoming members of the school community to consider being involved in the governance of the school. While it may seem somewhat daunting, there is excellent support and training systems in place. If you are interested, please contact Board Chair – Andrea Ludemann – [email protected] or 027 65 96 800.

The next Board meeting is on the 26th July and you are more than welcome to attend.

Wishing everybody a wonderful holiday break.

Whakaohooho taitahake marohirohi

Inspiring young men of outstanding character.

Darryl Paterson

Rector

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