celebrated, and with good reason. To every boy, and our astonishing staff – especially the Housemasters and their Deputies – who made the most of the imperfect situation, and gave their new chaplain encouragement, many thanks. As demand for places at College has grown, and thus our roll, the capacity to accommodate all boys in the Chapel has been compromised. We have now trialled with success a 9/10ths model of school setting, where one in every 10 services one House is able to spend time in mentoring with House staff. In Term 3 of 2022, we held four Sunday Chapel services with boys required at two of the four. It will be with the 9/10ths model and Sunday requisites that we travel into 2023. I am grateful to those who have ensured Chapel remains a focal point and fulcrum for our community. The Chapel was the scene of several funeral and memorial services through the year, including our ANZAC Commemoration of the Fallen. Thanks to Lieutenant Angus Dysart-Paul (ResF), President CCOBA, for the address at the latter. These gatherings are significant not only for the families who gather to mourn and celebrate the lives of loved ones, but for all of us as a College community committed to seeing each member remembered. Our College Chapel Choir, and, at one occasion, the entire student body by way of haka of farewell, contributed to these services with dignity, respect and sensitivity. The Chapel was also the setting for four services of holy matrimony this year. My thanks also to the Advancement Department, especially Gill Blackler and Claire Sparks, for all they contribute to championing our Chapel’s place at the heart of this community. In addition to our regular Easter and Advent special services, we gathered for a special Festal Choral Evensong for the Platinum Jubilee, where The Rev’d Peter Beck, former Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, gave the homily. It was also poignant that we gathered for our regular Friday morning service the day news
was received of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The boys were read the communique from Buckingham Palace, observed two minutes of silence, and the Chapel Bell was tolled for each decade of Her Majesty’s remarkable and steadfast reign. Year 13 student Oscar Gosling gave a memorable and fitting tribute in Chapel the following Monday.
Warden of Christ’s College The Right Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell, for his pastoring of College and the wider diocese through a period of change and his faithful witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in all he does. Finally, to Executive Principal Garth who kindly called me to the role of College Chaplain – heartfelt thanks. As he and I meet weekly, I feel privileged to be party to what I consider the best professional development offered me in 20 years in educational settings. One of the outcomes of these meetings has been a document outlining how in aspiring to achieve Each boy at his best we are aided and strengthened by our Anglican identity. In 2022, through change and on towards continuity, as our College hymn references: Praise God that we inherit Strength from our College spirit, Living “Bene tradita, Bene servanda”: By ancient wisdom guided, With future hope provided, Singing Kororia ki te Atua (Glory to God). Yours in Christ The Rev’d Cameron Pickering Chaplain
The Chapel and College are fortunate to have Director of
Music and Choirs Robert Aburn, and Chapel Organist and Assistant Master to the Choir Nicholas Sutcliffe, who are singularly talented and skilled, and together able to bring much to fruition not only from our choirs, but also in whole school singing. Special acknowledgement to the 84-strong Chapel Choir who lead the school in worship and thanksgiving throughout the year. Chapel was ably served by prefects Harry Vincent and Yusef Elnahas. As a new Chaplain, I am grateful for their institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for Chapel and what it can mean for our boys. Any success we were able to achieve in maintaining the previous high standards and engagement may be put down to the character and leadership of these two young men. Dr Andrew Taylor has had to ease a new Chaplain into the role in his capacity as Chapel Steward. For his encouragement and commitment, grateful thanks. We acknowledge also the work he puts into preparing our boys for their readings and prayers, and generally setting a tone in Chapel which is at once welcoming and purposeful. Liz Gregory has once again provided flowers for Chapel this year. A mother of a former student, Liz has been quietly contributing this ministry to College for many years. Thanks for her work in reflecting the beauty of holiness. I wish to acknowledge the Board of Governors of Christ’s College; Chair Hugh Lindo, Gillian Simpson and Jeremy Johnson in particular, for their encouragement and support throughout this first year. To the
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Register 2022 Virtues
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