The Chapel has been a constant and profound part of College life – it is essential to our identity. Some of you use your time in Chapel for petty displays of rebellion and disrespect. However, when I look at those names engraved on the Chapel walls – those who died in world conflicts – I think it is really important to honour them through our respect for the Chapel and all it represents. This has always been deeply personal for me, since my father fought and suffered in World War II. The Chapel provides time for contemplation and thoughtfulness and Chapel music contributes to the spirituality of our College life. What has changed over time, for the better? I like the way that the boys are more influential in the school now – that this thing we call ‘student voice’ is more evident, especially
in our assemblies and student committees. However, with this student ownership comes greater responsibility. I think that we have also become a more caring place over time – and that the boys treat each other with more consideration, compassion, and respect. Your treatment of others, ultimately, is actually more important than your achievements in life. I believe in the mission of “Each boy at his best” – but boys can only be at their best when they respect others. This human connection is vital. I remember the Head Prefect, Ed Davidson, talking at the first Assembly in Term 3 this year. He said: “Being at the same school together is all you need as an excuse to get along.” I thought this was quite profound because College can provide the boys with opportunities
for personal engagement and for ‘detoxing’ from technology – in order to be fully human. I would also like to think that we are a more inclusive place and that this will become even more evident as the years progress – especially as we embrace diversity in all its forms. The bravest act I have ever seen from College students in 35 years occurred this year in Assembly when members of the College QSA group spoke frankly about discrimination and about how they would like to be treated. We have taken big steps in our bicultural journey, too. This has been very exciting to see. There is much more to be achieved, for sure, but we are heading in the right direction. The school keeps evolving in subtle ways – mostly for the better. Boys – when you return many years from now – don’t expect College to be the same. It is not some sort of attractive museum piece, with charming buildings, frozen in time. The earthquakes taught us that people are more important than buildings and that change is essential. Garth Wynne, thank you for inviting me to speak today and thank you for your outstanding leadership since 2016 – leadership which has encouraged College to evolve into a contemporary New Zealand school, towards a vibrant school community which educates boys who make a positive contribution to society. Boys, next year, if you are in uniform and I see you on the street, I promise not to tell you to tuck your shirts in, but make sure they are tucked in anyway. And boys, I wish you all the best for your futures. By being at College, and with the support of your parents, you have been given every opportunity to live a good and productive life, so go out and do it, not just for yourselves but for the benefit of others. Noˉ reira, te¯na¯ koutou, te¯na¯ koutou,
te¯na¯ tatou katoa. Rob Donaldson Deputy Principal
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