College – Issue 31

CHRIST’S COLLEGE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 31 TERM 3 2016

ISSUE 31 Contents

Leadership

Sport

Head Prefect 2016

05 07 08

A triumphant regatta for College rowers

46 49

Deputy Head Prefect 2016 Emerging Leaders 2016

Springbok Shield

Maadi Cup 50 1996 Maadi winning crew get together after 20 years 51 Uplifting Sport at College 52 A new look for the 3rd XV 53 Golden Summer for College Athletics 54 Cody’s outstanding season 55

Academic

Gold Awards 2016

12 13 14 16 18 20 22

NZQA Scholarship Awards for 2015

Welcoming Joe Eccleton

Digital Technology

Heritage

Strong musical traditions at College The Music School’s big spruce up

Restoring and rebuilding while preserving the heritage 56 History of the Tower and Kitchen 57 A clutch of awards for our heritage buildings 58 Photographs - what can they tell us? 60

College debaters - intelligent, articulate and

persuasive Year 9 boys speaking Spanish

Culture

News & Events

2016 joint senior production Our House House Music evening always a lot of fun

26 32

Executive Principal Garth Wynne

64 66 67

Farewell Robin Sutton Farewell Pam Hallams

Boarding

Development Office

Head of Boarding 2016

A visionary plan emerges

68 69 70 71 71

Sponsorship

Values

2016 Annual Appeal

A special philanthropic story

Discussing ethical issues Thought Leaders at College

37 38 40 42

New staff member

Lending a helping hand in Samoa

Garth Wynne gets to know South Island College

The Quadrangle

community Thinking about the environment

From the President

72 73 74 75 79 80

Life in the Big Apple, exciting and humbling

Scholarships

Reunions Reports

Events

Kip’s world of total theatre

GARTH WYNNE From our Executive Principal

Any effort to capture, at a single point in time, the vibrant energy of Christ’s College is fraught. This is as a consequence of the huge array of experiences that are in place from day to day, week to week, month to month and term to term in this wonderful school. There is a sense at College of non-stop engagement and that is very much reflected (to the extent that is possible) in the pages of this edition of College. I wish to acknowledge the contributors who have been involved in creating these wonderful stories. It is the staff and boys, parents and members of the wider College community who live and write the narrative of a College life laid out in the pages to follow. In my first six months as Executive Principal, I have been blessed by the warmth of the Canterbury weather and the welcome I have

received to the diverse community of College. It has been an affirming time as I have begun to understand the real affection in which this institution is held by its people. My travels have opened my eyes to the beauty of this wonderful country and inspired me to the importance of my role as we consider all that is best for the future of College, an institution that has such significance within New Zealand and the world.

Please enjoy College . It is a momentary glimpse of all that College has to offer.

Garth Wynne Christ’s College Executive Principal

Christ’s College Magazine Issue 31, 2016

Director of Marketing & Communications:

College Magazine Writer: Kristi Gray +64 3 364 6801 kgray@christscollege.com Graphic Designer: Melissa Hogan +64 3 364 8655 mcurtis@christscollege.com

Claire Sparks +64 3 364 6803 csparks@christscollege.com

Change of Address: Admissions Registrar

Sarah Fechney +64 3 364 6836 registrar@christscollege.com

Printing: Caxton

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ANGUS GRAY Head Prefect 2016

The first term as Head Prefect was full-on for Gus Gray as he balanced the pressures of settling into his new role with academic work, intensive training for the upcoming Maadi Cup regatta and dealing with a significant family health issue.

“It was hard as everything happened at once,’’ he says. “My brother was diagnosed with leukemia and went straight to chemotherapy at the same time as the team was leaving for the Maadi Cup. Mum and Dad had to support us both. However, everyone at rowing was so supportive and the team gave Jonty a huge amount of Lego to keep him occupied during his treatment. “I guess we hear about cancer when CanTeen comes to talk to us and you think that it must be awful, but you never really think it could happen to you and your family. It certainly helps you realise the importance of your family. Luckily for us, Jonty has responded to the treatment and is coping really well.’’ Gus, whose father had also been Head Prefect in 1986, says he wasn’t sure what to expect when he was made Head Prefect, but believes he has developed a range of skills, such as public speaking and managing people. “What I did initially have to think about was that I had to tell boys how things should be done, such as to stop talking, without being bossy as this is not really part of my personality. But I realised it is part of my role as Head Prefect and has to be done as it is what is expected of me.’’

Gus looked back at the head prefects he had seen over his time at College, and thought about what had made them successful in their role. He looked at their good qualities and decided to choose those qualities he admired in different boys to model himself on. “When I arrived in Year 9, Patrick Wynne was Head Prefect and I liked the easy way he got on with the younger boys. He made a point of chatting and getting to know them. So did Tom Raymond when he was Deputy Head. So I try always to be approachable and chat to the younger boys.’’ The pressure of his role and his two passions, rowing and First XV rugby, doesn’t leave him with much free time. “Yes, it is a balancing act, but I knew that it would be when I started out,’’ he says. “I don’t have enough time to take part in things such as the major production, but make sure I get involved in as many House events as possible, such as House plays. Sometimes it can be a struggle, but rowing teaches you to be organised and to use your time well and I try to make the best of study periods and ask teachers for help.’’ He also makes sure he has time out to catch up with his friends.

College Issue 31 2016

“There is no doubt, College sets high expectations but I have enjoyed that. I like the small classes which mean you can form a good relationship with your teacher...the teacher always gets involved.’’ Angus Gray - Head Prefect 2016

Gus also likes the changes Mr Wynne is making around the school, especially opening the assemblies up to the boys. “The boys appreciate the opportunity to have more of a say in what’s going on around the school and think it is great they can email Mr Wynne with suggestions.’’ All up, Gus is enjoying his role and making the most of his final year

at College. He has embraced the opportunity to develop skills in public speaking and really enjoys that aspect of his role. “There is no doubt, College sets high expectations but I have enjoyed that. I like the small classes which mean you can form a good relationship with your teacher. No-one can hide and just cruise, the teacher always gets involved.’’

Gus has a range of options for the future but says “I think I need a few more sessions with Mr Sellars (Careers Advisor) before I make my final decision.’’ Meanwhile for Gus, it’s back to the busy role as 2016 Head Prefect.

Christ’s College Canterbury

NGANE PUNIVAI Deputy Head Prefect 2016

It was a steep learning curve in the art of delegation for 2016 Deputy Head Prefect Ngane Punivai.

He admits that delegation doesn’t come easily to him and he didn’t enjoy having to ask other people to help him out when things got really busy in the first term. However, he is quick to point out that now he has built on this and learned an important new skill. “I did expect that my level of responsibility would increase as the term went on, but I wasn’t aware of just how much that would be,’’ says Ngane. “But we have a great bunch of prefects and when Gus (Head Prefect) was away with rowing, they all stepped up and filled roles that Gus or I would have taken. It was good for them though as it gave them more opportunities for doing things. “I am growing into my role and adjusting to the responsibility. My main role as deputy is to help out Gus and to respect where he is at.

If he feels tired or overworked, I step up and involve the prefect group a lot more, so it is not just about Gus and me.’’ Like all head and deputy head prefects, Ngane has had to make special efforts with his time management. His summer sport of athletics did not really take up too much of his time, but he says his school work suffered at first, although he now has that under control. But he knows that as captain of the First XV, he has to make a special effort to keep things in balance over the period of the rugby season. Rugby is his passion. While it means he doesn’t get a lot of free time he says he never gets tired of it.

“I love playing for College,’’ he says. “I love the chance to get out and get amongst it. It’s a release from school and duties and playing with the mates you go to school with is different from being in a club. I’m allowed to play for both College and a club and they are both so different in culture.’’ Ngane is the oldest of five siblings who, with his parents, have kept him “grounded and motivated’’. “My parents have done a lot for me and they were really pleased when I got the role as deputy head prefect. I see taking on this role as a chance to give something back to them for all that they have given me.”

College Issue 31 2016

EMERGING LEADERS 2016 Growing good leadership skills

Christ’s College Canterbury

Leadership is an important life skill and this year the annual Emerging Leadership Conference showcased people who have dared to take risks and have succeeded in reaching their goals.

Organiser Darrell Thatcher says the 2016 Emerging Leaders Conference offered Year 12 students from across the city, the opportunity to think about leadership in all its forms. This was through listening to those who have experienced leadership and by taking part in replicas of real- life situations where they have to make leadership decisions. “Students come away from the conference motivated and positive, especially stimulated by listening and sharing ideas about what others schools are doing for their communities,” he says. First up were Justin Jones and James Castrission, known as Cas and Jonesy, whose philosophy is that life is “one big crazy adventure” and everyone should aspire to live life to the full and achieve their best. Crossing the Ice was their unsupported trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. They also became the first people to travel from Australia to New Zealand in a custom-designed kayak. The two-man expedition succeeded where previous

attempts, including the fatal journey of Andrew McAuley, had been unsuccessful. The expedition holds the world record for the longest trans- oceanic expedition in a double kayak by two expeditioners. A significant aspect of this undertaking was the use of the Internet to allow the public to track the kayak’s progress in real time, and message the crew. Photographs and podcasts from the crew were made available just hours after they had been transmitted from the craft. The two Aussie mates were a hard act to follow, but the next three TEDx-style talks – from netballer Maree Bowden, television executive Janine Morrell-Gunn and cricketer Alex Reese – also offered plenty of food for thought. After lunch, participants divided into small groups for a series of workshops, covering themes as diverse as creative urban activism, character traits of great leaders, lessons from Antarctic exploration, becoming flexible and adaptable thinkers and deciding your legacy in life.

College Issue 31 2016

All College Year 12 students attended the conference and appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the nature of leadership. Luke Alderton said it was a “very inspirational” day. “It’s helped us reflect and hone the skills we need to become better leaders, giving us advice on what leadership is and how we can all aspire to be a leader in our community, no matter how big or small that community is.” For Jacob Banks, his takeaway thought was the idea that anyone can be a leader and take on a leadership role. “If you’re passionate about something and stand up for what you believe in, you can do really good things.” “It’s helped us reflect and hone the skills we need to become better leaders, giving us

advice on what leadership is...’’ Luke Alderton

Christ’s College Canterbury

Give me knowledge and I can change the world.

At Christ’s College, every boy is encouraged to have an academic sense of purpose. This is what has motivated me to reach my potential. Our teachers encourage us to push ourselves further, providing us with opportunities to take part in a wide range of examinations. It’s helped many of us win scholarships at some of the world’s top universities. I think it’s all down to the way teachers work closely with each of us, working out how they can best help us as individuals strive to achieve our very best.

Each boy at his best.

www.christscollege.com

ACADEMIC AWARDS Gold Awards 2016

Executive Principal Garth Wynne presented Gold Badges, Ties and Buttons to the large number of boys who achieved top academic awards in NZQA Scholarships and NCEA examinations.

To gain a Gold Badge from Level 1 (sat in Year 11) boys must either gain 90 credits at Excellence during the year, or 100 Excellence credits by the end of Year 11 (for those boys who are accelerated and gain some credits the year before).

To gain a Gold Badge from Level 2 (sat in Year 12) boys must either gain 70 credits at Excellence during the year, or 80 Excellence credits by the end of Year 12 (again, for those boys who are accelerated and gain some credits the year before).

Gold Ties are awarded to the top five boys in Years 11 and 12.

Gold Badge, Button and Tie recipients From Year 12 New awards Matthew Bartram William Burns

From Year 11 Luke Alderton Arthur Bell Fong Fu Kelvin Gong Kevin Guttmann

Jonty Mills Gavin Ong Angus Porter

Simon Brown receiving his Gold Tie.

Sam Julian Chris Jung

Re-awards - Gold Buttons Jonty Brakenridge Jared Chin Alexander Cohen Angus Dysart-Paul Reid Edmond Joe Hutchinson Young Sung Jang Hunter McKenzie Rowan Taylor Hamish Thomas Gold Ties Tom Botting Christopher Brown Connor Leadley Matthew Moore Hamish Penrose

Jeremy Lidstone Ben Marshall-Lee William Quin Mitchell Sammut Henry Seaton Sam Sleigh Cameron Stevenson Gold Ties Simon Brown Sam Cameron-Dunn Paddy Coates

Reid Edmond being re-awarded his Gold Button.

Vincent Li Jack Tracy

Tom Botting receiving his Gold Tie.

Christ’s College Canterbury

ACADEMIC AWARDS NZQA Scholarship Awards for 2015

In total, 29 students gained 49 awards, eight of which were graded Outstanding.

Anthony Baker English, History (Outstanding) Nicholas Beckert Drama Jacob Bird Biology, Economics, English, History Tom Botting Statistics Christopher Brown Calculus (Outstanding), Statistics Luke Gellen Calculus, Economics, English (Outstanding), Media Studies, Physics, Statistics Anthony Goh Chemistry (Outstanding), Statistics Jason Guan Chemistry, Economics, English, Statistics Regan Harding

Patrick Manning Drama Matthew Moore Statistics (Outstanding) Michael Newton Chemistry, Physics Callum Oorschot Statistics Hamish Penrose Statistics Angus Porter Statistics Bailen Thatcher Painting Hamish Thomas Statistics Samuel Walker Accounting, Economics Robin Wan Calculus Joshua Wensley English (Outstanding), Statistics Michael Williams Statistics William Wilks Technology (Outstanding)

2015 NCEA Results

In NCEA results, Christ’s College students consistently achieve higher than the average of all other schools both nationally and of other decile 8 to 10 boys’ schools. All College students in each year group sit NCEA. Below is a comparison of combined Merit and Excellence endorsements for Christ’s College compared with all boys in decile 10 schools

Christ’s College

Drama (Outstanding) Joseph Hutchinson Statistics Young Sung Jang Statistics James Kelly Drama Ji Woo Kim Chemistry, Physics, Statistics Connor Leadley Statistics Fraser McKenzie Biology George McKnight Design and Visual Communications, Painting

LEVEL 3 61.7%

LEVEL 2 64.2%

LEVEL 1 81.2%

Boys in decile 10 schools

LEVEL 3 46%

LEVEL 2 54%

LEVEL 1 64.9%

Eleven of the boys were in Year 12: Christopher Brown, Tom Botting, Joseph Hutchinson, Young Sung Jang, Connor Leadley, Matthew Moore, Hamish Penrose, Angus Porter, Hamish Thomas, Michael Williams and WilliamWilks. All are continuing their studies at College in 2016.

College boys also gain higher endorsements rates (Excellence and Merit) when compared with boys in decile 10 schools.

College Issue 31 2016

DIRECTOR OF STUDIES Welcoming Joe Eccleton

Rain may have forced a change of location from the quad to the gym, but nothing could detract from the fond farewell given and warm welcome extended at the powhiri for new Director of Studies Joe Eccleton at the beginning of Term 2.

Wearing Cashmere High School’s treasured feathered korowai, Joe was accompanied by his wife Shelley and daughters Sophie and Millie, as well as a large contingent of Cashmere High School staff and students. The group was called into College by a karakia from College parent Puamiria Parata-Goodall and a resounding haka led by Deputy Head Prefect Ngane Punivai.

Teacher Steve Everingham led the whai korero (formal speeches), followed by Schola Cantorum singing Wairua Tapu, before Executive Principal Garth Wynne welcomed Joe to our community. He thanked Cashmere for their grace in handing over their “leader, colleague and friend” and promised College would now care for Joe and nurture his career, adding he hoped Joe was

“undaunted by the challenges and excited by the opportunities” his move to College would bring. Schola Cantorum sang Ka Waiata, before Cashmere High School Principal Mark Wilson replied. In reference to the rain, Mark said he thought it was Rangi shedding some tears for the loss of Joe from the Cashmere community. He described

Christ’s College Canterbury

Joe as a Cashmere taonga and said he hoped College would “support and treasure him… or we might return and claim him back.” He finished by saying he was confident Joe had the skills, experience and knowledge to have a positive impact at Christ’s College and wished him all the best for the next stage of his career. The sun came out as Cashmere’s kaiako te reo maori Detroit Stirling stepped forward to speak and initiate the handover. The korowai was symbolically removed from Joe’s shoulders before he was ushered across to join his new College colleagues. Cashmere High School staff and students sang a waiata, Rev. Bosco Peters said a prayer and, finally, Joe made his first speech as a member of the College community. He described his time at Cashmere, where he was Assistant Principal, as a “massive” part of his life and although it was hard to leave such a fantastic school, said he was also “very much looking forward to working with and being part of the history, tradition and academic culture of College.”

College Issue 31 2016

ACADEMIC Digital Technology

You only need to read the latest news on any online newspaper to be aware that our society is rapidly evolving through its connection with technology, says Director of ICT Services, Paul Rodley.

This change is impacting on our lives in many ways and shaping a changing approach to the careers that our boys will follow in the future. The boy who leaves College in 2020 will need a range of different skills from the one who left in 2000. The concept of work will be different. They may have a series of jobs they are working on, even across different time zones. “Of course there will still be offices and such, but the nature of work is changing and at College, we want to ensure our students are ready, not only in technical skills, but in other skill sets such as problem solving, collaboration, and the ability to take measured risks,’’ Mr Rodley says.

All Year 9 boys next year will be involved in digital thinking where they will have project-based learning for a certain number of hours a week. This will continue throughout the following year groups. “Our approach to technology is we are not just saying this is how you use technology, rather we want a course that builds explicit skills, and which uses real-life problem solving. We want the boys to think about the role that robotics and the Internet of things play, as well as coding. Already the Internet of things is significant. Our phones can talk to our home heating, our entertainment systems are increasingly Internet- based, and this will continue to grow.

“How will these changes affect our boys lives? “Students also need to understand and take responsibility for things such as global warming,’’ he says. “How can global issues be addressed? How can the problems be solved? “They need to know how to use technology but will learn it through doing other things, for example as an air sampling project employing a robot which they have designed. Most of all, we want them to take existing technology and think

Christ’s College Canterbury

“We want to produce developers of technology rather than consumers.We want to be known as a school for educational excellence and for our approach to technology.’’ Paul Rodley

about ways to innovate it, to think creatively and be creators rather than just users of technology. “We want to produce developers of technology rather than consumers. We want to be known as both a school for educational excellence and for our approach to technology. We want boys to build on this and be far more creative, and have the skills and knowledge for a positive future. “The course we will offer will be ever-changing, reflecting evolving technologies. The world is changing

at an incredible rate but change in education is much slower. We can’t continue to approach education in the traditional way or we become irrelevant.” The course will build on and draw from existing curriculum areas. “It will take a team of us to drive it and we have the philosophy that we will build on the strengths of everybody.’’

College Issue 31 2016

MUSIC DEPARTMENT Strong musical traditions at College

A walk past the Music School taking in the sounds of a myriad of different instruments coming from the rooms, standing outside the Chapel at Congers and thrilling to the sound of male voices thundering out a favourite hymn underlines the long history and vital part that music has in the web of College life.

From left: Nicholas Sutcliffe, Robert Aburn, Nolan Hungerford, Claire Oliver and Nick Coxon

Director of Music Robert Aburn says the choral programme has a long-standing tradition. “When the school was first established, singing was one of the core activities,’’ he says. “There was no music curriculum as such. It replicated the British model where singing was just part of what was done. College’s foundation was built on a strong choral tradition and, as soon as enough boys enrolled, the formation of the Chapel Choir was a strong statement to the College community that Chapel and singing were a core part of College life.’’ Fast-forward over 150 years and the Chapel Choir, which sings at all Chapel services, is recognised

as one of the top secondary school choirs in the country and has toured overseas singing in such prestigious venues as St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “The Chapel choir of around 70 is a platform to develop the boys’ choral skills. We are unique in New Zealand to have a religious worship programme and the Chapel Choir leads the Choral Evensong and regular mass services. These are traditions that have moved forward with the school and provide links to the community,” says Robert. As well as the Chapel Choir, opportunities for boys to further develop their choral musical skills are provided by Schola Cantorum and Collegium.

Schola Cantorum is a specialist group of singers who present a cappella repertoire with material that is harmonically and musically challenging to both performer and audience. Under the direction of Nicholas Sutcliffe, the choir focuses on a tight blend of sound. “We want to give some of the boys the opportunity for a more adventurous repertoire, doing more challenging, smaller ensemble work so they can have the experience of singing more difficult music in an exposed context,’’ Nicholas says. Schola Cantorum has been selected to perform at the 2016 National Finale of the Big Sing. The choir will compete against 23 other school choirs in August. Regional

Christ’s College Canterbury

adjudicator David Griffiths praised Schola Cantorum for its “most authoritative programme opening, very clear diction, and excellent ensemble skills with a well projected sound.” “We want to give some of the boys the opportunity for a more adventurous repertoire, doing more challenging, smaller ensemble

Collegium is a combination of the top singers from Schola Cantorum and St Margaret’s College who got together in 2014 to give boys the opportunity to work with girls voices and to make the best use of resources from both schools. Competitive work leads to professional goals such as touring, says Robert Aburn. “We want to establish and maintain the high standards that allow us to perform internationally, such as in the 2015 Chapel Choir European Tour

where the boys performed at many prestigious venues.” Music has been included as an academic subject for a number of years and students have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of musical pursuits, including tuition on their chosen instrument, playing in the Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College combined orchestra, the Big Band, the Jazz Band and playing for College productions and other music groups.

work so they can have the experience of singing more difficult music in an exposed context.’’ Nicholas Sutcliffe

College Issue 31 2016

MUSIC DEPARTMENT The Music School’s big spruce up

Visitors to the Music School Block situated under the leafy trees on Rolleston Avenue bridge will certainly notice some recent changes.

The interior has had a major spruce up with walls repainted, new carpet, woodwork re-varnished and new window coverings and blinds. Large bright pictures have been hung on the walls. “We have had a good clear out because sometimes we all get used to our surroundings and don’t notice them,’’ says Music School teacher Nick Coxon. “We’ll have new desks upstairs soon, and the basement is going to be fixed to cater for louder equipment used for rock music.

“We’ve got new sound equipment in both teaching rooms which is easier to use and technically superior, a new suite for the Big Band and a whole new suite of equipment for rock music.” Nearly a quarter of the school learns a musical instrument and there are 11 itinerant teachers. The most popular instrument is the guitar, followed by the piano. A recent addition to the team of experienced itinerant teachers

is well-respected Christchurch musician and rock educator Nolan Hungerford who will work with developing bands and tutor in contemporary music. “We want to make sure we have a wide range of musical options available for the boys,’’ says Robert Aburn. “Such was the popularity of the new option that we had 26 boys registering their interest on the day it was announced.’’

Before

After

Christ’s College Canterbury

New basement interior

Before

After

Before

After

College Issue 31 2016

DEBATING College debaters – intelligent, articulate and persuasive

The art of debating involves skill, intelligence, knowledge and the ability to think on your feet – being a top debater involves plenty of practice and having a razor- sharp mind.

From left: Angus Dysart-Paul, Matthew Moore and Hamish Thomas

The College top team of Matthew Moore, Hamish Thomas and Angus Dysart-Paul possess all these attributes and, according to Teacher in Charge of debating Chloe Harland, are “a force to be reckoned with when it comes to a debate’’.

The team won the 2016 Russell McVeagh Debating Championships in the first term, making them the top debating team in Canterbury. Matthew was named best speaker of the competition. They had the unenviable task of taking the affirmative for the moot, That this

House believes Donald Trump is good for US politics. Matthew Moore was selected as one of five students nationally to join the New Zealand Debating Team which travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, for the World Secondary

Christ’s College Canterbury

School Debating Championships in July this year. Matthew is the only South Island member of the team. Matthew and Angus Dysart- Paul were also chosen for the Canterbury team which will debate at the finals in August. Angus says they have debated together for four years, competing regularly, and have a good mix of different skills and styles. “The main thing is that we work well together developing cases and strengthening the argument. Our greatest strength is that we are able to develop nuanced cases which are consistent with what we all say – we are all generally on the same page. We can run consistent strong lines and build on each other’s material.’’ The three Year 13 students had 10 debates in the first term. Matthew thinks the commitment of all three to attending coaching lessons on Saturday mornings and making sure they turned up well prepared

for every debate is part of their success. “We have had a good coach, Old Boy Austin O’Brien, and have had tremendous support from the English Department, Ms Rayward, Ms Campbell and now, Ms Harland.’’ Ms Harland says the team is “awesome’’ and one of the best she has seen in her years of debating. “I have been very proud of them this term and it certainly has been a high point of my teaching at College,’’ she says. “We have had highly topical moots which require excellent knowledge of what is current and the boys always surprise me with the depth of their general knowledge. When they prepare they can’t take research in with them, so it needs to come from off the top of their head and these boys are remarkably intelligent. They always deliver. “As first speaker, Matthew is a measured pitbull. He has a razor-

sharp mind and is quick off the mark. He becomes someone else when he is debating and is mature beyond his years. He gives edgy rebuttal. As second speaker, Hamish is passionate and sometimes his mouth can’t keep up with the speed of his brain as he has so many ideas and thoughts. He takes the points the other two have made and articulates them well. “As third speaker, Angus’ job is to walk the adjudicator through the points made in the debate. He makes things crystal clear and his tone is so authoritative that he commands respect and people listen. It is interesting to have such a rich tone coming out of such a slight frame.’’ The team are all in Year 13 and Ms Harland says there is no doubt they will leave a giant hole in College debating. However, she is hoping that if any of them remain in Christchurch, they will come back to coach up-and-coming teams.

College Issue 31 2016

Christ’s College Canterbury

LANGUAGES Year 9 boys speaking Spanish

Jonty Gallagher is delighted College now offers Spanish as a language option in Year 9 and is having fun coming to grips with the new vocabulary.

“I heard Spanish is a great language which is spoken widely around the world and is a close language to English so I was keen to choose it as an option,’’ he says. “So far it has been really fun and exciting and I have learnt so much. Ms Yogeeswaran is a great teacher and makes it fun, especially now we are all starting to get the hang of it.’’ Spanish teacher Ms Teryl Yogeeswaran says “We are offering a new language because we believe it is important for boys to have skills for a globalised world,‘’ she says. “As well as the developmental opportunities learning a language offers, being able to communicate in another language is important in the world of business. In English speaking countries, people often

don’t realise how limited they are when they expect others to learn their language and do not learn any other.’’ There are two Spanish classes in Year 9. One is mainstream and the second is a foundation class for boys who want to try out learning another language and see if they wish to continue. “We don’t see adding Spanish as replacing learning any other language offered at College, rather as adding to the options available. The more options there are, the more likely boys will choose to learn a language.’’ Acting Head of Modern Languages Department Steve Everingham says “We know that learning a language

gives boys more opportunity in life and has a direct impact on their income earning potential. By having language as well as other skills, they put themselves ahead in the globalised labour market. This is not just anecdotal, there are statistics to prove it.’’ Another impact of learning a language is the opportunity it gives boys to go on an exchange to a range of different countries, says Mr Everingham. “There is no doubt that an exchange gives the chance to really come to grips with the language more than a cultural exchange and students find they make huge strides and improvements. It is not always easy at first, but I have yet to hear anyone say they did not enjoy the experience and improve their language skills.’’ College is considering joining the Round Square organisation, says Mr Everingham. This international organisation which currently has 150 schools registered, has as its ideals internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, opportunities, leaderships skills and service to the community. This makes learning a language even more relevant as boys then have the opportunity to travel around the world to giving service to communities and benefiting from conferences, exchanges and service activities.

College Issue 31 2016

CHRIST’S COLLEGE & RANGI RURU GIRLS’ SCHOOL 2016 joint senior

production Our House

Christ’s College Canterbury

College Issue 31 2016

“It was clear it would be wildly taxing emotionally and physically as it involved tons of costume changes and switching between playing two different characters in less than 15 seconds, which was very challenging. But when I came to College in Year 9, I decided I would give everything a go, so I tried out for everything hoping I would become successful. And it worked. “Most terrifying was that I had also to sing solo and dance,’’ he says. “However I decided to give it a crack and in the end, it all came together. Rehearsals took up a huge amount of time and I was initially relieved when it was all over and I could get back to school, so to speak, but now I really miss it. It’s so much fun and gives you a real sense of purpose doing something other than worrying about getting grades. It ends up being more than the sum of all the parts.’’ Our House was an easy choice for this year’s joint senior production, says Director David Chambers. “It had 1980s music, was an Olivier Award winner, and the group Madness who wrote the music and lyrics has undergone a huge revival in the last few years. Nearly everyone knows the lyrics and can sing along to It must be love, love, love or Our House . “However, one of the main reasons was because the storyline is accessible to adolescents,” he says. “It’s about making good or bad choices and the consequences of each. It’s about how much you decide to do in the here-and-now Henry Rolleston could not believe his ears when he found out he was to play the lead role in the 2016 senior production of Our House as, despite playing the lead in last year’s production Dr Faustus, he knew this would be a hugely demanding role.

and how much your own free will determines your future.’’ Director Hannah Clarkson says the play explores the themes of family values, growing up, responsibility, grief and love. “The story reminds us all that we don’t often have the luxury of a second chance and that it is indeed our choices that map out the roller coaster ride of our lives.’’ As Mr Chambers says “It presents youth, their choices and consequences, loves and loathing and, above all, the joy of banter amongst mates through the madness of restless adolescence. “It was a complex show to pull off because of several technical challenges,’’ he says. “Whenever you have a set that moves in three dimensions, you have a whole range of additional safety issues and requirements to consider. These take

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“It was a complex show to pull off because of several technical challenges.Whenever you have a set that moves in three dimensions you have a whole range of additional safety issues and requirements to consider.’’ David Chambers

College Issue 31 2016

a lot of time to organise. Repairs to the hall ceiling also meant we had to rehearse at Rangi Ruru. It was great when we got back into the hall because things started to really come together and the students realised we had something powerful going on.’’ Alongside Henry and the romantic lead, Cassie Henderson, there were seven key actors for the storyline. This meant the directors tried to make sure everyone else had a cameo role. The chorus which was on stage for much of the time provided vitality and energy. Mr

Chambers says it took time for the students to realise just how important the chorus was.

“It was a very busy production,” he says. “Everyone had three roles which kept them on their toes as they had to constantly be preparing for upcoming scenes, changing costumes and microphones. “It was a supreme effort from Henry Rolleston who played two roles, Good Joe and Bad Joe. There were only three short times when he wasn’t on stage and he had to run to his personal dresser to change costumes for both these roles. Costume designer Mandy Dickie painstakingly worked out every single costume change along with Year 12 Rangi Ruru student Jocelyn Brady. They did an incredible job.’’ The team was delighted with the response to the show which was a near sell-out and extra seats had to be put in on several nights. “We get great support from the Christchurch community as we have a good reputation for our productions,’’ says Mr Chambers. “There is no doubt we go the extra mile because we want the students to experience the trials and excitements of making something bigger than themselves. As the production team, we help prepare, but come 7.30pm, apart from the musical directors, Nick Sutcliffe and Janet Kingsbury, what you

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see and what you hear is all down to the cast and crew, no adults involved.’’ Production manager Ms Robyn Peers says “brilliant’’ performing arts teams from both schools made the production such a success. “The performing art faculties at both schools work really well together,’’ she says. “Both are excellent, but when combined, we are unstoppable. Some of the company have been working together for four years and they all really gel. “We are also lucky to have such generous sponsors who enable us to achieve such high levels of production.’’

The music of Madness

The music written by the 1980s band Madness provided an excellent basis on which to build the show Our House, says the production’s musical director and conductor Nick Sutcliffe. “Many of the songs were familiar to both students and audience, and we all found the tunes rather catchy - often heard being sung or hummed by boys wandering around the school,’’ he says. “We were very fortunate to have a live band made up of students to play the music for the show. They did a superb job and it gave the actors on stage a quality experience of singing with a band.’’ Rehearsals for the music started from the first day of auditions in February with group singing and continued right up to the moment before the curtain opened on the first night. Learning so many songs to be sung by memory is no easy task, and the cast did a great job, he says. “The lead roles of Joe, Sarah, and Dad all had a large number of solos to sing and they did a fabulous job at presenting these songs with such conviction. It was a huge pleasure to work with such a fine bunch of students and staff to put this musical together.’’

College Issue 31 2016

HOUSE MUSIC House Music evening always a lot of fun

The large crowd gathered at Horncastle Arena on the evening of Tuesday 28 June knew they were in for a treat when House Music 2016 got off to a swinging start with a Big Band medley.

The performances by the small vocal groups were exceptional and truly demonstrated the depth and breadth of vocal ability at College. With the choice of songs ranging from traditional folk songs, classics and pop, they were all masters of a cappella. Most stayed faithful to the original, but Corfe took matters into their own hands with a unique version of Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy . It was the traditional barbershop harmonies of Harper, however, that took first place. Adjudicator Nick Burson, from the band Ctrl Alt Rock, said he was impressed by all the talent and described the event as “mind blowing”.

What followed was a showcase of some of the finest musical talent to be found at College – and if some performers were slightly lacking such a gift, they certainly made up for it with enthusiasm. This was an evening to celebrate community, camaraderie and House competition. The massed House choirs tackled everything with Kiwi classics, country, pop anthems and show tunes. Hats off to Somes conductor Young Sung Jang, who added a splash of colour with his bright red cowboy hat. The winners, Corfe, used props (a flowing silver wig) and mass dance moves to bring their rendition of Breaking Free from High School Musical to life. Whether the choirs played it straight or played around, as Deputy Head Prefect Ngane Punivai said at the end of the evening, “It can be hard to marshal the voices of a large group, but all the boys gave it a good shot.” School picked up the trophy for House Choir Instrumental Backing, playing John Mayer’s Wildfire. The work of late pop icons Prince and David Bowie featured in the instrumental section, as well as Pink Floyd, modern pop masters Coldplay and more. But an original composition by George Murray (Mood Swings) delivered Julius the prize.

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HOUSE MUSIC RESULTS

The Carey Shield, House Song 2016

1. Corfe 2. Harper 3. Flower’s

D J Ellison Instrumental Cup for 2016

1. Julius 2. Jacobs 3. Condell’s

Mr & Mrs C.C. Moore Choral Plate for 2016

1. Harper 2. Somes 3. Condell’s

House Choir Instrumental Backing Trophy 2016

1. School 2. Condell’s 3. Julius

College Issue 31 2016

BOARDING Head of Boarding 2016

Oscar Acland has a mission for his role as 2016 Head of Boarding – to strengthen bonds between year groups and to make sure everyone has a chance to have their say.

get their own rooms. We can also use the pool and are so close to the centre of town.’’ Oscar, who comes from Geraldine, loves being a boarder and says as the boys get older, they understand how much they really do enjoy boarding and how they wouldn’t really want to be dayboys. “As boarders at College, we forge bonds and make long-lasting friendships. When you get to Year 11, you realise just how close you have become as a group. You learn to accept each other and understand your differences and like each other in spite of these. Once you’ve been living closely with someone for a while you get quite protective of them. You find you can also open up and be yourself and the others like you for it.’’ “As boarders at College, we forge bonds and make long-lasting friendships.When you get to Year 11, you realise just how close you have become as a group.’’ Oscar Acland

One of the changes he would like is to have more informative talks such as a recent one when Mrs Katrina Darry, who is a parent and sports nutritionist, came and spoke to the boys about nutrition and how to eat sensibly. She had lots of good advice which the boys took seriously, says Oscar. Oscar recently attended a New Zealand Head of Boarding conference where one of the keynote speakers impressed him and gave him insights he has shared with the boarders. He said that schools sometimes have things that they just do, that are like monuments and pillars, are always there and are what has always been done.

“But some things can be changed and boys need to ask questions about them rather than just accepting they are there,’’ says Oscar. “Changes are always possible although sometimes it is necessary just to understand why we do something and then it may not seem as much of an unnecessary chore. An example is Congers which helps us get familiar with songs and hymns so we know what we are doing in Chapel.’’ One of the things Oscar enjoyed at the conference was being able to compare aspects of boarding life with that of other schools. “I realised how fortunate we are with our facilities, the size of our bedrooms and the fact that Year 13s

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College Issue 31 2016

Give a boy a home away from home.

Central to the character of the school, boarding at Christ’s College makes it easy for boys to find their niche and be supported in the choices they make. Boarders can choose from a wide range of co-curricular activities as part of our unique Boarding Programme, developing lifelong friendships along the way. Everyone’s welcome at Christ’s College. To find out more contact our Admissions Registrar Sarah Fechney registrar@christscollege.com or 03 364 6836.

Each boy at his best.

www.christscollege.com

CENTRE FOR ETHICS AND SPIRITUALITY Discussing ethical issues

Executive Principal Garth Wynne has introduced a new Centre for Ethics and Spirituality at College.

“This initiative will be led by the Chaplain and will engage

students, teachers, parents and the wider community in discussions on contemporary moral issues, beliefs, values and spirituality,’’ Mr Wynne says. “The discussion will be through public lectures, and occasionally through workshops and conferences. The aim of the centre is to promote critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding and engagement with the ethical and spiritual issues facing young New Zealanders in the 21st century. “In every way, the Centre complements the Chapel and religious education programme currently in place at College.’’ Chaplain Reverend Bosco Peters says “In the addresses, we want to challenge the boys who may be our future leaders and decision- makers to consider ethical questions and to engage in debate to challenge their perceptions. For example, they may end up doing medical research or become a scientist and need to make ethical decisions about what they are doing. We want to provide frameworks to help them discuss issues intelligently. “We will be taking an academic approach and this will be particularly relevant for our Year 11 religious education students where we present different ethical theories underpinning issues.’’

had only seven kilos of personal belongings over the four months they were away. They talked about the universal nature of pilgrimage, what to do after a pilgrimage, how each journey is different and how all these things are metaphors for life and spirituality.

Reverend Peters and his wife Helen gave the first address to over 160 people about their sabbatical last year when they took a spiritual journey across the Camino in Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostella. They talked about what they had learned from spending 40 days walking the 1000km trail with hundreds of fellow pilgrims. Reverend Peters says the walk was a metaphor for life and they had to deal with the challenges and highs of the journey.’ The couple discussed the concrete, physical realities of the pilgrimage including showing what they carried, equipment, training and preparation. It was necessary to travel light and they

UPCOMING SESSIONS

On 8 September at 7.30pm, Reverend Ron Hay will talk on Finding the Forgotten God - credible faith for a secular age.

College Issue 31 2016

VALUES Thought Leaders at College

The inaugural Thought Leaders address earlier this year was the first of a series of events run by College to encourage community engagement in topical issues affecting education, students and the environment in which we live. All students, parents and members of the community are invited to attend these events.

From left: Jonty Brackenridge, Justin Ferrell and Neil Porter

Justin Ferrell, d.school

says. Creative confidence says if you want to create something unique or innovative, you have to be prepared to do something differently. Justin says “Many people don’t believe they are creative because often in the past someone will have told them that they can’t draw or paint or that they are just not creative. But at the d.school, for us it is not about having artistic ability, it’s about trying something different,

showing work that is not finished, doing something you don’t think you are good at. That’s what we mean by creative confidence.’’ Justin was a career journalist who worked for seven years for the Washington Post, most recently as the director of digital, mobile and new product design. He brought mobile designers and programmers into the newsroom and enabled collaborative teams of reporters and

Justin Ferrell from the d.school at Stanford University gave an address to boys, parents and friends of College called “Creative Confidence and the benefits of being people focused”. It looked at some modern thinking around design and coming up with new ideas. Being creative is not necessarily a light-bulb moment, rather it is a systematic process, he

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