MAGAZINE October 2019 - Site construction in progress
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MAGAZINE October 2019
Grammar looks forward
to the next 50 years
Page 05
Contents
03 OLD BOYS' NEWS
The Headmaster's Update 33
04 The AGSOBA President's
Report from the Board Report
05 34
A View to the Future 2019 Augusta Awards
08 and Lion Award
Stephen Jacobi '73 36
05 Look Where They Are Now
The Headmaster's Update
10
A History of Giving Forward 38
12 Reunions
Academia 40 2019 HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL YEAR OF CELEBR ATION.
15 Events
Sport 41
18 Publication - Bram Uljee '50 Educationally, it has once again been Leadership: In the months ahead the "paid forward" to make the School a
a year of considerable change. We are School will launch its own leadership better place for the next generation. Te
Arts and Culture 42 grateful for the institutional knowledge programme to help provide pathways Ara Mātauranga will be the next major
21 News of Old Boys that exists in the Grammar community for aspiring teachers who want to influencer on what we can provide for
as it has once again provided the School influence their colleagues and our young our teachers and students. Aptly named
Headmaster's Environmental 21 44 with great stability and support. men through holding key positions as the Pathway to Higher Education and
Committee Planting Day Sir William Liley '43 While Grammar has faced considerable
of responsibility. With the support of Knowledge, Te Ara Mātauranga will be
experienced and expert leaders across a multi-purpose facility that will support
22 45 change, decade after decade, the
a variety of schools and other sectors, structured teaching at Grammar.
School's educational philosophy has
Staff News Grammar Archives remained largely unchanged. That is,
the School will introduce a Leadership
It will be a large space for independent
programme for identified teachers
24 46 people remain at the heart of Grammar.
beginning in 2020. Growing leadership is
learning, while also providing modern
We employ quality specialist teachers presentation areas for a myriad of topics
International School Tours Grammar Families part of The Grammar Way.
and provide them with the structure, from the academic to mental health and
25 48 resources and support required to teach Analysis of Teaching: Auckland well-being. It will also be multi-functional
their subject to young men who know our Grammar School was successful in and available for parent meetings, student
Tibbs House Obituaries
expectations, often now referred to as being awarded a Bright Spots Award by meetings, study, a Form 7 social space
26 50 The Grammar Way. The Education Hub to develop 'Seeing and it will house our extensive 22,000
Ladies' Night Out Grammar Publications Learning Better', a programme which book collection. Te Ara Mātauranga will
27
34 As we move toward 2020, Auckland
Grammar School moves into a new phase
will aim to introduce more impactful
ways of providing guidance to classroom
complement what we do and allow us to
do more for our teachers and young men.
of its history. We will remain true to the
Augusta Fellowship Luncheon very essence of a Grammar education
teachers, through the use of video
As we look forward, we accept that there
cameras for observation, professional
and we are excited by the initiatives that will be difficulties to overcome with each
28 Editor: Sara Meade learning and development.
will support the School's direction over of these projects. I am grateful that we
Giving Back to Grammar s.meade@ags.school.nz
the next 50 years. Dr John Etty is leading this project and have a team of dedicated teachers and
Ph 09 623 5400 (ext 576)
30 Thanks to Amanda Booth, Michael Auckland Grammar School is about the
aims to develop an observation-feedback- volunteers who so strongly support us
reflection model which helps teachers to and, in doing so, turn dreams into reality.
Department Profile - Dawson '10, Matt Illing '14, Form 7 people who have been or are part of our
better see the areas they need to work
students Daniel Hu and Russell Lee, community. That said, we require effective Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
Student Services White Door Photography, and Jim Espie on and offer more targeted guidance
programmes and great facilities if our
‘38 (for his proofreading). Cover image: to teachers. We believe such a model
31 Headmaster Tim O'Connor welcoming
teachers are to be at their best, ready to
may also provide benefit to others in our
Annual Appeal the Right Honourable Dame Patsy Reddy,
inspire and educate the next generation
sector.
32 42 GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New
Zealand to the 150th celebrations.
of Grammar boys. As we prepare for
our 151st year, I want to briefly highlight Te Ara Mātauranga: Through time the
Tim O’Connor
Term Dates and Notices Designed and produced by gardyneHOLT.
three key initiatives with you: Auckland Grammar community has
Headmaster
02 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 03
A view to the future:
the next 50 years at Grammar
Report from the Board
THIS YEAR HAS CERTAINLY BEEN AN EXCITING TIME TO BE PART OF
THE GR AMMAR COMMUNIT Y. OUR 150TH CELEBR ATIONS HAVE BEEN AN
OVERWHELMING SUCCESS, WITH OLD BOYS, PARENTS
AND FRIENDS ATTENDING 27 EVENTS HELD OVER NINE DAYS.
I am told that 10,000 people attended maximum potential, in both curricular Our young men are now preparing for
the Grammar vs. King's College Rugby and extracurricular activities. I want to both internal and external examinations.
match; a School record. Parents and acknowledge former Chairman, Jeff On behalf of the Board, I wish all
friends commented to me on how Blackburn '67, who gave 12 years to the students well in their pursuit of
impressed they were with the huge range Grammar Board, nine of which he served excellence and acknowledge the hard
of activities and the quality of events as our Chair. Jeff has led with great work and dedication of our teachers.
available. There was something for distinction and humility, and on behalf of We are most fortunate to have such a
everyone. the School community we thank him for dedicated and talented teaching staff who
his years of service. He is undoubtedly have put every effort into preparing our
Organising our 150th celebrations was
the quintessential Grammar man. young men for these examinations.
a massive undertaking and the Board's
thanks are extended to 150th Chair Scott As a Board we have reflected on the Finally, I want to commend to you
Milne '69 and his team, who have worked recent elections. We were concerned our legacy building project, Te Ara
tirelessly over four years in the planning. to note that only 17% of our parents Mātauranga. The Board believes that this IN MAY THIS YEAR AUCKL AND GR AMMAR SCHOOL CELEBR ATED
They can be very proud of the result. I am participated in the voting process. We project will truly benefit our students. If
also particularly proud of the efforts of need to improve upon this, as it is vital you have already provided support for this
ITS SESQUICENTENARY - 150 YEARS OF SECONDARY BOYS'
our students. Each class worked together that as many members of our School project – thank you. If you would like to EDUCATION. MORE THAN 3,000 OLD BOYS, PARENTS, STAFF,
to contribute 150 hours of community community take the opportunity to have support us or wish to know more, please STUDENTS, AND MEMBERS OF THE GR AMMAR COMMUNIT Y
service, giving a combined total of 12,500 their say. As Chair, I am personally very contact our Development Office or refer CAME TOGETHER TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS MOMENTOUS
hours of service to our community. From happy to hear from any parent or Old Boy to our website: teara.ags.school.nz. It is
tree planting in our regional parks, scrub on any issues concerning our School. only through the strong financial support
OCCASION IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY.
cutting to clearing up our waterways, our of our parents and Old Boys that Te Ara WE NOW LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE...
At the end of this term, the Board will
boys went out into the community and Mātauranga will become a reality.
also farewell our student trustee, Prefect
gave back in the traditional Grammar way.
Mitchell Palmer. Mitchell is a fine young Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
Our Board elections were held in June man who has made an outstanding
with our new Board now well settled. contribution to Board discussions,
We are already working hard on initiatives ensuring that the student perspective is
to ensure that our School remains a heard loud and clear. We wish him well
Mark Sandelin '75
safe and supportive environment for for the future.
Chairman, Board of Trustees
our young men to achieve to their
04 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 05
LOOKING BACK TO THE PAST... ...AND AHEAD TO THE FUTURE EDUCATION INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
As we enjoy the memories and renewed friendships of the 150th With these thoughts in mind, Prefect Hugh Marshall offered Director of Teaching and Learning at Grammar, Head of Social ignore, but it is important not to over-react. The demands of the
celebrations this year, we are encouraged to look forward to the where he thought Grammar may be when we celebrate our 200th Sciences and 2019 Bright Spots Awardee, Dr John Etty, outlines 21st century economy mean schools face enormous pressure
future. What will Grammar be like in 50 years' time? The Editor anniversary in 2069: his thoughts on what education could look like in 50 years. He to prepare young people for a different world of work than in the
of the 1919 Term 2 Chronicle, Mr S.D.E. Weir, wrote of where he believes that there will be a growing divergence between those past."
thought the School would be looking forward 50 years to 1969. "Our generation of Grammar men will graduate into a world of who advocate "21st century competencies or skills" and those
Dr Etty believes that the purpose of a school is not to reproduce
Reading it today is remarkable, knowing that it was written 100 considerable challenge and opportunity, facing global issues, such as who prefer more traditional teaching and learning, and that
the "real world" in miniature, or to be the training ground for
years ago: climate change, resource depletion and over population, as well as ongoing analysis of teaching practices will continue to show that
employers, as this puts the needs of tomorrow’s employers
enormous advancements and progress in technology. Old Boys will knowledge-rich curricula, with carefully planned and teacher-led
"And now let us look forward 50 years [to 1969]. The School is ahead of the needs of today’s young people.
use the valuable lessons learnt at Grammar, as well as – and perhaps pedagogy, are the most effective practices.
celebrating its centenary, and we Old Boys are to come together
more importantly – the global network of friends forged here to face "The purpose of a school should be to introduce young people
once more. The same subjects that we learned are still being He predicts we will reach "peak iPad" at some stage in the next
these challenges, and spearhead positive change. to the most important ideas that have shaped the world, and
taught, with, however, those developments which 50 years have decade, once it is realised that intensive device use does not
teach them the concepts, content knowledge and skills that are
made necessary. In that time, great changes have taken place in the "Already, Grammar alumni include every type of contributor, from guarantee effective learning and high achievement. There will be
most relevant. If we try to assess what that looks like, I think
surroundings. Pieces of land that we remember as having been rock- actors to academics to All Blacks, from businessmen, to batsmen, increasing pressure on teachers to use devices in the classroom
we are wiser if we look to what we know from experience than
strewn wastes are now well-laid-out tennis lawns and playing fields. to barristers. In our 200th celebrations in 2069, present day students in the coming years, with the seductive but deceptive logic that
if we make predictions about what the future might hold. We
Certain unsightly landmarks, recalled with a smile, have disappeared, will hope to match or surpass their achievements. The nature of this "this is the way the world is now, so schools have got to change
are also wiser if we reserve judgement on the value of certain
and altogether the environments more befit a school. community is that it develops exceptional people, and in 2069, we to adapt."
technological tools."
can only assume that due in no small part to the lifesaving advances
"We march into the Hall, rung in by the same bell that we heard "The fourth industrial revolution, digital technology and modern
current students will make in the field of medicine, more students
with sinking hearts when we were young. The old place is much work practices have brought about changes that we cannot
than ever will be passing through our gates. Meanwhile, outside
the same, save that the Honours Board is filled, and the number
these gates, Grammar students will continue to contribute towards
of trophies has multiplied considerably. We sadly miss some old
solving problems of national and global significance.
familiar faces: some have been taken from us naturally, but many
have been lost in those wars, which even the Great European War "The celebrations will run concurrently with Old Boy scientists
could not prevent. They have given their lives gladly, remembering discovering how to alter the human genome to improve physical and
the glorious example of the Old Boys 50 years' ago. As we look cognitive abilities, while meanwhile, Old Boy lawyers and statesmen
on the keen young faces before us, we feel we may have no fears will debate the ethical issues this raises. As we celebrate the 100th
for the future. They are filled with the same enthusiasm, which we anniversary of the moon landings, fellow former students will form
ourselves felt when we realised what our predecessors had done, companies to remove valuable resources from other planets in our
and with the same determination to make the coming 50 years more solar system and beyond.
wonderful even than the last."
"Back on campus, new buildings play host to the next generation of
talented and dedicated masters, but the Main Block perches on the
"Auckland Grammar School exists for the benefit of side of Maungawhau Mt Eden as majestically as ever, and the same
students, staff and the wider community. A proud state bells announce the arrival of a new headmaster to the stage. The
school, Grammar will keep pace with the vicissitudes of School has struck the right balance of progress and tradition, and the
educational flights of fancy. Excellence will remain our lion still looms large and proud."
goal."
Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
2019 Prefect Hugh Marshall
Above middle image: 1919 Auckland Grammar School students in
the crater of Maungawhau Mt Eden. Above right: 1914 Cadets;.
Opposite (top and bottom): a selection of classroom images from
Grammar's 150th history.
06 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 07
A past to celebrate,
a future to embrace:
Stephen Jacobi '73
"K A MUA, K A MURI" IS A WELL-KNOWN WHAK ATAUKI.
IT MEANS THAT WE NEED THE PAST TO INFORM THE FUTURE.
1 OUR GREAT SCHOOL'S 150TH FESTIVITIES HAVE BEEN A TIME
OF CELEBR ATION AS WELL AS THINKING AHEAD.
When the Headmaster asked me to speak to the School assembly wealth comes from trade in globally competitive sectors and which
earlier this year, it led me to think about what Grammar did for me can only thrive in an open and secure global economy.
to prepare me for my future life and career, and how the School
But it is not just business that makes this country tick. Many of
continues to nurture its students today.
our students are rightly critical about the effect on the planet of
I have spent much of the 42 years since I first sat with the other the economy developed by earlier generations before: solving
new students in the Great Hall studying, thinking and working on the urgent problem of climate change can only be achieved by all
New Zealand's global connections. people and countries working together, which also requires cultural
understanding.
My career, first in government and later in business, has taken me
all over the world, mostly to advance New Zealand’s trade interests. Today's Grammar students will be at the forefront of this effort,
2
I could not have imagined, when sitting in class listening to Michael particularly as the School continues to work to provide opportunities
Farrell or Peter McConnell, that those Latin and French texts for education in a global context. As the School looks to the future,
would nurture a life-long love of languages and other cultures. Not it is important to know our history. As that whakatauki reminds
everything in my career has worked out the way I intended (does it us, if you do not know where you come from, it is hard to work
ever?), but I have been fortunate to have been able not to just "think out where you are headed. Grammar has always done a good
global, act local" but to "think and act global". This was the message job of helping boys follow their dreams. For me it was languages,
I tried to share with the boys when I spoke at the School assembly something that was nurtured at this School – and that took me
on Monday 20 May. on a long journey into public service and now business. But I am
not today where I thought I would be, and Grammar’s traditional
New Zealand has always been connected globally: what happens
emphasis on developing flexibility and adaptability is also important.
elsewhere has a profound effect here and what happens here can
change the world. What is different today is that it has never been In our School's 150th year, when we are looking for ways to
3
easier to communicate, travel, study, and do business all over the flourish in a new century and a globalised, technology-driven
world. That is the future we are educating our students for. world, Grammar’s heritage, values and tradition combined with
its willingness to embrace the future are a source of strength and
When I entered Grammar in 1973, our country was still highly
vision to keep us moving forward.
dependent on Mother England. Today, exports to Britain account
for around 6% of our total trade. China, whose government we Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
recognised only in 1972, has become our largest trading partner. Stephen Jacobi '73
Our student body today also reflects the increasing diversity and
opportunity within our country. Sitting on those hard wooden Pictured opposite: 1. & 2. As a student at Grammar; 3. Stephen
benches in assembly are future business and government leaders and Helen Jacobi at the 150th celebrations; 4. With Headmaster
who are even better placed than we were to understand how to Tim O'Connor and President of the Old Boys' Association Grant
4 5 operate globally. That can only be good for a nation whose national Trethewey '76; 5. Stephen - ANZAC Day 2018 presentation.
08 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 09
DEMONSTR ATING THE ART
OF GIVING BACK
Looking back over 150 years of proud educational tradition, At Jasmax we believe
great architecture
Grammar’s aspirations to be pre-eminent in boys' secondary
Te Ara Mātauranga:
education have been supported through the generosity of Old
and design can
Boys and families.
1916 and onwards – all Honours Boards in the Main Hall, 1922
inspire learning.
A history of giving forward
War Memorial, 1927 Original Gymnasium and bike shed, 1931
Original Library, 1953 War Memorial extension, 1954 Original
Sports Pavilion, 1969 Centennial Theatre complex including
Library extension and Swimming Pool, 1978 Gymnasium 1981
Sports Pavilion on the lower field, 1990 Hockey Turf, 1992
Venturelodge, Ohakune, 2006 Sports Centre, 2007 Old Boys'
We’re a proud
OUR YOUNG MEN ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE FACILITIES THEY DO AS
Pavilion, 2010 Changing rooms under Old Boys' Pavilion, 2015
Main Block Extension.
Auckland Grammar A DIRECT RESULT OF THE GENEROSIT Y OF GENER ATIONS OF OLD BOYS
NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP School partner. AND GR AMMAR FAMILIES. WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE FORESIGHT AND
BENEVOLENCE OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BEFORE US.
There is a vital and urgent need for this transformational project
within our School to better prepare our young men for the future.
Construction can only begin once all of the funds are pledged. Just as the iconic Spanish mission style Main Block of Auckland Funds raised to date total in excess of $5.8 million, with a target
Just as every student who has attended Grammar has benefited Grammar School makes its presence known as you travel by of $13.5 million. Significantly, each contribution made has been
from those students before them, we now ask you to carry this motorway, our exciting new transformational 150th capital legacy the single largest gift ever made by that donor to Grammar. We
legacy forward. project – Te Ara Mātauranga, Pathway to Knowledge and Higher plan to commence construction at the end of 2020, taking 12-18
Education – will become similarly as distinctive. Importantly, it will months. The School's collection of 22,000 books will be retained,
Please contact us now. For further information about Te Ara
be a building that caters to every student’s learning needs into the and it is paramount to us that this is the case; in fact, it is the
Mātauranga or to speak with a current donor, please contact
future. preference of our young men that hard copy books are still issued
Amanda Stanes, Director of Advancement, 09 623 5633, 021 689 jasmax.co.nz and available. Our Form 7 students will have a dedicated "rite of
380 or a.stanes@ags.school.nz. Visit teara.ags.school.nz. When Grammar turned 100 in 1969, the construction of the
passage" space, giving them some seniority within the School and
Centennial Theatre, Library and Pool was the School's Centenary
the chance to socialise and interact as our senior cohort.
project. Decades of young men have benefited from the
generosity and future thinking of planners before us, leaving We are thrilled to be working with our design partners, Jasmax,
their legacy to the School, for which our gratefulness continues New Zealand's leading architects in school design.
to this day. Their philanthropy and largesse towards others
Jasmax Project Architect, Richard Dodd '73, says, "Conceived
clearly demonstrates how giving ahead supports generations of
as a metaphorical bridge between Grammar and the wider
Grammar young men.
community Te Ara Mātauranga will command a prominent
position cantilevering out over the pool with views to the
Parents and Old Boys have always recognised the
Waitemata and beyond to the Hauraki Gulf. This location provides
importance of matching superior teaching with state-of-
the potential for a landmark building, and signals to the wider
the-art technology and educational facilities. Our great
community the changes Grammar is making to prepare staff
teachers deserve great facilities.
and students for the challenges of the 21st century. Personally, I
never imagined as a young Grammar student that one day I would
Now, in our 150th year, we are actively fundraising for Te Ara
be leading the design team for Te Ara Mātauranga. It is a privilege
Mātauranga, to accommodate both the academic needs of our
to be working on this significant building marking 150 years of
young men and their pastoral requirements. This facility will
Grammar history."
enable students to work in an independent and a collaborative
manner, as well as perform the functions that we require to teach To support the fundraising initiative, a group of current and past
them social and technological requirements and responsibilities. parents and Old Boys have not only made their own pledged
With a building of this nature, we will be able to fulfil what we gifts, but are generously giving of their time to speak with
believe is best for our young men. Importantly, Te Ara Mātauranga potential donors and provide any information required. For further
sits very neatly within our 25-year Master Campus Plan as our information about Te Ara Mātauranga or to speak with a current
next major priority. donor, please contact Amanda Stanes, Director of Advancement,
09 623 5633, 021 689 380 or a.stanes@ags.school.nz.
Extended opening hours before and after School will provide
individual learning and group tutorial spaces for focused learning. Visit teara.ags.school.nz.
10 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 11
ACADEMIA ACADEMIA
INTERNATIONAL NEW ZEAL AND ECONOMICS
ADMISSION TO OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES YOUNG NATUR ALIST'S NEW ZEAL AND MONETARY POLICY COMPETITION
TOURNAMENT CHALLENGE
At the end of 2018, a number of our students gained admission into New Zealand The New Zealand Economics Competition has
universities across a wide range of courses including the Arts, Commerce, After winning the New Zealand Young grown in size and reputation since its inception in
The Monetary Policy Challenge provides secondary school students with an
Engineering, Law, and the Sciences. Scientist’s Tournament in Wellington in March, 1997, becoming the largest and most prestigious
opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of Reserve Bank economists and
Form 4 students Matthew Griffiths and competition of its kind for New Zealand secondary
In addition to students gaining admission here in New Zealand, a large number recommend what the Official Cash Rate (OCR) could be. Using the same
Ryaan Sidhu were selected to represent New students.
of students have chosen to study overseas. The list below provides a glimpse of information as the Reserve Bank, teams assess the economic conditions
Zealand at the International Young Naturalists’
where some of them have obtained admission. facing New Zealand and the outlook for inflation. Each team then decides In 2019, over 2,000 students from 91 schools
Tournament held in Minsk, Belarus. Between
on an appropriate setting for the OCR. This year, the Challenge has been throughout the country entered the competition. The
This list, while not comprehensive, includes students who have indicated to the March and August, Matthew and Ryan
updated to reflect the new mandate of the Reserve Bank. It also used 50-minute examination paper contained 40 multiple
School their choice of university and their courses. prepared three presentations each on subjects
videoconferencing to streamline the judging process. choice questions that tested classroom theory and
as diverse as 'The Perceived Size of the Moon'
Callan Adams Luke Han Haowei Wang general knowledge of current economic issues.
and 'The Rate of Reproduction of Yeast Cells'. The team from Grammar, consisting of Form 7 students Mitchell Palmer
St Paul's College London School of Oxford University (Governor of the team), Josh Commons, Carl Abi Nakad, Liam Wong, and This year five students shared first place in Division
University of Sydney Economics During the tournament in Minsk, they beat
Lintao Wang Pan Zhang, made a 3-5 minute video presentation outlining the OCR decision, One (Year 13) of the competition and all of them
China, Kazakhstan and Georgia, to find
Roni Chapman Yangfangzheng Li University of Melbourne supported by a simple summary of the key points. were from Auckland Grammar School, which is an
themselves second place heading into the
St Paul's College Imperial College exceptional achievement. The five Form 7 winning
Ruiheng Xiao final. In the final, they beat the favourites from Each team member presented at least one piece of economic analysis
University of Sydney students were Carl Abi Nakad, Quinn Jackson,
Andy Lin University College Switzerland and a strong Croatian team with a or advice, and the Governor of the team presented their OCR decision,
Mitchell Palmer, Jiraphat Rattanaprasit Perry, and
Thomas Currie University of Melbourne London presentation on 'The Parameters of Producing reached by consensus. All of the team were involved in the economic
Liam Wong.
Georgian Court Fire with a Magnifying Glass'. analysis, the OCF decision, and the preparation of the presentation and mock
Steven Ma Rodger Yang
University, New Jersey Monetary Policy Statement. This year, Grammar secured second place in the
Northwestern University of Melbourne As overall winners, they each received a
competition, following up from winning the National Title in 2018. The team
Boyd Curry University, Illinois Gold medal and an invitation to represent
Bosco Yue was supported by Head of Economics Mr John Wilson and Economics master
St Mary's College New Zealand at next year’s tournament in St.
Dinesh Seneviratne Oxford University Mr Frank Haszard.
San Francisco Petersburg, Russia. It is an impressive result to
University of Melbourne
Raymond Zhou
Ben Deeley win an international tournament as prestigious
Sebastian Stephan St Paul's College
Brown University
Sussex County University of Sydney
as this and the School will follow the future of FRENCH-IMMERSION WEEKEND
Rhode Island these two young scientists with interest.
Community College Twenty Form 4 and 5 students enjoyed a full French-immersion weekend at
Ziyan Zhu
Michael Derevianko New Jersey Huia in Term 3. The group spent two days perfecting the art of making crêpes
St Paul's College
St Paul's College and croque monsieur, hiking through the caves at Whatipu, playing pétanque,
Conor Sutherland University of Sydney
University of Sydney and watching a French comedy film starring Danny Boon, called 'Bienvenue
St Paul's College
Matthew Fulton University of Sydney chez les Ch'tis' ('Welcome to the Sticks').
L to R: Carl Abi Nakad, Mitchell Palmer, Quinn
University of Melbourne The weekend also involved an intercultural task-based workshop of flax
Jackson, Liam Wong and Jiraphat Rattanaprasit Perry.
weaving taught in French, organised and led by Ms Nathalie Bourneville from
the University of Auckland. The boys particularly enjoyed the flavour of the
NZ ECONOMICS OLY MPIAD AWARDS French food and the challenge of speaking French together. OUTSTANDING SUCCESS IN
Auckland Grammar students performed strongly in the New Zealand Economics ECONOMICS COMPETITIONS
Olympiad this year with Form 7 students Mitchell Palmer and Pan Zhang earning a
Gold Award. In 2019, Prefect Mitchell Palmer was the first
Grammar student to win a Gold Award in the New
Following registration in April 2019, a one-hour online test of 30 multiple choice Zealand Economics Olympiad.
questions was completed. A few of the questions required an explanation to justify
the choice of answer. Mitchell was also Governor of the Auckland
Grammar School team who were runners-up in the
From the online test results, a shortlist of competitors was made. These students Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Challenge, where
were invited to a day-long event in Auckland on Saturday 4 May. This event teams simulated the creation of a Monetary Policy
shortlisted competitors and judges were present to select the final five students to Statement and the setting of the OCR.
make up the New Zealand team. Above (L to R): Ryaan Sidhu and Matthew
Griffiths, winners of the International Young He was selected to represent New Zealand at the
Naturalist's Tournament in Belarus. International Economics Olympiad in St Petersburg,
Russia, but he was unable to attend due to a clash
with the World Schools' Debating Championship.
12 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 13
ACADEMIA SPORT
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG PHYSICISTS' NZQA PREMIER AWARD BASKETBALL
CYCLING
TOURNAMENT 2018 Head Prefect Felix Marcon Swadel received a
prestigious NZQA Premier Award for his exceptional
North Island Championships
New Zealand Scholarship results in the 2018
The Under 20A squad of Dan Barclay, Cody
Examination Series. Felix was one of 11 Premier
Boness, Barnaby Clegg-Shaw, Lachlan Dickson and
Award winners who received their awards from the
Jacob Rackham won in convincing fashion to beat
Minister of Education, the Honourable Chris Hipkins,
Palmerston North Boys' High School. In the junior
at the 2018 New Zealand Top Scholar Awards
individual events, Nate Boness produced some
Ceremony, held in the Great Hall at Parliament on
excellent performances placing first in the Under
Wednesday 1 May.
14 Criterium and second in the Road Race. In the
Felix gained Outstanding Scholarships in Calculus, senior individual events, Cody Boness placed third in
Chemistry and Latin, and Scholarships in Geography, the Under 17 Road Race closely followed by Jacob
Health and Physical Education, Physics and Statistics. Rackham sixth and Tom Waters 14th. The Under
He was also a dual award winner at the Awards 17 Criterium was dominated by Grammar riders
Ceremony, receiving a Top Subject Scholar Award as with Cody Boness placing first, followed by Jacob
the highest achieving student in an individual New Rackham second and Tom Waters third. In the Under
Back row (from left): William McLeay, Caleb Landon, Liam Ward, Jerry Liang,
Zealand Scholarship subject, namely Latin. Felix is 20 Criterium Ollie Grave finished in ninth place, while
Oliver Gibson, Luka Vea, Logan Simpson. Middle row: Theodore Brothers,
currently studying a BA/BSC in Latin, Mathematics in the Under 20B Albert Moody produced a strong
Teina Watling, Shravan Dayal, Cody Brown, Tim Sun, Blake Manning, Hone
and Physics at the University of Auckland and the performance to finish second.
Clarke, Mr de Silva (coach U17A). Front row: Toby Caldwell, Jamal Todd,
$30,000 he received as a Premier Award winner, in
Shunxing (Daniel) Shu, fourth from right, with Mr Gavin Jennings, far right. Daniel Boyd, Karel Petzer, Joshua Muggleston, Eliot Chignell, William Shortt Auckland TTT Finals
addition to significant scholarships from the University
At the end of the regular season, the Senior Premier team had secured In challenging weather, the Senior A team consisting
Grammar students performed with distinction again this year in the New of Auckland and working part-time at Soul Machines
fourth position in the Auckland Secondary Schools' Premier Competition, of Dan Barclay, Cody Boness, Ollie Grave, Christophe
Zealand Young Physicists' Tournament, placing first and second in the Auckland (an Auckland-based artificial intelligence company),
producing satisfying wins against eventual winners, St Kentigern College Kirby, and Jacob Rackham produced an outstanding
regional tournament, with the top team in second place in the National final of means he has made a financially comfortable start to
and third placed, Rosmini College, along the way. The top four finish allowed win and ensured that the Grammar Senior Cycling
the NZYPT held earlier this year. his tertiary studies.
progression to the semi-final of the Greater Auckland Championship, where squad retained the Auckland Team Time Trial
As a result of strong individual performances in the National final of the the team was knocked out by St Kentigern College. Champions, with a record set for the fastest lap.
NZYPT, two Form 7 Grammar students, Shunxing (Daniel) Shu and Jiahua DEBATING TEAM SUCCESS Needing a first or second to win the overall Auckland
Xiao, were chosen as one of the final team of five representing New Zealand National honours have been bestowed upon two team members this year.
Jaga Mete was selected for the Junior Tall Blacks Team that travelled to School Team Time Trial series, the Junior A team of
at the International Young Physicists' Tournament 2019 (IYPT) held in Poland.
Greece for the FIBA Under 19 World Cup in July, and Premier Captain Connor Tom Bean, Tom Murray, Edward Pawson, and Olano
Daniel's outstanding individual research ensured that he was chosen as the first
Ngan was a member of the Under 17 Men's Team representing New Zealand Scarlett produced an excellent ride to finish second
international student to represent New Zealand in the competition. Comprising
at the FIBA Under 17 Oceania Championship this month. and retain the Junior Auckland Team Time Trial title.
of students from Grammar, ACG Parnell, Manurewa High School, Onslow
In the individual points races, Nate Boness produced
College and Wellington High School, the team flew to Qatar for final training and Overall, Basketball has had one of its most successful seasons with the a commanding performance to win the Under 14
then to Warsaw, Poland, to compete in the 32nd annual IYPT. Premier Team, Under 17A Team and Junior A Team, all qualifying to play in Auckland title. The Under 17 individual points race
The competition consists of five rounds of debates with a world final for the the Greater Auckland Championship. was totally dominated by Grammar Cyclists with
top three placed teams (or four if scores allow). The New Zealand team scored The Under 17A Team, coached by Mr de Silva '06 made their way to the Cody Boness finishing first, Jacob Rackham second,
consistently well throughout the five rounds of the competition. As a result of semi-final by defeating Rosmini, Pakuranga and De La Salle. Captain Oliver Dan Barclay third, Cody Dalton fifth, and Tom Mullins
ending up as one of the top 10 countries, the New Zealand team was awarded Gibson led the team to a convincing victory against Rangitoto College in the finishing sixth.
Silver medals. Of the 36 countries that took part, the top 10 places went to: 1. semi-final. The final against St Kentigern College was a close match. Solid
Singapore, 2. Germany, 3. Switzerland, 4. China, 5. Korea, 6. Brazil, 7. Ukraine, defensive play from Oliver Gibson, Caleb Landon, Toby Caldwell and Luka
Debating team students (L to R): Liam Wong,
8. New Zealand, 9. Sweden, 10. Canada. The USA was 21st , Australia 22nd and Vea, combined with precise ball control from Daniel Boyd and Jerry Liang, and
Mitchell Palmer, Sebastian Verryt, and Henry
the UK secured 26th place. strong support from Will Mcleay, Teina Watling, Jamal Todd, and Liam Ward,
Jamieson.
Once again, the New Zealand IYPT team represented their country with pride resulted in a hard fought 49-48 win.
The Auckland Schools' Debating Final and Prizegiving
and returned with medals showing their depth of understanding and creativity The Junior A Team made the journey to the final look easy, with convincing
Ceremony saw the Premier team competing against
in the field of Physics. They were supported throughout the tournament wins against Orewa, Pakuranga, Southern Cross, and Liston in the semi-final.
Saint Kentigern College. Grammar successfully
and with intensive training by leaders from Auckland Grammar School Under the expert guidance of Mr Mackay and Ms Perrott-Hunt, the team has
affirmed the motion, 'This house regrets the centrality
(Gavin Jennings), Manurewa High School (Fenella Colyer), Onslow College developed into a well-drilled unit of skilled players. Leading from the front,
of the All Blacks to New Zealand's culture and
(Kent Hogan), Riccarton College (Sue Napier) and Wellington High School Josh Muggleston and Blake Manning, with support from Cody Brown, set
identity'. With a unanimous 3-0 vote, the Premier
(Kerry Parker). The team leaders were recognised for their international a strong example for newcomers Theodore Brothers, Eliot Chignell, Hone
Debating team was awarded the win, with Captain
judging experience by being selected to chair judging panels throughout the Clarke, Will Shortt, Logan Simpson, and Timothy Sun to follow. The final
Mitchell Palmer awarded the cup for the Best
international tournament. against St Peter's College was a fitting test that ended with a 49-38 victory. Above: Jacob Rackham (#295) and Dan Barclay (#275)
Speaker of the event.
racing in the Points Race in May.
14 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 15
SPORT SPORT
HOCKEY WEIGHTLIFTING
FOOTBALL RUGBY
Coached by ex-Black Sticks Coach Mr Kevin Towns, the 1st The New Zealand Secondary Schools Weightlifting
XI Hockey team produced results throughout the Auckland Championships in August saw seven Grammar
The following Rugby teams qualified and competed in the Auckland Rugby students competing. All lifters achieved at least one
competition, SuperCity competition, traditional fixtures and the
finals day held at the Marist Rugby Club in August: 2A, 2B, 4A, 5A, 5B, 6A, personal best, with excellent results and placings.
national Rankin Cup.
6B, and 7A. Four of the teams went on to win their respective finals; 2A, Josiah Cook was awarded Gold in the Under 15 73kg
The Auckland competition was tougher than previous years. 5A, 5B, and 7A. The 2A team showed true Grammar determination to defeat class, Harrison Mortimer received Gold in the Under
The team had to play King's College to see who would top their Kelston 19-17. The final exemplified Grammar's season in that the team never 15 89kg class, including a national record, and Ashton
pool. This was the highlight of the term where the team were gave up and were always willing to work to improve each week, culminating Greenbury gained Silver in the Open 89kg class.
victorious 2-1. The 1st XI played St Kentigern College in the final. in a gripping victory in the final.
Both teams created chances and showed high levels of skill, with The team placed third equal overall, equalling their
St Kentigern winning 4-2. placing from the 2018 tournament. Gene Brown
narrowly missed out on the Bronze in the Open
The 1st XI team was unfortunate to suffer several injuries during
73kg class. He managed to lift the bar, but his elbow
the SuperCity competition, and suffered two losses to King's
grazed his knee at the bottom of the clean part of
2-5 and St Kentigern 0-1. The team dominated the eventual
the clean and jerk, resulting in a 'no lift'. However,
competition winners Rosmini College, with the game ending in
Brown's successful lifts gave him the highest Sinclair
a 0-0 draw. With a 0-3 loss to Westlake Boys' High School, the
score of all the Grammar lifters.
team finished in fifth place.
Form 7 student Thomas Drillien in action. The team had a tough route in pool play at the Rankin Cup
Tournament, starting with a 4-2 win over Hastings Boys' High
TABLE TENNIS
Each of the teams played with an excellent spirit and represented
themselves and the School impeccably. The 1st XI team travelled School. Their next game against Westlake was an unfortunate The Premier Table Tennis team demonstrated
to Napier for their National Tournament and had high hopes 0-4 loss. However, the team bounced back and showed their strong performances at the National Championships
after placing second in the Auckland Premier League behind St potential with an emphatic 9-0 win over Pukekohe High School. in Tauranga. In a repeat of last year's semi-final,
Kentigern College. Grammar was beaten by top-seeded Burnside
The round of 16 games saw the 1st XI have three further losses
High School, who eventually went on to win the
The team drew a challenging pool, including Napier and Hamilton against highly rated St Kentigern College 2-4, New Plymouth
tournament. The team bounced back from this semi-
Boys' High Schools and St Patrick’s Silverstream. After a draw Boys' High School 1-3 and Christ’s College 2-3. The team
final loss beating Macleans College 5-2 in the play-off
against Napier, the team defeated both Hamilton Boys' and St eventually finished in 12th place through an unlucky, inconsistent
for Bronze.
Patrick's to top their pool. After beating Hutt International Boys and somewhat disappointing tournament.
in the round of 16, Nelson Boys in a quarter-final and King's Riley Williams with Sam Hainsworth-Fa'afoo in support. Further success came in the form of Grammar's
The 1st XI had several players represent Auckland in the Under 18
High School (Dunedin) in a semi-final, the team faced Sacred top junior player, David Guo, who went on to claim
team – Form 6 students Josh Irwin and James Stables, Prefect The 5A team had a very successful season combining expansive attack with
Heart College in the final. The final began well with Alex Smith Gold by beating the top ranked player in the Under
Sam Lindberg and captain Ollie Schnauer. Josh was also selected aggressive defence, with a win record of 13 from 13, scoring 607 points for
scoring from 30 yards in the 16th minute. Grammar had the 15 National Singles event. All in all, it was a pleasing
in the New Zealand Under 18 squad after the Under 18 National and just 27 points against, a season to be proud of and a great way for the
opportunity to extend their lead in the second half with a penalty. tournament for the Auckland Grammar School Table
tournament. Congratulations to these players on their selections. Form 7 players to finish. The 7A team went into the final as the underdogs,
Unfortunately, this was saved and Sacred Heart equalised shortly Tennis team.
having lost twice and drawn once with Sacred Heart College during the
after.
season. However, after taking a 3-0 lead late in the first half they pulled
With the score 1-1 at full time, the game went into extra time, together a massive defensive effort in the second half to keep Sacred Heart
with Sacred Heart the first to score with a penalty. Grammar scoreless and take the championship.
battled to the end for an equaliser; however Sacred took out the
The 1st XV won their traditional fixtures beating Palmerston North Boys' High
title 2-1. The team had a fantastic week at Nationals and can be
School 61-10, Rotorua Boys' High School 21-19, Tauranga Boys College 26-15
immensely proud of their achievements.
and New Plymouth Boys' High School 26-7. The victory over New Plymouth
Thomas Drillien was awarded the Most Valuable Player award meant the 1st XV retained the Faull Cup for another year. The 1st XV won
for Grammar and was re-signed for the 2019/2020 season to the the Grammar vs. King's game 19-15 during the 150th celebrations in a tight
Auckland City 1st Team, a professional football side and New and tense game played in front of excellent home support, with Grammar
Zealand’s most successful senior club team. regaining the Cooper-Greenbank Cup. The 1st XV finished fourth in the
Auckland Competition, with an 8 win, 3 loss record. The 1st XV had an away
Roshan Kumar, Finn McCracken and Micaiah Papa have all signed
semi-final against King's College and lost 12-22.
to the Auckland City Youth Team, a representative side that puts
them on the pathway towards representing the Auckland City 1st Congratulations to the following players from the 1st XV who were selected
Team. They join recent leavers Sam Bottomley '14 and Matt Ellis for the Blues Under 18 squad: Joshua Fusitua, Finau Halafihi, Konrad Lotu-
'14 in the Youth Team. I'iga, Saia Moala, Tuamu Maka, captain Zach Patai, and Rylee Samuela. In
The Rankin team 2019. Players in action at the Table Tennis National
addition, Finau was named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools' team and
Championships in Tauranga.
Saia was named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools' Barbarians team.
16 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 17
ARTS AND CULTURE ARTS AND CULTURE
WINTER CONCERT SERIES MINISTER'S PL ATE AND JUNIOR
KBB MUSIC FESTIVAL STUDENT-RUN PRODUCTIONS AWARD WINNERS
This year, there were six senior and four junior
Grammar was one of this year's top performing schools at the
finalists from a range of year levels including last
annual KBB competition across the entire Auckland region,
year's winners, Form 5 student Leo Larsen (piano)
receiving a number of special prizes, a top four placing, three
and Form 7 student Haochin Zhang (violin).
Golds and a Silver award across the six ensembles.
The evening was adjudicated by Old Boy John
The Big Band, directed by Mr Eddie Hare, received a Gold Award,
Eady '82, who won the inaugural Minister's Plate
and trophies for the Best Ballad, and best soloist(s) in the Jazz
competition on the clarinet in 1984, before winning it
Band category. They were also selected as one of four Big Bands
for a second time in 1986.
to perform at the evening Gala concert, performing 'Hello' by
Lionel Ritchie and 'Don’t Change Horses' by Tower of Power in a Announced by Mr Eady, the Junior Winner was
sold-out Holy Trinity Cathedral concert. Form 4 student Connor Fraser (violin) for his piece,
Legende, Op. 17 by H. Wieniawski, and the Senior
The Premier Concert Band, directed by Mr Barry Wasson,
The Symphony Orchestra performing 'Carmen ad Celebrandum'. Winner was Form 7 student Ruiqi Shi (bassoon) for
received a Gold Award, and the trophy for the Best Performance
his piece, 3rd movement, Bassoon Concerto in F
of a New Zealand Work in the Concert Band category. The annual Winter Concert series held in Term 3 features all of
Above left: Lead characters (L to R) Gertrude (Thomas Manson), King Hamlet Major by J.N. Hummel.
the School's large instrumental and vocal ensembles. The first
Grammar Virtuosi, directed by Mr Chris Adams, received a Gold (Ben Ross), Ophelia (Oliver Christie); Above right, Justin Thyme (Sam Miller).
concert featured the two choirs - Grammarphonics and Grammar As usual, the standard was incredibly high,
Award in the Chamber Orchestra category. Virtuosi also received
Voices, plus the Premier Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. The Case of the Prince Formerly known as Hamlet showcasing a diverse range of instruments and an
judges' considerations for Outstanding Soloist, Best Berformance
Grammarphonics began with a set of three songs, conducted by (A Justin Thyme Mystery written by Bruce Kane.) impressive display of both musicality and technical
of a New Zealand Work, Best Performance of a Baroque Work
Mr David Hamilton. The Premier Concert Band, conducted by Mr accomplishment. The Minister's Plate Music
and Best Performance of a Classical Work. Dashiell Hammett meets William Shakespeare in this re-creation of 'The
Barry Wasson, performed two items, with one featuring Form competition recognises the achievement of the finest
Maltese Falcon' and 'Hamlet'. A hard-boiled private eye, Justin Thyme (played
The Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mr Adams, received a 5 student Leo Larsen as piano soloist. Grammar Voices gave a solo musicians at Grammar in any given year.
by Sam Miller), is summoned to Elsinore Castle by King Hamlet (Ben Ross),
Silver Award, narrowly missing out on a Gold by two percentage repeat performance of one of the works written for the 150th
only to find that the old man has been poisoned. Thyme agrees to the King's In 1984, the late Mr Merv Wellington, Minister of
points, and also the trophy for the Best Soloist for their celebrations; Tōku Whare, by Mr Hamilton and Mr Neitana Lobb.
dying wish that he help his son to avenge his death. The only problem is that Education at the time, officially opened the Auckland
performance of the first movement of Bassoon Concerto in F
Grammar Voices performed three popular 20th century the old man dies before he can tell Thyme who poisoned him. Grammar School Music Suite. He presented a Silver
major by Carl Maria von Weber, with Form 7 student Ricky Shi
songs. The Symphony Orchestra then performed early New plate to the School, which has become known as the
as soloist. The Symphony Orchestra also received a Joyce Fisher In his search for the old man's murderer, Thyme meets Gertrude (Thomas
Zealand composer Alfred Hill's Symphony No.5 ''Carnival'. The Minister's Plate. Two years later, the Amos family
Mentoring Award. Manson), the King's voluptuous widow, who cannot wait to bury the old man
concert concluded with the second work written for the 150th donated a similar plate, establishing a Junior Award.
and marry his brother Claudius (Ben Ross), who in turn, cannot wait to bury
Achieving at a consistently high level across all categories is celebrations, Carmen ad Celebrandum, by Mr Adams, with Form
Thyme. Congratulations to all finalists and to the Music
a testament to the students involved, the huge amount of 7 student Milutin Jovic performing the baritone solo and Grammar
Department staff for their generous efforts in working
practice, commitment and effort, particularly with their additional Voices joining the singing of the School song with the audience. Then there is Prince Hamlet (Tobin Wood) who doesn't know what he wants,
with these students.
involvement as part of the sesquicentenary celebrations, as well The second concert began with a performance by the Pipe as well a femme fatale by the name of Ophelia (Oliver Christie) who wants
as the quality of the musical direction and music programmes at Band and included Scottish dancers, followed by the Weird and everything, including Thyme.
the School. Wonderful Symphony Orchestra performing a self-devised work,
'Passacaglia', utilising a PVC pipe, bowed glockenspiel, xylophone
and vibraphone, and wine glasses as instruments. Grammar
Virtuosi performed two movements from Geminiani's Concerto
Grosso No.3 op.3 and Mr Hamilton's work 'The Rising of Puanga'.
Cast performing a scene
After the interval, the Wind Band, conducted by Mr Wasson, from 'Per Angusta No
performed a set of three items. The Jazz Combo performed two Augusta', one of two
items, including a composition 'Men with Ven' by ensemble student-led productions.
leader, Senior Prefect Ben Lerner. The Big Band finished the
evening with a set of four charts including an arrangement of Per Angusta No Augusta (written by Form 7 students)
Lionel Richie's 'Hello' that began with a contemplative opening
Many members of the cast and crew from 2018's 'Pianissimo' returned
before moving to an upbeat Latin-inspired second half. The
for another student-written play, aptly named 'Per Angusta No Augusta' in Above: Junior Music Plate winner, Connor Fraser
Members of the Premier Concert Band performing at the KBB concert ended with 'Don't Change Horses' by Tower of Power,
the School's sesquicentenary year. The play is a modern retelling of Julius (violin), and Minister’s Plate winner, Ruiqi Shi
Music Festival Gala Concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. with a 'competition' between vocalists Form 6 student Tivoli Levi
Caesar's escapades in Ancient Egypt, presented in a manner which combines (bassoon), with John Eady '82.
and Form 7 student Watson Filikitonga, and a stunning guitar solo
the absurdist humour of works such as Monty Python, with all the rebellious
by Prefect Elijah McPherson, also Form 7.
and indecorous satire you could only find in teenagers.
18 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 19ARTS AND CULTURE
PERFORMANCE DAY II
CHINESE EXTR AVAGANZA EVENING
Headmaster's Environmental
In August, 150 Grammar students performed in three
local intermediate and full primary schools: Auckland
Normal Intermediate School, Kohia Terrace School
and Parnell District School.
The Big Band, Concert Band, Grammarphonics,
Grammar Virtuosi, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind
Band presented an hour-long programme at each
Committee Planting Day
school, showcasing a variety of instrumental and
vocal ensemble music in dedicated performances. THE HEADMASTER'S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE, ALONG WITH A
NUMBER OF COMMUNIT Y VOLUNTEERS, HELD THEIR ANNUAL PL ANTING
DAY AT THE OLD QUARRY ON SUNDAY 4 AUGUST.
The highlight event for the Asian Cultural Group is the Epsom Girls Grammar
School and Auckland Grammar School combined Chinese Extravaganza in
July, held over three shows at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre.
Above: Conductor Prefect Danny Chou at Auckland This year's annual performance, now in its 15th year, presented a varied
Normal Intermediate School. display of the traditional and modern aspects of Chinese cultural diversity
offered by both Schools, allowing students to express their culture and form
lasting bonds through their common performance endeavours. The event is
AUCKL AND SCHOOLS' JAZZ student run and directed with discrete guidance and assistance from staff in
COMPETITION organising aspects of the event.
In August, the Auckland Grammar Jazz Combo and The three very successful shows were a fitting representation of the hours of
Big Band competed in the finals of the Auckland Jazz preparation made by the 170 students involved. This year, eight performing
Competition at the Point Chevalier RSA, putting them groups delivered polished performances, including the Chinese Band,
in the top four groups in their respective categories. Chamber Music, Diabolo, Dragon and Lion Dance, Drama, Mixed Choir,
This competition has now grown to feature 48 groups Chinese Modern Dance, and Traditional Dance.
from schools all over the wider Auckland region. This was also an opportunity for students from both Schools to engage
The Jazz Combo won the Best Overall Combo and in supporting roles through media, backstage groups, and the student
a Platinum award against Avondale College, Massey committee. Special thanks are extended from the Asian Cultural Group Students, volunteers and members of the Friends of Maungawhau community group at the planting day.
High School and Sancta Maria College. to Mr James Yeh, Mrs Louise White, Mrs Ellen Peacock, Mr Lee, and
Each year, members of the Headmaster's Environmental Ms Roseline Klein, contacted both the School and the Auckland
The Big Band took home a Gold Award, with the Best Mr Ben Hoang for their dedication to the many rehearsals, meetings and
Committee and other School volunteers, along with key driving Council. She was interested in helping to reduce the number of
Big Band winner, Rangitoto College, and Sancta Maria performances.
members of the project from the local Friends of Maungawhau fast-growing and invasive weeds on the slopes of the No 3 Rugby
College and St Peter's College also featuring in the community group, gather together to plant native trees and field, which she would see from her walk to and from work each
finals. Senior Prefect Ben Lerner and Form 6 student AUCKL AND PHILHARMONIA SECONDARY shrubs on the School grounds. This year, over 450 plants were day down Clive Road. Ms Klein is a Sustainability Manager in
Tivoli Levi received two of the three individual awards
for the Most Outstanding Musicians.
SCHOOLS' COMPOSITION COMPETITION laid at the quarry slopes alongside the Hockey turf, with all plants Auckland who leads volunteer groups to control weeds in various
generously donated by the Auckland Council. local areas.
Form 6 student Drew Raby was runner-up for the Auckland Philharmonia
The Combo are a self-directed group, putting in many This is a great initiative to maintain the grounds in the School Thanks go to Ms van Heerden for organising the Committee
Orchestra Secondary Schools' Composition Competition with his piece
hours of practice and rehearsal, selecting their own campus, and a public and notable way to enhance the and other School volunteers, and especially to Ms Klein for
'Homage to Nigel', inspired by Black Seeds musician, Nigel Patterson '93.
music and pushing their own development. environment around Grammar and the local neighbourhood. The her organising, liaison and fundraising roles connecting the
Drew was fortunate to have his composition workshopped by the Orchestra
during the competition. Students were required to write a 90-second piece for Committee, organised by Mathematics master, Ms Annette van School, Auckland Council and the enthusiastic volunteers from
a full orchestra inspired by a New Zealander, in rondo form. Heerden, has been tending to the quarry slopes by the Hockey the Friends of Maungawhau towards the enhancement of the
turf for a number of years now, after a member of the public, Auckland Grammar School environment and local community.
20 AD AUGUSTA OCTOBER 2019 OCTOBER 2019 AD AUGUSTA 21You can also read
