MAGAZINE May 2018 - Site construction in progress
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MAGAZINE May 2018
Grammar Old Boys
help shape the future
Page 05
Contents
03 OLD BOYS’ NEWS
The Headmaster’s Update
33
04 The AGSOBA President’s
Report from the Board Report
05 34
Grammar Old Boys help ANZAC Day
shape the future
35
09 Changes to the School's
Opening up a whole new 05 War Memorial
world
36
11 2017 Annual Dinner and
Prime Minister's Augusta Awards Evening
Science Prize
37
12 125 years of friendship,
Academia tradition and philanthropy
14 38
Sport Reunions
18 11 40
Arts and Culture Calendar of Events
21 42
So much more to learn News of Old Boys
22 44
Staff News The Grammar Archives
24 46
Grandfather Grandson Grammar Families:
Breakfast The Kernohan Family
25
The Art House Tour is back
34 48
Obituaries
26
Academic Endowment Fund Editor: Amanda Harkness
a.harkness@ags.school.nz
28 Ph 09 623 5400 (ext 576)
Annual Appeal Donors Thanks to Amanda Booth, Michael
Dawson, Matt Illing, Raymond Zhou, the
31 Grammar Media Group, and Dr George
150th – Registrations open Marshall ‘38 (for his proofreading).
32 Cover image: Grammar Old Boys Tom
Rapson ’09 (left) and Reuben McGregor-
Notices
38 Sumpter ’09.
Designed and produced by gardyneHOLT.
02 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018
The Headmaster’s Update
AS WE L AUNCH AUCKL AND GR AMMAR SCHOOL’S 150TH CELEBR ATIONS AND
ENCOUR AGE THE WIDER GR AMMAR COMMUNIT Y TO JOIN US IN MAY 2019, LOOKING
BACK ALLOWS US TO UNDERSTAND HOW FAR WE HAVE COME.
Looking back also reminds us of the Ken Trembath said in closing the prologue unchanged. As the editor of the first
responsibilities we have to continue the of the centenary book, Ad Augusta: magazine stated, “The Chronicle has no
advancement of maintaining a high-quality “Retracing a century of continued great pretensions… it may give a straight
education and accepting the challenge of achievement in scholarship and sport, it forward account of various aspects of
continually bettering what we do and how seems difficult to imagine a time when School life.”
we do it. examinations did not exist, and organised
This edition of Ad Augusta is similar
sport was something of an extra, or when
Records show that on May 17, 1869, in many respects in that it reflects the
a School which has played no mean
Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh’s, last duty in first term of School life in 2018. More
part in the history of Auckland and New
Auckland was to officially open a Grammar importantly, as I am sure you will agree,
Zealand was a narrow regimen housed in
School in Howe Street. Governor Bowen it reflects just how Auckland Grammar
an uninspiring barrack building. To find its
spoke at the opening, saying that he saw School is challenging young men to acquit
origins, it will be necessary to go back to a
before him, “men of various religious themselves well academically, and to better
point in time some twenty years before
persuasions, political parties, and social themselves through sport, the performing
the opening.”
classes, met together on neutral ground arts and cultural pursuits.
of learning and education…” He advised As the Headmaster of Auckland Grammar
Publications such as this and the Chronicle
pupils to, “cultivate twin habits of industry School in 2018, it is a privilege to lead a
do also acknowledge past achievements
and perseverance in pursuit of science school that has continued, through time, to
and reflect on our current position, just
and literature.” single-mindedly develop: academic rigour in
as reaching a milestone of 150 years will
an examination-based environment, quality
Much has changed in 149 years, but do in 2019. I do encourage you to join
teachers and teaching, and quality facilities
Auckland Grammar School has remained us in May next year as we celebrate our
to aid learning; and provide sporting, cultural
a rigorous educational hub for young men sesquicentenary together and look forward
and performing arts opportunities which
from a gamut of backgrounds, cultures to how the current generation of Grammar
challenge, thus allowing the School to
and lifestyles. It continues to cultivate boys will influence Auckland and New
remain true to its mission of, “developing
habits of industry and perseverance and Zealand over the next 50 years.
the whole person in order that the School
has added a clear set of School community
may produce young men ready, willing and Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
values, including integrity, respect, courage,
able to assume useful roles in society and
excellence, commitment, humility and
be responsible citizens.”
pride. In a meritocratic environment these
values have traversed time and have While it took until 1913 before the School
Tim O’Connor
remained relevant to a Grammar education. published its first magazine, the Chronicle,
Headmaster
the principles for publication remain
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 03
Report from the Board
THE YEAR HAS COMMENCED WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF
THE OUTSTANDING RESULTS ATTAINED BY OUR SENIOR STUDENTS IN
THE 2017 EXTERNAL EX AMINATIONS.
The achievements in NCEA, Cambridge This term sees the retirement of two We wish both these men enjoyable
and Scholarship reflect the hard work of long-serving Grammar Masters, Mr Colin retirements, and thank them for their
our young men and the outstanding ability Boyd and Mr Min Lee. Mr Boyd joined the significant service to the School.
and encouragement of our teachers. staff in 1990 and has been recognised by
The next 12 months will see a build-up
This academic focus and rigour sets the the School as a 25-year Master. He has
of activity towards the celebration of the
benchmark for everything else we do taught mathematics at all levels, including
School’s 150th anniversary in May, 2019.
at Grammar. Cambridge A2 and NZQA Scholarship. His
The Board recognises the importance of
extracurricular involvement has involved
A special mention must be made of our this milestone in the School’s history, and
coaching and managing kapa haka, football,
Cambridge cohort, which ensured that is providing the necessary financial and
tennis, softball, basketball, equestrian, and
once again we were the most successful management resources to ensure the
ballroom dancing.
Cambridge School in New Zealand. A appropriate acknowledgement of this most
record number of 186 Scholarships also Mr Lee has given 33 years’ service to important event.
placed the School at the top of this ranking. Grammar, in which time he has taught
The Board values the feedback and
These results are not achieved as a matter mathematics at all levels. He is highly
contributions received from the School
of course, or as of right, but are earned by respected by his colleagues for his role
community, and Trustees are always
the extraordinary commitment of both the as Master in Charge of CIE AS and A2
available to engage on an individual basis.
students and their teachers. Mathematics, duties he has performed
Your continuing support of Auckland
continuously since 2002. His extracurricular
In addition to our academic success, Grammar School is much appreciated.
contributions have included the coaching
students continue to perform strongly in a
and managing of tennis and squash Per Angusta Ad Augusta.
vast array of sporting and cultural activities.
teams, the Animal Rights Group and the
Although a lot of attention is paid to the
Programming Group.
results of our elite teams and groups,
the real strength of the School lies in the In addition to being awarded a Woolf Fisher
hundreds of boys who participate below Trust fellowship for master teaching in
these levels but still give their maximum mathematics, he was fittingly awarded Jeff Blackburn ‘67
commitment to Grammar. the Michael Farrell Memorial Award for a Chairman, Board of Trustees
master teacher at the end of 2017.
04 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018
Grammar Old Boys help
shape the future
AS THE WORLD BECOMES My friends are in the slums
MORE GLOBAL AND THE
I've seen the slums in photos,
INTERESTS AND PURSUITS
I knew of poverty and disease and death,
OF OUR STUDENTS EXPAND, I knew there were those less advantaged than I,
MORE AND MORE OLD So why am I fighting back tears.
BOYS ARE SHARING THEIR
EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT TO I knew of piles of rubbish in streets,
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES, I knew of streams running brown with dirt,
I knew of the disabled and young living on the streets,
BOTH LOCALLY AND ABROAD,
So why am I fighting back tears.
TO COACH, MENTOR AND
HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT We are greeted with smiles and warmth,
ON OUR YOUNG MEN. We play games which I knew as a child,
We are waved farewells by families in balconies,
I know why I am fighting back tears.
The children cling to us in wonder,
The adults look on approvingly,
The teenagers gossip behind our backs,
I know why I am fighting back tears.
My friends are going hungry for days,
My friends are knee deep in faeces,
My friends are in the slums,
I am no longer fighting the tears.
George Skinner
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 05
Above left: Reuben McGregor-Sumpter (far left) with the group and above right: Tom Rapson (far left) at the New Zealand High Commission
in India. Opposite page: The chaos, colour, culture and contrast of India, as seen through the eyes of our young men on the 2017/2018 tour.
More than 100 students have taken I think translated into a confidence that I “The trip isn’t built for one person, and
part in the School’s biennial India would work it out.” you’ll see that in the people selected –
Immersion Programme over the past everyone is there for different reasons.”
Tom was two years younger when he
10 years, describing their experiences
journeyed to India in Form 5. “It’s difficult Tom agrees, saying the programme
as everything from overwhelming, to
to describe my reaction – India provokes affects different people in different ways.
immensely positive and awe-inspiring.
such a range of emotions. I remember “For me, it was the most formative and
The tour is designed for senior students returning home with an overwhelming influential experience of my life. India is a
to experience the culture and history of feeling of gratitude for what I had had, place so vast but fundamentally different
India, while at the same time developing and the education and experiences I had from home, it has to be seen to be
their personal leadership skills. enjoyed, and yet a sense of guilt that believed and understood.”
so many others would never have
Grammar Old Boys Reuben McGregor- He says that what he hopes the young
the same.”
Sumpter ’09 and Tom Rapson ’09 were Grammar men who are fortunate enough
tour leaders on the most recent trip, Tom’s learnings have changed with each to go on the tour will take out of it is
along with Grammar masters Mr Mark consecutive trip. “The first trip was about simple. “I was immensely grateful for the
Crook and Mr Shane Jordan. Both my own experience, trying to see, do entire experience, but, most importantly,
Reuben and Tom have now made three and learn as much as I could. The second for the people we met in India. I think
trips to India, having also experienced the was more about facilitating an entire we should all ask the question: Who else
programme as students. group’s experience but also learning how in our lives are we grateful for, and have
to run the programme. On the 2017 trip, we told them? Isaac Newton once said:
The underlying philosophy of the
that responsibility was much wider, with ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing
immersion experience is that we all need
considerations like safety, and the boys’ on the shoulders of giants.’ I believe it is
to be challenged; to be taken beyond our
welfare and contact with their parents crucial that we celebrate the impact that
comfortable existences to places that
becoming much greater.” others have had on our lives, because we
are full of contrast, culture and colour.
wouldn't be where we are today
Becoming immersed in such spaces The 22 students on the most recent tour
without them.”
allows us to reflect on who we are, were from Forms 5, 6 and 7; each with
where we are going, and what matters their own tales and stories to tell – from Tom recalls Grammar Associate
most to us. visiting the slums of Kolkata, to the Headmaster, Junior School, Mr Ben
beautiful town of Darjeeling, to arriving Skeen asking the question: What do you
“I went to India at the end of my final
at the rural village of Saraswatipur (home want to be remembered for? “For me,
year of school and I didn’t really have a
to 6,000 people living off the local tea taking on the India Immersion Programme
grasp on what I wanted to do with myself
economy), where they were greeted by was firstly about saying thank you to
when I finished at Grammar,” says
a child wearing a Grammar jersey from Grammar for the impact the experience
Reuben. “I naively hoped that India would
years gone by. has had on my life and secondly, it was
provide a bit of a light-bulb moment for
about realising the opportunity to have
my years following. Unsurprisingly, this With preparations already underway for
a significant impact on some fantastic
never happened, but what the country the 2019 trip, Reuben says that everyone
young men, as many teachers and others
gave me was a new perspective which gets something different out of the tour.
at Grammar did in my time.”
06 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 07
08 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018
Opening up
a whole new world
HAVING GROWN UP IN SOUTH AUCKL AND, THE L ATE SIR JOHN BUCHANAN ’56
CAME TO AUCKL AND GR AMMAR SCHOOL AFTER ATTENDING OTAR A
PRIMARY SCHOOL AND PAPATOETOE INTERMEDIATE.
He always said of his parents’ decision to enrol him at Grammar heritage, Whare is also in the School’s Kapa Haka group and is a
that it was “the best break I ever had”, believing that Grammar member of the Tuakana/Teina mentoring group, allowing him to
gave him a head start in an environment conducive to academic further excel under the tutelage of senior students and Grammar
development, which would not have been so readily available masters. Whare also enjoys playing rugby and basketball.
in Otara.
Blake Manning was awarded this year’s Scholarship, joining
Sir John went on to become a business leader and was knighted Grammar from Waipipi School on the Awhitu Peninsula. Already,
for his services to industry. Once described as “the best he has established himself as a young man of great humility and
connected man in the City of London”, he worked for BP for over integrity, and has proved to be a fine sportsman, with a clear
30 years, including as Chief Financial Officer, and later served as strength in basketball.
both Chairman and Director on the boards of Vodafone, Smith &
Lady Rosemary Buchanan visited these four young men on
Nephew, BHP Billiton and Astra Zeneca.
a recent trip to New Zealand, and invited them to attend the
In recognition of the key role Grammar played in his development, opening of the Sir John Buchanan Case Laboratory in the new
Sir John wanted to afford the same opportunities to others from Science Building at the University of Auckland in February.
South Auckland, who today are unable to enrol at Grammar due
“It was an absolute privilege to meet John’s scholarship boys,”
to zoning rules. In 2014, he set up the Buchanan Scholarship,
said Lady Buchanan, “as it was also for John’s brother and sister-
a full five-year scholarship to the School’s boarding hostel,
in-law, Richard and Adele Buchanan. We all felt that he would
Tibbs House.
have been so proud of them – as we were – to see how they
Sir John himself took an active role in the scholarship selection are making the most of the opportunities available to them. They
process, looking for potential leaders and role models from within each gave a very moving speech about their time at Grammar
their local communities, and this year marks the final year of the and Tibbs House and it was delightful to see how supportive and
Scholarship’s first recipient, Tibbs House Prefect and member of encouraging their parents were.”
the School’s Samoan Cultural Group, Faleseu Fepuleai ’14.
Director of Boarding, Mr Daniel Oram, says he sees the
Taking NCEA Level 3 Biology, Economics, English, Mathematics, scholarship as a fantastic way to honour Sir John Buchanan’s
and Physics, Faleseu is hoping to study either Engineering or memory and his contribution to the School. “Because of this
Medicine at the University of Auckland next year. scholarship, the boys are given a simply wonderful opportunity
that will hopefully open up a whole new world to them.”
2015 recipient Uatesoni Filikitonga has excelled in the performing
arts, and this year has a lead role in the School production,
’Ragtime’, and is the lead singer for the School’s Big Band. He is
Pictured opposite from top, clockwise: Uatesoni Filikitonga, Faleseu
also a senior member of the Kapa Haka group and recently gained
Fepuleai, Whare Beatty and Blake Manning at the opening of the
a place on the Form 6 Leadership Camp.
University of Auckland's Sir John Buchanan Case Laboratory;
While no one was awarded the Scholarship in 2016, Whare Lady Rosemary Buchanan at Tibbs House with the scholarship
Beatty was the successful 2017 recipient. Proud of his Māori recipients; the late Sir John Buchanan.
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 09
10 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018
Prime Minister's Science Prize
RECENT LEAVER JONATHAN CHAN ’13 WAS ONE OF FIVE RECIPIENTS
(AND THE ONLY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT) TO BE AWARDED THE
PRESTIGIOUS 2017 PRIME MINISTER’S FUTURE SCIENTIST PRIZE,
PRESENTED AT PARLIAMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR.
Jonathan’s interest in creating a low-cost, environmentally-friendly Headmaster Tim O’Connor says to see a student win at such
system of fog collection to provide good quality drinking water in a high level is aspirational for others. “It sends a very strong
developing countries saw him come up with a novel approach to message that there was someone in their midst who has
atmospheric water collection. achieved at this level, making it more realistic for them to also be
working at this level,” he says.
While there are some basic fog collection systems already in use
around the world, Jonathan’s 3D-printed mesh design (emulating Head of Department, Junior Science, Mr Gavin Jennings said it
a spider web) and the chemistry involved represent significant was a pleasure to teach and mentor Jonathan at Grammar. “He
technological progress, with the potential to scale up to a more performed with distinction on the international stage during the
efficient and effective model. International Young Physicists’ Tournament in Singapore and
two of his scientific research projects carried out in Form 7 were
Collaborating with the University of Auckland’s School of
nominated for national recognition at secondary school level.”
Chemical Sciences, Jonathan sought to create a mesh that
mimicked the wetted spider silk or cactus spine by controlling the The selection panel unanimously agreed that Jonathan’s project
size and structure of the mesh and using a chemical coating. His was extremely impressive for a high school student and said
research also involved analysis of droplet formation as fog came that they believed he has extraordinary potential in science and
in contact with the mesh. technology in the future. Jonathan plans to put the $50,000 prize
towards his tertiary education.
Using detailed calculations and sophisticated laboratory tests,
Jonathan devised a suitable mesh coating of polystyrene, a Pictured opposite from top: Jonathan Chan with the Prime
hydrophobic polymer, and refined the concentration of the Minister, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern; Jonathan with Headmaster
chemicals to overcome problems of clogging the pores of the Mr Tim O'Connor and Chief Science Advisor to the Prime
mesh and ensuring that the chemical did not dissolve the Minister, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ’61. Below: Jonathan
mesh resin. testing the 3D-printed mesh he has developed. (Photos supplied
by the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Secretariat).
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 11ACADEMIA
2017 DUX
2017 CIE OUTSTANDING CAMBRIDGE
LEARNER AWARDS Congratulations to recent leaver and 2017
Dux Henry Chen ’13 who was New Zealand’s
top overall student in the 2017 Cambridge
International Examinations as well as Top in the
World for A Level Physics. Henry has gone on
to study Medicine at the University of Sydney.
Pictured above are 12 of the 20 Grammar students who received 26 awards at this
year’s Cambridge Awards from the 2017 Examination Series. From left, back row:
T.R. Hughes, S. Viswakarma, C. Abi Nakad, Z. Zhu, A.J.A. Che, B.J. Hart and Henry Chen ’13 receives his Scholars’ tie from
M.E. Meade, and front row: J.M. Park, Y. Zhu, H. Chen, L. Wang and J.J. Lerner. 2017 Rhodes Scholar Marco de Jong ’08 at the
annual Scholars’ Assembly.
In the 2017 Cambridge examinations, 20 Grammar students gained a total of 26
awards in the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.
It was recent Old Boy, Henry Chen ’13, who ensured that the School won all CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD
‘Best Across’ Awards this year, earning the Best Across 3 A Level Subjects in the
Country, and in doing so, was also top in the world for A Level Physics, and top in This year Grammar achieved the maximum of
New Zealand for A Level Chemistry. four entrants into the New Zealand Chemistry
Olympiad training camp (held in the Term 1
Top in the World AS Physics Best across 3 Subjects school holidays), with Callan Loomes, Taiji
A Level Physics T.R. Hughes in the Country Endo, Steven Ma and Tianyuan Wu taking part.
H. Chen IGCSE Biology A Level
In this final stage of training, the group received
AS History Y. Zhu H. Chen
tutorials, practical guidance and further
Z. Zhu IGCSE Foreign High Achievement
lectures before a practical and theoretical
AS Mathematics Language French A Level Spanish exam to determine entry into the New Zealand
S. Viswakarma M.E. Meade O.M.C. Zambuto Chemistry Olympiad team. The competition
Top in the Country IGCSE Foreign AS Accounting this year will be held in July in Slovakia and the
Language Spanish H.J. Holland
A Level Accounting Czech Republic.
B.J. Hart
N.R.M. Childs AS French Language
IGCSE Mathematics L.H.G. Ribiere-Male
A Level Chemistry
(Without Coursework)
H. Chen AS Geography
A.J.A. Che
A Level History S.G. Budge
IGCSE Physics
J.J. Lerner AS History
C. Abi Nakad
AS Business T.J. Spratt
Best across 5 Subjects
L. Wang AS Spanish Language
in the Country
AS Economics M.A. Derevianko
IGCSE Level
L. Wang IGCSE Foreign
Y. Zhu
AS Mathematics Language Japanese
Best across 4 Subjects J.M. Park
R.J.J. Yong
in the Country
AS Physics
AS Level Above, from left: Tianyuan Wu, Taiji Endo,
L. Wang
L. Wang Callan Loomes and Steven Ma.
12 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018ACADEMIA
2017 TERTIARY SCHOL ARSHIP
UNIVERSIT Y ENTR ANCE SCHOLARS 2017 AWARDEES
University of Auckland
Top Achievers Scholarship
Jack Doherty-Eagles, Calvin Fraser, Andy Gao,
George Jensen, Anubhav Khanna
Academic Potential Scholarship
Milidu Ratnayake
Faculty of Business and Economics Entry Level
Undergraduate Scholarship
Steven Ho
Victoria University of Wellington
Excellence Scholarship
Samuel Bell, Matthew Brown
Achiever Scholarship
Erene Tuala
University of Canterbury
Back row: N.P.O. Schischka, L. Han, F.E. Marcon Swadel, M.V.B. Ratnayake.
Go Canterbury Scholarship
4th row: A. Khanna, O.M.C Zambuto, G.Z. Wang, A. Gupta, R.L.J. Burns,
Maddumage Abeyratne, Louis Colville,
A.J. Farmiloe, M.A. Derevianko, C. Mani, F.J. Doherty-Eagles, S.A. Flint. Luke Everett
3rd row: H.N.A. Jamieson, D. Liu, J. Li, N. Joseph, E.B. Figgitt, T. Im,
UC Engineering High Achievers
W.Y. Chong, H.N. Doyle, D.G. Brown, A.S. Pillarisetti, A.L. Chen. 2nd row:
Samuel Corder, Joshua Roberts
J.J. Lerner, K. Chen, D.C.K. Leigh, L.S.H. Chin, T.Y. Chen, H. Yang, J.Z. Zheng,
UC Emerging Leaders
W. Wang, C.G. Fraser, J. Kawamura, J.D. Bickler, D.S. Seneviratne.
Joshua Roberts
Front row: K.F. Simento (Deputy Headmaster - Senior School), Y.J. Hui,
Z.M. Yang, M.H. de Jong (Guest Speaker), H. Chen, T.M. O'Connor Leigh and Judith Pownall Scholarship
Chenxiao Chen
(Headmaster), J.H.J. Chan, A.J. Blackburn (Board Chairman), A. Gao,
J.X.J. Wong, D.A.J. Watson (Associate Headmaster - Senior School). University of Otago
Absent: K.C. Ho, W. Ma, S. Mo, J.H.S. Roberts, Y. Yang, R.J.J. Yong, S. Zhu. Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship
The School’s 2017 NZQA Scholarship results were exceptional, with 186 Sam Flint
Scholarships gained, 17 of which were Outstanding Scholarships. This was Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
an improvement on the 168 earned in 2016, and is the highest number that Angus Cleland, Burhan Haidermota, William Hayes,
the School has achieved in its 149-year history. It is also the highest number Ashley Hettiaratchi
awarded to any school in the history of NZQA Scholarship. Performance Entrance Scholarship
Chenxiao Chen
The following students are also to be commended on achieving Scholarship
Maori and Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship
Special Awards, including Outstanding Scholar Awards earned by J.H.J. Chan,
Jake Murray, Nikau Reti-Beazley
J.J. Lerner and M.V.B. Ratnayake, and a Top of Subject Award, which was
New Frontiers Excellence Entrance Scholarship
awarded to F.E. Marcon Swadel in Latin.
Aiden Burgess, Nicholas Daniels
In addition to the three Outstanding Scholar Awards, the following 24
University of Sydney
students were awarded Scholarship Awards for achieving Scholarship in at
least three subjects: J.D. Bickler, D.G. Brown, H. Chen, L.S.H. Chin, Scholar Chancellor’s Award: St Paul’s College
W.Y. Chong, M.A. Derevianko, F.J. Doherty-Eagles, E.B. Figgitt, S.A. Flint, Foundation Scholarship
Rowan Burns, Jacob Lerner
C.G. Fraser, A. Gao, K.C. Ho, Y.J. Hui, J. Kawamura, A. Khanna, D.C.K. Leigh,
J. Li, W. Ma, J.H.S. Roberts, D.S. Seneviratne, G.Z. Wang, O.M.C. Zambuto, Scholar Chancellor’s Award: St Paul’s College
S. Zhu and Z. Zhu. Glendonbrook Scholarship
Jacob Lerner
PwC Accelerate Programme Awardee
George Jensen
Kelliher Charitable Trust Grant
George Jensen
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 13SPORT
ATHLETICS
High Hurdles at the Zones was not
unexpected, as he is the current New
Zealand Senior School Champion. Liam
Wong ran very well in the sprints, and
he picked up first place in the Long and
Triple Jump events at the School Sports.
He was equally impressive at the Zones,
winning the Triple/Long Jump double, the
latter with a most encouraging personal
best (PB) of 6.46m.
Tom Moloney and Jack Dufaur provided
strong competition for each other in
the High Jump. Moloney beat Dufaur
on count-back at the School Sports,
both athletes clearing 1.80m, while,
Captain of Athletics, Olly Parkinson, in the 110m Hurdles event. at the Zones, fortunes were reversed
with Dufaur setting a new PB of 1.85m,
After a successful School sports day, His fine form continued at the Zones, winning the competition on count-back.
the respective School Champions were where he ran an Auckland record time Saula Mau looked extremely good in the
Jole Naufahu (Junior), Dominic Overend of 10.83s in the 100m heats, only to be Shot Put winning at both events, with
and Tamiro Armstrong (Intermediate) told it couldn’t stand because there was his best stretching the tape to 15.24m
and Captain of Athletics, Olly Parkinson no wind gauge set. He then reduced in the School Sports. The Senior Shot
(Senior). this to 10.73s in the final as he headed contingent was extremely strong at the
Aisea Sakopo and Chambers-Steward. Zones with Grammar taking out the first
Grammar was the dominant school at
Other Intermediates to impress were Lee five places. In the Discus, a talented
the Central Western Zone Athletics on 6
Lober-Chan, who was a most impressive Benet Kumeroa pipped National silver
March, with Juniors Naufahu and Riley
winner of the Hurdles at both meetings. medalist Metuaiviivitoa Herman in the
Williams impressing in the sprints, and
He also won the 400m at Zones and final round of competition at the School
Williams winning the hurdles. Joshua
made up the quartet with Overend, Sports with a throw of 46.69m, while
Tepai, who set a School discus record
Chambers-Steward, and Sakopo in Herman went on to win the Javelin.
with 45.20m, came first in this event at
the 4x100m relay to set an impressive Tables were also reversed for these
Zones with Naufahu second, and Trent
Auckland record of 44.40s. Isaac Chaytor two athletes at the Zones, with Herman
Ata made a clean sweep in the javelin.
and Oscar Millington had a battle in narrowly beating Kumeroa. The Senior
The 4x100m relay team went on to win
the School 800m, with Chaytor finally relay team proved too strong for the
their race in style.
prevailing. Sam Heyes ran a courageous opposition as did the Open 4x400m team,
Intermediate level Armstrong’s winning race against the clock in the 3000m, both of whom were first to cross the tape
performances in the High Jump, Triple and Tamatoa Tepai threw 44.68m in at the Zones.
Jump and Javelin at the School sports the Discus. Fin Rutherford headed a
Congratulations to Overend, who recently
meant a tied Championship with Grammar trifecta in the Zonal 800m, as
won the Australian Under 17 100m title
Overend. Armstrong cleared a personal did Jahko Tohaia in the 3000m.
in a windy 10.59s. Earlier in the heats,
best to win the triple jump at Zones
The Senior School title was a clear-cut he ran a legal 10.75 seconds. In doing so
while Overend was all class, winning
victory for Parkinson. Although pipped by he set a new National Under 17 record.
the sprint double – his 22.85s 200m
Marcel Connal, who ran an excellent race It would seem that Overend is reviving
was outstanding. In the Long Jump, he
in the prestigious 100m, Parkinson won the heady days of schoolboy sprinting,
withstood enormous pressure from Jamie
the 200m and the 110m High Hurdles, which saw such names as Mark Keddell
Chambers-Steward who was leading into
equalling his own record of 14.61s from and Chris Donaldson emerge onto the
the final round, but a final jump of 6.46m
2017. He then completely dominated Olympic stage. At the same meeting,
by Overend not only secured him first
the field, accumulating enough points Captain of Athletics Parkinson finished
place, but also set a new School record,
in the horizontal jumps to secure his fourth in the Under 20 110m Hurdles with
beating the previous mark of 6.36m set
Championship title. His win in the 110m a significant personal best.
by Jason Verburg in 2007.
14 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018SPORT
CRICKET
DISC ULTIMATE
In early March, three of the School's Disc Ultimate
teams competed in the Auckland Secondary School
Competition. The Grammar 2 and 3 teams played
well, overcoming many schools’ top teams, to earn
creditable 3rd and 5th places respectively.
The Premier Disc Ultimate team proved very strong,
and dominated the competition. Maintaining a
comfortable record in pool play, the team came
up against Takapuna Grammar School in the final,
and took out the championship with a 12–2 victory,
continuing a four-year winning streak for the School.
The team then headed to Taupo for the National
Championships as part of Summer Tournament
Week, where tougher opposition was expected.
Having played Wellington High School in their first
game and winning 13–3, they went on to beat New
Plymouth Boys’ High School 12–5, and Lytton High
Captain of the 1st XI, Deputy Head Prefect Sam Rainger, bowls.
School 13–4, before facing a tougher opponent later
The traditional Christchurch Boys’ 3-day fixture in February saw the team start in the day, Hutt Valley High School. The team enjoyed
soundly, with Ben Megson and Toby Seabrook seeing off the new ball before the challenge, and demonstrated their depth, to win
Megson was removed. Seabrook and Ollie White then took the score to 78/1 in a closer match, 13–9.
before Seabrook was dismissed. Four wickets then fell, with the score 104/4.
After securing a 13–0 win over Green Bay High
Together Leon Marconi and White wrestled the game into Grammar’s favour, School and a 13–3 win over Westlake Boys’ High
putting on 108, with White notching up a century and Marconi passing School in the semi-final, the team met Hutt Valley
50. White was eventually dismissed, with an honours board total of 166, High School in the final, eventually winning in a tight
and Marconi continued on to 71. The team were dismissed for 313, a very game, 11–9.
respectable total in 3-day cricket. The last hour and a half of play saw the 1st
XI finish strongly by having Christchurch Boys’ 3 down at the end of play, with
Stanley Cardon taking one wicket and Joshua Driscoll two in the last over.
The second day of play saw the team take regular wickets until a 10th wicket
partnership frustrated them. Christchurch Boys’ declared at 166/9, 147 runs
behind the 1st XI. Of note, Sam Rainger took four wickets and Driscoll three.
A solid start from Megson and Seabrook laid a good foundation for the team,
before Megson was dismissed. White came to the crease but didn’t settle
and was dismissed. Seabrook showed determination but was dismissed on
the last ball of the day leaving the 1st XI 71/3. They had a lead of 218.
The 1st XI started the final day with a goal of setting the opposition a run
chase over 300. The team managed to achieve this by lunch with Marconi,
Josh Irwin and Rainger contributing well. The team declared late at lunch,
sending Christchurch in with a target of 311 to win the match. The 1st
XI swung the match in their favour with wickets from Cardon, Sebastian
Stephan, Flynn Dudson and White dismissing their opponents to gain the
outright victory.
Back row, from left: George Skinner, Reuben
The 1st XI later played King’s College in the final of the Auckland One-Day
Wickstead, Captain Sean McKeown, Luca Mercer and
competition, but were beaten by the better team on the day. They were
Connor Lewis. Front row: Jack Lewis, Master in Charge
bowled out for 131 in the 45th over, and King’s played a patient game to win
of Disc Ultimate, Mr Warren Buckingham, and
the match in the 38th over. Whilst the 1st XI were disappointed to lose, they
Taylor Shields.
showed a lot of progress this season, and will be better placed to handle the
pressure of a final next time.
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 15SPORT
TENNIS
ROWING
At the annual Tennis Quadrangular in March,
Grammar’s Premier team were tied 3–3 with
Hamilton Boys’ High School after the singles on
the first day, so the doubles were played early
on Tuesday.
The top pairing of Captain of Tennis Adrian
Lagman and Hikaru Iizuka carried on with their
excellent form to win well, leaving the team
needing one more win. The middle doubles
lost, but Arjun Shah and Zachary Lerner
produced a fine performance to win 16–14 in a
dramatic super-tie break, making it 5–4, a result
that would prove telling later in the day.
The Premier team then played Palmerston
The Under 18 Quad driving down the legs on a cold Lake Ruataniwha day. North Boys’ High School, needing to win at
From left: Alex Goldstein, Max LeCren and Ben Walden. least 6–3, as Hamilton were well ahead of
Wellington College.
The New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships, better known as the
Lagman won his singles superbly, with
Maadi Cup, were held in mid-March as part of Summer Tournament Week on Lake
Shaquille Situe and Shah both showing fighting
Ruataniwha in the South Island. Grammar was well represented by 45 students,
courage to win in super-tie breaks and Lerner
who competed with over 2,500 other participants from 125 different schools around
fought hard for a straight-sets win. After
the country.
changing doubles pairings, Geoffrey Ying and
Conditions on the lake were mixed throughout the week, with high winds Lerner pushed their opponents hard but lost.
preventing racing for one day and single digit temperatures adding another element However, Lagman and Iizuka won well, while
for the boys to manage. Grammar’s presence was felt at the regatta, with crews in Situe and Shah showed great composure to
eight A finals and three B finals on the last day of racing. win and give Grammar the desired result.
Grammar picked up a total of 5 bronze medals. In one of the premier events, the On the points table, Grammar and Hamilton
Under 18 pair of Jonty Matla and Captain of Rowing Jack Ready put together a solid were equal, but the Premier team won the
performance in tough cross-wind conditions to finish behind a strong Westlake and Quadrangular thanks to their tight victory over
Christchurch Boys’ pair. Hamilton Boys’ in the morning.
Both the Under 17 and Under 16 eights stuck to their race plans, and raced with In a tournament that was extremely close and
confidence in a highly competitive field both finishing as the fastest North Island tiring, the Grammar team displayed impressive
school, coming in behind South Island boys’ schools. determination and skill to achieve success.
The newly-formed Under 15 four combined to put on a stand-out performance for
their season. Saving the best race for last, they challenged first place until the late
stages of the race, but a blistering pace over the last 200 metres saw them finish a
very respectable third behind talented St Peter’s College and Hamilton Boys’ High
School crews.
The Under 17 four crew demonstrated maturity and composure throughout their
race, edging Hamilton Boys’ for the first time this year to take home their bronze
medal. They finished behind two South Island boys’ schools.
At the end of the day, the Senior eight enjoyed the experience of racing in the
Maadi Cup event, along with some of the strongest schoolboy eights the country
has seen to date. This race was watched by many Old Boys and supporters at
the lake and around the world. The crew was placed 5th, and gained plenty of
experience which will help many of the boys returning next year.
Adrian Lagman returns a high ball during the
Annual Quadrangular Tournament.
16 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018SPORT
WATER POLO
SWIMMING
The Premier Water Polo team began the North Island
Secondary School Championships with a loss to
Sacred Heart College’s second team. This spurred
the team on to two solid wins over Tauranga Boys’
College and King’s College. The next two games
were extremely frustrating, as the Grammar team
failed to maintain their form, losing to Westlake Boys’
High School 6–4, and then in a play-off for a top-four
position, losing to Rosmini College 5–4.
The team then played St Peter’s College in the play-
off for 5–8. Once again, the team failed to fire in
the first two quarters, and it took a great amount of
resilience and belief in themselves to fight back and
win in the very last second of the game, 5–4.
In the play-off for 5th, the team faced Hamilton Boys’
High School, and gave away a good lead to lose 5–6.
The team then went on to come 7th equal at the end
of the 2018 season.
CROSS COUNTRY
This year's School Cross Country was held at the
Captain of Swimming Adam Curtis, at top of picture, competes against Auckland Domain on 16 March. The firm course and
Will Body in the 100m freestyle event. fine weather made for some great running conditions.
The 2018 School Swimming Championships were held on 7 February at Congratulations to all our Champions: Form 3 Edward
the Lagoon Pool Complex in Panmure, and our best swimmers contested a Chaytor, Form 4 Vinay Chichester, Form 5 Sam
variety of races from 50m to 200m across all strokes. Heyes, Form 6 Sam Duncan and Form 7 Wynton
Richards. The Senior Champion was Sam Duncan.
In the Junior Championship, with a pleasingly large number of entries,
Alexander Dennis was the outstanding swimmer, winning all seven of his
races. Hao Wei Lee was very consistent, recording four second placings to
cement second place overall, with Josh Drake finishing third.
The Intermediate Championship was a very close contest, with just eight
points separating the top three placings. MacAllister Clark, with two wins and
three second placings, emerged the winner over Daniel Walker, with Yifei
Wang coming in third by winning the three races he entered.
In the Senior Championship, Christopher Poole demonstrated his endurance
and talent by competing in all eight events to record five wins and three
second placings. Jack Dufaur was impressive in recording three wins to
narrowly push Will Body into third place.
Overall, the number of competitors and the talent of swimmers in the Junior
and Intermediate age groups were pleasing and several long-standing school
records are within reach of our top swimmers this year.
Congratulations to the School’s three swimming champions: Junior – Form 3
student Alexander Dennis, Intermediate – Form 5 student MacAllister Clark,
and Senior – Form 6 student Christopher Poole. The School's Senior Cross Country Champion,
Sam Duncan.
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 17ARTS AND CULTURE
K APA HAK A GROUP GAINS THREE PL ACINGS
Pukeroa Rollo at centre stage, with Uatesoni Filikitonga (left) and Ngawari Pio (right), perform the whakaeke.
The School’s Kapa Haka group performed in Division 2 at this Takerei Rollo, gaining 3rd placings in the waiata ā ringa (action
year’s Polyfest, having been promoted from last year’s Division 3 song), mau rākau (weaponary) and whakaeke (entry item).
amongst strong competition.
Their results placed them 3rd overall in Division 2, the best result
Looking to establish themselves in their new division, the group by a Grammar group, and they also won the trophy for the most
trained at weekends, during lunch time and after school from improved team. The young men are now looking forward to their
the start of Term 1. On stage, our 42 young men executed their performance at the School’s cultural night.
performance with great precision under the leadership of Prefect
PASIFIK A GROUP
PERFORMS WITH PRIDE
This year’s Polyfest saw the School’s Pasifika group compete
against 36 other schools on the Samoan stage – one of the most
competitive sections at Polyfest, with only one division.
Having followed an extensive practice schedule three times
a week after school and on Saturday mornings, our group
performed superbly in the boys’ section, with pride and discipline.
The group who were placed first in this division, Kelston Boys’
High School, created a combination of song and dance that
reflected experience, depth and numbers to produce a
winning performance.
The Pasifika group, tutored by Mr Tavale and Mr Bourke, is now
The fuataimi (conductor) Faleseu Fepuleai in the forefront,
hoping to participate in the School’s Asian Cultural evening later in
leading the boys through their songs at Polyfest 2018.
the year.
Malo lava le onosai – well done.
18 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018ARTS AND CULTURE
PERFORMANCE DAY
R AGTIME
Six music groups featuring over 130
students from Grammar travelled to
Remuera Intermediate and Auckland
Normal Intermediate to perform an hour-
long concert at each school on 15 March.
Both concerts were well received by
full halls of enthusiastic and appreciative
students.
The programme began with the string
group, Grammar Virtuosi, performing a
movement of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso
in C Minor and the Prelude from Grieg’s
’Holberg Suite’. This was followed by
the Symphony Orchestra performing the
Overture from Offenbach’s ’Orpheus in
the Underworld’, and ending with the
popular Can-Can.
The School’s two symphonic bands
then performed; first the Wind Band, a Pictured above and below: Cast members from Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar
development ensemble, performed a School rehearsing at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre.
challenging work with complex metric
patterns, ’Afterburn’ by Standridge. This Based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel of the
was followed by the Premier Concert same name, this year’s school production
Band performing Philip Sparke’s evocative is a story that encapsulates human
’Exultation’. The stage was then cleared struggle and triumph after the turn of
and Grammarphonics, the School’s newly the 19th century in America. ‘Ragtime’
auditioned chamber choir, performed two is a journey of the heart, following the
songs; the moving ’Bring them Home’ lives of Jewish immigrants, African
from the musical ’Les Miserables’, and Americans, and upper-class Anglo-Saxon
a beautiful rendition of the traditional Protestants in New York at the time.
folksong ’Homeward Bound’. Their lives interconnect, as they are
faced with prejudice, hardship, love and
The performance concluded with the Big understanding – issues that are also very
Band presenting two different items at relevant in our world today.
each school, ending with a memorable
rendition of ’Me and Mrs Jones’, Under the direction of Anna Richardson, cast members from Grammar and Epsom Girls
featuring Uatesoni Filikitonga. Grammar School began the rehearsal process in January, meeting three afternoons a
week. Prefect Reuben Wickstead says their ongoing progression not only has seen their
performance skills developing, but they are also learning much about history in
the process.
Character and actor biographies and performance snippets can be found on Facebook at:
facebook.com/AGSEGGSProduction. Tickets are on sale now.
R AGTIME
Runs from: May 12 to 19 at 7.30pm, with two matinée performances
Raye Freedman Arts Centre
The Symphony Orchestra performing at Concession/Student $20
Auckland Normal Intermediate. Adult $25
Tickets: Can be purchased at iTICKET.co.nz (handling fees apply)
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 19ARTS AND CULTURE
MUSIC C AMP
the Wind Band, and this year Grammar beautiful weather, food and company
Virtuosi also attended. of new friends. “The rope swing, water
slide and pond proved popular on a hot
The camp setting offers Grammar’s
afternoon, as did the gymnasium, various
young musicians a wide variety of
play areas, the now-traditional bonfire,
experiences. “Learning and refining our
and Mr Buckingham-inspired songs.”
music is clearly the main object,” says
Head of Department Music, Mr Barry Musically, the progress of one term was
Wasson, “but, in the process, many more condensed into a few days as a team
pieces of the jigsaw come together. The of visiting professional musicians gave
Young musicians at this year's camp. musicians learn how to play as a group, detailed and expert insight, and the
Following on from the extremely blending their individual parts into one foundations were laid to help all three
successful Grammar Voices camp in musical whole as they progress from groups achieve their full musical potential
February, three instrumental music a collection of individuals into a team. this year and beyond.
groups, with almost 80 young musicians, In the process of cleaning, tidying and
Thanks to Mr Adams, Mr Kipnis, Dr
took the road to Carey Park camp in serving food to each other, they also learn
Thomson, Mrs Relph, Mr Sinclair, Ms
Henderson Valley from March 9–11. important lessons in cooperation and
Mori, Ms Jepson, Mr Uren,
service.”
This camp has more than doubled in size Mrs Celebuski, Mr McFarlane, and parent
from the inaugural visit out West taken Mr Wasson says it was marvellous to see helper, Mr Newns, for their professional
by the Premier Concert Band in 2014. In the spirit and happiness of the musicians expertise.
2017, they were joined by members of as they played, talked and enjoyed the
NATIONA L YOU TH JA ZZ
COMPETITION
Auckland Grammar School’s Big Band
and Jazz Combo competed in the 41st
National Youth Jazz Competition as part
of the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga
at the end of March.
This year, the competition featured a
record number of participants, with over
300 students from 21 secondary schools
around the country involved in the Combo
and Big Band sections.
The School's Jazz Combo played well,
with each of the members being a
featured soloist on different pieces. After
their performance, the Combo received
a workshop with a professional jazz
musician and tutor to hone their skills, Form 6 student Uatesoni Filikitonga is the vocalist for the School's Big Band.
and were rewarded with a Gold Award,
with an audience full of experienced Form 6 student and Big Band
placing them in the Top 6 combos at
musicians. The band played through Leader, Benjamin Lerner, received
the festival.
their set with class and received warm the Yanagisawa Trophy for the Best
The Big Band performed the following responses and were also awarded a Gold Saxophonist, as well as the Ken Mitchell
day and was well prepared and polished. Award, placing them in the Top 5 bands, Award for the Best Original Composition
For many of the members it was their as well as receiving a workshop from Dr in the Combo division.
first performance on a professional stage Roger Fox, the ’Mr Jazz’ of New Zealand.
20 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018So much more to learn
GR AMMAR OLD BOY BEN GOODGER '93 HEADS UP GOOGLE'S HIGHLY
SUCCESSFUL CHROME PL ATFORM. HE VISITED THE SCHOOL RECENTLY TO
SHARE SOME OF THE LESSONS HE HAS LEARNT IN LIFE SO FAR.
Above, left: Ben presenting to Grammar students. Right: Ben with Grammar's Director of E-Learning, Mr Chris Dunn,
and Director of IT, Mr Cameron Watt '93.
When Ben Goodger was at Grammar Ben and his team spent four years 4. Details matter – knowing something
in the 1990s, use of the internet was building Chrome, and, at its launch in inside out is an advantage, as is
gaining momentum, and the first 2008, they were hoping to reach 15-30% passion. If you're into something,
browser, Netscape, had launched. In true market share. The browser performed follow through on it.
competitive spirit, Microsoft entered “beyond their wildest dreams” and is
5. Failure is really valuable. Focus on
the market with Explorer, and, as the currently at a 56% share across both
what went wrong, but don’t let it
computer became ubiquitous, in an desktop and mobile devices.
defeat you. Learn from it, adapt, and
attempt to save itself, Netscape decided
In charge of the platform, Ben has four go forward.
to give away its source code, Mozilla.
teams working for him – Core Web
6. Watch for trends – as in comedy,
Studying Engineering at the University Engine, Graphics, Media and Foundations
timing is everything. Look at bitcoin.
of Auckland at the time, in 1997, Ben – across five countries.
discovered the source code online and as 7. Don't rest on your laurels – if you
He says he learnt some important things
he sought to fix various bugs from afar, get to a place of success, there’s still
when at Grammar that help him in life to
Mozilla offered him a job in California. going to be someone out there who is
this day:
more hungry than you.
He worked with Netscape for 3½ years,
1. Education is valuable, but transfer of
came back to Auckland to graduate, then Google is now a company of 70,000
knowledge is only one dimension of
returned to the United States to build the employees and is showing no signs of
a secondary school education; just as
browser Firefox, which rose out of the slowing down. “I believe we’re still at the
important are the enduring friendships
ashes of Netscape. groundfloor of technology,” Ben says.
and networks that you form.
“We’re still learning about AI (artificial
By 2004, Explorer was becoming slow,
2. It's important to care, to show up, intelligence) and machine learning –
buggy and had security problems. Google
and to pay attention – put down your there’s a lot more development to come,
took notice, and took Ben on. They
phone and look up. and so much more opportunity
wanted to develop a new browser by
out there.”
starting again – one that delivered on 3. Be persistent – persistence, more than
speed, security, stability and simplicity. raw intelligence, wins out.
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 21STAFF
NEW ROLE FOR THE HEADMASTER’S SECRETARY THE TAUPO GREAT
L AKE REL AY
Some Grammar staff regard it as their yearly
act of penance. 155 kilometres of gruelling
hills, breathtaking scenery (pun intended) and
unforgiving sunshine culminate in what is a
challenge that demands absolutely every ounce
of strength and tenacity as a team. And the
reward? Friendship, camaraderie, a sense of
belonging, unforgettable memories and, of
course, a couple of ‘cold ones‘ after.
This year’s race was a very successful one.
With a few new additions, the Grammar staff
relay team was able to share the load more
evenly, resulting in fresher legs and our second
best placement (6th out of 62 teams), as well
as our 7th best time ever. Along with the
newbies were a few stalwarts who have long
been the glue that holds this ever-successful
team together (although it appears that the glue
may be melting a little in the heat).
And will they return? “You bet we will!” says
Christina Wilkinson will be joining the School's 150th planning team. English teacher Mr Wesley van der Linde.
“I have no doubt that we’ll once again find
Christina Wilkinson, the Headmaster’s Secretary, has been an integral part of
ourselves clapping and cheering (and hooting,
Grammar’s history for more than two decades. She is now preparing for a new
mind you) each other on from inside our white
role at the School, working with Grammar’s 150th planning team in the
Grammar vans as we each aim to better our
Development Office.
personal times and together conquer the test
“The 23 years I have been in the position of Headmaster’s Secretary have been which is the Taupo Great Lake Relay.”
incredibly rewarding,” says Christina. “I have wonderful memories of what must be
over 11,500 boys who entered in Form 3, nervous and unsure of what lay ahead,
and seeing them gain satisfaction from involvement in everything the School has to
offer, contributing and making Grammar the great School it undoubtedly is.”
As Christina points out, these same boys are now amongst the Old Boys she hopes
will join in the School’s 150th celebrations in 2019, and it will be her job to spread
the word, to locate many of them and to encourage them to register for the events
to be held next year.
Christina has been Secretary to two Headmasters, John Morris and Tim O’Connor,
and also worked alongside the late Sir John Graham for many years on a scholarship
committee. In her role as Headmaster’s Secretary, she has interacted not only
with students and teachers, but also with administrators, parents, Old Boys, the
Board of Trustees, the Headmaster’s Council, the Foundation Trust, the Old Boys’ Pictured, back row from left: Russell Burton,
Association and the School’s wider community. Sylvain Bidet, Hilary Eyres, Wesley van der
Linde, Eilian Jones, Grant McGuire, Lauren
“Grammar occupies a special place in New Zealand education,” she says. “Its
Potocky-Pacay, Tim O'Connor, Bruce John and
history, architecture, traditions and record of achievement – which just continues
Daniel Reddish. Front row, from left: Stiofan
to grow – make it a unique institution. I’m privileged to be part of the rich culture of
Hunter, Lilian Ortega, Elena Pike, Warren
the School, and, in my new role as 150th Secretary, I’m looking forward to helping
Buckingham and Ben Richardson.
Old Boys reconnect with their old School.”
Christina can be contacted by email at c.wilkinson@ags.school.nz.
22 AD AUGUSTA MAY 2018Grammar farewells 25-year masters
THE SIGNIFICANCE A 25-YEAR MASTER HAS, THROUGH TIME, HAD ON THE
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF THIS SCHOOL IS IMMEASUR ABLE.
Mr Colin Boyd with his partner Jenny. Mr Min Lee (on right) with his partner Carl.
Mr Colin Boyd started as a master at Auckland Grammar School Mr Min Lee started teaching at Auckland Grammar School in
in 1990, and from 1990 to 2018 has taught Mathematics at all 1985 after gaining a BSc at the University of Auckland. He has
levels in the dual pathways, including Cambridge A2 and taught Mathematics at all levels throughout his 331/3 years at
NZQA scholarship. Grammar and has continued to be passionate about his subject
and the School. Min has been the Assistant Head of Department
Colin was integral to the establishment and co-management of
Mathematics from 1998 and throughout his tenure he has moved
the Kapa Haka group in 1991, a group that has developed and
from being Master in Charge of Form 3 Mathematics to Form 6
progressed since that time.
Mathematics and Maths Competitions.
In sport, Colin coached the 3rd XI football team over six years
In the days of Combined Schools Examinations, Min led the
from 1990 and managed a tennis team over the same period of
marking panel for the examination. He was also on marking
time. He has also been involved with coaching soccer at other
panels for NZEST examinations and Eton Maths competitions.
levels, and managing softball and a junior basketball team.
He is highly respected by his colleagues as Master in Charge
A rarity for Grammar has been the inclusion of an equestrian team of CIE AS and A2 Mathematics – duties he has performed
in regional competition, but, when the opportunity arose, Colin continuously since 2002. Min’s extracurricular contributions have
managed an inter-collegiate team for the School. included coaching and managing tennis and squash, and being a
proactive promoter of the student Animal Rights Group and the
He is perhaps most well-known amongst senior students for
Programming Group, supporting many young men onto higher
setting up and managing a ballroom dancing group from 2013 –
honours with New Zealand Olympiad teams.
something seniors heading to the Prefects‘ Ball have particularly
appreciated. His expertise and commitment to Grammar have been well
recognised, most recently with the Academic Endowment
Colin has been a contributing member of a large faculty, and
Fund Award reserved for master teachers – the Michael Farrell
has provided support to the Mathematics department and his
Memorial Award – but also the Woolf Fisher Trust fellowship in
colleagues through his flexibility, knowledge and experience.
1999 for master teaching in Mathematics followed by a Teach NZ
The Grammar community thanks Colin for his 281/3 years’ loyal sabbatical in 2013. Min has supported and helped protect all that
service to the School, and wishes him well in retirement. Grammar stands for. We wish him well in his early retirement.
MAY 2018 AD AUGUSTA 23You can also read
