Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kei ngā whānau, kei ngā manuhiri e mihi ana ki a koutou.
Greetings on this 105th Founders’ Day of St Andrew’s College. The opening of our school was on 17 March 1917; however, it is the tradition for us to celebrate the day on the closest Friday to this date.
This year we are bringing you our celebration assembly online and students have watched this together in their tutor groups or classes. Special guests at the assembly are Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994) and his wife Sandy, Board Member Stephanie Bain (first official intake of girls to the Senior College in 1992), Board Chair Felicity Odlin and Deputy Chair Nick Letham (OC 2001). This year we celebrate 30 years of co-education. The Senior College, Years 12–13, was officially opened in 1992 along with the entry of 55 girls into their senior year. There is no doubt that the success of St Andrew’s College is in no small way connected to this decision led by Dr Rentoul and the Board of the time.
Founders’ Day of course also honours the founder of the College, the Reverend A T (Alexander) Thompson. Preparatory School teacher Pip Dinsenbacher yesterday delivered a most enlightening and engaging chapel service about the life and work of this remarkable man. There is no doubt that it was Rev. Thompson’s vision, determination, faith, and sacrifice that resulted in the success of developing the College from its fledging enrolment of 19 boys in 1917.
We hope you will take the time to view this 1-hour film of our 105th Founders’ Day, which includes: a solo piper; Rector’s Address Celebrating Co-education; student awards; student item featuring Estee Wilke (Year 13) and the String Orchestra; Heads of College Address; This is Us – from the Archives; Address to the Haggis, given by Lachlan Johns and Rachel Holyoake (both Year 13); Pipe Band and Highland Dancers.
105th Founders’ Day Celebration Film > Founders’ Day Assembly Flickr >
Another example of faith and sacrifice involves the story of the Cammock-Elliott family who featured on 1 News at 6.00pm on Wednesday. Mel’s grandfather Raymond served as a pilot Flying Officer in WWII, like so many young men of his time. In flying his plane into an enemy ammunition train he paid the ultimate price, but a remarkable set of circumstances has led to the family making a trip to the Netherlands to commemorate his sacrifice. Toby (Year 12) a member of the St Andrew’s Pipe Band, will play the Military Lament at a special ceremony in the Dutch town of Lochem, wearing his St Andrew’s College pipe band uniform. At the ceremony, a new tunnel, Flying Officer R J Cammock, will be named in honour of the Cammock-Elliott’s grandfather and great grandfather.
It is very sobering to reflect that nearly 80 years later our present daily news brings us images of more young men and women, laying down their lives in similar circumstances in Ukraine. We continue to send our prayers and support in whatever way we can to those caught up in this distressing conflict.
Congratulations to our rowers and athletes who have enjoyed impressive success in their recent competitions (see below). Congratulations also to the Year 8 students who were recognised at the Preparatory School Prefects’ Investiture this week.
Best wishes to all students involved with College activities this weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Christine Leighton
Rector
