Volume 17 Summer 2014 - St Margaret`s College

Be seen in 2014!
volume 17 | summer 2014
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volumE 17 | SummEr 2014
contents
Principal’s report
trust Board
the Winchester Precinct
4
5
6
5 minutes with stacey rod
spotlight on science
World challenge
arts
sports
PFa news
old girls’ association
Warren house and storry house
13
14
20
21
22
24
25
34
Editor: Jo Brady. Advertising Enquiries: Jo Brady - [email protected]
St Margaret’s College, 12 Winchester Street, Christchurch, 8014, Phone: 03 379 2000. Website: www.stmargarets.school.nz
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From the Principal
Gillian Simpson | Executive Principal
There is a tangible air of promise and
hope as we start the new academic year
at St Margaret’s College. 2014 promises
to be a “good one!”
The roll is beyond our expectations in
a post earthquake Christchurch thanks
to the loyalty of our families, the selfless
work of so many of our staff and the
positive “feel” of this happy, close knit
school family.
“Be seen in 2014 “ is the senior student
leaders’ theme for the year. They have
launched this to the school with a
message for all of us to strive each day to
be the best we can be and to help to bring
out the best in others.
They see each one of us as a star in the
galaxy of St Margaret’s people.
2014 is the bi-centenary of the Anglican
Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
I was privileged to join other school
leaders, students and chaplains last year
on a pilgrimage to the Bay of Islands to
explore and understand more of our
bicultural heritage and the two hundred
years of the history of Christianity in
our country.
This centre will be officially opened on
2 April.
who join us all on the journey of a lifetime
relationship with our school community.
Warren House has been completed and
opened on Friday 7 February. It replaces
the old Warren House and houses a new
Health and Well-being Centre, student
common room and boarding staff
accommodation.
To make way for the new Winchester
Precinct, the old Storrey House has come
down as well as Stephanie Young and the
Ngaio Marsh Theatre. This project is due
for completion in May 2015.
We have now exhausted any earthquake
related insurance funding and this major
project will be funded from borrowings
and from generous future donors.
St Margaret’s College is flourishing and in
good heart. This term we are privileged to
welcome the new girls and their families
Gillian Simpson and Rev Peg Riley
during the recent pilgrimage to
the Bay of Islands.
We were welcomed on to the marae at
Waitangi and visited local churches and
historic sites. The symbol of the scallop
shell is found in many places. This is a
symbol of Christian pilgrimage round
the world and since ancient times.
Our new St Margaret’s Chapel is
designed in the form of a scallop shell
where all angles meet at the focal point
of the sanctuary ; the focal point of our
community and our relationships with
each other and with God.
The Chapel sits in the heart of the
campus and to the west the largest
building of the post earthquake rebuild is
being constructed. Details are presented
later in this edition of Evergreen.
A new Music Centre has just been
completed and is attached to the north
corner of the Chapel/Auditorium.
4
Evergreen Volume 17
The scallop shell is a symbol of Christian pilgrimage.
The Trust Board
Andrew McGill | Trust Board Chair
Welcome back to another year of living
and learning. I hope that you are rested
and prepared for a hectic year as the
speed of our economy catches up with
scale of our community’s needs.
I’d like to acknowledge the passing of
Mr Miles Kau Kau, our beloved
Kaumatua, who passed away over
the Christmas holiday period.
Miles’ spirituality and knowledge of
Maoritanga enriched our college and
had a profound effect on our girls, staff
and parents. Despite being very unwell,
we were blessed to have him at several
of the end of year events in 2013 that he
prioritised over his own comfort.
Understanding the medical challenges
he was facing, Miles’ efforts to be with
our community at this time were entirely
selfless. I know how important St
Margaret’s College was to Miles, and it
was poignant that we had the honour of
hosting his service in our Chapel. Haere
rā Miles – you will be missed by us all.
The theme of this issue of Evergreen is
Science. Knowing this, I played word
association with one of my colleagues
at work. I said, “Science”, and, without
missing a beat, she said, “Geek”.
Hmmmm… as a university science
graduate myself, this was not what I had
hoped to hear! And yet, I think this is a
view that is representative of many. She
quickly moved on to say that scientists
are the most important people through
history and went on to name some of
the most well-known such as Louis
Pasteur, Ernest Rutherford and Galileo.
scientists to some extent. Each of us
tests new ideas, takes risks, and thinks
about what we have experienced and
why these experiences happened. I
think our innately scientific instinct
of curiosity is typical of the human
condition.
Science is highly visible around St
Margaret’s College at the moment.
While most would appreciate the
complexity of the major building
projects around the campus, the
images of our next project in this issue
of Evergreen are deceptively simple.
Our friends in both architecture and
engineering have successfully wrestled
with the competing tensions of
structural requirements and a limited
budget.
To illustrate this point, both the Jean
Crosher Centre and the Gym/Chapel/
Auditorium complex rest on steel piles
that go 25 metres into the ground. In
total, under these two buildings, we
have four kilometres of steel piles!
St Margaret’s College buried a huge
amount of money in the ground
that will never be seen. Yet science
determined what was necessary to
protect our people. There was no guess
as to how far our piles needed to be
driven into the earth and we wasted
no money by carefully calculating what
was required. This science ensured that
our most precious assets, our people,
are protected.
One large upside of the recent
seismic activity is the chatter among
students discussing earthquakes and
committing to scientific careers that
will help them better understand their
personal experiences and protect our
future against seismic consequences.
Sadly, women were late entrants to
scientific careers, largely through
the historical issues of educational
exclusion that persisted beyond the
Age of Enlightenment. There is no
doubt that our current students will be
addressing this imbalance in the very
near future.
Finally, I’m delighted to confirm the
appointment of three new people to
our Board for 2014 and beyond. We
warmly welcome Greg Anderson,
Richard Carey and Caleb Ballin who
will bring an impressive range of
personal and professional capabilities
to our governance.
Enjoy the challenges that 2014 will
doubtlessly present you.
My colleague’s two diametrically
opposed responses represent what
many students feel about science. They
appear superficially polarised into
either a love or loathing of science. At
the most basic level, I think of science
as explaining and predicting what we
experience. I’ve always loved science
and personally think that we’re all
Summer 2014 5
The Winchester Precinct
This 7,000sqm complex is underway
and due for completion around May
2015.
It will house the main entrance and
reception to the college, performing
arts, a community cafe, modern
laboratories,
multi-use
facilities,
wireless teaching and learning spaces.
Key partners on this development are
The Project Office, Athfield Architects
and Southbase Construction.
The Project Office
Brought in by the Trust Board following
the September 2010 earthquake, The
Project Office has provided the school’s
management with advice, guidance
and action focusing on re-opening the
College and making it safe and secure
by organising demolitions, temporary
repairs and facilities. Alongside that,
The Project Office has facilitated a brief
for St Margaret’s long term future use
resulting in a plan forming the basis of
the site redevelopment.
With the College, The Project Office
has completed the Pool, Kilburn House,
the Gymnasium & Auditorium and the
Jean Crosher Centre (Classrooms and
Library). TPO’s Ian Summerfield is now
project managing the new Winchester
Precinct (Classroom and Administration
buildings) while Andrew Haig continues
his project director role representing the
Trust Board.
6
Evergreen Volume 17
Ian Summerfield
The Project Office is a Christchurch
consultancy with an established team
of 20 professional project management
staff with different specialisations and
backgrounds.
“We’re passionate about working with
Andrew Haig
local South Island businesses and
contributing to a vibrant South Island
economy,” says Andrew Haig. “We’re
proud to be leading the St Margaret’s
team and are driven to complete the
future vision of facilities on behalf of
the College.”
athfield architects
Athfield Architects Limited is excited
to continue our recent involvement
with St Margaret’s College with the
Winchester Precinct project now under
construction. Our previous recent
involvement at the school includes
completing the Gym / Chapel building,
the Warren House rebuild, the Campus
Directional Plan and the new Music
facility.
The Winchester Precinct is a significant
project which transforms and
completes the eastern portion of the
campus, giving the school a stronger
contemporary presence and edge at
this address. This contrasts with the
more traditional feel of the Papanui
Road entrance. The forms of the
new structures enclose and protect
increased open landscaped space for
students and enclose modern interior
educational environments.
Athfield Architects Limited has been
established in Christchurch for 20 years
and has built a reputation for delivering
complex design focused projects
across a wide range of building types.
Local completed projects include the
Christchurch Civic Building, AMI
Stadium, CPIT Rakaia Centre and the
Selwyn District Council Headquarters.
Other projects underway include
CPIT Sports Science & Recreation
Centre, Hagley Oval Cricket and the
Retail Precinct Master Plan for CCDU.
Strong links to education projects
continue with works at CPIT, Scots
College, Samuel Marsden College,
Massey and Victoria Universities.
Now that the site is clear and piling
is underway, we all look forward to
seeing the new building take shape in
the coming months.
The Charles Luney Auditorium.
southbase
Southbase Construction is excited
to have been awarded the contract
to deliver the new Classroom and
Administration buildings for St
Margaret’s College. We would like to
take this opportunity to introduce our
team and let you know some of the
reasons behind this excitement.
For this project our CEO, Quin
Henderson is joined by Construction
Manager, Richard Jack and Site
Managers, Jeremy Earle and Jarrod
Ward and supported by Quantity
Surveyor Will Birch. Every member
shares similar motivations for our work.
First, we’re proud to be working at St
Margaret’s College. Our commitment
to this project is absolute. This is an
important time in the school’s history
and every care needs to be taken
without compromise. Our job is to
deliver St. Margaret’s College facilities
that we can all be proud of and is
a collective reflection of the wider
community.
Second, we’re at home here. This
school is such an important part of
our community. Our children attend
here. Their futures are mapped by the
school vision and the honesty, integrity,
loyalty, caring and compassion within
are values we share in our work.
Third, we’re learning too. We don’t
let our thirty-plus years of industry
experience dictate an unwieldy, overly
bureaucratic approach. So we always
look to introduce new perspectives and
fresh thinking into our construction
management. And now, with this vital
project, our education continues …
Will Birch, Quin Henderson, Jeremy
Earle, Richard Jack and Jarrod Ward.
Summer 2014
7
everlasting light
Jo Brady | dirEctor
Explanation of the proposed
design:
• Central Panel Window:
Elements are: Candles – based on
the Founder’s Day candle lighting
and values of Founders Day as an
abstraction of everlasting light.
• Side Panel Windows:
Elements are: St Margaret’s logo,
Seddon greenstone, and the fern
frond, symbolizing new life and
nurturing and St Margaret’s as a
bicultural community. The tonal
change of colour depicts the spiritual
growth of a child.
The school is very fortunate to have the
skills of past parent Graham Stewart, New
Zealand’s leading stained glass master
craftsman, who will make the windows
from mouth-blown, German glass.
The proposed design.
EvErgrEEn Volume 17
community rElationS
The project will be finished towards the
end of the year and we look forward to
celebrating the windows once they have
been installed.
This year the Chapel will be transformed by
the addition of three bespoke stained glass
windows. The theme of this special project,
‘Everlasting Light’, reflects the vision of Janet
Todd-Molineaux, St Margaret’s art teacher,
old girl and past parent who has developed
the designs. She sees the beautiful new
windows activating the Chapel with light,
content and colour, enhancing the spiritual
connection to that space and reflecting the
values of St Margaret’s.
8
of
from THE CHAPLAIN
Reverend Peg Riley | Chaplain
Now, our lovely, safe and warm Chapel
is once again the place where we
gather to think, to laugh, to sing and
to pray. We have gathered in sadness
at times through the year but mostly
we have come together in joy. We
have many people both present and
past to remember who support us to
live our dreams. Our virtues are our
foundations and, in our Chapel, we
celebrated Founders’ Day in a new
but traditional way. To have all our
Year 13 wearing veils and carrying the
light, surrounding the prefects as they
passed the light of our virtues down
through the schools, was quite moving.
We ‘Lived the Dream’ in grand style
through 2013, and we enabled many
more people in our community, city
and world to live their dreams too.
God’s love is embodied fully through
the generosity of the St Margaret’s
College community all through the
year. In 2013 we supported Pillars,
($8,300), the Year 10 Rite Journey
supported the Champion Centre (over
$10,000) and the year long fundraising
for EGG ($20,000) will continue to
be close to our hearts over the next
few years! Then in amazing our Carol
Service, besides the gifts of presents
and non-perishable food items, our
offerings for the Christchurch Anglican
City Mission reached $2000. For us to
be thinking of others keeps the light
of Christ burning bright in our hearts.
There was a prevailing feeling of joy
in our Carol Service when the whole
school came together in the same space
to end our year. We are so blessed!
Since writing this article, our beloved
Kaumatua, Miles Kau Kau, died
peacefully on January 6th 2014 and
is now singing his songs with God’s
angels! I thank you, on behalf of
Miles’ family, for your presence at
his funeral, your loving thoughts and
messages of support and grief. We
will miss him deeply.
2014 is the year to be SEEN in the world!
The Anglican Church throughout New
Zealand is preparing for it’s 200th
Anniversary which is dated from the
Christmas Eve service lead by Samuel
Marsden and immortalised in the
Christmas song, Te Haranui. We will
be exploring what being Anglican
means in 2014.
I feel extremely blessed to be alongside
each of you in this community as you
encounter God’s love in this place. Maybe
this is what it means to be the People of
God; we are Living God’s Dream!
2013 Carol Service.
Summer 2014
9
obituary: Miles Kau Kau
Kaumatua of St. Margaret’s College.
2002 – 2014.
Miles originated from the Hawkes Bay
and was from the Ngati Kahungunu
iwi. For the past twelve years, he was
the beloved Kaumatua of St. Margaret’s
College.
He began his diverse career in
Christchurch at the Te Kaihanga
Hostel training as a carpenter. His
gentle, kind and caring nature led him
into occupational therapy work at
Templeton Hospital.
The call of the Ministry saw Miles’
involvement in outreach to Maori at the
Maori Evangelical Church in Wainoni
and Hoon Hay followed by three years
in Australia as a Minister at the Church
of Christ on the Gold Coast.
Returning to Christchurch with a young
family, Miles became a prison officer
at Paparoa Prison. His integrity and
empathy left a lasting impression.
He taught in a variety of schools and
educational institutions throughout
Canterbury as a facilitator of Maori
Arts and Customs. Many school
children have benefited from participating in workshops that taught
them the skills and art of carving using
the medium of soap.
He was commissioned to carve
numerous sculptures in stone and wood
for schools and businesses around
Christchurch. The most recent of these
are in the Thorrington School library
and the Earthquake Memorial for the
Perpetual Trust which was in the PGC
Building in Christchurch.
Miles demonstrated God’s love through
his presence and love of the community
of St Margaret’s College. He sang, carved
and prayed with the whole community.
Music and singing played an important
role in Miles’ life. Many formal and
family occasions were graced with his
beautiful singing voice.
He leaves a legacy of the many lives
influenced by his love, wisdom and
guidance.
Miles died at home with his family on
the 6th January 2014. He is survived by
his wife Pauline, son Stephen, daughter
Laura and granddaughter Ella.
Rev Peg Riley and Kaumatua Miles Kau Kau.
10
Evergreen Volume 17
FareWell to …
sally mene
Sally came to St Margaret’s College in
2005 as secretary in the school office.
This was Sally coming back into the
school environment after three years in
her own café business. Previously, since
1982, she had been Sports Coordinator
and teacher of commerce at her alma
mater, Villa Maria College.
Sally was appointed Director of Sport
in 2006.
As a regional and national representative, record holder and champion
herself, Sally set a high bar of expectation
on the sports teams at St Margaret’s.
She has been recognised by national
and regional bodies for dedicated and
long service to athletics and netball and
has been recognised by School Sport
Canterbury for her contribution to
secondary school sport.
Sally has increased the number of
sports at the college and participation
numbers
have
soared
with
opportunities available for all levels
of ability and experience. She has
also simultaneously encouraged elite
teams and enabled girls, coaches
and managers to work towards and
realise their dreams of national titles.
It is fitting that, in Sally’s final year,
the College has achieved its highest
ever level of sports achievement with
regional and national representatives
and titles. It’s a shame she has not had
longer to enjoy the new long awaited
sports centre.
The College is indebted to Sally’s
dedicated hard work and unstinting
belief and vision for sport at St Margaret’s.
Director of Sport is a challenging and
sometimes lonely position and she has
left a legacy.
The time has come for Sally to spend
time on her own sport and her own
children and grandchildren. We can’t
wait to see her golf handicap drop
down to single figures!
On behalf of the Board, colleagues,
past and present parents and girls, we
thank you, salute you and wish you and
Mene happiness in your next journey
together.
Jo allen
Jo spent nine years of her life as a second
generation St Margaret’s pupil and
returned as a teacher in 1997 when the
call from her old school was too strong.
She has spent 25 years at this College. Jo
was an Otago graduate with two degrees
in Applied Sciences and Theology.
She was the first woman to be
accepted for ordination in the Otago
Anglican Diocese.
After ten years in parish ministry with
her husband Murray, she began a career
in teaching – firstly at Waitaki Girls’
then St Margaret’s. Jo has taught science,
biology, home economics, textiles,
TOK, special needs and ESOL – an
extraordinary range of curriculum areas
and levels.
Jo was appointed by Claudia Wysocki
and has taught mostly senior NCEA
and IB English with some Religious
Education. She has been a dedicated
tutor to many girls. Jo says that her
first impressions of the College were
of a school in good heart with the
chapel central to all that the school
represented. All girls were valued as
unique individuals and encouraged to
be themselves, to take on responsibilities
and become young women encouraged
to make a difference in the world.
Jo epitomises the virtues of St Margaret’s
in her pastoral work and her academic
expectations of her students.
Previous HOD English Chris Raeward
summed this up saying
“Jo is a real inspiration in terms of her
caring spirit to one and all.”
She has given so much of her life to her
students and colleagues at St Margaret’s
and keeps in touch with many of them.
As you return to Dunedin, may you and
Murray take time to be with friends and
family and to smell the roses. We wish
you good health and happiness.
Summer 2014
11
linda lightFoot
Linda ended a long teaching stint
as HOD of Commerce and a Dean
at Aranui High School and started
work at St Margaret’s in 1984. Her
challenge was to set up a commercial
practice department and she started
a career and a relationship with the
College which was to span 29 years.
Commercial practice evolved into
accounting and economics and
computer technology. Old Remington
manual typewriters on rickety desks,
Gestetners and spirit bandas have been
replaced by scanners, computers, iPads
and smartphones.
Linda has been tutor, teacher, mentor,
Head of Department Business Studies,
teacher in charge of Manuka and YES
mentor to hundreds of girls.
Linda took trips by train to Paterson
Hut at Mt White Bridge, and organised
and assisted at numerous camps at all
age levels. She immersed herself in
the extracurricular life of the school,
always the first to put up her hand to
help a student or a colleague.
Linda established equestrian pursuits
at St Margaret’s and spent many
years organising events and teams in
dressage, show jumping, polo and one
day eventing.
This is her pride and joy and we are
delighted she has offered to continue to
manage Equestrian for the College.
Linda never stops giving and she never
stops learning. Her curriculum has
changed beyond recognition during
her tenure as HOD.
She models everything that St
Margaret’s College stands for and her
dedication is an example to younger
teachers.
She has given nearly 30 years of her life
to this College and now it’s time to get
away from bells and routines and the
ever increasing demands.
We wish Linda happiness and time for
her and Bruce to enjoy a new pace of life.
We thank her for her dedication and
friendship to all.
hana neWman
Hana was born and raised in the Czech
Republic and came to Canterbury
University on a scholarship when she
was unable to return to her homeland
because of the Russian invasion.
University then a teaching career
allowed Hana to work with her
passions and hobbies of art history and
classics.
Hana commenced work at St Margaret’s
in 1985, employed by Cynthia Blair
to develop language programmes for
those for whom English was a second
language.
Hana taught ESOL, mainstream
English, Classics and History of Art.
She was Head of Department, senior
dean, member of the management
team, student co ordinator and
international dean.
Hana took overseas trips to Greece,
Italy, Turkey, China and Vietnam –
12
EvErgrEEn Volume 17
her love and passion for history and of
other cultures was infectious.
Records say that Hana was awarded the
Climb Every Mountain Award in 1987.
We are not sure whether it was because
she sings like Julie Andrews or because
of her love of the mountains! Hana ran
Year 9, 10 and 12 outdoor camps and
for years took busloads of girls to Mt
Hutt to learn to ski. Hana is a very good
skier and we are sure she will give her
grandchildren a run for their money for
years to come.
Hana’s intelligence, passion for her
subject and demand for excellence
and academic rigour in the IB and
NCEA and Scholarship programmes
has produced exceptional results for
her students over the years and has set
an uncompromising standard for all
teaching and learning at St Margaret’s.
We thank her for that.
She has given 28 years to teaching and
learning and outdoor pursuits enabling
many students to achieve beyond their
expectations.
She will now have some exciting
academic challenges in an advisory
capacity for her home country and we
wish her well with those.
5 minutes With … Stacey Rod
What did you do before coming
to St Margaret’s College?
Soon after completing my degree at
Canterbury University, I fulfilled a
childhood ambition of becoming a
research scientist and two years of my
life I will never get back, were spent
chemically analysing huhu faeces!
Some people are not well suited to
this type of research and so teaching
beckoned at Rangiora High School and
then as a lecturer at the Christchurch
College of Education.
What is your role at St Margaret’s?
Head of the Science Faculty and
teacher of Biology and Science.
When did you come to St
Margaret’s?
Shhh .. almost 20 years ago. Initially as
the Head of Health, then as a member
of the Senior Management Team and
now as Head of Science.
What do you most enjoy about
your job?
I love science and biology. I thrive on
change and challenges. I get to work
with talented, knowledgeable teachers
who are passionate about teaching and
about science. Teaching is great fun. I
really, really enjoy teenagers, weird I
know, but I like the way their minds
work. Our students are fantastic. So
what do I enjoy ? I enjoy pretty much
everything. (Note: I am writing this
at the beginning of the long summer
vacation.)
What is your philosophy around
teaching and learning?
I believe good teaching and learning is
about ‘walking the talk’.
Teachers who are passionate about
their subject, about teaching and
about living life to the full will
invariably inspire their students to
be the best they can be. To think and
question. To work hard. To be lifelong
learners. To be good citizens.
Science is everywhere and I believe
we need to have a scientific brain to
analyse, evaluate and make decisions.
Whether it is to check your medical
symptoms on the web, make sense of
the latest natural disaster, what insect
spray to use, which app to download
or decide whether the latest diet fad is
likely to work. The web has given us
access to so much information and
instead of needing to know less, it
seems we need to know more to make
sense of it all. And we need to have an
even deeper understanding to be able
to use that knowledge effectively.
What would you most like to
achieve during your time here?
More than half of our girls pursue
university study and careers linked to
science. The future holds challenges
not only in the traditional science fields
such as medicine and engineering but
solutions are needed in our changing
environment, increasing food and
energy
production,
innovative
manufacturing, computers and
communication,
biotechnology,
and emerging fields such as artificial
intelligence and nanotechnology. My
hope is that St Margaret’s can continue
to inspire girls to pursue a career in the
Sciences and that they can can play a
role in meeting these challenges, not
only within New Zealand, but globally.
What are your main personal
interests and hobbies?
I travel as much as possible to experience
first hand as many of the environments
and wildlife that I have taught about
over the years. And to see them before,
sadly, they disappear. This year was to
see where in Alaska our Christchurch
godwits head to each winter and to find
out just how good grizzly bears are at
salmon fishing.
I have also recently travelled to a remote
corner of Nepal as a science teacher
trainer with the NZ Himalayan Trust. It
was a personally rewarding time working
with passionate and enthusiastic Nepali
teachers, and their students, who do so
much with so little.
The team working for you, the St Margarets College community
MARK O’LOUGHLIN
& JENNY LANEY
'Providing free appraisals
of your property and
complimentary buyers’
consultancy services
Call us now!’
PH 03 352 O
35
PH/TXT 021 2 OR
353 736
PHONE 03 352 O352 OR
PHONE/TXT 021 339 078
jenny.laney@ha
LICENSED AG
rcourtsgold.co.
ENT REAA 20
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mark.oloughlin@harcourtsgold.
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Summer 2014
13
spotlight on science
Julie Petersen | Deputy Principal
The St Margaret’s College Science
Faculty is definitely one of the busiest
areas on the campus. We are extremely
fortunate to have an outstanding team
of highly committed professionals who
are all experts in their field.
Whilst national and international
trends reflect diminishing numbers of
senior girls continuing with science
courses, quite the opposite occurs at
St Margaret’s. The majority of our
senior girls continue to take one or
more science programme with large
numbers choosing to study biology,
chemistry and physics up to Year 13.
As the girls embark on their tertiary
studies, the majority opt for STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) based pathways, clearly
recognising the vast options that await.
In a recent article listing ‘60 jobs of the
future’, it is interesting to note that 52
of the 60 jobs were science based.
Stacey Rod, our Head of Faculty,
strongly believes that it is important to
study science, not only for the depth of
knowledge, but also the broad skill base
that the girls acquire. She is convinced
that the girls develop a much deeper
understanding of their world and are
better equipped to approach life’s
challenges in a more reasoned and
analytical manner.
developing a scientific approach to
analysis and problem solving. All Year
10 students complete at least one Level
1 NCEA science paper with a select
group undertaking an accelerated Level
1 science programme. The Year 11 girls
have the choice of full NCEA courses
in chemistry, biology and physics.
science staff, the quality of teaching and
learning has not diminished. Thanks to
the dedication and professionalism of
our science staff, the girls continue to
consistently achieve excellent NCEA
and IB results.
St Margaret’s offers both NCEA
and
International
Baccalaureate
programmes at Years 12 and 13. The
IB science programmes have proven
popular with students planning tertiary
study in medicine, engineering and
veterinary science. The IB extended
essay, the group science project and
core science knowledge, provide an
excellent platform for these tertiary
pathways. The NCEA programmes
offer a broad range of papers
allowing the flexibility to personalise
their options. The Year 13 NCEA
Scholarship option provides academic
enrichment to students seeking an
additional challenge.
Whilst the past two years have certainly
presented significant challenges for the
We place a high value on all learning
areas at St Margaret’s and science is
no exception. Currently, the science
faculty offers 24 programmes through
Years 7-13. In the Middle School, the
programmes cover all of the science
curriculum strands, with specialist
science teachers at all levels. Learning
across these years focuses on building
the core skills and knowledge needed
for more advanced study in the
Senior School. Emphasis is placed on
practical work, investigative skills and
14
Evergreen Volume 17
Junior School
Paula Sheldon | Head
The teaching of science is alive and well
in the Junior School classrooms. And
whilst we wait impatiently for the new
Science block to be built so the wee ones
can have access to the “big girls stuff ”
(their words) and sit on the big stools,
we still learn plenty in our classrooms.
Stacy Rod, Head of Science Faculty,
comes down and enlightens both
teachers and students on the wonders
of science.
but they certainly did the work I
asked them to do. In one experiment
they were asked to make clouds. The
equipment needed a large wide necked
jar, warm water, black paper, a plastic
bag filled with ice cubes and matches.
The science got lost in the excitement
of lighting matches to create the dust
particles to form the clouds! For many
of the
Junior School
children this was the first time they had
struck a match.
At the end of the experiment there was
a veritable rain forest of matches in the
jar of warm water, the ice (atmosphere)
was melting in the plastic bags and
running down their arms , but they got
it. I think!
“She’s so cool and funny,” remarked a
Year 6 student after one particularly
memorable lesson on electrical circuits,
when they danced around the room to
Gloria Estefan’s (remember her?) song
“Dancing the Conga”.
In Term 1 the Year 6 class looked at
the Science of Weather. “What makes
the weather?” they were asked. I was
not sure of their unspoken response,
R
E
E
R
A
GREAT C AY
P
T
A
E
GR
L
O
R
T
N
O
TAKE C
Become an Air Traffic Controller!
For more info text TRYATC to 515.
Check out our website now for videos,
tests and games, and all the info on what’s
involved and how to apply to become an ATC.
It’ll take a fair bit of practice, but trust us, getting that first jumbo
jet off the ground will be a great feeling. And it’s just one big
moment you can look forward to as an Air Traffic Controller.
It’s an exciting, rewarding career for which attitude and aptitude
are important and we’ll give you the qualifications.
www.airways.co.nz/atccareers
AWSM2010
Summer 2014
15
Middle school
Kathryn Gray | Head
Innovation is defined in the Oxford
Dictionary as a new method, idea or
product. At the end of 2013 we tried a
new method of teaching our students in
the last few weeks of term 4. We called
it Special Week for Year 9 and 10 and
suspended the timetable. Each Faculty
16
Evergreen Volume 17
of
Middle School
had the opportunity to create two slots
of time where students could engage in a
range of activities that was not normally
taught. This meant the chance to create
movies in our 4 Hour Film festival, be
involved in Problem Solving Challenges
or host a Mad Hatter’s tea party. The girls
worked as Year Groups and this allowed
them an opportunity to work with a
range of students. It was a very busy and
action packed week and upon reflection
2013’s Special Week could become the
first of many!
Over the weeks there were a variety
of activities that not only linked to the
curriculum but provided an opportunity
for girls to think beyond the square. The
Science Faculty used the opportunity
to go to the University of Canterbury
and Orana Park which both provided
the chance for some rich learning. Had
you walked into school during the week
you probably would have seen all sorts
of strange and unusual sights from girls
running around completing a scavenger
hunt to girls with an
unusual array of head
dresses.
This concluded 2013
in an interesting and
innovative way. In
2014 we hope to
expand Special Week
to include the whole
Middle School.
2014 senior student leaders
From left to right:
Head of Community Relations:
Emily French
Head of Konini: Hannah Beadle
Head of Rata: Ella Kotlowski
Head of Sports: Bella Forbes
Head of Manuka: Hannah Lindo
Head of Environment: Isabella Brown
Head of Boarding: Emma Turnbull
Head of Arts: Gabriella Donaldson
Deputy Head Girl: Lucy Morton
Head Girl: Rose Robinson
Head of Junior School:
Emma Henderson
Head of Service/Chapel: Elise Batt
Head of Academic: Sophie O’Brien
Head of Middle School: Prue Silva
Head of Matipo: Madeleine de Latour
Deputy Boarding: Belinda Dryden
Head of Service/Chapel:
Meghan Laing
Head of Kowhai: Kimberley Wood
Head of Rimu: Natalie Bocock
Summer 2014
17
THIMUN
(The Hague International Model United Nations)
After being selected to represent New
Zealand at THIMUN (The Hague
International Model United Nations)
in July and be a part of the study tour to
New York and Europe, we finally made
it to Auckland on 8 January to begin our
adventure. Once we arrived, we met
up with the other twenty delegates and
our four directors. The first day was full
of excitement as we heard more about
our itinerary and the people we were
to meet overseas. Unsurprisingly, very
few delegates slept that night due to the
excitement levels being through the roof
and despite the 4:30am wake up call to
board our flight to New York.
It really is the city that never sleeps.
We found ourselves using this motto
for our five days in the Big Apple as
we were constantly on the move to
see everything that the city has to
offer. During the first three days we
visited the Museum of Modern Art,
Times Square, Fifth Avenue, New
York Public Library, American Natural
History Museum, 9/11 Memorial,
Grand Central Station, Wall Street
and the Metropolitan. Every place
we visited was mind-blowing, loved
by all and still not believing that it
was all real. The opportunity to visit
the 9/11 Memorial touched many
of our hearts as we thought back
to that fateful day in 2001. Monday,
our fourth day in the city, brought
business. First up was a meeting with
the New Zealand Permanent Mission
to the United Nations where we heard
from numerous people who work
at the Mission. This was a fantastic
educational experience as many of us
dream of representing New Zealand at
the United Nations in the future.
Just when we thought our day couldn’t
get better, we were then invited to meet
with the Administrator of the United
Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) - our former Prime Minister
Helen Clark! She entertained our
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Evergreen Volume 17
many questions for an hour and a
half. They covered a variety of topics
such as her future career aspirations,
geopolitics, the inner workings of the
Development Programme and also her
ideas on global issues. This was most
definitely a meeting that none of the
delegation will forget and we are so
thankful for the opportunity to meet
with such a high-achieving Kiwi. At
last, our final day in New York came
around and we ended our time in the
Big Apple by taking a tour around the
United Nations Headquarters.
On 15 January, we touched down in
Geneva and were excited to finally
arrive in Europe. The next day we
headed on a scenic walk to the Red
Cross Museum which had recently
been renovated and was highly
recommended. We walked through
the permanent exhibition, The
Humanitarian Adventure, which led
us through three sections reflecting
the organisation’s core work and ideals.
Next up was a meeting with the New
Zealand Permanent Mission to the
United Nations in Geneva and to the
World Trade Organisation. The role
of this mission was very different in
comparison to the New York office,
and the Deputy Ambassador kept us all
amused and interested for the entirety
of his interesting discussion. Our third
and final day in Geneva brought a
highlight of the trip – a tour around
Palais des Nations, the United Nations
Headquarters in Geneva. This building
was originally used for the League of
Nations, the predecessor of the UN.
The peak of the tour was visiting the
UN Human Rights Council, with its
wave-like roof structure, which was
donated by Spain in 2008. Eating
lunch in the UN Cafeteria was a great
experience as we all found ourselves
sitting amongst people who worked
at the Headquarters. After our trip to
the UN, we went for a journey into
the old town for a free afternoon to
enjoy the stunning architecture and
quirky attractions. Our final goodbye
to Geneva involved a night of overindulging in a Swiss delicacy - fondue.
With only two days in the city, Berlin was
a whirlwind pit stop as we attempted to
do and see everything in a short time
period. The first morning, we rose early
for a brisk walk to the Reichstag where
we had a tour around the building. As
if the Reichstag building itself wasn’t
interesting enough, we then learned
some very valuable and interesting
information about the building, its
history and the German political system.
One of the most fascinating parts of the
tour was being able to walk down one
of the hallways and seeing the Russian
Meeting with former Prime Minister Helen Clark at the
United Nations in New York.
Savannah Adams
graffiti from the Soviet invasion in 1945.
We then proceeded to take a walking
tour around the city seeing sites such as
the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of
Europe, Hitler’s bunker, the Brandenburg
Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin
Wall, Humboldt University, the site of
the Nazi book burnings and countless
other sites. One of the most poignant
moments on this tour was at the site of
the book burnings, where we found a
plaque with a quote by a Jewish author,
Heinrich Heine, stating ‘ Where they
have burned books, they will end in
burning human beings’.’ The eerie part
of this quote was that it was written
more than 100 years prior to the book
burnings.
Brussels proved to be yet another
beautiful city, made even more so by the
constant, subtle buzz of the French and
Flemish languages in the background.
We visited the New Zealand Embassy
and Mission to the European Union.
On the same day, the delegation also
visited the European Parliament - yet
again, a fantastic opportunity to engage
in the history of Europe and the issues
the European Union deals with today.
While in Brussels, we also had the
chance to explore the city and visit the
Royal Palace and the Cathedral.
and it’s safe to say, that as a result, we’ve
all made friends for life. For delegates
in the Security Council and General
Assemblies, the next 5 days saw intense
sessions of lobbying with hundreds of
other students. Delegates worked to
have their resolutions approved and
then conducted extensive debate on
a huge range of issues. These included
the improvement of human rights
for those living in extreme poverty,
the prevention of the stockpiling of
weapons in former USSR states, the
immunity of State Officials from foreign
criminal jurisdiction and the financing
of the United Nations Mission in South
Sudan. The New Zealand delegation
was representing the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
with the exception of delegates on
the International Court of Justice, the
Nuclear Security Summit and one
representing the UNIDR. All in all, the
week was an amazing and experience
with the New Zealand delegation
living up to their reputation of an
incredibly high standard of debate and
involvement. A particularly special
part of the week that must be noted
was having the chance to meet and
talk with Sir Kenneth Keith on a free
afternoon at the International Court
of Justice. Friday saw the magnificent
and
Kaitlyn White
Closing Ceremony and a fun night
out before we departed the next
morning to begin a transit journey of
approximately 48 hours.
THIMUN was a once in a lifetime
experience and many more adventures
were had that simply can’t be squeezed
into this one article. We would highly
recommend becoming involved with
UN Youth, starting with attending such
events as Canterbury Model United
Nations or applying for New Zealand
Model United Nations. We are so
grateful to have had this wonderful
experience. We will never forget it!
Savannah and Kaitlyn.
From Brussels we travelled to
Amsterdam. Amsterdam was an
enchanting combination of quirk and
beauty. We visited Anne Frank’s house
which was an astounding experience,
and Dam Square. We explored the
city, shopped, ate at a pancake house,
experienced the nightlife and went
on a yellow bike tour. We also went
to the Van Gogh Museum, where
the art was amazing and Amsterdam
Fashion Week was being celebrated!
After Amsterdam, we arrived in Den
Haag. This was what everyone had
been waiting for – the THIMUN 2014
Conference. Each delegate was placed
with a host family for the next six nights
Summer 2014
19
World Challenge
Rebecca Read
Mosquito net, thermals, gardening
gloves. Not the most conventional gear
list for a December holiday. Yet here we
were, 32 girls and 5 teachers, departing
for Vietnam and Cambodia after
months of planning and numerous
sausage sizzles. Our four week
expedition (run by the organisation
World Challenge) was finally here.
With reality starting to kick in, we
split into three groups and our team
landed in bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
After the shock of seeing thousands
of motorbikes everywhere, we slowly
adjusted to the culture. The number
of times we got pestered to buy
sunglasses was endless and using the
Vietnamese currency (one bus trip cost
3 million dong) was a challenge. Other
highlights were bartering for clothes in
the markets and admiring the immense
Christmas decorations (as well as
hearing the department stores blaring
out Michael Buble’s Christmas album
in true festive style).
Next stop was Cat Tien National Park
where we slept in bungalows, cleared
out the food from all the restaurants,
did a night safari and took a boat ride
over Crocodile Lake (yes, there were
crocs in there!). We did a two day trek
through the jungle, complete with
hundreds of leeches. After the initial
screams, we got used to them but our
feet were thoroughly bleeding by the
end. We visited Dalat next, a small town
in the hills where we trekked for 5 days
on a 4WD track through pine forest.
Our guides entertained us through the
60km tramp and cooked us incredible
meals each night, while we introduced
20
Evergreen Volume 17
them to toasting marshmallows over
the campfire. Our next adventure was
the overnight train to Hoi An. Six girls
packed into a tiny room with bunk
beds was an experience to say the
least. Hoi An was a favourite – a lovely
tourist town where we splashed out
on getting dresses and shoes made by
the tailors.
Eventually we crossed the border
into Cambodia. The landscape was
identical, yet here was a completely
new country with different people,
politics and history. We reached
Phnom Penh late on Christmas Eve and
looked for somewhere to stay the night
- in many places there certainly was
‘no room at the inn’! As well as visiting
the harrowing S-21 prison and Killing
Fields, some highlights of Phnom Penh
were the tuk-tuk journeys and regular
visits to Dairy Queen ice-cream
store. Eating Christmas lunch with
chopsticks was also a new experience!
Our final destination was Siem
Reap. We spent 5 days working in
an orphanage helping to construct
building foundations, playing with the
children and teaching them English.
The children had little more than rice
for lunch and had few possessions of
the own, yet their enthusiasm was
boundless. We celebrated New Year’s
Eve with mocktails, fish spas, shopping
and watching fireworks. After visiting
Angkor Wat, we met up with the other
two expedition groups who had also
been in Cambodia and Vietnam and
headed home to our families – armed
with all our souvenirs, photos and
amazing memories.
At the orphanage in Siem Reap.
Arts
Mary Davison | Arts Facilitator
Arts Leadership & Arts Council
We welcome Gabriella Donaldson
as Head of Arts for 2014. Gaby is
joined by the following girls in Arts
Leadership and Arts Council: Emily
French, Madeleine de Lautour, Kate
Wright, Sophie O’Brien, Meghan Laing,
Aida Azlan, Eliza Staniland, Kimberley
Wood, Hannah Beadle, Hikaru
Toyama, Lauren Duke, Autumn Bleeker,
Rebecca Read, Eliza Cowey, Beatrice
Fulton, Bryony Aitken-Fincham, Bridget
Beadle, Emily Barltrop, Emma Clucas,
Kate Hellings, Nora Maarleveld, Lily
McCormick, Claudia Murdoch and
Sophie Patient.
Arts Achievements
Congratulations to Kate Hellings
(Year 12) and Meghan Laing (Year 13)
who have been selected for the Court
Theatre Youth Company this year. Gaby
Donaldson and Kimberley Wood will
tour Singapore and Malaysia during the
July holidays with the NZ Secondary
Schools Youth Choir.
Staffing Changes
Megan Herd is now with us full time as
Curriculum Leader in Drama and Julia
McKerrow as full time Curriculum
Leader in Dance. We welcome back
Elayne Buckler in Drama and Maria
Buhrkuhl in Visual Art. New to
Performing Arts are Anna Whitaker
in the Music and Dance Departments
and Al Tie as Technician for the
Performing Arts.
Kate Hellings, Gabriella Donaldson, Meghan Laing and Kimberley Wood.
Performing Arts
Members of the Dance Company
performed at the Ellerslie Flower
Show, and “Rapunzel”, a touring show
from NZ Playhouse, was staged in
our auditorium for Year 1-8 girls. We
will enter three scenes in the Sheilah
Winn Shakespeare Festival this year.
It will be held at Middleton Grange in
late March-April. Stage Challenge is
well under way and will take place at
the CBS Arena in May. We have Arts
Week to celebrate towards the end of
term and our annual Twilight Concert
on Winchester Village lawn on 3 April.
Film Project with
Christ’s College
St Margaret’s and Christ’s College are
staging their 6th Short Film production
this year as well as a documentary team
recording, editing and presenting the
“making of the movie”. The script has
been written (by students) with a very
interesting mix of contemporary and
historic settings.
Whole School Production:
A Mid Summer Night’s Dream
This year St Margaret’s College will
present a Whole School Production
of A
‘ Mid Summer Night’s Dream’ by
William Shakespeare in week nine of
Term Two. Our take on this magical
and hilarious play will celebrate all of the
arts disciplines and we will invite girls
to audition from Year 1 - 13 for singing,
dancing, acting, instrumentalist roles,
technical, backstage and support crew
positions. Auditions will take place
later in Term One.
Arts Sign Up & Co-Curricular
Groups
Arts and Sports Sign up Day was a huge
success with the atrium a-buzz with
girls and parents. We are very happy
to be offering nearly 40 Co-Curricular
Arts groups this year. Details can be
found in our 2014 Handbook and on
the website.
2014 Arts sign up day.
Summer 2014
21
Sport
What a way to finish my time as Director
of Sport at St Margaret’s College!
In early December I took a small but
very competitive and talented athletic
team away to the NZSS Champs. The
outstanding performer was Harriet
Bush who won a Silver Medal in the
Year 9 Road Race and led the 3-person
team to Gold. Not satisfied with that
result, she competed in the Under
16 1500m later in the day, taking 3rd
place and then, within an hour, ran an
amazing leg to help three first-year
senior competitors win bronze medals
in the Senior 4 x 400m Relay. Jemima
Tennekoon, Lucy Thomson and Sabine
Keenan completed the team. Only a
short time before this race, they also ran
the 4 x 100m Senior Relay with another
Year 9 student, Sophie Thomson,
finishing with a bronze medal. This was
St Margaret’s first medal in this race at
a National level since I started taking
the team away eight years ago. Caitlin
Bonne, also Year 9, bettered her best
performance in the Under 16 Javelin
to finish 5th within 40cm of the bronze
medalist. Jemima Tennekoon ran well
to finish 5th in the senior 400m event.
Prior to this meeting, a team of junior
school students competed at the CPS
Athletic Championships. Both the
12 and 13 year old relay teams won
convincingly by about 20 metres but
unfortunately the 12 year olds were
disqualified. Eugene In placed 1st in the
60m, Georgia Bonne 1st in Discus and
2nd in Shot, Bella Belcher 1st in 1200m
and Tara Keenan 4th in High and
Long Jump.
Since the last edition of Evergreen,
there have been numerous sporting
achievements.
Kelly Zhong, Trang Nguyen and Eileen
Wu had success at CSS Badminton
Champs. Hyun-Jee Yoon continued
to show her class at the National
Open Table Tennis Champs and the
climbing team of Amelia Marsden,
Chrisanne Tarry, Jordan McIvor
and Jemma Ballard were 2nd at the
SISS Champs.
Mackenzie Figgitt won three Gold
and two Silver medals in Junior
International at the NZ Gymsports
Championships. Yifat Majgaonkar
won the senior open section at the
NZCAF Aerobics Nationals and
Melissa Romeril won a bronze medal
in the 13/14yr age group at the NZ
Tumbling Nationals.
Our A
‘ ’ Netball team began their NZSS
tournament with a win and a draw
but a loss on the second day saw them
finish 3rd in the pool and subsequently
only able to compete for 9-16. In post
pool play they recorded a further loss
followed by two convincing wins to
finish 11th out of 16 teams. Madison
Lloyd, Katelyn Inch and Jessica Prosser
were named in a Netball NZ National
Development Squad.
In our inaugural involvement at the
Aims Games, a number of Year 7 and 8
Girls were involved in successful
Canterbury Hockey teams at National
Tournaments and Emma Clarke
captained the winning Canterbury
U14 Football team at a SI Tournament.
Annabel Coates gained selection into
a closed NZ Masters tournament and
also the New Zealand Tennis training
squad for 12 years and under.
All these performances clearly indicate
that track and field will be very strong
for years ahead.
Katelyn Inch was outstanding in her
final school representation to win Gold
at the NZSS Lawn Bowls Champs in
the Singles.
22 Evergreen Volume 17
Sally Mene | Director
girls relished the opportunity to compete
against some of the best school teams
from New Zealand, Australia and the
Pacific Islands schools in Cross Country,
Hockey, Netball, Swimming and Tennis.
Harriet Bush and Emily Wium
continued their winning ways with
Emily finishing 2nd in the U18 section
in the Boulder Bay Classic and also
won the Women’s category of the local
Urban Assault Run. Harriet helped her
Christchurch Avon Club win Silver in
the U20 section of the New Zealand
Road Relay Champs.
At our annual Sports Dinner the
Outstanding Junior Sporting Achiever
was Mackenzie Figgitt, Gymnastics. Lily
Marshall (Senior A
‘ ’ Netball, Volleyball,
Water Polo and Athletics) was the AllRound Junior Sportswoman. The Chris
Arthur Cup for ‘Best Performed Team’
was shared by the Rowing Eight &
Four and 1st XI Hockey. Katelyn Inch
won the Excellence in Sport Award
for ‘More than one sport’ and Holly
Greenslade won both the Hiatt Cup for
‘Outstanding Sporting Achievement’
and Reeves Trophy for ‘Sportswoman
of the Year’.
of
Sport
6 teams at the CSS Zonta Awards.
Both the Senior A
‘ ’ Hockey and Under
18 Rowing 8 were awarded ‘Highly
Commended’ along with Lucy Morton
in the category for ‘Most valued
contribution to a team’. Alice Darry and
Holly Greenslade were acknowledged
in ‘Most outstanding individual
achievement’.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at St
Margaret’s gaining much pleasure from
achievements such as those indicated
in this my final report for Evergreen. I
will follow ongoing student successes
with interest in the future.
We had 13 of the 39 finalists in
individual categories and 2 out of
CSS Zonta Awards.
Summer 2014 23
PFa neWs
michEllE Quin | pfa prESidEnt
Welcome to 2014 at St Margaret’s
College. The PFA are looking forward
to an active and enjoyable year, with
the intention of adding one or two key
social events to the school calendar.
Firstly, a bit of background to the
name ‘PFA’. In the past we were the
‘St Margaret’s College PTA’ but in 2011
were renamed as ‘Parents’ and Friends’
Association’ to reflect the wider nature
of the community we support and
those who are involved in supporting
the school.
The role of the PFA at St Margaret’s is,
most importantly, to support the school
staff, the girls and the community
through social events and interaction
of parents across all year groups. While
we are not the primary fundraising
vehicle in the school, we are intricately
linked with the Community Relations
Office to support them and add to their
fundraising opportunities. The main
focus of the PFA is:
• To organise and provide help for
school events to bring about social
interaction and networking of SMC
parents across all year groups
• To manage and allocate PFA funds
within the school to support and
enhance the experience of girls and
parents at St Margaret’s College
• To assist and support the Community
Relations Office with events and
fundraising
• To support the teaching community
The PFA is a great way to be involved
in the school community and new
members are always welcome. We
understand how busy life is for
everyone and committee members
give their time as and when they can.
This year, meetings will be held twice a
term with dates listed below.
2014 PFA meeting dates for the
rest of the year
(always a Tuesday)
Term 2 20 May, 17 June
Term 3 5 August, 16 September
Term 4 28 October, 25 November
The Father Daughter Breakfasts are now
a well-entrenched tradition at SMC.
2014 Father/Daughter
Breakfast dates for the rest
of the year
Year 9
23 May
Years 11 & 12 20 June
Year 10
22 Aug
Other PFA Hosted/Assisted Events
We also assist at the Twilight concert,
the Arts Soireé, School Productions,
the Sports Dinner and any other events,
which may require extra hands or bar
staff. In 2014 we hope to introduce a
‘New Parents’ Dinner’ as well as a full
community event mid-way through the
year. We wish you all a successful and
happy 2014.
2013 Junior School production: The Button Box.
Thinking of heading to Europe next year?
Register now to receive our best earlybird offers
Call Mike Trengrove at Mondo Travel Riccarton today on (03) 341 0170
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[email protected] - www.mondotravel.co.nz
24
EvErgrEEn Volume 17
St marGarEt’S collEGE
old GirlS’ aSSociation
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Summer 2014
25
from the president
Juliet
It is a privilege to be your new President
of the St Margaret’s College Old Girls’
Association. I’m also very excited as
my 40 Year On reunion group meets
this year. It is very rewarding to be a
member of this vibrant Association
and to help support the school in its
post earthquake rebuild.
I have my father to thank for my St
Margaret’s education. I was a pupil
from Primer 1 to Form 7 in the 1960’s
and 1970’s. My Junior School years
began in “prefabs” at Papanui Rd, with
a short time in the Stephanie Young
Wing before moving to Springfield
Rd. Mrs Anderson was my Primer
1 teacher and Miss Mullan was my
Headmistress. I loved being a “St
Margaret’s girl” and knew I was lucky.
After completing an MSc at Otago
University, I worked in adult mental
health in London for several years
before moving to the Netherlands. I
currently live with my husband Peter
and 14 year old daughter Maria in
North Canterbury. Maria is in Year 11
at St Margaret’s and has attended since
Year 1. She loves the school and I am
delighted to be a St Margaret’s parent.
It was wonderful to celebrate reunion
weekend last November in our fantastic
new Old Girls’ Atrium and Chapel,
with a particularly good turnout of
Old Girls at our AGM. We thank you
for showing interest and enthusiasm
in the running of our Association and
appreciate your support. Sally Vilsbaek
2 6 Evergreen Volume 17
(Elder) stepped down as President at
the AGM after superbly leading the
Association through three turbulent
years of earthquakes and rebuilds. Sally
is the archetypal St Margaret’s Old Girl
- devoted, loyal, energetic and wise. We
thank Sally enormously for her huge
contribution to the Old Girls’ over
many years and are delighted that she
remains on the committee for 2014.
We also farewelled Tonia Bullen
(Spang) and Katie Caseley (Larnder)
from the Committee. In past years
Tonia represented SMCOGA on the
St Margaret’s College Trust Board
and more recently has overseen
SMCOGA’s finances. Thanks to
her guidance SMCOGA is in good
financial health especially after the
additional expenses of the Centenary
Celebrations. Katie has expertly
assisted in organising the Old Girls’
Bridge Tournament for several years
and networks wonderfully on behalf
of the Old Girls. We gratefully thank
Tonia and Katie for their invaluable
contributions to SMCOGA.
In our constitution there is provision
to elect persons deemed worthy to be
honorary Old Girls to our Association.
The committee believes St Margaret’s
staff that have given 10 or more years
van
Kuijk | SMCOGA President
service to the school are worthy of such
status. It was my pleasure to present
Honorary Old Girls’ certificates to over
40 St Margaret’s staff with longstanding
service at a morning tea at the end of
last year. These staff provide a real sense
of stability, continuity and tradition to
the school.
We are indebted to Gill Blackler,
our talented Community Relations
Manager, who works very hard on our
behalf to ensure all Old Girls’ events
run smoothly. We also thank Jo Brady,
Director of Community Relations for
her ongoing support of the Association.
Finally, special mention must be
made of Mrs. Gillian Simpson, our
Patron and Executive Principal of the
school. Gillian’s energy and infectious
enthusiasm inspires us all and we
greatly appreciate her wise counsel and
attendance at our events.
Our truly wonderful Old Girls’
Committee is frequently visible at both
Old Girls’ and school functions. We
love to meet you, so do say “Hello” or
come and join us on the Committee.
Old Girls’ events are listed on the back
page of this issue of Evergreen and I
hope to get the opportunity to meet
you at some of these functions.
Juliet and daughter, Maria.
Rosy weston
Setting up a specialist pharmacy
service for HIV patients at St Mary’s
Hospital, London has been one of
Rosy Weston’s career highlights since
becoming involved in groundbreaking
clinical trials of HIV medicines and the
treatment of sexual health problems in
the United Kingdom.
Rosy recently made the journey back
to Christchurch for her 40 Year On
reunion weekend and Evergreen caught
up with her at her old friend Diana
Marshall’s (de Lambert) house.
Rosy’s St Margaret’s life began in 1965,
in Primer 1, when the Junior School was
at Papanui Road, then into the newly
built Stephanie Young Wing and onto
Springfield Road. By this time Diana
de Lambert’s family had moved into
the same street as Rosy. It was Mr de
Lambert’s job to do the school run. He
dropped the girls off on Bealey Ave and
they walked the final distance to school
together occasionally engaging in the
odd fight en route.
Early memories of school were of
her Standard 4 teacher. “I remember
Mrs Edwards. She taught us the
poem ‘Tarantalla’. Gae Wisely can
still remember the words and recited
the poem back to us at our reunion.
Amazing!”
“Another memory I have is being sent
out of Chemistry for talking in class.
Sarah, my younger sister, was sent out of
cooking class at the same time. We met
outside and I remember thinking this is
strange, two sisters out here together.”
On leaving school Rosy studied for a
Diploma of Pharmacy at the Central
Institute of Technology, Heretaunga,
before working as a pharmacist at
Palmerston North Hospital.
Diana Marshall and Rosy Weston
In 1984 Rosy travelled to the UK and
Europe, with the intention of returning
to New Zealand after five years.
Twenty seven years later, Rosy
continues to work as a pharmacist
in the UK and loves it. Since 1989
Rosy has worked in the Sexual Health
and HIV Unit, a specialist unit in the
Jefferiss Wing of St Mary’s Hospital.
In addition to setting up the specialist
service for HIV patients at St Mary’s,
Rosy also established a national HIV
specialist pharmacy group in Britain to
allow pharmacists to share information
for training purposes.
Rosy has also been involved
in publishing research on new
antiretroviral drug treatments for
HIV and has attended several exciting
international conferences, including the
World Aids Conference in Vancouver,
Canada, in 1996.
More recently, as the British National
Health Service faces ongoing changes,
Rosy has focused on the training of
staff in the use of HIV drug treatments.
Eventually Rosy would like to return
to New Zealand, but for now loves her
job and enjoys regular weekends away
in Paris, Berlin and Switzerland.
Rosy credits St Margaret’s with teaching
her a strong sense of independence
and a real belief that “girls can do
anything.”
“I left school well prepared for life
as a strong independent woman,
comfortable with my own identity.
This is the message Miss Mullan
gave us.”
Rosy’s advice to current St Margaret’s
students is “Stay true to yourself and
follow your heart”.
Summer 2014
27
Rosemary de Vere
The St Margaret’s College Community
were saddened to learn of the death
of Rosemary de Vere late last year.
Rosemary was a proud Old Girl and was
incredibly generous in her fundraising
after the Canterbury earthquakes.
Below is an extract from the eulogy
given by her good friend John Studley
at Rosemary’s funeral.
“Rosemary was born in New Zealand
in 1941 and grew up in the city of
Christchurch. Many of her friends at
that time have sent me recollections
of her youth and time at St Margaret’s
College, where she was educated.
She was described as “extremely clever”
and used to get “red workbars” for
excellent academic results.
These early times brought about long
friendships that lasted throughout her
life. She was an extremely loyal “old
girl” to St Margaret’s College.
When it was damaged in the
earthquakes in 2011, she raised several
thousand dollars by hosting cocktail
parties for old girls from the school
and donated the funds to repair the
damage.
On leaving school, she studied
accountancy of the University of
Canterbury.
She was the only girl in the class.
This was no minor undertaking, as
apparently at that time she was very
shy around boys. However I am told
that although she turned several heads,
she kept her head in the books!
She came to England after university by
ship – only the well off flew anywhere
in those days – to discover the rest
of the world. She arrived at the time
when the Beatles, the Kings Road
in Chelsea and Carnaby Street were
28
Evergreen Volume 17
bringing about a revolution in social
attitudes.
With other Kiwi girls, she enjoyed a
carefree life in what must have been a
fantastic and exciting time in London
and England. They lived in a series of
flats and bedsits in the squares and
elegant streets of South Kensington
and Chelsea.
Various activities were pursued in
their free time. These include buying
fabric at Liberty and making their own
clothes. Saturday mornings were a time
for visiting art galleries in Bond Street.
She also started to become familiar
with the world of antiques and silver
and, subsequently, music.
One of the jobs that helped fund her
travels in the UK and further afield
was in the accounts department of the
major European railway engineering
company, Plasser.
During these times in the 60’s,
she would travel with friends and
discovered other parts of the world.
These included staying on a lakeside
houseboat in Northern India, pony
trekking in the Himalayas and enjoying
life in Hong Kong from the shelter of an
elegant ladies guest house.
She continued to pursue her career in
accounting. In 1970 she found what
was to be the best job of her life, in the
London office of the architecture firm
Austin-Smith Lord. By 1980 she had
risen through the ranks and become
head of finance and legal issues, as well
as becoming a partner in the firm.
Rosemary had therefore developed
experience in accountancy from the
ground floor and moved to senior level.
A friend informed me that Rosemary’s
reference probably got her employment
in London in the early 80’s. She was
told after her successful interview that
the human resources department were
not remotely interested in references
from purely academic or educational
institutions,
but were influenced
by Rosemary’s opinion, who they
described as someone who had risen
to partnership in the “real world.”
Recurring themes that I heard were
of her loving entertaining friends, her
cooking expertise and dress sense.
One recollection from her early days
in London was that she was able to
produce wonderful recipes. One of her
friends told me was that she was able
to stretch a chicken to feed 8 people,
and I understand this particular dish
was often used until better times came
along!
Rosemary used to keep a record of the
menus she chose for different dinner
parties, as well as noting the general
theme and the dress she wore. She was
always elegant and well groomed. As
a result of her menu record, she knew
what people liked to eat and, more
importantly, their dislikes.
Throughout her life whenever anyone
came to her dinner parties, they
always had an excellent meal, as well
as entertainment and stimulating
discussion.
A friend from New Zealand said that
Rosemary had tried to teach her a
few things in the “ being organised”
department. This included recording
menus as I have mentioned. The friend
did admit she never did get to keep any
records, but admired Rosemary hugely
for her approach.
Recently a friend of ours had said to
her that he had tried to picture her
walking down Kings Road in the 60’s.
He reminded her that this was the
time of mini skirts and Mary Quant
fashions. Her response was along the
lines of “Oh, no no, I was much more
like Audrey Hepburn!”
Having said that, Rosemary would
always join in the mood of any
gathering. I understand that at one of
her firms Christmas do’s, which was
fancy dress, she turned up as a bunny
girl. I have seen the photograph and
certainly it brings a smile to one’s face.
In the early 80’s, Rosemary met
Anthony de Vere. She used to visit
him in Washington, where he was
undertaking his diplomatic duties.
They were married in 1986 and lived
in London. Soon after they bought
Haddiscoe Hall.
Once they had both retired from their
professional careers, they moved to
Norfolk. The care, maintenance and
beautifying of Haddiscoe Hall became
a great project of their lives.
I am told Anthony had a huge
influence on her. Rosemary had many
interests, some of which I have already
mentioned. However when Anthony
arrived, one major change was the
introduction of horses into her life.
Here we have a girl who had come
from a completely city background and
then moved to the country.
Her williness to learn and partake in
the equestrian world was incredible.
Friends have said that they would never
have pictured Rosemary horseriding in
Richmond Park. She developed a great
affinity with the horses they owned and
loved them.
They also took a great interest in their
part of Norfolk and Suffolk. Their
creation of the “Friends Charity” to
raise funds and bring world famous
musicians to perform at the old granary
studio was one of the most practical
and rewarding forms that this interest
took. As a result of this innovative
approach, world famous musicians
came to the granary to perform, many
people benefitting from seeing and
hearing these wonderful performers.
As I said they loved to entertain. Many
friends stayed with them over the years.
However as visitors quickly learned, it
was considered that at Haddiscoe Hall
“the devil finds work for idle hands
to do!” People I have talked to recall
being sent to clear weeds around their
lake before dinner or helping in the
autumn clean up, which was followed
by the necessary bonfire.
I would like to quote part of a message
that I have received from Rosemary’s
godson, Nick. I think it portrays many
of Rosemary’s excellent qualities. “She
was an inspiring presence throughout
my life. She defined the role of
Godmother through sheer poise and
bearing. It is hard to imagine anyone
better suited as a moral authority for
a growing lad, or a model of rectitude
and good grace for the adult I became.
Her influence has undoubtedly shaped
my own approach to life and that is
something that I will always remember
and appreciate”.
Anthony died at the end of 2008.
Rosemary was a fantastic partner and
supported him throughout his illness.
She subsequently continued to care for
their home and horses.
She was determined to do more and she
travelled with friends around Europe,
as well as again visiting New Zealand.
She continued many activities even
after she first became unwell at the
beginning of 2011. She planned an
active life and did it. Not only further
travel, but she continued her interest
in music, going to concerts as well
as Glyndebourne and also arranged
art exhibitions in the long room at
Haddiscoe Hall. She also continued to
run the “Friends Charity”.
As her health deteriorated, she
maintained great dignity. Be certain
she was still in charge of all aspects of
her life to the very end. Personally I felt
humbled by her strength of character
at this terrible time.
For me to give this resume is a privilege.
She was an extraordinary lady. With
all her wonderful qualities I know I
have not done her justice, but we will
all have our own favourite memories
of her.”
Would you prefer to receive Evergreen
via email instead of post?
If you would prefer to receive an
electronic copy of Evergreen then
please contact Gill Blackler with
your name and email address –
[email protected]
If you currently receive multiple
copies of Evergreen at your home
and would rather just receive one
copy please also let Gill know.
Summer 2014 29
REUNION WEEKEND
The 2013 reunion weekend was a
weekend of smiles, laughter, squeals of
delight and memories. It is a highlight
of the calendar and we look forward
to the weekend every year. 2013 was
an opportunity for the Old Girls’ to
showcase the ‘Old Girls’ Atrium’ which
so many of you donated towards,
along with all the other new buildings
at school. For many who had not
returned since leaving school, there
was not a lot to recognise but the
feeling I perceived was that they would
happily return to school now with its
fantastic new facilities and technology.
Friday evening drinks were held in the
Old Girls’ Atrium. Each year we debate
whether there is a need for background
music. I think those who attended will
understand why we don’t, as the noise
from 150 ladies excitedly reminiscing
would drown any sound we attempted.
The Old Girls’ Atrium is the perfect
venue for hosting drinks and holds
many guests.
Being the first reunion in the ‘new’
school, subtle changes were needed to
accommodate our schedule. Saturday
commenced with morning tea, photos,
tours and the AGM. Our Old Girls’
merchandise sold well and is available
to you all via the website. A delicious
lunch for all groups followed in the
dining room catered by Paula and her
team in the kitchen. Thinking of those
who had travelled far to attend the
weekend, the committee decided to
extend the weekend once again to three
days instead of two holding the chapel
service on Sunday. St Mary’s Merivale
have had the use of the Chapel for their
Sunday services since the earthquake
irreparably damaged their own church
and therefore we needed to combine
our service with theirs. Although it
was a lovely service, we recognize the
wishes of the SMC Old Girl’s to hold
their own service, and this year we
will probably hold our own service on
Saturday. Watch the Website for a time.
For those who were in the 3rd form
or Year 9 in 1944, ‘54, ‘64, ‘74 ‘84, or
’94, this is your reunion year Friday
31 October - Saturday 1 November.
If you haven’t already been contacted,
please email Gill Blackler in the
office on community.r@stmargarets.
school.nz to have the information
sent. We would love to see as many
of you as possible and show you how
St Margaret’s is leading education in
New Zealand.
Sally Vilsbaek (Elder)
Melanie Muirson, Juliet van Kuijk, Sally Vilsbaek
and Samantha MacGibbon.
30 years on …
With Facebook and email ensuring
communication was easier than 10
years ago, there was a good response
to the call out for the class of 1983. 30
excited “girls” gathered at the Old Girls
Atrium for the cocktails on the Friday
night, all exclaiming at how little we
had all changed?! Noise levels were
extremely healthy, and the majority
of the group moved on to a local
establishment to continue the catch
up. The next day 24 turned up, some
more “tired” than others, for the school
tour and photo. We were all agog and
30
Evergreen Volume 17
amazed at the incredible facilities the
SMC girls enjoy today, especially in
the boarding houses where many of us
relived memories with some amusing
stories recounted! Our guides were
extremely patient as every building
brought back different memories and
prompted different tales. Most of this
group stayed on to enjoy a delicious
lunch in the boarding house dining
room – not a beef olive or “penny roll”
in sight, and no dishes afterwards!
There was the afternoon to rest up,
before drinks at JDV in Merivale. This
venue was perfect for the crowd of over
50, with a good turn-out of husbands
and partners to balance the numbers.
Again, the evening reached the small
hours as everyone enjoyed each other’s
news from the last decade, two or
three! Particular mention to those girls
who came from overseas – Jane, Janet
and Julia from Austrlia, Swanny from
Thailand and Steph from Austria. Diary
2023 for our 40 years on and let’s hope
for an even better turn out.
Sarah Stace and Susie Jensen.
40 years on....
After many months of searching and
ringing and talking and googling,
we had a fairly comprehensive list of
contacts for the girls of 1973. In fact
there were 20 girls we could not track
down, and out of 135 that is not too
bad. Now we just needed to get them
along to reunion weekend.
We did have a great turn out. Over the
weekend we had 50 of our year put in
an appearance for some, if not all, the
activities.
Friday night was an informal cocktail
party at Anna-Mary Anderson’s
earthquake repaired home. We are very
grateful to Scott and Anna-Mary for
opening their home for us as it meant
we could make as much noise as we
wished and had no real time limit on
the function so some stayed on talking
for some time!
Saturday morning we had our group
photo and tours of our very changed
school, lunch in the dining room, and
then that evening we enjoyed dinner
at Meshino, again a lot of noise and
photos and stories were told.
I have to say it was very interesting
talking to people you have barely seen
since school and hearing some very
interesting things that they do to fill in
their lives. I am sure that individually
we think we lead fairly mundane lives
but collectively we were and are an
interesting bunch. I look forward to
keeping in touch and doing it all again
in 10 years time, hopefully with the
elusive 20 on the list too. If anyone
knows how we can get in touch with
any of these people, please let Gill
Blacker or myself know.
Diana Marshall (de Lambert)
40 Years On.
20 Years On.
50 Years On.
30 Years On.
60 years on....
What a great get-together we had
in early November. 32 of us from
Australia and throughout New
Zealand gathered together over the
weekend. The Cocktail Gathering on
Friday evening provided a time for us to
chat, renew old acquaintances, browse
through old magazines and photos
and of course go back down memory
lane. Saturday gave us the opportunity
to see the new buildings and marvel at
the progress the school has made since
the earthquakes. The modern facilities
were very impressive, a far cry from our
60 Years On.
Cranmer Square days. Mind you, we
kept reminding the charming girls who
took us on the school tour how lucky
they were and what it was like in our
day. We finished Saturday with a lovely
lunch in the dining room at Kilburn
House, which has been repaired and
returned to her former glory.
On Sunday morning we had a service
in the new chapel and ended the
weekend with a very relaxed lunch at
Melton Estate Winery. Helen Peate
gave us a very enlightening trip back
to our school days and reminded us of
many amusing incidents from our past!
We finished a very successful weekend
by visiting Bridget Carr’s new house in
West Melton.
We have decided to have another
informal gathering in 5 years time
so make sure the school has your
address so we can contact you. We
thank the school for all the help they
gave us to make our reunion such a
pleasant occasion and one we will
remember for many years ahead.
Eleanor Burt (Coe), Convenor
Summer 2014
31
FIRST SMC TIME CAPSULE OPENED
In 2003 a new SMC tradition was
started which has continued to this
day. In term 4 of each year, the Year
13 cohort create a time capsule filled
with their personal momentoes and
anecdotes. This is then buried and
dug up ten years later with the girls
from that year group invited back to
the school to be part of this special
occasion.
On Sunday 3 November 2013 the
very first of these time capsules
was unearthed and opened and the
contents excitedly shared by members
of the Year 13 class of 2003 who were
able to be at the event. Lots of laughter
and reminiscing filled the Old Girls’
Atrium during the afternoon.
Margaritas
The annual Margaritas drinks were
held on a gorgeous, sunny Sunday
afternoon at Tequilla Mockingbird
on Victoria Street in Christchurch on
3 November.
32
Evergreen Volume 17
“Margaritas” are SMC’s Young Old
Girls who have left SMC in the last ten
years. This annual event is a wonderful
way for everyone to catch up and stay
connected to the school and each other.
Keep an eye on the SMCOGA
Facebook page for details on this year’s
function!
Old Girls’ News
Congratulations to Wendy FoxTurnbull, Senior Lecturer in Primary
and Secondary Technology Education,
College of Education, University of
Canterbury who graduated from the
University of Waikato on 14 October
2013 as a Doctor of Philosophy in
Science and Technology Education.
The Old Girls’ Association are
delighted to welcome the following as
new members of the association.
Denver Adams
Ruby Adams
Savannah Adams
Brittany Arthur
Robyn Beddard
Larelle Bogdalski
Sophie Bonnington
Bonnie Brady
Jessica Bucknell
Julia Bullen
Leah Butt
Greta Caird
Jessica Calder
Caroline Caldwell
Georgia Cameron
Virginia Casey
Deborah Chen-Green
Vanessa Cheong
Rebecca Christeller
Annie Cliff
Augusta Cohen
Abigail Collin
Kirsten Corbett
Oksana Cottrell
Libby Daly-Lemon
Brooke Daniels
Alice Darry
Ellen Dove
Emily Doyle
Tilly Dunn
Isabella Eaton
Letitia Farrell
Kate Flannery
Georgia Francis
Umaya Gamalath
Samantha Garbarini-McKendry
Philippa Gates
Polly Gilroy
Alexandra Gordon
Holly Greenslade
Nina Hall
Sophie Hamilton
Jessica Hann
Georgina Harnett
Erin Harrison
Rebecca Hastings
Henrietta Hutchinson
Ashley Hyland
Katelyn Inch
Maddi Ingham
Charlotte Jolly
Melanie Kennedy
Helena Kirby
Kimberley Kovacs-Wilks
Alice Kozanic
Alexandra Laming
Harriet Lange
Olivia Lissaman
Colleen Luisetti
Henrietta Mannering
Amelia Marsden
Paris Marshall
Wallis Marshall
Brittany Masters
Samantha McKellar
Elise McLeod
Emma Moore
Georgia Morton
Hayley Muckle
Nhu Nguyen
Anteisha O’Connell
Kira Oldfield
Courteney Pannett
Madelaine Parker
Isobella Partleton
Jamie Paterson
Lucy Peebles
Rosie Pinckney
Katie Potts
Emma Pratt
Annabelle Priddy
Lauren Proud
Grace Rapley
Hazel Redmond
Genevieve Redwood
Isabella Roake
Caitlin Roberts
Geraldine Roche
Charlotte Ross
Alice Rutherford
Amelia Samandari
Ashleigh Sparks
Dana Thomson
Bindy Todd
Lucy Tothill
Beth Turner
Helen Vincent
Alice Walker
Jessie Wang
Kaitlyn White
Charlotte Wigley
Alexandra Wootton
Nicola Wright
Canterbury University
Students visit St Margaret’s
College Archives
For the second year running, on 11
December 2013, a group of Canterbury
University summer school history
students – HIST 294-394 – visited the
SMC Archives. This time they worked
on their assignment in a classroom in
the Chapel/Gymnasium Complex.
We were fortunate to have two old
girls among the lively group - Hannah
Howard (2005-2008) and Genevieve
Duval (2003-2008) - who helped
answer questions about the school’s
history.
Hannah and Genevieve.
Summer 2014
33
Warren House and Storry house
Geraldine Pickles | Archivist
Warren House
The house was bought in 1965 and
named after Bishop Warren who was
Chairman of the Board of St Margaret’s
College at the time and also Bishop of
Christchurch. It was later incorporated
in the new Julius House in 1989.
India and helped to abolish suttee (the
practice of a Hindu widow cremating
herself on her husband’s funeral pyre in
order to fulfil her true role as wife).
Warren House was officially opened on
Friday 7 February by Andrew McGill
the Chair of the SMC Trust Board.
In October 2012, it was demolished
after earthquake damage. On 3 May
2013, work began on the new Warren
House which is linked to Julius House.
The new house was opened on
7 February 2014.
Alistair Carey, whose wife Pamela (née
Miller) is an old girl of St Margaret’s
College, provided the following
information about the old house:
Alistair’s grandfather, Andrew Fuller
Carey, built Warren House – he also
built Leinster House and the Tudor
house or vicarage behind St Mary’s and
Charlie Thomas’ house in Innes Road.
He had a maid and a gardener. There
was a glasshouse or fernery (by the
side porch) and a gardener’s cottage
and tennis court. Alistair spent a lot
of time at his grandfather’s house
and remembers sliding down the
bannister – Rev Peter Carroll gave
him a bannister knob from the house
as a keepsake. He remembers sitting
in front of the fireplace with his feet
tucked under the wagon eating white
bread with hundreds and thousands
and with a silver teapot on a meths
burner on the wagon.
The magnificent fireplace, made of
red scoria from Banks Peninsula,
had the words “I cannot keep thee
warm if thy heart be cold” carved on
its footing. This inscription has been
retained and incorporated in the new
Warren House.
Andrew died in 1937 and Alistair
thinks that the house was sold to Gould,
a tailor. Andrew was a descendant of
William Carey who was a missionary in
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Evergreen Volume 17
Storry House
The Principal’s House at 20 Winchester
Street was previously known as Storry
House and before that, MacGibbon
House, as it was owned by the parents
of Tony MacGibbon, the famous NZ
cricketer. It has been used as a boarding
house by St Margaret’s College and
Principals have lived there since Miss
Emmerson in 1979.
The following information came
from Laura Dunham, an MA student
working on a thesis at Canterbury
University on the architectural firm of
Collins and Harman.
The original Warren House.
Athfields design for the new Warren House
Sue Newton, Director of Boarding,
speaks at the opening before students,
Aggie Burgess and Belinda Dryden,
cut the ribbon.
Revd Peg Riley blesses the building.
The house at 20 Winchester Street
was built in 1916 for the daughter of J
J Collins and her husband, Douglas E
Millar.
This information comes partly from
the 1919 Electoral Roll which lists
Alice & Douglas Millar as residents at
that address, and Collins and Harman’s
Register of Commissions which states
that a house was commissioned by
Millar in 1916 on Winchester St. The
fact that the house is very typical of
the architects style for that particular
period confirms (to Laura) that this
was the house built for the couple.
Unfortunately
no
architectural
drawings appear to have survived.
The MacGibbon family were connected
to the Collinses through cricket.
Storry House.
2014 Old Girls’ Events
Cranmer Lunch ~ 17 May, Kilburn Dining Room
St Margaret’s College / Rangi Ruru Bridge Tournament
~ 27 May, Christchurch Bridge Club
Community Drinks ~ 26 June, Old Girls’ Atrium, St Margaret’s College
Reunion Weekend ~ 31 October – 1 November, St Margaret’s College
reunion groups this year are:
20yr on 3rd form / yr 9 - 1994
30yr on 3rd form - 1984
40yr on 3rd form - 1974
50yr on 3rd form - 1964
60yr on 3rd form - 1954
70yr on 3rd form - 1944
Leavers’ Ball ~ 3 December
2014 OGA Committee
Juliet van Kuijk – President, Melanie Muirson – Senior Vice President,
Samantha MacGibbon – Junior Vice President, Ingrid Taylor – Board Representative
Committee – Jane Black, Sue Cronshaw, Juliet Manson, Diana Marshall,
Gillian Polson, Phillippa Whiteley, Sally Vilsbaek.
Summer 2014
35
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