Confortare October 2013 | 1

CONFORTAREOctober 2013 www.sacredheart.school.nz

Official opening of the Auditorium – a day to remember

Developing career competencies

Fundraising success at inaugural Star Gala Dinner

Greetings to Marist Brothers, parents, students, Old Boys and friends of the College.

As I write this article winter sport and winter tournament week have concluded for another year. Once again we have enjoyed and celebrated a number of successes and championships gained by both our Junior and Senior teams throughout the season. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my staff, our parents and Old

Boys who continue to selflessly give of their time and talent to coach and manage our teams and sportsmen. You make a difference in the lives of many. Thank you.

Also as I write, the Senior end-of-year examinations are under way, and so our attention turns very firmly to individual academic performance. It is vital that each and every student gives themselves the very best chance of academic success by preparing thoroughly for our internal examinations and, even more importantly, the external NCEA examinations which begin on 11 November. Once again, I would emphasise some key points for academic success:

• Set priorities – academic achievement is much more important at this time of the year than a social life

• Seek the assistance of teachers – fill the gaps in knowledge

• Study regularly – stick to the study plan

• Set high expectations and goals – no mediocrity

• No excuses and no procrastination – successful students work hard and work smart.

To all of our students, I wish you the best of success in the forthcoming examinations.

Our brand new Auditorium was officially opened and blessed on Friday 20 September. It is an outstanding building which reflects the confident future which our beloved College is currently experiencing. To all those who have contributed to the project, especially Mr Warren Long, Mr Paul Greaney, Mr Brendan Lawler and the late Br Sean Hanaray, our genuine appreciation to you all on this landmark achievement. For the first time in over 30 years, the whole College, from Years 7 to 13, can be together to pray, learn, experience and celebrate as a united College of students and staff.

The future is indeed looking very positive and very bright.

Onwards and Upwards Confortare Esto Vir

■ Mr JA Dale, Principal

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ContentsSpecial Character 3

Academic News 4

College Sport 6

Performing Arts 9

Development Foundation 10

SHC Community 11

International News 12

In Profile 13

In Memoriam 14

Old Boys News 15

On the cover

Cole Garrick leading in the dignitaries.

Gallipoli and Crete – Old Boy ConnectionsThere are a number of students who will be visiting Gallipoli and Crete next year and we will be filming and paying homage at graves of Sacred Heart Old Boys buried there. You may have a relative buried in either Crete or Gallipoli which would be a focus for students to lay a poppy there and say a prayer. Please email names and particulars to Mrs Margaret Graham at: mgraham@sacredheart.school.nz

Principal Jim Dale, Past principals Mr Phil Mahoney and Mr Brendan Schollum

Confortare October 2013 | 3

Becoming Catholic

Our Sacred Heart community recently welcomed into the Catholic Church a number of staff, parents and friends. Over the past few months this group

has met to discuss ‘what it means to be Catholic’. For many, this journey began some years back, but in the last few months a group have been meeting at the Marist Brothers’ house on Crossfield Road. On Saturday 31 August this group received the Eucharist for the first time at the 5.15pm Mass in the Chapel. Our celebrant Fr Stephen Berecz and the Brothers shared leadership in preparing the group to become Catholic.

We congratulate and welcome Deanna Bell, Allan Gilder, Melanie Keene, Chris Key, Tracy Purcell, Willie Taylor and Grant van Ansem.

■ Mrs Margaret Graham

■ SpecialCHARACTER

Feast of the Assumption Mass

On Thursday 15 August, the Sacred Heart College community came together for two Masses which were held in the Chapel, the first led by Fr Stephen Berecz and the other, Fr John ALLARDYCE (’57). The school

had gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This feast day is one of great significance to Catholics and still remains one of the country’s two Holy Days of Obligation. It is the patronal feast of the Marist Brothers and this year also marked 175 years since Bishop Pompallier, when first arriving on the shores of the Hokianga, dedicated Aotearoa to Mary under the title of her Assumption.

The Feast of the Assumption directs our focus towards Mary, recognising that when her earthly life was over, she was destined to be with her Son for eternity. The same will be for each of us if we live faith-filled, dedicated lives of service as did she. We were reminded of how Mary represents everything sacred about our College as she truly is the epitome of one of this year’s Marist pillars: Family Spirit.

As with all College Masses, many members of our community were involved and the presence of Marist Brothers celebrating with us was greatly appreciated. Highly memorable just before the conclusion of the Eucharist was listening to the wonderful voice of Francis Selui singing an Italian hymn to the Virgin Mary accompanied by Mrs Helen Hyndman. Suffice it to say the whole College was inspired by his rendition and talent.

All in all, the Mass and feast day were a great opportunity for drawing our Catholic, Marist and Champagnat community together to reflect on the importance of Mary and our own mothers in our day-to-day lives. It was indeed a time to also reflect on how we are shaping up and genuinely developing as young Marist men.

■ Connor Fitz-Gerald, Year 13

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The Feast of the Assumption directs our focus towards Mary, recognising

that when her earthly life was over, she was destined to be with her Son for

eternity.

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■ AcademicNEWS

On HomeworkDiscussion about the research that reveals homework to be ineffective has become common, with some schools declaring it be discontinued.

This is fairly usual, where education is treated like a political football, and often a portion of the literature is read and, disregarding

years of experience, we are plunged wildly down an opposing path.

The literature attempts to quantify the benefit of all homework on a group. It suggests that if teachers send tasks home which are too difficult, the only outcome produced is a lowering of the student’s self-efficacy (his belief that he can complete a task – in student speak this translates into: I’m no good at English). In reality: sometimes parents are able to coach their children like a paid tutor. Educationally this is a huge gain, and the child’s self-efficacy soars. At other times the interaction around the homework turns to conflict. No one enjoys completing tasks they’re not good at. And students, who have low self-efficacy, tend to leap on the most innocuous of negative comments, testing the most loving of relationships.

Another valid criticism is the nature of the homework. Is it designed to help students complete relevant tasks or is it just the teacher responding to the pressure to give homework? Spelling is a classic example. The weekly test begins sensibly, asking students to learn vital words. It then branches out into

an exploration of blends and spelling rules and in the end your child is faced with having to memorise 10 words, such as hieroglyphic – an ideal word to know as it demonstrates both the i before e rule and uses the ph blend. Sensible adults would use a dictionary.

What we hope to achieve at Sacred Heart is a balance. If students complete, at home, tasks begun and clearly explained in the classroom, they should be able to do so without a major crisis. There should be enough information in their exercise books to refer back to if they are having difficulties.

The other vital homework requirement is reading. It doesn’t matter what students read: graphic novels, biographies, sports almanacs, novels, classics – as long as they are decoding text and comprehending it. Having your son tell you what happens over dinner or en route to a football game would be the icing on the cake. The reading success cycle is about reading mileage: the more a student reads, the more vocabulary he encounters. He sounds these words out initially, but comes to recognise the sight of them. This makes him read and understand more quickly and thoroughly. The more quickly he reads, the more enjoyable the story is to experience, encouraging him to read more.

Sadly the cycle works also in reverse.

So homework shouldn’t be a big chore. It should be able to be spread across the week. It really only becomes a problem when it is deferred and deferred. Small tasks pile up and become mammoth undertakings.

■ Mr Don Harland, Head of Department, English

Mr Don Harland in English class

Debating team win final

On the evening of Wednesday 4 September the Sacred Heart College Advanced Debating team of Richard Kelly, Connor Fitz-Gerald and Harry Pye won the final of the Auckland Advanced Debating Competition. They

had to affirm the moot that “the House supported a move to ensure that all party members should elect the leader of political parties in New Zealand rather than just MPs”. It was a tough topic, which both sides struggled with. Westlake Boys had a strong second speaker but the total package of our boys won through. Kudos for this whole-team approach should include a nod to Tom Klaassen, an able debater and valued team member, but not able to participate in the final.

The prize-giving was held on Wednesday 11 September at St Cuthbert’s College. Connor Fitz-Gerald received the winning trophy on behalf of the Advanced 1 Team. The Advanced Open No. 2 team, comprising Seoyoung Choi, Harrison Fookes and Ben Gatting, was spoken of very highly and asked to compete in the Premier grade next year.

Top 10 Speaker awards were then presented in the Advanced Open grade to:

• Harrison Fookes – Top Speaker

• Richard Kelly – 3rd place

• Ben Gatting – 5th place

• Seoyoung Choi – 10th place

■ Mr Don Harland, Teacher-in-Charge

Tom Klaassen, Connor Fitz-Gerald, Richard Kelly, Harry Pye

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■ AcademicNEWS

Career Education at Sacred HeartHow do I choose where and what to study after school or what to do if I want a trade or to work after my schooling?

Who am I? What are my interests? What skills do I have and what personal qualities do I possess? How much can I earn? What are the costs of tertiary education? What if I don’t like what I start out to

study? Where do I begin? What subjects should I study at school? Who can help me? What are the opportunities out there for me? Can I get work experience?

These are the most common questions our students both ask and think about.

At Sacred Heart College, we have Career Education from Year 7 through to Year 13. We have a full-time qualified Careers Adviser, Mrs Kate Harvey. Times have changed and the ‘world of work’ is changing rapidly; therefore, it is important to have our students be ‘multitaskers’, meaning they must be technologically savvy, excellent communicators, great team players, literate and numerate, and have the ability and skills to be flexible.

In fact, there are jobs which don’t even exist at the moment that we don’t even know about. Change is something that our students need to get used to. Gone are the days when you stay in one job for a long period of time. So, what are schools expected to teach in Careers and what tools and opportunities do we have for our students?

There are three ‘careers competencies’ the Ministry of Education want our students to establish – developing self-awareness, exploring opportunities and deciding and acting. These competencies don’t just lie under the umbrella of Careers - they can be integrated into the whole curriculum.

So what do we do here at Sacred Heart? Our students are fortunate enough to have DreamCatcher as a career management tool. It is their own career-planning portfolio that stays with them until they

leave school. The use of it is implemented from Year 9 onwards. They can set academic, personal and career goals, write CVs and input extracurricular activities including any work experience. Subject selection is carried out using this software and students can save actual information about jobs, including school subjects required, pay rates, conditions of work, job opportunities, what skills are needed, where to study and links to all tertiary providers in New Zealand. Scholarship information, GAP-year information and much more is possible using this programme. It is the student’s personal career pathway tool which they can update at any stage, anywhere. It is a web-based programme and available 24/7. Another great feature is the calendar, where all important careers events, open days, closing dates for applications etc. is housed. DreamCatcher also has a texting feature where students can be alerted about forthcoming events.

Another important event that occurs annually is our Careers Evening, held just before students choose subjects for the following year. We regularly have 35 to 38 providers attend the evening. Students from Year 10 onwards are invited with their families. We have had fantastic numbers over the years and as the school roll has increased so has our provider list. Look forward to more providers and employers being available next year.

Students also have other opportunities to attend STAR, or ‘‘try it for a day’ programmes, run by polytechnics, universities and private providers and, where appropriate, gain work experience with an employer over a period of time.

As the school’s Careers Adviser, most of my time is taken up by careers counselling where I am happy to see students one on one or with their family members. Contact me on kharvey@sacredheart.school.nz OR visit our Careers section on the school website; it also has great links to other career-related features.

■ Mrs Kate Harvey, Head of Department

Ofa Vave with Mrs Harvey

Lynn Sua from The University of Auckland talks with Guy Wisniewski

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Grade Rugby Champions

Sacred Heart Rugby has had another stellar year of achievement in the lower grades.

We supported 17 rugby teams from 2A through to the U13 restricted grade this year. Of those teams, 12 contested

semi-finals, 7 qualified for finals and 4 teams won their respective championships.

Congratulations to the 2A Red (Champions) and 2C (Shared Plate Championship) teams who won their grades and, in particular, to the 6B and U15A sides who went through their season unbeaten. This is a rare occurrence and gives an indication of the depth of talent here at the College.

Especially pleasing this year has been the continued strength at 2nd-grade level where we had two teams contesting the 2nd XV (2A) grade (placed 1st and 6th), 2B grade (finalists) and 2C grade (plate winners). Our 4th-grade teams did very well too, with our 4A team being finalists and our 4B team semi-finalists in the 4A Championship. In addition, our 6th-grade teams performed strongly – 6A (finalists) and 6B (Champions).

Sacred Heart Rugby continues to go from strength to strength. As a comparison to other 1A schools and the 22 finals contested we should also remember the number of our teams who contested A-grade finals – 2A, 4A, 6A and U15A grades.

These statistics clearly indicate that Sacred Heart is the most successful Rugby school in the Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby Union and this is testament to the hard work and dedication of all

members of our community – coaches (staff, parents and Old Boys), the supporters and of course the players themselves. Without all of your support our young Marist men would not enjoy the level of success they have achieved.

■ Mr Milton Ross, Master-in-Charge

■ CollegeSPORT

School Number of finalists

Championship wins

Sacred Heart 7 4

Auckland Grammar 6 2

De La Salle 4 1

Saint Kentigern 2 2

Onehunga 2 0

Otahuhu 2 2

Tangaroa 2 1

Mt Albert Grammar 1 0

Kelston 1 0

King’s 1 1

St Peter’s 1 1

Papatoetoe 0 0

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Achievement for Sacred Heart Football

The end of the Football season of 2013 saw two of our A-grade teams winning their leagues. Our champions were the 13A1 team coached by John Durkin and the 15A team coached by Chris Turner. To have won two of the three A

leagues is a huge achievement for Football at Sacred Heart. We also had several teams this year who lost out on winning their leagues by an agonising one point or on goal difference. These statistics confirm, yet again, our college to be one of the top schools in Auckland for Football. In the Knockout Cup competitions our 13A1 and 15A sides unluckily were both defeated at the semi-final stages by Westlake Boys High School.

During Tournament Week the 1st XI travelled to Taupo to compete in the Lotto Premier National Tournament. The 1st XI started with three excellent wins in their group stage, placing them top of their group. Unfortunately they lost 3-2 to St Peter’s (Cambridge) in their quarter-final. The tournament was still a great success for the 1st XI, being such a young side, and for them to come 7th out of the 32 teams who participated was a strong showing.

Our 13A1 team travelled down to Hamilton during the second week of the holidays to compete in the Russell Trophy. The games were held at Gower Park. It was the first time this competition had been provided for the 13th-grade level. The boys were superb in every game and coasted through the group stage, topping their section with three wins out of three. At the semi-final stage they met a powerful Auckland Grammar side who looked to out-muscle our 13A1 team. The boys showed real determination to keep playing their passing game and ended up dismantling Auckland Grammar, 4-0. In the final, they met a strong and very motivated Rangitoto College side. After going down to an early goal the boys came roaring back to win the

final 3-1. This 13A1 side shows that the future is bright for Football at Sacred Heart.

Mr Dale, Mr Penfold and Mr Lawrence would like to say a big thank-you and congratulations to all the teachers, coaches, players and parents for their hard work and support during the 2103 season.

■ Mr Scott Lawrence, Teacher-in-Charge

Sacred Heart Skiing

Sacred Heart’s Years 7 and 8 ski squads were once again well represented at the North Island Primary School Ski Championships

(NIPS) at Mt Ruapehu this year. During the first week of September a well-trained and very keen squad of nine skiers and a group of their parents headed to the slopes of Whakapapa. The squad enjoyed beautiful conditions for the first two days, enabling the Giant Slalom to be completed. Unfortunately, and is so often the case on this exposed mountain, a change in weather prevented the Dual Slalom being raced, with the event decided on the Giant Slalom results. Best Sacred Heart skier was Cody Bruce who placed 9th, followed by Conor Barr in 16th in a line-up of over 100 skiers. SHC Blue finished 9th team overall in the senior division of 40 teams. All skiers performed admirably and a great time was had by all. Thanks to parent manager Mrs Michelle Olsen for her effort and

organisation and also to teacher Mr Gus Leger, who accompanied the squad.

Later in the month our Years 9 to 13 skiers competed at the North Island Secondary School Ski Championships (NISSCS) at Turoa with two teams of five skiers and two teams of three freestyle competitors. It was a cold and windy time with the Giant Slalom (GS) held as scheduled on the Monday and the Dual delayed until the Wednesday when skiers had to contend with extremely icy conditions. Alan Nisbet was third fastest (Senior Men’s) in the GS, a fabulous achievement, with Sacred Heart’s overall placings of 12th and 36th from 132 competing schools.

Most significantly our senior freestyle skiing team was once again winner of the Leith Menzies Trophy with Jacob Smith 2nd and Matthew Kirk 3rd. This is a fantastic achievement from these very talented sportsmen. Also encouraging were the

results from the younger freestylers and, overall, the development and experience gained from competing at this event.

Congratulations to all and special thanks to parent managers Mr John Mulrennan and Ms Jane Rangiwahia for their commitment and organisation, and to teacher Mr David Gray who travelled with the squad. What has so impressed us all is the manner in which the boys looked after and supported each other on the mountain. Skiing at Sacred Heart continues to strengthen and is in excellent ‘heart’.

■ Mrs Susan Hurring, Teacher-in-Charge

Russell Trophy winners

William Gillingham (captain 15A) and Luke Clissold (captain 13A)

■ CollegeSPORT

Ryan Turney, Jacob Smith and Matthew Kirk

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■ CollegeSPORT

Successful season for Hockey

The 2013 1st XI was a team made up of some very talented and experienced players who combined to form one of the most successful Hockey teams that Sacred Heart has produced. The team qualified for the newly formed Super-

City competition made up of the best teams from around Auckland and North Harbour, meaning they would play against some of the toughest teams in the country. The team performed to a very high standard in all their matches, producing quality victories over Mt Albert Grammar, Maclean’s College and Avondale College in Round 1 but failed to convert some very promising starts against the more established Hockey schools, eventually preventing the side from making the top four. The team produced quality Hockey again in Round 2, to finish 5th in the competition. They can be very proud of this achievement, finishing above many strong Hockey teams. In September, the team travelled south to Timaru to compete at the Johnson Cup

tournament. Struggling against a range of weather and turf conditions, the team battled through pool play, eventually winning a place in the semi-final. This game, against Shirley Boys’, was a fantastic match, and the team eventually won through to the final after handling the pressure of a penalty shoot-out. Unfortunately, they were unable to reproduce the quality performance of the semi-final and went down 2-0 in the final. However, the 2nd placing is very significant as it gains the team promotion to the next tier tournament, India Shield, for 2014 - a fine outcome. The team can be very proud of their achievements in 2013 and of their performances, not only the skill of their game, but their sportsmanship

as well. The team was led brilliantly by Kieran O’Connor whose contribution to Sacred Heart Hockey, along with fellow Year 13s Jacob Corbett, Niall Morrison, George Eaddy, Sam Archer, Matt O’Connor and Liam O’Connor, has been immense. (Coach: Mr Jono Anderson; Manager: Mr Nico Vaunois)

The 2nd XI team enjoyed a successful season winning 8 games and 1 draw out of 12. They finished the season three points (one win) behind the 1st-placing team. We thank our Year 13 leavers, Joshua Carder, Ben Foote and Tim Major, for their contribution to hockey. (Coach: Mr Richard Casey; Manager: Mr Paul Keestra)

The U15 team played with heart and passion throughout the season and had become a team to be reckoned with by the end. Considering that the majority of the team members were new to Hockey, they showed real spirit against some tough opposition, learning to support each other as the season progressed. (Coach: Mr Richard Casey; Manager: Mr David Gray)

Mr Shoruban Pasupati was pleased with how much the Years 7 and 8 Hockey boys improved in 2013 relative to their performance in 2012, with a group of Year 8 boys showing, through their actions, what it is to be successful. Hockey is certainly becoming a popular option in Years 7 and 8!

■ Mrs Mary Graham, Teacher-in-Charge

Squash teams show emerging talent

Another year of Squash has concluded for Sacred Heart. This year we had teams competing in the Premier 2, Junior A and Junior B grades, as well as our top side competing in the Premier 1 division.

Our Premier 2 team, coached by Mr Devan Ganess, showed great improvement as the season progressed. Being at a young age, the team members finished the season competing in the plate section of their competition. There is some real talent developing from within this team and I am sure we will see some of these players in the top team in years to come.

The Junior A team, coached by Mr Pasupati, showed great spirit throughout the season. Our Junior B side (managed by Ms McWilliams) was made up of young novice players who showed real progress throughout the season.

Our Premier 1 team (managed by Mrs Anne McMillan and Mr Craig Moverley) finished the Auckland competition in 4th place and the Auckland Teams’ Tournament in 3rd place.

The highlight of the season was our Premier 1 team finishing in the top 10 at the National Teams’ Tournament in the Waikato in August, having started the tournament seeded 20th out of 32 schools from around the country. In a tournament where it is always difficult to finish in a higher placing than your seeding, finishing 10th was a great achievement for the team and a fantastic reward for the determination the boys showed on court to not be unsettled when up against players graded higher than themselves. After upsetting St John’s College Hastings (13th seed) in the first game, comments were made by those watching that our team was going to cause further upsets throughout the tournament, and they certainly did – well done boys!

■ Mr Craig Moverley, Teacher-in-Charge

First XI Hockey team

Michael Balle in action

Confortare October 2013 | 9

77th Walter Kirby CompetitionOn Saturday 17 August the 77th Walter Kirby Competition, held in the school hall, was a very special night of wonderful music at Sacred Heart.

With a record number in the supportive audience the students displayed their talents in solo vocal and

instrumental classes, with a photographic history of the College displayed behind them. Arts Prefect Thomas Klaassen and Music Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect Daniel Mahoney welcomed the parents and students to the evening and, along with Head Music Prefect Michael Anderson, introduced the performers for the evening.

Pianists enjoyed using the grand piano, whilst the silver cups being competed for were beautifully side-lit and on display throughout the competition. The Spillane Cup for the Year 12/13 Instrumental Solo was presented by Marty Spillane, the son of Mrs Di Spillane who donated the cup. She is a former

long-serving member of the Sacred Heart College Board.

The efficient adjudicating of Miss Mary Lin, HOD Music of Baradene College, assisted by our teacher of Music, Mrs Helen Hyndman, and the well-attended soundchecks held in the afternoon ensured that the night was an extremely smooth-running event. A hard-working parent group supplied the audience with refreshments, while the Young Vinnies cooked up a storm of sausages.

Sound and lighting technicians Jack Bryant, Kieran Liddington, Mathew McLean and Michael Kemp created and managed a very professional presentation.

Miss Lin presented the awards at the end of the evening as they were announced by HOD Music Ms Fiona Ferens.

Places awarded for the night are as follows:

Years 7–9 Solo – Hyndman Cup: 1st – Jono Baker

Years 7–9 Group – Glynn Cup: 1st – Young and Nameless (Jono Baker, Kurt Dickie)

Year 10/11 Vocal Solo – Ferens Cup: 1st – Daniel O’Donnell

Year 10/11 Instrumental Solo – Fisk Cup: 1st – Joseph Piper

Year 12/13 Vocal Solo – Ferens Cup: 1st – Jack Larsen

Year 12/13 Instrumental Solo: 1st – Matthew Oei

Years 9–13 Open Rock Chunn Cup: 1st – Arizona Radio (Brendan Ford, Harry Glynn, Matthew Kirk)

Years 10–13 Group PTA Trophy: 1st – Senior Band (Michael Anderson, Darren Contreras, Harrison Fookes, Ricardo Garelja, Aryan Lobie, Daniel Mahoney, Matthew Oei and William Petit)

Br Theophane Christian Composition: 1st – Jack Larsen

Sam Dunningham Recording Award: Michael Anderson

■ Ms Fiona Ferens, Head of Department

Creative talent honoured with Arts Ties

The Sacred Heart College Arts Ties Assembly was held on Tuesday 6 August. This year, by far the largest Arts Ties Assembly was held at the

school. Fifteen worthy recipients received

an Arts Tie for their involvement across the board in all areas of the Arts at Sacred Heart. These areas include Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Debating, Public Speaking, Media, Creative Writing and Cultural Groups.

The standard of applicants this year was very, very high.

The following students were awarded Arts Ties:

Seoyoung Choi, Harrison Fookes, Brendan Ford, Ricardo Garelja, Ben Gatting, Harry Glynn, Richard Kelly, Matthew Kirk, Thomas Klaassen, Ipu Laga’aia, Jack Larsen, Aryan Lobie, Matthew Murray, Francis Selui and Nicholas Williams.

The guest speaker this year was Old Boy and great jazzman of New Zealand, Mr Bernie ALLEN (’54). He spoke very movingly, telling the audience how Br Marcel had inspired his interest in music, particularly in jazz.

■ Ms Fiona Ferens, Head of Department

■ PerformingARTS

Jono Baker Jack Larsen

Arts Ties recipients with Ms Fiona Ferens and Mr Bernie Allen

10 | Confortare October 2013

■ DevelopmentFOUNDATION

Coming together – Opening of the AuditoriumBlessing of the Auditorium

As dawn broke on Friday 20 September, our kapa haka group welcomed the local iwi and extended whanau to the front of the new Auditorium. The ceremony commenced with the blowing of the conches and the

karanga (traditional call of welcome) by Whaea Jacqueline Carter ; this was followed by the karakia (prayer). Fr Tony Dunn led the procession and the congregation entered the Br Sean Hanaray Foyer accompanied by the sounds of the purerehua and koauau together with traditional chants. As the main Auditorium entrance was raised, the statue of Mother Mary, bathed in candlelight, welcomed us to this special place. Greenery was then placed at her feet, to acknowledge those who have passed on. Tribute on behalf of Ngati Whatua was shared by Mr Mike Steadman. Himene (hymns) followed, with a final prayer to conclude this beautiful ceremony.

Opening of Br Sean Hanaray Foyer and Auditorium

The whole college, invited guests and dignitaries Bishop Patrick DUNN (’67) DD and Sir Anand SATYANAND (’62) GNZM QSO officially opened the buildings later that day. Special guests were welcomed on to the grounds by a

haka powhiri consisting of challenge, karanga and haka performed by our kapa haka group. Bishop Patrick Dunn blessed the Foyer, which was named in honour of Br Sean Hanaray for his tireless devotion to Sacred Heart College. From the stage, the kapa haka group then led the assembled students in a school-wide haka, which is a tradition that honours an auspicious occasion.

During the speeches it was noted by Sir Anand Satyanand and Principal Jim Dale, that this was the first time for more than 30 years where the College has had a venue which has enabled all staff and students to come together. The significance of this occasion was not lost on the students and assembled guests. Each speaker touched on the importance of a Marist Champagnat education and the debt we owe to our forebears who gave the land and so generously gave of their money and time to build this great school. Sacred Heart is here today because of those with that forethought 60 years ago. It was also acknowledged that we owe a great deal to the Marist Brothers, both past and present. What they have given can never be measured.

Principal Jim Dale paid tribute to Mr Warren Long, Mr Paul Greaney and Mr Brendan Lawler for their tireless vision and energy in seeing this project to fruition. A man of great vision, Mr Dale challenged us to move forward to complete the total project, the ‘School of Imagination’ - the Information Technology Centre.

We thank Old Boy Bishop Patrick Dunn for the prayer he offered on our behalf - remembering our roots and thanking God for all that has gone before, all that is now and all that is to come. The programme included a photo montage to Mr Dave DOBBYN'S (’74) Welcome Home, the talents of our students from Junior school to Seniors with the pure voice of Riki Dobbs singing Panis Angelicus, to Francis Selui who so ably led the school in Pompallier’s hymn Mo Maria. The ensemble of songs played by our College Concert Band was greeted with rapturous applause from guests and students. It was a day to remember and rejoice in.

New Auditorium and Br Sean Hanaray Foyer

Principal Jim Dale, Br Terence Costello, Sir Anand Satyanand and Mr Warren Long

Swade Fenton and kapa haka group

Confortare October 2013 | 11

■ SHCCOMMUNITY

Star Gala Dinner a glamorous affairThe inaugural Star Gala Dinner was held in the new Auditorium on Saturday 10 August. It was a night of glamour, humour and fundraising – and an enormous success!

It was a fabulous evening for attendees to reconnect, indulge and enjoy being among the special Sacred Heart community. The raffles and auction generated humour as Mark Wright led the banter and bidding with our Year 13 Prefects dressed as raffle prizes, and

competitive bidding saw some distinctive auction items sell extremely well ‘under the hammer’. Special mention must be made of the Cheng family who bid and won the guitar - with penned lyrics from our Old Boys the Finn Brothers – and generously gifted this back to the College so that we may have this precious memorabilia for years to come.

Mr Mike CHUNN (’70) spoke eloquently of the reason for the Star Gala Dinner – to celebrate the new Auditorium and to raise money for the new Performing Arts and Information Technology Centre – the ‘School of Imagination’. He talked about how the ‘School of Imagination’ will offer an environment where feedback, guidance, mentoring and coaching are paramount. It will see not only individual applications in the various art faculties but they will be merged so that films, musical theatre, albums of recorded songs and the marketing and business of creative products will be understood and celebrated ‘in action’. The new Library and Research Centre will consolidate access to important research facilities for our boys. Building of this Stage 2 project is hoped to commence during 2014.

A total sum of $100,000 was generated from the Star Gala Dinner and this will go directly to the ‘School of Imagination’ project.

We would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support and spirit on the evening to make it such a glamorous affair. Special thanks go to all our prize donors, the Sacred Heart Prefects, Sweet Release, the Jazz Band, Jack Bryant, Matthew Murray, Matthew McLean and to Mike Chunn for his unending support and passion for Sacred Heart.

■ Mr Paul Greaney, Chair of the Development Foundation

Mrs Margaret and Mr Warren Long

Mrs Michelle Olsen, Mrs Penny Ashton, Mrs Eileen Robinson-Piper

Mr Wayne Schuler, Mrs Janene Draper, Mr Richard Turnbull

Mrs Frances and Mr Allan Witana

12 | Confortare October 2013

International Students provide feedback

Each year, we have a number of International Students leave the College, returning home to their own countries or transferring to other schools/institutions for their further education. When that occurs, the International Department conducts a leaver’s

interview with each student trying to ascertain what they have enjoyed about their time here and what areas we can improve to make the College a better place for these young men.

Very often International Students tell us how impressive Sacred Heart feels when they first arrive here. The sheer size of the campus, the beautiful environment and the outstanding facilities the school has compared to what they have in their own countries - mostly small campuses, multi-storeyed buildings and very small sports fields. Their comments always remind us how lucky and blessed we are to work and live in such beautiful surroundings.

We all know that International Students have huge challenges and big hurdles in front of them when coming to study in a new country that culturally is very different, leaving behind their families and friends, let alone the enormous pressure to achieve well at school and in their lives. The other highlight of their interview comments is that the International Students feel they have a lot of support from the teachers, staff and their homestay families. For those students living in the boarding Hostel, they have received huge help from the Brothers and staff in the Hostel. The support and care from the College make a considerable difference on how well these boys settle here and to achieving what is expected of them.

Spanish student Javier Garcia Munoz said in his interview: “I love the experiences of staying with a Kiwi family and the way that they look

after me. They are very kind, helping me with my language and taking me out during the weekends. I feel I have a home away from my home in Spain.” Thai student Sarawit wrote in his interview, “I really want to say thank you to Mr O’Donnell for looking after me. I had done something wrong sometimes, but he wouldn’t be angry at me and always gave me a chance to improve myself.”

A few students also expressed concern about the lack of awareness of their culture, which is a reflection that we need to continue to improve on the vital work of increasing the knowledge and understanding of other races and cultures within the College.

■ Mr Ting Xu, Director of International Students

❝

❞

I love the experiences of staying with a Kiwi family and the way

that they look after me. They are very kind, helping me with

my language and taking me out during the weekends. I feel I have a home away from my

home in Spain.

■ InternationalNEWS

09 309 6945

Contact us: 09 309 6945 • info@spacificnz.com • www.spacificnz.com

Graphic Design for Schools

Mrs Cheryl Wrigley, Antonio Ridao, Mr Ting Xu, Javier Garcia Munoz and Mrs Marie Whineray

Confortare October 2013 | 13

■ InPROFILE

Michael and Francis Hall

Michael Hall and his younger brother Francis both attended Sacred Heart College from Form 1 to Form 7 (Michael 1973–1979; Francis 1974–1980). Both gained University Bursaries in their Sixth

Form year with Michael awarded a University Scholarship and Francis a better Bursary result the following year. Both were school prefects in their final year.

Michael graduated from The University of Auckland with a BSc and was appointed to a managerial position at New Zealand Steel at Glenbrook. His skills were quickly evident and he gained recognition for his thorough attention to the demands of his role.

As he was travelling to Auckland at rush hour one evening his vehicle struck debris from a truck carrying an insecure load. He was fatally injured in the accident and his parents Maureen and Maurice HALL (’46) experienced the dreadful shock of a police visit with the tragic news. Quite coincidently Dr Richard POWER (’58) was travelling from down country to Sacred Heart that evening, saw the accident and attended to Michael with no knowledge of who he was. His comments when he arrived at Sacred Heart that night reached Maurice, who phoned him at his doctor's practice and thanked him for trying to help.

Monsignor Bernard Kiely, at this year’s Anzac Remembrance Mass, referred to the shock he and other Old Boy friends of Michael experienced when they heard of his death. The parents of every New Zealand serviceman and woman who lost their lives have had to face similar great personal grief.

Those who heard Monsignor Bernard’s Anzac reference to Michael are now able to see his comment not only as a reference to family loss, but also in a wider Sacred Heart context. They were ours and we loved them so.

Francis Hall graduated from the University of Otago MB ChB. He gained experience in general medicine in New Zealand and England before specialising in surgery, gaining his FRACS and furthering his skills in head and neck surgery overseas. He is now working at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, USA, living with his wife Miranda and their four children in Bloomfield, north of the city.

In 2010 Francis was in the New Zealand Triathlon team competing in his age group at the World Triathlon championships held in Hungary watched by his sister and Maurice. He still competes in triathlons, this year at the USA National Championships.

Any Old Boy visiting the States can contact Francis at the hospital and would be sure of a warm welcome.

Maureen and Maurice are justly proud of all their children and this article remembers:

Michael, a man of promise, and Francis, a man of achievement.

■ Mrs Margaret Graham

Michael Hall

Francis Hall

14 | Confortare October 2013

Sub-Lieutenant Athol O’ConnorAthol O'CONNOR (’35) was well remembered for his engaging character and his involvement and participation in a range of sporting aspects whilst at the College. He excelled academically as well, particularly in Chemistry and Maths. A proud Coolahan man, Athol was also in the 3rd-grade Rugby team in 1935 who was runner-up in the competition that year.

On leaving school, Athol was employed in the Engineering department of the Auckland Post Office. He was well known in sporting circles before the World War II, being a member of the Marist Rugby Club, the University Harriers and yachting and cruising clubs.

He left New Zealand in September 1940 with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and served on various ships including the Ark Royal and the King Alfred.

After gaining his commission he took part on a commando raid on the docks at Saint-Nazaire, France. The story of what actually happened was told in the obituary written after the death of Lord Newborough (Micky Wynn) who was Athol’s friend and commander and served with him on the same engagement. Their small torpedo boat was towed by the Campbell Town from Falmouth to Saint Nazaire, a voyage of over 400 miles. The bombs were laid and under intense fire Wynn was proceeding down the estuary of the Loire when he stopped to pick up survivors. He said, “the German shore batteries found their mark and two shells went straight through us.”

Wynn wrote to Athol’s family after the war saying he was in the water with Athol. It was intensely cold and after nine hours Athol said, “I’ll just say my prayers now and slip away”.

Sub-Lieutenant Athol O’Connor was 21 years old when he lost his life. He was the only son of John and Agnes O’Connor and his nephews Athol and Ken Owens both attended Sacred Heart.

We owe so much to the gallantry and bravery showed by so many. He is remembered on the New Zealand Naval Memorial at Devonport and here on the plaque at Sacred Heart.

Athol, you were one of ours and we salute you.

Confortare esto Vir

■ InMEMORIAM

Confortare October 2013 | 15

This year Sacred Heart is celebrating its 110th Anniversary.

Regional ReunionsWhangarei, 24 October, Vince Stead, OrganiserKaitaia, 25 October, Percy Erceg, Organiser Whakatane, 2 November, Peter O’Connor, OrganiserPukekohe, 9 November, Bob Kriletich, OrganiserRotorua, 29 November, Graeme Dennett, Organiser

News of Old BoysAdrian BENTLEY (’04) is the Isuzu Product Specialist for Holden NZ Ltd. Adrian is keen to come to his 10th Anniversary Dinner at the College.

Craig BETTELHEIM (’96) After many years as a personal trainer, Craig is now a Case Manager at WellNZ, which provides health, safety and injury prevention services to corporates.

Kevin BROOKES (’72) has sold his plumbing business in Whangamata and is enjoying the local sunshine. He still races his motorbike competitively, and has the bruises to prove it.

Antonio COZZOLINO (’04) graduated from The University of Auckland in 2010 with BA in Linguistics and Translation. This year he graduated with LLB from The University of Auckland. Antonio is currently doing his Masters in Law, again at The University of Auckland, though may transfer to finish at The University of Sydney. He was also admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand this year.

Ian CLARK (’63) Villa Maria’s Export and PR chief, he survives the perils of delivering wine to the Pacific Islands. “Well,” says Ian, “someone has to do it.” It can involve scorching sun, sunscreen dripping into your eyes, cutting coral sands, unreliable boats, cool clear oceans, palm trees and mosquitoes. We all feel sorry for you, Ian.

Chris FOOTE (’85) Father of Matt, 2013 Head Boy, and James FOOTE (’12), works for Kingston Partners, Quantity Surveyors, in Auckland – one of the current sponsors of our 1st XV. Also at Kingston’s is Grant JACKSON (’07) and Mike Casey who has two boys at Sacred Heart, in Years 9 and 10. Mike helps out with the 1st XV and U15 scrums.

Neil (Grim) GRIMSTONE (’79), ex Det Sen Sgt South Auckland Police says, “Regarding the TV series Harry, it is now a critically acclaimed and award-winning drama series.

We were recently awarded best script for a drama series’ episode two at the Script Writers Awards. The DVD of series one was due for release on 21 August, in time for Father’s Day. We are still working through details with regard to launching a second series and things are looking hopeful.”

Murray HANNAN (’68) has an accountancy business in Subiaco, Perth. He is a keen viewer of All Blacks vs Wallabies matches. We hope Murray is still supporting the ABs.

Francisco LARDIES (’07) At the start of this year he began a campaign to attempt to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the 470 sailing class, a two-person yacht. He travelled to Europe earlier in the year where he and his co-sailor had some very promising results and are now off to compete at the World Championships.

Brian LINEHAN (’55) ED MB ChB (Otago) Dip Obst (Auckland) FRCPA. Brian was born in Te Awamutu and raised on a dairy farm at Hairini. His University education was at Otago Medical School, Dunedin, with postgraduate medical education in Auckland, Sydney and Birmingham. He returned to the Waikato in 1971 and went into partnership with Medlab Hamilton, and also took up a consultancy position at Waikato Hospital as a Specialist Chemical Pathologist. Subsequently Brian became Managing Director of Medlab Hamilton and retired from pathology in 2004. In 1980 he was elected President of the New Zealand Society of Pathologists and for a number of years acted as an examiner in chemical pathology for the Royal Australian College of Pathologists. Brian is still a member of NZMA Ethics. He also served for 25 years in the New Zealand Territorial Services during which time he was Commanding Officer of Field Ambulance and Field Hospital. Currently he is Pro Chancellor of The University of Waikato and Chairman of its Finance Committee. He is a regular attendee at Sacred Heart’s Hamilton-based reunions.

Mark LONSDALE (’73) lives and works in Los Angeles where he runs a judo and security business.

Denis MCKAY (’59) has retired from the women’s coiffure business and has headed north to retire and play golf. Denis was an outstanding athlete and rugby player when at the College.

Alan McCRACKEN (’72) is retired from farming and lives in Whakatane. He has a bach in Whangamata, and is Kevin Brooke’s (see above) neighbour. Alan’s cousins, William McCRACKEN (’65) and Bernard McCRACKEN (’68), are living nearby, in

Edgecumbe. William is farming and Bernard sold his farm a few years back because of health reasons; he is on the way to better health after a long recovery period.

Andrew ROGERS (’90) has recently returned to New Zealand after living in Switzerland for 12 years, working for FIFA World Cup, Athletics World Champs and UEFA Champions League in commercial and legal roles. Andrew is now working as Commercial Director for the FIFA Under20 World Cup to be held here in New Zealand in 2015.

Marty YATES (’86) has been in San Francisco with Team NZ helping out with their IT systems.

At the prestigious live Helpmann Entertainment Awards in Australia, two Old Boys collected top awards for their performances. Neil FINN (’72) (with Paul Kelly) won the top award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert. Michael MORLEY (’59) (with Robyn Archer) won the top award for Best Cabaret Performance. Michael played the piano.

Vincent O’SULLIVAN (’55), DCNZM, distinguished author and poet, has been named as New Zealand’s next Poet Laureate. He has long been recognised as one of our country’s significant literary figures, through his extensive publications as a short-story writer, novelist, biographer, playwright and editor, as well as for his many volumes of poetry. Vincent has received Montana Awards for poetry as well as for fiction, the Prime Minister’s Award in 2005, and in 2000 was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He is also a pre-eminent Katherine Mansfield scholar, being co-editor of the five-volume edition of her Collected Letters, and the two volumes of her Complete Fiction, published last year by Edinburgh University Press. Andrew’s most recent collection of poetry, Us, Then, has just been released by Victoria University Press, which next year will publish both his Selected Poems and The Families, a new book of short stories. As the British critic Chris Millar recently wrote of Vincent’s work, “You can’t ask much more of a poet than wit, profundity and elegance, and they’re all here in spades.”

■ OldBOYS

News of Old Boys

ObituariesRoss Alfred BROADHEAD (’54) d. 17/10/09, suddenly, at his home in Palmerston North. After a few years in the Marist Brothers, he went to London where he met his wife. Ross studied law and in later life was a senior mediator in the Disputes Tribunal Family Court.

Patrick John Mortimer CANTER (’38) d. 21/4/13. MBE DSC RN, distinguished action awards WWII. Died in Reading, England.

Michael Joseph DAVIES (’58) d. 23/7/13. Born in Wellington, he joined the Redemptorist order in Ballarat, Australia. Michael left the priesthood and studied clinical psychology in the USA. He set up a practice in Norwalk, USA. Michael was Past President of the Connecticut Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology where he taught for many years.

Anthony (Tony) George KOSTANICH (’48) d. 6/6/2013. Junior Athletic Champion in 1944. He had several years away from College when he contracted TB. Tony started a legal firm in Henderson and then moved into the property business. He later farmed in Albany and Rawene. Tony owned several successful race horses. His funeral service was held at Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby. His brother, Milan KOSTANICH (’48), now heads the legal practice in Henderson.

Charles Sydney (Syd) MANSBRIDGE (’38) d. 5/9/13 in Whangarei. 6th Field Artillery WWII. He was a member of the champion 3A’s rugby team, and captain of the 5th-grade cricket team. Syd played cricket for Northland, and played club cricket well into his 50s. He also coached cricket and rugby at school and club level. Syd was invited to and attended the 60th Commemoration of the Monte Cassino battles in Italy. A Requiem Mass was held at St Francis Xavier, Whangarei.

Peter Douglas McKAY (’42) d. 28/6/13, peacefully, at North Haven Hospital in Whangaparaoa, aged 88 years. He was a Quantity Surveyor and joined the firm of James A Stewart & Son in 1946. Peter qualified as Professional Associate (PAQSI) in 1951 and in 1955 was admitted to partnership of the firm currently practising under the title of Wells, McKay, Kingston & Matheson. He held office on the Auckland Branch’s Board of the Institute for several years, being Auckland Branch Chairman in 1964. Peter served as Council member in 1965 and 1966 and as Vice President in 1971. He was President of the NZQSI. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Epsom.

John Hayward OAKLEY CBE (’41) d. 9/8/13, at Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt, Wellington. He played cricket for Wellington and was Past Chairman of New Cricket. John was a founding member of Oakley Moran law firm in Wellington.

Lawrence O’KEEFE (’48) d. 10/8/13. He was awarded the MBE for services to sport. Laurie was Senior Athletics champion, breaking the broad jump and hurdles records. He was a member of the champion 1st XV. On leaving school he returned to Palmerston North and played rugby for Manawatu. Laurie sustained an injury and took up refereeing. He settled in Eltham where he bought a milk run and had a business interest in an engineering company that invented the turnstile milking shed. He also owned and operated the local BP station. Laurie became a senior rugby referee in Taranaki, and controlled several Ranfurly Shield games. He went to the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico as the Athletics team manager and was also involved in other Olympic and Commonwealth games as an official. His funeral service was held at the Catholic Church in Eltham.

Ivan Mathew SILICH (’49) d. 17/7/13. A former Prefect, lived in Auckland where he worked most of his life for a pump maintenance company. Brother of Alan SILICH (’54), who is living in Rotorua.

Terrence James SHARKEY (’37) d. 17/08/13, in Avondale, aged 92 years. Served in the NZ Armed Forces and the Fleet Air Arm during WWII. He worked as a Court Registrar in Wellington and Auckland. Brother of the late Francis (’35) and Desmond (’39). A burial Mass was held for Terrence at St Joseph’s, Avondale.