Pride in Belonging

6th July 2022

Dear Old Boys

As we pass the mid-Winter point, the Wairarapa is basking in brilliant sunshine and experiencing good crisp frosty mornings. Life is as it should be!

Queen's Birthday Weekend Decade Reunions

This year's Decade Reunion Weekend was arguably the best one yet and the Year Group Facilitators are to be congratulated for their efforts that encouraged record numbers of Old Boys to return to the College. We now are working more closely with the St. Matthew's Old Girls, and they certainly added greatly to the weekend which focussed on the leavers from 1972, 1992, 2002, and 2012.

We now look ahead to next year when the cohorts who left in 1973, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1993, 2003, and 2013 will be the focus of the weekend. We already have facilitators for 1981 and 1982 (both postponed until next year because of covid) but I would be really pleased to hear from others who would like the role of facilitator for the remaining Year Groups. It can be a shared role and many hands make light work.

In the meantime, start planning ahead and begin nudging your mates to come along - Friday 2^nd June and Saturday 3^rd June 2023.

Ruamahanga Restoration Trust Planting at Rathkeale

The group of Old Boys who left school in 1978 and who founded the RRT shared a vision of a greener, healthier Ruamahanga Valley. Since then, Campbell McLean, Michael Birch and Chris Morrison have committed themselves to supporting school and community groups across the Wairarapa with environmental restoration projects and educational activities.

Their most recent activity three weeks ago was restoration planting around the Colleges retired settling ponds. A number of keen Old Boys travelled from Auckland, Waikanae, Wellington and the Wairarapa to ensure that hundreds and hundreds of sedges, grasses, and flaxes were put in the ground. Pleasingly, current students completed the final stage of the planting. Well done everyone involved, your efforts will make a huge environmental difference in the near future.

Marcus Daniell Returns to School

It was a special School Assembly this week that welcomed International Tennis player, Olympic Medalist and Rathkeale Old Boy Marcus Daniell back to the College. In an interesting question and answer session Marcus shared his philosophy and life experiences with a captivated audience.

Bereavements

Timothy (Tim) Lloyd Jones

It is with sadness that we record the passing of Tim Jones (1974 - 78) after a battle with cancer. Tim who was a School Prefect in Repton and the recipient of Rugby Colours was living in Tauranga. The Association has extended its sympathy to Tim's family.

Viva Camerata and Big Sing

Many Old Boys remember School Singing, House Music and Choir singing as highlights of their school years. They may also recall the real commitment and effort that has gone into the preparation for the annual Big Sing National Competition. This year the premier choir, Viva Camerata have made it through to the Finale in Christchurch from 25^th - 27^th August. From over 250 choirs, only the top 24 are selected so this is a special honour. One of their pieces was composed by recent Old Boy Daniell Hill. We wish Mrs. van Deventer and her team all the very best for the challenge ahead.

With all good wishes

Grant Harper
President