Principal's Foreword

As we move past the shortest day, I see from my office window that Flagstaff has its first skiff of snow. Like the boys, the staff are very disappointed that we have not yet had a Snow Day but we are holding out hope.

 At a recent assembly, we acknowledged a large number of students for their contributions and achievements in the arts. Of particular note, is Year 13 student Ben Porter, who has been selected to take part in the National Shakespeare Schools Production. Ben is one of 24 students chosen from a field of 5,500 pupils nationwide. This is a considerable achievement for Ben and a great honour for John McGlashan College. Along with Stewart Ashton and Ezekiel Nielsen, Ben travelled to Wellington at Queen’s Birthday Weekend to compete in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Competition at the Michael Fowler Centre. The boys performed exceptionally well coming away with two major awards. Once again, a significant accolade, and a fantastic experience for the boys. I would like to personally acknowledge Kimberley Fridd, our dedicated drama teacher, for her expertise in drawing out the best in creativity and self-expression from each and every one of our students. The achievement of the college nationally is testament to her teaching and her passion for the arts.

In another highlight for the year, the college enjoyed a vibrant celebration of events for International Languages Week. Congratulations and thanks to Frau Noble, Colleen O'Connor, Annie Lucas, Richard Mountain, Nick Price and their team of hard-working staff, senior students, and parents who contributed to this fabulous multicultural festival of food, fun and flags. This event reinforces our awareness of the many cultures represented here at the school.

The sense of community at McGlashan runs deep with outstanding parental support visible on many fronts. The recent parent function at Vault 21 was particularly well attended and tickets for our annual Sports Dinner on July 4, (the final Thursday of the term) were sold out within 48 hours. I want to thank the parent-led Sports Council and their team of supporters for their hard work and generous donations of prizes for the auction. All funds will be injected back into coaching which directly benefits the boys. 

Undoubtedly, reading is a contributing factor to success in the classroom.  Our Sustained Silent Reading programme runs daily for every student, and parents can further support this programme by encouraging and modelling good reading habits at home. If there is no homework, then boys should be reading instead and should always have a book on the go.  Our library is extremely well resourced with books suitable for every boy and help readily available. Term reports from classroom teachers will update you on your son's reading habits. 

"At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better. It’s an enormous force for good." Barack Obama

I hope you all enjoy the upcoming mid-winter break and are able to refill your tanks ready to get down to business in Term 3.

Kindest regards,
Neil Garry.