Sunday 13th February 2022

Welcome to the 2022 academic year. Once again, we extend a very special welcome to all boys and parents who are new to John McGlashan College.


The boys have settled in very well and, predictably, have found the first seven days of school challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I want to commend them for their obvious energy and willingness to get stuck into their school work and for meeting or exceeding our expectations.

If you have any concerns or comments, I urge new parents to contact us through your son's form teacher. Our highest priority is to get the boys off to a good start, but we are mindful that it can take some time to adapt to the rhythm of a new school environment. The boys are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour and engage with our sporting and cultural activities in a balanced way. We are here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. 

The College also welcomes six new staff members. We look forward to their contribution throughout the year.

As I write this, the Ministry of Health has identified the first cases of COVID in the South. I want to assure you that John McGlashan College has thorough processes in place to mitigate the challenges that COVID brings. Whatever happens, teaching and learning will remain the key focus of our staff. Over the last two years, the job description of teachers has been stretched to the maximum as we have developed stronger distance learning capabilities. We may need to return to some degree of distance learning but you will be kept fully informed of any changes to the current plan.

We encourage our young men to have dreams and ambitions. If they are equipped with grit, resilience and the determination to succeed, they will be able to overcome the inevitable knockbacks along the way. Each moment of challenge should be seen as an opportunity for growth. We continue to promote teamwork, an understanding of individual differences, service to others and a strong work ethic.  

Congratulations to Head Boy Jack Timu and Deputies Jack Hazlett, Sheon Luxmanan and Archie McRae. I am sure these young men will lead and inspire the student body with mana and inclusiveness. 

In the next newsletter, we will congratulate our top scholars from 2021.

We look forward to working with you throughout 2022. 

Kindest regards

Neil Garry

Principal