Fete 2017 - a tremendous success!

Huge congratulations are due to Sandy Guy, Fete Convenor, and her team of amazing parents. While the final totals are being calculated, it appears the 2017 proceeds have set a record high. This money will be fed back into projects at John McGlashan College through the Parents and Friends’ Committee, led by Chairperson Julie-Ann Ross, and all proceeds will benefit the students of the College.

There is something for everyone at the John McGlashan Fete and this means that people come from all over Dunedin, and beyond, to get a bargain, or nab a higher end item. The silent auction had beautiful artwork from Anna Reid, Central Otago wines, and a much-coveted jumbo Cadbury Caramilk block, to name only a few items. The baking was, as always, top-notch, and the candy floss enjoyed by many. There were some great bargains to be had at the White Elephant, books, and sports gear stalls. The hot food available hit the spot too - a favourite being the hot ham buns.

The stalls run by teachers and students are always popular, and Freddie the pony did a tremendous job ferrying smiling children up and down by the ELC. Strangely enough, the most popular activities seem to be the ones where people get to soak others with water. The water balloon throw warms them up for the main event - the dunk the clown. As always, we have some good sports on the staffing team who take part. This year, Mr Veitch, Mr Clark, Mr Knights, Ms Mullenger, and a few Year 13 students took turns in the hot seat.

Sandy’s team are spectacular, and include Jacinta Grey, Julie Ford, Marianne Hannagan, and Tracey Byars. The work the team does with sourcing donations, sorting items, coordinating communication and set up, is incredible and requires hours and hours of effort. The core team is hard at work early in the year to ensure the fete is successful. John McGlashan College is very thankful and appreciative of the work that has gone into this.

The PFA and the College would like to thank the sponsors, stall convenors and volunteers, the businesses and individuals who donated items to the silent auction, the chocolate wheel, the raffle and the food items for the cafe and stalls. Of course, thanks is also due to the staff and the boys, especially the boarders who spend hours cleaning up once everyone has gone home.

The money from the Fete is used each year to support one large College project. The money from the 2017 fete will be used to support lighting for the sports grounds. The money is also used to support three funding rounds a year, where staff, students, and sports teams can apply for funding to support projects. This year, the Parents and Friends Committee has helped to fund Year 10 Arts Weeks, compasses and a satellite phone for Outdoor Education, costumes and support with travel for Drama, Edison Robots for Digital Technology, support with Maadi Cup, and many more projects and experiences that benefit our students.