Principal's Foreword

The campus has been bustling with contractors and workmen over the summer but, as many of the projects near completion,  the energetic presence of 540 boys indicates that we are getting down to the business of the new school year.

The new Year 7s and 9s have integrated very well and have been kept busy getting to know each other, and us, and coming to grips with all the opportunities McGlashan has to offer. The staff work determinedly to make this a safe place where boys can grow in confidence so that they can become young men who stand out in the community for their integrity and resilience.

Last Tuesday, the Year 13s hosted a barbeque lunch for the newbie Year 7s, followed by a game of touch rugby on the main field. Despite the variation in size, the two groups interacted confidently and naturally and had a fantastic time. This is the first opportunity the juniors have experienced the camaraderie that exists between year levels and in a few short years, these boys will take their turn at leading the school as mentors and role models. I firmly believe that the college provides a healthy atmosphere of genuine inclusiveness where boys are able to thrive and work collaboratively on their strengths and weaknesses.

When new families come to McGlashan, they often tell us how quickly they are made to feel part of the school community, and this is due to the approachability of the staff and the inclusive nature of our strong parent group. We have many things to be proud of at John McGlashan College, but one of our greatest strengths is our sense of family. We endeavour to make this real for every boy and every family.

Staff Changes for 2019

We are ten school days into the term and there is an air of common purpose throughout the college. Some may wonder if the drift from the north is a reality as a number of our new staff seem to confirm this phenomenon! A number of outstanding staff have joined the teaching team:

Clark Boswell, from Scots College, Wellington, has been appointed to the science and chemistry position replacing Nigel Pacey who resigned in December to take up a position with Fish and Game NZ. Clark is an experienced IB teacher and also a capable junior science teacher. He will start at McGlashan in Term 2.

David Beazley has arrived from Waimauku School near Auckland and has been appointed to a Year 7 teaching position working with Michele Rodger in the junior department. David will bring energy and vitality to the junior department.

Troy Shoebridge is covering Colin Gray’s Digital Technology classes while Colin is on refreshment leave for 2019. Troy’s recent teaching experience has been at Rotorua Boys’ High School.

Kathryn Temple, International Student Manager, resigned from her position also in December, to take up the full-time role of Events Manager at Larnach’s Castle.  Colleen O’Connor has been appointed as her replacement. Colleen brings a wealth of educational experience from several schools in Wellington.

Troy Jennings replaces Tiny Carruthers as Director of Sport. Troy has moved from Mount Maunganui and is a trained teacher who has previously held the position of Sports Co-ordinator in a large intermediate school.

Anita Veitch replaces Mary Guthrie in Learning Support and is also teaching Year 9 Integrated Studies and Food Technology in the junior school.

Penny Ferguson takes up a new position as Learning Support Manager for 15 hours a week.

Prior to the start of the school year, the college was confronted by the sudden unexpected deaths of two former students and this may have affected your son. The advice received by the college from the Ministry of Education is to maintain a ‘business as usual’ approach and to keep the established routines and expectations going. Our focus is on harnessing the energy of the new school year. Reverend Barry Kelk and Counsellor Daryl Shields have provided support for a number of boys. These two events are completely unrelated, and the circumstances and facts are unknown to the college. Out of respect, we have advised the boys to avoid any speculation and rumour.

The college’s pastoral care and learning support structures are well established and boys are aware of how to access confidential support or a chat – the door is always open.

The strength of our community is always reflected in the way we come together in times of adversity. Occasionally things go wrong, and we encourage the boys to seek assistance and support. 

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Kindest regards

Neil Garry
Principal