Angus Burns - The Last Word of the Year

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Fellas, it’s a real privilege to have the last, last word of the year with you - and what a year it’s been!

You’ve heard me say in various last words throughout the year things like; how fortunate we all are being part of this amazing college, and be the best you can be, whether that’s in the classroom, or on the stage or perhaps on the sports field. 

I’ve also mentioned the importance for being a Johnnie's man - being respectful and kind to everyone – and all those things are still just as important today.

But for my last, last word this morning, what I really want to talk about is encouraging you to find an opportunity to give a last word speech.

You know, at the beginning of this year when I first learned I had to give a few “last words,” I was nervous! Standing up here, in front of the whole school — your mates, your teachers — it’s pretty intimidating. But I took it, not because I had to, but because opportunities like this don’t come around often.

And now, standing here, I’m really glad I did. Because what this moment really is — it’s a chance to have your say. To maybe make someone think, laugh, or even just feel a little bit inspired before the bell rings and life moves on.

To you Year 11s and 12s — your turn’s coming. And I want to say: take it.

Put your hand up. Give it a go. It’s not about being perfect or giving some deep, life-changing speech. It’s about being brave enough to share your voice — because that’s what makes this place stronger.

So, if you are ever asked to give the last word, don’t back out. Stand tall, lean into the mic, and make it count. You never know who might need to hear what you have to say. Supporting and encouraging each other is so important. 

This year, we year 13s have collectively worked hard to encourage and promote connection and unity across year groups and between our two campuses, Dunedin and Te Anau. 

To recognise this the year 13 gift to the school is a patu carved by Ben Whitaker, a Southland Māori carver who is now living and carving in the Waikato region 

The style of patu we chose is a 'Wahaika' design. Incorporated into the design are two manaia, connected through their mouths, representing the two JMC campuses of Dunedin and Te Anau. The joining of the mouths represents the importance of communication and the sharing of stories and narratives.

 

We selected Pūriri as the wood for the patu. This is a NZ native hardwood and is a traditional wood used for short-handed weapons. 

 

On the rekereke (which is the heel or end) of the patu is the raperape pattern which acknowledges duality, an important philosophy of the Māori worldview. This is recognized in relationships such as Ranginui and Papatūānuku, war and peace, day and night, life and death, tapu and noa. 

 

For the base the carver has chosen a piece of live-edge Tōtara from western Southland and represents the ruggedness of the Southern Alps.

 

This wood was specifically selected from the South Island, and it has a special connection of whakapapa to the region. Tōtara is a rākau rangatira and this lifts the mana of the piece and facilitates that connection to the Te Anau campus.

 

The patu has been named ‘He Manu Tāpua’.  This name is a term for a male sentry bird and describes the attributes of a leader and a protector, attentive to the surroundings.

 

We hope this patu symbolises strength through connection for generations of John McGlashan boys to come.

 

Boys, thank you for being a part of my journey.

 

All the best.