Our inaugural Graham Robinson Scholarship winners, from left:  Mrs Meaghan Cooley, Mr Simon Devitt, Mr Patrick McFetridge, and Mrs Sue Shephard.  Absent:  Mrs Leanne Cumming. by Wendy Moffitt

Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of the Graham Robinson Memorial Scholarship

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The Graham Robinson Memorial Scholarship Programme has been made possible by a generous donation from members of the wider school community. In accordance with the donor's wishes, the scholarship programme recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at HBHS by our teaching staff.

This new initiative was announced at the end of last year, and the first winners were congratulated at the end-of-year staff function.  Up to five scholarships, worth $2000 each, will be awarded per year, and recipients will be celebrated on the last day of the school year.  The scholarships are intended to fund continued professional development, including (but not limited to), conference attendance, tuition fees, visits to other schools and institutions, and sabbatical costs.  The Scholarship selection committee will consist of the Executive and will be chaired by our Headmaster, Mrs Hassall.  Once the recipients have completed their chosen professional development, they will provide a brief written report on how the scholarship has benefitted their continued development as an educator, which will then be shared with the donors.

2021 winners:

Mr Simon Devitt, for his enduring leadership of the Technology Faculty, his adaptability and resourcefulness (in 2021 Mr Devitt was the TCR of Tech Metal), his mentoring of staff at all career stages, and his dedicated contribution to the Senior Management Team over many years.  This was his reaction to hearing his name...

"During our final staff farewells, I was preoccupied with doing a farewell speech for Michael Erceg, a long-serving faculty member. At the conclusion of all the farewells and as the scholarships were awarded, I was dumbfounded. I was the first name called out for the Graham Robinson Scholarship and it was truly unexpected. We had discussed the scholarships at one of our previous Senior Management meetings with the various criteria discussed and clarified. At no stage during these discussions did I consider myself in contention for this scholarship and I was truly humbled. I like to help staff with IT problems and helping to find new strategies for streamlining processes. This often means I get quite involved in all manner of things which I find often technically challenging, yet very rewarding. I like to share these experiences with my classes of using communication and problem-solving skills to help make positive changes. I am weighing up using the scholarship to help with visiting other schools to see how their IT infrastructure and technology use is employed, as I have taken on a new role of IT Manager here at HBHS. Potential online courses in programming, design or website development are also areas where the scholarship may be of great help in providing time and/or registration fees. I would like to thank the Scholarship Committee, the donors and the school for this acknowledgement." 

Mr Patrick McFetridge, for his committed leadership of the Year 11 Science curriculum and thoughtful engagement with NCEA changes.  On receiving the award, Mr McFetridge said the following...

"It definitely came as a surprise to receive a Graham Robinson Memorial Scholarship for which I am very grateful. Graham was a special person who was completely dedicated to the school. It is great to see part of his legacy continuing with this memorial scholarship. I am looking forward to using the funds to upskill/prepare for the transitional changes in Science at NCEA Level 1. My plan is that we can produce an engaging and meaningful course that prepares students for future success, in and out of school."

Mrs Sue Shephard, for her commitment to professional learning, her curriculum leadership in Geography, and for consistent student success in the New Zealand Scholarship Geography examination.  This was Mrs Shephard's reaction to receiving this award...   

"I was surprised and delighted to receive this scholarship award, especially as it has been presented in Graham Robinson's name. I have a great deal of respect for Graham and all he stood for and achieved here at Hamilton Boys' High School. I hope to use this opportunity to continue to develop my teaching practice delivering the subject I love; Geography." 

Mrs Meaghan Cooley and Mrs Leanne Cumming, for pedagogical innovation and their design and delivery of a responsive curriculum for the 2021 Year 9 Silver class.  When we asked Mrs Cooley how she felt about receiving this award, this is what she said...

"I felt a sense of both surprise and elation to be receiving this scholarship award alongside Leanne Cumming in its first year. This recognition of what Leanne and I are achieving with the Integrated Learning class was especially important to me as we navigate what is a relatively new programme within the school. I have only been teaching at HBHS for five years, so I was very touched to receive this award."