An enthusiastic Year 9 class cooked Pancakes with the Rev in the Chapel to celebrate Shrove Tuesday - the day before Ash Wednesday - where Christians typically have one last treat before their 40 day sacrifice.  

On Wednesday 2 March, marked the beginning of the season of “Lent” (lengthening of days) known as Ash Wednesday. A traditional season over 1600 years old, in which Christians all around the world will be beginning their preparations for Easter celebrations in 40 days (not including Sundays) time.

Matthew Chanwai (Year 12) has won two prizes in the recent London Young Musician (LYM) Competition. LYM is an international online classical music performance competition for musicians under the age of 28 from all countries. For his performance on the cello, Matthew was awarded the gold prize in the young artist in age 15 and under category. Matthew also won the silver prize in the 20th - 21st century music performance category.

Not only that, he has been selected as a cellist in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO) for 2022. This is the fourth year he has successfully auditioned for this orchestra.

Matthew has also been named as a recipient of the Adastra Foundation Scholarship. This Scholarship provides support for extraordinary performing artists and young athletes, from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, who are striving for success on the national and international stage.

On top of this success, Matthew has also recently been awarded his Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) Performance Diploma in Cello, equivalent to the final year recital of a Bachelor's degree in music at a university. 

Congratulations on your stunning awards, Matthew!