This week’s newsletter is dedicated to the memory of David Evenden.

David was a teacher here from 1969 – 1972 and from 1977 – 2007. 34 years of service to our school! During that time he was Head of the English department for a long period of time and also Head of various boarding houses. He also had a passion for debating and was the teacher in charge of debating for 30 years. In an era of outstanding teachers (many of whom served in excess of 20 years) he was one of the very best. Our condolences go out to his family. RIP Mr Evenden.

It has been satisfying to see the effort that most boys are putting into their ‘benchmark’ exams which are currently taking place. Feedback from staff is that there has been an increased level of application which is pleasing and bodes well for success in the external exams which begin on November 7th.

Many thanks on behalf of the school to the small group of parents and boys who took part in the working bee on Sunday in and around the creek and the front gardens. They did an amazing job in cleaning up this area, planting some flaxes and we can now see water flowing from the pond into and along the creek to the south-east. It is still our goal to have water flowing through the entire creek before the end of this year.

Congratulations to Talaga o Waitaki on another amazing performance at the annual Otago Polyfest in Dunedin last Thursday. You continue to set the benchmark for our performance groups and it is no surprise given all the hard work that is put into your preparation for this event. Once again, thanks to Katrina Miller for your leadership and also Daniel Childerley for his support. Also to the ‘Big’ Choir who wowed some of the Primary schools around Oamaru and also the residents at the Observatory Village last Friday. Thanks to Mr Hinds and Ms Clark for providing this opportunity and supporting the boys. It was great to get this event back on our school calendar.

Speaking of Daniel, I am excited to announce that he has been appointed Head of Technology beginning in 2023. We very much look forward to what Daniel has already shown he can bring to the role and at the same time thank John Robinson for stepping in as the acting HOD for the past two years in trying circumstances. Much appreciated John.

In conclusion, on a personal note, I would like to pass on a heartfelt thanks to the current Board of Trustees whose term comes to an end next week. The Board has comprised of Andrea Ludemann (chairperson), Cornel van Basten, Mat O’Sullivan, Ethan Reille (student rep), Katrina Miller (staff rep), Silou Temoana and Greg Wilson. You came into a situation where the school had not had a Board for over four years and there was much work to be done. You have dealt with a number of very challenging situations during the past three years always with integrity and the school’s best interests at heart. A legacy of your time will be the rebranding of the school’s vision to be ‘inspiring young men of outstanding character’ and you have role modelled that inspiration. In particular, thanks Andrea for the enormous amount of time you have given ‘above and beyond’ what would be the normal expectation. We wish you all the very best for the future.

We are very much looking forward to working with the newly elected Board in continuing the overall progress of our school. Congratulations to Ben O’Sullivan (Year 12) who has this week been elected as the student representative on the new Board.

Wishing everyone a relaxing long weekend and thanks for your continuing support of our school.

He waka eke noa

Floreat Waitakia

Darryl Paterson