Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire

In every area of co-curricula activity, we achieved more than others thought we could. I sat on stage and marvelled at our boys’ achievements and the breadth of their talents. From playing with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to winning regional and national sporting, musical, chess and debating titles, to excelling in cultural performance and drama. What a year it has been.

In my speech, I was effusive in my praise of our boys and the commitment from staff, parents, coaches, conductors, mentors, tutors, old boys and our community. You all come together to give our boys a platform upon which to perform and excel. You have coached them, mentored them, fed them, nurtured them, and given them a ‘hurry up’ when needed. You’ve commiserated with them and celebrated with them. They know you love, support and care for them, and that you’ve given them lots of your own time. They may not tell you this as often as they should, but the boys and I are truly thankful.

Sons for the return home
On the last day of term, we also celebrated the return of our Firth House Boys. Approximately 80+ old boys that boarded at Firth House, plus a number of staff, came home to us to celebrate their friendship, brotherhood and visit their college. Some have not been back since they left. Most notably among the staff was Mike O'Connor, a boarding house-master at Firth, who went on to become a celebrated Headmaster at Palmerston North Boys’.

With ages ranging from those in their late 50s to the oldest at 95, the Firth House Boys spent a day with us in school and attended a terrific dinner that night in the AGC. I was incredibly humbled, honoured and proud to host them. Our MC was old boy and cricket icon Bryan Waddle, and the night was filled with laughter and stories that made me wish I’d been a boarder at Firth House.

The love and camaraderie that they had for each other was joyful. I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Don Adams, a 1948 Firth old boy. Sharp as a tack, with a tremendous sense of humour, Don presided over the ‘lighting of the lamp and passing it on’ to Harry Zangouropoulos, our current head boy, which was a highlight of the night. I have to say that some of the antics that the boys got up to back then were ingenious and incredibly funny, but would have tested me and any headmaster or principal of today’s era. I wish that Firth House were still going today at WC. The opportunity for old boys living elsewhere to send their sons to WC would be invaluable. To have a place where we can bring our international students and those boys that need respite, for a variety of reasons, would be an incredible asset. Firth boys, although only making up 10% of the school population, usually provided half of the 1st XV and cricket 1st Xl, as well as large numbers of school prefects.

42 years on, after the closure of the boarding facility in 1981, Firth House old boys remain a treasure, a taonga, and a touchstone for WC. It reminded me of the breadth of the community that I serve. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so welcome and, if only for one night, an honorary Firth House boy. Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.

Examinations
The holiday break is upon us. To those boys entering into examinations next term, make sure you spend time studying each day and revising. Set time aside. Nothing great comes from anything that is easy. Being great is not about ego or selfishness, but the ability to believe in yourself. It is born of consistency. Plan your days, boys. Plan when you will study and stick to your schedule. Plan and make time for recreation and for yourself. That’s the consistency. I have huge confidence in each and everyone of you. We are all with you and cheering you on.

Receive the light and pass it on

Glen Denham
Headmaster