Benoni Sandilands

I had the opportunity to meet a number of our old boys, particularly from the 1962 and 1966 First XVs, which was a real honour for me.

I had the incredible good fortune to meet Benoni Sandilands, a Whanganui Collegiate old boy. Benoni is 96 years old and was captain of the 1945 and 1946 Collegiate First XV. He had his rugby cap on and his school tie and was wearing both as proudly as he did in the mid-40s. He couldn't make the second game on Wednesday as he had a stock sale to attend back in Fielding. I marvelled at his zest for life, his full and incredibly rewarding life and, most of all, his love of life.

I had an old basketball coach who said at the end of every time-out, "Squeeze the juice, boys." What he meant was that no matter what happens, make the most of every opportunity and interaction, both good and bad. Squeeze it for all it’s worth. I was head boy at my school and I made a really bad error of judgement while playing sport on a Saturday. In the heat of competition, I said a couple of things that not only let myself down, but also my whānau and school. I apologised after the game and realised that I would have to tell our Rector, Mr Simpson, on Monday morning, which was something I was dreading. I had so much love and respect for Mr Simpson that the thought of letting him down meant that I didn't sleep at all on Saturday night. I was head boy. I was his head boy. (He was the reason my brother and I went to university). I rang Mr Drake, my basketball coach, as he always had great advice. He said, "Mate, you are going to have to squeeze the juice. Don't be afraid to lean into it. Sir loves you and he knows you. He will be disappointed and there will be consequences, but tell Sir tthat whatever happens after that will be a learning experience for you. Best to hear it first hand from you than second hand from others. Don't ever forget that success builds confidence and failure builds wisdom." I thanked him and fronted up to Mr Simpson first thing on Monday morning. He was disappointed in me and stood me down for two days as well as having to miss the next two cricket fixtures. My mum said I had to volunteer at our local retirement home for one night a week for the rest of the year. Great lessons for me.

As I watched Benoni Sandilands mix and mingle and squeeze the juice from every conversation at Quad, it reminded me about how precious and valuable each day is, of the lessons we learn, and that growth happens regardless of age or circumstance. Always, always, we have chances to learn and grow.

Lost in Wellington. Shakedown Aotearoa.
"Are you sure it’s on tonight?" I said to Claire my EA, on the phone. I was going to see our students perform at Shakedown Aotearoa, a collaboration of voices shaking up Shakespeare. Inspired by the themes of Twelfth Night, rangatahi from Wellington College, St Oran’s, Wellington Girls’ College and St Mary's College performed together to create a new work exploring mental health, gender, relationships and shipwrecks. ‘I am not what I am.’

"Yes it’s absolutely on tonight," Claire assured me. I replied, "I'm standing outside the theatre and there are no lights on. I've knocked on the door and no-one is there. I think you've got this one wrong!" (Just to be clear, Claire never gets anything wrong - it’s usually me who has got it wrong). After a long pause she said, "What does it say on the sign?" I looked up. "It says Hannah Playhouse." Claire said very patiently and calmly, "What does it say on your ticket?" I said, "Oh...Bats Theatre." She said, "Walk across the road and you will see it. Google Maps is also good."

Sorry Claire!

What a performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I thank our brilliant drama teachers Jessie Cooper and Emma Young for their hard work, commitment and passion. I'm sorry, Jess, that I didn't recognise you with your mask on as I flustered through the doorway looking for a seat. You were very patient and kind. Thank you. The students from all four schools were exceptional. Great themes to explore and I was very proud of our students. It’s a brave thing to perform and I admired their total commitment to the parts that they were playing. It's extraordinary what our rangatahi are capable of. I think that every student should take Drama, either in front of the curtain or playing a role behind it. What a fabulous experience. Thank you all for representing us so well.

Last week of term
It’s the last week of term next week. Let’s end it brilliantly. I know people are tired, but I'm asking us all to be mindful of that tiredness, to look for the good in every interaction and to support each other. We have had the first full term at school for a number of months. It’s been a great term so let’s make the most of our last week and squeeze the juice!

Mr Denham
Headmaster