HEADMASTER’ S COMMENT
It has struck me that the Chapel Close development is a metaphor for the traditions and heritage of King’ s and also offers us some important lessons for the further development of the College and also for our work, even our lives generally.
After a couple of years that were quite traumatic for the College and our community, I am pleased to report that 2012, whilst not without its challenges, has been far steadier and one of consolidation. This does not mean we have pulled back from development or initiative. Indeed, we have seen a great deal happening with some exciting initiatives, as well as much work in planning for the future.
In the pastoral area, we have seen the continuation and further development of a number of programmes implemented as part of our critical incident response following the tragedies of 2010 and 2011. Amongst a range of strategies, are the following:
• The development and adoption of a new Alcohol and Drug Policy, which brings together best principles and practice and provides a framework for our activities in this area.
• The continuation of our programme of speakers for parents and staff on a range of adolescent matters.
• The appointment of Grant McKibbin as our inaugural Head of Positive Education, to oversee the development of a whole-school approach to teaching students the skills associated with positive psychology, resilience and wellbeing.
We have also reviewed our House structure, as the variation in numbers of students within different Houses, from 50 to close to 130, has been of concern for some years. A re-structure within our boy Houses has resulted, with Averill House converting from boarding to day over the next two years.
I would emphasise that the change in overall boarding and day numbers will be small, with a slight reduction for the former and an increase in the latter. However the Houses will become
Headmaster, Bradley fenner
A Year of Consolidation
The following is an abridged version of the Headmaster’ s Prizegiving report for 2012. much closer together in size, providing improved pastoral care, competition and opportunities for participation.
From a heritage perspective, we acknowledged two distinguished Old Collegians with the naming of the main administration building as The Abbott Building, and the Boardroom in the Memorial Building as The Richwhite Room. These two Old Collegians recognised here, Richard ABBOTT and Lloyd RICHWHITE, have both made a profound contribution to King’ s College.
“.. the Chapel Close development is a metaphor for the traditions and heritage of King’ s”
Abbott, a foundation student of King’ s College, became a distinguished architect, worked with the Headmaster Mr Major, to produce a plan for the overall site development for the move here in 1922 and designed the Abbott Building, the Memorial Chapel and the Memorial Building. I think all would agree that these buildings provide a sense of harmony and a visual image that defines King’ s College.
We opened the Chapel Close at the beginning of the year and had the rare honour of having both the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, and the Prime Minister, Mr John Key, in attendance. This was a wonderful way to start the year with an exciting, landmark event in the school’ s history.
When RA Abbott’ s son,‘ Bunny’ Abbott, unveiled the plaque naming the Abbott Building, he commented to me that his father would have been pleased and proud of the way the Chapel Close complemented his original buildings.
First, it has built on what has gone before, just as each previous development at the College has done. This applies in an architectural sense, but also in our priorities and values.
Secondly it honours our heritage as a Church school, including our commitment to education about spiritual and religious matters. In a more secular world, it becomes increasingly important for our students to have an understanding of the centrality of the faith story, whatever form that might take, in human history
Thirdly, this project demonstrates the real value of our independence by establishing our own priorities and pathway for the future. This Close is unique amongst schools worldwide; something, which should be a matter of pride for us.
Finally, it expresses our commitment to excellence and to be the best in whatever we do. It also sets a benchmark for future developments, and gives us confidence that the right project will attract the levels of support required from our community.
So here are the lessons that we can all draw from this project.
• First we should always be trying to improve. We should never stop, because to settle means to become complacent; ultimately to stagnate.
• Secondly, in our efforts to improve, we should always attempt to build on what is there, because it is those things that last that create a sense of continuity and community.
• Thirdly, as an independent institution and as independent individuals, we should make up our own minds about what is important and proceed accordingly.
• And finally, in whatever developments we undertake, we should be aiming for the best, and hence to create, do and live in such a way that we can all be proud of our achievements.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all members of the College community who have contributed to what has been a very successful year overall. We have some exciting challenges ahead, and I have no doubt that, with the commitment and efforts of students, staff, Board and community, we will see King’ s College progress to even greater success in the future.
Virtus Pollet
Bradley Fenner Headmaster
AUTUMN 2013 • KING’ S COURIER 5