Kia ora, School. Please be seated. 

I’d like to invite Cuthbert House Prefect, Jack Sunckell forward to deliver today’s reading. 

Today’s reading comes from the book of Romans, Chapter 12, Verse 2. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

This is the word of the Lord (thanks be to God) 

Rectors Comments:    

Thank you, Jack.  

For the past few weeks we’ve been exploring the College values of Leading and Innovating and we’ve explained that innovating or being innovative is when you create new ways of doing things and unique solutions to problems. In his reading Jack said “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

This reading makes me think about not confining your thoughts and ideas to what has been said and done before. Break new ground. 

In the last assembly I gave you examples of innovative ideas out there such as the smart mouthguard, the 3-D printer and the Uber driving service. There are so many other examples to add to these. 

To finish off this topic, I want us to reflect today on the innovation that is happening here at the College.  

The Young Enterprise Scheme is a great example of students using innovative ideas to create new businesses. Last week we had a number of groups who pitched their business ideas to judges in the second stage of the YES programme at Woodford House. In order to succeed in the program, students are encouraged to create original products or services that differentiate them from others in the market. The students have got a much better chance of success if they create something that no one else has thought of, that would appeal to a wide customer base. They should have a point of difference and this is where their innovative skills will come in. Academic Prefect Armaan Kumar and old boy Keaton Pitcher came up with an app that’s a hybrid of an uber service and a courier service to save money for customers. I understand that they were originally thinking of targeting long distance travel to places like Wellington, but have since pivoted to focusing on developing a product that appeals to the local market, because they’ve identified that a same day service for the courier aspect could be a bit of a gap in the market.  

Today we’re going to listen to one of our rock bands Obstruktion. They’ve made it through to the Rockquest regional final and in order to qualify, they have to come up with two of their own original songs. It’s not good enough to do a brilliant cover version of a song they might really like performing. The competition rewards originality, flair, innovations. They’re looking for something different – perhaps a different sound.  

When I think back to our Swimming Sports and the Banner competition, there was some real innovation going on there in terms of creative ideas. One of the criteria for that competition is the incorporation of other houses into the banners. We saw some really clever ways in which that was done. 

The Technology department is well known for the innovative designs that students come up with for their projects. Students in the senior school don’t follow a set project, they come up with their own original ideas and that makes them so much more impressive. Think of that table in the library that’s made out of a spiral of old encyclopaedia books. So clever and also great for the environment as it repurposes something that may have been thrown away.  

Today I went to watch Remy Taong and Ardie J Smith in the Regional Nga Manu Korero public speaking competition. Remy talked about the love he is for his language of Te Reo and the love he had for his cell phone. Ardie J talked took on the role of a bus driver, stopping at various places to slow down and appreciate all that life has to offer. Really clever, innovative ideas. 

The Prefects are organising the ball right now. They can be innovative in the design of the ticket, the way the atrium and gymnasium are decorated to make it a memorable evening. 

In your sports teams, come up with unique moves on the basketball or rugby field. In hockey, create your own unique set piece from a penalty corner, or in football, create a set piece free kick that the opposition hasn’t seen before. If it comes off it will be an amazing feeling, not just because you score, but because you score due to you coming up with an original set move. It makes it so much more fun. 

The main message here boys is that you’ll be a lot more successful in your life if you remain curious and if you try to find different, novel, unique ways of tackling problems. Don’t just copy what others have done – find your own way of innovating and imaging the future. Someone sitting in this room today, probably many of you in fact, will go on to be design new, original products and services if you take this advice, and the advice of your teachers and coaches and tutors, by making innovation one of your key values. 

Please join me in singing the hymn To God Be the Glory.  

Thank you, please be seated.  

Academic Awards - Read by Assistant Rector, Mr Atkinson.  

Level 1 Accounting  

Rupert Fuge   

Locky Hallett   

Otis Hoggard   

Ted Oliver   

Andrew Wakefield   

Frank Gilligan   

Leo Marcroft   

Ben Pringle   

Level 3 Accounting

Alexander Boustridge   

Tom Cassidy   

Sam Chrystall   

Jacksen Diack   

Frederick Hoggard   

Jacob Parbhu   

Jaimil Ravla   

Angus Scott  

Thank you Mr Atkinson and well done boys.   

I’ll now invite Cultural Prefect Ryan Palmer forward to update us on the latest Arts and Culture news. 

Cultural Report: 

Musicians Perform at St Matthew’s Church, Hastings On Sunday 26th May the Lindisfarne College Chamber Trio and Pipe Major Fergus Morunga performed as guest artists at a Linden Singers choral concert at St Matthew’s Church in Hastings. Josef Oosthuizen (violin), Max Han (cello), and Raymond Chow (piano) confidently performed a piece for piano trio by Frank Bridge; this was great preparation for their upcoming performance in the NZ Chamber Music competition. Fergus Morunga performed Highland Cathedral as the last piece of the concert, marching slowly through the cathedral. Congratulations to these boys who received great applause from the audience. 

Symphonic Band Night Out On 28th May the Lindisfarne College Symphonic Band, together with musicians from Hastings’ Girls’ High School, entertained members of the Orphans Club at their venue in Hastings, performing over an hour of music. A number of the musicians also performed solos, including Josef Oosthuizen (violin), Harry McNamara (sax), and Edward Harvey (euphonium) accompanied by Mr Selfe. It was a great night of contrasting music as the band look ahead to the upcoming Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands. 

Impromptu Speech Competition Entries are now open for the impromptu speech competition, which will take place on Wednesday the 19th of June. 

For those interested, you will choose one of the topics given to you and will have 5 minutes to prepare your speech on cue cards. Juniors will speak for 2-2.30 minutes, while seniors will speak for 3-3.30. Points are awarded for style, entertainment, and content. If you are interested in giving this competition a go, sign up with Mrs. Atkin or Dr Kristensen. 

House Music Just a quick message to house leaders and musicians. House leaders need to confirm all songs and pieces with Dr Kristensen asap. Remember that this is based on first in first served. Also, don’t forget to read the House Music rules, which have been sent out.  

Rockquest Finals  In two weeks’ time the Lindisfarne College band Obstruktion will compete at the HB regional Rockquest finals and today the boys are going to perform one of their songs to you. Please welcome the boys to the stage, and I’ll ask Liam King to introduce the band and the song.  

Performance by Rock band.  

Rector comments:  

Thank you, boys, that was outstanding. And thank you Ryan for your report.  

I’ll now invite Sports Prefect Tom Cassidy up to present this week’s sports report.   

Sports Report 

In Adventure Racing  On Wednesday the Lindisfarne Cross Country team took to the long road to Gisborne for the ECNI Cross Country.   

The Year 9 boys ran well in a large field but missed out on top placings.   

In the junior race, August Popadich ran with discipline and determination to finish 2nd. With Cooper Ellingham finishing 4th and Campbell Ellingham 6th. Their combined placings resulted with Lindisfarne winning the 3-man team event.  

The senior field was full of highly experienced runners. Hamish Butler ran home in 7th place with Noah Hemmingsen hot on his heels in 8th. Zack Caton in 10th rounded out Lindisfarne’s placing and was enough to secure 2nd in the 3-man team event.   

Can August please come forward to receive his medal for securing 2nd place.  

In Hockey  On Wednesday our 1st XI had a strong win over St Johns. The entire team kept to their structure and played a well discipline game. Winning the game 11-2. Riley Lennox scored 5, Jacob Holder 4 and Gordy Chatfield 2 goals.  

In Basketball  Last week the intermediate basketball team played HNI Magic. Lindisfarne started the game slowly, but the boys did brilliantly to keep their composure to be one point down at half time. With a great attitude and strong communication skills, Lindisfarne managed to keep the scoreboard close. Eventually, Toby Ross managed to slot a 3 pointer on the buzzer to earn a 30 all draw.   

In Rugby  Our 1st XV were the only Lindisfarne rugby team to play during the long weekend. They ran away with a convincing win against our local opposition, St Johns. Winning 74 points to 10.  

In Shooting  Last weekend we had nine students travel to Woodville to compete in the CLNISS shoots. Students competed in the Skeet, Single Rise, Single Barrel and the Points Score. Monty Cullwick was our best shooter on the day, finishing with 89 out of 100 shots. Fergus Denton, William Smiley and Jacob Mathers also shooting in the 80’s with 82, 82 and 80 respectively.   

In Swimming  During week four Lindisfarne College students competed in the Hawkes Bay Secondary Swimming Championship, placing third overall.   

In the relays Lindisfarne dominated the 14 & under 100-meter Medley and 100-meter Freestyle relay with Sam Skidmore, Liam McEntee, Monte Douglas and Thomas Mill winning both titles.  

Can Sam, Liam, Monte and Thomas please come forward to receive a certificate for this achievement.  

In the 15 & over relays Lindisfarne were placed 3rd. These students were Wyatt Holmes, Matt McKendry, Liam Monteith and Elliot Wickham.  

Can Wyatt, Matt, Liam and Elliot please come forward to receive a certificate for this achievement.  

Individually, Kiato Buxton did exceptionally well placing 2nd in the 13 & under 50 Free and 2nd in 50 Fly. Sam Skidmore continued his dominance in the pool, claiming 1st place in 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle and 50 Fly. Flynn Wickham placed 3rd in 50 Breaststroke.  

Can Kiato, Sam and Flynn please come forward to receive their certificates.  

Congratulations to all those swimmers.  

Coming up this week in sport;  We are hosting the Whanganui Collegiate exchange on Tuesday. This involves Rugby’s 1st XV, 2nd XV and u15’s, Football’s 1st XI and Junior A and Hockey’s 1st XI and Colts.   

Rector comments:  

Thank you, Tom.  

Congratulations to all those boys who were recognised today.  

To all the boys playing in sport over the weekend all the best and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Chapel on Sunday evening. 

Reverend Dunnett will now close our assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Friday 07 June 2024