Kia ora e te kura, e noho, please be seated. 

I’d like to welcome to our Assembly, Dr Phillip Lyver and his wife Dr Amanda Lyver, along with Dr John Wakeman Chair of the College Proprietors and his son Dr Chris Wakeman.  

We start our Assembly with a reading from the Bible and I’d like to invite Gordy Chatfield Head of Durham to deliver this for us today. 

Philippians 4: 4-9 

Paul Encourages the Lord's Followers 

Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad.  Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here.  Don't worry about anything but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.  Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. 

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.  You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So, follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you. 

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

Thank you, Gordy. 

Rectors Comments:    

In the reading that Gordy shared with us today, the Apostle Paul has written a letter that provides encouragement and guidance for living a life of joy, peace, and virtue. This links nicely with the theme of todays Assembly. 

Today, we have a special assembly, one where we have the chance to recognise someone from our extended College community, but more about that a bit later. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to talk to you about the importance of recognising achievements—not just the big ones that make headlines, but the everyday successes that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s scoring a goal in a sports match, acing a test, or simply being a good friend, recognising these accomplishments can make a world of difference. 

First, let’s think about why recognition matters. When we acknowledge someone’s hard work, we’re doing more than just giving a pat on the back. We are showing appreciation, building confidence, and encouraging others to keep striving for success. Recognition helps to create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best and that underpins our College Vision and is the foundation of the Lindisfarne way. 

Within our school community, recognising achievements can foster a culture of support and encouragement. It reminds us that each person’s success contributes to the success of the whole community. When we celebrate achievements together, we strengthen the bonds that unite us, making our school a place where everyone feels they belong. 

Recognising achievement doesn’t have to be done in an Assembly or any other formal occasion. So how can we recognise achievements in our daily lives? It can be as simple as saying “well done” to a classmate who delivered a great presentation, or thanking a friend who helped you with a difficult task. It could also involve nominating someone for an award or writing a note to express your appreciation. These small gestures can have a big impact, inspiring others to keep pushing forward. 

It’s also important to remember that achievements come in many forms. Academic success is important, but so are acts of kindness, creativity, and perseverance. Let’s make an effort to celebrate all types of achievements, recognising the diverse talents and strengths within our school community. It is great to see the initiative being led by our Year Level Deans who have asked staff to identify and recognise your efforts. So hopefully you will be able to create good long lasting habits of supporting and encouraging others. 

Recognising achievements isn’t just about celebrating success—it’s about fostering a culture of appreciation, encouragement, and unity. The challenge for all of us is to commit to being more mindful of the achievements around us and taking the time to acknowledge them. By doing so, we can make our school an even more supportive and inspiring place for everyone. 

Please join me in singing the National Anthem.  

Thank you, please be seated.  

It is now my privilege to invite Dr Wakeman the chairman of the College’s Proprietors, to address the College outlining the meaning behind the College’s Honours Tie and introducing this year’s recipient. Dr Wakeman. 

Philip Lyvers presentation 

Rector comments:  

Thank you, Mr Lyver, for the informative and interesting presentation. I know that Dr Wakeman has briefly introduced you but there are a few things that you were noted for when you were a student, he at the College. We asked our Librarian Mrs Harrison to do a deep dive into the College archives and here are the points that I can tell publicly. 

• Dr Lyver was a prefect in 1989, Prefect in charge of cricket. 

• He received prizes in 6th form in biology and geography 

• Played 1st cricket XI 1987-89, captain in 1989 and had a stellar innings against St Pauls in his last year scoring 41. Awarded cricket colours in 1988 and 89. Received Century bat in 1986 

• Dr Lyver Played rugby for 1st XV 1988-89 and got rugby colours. Described as “a hard running centre with a good inside cut and a well-timed pass.” 

• Dr Lyver was in the claybird shooting team and the small-bore shooting team. 

• He was also a Hastings City Junior Councillor 

• An interesting award was given out in his final year and he got the Great White Hunter Award (The Barry Crump Cup) with the added note “If anyone out there happens to know which bit of bush Mr Lyver is in at the moment, could you let us know, we’ll need the cup back next year”. 

In all seriousness though Dr Lyver, The College Honours Tie is a prestigious way for our college community to recognise not only your achievements but the work and support you have given indigenous communities throughout the world over several years. Your efforts and dedication provide a wonderful example to the boys of this college of an Old Boy of the College living the College’s vision that “The young men of Lindisfarne will be men of good character who will go on to lead successful and significant lives.” It is my honour and privilege to present you with your Honours Tie, Congratulations Dr Lyver. 

Te Ā to lead the boys in a full School Haka 

Thank you, gentleman, most impressive.  

My hope gentlemen is that through you witnessing Dr Lyver being recognised today, it may inspire you to set and pursue your own goals, and that we as a school continue to create a culture of motivation and aspiration to be the best we can be.  

As we conclude today's assembly and start to focus on our sporting commitment over the weekend, let us remember the values that define true sportsmanship: playing hard, playing fair, and showing integrity. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in life in general, these principles guide us to be our best selves. Let us strive to be humble in defeat, learning from our experiences and respecting the efforts of others. And in victory, let us celebrate with grace and humility acknowledging the support of our teammates and the challenge presented by our opponents. By embracing these values, we not only honour the spirit of competition but also show respect, resilience, and unity. Thank you, gentlemen, and let's go out and be champions of character every day! 

Our Chapel Prefect Ronan Brier will now close our assembly in prayer.  

Ronan closes assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Monday 12 August 2024