Update Your Profile
By Filling In This Form
Update Your Profile
By Filling In This Form
The Otago Boys' High School Foundation
PO Box 11,
Dunedin, New Zealand
Tel +64 3 477 2546
Fax +64 3 477 5468
Otago Boys’ High School Foundation
February 2011 - Newsletter
For the Foundation and Old Boys’ Society we had our inaugural Young Boys’ After Work Detention at the Forsyth Barr Stadium followed by drinks and nibbles kindly supplied by Phil Ellis (1972-76) from Innocent Bystanders in the Octagon.
This was then followed up by our very successful 1940’s Decade Reunion which was held on 21 and 22 February at the school. There is a dedicated story in this newsletter in relation to that event.
And following on from this we enjoyed our first Auckland Old Boys’ gathering in 2 years at the Windsor Castle in Parnell where 27 Old Boys’ reunited with each other and enjoyed a few drinks and catching up with some old and new stories.
So all in all the month of February was jammed packed which meant our little office has been bursting at the seams so our apologies for the delay in getting this to you but hope you understand and find some interesting reading inside.
I must take some time to send our thoughts and prayers to all our Old Boys’ in Christchurch at present. This is a harrowing time for you all. Reports on the state of Christchurch city and just how many the quake has affected has been fast coming and we know there will be Old Boys’ that this has hit hard.
I to want you to know that all those associated with the school, Old Boys’ Society, Foundation, School Board and PTA have thought of you often and send our best wishes for the difficult days, weeks and months ahead as you try to piece your lives and those of family and friends back together.
I hope the enclosed stories bring a smile and a little respite to what has been a long and taxing week and will continue to be a long recovery.
Kia kaha…
Douglas Kamo
CEO – OBHS Foundation
The clock chimed 10.30am and there, lining Arthur St, stood 93 Old Boys’ ready to be welcomed back onto school grounds.
These gentlemen could teach the boys of today a few things about punctuality, respect and tradition but then they came from a decade where they had no choice, they did as they were told – no questions, no excuses just do… and in most they did just that.
It was the beginning of the 1940’s Decade Reunion and the smiles on the faces of these gentlemen said it all – they were back at their school, with old school mates they hadn’t seen for a very long time and they were ready to enjoy every last minute of it.
It was a terrific sight as Rector Clive Rennie and OBHS Foundation CEO Doug Kamo walked down the main driveway, flanked by our outstanding team of new prefects lead ably by Head Boy - Chanuka De Silva (2007).
Hovering around the archway, our Old Boys’ (some with caps ready to tip as they walked under it) were shaking hands, recognising faces they hadn’t seen for some time and sharing stories of yesteryear with the odd one being embellished completely as us men seem to do when we get together.
Sam Madden (2008) pumped the bag of his bag pipes and the procession began. 93 Old Boys and 48 wives and companions walked the short distance up the main driveway and into the Maurice Joel Theatre. Many looked confused as they entered the auditorium as it now looks nothing like what they had when they attended Otago Boys in one of the most difficult decades of the century. But head of music Rob Duffy soon had their attention with the voices of his school choir soaring over the heads.
The official reunion opening took place with speeches from Clive Rennie, Doug Kamo and Head Boy - Chanuka De Silva. Also present from the school were Deputy Rector - Dougal McGowan, Assistant Principal – Lindy Marr, Foundation Chairman – Lyndon Hope, School Board of Trustees Chairman – Kallum Croudis, PTA representatives – Judy Toomer & Vanessa Hall and Old Boys Society President – Brent Alexander.
The national anthem was sung as was the old school song before our guests were ushered towards Littlebourne where Otago Boys’ and Christ’s College were doing battle in the 125th Jubilee Cricket Match. Many of the wives and companions boarded a bus for a scenic tour of Dunedin, lunch at Glenfalloch and finishing with a tour of the Chinese Gardens.
Time to freshen up and then our guests were broken into their Class Years and scattered around various restaurants in Dunedin so as to have time together to reminisce. These dinners were well patronised and from the smiles the next morning our Old Boys’ enjoyed this time to reflect on their years at the school.
Our guests were again punctual with the foyer bursting at the seams with vibrant and enthusiastic conversation.
Our Old Boys’ were lead into the auditorium but this time to join our senior assembly. If we thought the foyer was bursting at the seams it had nothing on our auditorium. With over 140 guests and approx 600 senior students every square inch of the venue was used.
But this made for a very interesting and emotional assembly. One that not only our Old Boys’ will remember but one our senior boys will remember for a long time to come.
Academic Blues were given out as were the naming of two additional prefects but it was the incredible address by Brigadier Brian McMahon that had the audience captured. This was the Brigadier at his finest. Reflecting on his time at the school from 1943 – 1947 he spoke of the influence the war had on Otago Boys’, the teachers of the time, fellow students and friends, some at the reunion others not for various reasons. It was an insightful jaunt through the annals of a time that was thwarted with difficulty – the end of the depression, the wars and yet – he spoke with such passion he left you feeling like you wanted to be there with him.
In response, some 600 students stood poised to begin the school haka. This was again a special moment as our current students paid tribute to our past students. The cry went up and an emotionally charged haka was performed to the surprise and delight of our guests.
Morning tea was served in the ‘Shand’ where OBHS archivist Dave Goodman (1959-62) had items from the museum on display. I remember Lex Donaldson (1942) proudly grabbing me by the arm and showing me his name in the detention book. Many Old Boys’ looked for their names etched on the old desks and much focus was given to the many photographs from the decade. Tours of the school were then conducted before our guests had some free time to relax before the farewell reunion dinner at the Savoy.
Sadly the tragic news of the Christchurch earthquake started to emerge which saw a few of our Old Boys’ from Christchurch depart prior to the dinner. Much thought and prayer was given to these gentlemen and our many other Christchurch based Old Boys’.
However, with the Calder Prescott Quartet playing in the background , Deputy Rector – Dougal McGowan at the helm as Master of Ceremonies and a fresh copy of the ‘1940’s Old Boys’ Recollection Book’ in their hand, the mood remained vibrant and conversation at times became far more embellished than the day before.
Addresses were made by Doug Kamo about the Foundation and the need for the continued financial support of our Old Boys’ whilst guest speaker Clive Rennie shared some of the funniest and naughtiest memories of his time at OBHS.
Our guests left yet again with smiles on their faces having reconnected with their old class mates and rekindled those friendships for life.
So, to our esteemed Old Boys from the Decade of 1940 – it was a true privilege and a pleasure to share those two days with you. Keep in touch with your old school and we welcome you back with open arms - anytime.
* Since the January newsletter, the following Old Boys and connections with the school have made pledges or donations and have been registered as Members of the Foundation:
We are genuinely appreciative of their continued support and belief in the Foundations objectives. If you wish to find out more about how you can make a pledge or donation please click here or contact info@obhsfoundation.co.nz
Newly-elected Otago Chamber of Commerce president Peter McIntyre (1977-1980) is determined to ensure the chamber plays its role in generating business growth in Otago.
There were lots of important drivers of growth in Otago that needed to be harnessed, such as offshore oil exploration, education, health, tourism, engineering and manufacturing.
"We need to try, as a city, to bring together the organisations that can drive that growth. The Dunedin City Council, the Otago Regional Council, the chamber, the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic all need to work together to grow the city's economic wellbeing."
It was frustrating to hear some people in Otago talking about the lack of growth in the region, just as it was frustrating to hear people complaining about the weather, he said in an interview.
If it was a bad day in Dunedin, it was probably a bad day elsewhere. "We have to act and act fast and it's not about reinventing the wheel. There are many international studies around that can be used."
Dunedin was a "boutique city" and could follow the lead of Portland, in the United States, which was able to build growth on its quirkiness, Peter said.
The chamber would this year celebrate its 150th year but it had been in existence longer than that, he said. Early chamber members had advocated for the establishment of the University of Otago. One of Mr McIntyre's major goals was to increase the chamber's links into the Otago business community.
He felt the chamber had to bolster and reinforce its relationship with the university and the Otago Polytechnic. The tertiary sector was the largest contributor to Dunedin's economy and chamber members employed graduates.
"It seems to me there should be more formal methods of communicating with and learning about key issues affecting these organisations so crucial to Dunedin's wellbeing."
It was Peter’s intention for the chamber to continue its lobbying work on behalf of members who were unable to do it themselves. The chamber lobbied local and territorial authorities for lower rates, supported the retail sector, and logistics and transport industry.
For All Black captain and ex Old Boys Richie McCaw (1994-98), twice a previous finalist, it was third time lucky as he won the sportsman of the year category ahead of All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen, Kiwis game-breaker and captain Benji Marshall and X Games world champion Jossi Wells.
McCaw is only the third rugby player in the past 20 years, and the first since Jeff Wilson in 1997, to win sportsman of the year.
Congratulations Richie…
Thirty years ago, a shaggy-haired David Pine (1975-1979) was playing guitar with Sneaky Feelings, wearing jeans, scuffed shoes and woolly jumpers.
Today, many would not recognise the former Otago Boys’ High School student and Dunedin musician with his well-groomed hair, expensive business suits and shiny shoes. They are necessary because he h as just been appointed New Zealand's high commissioner to Malaysia.
Much appears to have changed since Mr Pine was in his youth, but, looking back, he said there was a natural progression towards his career as a diplomat.
The 49-year-old was a guitarist in the 1980s New Zealand pop/rock band Sneaky Feelings, which recorded on the Flying Nun label, along with other Dunedin bands The Verlaines, The Stones and The Chills. "It was a very creative time. The music community was very close and encouraging. It was a great time to be a musician and I feel lucky about that."
However, it was far from an easy life. "The band never really earned enough to live from. I always had to do something else to keep body and soul together. But music was always my focus."
So much so, he quit his studies at the University of Otago after his first year to focus on band commitments. He later returned to study law and politics and graduated with an honors degree.
"I was glad I didn't pursue university the first time, because if I had finished the degree, I wouldn't have been so enthusiastic about university when I did go back. I had more life experience then. I had some practice in diplomacy, too, with Sneaky Feelings. It wasn't the easiest band to communicate with. I felt like a mediator between the band and agents and promoters sometimes."
His enthusiasm for politics and diplomacy won him a job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and during the past 17 years, he has been ambassador to the Philippines, deputy high commissioner at the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, and Mfat economic division director.
Mr Pine was recently appointed New Zealand's high commissioner to Malaysia, and cross-accredited to Brunei Darussalam. Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the relationship with Malaysia was an important one for New Zealand. "It is consistently one of our top 10 trading partners. Two-way trade was worth $NZ2.09 billion in the year to June 2010."
Welcome to our Old Boys’. I’m pleased to say the school has started the year strongly indeed.
Enrolments at Year 9 are 186 the same as last year. However we have enrolled about fifty students at other year levels and Year 13 which is usually around 110 is 152 this year. Our total roll is 932, the first time for over 15 years we have been over 900.
There can be no doubt that the economy is under stress and jobs are not easy to get. Hopefully our boys will realise that in the current climate without qualifications the chances of winning positions are marginal.
Over the last few years we as a staff have been trying to drive our targets up and I’m thankful that everyone is putting the effort in. It is important that my staff and parents are working together in the interests of boys. It is our plan to have more evenings with parents to explain the mysteries of NCEA and also to ensure that parents understand the changes taking place in the tertiary sector.
Last week one of the school’s Assistant Principals announced that he will relinquish his position and move into a part time teaching role. Many of you would have been taught by Mr Bill Trewern and he will step out of the leadership team after 17 years having taught at OB’s for 40 years. However Bill’s experience as a teacher and his passion for golf and the Lodge will not be lost to the school. In term 2 when the change is put into operation, he will teach 2 classes, continue to take the golf team and will still administer and take care of the running of the Lodge.
My thoughts to all those affected in the earthquake in Canterbury and the school is doing its bit to help by sending food parcels and water to the Red Cross for distribution.
A positive start for the school in 2011, but thwarted with sadness for those in Christchurch.
We must however keep focused and continue onwards and upwards.
Clive Rennie
Rector
Being announced Head Boy for 2011 was both a tremendous honour and an encouraging challenge for the year ahead. Sam Blakely being announced as Deputy and Head of School House was the icing on the cake. A good mate and talented individual, Sam is well respected throughout the school. I look forward to working with him in a year which holds promise to be exciting and full of new challenges for both of us.
Last year I was a member of the school Badminton 1sts and the top Otago U19 representative team. Playing for school we won the Dunedin competition and went onto place 6th at the secondary school nationals in North Harbour. Otago placed 2nd in the South Island to eventually finish 6th in New Zealand at the national competition. I also captained the Otago Boys’ Debating team and we were runners up in the Otago Southland region. At Prize Giving last year I was awarded commendations in three subjects and placed 1st equal in English. I also received a trophy for the best team contribution for Badminton, and the best speaker trophy for Senior Debating.
I have three major goals for 2011.
My primary goal is to complete my final year at school with a solid academic performance in order to provide good ground work for my tertiary education. My second goal is to secure Otago Boys’ as the top South Island school for Badminton and improve our national placing at the secondary schools finals. My third major goal is to complete my final year at Otago Boys’ and have no regrets at its conclusion but memories to last a lifetime.
What do I hope to bring to OBHS this year?
I hope to offer leadership in my role as Head Boy along with Sam and the Prefects for 2011 to be a good role model for the younger boys, to help Otago Boys continue to strive for excellence in both academic and sporting endeavours and also to prove that impossible really is nothing!
Chanuka De Silva
Head Boy
Chanuka De Silva – Head Boy |
Sam Blakely- Deputy Head Boy |
Sam Blakely – Head of House |
Michael Collins |
Sam Doran |
Cameron Dunn |
Nick Elder |
Siripong Kanokruangrong |
Lachlan Landels |
Tim Lawrence |
Sam Macauley |
Michael McKee |
Michael Ogle |
Wyatt Purdon |
Dean Sinnamon |
Peter Sise |
Hunter Stevens |
James Swan |
Ben Watts |
Rhys Woods |
Year 11 |
Vishak Balaji |
Fergus Bevin-McCrimmon |
Joshua Dawson |
Simon Fitchett |
Eamon Frazer |
Edward Haslam |
Benjamin Hendry |
Thomas Kindley |
Kasun Kumarasinghe |
Ciaran McLaren |
Jeremy Rei |
Thomas Stevenson |
Callum Sutherland |
Nicholas Tipa |
Thomas Wardhaugh |
Year 12 |
Campbell Calverley |
Ross Hanson |
Samuel Macaulay |
Michael Ogle |
Peter Sise |
James Swan |
Rhys Woods |
Year 13 |
Andrew Curtis-Black |
The golfing year got off to a flier when the top four of Thomas Facer (2006), Scott Mitchell (2006-10), Chase Thomas (2006-10) and Kayne Wardell (2007) won the Otago Intercollegiate in style, qualifying for the national final which was to be played on our home Balmacewen course in Dunedin. It was thought that this would be a major advantage with the foreigners struggling to cope with the hilly terrain. All played well in the morning and were in second place at lunch but drifted back in the second round to finish fifth.
OBHS unbeaten record in inter-schools remained intact with wins over Timaru Boys’ High, Waitaki Boys’ High, Christs’ College and Southland Boys’ High. The real test was playing against a strong Christchurch Boys’ High six man team on the testing Shirley course in Christchurch. This was a hard fought battle and was the only real test. OBHS looked like taking the honours but a weak finish cost them the win and had to settle for a draw.
There was fierce competition for the school trophies which have many illustrious golfers’ names on them. Thomas Facer won the senior championship and the coveted Greg Turner trophy with a four round total of 290. Sam Doran took intermediate honours, Cody McMullan won the junior title while Jesse Evans showed the greatest improvement to win the Novice championship. Taylor Armour had the best net in the opening event in February to win the Ray Smith Memorial.
The cricket rivalry between Otago Boys' High School and Christ's College is 125 not out.
The interschool match on Monday 21 February at Littlebourne marked 125 years of cricket fixtures between the schools.
Over the years the annual game was interrupted by war and poor weather, but has otherwise been a regular event on the calendar. To mark the occasion, special commemorative badges were handed out to the teams in front of our guests from the 1940’s Decade.
The Foundation organised the 1940s Decade Reunion to coincide with the game and from the smiles on the faces of those in attendance it was a nostalgic experience for all.
Retired broadcaster Iain Gallaway, who had the honor of presenting Christ's College First XI players with their badges, told the audience he had a foot in both camps.
He played for Christ's College against OBHS in 1939 and 1940, but is also a friend of the Otago Boys' High School Foundation, having made a donation on behalf of his father, Garth. OBHS hosted the first match at Carisbrook in1886.
The game did not go so well for us with OB’s scoring just 13 in the second innings, to lose by an innings and 38 runs. The following explanation was printed in the school's magazine in March 1887.
"We have no excuse for this one. Miserably feeble batting was the cause, combined with steady bowling and smartness in the field on the part of our opponents."
Rain ended play during the jubilee cricket match with Christ's College 180 for eight. Jack Harper, who scored 124 not out in last year's fixture, top-scored with 65. Ricky Black was the pick of the OBHS bowlers with three for 29 and Jack Hunter took two for 26.
Some mornings as we, a group of Opoho boys, walked up London Street from the tram stop at Frederick Street,we sometimes passedseveral young ladies heading in the opposite direction to St Hilda's College.
Just to let them know that we really did appreciate the experience of seeing them, we would, at the suggestion of the late J P Wilson (1942-45), whistle the Blue Danube Waltz. The only alteration to the original tune was the addition of a wolf whistle at the end of eachbar. Apart from that acknowledgement of their attractiveness, we were completely on our best behaviour.
On the very odd occasion, there was one lone lass who was a couple of minutes behind the others. She of course received a special, rather ungentle manly acknowledgement. Being a wise girl, she usually broke into a lady-like trot as we approached.
In her left hand she carried her brief case while the right hand swung in a very elegant sweeping motion. Once again J P W suggested that we all do likewise, andso as we passed the poor girl, we all took on this most elegant arm swinginggait, resuming our usual meander when the blushing maid had gone from our sight.
Allan Smith (1944-46)
As part of the registration process for the 1940’s Decade Reunion (held 21, 22 February 2011) we asked our Old Boys’ to write a profile on their memories of attending Otago Boys. This makes for great reading so we thought we would share some of these memories with our extended network of Old Boys’.
“I was a bell boy and could leave each class at will. Nobody seemed to notice if I rang the bell not exactly at the correct time” (George Armstrong 1944-49)
“Started in Form 3B, but got promoted to 4A. Loved the science subjects. Saw little point in Latin, but the Rector talked me into continuing with it – I won the Latin Prize”. (Russell McStay 1944-1947)
“Being caned often – usually for the same thing - insolence” (Hugh Wilson 1944-1948)
“Believed to be the most caned 3rd Former of 1948” (Roger Hardie 1948-53)
In February 1941 Trevor Wilson (1941-44) won the OBHS Junior Swimming Championship.
Seventy years on,at the NZ Masters Games in Wanganui, he won 5 gold medals in the 85-89 age division, and in doing so, established 4 new national records.
A very pleasant gathering of Old Boys’ from Class Year of 1950 took place at the Mosgiel Railway Station on 22 February. 12 Old Boys’ meet regularly to swap stories and nurture the camaraderie that was formed during the October 2006 reunion arranged by convenor Allan Finnie (1950 – 53).
Foundation CEO – Doug Kamo was invited to attend and shared the vision of the Foundation with the group as well as updating them on how the school is progressing and what events and activities are planned going forward.
If you wish to join this group and are from the Class Year of 1950 contact the Foundation Office for Allan Finnies contact details.
27 Old Boys’ met in Auckland at the Windsor Castle on 24 February. The purpose was to update the Auckland group about the Foundation, school and various other activities that were being undertaken by the Foundation.
It was also to help re-establish an Auckland Old Boys’ chapter where our Auckland based Old Boys’ can come together two maybe three times a year for a specific event or function. Interest and enthusiasm for this concept was met strongly and as a result the Foundation will be working hard to bring this group together at more regular intervals.
If you are based in Auckland - stay tuned to the newsletter and your email for more details of when these gatherings are taking place.
This will prove popular so register early!
Dunedin Casino will host our 'Young Boys' After Work Detention' in April with a Blackjack Tournament. Numbers are limited so be one of thefirst to register and you could beplayingfor the title of 'OB's Gambling Shark 2011'. If you've never played before - don't worry, the team at Dunedin Casino will be there to lend expert advice.Get along for a fun, friendly, competitive evening and support your Old Boys' network.
When: Wednesday 6 April 2011
Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm
Where: Dunedin Casino
118 High Street
Dunedin
Cost: No Cost. Free drink on arrival. Nibbles will be provided. Cash bar will operate.
To register for any or all of these events please email admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz.
REGISTERED SINCE LAST NEWSLETTER 1
TOTAL REGISTRATIONS TO DATE 456
MAKE SURE YOU ARE PART OF THIS
HISTORICAL EVENT BY REGISTERING NOW!
Contact the Foundation admin@obhsfoundation.co.nz with ‘Register 150th’ in the subject line or a call +64 3 477 2546, and leave a message. Include your full name and years of attendance.
ONLY 3 HOLE SPONSOR ENTRIES AND4 TEAM ENTRY POSITIONS LEFT IN THE 6th OBHS FOUNDATION AMBROSE GOLF CLASSIC!
This year’s tournament is once again heading towards a sell-out with 28 of the 35 team entries already confirmed. This is a reminder that if you have been considering fielding a team please register as soon as possible as the tournament will sell out!
TEAM ENTRY INCLUDES: (Additional benefits for Hole Sponsors)
Whether you have attended this event in the past or not, we certainly encourage you to do soby entering a team or if you own a business - consider sponsoring a hole!
WINNERS PRIZE PACKAGE - QUEENSTOWN GOLFING GETAWAY
Come enjoy a great day out on the fairway and support the OBHS Foundations biggest fundraising event for the year!
TO REGISTER A TEAM -CLICK HERE
GET CHEAPER FUEL EVERY TIME YOU FILL UP - NO MORE HUNTING FOR SUPERMARKET VOUCHERS!
All Foundation card holders receive 5 cents per litre discountto the national pump price for petrol and diesel. Discounted petrol and diesel can be purchased at all BP,RD Petroleum and most Gasoline Alley retail sites along with Truck Stops.
HOW IT WORKS:
If today the national price for a litre of 91 octane is $1.729 cents. The cost to you would be $1.679 cents. If on the West Coast 91 is currently priced at $1.909 cents per litre and on the Coromandel Peninsula it’s sitting at $1.959 cents per litre – those with Foundation fuel cards will still pay $1.679 cents per litre. That’s a 28 cpl saving!
This offer is open to all Otago Boys' High School - Old Boys', staff, parents of a student and their immediate family members so please pass this on to a New Zealand based family member you think may well benefit from joining the program.
There is an annual fee of $20.00 + GST per card of which $10.00 comes directly back to the Foundation in the form of a donation from RD Petroleum. On top of this RD Petroleum gifts 0.05 cents for every litre poured. There are no additional transaction fees.
Cards are linked to a bank account with all payments being made by direct debit. Fuel bought one month will be billed for the 20th of the following month. Card holders will receive an invoice giving ample notification of the amount to be debited against their account.
If interested in joining please download the appropriate forms below and return directly to RD Petroleum, PO Box 1487, Christchurch 8140 or if you have any queries call them on 0800 44 00 14.
Important:
Only Otago Boys’ High School Old Boys, Staff Members, Parents of a Student and all their immediate family are eligible to apply.
Applications will be vetted to ensure the applicant has an affiliation with Otago Boys High School
Individual Application – Click here
Limited Companies Application – Click here
Paul Dryden (1966-71) passed away peacefully on 1 March 2011 in Auckland. Paul was instrumental in helping establish the Old Boys network in Auckland.
Carlysle Blackie (1927-1931) passed away peacefully on 29 January 2011 in Christchurch aged 97
Tony Macalister (1950-1951) passed away on 29 January 2011 in Cromwell
Bryan Freeman (1959-1960) passed away on 2 February 2011 in Milton
Ron Dagg (1943-1945) passed away on 3 February in the care of Montecillo Home and Hospital in Dunedin
Eric Keeble (1950-1953) – passed away in January 2011 in Wellington. Eric was an Otago Soccer (under 18) rep 1953-54 and under 20 rep 1955-56
The OBHS Foundation greatly acknowledges the support of the Otago Daily Times
from which many of the photo’s in this publication are sourced.
CLICK HERE TO PRINT A COPY
The Otago Boys’ High School Foundation acknowledges the assistance it receives from Konica Minolta with all of its office printing requirements
