1. Locating Old Boys who live in Rotorua – who will work with us to organise the Reunion.

2. Selecting a date for the Reunion. We think it will need to be some time in August again, or perhaps in September. If it is too early in the year this impacts the AGM and Foundays Day Weekend at the School which always coiincides with the annual Auckland Reunion. We will also discuss this with the School and Trust Board to see what dates might fit in with their Event Calendar.

So please contact Mark Easton on mark@azurebell.co.nz or 07 5787883 if you live in Rotorua. We need to know who you are so that you can be involved, early, in the planning process.

There are some great activities at Rotorua – for example my partner, Marina, worked at Polynesian Spa for 5 years so we are well in there to get some great deals.

We will be looking at bringing a bus down from Auckland, leaving from Dilworth, on the Friday and returning back to Auckland on Sunday. As much as possible we want to expand the involvement of younger Old Boys in these Country Reunions and as such will take steps to ensure the weekend is affordable.

Any comments on this are welcomed.

So, if you can make it for the Friday night event then please do so – we would appreciate that. We have secured an excellent venue with the Mount Ocean Sports Club and are supplying Finger Food. We will have some cold platters out at 6pm and then some hot platters will come out later in the evening.

The night can go on to late – so even if you only arrive at 9pm we will still be going.

Although I will be there from 6pm, ready for the early arrivers (and if you do want to come down then and keep me company then that will be great), I believe many will start arriving from 7pm onwards.

Mt Maunganui - The Beach

 
The Country Reunion this year is at The Mount on Friday August 13 to Sunday August 15. Please contact Adam or Mark  now (contact details below) if you would like to attend the reunion, so that we can finalise restaurant, accommodation and activity bookings.  It promises to be an excellent weekend with a great array of activities and events to keep you all very happy. Full and current details of the Country Reunion are here.

See who is attending here.

There are plenty of accommodation options and with a Friday Meet & Greet at the Mount Ocean Sports Club (overlooking the water), a Saturday  Night out at The Astrolabe  and a Country Breakfast on a farm on Sunday Morning, along with an array of ativities organised on Saturday, it promises to be a special weekend.

We have finalised a set of activities for Saturday. For full details see here.  

Event Contacts:

Well Done Winston Reid (All Whites 1, Slovakia 1)

This Dilworth Old Boy was up most of the night watching the game between the All Whites and Slovakia. The last minute goal was momentous and I am sure most of New Zealand and indeed people all over the world will be talking about this game. I read that the Wall St Journal said this would be the biggest dud of the tournament. Ha!

Now there is so much to look forward to with the next match against Italy next Monday at 1:30am. Is there a possibility of us making it through to the finals? We need to remind ourselves that Slovakia topped their qualifying pool on the way to the World Cup against teams such as Poland and Czechoslovakia. So they are a good European side punching ahead their world 32 ranking.

On this evidence New Zealand are not easy beats and with an improved and more consistent performance in the next two matches we have to be a chance.

I imagine the Soccer boys at Dilworth will be buzzing today – they all now have many New Zealand heroes they can look up to and work hard to emulate. Like many Schools I expect there will be a resurgence in the sport – will be interesting to see the numbers of boys playing soccer at Dilworth last year, this year and next year.

Council Meeting June 2010

Meeting held at Rec Centre – Senior Campus

Meeting Opened:  6:40

Present: Adam, Grant, Theo, Jake, Mark, Stuart, Julian

Apologies:  Chris, Peter, David, Donald
 
Matters Arising from Minutes:  

No matters arising, but we want to start tracking things through in Matters Arising for future meetings, so we keep things ticking over. This is the list to be followed up on at the next meeting:

• Strategy Meeting
• Country Reunion
• World Cup Functions
• The Totara
• One Database initiative
• Website – stats, news
• New School Leavers initiatives
• Cock House
• Presidents Dinner
• Rurul Campus Donation (use the Totara?)
• Newsletters (Email and Post) – we can send an email each month after the meeting
• Winter Sports (and of August)

Financial Report

Our financial situation is good. Should be receiving grant from Trust Board soon.

Grant passed the Balance Sheet out and this was discussed

We want to always look at ways to use the available funds for the benefit of Old Boys.

General Business:

Need to put Arch Deacon Prebble Obit and some words on the Website.

Strategy Meeting: After the Country Meeting we can have a separate Strategy Meeting to discuss options in this regard, so we come to this meeting for this specific purpose. We can do it at Galbraiths, have a few beers, and brainstorm strategies. We found the Trust Board very receptive to the Old Boys Association so we believe they will be supportive of good strategies we put in place to further our cause.

New School Leavers Initiative: Like the idea each year to have a meal at a time (Say April or May each year), proper sit down food and drinks, DOBA, Trust Board and Principal and other invited guests to attend. For boys left school in last two years – to keep them in contact. Can be made in to a big deal. Linked with the handing out of the Old Boys Association Membership card at the end of each year. At that point they will be informed about the date and location for the dinner, well in advance of it. A chance to see how the boys are doing and for them to know that the Old Boys Assoc is there. Like the idea of having the event at the School where the Kitchen can prepare one of their splendid meals. We could about other strategies around this to keep the boys in contact and to help them with the start of their lives on leaving school.

Country Reunion:

Motion: Book a DOBA Room – which can be a meeting place to chat and drink. Two younger boys can use it. We pay for it, and there responsibility is to man it.
Seconded: Adam
Carried

Adam sent out a document today to us. Details in it on options for the weekend. We discussed the following options for the reunion:

Look into the Murray Wilton Cup for a golf tournament. Touch base with Murray on this and place details in a newsletter.

May want to look into Bowls.

Waimarina for kayaking

Fishing charter

Snooker/Billiards/Pool tournament – popular with Jake and Mark.

Astrolabe for dinner – $50/head for dinner to be confirmed

Who will we pay for at the Astrolabe? ie our guests

We will put some wine on the table and will do a deal with Astrolabe in that regard

Ten Pin Bowling

Skeet Shooting – Stuart likes this idea.

Sunday morning breakfast – bacon, eggs, pancakes etc at Stephanies (Mark’s sister) place

Share transport and billet options

Trust Board Meeting Wrap-up:

Went really well.
One Database initiative received well.
Will support events around the world cup – if we come up with a good plan, they will put funds in to it.

We should look at putting some strategies into play over the next few years. So we should sit down and have a strategy meeting to think about what we can do.

Meeting Closed 7:40pm

Meeting Opened:  6:40

Present: Adam, Grant, Peter, Theo, Donald, Chris, Callum, Jake, Mark, Stuart, David, Peter Vos

Apologies: Ian

We held this meeting at the Junior Campus. Was a great night and thanks to Principal of Junior Campus, Peter Vos and team, for the excellent hospitality. 
 
Matters Arising from Minutes:  

Newsletter – 3rd of June is the deadline. Chris to draft, and include: Country reunion, AGM report, Warren Watson interview, School reports, plug for the Junior Campus meetings of the council + regulars.

Website – many people are connecting with the Association through this. Suellin Roy is hoping to reunite with any Old Boys with knowledge of the School in the 1920s, as she is researching her father Dudley Berryman Roy’s life as an Old Boy at that time.

Reunion Dinner – three course smorgasbord meal expected to cost about $45. Dignitaries to be invited at the cost of the Association are: Headmasters, Heads of Campus and Chaplain. Also, the Patron and a select group of official invitees will be circulated for the next meeting. Ticket price and inclusions for all other guests are to be confirmed. Idea floated that a guest speaker be invited to give an address at the dinner. Mark to canvas for speakers. Invitation to be circulated with the newsletter, and a list of attendees to be published in simple spreadsheet form for guests to peruse.

Adam – spoke at a conference for the International Boys Schools Coalition on the workings of Dilworth, and championed its successes. Recognized the value of brotherhood instilled in Boys while at Dilworth. He also attended the Scholars night at Dilworth – mixed and mingled with top students and parents before their successes were celebrated officially in the David Beattie Centre at which George Barker spoke.

Centennial Trust – generating funds in order to donate books to the libraries at Dilworth. Looking for a new trustee – Simon Curran suggested as an ideal candidate.

Website: much interest in the website, particularly in the guestbook and the newsletters. Facility to pay for the reunion dinner to be included on the website.

Country Reunion: 3rd weekend of August, (13th, 14th and 15th) in Mt Maunganui. Dinner on Saturday, activities to include: fishing, golf, sightseeing, sports on the Saturday. Accommodation options to be discussed and finalized.  “Astralabe” is one option for the dinner.

Old Friends: idea that we actively recruit the 200 odd OB’s who are registered on this site. This will enable us to gain further contact details. Mark has pledged to organized the IM-a-thon but volunteers required to process 2 pages of messages each. Adam and Chris have pledged to assist.

Also, Mark has pledged to adjust the website so that Old Boys can log in using their school numbers and a unique password. Details could be shared with other old boys on an opt-in basis, and all information would be private unless the Old Boy approves it.

Winter Sports – will be in August. More detail to follow.
Inward / Outward Correspondance: 

Guestbook has received many entries on the website. This is to be encouraged as a means of contacting the DOBA.

Thank you notes sent to Martin, Donald and Mike Moore for the highly successful gala dinner.

Principals Report: 

Les Miserables: could be the best production ever at Dilworth! Please attend.

Premier Sports: not much joy , but Premier basketball beat Mt Albert Grammar 65:35, last week, and beat Onehunga High by 15pts.

Staffing: looking for Maori teacher. Know anyone?

New Projects – equipment and items from the former Hotel du Vin were auctioned last weekend for a sum much greater than the reported $30,000. Many decisions to be made around vineyards, architecture etc. All positive.

Isabella Dilworth Lodge: being extensively renovated, and the Lodge will be up and running by the end of this term.

Letter from Mr Roger Neil (64-71) expressed disappointment with our reporting of John Key as a Rt. Hon. on our website.  He in fact should be referred to as the Honorable John Key, NOT the Right Honorable John Key! Error duly noted by the Council.

Silverware – is currently located in the cupboard at the back of the Sports Centre. These were checked recently and have been audited as in stock. Crystalware – some exists in the cabinet next to Donald MacLean’s office

Junior Library – The Dilworth Old Boys Foundation library does indeed have the correct name and the gesture on behalf of the Old Boys is very much appreciated. Some form of commemoration around the opening of the rural campus (involving books and reading?) should be something that we pursue further, but it may not necessarily involve the naming of a library.

Concern expressed about the visibility of the Old Boys within the Junior School community. This was the main purpose behind stamping each library book with an Old Boys insignia. The two campuses are simply arms of one school – and as much as possible we as Old Boys should attempt to raise our profile across both campuses.

Junior Campus Report: constant and stable staff. Veggie garden is being established with the view of training students for participation in the Rural Campus. Go-Cart building programme will be underway in term four. Music is very strong – 130 boys learn an instrument.

Chris to draft a letter to Angus Ta’avao congratulating him for making the NZ Rugby under 20s team visiting Argentina for the Junior World Cup. Old Boys to send cufflinks to reward him for this achievement.

General Business:

World Cup – We will look at opportunities for dinners and functions to coiincide with the World Cup on 2011. This will be discussed over the next few months.

Idea: to alternate meeting locations – Senior Campus, Junior Campus, Galbraiths – on consecutive  1st Tuesdays of every month. Council in agreement that this is a good idea.

Old Boys membership card – idea that a unique number be assigned to leavers to join the Association. Council to be issued with a Gold card. This would be a good way to catch leavers to join the Association from the outset. Jeweller in Remuera has on record a cast of the School crest that can be used to make this.

Idea: that the Association should implement a policy of placing death notices in the Herald upon the death of our Association members. Some discussion had around this but the Council felt that this would create a number of difficulties including the onus of observing the death of each and every Old Boy and the offense that may result if this was not possible. In the end it was decided not to pursue this.

Patron’s photo and honours board: Thanks to Peter Hargreaves for organizing this, plan is in place for this to be taken and framed in time for the AGM. The new honours board is also to be mounted in the Sports Centre in time for this. Exact colours are still to be confirmed.

Thanks: to Peter Hargreaves and Donald MacLean for the impeccable appearance of the School expressed on behalf of the Council.

Meeting Closed 8:15pm

I wish to take this opportunity to provide the first of an annual update.

The School

2009 was a very good year beginning with a roll of 520. The commencing roll this year was 540.

The academic results for the calendar year ending 2008 and 2009 were outstanding, with our students’ achievement continuing to be well above national averages in most subjects, and significantly above national averages for Maori and Pacific students.

A Metro article published during the year with the assistance of Professor John Hattie from the Education Department, University of Auckland, ranked Dilworth academically third out of 77 secondary schools in the Auckland Region.

In extra curricular activities (music, culture and sport), Dilworth continues to be a strong presence in the Auckland Region in all these areas.

A full review of boarding (conducted by an external expert) has resulted in a strengthening of the residential side to Dilworth.

A new Rural Campus has been acquired through the purchase of Hotel du Vin at Mangatawhiri just south of the Bombay Hills. It is currently hoped that the Rural Campus will be ready at the beginning of 2012 for up to 100 students (additional to the existing roll), and it is presently envisaged that the boys will spend the whole of an academic year at the Campus.

Earlier this year the Board acquired a substantial residence at 39 Market Road.

The Isabella Lodge (as it is now called) will be a special boarding facility that will be managed by house parents and designed to assist up to twelve students who require more individual attention.

That facility is expected to be up and running during the second term of this year.

Visitors to the School over the past decade will have noticed the changing and developing ethnic mix at Dilworth. This change has greatly enriched the social, cultural, sporting and academic life of the School, and further demonstrates the wisdom of James Dilworth in placing the emphasis in his will on “need” and specifically allowing for any “race or creed”. A far-sighted statement indeed.

88 scholarships have been awarded for 2010 from 494 applications received during 2009.

Last year we farewelled Mr Rex Hooton after 15 years of highly dedicated service as Head of the Junior Campus. He was replaced by Mr Peter Vos in August 2009.

This year we have farewelled our official Visitor, the Rt Rev Bishop John Paterson, also after 15 years of dedicated commitment in that position. We have welcomed his successor, Bishop Ross Bay at a recent Board meeting.

I encourage members of our community to view the latest ERO Report from the school inspectors, published in January this year. This is yet another excellent report, and a further reason for all of us to be proud of our school (the link is www.ero.govt.nz – enter “Dilworth” in “Search”).

Around the world, every school is basically as good as its Principal and we are very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Donald MacLean who would have to be one of the best educationalists in the country.

The Trust Fund

The Trust is in good shape with invested assets in the region of $400 million plus a further $100 million of School assets. The total return (capital gains and income) over the last 10 years has exceeded that of most superannuation and other managed funds.

We balance on 31 January each year. On 31 January 2000 our Trust equity (the value of the Trust’s investments) was $192 million. Our equity presently stands at $394 million. You will see that, averaged over 10 years, our equity has doubled (105%), compared with inflation which has increased by 31% during the same period.

However, during that period we have also spent a total of $115 million running the School and an additional $30 million in capital expenditure.

In other words, we have ensured that our capital fund has increased by three times the rate of inflation after allowing for all of the costs of running the School and all of our capital expenditure. I am sure you will agree that is a very gratifying result.

Also, it is a high note on which our General Manager, Martin Thomson, will retire around the middle of this year.

The average increase in equity since the Trust’s inception in 1894 has been 6.82% pa (compounding) That is effectively the earnings, after meeting all the School capital and operating expenses, over the past 116 years.

This is quite a tribute to the mere 44 Trustees (who include the present five) over the 116 year life of the Trust.

The Board

It is important to understand that the Trustees are responsible for two quite different endeavours.

One is to maintain the Trust in real terms (ie, level with or ahead of inflation) and the other is responsibility for the School.

Indeed, we are very privileged to have that dual responsibility and are very conscious of the importance of it.

Six Trustees is a very efficient number and the convention which we have introduced of having three Old Boys and three non-Old Boys has worked exceptionally well. Occasionally, that has been two and four, or four and two, but those short periods of imbalance are insignificant in the overall scheme of things.

The present non-Old Boys (David Hunter, Brian Maltby and Hugh Fletcher) add enormous strength to the Board as have the many former Trustees in the past. Jon Wain and I greatly respect their contribution.

Identifying a replacement Trustee (whether Old Boy or not) is always a very sensitive issue. We are very anxious to ensure that every new Trustee is of high quality and brings a strong commitment. Also, we have to take into account the importance of having a balanced Board – that is, balanced in respect of differing necessary skills.

The vacancy since John Potter’s departure has lasted much longer than we would have wished, but we are “on the case” and there has been a good reason for the delay.

Concluding Comments

When governing the School and managing the fund, we have to keep at the front of our minds the needs of present and future generations of students. That must always be our first point of focus.

The Trustees wish you all well and hope that you find this update of interest.

Yours sincerely

Chairman

Rev Warren Watson

On the 23rd of March I had an appointment to meet with and interview Rev Warren Watson at the Dilworth Senior Campus. Both of us were punctual and met in the main School entrance. Just as we were shaking hands, Peter Vos – the Junior School Head of Campus – came strolling by. After a few quick “hellos” I promised Peter that one day I would seek him out for his own interview. Clearly staff at Dilworth School cherish the chance to talk with Old Boys of the School!

I am not sure how to address Reverend Watson in this article, but he was such a warm and friendly man that I am sure he won’t mind if I refer to him by his first name. The boys, though, call him “Rev”. Warren has been at Dilworth for four years now, taking over from the long serving Father Brown – even I was taught by Father Brown when I was at School in the 70s.

Warren took me down to the Religious Education Department. It is actually where Music classes were held when I was at School. We sat down in his office and after a few pleasantries, got right into it.

Warren is very well supported by the RE Teacher – James Hannah – who has been at Dilworth for two years now. Warren had a lot of good things to say about James and it is clear that Warren and James have been very busy ensuring that boys have a broad Christian education available to them. James was in fact at the time of this interview busy with an RE class right next door.

Gift From Tonga

Warren told me that in educating the boys about Christianity the idea is to ‘lay the whole thing out’, so that boys have the big picture. In doing so, they focus on morals and ethics and take a good look at the world religions. This provides the students with the tools they need should they be attracted to a Christian life. The important thing is that they do not try to ‘shove it down the boys’ throats’. The whole focus is to make Christianity available in a non-threatening and relaxed environment, whilst also encouraging students to be actively involved in community service locally and overseas. The Chaplain, 7 boys and 2 other staff went on a trip to Tonga in 2009, where they visited St Andrews School – the same school that Mr John ‘Jock’ Conolly (Headmaster 1951 – 1966) went to on retirement after Dilworth.

In Year 7 (Form 1) the boys are Baptised – in June. Then in Years 10 – 13 Confirmation is offered, where the boys can choose to confirm their promises of Baptism. These are always special events and involve time away from the School. Each year about 20 – 26 boys take this opportunity.

Just as I remember from my time at the School, Warren tells me that it is challenging to keep the boys focused in Chapel. So a lot of effort is made to keep things fresh and relevant: storytelling plays a major part, as does relating those stories to what is going on in the 21st century.

The Founder’s Will requires the Trustees to ensure that the boys are given a Christian education. Accordingly, the School is affiliated to The Anglican Church in Aotearoa – New Zealand and the Bishop of Auckland is designated the Episcopal Visitor. Chapel is central to the spiritual life at the School. Two mornings a week each Campus starts the day with a brief service. On most Sunday evenings, boys attend the Chapel Service held on their particular Campus when they return from weekend leave. Parents, guardians, families and friends of the boys are encouraged to attend these Sunday services.

It is not a 9 to 5 job working as the Chaplain at Dilworth. In the evenings, Warren dedicates himself to making his time available for further pastoral care than may be provided in the public space of a classroom and ensuring that he is deeply embedded into School life. If needed, boys can sit with him to talk and pray. I am quite sure this gives boys a lot of comfort, especially in times of need. Warren is also involved in the sporting life of the school, coaching softball, rugby and soccer teams.

School Chaplaincy is a vocation that Warren is clearly dedicated to and passionate about. The boys are clearly in good hands and I am personally impressed and comforted.

Warren also talked about Old Boys and their families who make use of the Chapel for Weddings and Funerals. So, for those Old Boys thinking of ‘tying the knot’, have a think about the School Chapel as being a very special venue for this most important commitment you are making to your new wife.

Thank you, Warren, for taking the time to sit down with me.

We have had another Council Meeting – and a truly great meeting it was – so a full report on that will be on the Site soon. The meeting was held at Junior School and Principal Peter Voss attended along with Donald MacLean, so it was a memorable evening – and the food was great too!

The Country Reunion is approaching fast – slated for the weekend of August 13 in Mt Maunganui – so all of you Country folk need to be making plans NOW and letting us know that you will be attending.

We are developing some cool new features for the Website – truly great features. So, yes more on that soon as well.

The School Basketball team has had a truly splendid start to the season – beating some of the best in Premier Grade. So, will endeavour to get full details and photos on that.

The DOBA Council is having it’s yearly meet with the Trust Board on May 31st (the day after my birthday), so we are looking forward to that, one and all, and expect it to be a truly wonderful meeting of minds. This Council has a great thing going on …

There will be a major newsletter (post and email) sent out in the first week of June, so you can all look forward to that. It will included many great things, including a recent interview of Rev Warren Watson – so a truly magnificent newsletter it will be.

So, what is going on with the usage of the word “Truly” in this brief post? Well Dilworth is a Truly Great School and as an Association we are so impressed with how the boys at the School grow with the opportunities they are given – very much in evidence when you look at their skills in the arts and sports, not to mention academically. So, yes, yours truly - as one involved with the School a bit these days -  does feel truly honoured to be involved.

Ross attended Dilworth from 1947-56.
He taught at the school in 1967-68 before he headed off to Canada for a while.
He has been living in Thames in recent times.
Ross was the President of the Thames Golf Club (http://www.thames.nzgolf.net/ownpage.htm), who are due to have their 100 years celebrations in early April.
He died in his sleep at home in Thames and was due to play a round of golf this morning.

I am sure all of our thoughts will be with Ross’s family at this sad time.

ex NZ Herald 23 March: Geoffrey Ross (Ross). Peacefully at home in Thames, on 22 March, 2010; aged 69 years. Cherished husband, best friend and soul mate of Estelle (Betty). Adored father of Shelley and Andy, and Stephen. Loved and respected Step-Father of Verian, Jake (Dean) and Karen, Andrew and Karoline. Loved Granddad Ross to all his grandchildren, and friend of James and Debbie. A Service for Ross will be held at The Thames Golf Club, State Highway 26, Thames, on Thursday 25 March at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations to the Thames Golf Club would be appreciated and may be left at the service or posted to PO Box 179, Thames. Communications to: 200 Reservoir Road, Thames.

Bill Barker: Ross (Soapy) Cashmore was one of those special old boys  and Staff members, he was even coach of the first XV in my second to final year (1968). He would have turned 70 in June.

Barry Hill: I am very saddened to hear of Ross’ passing.  We taught together at Dilworth in the mid-sixties before Ross left to go to Canada.  He was a fine colleague, an excellent sportsman (particularly rugby; captained Otahuhu seniors as I recall), had a warm, friendly personality and a great smile.  I remember he came into the staff room one Monday morning after a particularly hard club match with a ‘wild’ broken nose to match his rugged looks!  Rarely heard him complain; he just get on with the job.  I never saw Ross again after he left Dilworth but I remember him very well and was grateful for his supportive ways.

I would appreciate it if you could pass on my condolences to his family.  My thoughts are also with the Old Boys particularly of Ross’ era.  As you said Bill, Ross was a special guy.

Bruce Owen : I endorse Barry’s remarks.  Ross was a great guy and came to Dilworth at a time when its was great to be part of a team of young teachers who were making a change to the very traditional and narrow way that Dilworth  had been run.  He was a fine colleague.  Ross just quietly got on with the job, with his thorough professionalism. As Barry says he loved his sport.  Unfortunately the attraction of the big OE took him to Toronto and beyond.  His short time at Dilworth as a teacher was a good time.