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.
