Boys’ School Reflects on Heritage at Founders Day

As we embark on the sixty-seventh year of Saint Kentigern Boys’ School, it pays to reflect on the heritage of our school.

Founders Day provides that pause; an opportunity to dig deeper into the undercurrent that instructs our values and actions on Shore Road. On 3 February, right at the outset of the year, the full school gathered in JC Chalmers Hall to celebrate the initiation and development of this institution.

Many of the boys would have little concept of life in 1959, so Principal Peter Cassie thought it best to share straight from a primary source. John McMillian (1959, Form 1) had recently written to the school, reflecting on the year Saint Kentigern opened on Shore Road. 1959… the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge; the year television began as a two-hour experiment each Monday; and a time when proud Kiwis tuned into Winston McCarthy on the radio to hear of the All Blacks’ defeat of the British Lions, three tests to one. 

Much in society has changed. But not the foundation and values of Saint Kentigern. This remains a school founded on Presbyterian heritage, expecting the values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love from each student. 

A light-hearted reminder of our school heritage came through the sixty-second challenge completed by Head Boy Edward Moon. He shared the story of Saint Kentigern within a neat one-minute limit. The strong start was followed by the House Prefects, who were tasked with sharing (also within a minute) the history of their House and the miracle of Saint Kentigern associated with it. Hamilton House finished closest at one minute and five seconds, earning the first House points of the year.

Finishing the service in tradition, the school sang Happy Birthday to Saint Kentigern before cutting the five Founders Day cakes. Birthday boy Dominick Toth had the honour of being the first to taste the school cake. A chocolatey grin left great anticipation among the students, who received their own slice at the conclusion of the service. 

As always, Fides Servanda Est.