Brian Matthews celebrates 40 Years of Service

A special morning tea was held at the Boys’ School this morning for a long serving member of staff. Brian Matthews began his employ as a Year 8 teacher in 1975, later teaching Year 5 then going on to become Head of CE and Reading Recovery. He formally retired in 2001 and has since taken on the part time role of Archivist. After 40 years, Brian holds the distinction of having served under all four principals and has been a friend and mentor to many staff and boys over the years.

Brian is a community minded person, always the first to offer assistance, who was awarded ‘The New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal in recognition of his services to New Zealand.’ This has been reflected at Saint Kentigern in his dedicated and caring service.

To mark the occasion, Brian offered a gift to the School. When another long serving staff member, Mrs Jane Mackie, retired two years ago, she donated a sporran for the Head Boy to wear. Brian has now gifted a second sporran so that the Deputy Head Boy can also add this to his formal attire.

Brian’s wife, Alison, attended the morning tea today. She, like many of our staff spouses, has also been actively involved in Saint Kentigern events over the many years that Brian has been a staff member. There are many families whose fathers and sons have attended the Remuera campus and Brian has often been the link between the generations as the father recalls ‘Mr Mattie’ from his own school days.