Absolutely Positively Wellington for Girls

New friendships and positive memories are what 35 girls from Year 7-8 at the Girls’ School, will cherish for a long time after their fantastic experience on their recent week long school trip to Wellington.

Accompanied by five staff, the girls were billeted and hosted by Queen Margaret College after a few minor hiccups en route to the Capital. Bus mechanical issues, luggage left on buses and a delayed flight for the group meant there was a sigh of relief all round as they finally boarded the plane to meet the staff and girls at the College!

The girls’ introduction to Wellington was a visit to Katherine Mansfield’s homestead in Thordon, and a step back in time. The historic gem is nestled in amongst older villas not very far from the College and was within walking distance. The girls had been learning about Katherine Mansfield as part of their English programme so the Victorian toys and hobbies on display fascinated our young ladies, particularly trying on several clothing garments. They saw how Katherine Mansfield would have lived and sat on the same lawn where the Mansfield-Beauchamp family would have played over 100 years ago.

A combined musical and singing performance saw our very talented Saint Kentigern musicians perform and sing in the College Auditorium. In return, the Queen Margaret students shared a few song choices and the session was ended with a musical round performed by all students present.

Principal Dr Sandra Hastie joined the girls’ mid-week for their Parliament tour, and were entertained by Hon. John Banks who introduced himself as Banksie. He spoke honestly about his childhood and his time at Parliament and the girls were given the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. The girls’ knowledge of politics was exceptional and the questions asked were all well thought.

On the court the Saint Kentigern Girls’ A Netball team, captained by Evie Coman, demonstrated great determination and positive aggression. This saw for an exciting game and all team members were well focussed to secure a win. The end of the first quarter saw Queen Margaret leading, but after re-grouping the girls fought back taking the lead for the final three quarters, winning 22-14. It was an amazing game and the Saint Kentigern girls demonstrated great skill and poise which was appreciated even by the non-sporting spectators.

While the Saint Kentigern B and C netball teams did not manage to secure wins, they worked hard on the court demonstrating positive team spirit and healthy sporting attitudes.

Our Football girls also played extremely well with the score board showing 1-1 for the majority of the game. In the final three minutes the Queen Margaret students managed to sneak the final goal in, leaving the score 1-2.

On the arts trail, the girls were lucky to discover and explore the Andy Warhol Immortal exhibition at Te Papa Museum, an artist who has been defined as changing the way we look at ourselves and each other. The College Drama workshop was also an opportunity for the students to participate in and enjoy drama games and improvisations with their peers.

After a very eventful week, the exchange ended with quick final debate on ‘Goldilocks – Is She a Good Role Model?’ Our Saint Kentigern Girls’ team made strong points on why Goldilocks should not be considered as a role model; nevertheless it was Queen Margaret College who was able to secure the win.

During their trip the girls loved meeting and staying with their billeting families and were treated to such new experiences. Horse riding, baking, cable car rides, movies and sightseeing along the Oriental Parade Waterfront were just some of the events shared in a new environment.

Many thanks to the attending staff; Dr Sandra Hastie, Judith Dobson, Nicola Brown, Jenny Reichenbach and Tracey Walker who were so supportive of the first Saint Kentigern Girls’ School exchange. The students conducted themselves outstandingly well and the staff could not have been more proud with our girls in blue.

With thanks to Director of Sport, Kristie Richards