Recognising commitment to excellence in all areas of school life at the Boys’ School Prizegiving

There are many occasions throughout the year where our boys have demonstrated strong commitment to excellence and recorded successes in different areas of school life. The year-end prizegiving is therefore fitting to acknowledge and congratulate our boys for all they have achieved throughout the year.

The gym at the College Sports Centre was filled with our Boys’ School community who came along on the last day of school to celebrate all that the boys’ had accomplished.

In his opening address, Trust Board Chair Mr Mark Conelly recounted the exceptional year starting with the opening of the new Macky Senior School and Specialist Facilities in Term 1. Mr Conelly encouraged the boys to treasure the memories and friendships they make, sharing that he too made some of his closest friends from his time at Saint Kentigern. He went on to congratulate prize winners and urge students to take advantage of every opportunity that come their way and to strive to be the best they can be.

The award ceremony begun with the presentation of Music, Speech and Cultural awards followed by the Sports Awards and then the Academic Awards for each syndicate. The Christian Living and Service awards and Special Awards were then read by Deputy Principal Mr Grayson Aspinall and presented by Mr Conelly and Principal Mr Peter Cassie respectively.

Throughout the event, guests were treated to well-rehearsed performances by the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and The Performers’ Choir.

In the Principals’ address Mr Cassie commended the boys for continuing to perform well in school and within the broader community. He said the hive of activity throughout the year, be it activities to complement academic programmes, sports or cultural events, inter house competitions or service initiatives, all presented the boys with ample opportunities, and while hectic at times, the outcome had been extremely worthwhile. “All these ensure our boys are provided with an all-round education where excellence is expected. Our boys thrive on the competitive opportunities available.” Mr Cassie added.

To conclude, graduating Head Boy Toby Wigglesworth made his final Valedictory Speech before he was joined by his Deputy Oliver McGuinness, to hand the mantel of leadership to the new Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy which was announced alongside the Prefect Team of 2023 by Mr Cassie.

It was with mixed emotions that the ceremony drew to a close which also marked the last day for our Year 8 graduates at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. In his parting words, Toby shared, “As we leave today as sons of Saint Kentigern, I challenge you, live your life as best as you can and fill it with long lasting memories. Remember, life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some happy and some exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.” 

Congratulations to all boys who received awards at this year’s prizegiving and we wish all our Year 8 students the very best as they move on to College.

DUX

Zhening (Tony) Li
Tony has had an exceptional year, striving for excellence in all areas of the curriculum and has achieved outstanding results during his two years at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. This year his combined year and examination results were: English 95%, Maths 96%, Social Science 95%, and Science 99.84%.  This was an average of 97%. Tony has been a highly diligent, motivated, and conscientious young man and is a worthy recipient of the Foundation Pupil Cup for Dux. He was awarded 1st in English, 1st in Science and 1st in Spanish. He also achieved exceptional results in the ICAS Mathematics, Digital Technologies and Science Assessments scoring a High Distinction for each.

In the NIWA Science Fair, Tony was awarded 1st in Technology as well as a Gold Sponsors’ Award. Tony also focussed on Service in the School and community and achieved his Gold Service Award.                                                                   

PROXIME ACCESSIT

Oliver McGuinness

The Jubilee Cup for Proxime Accessit is awarded to Oliver McGuinness, who is a deserving, hard-working recipient. Oliver’s combined year and examination results were: English 93%, Maths 95%, Social Science 92%, Science 99%. This was an average of 95%. Oliver is an outstanding student who has participated in a variety of academic and sporting activities. In the NIWA Science Fair, Oliver achieved 1st in Living World as well as a Silver Sponsors’ Award.  His service to the school was exemplary and he achieved his Gold Service Award. Oliver was also commended for being an exemplary Deputy Head Prefect.

SENIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Harrison Day

The Ross Perry Cup for Senior Sportsman of the Year goes to Harrison Day, who has represented the School at the highest level in many sporting codes: 1st XV Rugby, A Touch Rugby, Eastern Zone Touch Rugby, Year 8 Cross Country Champion, Eastern Zone Cross Country, Inter Zone Cross Country, Year 8 Athletics Champion, Inter Zone Athletics.  He was awarded the Sports Cups for the Field Athletics Cup and for the Year 8 Athletics Champion. Harrison was also awarded The Knox Family Lion Heart Award for true grit and spirit with a never say die attitude in the sporting arena.