Villa Maria - Vmail October 2016

2016ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

PAST PUPILS From the President ASSOCIATION As I drove through Hagley Park this • This Reunion Day 30 October will morning I saw the blossoms just also be an opportunity for Past Staff beginning to appear. New growth can to gather at Villa, renew friendships corner, the committee and I wish you be seen all around with a new burst and enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the all the blessings that Christmas brings. of colour to the scenery which fills me company of former colleagues. We God bless with inspiration for the coming months. look forward to welcoming you at This is a busy second half of the year for Villa once again. Debbie Frank (nee Cantwell) the Association; past pupils have had President several opportunities to meet, mingle • Our Biennial Meeting, when the and reconnect. Annual Report will be presented • The High Tea in June was a very and a committee for the next two years elected, is to be held on enjoyable event. Sina Cotter-Tait Wednesday 26 October 2016 in the was an inspirational guest speaker College Staffroom. Past pupils please sharing the challenges and joys of come, and if interested in joining the being a young mum and working committee, I would love to hear from as a female Civil Engineer. Gina you [email protected] Langridge, also a past pupil and busy mum, catered for the event. Enjoy these lovely spring days and with • Top of the South Gathering in the end of the year just around the Kaikoura in August was attended by 14 with three PPA committee members travelling from Christchurch. This event is on a three-year cycle – Nelson will host the Lunch next year. Thank you to Madeleine Hoadley-Currie in Nelson for your organisation of this gathering. • For something a little different and exciting this year, we have a Reunion Day planned for Sunday 30 October. These are Decade Class Reunions for those who began Villa in: 1936 or prior, and for those who commenced secondary school (form 3/year 9) in the years 1946, 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006. We have emailed a flyer to those on our database in these year groups. If you belong to one of these year groups and haven’t received details when reading this, please email Sonya Fitzgerald at [email protected] to advise us of your email address.02 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Centenary Website Launched CENTENNIALIt’s official – we are counting down to turning 100 inFebruary 2018 and we want you to share the journey. Go toour brand new website and find out all the detail, have agiggle at the photo galleries and register your interest so wecan keep you up-to-date. www.villamaria100.co.nzFoundation Mercy Day CelebrationsWe had a fantastic evening of fun, laughter and memories on September 21.White Tie Catering took care of our sumptuous refreshments and we weretreated to the melodic sounds of Villa’s talented Vivace choir, along with ourvery own Mr piano man – Sean McCabe (Head of Music). Two superb past pupils spoke about their journey after Villa and theimpact their Mercy education has had on their lives – Jane Macdonald andGeorgina Cullen (nee Duncan). This is an annual event designed to gather together past pupils and friends of Villa Maria College with a purpose of raising fundsfor the Foundation’s Mercy scholarships. Each year, the Foundation sets about raising enough funds to offer one girl, who could nototherwise afford to come to Villa, a five year fees scholarship!VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 03

OUR ALUMNAE Villa’s Olympic Women There can’t be many schools in New Zealand who can claim that they had THREE Olympic stars at the 2016 Rio Games! We were so excited to be able to support these amazing Villa women and have asked them to share their experience with us for this edition of Vmail. Grace Prendergast - Rower (VMC 2005-2010) We spent three months training in Europe amazing athletes from all over the world it was an experience for the rest of the crew in the build up to the Olympic games. We but particularly the other New Zealand that will undoubtedly help in four years’ competed in two world cup regattas where athletes. It was the first time that a New time in Tokyo. With the rowing finishing we came away with a bronze medal in one Zealand Women’s Eight had ever competed in the first week of the Olympics we were and a gold medal in the other. This was at the Olympic games and we had high then able to relax and embrace the vibrant the first time New Zealand had ever won a hopes of bringing home a medal. culture of Rio and enjoy the Olympic games world cup gold in a Women’s Eight before. as spectators. In the final we came fourth, only one From there we travelled to Rio de Janeiro second behind the third place getters, It was an unforgettable experience and two weeks before the opening ceremony Romania, who have an impressive track definitely one that makes me want to carry to give us time to adjust to the different record in the Women’s Eight at past on towards Tokyo. culture and life that came along with living Olympic Games. in the Olympic Village. It was an incredible experience in which I got to meet a lot of Having only one member of our crew that had been to the Olympics previously, Courtney McGregor - Gymnast (VMC 2010-2013) My time in Rio was something I will never and support staff, and you truly feel a part Thank you Villa for all of you support! forget. Being a part of the New Zealand of something special. I was extremely happy Olympic Team was such an incredible with the way my competition went and how Courtney who is just 17, competed in the experience. There is such a great team I managed to keep calm under the pressure. women’s all-round artistic competition atmosphere between all of the kiwi athletes and showed that she has the talent to aim I am now at Boise State University in the higher in her sport. She finished 41st of the U.S.A on a full Ride gymnastics scholarship. 68 who started the competition. I’m excited to be a part of the Bronco Gymnastics team this year! Natasha Hansen - Cyclist (VMC 2001-2006) The Rio Olympics were my second games going through to the final round by only This made me so determined to prove them and my experience there was a lot different .001secs! wrong and with a supportive team around to my first. In London, everything was new me I was able to do so and also carry on to and overwhelming and at times it felt Rio & London were great; it was Rio. For those of you that also have Olympic quite surreal. However, in Rio, I found that amazing to see so many phenomenal aspirations, make sure you keep working I settled into Village life fast which allowed athletes together in one place. Being in an hard and believing that you are and can be me to direct all my focus & energy into my environment like that definitely makes you good enough, no matter what obstacles preparation and racing. I competed in hungry for success and is great motivation you are faced with. the track cycling sprint, keirin and team to keep pushing on to the Tokyo games sprint. Although I didn’t achieve the podium with the hope of finally achieving that finishes I was aiming for, I was pleased podium spot. that I managed to do a PB in my sprints and raced well in the keirin, missing out on Before the London Olympics I was told by an influential NZ selector that I would never qualify a spot in the sprint and keirin.04 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Nadia Mackle (VMC 2005-2008) OUR ALUMNAENadia is one of those inspirational My first realization that something the dignity, worth and potential of everyMercy women who we feel extremely was wrong was when I woke up in human being. This fits her perfectly, nothonoured to be including in this edition the Burwood Hospital Spinal unit in once has she doubted me and my ability toof Vmail. Read on and you will see Christchurch, unable to move from achieve what I want.exactly what we mean... the chest down. The accident left me paralyzed, a T6 incomplete paraplegic. This crazy thing we call life can change in Nadia and her best friend Lysandra an instant so don’t just sit there and watchBroughan arrived at Villa from Kaikoura I was not about to let this beat me it go by. Stand up, take control. Be proud ofas Year 9 pupils. “We lived with a family though. I was determined to make this who you are. Be grateful for what you have.who also had girls who attended Villa,” work. This is my path in life that God has But most importantly, in your day, take asays Nadia. “For us this was a really scary sent me on, and I will carry on that path, moment to remember - prize what is oftime, we had just left a tiny school which valuing that I still have a life, and grateful value to you.had 100 pupils, to now attending a school for everything and everyone who helpswith at least 100 pupils in each year!” me on my journey. I was in Burwood for “One thing I would always say to 4 months, every week pushing myself anyone, and I live by it myself: Be After four years with us at Villa, Nadia through physio to learn this new way of life. grateful. Be grateful for who you areset off on an AFS exchange to Istanbul, and for who you have in your life. BeTurkey for six months. She adapted At that time, my best friend Lysandra grateful for what you have, wherequickly to the complete cultural shift and was studying a Postgraduate Diploma in you have come from and what mayended up falling in love with the country Clinical Dental Technology, all the way be in front of you. You may not haveand its people. down in Dunedin. But most weekends the best of everything, but every day she made the trek all the way back to should be started and ended with After returning from her exchange, Christchurch to be with me. Lysandra was grateful thoughts.”Nadia worked for her parents who have the driving force behind me, encouragingthe Goodman Fielder Meadow Fresh me; she could see there was so muchcontract for the Kaikoura area. “I was potential still out there for me, when Itheir sales and merchandising rep until couldn’t quite see it for myself.2015 when my dream job was advertised,a customer service consultant at the BNZ. Our most memorable experience wasI was lucky enough to be successful in on our road trip around the South Island.getting the job.” I’ve always wanted to sky dive but I never got around to it. We arrived in Wanaka,“Learn to Prize What Is of Value’’ what better place to fall out of an airplane! Luckily they were happy for meIn 2015 Nadia’s world changed forever. to jump…although it was more of a fallShe says that Villa’s motto and her out the side of the plane for me.strong belief in being a Mercy womanhas given her strength and courage Being a Villa woman shone throughthroughout some pretty dark days. in Lysandra in my time of need, as one of the Mercy Attributes - Respect forNadia writes:On July 5th 2015, I was involved in a highspeed roll over car accident, which leftme in a mess. Punctured lungs, multiplebroken bones, and a suspected spinalinjury. I don’t remember much of the accidentor the days to follow. I do remember onevery important part though, waking tomy best friend holding my hand. It wasinstant relief to see Lysandra at my side,and since that day our bond has onlygrown stronger and stronger. VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 05

OUR ALUMNAE Sinead Boucher (VMC 1983-1987) Many of you will have read countless five years away, she returned to Stone, Mr Just, Miss Hill, Miss Edwards and articles written by Sinead Boucher over Christchurch with her husband many others challenged and stretched the years; you may have even seen her (and new baby). She returned to me, exposed us to new ideas and ways photo in Fairfax publications as their The Press as assistant editor and of thinking and instilled confidence Executive Editor, but what you may not was tasked with the development and curiosity in their students. They, know is that she is actually a past Villa girl! of their website. That led to a job along with my parents, had a profound as the first digital editor for Fairfax impact in opening up the world and the Sinead embarked on a BA at Media, to develop the fledgling possibilities for different careers.” Canterbury University after she Stuff.co.nz news site. That site graduated from Villa. In hindsight, she has now grown into the biggest To our current Villa girls, Sinead says: “I probably should have taken a website in NZ, and in 2012 Sinead offers some sound advice: “make the gap year before going to university.” was awarded the Wolfson most of all the opportunities you have The BA wasn’t inspiring her so she took Fellowship to Cambridge University in now to test and try out a lot of things. a year off to travel in Europe. When the UK in recognition of her digital work. Future jobs and careers will change very she returned, she enrolled in a Timaru rapidly, and technology will continue Polytechnic journalism course which Since then, Sinead has taken on to change the society we live in. It is happened to start halfway through the the most senior editorial role in the important to develop the ability to think year. It was at this point that Sinead company as Fairfax Executive Editor. critically, to understand and empathise found her passion – journalism. with others, and to be open to new ideas.” She says: After completing the journalism “Life will be a continual journey course, Sinead started a job as a reporter “I am in charge of 600+ journalists of learning, trying, failing and with The Press. “I spent about 10 years succeeding, so don’t beat yourself there, including three years as a crime - the biggest newsroom in up too much about not knowing reporter, which was fascinating. Then it what you want to do with your life was back to the UK for an OE. I was lucky the country - more than 60 right now.” enough to get a start at the Financial Times, one of the best newspapers in the newspapers, magazines and “Use your school days to get a great world, through a fluke of luck.” broad education, develop curiosity, websites including Stuff.” interpersonal skills and the confidence “My friend had been for an to put your hand up and have a go.” “It is a great job and I love working in an interview there and got the job, ever-changing world. The job carries a lot of responsibility, not just for my staff and but decided not to take it. He products, but because we reach more than 3.5million people every day, and suggested I turn up in his place therefore have the ability to influence public perception, affect people’s lives and try to talk my way in, which I and shape the news agenda. We have to take this very seriously.” did! The Financial Times boss gave When asked about her Villa days, me a chance and a huge foot up in Sinead says she recalls lots of fun memories. “I have a lot of great my career.” memories of the friends I made there, and of the teachers who helped influence me, From there Sinead went on to work for and broaden my horizons. Sister Mary the international news agency ‘Reuters’ Hanrahan was a great role model of a as a general correspondent covering strong female leader. Teachers like Mrs terrorism in London after 9/11. After “If the love of God really reigns in your heart, it will show itself in the exterior.” Catherine McAuley06 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Tribute to Kevin Handisides OUR ALUMNAEIn August this year we lost a true family on flights whenever for many years, Villa Maria Board ofcompanion of Villa Maria College. Kevin possible. Governors’, Hibernians, the Y’s MenHandisides was one of those selfless YMCA Service Club and later a keensouls who gave so generously of his To earn extra money to Bridge player.time, over many years, to help the pay for his flying trainingSisters of Mercy run Villa Maria College. Kevin would pick peas for Living opposite Villa Maria College Watties at night after a day’s and Convent, his building skills Kevin was in fact a past pupil at Villa work building. came in handy when on a weekendin the early 30’s when boys were still or evening the Nuns would phoneeducated here. When St Teresa’s parish Around this time Maureen with an SOS and Kevin would dulyschool opened a couple of years later he Steele arrived on the scene go over the road and sort whatevermoved there. From St Teresa’s he went and another dimension of problem had arisen.to Marist Brothers then onto St Bede’s his life began. They enjoyedCollege for secondary school where he Saturday night dances at St Johns, The Kevin was a family man at heart; hewas a keen sprinter and squash player. Rowing Club and Sumner RSA, often adored time with his three daughters, accompanied by Maureen’s sister Lois eight grandchildren and in recent After leaving school Kevin joined and partner. years four great-grandchildren. He wasthe Airforce for compulsory military always ready to help in practical waystraining, learning to fly in a Tigermoth Kevin’s ambition was to fly as a – over the years Kevin worked on manyalong with military camp at Taieri in commercial pilot for Air New Zealand. building projects at all of his children’swinter! It was during this time that Unfortunately, at the time he applied homes and of course there was nothinghis participation in athletics became there was a surplus of trained pilots he couldn’t fix!his hobby and he continued on with from the war years and Air New ZealandChristchurch Harriers Club for many were not currently recruiting. Although All of us at Villa extend our heartfeltmore years. a little disappointed he quickly moved sympathies to Maureen and the on, making the decision to commit Handisides’ family. Kevin’s kindness has Kevin began a building to building. An even more important left an indelible mark on the history ofapprenticeship fitting out the interior commitment followed – on the 25th Villa Maria College, and for that we areof railway carriages at the Addington July 1957, he became engaged to incredibly grateful.Workshops where his Grandfather had Maureen, the day of her 21st birthday.also worked. The training involved They married 18 months later on Febhighly skilled finishing detail to the 7th 1959. This ended Kevin’s flying daysstandard of a cabinet maker, skills which as he now had more importantKevin carried with him for the rest of his financial commitments.building career. Their first home was a flat in Deans From the Addington Workshops he Ave whilst Kevin was building their newthen worked for two other builders home at 19 Brodie St.expanding and refining his skills beforeestablishing his own company – In 1960, Karen, the first of threeK.S.Handisides Ltd. daughters arrived, followed by Leonie in 1962, Craig in 1963, who sadly onlyRight through until he retired he lived a day and Lisa in 1968. During the course of the girls growing up, Kevinremained an old-fashioned builder became involved in OLV Parish, Villa Maria PTA where he was Presidentwith hammer and nails, never a nailgun, however he was very fond ofhis electric skillsaw.Meanwhile his passion for flyingcontinued; he joined the CanterburyAero Club gaining his commercial pilot’slicence as well as taking friends and VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 07

OUR ALUMNAE Juliette Sivertsen (VMC 2000-2004) I couldn’t wait to leave Villa Maria in 2004. “I believe in grasping whatever the orphaned. I’ve helped run youth Not because I didn’t like school - rather, groups and youth camps and even my time at Villa had equipped me with opportunities present themselves was elected as President of the youth a burning desire to go out into the world branch of Rotary in the Eastern Bay of and create my own path. - even if they aren’t directly in line Plenty, Rotaract, where we undertook a number of fundraising activities for the I went straight from 7th form into a with your personal 10-year plan. community as well as provide a network journalism cadetship at the Christchurch of young professionals in the region. Star which gave me a brilliant grounding Because within every opportunity is in the basics of journalism - researching, My time at Villa gave me a strong sense interviewing, writing & story-telling. But I a set of new skills to learn to better of self-identity and provided me with knew broadcasting was where my heart more learning opportunities than I could was and the following year I was one yourself, expand your horizons have ever imagined. Most importantly, of less than 20 accepted into the New by 7th form, I was ready to leave - my Zealand Broadcasting School’s Journalism and soar to new levels in whatever schooling had given me a passion to go class. I graduated with a Bachelor of out into the world, to stand on my own Broadcasting Communications majoring chosen career path you take.” two feet and create my own path, not in Broadcast Journalism. follow someone else. I’ve covered countless court trials, I worked in Whakatane, Rotorua and major events like the 2012 London I had three older sisters and even my Auckland starting as a regional journalist Olympics, interviewed and set up mum who had attended Villa before & newsreader before progressing to interviews with some of the big names in me. While they are all highly successful more senior positions in the Auckland the world and have a couple of NZ Radio & strong women, I didn’t want to be newsroom. I spent five years working in Awards with my name on them. “another Sivertsen” and have to live in a variety of roles at ZB - as a Journalist, their shadows, I was determined to do News Director, Set-Up Producer for While I haven’t continued with any of things my own way. Mike Hosking & finally the Evening my school sports, the desire to try new News Reader & Sub Editor. Eventually things continued into adulthood. At age the attraction of the state broadcaster 25 I began ice figure skating in Auckland, called and I began work for RNZ, as the and have won a number of medals breakfast news reader & music reporter and competed at several National and for RNZ Concert, drawing on my music Australian National Championships. I’ve education at Villa! At RNZ, I was also coached beginner skaters young and on the Government Women’s Network not-so-young and have even taught blind internal board, helping women fight for skaters! equal pay & opportunities. The special character at Villa Maria helped reaffirm my faith and learn about the importance of service. In 2008 I spent three weeks as a missionary in India, caring for the sick, the abandoned and Blast from the Past Follow us on www.facebook.com/villamariaschool08 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Helen Mahon-Stroud (VMC 1981 to 1985) OUR ALUMNAELike many of us I have the feeling at times years dominated by netball and social To encourage, expand, challengeof life going full circle, and if I was honest, development. I joined the New Zealand and collaborate. All reasons weoften in circles. Police in 1990, moved north, continued to chose to send our girls to Villa, to play netball and gained higher honours learn to prize what is of value, along Driving up Brodie Street, parking the with the New Zealand Women’s rugby with the laughter, fun, learningcar, dropping off, picking up, coaching team attending the Inaugural Women’s and sense of belonging. I feelnetball; the place is the same but the role World Rugby Cup in 1991. intrinsically a part of this school,has changed. I feel I have morphed into the past the present and the future.my mother’s shoes. I like the thought of I returned to Christchurch in 1995,that, because although at the time I did the year of ‘annus horribilis’, in Latin Quick Fire Quiz:not realise, understand or appreciate it, meaning a year of disaster or misfortune.my mother (and father) along with the Family illness with cancer resulted in the Day Job:Villa Maria College school community loss of our mother, father and cousin High Performance Manager – WHITEwere shaping my life. within a year; that caused solemn FERNS NZ Cricket reflection and questioning of self and Spare time: The face of the school is similar my Catholic faith. The values and morals Run but changing, like the faces of girls instilled over the years, the support of Hidden Talent:now mothers who once walked these the Catholic community, respect and Talk back callercorridors. Familiar and welcoming, appreciation for my parents with regard Favourite Place:evoking memories of laughter, fun, to my upbringing, education and beliefs Taylors Mistakelearning and belonging. provided an inner strength that was Travelled in recent years: deeply drawn on in following years. West Indies, Bangladesh, India, going to I attended Villa Maria College from South Africa and Botswana this month1981 to 1985. Think blue mascara I met and married Alan Stroud, had Who inspires you:and big hair. School was fun. It was three wonderful children, continued My Family. They are pretty amazing andfriends. Distinct memories dominated in both career and sport. I returned to I’m lucky to have themby geography with Miss Holmes, PE Villa Maria College coaching the Seniorwith Miss Fountain, English and theatre A netball team in 2004. I was proud tosports with Mrs Stone, Latin and Math again be involved and contribute to theclass. School productions, netball, and school. As the children grew older, itathletics. I played basketball, softball, became important to me to reconnectyou name it I did it. The opportunity and with the Catholic community andencouragement to learn, participate and provide my children similar opportunitiescompete, to represent your school, to be afforded to me by my parents.Sports Captain, develop leadership, allroles and experiences that were to flow Georgia is in Year 11 and Lucy in Year 9,into future endeavours. both having started in Year 7. On leaving I attended Lincoln College Villa Maria College continuesand completed a Diploma in Parks to provide a supportive learningand Recreation Management. Three environment for life. Blast from the Past Follow us onwww.facebook.com/villamariaschool VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 09

OUR ALUMNAE Cushla O’Connell (VMC 1988-1994) Cushla can trace her love of fine arts right job allows me to work four days a week “Follow your passion but work hard back to Mr Clarke’s Villa Art classes all those and dedicate Wednesday to Art. My work at it. Sometimes this will mean years ago! And now she is making a name involves designing craft stamps, teaching putting in extra hours and pushing for herself in the World of Wearable Arts. classes and being hands on with craft yourself beyond your comfort zone. products each day. During 2007 - 2010, I But only then will you know what When Cushla left Villa in Year 13 she was co-ran a gallery in ‘Waikuku’ where my you are really capable of.” accepted into the Fine Arts department sculptures were sold. In 2015 I entered at the University of Canterbury, finishing the World of Wearable Arts, receiving a her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1998. She then runner’s-up award for a first time entrant. completed a Multimedia course at the My 2016 entry ‘Filigreen’ has also been Design and Arts College of NZ. “There is accepted to appear onstage in Wellington a small intake to the Canterbury Fine Arts in September 2016.” Department each year,” says Cushla. “So I appreciate all Mr Clarke did to prepare us After seven years at Villa, Cushla says and our art folios to be of a standard to her memories revolve around great get accepted.” friends, excellent teachers, and of course the Art room! “I spent every extra moment Cushla has always worked in creative I could there. I count myself lucky to have jobs allowing her to earn a living while had such a great art teacher in Mr Clarke, still being surrounded by creativity. “I was he fostered the best in us, bringing out our not built to sit at a desk 9 to 5,” she says. own individual talents.” “So I count myself lucky that my current Annabelle Dick (VMC 2009-2012) Annabelle has very successfully pursued As well as journalism, Annabelle has of art but real social issues. Mr Just was her love of journalism and film making a passion for producing documentaries. another of my favourite teachers - he would since graduating from Villa. While studying at Broadcasting School, tell the most amazing stories!” Annabelle worked with another student She studied media communications to create an eight-minute ‘short’ called Annabelle’s best advice… at Aoraki Polytechnic in 2013 and then a ‘The Grind’, which is a film based on the Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications in dating app Grindr. “We’ve had phenomenal “Take the awesome opportunity you Journalism at the NZ Broadcasting School. success so far with our creation; we gained a have now. Don’t spend your high spot in the short film competition ‘Show Me school years fooling around and trying Annabelle was just 16 when she left Shorts’ in 2015 and took away Best Student to fit in with the in-crowd because in Villa which she says: “looking back, it was Film! The biggest success so far was being a few years that means nothing. What a bold move but it was the best decision I invited to show our film at the Cannes Film matters is where you end up in life; so ever made.” She applied for a job half way Festival in May this year.” Annabelle has take this time now to start building the through her degree and ended up working recently sold the film rights to Lightbox person you want to be in the future” as a television reporter for Dunedin and is in the process of creating a proposal Television’s 39 Dunedin News. “I found for her next short film to pitch to funders. myself interviewing All Blacks, prominent fashion designers, Black Caps and Members “There are too many memories from my of Parliament at the fresh, young age of 19.” time at Villa Maria College to recall,” she says. “I really loved taking part in House After a year with Dunedin Television, competitions. There’s nothing better than Annabelle moved back home to the rush that comes with taking out Choral Christchurch to take up another reporting Festival! Woooo Mercy! Also, Mr Clarke’s art role. She now works for Star Media as a classes had a big impact on my education. fashion reporter for The Star and produces He had a great style of teaching and he her own newspaper, Bay Harbour opened my mind up not only to the world News; she also fits in some reporting for Canterbury Television (CTV).10 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

The Villa StarJam Team OUR ALUMNAEFor this edition of Vmail, we were lucky enough to catch up with three past pupils allworking for the same organisation – StarJam! Jo Casey, Brittany Overwater and Stef Branbury are the Regional ProgrammesCoordinators for StarJam in Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland. StarJam is an award winning New Zealand not-for profit organisation that empowersyoung people with disabilities through music and performance. www.starjam.orgBrittany Overwater (VMC 2003-2008) Brittany’s lasting memory of her Villa than you think so fill them up with tryingWhen Brittany left Villa she tried a few days are the friendships she made. new things and putting more effort in,different careers including graphic “I am still close friends with many of my so you will never regret not doing thingsdesign and early childhood, as well as Villa girls and my best friend is still the when you’re older.”traveling overseas to be a nanny. Her love first person I became friends with when Iof children and passion for the disability started,” she says.sector saw her head to the University ofCanterbury to complete a Bachelor of The Villa belief in service has beenTeaching and Learning (Primary). another defining characteristic for Brittany. “It’s definitely shaped me and “While studying I become a part of given me the desire to work for peopleStarJam as a volunteer and have never and serve those who are less fortunatelooked back,” she says. “It combined my than myself.”love of working with children and givingmy time to a fantastic organisation.” To our current girls Brittany says: “Just go for it! Your school years go a lot fasterJo Casey (VMC 2007- 2011) It was the whole Villa experience thatJo completed a Bachelor of Social Work shaped Jo’s career choice and outlookwith Honours at University of Canterbury on life. “For me, Villa provided a greatbefore taking on a role at Christchurch education but also gave me the chance toPublic Hospital as a social worker. learn about using my talents to serve GodHowever, when the chance to work for and others. While I was at Villa I got theStarJam came up she jumped at it! chance to be Cultural Captain and leader of some of the ensembles- helping out the Jo says she remembers her Villa days school with Masses, events and tutoringreally well. “I’m fortunate to still have some some of the younger students. This meantvery close friends from those years. Many that I was able to discover early on that yourof my memories are from the music and passions (which for me is music), are mostdrama department that I spent a lot of satisfying when used in service for others.”time in!”Stef Branbury (VMC 2002-2006) the community after people had been so 11Stef completed a Bachelor of generous to me in trying times,” she says.Broadcasting Communications, Majoringin Film & Television at the New Zealand Stef still remembers the VillaBroadcasting School. She worked part Maria song – but unlike her talentedtime on the television programme, What colleagues, she says she won’t beNow? while she was at Villa and from singing it out loud! “I remember thethat experience she knew she wanted to feeling of community and family of thepursue a career in television. school. After 10 years, my Villa girls are still my best friends.” Stef completed her internship atCTV (Canterbury Television) where she Stef believes the morals and valuesended up working for 4 years. After that she learnt while at Villa havethe earthquakes she made the move definitely shaped her. “I’m working forto Auckland and the career move to a not-for-profit organisation and givingStarJam. “It was my time to give back to back to the community and I’m sure the values I learnt at Villa have led me here.” VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

COLLEGE NEWS Principal’s Message Ngā mihi atawhai, to the politicians as part of a Hikoi led we expect to open next year. While Villa Maria College works hard to by the Sisters. Mia Butts and Sophie building is always disruptive, we Glass represented Villa Maria College in greatly appreciate the hard work of our develop the Mercy woman with her focus Wellington for this event. Proprietors in getting this important on being inspired to make a difference. project underway. It will be a great asset This has all been part of the lead up to to the College and provide many new It is always so exciting to hear Mercy Day, which followed our traditional opportunities for girls in the future. back from past pupils about the format and included our special visitors many and varied ways that they this year once again. We are delighted to Deborah Brosnahan have taken up this challenge and continue this tradition, which enabled Principal are living their Mercy values. girls to live the values of Whakaute – Respect for others, and Manaakitanga – This year the Sisters of Mercy set a new extending their Hospitality to the visitors challenge asking all their Ministries, who they make welcome in so many including all the schools to participate in different ways. These are our particular a project called Te whakaruruhau mo nga values at Villa Maria College. iwi katoa - Shelter for all, to highlight the issue of homelessness in Aotearoa New The Foundation Mercy event enabled Zealand. Girls have taken the opportunity our wider community to share in our to write letters, poems, create images celebrations and continue to support and text that highlights experiences future students through the Scholarship of homelessness and deprivation, opportunities offered. focusing on TIka – Justice for the poor and vulnerable. These efforts were then The greater sense of welcome that our taken to Parliament to be presented new driveway and entrance gives to all visitors has been exciting to watch unfold. We are also delighted to watch the development of the new building, which From the Board of Trustees As a Board we are tasked with roles and responsibilities under the also taking into account our Mercy values setting the Strategic Plan for the various pieces of legislation under which and our cultural identity as a nation. College, which takes into account our we operate. With challenge comes opportunity and statutory responsibilities as well as our we are excited by what lies ahead! We responsibility to maintain and promote We have discussed what achievement ask for your prayers that we will be wise the “Special Character” of Villa Maria. means to different students and have and brave in our decision making and analysed achievement data from management. We have recently embarked on various sources. Importantly, we have developing a new three-year Strategic sought input and reflection from Staff, Karen Mountford – Chairperson Villa Plan by considering our Mission Students and, soon, the wider College Maria Board of Trustees Statement, reviewing its relevance and Community. We will take all of this what it means to us moving forward. into our future planning sessions. Our Although only in its early stages, this discussions are robust and draw on our reflection has already shown there is collective experience, wisdom and skills a desire to be inspirational as well as and everyone has an equal voice. aspirational in our vision. As a Board we have accepted the We have a number of new Parent, responsibility, and privilege, of setting Proprietor, Staff and Student Trustees. the direction of the School. Our To date, we have been focussing on challenge is to continue to make sound Board Governance training around the decisions, in a Catholic context and12 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Mercy in Action Te Tau o Te Atawhai COLLEGE NEWS Year of MercyRead for Refugee In this year of Mercy, the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand, Nga WhaeaEarly in Term 2, Year 9 students were invited to Atawhai o Aotearoa have launched a new initiative to highlight thedonate a preloved book or toy to gift to refugee plight of the poor and homeless in Aotearoa and challenge us allchildren in our community. They had been studying to act.refugees in our Social Studies classes and feltchallenged to think of a way that they could show Schools have been provided with great educational packs andthe Mercy charism through social action. practical ways to live the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy in our lives. Villa will be using these resources and finding ways to act. The students learnt what it meant to be a refugeeand heard stories from different people. They Shelter For Allalso took part in a scenario that invited them topretend to be a refugee and try to escape war in Witness at Parliamentour own country. It didn’t take long before the girls One of the ways The Sisters of Mercy New Zealand, Nga Whaealearnt that being a refugee was devastating and Atawhai o Aotearoa enabled us to express our concern for theheartbreaking. homeless was the organisation of a hikoi to Parliament, which was essentially a collective witness and place to stand together to express A huge thank you to those girls that donated. our hopes as people of Mercy for all who need shelter and protection.Your treasured gifts have now been passed ontomigrant families through Hagley Community Schools were asked to put together ‘Shelter For All’ booksCollege – we thank Ms Dix for helping with the of reflections from students which were handed to Membersdistribution of our books and toys. of Parliament. Two of our students (Sophie Glass and Mia Butts) were part of the Hikoi and presented Villa Maria’s reflection books to Members of Parliament.Having a BallThis year, a team of Villa girls helpedprepare the Disabled Dance held at theTempleton Community Centre. The girls set up the hall and arrangedthe food and drink ready for the arrivalof the guests. They gave of their timeand were so supportive of the gueststhroughout the afternoon. They blendedin well amongst the “forest” theme anddanced their way into the afternoon! A superb Mercy action. Special thanks to Ruby Montford McAuley for herorganisational skills. VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 13

COLLEGE NEWS Mercy Day 2016 Mercy day is always celebrated at Villa; it is a tradition that honours and commemorates the school’s foundress, Catherine McAuley. On this day in 1827 she opened the House of Mercy in Dublin. We too open our doors on this day to a group of very special guests from around Christchurch. Children and staff from special-needs units are invited to spend a day with Villa girls and be entertained by activities and a show. In the true spirit of Mercy, our Vertical Groups go to a lot of effort to create a magical experience for their special guests. We’ve captured some of these moments in the photo montage... Choral Festival 2016 It’s one of Villa’s traditions and judging by the NOISE in the College Hall, this tradition is not going to ever fade! Choral Fest was spectacular this year with all Houses fiercely competing in front of our external judges to take home the converted winners title! Each House gave impressive performances of a religious song, a Māori song and a song of their choice. In the end, MERCY House won.14 VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER

Brainiest in South Island COLLEGE NEWSVilla Maria College students have taken top honours atthe 2016 International Brain Bee Challenge, held atOtago University. The Challenge includes Year 11 students competingto determine who is the “best brain” on such topics asintelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movement,stress, aging, sleep, addiction, Alzheimer’s and stroke.The Challenge was founded by a Scientist in the USA andnow competitions take place worldwide culminating in anInternational Brain Bee Championship Villa students: Angeline Sang Yum, Zoe O’Sullivan, Zoe Muir, and Hannah Warner won the Team Challenge beating 75 other Year 11 pupils from South Island secondary schools to secure their title.Business Winners Students who gained Elite awards in the Language Perfect World Championships 2016:Canterbury Bizninja Competition Back Row: Brittany Baugh, Rebecca DillonOur team of four Year 10 students recently competed Front Row: Cheska Condino, Isabelle Wilson, Lisa Tran, Abigail Chong.against 11 other Christchurch high schools in the Absent: Athena Mirambel (8th in the world for French).Bizninja Competition. This is the second year it hasbeen run by the Young Enterprise Trust and the firstyear Villa Maria College has entered. The students had to come up with a product thatwould help reduce a safety concern. After a numberof last minute product changes, they decided on atracking device and app to keep children safe. Theyhad to pitch their product to three judges includinghow it would be priced and marketed. Their pitch wasoutstanding and won them a well-deserved first place.(L-R) Sarah Doocey, Catherine Thwaites, Language Perfect WorldGeorgia Proudfoot, Jordan Hill Championships 2016 VMC recently had great success in the Language Perfect World Championships, an online competition where students from more than 1,100 schools in 25 countries around the globe compete to learn vocabulary in an additional language. From 16th to 26th May, students from all year levels competed across four languages (Maori, Japanese, German and French). We congratulate all students who took part with special mention to our seven students who gained Elite awards, Athena Mirambel (8th in the world for French), Cheska Condino, Rebecca Dillon, Isabelle Wilson, Brittany Baugh, Lisa Tran and Abigail Chong. Special congratulations to the Japanese classes for coming 1st in New Zealand, and 10th in the world, and to the Maori classes for their ranking of 7th in the world. VMAIL ISSUE 35 OCTOBER 15

COLLEGE NEWS Sport @ Villa It’s been a very successful winter season of sport at Villa. Below are a few of the highlights. Hockey Our XI Hockey team won the Federation Cup which makes them National School Champions. The team worked incredibly hard in the final against St Cuthbert’s, winning 2-1 in the second set of extra time! Cycling Emma Smith Emma is the Captain of our Villa Cycling Team. She was selected in the U19 NZ team to compete in a race in Victoria, Australia in July. Emma was also the winner of the Cuddon Blenheim tour and fastest hill climb for U20. To top off her amazing 2016 successes, she was recently placed 6th at the club Nationals and was 3rd in the Canterbury U19 road race champs. Netball The Villa Year 9A netball Team won the Villa’s Senior A U14, Div 1 Saturday Netball Team Competition. A was placed 6th wonderful result for at the South the team and their Island Secondary coach, manager and Schools ‘A’ grade supporters. tournament which was a fantastic result. Archives Who are they? Can you help us identify past Villa girls in these photos? If you know the names and the approximate date of these photos we’d love to hear from you. Our archive manager, Sister Maureen, can be contacted by email – [email protected] or by phoning the school office – (03) 348 4165 Can you help? There are ways that the wider community of Villa Maria College may like to help build the College archives. Perhaps you have memorabilia in the form of old uniforms, badges, magazines, or formal photos (with names if possible) that you would be prepared to donate to the College. We can scan photos and return them if you’d prefer.