1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

Issue 28 • April 2013
Front Row (L-R): Eilish Espiner (Cultural), Bailey Jeffery-Butler (Deputy Head Girl), Samantha Swain (Head Girl) Jiwon Choi (International).
Back Row (L-R): Maria Nonis (Service), Libby Bell (Sports), Rowena Jackson (Head Librarian) Savannah Smith (Academic).
21 Peer Street, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.Tel: 64-3-348 4165 Fax: 64-3-348 4163, Email: [email protected], www.villa.school.nz
From
the
Principal
Welcome to this edition of VMail. It has been exciting for me to return
to find the College in such great heart and to receive such a warm
welcome from the community. A rather alarming number of Past Pupils
have told me that they remember me from when they were here, who
now have their own daughters at the College. (Education is a very
ageing business!)
These connections are what make the College into so much more than
a school. We are a community, and there is a strong sense of whanau
to these wider connections. I haven’t yet become accustomed to being
recognised by people in the community, but have found wherever
I go that people will introduce themselves and tell me how they are
connected to the College. It has been a very positive experience to feel
such a palpable sense of community here, and to realise how big a place
in the Christchurch education scene Villa Maria plays.
Deborah Brosnahan
Girls frequently ask me whether I am enjoying the job, and I can honestly say I am – perhaps that means I am not
doing it right! It is certainly challenging, but the opportunity to be around such positive and dedicated people
as the staff of the College, and to see the light in the girls’ eyes as they strive to perform at their best brings great
satisfaction. It is a great privilege to celebrate their successes alongside their parents, and to see them involved
in so many activities. For any Principal who finds herself buried in paperwork, the answer is to slip out to a
classroom, or wherever the students are, so that you remember what it is all about. The paperwork will still be
there when you get back, but you will feel far better about it after catching the energy of 755 vibrant young Villa
girls embarked on their journey to becoming Mercy women.
As we begin our planning towards the centenary, I hope many more Past Pupils will re-establish their links with
the College.
Deborah Brosnahan
Principal
These connections are what make the College into so much more than just a school. We are
a community, and there is a strong sense of whanau to these wider connections.
Deborah Brosnahan
From
The Board of Trustees
It has been a fantastic start to the year. Our Trustees are enjoying working with Ms
Brosnahan and her new Senior Leadership Team. We are very proud of the latest
NCEA results and the number of scholarships earned by our students in 2012.
The Board are also excited by the many initiatives and ideas that Ms Brosnahan
is presenting to the Board about how we, as a College, can continue to improve
student engagement and student achievement.
The Board triennial elections are being held in May. If you are interested in standing
for election as a Parent Representative, please do not hesitate to contact the
College for more information. Being a trustee is an incredibly rewarding experience;
helping to shape the future direction of the College to ensure our students strive for
excellence and achieve their potential.
Virginia Noonan
Virginia Noonan
Board Chair
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Proprietor
Profile
The Company Report
Who are Villa Maria College Company Ltd, formerly known as the Proprietor, and what is our role within the College?
We are a Board of ten directors entrusted by the Sisters of Mercy, Nga Whaea Atawhai O Aotearoa, to preserve and
nurture their Mercy ministry, in this case in the area of education.
Our Mission statement reads: “To preserve and safeguard the Catholic Special Character of Villa Maria College
expressed through our Mercy charism and to develop a Modern Learning Environment.”
We have developed our Strategic goals whereby all our Board decisions reflect Catholic values expressed through the
Mercy charism, and we work to provide facilities that support curriculum delivery in keeping with current and future
roll growth.
Monthly meetings are held to discuss and make decisions on matters regarding Special Character, Strategic Planning,
Capital Development and Finance. Four of our directors also attend BOT meetings as Company representatives. In
between times, smaller groups meet with the Senior Leadership Team and BOT members to discuss progress with
various property projects and Special Character matters as they affect the College.
A snap shot of some of our work follows:
At the moment we are project managing the strengthening of the Hall at the College and are pleased to report that
this is nearing completion.
Plans are in place to build a new food room which we are very excited about, this will provide wonderful
opportunities not only for our present and future students, but also the wider College community.
While new projects are underway we are committed to providing alternative classroom spaces that are of a high
standard.
Last year the difficult decision was made to close the Convent and this will be
demolished in due course. The Company were delighted to host a farewell ceremony
in December 2012 which many of the Sisters of Mercy attended and the afternoon
included a liturgy, viewing of memorabilia, and hospitality where many fond
memories were shared.
Furthermore three of the directors are working with the BOT on a self review of
Special Character at the College ahead of a visit from The Catholic Education Review
Office in the near future.
As always we enjoy an excellent relationship with the Board of Trustees and Senior
Leadership and are thoroughly enjoying working with our new principal and her
team.
Philippa Worthington
Chair
Villa Maria College Christchurch Ltd
Philippa Worthington
Nicola Callaghan (VMC 1990 - 1994)
Nicola Callaghan has recently been appointed to the Proprietors Board. As an ex-Villa girl, Nicola
felt her appointment provided a perfect opportunity to give back to the College she gained so
much from.
“Villa provides a balanced and supportive approach to education”, she says. “By this I mean you
have lots of opportunities to experience non-academic activities whether it’s sports, music, art or
culture in conjunction with a sound academic philosophy. I believe this leads to a better education
experience rather than being too focused on one aspect. Participation in extracurricular activities
provides enjoyment which I believe is critical to being successful and also provides great learning
experiences about yourself in different situations and environments.”
Nicola graduated from the University of Canterbury with First Class Honours in Accountancy, Finance and Administration
Systems. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has worked in both public practice with PWC
and private companies in retail, insurance and utility industries both here in NZ and overseas.
At the moment she is full-time mother to her two young children and says living very close to the beach is a
wonderful resource for their family.
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Foundation
Update
The Villa Maria Foundation has started the year on a very positive note, welcoming
two new Trustees, Helen Dellaca and Katie Duncan. Both women are past pupils of
the college and are enthusiastic about supporting the Foundation and its goals. At our first meeting of the year some very exciting initiatives were discussed with the
intention of contributing financially, spiritually and socially to the College. Once these things have been finalised and approved we will be in a position to make
an announcement.
Watch this space!
Tina Duncan
Tina Duncan
Foundation Chair
PTA Thanks!
Villa Maria College would like to thank and acknowledge the hard-work and commitment of the PTA. Last year when
the College needed to up-grade one classroom of computers they approached the PTA for funding. The PTA graciously
gave $25,000 to the College; this allowed us to buy 25 brand new
computers for Room 12, as well as five new computers for the staff
work room. Without the financial support of the PTA this would not
have been possible. The students are all enjoying using the new
computers and have remarked on how fast they now are to use.
The PTA welcomes new members. Join their monthly meetings
and enjoy getting to know other Villa parents. The PTA meets on
the first Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm in the College Meeting
Room, near the Main Office.
PTA Chair
Maarten Loeffen
P: 355 7750
E: [email protected]
Brandts-Giesen McCormick
Barristers, Solicitors and Notary Public
John Brandts-Giesen (Partner)
Andrew McCormick (Partner)
Quentin De Hamel (Senior Associate)
Anna Lloyd (Associate)
Anna Kissick (Solicitor)
Matthew Joyce (Solicitor)
Carol Dunn (Legal Executive)
All areas of general legal practice including
Property, Commercial and Family Law.
Lawyers for your Community
We appreciate our association with Villa Maria College.
We welcome new clients. Consultations at your home,
work or our office.After hours by arrangement.
Christchurch, Rangiora and outlying areas.
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Phone: Christchurch (03) 379 1303 • Rangiora (03) 313 4010
After hours: (03) 313 8862 • Fax (03) 313 5096 •
Email: [email protected]
We are sincerely grateful to the following Trusts and
Foundations who have given generously to Villa Maria
College this year.
Air Rescue Services Trust
New Zealand Community Trust
Pub Charity
First Sovereign Trust
The Trusts Community Foundation
Four Winds Foundation
The Southern Trust
Academic
Achievement
Our 2012 Academic results were extremely pleasing. As you will see from the graphs below, Villa girls achieved well above
national averages. We are also delighted to announce 10 National Scholarships.
National Qualifications
Villa’s results compared to the national averages.
Certificate Endorsements
(Combined – both Merit and Excellence Endorsements).
An Impressive Trend
High Academic standards are a trend that can be seen over time.
For example, Level 1 results over the last five years:
Level One Student Achievement
Scholarship
Scholarship recognises the highest achieving students in each subject area. It is a separate examination that requires a
high level of critical thinking and analysis. Approximately 3% of the cohort in a subject area are awarded Scholarships. We
congratulate our girls on their hard work and effort in achieving the following 10 Scholarships in 2012:
Laura Maskill:
Sophie Hale:
Mary Hegarty:
Emily George:
Hannah Rice:
Biology – Outstanding Scholarship
Accounting AND Economics Drama Classical Studies Mathematics with Statistics
Jessica Smith:
Physical Education
Bridget Thomas: Biology
Madison Williams: History
Holly Moffett:
English (achieved as a Year 12 student)
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Gold
Achievers
At the High Achievers Assembly in March we recognised pupils who have excelled in NCEA. In front of their peers and
parents, the students were presented with their Villa Maria Gold or Silver badges.
The following students are again congratulated for their academic achievements:
LEVEL 1 – Gold
To qualify for a Level 1 College Academic Award, students must achieve 65+ credits at Excellence.
Back (L-R): Emma Woodford, Megan Nelis, Georgia-Rae Taylor, Bridgette Thwaites, Georgina Stokes, Bridget Mackie, Elaina Pemberton, Rosemary Dorsery, Hilde Martens, Mica-Paris Lolohea
Front (L-R): Elizabeth McGeorge, Charmaine Tan, Emma Jefferis, Georgia Payne, Isabelle Lynch, Ffion Davies, Zelin Zeng
Maia Matthews, Elise Dalrymple-Keast
LEVEL 2 – Gold
To qualify for a Level 2 College Academic Award, students must achieve 80 credits at Excellence.
Back (L-R): Front (L-R): Absent: 6
Lucy-Ann Wingrove, Jessica Grant, Isabelle Taylor, Samantha Swain, Holly Moffett, Savannah Smith, Katarina Marcijasz
Rachel Pugh, Jessamine Aiken, Penny McRandle, Bailey Jeffery-Butler, Maggie Worthington, Viana Ta, Georgia Finch,
Chelsey Miles, Maria Nonis
Caitlin Rennell, Jessica O’Donoghue, Monica Sharp.
Iho Pumanawa
awaRd
This award recognises the highest
achieving Māori student in the College.
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis
of their NCEA results and interviewed.
In 2013 it was awarded to Maia
Matthews.
Maia is currently a Year 12 student.
For NCEA Level 1 Maia studied
Religious Studies, English, Mathematics,
Science, History, Drama and Japanese.
On top of this Maia has been
completing papers in Te Reo Māori
at the University of Canterbury and
maintaining an A+ average.
She takes a leading role in the College
Kapa Haka group.
In 2012 she also gained her black belt
in karate.
Maia Matthews
Pasifika
Achievement Award
In 2013 we also presented a new award to acknowledge Pasifika
student achievement.
After community consultation the following criteria were
established:
• General academic excellence
• Contribution to the wider life of the College
• Commitment to Church/Parish
• Role-modelling to junior students
• Commitment to Pasifika
Again candidates were shortlisted and interviewed.
In 2013 this was awarded to Mica-Paris Lolohea
Mica-Paris is currently a Year 12 Student. She studied Religious
Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, Drama, Music and
Spanish in Year 11.
Mica-Paris Lolohea
Mica-Paris is a dedicated member of the Con Brio choir who
were selected for the National Big Sing Competition last year;
she plays a variety of sports for the College, takes a leading role
in the Polyfest Group, and is a Peer Support Leader and Student
Representative on the Board of Trustees.
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Meet our
Head and Deputy Head girls
Samantha Swain (Head Girl)
I started Villa in 2009 as a Year 9 student from Halswell Primary School. I love
being fit and healthy so have played a number of different sports throughout
my time at Villa such as Netball, Waterpolo, Volleyball, Swimming, Cricket
and Dragon Boating. Villa has such a vast range of sports on offer and I just
encourage the girls to give them a go and try something new. For me, the key strength of Villa Maria College would be the students’ ability
to always be there for each other and that has been evident during our
earthquake-filled years. Another strength is our Mercy values and seeing
girls use their special gifts and talents to help those who need it. Villa is also
amazing at getting girls to aim high and achieve to the best of their abilities
like one of our mottos: ‘doing ordinary things extraordinarily well’.
The things I want to be remembered for as a leader are the positive changes
that are happening within our school. Things like being the one to initiate
better relationships between the year levels and creating a closer relationship
with our brother school, St Thomas’. I also want to be remembered as the
girl anyone could just come up to and have a good old chat about anything!
Bailey Jeffery-Butler (Deputy Head Girl)
I started Villa in Year 9, 2009 after I had left Chisnallwood Intermediate
School.
I love sports, so I have been involved in many Villa sports teams including
Netball, Rowing, Volley Ball, Basketball, and Indoor Netball. I have also been
in the Kapa Haka and Pasifika Group.
I think the Villa community has many strengths. We do so well in all areas of
the school and that is due to the incredible staff we have and the drive and
passion of our students. Another strength at Villa is the Mercy charism. I like
that the girls have one role model in Catherine McAuley to look up to, which
in turn makes us all a lot closer as a community.
I hope to help inspire girls to make the most of school and do their absolute
best. I believe we are very lucky to be a part of the Villa Community and I
want the girls to realise this and be grateful for the opportunities we have
here. If I can help just one student reach their potential and push their limits, I
will be a happy Deputy!
Ballet
Success
Estelle Thomson’s dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer are taking shape with
her selection into the prestigious Australian Ballet School Training Programme. Students
are selected via an audition and chosen for their natural talent and potential for a future in
the ballet profession.
Estelle says she is looking forward to dancing and learning inPhoto
an international
environment.
to come
“I want to see how I measure up against the other International Trainees and I know it will
be amazing to be instructed by former Australian Ballet Company Dancers.”
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Estelle started ballet lessons at the age of 4 and says her passion for it has never waned.
She now trains for 27 hours per week as well as teaching two primary school classes and
says: “I love feeling so graceful while dancing and working hard and pushing my body to
the limits.”
Japanese government offers
scholarship to villa girls
Two Year 12 Villa Maria College students were awarded a trip of a
lifetime in 2012. They travelled to Tokyo on an all-expenses paid
scholarship, courtesy of the Japanese Government.
Jessica Grant and Holly Moffett were part of the Kizuna Bond Project,
established by the Japanese Government with the aim of promoting
other countries’ understanding of their road to recovery after the
devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
The girls were part of an invitational team from around 41 different
countries and given the privilege of being hosted by Japanese families,
visiting disaster-affected areas and engaging in volunteer activities.
(L-R) Holly Moffett and Jess Grant
Jessica and Holly are top Japanese language students with a passion
for the country and a desire to offer their support in any way possible. They were both elated about their scholarship and
the opportunity to immerse themselves in a country and culture they have grown to love.
Jessica writes a brief summary for this edition of Vmail.
Holly and I arrived in Japan on 3rd December 2012 and stayed in Narita (near Tokyo) on the first night with the New Zealand
Contingent made up of 66 students and 4 teachers.
Overall, the Kizuna Bond Project on this particular trip consisted of approximately 650 participants. On the 4th, we were
split into groups consisting of people from NZ, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, East Timor, India, Brunei, Cambodia,
Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
From the 4th to the 11th December, we stayed in these groups and travelled to different areas of Japan. I travelled to MinamiAizu in Fukushima. Here, we visited local people, the local council and affected communities living in temporary housings.
We learnt about their recovery efforts and the support the Japanese government are giving to those affected by the Great
East Japan Earthquake. We stayed at a closed down ski resort in Minami-Aizu, and while we were there it snowed, so that
was really exciting. Our 4 nights/5 days were jam-packed with life changing experiences. After Fukushima, we were split into
smaller groups to travel to Tochigi, where I stayed with a host family.
We immersed ourselves in the family’s daily routines and had such a great time. After leaving our host families, we returned
to Tokyo for a debrief and goodbyes. We flew out of Japan on 12th December 2012 having experienced many life-changing
moments.
Overall, one of the biggest things I have learnt from this trip is that although there are a lot of rumours about the dangers that
are in Fukushima regarding the nuclear power plant explosion, they are all wrong; most of Fukushima is 100% safe and it is
a beautiful place with lovely people. I would encourage anyone to visit Japan, especially Fukushima, and I strongly encourage
everyone to apply for trips like Holly and I... you don’t even need to speak the national language!
Jessica Grant
NZ Secondary
Schools’ Choir
Georgia Finch (Year 13) has been selected for the NZ Secondary Schools’ Choir after
auditioning with 200 other talented vocalists for just 60 places. It is a great achievement
and one that requires an 18 month commitment. She will attend four week-long
rehearsals in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, and Christchurch before performing in
two concerts in Wellington and Auckland. Next year there will be more rehearsals and an
international competition to look forward to.
Georgia says she has always sung with her sister around the house, and started singing
in choirs while at Primary School. “Villa has definitely given me the most opportunity to
improve,” she says. “I put this mainly down to being in Con Brio for so long.”
Georgia says meeting the other Choir members and working with Musical Director
Andrew Withington are what she is most looking forward to.
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Villa Sports
Swimming Sports
The annual College Swimming Sports were held at Wharenui Pool on 31 January.
We congratulate our champions and runners up.
Year 7 & 8
Champion: Georgia Stroud
Runner Up: Jordan Hill
Under 14
Champion: Emma Smith
Runner Up: Alannah Charlton
Under 15
Champion: Emily Rennell
Runner Up: Keely Morton
Under 16
Champion: Virginia Hogan
Runner Up: Kahutaiki Torepe-Ormsby
Senior
Champion: Caitlin Rennell
Runner Up: Laura Sugrue
Athletics
The 2013 Athletics Sports were held at Papanui High school on 21 February.
We congratulate our champions and runners up.
Year 7 & 8
Champion: Georgia Stroud
Runner Up: Molly Mackay-Stewart
Under 14
Champion: Tegan Duffy
Runner Up: Kathryn Hodgins
Junior Champion: Georgia Freeman
Runner Up: Jessie Anderson
Intermediate
Champion: Mary Lyons
Runner Up: Maddie Gill
Senior
Champion: Libby Bell
Runner Up: Natalie Burrell
Canterbury Secondary Schools’
Athletics Championships
In March, twenty-three girls represented Villa at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’
Champs at Rawhiti Domain. All girls gave their very best and we came away with
some outstanding results, including sixteen placings and with Villa being awarded
the second overall Girls school behind Christchurch Girls High.
We congratulate our place-getters on their achievements:
Georgia Freeman: 1st in Junior: 100m, 200m, Long Jump
Jessie Anderson: 1st in Junior: 400m, 2nd in 800m
Martha Lolohea: 1st in Under 14: Discus
Tegan Duffy: 2nd in Under 14: 400m, 80m Hurdles, High Jump
Navajo Prentice: 2nd in Under 14: 800m, 3rd in 1500m
Kathryn Hodgins: 2nd in Under 14: 100m
Emily Gardiner: 3rd in Under 14: 400m, 80m Hurdles
1st in Under 14: 4x100 Relay
April Robertson, Tegan Duffy, Martha Lolohea, Kathryn Hodgins
Back: E. Smith, G. Cody, N. Burrell, A. van der Voort, N. Prentice
Middle: G. Freeman, G. Mackay-Stewart, G. Culling,
R. Mountford-McAuley, E. Gardiner, G. Taylor, S. Doig
Front: A. Reese-Jones, J. Thwaites, R. Clarkson, M. Lolohea,
G. Gainsford, J. Anderson
Absent: A. Clarkson, M. Lyons, K. Hodgins, T. Duffy, A. Robertson,
2nd in Junior: 4x100 Relay
Ruby Mountford-McAuley, Georgina Mackay-Stewart, Jessie Anderson, Georgia Freeman
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House Sports Day
House Sports Day
NZ secondary schools’
orchestra
Eilish Espiner from Villa Maria College has been selected into this year’s New Zealand
Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO).
Entry to the NZSSSO is by audition, drawing from some of New Zealand’s top
secondary school orchestral instrumentalists. Each year, over 150 young people
audition for one of the 90 places available.
Eilish will participate in an intense six-day orchestral course, run by the Christchurch
Itinerant teachers in the first week of the school holidays, culminating in two public
performances on the 25th and 27th of April.
This course is widely regarded as a significant training ground for young players
aspiring to membership of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra and ultimately to a
career as a professional musician.
In conjunction with St Thomas’,Villa Maria
College produced a stunning rendition of the
classic Victorian tale - Oliver.Director and Villa’s
Head of Arts Linda Gordon was delighted with
the performance of her cast and the hours they
committed to make it such a success.
The musical of ‘Oliver’ is a classic, and the
opportunity to be a part of this amazing show was
something I wasn’t going to miss. I hadn’t taken part
in the Villa shows before but because it was my last
year I decided to get involved; I soon realized that I
had made the best decision ever!
Getting to be a different person on stage was such an amazing feeling.
Acting like a totally nasty, revolting person was, I hate to say it, a
dream come true. Being someone you’re not, is quite a liberating
feeling, and getting to do it without actually playing with anyone’s
feelings is a bonus.
We rehearsed for hours, perfecting every single inch of this musical.
Each person involved had an important role, and all actions had to be
choreographed correctly. With the incredibly dedicated help of Mrs.
Gordon, ‘Oliver’ became a reality.
I think being involved in Oliver, really helped me feel a lot
more comfortable in my own skin, and has given me more
confidence. I see myself as quite a shy person often, and I feel
as if I have come out of my shell.
I would definitely recommend other students to get involved
in the school musicals in the future. They are just another
amazing part of the rich cultural opportunities offered at Villa,
and despite many full-on practices, the end result is totally
worth it; the awesome people you get to work with (yes,
including boys) make it so much fun!
By Samantha Palmer (Yr 13)
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Archives
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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. We’d also appreciate your
help in identifying past pupils in photos that we print in each edition of
VMail and on our website.
You may also like to tell other past pupils about the archive project
and the VMail newsletter. Please encourage them to make contact
with the College.
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If you know the names and the approximate date of these photos
we’d love to hear from you. Sister Maureen, our archive coordinator, can be contacted by email - [email protected] or by
phoning the school office - (03) 348 4165
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3
Become an Air Traffic Controller!
Check out our website now
for videos, tests and games,
and all the info on what’s involved
and how to apply to become an ATC.
It’ll take a fair bit of practice, but trust us, getting that first jumbo
jet off the ground will be a great feeling. And it’s just one big
moment you can look forward to as an Air Traffic Controller.
It’s an exciting, rewarding career for which attitude and aptitude
are important and we’ll give you the qualifications.
www.airways.co.nz/atccareers
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Scan the code to
see if you’ve got
what it takes.
FD04380-VM
Farewell
to the convent
On Sunday 16 December 2012 a
ceremony was held to say farewell to the
Convent building at Villa Maria College.
The Convent was originally the
homestead of the farmland where Villa
Maria College now sits. In 1918 the
Sisters of Mercy purchased the land and
a new chapter for the homestead began.
It has served as a convent, a novitiate
and a boarding hostel; being added on
to twice over the years to accommodate
the growing needs of the school.
Board of Trustees member
Barbara Te Miha paid homage
to the hundred year old building
that “has stood as a beacon of
love, learning and mercy.”
Campusministry
This year we welcomed Sister Monika to Villa Maria College. She will be
joining our Campus Ministry Team with a special focus on mentoring
our Pacific Island students.
From Sister Monika...
I am in Christchurch as a Religious worker. So, my being at Villa Maria
and St. Bernadette’s is to connect two schools that live according to the
Mercy charism. I am here for three years. My family is another reason
- I have my parents who are in their 80’s and who are living here in
Christchurch. I worked as a primary school teacher in government schools
before I became a Sister of Mercy. My work at Takuilau College started in
1989 and at the time the Sisters of Mercy and the Marist Brothers were
running the schools. Takuilau is a co-ed school and the roll is about 423
students. It starts from Form 1 to Form 6. Most of the students on the
Eastern side of Tonga live a rural kind of life. At Takuilau the Mercy life
and the Marist Charism show in the spirit of the school. The Eucharist
is celebrated weekly and retreat for Form 1-4 is a day out, while Form
5 and Form 6 have it twice a year for a weekend. The month of Mary
and St.Patrick’s Day as well as Mercy Day is celebrated in a big way by
the school. Most of the students come from poor families who hardly
earn enough to get on with daily life. However, the joy of the students is
evident every day in their participation in the life of the school.
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Pastpupils
Cynthia Garton
(VMC 1997 – 2001 Deputy Head Girl)
“It seems a long time ago since I was at Villa, but I still think about my time
there with fondness. I try to maintain a number of my Villa friendships and
support them in their endeavours. I am an in-house solicitor working for a global engineering consultancy in
Brisbane. Prior to my time in Brisbane I spent five years in Auckland working as
a solicitor after completing my studies at Villa and at Canterbury University.
Since moving to Brisbane I’ve become a budding cyclist and have recently
signed up to a 570km ride to raise funds to support cancer research in
Australia. Several years ago a close Villa friend of mine (Caroline Toomey) and her older
sister (Louise Toomey) lost their older brother, Simon (an ex St Bede’s pupil)
to cancer. Simon left quite a legacy as he fought a courageous battle and
inspired many people around the world as he did so. It is this story that inspired me to sign up for
my current ride and it is one that I think is worth sharing.
The funds I raise for my ride will be donated to the Mater Foundation to support their cancer research. What I learned (and
which was of great interest) is that Mater was founded by the Sisters of Mercy here in Brisbane in 1906. It seemed uncanny
(since Villa is also a Sisters of Mercy school) that I have become involved with all of this purely by chance.”
If you would like to support Cynthia you can donate online at: www.smiddyfundraising.com.au/cynthia_garton
Find out more about the Mater Foundation at: www.materfoundation.org.au
Maria Duncan
(VMC 2000-2004)
Maria Duncan is one of those inspiring Villa girls who is using her talents to help change her corner of the world.
After completing her studies at Victoria University, with a double major in Political Science and International Relations, she
volunteered in Nairobi for a local NGO. Here she worked in teaching and an entrepreneurial internship programme trying
to create employment opportunities for youth through internships and mentoring.
She then returned to Otago University to complete her Masters in International Studies (law, politics, economics and
history), with a thesis on aid, conflict and local governance in Afghanistan. Maria soon secured a job with UNICEF Pakistan
doing strategic programme development. Next she moved in to her current position, also with UNICEF Pakistan, in the
Education programme working on the ways education can contribute to peace building and social cohesion.
Maria says she adored her Villa days. “It was a school that offered so much and yet still made you work for it, strive for the
best and appreciate your achievements.” She is still close friends with a large group of the girls and distinctly remembers
being heavily involved in rowing, netball and choir.
Asked how her Villa education shaped her,
Maria says: “It most certainly helped shape
my work ethic, my drive and my compassion
towards others. I think there is a sense of
community and loyalty at Villa that I honestly
believe not many other schools have.”
Maria’s advice to current Villa girls…” I would
say that when you hear the saying: “The World
is Your Oyster”, do not underestimate it! I
NEVER would have believed I would be 25
and working for UNICEF (the organisation I
have dreamed of working for since I was 15) in
Pakistan. You have to believe in yourself, and
never ever let people make you feel guilty for
having this self-belief. If you want the best, go
and get it.”
14
Maria (far right) with two of her colleagues in the education programme.
The school is called Dream Foundation School in Kemari town in Karachi.
‘50 years on’
1962 form 3 class reunion
Early in 2012, I realised it was 50 years since I was in Form 3.
I got out my 1962 Villa magazine and sitting at my computer
at our home in Brisbane, Australia I entered the girl’s names
and started the search for 86 girls. By November we had
contacted all but 18, sadly 7 had died - mostly from cancer
and 11 we couldn’t locate.
RIP - Theresa Croft, Julia Gee, Doreen Hooper, Christine
Langley, Jennifer McKendry, Kathleen Pollard, Margaret Sullivan
Where are they? - Alison Crowley, Robyn Edgeler, Kathleen
Gillen, Geraldine Grice, Kathleen Hunter, Margaret Maguire,
Judith Meyrick, Nancy Norris, Christine Margaret Smith,
Christine Mary Smith, Karen Smith
On Saturday 17 November 2012 - 34 girls, 7 husbands and
our 2 form teachers, Sr Monica now Mary Dynan and Sr Ruth
now Marie Spencer, sat down to a lovely buffet dinner at the
Copthorne - Commodore Hotel in Memorial Ave. Sunday - 18
attended the 9am Mass at Christ the King Parish and we were
warmly welcomed as Villa past pupils. Afterwards 24 enjoyed a
scrumptious morning tea in a relaxed atmosphere in the staff
room at Villa and Sr Maureen took us on a tour of the college.
Front row kneeling (L-R): Shirley Davies (McLaughlin), Kathleen Corbett
(Fahey), Mary Smith (Brosnahan), Erica Cox (Van Schie)
Sitting (L-R): Patricia McKendry (French), Mary Dynan (Sr Monica), Patricia
Smith (Ede), Mary Millar (Watson), Alison Douglas, Barbara Baker (Clark)
Standing (L-R): Noeline Hannan, Sharon Gledhill (Neville), Patricia Trotter
(Gorinski), Anne Stewart (Necklen), Marie Duggan (Foreman), Joan Blatchford,
Elizabeth Smith (Clemens), Jennifer Gray, Adrienne Tubman (Rogers), Jennifer
Wilkins (Harrow), Helen McDermott, Lesley Rudd (Crannitch), Colleen Pascoe
(Keating), Lynne Terry (Townsend)
It was a weekend of much chatter and laughter with comments
like - ‘Who’s that over there’ or ‘you look just the same’. It was
a wonderful way for connections to be made and friendships
renewed and we now have a class database which will be so
beneficial for the Villa centenary in 2018. I might add I received many messages wishing us well from those who couldn’t make it.
My husband Denis & I returned to Christchurch to live in September and we are building a home in Lincoln.
Many thanks to all who made the reunion a great occasion. The surplus funds from the weekend have gone to the Mercy Mission in
Tonga. Good luck for the Class of 1963 - it is your turn this year.
Tricia Smith nee Ede Email: [email protected]
Admired
Outback Nurse
It is with great sadness that the community of Villa Maria College mourn the death of one of
our past pupils - Pip Duncan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pip’s family and friends.
We approached Pip’s family to ask if we could include an excerpt from The Press obituary
about her inspiring life in this edition of Vmail. We are grateful for their consent. As you
read about Pip’s life, we know that you too will be touched by her endless giving and
passion for social justice.
From Pip’s obituary in The Press, February 16, 2013 by Chips Macinolty and Mike Crean.
A Christchurch nurse who won affection for her work with Outback Australian Aboriginal communities died recently, aged 59.
Pip Duncan attended Villa Maria College and graduated as a general and maternity nurse at Christchurch hospital in1974. After
agency nursing in London and Melbourne, she made what was seen as a radical move to central Australia in 1980.
Pip pursued a commitment to Aboriginal primary healthcare especially for women with dedication and humour for more than 30
years. It was hardly a utopian life, as long term friend Bob Boughton describes it: “One of the hardest things about working in
such a context is that you are often surrounded by hurt, distress, despair even. One of Pip’s gifts was her ability to deal with this
pain with her great strength, but at the same time help those around her find pleasure, enjoyment and people loved her dearly
for this.”
Pip began her outback nursing at Utopia (north of Alice Springs) before taking up midwifery training at Alice Springs Hospital.
She returned to Utopia as a primary healthcare nurse with the Aboriginal controlled Urapuntja Health Service. Pip went on to
dedicate her life to ensuring wellness for Aboriginal people. It was a nomadic life involving ground breaking project work for
various Aboriginal medical services in NSW and Canberra. Pip made what she called a ‘grey nomads tour’ with her partner Ben
in 2012, revisiting friends around Australia. Later that year she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. After receiving a stream of
visitors from across Australia, along with family from New Zealand, she died peacefully at home.
15
Dear Past Pupils
Past Pupils’ Association
Well, here we are 2013, March already.
President - Madeleine Hoadley-Currie: (03) 548 1331
Treasurer - Mary O’Brien:
(03) 332 1582
Secretary - Joan-Maria Peoples:
(03) 339 4161
Remember our elderly relations in by-gone years saying
“where have the years gone?” Now it is our turn, we (Villa
Maria Past Pupil Assn) are in our 65th year.
Address for all correspondence:
c/- 21 Peer St, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
E-mail: [email protected]
Hope you all had lovely holidays, and Christmas was special.
Christchurch people, your Ellerslie Flower Show must have
lifted your spirits, I hear it was wonderful. We, the rest of
New Zealand hope that your homes and businesses are
gaining momentum and every day is a step forward.
2013 dates to remember
Please include these dates into your diaries.
Committee News
Committee Meetings
Riccarton McDonalds meeting room 7pm
29th May, 30th August, 29th November
A new Committee was elected in October, with all being
recycled, so we remain the same (but still passionate), with
the inclusion of one new member, Lillian Maguire, welcome
Lillian.
5th Friday’s at Chateau on the Park
5.30pm onwards, and partners welcome.
31st May, 30th August and 29th November.
Thank you all, Ladies I have enjoyed working with you in
the past and look forward to the future. We have catered a
morning tea for our leavers of 2012; this was enjoyed by all
and replaces the ‘big breakfast’. Much easier, less hassle and
we can now mingle and really meet our girls.
Mid-Winter Luncheon
Sunday 23rd June 12noon
Rosebank Winery Johns Road
Christchurch
Our next function is the Mid-Winter Luncheon to be held
at Rosebank Winery Johns Road, Sunday 23rd June 12noon.
This is a lovely venue, chance to catch up, exchange Nana
and Great-Nan stories, and have some neat photos too!
RSVP 17th June to Villa Maria College, it would be lovely
to see some of the 2012 leavers if possible, partners always
welcome
Mercy Celebrations - Top of the South
Blenheim’s turn this year, Clubs of Marlborough for lunch,
22nd September 12noon. RSVP by 2nd of September to Villa
Maria or Madeleine (03) 548 1331. Carpooling has been
discussed, so please feel free to contact with regard to this.
Debbie Franks has further information regarding her class
year’s celebrations of 1963 in October in this edition too.
Thank you all for your wonderful support, we love to hear
from Past Pupils and we welcome your contributions to the
Past Pupils page of VMail.
Year of 1963
A small group of women from the third form of 1963 are
planning to bring their former classmates together for a
reunion at Labour Weekend this year. They are working hard
to trace everyone and ask if you happen to know someone
from this year group to contact Debbie on (03) 366 3300.
God Bless you all
Madeleine Hoadley-Currie
President
PPA
Obituaries
Many of our Past Pupils have lost loved ones this past year, our love and prayers go to them, and please remember our Sisters of Mercy
in your prayers also , God Bless them all.
Our deepest sympathies to the families of the following Past Pupils who have passed away recently: Laura Horton (VMC 1994- 1998),
Nerida Verrall, (VMC 1990- 1994), Patricia Suncknell and Mary Ferigo (Malloch).
Subscription for Villa Maria Past Pupils’ Association
Surname:
Maiden Name:
Christian Names:
Address:
Telephone:
16
Email:
Started College:
Finished College:
SEND TO: The Treasurer, VMPPA, 21 Peer Street, Christchurch 8041 I enclose: Annual subscription: $15 • 10 years: $70 • Life Membership: $130