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Centenary Dinner - 25 September 2009

What a night to remember at Villa Maria, great food, surroundings and wonderful company.

193 Old Boys were entertained by MC Kelsen BUTLER. Br Michael proposed an excellent toast to Alma Mater, and Jim Dale replied. Br Marcel gave a brief history of the Old Boys Association over the past 100 years. Br Michael and Br Reginald were announced Honorary Old Boys for the selfless work they have performed for the Old Boys and pupils over the many years they have been at SHC. A special presentation ceremony will be held at the College where further Honorary Old Boys will be announced.

Two Old Boys, who were both overseas on the night, were made Honorary Life Members, they were John IRWIN, Wellington, and Willie LYNCH, Paeroa, for their dedicated and tireless work organising their respective area reunions over many years. Congratulations to all the above.

The Roll Call was held and the Croatian table members polished up their “Dally” accents for the night. J.S. gave some interesting insight on his meeting with a former ‘Baywatch’ actress P.A. during Fashion Week. Quite an artist is J.S. but don’t give up your day job.

Great to see a group of Old Boys from Australia, one from Samoa, one from Thailand and a couple from the South Island. The oldest attendee was Garry GLYNN, a 1938 leaver, who has written an excellent account of the evening below, from Wellington. The 1959 Champion 5A rugby team looked like they could boot up and win another championship.
The Old Boys Association would like to thank everyone who attended and a special thanks to those who organized tables.

Garrett (Garry) GLYNN (1938) writes:

As a resident of Wellington and as time allows I enjoy keeping up my association with Sacred Heart College by attending the Branch Reunions of Old Boys held annually in Wellington City.

These Reunions mean a lot to me as it gives me an opportunity to meet Old Boys –both of recent and older vintage-and a College Brother, Brother Marcel has filled this slot in recent years. It enables members to reminisce of our times at the College with its shared values-Catholic and from other worthy sources-and to hear from Brother Marcel of the current happenings and developments-present and proposed- of the College.

When I received the notice of the intention of the old Boys Association to hold a formal Dinner to celebrate the centennial of the Association I felt that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with the College Old Boys in Auckland and I must attend which I am glad I did so. I should add the article published in the July 2009 issue of Confortare headed 100 years In Essence set the scene for me.

My expectations of the Dinner were fully realized-a commodious venue, and an opportunity before the formal proceedings began to meet with many Old Boys and share stories of the times we had together at the College. I enjoyed these reminisces.

The sitting arrangements of 10 at a table were well planned: at my table no.18. We were in the oldest age group and shared experiences of our life at the College. Some had been a Boarder at the College and others like myself a Day Boy which I was in 1935 to the end of 1938. We also talked about our varied working and family life. Some of us at our table were from places outside Auckland which made me think of the high regard the Association is held for them to travel the distances.

The wine provided at the Table was excellent and the menu gave us a choice of well prepared, enjoyable served food.

The formal proceedings were another but important reason for my attendance as I felt the speakers would be of high caliber and worthy of the Association on this important occasion.

Brother Marcel’s decision to read to us the initial report of the Association when it was established in 1909 was most appropriate as it set out its aims clearly which are the basis for the Association to follow today and reminded us of how much we owe those early members.
This was followed by the speech of Brother Michael We learnt of the wide range of activities and achievements of the students all of which we can be justifiably proud as they all contribute to the high standards of education.

The speech which made the evening memorable to me was that of the Principal Mr. Jim Dale. He made clear the role of the College in its various facets. its roots, the importance of its Catholic character, its increasing numbers and place in Society today and the necessary continuing development of facilities and teaching range and qualities to meet the needs of the students. An important point was that the College keeps in mind as it has always done the inspiration to us of the Founder of the Marist Order Marcellin Champagnat to maintain a vital spirit of openness, faith and charity which reflects the values of the College today.

The student population is almost fully drawn from Catholic families. As the country has become multicultural so has the College. The services of many of the Old Boys to the community and the Church in its various forms was deservedly given its due place in his speech. However the charisma of the Marists involvement in the day to day activities continues to play its proper part. Mr. Dale concluded with the recitation of the College motto Confortare Esto Vir.

The speakers received standing ovations.
Catholicism nurtured through families and the College, communication skills initiated at the College and the resulting connectedness was plainly evident at the Dinner.

The age factor of the men at our table meant that some of us left the Hall as I did before the end of the evening. I was told I was the oldest Old Boy attending and consequently I missed the College song.

Summing up I enjoyed the evening immensely, proud to have been a student at Sacred Heart College and of its achievements and those of its Old Boys and confident with the support it deserves it will go from strength to strength.

Special thanks to those who put in many long hours in organizing the Reunion and assisting during the evening all of which contributed to its success.

Mr Glynn is an 87 year old Old Boy who made the trip up from Wellington. He is an amazing man, practises Tai Chi, attends the gymnasium weekly, belongs to the local tramping group and is involved in local Parish and community activities. He packs so much into his life he would put many people half his age to shame.