By Nick McIvor | Posted: Friday February 15, 2019
2019 brings new ventures, and new students and staff with talent to burn! These first few weeks are not only the time to settle back into the habits and routines for success, but for boys to clarify what their personal excellence should entail in 2019.
Higher education and individual character growth will come from boys having high personal standards and expectations, understanding who or what needs to be added or removed from their schooling, a grasp of key decisions to be made and barriers to be overcome, and knowing how different situations will be handled well. It will also be in efforts made to work with people in new ways so that valuable knowledge, skills, awards, achievements or qualifications are gained. In short, we want them to be ‘good men in the making’ in 2019 – including improvement of their own making.
On 31 January one of our teachers, Greg Quinn, sadly died after a long struggle with Motor Neurone Disease. Greg was a man much loved by his family, cherished by his colleagues, and respected by the students he taught. He was regarded as a friendly, understanding, supportive and dedicated teacher, who wanted the best for all the boys in his classes. Greg leaves behind a wife and son. A minute silence was observed in honour of Greg at Assembly on 7 February.
Joining our school, are 159 new boys including 141 Year 9s – an increase on the 2018 intake. Also joining our staff are six teachers from near and far, after retirements and relocations from the end of 2018; all were welcomed ceremonially by tangata whenua at the Powhiri on 1 February.
Mr Dominikovich, or ‘Mr D’, is our new Head of Mathematics and Statistics. Although out at Opihi College last year, he was previously at New Plymouth Boys’ High School for 20 years’ service. Mr Dominikovich is passionate about Mathematics and secondary school Running and Athletics - among his other interests. He has worked with special focus on supporting student leadership development in Taranaki.
Mr Doyle is our new Art teacher. He’s a Timaruvian by origin and prominent part of local tertiary education (tutoring at Ara), athletics (as a decathlete), and contributor to local artistic circles, events, and creative industries. He’s also been a playwrite, film maker and Latin dance teacher in his time!
Mr Horstmann is joining our Commerce Department from Natal, South Africa – with his wife and three children arriving soon too. He comes from teaching at the prestigious Hilton College. Prior to that Mr Horstmann was at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town. Both schools are leading boarding schools and it’s our pleasure to be bringing Mr Horstmann to Thomas House in 2019. We’re delighted that he can offer his wealth of experience from afar, for the benefit of boys and colleagues here in Timaru.
Mr Packwood is our new English teacher. Although originally from Christchurch, having gone to Shirley Boys’ High School and Canterbury University, Mr Packwood has taught the last 4 years in Auckland. Three of them at Howick College. Not surprisingly, Mr Packwood loves reading and at his last school was also Teacher in Charge of Debating. Mr Packwood is one of our new hostel housemasters this year too and we look forward to his positive bearing there.
Ms. Parcell has started as our Music teacher after coming up from South Otago High School, where she had been for the last 9 years. She brings a background with great versatility and flair having taught Mathematics as well as being a Careers Coordinator. Her work supporting students in vocal groups, Rock Quest, and local theatre and productions in Southland and Otago has been extensive.
Mr Reimer is our second new staff member from overseas – in his case from Canada. He adds his time and talent to our Science and Physics teaching but also comes with considerable experience teaching Mathematics. Mr Reimer has arrived from the Jordan Christian School in Ontario. Previously he was at Chiang Mai International School, Thailand, and the Neale-Wade Academy in the UK. We look forward to his input to making our teaching and learning the best it can be. Mr Reimer is also the third of our six new staff to be joining Thomas House – a place in which he will undoubtedly be a supportive presence. I know he is looking forward to exploring the Central South Island.
We’re pleased to have these fantastic teachers joining us and for them to become more and more part of the TBHS team.
Lastly, congratulations go to all the boys who excelled in NCEA last year and it was pleasing to see the increases in Level 2 and Level 3 achievement in our 2018 results – including Excellence Endorsement and University Entrance. Keep up the good work.
Nick McIvor
Knowledge is Power. Mā te Mātauranga te Mana. Scientia Potestas Est.
