SAINT KENTIGERN

Saint Kentigern has a long and proud history of excellence in education. Originally established in 1953 to provide education for boys based on the precepts of the Presbyterian Church, the College in Pakuranga, followed six years later by the Boys’ School in Remuera, quickly confirmed their place amongst the best independent schools in New Zealand.

The introduction of girls to the College campus in 2003 marked the start of a new era for Saint Kentigern and a new educational model. In more recent years, the merger with the Corran Trust Board in 2009 saw Saint Kentigern open an all girls’ primary school in Remuera as a sister school to the long established all boys’ primary school. As a natural extension, a Preschool for boys and girls was opened in 2010 on the Girls’ School campus completing the educational pathway for Saint Kentigern families.

Over the course of 62 years, the Saint Kentigern community has remained deeply respectful of its heritage, staying true to its founding Christian principles and Scottish heritage. In 2012 a framework for the future 2012–2016 was formed to unify the schools with a shared vision, mission, and values.

‘The Mission of the Saint Kentigern Trust Board is to provide education which inspires students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others.’

‘Our graduates will serve and lead with distinction.’

Respect, integrity, service, excellence and love.

In 2012 the Saint Kentigern Trust Board was delighted to announce the establishment of four new full scholarships available at the Year 7 level. They were established at the suggestion of, and with the cooperation of, the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust. The new scholarships are awarded annually for Year 7 students; two at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School and two at Saint Kentigern Girls’ School. These scholarships are awarded to Maori and Pacifika students who display outstanding leadership potential while having all round ability. Particular interest is focussed on candidates who will benefit from the opportunities on offer at Saint Kentigern. In turn it is hoped that the recipients will be able to give back to their communities. Unlike other scholarships available for students to attend Saint Kentigern, families cannot apply for a Joyce Fisher Scholarship. Candidates are recommended by the principal of their current primary school.

In keeping with Lady Fisher’s legacy and mission statement, ‘to make New Zealand a better place by providing young New Zealanders with opportunities that enhance their leadership skills and values, creating community, role models and future leaders’, the Trust’s commitment is to identify and develop future leaders, offering opportunities that their families might not otherwise afford.

Following the success of the programme to date the Joyce Fisher Trustees are keen to ensure that the benefits of the scholarship are not lost to highly successful candidates at the end of the two year period of their intermediate education. Scholarships may be made available to such candidates for their ongoing secondary education.

From the inaugural recipient of the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust scholarship in 2012 there are currently eight students attending the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools with five students attending the College having successfully completed their intermediate years. All students have responded well to the opportunities on offer excelling in all areas of school life by making the most of the opportunities available. Leadership has certainly been evident with many of the scholarship students being appointed as prefects of the schools or seniors in the various groups available.

The initiative, philanthropy and support of the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust cannot be underestimated. Their vision and commitment to education is making a difference in the lives of both the selected students and our Saint Kentigern community. We are indeed blessed to be a part of this programme.