College celebrates 60th Jubilee

Marlborough Girls’ College welcomes past and present pupils to celebrate its 60th Jubilee on October 13 and 14. It kicks off with registrations, then a welcoming pōwhiri; current pupils will welcome former ones with Kapa Haka, Pasifika and Ovation performances. Pupils past and present will mix at school tours to follow, with a second opportunity to visit the next day. Old classmates will enjoy catching up at the Yard Bar on Friday night, and at a Jubilee dinner on Saturday evening.

MARLBOROUGH TODAY: INDEPENDENT LEARNERS WITH A FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

Marlborough Girls’ College opened on McLauchlan Street in 1963, after splitting from co-educational Marlborough College.

Today, the school’s purpose is to develop rangatahi who are independent learners with the skills and attributes to make our community, our nation and our world a better place. The school community works together to challenge and empower everyone to learn and achieve their personal best.

Teachers who were once pupils here say that while a good education is still at the forefront of life at Marlborough Girls’ College, much has changed in the six decades since it was founded. Today, there is more diversity, acceptance of difference and cultural variety. Deputy principal Emily Stenhouse and head of music Christianna Morgan (previously Stewart), both past pupils, say that the emphasis is no longer on excelling at one thing, and friend groups are a fluid mix of pupils with a range of backgrounds and interests. “They are likely to sing with Ovation and also play volleyball,” Emily says.

Pupils enjoy a variety of performance options, some of which will be on display at the reunion.

Reflecting on the teachers who shaped her time as a pupil, Emily remembers the banter of Maggie Lloyd, who challenged them to excel at maths and entertained them by wearing colourful stockings.

The teacher who made the biggest mark on Christianna was Robin Randall, who she replaced as head of music. “He had such a wealth of knowledge, so much kindness and humility.” Randall, now head of music at Marlborough Boys’ College, is still very supportive, she says. Email principal@mgc.school.nz to share your own experiences in time for the jubilee.

To find out more, visit www.mgc.school. nz - 60th Jubilee page

To register, click on the link on the web page or go directly to https://bit.ly/MGCCommunityShop If you can’t access technology to register electronically, pick up a registration form from Reception at the College.