September 2019

Spring Greetings

Zak Patterson (2017-2018)

The school community has been deeply saddened by the recent news of Zak's tragic death. Zak, who joined Rathkeale towards the end of 2017, was a charismatic young man, a technology enthusiast, a member of Rugby House and of the 1^st XV. He was also a keen hunter. We extend our sympathy to his family and friends and noted that many young Old Boys were present at his funeral in Stratford.

ROBA Survey

The Old Boys' Executive were keen to hear from other Old Boys and to gauge some idea of how they are feeling about the work that is being done on their behalf. Consequently, a survey was sent to all members for whom we have a current email address seeking feedback.
We are very grateful that almost 500 members took the time to complete the survey and to give a valuable insight into the work, effectiveness, and future of the Association. Thank you!
There will be some more about the results in the 2019 Rock Runner but several interesting extracts:

What do you think are key functions of ROBA?

Social Events 62.83%
Financial Support of School 28.54%
Networking 82.46%
Keep in contact with School 78.85%

What do you want to hear about?

School Events 59.08%
ROBA Events 78.08%
News from ROBA Members 82.46%
Summary of ROBA Meetings 31.73%

By what media form would you prefer to receive ROBA information?

Email 90.15%
Post 1.89%
Text 0.42%
Facebook 7.13%
Linkedin 0.42%

There were numerous individual comments which certainly make interesting and often reassuring reading - thank you.

Website

We were excited this week to have confirmation that the construction of our new Old Boys' Website is now complete. We have a few minor tweaks and additions to make and then look forward to the long-awaited launch. I believe it will be a very welcome addition to our operation and, significantly, an easy way for Old Boys to update their details and to link into other College related sites.

Wanted!!

We are urgently seeking someone to fill the roll of 1990 Decade Reunion Facilitator for next years' Queen's Birthday Decade Reunion Weekend. The role is not especially arduous and to advantage, can be a shared role. Please contact Grant Harper on 027 246 6707 if you are prepared to step up for this.

Facilitators already in place:

1970 Lindsay Watts
1980 Garry Herrick
2000 Michael Tosswill
2010 Jacob Smith

News of Old Boys

Tufuga Boys

Tufuga brothers Kirk, Max, Sam (2013-2014) and Ueta (2013-2015) have been making sporting headlines lately. The four brothers (two of whom are Old Boys) are playing for Wairarapa Bush in the Heartland Competition and in doing so are following in their Dad's footsteps.

A very special achievement for this family of four brothers and as Rathkeale Head of Rugby, Deon van Deventer says "Sam and Ueta are two talented and totally committed players who have really wanted to come back to their home region where they offer great leadership and experience."

Logan Hebenton-Prendeville (2016-2018)

Logan has played for Wairarapa Bush in round one of the rugby Heartland Competition and his try against Whanganui has been heralded as the try of round one.
He has also been picked as a member of the Under 19 New Zealand Heartland team to pay in the upcoming Jock Hobbs Tournament in Taupo.

Callan Elliott (2014-2018)

Callan, who is currently a member of the Phoenix Football team, is another rising star. Earlier in the year he played in the New Zealand U.19 team in the World Cup held in Poland. The midfield defender is now trialling for the New Zealand U.23 team for the next Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Max Spencer (2014-2018)

Promising young athlete Max Spencer, who is ranked No.5 in New Zealand for his favoured distance of 800m and a two time winner of the Wairarapa Secondary Schools Sportsman of the Year award, has recently made his way to the United States to take up an Athletics Scholarship with the prestigious North Eastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
The 5-year scholarship includes full coaching and support services, along with all training costs and medical costs.
North Eastern will have Max under the wings of a specialised coaching team which will include a coach of a 1500m Olympic finalist.

College National Tournament Results

Rathkeale teams have recently spent the time at a range of National Secondary School Tournaments around the country. Old Boys may be interested in how their old school fared.

1^st XI Hockey Results

1^st XI Football Results

Lindisfarne Colts Rugby Tournament

Rathkeale Colts XV v St Johns (Hastings) Colts won 28-10
Rathkeale Colts XV v Te Aute Draw 17-17

With all good wishes,
Grant Harper
(President)