Meeting in Review - July 8th 2021

Initially it looked as though the attendance was going to be very much on the low side, but prior to Cheri ringing the gong, 24 members and 1 guest nearly filled the set tables.

 

This meeting was Cheri's first as Sergeant and what a fine job she did, but she did acknowledge that some of her questions need to be made a little tougher to be sure that our News Junkies don't get so many of the questions right.  Nice job Cheri.

 

Co-President Penny introduced "From the Presidents Desk" and each week they will show a picture of something different / unique that they have spotted on their travels over the previous week.  This week no one was able to guess what it was, which was the sculpture at the end of the Devonport Ferry Wharf. 

 

Nice shot Penny, and we look forward to the future "Where am I" photo challenges - certainly much more interesting that the sleeping irregularities of Kevin's cat!

 

 

 

Penny & Lesley then reminded all of the activities planned for the month of July.  Along with what is detailed in this edition of the Bulletin, don't forget;

Last weekend, Lesley & Penny attended District Changeover.  Two big take-outs from the event were the enormous amount of effort, and the number of individuals who are required to support the DG during the year - so stand by St. Johns members to be ready for the challenges that will face us to ensure Allan's year, (next year), is a roaring success.  

 

There was also a big push on the night to provide an advance heads up on the initial details of the next District Conference.  This will be held at Te Papa in Wellington over the first ever Matariki Long Weekend - June 24 -  26 2022;  This will be when DG Elect Allan and St Johns Rotary will pick up the baton.  Put these dates in your diary now to ensure we provide Allan & Sue with the best possible start to their year!!!

 

As mentioned in the Presidents' message above, another Rotary International initiative, Service Awards, were presented to several members.  Photographs of the recipients below.  The first to be acknowledged where those members with 30 or more years service; Congratulations and well done to Colin, Murray and Aubrey;   

 

....and 25 years awards went to; Christie, Kevin and Beryl.

 

While talking awards, it was also announced at the meeting, that Rotary International have introduced a new group, to be known as the "Membership Society".  Being elected to this group will recognise extraordinary service and commitment so it was no surprise to learn that a charter member of this Society is no other than our very own Beryl.  

 

 

 

After all that excitement our guest speaker Gordon Robertson was introduced.  Gordon is Principal of Glendowie College, (GDC) and he has been at GDC for 35 years, 20 years as Deputy Principal and one year as Principal.  Currently the roll exceeds 1,200 students.

 

Gordon's goal is for individual pupils to come to the school as students, have an all round holistic experience, and leave as productive contributing citizens.  The school's commitment to their students is to provide a rigorous academic education, and an extensive co-curricular programme in a caring environment that challenges and supports their students. 

 

The academic results speak for themselves, as do the co-curricular activities and performance and Gordon and his staff are very proud of the schools achievements.

 

GDC also recognise that Leadership is a very important attribute and this is rolled out across the college at every opportunity.  Currently they have 250 students enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme..

 

The school is also very proud of their new Science block which includes a facility for 18 students from Sommerville Special School.  This programme is working extremely well with these students being able to assimilate in many mainstream activities that they would otherwise not have had the opportunity to do.

 

St. Johns Rotary is very fortunate to have GDC as one of our allocated "Rotary Schools" and it was also apparent from Gordon's comments that GDC very much appreciates the support extended to the school by St. Johns Rotary! 

 

Many thanks for your time Gordon and we do hope that you weren't too late for assembly!