‘59er’s Back to Boys’ School

On 12 October, the Boys’ School welcomed an incredibly special group of people back to Shore Road for a lunch gathering. Affectionately known as ‘the 59’ers,’ the Old Boys from the schools’ foundation class were invited to have lunch in the new Macky Senior School. While eating, they heard from Principal Mr Peter Cassie and Chaplain Rev. Reuben Hardie on the incredible progress made over the sixty-four years since they started at school. 

This year’s lunch had added sentimental flavour as Mrs Patsy Hindson had a group of Year 7 and 8 MasterChef’s prepare, cook, and present the entire meal. The senior boys had spent the last three days preparing slow cooked beef, focaccia bread from scratch, and delicious desserts for the 59er’s to enjoy. Needless to say, the guests were impressed with the cooking capabilities of these young men, with a few sheepish admittances they don’t often step foot in the kitchen!

The strong network of alumni our current students benefit from is in many ways thanks to Mr Peter Nelson, Old Boy #20. He has worked tirelessly and diligently to foster strong connections to our past students, encouraging them to remain in the fold and engaging them with gatherings such as this. The fondness with which he caught up with friends of many decades throughout the afternoon was a tell-tale sign of his deep involvement and care for the school.

Mr Roland Lennox-King, first Head Boy of the Boys’ School, told Mr Cassie that there is one word that he feels encapsulates the school and how it makes him feel – love. The 59er’s are incredibly proud of their old school, a major factor in their connection with us for over six decades.

Prior to their departure, Mr Cassie informed the 59er’s of a compulsory homework task – it would not be a visit back to school without one. He asked them to put into words their Saint Kentigern story to cement in school history. Their reflections will paint a vibrant timeline of our special school and an entertaining if the anecdotes told at the lunch were anything to go by. We take this opportunity to thank all the Old Boys that have chosen to stay connected; your presence and connection is what the school is built upon.