Page 12 - Southwell School Chronicle July 2018

As the new chairman of the Southwell School Foundation, I would like to introduce myself to the Southwell community. I grew up in the Waikato, attending Waikato Dio as a boarder for my secondary education. I work as a barrister and a mediator in Hamilton.
My husband Dave is a Southwell Old Boy and our two sons, Nicholas and Lachlan both attended Southwell from Years 0-8. Lachlan, our youngest son, finished Year 8 at Southwell at the end of last year.
I became Chairman of the Foundation
at our AGM in March this year when Glenn Holmes stood down. Glenn,
as many of you will know, has been involved as a trustee of the Foundation virtually from its inception, some 25 plus years ago. He was the Foundation Chairman for 19 years, a testament to his loyalty and passion for Southwell and all that it represents. I was delighted
for Glenn that Southwell has recently acknowledged his contribution in making him an Associate of Honour. Glenn remains on the Foundation as a trustee and my Vice Chair. He is a great support for me. I appreciate his experience, optimism and thoughtfulness.
Attending Southwell School was an amazing and special experience for both my husband and my sons. The range of opportunities that were offered to each of them was truly astonishing.
From opportunities to perform on
the sports field, to be involved in music and dramatic performances, to opportunities for public speaking and leadership, Southwell gave them all this and more. As a parent, I believe in Southwell and what it offers to its students.
My husband David was a School prefect and was the Head of Durham House, an honour he shared with our younger son, Lachlan. David was a sportsman, playing in three separate first sports teams: Cricket, Hockey and Rugby. Another significant achievement for David was being named Dux of the School in 1970, his final year. He was fortunate enough to win the Eben Wilson Scholarship to Hamilton Boys’ High School.
I am grateful that both our sons also had the opportunity to experience
all that Southwell has to offer. While Nicholas and Lachlan share a love of sport with their father they were also involved in the arts at Southwell, both being members of the All Hallows Chapel Choir, playing in the Orchestra and performing in School Operas.
I am delighted to be the new Foundation Chairman, as I believe that I can offer much to the School community in this role.
FEATURE
INTRODUCING MELANIE O’NEILL
NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHWELL SCHOOL FOUNDATION
12