1997 - What's On at Hutchins...

EditorialCONTENTSn 1997 we have seen the beginning of a new era atHutchins. We have witnessed the departure of one[headmaster last year and the arrival of another thisyear in Mr Toppin, whom we welcome most warmlyin this edition of Virtus. It is indeed an extremelyimportant change in the life of Hutchins and one whichhas brought new ideas and some new directions to theSchool. At the same time it is fair to expect a slightturbulence as the School adjusts to its new leadership.People could be excused for feeling a little uneasinesswhile their School gets into its new stride. This hasnot been the case for Hutchins. There has been no dipin the standard and the quality that Hutchins offers itsstudents. If anything the quality of school life hascontinued to increase.This year has been a successful one in the sports arena,academic life, technology and the arts. All of these areashave seen a significant increase in the quality and theamount they are able to offer students. It is a difficulttask to find an area of the School that has suffered asa result of this major change in our life. The reasonfor this can only be put down to the strength of theinstitution that is Hutchins, and to the capability ofits new Headmaster. From the staff to the prefectsto the students, right down to our newest boys inKindergarten, there has been a tremendous show ofstrength. It is this desire and instinct to continue thelife and standards of Hutchins that has kept the Schoolrunning so smoothly. Without it there may well havebeen a stumble while the School adjusted. Indeed, weshould be proud that we are part of and helped createa community that is stable enough to endure sucha change, an institution that can excel in a possiblytroubling time.With this strength comes a problem that could threatenwhat makes Hutchins truly great. In all the organisationand structure that is Hutchins it is possible to forgetabout the individuals of the School. It is this problemthat we must be aware of and try to avoid.When students begin to feel that they are no morethan one boy among a thousand we must recognise thatsomething needs to change. This is a possible problemthat presents the School with two challenges: first forthe teachers and administration staff, and second forthe students.The first challenge is to recognise each student andallow him to be completely comfortable. Every studentfrom Kindergarten to Year 12 must feel that he is avalued member of the School and that Hutchins is proudto have him as part of its community. This involves atrust, respect and, most importantly, friendship betweenstudents and staff that will at times be difficult toachieve. Nevertheless, when this bond is present therewill be far greater benefits.The second challenge falls upon the student. It is saidto students every year that 'you will only get out of theSchool what you put in,' and this is the essence of thesecond challenge. For each student there is a need togive to the School as much as he possibly can.To be recognised and appreciated in a school, or anyenvironment, one must have a significant input and notjust expect to be appreciated. The relationship betweenstudent and teacher must be a two-way affair. If astudent is to expect a return from Hutchins he mustfirst offer whatever of himself he can. This is a taskmade easy by the environment that has been createdat Hutchins and by the huge range of activities thatstudents have at their disposal. Once students do thisthe benefits to them will be evident and will assistthem in and out of school.These are the two challenges that face the membersof the Hutchins community. If they are met, both thestudents and staff of Hutchins will reap the benefitsand the School as a whole will prosper.Thanks must go to all contributors to this year's Virtus.I hope you enjoy it.Edward RimesStudent EditorWelcome to the Toppin Family 4 Senior SchoolSchool AdministrationThe Head of Senior School 66The Headmaster 6 The HousesCommon Room 8 Buckland House 68Obituary 11 School House 72Support Staff 12 Stephens House 76Student Management 13 Thorold House 80Burbury House 84The Chapel of St Thomas House Competition 85From the Chaplain 16The Hutchins FamilyThe Hutchins School Old Boys' Association 20 International Connections 86The Hutchins Foundation 21The Hutchins School Association 23The Archives 24 The CurriculumThe Hutchins School Web Site 25 The Director of Studies 88Faculties and Departments 90Junior SchoolThe Head of Junior School 26 The Co-CurriculumJunior School Sport 28 Clubs and Societies 104Holiday and After School Care 29 Performances 107Preparatory Years 30 Sport 110Primary Years 34For the RecordMiddle School School Directory 126The Head of Middle School 56 Prize List 1997 129Year Seven 58 The Graduation Roll 131Year Eight 62 The Hutchins Award 132Co-Curricular Awards 132School Roll 133ValeteYear 12 137-2-3