'Fresh twist' for Rathkeale College

Rathkeale College principal Willy Kersten and Rathkeale Friends' Association chairwoman Justine Seymour-Wilson. Photo / Natalie Finnigan

Justine Seymour-Wilson often pops into Rathkeale College to pick up her two sons, chat with teachers and management and find out more about what's been happening in the school community.

The only difference between Mrs Seymour-Wilson and many of the other parents doing just the same is that she has driven from Esk Valley in Hawke's Bay.

It's a big drive, and one she makes an average of once a month, not just to pick up her sons, who are both boarders, but also to fulfil her duties as chairwoman of the Rathkeale Friends' Association. The fact she is willing to take on such a significant responsibility when she lives out of the region speaks to her support for what Rathkeale is doing for her sons.

"We are so impressed by Rathkeale and what the school has to offer our boys, so finding a way to contribute to the school community and support their efforts was something I felt strongly about," she said.

Mrs Seymour-Wilson has a number of responsibilities that include organising the upcoming Christmas Fete, the school's major annual fundraiser.

"This is my first year as chair, and many of the Friends' Association members this year are new as well, so we've been working hard to bring a fresh twist to what has been a highly anticipated and successful annual event on the school calendar."

The event this year will include Christmas cooking demonstrations by Entice, and a demonstration by award-winning Adi McMaster aka MartyGirl, who will show event-goers how she produces one of her many fabulous skinfood products from raw ingredients.

Rathkeale principal Willy Kersten said the school admires and appreciates the Friends Association and its work.

He said funds raised by the Friends Association helped bring about significant changes at the school.

"The Friends Association have contributed towards a number of wonderful school projects including the Quad redevelopment, the Trust House Theatre construction and the Rathkeale Farm cattle scheme." he said.

Earnings from this year's fete this Saturday will contribute to the formation of a bush pathway and installation of fitness equipment along the trail.