fbpx
01 February, 2023 Community

Commissioning our new Head

At St Michael’s the 2023 school year began with great fanfare as we celebrated the Commissioning and Installation of Mr Gerard Houlihan as Head of the School on Tuesday 31 January.

Students, staff, and distinguished guests gathered for a service at All Saints Anglican Church in the presence of Bishop Genieve Blackwell, representing the Archbishop.

Mr Andrew Eddy, Chair of the Board presented Mr Houlihan to Sister Elisa Helen, Provincial of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, who formally commissioned Mr Houlihan as Head. He was then welcomed by Tassara (12B) and Nicholas (12M) – Co-Captains of the School, Mrs Nicole Armatas – Deputy Head and Head of Junior School and Ms Emma McDonald – Deputy Head and Head of Senior School and Mrs Jacqui Walker, President of the Parent Community Association (PCA).

  • commissioning-our-new-head
    Students, staff, and distinguished guests gathered for the service.
  • commissioning-our-new-head
    Ms Monique Warwick read a prayer for the Nation.

Prayers were read for the Nation, the Church, Children and Families, the Houlihan Family and the School. These were delivered by several longstanding staff members, Ms Monique Warwick, Mr Murray Phyland and Mr Pat Tyrrell as well as our School Co-Captains and Ms Jacqui Walker.

The service was elevated by the music led by Dr Gary Ekkel who conducted the 2022 New Zealand Touring Choir, Old Michaelian and staff singers and the combined student, staff and guest Orchestra.

When Mr Houlihan addressed the congregation, he referred to the many roles he plays that have helped shape him including, “son, brother, teacher, leader, and most importantly, a Michaelian”. He has been a staff member at the School for more than 22 years and has always modelled the School values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion. His dedication and passion have inspired many students during his time at the School and he is committed to ensuring that St Michael’s continues to offer the highest quality holistic education for which the School is renowned.

We know the entire St Michael’s community looks forward to supporting Mr Houlihan in his work as the Head of the School.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended this significant event in the life of our School.

  • commissioning-our-new-head
    Mr Houlihan addressed the congregation.
  • commissioning-our-new-head
    All Saints Anglican Church.