McClintock House Report

This year the green machine has not lived up to previous years expectations. Swimming and athletics both showed McClinctock's domination at the start of the events but the ability to finish off events resulted in Joyce and Marlow taking out such competitions. No doubt we had some special talent with athletes such as Matt Elia, Geoff Wright, Logan Buck and Josh Toohey all showed promise in these big events, but a slight lack of participation brought about close losses. To be fair our numbers were a bit smaller than other houses but we made up for this with heart and passion driven into us by Mr. Washington, Mr. Hart, Mrs. Coster, Mrs. Gaffney, Mrs. Hunter, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Punnet who all never lost faith in us and without them it's fair to say we may of came in a dead last, so thank you all. Maybe Mr. Biggs proved to be a bad omen for the house but to be fair he did bring a lot to the house with his snazzy camera.

All said and done St Thomas day was our chance to redeem ourselves. After pulling one of our best hakas out in years, singing the hymn to the top of our lungs ... we finished off with one of the most romantic songs in modern day music "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. We were given top marks for effort, but I believe the judges had been bought as our performance was near to perfect and some how we came in third once again. Some people would try to claim we had poor rhythm and forgot some lyrics, but to me I felt a green wave of love as our bodies moved slowly to the music.

To sum up the year we were the house that was always knocking on the door but never really entered. I have no doubt that next year the house will be put in good hands and number one will become a reality once again. Finally, I would just like to say thank you to all the students who participated and the teachers who got involved. It's fair to say we had Great Spirit and had some good laughs along our bumpy journey.

By Karl Belcher

McClintock Dean's Report

With the restructure of the house units, 2009 was looming to be another big year for McClintock.  We were looking good for our third straight victory.  Little did we know, the 'curse of Biggs' was upon us.  Mr Brendan Biggs, DP of academia and learning, had been transferred from the struggling Rice House. Despite this curse, to their credit, the boys of McClintock shone through as the most competitive and loving house.  This was very much evident during the STC Day, where expression, creativity and tone deaf ears, fell upon, well.....unconvinced judges.  Not even feather boas, candles in the shape of love hearts, man love, and Celine Dion could win the crowd and judges over.  The chronic attack of swine flu decimated the house for STC Day. 

Karl Belcher has led outstandingly from the front, and has done a marvelous job lifting the spirits of the house.  His organization, passion and charisma will be sadly missed. Thank you to all of the Tutor teachers of McClintock, your support has been appreciated.  I look forward to working with you again next year. 

Although the house did not win a major event this year, our presence was always felt.  Strategies have been put in place so that next year the house will be on path to win the trophy and carry it to where it belongs. When the transfer window opens at the end of the year, to readjust staff/student ratios within the houses, we look forward to Marlow/Joyce enduring the curse of Biggs.  

To all of the students of McClintock, thank you for the way you adapted to the new vertical house system and for participating to the best of your ability, and for making me proud of leading McClintock.  Bring on 2010! 

By Richard Washington