UNDERSTANDING PEER YEARS, OC REFERENCES AND DECADE REUNIONS

We are often asked what we mean by the “OC Year” or “Peer Year” when referencing our Old Collegians, especially in the context of reunions, such as: John Doe (OC 1974).

To clarify: the OC Year refers to the year a student would have been in Form 7 (now known as Year 13), regardless of whether they stayed at the College until that point. For example, if John started in Form 3 in 1970 and left in Form 5 in 1972, his Peer Year would still be 1974, as that is the year his cohort reached Form 7.

By contrast, if we refer to the Class of 1970, we are talking about the group who were in Form 3 (Year 9) that year, which was John’s entry year.

When it comes to reunions:

• Decade reunions (such as 30, 40, 50 or 60 years on) are based on the Form 3 or Year 9 entry year. This allows classmates who started together to reconnect, regardless of when they left.
• The 10 Years On reunion is the exception. It is based on the Form 7 or Year 13 year. If we based it on the entry year, most attendees would have only been away from the College for about five years, which can feel a bit soon for a meaningful reunion. 
• We don't currently host a 20 Years On, due to what would only be a five-year gap after the 10 Years On.
• We celebrate 65, 70, 75 and 80 Years On at our annual Gentlemen's Lunch.

It can be a little confusing, but we hope this helps clarify how we determine OC Years and plan reunions.

OCA ANNUAL DINNER 2025

From St Andrew’s College to the World Stage: The Inspiring Journey of Amiria Rule (née Marsh)

Amiria Marsh (OC 2001) joined St Andrew’s College in Year 10 in 1998. Her classmates may remember her as a quiet but determined student. Fast forward to 2025, and Amiria now serves as the College's Head of Learning Support, but it is her journey from student to international athlete that is one worth celebrating. 

Amiria spoke at Founders’ Day this year and shared a powerful story that many in our community may not know. While she faced academic challenges during her time at school, including stumbling at NCEA Level 2, she was simultaneously excelling in sport. During her senior years at the College, she represented Canterbury in rugby, cricket, and basketball; she was selected for the New Zealand Cricket ‘A’ team, and the national Cricket World Cup squad. During this period, she was called up to the Black Ferns, beginning a remarkable rugby career.

Amiria debuted for the Black Ferns at just 17 years old, making her one of the youngest players ever to wear the black jersey. By the time she turned 16, she had already been competing in the Senior Women’s rugby competition in Christchurch for over a year. Her talent extended well beyond the rugby field. As a schoolgirl, she was selected for the White Ferns Cricket World Cup squad in 2000, and she also made a name for herself in basketball, representing New Zealand in all three sports. 

Eventually, the demands of training and competition led her to choose rugby as her primary focus. That decision paid off. She travelled to Spain with the Black Ferns for the Rugby World Cup and, after a few years of shifting between centre and fullback, she was named first-choice fullback for the 2006 tournament in Canada. 

Amiria was one of the stars of the Black Ferns’ historic World Cup hat-trick in 2006, scoring six tries in five matches, and helping New Zealand secure its third consecutive title with a 25–17 win over England in the final. Her fearless play, including a crucial cross-kick that led to a try, showcased her instinct, skill, and leadership under pressure. 

That tournament was also deeply personal. Just before the World Cup, Amiria lost her mother, who had planned to travel to Canada to watch her play. Channelling her grief into the game, Amiria became a more focused and empathetic teammate. Her performance was a tribute to her mother’s unwavering support and a testament to her own resilience.

FROM DUX TO DISTINGUISHED: Roy Kerr’s Enduring Legacy 75 Years On

In August, the St Andrew’s College Mathematics Club welcomed a very special guest: Professor Roy Kerr (OC 1950), one of New Zealand’s most celebrated scientists and also one of our own.

At 91 years old, Roy Kerr is a legend in the world of astrophysics. His discovery of the Kerr Solution to Einstein’s equations revolutionised how we understand rotating black holes. It’s a contribution so significant that Roy’s name sits alongside Newton, Rutherford, and Da Vinci in a stained-glass window in our Centennial Chapel.

But on this day, Roy wasn’t here to talk about accolades. He was here to talk about rubber bands.

As a boy, Roy lived in a garage above his father’s rubber band factory. His job? Count out packets of 25 bands, one packet every six seconds. That repetitive rhythm of counting, grouping, and calculating laid the foundation for a lifetime of mathematical brilliance.

Roy attended St Andrew’s from 1947 to 1950 and was Dux of the College. He recalled a post-war College where the Mathematics teacher was a clergyman pressed into service, and where curiosity had to fill the gaps left by limited resources. That spirit of independence stayed with him through university, Cambridge, and eventually the University of Texas, where he helped shape the golden age of astrophysics.

His stories were rich with humour and insight, from adjusting radio telescopes with “a very large spanner” to spotting errors in celebrated theories. His advice to students? Don’t take experts at their word. Check the maths yourself.

Roy’s most recent paper, Do Black Holes Have Singularities?, was the most-read scientific article for several months. His contributions to astrophysics have earned him some of the highest honours in science, including the Albert Einstein Medal, the Crafoord Prize, the Rutherford Medal, the Hughes Medal, the Hector Medal, and the Oskar Klein Medal. In 2026, he will travel to Italy to receive the Dirac Medal, awarded for outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.

We are looking forward to welcoming Roy back to the College in October for the Gentlemen’s Lunch.

LEADING THE BEAT AT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: Drum Sergeant Lance Rairi

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE: 1975–1979

Following his recent 50 Years On Reunion, Hamish Dalglish (OC 1979) was inspired to revisit his photo albums and generously shared a selection of images that are sure to stir memories for many of you.

A boarder at the College from 1975 to 1979, Hamish was a keen photographer with a sharp eye for capturing the spirit of the era. These snapshots offer a nostalgic glimpse into College life during the late '70s... moments of camaraderie, tradition, and youthful energy frozen in time.

From left to right, top to bottom:

• View towards the Quad from the Memorial Chapel Tower; Metalcraft Teacher, Malcolm Weir; College Farm, Cave; Demolition of the Seventh Form Study and Clifton Cook's Music Room.
• The opening of MacGibbon and Thompson House, 12 October 1978; The Bikestands; Something to do on a Sunday – Hamish climbing the Arts Block.
• Boarder's Leave Slip last used in 1978 with the advent of MacGibbon and Thompson House; Strowan House Dorm 8, 1978; Strowan House; Liz Govern (Matron) and Dorothy Kelly.
• Castle Hill Mountain Lodge and Cadet Training; Colonel Bill Adam.