Liston College

Roll

Liston College has a diverse, multicultural roll. In 2012 its ethnic composition was generally 43% Pakeha, 7% Maori, 31% Asian and 19% Pacifika. The college excels in sporting and cultural activities. Academically, the school offers for senior years the National Certificate of Educational Achievement assessment system (NCEA) .

Beginnings

Liston College was established in February 1974 by the eighth Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Reginald Delargey (1914–1979, Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland 1957-1970 and Bishop of Auckland 1970-1974). The College commenced operations on 7 February 1974 using classrooms at Holy Cross School, Henderson, with a staff of two Christian Brothers, Br G J Wellsmore and Br J P McKean and 72 foundation pupils. The pupils were divided into Form One 'J' and Form One 'M'. These initials stood for Archbishop Liston's Christian names - James Michael. Classwork began immediately and homework was set on the first day." "Brother Wellsmore supervised the building programme, the establishment of the curriculum and the development of a unique school spirit. The Christian Brothers tradition and values underpinned Br Wellsmore's vision for the school. As the school roll grew and the building programme was completed, the college spirit became embedded in the Liston community." During 1973 and 1974, the school was erected on the property at Edwards Avenue, which prior to work commencing was " ... an open paddock with an old house on it." The buildings, gymnasium and grounds were ready for occupation in the first term of 1975. The school was formally opened in November 1975 by John Mackey, the ninth Catholic Bishop of Auckland (1974–1983), in the presence of Archbishop Liston (who died the following year, 8 July 1976).

Development

When Brother R A Sisson became Principal (1980–1985) the roll had grown to 380 boys and 28 staff including five brothers. The deaths of Deputy Principal Brother Thomas Aquinas Monagle in 1983 and the head of the Intermediate Mr Hemana in 1984 had a profound effect on the whole school community.

Parental and community support

"From its beginning the college had good parental support. A very strong PTFA helped run various activities and it provided the backbone of great fundraising efforts. 'Foremost among these was the Friday night flea market which involved many families. Not only was it profitable but it was a great social event in Henderson. Crowds came along and at its peak $40,000 was made annually for the benefit of the school.' The annual gala was another source of revenue. The funds provided sports equipment, cricket wickets and practice nets, tennis courts, computer room, audiovisual materials and teaching resource material. Many building alterations were funded over the years." "The College has been well served by Boards of Governors/trustees who have worked to provide the best in education to the students. The board oversaw the completion of the school buildings, gymnasium, grounds and the Religious Education Centre/Sports Pavilion." Liston College was fortunate to receive some considerable gifts in its early years. In 1978, John and Betty Rose donated the engineering workshop to the school. "Through their generosity, hundreds of young boys got the opportunity to learn engineering skills - skills that many fine-tuned in later years of life." In 1978, Henry Norcross donated the Liston College main entrance crucifix. Graham and Patricia Glamuzina donated the school chapel in 1979. "The chapel erected in the grounds of Liston College stands forever as a tribute to the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Glamuzina family. With the opening of a Catholic boys' college to service West Auckland, Graham and Patricia [Glamuzina] decided that an appropriate addendum to the college would be a separate chapel and so they provided the funding to complete the work. The delightful little chapel with its feature window designed by Colin McCahon will always be a fitting way for us to remember the Glamuzina family."

Integration and character change

"In 1982 Liston College became an Integrated School and the number of brothers on staff was six." That was the largest representation of Christian Brothers in the history of the school. "The sole remaining brother by 1985 was the Principal Br Sisson. When Mr Francis (Frank) Huckle replaced him, it marked the last official connection of the Christian Brothers with the school". "Br Sisson completed his years as Principal in 1985 and the Brothers withdrew at the end of 1988" However Brother J D O'Neill taught at Liston College 1991-1994 and he was the last Christian Brother to do so. The Christian brother connection with Liston College thus lasted for most of the first twenty years of its existence. "The first lay-Principal, Mr Huckle led the college from 1986 until his [retirement and subsequent] death in April 1999. This saw a period of consolidation and then growth in terms of enrolments, academic success and sporting achievement and it was a continuation of the self-help spirit, which was at the heart of the College from its foundation. 'Among Mr Huckle's many achievements, one was significant. It was his spiritual leadership of the College and it was consistent and clear during his thirteen years as Principal.'". "Mr Chris Rooney, the current principal, said it was appropriate to remember the contributions of Br Wellsmore, Br Sisson, and Mr Huckle, who shaped the College before him, and he sees it as his task to enhance what they had entrusted to him."

Houses

The names and colours of the Liston College Houses are:

The Houses are used for some administrative purposes, such as assigning form classes, but are primarily used for the purpose of holding inter-house competitions in a variety of sports and academic challenges. Winning Houses are allocated points and at the end of the year, the House with the most points wins overall and the leaders of that House receive the "House of the Year" trophy.

Principals

1. Br. G. P. Wellsmore, CFC (1974 – 1979) (foundation Principal)
2. Br. R. A. Sisson, CFC (1980 – 1985)
3. F. D. Huckle (1986 – 1999) (First Lay Principal)
4. C. S. Rooney (1999 – present)

Notable former lay staff

Notable Christian Brothers

Liston College Christian Brothers: Br Noel Cuthbert Doherty - Br Paul Vincent Donnelly - Br James Eamon Duffy - Br Francis Placidus Henery - Br Desmond Azevedo Hill - Br Walter Frederick Ives - Br John Paul McKean - Br Thomas Aquinas Monagle - Br John Didicus O'Neill - Br Francis William Perkins - Br Ignacy John Rubisz - Br John Henry Shepherd - Br Rex Anthony Sisson - Br Gary Joseph Wellsmore - Br Lawrence Hubert Wilkes.

Arts

Religion

Medicine

Media

Politics

Sport