The Young Enterprise Scheme has been a part of College life for over twenty years. Bearwood (pictured right), one of our business groups this year, took out the supreme regional award for 2015. The photo on the left is one of the 1997 groups SIDZ, with mentor Mr Kibby. We can't recall what it was they made and would be interested to know their product. It would also be good to know how many went on to dazzle the business world. 

Two photos from the archives showing a cadet parade from the 1960s. We believe it is Noel Karalus chatting to the big brass in the left hand photo but know no more than that about this occasion. Leave us a comment if you can offer any more details.

Dear Conrad

On behalf of the FDMC Community, thank you.

Thank you for the pleasure we have gained from watching your exploits on the rugby field over the course of your career. You have always played the game in the right spirit and it has always been a source of excitement to watch you perform at the highest level. You have written your name into the rich saga of All Black history and that is something we are very proud of. You are a poster child for skinny white boys everywhere.

Thank you for the way you have carried yourself as a sports figure. You have been an excellent role model for others and have shown that you can be a public figure without selling your soul to celebrity. We have really appreciated the way you have interacted with all age groups, represented your teams with humility and pride and had some fun along the way.

Thank you for being part of our community. You have made yourself available whenever possible and have often acknowledged and supported your old school in a very positive manner. You were and remain a "good College man", something that is shared and celebrated by many of your old school mates.

The All Black time is over for you but there is a whole lot more stretching ahead. Whatever paths you take we know you will carry with you the same class and integrity you have always shown. 

It has been a fun ride for you, and for us. Thanks again, and in the words of the great John Whyte  "Go Well". 

While researching for a social studies unit on pa sites in New Plymouth we came across this image which was painted in the mid 1850s. The pa in the centre of the image is Okoare which every FDMC old boy knows as Pa Hill. The settlers cottage was owned by one J. Stephenson Smith Esq. and a little further research suggest that the image was used in a booklet published in London in 1857 to encourage more migrant farmers to come to NZ. A reminder that there was a lot going on even before the FDMC foundation stone was in place.

Work on earthquake strengthening and updating the main classroom block is now in full swing. All the classrooms are being stripped out, ready to be renovated, and the new foundation supports will be poured soon. Imagine the fun students could have if they could only gain access to that slide from the third floor!