Willie Swann (Class of 1992), Deputy Principal, Liston College
Monday, 3 July 2023
Kia ora koutou

Talofa lava, my name is Willie Swann and I am a proud old boy of Liston College, attending from 1985 -1992.

My first class was 7J and our teacher was Brother Mick O’Donnell – a firm but fair man who instilled the values of respect, faith, and integrity from the start. School discipline back then was a lot stricter than it is today with long periods of time standing on the line outside B and F Block and the sound of the leather belt as daily reminders for all students on how to behave.

I enjoyed my intermediate years and activities like school camp were a great way to meet new friends. Little was I to know at the time that many of the students in that first Liston class over thirty years ago would turn out to be lifelong close friends today; Julian O’Neill, Chris Bonney, Duane Leo and Robert Covich to name a few.

In my final year at Liston, I was given the honour of being named Deputy Head Boy, a role I really enjoyed. I tried to set a good example for younger students and got involved in lots of activities and events around the College.  7th Form was an enjoyable and busy year. Socially as a year level we were a tight group, and this included the friendships we made with the girls at St Dominic’s. One girl in particular Anna, became an especially ‘close’ friend as we moved on to university and teachers’ college together, later travelling to the UK, getting married and having four beautiful children. 

Reflecting on my schooling years at Liston College, there have been some stand-out teachers who had a big impact on me. My PE teacher Shane King was a dedicated man who gave a lot of time to sport at the school. Other hardworking staff members who I remember fondly are Sarah Quirk, Maureen Deeney, Alan Lay and Mary Cook. They all had a caring and helpful nature to ensure their students succeeded.

My first year out of school, I went to the Auckland College of Education, deciding I was keen to become a teacher. l preferred the more interactive and school -like college environment and enjoyed hanging out with my friends who had also chosen the same career path.

In 1995 the Auckland Warriors were formed, and I was signed on as a semi-professional player.  It was a great taste of what was required to be a professional footballer. In 1996 I took up a professional contract with Warrington Wolves in the British Super league. Little did I know at the time that this would be the start of an eleven-year journey playing and coaching at several English clubs before returning to NZ in 2007.

Playing Rugby League and living in the UK was a great experience. I played with and against some great players and playing in the World Cup for Toa Samoa in 1995 and 2000 were particular highlights of my time over there. As a family we had some wonderful memories and taking the kids around Europe was a lot of fun.

In 2007 we made the decision to return to NZ, so that our children could grow up as kiwi kids and be surrounded by their extended family. On our return home I contacted Liston College and was offered a role as a Year 7 form teacher. A short time later I became a dean, and this cemented my journey back at Liston for the second time.

I have been at Liston for 16 years now and over this time I have been involved in an array of roles and responsibilities. This has made my work interesting, and every day is different. At the heart of my teaching and leadership is the investment I continue to make in forming authentic relationships with the many stakeholders at Liston College.

At present, I am settling into my role as one of the three Deputy Principals at Liston College. I hold several portfolios, passed on to me from the long serving Paul Houghton. The school is progressing well under our new principal Steve Dooley, and we continue to see rising success for all our students academically as well as in sports and other extracurricular areas.  

Chris Rooney former principal was great leader to work with. I remember him from my student days as a hard task master and someone a lot of students feared, but as a colleague and a leader I got to know him as the down to earth, caring and values man he is. I am also grateful for the mentoring I received from Rob McKenty who was the former Head of Pastoral Care. Rob has been hugely influential on my teaching career, with his no nonsense gruff exterior, which was complemented so well by his comical and compassionate nature, and big heart.

I have been fortunate enough to be part of the Old Boys’ Society. The committee now is strong and led by Old Boys Craig Buckwell, Mark Stocker, Roger Fuaaletoelau, Rob Covich, Connor Etting and Jacques Maitland, and supported by our hardworking secretary Simone Ryan. The aim is to hold events that reconnect past students and raise money to give back to the school. The major events held annually are the Golf Day and the Quiz Night which over the last few years have enabled us to give $10,000 a year back to the school. A massive effort by all who organise and support these events.

Liston College has provided me with some great experiences, and I have met with some wonderful people and our school continues to produce great Liston Men.

We look forward to the 50th Jubilee next year to reconnect and celebrate our proud history and our exciting future ahead.

In Christ We Live