Justin Boyle: facing baptisms of fire

Our contact goes back to 1976. Justin had just got back from a triumphant Emus tour to Australia over the New Year. He had been the star player on tour. So senior selection for BWU premiers was a shoe-in. His debut match was on Hagley 1 against HSOB and what proved a baptism by fire against a fiercesome attack led by Richard and Dayle Hadlee. Two of the meanest in the land. We opened together. Being the young gun Justin came under a barrage of short-pitched bowling and some banter. One bouncer smacked into his elbow (no protective gear back then); he was hurt and suffered a dead-arm. He could not continue – retired hurt amidst a few tears. Although, he did return to the crease later, Justin learned a valuable lesson that day which would hold him in good stead in his later playing days. He went on to play 35 first-class games for Canterbury and Wellington. And so began the Boyle dynasty in Canterbury cricket with brother David and sons Jack and Matthew following. 244 appearances collectively across formats in domestic cricket and still counting!

Ten years later Justin and I worked together on the staff at Burnside High School. Justin, the young English teacher was learning his craft. He was scholarly, self-contained, “heads down” and taking it all in. He wasn’t like the other young turks on the staff; he didn’t flit off for a run, or a swim or a knock at tennis; he avoided “armpit corner” where the young phys-edders joshed.

Justin was happiest, tucked up in a quiet corner of the staffroom, with a book and some downtime alone. He was quite unique in this respect.

Ten years further on and a principal is born. In January 1996 he started his five year tenure as Rector of St Kevin’s College, Oamaru. At the ripe old age of 37 years. One of the youngest appointees – ever! How did this come about? After Burnside, Justin gained promotion as PR2 English and Form 4 Dean at Christchurch Boys’ High School – a stepping-stone to a Head of Department, Senior Master or Deputy Head job. But Justin, through his unique talent, missed this route and went straight to a principalship. I cannot recall this happening before. Another baptism of fire for the young man; with limited experience on so many fronts; here he was in the firing line again to face the challenge of being the boss. And yet, still he coped and excelled.

In January 2002 Justin was appointed the 15th Rector of St Bede’s College, Christchurch; a school to which he has dedicated the rest of his teaching career. 21 years leading a fabulous school and influencing the lives and education of so many students and staff along the way.

A word here about cricket – so Justin was appointed in January 2002; the next month February 2002 he played for The Willows against his own St Bede’s 1st XI. We batted first and were soon in trouble. At a sad 5 for 17 runs Justin went out to bat. We ended up with a score of 173 runs, with Justin top scoring with 53. The following year, the same scenario; we were in huge early trouble; with wickets down when he and that wonderful character Mike Hamel put on a century partnership – Justin got 43. All up, in his seven innings for The Willows Justin has a batting average of 33 – certainly way ahead of mine and many others I add!

Justin was also a great mate of MED. There was lots of banter between the two. Mike was always invited into the inner circle whenever a Bede’s / College match was played. As a supportive Willower, Justin generously made available school facilities like the chapel, dining hall or gymnasium for club functions.

So Justin the Principal – 21 long years at the helm. Early on in his time, I remember meeting him socially. He mentioned his desire to “soften the culture” at the school. What did he mean by that? He didn’t like some of the hard-nosed, macho / competitive, win-at-all-cost elements he detected. He wanted to promote the academic side and for cultural activities (like choir, orchestra, debating, oratory, community service, Canteen, retreats) to have as high a profile as sport in the school. Justin modelled these ideals himself eg he was always keen to get out his violin and sidle into the back row to play with the school orchestra in rehearsal (another of his happy places). He even coached the 1st XI in later years – heaven forbid, this on top of all his other responsibilities as Head. At school assemblies Justin has led by quiet example, no ra-ra, just focus on the Bedean way. Justin strengthened the special character of St Bede’s College during his time.

There is one other reality about the job – only the man himself and others in the role, can understand the pressure on a modern day secondary principal. Here comes the next baptism by fire. I’m talking about trial by social media. Whenever a group of Bede’s boys let the side down, whether at an airport carousel , or en route to Maadi Cup, and the media get their teeth into it, a principal’s job is hell. Most of the stuff has nothing to do with the core business of teaching and learning. Over his time Justin has had to face a few such media attacks. And like the true opening bat he is, he plays with a straight bat and shoulders arms and has nothing to do with anything wide of the mark.

Justin’s life is like the Parthenon – built on solid pillars. Of the many pillars, two stand out. They are his faith and his family. It is the latter I want to close on. Whenever you speak with any member of the Boyle family, whether it be Anastasia, Callum, David, Genevieve or Justin himself (I haven’t met Jack or Matt yet) there is a common empathy and joy of familial cohesion. This they attribute to their parents who surrounded the children and grandchildren with love, music, literature, culture, sport, communication but most of all – love within the family home. It is a total team; formidable; with wife Genevieve being there as loyal support and the rock through many of Justin’s baptisms of fire. Together they have been unstoppable. We heartily congratulate Mr and Mrs Boyle on their wonderful partnership of 21 years at St Bede’s College.