Kirsty Bond - Senior teacher, Girls' School
I grew up in a sports’ mad
household. The youngest of three
children, I spent my days hanging
out with my brothers, playing any
number of games. I was generally
joining in with rugby, soccer
or cricket.
Both my parents were
representative golfers so there
was also much time spent on golf
courses while I was growing up.
I began playing cricket for the
St Albans Club when I was 11 and was playing in the
senior women's grade at the age of 13. I was selected
to play for Canterbury at the end of my 7th form year at
school and continued to play each year for the next 11
seasons. During that time I also represented New Zealand
for eight years.
Representing your country is obviously
a great highlight but I also hold very dearly my
years playing for Canterbury. I played in two World Cups
for New Zealand including the 1993 final in England at
the most famous of cricket grounds, Lord's. This was a
very special occasion given it was only the third time that
women had been permitted to play at this very 'male'
venue. I returned to Lord's three years later when I took
my place in a New Zealand team on a full tour of England.
The result in our favour that day went some way to
erase the disappointment of losing the 1993 final.
Since finishing my playing career I have been a selector
for the NZ White Ferns team, coached the Magicians
(Canterbury) for 4 years and also been assistant
coach for the NZ A team.
My sporting career has not been limited to cricket,
however. I had one season playing under-age netball for
Canterbury and somehow I managed to burgle my way
to the Canterbury Junior Girls' golf title when I was 16.
My teaching years have all been spent in Christchurch.
After training at the College of Education and Canterbury
University, I took up my first teaching position at Ohoka
School. After a short stint overseas, I returned to
Christchurch and teaching, firstly, at Hoon Hay School
and then Kirkwood Intermediate. Two years in Auckland
followed where I worked for Counties Manukau Sports
Foundation.
Returning to Christchurch in 1998, I had my
first son, Sam who is now in Year 8 at CGS. In 2000, I took
up the opportunity to teach PE in the Junior School and so
began my time at Grammar. Since then I have obviously
made the transition to full-time teaching in the Girls'
School. I also have a son, Tom who is in Year 4 at CGS.
Cathedral Grammar has become an important part of
my life over the last ten years and I hope to continue the
association for many years to come.
These days in my weekends it is not so much willow
that you can catch me swinging but joining the masses clad
in lycra riding in and around our city. Recently, Brigit Mc-
Cormack and I took part in the Around Brunner road race.