In 1966, Malcolm was working as an accountant in a government department when, through his friendship with Sargood Housemaster Pat Plant, the possibility of teaching commerce at St Paul’s arose. Malcolm and Lorna were invited to tea at Sargood House, where Headmaster Harry Hornsby arrived and outlined his plans for the school stating to Lorna, Malcolm’s wife, “I want to borrow your husband.” Despite Malcolm having no formal teacher training, Hornsby clearly saw something he liked. Malcolm joined the staff in September 1966, initially teaching junior history and geography.

By the following year, he had put his accountancy background to good use, establishing the school’s commerce department. He would go on to lead it for the remainder of his time at St Paul’s, teaching accounting and economics and laying the foundations for a strong tradition of commerce education at the school.

Malcolm quickly became immersed in wider school life. The 1966 Collegian Yearbook welcomed him as a tutor of Hamilton House, noting that he had “already made a great impression on our games”. Two years later, he became Hamilton Housemaster. His appointment had strong support, with Malcolm described at the time as “universally liked and respected”.

The place of day boys within school life was particularly important to Malcolm. He believed they developed a stronger connection with St Paul’s when they stayed beyond the school day for dinner and prep. When Hall House was established as a second day house in 1973, Malcolm became its founding Housemaster, with 70 boys. That year, around 70 per cent of Hall House boys stayed at school for dinner, helping establish the identity and traditions of the new house.

In 1980, Malcolm was appointed First Assistant, becoming a central figure in the administration of St Paul’s. His responsibilities over the years included the school timetable, discipline, liaison with the qualifications authority and organisation of Prize-giving. He was also, for many years, treasurer of both the tuckshop and the Parents’ Association.

When girls first joined St Paul’s in 1985, they too came under Malcolm’s care. Known affectionately as “Hill’s Angels”, the girls remained his responsibility until Harington House was established.

There was scarcely an area of school life untouched by Malcolm during his 29 years at St Paul’s. He coached colts hockey, soccer, 3rd XV rugby and the First XI cricket team, with the school history describing 1975 as a vintage year. He was also involved at various times with debating, Young Enterprise and junior drama.

Malcolm had a presence to match his contribution. Known as “Maxie”, partly to distinguish him from fellow staff member Peter “Mini” Hill, he was a man of strong opinions, great certainty and fierce loyalty to St Paul’s. On his retirement in 1995, Graham Campbell captured something of the affection with which he was regarded when he wrote: “The Big Man’s leaving. It’s official. It’s been announced.”

His contribution did not go unrecognised. Malcolm was later made a Fellow of St Paul’s, acknowledging nearly three decades of outstanding service and a man who had been, in so many ways, a steady pair of hands at the heart of the school.

Malcolm died at Waikato Hospital on 27 September 2026. He was the dearly loved husband of Lorna, and much-loved father of Sharon and Dick Sybrandy, Laurence (deceased) and Adrian (deceased). In accordance with Malcolm’s wishes, a private cremation was held. St Paul’s staff and Collegians fondly remember Malcolm at his passing.