A Message from the Acting Headmaster

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Last week we were privileged to welcome CBHS Old Boy and CEO of Fonterra, Miles Hurrell, back to CBHS. His presence was not only inspiring but a powerful reminder of where a Christchurch Boys’ High School education can lead. My thanks go to Blake Norton (Y13 BoT Student Rep) for his initiative in making the visit happen, and to Mr Drayton (HoD Commerce) for his outstanding support in organising the event.

As I spoke to our senior students that morning, I reminded them that what defines us as a school isn’t just our history, facilities, or achievements. It’s our commitment — and even more importantly, our sense of belonging.

I asked the boys: Do you feel like you belong here?
If you walk through our gates, wear the uniform, take the field, play in a school band , or sit in that Hall, then yes, you are part of the CBHS brotherhood.

Drawing on Owen Eastwood’s book Belonging, I spoke of whakapapa, the Māori idea of shared identity and ancestry. Belonging, Eastwood explains, isn’t something passive. It’s something you commit to, through your words and actions. And it’s through this commitment that teams and schools to succeed.

Since 1881, CBHS has stood for academic excellence, moral development, sport, and service. The book on our crest symbolises scholarship and the lifelong pursuit of learning. But we are not only about being smart, we are about being good, and doing good consistently.

True belonging happens when we choose to live the school’s values: how we dress, how we show up, how we engage with learning. This creates what I call the “silent dance” of CBHS, shared expectations and behaviours that shape our identity. It’s seen in things as simple as wearing the uniform properly, showing up to class prepared, and giving your best, even when no one is watching.

That’s why our commitment expectations are non-negotiable:

• We don’t avoid assessments, we front up.

• We’re on time , because it shows respect.

• We give our best, every time.

These aren’t just school rules. They’re the foundations of strong character.

I left the boys with this challenge: choose one academic habit to commit to this week. Maybe it’s putting the phone away in every class, or spending 15 minutes each night reviewing. Write it down. Share it with a mate. Stick to it and commit.

Excellence isn’t about talent or luck. It’s a habit. A daily discipline.

Let’s live Altiora Peto, “I seek higher things” , in everything we do.

Ngā mihi,
Nigel Vernon
Acting Headmaster