Tēnā koutou katoa

Sadly, our run of golden weather ended on Wednesday just as we were about to host the Open Day for prospective boarding students and their caregivers. Luckily the rain held off for most of the day, and the drop in temperature did little to dampen the enthusiasm of our current boarding students as they proudly showed our visitors around the school and boarding houses. It was lovely to see the Caroline Freeman Theatre filled with so many interested families, surrounded by our boarders on the sides and back, each probably remembering the day when they were having their first visit to the school. The presentations and tours were followed by lunch in the Dining Room and a delightful set of talks by each of our year 8 boarders, who spoke honestly about their experience of boarding and life at Columba. I always feel for parents further afield in Otago and Southland as they weigh up the prospect of missing out on a large portion of their children's teenage years alongside the breadth of choices that a city school can offer academically, socially, culturally and sports. In this increasingly secular age, we also need to acknowledge the importance that Columba attaches to nurturing spiritual development and Christian values, supporting students to make their own choice, and encouraging them to remain open minded and accepting of difference.

Thank you to everyone, who helped make this Open Day such a friendly and informative occasion, and we look forward to welcoming our 2024 boarding students.

As with the boarders, our Junior School students add a special dimension to the Columba whānau. Watching them interact from the Principal’s office and develop into fine young citizens is a real pleasure. Over the past week, I have photographed our newest International student, Chaewon, being shown around the school by Abrielle and Harriet, Year 4 students writing about nature and, today, Year 6 students taking leading roles in their Chapel Service, all examples of the rich fabric that makes up Columba College.

Ngā mihi nui,

Ms Jenness Riethmaier