We have had a busy start to 2019 in the residences with 5 new students and a swap of the houses due to now having more girls than boys (for the first time in many years). We welcome LinhDa from Nelson, Najma and Isaiah from Wellington, Jordan from Invercargill and Jayden from Dunedin. All have settled in well.

The school camp at Wainui was a great way for everyone to get to know each other and many new friendships were formed. The students (and staff) rose to the “challenge by choice” activities with many stepping out of their comfort zone to achieve things they never thought they could do. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and while the days were long, the memories will last even longer.

As part of the alignment with Kelston, we have initiated a “cultural swap” between the residential team leaders. We welcome Ava, Saagar and Di to Christchurch while Michael, Roger and Laurinda-Lee have travelled to Auckland. This gives us all an opportunity to share resources, ideas and offer collegial support. The amazing weather, proximity to the beach and stunning back drop of the Port Hills have meant that the Auckland crew have all decided they would quite like to move to ChCh. Unfortunately the hustle and bustle of the Big Smoke (think of hours stuck in traffic jams going nowhere on the motorway) have not had the same allure lol.