It’s been a busy and pleasing term with so many personal triumphs for the boys along the way. I congratulate all the young men again who we honoured in the Scholars’ Assembly, four Academic Blues Ceremonies, Special Academic Capping and Endorsement Badging, the Summer Sport Blues, or young men who represented King’s as best as they could in Arts, Culture and Sport, or while active in their leadership roles, or House activity. I also congratulate everyone who had other personal triumphs; the sometimes small but significant gains that will eventually turn into valuable and cherished achievements.

As this Term ends we start to look to the next one. The boys were encouraged in Monday’s Assembly to reflect on Term 1 to identify: What went well; what needs to be better; to check if they’re on track for the year they need; and to keep seeking opportunities.

I was proud of the boys’ conduct at the ANZAC Service on Tuesday morning. This Service continues to be important for their values education. We do it as a tradition so they understand and respect the sacrifices made by previous generations – including those of Old Boys and their families. We do it so they come to see that the potential for more conflict and its terrible impact remains unless we learn from the past and act to prevent conflict now and in future. In this Service we also join to express our commemoration and be unified in remembrance; another act of King’s solidarity. 

Thank you to Kevin Weir (Dunedin RSA President) and Lox Kellas (Otago District RSA President), members of the Old Boys Association (the Kingsmen), Karyn Fielding from the Ministry of Education, Barbara Agnew and Stephanie Ashton (Principal and Deputy Principal of Queen’s High School respectively), and our King’s Trustees for attending, and to Randal Scott (a King’s teacher) for speaking at this poignant event. 

A special mention goes to Ben Nguyen from Year 10 for playing the Last Post and Reveille so well – a big moment for him. Our prefects will be representing the school at the ANZAC Dawn Service at Queen’s Gardens on 25 April and other King’s boys are most welcome to join us too (in uniform).

There will be an alteration to school leadership for next term. I am on sabbatical leave and will be undertaking research that will take me to schools in the United States, London, and the North Island. I look forward to seeing what I can find that could be good for King’s. I also predict that I’ll return in Term 3 with even more appreciation of what makes King’s so special in comparison with other schools. In my absence, Darin Smith will be the Acting Rector for Term 2. Jeremy White will be an Acting Assistant Principal with a Year 13 and Assessment and Pathways focus. Sam Fielding will shift across to lead Year 9 and aspects of Operations and Leadership in the SLT. Aaron Corkhill will be the Acting Year 13 Dean for Term 2. All will do an excellent job.

Wishing you all the best,

Nick McIvor
Rector