Despite the icy blasts we’ve had and gloomiest of days, there’s been plenty to raise our spirits this term, to be a source of satisfaction at King’s.

Week 9 Term 2

Term 2 can often feel like the never-ending term as winter kicks in and some of the energy and vigour from Term 1 needs a bit of boosting, so good momentum in the boys’ growth and achievement continues.

Considering the positive tone and tenor of lessons around the school and across the Curriculum and Year Levels, there’s plenty of boys lifting in personal excellence. The King’s academic priority remains strong - as does the construction of character. Both are found in teaching and learning each day – especially in how staff and students are combining for success. Socioemotional development has received good top-ups too, from roadshows and our own design.

In the wider life and times of the school four competitive and rewarding inter-schools have passed against old foes. Friendly rivalry and fairness and tradition have come through. The boys have acquitted themselves very well when tested and overall not been found wanting. 

In the Arts we’ve flourished in the Musical, Shakespeare, The Big Sing and Rockquest to bring our creativity to the fore. Schoolwide work on integrity as our focus value has prompted new understanding. 

The Year 12/13 Formal was superb; our young men rising to the occasion and doing so in all their finery. The 2021 House Competition races on. Windsor reigns supreme but for how long?

From our teaching staff we’ve already farewelled Jo Harford reluctantly on the 18th of June after 18 dynamic years in English, Media Studies and Drama, and so much more. Dan Greer has arrived from Kapiti College for Jo Harford's classes. 

To finish the term we also close an impressive 28 year King’s career as Richard McNaught departs to take up a new post for the final leg of his Teaching. Richard has to be one of the best Design and Visual Communication (DVC) teachers in New Zealand given the outstanding results his boys have earned consistently in NCEA. There will be more about Richard in the next King’s Week.

The end of the term brings an opportunity for the boys to take stock. It offers a fitting breather for each young man to consider how well he’s doing in and out of the classroom and what’s needed to take his next step for added personal excellence. 

I encourage all our boys to identify what they need to do more and what they need to do less going into Term 3.

It may have been a long term but it’s also been one with its triumphs and important elements of a full and enriching education.

Mā te wā

Nick McIvor

Rector