Have a Happy Easter everyone. We’ve earned it.

The weekly lineup of staff and students has changed constantly this term as some boys and staff have come and gone, rotating through self-isolation. Right now, 30-40 boys are away each day as positive COVID cases and a further 20-30 are away in self – isolation while testing negative. It’s a good sign that cases seem to be tapering off as we head towards Term 2. At its peak in mid – March, we had 60-70 boys away as positive cases each day.

Despite this disruption, I believe that the education we offer has not been compromised fundamentally, and that important Term 1 calendar events have remained largely intact. The wider life and times of King’s, and its essential experiences, achievements and acknowledgements have happened. Probably most notable was the roll out of all Year 9 Camps. These were in huge doubt back in the first few weeks but all came through successfully, including good mitigation of COVID risk. It meant that our new boys were able to participate in this vital part of coming into King’s spirit, friendship, and endeavour. The Anzac Service on Tuesday was the latest act of unity and collective focus for Year 9s, alongside older students.

I wish to thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff and volunteers who have continued to bring the best of King’s to the boys in Term 1. While in the background the problems and uncertainties of all Kiwi families have been felt by our people, what the boys have received each day has been superb and undiminished. They have received education, support and service which we can stand by, delivered with professionalism and the personal touch.

The boys have also been pleasing. From day one they have, by and large, just got on with it over the last 11 weeks.

We still have a way to go before we can hang up our classroom masks for the final time (or dispose of them) but when it comes, we’ll be satisfied that we’ve dealt with these challenges with a calm and steady hand, and looked after our boys to the best of our ability, to stay on track for personal excellence. As always, a team effort will get us there. An effort that may be captured in the whakatauki: ‘Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini’ – My strength is not mine alone, it comes from the collective/group.

Warm regards. Take care. Enjoy those hot cross buns.

Nick McIvor

Rector