Kia ora, Greetings, With optimism and a sense of relief we welcomed all the boys back last Monday under Alert Level 2 public health requirements.

Our International students at King’s have shown their strength and ability to cope in uncertain times. Lockdown presented a number of different challengers for our international boys. Not only were they away from their families but their families were often in higher risk regions of the world.

Senior Drama students have launched into post-lockdown life performing their assessment pieces this week. The Year 11s performed wide-eyed and over-the-top Melodrama pieces while the Year 12s and 13s presented sinister scenes from Shakespeare's MacBeth.

Several boys volunteered two hours on Monday for the Salvation Army. The boys were stacking boxes of donated food at the Salvation Army Headquarters, and were helping with the distribution of food parcels.

For Samoan language week the Year 13s made a traditional Samoan dessert called Paifala. Paifala’s are pineapple-custard stuffed confections enrobed in a buttery, smooth shortcrust pastry. They were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Kbunsha, a publisher in Toyko, Japan invited us to contribute to a video project to attract Japanese students and parents interested in studying in New Zealand.

Every young man should find poetry that means something to him. One of my favourites is ‘My Creed’ by American Poet, Edgar Albert Guest, Mr. McIvor.

We have two King's Lions nominated for Athlete of the Decade, Brendon McCullum and Ben Smith. Also, Dave Ross, Assistant Principal and 1st XI Hockey Coach is nominated for Otago Coach of the Year.

During the Covid-19 pandemic a quarter of a billion people continued to starve in Africa and we have an opportunity to help.

There has never been a more important time to support the PTSA with our fundraising – 20% of each membership sale goes directly to supporting our cause.