Well we’ve made it.

The final day of the school year, and for the Year 13’s our final day at Otago Boys'. Today will come with an array of different emotions. Feelings of excitement, sadness, relief, and contentment will all be circulating through our heads as we walk through the archway for the final time. Five important years of our young lives brought to a close with one last day - our time here is complete.

The last two and a half weeks have ultimately been a lengthy goodbye. Hopefully you’ve used this time to say goodbye, and have thanked members of staff, as well as mates who have been such an influential part of your time at Otago Boys'. I also hope you’ve taken the time to reflect on the memories and experiences which make this school special to you. If you can’t think of anything off the top of your head, think a little harder because I know for a fact that they’re there. For myself, Otago Boys' has been special for many reasons. Mount Aspiring camp, various rugby trips, Mr Kay's English class, and living in the hostel are just some of the many highlights from my time here.

Following in my father's footsteps and moving to Otago Boys', I didn’t know what to expect. It was a new experience, and a daunting one at that, especially for a country boy like myself. However, after five years of schooling, I’d have to say that coming to Otago Boys' was the best choice. The years spent here have been instrumental in shaping me into a fine young 'man of oak'. I’ve experienced plenty of good times, as well as some challenging times. But aside from these I’ve met some great mates, made some unforgettable memories, and learnt some valuable lessons which are going to stick with me for life.

For many of us our journey at Otago Boys' is similar to a roller coaster ride. Throughout our time here we experience numerous highs and numerous lows. There are so many occasions where things don’t go our way, and we feel like we’re not achieving anything. For many of us, feelings like this only enhance the idea of wanting to finish school as soon as possible. I say this because I too have experienced this feeling. But what I’ve found is that when our time here has expired, a part of you doesn’t want to leave. So for the Year 11’s and 12’s who are lucky enough to have some time left here, please don’t get captivated by the thought of finishing school too soon. Take some time to treasure the opportunities and experiences that will pop up throughout the rest of your time at Otago Boys'. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

To my Year 13 brothers. Thank you for being such a great bunch of mates. Having the opportunity to learn and grow alongside you guys has been better than I could have ever imagined. We’ve had an outstanding five years, and deserve to be proud of our numerous efforts and achievements. We have thrived in each others company, and have some unforgettable memories as a result of this. At times teachers would argue this, but at the end of the day it was all for the greater good. Because here we are, the class of 2022, ready to move on to bigger things. I look forward to catching up with you all in the years to come, and exchanging various stories and memories about our time here.

I still find it hard to believe that my time at Otago Boys' has come to an end. I’m truly going to miss this school, and I’m extremely proud to call myself an OB’s boy.

Good luck for your future endeavours, I hope to see you all soon.

‘Shall memory rise and call to mind the days have long and sped, as the years go rolling by.’ 

Thank you.