The term has started smoothly with the boys in good spirits.

While there is certainly an autumnal feel in the air, the weather has generally been pretty good, and the boys have enjoyed starting the winter sport season on dryish fields. I am sure the mud will come, but at the moment Julie in the laundry is very happy. It is hard work washing 80 rugby jerseys caked in mud! Regarding clothing, it is important that all clothing is named. We had a pile of unnamed gear today; the boys must take more responsibility for their gear. 

During the holidays the international students went on a mini lower South Island tour visiting Invercargill and Queenstown. In Invercargill the boys watched the Harlem Globe Trotters and had a really enjoyable evening. The following day the boys hit the luge in Queenstown. It was a great little trip and we will be looking to do another mini South Island tour next year in the April school holidays. 

The boys enjoyed the Chiefs game on Saturday night even though many came back to the hostel slightly disappointed about the result. We have another trip to the stadium this Saturday to see the Highlanders take on the Jaguars. 

Tomorrow night we have the inaugural house swimming championships. While Thomson was clearly the best on the touch field, Campbell have tended to dominate the sport-based house competitions in recent times and it will be interesting to see if they can swim! 

Grandparents Day is approaching (19th May) and the boys are looking forward to showing their grandparents their "home away from home". It should be a very pleasant evening and if you haven’t already done so, please RSVP by the end of the week. 

The organised activity this Sunday is rowing. While some boys are doing the 'Learn to Row' programme this gives the other boys a chance to have a go at a sport which is not an easy one to try for the first time. It is compulsory for Year 9 but optional for Year 10. Next weekend is one of the boy’s favourite activities, paintball! 

While the holidays have only just ended, Queens Birthday weekend is quickly looming up on the horizon. School finishes on the Thursday (normal time) and all boys must go home for the long weekend. Return time is after 2pm on the Monday. The hostel is booked solid for the long weekend and while the boys don’t have to take all their gear home they will be required to clear their areas. Gear can be kept in the prep rooms for the weekend which will be locked. Due to the hire, all international students are required to vacate the hostel during Queens Birthday weekend. If you could host an international student over this period please let me know. 

I hope you all have a great week and look forward to catching up with everyone over the course of the term.