Another Covid-interrupted school year has drawn to a close, with the NCEA exams continuing for the best part of a week after school has officially finished for the year. So many events, both at school and at a regional or national level, were cancelled - national tournaments cancelled for the second year in a row, to the dismay of many of our young men. Pre-lockdown, however, the numbers involved in the school's co-curricular programme were encouraging, with increased participation in a number of sporting codes and cultural activities. The performing arts continues to be strong at school, with the Junior Musical Theatre programme growing rapidly, as well as the Kapa Haka and Pasifika groups continuing to grow. Junior and Senior choirs and bands are popular, debating numbers are growing. 36 basketball teams, 17 rugby teams, 19 cricket teams, water polo, canoe polo, table tennis, badminton numbers on the rise. It is great to see so many of our young men involved in activities out of the classroom. The academic life of the school continues to be the main focus, although the NCEA system makes it difficult to make meaningful comparisons in the national statistics. Alex Cole, this year's Dux Litterarum, won the award after achieving five A+ grades in the university papers he was studying as part of the academic Accelerate Programme. Despite Covid taking the wind out of some of the boys' sails, many have achieved excellent results throughout the year. The number of young men leaving during the year for apprenticeships and jobs shows how buoyant the local economy is in the Manawatu and is testament to the work our staff are doing in the Gateway and Careers areas. We had five boys leave on the same day - all to apprenticeships they had gained through the Gateway placement programme. There have been limited opportunities for Old Boys gatherings throughout the year but those we have been able to go ahead with have been most enjoyable. Thank you for your continued support of our school and our young men - it is very much appreciated. Have a great Christmas and all the best for the New Year. 

Dave Bovey