From the Rector

Dear Parents

People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world.

Queen Elizabeth’s observation, made several years ago, was never more evident than in the days following her passing. New Zealanders joined millions around the world to mourn our Queen, whose lifetime of indefatigable service to the people of the Commonwealth was incredible. And so, the second Elizabethan Age has come to a close, more than 400 years after the first. There are some who chose to use the recent events for their own political agenda, as long-held resentment bubbled to the surface, but for most it was a time to mourn. As Rawiri Waititi, co-leader of the Māori Party put it, “There is a time and place to raise your patu; there is a time and place to lower it.”

Her Majesty once said, “It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change” That is particularly relevant as we head towards the NCEA examinations in November. The progress our young men have made this year will have been in small steps, and as they work towards the final examinations many will have learned how important these small steps are in forming positive and effective habits. Habits that will serve them well for their lives after school.

Some will not have made any progress. Apathy abounds; some have embraced apathy with enthusiasm. Some have placed the blame at the feet of Covid, a convenient scapegoat it must be said. A growing number of young men seem to care little about ensuring they get the best possible results they can; part of this may be down to the NCEA system, where an ‘Achieved’ grade could mean as little as 30% in the old money. But the majority is because of apathy. Apathy and laziness. In today’s world of wokeness and trigger warnings some blench at any form of criticism, but if one must call a spade a spade, then we can say with absolute certainty that some of our young men are lazy. They don’t care about getting their work done. They clearly have no sense of personal pride, or motivation. They will suffer the consequences.

We must be careful, because as Aristotle said, “Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society.” Tolerance is on the wane while apathy grows – not a good sign.

But there is time for most of these young men to right the ship. In the weeks leading up to the NCEA examinations they will need to make sacrifices and work hard. They will reap what they sow.

The junior pupils, too, are also moving inexorably towards the end of the academic year. Their school examinations in November are important gauges of the progress they have made throughout the year; and, as with the seniors, good habits learned in the junior school will stand them in good stead for the years ahead.

Good luck to those young men who will be involved in national competitions in the holiday break – safe travel and strong competition, and all the best to our seniors who will soon be off on study leave, early in Term IV.

Staffing

Vacancies for 2023 have been advertised and a number of interviews conducted. Four long-serving staff members are retiring at the end of the year, and we will pay tribute to them next term.

Enrolments 2023

At this stage we have reached our limit for Year 9 enrolments for 2023, although in-zone applications will continue to be accepted. We now have a waiting list at Year 9 after actively reducing our intake at Year 9 for next year. There are limited spaces available at Year 11 and above, while there is a waiting list at Year 10. The resources and facilities are struggling to cope with the sheer numbers of young men who wish to attend our school and we are looking to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure.

It has been a busy term, with so many of our young men involved in co-curricular activities on top of their academic workload. Have a well-earned and relaxing break.

D M Bovey

Rector