From the Rector
Dear Parents,
Another disrupted term draws to a close, one in which Covid has again led to cancellations, postponements and frustration. These things have been out of our control, and the majority of our young men at School have reacted in a pragmatic and positive manner.
It has been difficult to get any real momentum going in class, with the enforced changes to the teaching programme, alongside the considerable number of absences on a daily basis. However, our teachers have commented on the increased focus and application being shown by so many of our young men.
One of the things we have learnt over the past two years has been the limitations of technology in education. Even some digital zealots have recognised that having a teacher in front of a class is more effective than having pupils work regularly ‘online’. Instant feedback, class discussion, along with the relational aspect of classroom teaching are things that simply cannot be replicated on a computer.
As with all things, balance is important: technology continues to be a valuable tool in education, but it is not the be-all and end-all, and it is often used almost as a baby-sitting device that creates the illusion of an engaged classroom. Many of the pupils are engaged all right, but on all manner of things that are not their schoolwork.
With the winter sports season approaching, an increased activity in other co-curricular areas such as the performing arts and cultural activities, it is important to remember the importance of balance. At recent year-level meetings I have encouraged our young men to make sure they get involved in the co-curricular life of the school. For some, as they move into their senior years, sport and cultural activities gradually fall of the radar – a greater focus on academic studies is often used an excuse, but what these young men fail to realise is the positive effect involvement outside of the classroom has on what happens inside. In his book “What Sport Tells Us About Life”, Ed Smith looks at the benefits of sport beyond the obvious physical benefits. These benefits also extend to involvement in cultural activities and the performing arts. Young men need an outlet during the turbulent teenage years, and anything that gets them off the video games is certainly a plus.
One of the main benefits of involvement in these activities is the social aspect, where being part of a team becomes an important part of a young man’s life. It creates a sense of camaraderie and of belonging, which are hugely important in a young man’s development. That sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself can apply to a team or group, to a school, to one’s whanau and is especially important in reminding teenagers that life is not always about them.
So, to all of our young men – get involved in something and enjoy it.
As I often do at the start of the winter season, when we have so many teams involved in competitions, whether they be local, regional or national, I will make comment about side-line behaviour. I have seen some appalling behaviour from so-called supporters on the side-lines, who think it their right to abuse the match official or opposition players. This is intolerable and embarrassing. At school we discuss our expectations of our teams and our young men, and it is important that these are supported at home and on the side-lines. Thus, a Supporters Code of Conduct has been introduced which outlines the expected behaviour of those choosing to support PNBHS teams:
1. Always remember the boys are involved in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
2. Set an example – applaud good play and good effort.
3. Do not criticise team members or opponents for making a mistake.
4. Criticism of referees or umpires is unacceptable – officials give freely of their time and effort and do not deserve to be harassed by people on the side-line.
5. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
6. Do not come on to the field of play; do not enter changing rooms. No parents in halftime huddles.
7. Recognise the value of coaches and managers who give their time to provide opportunities for our young men.
At the heart of the matter is that we want our young men playing because they enjoy playing. They do not want to be embarrassed by the conduct of family members or supporters on the side of the field. Not everyone will be a national representative; it is important to keep that in mind to provide a realistic context. It is important to remember also that not all staff members will be the next national coach and yet some on the side-line think it their right to criticise team selection and offer uninvited advice; not every referee or umpire will be a professional. We want to encourage all those involved to stay involved.
Uniform
Sports uniform
As young men join various sporting codes to represent PNBHS there will be a set uniform that boys must purchase. While representing the school it is expected that students wear their sports uniform correctly and abide by school rules. It is also expected that associated registration fees are paid on time, or a suitable arrangement is made with the Teacher in Charge prior to playing. If fees are not paid or an arrangement is not made students will not be able to play.
All items of sports uniform can be purchased from Mrs Alderdice at the Uniform Shop.
I thank you in advance for assisting us in maintaining standards of dress and behaviour on and off the fields and courts this winter.
Polypropylene
As the cooler weather approaches a reminder that young men may wear polypropylene under the school uniform as long as it is not visible. We recommend that young men purchase black v neck polypropylene tops to wear under their school shirts. These are available from a wide variety of suppliers.
Jackets
Any raincoat may be worn to school on a wet day but must be removed once inside the school grounds. Should a young man wish to wear a jacket within our grounds it must be one of the approved black jackets. These are not permitted in classrooms.
All the best for the holiday break and we look forward to a positive term two.
D M Bovey
RECTOR
Tēnā koutou e te whānau o ngā tama tāne o Papaioea.
Kei te tangi te ngākau mā rātou ngā mate o te wā, ara a Kui Barbara Cameron, a Ross McDougall, rātou katoa.
E Barbara, e te hākui, kua pau kaha koe mō tō tātou kura, te hapori, me ngā tini mokopuna. Kua waiho pai koe e tō pā harakeke.
E Ross, e Koro, ko koe he pou mō tō whānau me ēra atu.
E moe kōrua, ōtira koutou.
E moe, waiho mātou ki muri nei rāwakiwaki ai.
Ka nui te aroha ki ngā whānau pani. Āue te aroha e.
Greetings to our PNBHS community.
It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Barbara Cameron, Ross McDougall, and acknowledge all others who have passed recently.
Barbara, admired elder, you gave tirelessly to our school, the community, and to the multitude of young people that you assisted. You have left a wonderful example.
Ross, respected elder, you have been a pillar for your family and others.
Rest In Peace, both of you and all others who have departed this life.
Rest In Peace, you leave us saddened by your passing.
Our love is extended to Barbara’s family and Ross’ family. Their loss is mourned and felt by us all.
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D M Bovey
RECTOR