From the Rector

Dear Parents,

Citius  Altius  Fortius

The Olympic Games are nearly here, and the Olympic motto encourages us to strive to be better, to focus on improving and doing our best. And, just as it applies to Olympic athletes, so too can it apply to all of us in our daily lives. During a busy second term, we have seen many of our young men working hard to improve, to do better, whether that be in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field, or court, or in the pool – anywhere where we strive to do our best.

The junior examinations will have provided food for thought for a number of our young men. For many in Year 9, these examinations will have been a first. Some found it a challenge. Good. They are meant to be challenging. Some enjoyed the opportunity to show what they had learned over the first half of the year. Some did very well indeed. Others did poorly, often through lack of effort and focus.

For some, school examinations are a relic of a bygone era, archaic, anachronistic. Heaven forbid that such criticisms could be levelled at PNBHS. Again. The beige-cardigans are at it again, bless them.

As I walked around the hall during the examinations I would pick up the occasional examination booklet of a young man who appeared to be finished and have a look through his paper. There were so many gaps where young men had left blank spaces rather than answers. Rather than give something a crack they preferred not to even try because they believed they would be wrong. Muhammad Ali once said, “It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself”. Some of these young men simply did not back themselves. And who cares if they gave it a go and got it wrong? At least they wouldn’t die wondering.

A number of young men were not at all prepared for the exams. I know that many of us are not going to be able to answer every question, but to give up without trying is certainly a habit we do not want our young men falling into. Too many young men give up before even starting; a challenge presents itself and instead of confronting that challenge, it is far easier and more comfortable to head the other way.

It takes courage facing a challenge, whatever that challenge may be. For some it may be an exam, or having to speak in front of one’s peers, or taking on a team that you know is better than yours. In To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the best-loved novels of the 20th Century, Atticus Finch says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what”.

Many of the athletes who are going to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games know they are not going to win, but they’re going there anyway, to do their best and to represent their country with pride. They will see it through no matter what.

 

Open Day    

For parents of Year 8 boys considering enrolment at PNBHS in 2025, our Open Day is on Thursday 1 August.  Presentations followed by tours of the school will begin in the Speirs Centre at 9.45am, 5.30pm and 7.00pm.

While PNBHS will continue to operate an enrolment scheme we had been able to accept all applications for enrolment, received by the closing date, since the scheme was introduced until last year, when unprecedented demand meant we had to hold a ballot for out of zone places. A significant number of applications were unable to be accepted as a result of the ballot. This could happen again for 2025 should the number of enrolments exceed available places. Out of zone enrolments after the closing date are unlikely to be accepted.

Enrolments for 2025 will open on Monday 22 July.

If you require further detail, please contact the school office on 06 3545 176.

School Ball:

Date:           Saturday 10 August, 8pm – midnight

Venue:          Silks Lounge, Awapuni Racecourse Function Centre

The school ball is a long-standing tradition at PNBHS. Despite the often adverse publicity that comes with such functions, it is my preference to continue this tradition so our seniors have the opportunity to experience a formal social occasion with young women. The parameters we set have grown through time to recognise the availability of drugs and alcohol and the growing pressure that consumption of these before and/or after a school ball is the norm for teenagers today. This belief needs to be dispelled.

Our senior school ball has very clear expectations and we want young men and their partners to have a night to remember; one that is alcohol and drug free.

We do have systems in place that will monitor this so that those who ignore our warnings are identified for their own protection and the protection of others. The use of alcohol and drug detection services may initially detract from the quality occasion our seniors have in mind, but at the same time the outcome of the evening needs to align with our school’s integrity and standards. 

As we approach the 2025 Senior School Ball, the seniors who choose to attend the ball will be reminded that it is an official school function and that fundamental rules in respect to drugs, alcohol and smoking/vaping apply.

I encourage you to talk to your son about behaviour that is appropriate at a formal occasion of this nature.  We, as a school, will clearly reinforce the rules and expectations associated with our school ball.  The young men and their partners who choose to attend are expected to abide by our guidelines.  It is your son’s responsibility to ensure his partner understands the meaning of attending a PNBHS Senior Ball.

This is not a compulsory school activity thus if your son cannot agree with our rules, guidelines or expectations then he does not have to attend.

Each young man who wishes to purchase a ticket to this year’s ball will receive a letter regarding the conditions of attendance.  I would ask you to read through this letter with your son and complete the return slip.

The conclusion of the School Ball is midnight and, thereafter, you, as parents, are responsible for the safety and well-being of your son. There are to be no after-ball parties, which have a clear tendency to quickly deteriorate. I thank you in advance for the support you will provide the school and your son.

This school event is an important social occasion for young men and their partners. We wish to continue offering such an opportunity to our young men and their partners.  We will continue to do so, as long as the Ball is the key event our young men want to attend on the evening and the formality of such an occasion is retained.

 

D M Bovey
RECTOR