From the Rector

By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest”. - Confucius

The conclusion of another school year, and the junior prizegiving that heralded the end, gave us the opportunity to recognise those young men in the junior school who had achieved at a high level; it also gave us the opportunity to recognise those who had, through a positive attitude and sheer hard work, made huge strides during the year and who had shown significant improvement.

The end of the year may also have encouraged a number of our young men the opportunity to reflect. Reflect on the year they have had, reflect on what they might have done differently, what they might have done better. They may even, to paraphrase Highly Suspect’s My Name is Human, stand face to face with themselves, to find out who they are.

In moments of honest reflection, we are able to take responsibility for our mistakes, and our successes, and a number of our young men need to do so. While it may be too early to suggest that will set them on Confucius’ path to wisdom, it will, nevertheless, give them an idea of what goals they might set themselves for 2023.

Confucius’ second method, imitation, could well manifest itself in a young man who chooses to behave the same way as a friend who is a positive influence, and in doing so can improve himself. The third method, experience, can be a merciless teacher. But a teacher nonetheless, and young men who learn from experience sometimes need to go through hardship or challenges to ensure the lesson is learned and remembered.

Having read and commented on the Year 9 and 10 reports recently, there is a number of young men who would do well to reflect on how they could have made their year different. Too many absences, too little effort, too much laying the blame at someone else’s feet. Not enough get-up-and-go. Not enough this, not enough that.

But plenty of young men gave it a real crack, and in doing so bought into the ethos of our school and made a positive contribution. Many of those young men weren’t recognised at the junior prizegiving, and in some instances they may have missed out by the slimmest of margins. While they didn’t win a prize (and not everybody can – this isn’t like the ‘Shrine to Gaylord’ in Meet the Parents, after all), those young men can be just as proud of the effort they have put in throughout the year. They have done their best, and that is all we can ask.

I spoke to the Year 10s about a young man who last year had a terrible report and was on the verge of getting into serious strife. This year he has grown up, and as disappointing as his efforts were last year, this year they are fantastic. He has worked hard, corrected his attitude, and he has performed with huge credit. It can be done, but too many young men give up because they think they don’t have the ability to improve. More often than not, it is simply a matter of attitude and effort. Perhaps I shouldn’t use “simply”, because if it was simple…

So, we look forward to next year, and the opportunities and possibilities the new year will bring. But, before we do that, I am sure everyone is looking forward to a good break. To all our young men and their whanau, to the whole Palmerston North Boys’ High School community, may you have an enjoyable and relaxing break, and a great festive season.

D M Bovey

Rector