It has been a number of years since we last did a mid-winter swim, and our Year 13 students, in particular, have been pressing for a repeat of this event.

We do this because it is challenging, it strongly reflects New Zealand Curriculum Key Competencies, (participating and contributing) and it certainly is something students will look back on fondly, in future years;  a great example of Shirley Boys students and staff working together to do something special.

The school morning will run with all teaching periods occurring as usual.

At 11.45am students will gather in their House areas. They will travel in supplied buses to New Brighton beach from midday. We will gather (as you look at the sea) to the left of New Brighton Pier, in the main car park.

At approximately 12.45pm, students will assemble on the beach, present a cheque to Air Rescue Trust, and perform a whole school haka.  At 1.00pm, they will go into the water.

Students will be bused back to school and dismissed by the normal time of 2.05pm.  All students MUST travel back to school by bus, even if they live nearby. This is a health and safety requirement.

Please encourage your son to be involved. Full Health and Safety Guidelines will be followed and in terms of time spent in the water, students are only required to run in to a point that is within their comfort level. As a minimum, for example, until the water is above their knees. If your son is unwell with minor winter ailments, please remember he is welcome at attend the event, participate in the haka, but remain on the beach.  In other words, he will still be part of the event.

Of course many of the staff and students will choose to have a proper swim, but this is not compulsory.

There will be staff remaining at school for students who require supervised study.

We encourage all parents and whanau who are available, to come  and watch this fun event. You could even consider joining us in the sea!