A Message from the Rector

The good weather continues and the boys may have been questioning the need to climb into their long trousers! My visits round the classes show a school back into good class routines again and the boys seemed to have settled well.

Over the holidays we noted approximately 50 boys working hard in preparation for the Smoke Free Stage Challenge which occurs in a couple of weeks. There were plenty of sports teams either playing or practicing.

Last Sunday we installed the new boarding director, Mr Eddie Murphy and his wife Janet. Previously he had been head of the Physical Education Department at Christchurch Boys High School and a deputation from that school ‘passed him over’ in a liturgy coordinated by our senior boarders. Mr Nic Hill, the headmaster spoke of Mr Murphy’s 18-year tenure and contribution to Christchurch Boys and mention was made from both of us that while we enjoyed healthy competition between the two schools we have been in the business of educating boys to become good young men for well over 100 years, and so we have much in common. It is not lost on me that Mr Murphy is the sixth member of staff who have enjoyed parts of their careers at Christchurch Boys at some stage in their careers.

Yesterday, 172 boys crossed the stage and received awards in our Summer Sports Assembly. Later in the newsletter those boys will be published including those boys who received pockets.

I had three messages which I spoke of at the assembly. First that I hoped those boys realised that they would not have received those awards if it wasn't for all their other teammates. 85% of our boys play sport and obviously not all will receive the accolades, but they give our talented the opportunity to shine.

Secondly, I asked the boys to show gratitude to those who coach and administer their respective sports, who give so generously of their time so the boys have those great opportunities. Thirdly, we thanked and appreciated the efforts and the coordination of Mrs Kissick. She was acknowledged and the warmth of the boys’ applause in appreciation of what she does was heart felt.

Nick Moulai also addressed the assembly of his achievements at the recent ISF World Cross Country Championships held recently in Budapest, Hungary. Nick placed 22nd overall and his achievement of being 3rd in the world (in his age group) deserves special mention as well.

At the assembly Mr Davidson launched a Code of Conduct for all co-curricular activities. It encapsulates the manner in which we expect Bedeans to participate and play in sporting and cultural activities and it also makes reference to the way we support each other, and treat opposition teams and officials.

It follows and we would like parents to digest and support each other.

Until next week

J G Boyle

Rector