Without a doubt, Term 1 has been a vibrant, exciting and colourful time in boarding.

From Top House to Chiefs games, from guest speakers to BBQs in the quad. Boarding is a community on tap. As I greet incoming families for the first time, my go-to description of boarding resonates in whaanau. 

The way each student is supported by house staff, or the way every student supports one another in their sister or brotherhood, the boarding community breeds the morals and values that are so important to the personal growth and development of every student in a social, emotional and community-focused way. 

As Term 1 draws to its natural close it is important to reflect but equally generate excitement about what Term 2 will bring. Several senior students came to see me mid-way through this term and suggested that the boarding community could seek to support those that were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. 

This morphed quickly into a charity relay event which will be held on Sunday 30 April from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Every house will participate in the relay with fun activities throughout the day as well as the true purpose of raising funds for those that are still desperately in need of help. 

The Boarding Community have organised a Give-a-Little page in order to facilitate the raising of funds for this event. 

If you would like to donate please click here.

Any help is greatly appreciated.