After the turbulent events of 2020 we all started 2021 hoping for a more “normal” year of classes. competitions, sport, assemblies and good times – well, we almost made it and, despite the intrusion of Covid-19 into our lives again in Term 3, the general consensus is that we’ve had a pretty successful year.

As we started the year we were delighted to welcome 6 new students into the RIMA whanau –Harrison Woods (Year 7); Michael Dinh, Ayrton Edwards, and Arthur Walsh (Year 9); Connor O’Neill (Year 10); Harvey Davies (Year11).

We continued our interactions with our neighbours RIMG with some spirited basketball, handball and table tennis competitions as well as meeting together for prayer and reflection. We also continued our tradition of combining to run the ever-popular Cake Stall for the Special Character Week Fair. The students outdid themselves this year and there was a fantastic array of food which displayed some impressive culinary skills. Due to some spirited salesmanship by the boys we sold out and made a substantial donation to the Fair charity.

RIMA and Rice House competed strongly in the Swimming and Athletic Sports and we were very pleased to win the chants for both events. We also were strong contenders in the Special Character week events and are proud of our achievements.

Lockdown came as an unpleasant surprise and we all had to adapt our lives to online classes, Team meetings and bubbles again. Most students seemed to find the adjustment easier this time but were pleased to be back at school though they didn’t enjoy the early morning starts again!!

The voices of the students and their impressions of the year:

Harrison Woods – my brother Phelix was already in RIMA so this helped me settle into the school. My highlights of the year were going bald when I took part in the Shave for a Cure campaign and our camp which was so fun with lots of interesting activities. For next year I hope I make more new friends and play rugby for the school.

Bailey Le Lievre – I played basketball for the school and a highlight was making into a Canterbury team. Next year I hope to continue my basketball success.

Seth van Rooyen – I have enjoyed my year and have made many new friends in my different classes. I thought we would be able to travel somewhere outside New Zealand this year but we couldn’t because of Covid and Lockdown. I am hoping that we will be able to travel next year.

Michael Dinh – I have enjoyed my first year at St Thomas. My highlights have been rugby, House stuff and making new friendships. I particularly enjoyed the Athletic and Swimming Sports, Special Character week and the Tuck Shop.

Arthur Walsh – I started at St Thomas’ this year and have enjoyed my year. My highlights of the year were winning the rugby Section 3 U14 Competition as an U13 team and beating CHBS in the last minute of the game after holding on for the last 20 minutes of the second half in our own half. My ambition is to play in the 1st XV for STC.

Lui Avia – I have really enjoyed my rugby this year and am already looking forward to playing in the competition next year. In Year 10 I would like to improve my grades in my school work.

Ethan Burns – This year has been really good as I have been in the 1st XI cricket squad and have played several games for the school. A major highlight was the exchange with St Kevin’s from Oamaru. My ambition is for the STC 1st XI to be in the top grade while I am a member of the team

Afa Apulu – My highlight for this year has been playing volleyball for the school in a team that didn’t lose a game all season. I hope that we will carry on this success next year.

Braeden Harris –This year was good as I was able to spend time with my friends and I also enjoyed Lockdown. I was pleased that I got my speech done. Highlights were getting my race car running and doing well in my races.

Connor O’Neill – I returned to STC this year and found it hard at first but I have settled down and made some new friends. As I wasn’t here last year I have found that I have to work hard to keep up in my new subjects. I am looking forward to new opportunities next year.

James Evans – My highlights for this year were playing for the U17b Basketball team and the Senior A Volleyball for the first time. Next year I want to get a job so I can save up to buy a car.

Jesse Varney – This year I have enjoyed taking advantage of the new opportunities I was offered in my academic work and sports. I also took singing lessons for the first time.

Michael Davies – This has been my first year at St Thomas and I have made new friends and enjoyed the events of the year. My main interest is football and I have enjoyed developing my skills with the Canterbury Football Academy.

Baileigh Harris – This has been a challenging year and I have been pleased with my progress. I have enjoyed my job and hope to continue working there. My main aim is to do well in level 3 next year.

Phelix Woods – The year started with my participation in the Shave for a Cure campaign. I have enjoyed my music and drama classes and have also participated in a number of school events. Next year I hope to develop my interest in landscape gardening.

Finn Keogan – My role as College Captain has been challenging and enjoyable and I have learned new skills. I participated in the Shave for a Cure campaign. Highlights were my selection in the 1st XV and the success of the team over the season. Lowlights were an injury which kept me out of the game for a significant number of weeks and the disappointment of the narrow loss in the semi-final.