What a jam-packed 10 weeks at Tolcarne! It has been nice seeing regular routines take place as well as the business of winter sports and cultural practices. There has been a lot on the calendar this term which has made the time fly by even faster.

Winter sport has been in full swing with late night Hockey and Rugby taking place during the week. There have been some chilly nights here in Dunedin so bringing warmer layers back to Tolcarne is a great idea.

Netball has taken over Saturdays as well as many dance rehearsals and exam practices. It has been wonderful seeing everyone's parents coming down and watching winter sports as well as popping into the office for a chat.

Our Boarders Open Day was yet another successful one. The dining hall was filled with 200 people who were welcomed by our wonderful Year 13 students. 🥳

It was lovely seeing how much effort everyone put into decorating their doors on ‘do up your door night’ during prep. Different themes consisted of carnivals, baby photos, under the sea, Disney princesses and an array of different movies. The boarding house was decorated in bright colours which would have been awesome for potential families and girls to see.

Our Year 13s did an amazing job being guides to our guests around Tolcarne. They all showed positivity and Tolcarne pride to potential new families for 2024.

Another big event on the Tolcarne calendar this year was our Pink Ribbon Breakfast and bake sale down at school. The dining hall was decorated in all things pink and glamorous with streamers, balloons and of course everyone wearing pink PJ’s. Breakfast consisted of strawberry milk, pink cupcakes and pancakes with berries! 🥞🍓😍

A huge thank you to Isla for organising such an amazing fundraising campaign to raise awareness around breast cancer. All the hard work paid off by raising a whopping $2,400.00. All fundraising goes towards supporting families and loved ones. 💝

The most important social event on the Tolcarne calendar was the Year 12 and 13 formal. Ziggy and Ange set up the annual nail bar in the lounge which is always a good time, snacking on amazing food, catching up with the matrons and getting your nails painted. The juniors loved watching the seniors walk into the Dunedin Museum as they now know what they have to look forward too. All our students looked glamorous with their outfits, hairstyles, heels and of course fake tans! 💃💄👑

Bex has done an amazing job yet again organising weekend activities for the juniors. Some of the fun activities have been going to the movies, Moana Pool, laser tag, Leap and tenpin bowling. I know she is planning some exciting activities for next term.

Tuesday afternoon activities have also continued and I have been lucky enough to take over from Isla the last few weeks. I have loved getting to know the junior cohort a whole lot more. Past Tuesday activities this term have included a party in the lounge with amazing snacks, preparing for the Pink Ribbon bake sale and making whacky cones. 💘🍦

Last of all, Tolcarne farewelled the wonderful Isla who has been a huge part of the boarding house over the last 3 and a half years. We are going to miss seeing Isla around but we all know she will have an amazing time overseas. The boarding house wishes her the best of luck and we hope to see Isla back in future years to come.

Term 3 is right around the corner and I know there are plenty of exciting events to look forward to including the Tolcarne Ski trip which is always highlight on the calendar, the Grandparents High Tea, the whole hostel Barbie movie night and National Boarding Week celebrations. Winter sports will continue to take place throughout the week which will add to the craziness of Tolcarne. 🎉🏈🏑

Everyone at Tolcarne wishes students and families a happy and safe term break. 

Make sure to enjoy time with friends, family, loved ones and pets. Recharge those batteries for what's going to be an even more jam-packed and exciting Term 3 ahead … where is this year going? I know we will all be excited to hear about holiday adventures when you arrive back at Tolcarne on the Sunday 16 July. 

Ma tē wā 😁👋 

Beth Anderson
Tolcarne