Tolcarne Report

Wow here we are at the end of another year - 2021 you have been interesting! When reflecting on the past 4 terms, it makes you realise how quickly time has gone and how much we have achieved. We started off 2021 with welcoming our new Year 9 students, all looking excited to begin their high school chapter in the crisp new St Hilda’s blazer. It didn’t take long for our newbies to settle in, start developing friendships and exploring all Dunedin has to offer - they are officially ‘city’ kids now (city kids who still love their farms and animals)!

The first few terms flew by, with some highlights being, the senior formal, our Easter celebration week, weekend/after school activities, National Boarding Week, Boarding Open Day, the annual ski trip, dinner swaps and our Year 9 Waihola Camp.

Throughout these events it was business as usual, until a certain announcement was watched on every screen, of every device in the hostel… It was time for another Level 4 Covid-19 lockdown. It was a crazy few hours to say the least! The boarding community pulled together, driving vans, offering rides and ensuring each student was at home by midnight. It was a truly special reaction and we were extremely grateful for the way everyone responded in a calm and positive manner. It felt a wee bit unusual being separated, but through the use of social media we managed to stay connected. Whether this be from baking and photo competitions, to the ‘Tasty Twins’ challenge and exercise tasks from some New Zealand sporting stars, we managed to get through! It was lovely to see the excitement from all of our students once they returned to Tolcarne in Level 2.

Life in Level 2 as a boarder has been slightly different. But throughout all of the changes, we feel very lucky to have a bunch of students who are so adaptable to change and supportive of one another. Everyone has carried on, taking each day as it comes and being grateful for the opportunities and events we have still had. You are all incredible and we thank you for your patience - especially at times we don't quite have the answers! Looking forward to next year, there may be slightly more to adapt to - but knowing how well you've handled 2021, we have no doubt you will take whatever comes in your stride.

We were able to hold our Tribe Games Day, split into groups to earn the final points of the year. Ziggy did a wonderful job of organising the afternoon, ensuring everyone was able to participate in a range of activities. My personal favourite was the egg toss, watching each team try to 'delicately' pass the egg to one another (some not really understanding the concept of delicately - leaving their partner covered in raw egg!!). Baxter won the overall competition this year, for the first time since 2016. They were very excited to open their Tribe presents, consisting of jewellery boxes, diffusers, travel mugs and more goodies!

Robyn and I have thoroughly enjoyed another year of Koru with the Year 9 and 10 groups, which we finished off by heading on our annual Year 9 Waihola Camp. This was a great night away, spent water sliding, playing zorb soccer, challenging ourselves on the ‘assault course’ and many more team building activities. We have put a video together from our night away, check it out below!

Along with Koru, we have also enjoyed various activities throughout the year. We all know Robyn is the crafting genius and I am a big Christmas fan, so when it came to festive activities - we were right in our element! The final few weeks of all things 'festive' have been a lot of fun. The hostel vibe was more relaxed and the juniors have enjoyed the odd late phone hand in or special supper treats. 

Carrying on with the Christmas festivities, we celebrated our Christmas and Leavers' Dinner slightly differently. These dinners were separated into two events, the Seniors had their dinner before heading on exam leave and celebrated our Tolcarne Leavers'. The Juniors had their Christmas Party in the final week, which turned out to be quite the success! These events are very special on our Term 4 calendar and we felt lucky to be able to celebrate together.

Before wrapping up our article for the year, there are a few people we would like to say a special thank you to...

The Head Boarders have done a fabulous job of navigating their way through an interesting year, whilst trying to keep all of our students connected and in high spirits. They finished Term 4 with a warm fuzzy evening for each of the year groups, along with hosting the Christmas and Leavers’ Dinner. Both of these events were a big success and certainly a great way to finish their time as Boarding Prefects.

We are extremely grateful for the wonderful staff we are lucky enough to have working at Tolcarne. From the kitchen team - who provide an incredible spread of meals daily and last minute shared lunch options, to the cleaners - who keep the place looking sharp and very clean (even when the floors are covered with clothing)! And we couldn't forget our van drivers - getting you to and from different activities, Steve - who keeps the hostel from breaking down essentially (plus those added car engine and tyre changing sessions!), our prep supervisors, kitchen hands, tutors - everyone! Tolcarne wouldn't be the place it is without you all.

And to the House Staff - the smiles you bring and positivity that radiates around the halls, is something special. You go above and beyond in every aspect, we are very lucky to have each and every one of you 

We farewell Jodie Spedding as Food Services Manager, who has been with us for 7 years. Jodie has done a fabulous job of organising the smooth running of the kitchen, along with being a positive presence in the dining room for all students and staff. We also farewell Nicky O'Brien, who has been one of our lovely overnight/house supervisors and van drivers. We are going to miss you both next year, but look forward to hearing what the future holds 

And finally to our gorgeous Year 13 students - how are you already leaving us?! We are very excited for what adventures you are about to embark on and know those smiling faces will take you places! Make sure to come back and visit, we can’t wait to hear about all of the exciting times ahead. “You’re off to great places, Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” - Dr Seuss.

Have a fabulous Christmas break everyone, enjoy time with your special people and take time to ‘fill your cup’  We look forward to welcoming you all back in the New Year - bring on 2022!