Our 2015 Arts festival is here. The Arts’ staff and tutors have worked hard to provide a fantastic array of Visual and Performing Arts experiences this week. The boys will delve into engaging artistic activities; to experiment, and to develop talents currently dormant or undiscovered. 

There will be exciting offerings. Boys wanting to explore new ways to turn or carve wood, craft stone, or work felt or flax, will find their niche. Others eager to learn how to take exceptional photographs, paint amazing figurines, or write striking calligraphy will be in their element. Expert voice training and singing tuition will cater for those looking to expand their ‘inner and outer voice’ – as will the chance to write superb short stories. For others, the prospect of gaining the power to conjure objects and to dazzle and impress family and friends with magic and illusion skills, will be enticing. In the case of one session focused on making art from chocolate - more basic motivations may be at play! The week will also provide opportunities to try a range of musical instruments, and to exercise individual wit and personality, through comedy and character workshops. Arts Week promises to be superb; one for fun, new knowledge and skills, and connection to the Arts. 

While this week prompts new ventures it is also the continuation of an already dynamic Arts community. Dozens of our boys participate in the Arts regularly to strive for excellence and enrichment. In the Arts they have found a home; a place to foster and channel their creativity. We expect others to join them this week, to find their home in music, drama, art, craft, and cultural activity – perhaps for the longer term. 

An Artistic achievement enjoyed since the last Newsletter, was our recent performance of High School Musical in collaboration with Timaru Girls’. Congratulations goes to the boys for their fine performance as cast or crew each night and commitment during the busy months of preparation. Each participant can be proud of achieving such a fabulous Show. We look forward to hosting the Production in 2016. 

Term Two is progressing well both in and out of the Curriculum. The new yellow and red card system is proving its worth alongside other initiatives in support of ongoing positive behaviour. 

We celebrated Summer Sport on 13 May with colours and bars awarded in eight sports alongside special prizes in Athletics, Swimming, Rowing and Yachting. The Christchurch Boys’ and Otago Boys’ winter exchanges also passed with some notable successes - despite Timaru Boys’ not managing to win the day on either of these occasions. 

Lastly, it was a pleasure to meet families new to the school, and families soon to bring another son to us, at the Information Evening on 4 June. This evening provided a nice opportunity for the school to share its ethos and where it is headed, and for parents to express what they seek in their sons’ education. The aspiration vital to our school and growth of our boys, is abundant in our community. 

Nick McIvor 

Rector