Tomas Walsh - World Champion Shotputter — Tom Walsh who is the newly crowned IAAF Shotput World Champion. by Getty Images

Rector's message - August 2017

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The Timaru Boys’ character reflects that of South Canterbury itself. Elements from home and other social networks come into school each day with our boys and parents. This can be seen in the perspectives held about 'life after school' and where a TBHS education should lead its boys.

In employment and further study choices, importance is given to education for achieving a fulfilling career. In line with this, Timaru Boys' is making new connections with employers, Ara, universities, and Aoraki Development to understand how targeted training and study can meet this region’s current and future employment needs, as well as the individual needs of our boys. All school leavers enter the workforce eventually; it’s just a question of when and in what capacity; whether it will be immediately or after gaining additional tertiary qualifications. Learning at TBHS is addressing sector and industry shortfalls. Across the 5000 or more businesses in this district, there is clear need. In transport and logistics, trades, and food processing, for example, demand is high for willing, capable, young men.

In welcoming everyone back from the break, our two new German ‘gappers’, Jaro Plettenberg and Moritz Waldvogel, have arrived to assist in Thomas House and the school. Will Jones and Jonty Wines were here for four weeks to play rugby, and to absorb wider Kiwi culture. This was a significant milestone as the first step in an exciting new player exchange with their home school, The Judd School, in Kent. Ironically, Will and Jonty played for us against two visiting English school teams - something they didn’t expect! We look forward to having TBHS boys going up to Judd in return. Staying with International students with a sporting focus, we also welcome Pieter Dahmen. Pieter has come from The Netherlands, playing for our First XI Hockey this term. We hope Pieter also enjoys his Timaruvian time.

In Music, national honours were recently conferred on Caleb Nicolson and Connor Rabbidge. Each was selected for the National Secondary Schools’ Brass Band. This is a fine achievement in the Arts. The school has also appreciated Concert Band performance in Assembly this year. In Hospitality, Jack Mullany and Hunter McBride excelled at national level late last month; as did Jack Miller and Cameron Lyon in the New Zealand TeenAg competition - all fantastic efforts.

Thank you to the parents who supported Mike King’s mental health presentation on 26 July. The boys were encouraged to look after themselves and their mates, and to call on local services for support; the details of which are available through the school office or website.

Congratulations to the many Year 9s and Year 10s who received such good, well-earned reports at the start of term. The abundance of effective effort and rising achievement across classes was pleasing. Boys in all year levels have been challenged to be ‘up for it’ this term, and to be ready to make this term 'their term'.

Finally, ‘our Tom’ is now top of the world in shot put after winning his sensational gold medal in London on Monday. The school is elated and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer, more deserving guy.

Nick McIvor
Scientia Potestas Est
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