Kia ora whānau

It is always the way but at this time of the year you appreciate how quickly the end of the year comes around. This was only highlighted by the Sports Awards evening last week which began our end of year celebrations. Thanks to all those who attended, it was a wonderful evening. A huge thanks to Erin Matthews, Twyla Kingan and Ian Cathcart for their organisation. It was especially nice to have the contribution of Ray Boswell recognised by School Sport New Zealand. We also celebrated the significant achievements of our boys in the fields of arts and culture at our ‘red and black’ assembly on Tuesday. While we are talking end of year celebrations a reminder that our 140th Senior prizegiving will take place in the Hall of Memories next Wednesday 1st November (doors open at 6pm). Personally, this is my highlight for the year. We are blessed to have so many generous and historic scholarships/trophies to present on the night along with the much-anticipated announcement of next year’s student leaders, the presentation of the interhouse shield and of course the school Dux. This event is compulsory for all senior students, we expect our junior students to attend. You will not be disappointed - the atmosphere when the Hall is packed is ‘second to none’.

Our condolences this week go out to Emma Prosser whose mother passed away last weekend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Emma and her family at this challenging time. Congratulations to Jordan Horrell who has been appointed as Head of English for 2024. Jordan was actually Head Boy here in 2009 and we are excited to have him join our team. He has some great experience to bring to the role having been Head of English at Christchurch Boys, before working at the Ministry of Education and he is currently Deputy Head of English at Kapiti College.

Today at school we have had a Mufti Day to raise funds for the local St John. This was at the suggestion of Matthew Wicks, whose house was recently destroyed by fire. Matthew is also an old boy of the school who has recently supported us by painting the interior of the 1st XV changing room. With the upcoming Rugby World Cup final, the theme for the Mufti Day was “all black”. It appears we have raised nearly $350 which is a great effort at short notice, and we hope to present this to St John at our assembly on Monday.

Congratulations also to Year 12 student, Lincoln Brosnahan (Te Arawa, Ngati Porou, Ngapuhi) and Year 10 student, Tony Poni (Ngati Whatua o Kaipara) who are being recognised in Otepoti/Dunedin this evening as our tuakana/teina recipients respectively at the annual Mana Pounamu young achiever awards.

Could I also encourage our Māori whānau to complete the consultation form that was sent out on Wednesday via email to all our whānau with whakapapa Māori. The cultural sub-committee of the Board is looking to analyse your feedback in order to achieve our strategic goal of improving outcomes for all our Māori students.

Wishing you all a great weekend ahead. See you all next Wednesday at Senior prizegiving.

Whakaohooho taitahake marohirohi

Inspiring young men of outstanding character.

Floreat Waitakia

Darryl Paterson

Rector