REACTION House Plays Festival 

To accommodate basketball games, we have had to change the performance nights for some Houses for the REACTION House Plays Festival next week. The correct dates are below.

Tuesday 12 August  – Night one, 6.30–8.30pm, Assembly Hall,  featuring Condell's, Jacobs, Julius, Harper and Somes Houses.

Please register for the parent function prior to the performances.

Thursday 14 August – Night two, 6.30–8.30pm, Assembly Hall,  featuring  Corfe, Flower's, Richards, Rolleston, and School Houses

Please register for the parent function prior to the performances.

Grandparents’ Day 

Please register for our annual Grandparents’ Day at Christ’s College on Friday 5 September from 10.15am–12pm. The day will begin with Chapel, followed by a tour of College with grandsons acting as tour guides, followed by refreshments in the Chapman Room.

College Senior Ball

Please register for the Senior Ball for Years 12–13 students on Saturday 6 September, from 7.30–11pm at Te Pae. 

Course selection evenings

Two key dates to keep in mind are the course selection evenings, listed below. This is an opportunity for boys and parents to speak to the relevant department representatives about the courses they are considering. While there will be a brief introduction about the option choice process (which will be recorded), the evenings are designed for one-to-one conversations with subject experts (and, therefore, will not be live-streamed). If you have any questions, please make the most of these opportunities and join us at the respective events.

Thursday 7 August – Years 11–12 NCEA Options Evening for parents and boys, 6.30-8pm, Assembly Hall. Please register here. 

Monday 18 August – Years 9–10 Diploma Options Evening for parents and boys, 6–7pm, Chapman Room. Please register here. 

Parent/teacher/student meetings

Friday 15 August – Years 10–11 parent/teacher/student meetings by appointment, 9.30–5pm (NO CLASSES for Years 9–13) 

Friday 5 September – Years 12–13 NCEA parent/teacher/student meetings by appointment, 2–6pm 

Derived Grade examinations

Derived Grade examinations for Years 12–13 will take place in Week 6, Monday 18 August–Friday 22 August. During this week, there are no classes for Years 12–13 and the boys will only be required at College for their examinations. More details will be shared with the boys closer to the time. 

Exploring Antarctica

Our boarders have been busy exploring the International Antarctic Centre, taking in the sights and sounds of the icy continent and braving the very chilly storm experience.  

In appreciation of College life

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

Dearly beloved, this morning we reach mid-term. Exam leave looms for many, juniors are in production mode, Winter Tournament logistics are under way, and there is the apparition of change to national qualifications.

Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying "when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life". I think the same can be said for College life.

I resume my rounds having helped to host the Anglican Schools Conference at College last week. A conference story can be found here. What the story does not include is the number of positive comments I have received from school leaders and Chaplains about our boys. Yes the buildings are impressive – though better explored in the warmer months – but there is no doubt the warmth of welcome from our boys will have confirmed some preconceptions, and transformed others. Well done to all our boys, who have contributed even with a simple smile to our many guests. Thank you also to Gill Blackler for all her work, largely behind the scenes.

An afternoon tea acknowledging the contribution of a former College Headmaster, Dr Max Rosser, was a great way to to end the week. I thank all those who spoke so fondly of the late Dr Rosser, both formally and during the gathering.

My final bouquet goes to our wonderful hospitality staff, who go from pillar to post to undergird these many events with food and refreshment. For a second cliché, if it is ‘we march on our stomachs’, it is largely due to their efforts – front of house and in the kitchen – that His truth is marching on.

In Him,

Cameron Pickering

Catch up with ‘Sam the Trap Man’ this week

It is not too late to grab a ticket to hear ‘Sam the Trap Man’ talk about conservation, hunting, his book, and our relationships with nature. He will be at College this Friday at 6pm in the Old Boys’ Theatre. You can register here.

House Reading winners

Being a librarian is about helping students to value reading. House Reading is about celebrating the students who are already there, and motivating those who are on the journey. I am amazed by those boys who not only love reading, but can do it at a remarkable pace. Congratulations to those students who have submitted books for their Houses. For some, reading a whole book has been a personal achievement worthy of celebration. I love hearing from boys who do not see themselves as ‘readers’ but do it anyway.

This year’s winner, Flower’s House, embodies the power of building a culture of reading at home. Despite being a boarding house and, therefore, having fewer students, Flower’s House has led the competition from the start. The win is also a testament to the commitment of the House leaders to include reading in the students’ daily routines.

When I look at our leading scorers, I see strong family encouragement and a culture of reading at home. The overall top points scorer, Thomas Rankin, has broken the three-year winning streak of his older brother, Michael. Another winner started Year 9 by sharing that his parents had given him a ‘dumb’ phone, ensuring no mindless scrolling. A third points out that at home on the farm he and his brother are not allowed much screen time so they read during the holidays. It shows in all their House Reading tallies. Congratulations to all of you for nurturing incredible readers. They are a testament to your commitment and persistence.

An ideal week to connect internationally

Our wonderful Round Square Week – showcasing the Round Square IDEALS – is the culmination of months of planning by our Senior Round Square committee. From an adventure-focused scavenger hunt to an international karaoke, along with a leadership Q&A and a sausage sizzle collaboration with the Service committee, the student-led events have fostered a vibrant and inclusive global perspective within our school. You can read all about the many activities here.

Christ’s College international students have also taken up the Global Cuisine challenge, winning the presentation category with their beautifully plated – and tasty – Coca-Cola chicken dish. Organised by the St Margaret's College International committee, the challenge also has attracted entries from Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, with students given an hour to whip up a dish before guest judges consider presentation, taste, and creativity.

UPCOMING CAREERS DATES

Christ’s College CareerWise

The Christ's College careers website, CareerWise, is a rich source of careers information. Parents and students can subscribe to our careers platform to stay up to date with the options and opportunities open to the boys. Various providers provide information and we then share the most relevant updates with our College community via CareerWise. These may cover career-related events, news, and jobs. For most events, there are links to register. Our Years 12–13 boys and parents are encouraged to subscribe to CareerWise.

School subject selection – Term 3 

Boys choosing their subjects this term – for 2026 – can check out these preparation links to aid their decisions regarding tertiary study:

• Lincoln University – Best Prep
• Victoria University of Wellington – Best Prep
• University of Otago – Best Prep
• Ara – Best Prep
• University of Auckland – Best Prep                                                           
• University of Canterbury – Best Prep
• University of Waikato – Best Prep
• Massey University – Best Prep

School subject and career opportunities

Careers NZ has created posters featuring career opportunities so that students can learn more about career options based on the subjects they enjoy.   

University scholarships for Year 13 students

MoneyHub has compiled a comprehensive guide to scholarships for students planning to start university in 2026. The MoneyHub Scholarship Guide lists scholarships from all universities, along with opportunities for Māori, Pacific, and international students. 

University accommodation – CCRF (Term 3)

The New Zealand Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) is an online university accommodation reference form. Boys can fill in the form now or at the same time as they apply to the halls of residence for their chosen university (or universities). They can register for accommodation at several universities on one form. Once they have completed and submitted the form, their Housemaster will complete the school section. Applications for halls of residence are open, and close  27 September. 

Victoria University of Wellington update

Find out more about the Victoria University of Wellington Open Day, scholarships, and 2026 accommodation, along with the key dates.

New School Leavers’ Toolkit

Learn about practical skills, and find advice and resources for post-College life in the New School Leavers’ Toolkit.

Exam preparation

Check out the NCEA resources to help attain the best grades and prepare for upcoming internals and externals.

Money matters

MoneyHub has created a comprehensive guide for students, designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for building a healthy relationship with money.

2026 Hands-On at Otago applications open  

Hands-On offers Years 12–13 students in 2026 an opportunity to experience a week of University of Otago student life. Students stay on campus in a residential college and choose a study subject for the week. More than 20 subjects from Business, Health Sciences, Humanities (Arts), and Sciences are on offer. Students can learn from world-class academic staff, meet other students from schools across the country, and participate in a range of activities that will both challenge and inspire. Hands-On is held from Sunday 11 January–Friday 16 January 2026.

Supporters gear up for College

College families can choose from an array of supporters’ gear at the Uniform Shop in Gloucester Street. From scarves and jerseys to caps and beanies, and bucket hats, you can show your support for Christ’s College and your son’s team by donning our special gear. They are also ideal birthday presents for wider members of our College family.

Please call in to our Uniform Shop on Mondays 10–4pm, Tuesdays 10.30–4pm, or Wednesdays 10–4pm to view the range of supporters’ gear, or email the Uniform Shop Manager directly at uniformshop@christscollege.com.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS