The power of belonging: Why boarding matters at Christ’s College
Perhaps one of the most significant parts of my upbringing was spent in the Boarding Houses at Lindisfarne College in Hawke’s Bay. As I walk through College today, I am often reminded of my own days as a boarder, of being part of a community that shared not just a timetable and a uniform, but a way of life. Boarding helped shape my character, nurtured resilience, and instilled in me a deep sense of loyalty and identity – something I remain incredibly grateful for to this day.
That same sense of identity is a vital part of who we are at Christ’s College. Boarding is not an addition to our culture; it is foundational to it. School, Richards, and Flower’s are not simply places to sleep, they are homes. Homes that, I hope, foster a spirit of brotherhood which becomes the bedrock on which so many of our boys build their sense of belonging.
It is no surprise, then, that our boarding programme gives Christ’s College its strong and distinctive identity. It is also why, through our Immerse & Inspire programme, we ensure every Year 10 boy, whether dayboy or boarder, has the opportunity to experience boarding life. We want all our boys to understand the depth of connection, independence, and camaraderie that boarding can offer.
Our boarders enrich College in meaningful ways. They connect us to New Zealand’s rural heartland and to communities around the world. Their presence helps keep us grounded and globally minded at once. Whether from North Canterbury or overseas, boarders bring diversity, strength, and perspective to our classrooms, sports fields, and Chapel.
At a time when boarding programmes across New Zealand face increasing challenges, we remain deeply committed to boarding at Christ’s College, not out of tradition alone, but because it defines who we are. Boarding builds brotherhood. Boarding builds identity. Boarding builds young men of character.
Christ’s College simply would not be what it is without it.
As we near the end of Semester 1, Year 10 students will undertake half of their immersive courses as part of the Immerse & Inspire programme.
One group will work to understand Taha Māori through time spent at Ōnuku Marae, as well as Global Citizenship – grounded in our spiritual identity – through a tour of significant places of worship in Christchurch. The others will take part in the Kōhititia programme – connected to Sustainable Futures – where social enterprise thinking is developed. Students will do the opposite programme at the end of Semester 2, ensuring that all boys complete these important Black and White Diploma experiences this year.
Year 11 students will concentrate on their prep examinations/assessments. As most of the prep courses take place in Semester 2, only a few exams are held at the end of this semester. In order to accommodate these, Year 11 students will complete their programmes on Thursday 12 June. Exams will be held on Friday 13 June and students will only come to school if – and when – they have an exam. At the end of Semester 2, there will be a week of exams. These will also provide valuable NCEA practice.
For those boys who do not have prep exams this semester, it is a great opportunity to concentrate on the Ngā Miha elements of their Diploma or revise core content covered in classes last year in preparation for prep courses starting in Week 8.
Upcoming dates
End of semester for Year 10 – Tuesday 10 June (Immerse & Inspire programme 11–13 June).
End of semester for Year 11 – Thursday 12 June
Prep examinations for Year 11 – Friday 13 June
Semester 2 for Years 10–11 starts on Monday 16 June (new timetables)
Year 9 Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will take place online in Week 9 of this term. (Information on how to book will be sent out in the next week.)
Term 3 – Years 10–11 Diploma interviews will take place online at the end of Week 5 (as the start of the year interviews were in person).
Term 3 – Years 12–13 NCEA interviews will be held on site and in person (as the start of the year interviews were online). These will be held on Friday 5 September to coincide with the Senior Ball, as many parents will be in town for the weekend event.
Giving Day – Potential begins with you. Help us build a boy's future.
This Giving Day we aim to build scholarship funds specifically for boys who may not otherwise be able to attend College. Donations will fund scholarships for those boys who aspire to step through the College gates but need support to start their journey.
Together, we can ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a boy's future.
Reimagining prep – a shift towards focus, routine, and growth
At Christ’s College, we continually ask ourselves how we can best support the learning and growth of our boys. This question shapes not only what happens in our classrooms, but also how we approach life in boarding, where routines, relationships, and environments play crucial roles in reinforcing academic development.
This term, we are refining the way Year 9 boarders approach their evening homework. Rather than working in House library spaces, the boys will complete prep in supervised classrooms from Monday to Thursday. It is a small shift, but one we believe will have a meaningful impact.
Some parents may ask: “After a full day in class, why return to a classroom in the evening?” It is a fair question. The value lies not just in the setting, but in the structure and support this routine provides.
Each prep session will begin with the boys checking Schoolbox and email notifications. We want to encourage this important habit so that students stay on top of their responsibilities. They will then complete a daily study planning sheet to prioritise homework and set goals for the session ahead. We expect the boys to focus and work independently. If homework is completed early, we plan to offer additional tasks that support literacy and numeracy – two areas we are committed to developing across College.
On Thursdays – the final prep session of the week – the boys will also complete a brief reflection to help build self-awareness regarding study habits and classroom progress.
This change reflects our broader commitment to ensuring every part of the boarding experience contributes to academic growth. Prep time – when used well – becomes more than just an hour of study. Rather, it is a structured opportunity to build independence, reinforce key skills, and develop habits that support long-term success.
From about age 13, a teenager’s brain enters a significant phase of development and restructuring. This process continues through the teenage years, typically until 16 to 18.
One of the most affected areas during this time is the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, decision-making, impulse control, and higher-level thinking. It is as if the brain puts this region ‘under renovation’, which can make teenagers appear very emotional and possibly out of control.
During this phase, adolescents may:
Feel emotions more intensely
Struggle to remember minor details or stay organised
Make impulsive or rash decisions
React quickly instead of responding thoughtfully
Feel like they have little control over their thoughts and environment.
This can be a challenging period not just for teenagers, but also for parents trying to support their youngsters.
How parents can support teenagers:
Understand what is going on for the teenager
Be a good listener – allow your teenager to express themselves without immediately offering advice
Show empathy – reflect their emotions back by saying things like, “that sounds really frustrating”. Avoid trying to fix the problem right away
Stay connected – show interest in their life and activities, even if they seem to be pulling away
Remain calm during conflict – give space when needed, and do not take emotional outbursts personally
Pick your battles – just like when they were toddlers, not every issue needs to become a fight. Focus on what is truly important
Choose the right time for conversations – have sensitive discussions when you are both relaxed, such as during a car ride or while hanging out at home
Establish boundaries together – involve your teenager in setting limits, so they feel a sense of ownership and control
Stick to healthy boundaries, especially with screen time – for example, agree that phones should be left outside the bedroom at night to encourage better sleep
Encourage physical activity and creativity – help your teenager to get involved in the things they are passionate about and make the most of this supercharged learning phase.
While teenagers' brains are developing, they are especially open to learning and absorbing new information. The ability to learn during adolescence is at one of the highest levels in a person’s life. However, this also means their brains are more vulnerable to harm from alcohol, cigarettes, and vaping. Early exposure to these substances can interfere with brain development and significantly increase the risk of addiction.
UC Year 12 Discovery Day, voluntary, need to register, 9am–2pm
5 June
University of Auckland Information Evening, Novotel Hotel, 6–8pm
5 June
Victoria University of Wellington – Architectural Event, Tūranga, 5–7pm
5 June
University of Waikato Information Evening, Sudima Christchurch Airport, 5.30–7pm
10 June
Christchurch Aviation Evening, Christchurch Boys’ High School, 7–9pm
10 June
University of Auckland Open Evening, online
14 June
Chiropractic Open Day, Auckland
18 June
University of Otago Information Evening, Addington Events Centre, 6.30pm
18 June
Chiropractic career talk, Distinction Hotel, 7pm
19 June
UC scholarship presentation, 8.15am
20 June
Victoria University of Wellington, Year 12 Day
18 July
Lincoln University Open Day
1 August
Victoria University, accommodation applications open
6 August
Massey University (Palmerston North) Open Day
15 August
Massey University (Auckland) Open Day
17 August
University of Melbourne Open Day
22 August
Massey University (Wellington) Open Day
22 August
Victoria University of Wellington Open Day
30 August
University of Auckland Open Day
30 August
AUT (Auckland University of Technology) Open Day
4 October
Chiropractic Open Day, Auckland
Christ’s College CareerWise
The Christ's College careers website, CareerWise, is a rich source of information about all things related to careers. Parents and students cansubscribe to our careers platform to stay up to date with the many options and opportunities open to the boys. Various providers provide a wealth of 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 is also a link to register. I strongly encourage our Years 12–13 boys to subscribe to CareerWise.
Career Convos
Career Convos is a valuable collaboration between the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association and the College Careers Department. We have recently hosted our first Career Convos for 2025, with Jack Lindo, a young lawyer from Tavendale + Partners, returning to College to share his post-school journey. It has been a great opportunity for the boys to ask questions and seek advice in an informal setting. Our upcoming Career Convos include careers in surveying presented by Tim Hastings, project management with Harry Black, and life as a chef/business owner with Michael Rowland-Jones. Career Convos welcomes Years 10–13 boys who want to learn more about potential careers. If any Old Boys would like to share their own journeys with the boys, please contact Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer at ldyer@christscollege.com.
KPMG Junior Accountant Info Evening 2025
KPMG is looking for students interested in pursuing a career in accounting who want to gain experience during their tertiary studies, starting in 2026. They welcome applications from Year 13 students who plan to study accounting next year. These opportunities can lead to a longer-term position. Boys can register to attend the KPMG Info Evening in its Christchurch office on Thursday 5 June 2025 at 5.30pm. Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand members will also attend.
Victoria University of Wellington – Architectural Event
Students can visit Tūranga, Central Library, on Thursday 5 June for an Architectural Event from 5–7pm.
University of Auckland
Students can register for the University of Auckland Information Evening at the Novotel Hotel in Cathedral Square on 5 June from 6–8pm.They can also register for an online Info Evening on 10 June.
Aviation Evening
Any Boys interested in a career in aviation can hear from IAANZ, CHC Helicopters, Airways NZ, CHC Engine Centre, Garden City Aviation, and Air Force representatives at an Aviation Evening in the Christchurch Boys’ High School hall on Tuesday 10 June from 7–9pm.
NZ College of Chiropractic – career talk
Learn more about a chiropractic career on Wednesday 18 June at 7pm at the Distinction Hotel in Cathedral Square.
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.
Apprenticeships Guide
For boys interested in learning a trade or exploring apprenticeships, MoneyHub’s Apprenticeships Guide provides a wealth of information.
University of Melbourne – Trinity College webinar
For students wanting to study at the University of Melbourne, Trinity College will host a webinar for New Zealand families on Monday 16 June covering residential accommodation options. Parents and students can register for the webinar, which will also cover the application process and financial needs-based scholarships. Sited next door to the university campus, Trinity College is home to 380 undergraduate students. Students can also book campus and virtual tours.
You can call in to our Uniform Shop during term time on Mondays 10am–4pm, Tuesdays 10.30am–4pm, or Wednesdays 10am–4pm to view the full range of College clothing available or email the Uniform Shop at uniformshop@christscollege.com.
College also offers an alteration and repair service. Open on Thursdays during term time from 11.25am until 2.10pm, the alteration space is below the Uniform Shop. Please email pdye@christscollege.com if you have any clothing alteration or repair needs.
US scholarship on point for Christ’s College basketball star
Exceptional Christ’s College basketball player Tama Isaac has been awarded a full scholarship to attend the University of California Irvine, becoming the first person from his father’s wider Cook Islands family to attend university.
Ethical approach leads to Olympiad silver for Christ’s College
Year 12 students Marcello Ferguson, Paddy Newton, Daniel Stockton, JJ Wada, and Ericsson Ye will compete at the International Ethics Olympiad after winning a silver medal at the South Island Championships.
A brilliant Book Week at Christ’s College has proved to be a real page-turner for the boys, who have powered into speed reading, enjoyed a visit – complete with workshops and a Q&A session.
Capturing the action of the Christ’s College vs CBHS game
See all the amazing images from the annual Christ’s College vs Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV match played on Upper in superb conditions. College has powered up in the second half to be within one point of CBHS with about 15 minutes to play before Boys’ High has landed late points to win, 48–38.
In 1892 – 133 years ago – the inaugural rugby (football) match between Christ’s College and Christchurch Boys’ High School kicked off. Since then, the highly contested annual game between College and School has showcased one of the fiercest rivalries in New Zealand.
The annual rugby match at Christchurch Boys’ High School, 1950s, Hornsby Album, CCPAL/18/18/1
The College archives hold a varied collection pertaining to rugby, including items from the famous annual fixture. A special display dedicated to 1st XV rugby will feature at the College Museum from 27 May–25 August. The College Museum is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12.50–1.50pm, or you can contact College if you wish to arrange a visit.
With the annual match being held this week, it is an opportune time to share some statistics that capture the trends and changes over the years.
Facts and stats
The schools were not only the first two all-boy schools to be founded in Canterbury, but also conveniently situated within 100 metres of each other
The biggest win for Christ’s College, 34–0, was recorded in the inaugural game in 1892
School’s biggest win, 80–0, was recorded in 2015. It was the first College game played in front of the new John Morrissey Grandstand
Christchurch Boys’ High School has had the longest winning streak, winning for 16 years in a row – 2001–2016
The longest winning streak for Christ’s College is four games in a row – 1892–1893 (three times in 1893), 1900–1903, 1916–1918 (two times in 1918), 1987–1990
This year, the game will be the first on the restored Upper at College following a three-year closure
The match at Lancaster Park, 5 July 1922, W Derrie Wood (3219) Album, CCPAL32/11/1 Evening Post, 6 July 1922, pg.11
