The enduring importance of our Old Boys
Christ’s College is an institution built on tradition and an enduring sense of purpose. With 176 years of history behind us, we are one of the longest-standing educational establishments in New Zealand. In fact, as a school community we have outlasted most New Zealand businesses, organisations, and institutions. That is not something we take lightly. It is a testament to the strength of our foundations, the values that have been passed down through generations, and the people who have carried College forward over nearly two centuries.
At the heart of our story are our Old Boys.
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting our Old Boys Reunion Weekend, and it was a powerful reminder of just how special the Christ’s College community is. I found it inspiring to see so many Old Boys take time out of busy lives, travel from near and far, and return to their school. They came to reconnect with friends, revisit old memories, and once again walk through the grounds that shaped their formative years.
One of the highlights for me was watching our current boys lead tours of the school. Seeing the confidence and pride with which they spoke about College was special, but even more special was witnessing the interactions between the generations. There was something uniquely meaningful about seeing Old Boys listening intently, smiling as they recognised familiar corners of the campus, and engaging with the young men who are now continuing the tradition.
The importance of our Old Boys cannot be overstated. Their continued involvement strengthens College in ways that go far beyond tradition. It provides our current boys with a strong sense of connection and belonging. It reinforces the message that they are part of something much bigger than themselves, a legacy that stretches back 176 years and will continue long after their own time at College has ended.
For young men, having a sense of belonging is vital. It reminds them that they are part of a community that cares. In today’s world, this matters more than ever. One of the growing dangers for our young people is disconnection – disconnection from community, from shared purpose, and from the relationships that help shape strong character.
Christ’s College offers an antidote to that disconnection.
Our Old Boys help reinforce that sense of community by showing our current boys what it means to remain connected. Their presence reminds our boys that they are not walking their journey alone. They are following in the footsteps of generations of men who once wore the same blazer, sat in the same classrooms, played on the same fields, and learnt the same values. They may not fully appreciate this now, but, in years to come, they will.
We are deeply grateful to every Old Boy who returned for the weekend, and to all those who continue to support College in countless ways. Your presence matters. Your connection matters.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Blue Henderson, who has recently completed his term as President of the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association. Blue has been a tremendous advocate for College and an outstanding supporter of our community. At the same time, I would like to warmly congratulate Tim Daley on his election as the new President of the Old Boys’ Association. Tim steps into this role with great support behind him, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to strengthen the connection between our Old Boys and College, and work together to leave Christ’s College in an even better place than we found it.
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