Chapel

As per usual, we began the year with a staff-only day, which started in Chapel. At this service I focused on: information – to help us (and to help us help the students) find meaning in life; formation – to help us (and to help us help the students) make a difference in our world; and transformation – to help us to not get stuck, and actually to keep on growing.

On Wednesday 29 January, we welcomed new students and staff to our community with a mihi whakatau. It was wonderful to have Bishop Richard Wallace, the Bishop of Te Waipounamu, lead the welcome. This was followed by a Chapel service. Then, on Friday 31 January, we had the induction service for new prefects, at which I spoke about us all being leaders, and how different leadership styles are appropriate for different situations.

Our first Chapel service for the term will be on Sunday 9 February at 7pm. While this service especially focuses on new students and their families, I hope many other members of our school community will also choose to attend, so that our new families get a real taste of what Sunday services are about. Refreshments follow all services.

Baptism/Christening

The new choristers will be inducted in Chapel on Wednesday 29 April, at 6.45pm. At the same time, there will also be a simple service for anyone seeking to be baptised/christened (the words “baptism” and “christening” are used interchangeably). I will speak to the students about this, but parents or guardians may also like to speak your son and encourage him to consider this step. Anglicans recognise baptism in other denominations – and that is mutual.

Centre for Ethics & Spirituality

View from the Heavens
Physics teacher Dr Andrew Taylor will explore the view from the heavens – how looking out into the universe and back down to Earth from space has profoundly shifted our perception of our place in creation. He will share some current satellite work, historical observations, and how that reflects on his faith.

The 2020 school year is now officially underway and, walking around the school, it is fantastic to see how quickly the boys have settled into classes and are engaged in learning. Last week I spoke to all students about aiming for academic excellence in the year ahead. I emphasised this is very much about personal drive. What matters most to every teacher in this school is that students are trying their best. We want all our students to be aspirational in the grades they aim to achieve, but it is the manner in which they achieve those grades that creates the culture of academic excellence, not the grades themselves.

And, sometimes, this will require them to step out of their comfort zones. It can be easier to only try for those assessments in which they know they will succeed. This, however, is not true learning. Being prepared to take risks and fail is all part of the journey. Picking yourself up from a setback and still trying your hardest on the next task is not only a mark of engagement in learning, but also of growing character. This is a core element of academic excellence. I know from watching many students over many years that those who take these risks get the good results in the end and are all the better for it.

A culture of academic excellence begins with each student taking responsibility for his own learning and behaviour. All the boys also heard last week about our revised discipline policy. The most important aspect of this is the 3Rs – Rights, Responsibilities, and Respect. When we examined our school rules, they in essence came down to these three elements. What we are asking the boys to do is reflect on how they live the 3Rs and contribute to making College a great place to learn.

I know that together, if we all put our emphasis on being our best selves in and outside of the classroom, this will be a successful academic year for boys in all year levels. I look forward to celebrating many successes as we progress.

Endorsements 2019 – Congratulations to all these boys

The start of a new school year brings many changes. Whether you are new to the school, moving into the senior years and dealing with external examinations or, as Year 13 students, anticipating what comes next, every year has its challenges. This month SchoolTV turns the spotlight on School Transitions.

These are just some of the ways parents can support their children’s education, encourage them to aspire to achieve at their best, and help them understand the value of the educational opportunities available to them.

Attend parent–teacher meetings
Teenagers do better in school when parents support their efforts, so attend social gatherings, parent education or information evenings, and other school events. Parent–teacher meetings, in particular, are a great way to get to know your son's teachers and their expectations, and see the environment in which your child learns – enabling you to understand what is expected and how you can best support your son. If you can’t make a parent–teacher meeting, please ensure you connect with your son’s Housemaster.

Use Schoolbox and other web resources
Learn how to use the Parent Portal on Schoolbox, which contains all the essential information you need. The College website is also an excellent source of news and information, and SchoolTV is a great resource, offering a wide range of information and tools to help you as a parent.

Support homework expectations
As teenagers progress through secondary school, homework gets more intense. At this time, many young people are also learning how to balance academic work with co-curricular activities, social lives and employment.

Make sure your son has a quiet, orderly, well-lit, distraction-free place to study. Distraction-free means no phone, television, or websites other than homework-related resources. Be sure to check in from time to time to make sure he hasn't been distracted. Regularly sit down with your son and go over his study workload and other activities to make sure everything is in balance, and help him stick to a realistic study schedule.

Send your child to school ready to learn
A nutritious breakfast provides fuel to get your son ready for the day. In general, teenagers who eat breakfast have more energy and do better in school. You can help boost your son's attention span, concentration and memory by providing breakfast foods rich in wholegrains, fibre and protein, and low in added sugar. If your son is running late, pack him some fresh fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Teenagers also need the right amount of sleep – around 8–10 hours each night, depending on the child – to be alert and ready to learn all day. Early school start times, on top of schedules packed with classes, homework, co-curricular activities and friends, mean tiredness and insufficient sleep is a common problem. Lack of sleep is linked to decreased attentiveness, decreased short-term memory, inconsistent performance, and delayed response time.

Instil organisational skills
Making sure your son learns and masters the skills of getting organised, staying focused and seeing work through to the end will help him in just about everything he does. We do understand, however, that for many teenagers these skills take time to develop.

It also helps to make prioritised daily to-do lists – or to reflect on work done by compiling a “have-done” list at the end of each week. Remind your teen that when it comes to studying and homework, multitasking is a time-waster. Working in an environment free of distractions like television and social media works best.

Offer help with studying
Take time to sit with your son and allow him to ask questions. Planning is key for helping your teenager study while juggling assignments in multiple subjects. When there is a lot to do, help your son break down tasks into smaller chunks and remind him to stick to a study schedule, so he isn't cramming for a test or trying to write an assignment the day before it is due. Remind your him to take notes in class, organise them by subject, and review them at home. And, remember, getting a good night's sleep is smarter than staying up all night to study. Recent studies show that students who sacrifice sleep to study are more likely to struggle the next day.

Make time to talk about school
Because many young people have busy lives and spend so much of the day outside the home, staying connected with them can be challenging. Communication is a two-way street, and the way you talk and listen to your son can influence how he listens and responds. It is important to listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you chat. Remember to talk with your son, not at him. Be sure to ask open-ended questions that go beyond "yes" or "no" answers.

Support your son to develop a growth mindset
Whether he is a new Year 9 student or starting his final year at College, encourage your son to take on new challenges and seek out new opportunities this year. We want the boys to have the courage and confidence to try new things, test themselves, fail and get back up again. As parents, you are crucial in helping your son not to fear failure, but to reframe it as a learning opportunity.

Upcoming careers dates

Christ's College CareerWise

The Christ’s College careers website CareerWise is a rich source of information about all things careers. Check it out and sign up for weekly alerts here

https://christscollege.careerwise.school/

Careers interviews
I have started careers talks with Year 13 students, starting with Jacobs House and then working through all the Houses, seeing boys during study periods. If your son (in any year group) needs immediate help, however, please ask him to contact me. I will find a time as soon as possible, and will follow-up with you by phone. Year 12 interviews will start in Term 2 and Year 11 interviews in Term 3.

Careers sessions
There will be compulsory careers sessions for boys in Years 12 and 13 on Friday at 1.05pm throughout the year. This is when liaison officers from the different tertiary providers talk to the boys. Other presentations from tertiary providers held at other times of the week will not be compulsory.

Career View
I recommend all students and parents, regardless of their future university of choice, have a look at the Career View resources published by Victoria University of Wellington. Career View gives detailed information about where different subjects can take you in terms of skills and career pathways. Click here for more information.

In Black & White – Careers
I like to present information in In Black & White that I feel is relevant to boys at College and their parents. I am aware not all boys read it, however, so I hope parents will use the information provided as a springboard for investigation, discussion and inspiration, to help their sons as they consider their future. Thank you for your interest. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any suggestions or if you need advice.

Welcome to 2020 – and another year of College boarding. There are many aspects of a school that remain constant from year to year, but the introduction of new students each year means boarding life will always be different.

The year began with our Year 9 Orientation Day on Sunday 26 January. It was great to be able to meet the new parents and boys as they started their College journey. While there was a mix of excitement and anxiety evident, the day proved successful in terms of helping the boys settle into routines and begin to get to know their new “brothers” for the next five years. I have also enjoyed catching up with the new Year 10–13 boarders over the past few days and finding out more about who they are. We also welcome two new boarding staff. Zac Knight has joined Flower’s House as a tutor. Zac is already well-known to the boys, as he is also Assistant HoD English. Our other new staff member is Old Boy Kevin Guttmann who joins Richards House as a tutor. Kevin is also involved with coaching football at College.

Overall, boarding numbers remain positive. We start the year with 158 boarders, including 23 international students, who are an important part of our boarding life and bring diversity to our boarding community. One of the ideal College graduate character attributes is global and bicultural competence, which means having the knowledge, skills and open-mindedness necessary to navigate and engage with today’s interconnected world – both in a global and a bicultural New Zealand context. As I have mentioned previously, the increase in numbers of international students means we also require more host families willing to welcome these young men into their homes during school holidays. Support and assistance is provided at all times, and a weekly fee will be paid. If you would like more information, please contact International Student Manager Deanne Gath on 027 215 5366 or email dgath@christscollege.com

The start of a new year is an important time to remind boarders of the routines and expectations that exist in boarding to ensure everything runs smoothly. These are some points I have discussed with the boarders last week.

Medication
All medication should be stored with House matrons, so they are aware of what is being taken and the correct dosage, and so any medications are kept safe. This includes panadol, ibuprofen and antihistamines, as well as inhalers, EpiPens and the like.

Appointments
Discuss with House matrons well in advance of any external appointments that have been organised, such as orthodontist, physiotherapist or specialist.

Money and Valuables
In the interests of safety and security boys should not have large amounts of money or valuables in their possession in the House. If there is a specific need, the money or other items should be given to their Housemaster for security.

Online Shopping
Over the past year we have noticed more boys shopping online, which has resulted in some purchases we consider unsuitable – for example, vaping equipment. For this reason, we expect parents to have a good understanding of the amount of money in their son’s account and what they are spending. To minimise online purchasing, we also recommend boys have an eftpos card – not a debit card.

We have also been concerned about the amount some boys are spending on takeaway food. Our policy is that boys should not order food through outlets like Uber Eats during the College week. If they do, the food will be confiscated. We will allow them to make purchases at the weekend, but if a Housemaster has concerns about the amount being consumed or frequency of purchases, he will be in contact with parents.

Daily Routine

Other important times

• House Assembly 8.15am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) and 9.20am (Thursday)
• Chapel 8.30am (Monday and Friday)
• Mentor Groups 8.30am (Tuesday)
• School Assembly 9.30am (Thursday)
• Dinner 5.30 – 6.15pm
• Roll Call 6.30pm
• Prep 6.40 – 8pm (Years 9 and 10 in College Library)
• Quiet time in the House 8 – 8.15pm
• Supper 8.15pm
• Digital Free Times, break and lunchtime (Tuesday and Thursday)

Leave Guidelines

Casual Town Leave (Years 9–10)

• See Master on Duty (MoD) to get permission and then complete leave on electronic leave system
• Go in pairs
• See MoD on return and confirm return on electronic leave system
• Be back by 5.30pm
• All College commitments must be met first
• Limited to two leaves per week (Monday to Friday)

Casual Town Leave (Years 11–13)

• Complete leave on electronic leave system – communicate with MoD when leaving
• Confirm return on electronic leave system – not required to see MoD
• Be back by 5.30pm
• All College commitments must be met first
• No limit on the number of leaves

Day or Tea Leave (all year groups)

• See MoD to get permission and then complete leave on electronic leave system
• Given at Housemaster’s or MoD’s discretion
• Housemaster should receive approval from parent and host (where applicable) prior
• See MoD on return and confirm return on electronic leave system

Weekend Leave (all year groups)

• Student leave completed on electronic leave system by 1.50pm on the Thursday prior
• Housemaster needs to receive approval from parent and host (where applicable) by 8.30pm on the Thursday prior
• See MoD when leaving
• See MoD on return
  
  

Boarding Programme

Having all boarders in for the weekend of 1–2 February meant it was a busy time, with many activities taking place. It provided a great opportunity for each House to set up expectations for the year ahead, get to know new boarders, see more integration amongst the year groups, provide opportunities for seniors to work with juniors right from the start of the year, and enhance boys’ relationships.

On the evening of Saturday 1 February Year 9 and 10 boys completed the annual Amazing Race in House groups. Challenges included answering questions on local history, collecting items in a scavenger hunt, and getting photos of certain things – for example, a team photo with a policeman. The winning teams for both Year 9 and 10 were from Flower’s House. On Sunday, at the Boarders Challenge Day, the boys competed in House year groups in a variety of round robin activities, including bungee, radical run, mechanical surfboard and ultimate frisbee. Once again, Flower’s House were winners. The junior boarding orientation programme will continue on Waitangi Day, with Year 9 students coasteering at Purau and Year 10 boys heading to the high ropes course at the Groynes.

Click here view the full Boarding Programme for Term 1.

A zest for life

Lizzie Dyer couldn’t resist the opportunity to work at College when the new Alumni Manager role came up as she has always felt a strong affinity for and has many connections with the school – through family, friends, and as a College parent.

“I’ve always loved College and its environment. I used to drive to St Margaret’s via Rolleston Ave just to take a peek through the gates. I love the whole feel of the place.”

But, people before buildings – and, for Lizzie, life is all about people. She is warm and friendly, relaxed and convivial, a great talker and accomplished hostess, who thrives on making and nurturing connections.

The daughter of a “larger than life” Irish father and Kiwi mother, Lizzie was born in Belfast. The family moved to New Zealand when Lizzie was a child and she grew up – the eldest of three daughters – in Tai Tapu, appreciating the easy balance between country life and proximity to the city.

One of her first jobs was working in travel, through which she says she was lucky to be able to go back and get to know the Irish side of her family, and even more delighted when one of her cousins married her best friend – they met at Lizzie and husband Tim’s wedding – and moved to New Zealand.

Family and friends are the bedrock of Lizzie’s life. She quit the travel industry when she had children, but then started organic baby food business Green Monkey with her sister.

“I became very aware of what my children were, or weren’t, eating. And, like any parent, I wanted to do my absolute best. There wasn’t really any organic baby food around at the time, so we took the chance and entered a very competitive market. It was tough with three young children. Really good, but very busy.”

After stepping away from Green Monkey, Lizzie took on the role of corporate sponsorship manager at Ronald McDonald House, and then became registrar at her old school, St Margaret’s College.

“Being an old girl and, back in the day, not a particularly good student, everyone found it hilarious that I was going back there to work. But, again, it’s about the people. I loved it there – the school, the community, the people were great, and I enjoyed getting involved in events and community visits.”

The sum of her life experience plus career to date equals perfect preparation for the Alumni Manager role. Lizzie is looking forward to her first Reunion Weekend in February and to working with incoming CCOBA president Richard Polson and the CCOBA committee to further the interests of Old Boys and their connections with the school. She is already looking ahead to College’s 175th anniversary and coming up with ideas to commemorate all the Old Boys who are such an important part of College history.

“I love meeting Old Boys, listening to their stories and the things they used to get up to. I want to listen and learn, get all the ‘firsts’ under my belt, and then make the role my own.”

Lizzie can be contacted at ccoba@ccoba.com

1920

What will 2020 be like?

This is no doubt exactly the same question the 87 new boys asked in February 1920. Those new boys included Michael Dyke Acland (3249), William Miles Acton-Adams (3250) and Richard John Seddon Bean (3259), who continued their family connections; Anthony Ian Cottrell (3269), who would become an All Black; and John Kenneth McAlpine (3293), a future Member of Parliament. Forbes O’Rorke (3301), John Quentin McWilliam (3295) and George Forbes McHardy (3294) were killed in action; while Clement Samuel Knight (3291) and Ian Hamilton Menzies (3296) were ordained priests; and Arthur Wilson Parrott (3303) became an eminent entomologist. They, like the future sheep farmers, an orthopaedic surgeon, engineers, general practitioners, a timber merchant, accountants and a master tailor, all put on their suits, tied up their shoelaces, straightened their ties, and walked through the College gates for the first time.

The first term of 1920 could best be described as “different.” Three weeks before the end of term College was completely closed due to an outbreak of influenza. The boarders were not sent home, but set up camp on Upper “under military discipline.” It had originally been planned that the term would be a long one – 15 weeks – but the Headmaster closed the term early. It was also planned that the Cadet Corps would provide a guard of honour for the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) while he was in Christchurch. In addition, the Old Boys’ Association sent an address to the prince and so he decided to visit the school. He inspected the plans for the Dining Hall and was welcomed by representatives of the Old Boys’ Association, as many of the boys had already left for home.^[i]

The Prince of Wales inspecting the plans of the Dining Hall. On the far right is subwarden Sir George Harper, and immediately beside and to the right of the prince is architect Cecil Wood, with the Headmaster obscured behind. Admiral Halsey is to the Prince’s left.

Term 2 began with a shortage of classrooms and a recurring question that had taxed those responsible for such decisions – whether the school should move out to Riccarton. George Henry Merton retired and the visit of General Birdwood was both sobering, as he recalled those who had been killed during the war, and joyous, when he requested the Headmaster give the boys a holiday. The Right Rev. Isaac Richards, Bishop of Dunedin, confirmed 70 boys in an overflowing Chapel^[ii], and “Vice Versa” was performed as part of the winter concert.

The Register devoted a number of pages to rugby matches, the highlight obviously being the win against Otago Boys’ High School. Electric light was installed in the darkroom and the inscription over the fireplace in the Hare Memorial building was completed in memory of Francis Augustus Hare.

The First XV, 1920, WD Wood Album CCPAL29/25/1

Term 3 began with the death of Headmaster George Ernest Blanch, who had sustained College through the war years. If influenza was the sickness in Term 1 and mumps in Term 2, then measles now found its way to College, chiefly to the residents of School House. AE Flower became Acting Headmaster again, and the Board of Governors announced Ernest Courtenay Crosse would become Headmaster at the beginning of 1921.

Most of the prefects saw the Ian Hay play Tilly of Bloomsbury at the Theatre Royal in October, while the “waterside workers” made a terrace along the riverbank where it was planned that the spoil from the foundations of the Dining Hall would go. Ronald Osmond Talbot (2744) equalled the 1909 record of 16 2/5 seconds set by Douglas Gifford Moore (2215) in 1909 in the 120 yards hurdles open.

And what will be written about the over 130 Year 9 students that have enrolled at College in 2020? That is up to them.

[i] Christ's College Register April 1920, pp302–303 and 333
[ii] Isaac Richards' three sons attended College: Robert Richards (1952), Reginald James Richards (2282) (Headmaster 1932–1950), Isaac Lionel Richards (2464)

A newsworthy podcast

Year 13 student Ethan Manera says The College Project podcast is about getting interesting people to discuss issues relevant to young people, as well as providing a platform for the student voice and College news.

Produced and presented by Ethan and his fellow Year 13 student Angad Vraich, episode 1 – starring television personality Jason Gunn – premiered on Thursday 30 January. It has since become the #1 entertainment news podcast in New Zealand.

The boys are currently putting the finishing touches to the second episode, which features a discussion about youth engagement in politics with Green Party politician Chlöe Swarbrick, and they already have an interview with the Wizard of New Zealand, Ian Brackenbury Channell, in the can for a later date.

The podcast is available on all podcast streaming apps, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and as a full-length video on YouTube (click here). Search for The College Project to subscribe.

CCOBA Reunion Weekend

We look forward to seeing many Old Boys back at College for Reunion Weekend in February. In addition to the “Year On” reunions, all Old Boys are welcome and encouraged to attend these events:

Friday 21 February

• The Old Boys’ Race – a fixture on Athletics Day, taking place on Upper at 3pm. Enter if you dare!
• CCOBA AGM – upstairs in the Miles Warren Building at 4.30pm. Come along and have your say in the running of your Association.
• Cocktail Party – the Chapman Room, 5.30–8pm. Bring your partner and enjoy the opportunity to socialise with Old Boys from across the years

Saturday 22 February

• Jock Hobbs Memorial Window Blessing – Chapel, 10.30am. Many of you will remember Jock Hobbs – a titan of New Zealand rugby – and some of you will have been at school with him. We’re proud to have installed a beautiful new stained glass window in Chapel in memory of Jock, which will be blessed at this special service on Saturday morning.

Register online at https://nz.patronbase.com/_CCOBA/Productions or contact Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer at ccoba@ccoba.com