Welcome Lionel Randall

It was great to welcome the boys back on Monday for Term 2. It has also been wonderful to welcome Lionel Randall, who has moved from Auckland Grammar, into Flower’s House as the new Housemaster. Lionel has joined us, along with his wife, Tarryn, and sons Oliver and Alastair. Lionel has worked in boarding in South Africa and has also been highly involved at an elite level in water polo coaching, both in New Zealand and South Africa. A big thank you to the Flower’s House community for making the family feel welcome.

Bike insurance

While it is not common, we have had bikes stolen at Christ's College. Rob McFarlane, our Director of Finance and Operations, has asked that you check your insurance policies for your son’s bikes while they are at College. While most insurers will cover your son’s bike, not all do. It is worth checking.

Queen's Birthday

Please be aware that Queen’s Birthday weekend from 5–7 June is an exeat weekend. This means that all boys will be asked to vacate their Houses by noon on Saturday 5 June. These will reopen on Monday 7 June at 3pm. Boys unable to return home or to family and friends will be asked to move to Jacob’s House for the weekend.

Influenza vaccination

This term we will again be working with the Doctors on Cashel clinic to offer a vaccination for the flu. It is preferable that your son has that vaccination at your family clinic. However, this is not always possible which is why we offer the service at College. A letter will be sent to you shortly advising you of the offer.

What's for dinner?

Following parent feedback, we are sharing the Dining Hall menu produced by the talented team at Spotless. Click here to view. Enjoy!

Boarders out and about

Last weekend many boarders enjoyed a round of Airsoft and a tasty dinner at Riverside Market.

Read on

Christ's College Diploma – open to opportunities

Last term we announced the introduction of the Christ’s College Diploma (CCD) in 2022. As part of our implementation process, we held several consultation sessions. It was wonderful to talk to so many parents as we discussed boys' learning.

Over five different sessions, I outlined the reasons for our change, the research behind our decisions and the structure of the new Diploma. There were numerous questions and varied discussion points, with our sessions taking nearly twice as long as planned! I took much away from each session and want to share some points and learnings with you.

There were natural concerns about changes to a very successful academic programme at College. However, an overwhelming majority of parents believe that the Diploma will be an improvement in terms of opportunities for the boys. Where possible, boys will be given a choice of topics in subjects. Research tells us that when boys have a choice in their learning, it increases overall student motivation. Parents with students across the spectrum of academic ability and interests could see there was a pathway that would support their son to achieve.

The overall framework of the Diploma was also supported. It is designed to recognise achievement and strengths outside the classroom as well. College has embraced several wonderful programmes in recent years to help boys grow into good young men (such as Immerse & Inspire and MINDfit). The Diploma will bring these under one umbrella.

Every question posed by parents has been recorded and is being reviewed by the Centre for Teaching Excellence & Research. We want to ensure we have considered all aspects of how to make the Diploma a successful experience for all students and have been heartened how these reflections are in line with the philosophy and research that underpins our curriculum. Parent feedback has already been integrated in several key elements, including mechanisms for recognising student achievement, the language of the CCD, and the course selection process.

Now we turn our attention to more formalised student feedback. Naturally, we have discussed various elements of our thinking throughout with the boys. Now, showing them the whole package will let us know what needs greater clarity and attention as we finalise the final framework. The teenage brain is a very cool thing and I have no doubt they will see things with a unique lens that will put the finishing touches to our work.

On June 22, we will launch the final package in a community-style event on campus. Click here to register. I have received several queries from those who do not live close by. I assure you that we are also working on ways to access this information virtually. This will only be the beginning of our journey, which I look forward to sharing with you all.

Teacher-only Day

Just a reminder there is a Canterbury-wide Teacher-only Day next Thursday 13 May as part of the Ministry of Education support for NCEA changes, which relate to our College Diploma development. There will be no school on this day.

Read on

Spotlight on dramatic double

Make sure you get in quick to book your tickets for our senior drama productions next week, with rising demand for all performances of Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) and As You Like It.

The talented students from Christ's College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School will light up the stage from 10–15 May.

Read on

Parent Education Evening – Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll

It’s is hard to believe that we are in May. As time flies, our children grow up quickly too. As we move into Term 2, it is important to take stock of where your son is on his journey to becoming a young man. Now, more than ever, our young people need guidance and good role models to ensure that they are navigating the journey of life.

With this in mind, please join us – along with local experts – for a special panel discussion on Sex, Drugs & Rock ’n’ Roll on Tuesday 11 May at 7pm in the Chapman Room to discuss some of the challenges our young men are facing. We will be joined by local experts who work with young people and can see what is happening in the lives of our young men.

The panel comprises:
Mark Burnett – Detective – New Zealand Police
Dr LM Hamill – ED – Christchurch Hospital
Rory Smith – Attitude South Island – www.attitude.org.nz
Riki Clark and Kirsty Robinson – College Counsellors
Dr Sarah Anticich and John Quinn – Directors of Wellbeing & Positive Education

It is a great opportunity to hear from experts in their field and learn more about the best approach to keeping our young men – and their friends – safe.

We know that parents are a key resource for our young men and this evening will give you some takeaways to use when you get home to have the discussions that our sons need. If they don’t get it from you, they will get it from their friends or the internet – neither are great options.

It will also give you, as a parent, a chance to ask questions, because we know all parents are coping and dealing with similar issues at home. And last, it will give you a chance to meet and network with other parents.

It takes a village to raise a young person – let’s do this together.

Please book for this important event. We look forward to seeing you there.

Read on

Centre for Ethics & Spirituality

I am delighted that the Centre for Ethics & Spirituality will host Dr Mazharuddin Syed Ahmed, Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Muslim Community Trust, on Thursday 27 May, 7.30–9pm, in the Chapman Room. He will facilitate the event Using aroha to dismantle hate in Aotearoa – an informative discussion on understanding hate speech and discrimination and how to address it by transforming it rather than challenging it.

Please click here to register for the event.

Muslims, who make up about a quarter of the world’s population (and that includes people in our community), are in Ramadan. There was an article in The Press recently about the New Zealand experience of Ramadan. Please take some time to read it here.

The Bible

Year 9 students (and other students new to College) will soon receive a copy of the Bible – a gift from our Bible Presentation Fund. In Year 9, students have begun working through biblical stories from Abraham and Sarah. In Year 10, students are studying Islam. In Year 11, we are taking a break from history for a few weeks to study ethics with concrete complex examples. Genetic technology and online privacy are just two of the increasingly complex issues for which we need to have clear ethical theories so that discussions have some real rigour.

Sunday Services

Our Sunday services this term are:

9 May (our Easter service)
23 May
20 June
4 July

Read on

Upcoming careers dates

7 May	UC liaison visit, Year 13
12 May	BCITO Building & Construction Information Evening
13 May	Careers Expo, Year 12
14 May	Careers Expo, Year 11
15 May	Chiropractic Open Day, Auckland
19 May	Chiropractic information event, 7–9pm (see link below)
21 May	University of Otago liaison visit, Year 13
23–24 May	Dunedin Tertiary Open Days
30 May	Lincoln University Scholarships open
9 June	UC Information Evening
29 June	University of Auckland Open Day online
23 July	Lincoln University Open Day
1 August	University Halls of residence open
1 August	Lincoln University Halls open (first-come, first-served basis)
15 August	Lincoln University Scholarship applications close
15 August	UC Scholarship applications due
20 August	Victoria University Open Day
21 August	AUT Live
28 August	University of Auckland Open Day on campus
August/September	School visits to help plan course selection
9 September	UC Open Day
10 September	Victoria University Online enrolment open
15 September	UC accommodation applications due
1 October	UC applications to enrol open
10 December	UC applications to enrol close

Christ's College CareerWise

The Christ’s College careers website, CareerWise, is a rich source of information about all things career-related. Check out the website and sign up for weekly alerts here https://christscollege.careerwise.school/

The postings on the College site Sunday 25 April were:

• School leavers checklist
  
• The Career Expo exhibitors
  
• What is Chemistry, Astronomy or Biochemistry?
  
• How to help your teenagers with career decisions
  
• The Law @ Otago presentation at Christchurch Boys' High School
  
• Media Design School Open Day
• Nohoaka Pakihi Māori Scholarship

BCITO – Building and Construction

BCITO is running a free information evening – aimed at Years 11 to 13 and their parents/whānau – to showcase the career opportunities in building and construction. It will be held on Wednesday 12 May at Addington Raceway. The doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. To find out more and register, click here.

Mobile: 027 566 7178
Phone: 0800 422 486
Email: andrea.woollard@bcito.org.nz

Careers Expo

The Careers Expo will be held at Christchurch Arena from Thursday 13 May to Saturday 15 May. Year 11 boys will be free to visit the Expo on Thursday of their own accord because of the Teacher-only Day, and Year 12 boys will visit the Expo on Friday from 9.30–10.30am. Saturday morning may be a good time for parents to visit the Expo with their sons.

MoneyHub – University Scholarships

MoneyHub, a consumer finance website, has published a guide to hundreds of scholarships for Year 13 students starting university in 2022. It includes scholarships from every university, as well as those specifically available to local students. A list of privately funded scholarships, and Māori, Pacific and international university scholarships completes the guide. Applications close throughout the year. https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/scholarships-nz.html

UC Stay in touch

Complete the online form in the link below to ensure you are kept up to date on key dates and important information. https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/engage/school-resources/liaison/stay-in-touch/

UC Information Evening, 9 June

Click the link to register – https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/events/tours-and-events/info-evenings/

School subject selection for University study

Which Year 13 subjects should I study at school? NCEA subject selection click here.

Christchurch Chiropractic Event, 19 May

Eden Health, 29 Leeds Street, Phillipstown. To register click here.

UC Certificates and Diplomas

If students aren’t sure about committing to a university degree, an undergraduate certificate or diploma may be an option. The certificate comprises four standard courses and can be completed from six months full-time or longer if part-time. The certificates can be ‘stepping stones’ to the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Criminal Justice, Science, Sports Coaching, and Youth and Community Leadership. The Diploma in Language is for students who wish to gain competency in a language without completing an entire degree in that area (60 points must be in language courses above 100 level).

Certificate in University Preparation

The Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) is a one-semester programme designed for students who do not meet the requirements for University Entrance or who have been out of study for a substantial period. Those who complete the programme will be eligible to apply for entry to 100-level courses.

University of Otago Māori Health Scholarship

Applications for the REACH (Realising Educational Aspirations for Careers in Health) Otago Scholarship opened on 1 May and close on 15 June.

This scholarship is for Year 13 Māori secondary students interested in a career in health and is hosted by the University of Otago. The scholarship covers flights, accommodation, food and activities over three days. The main requirement is that students have an aspiration in a career in health. Studying science subjects at Levels 2 and 3, and their involvement or interest in Māori will strengthen their application.

The REACH Otago Scholarship provides the opportunity for up to 20 Year 13 Māori students to spend three nights and days on the University of Otago’s Dunedin campus, experiencing university life first-hand. For information, click here.

Read on

CCF and Christ's College Football Monogram ⁱ

On 30 March 1922, Herbert William Williams (547) wrote to Edmund Rogers Webb (722) (the College Bursar),ⁱⁱ enclosing some 1876, 1877 and 1872 papers, which, reading between the lines, were copies of the Football Rules as he comments on the 1877 revisions.ⁱⁱⁱ

He then writes:

”I drew the monogram in that year, and I am gratified to see that it has lasted all these years.” ^iv

On 28 May 1877, Williams was elected to the Games Committee, but nowhere in the minutes of that year is the monogram mentioned. It is not until the Games Committee meeting of 22 June 1880 that it was “Resolved that a badge be worn by the College Fifteen black background with white letters. The letters to be C.C.F.C.” ^v

So where does that leave Williams’ claim? Did it take three years for his design to be implemented? According to the rules at the time he was able to play for the College for one year after leaving, and so he is in the photograph of the 1878 team. CCF is not visible.

Standing L-R: John Charles Nattle Grigg (481), Harry Joseph Beswick (505), John William Townsend Boys (438), Herbert Brown (413), Arthur Truman Chapman (660), Herbert William Williams (captain) (547), Collet Barker Dobson (708), Robert Luke Higgins (637), George Arthur Smith (465), Charles William Rattray (769), George Macpherson Cox (783), Hugh Tolmi (583)
Seated L-R: Henry Herbert Lee (517), Harry Robert Webster (807), Hugh Frederick Hewlings (796)

In the photograph of the 1883 team, the monogram is clearly visible. At this early date, the CCFC has been reduced to CCF.

Back L-R: George Harris (903), George Edward Rhodes (791), Thomas Forsaith MacDonald (863), Annesley Frederick George Harman (582), Charles Henry Hamilton (620), Cyril Stanley Buchanan (1065)
Middle L-R: Morris Carr Robison (936), Charles Edmund Maude (925), Walter Herbert Hargreaves (629, captain), Arthur Gladstone Cox (887), Walter Septimus Fisher (929)
Front L-R: Arthur Hamilton Rowley (883), Albert John Webb (721), Edward Rogers Webb (722), Maurice Tancred Stack (919)
Insert L-R: Reginald Fortescue Cook (913), John Wright (1003), Frederick James Hamilton (619), Leonard Evelyn Cotterill (753)

When Williams was writing in 1922, the CCF is still visible on the team’s rugby shirts.

CCPAL40/2/1 Source unknown

L-R: Unknown, Thomas Reginald Sheen (3055), Thomas Thoresby Caccia Birch (3260), William John Harris (2767), Charles Holmes Miller (3191), Eric Davey Trounce Lewis (2869), Hamish Francis Armstrong (3144), John Quentin McWillIam (3295), Horace Naylor Greenwood (3281), William Cunningham Stafford (3117), Roger Christian Grigg (2999), Garthowen Williams (3330), Guy Leonard Seymour Nicholl (3104), Edward Kenmure McLean (3221), Harold Bateman Godfrey (2645), Ronald Osmond Talbot (captain) (2744), Mr Harvey (coach) ^vi

And 100 years later in 1977.

Back Row L-R: John David Morris (8929), Christopher John Chamberlain (8874), Nicholas Blair Archibald (8704), Grant Kenneth Roberts (8950)
Middle Row L-R: Geoffrey Richard Wright (8984), Michael Campbell Robilliard (8951), James William Hartley Fisher (8738), Hamish Neville Francis Cooper (8729), Peter Norman Gerald Fitzgerald (8894), Robert Maxwell Deans (8732), Michael Henley Rewi Brown (8721)
Front Row L-R: Peter Simon Polson (8810), Mr JS Taylor (coach), Michael James Bowie Hobbs (8760), Vaughan Raymond Brown (captain) (8722), Mr JJ Steel (coach), Joseph Nino Leota (8778)

And in 2020 it is still being worn.

Back Row L-R: Mr RA Kennedy (coach), Marcus Xavier Hamilton (15107), Jonathan David Lee (15126), Cormack Frederick Dods (15186), Gus Hunter Morrow (14997), Sam Thomas Idiens (15117), Mr SR Broomhall (coach)
Third Row L-R: Mr AW Wood (coach), Hendix Hone Paku Taylor (15534), Brodie Edward Gason (15365), Jack Paul Belcher (15073), Guy Nicholas Chaffey (14939), Angus James Christopher Hammett (15691)
Second Row L-R: Mr RD Thorne (coach), Oliver William Ryan (15540), Jack Matua Jones (15529), Anton Marshall (15134), Nicholas James Shearer (15360), Nathan Ross McKenzie (15141), Sean Richard Rutherford-Bradford (15166), Mr NM Porter (manager)
Front Row L-R: Matthew John Durant (14947), Dominic Taylor Lambert (14982), Liam Benjamin Pratt (15539), Fletcher Fitzgerald Anderson (captain)(14928), Louis Maurice Mohio Morrell Gunn (vice captain)(14959), Fiti Sa (15190), Jarrad Nathan Hill (15188), George Henry Anderson (14929)

So, either 143 or 140 years later, CCF is the longest continuously worn item of the Christ’s College uniform.

ⁱ Football in this instance refers to Rugby, rather than the present use of the word in respect to the game that was previously known as Soccer
ⁱⁱ See 1883 1st XV photograph, front row, second from right
ⁱⁱⁱ Games Committee Minute Book. June 14 1872, June 19 1876, September 17 1877
^iv Webb Scrap Book Page p43
^v Games Committee Minute Book June 22 1880
^vi This photograph was unnamed but was matched with the formal 1922 1st XV photograph for names

Read on

Christ's College Business Banter

The Fix & Fogg story, 26 May 2021, 5.30pm

Seven years ago, they were tucked away in a lawn bowls kitchen selling jars at weekend farmers’ markets. Today Fix & Fogg are a team of 35, exporting award-winning nut butters all over the world from their factory in Wellington. They have another four people in Texas trying to hustle the largest and most competitive nut butter market in the world, the United States.

Book your free ticket to hear Fix & Fogg CEO Roman Jewell share with you all they have learned (and messed up) over that time.

Book here to ensure you get a seat.

The story of Xero, 30 June 2021, 7.30am

Hear College Old Boy Alistair Grigg, speak about his time as COO at Xero and how he and his team took a fear-inducing, boring subject, such as accounting to a fun creative, easy to use service.

Click here to book your breakfast on Wednesday 30 June at 7.30am in the College Dining Hall.

Read on

CHRIST'S COLLEGE EVENTS

10–14 May	As You Like It, 7–9pm BOOK HERE
11–15 May	Oedipus Rex, 7–8.30pm BOOK HERE
11 May	Parent Education Evening – Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll BOOK HERE
12 & 19 May	Community Visits, 6–8pm REGISTER HERE
14 May	Grandparents' Day, 10.15am–12pm REGISTER HERE
24 May	Conscious Parenting – A virtual talk with Megan de Beyer, 7pm REGISTER HERE
27 May	Centre for Ethics & Spirituality – Using aroha to dismantle hate in Aotearoa REGISTER HERE
2 June	Combined Concert with St Margaret's College, 7.30pm
17 June	Parents' Association House Music Festival, 7–9pm BOOK NOW
22 June	Christ's College Diploma Launch, 7–9pm RSVP NOW
23–25 June	The Shakespearean Banquet, 6.30–9.30pm BOOK NOW
9 July	Parents' Association Mid-Winter Drinks, 6–9pm BOOK NOW

CCOBA EVENTS

11 May	Auckland YOBs, 6–8pm BOOK NOW
20 May	Wellington YOBs, 6–8pm BOOK NOW

Read on