Skiing for boarders – Term 3

We plan to continue the ski trips to Mt Hutt this year, with Hunter Wilson accompanying the boys on the Snowman Shuttles journeys. Hunter will be on the mountain throughout the day and stay in contact with the boys.

We will advertise the upcoming trips on the Boarding parents Facebook group page. Parents or boys can then book their seats on Snowman Shuttles. The shuttle will pick up Hunter and the boys from the main gates at Christ’s College on Sunday morning. Once the boys have booked their van seats, they will need to let Mr Vink know so that we can order an early breakfast and takeaway lunch.

House Music

Well done to the three boarding Houses for their efforts at the Parents' Association House Music Festival. All three Houses put in a great deal of time and effort in preparing for their performances. It was also wonderful to see so many boys enjoying the experience. While it was not all about the trophies, it was great to see Flower’s House win the House Spirit Cup and the Best Conductor Cup.

Thank you to all of those parents who attended our socal function. It was great to catch up with many of you and see the three House communities coming together.

Holidays

Have a wonderful break with your boys. It has been a long term and many boys have put a lot of effort into their academic and co-curricular pursuits. However, we have seen some fatigue as we near the holidays.

Finally, thank you for supporting our staff. We do appreciate it.

Feedback favours online approach to interviews

Thank you to all the parents who have taken the time to complete the feedback form for student/parent/teacher interviews. It has been a resounding endorsement for online interviews. Just over 70% of parents prefer online as the method for contact, with more than a quarter of parents saying it is a more beneficial experience.

However, I have taken on board the feedback from those wanting a return to in-person interviews. I have spoken to colleagues at other schools that offer both options and will see how this can work best for us in our context. Our Centre for Teaching Excellence & Research has started reviewing this in-depth and considering how to ensure valuable learning feedback for our community. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate all feedback, but we certainly work to do the best we can.

In Term 3, we will maintain our online approach for the student/parent/teacher interviews on 17 July for our NCEA students in Years 12–13. We feel there is not enough time to give notice to families of any change in format.

We are completing a term full of internal assessment and heading into a term of more internals and our derived grade exam week. We hope parents and boys take the opportunity offered by these interviews to touch base with teachers about how to make the most of the term ahead. Parents will receive the email on Thursday 29 June for booking these interviews. A reminder that, as a result of the interviews, all classes for Term 3 start on Tuesday 18 July.

Paul Dillon – alcohol and drug expert

Passionate about ensuring the community has access to accurate and up-to-date information, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) founder and director Paul Dillon offers a wealth of educational information on the new DARTA website.

Parents and caregivers can learn more here.

Parents' Association House Music Festival

Julius House has taken the deepest bow at the House Music Festival at the Christchurch Town Hall, lifting the Carey House Shield for Best House Choir.

Presented by the Christ's College Parents’ Association, it is the 89th edition of the popular – and highly competitive – College event.

Click here to view the programme.

Food for thought in filling need

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

I have a friend, who, many years ago, in describing the nature of church affairs – partly to mock, partly in admiration – referred to something like “effortless Anglican superiority”. On Sunday, as we gathered for our final Sunday Chapel Service for the term, I referenced this by way of illuminating why we do not have a Patron Saint like many schools (Kentigern, Bede, Andrew et al), but rather go straight to the source, Christ.

I also suggested that if forced to name one, St John Chrysostom would be high up my list of possible ones. A Church Father of 5th century CE, among other venerations Chrysostom is remembered as a saint attached to education.

John Chrysostom wrote that “if we cannot find Christ in the needy at the church door, we will not find him in the bread and wine”. Going on the article in the media last week (here), the need within our city is acute this winter.

In Term 3, I am asking our generous College community to contribute non-perishable foodstuffs at each of our Sunday Chapel services. This is to meet an immediate need in our city. With 400–500 attendees each Sunday, we could make a significant contribution every Monday to the foodbank resources. Every student, twice in the term, taking time to reflect on the needs of others. A small gesture individually but substantial with a community of students, staff, and supporters behind it.

To all on leave from school for the coming two weeks, prayers for refreshment. For those who will continue to man the battlements, prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

Remember, O Lord,
this city where we dwell
and every other city and country,
Remember, O Lord, all in your Holy Church
who bring forth good fruit,
are rich in good works and remember the poor.
Grant your mercy and loving kindness to us all,
and grant that we may praise and glorify your great
and glorious name with one mouth and one heart.
Amen

– John Chrysostom

Yours in Christ,
The Rev'd Cameron Pickering

Watch out for fatigue

At the College Health Centre, we have seen many students battling fatigue during Term 2. Some boys are still recovering from a viral illness, feeling overwhelmed by their commitments and study, or simply not getting enough sleep.

We continue to encourage students to strive to maintain a balance in their lives, setting aside some time for relaxing and recharging.

Here are a few tips to help boys be at their best.

• Take care of yourself – Eat right, sleep well (including having a bedtime routine), breathe deep, get some exercise, and hydrate (carry a drink bottle). A little self-care can go a long way to boosting health outcomes.
• Give yourself a break – Sometimes you just cannot do it all. That is not necessarily a bad thing as there are only limited hours in a day to achieve your goals. Focus on the most important tasks and move on to the others when you can.
• Take time to reboot – Make sure you have a walk, chat with a friend, or perhaps read a book. By doing a short burst of physical activity or having a healthy snack or drink, you can be re-energised. Find an activity that works and build it into your day. A bit of ‘me time’ can be very beneficial.

It is important to make the most of the school holidays and that the boys take the time to recharge. We wish everyone a lovely break and look forward to seeing the boys return in good spirits in Term 3.

Uniform Shop opening hours

Term 2

1 June–30 June (Term time)
Mondays, 10am–4pm
Tuesdays, 10.30am–4pm
Wednesdays, 10am–3pm
Friday 30 June, 12–4pm

11–14 July (school holidays)
Tuesday to Friday, 11am–3pm

Term 3

17 July–15 September (Term time)
Mondays, 10am–4pm
Tuesdays, 10.30am–4pm
Wednesdays, 10am–3pm
Fridays, 12–4pm

3–6 October (school holidays)
Tuesday to Friday, 11am–3pm

Term 4

9–31 October (Term time)
Mondays, 10am–4pm
Tuesdays, 10.30am–4pm
Wednesdays, 10am–3pm
Fridays, 12–4pm

The hours for the Uniform Shop from November 2023–February 2024 will be published soon.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

That Bloody Woman – Ticket discount offer for College families

College families can use a special discount code (for performances from 5–9 July) to book seats for That Bloody Woman – presented by Showbiz Christchurch – in the Christ’s College Auditorium. Discounted tickets will be $58.50 (usually $75).

Book here and enter the code COLLEGE to unlock the 'Christ’s College Special Price (with Code)'.

Created by Luke di Somma and Gregory Cooper, That Bloody Woman captures the story of Kate Sheppard’s fight for equality and the right to vote in an irreverent, inspirational rock opera. Bursting with powerful rock, wit, and energy, That Bloody Woman portrays Kate Sheppard’s game-changing role in establishing New Zealand's ground-breaking identity and unleashing a wave of positive change for women around the world.

Upcoming careers dates

Christ's College CareerWise

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

Below are recent postings on the College careers website:

• Experience Ara
• NZ Broadcasting School – On Air Broadcasting Workshop
• Komatsu Apprenticeship Programme (Heavy Diesel Mechanic)
• Entering the electrical industry
• Victoria University of Wellington – Bachelor of Psychology
• Massey University – Scholarships
• Jobs of the Future
• Barista Course
• Māori & Pasifika Health Scholarships – Canterbury
• Yoobee – July/October Holiday Programmes
• BECA Schools Open Day – range of engineering consultancy roles

Lincoln University – application to enrol

Create your MyLinc account and submit your application in MyLinc. Use an email that you can access and a password you can remember. Once your MyLinc account is set up, log in to make your application. Let Lincoln University know what you would like to study. Accept your offer on MyLinc.

Victoria University of Wellington – admission and enrolment from 2024

Students have to register for a Pūaha account to apply for admission, scholarships, and accommodation. For the first time, all these applications are in the same place. Read the steps to apply and enrol.

UC scholarships

Applications for 2024 UC scholarships are open and are due by 15 August. Future student advisors will visit some schools, and there is a video online with tips and advice on how students can submit the best application possible.

University of Otago scholarships and eVision

All applications must be completed via eVision. Applicants should use a personal email when using eVision. For more information, go to Otago scholarships.

MoneyHub – scholarships

A guide to scholarships for any student planning to start university in 2024. MoneyHub has also published tips for scholarship applications.

CCRF – Term 3

The New Zealand Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) is an online university accommodation reference form. Students fill in the form 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 boys have completed and submitted the form, their Housemaster will complete the school section. Applications for halls of residence open on 1 August and close about 27 September. Go to the student registration for the CCRF.

In Black & White – Careers

I share a range of relevant information with parents and boys via In Black & White. However, I am aware that not all boys read the school newsletter, so I hope parents will use the information provided as a springboard for investigation, discussion, and inspiration to support their sons as they consider their futures. Please contact me with any suggestions regarding careers, or if you require any career-related advice for your son.

Tickets

Today we obtain a ticket to a show, sports event, or an overseas holiday all by the push of a button and a scarcely remembered password. We still must show our mobile phone (or a printout if we are still a bit old-fashioned) to get our seat. Electronic ticketing means that payment is easily controlled and the number of seats available easily identified.

In the past, it was necessary to collect a piece of paper or cardboard – often numbered – well before the event, from a designated location.

So how did Christ’s College cope with ticketing drama productions, rugby matches, College groups or an invitation to College events? The College Press Club produced many of these tickets on a Heidelberg printing press, tucked under the Open Air classrooms. The club’s sample books are held in the College Archives.

Tickets were needed for sports events.

And for concerts and House suppers.

They were also needed to attend events.

And to attend joint Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College productions.

Also, to make sure you had a seat in the Chapel.