Emerging nicotine trends – safeguarding teens

Paul Dillon has spoken with our Years 11–13 cohort, alongside their St Margaret’s College peers, about teenagers, alcohol, vaping, and drugs. Having worked in drug education in schools for the past 25 years, Paul has provided a unique, expert perspective on the challenges teenagers face when it comes to alcohol and drug use. His experience allows him to share valuable insights, practical advice, and evidence-based strategies to help students make informed decisions and navigate these issues responsibly.

As parents and whānau, it is crucial to stay informed about the evolving landscape of adolescent influences, particularly regarding what our young people are consuming. Nicotine remains a significant concern. While smoking has become increasingly inaccessible, vaping, snus, and nicotine pouches (known as Zyn pouches) are on the rise.

A recent Special Report from SchoolTV provides useful information on the nicotine landscape, enabling parents and whānau to stay informed to protect young people from emerging threats like snus and nicotine pouches. These smokeless tobacco products, discreetly placed under the lip, are gaining popularity among youth and pose serious health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular disease, and impacts on mental health.

Health authorities support proactive measures to curb this trend and more regulations before these products become widespread. Targeted marketing through social media influencers and the availability of flavoured options make them appealing to school students. Moreover, unregulated nicotine levels lead to inconsistent labelling, with the potential long-term effects from other chemicals in these products remaining unknown.

You can find the report here.

If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

The fours Cs of sport and the College Concussion Policy

As winter sports continues through Term 3, it is important to focus on our four Cs: Character, Care, Connection, and Consistency.

• Encourage your sons to embody strong Character through integrity and sportsmanship, on and off the field.
• Show Care by supporting teammates, coaches, and officials with respect and appreciation.
• Build Connection by fostering friendships and a positive team environment.
• Maintain Consistency in your values and efforts, promoting fair play and personal growth.

Together, we can cultivate these attributes in our boys for a fulfilling season.

Concussion Policy

We want to share some key points about our Concussion Policy in order to keep our boys safe. The policy can be found here. If your son sustains a head knock, he will be taken out of play and assessed for concussion, either at the Health Centre during school hours or by the team manager outside school hours. If a concussion is suspected, we will inform you immediately, and a medical assessment will follow. Team managers will log incidents to keep everyone informed, and the Health Centre will follow up with you.

Dayboys and boarders diagnosed with concussion must rest at home for two days before returning to school. In the case of a boarder, this either will be at home or with their local caregiver. Boys must check in at the Health Centre on their return. Following ACC/NZRU guidelines, boys will stay away from full competition for at least 21 days and require medical clearance to return to play. Thank you for your support in keeping our boys safe.

Battles, basketball, and, of course, books

Sometimes we like the library to be all about reading, but it’s also great when we use our space to celebrate the diversity of things happening around our school, book-related or not. At present, we’re getting ready to see that variety reflected in our space.

In our display cabinet, we have Warhammer 40,000 miniatures ready to go for a week of Warhammer in Week 5. The Warhammer week – and all the intricately painted miniatures required – has been organised by a motivated Year 10 student. This shows how students of any age can be leaders in our school. There will be demonstration battles and boys will get a chance to have a go themselves, under the supervision of more experienced students.

In pride of place as you walk into the building is a display celebrating House basketball and our College players in general, and featuring some of the many books we have on the topic. This area of our collection has grown dramatically in the past two years as more students seek to improve their basketball play or be inspired by reading about the greats.

On Monday, we hosted one of our parent-student book group catch-ups and had a laugh as the students noted which parents hadn’t done the reading. If you’re interested in joining, we meet twice a term and you can sign-up for reminders by emailing me.

Last, we’re having a low-key celebration of Aotearoa School Libraries Week with a ‘Bookworm’ theme. Students who write a review of a book they’ve read will get a chance to win with a spin of our prize wheel, and anyone can have fun guessing how many bookworms (aka gummy snakes) are in the jar. 

Singing the praises of our Anglican foundations

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

I often return to the Māori concept of whakapapa – the unbroken chain – stretching back and forward, with you and I called to fulfill our part and role in that chain now. Whakapapa matters. 

We have welcomed two students of Christ Church College, Oxford, England. I should think it inspiring for our choir members to have such accomplished liturgical singers join them for the next few weeks. I should think it worthy of curiosity for any of you who value education to have two scholars from one of the great universities at the campus. Watch and hear these wonderful singers during our Sunday Chapel service here.

James Parmeter and George Blundell come to us by design. For many years, Old Boy Haydn Rawstron has managed, and invested time, treasure, and talent into a trust that funds the travel of students of Christ Church Oxford to Christchurch, New Zealand. Why this link?

On 27 March 1848, Christchurch and Canterbury were proposed as the names for a New Zealand settlement during a meeting in London of 13 lords and gentlemen making up the Canterbury Association board. 

Of the 13 present – six were alumni – Old Boys if you like, of Christ Church Oxford. John Robert Godley was one of those six. He sailed to New Zealand to establish the Canterbury Settlement around the city named for his old university college. Another decision of that management board was the establishment of an Anglican school based on the English public school system, and, importantly for you and I, provision of sufficient endowments for that school to provide the highest level of secondary education, equipping settlers’ children to be – although possibly in mid-19th century language – graduates of virtuous character.

Here we are, in a school founded in faith by men of Christ Church Oxford, joined for the next three weeks by James and George, men of Christ Church Oxford. And joined by a great cloud of witnesses, John Robert Godley and others.

Glory be to God – and Our Lord Jesus Christ;  for whom both Christ Church Oxford and our city is named, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev'd Canon Cameron Pickering

Sustainability and diversity on show in Round Square

We have just enjoyed the eagerly anticipated Round Square International Week, with a range of activities detailed here. Well done to the Round Square Senior Committee members who have worked tirelessly to organise these varied, fun events.

The Bead & Proceed initiative is new to College, with founder Bridget Williams’ presentation aiming to educate, engage, and invigorate senior students about enacting sustainable change. The boys could paint a bead to represent their personal Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) while discussing why they had chosen that SDG and how they planned to take action at College and in their personal life.

We now await the resulting woven bead mural. It will symbolise College’s dedication to sustainability and celebrate diversity and the myriad values within our community. The weaving together of the beads also symbolises the collective action of our school. Once on display, this unique artwork will be a visual representation of the students’ commitment. An accompanying report will detail the data captured during the three days of bead painting, highlighting themes, opportunities, and ideas, and showing how Christ's College can ‘BEAD’ the change.

It also has been rewarding to see several students deliver presentations at Assembly, reflecting on their Round Square experiences. Alex Fulton has spoken eloquently about his learnings across the Round Square IDEALS during his two weeks in Thailand on a service project, including international understanding, service, and leadership.

Meanwhile, Euan McVicar and Frank O’Gara – accompanied by American exchange partners Lyon Playfair and George Ma – have given a great summary of their three weeks in Tennessee on the annual Montgomery Bell Academy exchange. Year 9 students Charlie Wilson and Ben Cuddihy also have shared their experiences, having hosted students from Scotch Oakburn College in Tasmania, and spent two weeks in Launceston in return. It has been heartening to hear their insights on the value of exchanges in developing international understanding, greater self-awareness, and self-confidence.  

We also have welcomed Ryland Schaffer, the inaugural exchange student from Dunn School in Los Olivos, California, to College. Ryland is being hosted by Rolleston House Year 11 student Dylan Jackson.

New Zealand Artists @ Christ's College exhibition

Work by Christchurch artist Sean Fietje features at the New Zealand Artists @ Christ's College exhibition from 13–15 September in the College Auditorium.

A realism oil artist, Sean paints full-time, focusing on the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, often highlighting his love of the Arthurs Pass area. His work features a prominent light source and captivating atmosphere as he conveys intricate textures and minute details that allow the viewer to see and experience a scene. Sean strives to transport viewers into his paintings, making them feel that they are present in the moment.

More than 50 established New Zealand artists will feature in the exhibition, with 25% of each sale going towards the basketball tour. Exhibition entry for children under 18 is free. The opening night includes a complimentary drink and canapés.

Friday 13 September, 7–10pm (opening night)
Saturday 14 September, 10am–5pm
Sunday 15 September, 10am–4pm

Secure your exhibition tickets here.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

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. You can subscribe here.

School subject selection – Term 3 

Boys choosing their subjects this term – for 2025 – can check out these preparation links to aid their decisions regarding university and polytechnic study:

• Lincoln University – Best Prep
• Victoria University of Wellington – Best Prep
• University of Otago – Best Prep
• Ara – Best Prep
• University of Auckland – Best Prep
• University of Canterbury – Best Prep

School subject and career opportunities

Careers NZ has created posters featuring career opportunities so that students can learn more about career options based on the subjects they enjoy.

University of Melbourne

A reminder that all students hoping to attend the University of Melbourne need to take Level 3 English, and for those wanting to study either Biomedicine, or Science or Commerce, they must take Mathematics Calculus at Level 3. The university does not accept other English-rich subjects from Level 3.

Lincoln University – new degrees

Lincoln University has announced the launch of two new bachelor's degrees. Click here to find out more.

School of Landscape Architecture – Lincoln University

The School of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University offers a range of specialised programmes. Landscape architects create landscapes within urban, rural, residential, or public environments and are involved in the management and conservation of natural and heritage landscapes. A career in landscape architecture may suit those with an interest in the environment, science, culture, art, technology, and wellbeing.

CCRF – Term 3

The New Zealand Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) is an online university accommodation reference form. Students can register for accommodation at several universities on one form. Their Housemasters will complete the school section. Applications for halls of residence open on 1 August and close about 27 September. Most boys have already applied. 

StudyLink – student loans and allowances

If boys intend to apply for a student loan or allowance, they need to register and apply online through StudyLink. As this can take time, it is best to get under way sooner rather than later.

University of Auckland – key dates 

• Apply to study – applications open
• Accommodation – applications open in August, with offers made at the start of October

Exam preparation

Check out the NCEA resources to help attain the best grades and prepare for upcoming internals and externals.

Money matters

MoneyHub has created a comprehensive guide for students, designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for building a healthy relationship with money.

Trades and apprenticeships

For students wanting to learn a trade or explore apprenticeships, check out MoneyHub’s apprenticeship guide. 

Air New Zealand – pilot careers

Air New Zealand and its preferred training organisations will host a Pilot Career Evening for students and parents in Christchurch on Wednesday 28 August 2024. Click here to secure your seat.

The sacred grass plot

When Herbert William Williams (547)ⁱ was writing home to his family in 1875, he included that “this plan though out of shape will give you an idea of our grounds”.

So, what was Herbert Williams describing? This 1876 photograph of the Quad shows almost all the buildings, except for the then recently built library and Synod Hall on the eastern boundary.

The Christ’s College Archives have photographs that show different perspectives on these buildings. Some of them are interiors while others are taken from another direction.ⁱⁱ

The classrooms allocated to Charles M Phillips, Basil Church, and Thomas de Renzy Condell were later known as the Tin Classrooms while the Second Master’s House, built in 1860, was known as Worthy’s. It was extended more than once.

No. 3 (from the plan) is Mr Corfe’s House, also known as the Headmaster’s House.

Mr Corfe’s House, from the river, later known as Old Flower’s House.

Williams wrote: “The library where the books are kept and money matters, bills etc are received and where they are sent out.” 

ⁱ Herbert William Williams, 19th century Old Boys’ Collection, Christ’s College Archives. Teal, FJ ms. Your affectionate son, Herbert. He was Academic Head of School, 1st XV 1877–1878 (captain).
HW Williams was later consecrated the 6th Bishop of Waiapu. His father, Leonard William Williams, was the 3rd Bishop of Waiapu and his grandfather, William Williams, was the 1st Bishop of Waiapu. The 7th Bishop of Waiapu was also a Christ’s College Old Boy, George Vincent Gerard (2715). Alwyn Keith Warren, 5th Warden of Christ’s College and 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Christchurch, was also a member of this family, descended from William Williams’ brother, Henry.

ⁱⁱ It has not been possible to find photographs that were taken at the time Williams was at College, but those that are included have been chosen show unaltered buildings.