Board appointments

We are pleased to announce two new appointments to the College Board of Governors, Amanda Johnston and intern Angus McKenzie. 

Amanda brings a range of business investment, management, and board experience across a variety of sectors to the role. She has held several global investment management and corporate finance positions. At present, she is a PrimePort Timaru director, Melanoma New Zealand trustee and treasurer, and Waihi School Association committee member. Amanda also manages the family dairy farm and associated interests near Temuka.

New York-based Old Boy Angus McKenzie is a Manager at EY (Ernst & Young) in the People Consulting practice in the United States. He gained his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Kentucky and then achieved his Master’s Degree in Management at Cornell University. Following university, Angus joined EY in Atlanta, Georgia, specialising in global talent mobility before transitioning to New York, specialising in transformation strategy in the consumer space. Angus also serves as Vice Chair for the Recent Alumni Advisory Board at Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, driving the school’s innovation agenda.

To view their full profiles, please click here.

Venue hire at Christ’s College

A striking mix of old and new, Christ’s College is the perfect place for a special occasion. Our gates are open for events, corporate functions, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. College offers a rare opportunity to hold a memorable gathering in a stunning setting among some of New Zealand’s most striking architecture. With a mix of traditional and modern facilities, we can help you create an exceptional event.

Built in 1867, the beautiful Chapel seats up to 600 and the historic Dining Hall welcomes up to 240. The award-winning Chapman Room overlooks the College field while you can easily step into the Botanic Gardens for those fabulous photos.

No matter the occasion, College presents an array of options and expert organisers to help plan each step of your treasured day.

Please contact Gill Blackler gill.blackler@christscollege.com so that we can arrange a tour of our College venues and start our journey together towards a memorable milestone or notable occasion.

College hosts conferences, exhibitions, dinners, private functions, concerts, and theatre productions. Our facilities are available for hire outside school hours and during term breaks.

Click here to find out more.

Care in counselling and building connections

In my new role as Deputy Principal – Student Care, I am now responsible for the pastoral wellbeing of all students, both dayboys and boarders. I also work across all the College Houses in supporting our boys to be at their best. 

In this issue of In Black & White, I wish to share several updates with our school community. 

Counselling services

It is timely to remind parents and caregivers that boys need to make an appointment to see our College counsellors, and not simply arrive at their offices. As you can appreciate, the counsellors have busy calendars, and in order to manage their days, boys must ensure that they book an appointment.

It is important to note that:

• Students can make a booking online here.
• If your son needs assistance, and does not have an appointment, he can contact his Housemaster for guidance or, in their absence, his Deputy Housemaster.

Boarding school connections

As we start to meet the Year 12 students while they move through the application process for leadership roles in 2025, it is important to celebrate the excellent work carried out this year. I want to take this opportunity to applaud the achievements of Head of Boarding Franklin Barry. Franklin has been instrumental in the development of our connections with other boarding schools around the city, encouraging and supporting greater interaction. 

We continue to develop connections with our fellow boarding schools, including St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, St Andrew’s College, and St Bede’s College. However, under Franklin’s leadership, we have broadened those relationships to inter-school basketball against St Bede’s College and a Turbo Touch contest with boys from St Andrew’s College. 

Thank you Franklin for coordinating these events with student leaders from other schools and to the staff for giving up their time to help supervise these extra sporting fixtures.

Scabies

We continue to monitor the scabies situation at College. If your son is identified as having scabies, we ask that if he is a dayboy, he stays at home and undertakes the treatment plan that the Christ’s College Health Centre advises. If he is a boarder, your son must be removed from boarding and undertake the prescribed treatment plan. If your son is identified as a close contact of a scabies case, he will also need to be treated.

Please notify the Health Centre if your son is identified as having scabies.

If this does occur, you will be contacted by College and a treatment plan will be provided.

Out and about

Our boarders have been making the most of their weekend with a visit to Game Over, taking the wheel for a go-karts race, and having fun in the games arcade.

Examining all options and deriving the best outcomes from exams

It has been a busy few weeks in the curriculum area at College and our Years 12–13 students are now in the middle of derived grade exam week. During the remaining weeks in the term, boys will begin to receive their results through Schoolbox. While the purpose of the exams is not just the outcome, and the importance of practising the process and strategy of exams, the results and feedback from teachers also provide the boys with clear messages. 

With Winter Tournament Week and the holidays fast approaching, the remaining time at school will go quickly. The boys must consider if their results are the best they can be, and what they need to focus on between now and November. 

Christ’s College Diploma

The Christ’s College Diploma options opened to students last Tuesday and we had a great turnout of parents at our Diploma Options Evening to talk through the different courses available to their sons. With a much higher level of choice than in previous years, I strongly encourage boys to take their time in making decisions.

They can start that process with the Year 10 Course Booklet (for current Year 9 students) and the Year 11 Course Booklet (for current Year 10 students). However, boys need to go beyond the course name and read the descriptions to ensure the subject content is something they will enjoy.

As always, boys should seek advice from Housemasters, mentors, the Careers Advisor, and subject teachers. We hope a conversation is also under way at home. If your son has changed his mind since entering his options, these can be changed up until Wednesday 28 August. 

Parent/student/teacher interviews

The final parent/student/teacher interviews for Years 10–11 Diploma students have been held this week. Based on parent feedback, we have tried to balance the desire for in-person interviews with the convenience of online interviews. We will continue to review and refine this process as we plan for 2025. 

Learning healthy study habits

As the seniors head into another busy study period, it is important to think about how to stay healthy and maximise the efficiency of your son’s study time. In today's world, where there are many distractions and the pressure to excel is high, guiding young people to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever.

As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate. Students need to recognise that good study habits are not merely about spending hours hitting the books. It is more about quality over quantity, and having a balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of your son’s daily routine, rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly affect your son’s ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer our children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

Please read this special SchoolTV report to help you support your son as he prepares for exams.

Creating the best environment for everyone

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

In such a vibrant community of learning, not a week goes by without a student group leading the College through ‘a season’. This past week, our Environment Committee organised and facilitated several activities (‘guess the leaves in the jar’ being my second favourite) to raise awareness of our impact on the environment.

As an Anglican school, we ought to be committed to ‘The Marks of Mission’, including: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the Earth.”

Head of Environment Matthew Flint gave an inspiring message in Monday morning Chapel. You can find part of his message below.

Now, the next step is what I fear stops the majority of people from making effective change, the need to be perfect, perhaps even a modern fixation on perfection. Our world today offers access to unprecedented levels of knowledge, sitting in our pockets. However, this instils a need to be absolutely perfect to be seen as credible. In order to be seen as having a positive impact on the environment, you have to live in such a restricted way that might be sustainable for the planet but certainly not sustainable from a personal wellbeing perspective. I cannot count the number of times where I have been criticised for not being able to bike to school that day, having to use a plastic bag, or endless other things I could be doing, and, therefore, there is the assumption that because I care for the environment I am obligated to do so despite their impracticality. I know many others feel this pressure and, therefore, it is far easier to just be apathetic than to make the exorbitant amount of sacrifices that people feel are necessary to be able to say they ‘care about the environment’.

One of the core messages of the Bible is that human perfection is unattainable, but through God, we can find forgiveness. Since perfection is out of reach, we should focus on simply improving from where we are. 

I should think Matthew’s reflection on being better today than yesterday need not be restricted to our care for creation.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev'd Canon Cameron Pickering

From singing to snowboarding and stage to speech

Our international students are making the most of the range of opportunities at Christ's College, enabling the boys to enrich their education.

Year 12 Richards House student Mike Ma was among a trio of singers who benefitted from a session with opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes. The acclaimed baritone recently returned to College to share his skills with Mike and two other choir members. It was inspiring to see Mike, who is Chinese, singing so beautifully in Italian, highlighting our international students’ multilingual skills.

Richards House Year 11 student Robert Nesselrode (below, back row, third from the right) travelled to Blenheim with the Big Band, competing at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival. Big Band won an overall Gold Award. Robert, a trumpet player, is from Germany.  

Several international students also graced the stage during House Plays. House Music and House Plays take many students out of their comfort zones, so it was great to see international students embracing the opportunity and contributing to their House spirit. We even heard Dunn School exchange student Ryland Schaffer, who is only at College for three weeks, deliver the last line of the Rolleston House play from off-stage.

On the winter sports scene, talented snowboarder Oscar Kobayashi (below, middle) won gold at both the Canterbury and South Island Secondary School Championships. Oscar, who only joined Christ's College this term, did not waste any time in making himself known on the snowboarding scene.

Having originally intended to spend one term at Christ's College, we were thrilled when Year 10 student Charlie Syme decided to return from Sacramento, California to continue his secondary school education at our school. In keeping with Charlie’s motivated approach to his schooling, he has joined the Junior Round Square committee. Round Square involvement is another way for students to maximise their opportunities at College.

Exchange student Soichiro Inoue also made the most of his two weeks at College. Soichiro won his two-week stay at the school after impressing the judges in the 75th H.I.H. Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest in Tokyo. He had never left Japan before, and travelled independently to take up his prize. The other Year 11s in Flower's House warmly welcomed Soichiro, who, on his first day at school, competed in the Round Square karaoke competition with fellow Japanese students Masahiro Miyazaki and Oscar Kobayashi, finishing 3rd equal.

Soichiro’s visit was well-timed, coinciding with the annual Mayoral Welcome at the Ngā Hau e Whā marae. Eight of our most recent international students were welcomed onto the  marae with a pōwhiri.

Grab a fabulous Father's Day gift

Help Dad sit back and relax this Father’s Day with the gift of a Christ’s College Stadium Cushion, all while supporting sport at Christ’s College. Whether you’re settling in on the sidelines, on a boat, in a caravan, or at your favourite picnic spot, your College cushion has you covered. Costing $30 per cushion, half of the proceeds will go towards supporting sports at College.

Featuring heavy-duty zips, a carry handle, a handy side pocket with a zip, and a removable foam inner, this cushion makes the perfect gift for Father’s Day or any special occasion. Grab a couple of comfortable seat cushions and give sport a boost.

Click here to secure your stadium cushion now.

New Zealand Artists @ Christ's College exhibition

With a stunning array of artwork from more than 50 artists on show at the New Zealand Artists @ Christ’s College exhibition, there is something for everyone. Among the featured pieces are works by Simon Edwards, Ben Reid, Lisa Grennell, Ira Mitchell, Jane Downes, Gawie Bosman, Rebecca Herring, Sheryl Briggs, Susan Forde, Kate Boswell, Gwyn Hughes, Jane Downes, Georgette Thompson, Joedy Nicholl, Susan Forde, Hadani Woodruff, Justine Jensen, and Livia Dias.

Held in the College Auditorium, the exhibition is open from 13–15 September, with 25% of each sale going towards the College basketball tour. Exhibition entry for children under 18 is free. The opening night includes a complimentary drink and canapés.

Find out more here and to secure your exhibition tickets, click here.

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

Stationery, senior blazers, and alterations

Parents can order stationery for all their boys’ school needs by simply clicking here, and having everything delivered direct to their homes.

Year 12 blazers

Your Year 11 son will need to be fitted for his Year 12 blazer in Term 4, with the Uniform Shop contacting each boy – via their Houses – during the term. The blazer size will allow for growth and can be exchanged within the week if it is deemed too small or too big. Your son’s blazer will be charged to your school account.

Repair and alterations

Seamstress Philippa Dye will be at our Uniform Shop from 10am on Thursdays to undertake any uniform repairs or alterations.

Hours

In Terms 3–4, the Uniform Shop is open on Mondays from 10–4pm; Tuesdays, 10.30–4pm; and Wednesdays, 10–4pm. During Week One of Term 4, it also will be open on Thursday from 10–4pm and Friday, 10–4pm.

The Uniform Shop will be closed from Wednesday 18 September and reopen on Monday 13 October, shutting a few days prior to the school holidays.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship

Secondary school students with a tangible connection to thoroughbred racing can apply for the $10,000 NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship to support their pursuit of a Commerce or Law degree at a New Zealand university.

Jointly funded by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and former leading racing industry administrator Dean McKenzie, the scholarship aims to empower tomorrow’s thoroughbred racing leaders. Applicants must be enrolled for study in 2025, and all applications must be submitted by Friday 15 November 2024.

You can find the scholarship details here.

For further scholarship information, contact Sam Fursdon (NZTR Internal Operations Manager) by emailing sam.fursdon@nztr.co.nz or calling 0274369670.

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.

University of Otago – important dates

• 2 October – scholarships announced                        
• 7 October – offers for halls/colleges (boys have two weeks to accept and pay the deposit, ranging from $961–$1500)
• November – external NCEA examinations (boys should sit all exams, regardless of having achieved UE or not)
• 10 December – papers/subjects for intended 2025 study due
• 1 February – further accommodation payment due, ranging from $5,000– $8,000
• 10 February – tuition fees due (see StudyLink regarding student loans)
• 15 February – halls open (if accompanying your son to Dunedin, parents need to book their own accommodation)
• 17 February – Orientation Week for students
• 21 February – first lecture

UC Thrive at Uni in 2025 – free event

Thrive at Uni in 2025 is a one-day event that aims to help students thrive in their first year at the University of Canterbury in 2025. It is only open to students attending UC in 2025, and deals with campus life, study habits, and much more. Eighty places are available, on a first come, first served basis.

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.

CCRF – Term 3

The New Zealand Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) is an online university accommodation reference form. Most boys have already applied. 

StudyLink – student loans and allowances

Boys should have already applied – through StudyLink – for a student loan or allowance. As this can take time, it is best to apply sooner rather than later. StudyLink staff will be at College at 1pm on Thursday 5 September in the Fine Arts building.

University of Auckland – upcoming events and 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.

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.

Defence Forces – army officer course applications close soon

Students interested in army officer courses next year are advised to apply as soon as possible. This also applies to students planning to join the NZDF in 2025 summer intakes. An early application is the best opportunity to enter a chosen trade. Please check the upcoming intakes dates here.

MoneyHub – Student Jobs Directory

Students seeking a part-time job can check out MoneyHub’s updated Student Jobs Directory. 

Making a splash in 1884, 1994, and 2024

The new indoor pool was unveiled by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon JB Bolger, 30 years ago in September 1994. The history of a pool at Christ’s College spans back to the first construction in 1884, 140 years ago. Archivist Jane Teal and College historian Don Hamilton have both written about the many places where College boys have made a splash, from the Avon River in the 1850s, to Corsair Bay, to pools around the city, and the College pool.^i/ii

The archives holds an interesting collection of photographs, particularly from the albums of Old Boys, showcasing Corsair Bay and the old College pool. Unfortunately, we do not know of any photos from the days of swimming in the ‘Kid’s Hole’ in the Avon (circa 1870s).ⁱⁱⁱ However, some of these photos, which may not have been seen before, may spark some memories, and interest in days gone by. 

The rationale for building a pool was laid out in the Sports Register in May 1884.

1994 – new pool

The 1994 Christ’s College Register describes how the inadequacies of the old College pool had been well documented for years. The water, which came from an underground bore at 8 degrees Celsius, would only get as warm as about 18 degrees at the height of summer. In March 1990, the Headmaster, MJ Rosser, indicated that additional sporting facilities were required. Old Boy and architect Sir Miles Warren (5162), investigated the redevelopment of the west end of Upper to allow for a heated and covered pool.^iv

The new pool was opened in September 1994. The 12-metre width enables five lanes, allowing House events to be raced in two heats. The pool was built at right angles to the old one, and along the riverbank.^v

The College Swimming Club implemented training and fitness schedules for all groups, designed by Ben Dellaca (11268). Lengthier sessions were possible and the opportunity for a higher standard of swimming improved.^vi Dellaca represented New Zealand, winning bronze at the FINA Swimming World Cup in 1998. Over the past 30 years, the pool has been a vital facility in supporting the development of swimmers. In April 2024, four College boys broke records in their 15 years events.^vii In 2019, Head of Sport Louis Clark (14918) was celebrated at the Zonta awards for representing New Zealand in water polo, swimming, and surf lifesaving.^viii

There are many College swimming successes – too many to name here – but these have been well documented in In Black & White, and on the College website under co-curricular programmes.

ⁱ Teal, J.F, 2015, In Black in White No. 81
ⁱⁱ Hamilton, D 1996. College! Christchurch. Christ’s College Board of Governors pg.88
ⁱⁱⁱ Hamilton, D 1996. College! Christchurch. Christ’s College Board of Governors pg.88
^iv Christ’s College Register, 1994 pg.19
^v Hamilton, D 1996. College! Christchurch. Christ’s College Board of Governors pg.730
^vi Christ’s College Register, 1994 pg.133
^vii https://christscollege.com/college-life/latest-news/record-swims-by-christs-college-students
^viiihttps://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/116917883/canterburys-leading-young-athletes-make-a-splash-at-zonta-awards%20October%2027 27 October 2019