E oku tuakana, e aku tuahine, te whānau Whānui o Te Kāreti o te Karaiti, kia tau ngā manaakitinga me ngā atawhainga katoa o tō tātau nei Atua ki runga I a tātau katoa.

It is a privilege to be writing to you as the 21st Board Chair (formerly sub-warden) of College, having taken office after the last board meeting of 2024. I am mindful that my predecessors include people – such as the Reverend Henry Jacobs, Sir George Harper, Sir Robert Heaton Rhodes, and Julian Holderness – who spent a significant portion of their lives serving College.

Included in that list is my immediate predecessor, Hugh Lindo. For more than 25 years, Hugh has served College as, variously, CCOBA committee member and President during the earthquakes, College solicitor, Board member for 11 years, and Chair for five.

During his time as Chair, Hugh continued his history of excellent service – notably by leading the College response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, and leading the recruitment of Joe Eccleton as Executive Principal. Thank you, Hugh, for all you have done.

As College enters its 175th year, it is a school in very good heart, with an outstanding Principal and staff and boys who somehow achieve more each year. The founders of our school would be delighted in so many ways with the flourishing of College.

In saying that, College faces a challenging environment in many ways. We continue to have constrained finances and significant costs associated with our heritage campus. However, those challenges can, and will be, met by us.

In 2025, we will be prioritising the development, with Joe Eccleton and his team, of a new strategic plan for 2025–2030. We will also be focusing on certain operational priorities focused on our academic programme, character education, financial performance, and administrative processes.

We will also be updating the way we report to our community. College is a unique institution, founded by deed and governed, in part, by Acts of Parliament, and with the Board acting as legal owner. The reality, though, is that College is owned by its community – Church, Old Boys, and parents – and, as a Board, we want to more clearly acknowledge that in our reporting.

What will remain unchanging is our commitment to College’s core identity. We are committed to ensuring College is New Zealand’s leading independent secondary school for boys – achieved through commitment to our Anglican faith, academic rigour, co-curricular excellence, and the health and wellbeing of the boys in our care.

Christ’s College Athletics Day – Friday 14 February

Athletics Day will be held at Ngā Puna Wai next Friday 14 February. The action gets under way at 9am and concludes at 3.35pm. Full details have been emailed to families.

We invite any Old Boy fathers attending Athletics Day to line up in the 200m Corfe Cup race at 1.30pm. Keep an eye out for Old Boy and Board member Mark Cox who will be marshalling runners.

Electric Avenue music festival – 21–22 February

With Electric Avenue now being held over two days in North Hagley Park and the high numbers expected to attend, there will be changes to routines for boarders and dayboys. As many families will be aware, the disruption to the boarding Houses is significant. As a consequence, we have decided to close Flower’s House, Richards House, and School House. While boarders will be able to stay in Jacobs House over the two days, we strongly encourage families to take their children home or move them to a friend’s house. We have found that the restrictions on our students’ access to the campus and the impact on their sleep during Electric Avenue have been significant. We are changing the routine for the day on Friday 21 February, with all boys now finishing school at 1pm. 

Uniting in Chapel to celebrate 175 years

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Peace to you all in the name of God.

In my first weeks here in 2022, I happened upon a planning document for 2025 including the celebration of the  septaquintaquinquecentennial of Christ’s College. I owe good language to whoever decided to go with 175.

Old Boys, supporters, families, and especially present students are warmly invited to the Service of Holy Communion in the College Chapel on Sunday 16 February at 11am. It will be wonderful to gather across the generations to give thanks for all that has – and continues to be – provided at God’s hand.

All students and families, and particularly our 2025 Year 9 cohort, are also invited and welcomed to this Sunday’s service at 7.30pm. Please note the time change for Term 1 services.

Robert Aburn is recovering well from major surgery earlier in the year. Robert will retire at the end of Term 1 after decades of faithful service. We look forward to farewelling Robert appropriately later in the term.

As we seek to discern how best to continue the stewardship of Robert and the legacy of previous choir masters, I wish to advise that Dr John Linker – Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral, and Music Director of the Christchurch City Choir – will be working with the College Choir this term. 

John holds degrees from Northern Illinois University (Bachelor of Music, 1997), Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University (Master of Music, 2003), and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Doctor of Musical Arts, 2017). I know choir supporters will make John welcome this Sunday and throughout the term.

To you all, may Christ be a light to your path in 2025.

The Reverend Canon Cameron Pickering

Welcome to our new boys in 2025 

It has been wonderful to see everyone arrive at College this term, full of energy and excitement for the year ahead. A huge ‘thank you’ to the House staff teams for their dedication in helping the boys settle into their new routines and new school. A new start can be thrilling and challenging, but – with the support of staff and the excellent leadership displayed by our senior students – we are confident that this will be a fantastic year. We have spoken to the boys about embracing the opportunities, building friendships, and making the most of everything at College.  

Boarding weekend fun

Our new Year 9 students have enjoyed an action-packed adventure at Ninja Valley.

Hazlett Tutoring Centre

The Hazlett Tutoring Centre is again offering tutoring services to Christ’s College boarders in 2025. An independent company, the Hazlett Tutoring Centre offers private, one-on-one, in-House and online tutoring, with students able to choose from one-hour or one-and-a-half-hour sessions. These can cover one subject or several subjects, with tutors assigned based on the individual student’s needs.

To enrol your child with the Hazlett Tutoring Centre or to learn more about the programme, please email contact@hazletttutoringcentre.co.nz.

A life lesson in achievement and leadership

The buzz around the campus is back as we welcome new boys alongside our returning Years 10–13 students. Walking around the school and seeing boys starting their learning – and teachers in their classrooms in full flight – is the highlight of my day, and a reminder of why we are here. 

Last year we modified the Year 9 induction programme to prepare the boys more effectively for the most success possible. ‘Te Whakatakoto te tūāpapa: Laying the foundation’ aims to provide new boys with a stronger base and more informed transition into College life and all it has to offer. Boys follow their normal timetables for most of the day but have breakout sessions in House groups to learn about aspects of College that contribute to the rich and unique environment. The workshops include Spiritual Essence with the Chaplain, the Reverend Canon Cameron Pickering, Biculturalism with Keri Campbell, and Character and Leadership with Matt Cortesi. We have further topics about student support, IT in the classroom, and academics.

Meanwhile, the Year 10 boys have been introduced to Ngā Miha Mātauranga – Christ’s College Diploma. In this session with Diploma Coordinator Andrew Levenger, the boys have learnt about the overarching purpose of the Diploma and how – over the next two years – they can aspire towards the silver, gold, and academic honours awards.  

Speaking to Year 11 students about the Diploma, Andrew has emphasised that the development of the necessary skills and attributes to attain an award are ongoing, and essential for success in life and future pathways. He has challenged the boys to aim high in order to walk across the stage to receive an award at the end of the year.

I have spoken to the Year 12 students, sharing the mechanics and essential information integral to ensuring a head start in their first NCEA year. By breaking down the terminology and structure, I hope they have gone into classes this week with more knowledge.

Last, the Year 13 group has learnt about leadership in a special session with Director of Character & Leadership, and Service Matt Cortesi. He has spoken about the concept of ‘people do what people see’, highlighting that younger boys look up to the seniors as an example of what to do, how to act, and how to be part of Christ's College. It is a reminder to the Year 13s that they are responsible for setting the tone for the school and that, as leaders, they need to demonstrate the ideals of respect, fairness, compassion, humility, and stewardship. For our senior students, leadership is about action and example. 

Upcoming parent information evenings

I want to remind parents and caregivers that we are hosting important information evenings this term. Please register here for the NCEA Information Evening for parents of Years 12–13 students on Wednesday 19 February from 6–7pm in the Old Boys' Theatre. Please register here for the Diploma Information Evening for parents of Years 10–11 students on Wednesday 5 March from 7–8pm. We look forward to seeing you. 

New Assistant Director of Sport and Rugby Convenor

Simon Mulholland has been appointed Assistant Director of Sport at College and Rugby Convenor, starting in Term 2. He joins College from Sedbergh School in Britain where he has been Director of Rugby and Assistant Director of Sport.

His impressive coaching credentials include being voted NextGenXV Schools Rugby Coach of the Decade and playing a pivotal role in developing top-tier schoolboy rugby talent, with many of his former players progressing to national and professional levels.

In his new role, Simon will support the strategic direction of sport at College, overseeing key operational aspects of the sports programme, and leading our rugby, athletics, and water polo programmes with a focus on both participation and performance. His expertise in player development, team management, and fostering a strong sporting culture will be invaluable as we further enhance the student-athlete experience.

We look forward to welcoming Simon, his wife, Jessica, and their son, Jax, to the College community next term.

Rising to the academic challenge

With the new year under way, there are many opportunities for students to try something new, challenge themselves, and step outside their comfort zones. 

The da Vinci Decathlon returns to Christ’s College for its third year in New Zealand in May. This creative and collaborative competition for Years 8–11 students has grown from a handful of schools in its first year to now being held over two days. Registration is open to our Year 9 students. Please check the student notice on Schoolbox.

STAR courses are offered by the University of Canterbury for Years 12–13 students. The STAR programme offers capable senior students the opportunity to enrol in first-year degree-level courses while still at school. Enrolment starts soon. Boys can attend one of the information sessions or email ebracken@christscollege.com for further details. 

Following the success of our Year 10 team in 2024, the Ethics Olympiad is taking registrations from senior students via Schoolbox notices. The Ethics Olympiad promotes critical thinking and respectful dialogue regarding the moral ambiguities around contentious contemporary issues. Subjects last year included awarding personhood to an elephant and countries using ‘sportswashing’ to manipulate their global image.

Training for the EPro8 Challenge, a hands-on engineering team competition, begins soon for Years 9–10 students. Please check Schoolbox for details.

Any opportunities that arise during the term can be found on Schoolbox under student notices.

An open book – two ways to champion reading

Being encouraged to read is always beneficial to our boys and that comes through actions as much as words. We have two opportunities coming up where parents can join in and show our boys how much value we all place on reading.

Author Michael Grant Breakfast Q&A

Bestselling young adult action/dystopian author Michael Grant is zooming into College at 8am on Thursday 13 February for a breakfast Q&A with boys and parents. You need to register here if you want a brekkie bun and to ask a question or two. There are many Michael Grant books available in the library or through Sora. However, you are welcome to join us even if you have not read one of his books.

College Book Club

Our College Book Club meets twice a term on a Monday evening. It is a great opportunity for parents and students to come together to talk about books. Sometimes we read the same book but mostly we share food and talk about whatever we have been reading. It is an ideal space to get book recommendations and join your son to find a book you can all enjoy reading as a family. Our first meeting this year is on Monday 17 February at 6.30pm in the College Library. Please RSVP by emailing library@christscollege.com so that we can provide enough food for everyone. 

The perfect measurement of character

Recently, I have been asked the question, ‘How do you measure character?’. It is an interesting provocation given character is a somewhat intangible quality – especially if we consider the old adage that the true test of character is what someone does when no one is watching. How do we measure something that no one is there to witness? 

Luke 12:48 says “to whom much is given, much will be required”, which, when we consider the notion of character, suggests we need to use the strengths and resources that we have not just for personal gain, but for the benefit of others. So perhaps character is not something we measure in isolation, but rather in patterns of integrity, kindness, honesty, and service over time. It is the cumulative weight of our actions and how we respond to the needs of others.

Sony Camp 2024 was a perfect example for which to answer ‘how do you measure character?’. For those unfamiliar with it, Sony Camp is a weekend camp for children with disabilities, where more than 100 students volunteer their time and energy to take responsibility for, care for, and support these youngsters. For many of these children, it is their first time away from home, and for their families, it provides much-needed respite.

The fact that such a large number of students volunteer to give up the first part of their summer holidays, and many hours preparing and training for the weekend, to take on the responsibility of caring for a child with a disability is a great measurement of character. It takes a huge amount of courage, commitment, humility, and compassion, and shows that the students understand it is about others not self. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stepped up to help with Sony Camp 2024. From the parent volunteers who answered the call as medical cover, various entities such as Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Ben & Jerry’s Christchurch, Fulton Hogan, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and many others who provided activities, to the students and staff of both Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College, Ovation Hospitality and the Sony Foundation Australia for enabling this wonderful weekend through their generosity and example of giving what we have for the benefit of others – thank you. 

You can watch our 2024 New Zealand Sony Camp video here.

Three international students – Will Luo, Koichiro Miyazaki, and Joseph Zhu – have joined our College community this year. 

As many boys consider their future pathways, the importance of having international connections cannot be understated. They open the door to many opportunities and a greater understanding of our world. Both Will and Joseph are from China while Koichiro joins us from Japan.

For new arrivals, College can be daunting and the challenges confronting, so we hope that our boys step up and make Will, Koichiro, and Joseph feel right at home. If you son can take the time to include and encourage our new boys in their school activities, it will make a real difference. For international students, the Kiwi way can be a big culture shock as they experience a range of emotions and navigate a vastly different way of life while also developing their English language skills. 

While our unique House structure and comprehensive pastoral care system play significant parts in supporting our new students, it is the boys who make it positive and fun to be part of College. The boys soon realise that they get so much in return when they make an effort to support a new student.

Along with the support of our wider College community, our buddy system is integral to the success of our international student programme. Thank you to Flower’s House student Jay Ferrier for warmly welcoming Joseph, Richards House student Jack Gorrie for quickly taking Koichiro out and about, and all the Year 13 Richards House students for taking the time to mentor Will. 

We know that each boy will play his part.

Smooth launch for new Christ’s College Rowing Boat Shed

Christ’s College has officially opened its purpose-built Rowing Boat Shed at Lake Ruataniwha, thanks to the generosity of school parents Marcel and Charlotte Gray.

The College Boat Shed is one of three gifted to College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and the University of Otago by the Grays, owners of PAK'nSAVE. An exceptional facility, it is custom-designed for training and storage and even has space to relax.

Among the special guests was New Zealand rowing legend Fred Strachan, 102, a former Olympic selector, international official, and mentor to some of the country’s best rowers. 

While cutting the ribbon to open the shed, College Executive Principal Joe Eccleton has expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the long-term impact of these generous gifts on future generations, highlighting the importance of philanthropy to the young rowers present.

Director of Sport Benn McBrearty “is thrilled with the amazing boat shed”, adding that “the school is fortunate to have the support of the Grays in benefiting our boys for many years”.

The College rowers have all stepped up for the occasion, with Year 13 student Che De Luca and Year 12 student Max Durkin – supported by Te Reo Māori & Indigenous Studies HoD Keri Campbell – delivering a wonderful mihi to help officially open the College Boat Shed.

Uniform Shop hours

Term 1
Monday 10am–4pm
Tuesday 10.30am–4pm
Wednesday 10am–4pm

The Uniform Shop now stocks the below Clarks school shoe ($159.99).

The Uniform Shop can be contacted via telephone on 03 364 8613 or email the Uniform Shop Manager at uniforms@christscollege.com.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

Photographic memory

As we prepare for the Christ’s College Museum opening and celebrate our 175th anniversary, we have been diving into the archives and have found many incredible images. These photos provide a powerful glimpse into College’s rich history, capturing its evolving identity, culture, and community over the years. They evoke memories, spark conversations, and stir emotions, with each photo telling its own unique story.

The images shared here are just a preview, with many more collections to be revealed during the 175 Years Celebratory Weekend.