“From those to whom much has been given much will be expected.”

Two Year 9 classes are at camp this week, with the other two classes heading to Te Anau the following week. The environment at the Lodge is everything we envisioned, utilising the lake, the bush, the mountains and the wildlife to give boys a truly educational adventure experience. Operations Manager Jason Palmer is revelling in his new role, and I hear the food has been fantastic!

Our Athletics Sports was a fun day for most, but highly competitive for some of our serious athletes. We were lucky with the weather and, with the fields in perfect condition, several long-standing records were broken, to the crowd's delight. A great day was enjoyed by the college community.

This week, we congratulated our top scholars for their results in the 2023 external examinations. Congratulations to these students who worked consistently to achieve such high-level marks. After careful deliberation, Prefects and House Leaders were also named. Throughout the college, many young men show a genuine determination to 'make a difference', so we look forward to their contribution to college life in the year ahead. There are constant opportunities for boys at all levels to show positive leadership. We want to motivate our students to be leaders rather than followers.

I encourage parents to allow their sons to take responsibility for their attitude - and the consequences of that attitude. It is far better that they learn some of life's lessons now in a nurturing school environment. Our goal is for them to gain high levels of independence and autonomy. They must rely on their judgement, skill and work ethic to succeed. Best we prepare them well.

It would be an excellent time to remind everyone that school appointments are firm obligations. These include sports practices, sign-up meetings and the expectation that all students will arrive at their classes well-prepared and ready to go. Let us expect great things from our boys this year; I am confident that if we set the bar high, they will deliver. The teenage years are often fraught with anxiety, so remember to tell them when they do well and support and guide them when things go wrong.

Here is to a year filled with growth, achievement, and endless possibilities. 2024 looks set to be a cracker.

Kind regards,

Neil Garry

Principal