The OBHS Journey

"Our son has always been “wired differently.” Dyslexic, ADHD, and an old soul who’d rather chat to adults than kids his own age. When he was young and we went camping, he was the four-year-old that had made friends with half the campground by lunchtime and the other half by the evening. 

It was a life-changing trip for him where he formed a strong connection with the camp owner - someone who saw something unique in him, something that reminded him of his own son, something that we as parents couldn’t see. That friendship became a daily phone call between them - checking in on each other. This amazing person pushed us to consider boarding school for him. 

At the time, neither of us had ever imagined boarding school for our kids. We didn’t go ourselves, so it wasn’t on our radar. We were late applicants to School House at Otago Boys’, and yet we were never treated like an afterthought. The staff listened, invited us in, showed us around, and somehow found a space for him. That kindness and willingness changed everything.

Our son wasn’t easy at primary school. He was the disruptive kid - the “pain in the backside” - who got parked at the back of the classroom and told to be quiet. And because of that, he grew up believing that’s where he belonged: at the back, out of the way. He’s a forward-looking, high-energy boy who runs at a million miles an hour, and I’m sure some of his early teachers assumed he’d last two weeks in a boarding hostel before being sent home. But he proved every doubter wrong.

Otago Boys’ quickly recognised that he learns differently. Learning Support - especially Lindy Marrs - figured out what makes his brain tick and what kind of teachers he would connect with. They wrapped support around him. They understood that making him shift his eyes from the whiteboard to his book and back again doesn’t work for him, so each class provides printed copies of what’s on the board. That simple change unlocked his ability to listen, absorb, and succeed.
And succeed he has. This year he earned 95 Level 2 credits - passing Year 12 with flying colours. This is a boy we once weren’t sure would make it past Year 11, and here we are now: thrilled that he wants to stay on and complete Year 13 next year. We could not be more proud.

Boarding life has shaped him just as much as the classroom. While he’s always been more comfortable around adults, living in a hostel with 130 boys has helped him form solid friendships with high-calibre young men his own age. He’s got a bit of an “alpha male energy,” always convinced he knows the answers - so yes, we can butt heads. But the hostel has taught him something priceless: sometimes you just need to shut up, listen, and accept someone else’s point of view.
I also appreciate the sense of seniority within School House. It’s not bullying - not even close. It’s about young, cocky boys learning where the boundaries are, learning that sometimes you simply have to tow the line. And the beautiful thing is this: the same older boys who might pull a younger one into line in the hostel are the first to step up and defend their School House brother in the schoolyard.

School House has offered our son structure, belonging, humility, confidence, mateship, and a sense of direction. Otago Boys’ has given him teachers who see beyond the behaviour to the boy inside, and who know how to bring out the very best in him.

What they have done for him - what they continue to do - we will never forget.

The time, care and guidance provided to help him settle into his new surroundings have been greatly appreciated and reflect the positive environment created across both the school and the hostel.

It’s clear he is enjoying his experience more each day and becoming increasingly comfortable - something we know simply takes time when adjusting to new surroundings and friendships. Thank you again for everything you are doing.

Starting high school can feel pretty overwhelming. You’re in a new place, surrounded by heaps of people you don’t know, and you’re not really sure where you fit in yet. That’s how it was for me when I first became a Year 9 at OBHS.

At the start, I was really quiet and didn’t talk much. I wasn’t super confident, and I didn’t really know many people. But in Term 4, I decided to give rowing a go – not as a rower, but as a coxswain. I had no idea what to expect, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I didn’t know any of the other Year 9 boys on the team when I first joined, but by the end of the season, they’d become good mates. We had an awesome time – lots of early mornings and hard work, but also heaps of laughs. Being part of the team made me feel like I belonged. It helped me come out of my shell.

Looking back, I’m heaps more confident now. I’ve learned that it’s worth putting yourself out there, even if it’s a bit scary at first. OBHS has given me some great opportunities already, and I’m really excited for what’s still to come."

– Connor, Year 11

I really enjoy the culture of this school - the structure and clear expectations. All my teachers have been really welcoming and they push me to aim high, which I like. I didn’t plan to leave the high school I was at in Year 8, but after looking around Otago Boys’ I decided it was for me, and I’m really glad I did. I feel like I’ve thrived here. I enjoy the option classes, the rugby academy, and PE.

I think the Rector is what sets our school apart. He says inspiring things, encourages everyone to do their best, and makes me want to strive to be the best I can be.

Will, Year 10. 

My time at Otago Boys’ has been defined by the brotherhood and culture that you feel every day. Since stepping through the archway for the first time in 2022, I have been exposed to countless opportunities across academics, sport, and cultural activities, where every boy is encouraged to get involved, connect with others who share similar interests, and build strong, lasting friendships while finding their place within the school. This sense of connection is strengthened by the teachers, who are involved well beyond the classroom, supporting boys in sports teams and cultural activities.

What stands out about Otago Boys’ is its strong connection to tradition. It is a proud school with a deep sense of history, reminding us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, generations have come before us, and many more will follow.

It’s a real brotherhood that we have here, shaped through these traditions and values, and it’s something that makes me proud to be an OBHS boy.

Will Pyper

Today I’m going to talk about embarrassment. I think embarrassment is probably one of the best things that can happen to you, which is lucky because school gives you plenty of it. Every boy here has had a shocker at some point, cracking a joke you thought would make everyone laugh, getting rejected, or saying something in class that sounded way smarter in your head. In the moment, it feels like your life is over, but then nobody actually cares for that long. Everyone moves on because they’re too busy worrying about their own embarrassing moments, and I reckon learning that is important.

I remember when I first started playing volleyball. At the start, I was genuinely terrible. I could barely serve properly, half my passes went in random directions, and I spent most games apologising to my teammates after messing something up. There were definitely moments when I felt embarrassed, especially when everyone else looked like they knew exactly what they were doing while I was just trying not to completely sell the game. Part of me wanted to quit because it’s uncomfortable being bad at something in front of other people.

But after a while, I stopped caring so much about looking stupid and just started enjoying it. The more I played, the more confident I got, and eventually the embarrassment disappeared because I realised nobody expected me to be perfect straight away. Everyone starts somewhere. And if I’d let the fear of looking bad stop me from continuing, I would’ve missed out on something I actually really enjoyed.

And that’s kind of the point. We make embarrassment feel way bigger than it actually is. Most of the time, the thing you’re stressing about matters way more to you than it does to anyone else. But when you’re scared of feeling embarrassed, you start avoiding things. You stop putting your hand up in class because you might get it wrong. You don’t go for leadership positions because people might judge you. You don’t talk to new people because you’re worried about looking awkward. A lot of boys would rather protect their egos than risk looking stupid for a few minutes.

The problem is that staying comfortable sounds good until you realise comfort doesn’t really lead anywhere. Every good thing in life comes with some embarrassment first. You have to be awkward before you become confident. You have to be average before you become good. Nobody starts off impressive. The boys who seem the most confident now are usually just the ones who stopped caring so much about looking perfect all the time. They realised embarrassment doesn’t actually kill you. If anything, it helps.

I think some of the best people to be around are the ones who can laugh at themselves a bit. The people who can admit when they got something wrong or when they looked stupid, instead of pretending they’ve always got everything sorted. Because the truth is, nobody here has everything figured out. We’re all just learning as we go.

So stop overthinking every tiny thing you do because nobody’s analysing you as much as you think they are. And remember, you don’t have to play it safe all the time. Do things. Take opportunities. Risk looking stupid occasionally. Being embarrassed for five minutes is far better than regretting something for years because you were too scared to try.

In true OBHS fashion, I’ll end with a quote: “Embarrassment is an underexplored emotion. Go out and make a fool of yourself.”

My name is Ben Couling, and I have the privilege of being one of your 2026 Academic Prefects. 

Before I say anything else, can everyone please raise their hand? Now, can you please raise it a bit higher? Okay… you can put them down. Take a moment and ask yourself: why didn’t you raise it all the way the first time?

It’s not because you couldn’t. It’s because we often hold back. We settle for what’s comfortable, for what feels good enough. But what if you gave 100% from the very start?

I want to tell you boys about someone named Jake Bailey. In 2015, Jake was the Head Monitor of Christchurch Boys’ High School, which is the equivalent of the Head Boy at our school. He was successful and respected—everything looked set up for him. Then, just days before he was meant to give his final speech of the year, his life changed completely. He was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and ended up in hospital, very weak and in a wheelchair.

Most people would have understood if he had pulled out. Most people would have said, “I have cancer. I can’t.” But Jake didn’t.

Still recovering, still seriously ill, he showed up. He gave his speech anyway, not standing, but sitting in a wheelchair. He spoke to his peers about life, effort, and making every moment count. A speech he never thought would matter suddenly became the most important thing he’d ever say.

Think about that.

Life can change instantly. We don’t get a second chance. Every day, every opportunity, is a moment to give everything you’ve got.
We all have moments where we could give more, whether it’s studying harder, practising longer, showing kindness, or simply standing up for something that matters to us. But often, the only thing holding us back is ourselves, boys. So what if we decided to stop holding back? What if, from this moment, we committed to giving 100% in everything we do?

When you held your hand up earlier, boys, you didn’t raise it all the way. That’s like life. Sometimes we hold back, even when we know we can do more. But Jake’s story reminds us that waiting for the perfect moment isn’t always an option.

You can’t waste time worrying about what’s behind you, what might go wrong, or what others think.

Push yourself. Raise your hand all the way. Go all in. Give everything, every single time, not sometimes, not when it’s easy. Every day. In the classroom. On the field. In how you represent the hoops.

Every chance you get is a shot, a one-time opportunity. Jake didn’t wait until things were easy. He didn’t wait until he felt ready. He took the moment he had.

And if he could do that in one of the toughest situations imaginable, you can push yourself in your own life, in school, in sport, in whatever you care about and give 100%.

So next time, raise your hand high. Raise it like your future depends on it.

Because it does.

And in true OBHS tradition, I’ll end with a quote from Jake Bailey himself:

“None of us get out of life alive, so be gallant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful for the opportunities you have.”

Morning boys. For those who don’t know me, I'm Ben Glover, a Prefect here at Otago Boys’ High School for 2026.

For those who do know me, you may be wondering how the heck I ended up standing here today.

Honestly, it still feels pretty unreal. If you’d told Year 9 me that one day I’d be wearing this tie, I probably would’ve laughed.

 I spent a lot of time in the Dean's office. I was loud, disruptive, and showed no respect - not exactly building a great reputation.

At some point during those junior years, I realised something: if you keep doing the same things, you keep getting the same results. And for me, those results weren’t great.

So, I decided to change.

It wasn’t overnight, and it was definitely not perfect. It took time. But by focusing on the small things - owning my mistakes, starting to care, and actually showing respect - things started to change for me.

I’ve learnt that the school values aren’t just words on a wall. They are part of our journey; they actually mean something.

The perseverance it takes to bounce back after a mistake or two… or three, took time. But I learnt that it's the way you respond that matters; it's about having the determination to be better next time.

A lot of people think excellence is about being the best at everything. But it's not. It's about effort, showing up, putting in the work, and being a little better than you were yesterday.

For me, courage wasn’t about being tough. It's about doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy. It’s about putting your hand up, asking for help, and deciding you want to be better.

Boys, let my journey be a lesson. It's not too late to change. The direction you start in doesn’t have to be the direction you finish.

From my experiences, our teachers see the potential in us all; they are here to guide us to become "men of oak." You don't have to be the smartest, the best at sports, or the most popular. But you do have to start, even if it's one little step at a time.

And if I can go from the kid who made the wrong choices to standing here today… then so can you.

So, in true Otago Boys’ fashion, I'll end with a quote: “You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” — C.S. Lewis

"When you first start school, leadership is something that you don't really think about. You just look up to the seniors and assume they’ve got everything figured out, but now, as a senior, I've realised that wasn’t anything close to the truth. You think leaders are the loud ones, the popular ones, the ones in the top sporting teams.

But over the past few years at this school, I've realised leadership looks very different from that. Leadership isn’t about a badge on your blazer; it’s about the standards you set when no one’s watching.

It’s the way you train after a busy week.

The way you talk to your teammates after a tough loss.

The way you carry yourself in the classroom when things aren’t going your way.

The way you talk to the juniors in between classes.

These things matter and make a difference.

For example, before I started at OBHS, I was watching my older brother's rowing regatta in Twizel when I met a boy who was a Year 13 at the time. He asked me if I was going to OBHS and if I was going to give rowing a try. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but later on I realised how a small conversation between a senior and someone who hadn’t even started yet made a difference to my outlook on starting at a new school. Boys like this are perfect examples of leadership and how making conversation with juniors can make a difference in their lives.

Some of the best leaders in this school aren’t the ones standing in the spotlight; they’re the ones doing the small things right, day in and day out. They show up every day, they put in the hard work, and they are consistently setting high standards. One thing Otago Boys’ does well is give you opportunities to lead, whether that's in sport, culture, academics, or just day-to-day life. But leadership isn’t something you’re given in Year 9; you earn it through your five years of hard graft, and it becomes natural to set the standard and be someone the younger boys look up to.

Sometimes you don’t even realise you’re leading. It might just be staying behind to pack gear away or making sure no one's left out when picking teams in P.E. But boys and teachers notice that stuff. Respect comes from what you do, not from the title you’ve got.

When one person lifts the standard, others follow. That's how culture is built, that’s how brotherhood is strengthened, and that's how a school like Otago Boys’ maintains its reputation.

So to the younger boys — don't wait for a title to lead. Lead through perseverance, lead through respect, lead through how you treat others. Be the good bugger who gets along with everyone, and be the boy who leads by example.

In OBHS fashion, I’ll end with a quote:

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” — Ralph Nader 

Many of you will know me, and for those who don’t, my name is Alexis, and I’m your Deputy Head Boy.

When I was trying to write this speech, I found myself continually resorting to ChatGPT. Though it may be more professional, to me it sounded hollow, cheesy, and most importantly, fake. It wasn’t me. It wasn’t my writing, my ideas, or anything like me, to be honest. After this, I decided I would write all of this AI free.

This led me to a topic I think we can all relate to, and that is simply being yourself and embracing who you truly are. I mean, when you think about it, do you even know who you truly are? I think our personalities are constantly changing as we grow and experience life, especially during this time we have together at Otago Boys’. With mates, teachers, the Rector, and the rest of the staff and school community, it all helps shape who we are, better than AI ever could.

For me, the things that have shaped my life have been sport, school, training, and having goals that I want to achieve. It’s these very things that I think make me who I am.

ChatGPT would now tell you that in a speech like this I should say that you need to have a goal in life, but you don’t. If it were up to me, I would say you should have a reason to wake up, but I understand some of you out there don’t. If this is you, I don’t think you should worry, as we’re only young, and finding a purpose while still growing as a man is very unlikely.

Instead, I think it’s more important to focus on being yourself and living the way you want to live. I think it’s important to do the things that you find joy and excitement in, even if they are a bit different from what everyone else does.

In the end, you’re not AI robots, you’re real people. You can have your own opinions, thoughts, and ideas. You can do what makes you happy, not what helps you fit in.

What I also think is very important is to respect others and the way they choose to live. I respect that. I respect the students of the school, all of you. I respect the staff, the teachers, the Rector, and everyone within my community.

So instead of getting AI to write me a speech, I’ve written this myself, and it’s about being real. It’s about respecting those who are real, no matter who they are or what they love. It’s about me respecting you guys. It’s about me respecting the staff. It’s about you guys respecting each other. When I think about it, it’s about all of us respecting everyone within our community, students, teachers, staff, the Rector, respecting one another for who we really are.

As Taylor Swift famously said, “We don’t need to share the same opinions as each other, but we need to be respectful.”

To the Year 11s and new students — welcome to the senior school. When you put on this blue blazer, you’re stepping into a space where higher standards are expected. Higher standards in how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and the example you set within this school.

To the returning Year 12 and 13 boys, you already know the standards expected of you. Whether you realise it or not, the boys in grey shirts are watching you and the way you act. You set the tone for what the senior school looks like through the example you set each day.

As the year begins, ask yourself this: how often are you actually present, rather than counting down to the next big moment?

It’s a trap we all fall into. We treat Monday through Thursday like a drag just to get to Friday. We treat a training session like a chore just to get to the game. We are always focusing on what is coming next, rather than simply living in the moment — focused on the next assessment, the next result, the next milestone. In doing that, we forget to fully live the days in front of us. We are constantly writing the next chapter before we’ve even finished the page we’re on.

High school life moves fast. If we’re not careful, we go through the motions and only really show up for what we think are the “big moments.” However, it’s often the smaller moments — the ones that seem less significant — that we remember most. A laugh with your mates, the conversations between classes, or simply being present with the people around you. These are the things we barely think about at the time, yet they’re the moments we look back on later and wish we’d valued more.

If I’m honest, I don’t think I’ve always cherished these moments enough. My focus was often locked on what was coming up next, and in that rush, I missed a lot of what was happening in front of me. But I’ve learned to focus more on day-to-day experiences and to stop getting too far ahead of myself. Doing that has helped me appreciate where I am, rather than always dwelling on what’s next.

So boys, as we move through this year, I challenge you to be more present in the moments that often get overlooked. Don’t rush through the days just to get to what comes next. Take notice of the small things — the time spent with your mates, the effort from teachers and coaches, and the people who show up for you every day. These moments might seem ordinary, but they’re the ones that shape your experience here, both now and once you leave.

To the Year 11s and 12s: you still have time. Three years, two years — don’t rush it. These moments will pass faster than you think. I challenge you to slow down, take a breath, and take the time to enjoy the moment you’re living in now.

And to my fellow Year 13s, we have 31 weeks left before we walk through the archway for the last time. After 13 years of school, we will be done. Let’s make the most of our final year.

Let’s make this a year we remember — not because we only lived for the big moments or highlights, but because we were present for the rest of it.

A year where we valued the moment we were in, not just the one we were chasing.

A year where we backed one another, showed up for each other, and made the most of the time we had together.

In true Otago Boys' tradition, I will end with a quote:

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

— Robert Brault