An OBs boy puts his hand up, not his hand out

From his first steps under the Archway in Year 9 to his final walk through it in Year 13, an OBHS boy’s journey is one of growth, challenge, and opportunity.

Each student is supported to develop academically, socially, and personally. 

Along the way, he will be encouraged to try new things, take responsibility, and strive for excellence. Every pathway is different - but all are grounded in the same values of effort, respect, and participation.

Houses

In 2012 Otago Boys’ High School embarked on a journey to create four Houses in our school. The benefits of the House system; competition, humour, participation, comradery and energy encapsulate the fun of being an OB’s boy.

The school went through a careful selection process to choose four significant old boys; each one represents the values of our school:

• Respect
• Courage
• Honour
• Perseverance
• Excellence

Once chosen, four house colours were selected and in 2014 Mr Richard Dougherty Head of Design and Visual Communication, designed a crest and banner for each house. The banners now hang in the Maurice Joel Theatre. In 2016 we reconstructed the form system to align with the houses. Each OBHS boy is placed into a house and vertical form where he will stay for 5 years. This adds to the spirit of the house, but more importantly it has broken down the barriers between junior and senior students and strengthened their brotherhood. There are four Houses at OBHS, each named after a famous ‘Old Boy’. Houses create a smaller environment for boys to grow and develop their identity. Houses compete in activities throughout the year and also gain points for attendance and academic results. 

Aspinall House (yellow)

House Leader: Gwyn Pratley

John Aspinall was a farmer, conservationist and keen tramper, fisherman and hunter, who gave land to the government to help form Mt Aspiring National Park in 1963. Aspinall donated to OBHS the land for our school lodge - Mt Aspiring.

McIndoe House (red)

House Leader: Elaine Kelly

Sir Archibald McIndoe was a surgeon who worked in England for the Royal Air Force during WW2. He greatly improved the treatment and rehabilitation of badly burned aircrew, who became known as members of the ‘Guinea Pig Club’. He was a pioneer and leader in the field of plastic surgery.

Park House (blue)

House Leader: Mike McGarry

Sir Keith Park was in the cadets at OBHS and went on to become a famous soldier and military aviator. In WW2 he became a Royal Air Force commander while living in England. He was in command of two significant air battles in WW2, helping the Allies to win the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Malta.

Saxton House (white)

House Leader: Mary Rabbidge

Charles Saxton was a talented sportsman who was an All Black player and manager, rugby coach, NZRFU President, Otago representative cricket player, and New Zealand Army major in the 19th Armoured Regiment during WW2.