Nic Sullivan, 21 August 2026
Strengthening Character, Care & Wellbeing: OBHS Pastoral Leaders Attend South Island Boys' Schools Conference
This week, key members of our Otago Boys’ High School pastoral and leadership team attended the South Island Boys' Schools Network (SIBSN) Character, Care and Wellbeing Hui, held at St Bede's College on August 20–21.
Representing OBHS at the conference were Kelvin McCrone (McIndoe House Dean), Mark Alderton (Park House Dean), Lance Taylor (Director of Boarding), and Nic Sullivan (Deputy Rector – School Culture).
The two-day conference brought together staff from boys' schools across the South Island to focus on working collaboratively to best support our young men to thrive in boys' education, and specifically within our Otago Boys' community.
Leading the Opening Session
We are proud that Otago Boys' High School was asked to run the very first session of the conference. Lance Taylor and Nic Sullivanled "The Voices of Our Young Men", a student panel session that put the lived experiences and insights of students right at thecentre of the hui. Setting this grounded, student-focused tone established a meaningful foundation for the rest of the conference.
Key Insights & Shared Learnings
Throughout the hui, our team participated in practical workshops and research-led presentations designed to elevate pastoral care and boy-responsive education:
Building Strong Young Men: Keynote speaker Dr Justin Coulson (author of Boys – Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out) shared evidence-based strategies for fostering emotional resilience, character, and self-worth in young men.
Supporting Neurodiversity & Wellbeing
Collaboration & Strategic Leadership
Looking Ahead at Otago Boys'
Collaborating with other South Island boys' schools highlights our shared commitment to delivering an environment where every student feels known, supported, and empowered to succeed. The insights and practical strategies gained from the conference will directly inform our ongoing pastoral work across House culture, boarding life, and student wellbeing at Otago Boys' High School.