Susan Landels - Matron, 27 August 2026
Hostel Happenings
This week, we farewell Howie Nixon, who is finishing up as our hostel caretaker after several years of being our most amazing, accommodating and innovative “fix-everything” man.
Howie is looking forward to having some more time to focus on his own home renovations and personal priorities. We held an afternoon tea to acknowledge his service and sincerely thank him for all his efforts in helping us to keep School House functioning and well maintained.
We also say an unexpectedly early goodbye to Sam McWilliam, who joined us from Edinburgh to experience life as a Year 13 student in School House and follow in his father’s footsteps. Sam is returning to Scotland on Sunday, taking up an opportunity to attend university in Dundee. With very little turnaround time, he starts next week.
We have enjoyed getting to know Sam and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.
Please help us to reinforce the message to your sons that now is the time to be studying hard. Schoolwork needs to be their main focus. Pressure is mounting as school exams begin on Wednesday, 16 September. Keep working hard, boys. Let’s aim to give your academic goals a big push.
With today being a Teachers Only Day lots of boys have taken the opportunity to have a long weekend and have organised leave from the hostel. A reminder to parents: please get leave requests sorted by Wednesday evening if possible, or by Thursday morning at 9.00 am at the latest. The kitchen needs to know numbers in advance so they can order food and cater for everyone’s needs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The boys have been training hard and are looking forward to their upcoming tournament week, which starts on Monday, 31 August. We wish everyone involved a successful and enjoyable week. Remember, the aim is to be a good sport both on and off the field.
After an impressive 61–22 win against Wellington last weekend, the Otago rugby team takes on Waikato at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 5.00 pm this Saturday, 29 August. Boys remaining in the hostel will have the opportunity to go down and offer their support.
Today marks the end of the hostel’s connection with Brocklebank Drycleaners, who have served us so well for many years. We will advise you who our new dry-cleaning provider will be as soon as possible.
Men of the Week
Fabian Eschemoser – For such a brave approach to his recent injury and for maintaining a positive, stoic attitude. It is inspirational to see how well you have handled this setback.
Fynn Still – For good self-management at the hostel and working hard at school. Well done, Fynn. Keep it up!
