Dunedin sparkled with sunshine, lifting everyone’s mood as we welcomed the boys back to school . . . well, at least for the first two days of this week!
Seniors are now on the countdown, bracing themselves for their upcoming external NCEA exams. Term 4 unfolds at pace for our senior boys, with four fast, action-packed weeks remaining. The busy momentum means the time remaining for them quickly disappears, bringing them to a sudden final milestone! School House will then catch its breath briefly and refocus on welcoming new families to our Hostel Open Day on 27 November.
Summer sports are restarting, and rowing training is well underway in preparation for the challenges of the demanding season ahead. We wish all our boys happy and successful sporting experiences and acknowledge the encouragement provided by parents, who offer both moral and financial support, with many travelling huge distances to do so. Thank you also to all the boys’ coaches, managers and referees for their valuable time and input.
Key dates for summer sports interchanges in 2027 are:
SUMMER 2027
Timaru Boys’ High School: 14–15 February — AWAY
St Thomas of Canterbury College: 22–23 February — HOME
Christ’s College: 1–2 March — HOME
Southland Boys’ High School: 14–15 March — HOME
WINTER 2027
Christ’s College: Sunday 9 May and Monday 10 May — AWAY
Christchurch Boys’ High School: Dates TBC — HOME
Southland Boys’ High School: Dates TBC — AWAY
Timaru Boys’ High School: Dates TBC — HOME
King’s High School: Starting the week of 19 July 2027, with HOME games played throughout the week
If you are unsure about any sports details, please check out www.sporty.co.nz.
Donna and her hardworking kitchen team are already preparing for our Skippers’ Feast celebration. The Skippers’ Feast is a cherished, deeply rooted tradition held annually at the hostel to farewell our Year 13 senior boarders. It marks the end of their boarding journey before they head into their final exams and graduate from school. The event is attended by the departing seniors, their parents, hostel staff and some school staff.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of a formal Christmas dinner, with the dining room festively decorated and a jolly mood throughout. It is a special evening when fond memories are shared.
Speeches from the Rector and the House Manager are followed by presentations of the various awards. These include the Hostel Top Scholar Award, presented to the boy with the highest academic results, and the Best All-Round Year 13 Award, which is voted on by the Year 9 boys to recognise the senior who has looked after them best and demonstrated exceptional leadership. The Mitchell Cup is awarded for an internal hostel competition. Every departing Year 13 boy is also officially presented with a hostel leavers’ tie and a leaving certificate.
Important dates:
Skippers’ Feast: Wednesday 4 November, from 5.30 pm
Senior Prizegiving: Thursday 5 November at the Regent Theatre. Boys should be seated by 6.45 pm, with the ceremony starting at 7.00 pm.
A friendly reminder that the hostel will be closed for Labour Weekend, from Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October.
Boys need to pack up all their belongings and leave their spaces clean and tidy, as the hostel is being rented out over this period. Thank you.
Please remember to submit your son’s leave request by 10am each Thursday. Thank you.
A special mention for Lachie Smith and Mason Kingan who have been selected into the 2026 Future Hockey League. This is a new pathway into NZ Hockey.
Men of the Week
Junior Man of the Week
We welcome Cooper McHutchon from West Otago as a new Year 9 student. Cooper has made an impressive start, settling into School House with ease.
Senior Man of the Week
Congratulations to Angus Perkins, who delivered a heartfelt, humble and very mature Last Word speech. It was powerful in its honesty and depth of reflection.
Our new prep room now has two bookshelves installed, but we still have some space available for donations of books suitable for boys aged 13–18 to read and enjoy. If you are spring-cleaning or perhaps decluttering and wish to pass on some well-loved titles, please leave them in the hostel foyer next time you are passing. Thank you.
Do not hesitate to contact us at any time should you have any questions. We welcome your feedback.
Director of Boarding
Lance Taylor
[email protected]
Ph: 022 495 6303
Assistant Manager
Ph: 022 454 80449
[email protected]
Matron: Susan Landels
Ph: 027 232 8017
[email protected]