Introducing our house leaders

By OBHS | Posted: Tuesday March 22, 2022

Each of our school houses (Aspinall, McIndoe, Park and Saxton) have a house leader. They are responsible for the organisation of their assigned house.

This includes appointing House Captains and Deputies, meeting regularly with their Year 13 leadership team, organising themes for assemblies and supporting boys to present at the assemblies. 

They are also instrumental in keeping the spirit of the house going and ensuring that boys participate actively in house competitions. They work closely with the Dean of their house and form teachers to support and encourage boys to bring the best of themselves and represent their house well.

Gwyn Pratley - Aspinall

My name is Gwyn Pratley - proud House Leader of Aspinall house. I have been teaching for the best part of the last 30 years both in New Zealand and the UK. I am the TiC Business Studies & Economics here at Otago Boys’ and really enjoy being part of the Young Enterprise Scheme as part of my teaching role.

I’m proud to say that I am an ex-Hostel Boy and Old Boy of the school (1982-85). I joined the teaching staff at Otago Boys’ High School in 2015 and I have spent half of that time leading Aspinall house. 

Last year saw four years of effort and near misses confined to the memory bank when the ‘Mighty Mountain Goats’ finally reached the ‘summit’ by winning the House Competition in 2021. Although this was the first win for our house in the competition’s history - I am sure we have every chance of going back-to-back in 2022.

Elaine Kelly - McIndoe

I'm Elaine Kelly and took over as leader of McIndoe House in 2018.

Originally from Scotland, I migrated to New Zealand in 2004 where I had my first experience of single-sex education at Auckland Boys' Grammar. It was here that I met my husband who was from Dunedin and so eventually we moved south and had our daughter in 2010.

To relax I enjoy cooking, especially any kind of gourmet experience, gardening and chilling out at the bach in Central Otago. 

I really enjoy leading the "Red Army" and love working alongside the Year 13 boys to build house spirit. This year, McIndoe house has a great bunch of enthusiastic Year 13 boys who are keen to see McIndoe rise from the ashes and take the title in 2022. 

Steven Sharp - Saxton

Kia ora,

My name is Steve Sharp and I am the Saxton house leader.

This is my 6th year at OBHS and my 3rd as house leader. I teach Biology and Science and coach Volleyball and Football.

I really enjoy the competition and camaraderie that comes with being a house leader. The Haka and singing competitions are where we have excelled lately and it is great to be a part of it.

I really enjoy the assemblies and getting to know a bunch of boys I might not teach. I think the house competition gives great leadership opportunities to the lads that might not have become a prefect and gives them a chance to make a meaningful difference to many students.

After not defending the title last year, I’m looking for the boys to respond well.

Up the mighty Knights!

Mike McGarry - Park

I’m Michael McGarry, and I’m proud to have been the leader of Park house since it’s inception 10 years ago.

With 5 wins in 9 years, we have quickly become the house everyone wants to beat and we love the challenge.

Our motto “fly your flag high to catch all the wind” has provided many opportunities for leadership, healthy competition, winning graciously, coping with defeat and having fun supporting your mates has stood us in good stead.

Park for life. Onwards and upwards with the blue tide for 2022.