Welcome to 2022 at OBHS

By Richard Hall | Posted: Wednesday January 26, 2022

Here is the information you need for Monday. We are aware, especially given the new traffic light system that there may be some anxiety.

Rites of passage, that is moving through the stages of life, I feel are very important for boys. Each one needs to be paired with a ceremony, the acknowledgement of the event. For us, for all new students, this means our moving through the Archway on Monday.

Coming through the Archway signifies a contract between your son, the current school and the 230 Old Boys who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1. 

All Year 9's and new day boy students from other year levels must be at school on Monday by 9.20am. It is fine if they are earlier, we can supervise them. They should all meet out the front of the Tower block.

They will then be instructed on the safe way for us to run our Powhiri. Each boy will stay with his House, as this meets the gathering requirements and we can proceed safely.

After the Powhiri, the main agenda item of the day is for all of our new students to be introduced to the other boys and staff, to settle in and to start the aclimatisation process. Before Monday, we will send you an email indicating which form class he is in. For example: AP1, MC3, PK6, SN4. AP = Aspinall, MC = McIndoe, PK = Park and SN = Saxton.

On Monday he will spend all of his day with either his form group or House. He will meet his 'good older brother' the Year 13 student who will be his first point of contact for the week. Tuesday will be about meeting his class and starting his learning. 

He will be finished and released at 3.05 pm. Hopefully feeling happy and confident. 

Finally, we all know there will be challenges this year. We are fully committed to your boy and his future and we ask that you remain connected to us and supportive of all that we do. It is going to be a great year. 

He should:

1. Be in his school uniform with a mask.

2. Have his pens and one 1B5 exercise book as well as his BYOD device in his bag. (We will supply the paper needed).

3. Have his lunch and a water bottle, or money for lunch as our canteen will be open.

4. Ideally, NOT have his cellphone on him, or if he must, it is turned off and in his bag, not in his pocket. 

5. He won't need his PE gear on this day.