The Final Last Word for 2020

By Angus Henderson | Posted: Wednesday November 11, 2020

We made it. The last day of the 2020 school year, and for us year 13s, the last day here at Otago Boys’.

I want to take this chance to say some thank you’s, spin some yarns from our time here at the castle, and give some departing words.

The prefects, thank you all so bloody much for sticking together through this year. All of those sometimes tedious prefect meetings, random school events, duties, and last minute speech callups, everything. Although I had to boot some of you out of a couple meetings, I am so grateful for how you have embraced the roles in this awkward year. From bob slagging off the hostel in front of the Rector and accidentally swearing, to Ahmad Diwan’s spectacular dodgeball performances, you have all stepped up in your own way. Particularly you Peter and Mitch. Thanks for being the leaders this school needed.

Now, I owe all you year 13s an apology. I took my holidays to spend some time reflecting about the past 5 years and I came to the realisation that the priorities I placed on my academics, leadership, and sports, came at a cost: you. So many lunchtimes, after schools and weekends I have spent inside studying and practicing when I could have been out and about making memories with you lads. Potential basketball games, weekend antics and yarns missed out on. I want you all to know that I value each and everyone one of our friendships and the fun times we have been able to spend together.

On the bright side, when I didn’t have my head in the books, we have had some awesome times. Here a just some of my favourite memories that I have made with you terrific lads over the past five years. Enjoy.

Back in the days of Mr Taufua’s 9T social studies class, in 2016, when all of us year 13s were scrumpy wee pre-pubescent 13 and 14 year olds, except Ollie Haig who I’m pretty sure was 6’5” with lamb chop side burns. One of the scariest and funniest things I have ever witnessed occurred. At the back of the class, Issac Lee and Caleb Marr were nagging each other on as boys do. Now I don’t know the specific details, but 'nek minute' Issac Lee had a pencil lead stabbed in his eyeball. Whilst covering his eye, he quickly asked Mr T if he could go to the bathroom. When he returned, he said something I don’t think I will ever forget… “sir… my eye is bleeding!” Issac then went on to spend several days in hospital and I don’t know if the two of them have locked eyes ever since.

Now camp. Oh, holy I could spin some yarns about our year 10 camp! We had boys run away in the middle of the night for an “impromptu” game of spotlight, Golder popping some phat manus at Wishbone, international students rock up wearing $400 NMDs and Jordans to cross the McPherson Stream, questionable activities with a potato masher handle, and so many more. However, one tops them all for me. There was an international student who attended OBHS in 2017 and was fortunate to come to camp with us. He was from China and had never spent a day camping or hiking in his life. But on our overnight tramp, something magical happened. The year 13s had set up a campfire on the rocks by the stream and had it cranking. For whatever reason, someone thought it was a good idea to put a big ol’ damp bit of wood on that thing, so it started smoking like crazy. Our international friend just happened to be wandering downwind at just the right time to get a face full of smoke. He stopped, turned back into the smoke, took a deep breath in… and said, now I swear I’m not making this up, “Ahhh this is nice, remind me of Beijing.” That, still to this day, is the greatest thing I have ever heard.

There’s been other ones too that just flew by, and we almost didn’t realise how special they were until they were long gone.

Even in this disaster of a year we have had some rippers. Like half the year group rapping the words to space coupe by Sickboy at the school formal. Sewelly dominating Mikey 1 on 1 in the staff basketball game and Mr Wither getting his ankles taken. We had Gracin Harrex suiting up on the Bourne in a pair of trackies and Dewey’s boots, and singling out no one else but Semisi Taeiloa! Now we all know how that turned out, but boy are we glad he did it. And Barnesy, alongside the mighty knights, lifting the blank house shield at prizegiving. Even then, McIndoe still lets out a red army chant despite being the most pitiful excuse for a house in this school.

This right now, is the peak of our togetherness. We will never be this close to each other ever again. Isn’t that weird? We are all about to depart on to our different pathways and seize what this world has to offer. From engineers, to lawyers, teachers, farmers, electricians, doctors, I cannot wait to see where we all end up.

There are some people in this room we may never see again. Take it all in and be thankful.

We have all given each other some of the most amazing, memory filled 5 years. Please, continue to look out for one another. When we bump into each other, say g’day, have a yarn, and make sure we are there to support our brothers. I hope that we can all sit and talk about the good old days in a few years’ time, no matter our circumstances… because that’s what brothers do.

I can think of no better way to end than with a quote from old boy, and past head prefect, Charlie Marsh:

“Good mates don’t say goodbye, they simply say see you soon.”

So, I guess I’ll see you all soon.

Cheers lads.