Hostel news
By Susan Landels | Posted: Thursday January 30, 2025
Each week we will share with you an update from the school hostel.
My name is Susan Landels. For those of you who don't know me, I come from South Otago where we farm in the Kuriwao Gorge. My late husband Roger and our two sons are old boys of the hostel. I was the hostel parent rep during this time, so I have had a long association. I am excited to become the new Matron for 2025. After a lifetime of teaching, coaching and managing a variety of sports teams I am keen to embrace this new challenge. My goals are to be the best temporary Mum I can be to all the boys and to make the hostel as homely as possible.
New Students
Welcome to our Year 9 2025 boys. You have settled in so well over the first few days. I am really impressed with your engagement, manners and the buzz you are bringing to the hostel. I know you will all enjoy heading away to Mt Aspiring Camp this weekend. The first few weeks can be hard but already friendships and support are in plain sight and that is really pleasing. I would also like to welcome Levi Eastwood and Gus Attenborough to our Hostel, thanks boys for choosing us to help you with your education.
Introducing our new Staff
John Trompeter is our versatile new House Master, van driver and caretaker. John lives in Waihola on a hobby farm, and he enjoys jet skiing. He is a father to twin 22 year old daughters and is passionate about a variety of vehicles.
We welcome back Karen Harris who has returned after a 2 1/2 year break. Karen is part of the cleaning team and is a professional "wake up" specialist. Karen keeps us all entertained at morning tea time and is an avid Green Island Rugby supporter.
School House Prefects
We are pleased to announce Eddie Burgess as Head of Hostel, he will be well supported by his deputies Gunha Park and Judd Flannery. Congratulations gentlemen on being chosen by your peers to lead them in 2025.
2024 Good Bugger Awards
With the return of our good bugger awards we are very honoured to announce that Al Nichol won the Junior award and Izzah Iosefo won Senior award. These two lads are always friendly, engaging and display all the values we want in our boys at the School House. Congratulations Al and Izzah, thanks for being good buggers.
General Property Report
I am very glad to inform you that the chimneys are now finally gone.
Hawthorne has been repainted and revamped. Nicholson and the Green Room have new furniture. The Gym has been upgraded with new weights and new gear.
John and the team have been busy all holidays with general maintenance, painting and cleaning. The concrete has been water blasted, and the gardens are tidied. The hostel is looking fresh and buzzing with positive vibes.
We are now full, with 148 boys. It has been a pleasure to witness the return of the boarders who appear excited to reconnect with their hostel mates and pumped for the challenges the new school year will bring. Thanks for your ongoing support and trust in raising these great young men.
Image Gallery
