The LAST Last Word
By Charlie Ottrey | Posted: Thursday October 30, 2025
Well, we've finally made it.
The last day of the school year, and for us Year 13s, the last time we will ever walk through the archway as a student. It's a strange feeling, isn’t it? A mix of excitement, relief, pride, and maybe a bit of sadness, too. Five years that once felt like forever have somehow flown by.
These last couple weeks have been more than the end of term. It's been a time to thank a few teachers who've played an important role in our journey, to share a few laughs with our mates, and to soak in everything that makes this place what it is. It's easy to take the everyday stuff for granted, but I think these will be the moments we'll miss most when we’re gone. Hopefully, over these next few days you take some time to remember some of your most enjoyable moments here. For myself, a few highlights include listening to Mr Pratley talk for half the lesson about anything but work, usually cricket and rugby, although I'm still not sure if he knows what he's talking about. Mount Aspiring camp and living in the hostel were also highlights over my time here.
Following in my brother's footsteps to the school, I had got a taste of what's to come and was excited for the opportunities that lay ahead. But it wasn’t till I actually got here that I understood what made it so good. Standing here today, looking back, I can honestly say I wouldn't see myself at any other school. The years spent here have not only made me but the entire group of Year 13s into ‘Men of Oak’.
For many, the journey through high school is filled with a number of highs and lows. Sometimes it feels like nothing's going right, and the only thing you want is for school to be over. I’ve definitely felt that way at times, too. But the funny thing is, once you actually get to the end, part of you wishes you could do it all again. So to the Year 11s and 12s sitting here today, don’t rush it. Take the time to enjoy the small things, make the most of every opportunity, and appreciate what's in front of you. Because as Robert Brault once said, “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.”
To my Year 13 brothers, thank you for being such a great bunch of mates. Being able to learn, laugh, and grow alongside you for the last five years has been truly special. We’ve had some incredible times, and we should be proud of what we’ve achieved together. Being in your company has created memories I'll never forget. The teachers telling us off for talking might not agree with this, but it all worked out in the end. Because here we are, the class of 2025, ready to move on to bigger and better things. I look forward to catching up with you all in years to come, I'm sure it won’t take long to share a memory or two.
I still can’t believe my time at Otago Boys' is over. I’m definitely going to miss this place, and I’m especially proud to call myself an OB’s boy. “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”
Cheers
