Hostel Happenings

By Susan Landels - Matron | Posted: Wednesday February 11, 2026

School House is now back in full swing, with boys settling into their new accommodation and routines.

A very warm welcome to our new Year 9 boarders. They have won me over with their good manners, good humour, and resilience. It is encouraging to see how quickly you have all adjusted to the changes that hostel living brings.

Keep it up, Year 9 boys – you should all feel very proud of your efforts.

We are stoked to announce that five hostel boys have been chosen as school prefects this year. Congratulations to: Coen Breen, Henry Chittock, Toby McLean, Robbie Nichol, and Finlay Williamson.

Centurion Awards, which recognise students who consistently strive to complete their studies with determination regardless of the level of success achieved, were awarded to: Fred Dowling, Zach Hall, Charlie Hore, Oscar Kenny, Marley Leevey, Robbie Nichol, Henry Savage, and Dustin Young. A grand effort, boys.

Thank you to Donna, Nicola, and Glen for keeping everyone so well fed. I asked some boys what their favourite hostel teas were – Chicken Enchilada, Chicken Parmesan, and Southern Style Fried Chicken were all popular choices. Apologies to any sheep and beef farmers out there, but at least Cottage Pie did get a few recommendations as well!

The favourite pudding was chocolate self-saucing pudding, and some boys simply said, “anything with custard!”

After having a chat with a couple of Year 9s, Freddie Earl shared that being at School House has been heaps of fun so far. It was just like he expected it would be after enjoying his time at the sleepover. Freddie enjoys being 1.95m tall because, “I can stand at the back of groups and see everything.”

Pacer Sanders commented that he thought he might have been nervous, but it’s been all good fun. Just getting on with everyone was the key. “You never get bored. The food’s been great, especially the curry and naan bread,” he said.

Prep is now underway, and I am happy to report that the junior boys have settled well into their supervised homework. Keep it up, boys.

Thanks to Bradley Smith, who kindly donated three buckets of juicy Central Otago cherries. They didn’t stand a chance around hungry boys and were quickly inhaled!

Thank you to John Latta for his time, energy, and chainsaw work tidying up overgrown trees that needed to be felled around the hostel surrounds. We certainly appreciate parents who can donate their time and skills to help us keep School House in its best shape.

Lots of hostel boys are pumped to head down to Forsyth Barr Stadium this Friday night to support the Highlanders as they take on the Crusaders.

Men of the Week

Senior Man of the Week: Robbie Nichol: The trifecta - Academic Blues, Centurion and Hostel Prefect.

Junior Man of the Week: Jae McAuley – awesome energy around the hostel, always smiling and positive.