Hostel Happenings

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

The boys enjoyed their Touch Rugby School House competition games on Tuesday night at Roberts Park. It was a bonus having some sunshine on their backs. Campbell Juniors came 1st, Hawthorne 2nd, and Nicholson Juniors were 3rd.

We are very excited to acknowledge that our 1st XI Cricket team was victorious against Christ's College in their recent interschool cricket clash. We are so proud to hold onto the Heathcote Williams Shield. An outstanding effort from Caleb Ede, who made a century, and Mason Hansen, who took four wickets, under the strong leadership of captain Finlay Williamson.

Congratulations to Leo Garden and Ollie Scott on winning a bronze medal at the recent South Island Rowing Regatta, as the relentless build-up to the Maadi Cup continues to test both physical fitness levels and overall mental resilience. Well done to all the rowers who made the A and B finals. Keep up the hard grind, boys, and remember we are all behind you.

It is hard to believe we are now two-thirds of the way through the first nine-week term, with just three weeks left until our April 2 finish. Please note that school is closed for Otago Anniversary Day on March 23, but the hostel will remain OPEN.

IMMUNISATIONS:
Parents, please arrange to have your son immunised against meningitis and have their flu shots done during the school holidays if possible. Obviously, it is very challenging trying to do these from this end, while also juggling the demands of the boys’ busy school, sporting, and extracurricular activities. Meningitis can be life-threatening, so please make the effort to get your son protected and email Matron once this has been done. Thank you.

HEALTH KEEP WELL KITS:
We strongly recommend you provide your sons with their own supply of Vitamin C or multivitamins to help boost their immune systems, along with tissues and a nasal spray if they are prone to sinus issues.

LEAVE:
Thank you to the parents who have been mindful about making boys’ appointments after school, which causes the least amount of disruption and loss of learning during the school day. Please contact Atu if you are having ongoing issues with Reach at [email protected]. Try to be organised and enter leave before 5pm on a Thursday, since the kitchen needs to cater for how many boys are staying in over the weekend. Thank you.

If you're attending the Wānaka Show this weekend, please pop in to the Otago Boys' tent for a chat and to show your support. It will be great to see you all.

MEN OF THE WEEK

Junior: Jack Nowell for his adaptability, no-fuss, commonsense attitude. Jack has made an impressive start to life in the hostel and gets on well with everyone. He is a pleasure to have around.

Senior: Connor Stevens – a quiet guy with a super-chill approach. Always positive, tolerant, and on task. Keep on leading by example, Connor. We do notice and appreciate you.

FROM ACROSS THE WORLD

School House values connection, legacy, and a real sense of belonging.

This year we welcome Sam McWilliam, who has joined us as a Year 13 boarder all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland. His dad, Carl McWilliam, was a boarder here back in the late 1980s. Carl felt so strongly about what he gained from boarding at School House that he wanted his son to share the same experience. He decided to put Sam on a plane and send him to us for his final year at secondary school.

This choice epitomises the sense of lifelong connection that is at the core of our School House camaraderie. Sam, it is very special that you have joined our hostel team. We all hope you have a great year and leave us with some golden memories of walking the same path as your father did.