Hostel Happenings

By Susan Landels - Matron | Posted: Wednesday May 13, 2026

Wānanga Week this week has given the boys extra flexibility to catch up in various subject areas and assessment opportunities.

Some Geography classes visited University of Otago, catching glimpses of student life, including surveying people on their thoughts about whether the notorious Castle Street should be purchased by the University.

Thank you to all parents and boys who have been vigilant in getting leave approved on Wednesday evenings before the cut-off time of 11am on Thursday mornings. Excitement levels continue to build as we near the much-anticipated completion of the Hawthorne bathrooms.

Congratulations to the Highlanders, who thrilled the local crowd last Saturday with a 31–26 win against the NSW Waratahs in their final home game of the season.

On Sunday 17 May, boys are booked in for laser tag for some weekend fun and shenanigans. Action shots to follow in the next newsletter.

The nurses from Māori Hill Medical Centre are coming into the hostel, Friday, 15 May, at 8:15am to begin administering flu and meningitis vaccines as required.

Please note that your son must be registered as a casual patient to receive this service. If you are uncertain, please contact (03) 464 0044 or email[email protected]. If you have not already attended to this, please do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, the only medical options available are Urgent Doctors or A&E, both of which often incur long wait times.

The OBHS Year 13 Ball is fast approaching and is set for Saturday 23 May. We are looking forward to hosting our boys, their partners, and parents at School House prior to the event for a valuable meet-and-greet photo opportunity session from 5:00pm–6:30pm. Donna will kindly provide cheese, crackers, and orange juice. Any further questions, please contact Giselle Chittock on 027 779 7720.

Junior Man of the Week, Junha Park, is always well organised and has one of the tidiest beds in Hawthorne. He is a valued and well-liked member of the School House team. Thank you, Junha.

Senior Man of the Week, Charlie Hore, is a wonderful prefect and senior role model. He is consistently conscientious, helpful, and considerate. We appreciate all that you do. Thank you, Charlie.

A commendable effort from the following hostel boys, who have been selected for the Otago Under 18 Hockey Team: Finn Breen, Fred Dowling, James Gare, Mason Kingan, Charlie Nichol, and Lachie Smith. We wish you all well for the National Championship games. May your skills continue to develop as the season progresses, and may you enjoy success along the way.

Congratulations to all boys who have been named in winter sports teams of their choice. We are proud of your commitment to continually show up, train hard, and give your best.

If you did not make the team you were aiming for this season, something to consider from Matron is: “Don’t get bitter, get better.”