Hostel Happenings
By Susan Landels - Matron | Posted: Thursday May 21, 2026
We had a fresh start to the week when Monday morning delivered a -2°C frost at 6:30 am.
Over 40 boys travelled to Christchurch to compete in the traditional interschool sporting exchange against Christchurch Boys’ High School, an event that has historically taken place for over a century. An epic tussle on the turf brought victory to our 1st XI Hockey boys with an impressive 5–1 win. Our 1st XV Rugby team battled hard but went down to a polished performance from their opposition, with the final score being CBHS 42, OBHS 21. The ultimate test for us all is to lose with grace, win with humility, and do both with dignity.
Last week, I mentioned the hearty number of hostel boys who make up the 1st XI Hockey team, so it is only fitting to mention that we also have a solid lineup of 12 hostel boys in the 1st XV Rugby team. Congratulations to Coen Breen, Caleb Ede, Liko Edwards, Fabian Eschenmoser, Cru Holland, Charlie Hore, Jahziel Lafita-Kadavaki, Marely Leevey, Logan Millar, Eden Smith, George Tisdall, and Jack West.
We are now nearly halfway through Term 2, and the boys are settled into their winter routines. Workmen are busy redeveloping the old Prep/music rooms and repurposing them by adding a kitchenette for multiple uses. Thank you to our Rector, Richard Hall, for his continued commitment to supervising Prep on Monday evenings, and to the Housemasters who continue to encourage all boys to work towards their full potential each week.
We appreciate the nurses from Maori Hill Clinic who came into School House last Friday morning and returned on Tuesday to administer flu vaccines. A final visit is scheduled for Friday morning, May 22. Any boys who still need to be vaccinated will now need to have this arranged by their parents, thank you.
As the rugby season takes hold, it is important to understand that whether boys have had just one concussion or suffered several head injuries, it is essential to follow the recommended stand-down times from all contact sports. This is crucial in helping to prevent the risk of further head knocks.
Please ensure your son is seen by a medical professional following any concussion so that his injury can be registered in the system for ACC purposes. You should limit his screen time and encourage plenty of supervised rest while he is recovering. It is also advisable to check his pupils hourly for any obvious changes. Please see the full recommendations from ACC Sport Concussion in the NZ National Guidelines at www.acc.co.nz.
Here is a glimpse of a few shots from last Sunday’s laser tag session . . .
Men of the Week:
Logan MacAskill. Logan has grown in maturity and initiative. We are thrilled to see him making better choices and using sound judgement. Keep it up, Logan.
Angus Broderick: Angus has excellent self-discipline and enviable time-management skills. Keep striving to be your best and achieve maximum results, Angus.
COMMUNICATION is paramount within our hostel environment. Parents, if you are ever in doubt about anything, please do not hesitate to ask. You can send us an email, text, or call. We welcome all questions and value constructive feedback. Our aim is to communicate clearly with you all so that we can work together to best meet the boys’ needs as effectively as possible.
Director of Boarding:
Lance Taylor
022 495 6303
Assistant Manager:
Atu Katoa
022 454 8049
Matron:
Susan Landels
027 232 8017
Housemasters’ Van Ride Phone — 021 232 1215
Hostel Landline — 03 477 5109
A reminder that the hostel is closed on King’s Birthday weekend for the long weekend. Boys do not need to take everything home with them, as they may leave their gear stored neatly in their dorms.
We wish everyone a therapeutic mini break to relax and enjoy time together.
