From the Boarding House

Icing on the cake

John Ogston

Term 3 was another busy, action packed term in the Boarding House. It’s been great to have a number of new permanent casual boarders become part of the family.

At the end of Week 1, staff and boys enjoyed a ‘Friday Night In’ together. Boys and staff always enjoy kicking off the night at the Riccarton Mall food court. The boys quickly put into practice their maths skills and sharp eye for a bargain. I’m always astonished just how far they can make their $15 stretch! I’m sure we have some future accountants amongst them. From there we went to Zone 67 where we were split into teams for an exciting game of airsoft. Many of our rural boys were able to demonstrate their marksmanship as they picked off the opposition (and staff!) at will. It was a great night and I know many of the boys have been back since for another game.

On Tuesday Week 5 the day dawned cloudless and still for the highly anticipated Boarders’ ski day. A huge thanks to the number of parents who volunteered their time to help transport boys to and from Mt Hutt. All boys received a two hour lesson in the morning before heading up the slopes in the afternoon to enjoy free skiing with their mates, staff, and parents. Despite a fractured wrist, damaged ribs and a trip back to town in the Westpac chopper for myself and an unlucky student, the day was definitely a success. I look forward to pencilling in a date for 2023.

The other big occasion of the Term was the annual Boarders v Day Boys rugby match in Week 6. The Boarders carried extra pressure into the match as the trophy holders from 2021 and it was great to be back on the front field in front of a packed house. The game was played in good spirit and I was particularly pleased to see the boys who hadn’t dusted off the boots for a number of seasons out there competing. Winning the match was the icing on the cake for the team.

Term 4 no doubt will be just as busy. We look forward to getting back in the pool, getting the cricket whites back out, and for our Year 8s, enjoying the company of their mates for a final term before heading off on their next adventures.

John Ogston Director of Boarding