PASTORAL CARE Boarding Programme
The year began with Covid-19 and Omicron. We had anticipated that 2022 was going to be a challenge for College, particularly boarding, and the reality proved to be just that. We welcomed our 2022 Year 9 cohort in January but, unfortunately, could not have the parents on-site for very long during the drop-off. This was a real test for the boys, parents, and the boarding staff. I was impressed with the bravery of the Year 9 students, the understanding of the parents, and the compassion of the staff. All recognised that this was not an easy situation for the boys. The next weekend was our compulsory weekend where, as a boarding community, we welcome new members. The Year 9 boys
headed to Purau Bay for coasteering, and the Year 10 boys completed high-rope activities, while Years 11–13 competed in interhouse activities and paintballing. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Year 9 boys for their patience and the boarding staff for their efforts in organising a meaningful weekend in. The challenges for staff, particularly Scott Franklin, were not easy when Plan A – taking the boys to Hanmer Springs – was cancelled because of the Covid-19 red setting. Plan B – dolphin watching in Akaroa – was cancelled because of the weather which meant that, at short notice, they pulled together local activities in Christchurch. With the response to Covid-19, many
Christchurch community events were cancelled. However, the boys did get to Orangetheory Stadium to see the Crusaders, as well as taking trips to Sumner for surfing, doing ziplining and lawn bowls, and visiting Hoyts EntX, the 10-pin bowling centre, the golf driving range, Mega Air trampolining, and Laser Strike – to name a few.
The seniors also began their Agriculture and Defensive
Driving courses, and were offered opportunities to complete a barista course, a forklift licence, and Site Safe certificates. In Term 2, the boys ventured into Adrenalin Forest to tackle the high ropes, tried bouldering, paintball, winter surfing, ice skating, arcade games, airsoft, and the golf driving range, as well as catching movies and rugby matches and enjoying a mystery trip. The boys also continued to be involved in service work, including native tree planting as part of the revitalisation of Christchurch’s red zone. This Eco-Action project was led by HoD Physics David Newton. In Term 3, we started to move beyond Covid 19, with the city more accessible for the boys. We also introduced skiing, utilising the Mount Hutt ski shuttle, which proved a positive addition to the activity programme. The boys finally managed to travel to Hanmer Springs on a mystery trip, where they hit the pools and the maze and played mini golf. This was well attended by seniors, which was great to see. The boys also enjoyed the Escape Rooms, trampolining, ice skating, Laser Strike, Clip ‘n’ Climb, 10-pin bowling, go-karting, the golf driving range and paintballing. In Term 4, with an early finish for
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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