Jacobs House
Welcome to Jacobs House
I look forward to meeting you all over the next few months and making 2025 an unforgettable year. This booklet will answer questions you may have about the House system at College and Jacobs House in particular.
House Background Throughout the year there are interhouse competitions in many sports and other activities such as debating, music and drama. The old story still rings true that the more you get involved in all the things that College has to offer, the more satisfying and rewarding your life here is. It is our wish to run a House that is friendly and busy. The History of Christ’s College Christ’s College began when Canterbury began, in 1850. It was planned as part of the Canterbury Church of England settlement, which followed the ideas of Edward Gibbon Wakefield. Under the Wakefield scheme, one- third of the revenue from land sales was set aside for religion and education, and College was fortunate to receive land and income as a result. Christ’s College was modelled on the great grammar schools (public schools) of England, such as Eton and Westminster. The early emphasis by the school on the classics often proved a sore trial to the farmers’ sons who attended. The endowments did not, for many years, produce the comfortable income which had been expected. Headmasters and staff imported from England did not always cope with New Zealand conditions. The high calibre of the Fellows (or Board) did not ensure that they invariably made sensible decisions. The ferocious loyalty and traditionalism of
If you have any further questions, we can discuss these when I meet with you. Please make contact if there is anything I can help you with between now and the
start of the new school year. – Matt Thatcher, Housemaster
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College’s Old Boys did not mean that they were always either generous or charitable. Yet College has survived and flourished in the process, becoming one of New Zealand’s best-known schools. It has also become a national school, drawing boys from all over the country. It has preserved its independence. It has moved with the times, being prepared to initiate and experiment, while at the same time preserving what Sir Miles Warren, admittedly an Old Boy, has described as “the finest collection of buildings in New Zealand”. The History of Jacobs House Jacobs House was originally designed by Cecil Wood as part of a larger reorganisation for the development of The Quad. Only this building came to fruition as planned. It was opened in 1931 with 50 boys drawn from four other Houses, as well as some new boys. The House is named after College’s first Headmaster, Henry Jacobs, who arrived in New Zealand as a Canterbury Association Chaplain on board the Sir George Seymour. The House is on the site of the first Headmaster’s house. Within the House Library is a stone fireplace, in memory of Guy Spencer Bryan-Brown, Chaplain of Christ’s College, who was killed in World War 1. The House was refurbished in 2003 and the concrete block addition at the rear of the House was constructed at this time. In 2013, Jacobs House began its transition from a boarding House to a dayboy House and has been a full dayboy House since 2017.
The Jacobs House symbol is a red or Tudor rose and can be seen on the College crest. It is also part of the arms of Christ Church Oxford, where John Robert Godley and many of the founders of Canterbury had attended university. The motto Non Sibi translates as “Not for one’s self”. Jacobs House has been a prominent House at Christ’s College over the past 85 years, not only through its location on The Quad, but also because of the Old Boys it has produced, with some of the more notable being All Black Jock Hobbs and New Zealand cricketer John Wright.
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The Housemaster
Matt Thatcher, Housemaster Mobile: 027 408 7822 Email: mthatcher@christscollege.com
I am proud to be a part of Jacobs House and of the boys and staff within it. Together, we have built and continue to foster a culture that is inclusive, supportive, and centred around enjoyment and the confidence to try new things. We remain committed to providing opportunities for student leadership, involvement, and self- expression, allowing students to feel connected to something they have helped create in a positive and meaningful way. I am a member of the Physical Education and Health department, a role I have held for the past decade. This is an area I am passionate about, and I enjoy being part of the team while working with the boys to help them achieve personal improvement and success. In the summer, I coach athletics, specialising in long jump and triple jump. Outside of college, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, Kim, and our two children, Franklin and Bonnie. I also like catching up with friends and family and staying active and healthy.
Deputy Housemaster/Mentor Charlotte de Roles I was born and raised in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. I completed my studies in English and History at the University of Canterbury, where my passion for teaching grew, leading me to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. I joined Christ’s College in 2022 as an English teacher. I have also taught History at College. I have managed football and tennis teams, and enjoy my involvement in outdoor programmes. When I am not reading, I stay active through running, as well as water and snow sports. Working alongside Matt Thatcher, I will uphold and strengthen the positive traditions of Jacobs House. Email : charlotte.deroles@christscollege.com
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New Boys in 2025
NAME
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Taha Cam
Heaton Normal Intermediate Medbury Preparatory School
Archie Cave Regan Chiang Regan Chiang Ryan Collins Wade Cundy Tom Dawson Austin Douglass
Cobham Intermediate Cobham Intermediate
Medbury Preparatory School
Halswell School
Medbury Preparatory School Medbury Preparatory School
Paddy Guild Paddy Guild Luka Harrop
Mount Hutt College Mount Hutt College
Waihi School
George Luisetti
Medbury Preparatory School Medbury Preparatory School Medbury Preparatory School The Cathedral Grammar School Medbury Preparatory School
Fergus MacKenzie
Tom Morton Will Murahidy
Henry Rutherford
Oscar Taylor
Mt Pleasant School
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The House System
Christ’s College is divided into 10 Houses, seven for dayboys, three for boarders. The dayboy Houses are Condell’s, Corfe, Harper, Jacobs, Julius, Rolleston and Somes. The boarding Houses are Flower’s, Richards and School.
House Structure The House system is one of the strong features of College. It is not only the physical base from which the boys operate, but also where they develop close relationships, leadership skills and a real sense of community. Academic, sporting and cultural facets are all catered for, particularly in interhouse competitions. However, the House is a lot more than a physical space. It is the structure in which the boys form lasting bonds with other members of the House and develop a strong sense of unity over their five years at College. Their involvement in a wide range of duties, as well as interhouse academic, sporting and cultural activities, encourages and instils a sense of responsibility, pride and commitment to the House in particular and to Christ’s College in general, and helps develop personal qualities and values. The Housemaster The Housemaster is responsible for the individual development of every student in the House, both academically and in co-curricular pursuits. They are the first liaison between parents and College. They advocate for their students when necessary and are in regular contact with teachers.
The Mentor System All Houses have a Deputy Housemaster and staff mentors who assist the Housemaster with pastoral care. Each boy is assigned a staff mentor and, in vertical groups of boys from Years 9–13, placed in a mentor group. These groups meet their mentor each week. Year 9 students spend Term 1 with their Housemaster, before being integrated into the groups in Term 2. During these weekly meetings, boys can discuss their goals for the year, as well as participate in other activities, such as group discussions, led by senior students. The goal planning process, is student-driven, but guided and monitored by the mentor. Being part of a mentor group allows the boys to build a relationship with a member of staff who is not their Housemaster and is not necessarily one of their subject teachers. During the year, we invite parents to meet with their son and his mentor to reflect on the goal- planning process. This meeting provides an opportunity for the boys to explain what they aim to achieve and how they plan to realise their goals and aspirations. Mentors also undertake House duties and attend selected House assemblies and functions. They provide feedback to Housemasters about the boys in their group as required, and Housemasters can also access all goal-planning documentation. The mentor system was introduced in 2018 and, while it has made a positive start, is likely to be refined in years to come.
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William Bell / Mentor
Chris Sellars / Mentor
Elaine Tang / Mentor
Chris Waugh / Mentor
Head of House and Deputy Head of House
and performance in interhouse activities. Boys get points for participating, making finals and winning championships. Athletic championships are held in Term 1, shortly after the swimming championships. In both cases there is an interhouse competition as well as the individual championships. Boys are encouraged to enter these competitions, both as individuals and in the various relay events. House Colours House 25 Award If a boy achieves 25 House points within a year, he is awarded a lapel badge. House 50 Award If a boy achieves 50 House points during his time in the House, he is awarded a tie pin that can be worn on his blazer. House 75 Award If a boy achieves 75 House points during his time in the House, he is awarded two pairs of Jacobs House socks. House 100 Award If a boy achieves 100 House points during his time in the House, he is awarded an engraved tankard.
The Head of House and his deputy are Year 13 students. They assist the Housemaster in the running of the House. They often represent the views of the boys in the House about any changes to House organisation. They are responsible for the House prefects. Years 9–13 Students All other students also have duties to maintain the environment in the House. Students would be expected to complete two or three duties each term. The duties involve cleaning and tidying the House and are required to be completed at the end of lunchtime and after school. The duty prefect inspects all the duties. It is important that the House is well looked after and kept tidy. Interhouse Activities There are many interhouse competitions, which range from most sporting codes to drama, debating, singing and chess. House prefects select and organise teams. Boys volunteer to be in teams, though teams are selected on merit, based on age group and ability. Interhouse activities are great fun and provide leadership skills as well as fostering a special spirit in the House. Boys can earn House colours for their involvement
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House Environment
Daily Routine
The House has areas for study and recreation, as well as secure bike storage. Other facilities include: – a kitchen, with toastie machines, microwave and hot water – a locker room, with a full-size locker for each boy,suppliedwithagoodqualitycombination lock to keep their locker secure.
For most students the daily routine is: – arrive at Jacobs House by 8.15am – read the noticeboard for any notices and get their name checked off the roll by the Housemaster – organise books and folders for the first two periods of the day – House assembly at 8.15am, except on Thursday which has a late start, beginning with school assembly – attend Chapel service (Monday and Friday), mentor groups (Tuesday) and school assembly (Thursday) – attend all classes – take part in sport or cultural activities after school.
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House Expectations
Chapel
House expectations are based on a need for organisation and respect, and apply to everyone in Jacobs House. They are not onerous and most students abide by them naturally. The following are the more common daily expectations: Roll House roll is taken each morning at 8.15am. Any boy who is late to school, for whatever reason, must report to the Housemaster as soon as he arrives at school. If school has begun, he should report to the main office. Permission All boys must obtain permission to be out of the school grounds at any time during the day, including going home for lunch. Breakage and Damage Students should treat the fabric and facilities of the House with respect at all times. Any breakages or damage within the House should be reported immediately to the Housemaster. Possessions All bicycles must be clearly and permanently named, and must be locked in the bike shed. All possessions and clothing must be clearly named. No boy may borrow any property from another boy without first gaining permission. Boys may return to the House at break and lunch to eat meals, study, or for recreation. Boys get changed in the House locker room for PE and sports practices. They may use the House after school. It is usually locked at about 7pm.
Chapel is a central part of College life. Boys are required to attend services on Monday and Friday before classes, congregational practice on Wednesdays, and two Sunday Chapel services per term. The Chaplain prepares boys for Confirmation, provided they are in Years 12 or 13. The preparation course is held in the second or third terms, with the Confirmation Service usually held later in the year. All services are listed in the College calendar or on the College website. Parents are welcome to attend any Sunday Chapel service. Boys who have a regular commitment in their parish church can apply for the Chapel requirement to be halved. A letter from their priest or minister is required and will be forwarded to the Chaplain.
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General Information
Contacts If there is any concern, parents should
Notices The Christ’s College calendar for each term can be found on the College website. Students are asked to check upcoming events at the start of each week. Students are expected to listen carefully to notices at House assembly in the morning and must regularly check the House board, as well as Schoolbox and their College email. Lockers Each boy has a locker in the House, where he can store books and school equipment, packed lunch, sports gear etc. Boys are given a combination lock at the start of the year. They are expected to keep their lockers tidy; they must not leave food in their locker and should take their sports uniforms home for washing. House Duties Year 9 students are rostered to complete cleaning duties in and around the House at the end of break time, at the end of lunchtime and after school. This involves sweeping and does not involve any particularly dirty jobs. Senior students supervise House duties. Lunch Boys may eat their lunch where they wish within the school grounds. Year 9 boys can use the common room, where there are toastie machines and a microwave, or stay in the courtyard area in front of the House. The cafe is located in the Chapman Room and is open at lunchtime every weekday. It offers a wide range of food items and drinks, with healthy alternatives. Wherever boys eat, they are expected to put all rubbish in rubbish bins and cans/plastic bottles in recycling containers.
contact the Housemaster in the first instance. The Housemaster can then direct the concern to the Executive Principal, Deputy Principal or subject teachers as required. Meetings with teachers and members of senior management may then be arranged. Illness/Medical Absences For daily absences or illness, please call 03 364 8676 and leave your son’s name and reason for his absence. For extended absences, please contact your Housemaster. Leave If a boy needs to leave the school grounds during the day for a dental, doctor or physiotherapy appointment, his parents must contact the Housemaster. Parents are asked to try to arrange such appointments outside school hours whenever possible. If a boy is to be absent for a private reason for more than two days, parents are asked to request leave in writing prior to the absence. Such leave is granted by the Deputy Principal. Social Events During the year there will be social gatherings for parents of the different year groups. These will generally be held at school. School Hours Students report to the House to be ready for House assembly at 8.15am. They leave school after they have met their academic, sport or cultural commitments, usually between 5–6pm. Dayboys should not stay around school after 6pm unless for a specific purpose.
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Bicycles Boys are encouraged to cycle to school. They are asked to lock their bike in the cycle shed in the basement of the House. Some sporting codes (rowing, for example) require boys to cycle to venues for practice or competition days. Helmets must be worn at all times and bikes should have appropriate lights, especially in the winter months. Students are expected to follow the road code and to respect other cyclists and pedestrians at all times.
A limited number of places are available for dayboys who wish to have lunch in the Dining Hall. Boys should apply on the first day of each
term through the Housemaster. Lunchtime Activities
Boys are encouraged to be active during lunchtime and make use of the sporting facilities such as Upper, the gymnasium and the weight training room. The library and the computer suites are open at lunchtime. Many interhouse events take place during lunchtime and boys will either participate or support House teams. Uniform Shop The Uniform Shop is located in Gloucester Street. Laptops, Books and Stationery All textbooks issued by the school, exercise books and stationery items must be named. Students are expected to look after their books and keep them in good order. Boys are asked to use a school bag to carry their gear during the day. The boys need to ensure that they carry their laptops with them at all times. When not in use, they need to make sure they secure them safely in their lockers.
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Uniform
All uniforms should be purchased from the Uniform Shop upstairs at 10 Gloucester Street. A list of uniform requirements will be sent to all parents.
Sports Gear All Houses have their own colours for athletics and interhouse sports. The Jacobs House uniform consists black shorts, a red singlet with a white diagonal band across it, and a red and white rugby jersey. There is no regulation footwear for PE and athletics, but all boys must wear footwear around the school or when running in the park. Sports gear can be purchased from the Uniform Shop.
In the senior school, a different blazer replaces the striped blazer worn by juniors. In all cases blazers must be worn when on leave from College. Full uniform must be worn when going home after school, unless boys are being collected from directly outside the House. After sport practices, boys may travel home in sports gear or in a tracksuit. Formal Uniform The formal uniform consists of the grey suit and white shirt. It is worn on a Monday and Friday during Terms 2 and 3, and for Sunday Chapel services. Stripes Blazer Uniform This uniform consists of a striped blazer, white shirt, and mid-grey long trousers or black walk shorts (summer). It is worn on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Terms 2 and 3 and every day during summer. It is also worn for any sport exchanges.
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