Now it’s Ben’s turn to make progress.
example, and one of the things I’m realising is how quickly New Zealand culture and society is changing. Our boarders face this because of the international nature of our boarding community. They learn firsthand about people of other ethnicities and races, and it’s making them better prepared for life outside the classroom.” Ben also says he wants to improve the boys’ exposure to the many co- curricular opportunities available, as well as societal changes. “We want to make sure we don’t leave them behind. Boarders, in particular can be vulnerable unless we prepare them. They need to be exposed to new ideas, issues, and topical matters such as digital concerns. Things that might be discussed around a table
at dinner time. We want to bring the wellbeing programme into the boarding programme in a big way. Our boys already get the rules about the need for good sleep habits, and that’s the reason the phones are kept in a filing cabinet at night.” Ben has been surprised and delighted by the warmth shown by the boarding community to him and his family. “In this role, your family is part of the deal. The way the boys have taken on my children, and the interest shown by their parents in our family has been very moving.” From Term 2, Ben and his family will be living on-site in Jacobs House.
“I want to help enhance the culture, to ensure my philosophy of putting good people around the boys then allows the values they espouse to filter through to the kids. This is especially important when you’re in loco parentis. Staff are their role models, and teaching and role modelling healthy habits is very important, so our boys are leaving high school much more self-aware and knowledgeable about what is appropriate and what is not.” In his role in charge of Immerse & Inspire he is particularly looking forward to building a bicultural element into the programme. “It’s about bringing tikanga into the school. All boys will have an overnight stay on a marae, for
“ Staff are their role models, and teaching and role modelling healthy habits is very important, so our boys are leaving high school much more self-aware and knowledgeable about what is appropriate and what is not. ” Ben Vink
College Issue 40 2021
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