An insight into Christ's College

An insight into Christ’s College

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The benefits of a Christ’s College education

Academic environment Small class sizes, excellent facilities, and exceptional subject specialist teachers come together to create a motivational, inspirational, and personalised learning journey for our boys. Our focus is on helping each boy realise his full academic potential. College delivers high-quality learning programmes, encompassing the latest curriculum developments and best teaching pedagogy across all curriculum areas. • English • The Arts – Drama, Music, and Visual Arts • Health & Physical Education – including Sport Leadership • Modern Languages – French, Japanese, and Te Reo Ma¯ori • Mathematics & Statistics – including Calculus • Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth & Space Science • Social Sciences – Accounting, Agribusiness, Classical Studies, Economics, Financial Literacy, Geography, History, Psychology, and Religious Education • Technology – Digital Technology, Design & Visual Communication, Materials Technology, and Mechanical Engineering • Learning Centre – extra support for students who need focused individual or small group tuition; ESOL tuition • Advanced Learning – provides extension and enrichment opportunities and study.

2024 NZQA Scholarship recipients

Benjamin Murphy Physics Nick Sharr Calculus, English, History Harry Vaughan Chemistry, Physics David Wayne English Angus Whitteker Chemistry (Outstanding), Physics,

Saleh Ameen Accounting Freddie Coates Chemistry, Physics Tomas Coberger English Oscar Compton-Moen History Ryan Gu Calculus, Music Sam Hales English, History Robert Kidd Physics Aaron Kwak Chemistry, English, History Lester Lai Calculus (Outstanding), Chemistry, Physics

Statistics Peter Wu Chemistry

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Centre for Wellbeing profiles

MALCOLM SCOTT Lead Counsellor Lead Counsellor at Christ’s College, Malcolm Scott has also supported teenagers at Rolleston College and Christchurch Boys’ High School. An accredited counsellor since 1994, Malcolm has worked in schools and

CHELITA FONMOA Counsellor Holding a Bachelor of Counselling, Chelita Fonmoa has worked in boys’ schools in Christchurch and also has experience with Māori and Pacific cultural care models. She has been a counsellor

universities, and with mental health organisations in the social services sector, along with being in private practice. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education form the University of Otago, a Certificate of Caring Education in Mental Health from Massey University, and a Master of Counselling from the University of Canterbury.

with Te Puna Oranga and Etu Pasifika Canterbury, along with providing counselling services through a Christchurch charity. Committed to promoting mental health, Chelita supports reconnection, internal growth, and holistic fulfilment.

LIZ DE LAUTOUR Teacher-in-Charge – MINDfit A MINDfit specialist, Liz de Lautour holds a Certificate of Counselling (children and family counselling) from the University of Canterbury,

a Diploma of Teaching from the University of Auckland, and a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Otago. A 2002 Winter Olympian on the skeleton bobsled, Liz has been a tutor at the New Zealand Institute of Sport, a Pilates instructor, and taught at leading schools in Auckland, Christchurch, and Brisbane. She has also worked with Te Whare Awhero to promote wellbeing and positive mental health in primary schools.

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Meet our Chaplain

The Reverend Canon Cameron Pickering believes that people “are at the heart of God’s agenda”. He ministers from “this love with people at the heart of mine”. “ Christ’s College’s vision for each boy, encouraged and challenged to be aspirational in all they do, resonates with my own vocation as a priest and educator. I believe it is in the community of relationship – the communing; and the questioning and pondering – the reasoning, that Jesus himself draws near. As we journey together, we are formed more and more into the likeness of the One for whom College is named.” Cameron was formerly the Associate Priest at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral. Gaining a Bachelor of Theology through the University of Otago in 2003, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at the Christchurch College of Education the following year, he continued studying at tertiary level in New Zealand and England. From 2006–2017, Cameron taught History, Geography, and Religious Education at St Andrew’s College. In that time, he was also the Assistant Housemaster, residential boys’ boarding, Years 9–11. After being called to the Anglican Seminary in Auckland at the end of 2017, he undertook a Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy at the University of Otago and a Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education through the New Zealand Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. In 2020, he was appointed Assistant Curate at the Parish of Merivale in St Albans, Christchurch.

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Boarding at Christ’s College

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. If considering boarding school, there are many factors to consider. At Christ’s College, we understand. College has three dedicated boarding Houses, each with its own special character, but all providing exceptional care in a supportive and welcoming environment. Deputy Principal – Student Care Ben Vink oversees all aspects of boarding at College. His role includes meeting the needs of students, parents, and staff. College is proud to deliver a holistic boarding and life experience for our boys, and to mentor them as they become young men, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. Christ’s College is New Zealand’s only independent school for boys from Years 9–13. College boarders are immersed in an environment that prioritises academic excellence, as well as offering a range of cultural, sporting, social, and service opportunities, supported by a dedicated faculty. High-calibre teachers, small classes, and excellent facilities underpin our reputation for academic achievement. College boys participate and excel in all areas, but especially in creating our unique school culture. At College, we cater for each boy’s individual needs, whether his interest lies in agriculture, art, advanced mathematics or outdoor pursuits. We are confident your son will find his niche at College, as we focus on our mission: Each boy at his best.

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Immerse & Inspire

A unique month-long residential programme for all Year 10 students, Immerse & Inspire started in 2017. This innovative programme does exactly as its name suggests. Groups of boys – about three from each of the 10 pastoral Houses – come together in Jacobs House to live the boarding experience. This is a four-week programme for Year 10 students, including the Boyle River Outdoor Education five-day camp; Kōhititia – a three-day workshop focused on global challenges; overnight Wairewa Marae visit; tours of places of worship; workshop on Character & Leadership; specialist careers advice; courses on study skills and nutrition, and specialist workshops on sexuality and identity, plus the opportunity to take part in the regular Boarding Programme activities. Immerse & Inspire is a fully integrated programme, laying the foundation for the boys to start thinking about the type of men they want to become and giving them the tools they need to manage their lives. Immerse & Inspire Co-ordinator Tony O’Connor says the content of the programme is geared to encourage the boys to learn new skills, be open to different ideas, come to understand their strengths, appreciate their lives and environment, and help them develop a growth mindset. Feedback from the boys and their parents, who have the opportunity to participate in special parent engagement activities while their sons take part in Immerse & Inspire, has been overwhelmingly positive. The boys have enjoyed making new friends from across all Houses and the variety of activities. Parents say Immerse & Inspire has enhanced family relationships, with most appreciating the changes they have seen in their son’s behaviour and attitudes following the programme.

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A helping hand on the learning journey

There is no one-size-fits-all in education. Some students need assistance to come to grips with literacy and numeracy, while some cruise along doing exactly what they need to in order to get by. Others soak up everything they are taught in the classroom and are always on the lookout for a new challenge. Our subject specialist teachers work hard to meet each boy’s needs, but sometimes boys need something extra, and that is where a referral to the Learning Centre or plugging into Advanced Learning opportunities can make all the difference. Learning Centre Head of Department Gill Kilpatrick and her team – teachers Shelly Jackson, Sarah Loughnan, Kate Morris, Alexandra Robertson, Jo Wilkinson, and Claire Sparks, plus special assessment conditions co-ordinator Kate Barber – cater for boys who need extra literacy and numeracy support. Sarah, Claire, and Jo focus on Year 9, Kate looks after Year 10, Sarah takes care of Year 11, Gill works with our senior students, Alex concentrates on English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and Shelly, Claire, and Jo focus on numeracy. “We’re here to support any boy who has an area of need in his learning. Some boys have ongoing needs and work with us the whole time they’re at College. Others just want a bit of extra help at a particular time to fill a gap in their knowledge,” Gill says. Juniors who may benefit from Learning Centre input are picked up in levels testing or through information provided by previous schools. Students can also self- refer or be referred by classroom teachers or parents. “Parents are always welcome to come and talk to us if they have any concerns and we are closely connected to classroom teachers, providing information, learning profiles, and feedback, and always open to discussing boys and their needs,” Gill says. “We care about our students. We understand how frustrating it can be to struggle with aspects of learning and have seen time and time again how individual or small-group tuition can help. It is an incredibly valuable service and makes a real difference in the boys’ lives.”

Making a difference also drives Head of Advanced Learning Emma Bracken, who says curiosity and creativity, which can sometimes be inhibited in a traditional school environment, are key factors of intelligence and indicators of future success. Emma is passionate about nurturing the talents of those boys who want more, working with students who are interested in going beyond the curriculum in any subject or aspect of their learning, and those who want extra opportunities to enrich and enhance their education. She believes the best education is inspirational, aiming to keep that creative spark alive, and encouragoing curiosity while instilling a culture of academic expectation and celebrating academic success. Emma encourages boys to participate in enrichment opportunities outside the classroom. Such activities may include writing competitions, Ethics Olympiads, Da Vinci Decathlons, Model United Nations, and political or philosophical seminars. Boys who seize every opportunity and organise their time so they can fit everything in receive excellent training for life. There are also opportunities within subject areas to be involved in subject Olympiads, Cantamath, and competitions. Which is, after all, what College aspires to be – a place where each boy, whatever his skills or talents, can find a way to be at his best and then leave, ready for life, and ready to take on the world.

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Co-curricular achievements

Clay Target Shooting

Rugby

2022 • Liam Jack named in NZSS rugby team to play against Fiji • Four College players selected for the Junior Crusaders squad • U15 team 3rd in the South Island Invitational Tournament • U16 team winner of the Invitational Quadrangular Tournament • Twelve College players selected in Canterbury Metro

2023 • Five out of nine teams making it to the finals and four teams winning their division • Five College players selected into the Junior Crusaders Squad 2024 • U55kg team reached the semi-final • Development XV reached the final • 1st XV reached the final of the Quad, the semi-final of the Miles Toyota Championship, and remained unbeaten at the Independent Schools Festival

2023 • NZSS Championships High Overall (HOA) Champion – DTL and Skeet • NZSS Championships Single Rise, Points Score – 1st • NZSS Championships NZ DTL Trophy Match – 1st 2024 • 1st place in the North Island Team Skeet And DTL Championships • 1st place in Teams Skeet for

rounds four and six of the Canterbury Secondary School Circuit • 1st place in Teams DTL rounds five and six of the Canterbury Secondary School Circuit • 1st place Teams DTL at the Intercollegiate Secondary School Championship Shoot in Timaru • Two clay target shooters in the New Zealannd Junior Postal team

U16 Red & Black teams to attend the South Island Tournament

2022 • NZSS Championships – Maadi Cup runner-up (U18 Eight), one silver (U17 Eight) • SISS Championships – one South Island title, six silver and one bronze 2023 • NZSS Championships – Maadi Cup 4th place (U18 Eight), one gold (U15 Octuple), one silver (U18 Pair), one bronze (U16 Eight) • SISS Championships – one gold (U15 Octuple), two sliver (U18 Four and U16 Eight), two silver (U18 Four and U16 Eight), two bronze (U17 and U18 Eight) 2024 • U16 Eight – 1st at NZ Secondary Schools Rowing Championships • U17 Eight – 2nd at NZ Secondary Schools Rowing Championships • U15 Octuple – 3rd at NZ Secondary Schools Rowing Championships

Rowing

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Hockey

2023 • Singletracks XC Canterbury Secondary Schools Competition – Top School Boys Team, 1st Open Boys, 1st U17 Boys, 3rd U16 Boys • Skoda South Island School MTB Championship – 1st U17 Boys XC, 4th U20 Boys XC 2024 • Ranked 6th overall at the South Island School MTB Championships • 1st – boys open and fastest male at Interschools • 1st – U15 boys XC at Interschools

Hockey

Mountain Biking

2023 • 1st XI – Final of Canterbury Secondary Schools Premier League competition • NZSS Rankin Cup – 7th place • Seven College players in the Canterbury U18 squad 2024 • The 1st XI finished 5th at the

Rankin Cup, with its only loss in the quarter-finals • This is the 4th best result in the history of Christ’s College hockey. • The Colts XI (Division 2) and CC Black XI (Division 3) both secured 3rd place in their respective grades

Basketball 2022 • Senior A – SISS and NZSS Premiership titles (first time in College history) • Winner of the Thomson Trophy – third year in a row • SISS Junior Premiership – 2nd place • National age-group representation for College players 2023 • Winner of the Grocott Trophy – CBA Junior Competition • Runner-up in Thomson Trophy • Runner-up SISS

• 5th place at NZSS 2024 • The Junior A team finished 3rd in the SISS • The Senior B team 3rd place in A tournament • The Senior A team undefeated in the Thomson Trophy, marking its fifth consecutive final appearance and four wins in five years • The U20 Black team made history by winning the U20 Men’s Division 1 competition. • Three players named in New Zealand age-group teams for international competitions

Football

2022 • 1st XI side finishes top South Island team at National Premiership Tournament 2023 • Junior XI winner of the Junior South Island Football Tournament 2024 • The Junior XI placed 5th at the South Island U15 Invitational Tournament and secured 3rd

place in the Canterbury School Sport Junior Premier grade • The 1st XI finished in the top 4 in the Mainland Schools Premier Competition • Holder of the Connetics Challenge Shield • At the National Premier Tournament, the 1st XI achieved its best result in years, reaching the top 16 • Two members of the New Zealand team, named OFC under 16 champion

2022 • 1st XI wins Gillette Cup (NZSS Championship) for first time in College history • 1st XI wins CMCA 1st XI Championship one-day and two-day titles • 1st XI current holder of Heathcote Williams Shield (NZ Schools trophy) • Three players selected for Canterbury U19 team to play at National Tournament • Development XI wins CMCA Cup one-day title

2023 • Holder of Heathcote Williams Shield • Holder of Fulton Nichols Cup • Winner of the 1st XI one-day Christchurch competition 2024 • Three players selected for Canterbury U17 team which won the National Championship • 2nd in the 1st XI Championship (two-day competition) • 2nd in 1st XI T20 category • 1st in Development T20 category (2nd X)

Cricket

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2022 • Light at the End of the Tunnel (with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School) • Rainbow’s Ending

Drama

Sailing

(junior production with St Margaret’s College)

2023 • Peter Pan (senior production) • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. (junior production with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School) 2024 • Anything Goes (senior production with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School) • Puffs (Year 9 & 10 production with St Margaret’s College)

2023 • Winner of ‘Top of the South’ regional Secondary Schools Teams Racing Regatta 2024 • 1st – National 420 Team Racing regatta in Nelson • 1st – Yachting New Zealand Youth Championships (29er class) • New Zealand representative at Youth Sailing World Championships, Italy

Chamber Music and Orchestra

Contemporary Music

2024 • The Saxophone Quartet won ‘Best Composition’ at the Chamber Music New Zealand Competition

2025 • Three Christ’s College

2024 • C.O.M.A. regional finalist in Rockquest • C.O.M.A. made a commercial release on Spotify • 5 On Air regional finalist in Rockquest

• 5 On Air received ‘Best Song’ in Rockquest • Our Big Band won the overall Gold Award at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim

students were accepted into the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra for the 2025 season

Choral Music 2024 • Schola Cantorum won the

Jazz Programme

• Performed as part of the Military Twilight Service at Menin Gate, Belgium. This was a particular honour and the head boys carried wreaths as part of the ceremony.

2024 • Big Band won the overall Gold Award at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim

• Trumpet player Oscar Stove won a spot in the Southern Jam All Stars Band

award for the Best Performance of a piece in te reo Māori at The Big Sing Canterbury-West Coast regional event

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Co-curricular profiles

HUGO ZANKER Acting Director of Music

HANNAH CLARKSON Director of Drama Hannah Clarkson is the Director of Drama at Christ’s College, where she has been inspiring students for the past five years. With a career spanning more than two decades in performing arts education, she brings a wealth of

Hugo Zanker holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury, a Masters of Music in cello performance from Freiburg Music University in Germany, and a Bachelor of Music (Hons) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, UC. Alongside his cello performance skills, Hugo has experience in leading contemporary, classical (solo, chamber, and orchestral music), choral (traditional and contemporary), and jazz ensembles (big band). He has also been involved in sound design, music technology, and composition. Hugo joined College from Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School, having been Head of Music and Head of Digital Technologies.

experience and passion to her role. Before joining Christ’s College, Hannah spent 15 years at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, where she held multiple positions, including teacher, dean, and co-ordinator of wellbeing. Her extensive background in theatre includes directing and choreographing numerous acclaimed productions, including Anything Goes , Cats , Evita , Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr ., and West Side Story . Hannah is committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive Drama Department, providing a diverse range of opportunities for boys to engage in the performing arts. Under her leadership, boys at Christ’s College can participate in classroom drama, major productions, speech and drama, dance, theatresports, the National Shakespeare Festival, the NZ Dance Made competition, and a drama tour to London. She is passionate about nurturing creativity, confidence, and collaboration, ensuring that every student can discover more about themselves while exploring the world of performance.

NIKKI BLEYENDAAL Assistant Director of Drama/Theatresports Head of Teaching and Learning

Nikki has relished being part of the Drama Department in a variety of roles over the past decade, and now brings her skills and experiences to her role as the Assistant Director of Drama. Whether she is teaching in the classroom, coaching Theatresports, facilitating the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival or directing productions, Nikki always revels in the joys and challenges provided by the dynamic and collaborative world of the Performing Arts. She directed the junior plays Puffs (2024), with Shannon Small, and Rainbow’s Ending (2022), and co-directed Peter Pan for the 2023 senior production. She also works as a Teaching Artist at The Court Theatre, was a director for Original Scripts Theatre

School, and has directed and performed with the Top Dog Theatre Company for more than a decade, notably at the Isaac Theatre Royal as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing , and, most recently, as Buckingham in Richard III for their outdoor Summer Shakespeare. Nikki’s other roles at Christ’s College include coaching as a Head of Teaching and Learning, and a mentor in Somes House.

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Instrumental Music profiles

CLAIRE OLIVER Big Band, Saxophone Claire Oliver grew up with a passion for music, learning recorder, clarinet, saxophone, organ, electric bass, and double bass. She has been teaching instrumental music since 1993, and working at

ANTONIO DIMITROV Brass Antonio Dimitrov was born and educated in Bulgaria and completed his Masters of Music degree specialising in

French horn for which he was awarded Distinction. He is a regular member of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and teaches horn and brass in several Christchurch schools.

Christ’s College since 2010, where she is the Director of Big Band, the Saxophone Quartet, and the Jazz Combo, as well as providing private tutoring on saxophone, clarinet, and bass. In recent years, Claire has also worked with Year 9 music classes. Claire has played double bass and clarinet in orchestras, and saxophone in symphonic bands and big bands, as well as being involved in musical theatre. Claire prepares the groups she directs for various secondary school-level music competitions, including the annual Chamber Music Contest, Southern Jam Jazz Festival, CPIT Jazz Quest, and the NZSM High Schools Jazz Festival. The College Big Band and Jazz Combo have repeatedly won silver and gold awards at these events, including – at Southern Jam – accolades such as Best Big Band in 2010, Overall Festival Winner in 2011, and runner-up Big Band in 2015.

GREG DONALDSON Drums Greg Donaldson is a Christchurch-based session drummer and drum teacher who has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He has also toured New Zealand, Australia, and Japan with

Hayley Westenra, and toured New Zealand, Australia, China, and Singapore with English singer Elaine Paige. Greg can be heard on Bic Runga’s Live in Concert and Try to Remember Everything CDs, Hayley Westenra’s Live from New Zealand DVD, and Hayley Sings Japanese Songs 2 CD, Mandy Pickering’s self-titled album and The Dukes’ Lil’ Sunshine . He has performed live with Dave Dobbyn, Anika Moa, Julia Deans, Malcolm McNeill, Petula Clark, and Renee Geyer. He has also performed for former American president Bill Clinton. Greg holds a Diploma of Jazz Studies from CPIT (Ara Music Arts).

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SHELLEY SPANG Piano, Voice Shelley Spang has a lifelong passion for music. She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in vocal performance, and was a member of the 1988

NOLAN HUNGERFORD Rock Band

Music has been Nolan Hungerford’s lifelong passion and, as both a musician and a teacher, he has been fortunate to make it his career. He has worked all over the world, released albums, taught

National Youth Choir which won the International Choral Festival in Vienna and performed at the Welsh Eisteddfod. After moving to London, Shelley completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Music Therapy at Roehampton Institute in Surrey in 1991. She returned to New Zealand the following year and established a career in music therapy, working with a diverse range of clients covering a wide range of disabilities. In 1998, she was a foundation member of the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir. Shelley is a member of the NZ Institute of Registered Music Teachers, teaching singing and piano to students of all ages. She regularly adjudicates at competitions and events around New Zealand.

young musicians at school and tertiary level through the Christchurch School of Rock and other education providers, and has experience in all aspects of the music industry, as a performer, manager, promoter, and producer. Nolan runs College’s Contemporary Music (Rock) programme, providing the students with realistic insight into what it takes to succeed as a musician in New Zealand. He mentors students, both as individuals and in groups, helping them to develop songwriting and performing skills, promote their music, perform, and compete at contemporary music events. College bands Run77 and The Subs, who both reached the national finals of SmokefreeRockquest, honed their skills working with Nolan.

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THOMAS EVES Trumpet Born in Christchurch, Thomas Eves picked up the trumpet at age six. Today, he is the Principal Trumpet of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. He has also held Acting Associate Principal Trumpet

JENNIE GOLDSTEIN Violin Born and educated in Christchurch, violin and viola teacher Jennie Goldstein began her musical journey at the Christchurch School of Music. Inspired to make music her career, her

contracts with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and trialled for the position of Principal Trumpet with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. A regular guest player with all of New Zealand’s professional orchestras, he has also performed as Guest Principal Trumpet with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the University of Canterbury (BMus Hons) and the Royal College of Music London (MPerf Distinction), Thomas has played under internationally recognised conductors Lorin Maazel and Bernard Haitink and performed solo recitals in London at Cadogan Hall and in The Elgar Room at The Royal Albert Hall. He was also runner-up in the 2012 Gisborne International Music Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra on several occasions.

professional violin training began in Europe, where she studied with a “wonderful” Russian teacher for three years. Jennie then completed a Diploma in Music Performance at the University of Auckland and subsequently joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) in Wellington. After seven years with the NZSO, she moved to London to pursue a busy and diverse freelance career and, alongside her performing commitments, maintained a keen interest in violin pedagogy and teaching. Jennie returned to Christchurch in 2002 and joined the itinerant teaching staff at St Andrew’s College, St Margaret’s College, and Christ’s College. She has a keen interest in chamber music and enjoys coaching the senior string ensembles and violins of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra. Jennie is also a contract player with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

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Sport profiles

BENN MCBREARTY Director of Sport Director of Sport Benn McBrearty’s enthusiasm for sport is infectious. He strongly believes sport is a vehicle for developing a life-long love of physical activity and future health. Prior to returning to Christchurch, after an

SIMON MULHOLLAND

Assistant Director of Sport and Rugby Convenor Simon Mulholland starts in Term 2 2025. He joins College from Sedbergh School in Britain where he has been Director of Rugby

and Assistant Director of Sport. His impressive coaching credentials include being voted NextGenXV Schools Rugby Coach of the Decade and playing a pivotal role in developing top-tier schoolboy rugby talent, with many of his former players progressing to national and professional levels. His expertise in player development, team management, and fostering a strong sporting culture will be invaluable as College further enhances the student-athlete experience.

extended period living in Australia, Benn worked as Director of Sport and as a Physical Education & Health teacher, as well as coaching and coordinating multiple sports. Benn understands that participation in sport helps young people to grow, learn, and enjoy themselves while nurturing their personal, physical, and intellectual skills, and developing healthy minds and bodies. “ Sport creates an environment for personal growth. It teaches us the value of discipline, teamwork and perseverance. It enlightens us about resilience, courage, failure, and success and challenges us to grow and become better people by holding a mirror to us all when faced with each of these challenges. ” Benn has a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education from The Australian Catholic University, having attended the Strathfield campus in NSW. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning from Otago Polytechnic.

KRIS MILLER Assistant to the Director of Sport/ Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Assistant to the Director of Sport and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Kris Miller believes everyone should participate in some form

of exercise or sport, because the benefits – in terms of health, cardiovascular fitness, wellbeing, strength, energy and enjoyment – are enormous. He works with individuals and teams across all sports, teaching skills and techniques to enable the boys to perform at their best, and helping them to develop and maintain good habits around health and fitness. Kris has a Physical Education degree, with a double major in Sport and Exercise Science and Exercise Prescription from the University of Otago, and a Post- Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning from Otago Polytechnic.

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BEN STROUD Sports Convenor Football & Tennis, Head of Athletic Development Holder of a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Missouri State University, former professional footballer,

KERYN AMBLER Sports Convenor Cricket & Hockey, Head of Coach Development Holding a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management, majoring in Exercise and Health, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning

head coach, and university scholarship agent Ben Stroud is the new convenor of football and tennis at Christ’s College. He is also responsible for athlete development. Having recently been a youth head coach in Perth, Ben was previously captain of FC Jazz in Finland and an agent for New Zealand athletes seeking scholarships to attend university in the United States. He has also hosted sports-related podcasts, developed community football, and helped to lead Missouri State University up the rankings as a scholarship player. With a diverse background in professional sport, Ben now brings those skills to College.

(Secondary) in Physical Education and Health Education, Keryn Ambler also brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As the convenor of cricket and hockey, he also heads coach development at Christ’s College. In his previous position, Keryn was the Christchurch Metro Cricket Association Development Manager, managing youth cricket, including the representative programme, winter training, and secondary school-based cricket. He was also responsible for the management and delivery of coach development, alongside improving resources. Since 2017, Keryn has been the 1st XI head cricket coach and youth hockey coach at Christ’s College.

NICOLE GLEASON Sports Convenor Basketball & Volleyball, Head of Injury Management, Facility Hire Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Texas

Wesleyan University in the United States, Nicole Gleason has experience in event management and marketing. As the new convenor of basketball and volleyball, Nicole is also responsible for injury management and sports facility hire at Christ’s College. Having spent several years with Canterbury Basketball as the junior events and programmes coordinator, Nicole has fostered strong relationships with clubs, schools, and coaches.

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TOM TURNER Athletics Coach Tom Turner has been

BEV PETERSON Athletics Coach Representing New

Zealand at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990 was a highlight of Bev Peterson’s athletics career, and records she set years ago are yet to be

coaching since 1980. He started with the Papanui Redwood club and is now with Papanui Toc H. Tom coaches pole vault and high jump, but can also coach sprints. He believes gymnastic

broken. Still passionate about athletics, Bev now coaches promising young runners. College is ready, set, go to benefit from her skills and experience.

training is one of the cornerstones of athletic ability and runs a winter gym, based on gymnastic principles, for College students every year. Tom’s coaching philosophy is that athletes must enjoy what they are doing, have a positive outlook, and have fun both in training and competition.

GRAEME CHRISTEY Athletics Coach A nationally ranked distance running coach,

Graeme Christey is passionate about supporting and training young athletes to compete in track and field, road race and cross country events. He has been coaching for more than 20 years, both at College and for the Papanui Toc H Athletics Club, and has coached many athletes to Canterbury and national titles, as well as preparing New Zealand representative athletes for international meets. Several of Graeme’s students have been offered athletics scholarships to American universities.

YO-AN LIN Athletics Coach Old Boy Yo-An Lin has coached the College athletics throwing team since 2009 and also coaches at the Papanui Toc H club. He has competed in various national athletics championships. Yo-An

encourages his athletes to be confident in their events and always strive to do their best.

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BEN SHEAT Basketball Senior A Coach Ben Sheat is an experienced basketball coach with a strong background in player

ANDREW LEVENGER Cricket 1st XI Manager Andrew Levenger was a strike bowler in his prime, taking a best of 8 for 52 and securing a 50-wicket haul in his final year at school. He played until a back injury forced his retirement from the cut

development and high- performance coaching. He is the Head Coach of the New Zealand U15 Men’s team and an Assistant Coach for the Canterbury Rams. With a passion for helping athletes reach their full potential, Ben emphasises leadership, skill development, and creating a positive team culture. His expertise and commitment make him a valuable asset to Christ’s College basketball.

and thrust of club cricket in 2007. He has scored one century and has taken the wickets of two test players. However, both were a little past their prime at the time. Following a fine season coaching the 9A Blacks to silverware in 2018, Andrew moved up to work his wonders as 1st XI manager.

COLIN MILLER Clay Target Shooting Colin Miller coaches clay target shooting at Christ’s College, assisted by his brother, David. He has been a certified coach with the New Zealand Clay Target Association since 2007.

KERYN AMBLER Cricket 1st XI Coach Keryn Ambler has a lifelong passion for cricket – as a player, captain and coach. In his youth, he played in representative age groups and for the Canterbury A team and, more recently, played 14 seasons of premier cricket with the

Colin has competed in clay target shooting since his teens and has represented New Zealand. He has a NZCTA Grade: AA.

Lancaster Park Cricket Club. Keryn was fortunate to play three seasons abroad – two in the UK, and one in the Netherlands – as a player/coach. He is currently Development Manager at Christchurch Metro Cricket. Keryn has a Bachelor in Sport and Recreation Management, Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (PE and Health), and a NZ Cricket Level 2 coaching certificate. He believes the key to successful coaching is not only about knowing the game technically and tactically, but also about relating to each player, coaching them as individuals and drawing them together to create a unified team.

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OLLIE HAWKINS Football 1st XI Co-Head Coach Co-head coach of the 1st XI, Ollie comes with plenty of experience in the school premiership, as previous head coach of the St Bede’s College

DAN VANN Cricket Coach Dan Vann is an

experienced cricket coach with a strong background in athlete development and sports leadership. As the owner and head coach of Evolution Sports Coaching, he has spent

1st XI. Ollie is also Football Development Manager for Ferrymead Bays FC, and in the process of completing his Oceania B-Licence.

nearly a decade running coaching programmes and mentoring players of all levels. With international experience in New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Singapore, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to his coaching approach. His expertise spans technical coaching, mental skills development, and team management, ensuring athletes reach their full potential.

MATTHEW CRAKE Hockey 1st XI Coach Matthew Crake has coached several Canterbury age-group representative and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School teams, as well as the Harewood Division 1 men’s team for a number of years. In 2017, he took a break

MATT CORTESI MiC Football, 1st XI Coach

MiC Football and 1st XI Coach, Matt Cortesi is a passionate footballer. Having played and coached at a variety of levels, Matt has over

and headed to Paris, playing and coaching at French club Stade Français. Matt plays for the Harewood premier men’s team.

20 years coaching experience. He has

NICK LIDSTONE Hockey 1st XI Coach Old Boy Nick Lidstone played 108 games and five seasons for the Christ’s College 1st XI. An outstanding sportsman, Nick was a member of the New Zealand U18

taken several College football tours to both South and North America, as well as being the Canterbury Representative on the NZSSF Executive. Matt has been at Christ’s College since 2010 and has held multiple roles such as a Head of Department and is currently the Housemaster of Harper House.

hockey team and the New Zealand U19 cricket team. He was also selected for the Black Sticks senior men’s squad in 2023.

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HENRY SMITH Rowing Head Coach Physical Education teacher Henry Smith is head coach for College’s rowing programme. As a former New Zealand rower, from 2003–2008, Henry achieved a world university rowing medal. He has coached three

MALCOLM MCINTYRE Rowing Coach

At the time he joined the police in 1984, Malcolm McIntyre also started to coach rowing. First, at Westlake Girls High School, Auckland, and since then wherever he has been based.

winning Maadi crews, including an historic Springbok U18 four and a record-breaking U17 eight, at the New Zealand schools’ regatta.

Malcolm has coached girls U15 to U18, and boys U16 to U18 Maadi Cup crews. He has also coached New Zealand universities and New Zealand U23 crews and, more recently, New Zealand high-performance athletes and rowers from all around the world who come to New Zealand for intensive training. After leaving the police several years ago, Malcolm now coaches full-time in summer and repairs and prepares boats during winter.

TONY O’CONNOR Rowing Coach Mathematics teacher and rowing coach Tony O’Connor emigrated to New Zealand in 2004 and is now enjoying his third stint at Christ’s College. From Dublin, Tony is a former world champion and Olympic finalist.

DR ANDREW TAYLOR Rowing Coach Andrew Taylor took up rowing with the Union Rowing Club while studying in Christchurch for his PhD. He was soon coaching the new rowing team from Avonside Girls’ High School, taking the crew to its first Maadi Cup

He was on the Irish national team for nine years and spent two years coaching the national team. Last year he coached Old Boy Sam Bosworth (coxswain) and the New Zealand’s men’s eight to gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Tony says rowing requires total commitment. “You learn a lot in the classroom, but you learn a lot on the river, too. You learn how to lose, and that can teach you more than winning.”

regatta in 1988. Andrew continued to row and coach as he travelled to England and Australia before returning to New Zealand, initially with St Margaret’s College and then Christ’s College.

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LIAM O’LEARY U16 Rowing Coach Liam is a PE & Health and Wellbeing teacher, along with being an Immerse & Inspire tutor, and an U16 Rowing coach at College. Originally from Whanganui, Liam rowed throughout secondary school and for a year

SAM BROOMHALL Rugby 1st XV Coach Another amazing addition to the Christ’s College rugby programme, Sam Broomhall was a dynamic player in the back row. He represented

Canterbury, playing 48 matches, before making his debut for the Crusaders in 2001 and playing 44 matches during a four-year period. A year later, he was named in the New Zealand side and played four international matches. He then went overseas and played for French side Clermont Auvergne from 2005 to 2008. After his rugby career, he returned to Canterbury to work with his brother in the irrigation and pump industry.

while at the University of Canterbury. He began coaching Rowing at College in 2019 while studying for a Bachelor in Sports Coaching, majoring in Physical Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. During his first three seasons with College, Liam was the assistant coach of the U15s. For two of those years, the College U15 top eight crew won the South Island Secondary Schools Regatta. Liam is currently coaching the U16s, along with Henry Smith.

REUBEN THORNE Rugby 1st XV Coach Between 1997–2008 Reuben Thorne gave Canterbury, the Crusaders, and the All Blacks exemplary service, as a powerful player and successful leader and mentor. He was in the Canterbury side that

SAM CHAMBERLAIN Rugby 1st XV Coach During his senior school years, Sam Chamberlain was a prolific sportsman – as a member of both the 1st XV and 1st XI in 2010 and 2011. After secondary school, he headed north to Wellington, where he studied for a commerce

won the Ranfurly Shield in 2000 and three national provincial championships, captained the Crusaders to the Super 12 title in 2002, and his record as an All Black stands at 50 tests played (22 as captain) for 42 wins and 8 losses. Reuben left New Zealand in 2008 to take up a contract with Yamaha Jubilo in Japan. Since returning to Christchurch in 2010, he has focused on his coaching career. As well as being College’s 2nd XV Coach, Reuben is also the forwards coach for the Canterbury team.

degree. It was here his rugby potential grew, being selected for New Zealand Universities in 2015. His rugby journey continued in 2016, making the Wellington B side after being an integral part of the Old Boys University Jubilee Cup-winning team. Sam relocated to the Tasman district, where he continued to play club rugby for Stoke, earning a spot in the Tasman wider training group. His greatest rugby achievement came in 2018 when he captained the Tasman Sevens team to a national title. Sam is now back home in Canterbury, working as a successful sales consultant for Bayleys.

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JAAFAR MOUSSA Table Tennis Coach Jaafar Moussa is originally from Lebanon

MIKE ALLRED Squash Coach Mike Allred has extensive playing and coaching experience at local, Canterbury, South Island and national levels. After gaining his squash coaching qualifications in 2006, he has worked with New Zealand

where he coached the national team in

various international and continental competitions. He moved to New Zealand

in 2021 where he began coaching in Canterbury. Currently, Jaafar works as the junior development officer for Table Tennis Canterbury where he devotes his time to developing the future of table tennis.

development, elite junior and high performance squads. He was a member of the Canterbury Masters team that won a national title in 2015. Mike interacts well with the boys, focusing on their individual strengths and using a variety of methods to engage their interest and nurture their skills. He gives them the confidence to perform at their best.

MATT MEREDITH Tennis A Squad Coach Matt Meredith has been the Tennis Canterbury Regional Head Coach, based at Wilding Park, since 2012. He was responsible for restarting the Tennis Canterbury player development

MIKE HAMEL Table Tennis Coach Mike Hamel has won numerous representative titles, including both South Island and North Island titles over many years, and has held a national ranking. He is

programme after the 2011 earthquakes. Matt is coaching director at Cashmere Tennis Club, coaches College’s A team and, until recently, was a Tennis New Zealand junior selector and travelling coach. Matt was Tennis Canterbury Player of the Year in 2011, Coach of the Year in 2012, and High Performance Coach of the Year in 2014.

committed to developing skills and movement in young players, along with supporting a focused and positive sports culture.

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HUGO NURSE- STRANG Tennis Coach Hugo Nurse-Strang

has been head coach at Te Kura Tennis Club since 2011, and has considerable experience coaching players of all ages at all stages. He aims to help players

realise their potential and reach their goals, and creates an inspiring, competitive and fun coaching environment. Hugo is also involved in Tennis Canterbury’s player development programme and won the Coach of the Year award for the 2012–2013 season. Hugo and his team of coaches look after the College tennis club and provide pro coaching at the Hagley tennis courts as part of the Te Kura Hagley Park Tennis Club.

NICKY PIO Volleyball

A former Burnside High School student, the first national team in which Nicky Pio played was the U19 New Zealand team in 2013. She attended Polk State College, Florida, on a volleyball scholarship in 2016. Nicky has also

played for and captained the New Zealand U21 team and is now in the New Zealand senior women’s team. She was named Best Setter in New Zealand at club nationals in 2016.

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The Christ’s College graduate

These are the character attributes developed through the boys' College experience. We believe they will enable our College graduates to flourish in an ever-changing world.

Compassion & empathy Ngakau Aroha, Ngakau Whakāro Nui ki te Tangata

The action of caring and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others, and the ability to understand, share and respond to the feelings of others.

Courage & resilience Te Hautoa me te Manawaroa o te tangata Having the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, withstand danger and confront fear or difficulty, combined with the ability and capacity to respond positively to setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.

Enterprise & curiosity Te Āhua Pauaua me te Whakamatemate

Confidence & humility Ngakau titikaha, ngakau māhaki Possessing an optimistic perspective and certainty of purpose, balanced by a modest sense of self-importance.

A readiness or daring to engage in a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky, and a strong desire to understand and learn something new.

Interpersonal skills Nga Pūkenga Takahoahoa The ability to communicate or interact positively and meaningfully with others and to present oneself with appropriate manners and regard.

Personal excellence Te Hiranga ake

Self-awareness Aroā Whaiaro

The ongoing desire of the individual to develop and empower their character, gifts, talents and relationships to the fullest, achieving a harmony in how they think, feel, believe and behave.

A conscious knowledge of personal character, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, beliefs and emotions.

A disposition to serve Whaiaro Āwhina Tangata

The capacity to lead and follow Te Āheitanga ki te Arataki me te Tautoko tangata

Global and bicultural competence He Matatautanga Āo Whanui, Āo Tikangarua The knowledge, skills and open-mindedness necessary to navigate and engage with today’s interconnected world – both in a global and a bicultural New Zealand context.

A willingness to selflessly help and do work for the benefit of others, the community and the environment.

The ability to influence and initiate by action or example, balanced by the understanding of when to be guided, to conform, to heed or to observe.

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OUR

VIRTUES HONE STY

SPIRITUALITY RESPECT STEWARDSHIP COMPASSION JUSTICE

CANTERBURY Each boy at his best.

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