Bosco Peters – Chaplain with a way with words W hether striding round the Quad or sweeping down in fluent te reo Māori – a language he loves.
some of them a while to get used to my approach, which I’d call open, intelligent and with a strong sense of humour,” Bosco says. He adds that boys, in his experience, are “mostly very straightforward, and they don’t hold a grudge”. Being alongside them in their everyday lives, aware of their successes and disappointments, how the game went on Saturday, what’s happening at home, has been key, he says. “It’s meant that when they’re prepared to talk, they will open up. Sometimes someone will stay behind after class to talk about something,” he says. “At other times, it might be a conversation that’s struck up while walking across the campus.” Frequently, Bosco has been told by seniors that while they may have totally disagreed with his views when they arrived at College, now they strangely find themselves in accord. “I think spirituality is fascinating for them, and it’s been marvellous to be a part of helping them to see that the world is amazing, and that differences – other religious beliefs and world faiths, for example – are exciting and fun to learn about, and that there is no need to be frightened of diversity,” he says.
the Chapel aisle, his clerical gown billowing past the packed pews, Chaplain Bosco Peters has had real presence at College for the past 24 years. During that time, he has preached at least 2500 sermons and taught Religious Education to more than 3500 Years 9–11 students. Born in Rotterdam, his family made New Zealand their home when Bosco was seven. At Christmas 2021 – aged 65 – Bosco retired. His way with words, his drawing on extensive travel, his unique take on current issues, and his skill in relating them to Biblical lessons and interpreting them for 21st century congregations, will be missed. As will his energetic figure striding up the Chapel aisle or delivering his opening remarks
“I wouldn’t have stayed for so long if I hadn’t enjoyed it, and there have been times when I’ve thought of going somewhere else, but I’ve always believed that this is where God wanted me to be,” he says. “It’s a great environment to be in – the buildings, the staff. My closest friends are here – and it has been a part of my life for so long. This is a very full-time place. I’m very grateful to my wife, Helen, for her participation – she’s been a full part of Christ’s College, too.” The Peters family lived on-site for much of his tenure, allowing him to immerse himself in his role, and to get to know the boys well – and they him. “Having hundreds of adolescents as my students over this period has been a real privilege. It took
“I’ve always believed that this is where God wanted me to be.”
Executive Principal Garth Wynne (left), Director of Music Robert Aburn, Helen Peters, Rev. Bosco Peters, and Music teacher Nick Sutcliffe.
COLLEGE 2022
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