School House
01 – Christ’s College School House
Contents
Welcome to School House .................04 The Housemaster.................................05 School House Staff ..............................06 New Boys in 2025 ................................08 From the Deputy Principal – Student Care .........................................10 The House System ................................11 Boarding Staff ........................................11 Master on Duty .....................................12 Student Voice ........................................12 Discipline ...............................................13 Orientation ............................................13 Boarding Programme ...........................14 Interhouse Activities ............................14 International Students .........................16 Leave Arrangements ............................18 Health & Wellbeing ................................19 Catering .................................................21 Uniform ..................................................21 Dress Code ...........................................22 Laundry ................................................. 22 Electronic Devices ...............................23 Valuables ..............................................23 Homework (Prep) .................................24 Chapel ...................................................24 Daily Routine ........................................25
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03 – Christ’s College School House
Welcome to School House
I look forward to meeting you all and making 2025 an unforgettable year. This booklet will answer questions you may have about the House system at College and School House in particular.
The History of School House In November 1850, the Fellows (Board of Governors) sold half of Cathedral Square to the Provincial Government for £1200, in order to build the Second Master’s house on the site where School House now stands. The House was designed by Benjamin W Mountfort for Housemaster Canon George Cotterill and 10–12 boys. New Headmaster CH Moreland had prompted the build, the plans being submitted to the Governing Body by Cyril Mountfort (240), the son of BW Mountfort. The foundation stone was laid in February 1908 by Governor General Lord Plunket. It was ready for occupation in 1909, the College List indicating it was to be called School House. The name seems to have come from the English public school tradition of so naming the House in which the Headmaster was also Housemaster. CH Moreland, the sixth Headmaster, was School House’s first Housemaster in the current building. The four shells (escallops) on the House crest come from the College crest – heraldic symbols of pilgrimage used by the Crusaders – and represent arrivals from the First Four Ships in 1850. Some of those families remain associated with School House. Hence our motto “Pilgrims Still”, which was also considered for the College motto.
In School House we are proud of the strong sense of community that exists between boys, staff and families. This bond is invaluable in creating a sense of belonging and worth which in turn strongly influences attitudes to all strands of College life. Parents are welcome at all times and are actively encouraged to attend College and House events. These are published in advance and can be found in the school calendar at www.christscollege.com. – Henry Smith, Housemaster
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The Housemaster
We are excited about this next stage in our lives and feel privileged to be continuing our time as part of the School House community. We look forward to meeting both you and your son and welcoming you all into the supportive and encouraging environment of School House. Our aim is to provide your son with a home away from home in which there is a culture of respect, compassion, honesty and fun. He waka eke noa.
Henry Smith, Housemaster Mobile: +64 21 082 59297 Email : hrsmith@christscollege.com
On behalf of our community, I would like to welcome you to the School House family. I have been involved in the College community for more than 12 years, as both a teacher of Physical Education and Health and as a Deputy Housemaster in several boarding Houses. Prior to my time at College, I was involved with the New Zealand rowing programme and spent time teaching within the Youth Justice system. Since joining College, I have held a leadership role in both the rowing programme and the Physical Education department. In these roles, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many fine young men and have assisted them as they develop and evolve to be the best possible version of themselves. Supporting me in this role is my wife, Kate, and our two young children, Ben and Ruby. As a family, we enjoy spending time on the water and up in the mountains, as well as travelling around New Zealand to anywhere we can have fun.
05 – Christ’s College School House
School House Staff
Deputy Housemaster/Mentor Claire Nicolson Claire joined Christ’s College in 2020 after two years teaching and travelling overseas. She teaches English but is also trained in Physical Education and Health. She is MiC of volleyball and manages the Senior A volleyball team. Claire is passionate about providing students with a well-rounded education, both in and outside the classroom. Strong relationships and the ability to have fun while learning are the cornerstones of her practice. Email : cnicolson@christscollege.com
Matron Sharon Cryer
Sharon has had a long association with boarding at College, having been Matron of School House for 16 years. Away from College, she enjoys time with family and friends. Sharon has two adult sons.
Phone: +64 3 364 8602 Mobile: +64 27 418 3673 Email: scryer@christscollege.com
Overnight Nurse Lydia Sinclair
Lydia Sinclair is the Boarding Community Overnight Nurse, covering all three boarding Houses. Lydia has experience in emergency and post-op recovery nursing, ensuring that she has a broad range of nursing assessment skills. At present, she also works at Forté Health during the day. Email: lydia.sinclair@christscollege.com
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Residential Tutors Will Jones-Allen Rhys Thatcher
Mentors Name/Email Group Anna Johnston
Mentor
CJ
ajohnston@christscollege.com Kate Morris kmorris@christscollege.com Kris Miller krmiller@christscollege.com Claire Nicolson cnicolson@christscollege.com
Non-Residential Tutors Will Greenslade Alex Todhunter Rosa Edge
CRESSY
SEYMOUR
RANDOLPH
Duty Phone: +64 27 489 0135 (The MoD can be contacted on this number)
07 – Christ’s College School House
New Boys in 2025
NAME
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Otto Acland Austyn Arnold
Waihi School
Arrowtown School Harry Dampier-Crossley Cheviot Area School George Edgar King’s School (Remuera) Freddy Gorman Medbury Preparatory School George Hutton Medbury Preparatory School Archie McCone Amuri Area School Billy Sheild Medbury Preparatory School Charlie Tapper Arrowtown School Henry Williams Hereworth School
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09 – Christ’s College School House
From the Deputy Principal – Student Care
I welcome students and their families to boarding at Christ’s College. While each of the three Boarding Houses has its own unique characteristics, the aim is that your son will have a common boarding experience no matter which House he is in.
environment in which boys grow and develop academically, socially, physically, morally, spiritually and emotionally. Our boarders all make the most of their access to a wonderful range of College facilities, as well as having the opportunity for downtime and privacy. Despite differences in cultural background, age and home regions, boarders are united by a unique connection. The boarding experience is rewarding, and enables boys to grow in confidence, independence, friendship and fun – the hallmarks of our community. Many boys enjoy a very smooth transition into our community, while others may encounter some challenges in learning to live with others. That is expected and we will walk with you and your sons though that journey. We have excellent staff, prefects and role models who guide boys in respecting differences and living in harmony. Our Christ’s College boarding staff enjoy the opportunity to create and develop a positive relationship with your son and your family. We believe that you, as parents, remain the key to helping your boy flourish throughout his time at Christ’s College. We look forward to nurturing this important partnership. I am proud to be part of the Christ’s College boarding community and look forward to meeting the boys and their families in 2025. Nga¯ mihi nui. Ben Vink, Deputy Principal – Student Care
Te¯na¯ koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai. Boarding will be one of the most exciting – and occasionally challenging – times of a boy’s life. Our boarding community is here to help guide you and your son over the next five years. This booklet provides background information regarding each of the boarding Houses, as well as answering some of the questions you may have about boarding at Christ’s College. The College boarding experience is unique within New Zealand as boarders have been an integral part of our school community for more than a century. Our boarders also live on the school site, adding to the richness of the
experience of all College students. Joining the boarding community is a
significant and inspiring step in a developing boy’s life. We understand that Christ’s College becomes not just their school, but also their home. We provide a warm, secure and caring
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The House System
Boarding Staff
When a boy starts at Christ’s College, he also becomes a member of a smaller community – his House. Christ’s College has 10 Houses, seven for dayboys and 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. These Houses are more than just physical spaces where boys live or congregate. Within each House, lifelong friendships are formed, a solid work ethic is nurtured, teamwork is fostered and leadership is promoted. Whether in academic, sporting or cultural activities, every boy within each House is able to make, and be recognised for, his contribution.
The Housemasters of the three boarding Houses are responsible for the welfare of all boys in their respective Houses. They are all academically qualified and full-time members of the academic teaching staff. They are each assisted by a Deputy Housemaster, a Matron, Residential Tutors and Non-Residential Tutors. The Matron lives in the boarding House and has overall responsibility for housekeeping, medical matters, uniform and laundry. All medical matters are the concern of the Matron. They work closely with the Residential Overnight nurse and the College Health Centre. Any medication brought to College must be given to the Matron for issuing and safekeeping. The Matron and the Health Centre must be advised of any significant medical history prior to the start of Term 1. Housemasters, Deputy Housemasters, Residential Tutors and Non-Residential Tutors formally supervise the boys throughout the week and at weekends, as well as help with excursions and other activities within the community. This includes the supervision of the weekend Boarding Programme activities. The Deputy Principal – Student Care oversees boarding at Christ’s College, ensuring high standards and that a consistent approach is taken in the Boarding Houses. He is also the link for boarding to the Executive team at Christ’s College.
11 – Christ’s College School House
Master on Duty
Student Voice
The Master on Duty is the staff member who is formally rostered to care for the boys in a boarding House at any given time. If parents wish to contact a person on duty during the week (up until 3.30pm), it is best to call the Housemaster direct. The Master on Duty (and duty phone) operate from 3.30pm–11pm during the week and from 7am–11pm at the weekends. Boys are encouraged to use these numbers to keep in close contact with the staff member on duty, particularly if there has been a change in leave arrangements or they are running late returning to their boarding House. Parents can use these numbers to pass a message on to a boy if their son is not directly contactable. Flower’s House Duty Phone +64 27 489 0132 Richards House Duty Phone +64 27 489 0134 School House Duty Phone +64 27 489 0135
The Head of Boarding oversees two boarding committees. First, is the Leadership Committee made up of the Head of Boarding and the three Heads of Houses. Second, is the Boarding Committee, with members from all year levels from all three Houses. It aligns with other committees within the school, taking suggestions and ideas from across the boarding community. The committee then works towards a solution to any new initiatives.
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Discipline
Orientation
A goal in boarding at Christ’s College is to have all boys happy and adhering to House routines, as well as fulfilling their potential by making the most of the opportunities on offer. The reality is that, at times, this will not be the case, which means there will be consequences for boys’ actions. In these situations there is a discipline model that all three Houses adhere to in terms of punishments handed out. Sitting alongside this discipline model is an emphasis on educating the boys on character to help them make responsible choices. It is a case of treating these moments as teachable opportunities, with an emphasis on a restorative process where appropriate. Your son’s Housemaster will go through the discipline model in detail on their arrival so they are aware of the expectations and boundaries in the boarding House.
All Year 9 students spend the first two weekends staying in and are involved in a variety of orientation activities during this time. The aim of these activities is to ensure as smooth a transition as possible into boarding life for your son. More details on this programme will be communicated to parents prior to the beginning of the year.
13 – Christ’s College School House
Boarding Programme
Interhouse Activities
A varied programme of regular weekend excursions, starting on the first weekend of term is organised for the boarders. Excursions encompass a variety of activities and all boarders are urged to take advantage of the extensive programme. A full list of the activities on offer is communicated to boys and parents at the beginning of each term. Previous activities have included: Super Rugby games, tenpin bowling, movies, archery, quad- biking, go-karting, paintball and Mega Air. We also have a strong relationship with our sister schools, with activities like dinner swaps, Valentine’s Day breakfast and Year 11 cooking classes taking place. The workshop is open (and supervised) for boys to complete school work or begin a new project. The heated swimming pool is also open (and supervised) at set times for the boys to have a swim. In the evenings during the week, the gymnasium and weights room are open (and supervised) for the boys’ use.
There are many interhouse competitions which range from most sporting codes to drama, debating, singing, chess and film- making. House prefects select and organise teams. Boys are encouraged to volunteer to be in teams, though teams are also selected on merit, based on age group and ability. The opportunities in 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 and performance in interhouse events.
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15 – Christ’s College School House
International Students
International Students are an integral part of Christ’s College and the boarding community, with all students supported by International Student Manager Sarah Davidson. A separate, pre-arrival orientation programme is run for international students prior to them moving into their House, to make the transition as smooth as possible.
International Student Manager Sarah Davidson Many of our international students choose to join our boarding community and Sarah ensures they have the support they need to flourish. She is friendly and welcoming, taking a personal interest in the boys and their welfare. It is Sarah’s goal to encourage all international students to engage fully in our College community. Developing successful learning pathways to tertiary education, celebrating international culture and diversity, and growing well-rounded young men is central to her role as International Student Manager. Mobile: +64 27 430 6153 Email: sarah.davidson@christscollege.com
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17 – Christ’s College School House
Leave Arrangements
As part of the boarding community’s duty of care, it is important that House staff know where all boys are at all times. The following is an explanation of the Christ’s College boarding leave arrangements.
Casual town leave (Years 9–10) All boys must: – See the Master on Duty (MoD) to get permission and then complete leave on the electronic leave system – Go in pairs – See the MoD on their return and confirm return on electronic leave system – Be back by 5.30pm – All College commitments must be met first – Limited to two leaves per week (Monday to Friday). Casual town leave (Years 11–13) All boys must: – Completeleaveonelectronicleavesystem– still required to communicate with MoD they are leaving – Confirm return on electronic leave system – not required to see MoD – Be back by 5.30pm – All College commitments must be met first – Year 11 – three leaves per week – Year 12 and Year 13 – no limit on the number of leaves.
Day or tea leave (all year groups) – Given at HM’s or MoD’s discretion – Housemaster must have approval from parent and host (where applicable) prior. All boys must: – See MoD to get permission and then complete leave on electronic leave system – See MoD on return and confirm return on electronic leave system. Weekend leave (all year groups) – Leave request must be completed on electronic leave system by 1.50pm on the Thursday prior – Housemaster must receive approval from parent and host (where applicable) by 8.30pm on the Thursday prior – Students must see MoD when leaving and on return.
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Health & Wellbeing
Health Centre The Health Centre plays an important role in the life of Christ’s College and is staffed by two registered nurses. They provide professional as well as personal care and support for all boys. When appropriate, the boys are encouraged to be self-caring and proactive in relation to their healthcare needs. The Health Centre is open Monday to Friday 8am–4pm. The Health Centre nurses are contactable via the below. Phone: +64 3 364 8601 or +64 27 500 3357 Email: healthcentre@christscollege.com College has a visiting physiotherapist and Health Centre staff or Matron can organise an appointment. All medical matters, including sports injuries, are the concern of Matron. When she feels it necessary, she refers students to the doctor. Matron may accompany a student to the appointment, particularly younger boys. After hours, Matron takes students to the 24 Hour Surgery in Madras Street, or, if appropriate, to Christchurch Public Hospital. Boarders are not to put themselves to bed in the House during school hours. They must report to the Health Centre. At other times if a boarder feels unwell he must communicate with Matron or the Master on Duty.
We ask that you keep the Matron informed of any changes in your son’s healthcare needs. She is more than happy to answer any of your concerns or queries while your son is boarding at Christ’s College, so please feel free to contact her. Medication/Appointments To assist boarding staff with regard to management of medication or appointments, please note: Medication – All medication your son needs to take should be stored with his House Matron, so she is aware of what he is taking and the correct dosage, and the medication is kept safe. This includes Panadol, Ibuprofen, antihistamines and the like. Please also make the Matron aware if your son carries an inhaler, EpiPen or the like – there is a Google form you will need to complete. Appointments – Please communicate with your House Matron well in advance of any appointments you may have organised for your son – for example, orthodontist, physiotherapist, specialist. While we appreciate your communication on these matters, we also expect your son to take responsibility for communicating with his Housemaster or Matron well in advance of any appointments or activities that may take him away from College.
19 – Christ’s College School House
Adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens)
– We will look to evacuate students quickly if they display gastrointestinal symptoms, influenza and Covid-19 symptoms. – Parents need to ensure their son has recovered and been symptom free for 48 hours, prior to him coming back into boarding. If your son has been away from College unwell, he will be given a quick health check at the Health Centre to confirm no signs of illness, before returning to his boarding House. He will need to return to College during the school day to enable this to happen. If your son does take ill or has an injury while at home on weekend leave, we would expect that parents seek any required medical assistance and communicate with their son’s Housemaster or Matron regarding when it is appropriate for him to return to the boarding House.
Parents of students with anaphylaxis must provide two anaphylaxis kits containing an adrenaline auto-injector, antihistamine medication and an action plan. One kit is held by the student and should be taken to school each day and the second is stored in the allocated box in the Master on Duty office. The Health Centre has additional EpiPens in case of an emergency. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the EpiPens are kept up-to-date and do not expire. Any changes to medical records should be communicated through the Health Centre at the time of the change. Illness and Infection Hygiene continues to be a significant part of keeping on top of any illness. This includes boys maintaining a high standard of handwashing and sanitising, as well as coughing and sneezing etiquette. Our health guidelines are based on normal health procedures as well as Ministry of Health expectations and important points to note here include: – A boarder should notify House staff at the first sign that they feel unwell – If a boarder becomes unwell, his parents must be in a position to take him home or to a local relative or friend as soon as is practically possible
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Catering
Uniform
All main meals are served in the Dining Hall each day, and the boys receive morning and afernoon teas, and supper in the House. Additional supplies like milk, bread and spreads are available in each of the boarding Houses. The Boarding Committee with the Head of Boarding and the Deputy Principal – Student Care meet with the catering staff to consider feedback and to make appropriate changes if necessary. Boys are expected to attend all meals during the week except by prior arrangement with a member of the boarding staff. Boys requiring a late dinner because of sports training or co-curricular activities need to complete the appropriate form in the Dining Hall by lunchtime each day.
The Christ’s College Uniform Shop is located at 10 Gloucester Street. Manager: Craig Moffatt Phone: 03 364 8613 Email: uniformshop@christscollege.com 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 charcoal grey walk shorts (summer). It is worn on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Term 2 and 3 and every day during summer. It is also worn for any sport exchanges. Sports Gear All Houses have their own colours for athletics and interhouse sports. There is no regulation footwear for PE and athletics, but all boys must wear footwear around the school or when running in the park.
21 – Christ’s College School House
Dress Code
Laundry
Boys should change into casual clothes at the end of each school day if they do not have a College-related activity, sports training or game. Boys may wear casual clothes around the boarding House and College community, including the Dining Hall, and during certain examination periods. Footwear must be worn when outside the buildings. Neat and clean casual clothes may be worn in the Dining Hall for evening meals. Footwear is necessary. Dirty sports gear, caps and singlets are not permitted in the Dining Hall. Residential dinners and special dinners with visiting girls’ schools require a special effort with dress. On these occasions, boys are asked to wear long trousers, a collared shirt and closed footwear. Boys are also asked to make a special effort with their grooming.
It is expected that all boys will be dressed in clean and neat attire at all times. In terms of clothes being cleaned, it is a combination of boys putting clothes out to go to the commercial laundry and also doing their own personal laundry. School shirts, shorts and College sports gear all go out to the commercial laundry. It is the responsibility of the boys to use the washing machines and dryers in their respective Houses to wash any other casual clothing. Naming of clothes To assist Matrons with the organisation of clean laundry and to prevent loss of clothes, all clothing must be correctly named. Name tags are the best method and can be ordered through the Uniform Shop. Please refer to the Uniform Shop pages on the website for the suggested list of clothing. Other points to note – Dry cleaning is done as necessary and arranged by Matron – A bed is made up with a sheet, a mattress protector, a pillow and pillowcase. Boys bring their own duvet inner and two covers. The duvet covers must be named – Sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers are washed through the commercial laundry – A qualified seamstress is available once a week in each House to repair and name uniforms and casual clothing.
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Electronic Devices
Valuables
Electronic devices are a significant part of a student’s life. However, it is important that they are used appropriately. Email and the Internet All boys will have a school-issued email address (for example, jsmith@student.christscollege.com) to send and receive emails. Boys have wireless connections in the boarding Houses and can connect their computers to the school network. There is a photocopier in each House to print off work after hours and at weekends. Mobile phones Boys are permitted and encouraged to have a mobile phone. However, several conditions apply within the boarding community: – Phones are to be kept secure at all times – The boy’s phone number must be given to his Housemaster, Matron and Duty Phone – The Housemaster, Matron and Duty Phone numbers must be on his phone – The phone remains switched on while on day or weekend leave – All boys in Years 9–11 will be allocated a pigeon hole in a device storage cupboard. They must hand in electronic devices 30 minutes before bed time (this includes gaming devices, phones, iPads, iPods and computers). Failure to do so will result in confiscation. There are separate policies for the use of electronic devices at College during the school day.
Your son is responsible for the safekeeping of his own possessions. He will be given two padlocks at the beginning of the year (one for his wardrobe and one for his downstairs locker). This provides him with two secure areas to store any valuables. Points to note: – Matrons should hold important documents, such as travel tickets and passports, for safekeeping – It is recommended that little or no money be kept in your son’s area. It may be useful to open a cash card (EFTPOS) account for your son to cover any extra items during the school year – If a credit card is able to be accessed by your son it is the parents responsibility to monitor this. The use of Lime scooters, Uber and Uber Eats all need to be monitored by the parents as they require credit card details to be activated – Mobile phones, iPods, stereo systems and valuables should be kept secure at all times – All personal belongings should be secured during periods of overnight or weekend leave. Please note, the school’s insurance policy does not cover the loss or damage to personal property brought into the residential community. Expensive items, i.e. devices or laptops, – must be covered by personal insurance.
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Homework (Prep)
Chapel
Homework is referred to as Prep. Prep time for all students is 6.30pm–7.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and Friday 6.30–7pm. Only academically related work can be done during these times. If boys complete their set work early, they are asked to read a book until the conclusion of Prep. There is strictly no gaming, email, instant messaging or phone calls during Prep time. We ask parents to help support the academic rigour of the study periods by contacting their son outside of these study times. This supports the programme and provides the ideal learning environment for your son.
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 evening (7pm) Sunday Chapel services each term. The boys attend these services in dress uniform. When attending these services, they should be back in the House and changed by 6.30pm. 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 the priest or minister is required and will be forwarded to the Chaplain.
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Daily Routine
Monday–Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Year 9 – 6.45am Year 10 – 7am Year 11 – 7.15am
At discretion of Master on Duty
30 mins later than during the week
Wake up times
Year 12 – Self-responsibility (up and ready for breakfast) Year 13 – Self-responsibility (up and ready for breakfast)
Breakfast
7.30–8am
8am
8.45am
Mon/Tue/Fri – 12.50pm Wed – 12.25pm Thu – 1.10pm
Lunch
11.30am–1.30pm 12.30pm
Dinner
5.30pm
5.30pm
5.30pm
9am–3.35pm • Lessons are 50 minutes in duration • Interval is at the end of period 2 • Wednesday and Thursday have six 40 minute periods. • Classes finish at 2.30pm on Wednesday.
Classtime
N/A
N/A
Bed Times (Mon–Fri)
Devices Handed in
Bed Time
Lights Out
Year 9
8.45pm
9pm
9.15pm
Year 10
9pm
9.15pm
9.30pm
Year 11
9.15pm
9.30pm
9.45pm
Year 12
10pm
10pm
10.15pm
Year 13
10pm
10pm
10.30pm
Saturday
At discretion of Master on Duty
Sunday
The same as during the week
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Other important times – House assembly 8.15am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) and 9.20am (Thursday) – Chapel 8.30am (Monday and Friday) – Mentor groups 8.30am (Tuesday) – School assembly 9.30am (Thursday) – Dinner 5.30–6.15pm – Roll Call 7.30pm – Prep 6.30–7.30pm – Digital-free times – break and lunchtime (Tuesday and Thursday).
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