“We tell them it doesn't matter how athletic you are, it's all about taking part and having fun. When you hear them shouting and laughing, you know you are successful in helping them settle in,” Mr Porter says. “It certainly helps the Housemaster to see the boys when they are relaxed and happy and their character starts to come out. It's a valuable process for both the Housemaster and senior leaders to get to know the younger boys and to ensure there is a rapport among the year groups. “They become a band of brothers – it really encourages the brotherhood of the Houses.''
George Lamb goes to boarding school
Year 9 boarder George Lamb arrived at Christ’s College this year from the Hawkes Bay and had to adapt to an environment where he knew no-one. But it didn’t stay that way for long.
George says, “I expected it to be difficult not knowing anyone and being so far away from home, but to my surprise I found it easy to settle in and I didn’t feel at all homesick. I had no trouble fitting in and it has all been great since day one.’’ George realised he wanted to come to College when his family went on a ski trip to Wanaka. “My dad remembered that his friends from Hawkes Bay had been at College and talked a lot about it, so we thought we would have a look at the school. It reminded my dad of his old school in England with the quad and the old English buildings, so we booked in for an interview and a tour. I really liked it straight away. “Of course, my parents were a little bit nervous about me being so far from home, but thought it was a great idea to make new friends and are now really pleased it has all gone so well.’’ George says the older boys in the House keep an eye on the younger ones and Housemaster Mr Porter makes sure everyone is happy and having fun. George goes home in the long weekends and the holidays and sometimes in the weekends he enjoys the freedom of being able to stay at the home of a friend.
He particularly enjoys the boarding programme and makes sure he takes part in as many activities as possible.
“Mum enjoys hearing about what we have been doing and my younger brother is really envious that we have been doing paintball and laser strike. He can’t wait to come here especially as he knows I will be here and we will be in the same House.’’
For George, the advantages of boarding are many.
“You get to be with your friends all the time and you also learn to be more independent than you are when you live at home. It helps prepare you for the future.’’
College Issue 29 2015
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