THE BOARDING PROGRAMME Having fun in the weekends
The opportunities for boarders at College have never been more diverse or more exciting, says Housemaster Mr Andrew Levenger. “In the past few years, under the helm of Darrell Thatcher, the boarding programme has been expanded to include new activities to offer as many experiences as possible. We want to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
“The beauty of the various opportunities for the boarding community is that they are as dynamic and exciting as the boys want to make them,’’ says Mr Levenger. “If boys make suggestions on potential activities, the staff will certainly look into them. “If boarders go on as many trips as they can, by the end of the year they will have covered a vast array of activities and at no cost to themselves other than their time,’’ he says. “With the ever- changing Christchurch landscape, new opportunities are constantly arriving in the city that can only bode well for the programme as it continues to offer the boys a variety of activities every week.”
A change for the better
Moving from being a day boy to becoming a boarder was a real game-changer for Year 13 student George McKnight.
George lives at Pegasus and found the amount of time he spent traveling – from 5.50am to 6.30pm – meant he had little time for anything else. “I decided I wanted to make my last year more fun and one where I got to know more people. I had been a day boy at Flower’s, but felt I was really like a ghost on the edges of things and not able to join in with things, especially in the evening,’’ he says. “Being a boarder meant I could be involved in drama. I really wanted to be in Dr Faustus this year. “My parents thought it was a brilliant idea, as I was quite quiet and not very outgoing. It also meant I could make more friends and get ready for going to university and living away from home.’’
George is enthusiastic about the change. “It has been amazing and I have made so many friends. I really feel I am part of the House and have got involved in House drama and haka. Being a day boy in a boarding house is quite tough, as so much of the socialising happens in the evening. I really feel part of things now.
“It also helps that the Housemaster is family
orientated, and I like the family life with a cat, dog and young child. It makes me feel at home. In fact, I can’t really think of a downside to boarding. “I go home for Saturday night to see Mum, so I have the best of both worlds.’’
Christ’s College Canterbury
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