PASTORAL CARE Flower’s House
isn’t everything – participation, effort, and a sense of community are what truly matter. We may have fewer boys than the day Houses, but our strength lies in our combined skills, commitment, and House spirit. When we all participate and strive for excellence together, we show the best of what Flower’s House is all about. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible team behind Flower’s House. The success of this year wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication, hard work, and support. First, to our amazing domestic team, Kathleen, Colleen, and Anne. Picking up after 63 boys is no small feat, yet, every day, you come back with unwavering commitment. Thank you for all the washing bags you’ve sorted, the shirts you’ve buttoned, the kitchens you’ve cleaned, the floors you’ve vacuumed, and everything in between. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful. To our weekend and prep tutors, Robbie and Matt, thank you for your persistence in encouraging homework and being there to help with the boys’ questions. I know they truly appreciate the time you spend with them, especially when you join in on sports games – it makes a real difference. To Nathan and Alex, our residential tutors, thank you for being positive role models and for your support with homework and the many day-to-day moments in the House. Balancing this role alongside your jobs outside College is no easy task, and your dedication is greatly appreciated. To Stacey, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support, particularly during our most difficult time this year. You stepped into an incredibly challenging situation with a positive and caring heart, allowing us to laugh and cry alongside you. Your presence has been a source of strength for all of us. To Keri, you’ve been a phenomenal Deputy and an incredible support in the House.
Your kindness, sense of humour, and strong mana have had a lasting impact. It has been an honour to work alongside you this term, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate. This year, Flower’s celebrated winning the Interhouse Cup. It was an excellent achievement, and I am very proud of the boys. Thank you for an incredible year. I am so proud of everything we have achieved together. Let’s carry this momentum forward into next year, continuing to build on our traditions while embracing new opportunities. Tribute to Karen Adams Karen Adams was a cornerstone of our community, someone who not only kept the wheels turning but did so with grace, humour, and a deep understanding of people. Karen
never hesitated to share her advice, whether it was guiding a Year 9 boy through a life lesson or helping a tutor navigate the complexities of dating. She had a unique gift for understanding what people needed to hear, and she always delivered her guidance with kindness and sincerity. Many of us sought her counsel, from medical questions to birthday gift ideas. Her thoughtful words left a mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Baking was Karen’s love language. Her creations were legendary, from her famous brownies and ginger slices to her unforgettable chocolate cakes. She had an uncanny knack for turning overripe fruit into culinary masterpieces. It amazed us all when we discovered that she never used scales or measured ingredients – everything was by instinct and feel,
when we lost our beloved Karen Adams. She was one in a million – the most amazing matron and the heart of our House. Karen’s warmth, care, and presence will always be a part of Flower’s House. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys for the way they supported each other and the staff during this difficult time. To Stacey James, thank you for stepping in during such a challenging period. Your kindness, care, and positivity have meant so much to all of us. Despite these challenges, Flower’s House has had a year of remarkable achievements. Let’s celebrate some moments that brought us together: • our parents and boys for your support and commitment this year • Athletics Day: Every boy gave it their all, and your collective effort secured a thrilling victory by just one point. That was a moment of true House spirit • Interhouse sportsmanship: I want to applaud all of you for your positive attitude and sportsmanship in every event • junior debating victory – congratulations to the junior debating team for its fantastic win • junior and senior basketball – triumphing in House basketball. The senior final against Somes House, with its national representative players, was a testament to your composure, teamwork, and determination – even through extra time. • Interhouse reading competition: Finishing 2nd – a fantastic achievement • kapa haka success – placing 3rd was the best result we’ve ever achieved, and we couldn’t have done it without the extra
support from Keri. Well done to all involved • House cross-country – we came 1st and had the largest number of participants compared with every other House • House Music – while we may not have taken 1st place, winning the People’s Choice Award was a testament to your dedication and spirit. A special thank you to the Year 13s for leading this effort, particularly Hunter Shore – you were an outstanding leader • House Plays – we had one of the biggest casts and included everyone who wanted to be part of it. While we did not win the judges’ award, we did win the People’s Choice Award. Flower’s House is built on exceptional spirit and brotherhood. As we look ahead, I want this to continue and grow. Our House must remain a home – a place of teamwork, compassion, and competition. Together with the team, I want to ensure that Flower’s House remains a supportive environment where every boy feels empowered to be himself, brave in his pursuits, and confident in his abilities. This year, we introduced the Flower’s House committee, with representatives from each year group meeting fortnightly to discuss ideas and House matters. It has been a great success, and we will continue this initiative next year. One of my key focuses will be empowering boys to lead boys. In 2019, I completed research with the IBSC on this topic, and it remains central to how I envision Flower’s House. This is a place where we aim to nurture confidence, kindness, and compassion in every boy. Winning
Housemaster: Monique Ellis-Martin Deputy Housemaster/Mentor: Keri Campbell Mentors: Dr Craig Aitken, Travis Dixon, Gill Kilpatrick Matron: Karen Adams, Stacey James Residential Tutors: Nathan Luff, Alex Aitken Non-residential Tutors: Matt Rob, Robbie McKeown Head of House: Jake Leck Deputy Head of House: Tom Hodges As we draw the curtains on this eventful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything that has shaped Flower’s House in 2024. It has been an unforeseeable year, marked by change, resilience, and moments that have truly defined who we are as a House. At the start of Term 2, we said goodbye to Lionel Randall as he embarked on a new chapter in Tasmania. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kris Miller for stepping across from School House to serve as Deputy Housemaster during this transitional period. Your support was invaluable. In Term 3, we welcomed Keri Campbell, who quickly became an integral part of our Flower’s House family. The most heartbreaking moment came during the Term 3 holidays
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Christ’s College Canterbury
Register 2024 Pastoral Care
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