VIRTUES College Committee Reports
ENVIRONMENT The Christ’s College Environment Committee (CCEC) has been actively working to promote environmental sustainability within the school community throughout 2024. Our initiatives have focused on raising awareness, encouraging action, and collaborating with the College Executive Team to implement impactful changes. Engagement with school leadership A key focus for the CCEC in 2024 was to engage directly with the College Executive Team to understand its environmental goals and initiatives. Through interviews, we were pleased to learn about the significant progress in improving the school’s heating efficiency. This positive development demonstrates a commitment to reducing the school’s carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable learning environment. Student engagement and education Ten environmentally minded students attended the Waitaha Positive Action for the Environment Youth Conference at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and inspire action. This conference brought together students from various Christchurch secondary schools to hear from inspiring guest speakers and learn about practical steps to address environmental challenges. Community engagement and Eco-Action The CCEC's Eco-Action initiative, which involves regular tree planting on Tuesdays and Fridays, experienced record-breaking participation in 2024. At times, more than 60 students joined these events, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental restoration and community engagement. Environment Week Environment Week in Term 3 was a resounding success, featuring a diverse range of activities designed to raise awareness and inspire action.
and challenged students to think critically about what it meant to lead with integrity and purpose, emphasising that true leadership went beyond titles. Following on from these workshops, there was the Character and Leadership Quiz, as well as the poster competition, which encouraged students to test their knowledge and awareness of leadership principles, character strengths, and New Zealand leaders. Both activities resulted in great participation across all year levels, helping students reflect on their own values. The poster competition was won by Aaron Kwak. Aaron’s poster – featuring Dame Cindy Kiro – powerfully illustrated core leadership values within an engaging design. To foster a sense of community, and reflection on character strengths, the committee also organised hot chocolates for students who shared their top three character strengths. It created an environment for students to reflect, and engage in conversations about their strengths. One of the key initiatives this year was the ‘21 Laws of Leadership’ project, based on the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell. It involved students creating posters showcasing the pivotal role each law played in leadership at Christ’s College. It was an opportunity for many boys to
research and learn about leadership, as well as think about leadership laws and how they might look to follow them as the next generation of young leaders. By encouraging students to engage in various activities, and foster open conversations, the committee has helped build a values-driven culture at Christ’s College. The initiatives have provided students with the tools to develop a strong sense of self-belief, understand the significance of their actions, and recognise their potential to lead by example and with integrity. Finally, I want to give a massive thank you to my committee, Frank, Samuel, Daniel, Blake, Alf, Baxter, Che, Ollie, Hunter, Sam, Jack, Fynn, and Seb. You have all contributed significantly this year by taking the initiative and contributing many forward-thinking ideas. To Mr Matt Cortesi, thank you very much for working well with all the Prefects. I am very excited to see what is to come with the next Prefect group. To Frank O’Gara, I trust that you will take on this role with the same enthusiasm that you have carried during your past four years at College and I know this role will be great for extending and developing yourself into a solid young leader. Hugo Helmore Head of Character & Leadership
its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive group. New members are warmly embraced, and everyone contributes to a culture of support and camaraderie. The commitment to fostering both musical excellence and a sense of belonging remains at the heart of everything we do. As we look back on 2024, we are immensely proud of all that we have accomplished. From unforgettable performances abroad to cherished events at home, this year has been a celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of the Chapel Choir. Nicholas Winefield Head of Chapel Choir CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP This year at Christ’s College, the Character & Leadership Committee continued to be a backbone for fostering a strong culture of personal growth, resilience, and servant leadership among students. Character and leadership are core components at Christ’s College, not just as abstract ideals but as practical skills that are essential in shaping well- rounded, and willing young men. The committee was involved in promoting these values through various initiatives, and notably, through Character and Leadership Week. Character and Leadership Week – a highlight of the school calendar – included workshops and activities designed to help students recognise and enhance their leadership abilities. Central to this week was a series of workshops led by leadership coach Joel Bouzaid, who has had years of experience in mentoring young leaders. His sessions involved interaction,
CHAPEL CHOIR This year has been an extraordinary one for the Chapel Choir, marked by growth, exceptional performances, and unforgettable experiences. From local events to an international tour, the choir has continued to demonstrate its passion for music and commitment to excellence. The year began with a record-breaking group of boys, the largest the choir has enjoyed in recent memory. This vibrant group brought incredible energy to rehearsals and services throughout the year. The dedication of every member was evident in both their enthusiasm and progress as a group. A highlight this year was the international tour, where some choristers had the privilege of performing in Europe, including a performance at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Singing in such an awe- inspiring space was an unforgettable
experience for everyone involved, and remained one of the choir’s proudest moments to date. Back in our own community, Carols on the Quad was a standout event, bringing festive cheer to a large and enthusiastic audience. The choir’s heartfelt performances and the joyous atmosphere made it one of the most successful events of 2024. It was a reminder of how music could bring people together and create lasting memories. The choir also shone at the annual Big Sing competition, where we performed E te atua tapu (Puˉ naki family), Locus Iste (Bruckner), and Regina Coeli (Mozart). Each piece highlighted different aspects of our skill and passion, from the emotional depth of E te atua tapu to the dramatic interpretation of Locus Iste and the precise tuning in Regina Coeli . This year, more than ever, the Chapel Choir has solidified
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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