Special Assemblies (Boarders’ and Well-being Assemblies 2024)

Boarders' Assembly

Heads of Boarding, Alexander Kinney and Gretal Tavendale, and the Year 13 boarders did a great job of organising an entertaining Boarders’ Assembly, with the theme ‘Rhythm and Boarders’. A play on the Rhythm and Vines Festival, the assembly was full of song, dance, film, humour, and reflection as it acknowledged the diverse backgrounds from which boarders come to live in the ‘festival’ of boarding.

Two student addresses had thoughtful and poignant messages. Holly Maraki (Year 13), spoke about Kia māia – courage in sport and life, and in the Morning Comment, Archibald Thomas (Year 13), delivered a message about striving to meet potential and navigating the highs and lows of school life.

The Boarders’ Assembly finished with a rousing rendition of The Gambler, and the traditional dance number. It once again coincided with the Gumboot Friday fundraiser.

Well-being Assembly

The Well-being Committee, led by Heads of Well-being, Olivia Bloom (Year 12) and Aria Wilke (Year 13), hosted the annual Well-being Assembly.

Milla Smith and Katherine Simcock (Year 12) delivered an engaging presentation on the vital role that friendship plays in student well-being. There was lots of laughter and encouragement as the Deans took part in a ‘Dean of the Week’ challenge of creating a portrait of a student in their year group.

A highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Mahia te Aroha Character Awards, which recognise students who exemplify the College’s core value of Inclusivity. The deserving recipients were Lucas Jemmett, Jessica Armstrong (both Year 9), Lachlan Hackston, Vanessa Li (both Year 10), Max Bell, Scarlett Ryan (both Year 11), Oliver Cotter, Meg Matthews (both Year 12), Hamish Paton and Grace Vincent Parr (both Year 13).