In service of others

Underlining three of the College virtues – compassion, respect and justice – our College graduates have a disposition to serve, with a willingness to selflessly help and do work for others, the community and the environment.

At College, service and philanthropy are intertwined. At various stages, boys can offer their time, talent and treasure in service of others. Our Service programme creates those opportunities for boys in their teenage years in the hope that this will develop a lifelong disposition to serve. Service remains integral to our community.

Year 10 Service Week

Each November, all Year 10 students spend six days out of school completing tasks for a wide range of community and environmental groups. In groups of 10 to 12, they work with such groups as the City Mission, the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, the Student Volunteer Army, 0800 Hungry and community gardens.

House charities

All our Houses have long-term connections with various charities and organisations, offering fundraising opportunities and their time. Our College Houses provide collectors on street corners, folders of newsletters, gardeners, fun-run marshals, painters and much more.

Service Committee

College’s Service Prefect leads a Service Committee of Years 12–13 students who drive student-led service. Casual clothing days, student dances and other events help raise funds for many youth-based organisations, such as Youthline, the Child Cancer Foundation, the 298 Youth Health Centre, I Am Hope and KidsCan. A Shave for a Cure event for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer raised $64,000 in 2020. The committee also works with the College’s Eco-Action group to support planting activities in Christchurch’s red zone.

College Diploma

Service is recognised as a fundamental component of College life through the College Diploma, which is being introduced in 2022. Students will be required to complete set hours of service to gain their Diploma.

Sony Camp

A residential camp for children with disabilities, the Sony Camp gives our senior students the opportunity to immerse themselves in service every December. Up to 70 students learn a great deal about themselves by giving their time and talent to provide 52 hours of fun-filled respite care to a group of deserving young children.