Latest News

A guiding light

26 Nov 2019

This year, thanks to a generous gift from the Rolleston family, College has been able to commission a new waiata for the Chapel Choir.

Young entrepreneurs think big

19 Nov 2019

In just under six months two Year 10 Economics students have established their first official business venture – the production and sale of protective laptop covers embossed with the College logo.

Will wins the Junior Speech Competition

14 Nov 2019

Will Pryor won the Junior Speech Competition in the Chapman Room today, the judge Jacq Gilbert from St Andrew’s College, describing his speech on cell phone dependency as having all...

Wise, entertaining, inspirational

14 Nov 2019

Magician and entertainer Brendan Dooley was keynote speaker at this year’s Be Inspired Year 7 Leadership Afternoon, warming up the crowd with a little bit of magic, before sharing his...

Toe tapping feel-good fun

14 Nov 2019

Schools out for summer and Gabriella Montez (Charlotte McSweeney), Troy Bolton (Ollie Jones) and their friends from East High have all found work at the gorgeous Lava Springs Country Club,...

A taste for (ad)Venture

13 Nov 2019

The new – or recently revived after a long hiatus – College Venture Group heads for the hills at weekends, taking on scree slopes, river crossings, forest tracks, prickly spear...

Seeing stars

13 Nov 2019

Physics teacher Dr Andrew Taylor has created a unique aerospace themed Christmas card as part of his “Astronomy Looking Down” project.

A winning case

12 Nov 2019

He may not yet be old enough to vote but, in advance of next year’s referendum, Year 10 student Thimeth Wijesinghe has already considered the pros and cons of legalising...

Ideals in action

07 Nov 2019

The Junior Round Square committee – Year 10 students Kevin Chiang, Yusef Elnahas, Henry King, Dominic Lee, Timmy Li, Spencer Smith and Daniel Wei – stepped up to lead assembly...

Match ready

05 Nov 2019

An enthusiastic crowd of parents, coaches and boys attended the official opening of the new cricket facilities at the Christ’s College Cricket Ground in Hagley Park on Saturday 2 November.

Jacob dominates global kart racers

01 Nov 2019

Jacob Douglas of Rolleston House, a multi time New Zealand kart racing champion, had an exciting September holiday – in Italy winning the 2019 Rok Superfinal by a 2.1sec margin...

The trailer team

01 Nov 2019

They call themselves “Gav’s boys”, and for the last couple of years they have been beavering away in the workshop, putting their newly acquired mechanical engineering skills to use building...

Have a blast

30 Oct 2019

The Christchurch Big Band Festival is all about getting out to enjoy great music – and with bands playing at pop-up locations and venues across the CBD, it couldn’t be...

Turning the tables

30 Oct 2019

Day in day out during term time the Dining Hall staff come up with nourishing and tasty meals and snacks, working tirelessly to ensure the boarders are fed and watered,...

Don’t get sucked in

30 Oct 2019

Vaping is a hot topic right now. Vaping rates have skyrocketed in recent years, especially among young people, seduced by the idea that vaping is cool, and a hip and...

Honours for College at Zonta awards

25 Oct 2019

Head of Sport Louis Clark powered through the field at last night’s Zonta Sports Awards, putting College on the podium before an audience of more than 350 parents, families and...

Have wheels, will ride

23 Oct 2019

Cycling is an all seasons sport and any day is a good day to get on a bike, according to Year 12 student and keen cyclist Michael Audeau.Michael and his...

An epic, unforgettable experience

23 Oct 2019

Taking a berth on the Spirit of New Zealand and participating in the Tuia 250 commemorations was, according to Year 13 student Matias Biraben-Clough, an “awesome, once in a lifetime...

Hey Man!

21 Oct 2019

A bare set, minimal props, an ensemble company of Year 11 students wearing a simple “uniform” of grey and black trackpants and hoodies, and – Hey Man! – these elements...

Inquiring minds

21 Oct 2019

Year 10 students Thimeth Wijesinghe and Yusef Elnahas understand scientific research takes time, and have the curiosity and determination to test their ideas, solve practical problems, and gather and analyse...

Gold award for Oscar

21 Oct 2019

More than 500 hours spent volunteering in projects at College and for the Kirwee Players have earnt Oscar Gosling a gold award from the Student Volunteer Army.Presented at assembly this...

Clock project ticks the boxes for Bruce

21 Oct 2019

Solving problems is Bruce Chen’s passion and he has always been fascinated by software engineering.As a result, his “College Clock” project has been selected as a finalist in the 2019...

College donation helps African refugee students

21 Oct 2019

A Rwandan refugee studying for a diploma in pharmacy in Lusaka, Zambia, will benefit from $2000 given by Christ’s College in Chapel today.Elijah Habimana is just one refugee to be...

The world we wish to see

18 Oct 2019

From the second you exit the airport in India you know you have been transported to another world: the heat and humidity, the noise, the sights, the smells, the crowds,...

Step up, lead wisely and well

17 Oct 2019

Head Prefect Zach Gallagher chose to talk about leadership at assembly on Tuesday 15 October, congratulating the boys who have been given leadership roles at College next year, and reminding...

Setting the pace

17 Oct 2019

“It’s all about the challenge, to see how far I can go and what I can achieve – and, although you have to have a certain level of physical fitness,...

Inspired and improvised

16 Oct 2019

A hilarious and somewhat chaotic day of improvised theatre kept players and audience alike entertained at the Theatresports South Island senior final at the Court Theatre on Sunday 22 September.

Taking the plunge

16 Oct 2019

Year 11 student and keen swimmer James Currie says representing New Zealand at the 2019 State Teams Championships in Australia, for boys and girls aged 13–17 years, has given him...

Term 4 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

10 Oct 2019

Click here to view the Term 4 Newsletter.

A night to remember

18 Sep 2019

Always one of the highlights of the year, the Senior Ball was held in the Assembly Hall on the evening of Saturday 14 September.

Power in the point

18 Sep 2019

College fencers Year 10 student Tim Wang, Year 11 student Oscar Aynsley and Year 12 student Eden Pidgeon all performed well at the recent national secondary schools fencing tournament, held...

Aliens among us

17 Sep 2019

Located in the remote Nevada desert, the purpose of top secret US airforce base, commonly known as Area 51, has long been a source of fascination for conspiracy theorists and...

Enterprising projects prove appetising

13 Sep 2019

Food was the biggest winner at the fourth annual market day held by Year 10 students at College on Friday 13 September.

Zach makes NZ Schools’ rugby team

13 Sep 2019

It might have come as “a bit of a surprise,” but Zach Gallagher intends to make sure his selection in the NZ Schools’ rugby team is a chance to shine.

Earth in focus

13 Sep 2019

As a student, Physics teacher Dr Andrew Taylor attended the first Vatican Observatory Summer School (VOSS) back in the 1980s.

Kia Kaha te reo Māori

10 Sep 2019

To celebrate Te Wiki o te reo Māori, from Rāhina 9–Rātapu 15 Mahuru, the Anglican Bishop of Te Waipounamu, Bishop Richard Wallace, was invited to preach in Chapel on Monday morning.

Winter Tournament Week – it’s a wrap!

10 Sep 2019

The winter sport season culminated in Winter Tournament Week, from Saturday 31 August–Saturday 7 September. From Hamilton to Dunedin, and other towns in between, there were over one hundred College...

Testing creativity and ingenuity

10 Sep 2019

The Aurecon Bridge Building Competition brings STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects to life, encouraging students to think outside the box, unlock their potential and get creative.

The will to win

10 Sep 2019

At the end of a demanding four days of basketball, the Year 9–10 tournament team left Dunedin South Island champions – the first time a Christ’s College junior team has...

The fine art of swordplay

02 Sep 2019

Fencing is as much a mental as a physical sport and it is this combination of strategy and stamina that so appeals to Year 11 student Oscar Aynsley. “It’s utterly fascinating.

Year 9 team blitzes Cantamath

30 Aug 2019

Sharp brains, good teamwork and a lack of errors ensured College’s Year 9 team won the 2019 Cantamath competition this week, beating the province’s best schoolboy mathematicians.

An inspired award

27 Aug 2019

Immerse & Inspire has become a key part of the Year 10 experience. It is busy and demanding and fun, and takes the idea of getting involved at College to...

Making a difference

26 Aug 2019

They don’t do it for recognition, they do it because they are committed to making a difference – and, for Year 13 students Jordy Annand, Ollie Brakenridge and Finn Brokenshire,...

Yes to business success

21 Aug 2019

An invitation to attend the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame gala dinner as a student escort was an opportunity not to be missed for Year 13 student, Young Enterprise...

Every picture tells a story

20 Aug 2019

Anyone in any culture at any time in human history who has ever created a work of art has a story to tell.

REACTION House Plays Festival delivers again

16 Aug 2019

Courageous directors, enthusiastic players and appreciative audiences – they all add up to the annual REACTION House Plays Festival which took place this week in the College assembly hall.

Playing the Kiwi way

15 Aug 2019

Top young rugby players from Seiryo High School, Nagoya City, Japan, have arrived at College this week to take part in an immersive high performance rugby development programme.

Welcome, come on in

13 Aug 2019

Hundreds of interested people streamed through the College gates on Sunday 4 August, taking the opportunity to visit the Dining Hall and see the other heritage buildings around the Quad...

Clean up with Kākahi

13 Aug 2019

They brainstormed, created prototypes, conducted market research and manufactured, and now Year 13 students Will Macdonald, Jack Elvy, George Matheson and Max Goulter – also known as WJGM Soaps –...

Hot sun, cool jazz

13 Aug 2019

The sun shone on the top of the South last week, as young musicians from schools across the South Island converged on Blenheim for Southern Jam 2019.

Economics a winner

13 Aug 2019

Year 13 student Max Surveyor’s passion for economics has seen him achieve high honours at the 2019 International Economics Olympiad (IEO) – taking third place in the individual competition and...

The right moves

05 Aug 2019

They went into the final as top seeds and – with a 4–0 win against St Andrew’s College – finished as division champions in the Christchurch secondary schools’ chess competition.

1st XI in great form

05 Aug 2019

It is proving to be a great season for the College 1st XI football team.

Embracing an international perspective

05 Aug 2019

Year 13 student and Head of International & Round Square Mark Ma and his committee organised a packed programme of events and activities for Round Square International Week, which was...

Getting ahead in the game

30 Jul 2019

Being selected for the 2019 Steven Adams High School Invitational team has been a highlight of the year (so far) for Year 13 student and keen basketballer Mason Whittaker.

Practice makes perfect

29 Jul 2019

Full on, really intense and an amazing opportunity is how Year 11 student and violinist Justin Hodges describes his recent experience playing with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.

Connected, positive and real

26 Jul 2019

Over the last several decades, the evolution and exponential growth of technology has had a huge impact on our lives.

‘Big Build Morocco’ suits Tom

25 Jul 2019

Casablanca, Marrakesh, medinas and tagines flavoured with saffron are a world away from wintery Christchurch, and Tom Davidson made the most of every Moroccan moment.

Term 3 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

19 Jul 2019

Click here to view the Term 3 Newsletter.

Freedom of speech up for debate

08 Jul 2019

Should we restrict freedom of speech in order to combat the growth of right wing populism?

Building effective teams

08 Jul 2019

Sam Johnson, Old Boy and entrepreneur, who is best known as the founder of the Student Volunteer Army, shared his findings on building strong viable teams with a lucky group...

Advice for life

03 Jul 2019

Inspirational, entertaining, thought-provoking, real. Through their wit, wisdom, and good old-fashioned advice, the speakers at this year’s Emerging Leaders conference made for a truly memorable day.

C-c-c-crazy frogs

01 Jul 2019

Director Nikki Bleyendaal says of the creative process, “You’ve got to have fun in order to make it fun.”

Meet the ancestors

28 Jun 2019

We may be the latest dominant species on one branch of the evolutionary tree, but evidence suggests we won’t be the last – and it is through studies of fossils,...

The magic of theatre

25 Jun 2019

A fleeting trip to Auckland saw 55 Year 11–13 drama students travelling through space and time to Shakespeare’s Globe and the trenches of World War One.

It’s all on – Arts Week 2019

25 Jun 2019

From a behind-the-scenes look at our Houses, to the Talent/Non-Talent show, a spirited game of House musical chairs and a hilarious staff vs students battle of wits, Arts Week revealed...

Attitude is everything

18 Jun 2019

In a brilliant race, Year 11 student Sam Idiens outran a field of strong contenders to come first in the Junior Boys 4km race at the 2019 New Zealand Secondary...

Building bridges, engineering their future

18 Jun 2019

Abutments, piers, force and equilibrium – the terms might have been novel when the Year 9 boys started building bridges on Friday 14 June, but were very familiar by the...

Let the games begin

18 Jun 2019

With more than 100 players from each school competing in the different sporting codes, the College–Otago Boys’ High School winter sports exchange is always a busy and eagerly anticipated event.

A taste of Dragons’ Den for young entrepreneurs

14 Jun 2019

It wasn’t Dragons’ Den but it was equally harrowing for the four College teams who today presented their innovative businesses before judges and other contestants in the nationwide Young Enterprise Scheme.

Born to swim

14 Jun 2019

Whether it’s a swimming pool or the ocean, Alex Hickman is more at home in H2O than he is on land.

Open to discussion

11 Jun 2019

According to French philosopher and author Albert Camus, “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world”.

Performance con brio

11 Jun 2019

Hundreds of young singers from schools across Canterbury and the West Coast had their turn in the spotlight last week, taking part in the regional Big Sing festival at the...

Smooth and stormy music

11 Jun 2019

Year 9 student and percussion specialist Andrew Welsh has proved a master of the marimba, taking first place in the U19 solo percussionist section at the Big Bang percussion competition,...

College physicists in Aerospace Challenge

07 Jun 2019

Christ’s College is the only secondary school to be included in a national business incubator programme for the New Zealand Aerospace Challenge 2019.

Grassroots rugby

05 Jun 2019

The winter sport season is underway and College’s Tamai rugby team, its first team for boys under 10 years of age is now well into the swing of competition.

Privilege, responsibility and service

05 Jun 2019

Two Old Boys who place service and community at the heart of everything they do were presented with Senior Honours Ties at assembly on Tuesday 4 June.

Moments to treasure

05 Jun 2019

Most grandparents treasure time spent with their grandchildren, and there was a tangible sense of love and pride evident among the grandparents and grandsons at College on Grandparents’ Day.

Riches within

31 May 2019

The influence of the ancient world lingers in culture and society today – in our legal and political institutions, in languages and literature, on stage and in film, in art...

Interest is growing

28 May 2019

The Environment committee has been quietly tending native plants at College for a while now, and many of these plants are now strong enough to be repotted and nurtured elsewhere.

A capital day

28 May 2019

One of the classic plays of the 20th century, Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting for Godot has once again worked its gloomy magic on a new generation of theatregoers – and...

Jack commands the waves at Waikuku

23 May 2019

Sunny skies and 1.5m waves peeling left and right proved ideal conditions on Sunday for Year 9 student Jack McKenzie (Corfe) to win the Boys U14 Canterbury Scholastic Surf Championships.

Immersed in music

23 May 2019

Seven College students successfully auditioned for places in the 2019 New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO), driven by the opportunity to experience playing in a full symphony orchestra.

Art and faith

22 May 2019

Head of Art Darryn George says he was honoured to collaborate with some of New Zealand’s finest visual and recording artists on the Offering – a collection of 12 gospel...

Wise words, good korero

21 May 2019

He made his name as a comedian and media personality, but now Mike King uses his considerable talents – and plenty of humour – to deliver a serious message about...

A forest takes root

21 May 2019

An eco-army of enthusiastic volunteers swung into action wielding spades, digging holes and tending saplings at a mass planting of around 520 native seedlings in the Red Zone on Sunday...

End the bullying, spread kindness instead

17 May 2019

There were pink shirts, pink ties, and pink t-shirts on the campus on Friday as College joined the global Pink Shirt Day celebrating diversity and taking a stand against bullying.

Exploring engineering

14 May 2019

For budding mechanical engineers, nothing beats getting out to real world working environments, seeing what happens in industry and discovering the many different pathways available for those who want to...

The low-down on dairying

14 May 2019

Old Boy and dairy farmer Alex Irvine answered some probing questions about the reality of dairying in an in-depth Q&A with Year 13 Agribusiness students on Wednesday 8 May.

Max is going to Russia

14 May 2019

Year 13 student Max Surveyor will spend a week in Russia in July as part of the New Zealand Economics Olympiad.

A fruitful and solid relationship

13 May 2019

Christ’s College was always the “favourite client” of architects Warren and Mahoney, and the relationship between Old Boy Sir Miles Warren and the school remains as solid today as ever.

Planting trees, making goals and offsetting carbon footprints

13 May 2019

With a cheeky fantail watching on and some cheery bird song from above, a group of Year 9s today transformed a steep section of the riverbank by the swimming pool...

College team 4th in Canterbury Road Race

10 May 2019

Perfect conditions and some fine performances combined for a good outcome in the Canterbury Secondary School Road Race, the College team taking 4th place overall.

Eager to go the distance

08 May 2019

There is nothing quite like seeing hundreds of College boys (and some keen staff) participating in the annual cross country, running in the autumnal splendour of Hagley Park.

A lot to think about

07 May 2019

Head Prefect Zach Gallagher says meeting student leaders from across New Zealand and learning how different boys’ schools operate was among the highlights of the recent Head Boys Conference, held...

Top Scholar Awards held at Parliament

02 May 2019

Old Boys Wills Wynn Thomas and Joshua Murison stood with New Zealand’s elite scholars in the Grand Hall at Parliament on Wednesday 1 May at a ceremony honouring the country’s...

The thrill of the race

02 May 2019

Two College skiers – Year 9 student Tom Picton-Warlow and Year 11 student Sam Hadley – represented New Zealand at the Whistler Cup, the premier ski racing event for young...

An all-round amazing experience

30 Apr 2019

Year 13 student and cricket all-rounder Lachie Harper joined top schoolboy cricketers from teams across the country for the Willows Cricket Club youth tour 2019 to Malaysia and Sri Lanka...

A strong bond of friendship

30 Apr 2019

Executive Principal Garth Wynne, his wife Annie, and Japanese teacher Steve Everingham had a wonderful few days at the centenary celebrations of Konan Boys’ High School, Kobe, Japan, in April.

A prayer for peace

29 Apr 2019

Sacrifice, remembrance and peace were the themes of the Anzac Commemoration Service in Chapel on Monday 29 April, with Chaplain Bosco Peters reflecting that as we honour the memory of...

Term 2 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

24 Apr 2019

Click here to view the Term 2 Newsletter.

Bailey’s first car is an Audi

05 Apr 2019

It was a big day for Bailey Libeau – he left on the first leg of a trip to London, and he won an Audi.

College tunes up for House Music

05 Apr 2019

For the 85th time every boy in every House took to the stage for the annual House Music festival, an event of fun, musicality and enjoyment - always with some surprises.

Well-chosen words

05 Apr 2019

Poet, storyteller and modern troubadour Apirana Taylor, of Ngati Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngati Ruanui and Pākeha descent, mesmerised his audience of Year 9 English students at College on...

50 matches not out

01 Apr 2019

Lachie Harper and Thomas Graham, both Year 13 students in School House, have each celebrated their 50th match playing for the 1st XI and been presented with a specially embroidered...

Cambridge – here he comes

29 Mar 2019

William Wynn Thomas, Dux at Christ’s College last year, will start at Cambridge University in October on a prestigious Sir Douglas Myers scholarship.

A journey through time

27 Mar 2019

Every rock tells a story – a story of origins, of the primal forces of land formation, of weathering and erosion, of being thrust from deep within the earth up...

Kings of the field

27 Mar 2019

As a result of growing enthusiasm for polo, College was able to field four teams at the recent South Island SUPA Interschool Polo Tournament and – whether playing for the...

Energised and active

26 Mar 2019

College athletes had a strong showing at the recent Canterbury championships, winning 14 championship titles, 11 second places and seven third places, plus achieving a number of personal best performances.

Over hill, on a trail

14 Mar 2019

There is nothing Year 11 student Jonty Hodges likes more than heading out on his mountain bike. “I like getting outside and doing the back country tracks up in the hills.

“Tri” and it will happen

14 Mar 2019

A stiff southerly and light rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the young athletes lined up to take part in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships on Friday 8 March.

Aiming high, running fast

13 Mar 2019

Nine College athletes represented Athletics Canterbury at the recent Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships in Christchurch.

Suds and scrubs

11 Mar 2019

Although the words “soap” and “teenage boys” don’t appear to have too much in common, enterprising Year 13 Agribusiness students Jack Elvy, Max Goulter, William Macdonald and George Matheson have...

Ash Wednesday – the start of Lent

06 Mar 2019

College marked the beginning of Lent with the traditional Ash Wednesday Chapel service on 6 March, the new College Warden, Bishop Peter Carrell preaching the sermon and applying ash to...

The thrill of a hat trick

05 Mar 2019

There was no stopping the senior tennis team, which dominated play at the South Island secondary schools’ championship, winning the South Island title for the third year in a row.

College victorious at Otago exchange

01 Mar 2019

For the first time in almost 20 years College has scooped the pool in the sports exchange with Otago Boys’ High School.

Robbie rolls out experience and wisdom

01 Mar 2019

Old Boy Robbie Deans, former All Blacks fullback and assistant coach, is home from Japan on holiday and he’s more than happy to spend time with the College 1st XV,...

Art reflects life

27 Feb 2019

As a preamble to their study of the French colonisation of Akaroa, senior French students had the privilege of viewing some important etchings held in the collection of Christchurch Art...

Kindred spirits

27 Feb 2019

Among the many guests at the CCOBA Reunion Weekend were four distinguished and dapper gentlemen – Bruce Carey (4841), Cassells Kernahan (4868), Graham Lawn (4872) and Neville Perkins (4892) –...

Athletics for everyone

26 Feb 2019

Perfect conditions produced best performances and brought out a crowd of enthusiastic supporters at Athletics Day.

Play to your strengths

22 Feb 2019

Two talented young College musicians have been awarded Associate (ATCL) diplomas from Trinity College London, which reflects their high standard of performance and musical understanding on their chosen instruments.

Room to grow

19 Feb 2019

The Environment Committee are spearheading a campaign to make a difference in the Red Zone, bringing an abandoned site back to verdant life.

A heart of wisdom

19 Feb 2019

The Rev. Dr Peter Carrell was ordained and installed as the 9th Anglican Bishop of Christchurch at services at Christchurch Boys’ High School and in Cathedral Square on Saturday 9 February.

Japan chooses Shun for U20 training camp

15 Feb 2019

Year 13 student Shun Miyake is in Japan this week for the first of two Japan U20 rugby camps.

Black Caps share their skills

15 Feb 2019

In a gift and a lesson rolled into one, Black Caps team members shared their cricket nous with 25 Year 9 College boys at Sydenham Park on Thursday.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a win

15 Feb 2019

There was a lot of tennis packed into two days at the Canterbury Senior Secondary Schools’ Championship – and College scored some fantastic results.

Excellence comes in gold

12 Feb 2019

Assembly on Tuesday 12 February was dedicated to celebrating academic excellence and recognising the outstanding achievements of the boys who, as a result of their success in NCEA 2018, were...

At their best

12 Feb 2019

Curiosity, perseverance, self-regulation, love of learning and now – no doubt – gratitude, are some of the inherent character strengths of the recent Old Boys who excelled in NZQA Scholarship...

Good vibes in the pool

12 Feb 2019

There were belly flops and splashes, “tidal” surges and puddles, but there were also smooth and masterful strokes, cutting through the water, races won and records set, cheers, applause and...

Food for thought at Founders’ Dinner

08 Feb 2019

A delicious meal, a chance to honour those who have gone before, and an opportunity to learn about formal dining etiquette – it was all served up at the 2019...

A building of Rookes

05 Feb 2019

For the Rookes family – or families – back to school 2019 was one of the more memorable days in their long and fond association with College.

Serving it up at Prefect induction

01 Feb 2019

It’s about serving, not being served.

Confident, capable, connected, caring

01 Feb 2019

His mission is to help people of all ages stay safe online, to teach people how to navigate the internet, social media and other digital platforms with confidence, how to...

Welcomed with aroha

31 Jan 2019

Wednesday 30 January, 8.30am, new staff and students gathered outside the Assembly Hall listening for the call to join the tangata whenua assembled on the Quad.

Introducing the class of 2023

29 Jan 2019

As ever, our new Year 9 students formally began their time at College in Chapel, welcomed by Executive Principal Garth Wynne and Rev.

Howzat!

28 Jan 2019

There is nothing quite like a summer of cricket and this year, from 18–25 January, it was College’s turn to host the annual Trans-Tasman Cricket Festival – the 21st consecutive...

Term 1 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

23 Jan 2019

Click here to view the Term 1 Newsletter.

That Christmas feeling

03 Dec 2018

The clouds cleared, the sun shone, and the Quad filled on Thursday evening as the school and wider community gathered for the annual Carols on the Quad.

Gold for Josh

03 Dec 2018

Year 13 student Josh Ting has had a golden finish to his final year, picking up the gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.

A thrilling start to the polo season

27 Nov 2018

The connections between College and the USA Polo Training Foundation continue to flourish, and last week – from Wednesday 21–Sunday 25 November – College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School hosted...

Old Boys rock

26 Nov 2018

The Court Theatre’s stupendous summer production Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Saturday 24 November. One of the greatest modern musicals, the timeless 1970s rock opera has been brought bang up-to-date,...

Red Zone site secured for native plantings

26 Nov 2018

In two stunning moves for the environment, College will help revitalize 1.5 hectares in the Red Zone and replant 200sqm of river bank behind the swimming pool.

Managing our carbon footprint

20 Nov 2018

College's carbon footprint has long been on the mind of HoD Biology Graeme Swanson and Director of Finance and Operations Steve Kelsen.

Effective orators

20 Nov 2018

The ability to present a cogent and persuasive argument, be cool and collected in front of an audience and win over the crowd are key skills in public speaking –...

Magic lessons

20 Nov 2018

There was magic in the air in the Chapman Room, with a large audience of Year 7 students from schools all over Christchurch and Canterbury enthralled by magician Brendan Dooley’s...

A flair for gymnastics

14 Nov 2018

Year 10 student and keen gymnast Kennedy Payne has been selected to represent New Zealand at next year’s Valeri Liukin Invitational men’s gymnastics competition, to be held in Texas, USA,...

Much to enjoy

13 Nov 2018

A cracking production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing proved a wonderfully funny and entertaining evening for the near capacity audience in the OBT on Monday 12 November.

On a mission to make a difference

13 Nov 2018

Old Boy Dr Nicolas (Nick) Laing has been awarded the 2018 Tripp Travelling Scholarship and will use it to help fund his study towards a master’s degree in Public Health...

A poignant centenary

12 Nov 2018

In 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent, honouring the armistice signed by representatives of France, Great Britain and Germany,...

Live and inspired

07 Nov 2018

They knew it was going to be close, so the junior Theatresports team gave it their all, thrilled to win their heat in the Theatresports in Schools competition at the...

George and Bruce strike the top notes

05 Nov 2018

Highly commended in the past, Year 13 pianist George Murray made no mistake this time, winning the senior section of the 2018 Sedley Wells Solo Music Competition on Tuesday evening...

2019 University Scholarship Recipients

01 Nov 2018

Congratulations to our 2019 University Scholarship recipients.

Boys on film

31 Oct 2018

Year 13 student Thomas Stewardson demonstrated his considerable skills as a filmmaker, with his thriller In the Dead of Night dominating the awards at the annual Christ’s College Film Festival,...

Fundraising benefits Aviva and Cricket Live

26 Oct 2018

Cheques totalling more than $19,500 were presented in Chapel today to Aviva family violence services, and the Cricket Live Foundation, which operates in Sri Lanka and India.

Black and white dominates at Zonta Sports Awards

26 Oct 2018

College scooped up the honours at the 28th Zonta Sports Awards last night, winning three of the six categories in the annual event.

What a blast!

24 Oct 2018

Four gigs in as many days kept the Big Band busy over Labour Weekend, with the central city basking in heat and audiences moving to the beat at the Christchurch...

Overseas experience

24 Oct 2018

The four College trips ­– one to the USA and Canada, three to Japan – that took place in the recent school holidays were unforgettable experiences for the participating boys.

Sharing ideas and experience

19 Oct 2018

Year 12 student Max Heywood has returned from the Round Square International Conference 2018 brimming with enthusiasm and full of ideas about how Round Square at College can grow.

Sculpture on the Quad

19 Oct 2018

SCAPE Public Art Season 2018 is underway, which means a stroll through the central city just got a whole lot more interesting.

Prefects 2019

18 Oct 2018

The prefect group for 2019 was welcomed to the stage at assembly on Thursday 18 October. Congratulations to all the boys who stepped up to take on leadership roles at College.

Art writ large

15 Oct 2018

When he created his miniature sculpture Our Stories Make Us in his Visual Arts class, Year 11 student Ollie Moginie had no idea it would become part of SCAPE Public...

Term 4 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

15 Oct 2018

Click here to view the Term 4 Newsletter

Head shave brings in the dollars

21 Sep 2018

The locks fell and the dollars rose as at least 33 College boys today sacrificed their hair to raise money and awareness for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer.

Honours awarded at final Term 3 assembly

21 Sep 2018

Accomplishments in mathematics, music, drama, and sports were recognised today before the whole school at the final assembly for Term 3 2018.

Swift and nifty

20 Sep 2018

It was a perfect day to hit the slopes and the two College ski teams made the most of it, racing down the Giant Slalom course on the upper Goldrush...

Red Zone update

20 Sep 2018

A large group of College boys and parents planted out around 400 native trees in Brooker Reserve in the Red Zone in winter 2017.

To market, to market

18 Sep 2018

Year 10 Economics students tested their business chops with Bumper Balls on Upper on Thursday 13 September and a Market Day on Friday 14 September.

College more relaxed, less “feudal” today

18 Sep 2018

School House library was the scene of a party with a difference on Friday when Old Boy and long-time College supporter, Shailer Weston, called in to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Peter’s tribute to Charles Kingsford Smith

17 Sep 2018

HoD Media Studies Peter Hewson became a media star in his own right this week, appearing on TV1’s 6pm News after developing his own means of celebrating the 90th anniversary...

Let them eat cake

14 Sep 2018

Student Fawzan Sugarwala’s tasty “burger” has taken the Year 13 Design & Visual Communication class cake challenge to a whole new level.

A sticky solution for problem pollution

14 Sep 2018

In a highly competitive field, Year 9 student Thimeth Wijesinghe picked up seven prizes at the 2018 NIWA Canterbury-Westland Schools’ Science and Technology Fair, including second best in fair.

All on at tournament

11 Sep 2018

Held in the first week of September, Winter Tournament Week saw over 100 College students compete in a variety of sports across the country, from Tauranga to Invercargill.

Ko te Kura Karaiti, E ara! E ara!

11 Sep 2018

Strong and confident, voices and actions reverberating around Williams Court, all boys in each House stepped forward to express their pride, strength and unity, and lay down their challenge to...

Cardrona here we come

11 Sep 2018

College goes into the South Island Ski Championships in a strong position after impressive results in the Canterbury championships.

Arts Week 2018

10 Sep 2018

With live acts welcoming staff and students to school each morning, early in the week it was, literally, singin’ in the rain – but an enjoyable way to start the day.

One to watch

05 Sep 2018

With not one, not two, but three New Zealand selections – in swimming, surf lifesaving and water polo – it is clear Year 12 student Louis Clark is an accomplished...

In perfect harmony

05 Sep 2018

After winning a special award for an outstanding performance by a first time Big Sing Choir at the Canterbury regional competition in June, “Amanda” the St Margaret’s College–Christ’s College senior...

Feel the music

05 Sep 2018

For Year 12 student Max Toth the appeal of learning to play the organ is in the richness of its sound and its complexity.

Sharing secrets of success

05 Sep 2018

Back for his Forty Years On reunion, Old Boy James Kerr also made time to share some of the insights he has learned while working with some of the world’s...

Stand aside Keats and Byron, here comes George

24 Aug 2018

Limericks and ballads, rhyming couplets and blank verse.

Je voudrais une crepe, s’il vous plait!

24 Aug 2018

One of the best parts of learning about a new culture and language, is sampling the food!

Science pathways

23 Aug 2018

Next time you are out walking, spare a thought for the soil beneath your feet. It is full of minerals and nutrients, supports plant growth, teems with microscopic organisms, and...

Creative construction

23 Aug 2018

It took hours to complete and was destroyed in seconds, but Year 9 student Thimeth Wijesinghe didn’t mind.

Overseas experience

23 Aug 2018

When his parents suggested he go on an exchange to Christ’s College, Year 11 student Timothee Piron jumped at the idea.

From tiny seeds

23 Aug 2018

Revegetation of the fire-damaged Port Hills and greening the Red Zone are on-going initiatives for the benefit of the city – and the Environment Committee continues its work, nurturing the...

Comedy, tragedy and everything in between

17 Aug 2018

The spotlight shone on hidden talents at the 2018 REACTION House Plays Festival as College’s 10 Houses fiercely contested the annual awards before large and appreciative audiences.

Engineers in the making

17 Aug 2018

College students with a liking for engineering have been off campus this week, visiting UC Engineering and several local companies for insights and hands on experience.

In the groove

14 Aug 2018

Always one of the highlights of the year, the Big Band are back, fresh from a fantastic week focusing on music, performance and fun at Southern Jam.

Keeping his eye on the ball

08 Aug 2018

Old Boy Louis Beckert has been named in the New Zealand U21 Men’s hockey squad heading away to compete for the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia in October.

Strategy and stamina

08 Aug 2018

The track was completely soaked and the weather was bleak, but nothing could diminish Year 11 student Kyle Houston’s passion for the competition – and determination was key to his...

Going global

08 Aug 2018

In our little corner of the world it can sometimes be hard to imagine the richness and diversity of other countries, cultures and societies, which is why Round Square International...

A catalyst for action

31 Jul 2018

You never know what might turn out to be a catalyst for action, for political or social awakening.

Chess anyone?

31 Jul 2018

Put down your phone and get involved in a challenging chess match any spare moments you have.

Worth every moment

25 Jul 2018

They went equipped with paint and paintbrushes, some toys, books and stationery supplies, and came back entranced by the warmth and generosity of their hosts, and their experience of Samoan...

Top at the Quad

25 Jul 2018

The annual Quadrangular Tournament is one of the major events in the rugby calendar for all four schools – Christ’s College, Nelson College, Wellington College and Wanganui Collegiate School – involved.

New horizons

25 Jul 2018

Living the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism and Adventure, Year 10 student Angus Macdonald jumped at the chance to go on an exchange to the United World College South East...

Pedal power

24 Jul 2018

Seven keen College cyclists headed to Timaru to participate in the South Island schools time trial and road race championships on the weekend of 7–8 July.

Term 3 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

17 Jul 2018

Click here to view the Term 3 Newsletter.

Empowering young leaders

10 Jul 2018

The standing ovation and spontaneous haka said it all. With his passionate, powerful and inspiring speech, teacher Marcus Akuhata-Brown captured the hearts and minds of the hundreds of Year 12...

Learning new skills at Harvard

03 Jul 2018

Head of International & Round Square Junie Wee and Year 11 student Angad Vraich were among 24 delegates from Round Square schools all over the world who came together to...

Giving it 100%

03 Jul 2018

Turning up the heat on a cold winter’s night, 12 bands slugged it out, giving it their all at the Smokefree Rockquest Canterbury final at the Foundry on Friday 29 June.

A young soldier’s sad vigil

29 Jun 2018

In the hours before sunrise, on perhaps the most painful night of his life, Private Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful looks back on his fondest memories and reflects on the events that...

From earth to infinity

26 Jun 2018

The Year 13 Earth and Space Science (ESS) field trip to Tekapo covered a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, proving beyond doubt that sometimes the best education happens outside...

Bokuna Nihon go o hanashimasu

26 Jun 2018

Hundreds of Japanese language students from schools all over Christchurch took part in the University of Canterbury’s NCEA Japanese workshop on Thursday 7 June.

Upcountry for cross country

25 Jun 2018

Hundreds of runners from all over New Zealand converged on Taupo for the national secondary schools cross country championships on Saturday 16–Sunday 17 June, among them five enthusiastic College athletes:...

Teamwork triumphs at EPro8 Challenge

19 Jun 2018

Eight Year 9 and 10 technology students combined their skills in a virtuoso display at the Epro8 engineering, problem solving and innovating competition on Friday 15 June, winning places in...

Sprint star spoilt for choice

19 Jun 2018

Year 13 athlete Cody House is spoilt for choice. The sprint, long jump and hurdles exponent is wanted at both the Oceania Athletics competition in October and has been shortlisted...

A ribbon of green

19 Jun 2018

On the morning of Sunday 10 June, a large group of volunteers from the College community and Avon-Otakaro Forest Park group planted around 1800 Carex Secta, donated by Orari Nursery,...

In fine voice

19 Jun 2018

Giving it their all, the Chapel Choir, Schola Cantorum and the new student-driven Christ’s College–St Margaret’s College Chorale were in fine voice at the Big Sing Canterbury regional festival, held...

Español por un día

19 Jun 2018

A celebration of all things Spanish inspired and tested the skills of Year 11 students Yngve Jordan and Jonty Gallagher at the University of Canterbury Spanish Immersion Day on Tuesday...

Black Sticks in his sights

12 Jun 2018

Year 12 student and 1st XI hockey player Nicholas Lidstone is on track for sporting success, having been selected for Sport New Zealand’s Pathway to Podium programme.

Soaking up the atmosphere

12 Jun 2018

It was wet, wet, wet in Christchurch over Queen’s Birthday weekend, but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the boys taking part in the annual Rathkeale College–Christ’s College winter sports exchange.

Calling all environmentalists!

01 Jun 2018

Help is needed for the Environmental Committee’s annual major planting project – this time to recover some of the Red Zone near the Avon River where New Brighton Rd meets...

Proud grandparents flock to College

01 Jun 2018

They love, support, sometimes finance and always follow with huge interest the progress of their grandsons, so Grandparents’ Day at College is always a time to be celebrated.

That game again – victory eludes us this time

01 Jun 2018

It’s just a game, but what a game it turned out to be!

Cultural Honours Ties for excellence

01 Jun 2018

West Side Story allowed a lot of boys to show their accomplished theatre arts skills to the more than 3200 people who attended the sellout show.

Where there’s light

01 Jun 2018

“I’m really into temporary structures and the activation of public spaces ... how they can be used to draw people in, create energy and bring more life into the city.”

Kayaks, dolphins and volunteering in Perth

01 Jun 2018

Round Square representatives Cameron Jones and Alex Hlavac spent a week in Perth in the April holidays, the only New Zealanders at a Round Square Australasia and East Asian Regional Conference.

All Black chat

31 May 2018

With the All Blacks training in Christchurch, Old Boy Damian McKenzie took the time to come back to College, happy to reminisce about his schoolboy rugby days and talk with...

Through rugby comes friendship

29 May 2018

To strengthen cross-cultural bonds and give our young rugby players some international experience, a College U16 development squad will head to Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, in September.

Make time to read

29 May 2018

There is nothing quite like curling up with a good book – and thousands of bookworms across the country took the opportunity to participate in a shared reading experience on...

Imagine all the people

29 May 2018

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, on Monday 21 May, is an international event – an opportunity for all people, wherever they may be, to embrace...

Ideas for curious minds

29 May 2018

The opportunity to explore life’s big ideas proved irresistible for the senior students who chose to attend a philosophy conference at St Andrew’s College on Monday 14 May.

From now ’til forever

22 May 2018

The action takes place over a few hours on two consecutive days, but all the love, passion, anger, hate, frustration, fear, and turbulence of growing up and finding a place...

Motivation starts here

22 May 2018

Old Boy Colin Averill’s contribution to the life of the school was recognised at assembly on Thursday 17 April when he was awarded a Senior Honours Tie.

Cricket goes global

18 May 2018

According to tour captain and Year 13 student Kurtis Weeks every aspect of the recent cricket tour to Singapore and the UK was fantastic. “The whole trip was a highlight.

Run like the wind

16 May 2018

It was a goldilocks kind of day – not too hot, not too cold, but just right – and perfect conditions for our annual cross country on Monday 7 May.

Thank you, mum

14 May 2018

Year 13 student Lachie Gunson was both surprised and delighted when his mum, Kathryn, decided to travel from the family farm in Ongaonga, Hawke’s Bay, for the School House Mother’s...

Apirana Taylor serves up poetry and Māoritanga – live!

11 May 2018

Poetry and music, stories and wisdom combined in a swirling brew holding the OBT audience spellbound when delivered last week by world class performer Apirana Taylor.

Old Boy off to prestigious Georgia Tech

11 May 2018

Old Boy Chris Jung will be off to one of the top American computer science universities in August – and has no doubt College helped him get there.

Josh fuels diplomacy skills at Aotearoa Youth Declaration

04 May 2018

Year 12 student Joshua Stevenson got a real taste of youth politics when he was selected to attend the Aotearoa Youth Declaration in Auckland during the first term holidays.

A winning game plan

04 May 2018

After time out nursing an injury, the success of his championship comeback was even better than Year 11 student Liam Adams had expected.

Our soldiers’ stories

04 May 2018

An interactive map, created by History teacher Warren Lidstone and his Year 9 students, shares information about Old Boys who have died in World War I, World War II and...

And in the morning ...

30 Apr 2018

On a damp, grey autumn day, the rows of white crosses on the Quad are a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in war by College Old Boys – and...

Term 2 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

26 Apr 2018

Click here to view the Term 2 Newsletter.

Let them entertain you

18 Apr 2018

Held on Monday 9 and Thursday 12 April, House Music 2018 was, as ever, hugely popular – both for the participants and their friends and families who packed the Assembly...

Know the risks; be prepared

16 Apr 2018

Paul Dillon, one of the leading drug and alcohol educators in Australasia, visited College on Tuesday 10 April, talking to boys in Years 11, 12 and 13 during the day,...

Joe Bennett back on College campus

09 Apr 2018

Renowned author and columnist Joe Bennett is back at the chalkface teaching English at College as official writer-in-residence.

Success in summer sport

09 Apr 2018

It has been a great summer season for College sport, with outstanding results across a range of codes at regional, South Island and national events.

Sublime orchestral movements

06 Apr 2018

The Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School annual Orchestral Extravaganza held an appreciative audience spellbound on the evening of Wednesday 4 April.

On the road

06 Apr 2018

College’s international students enjoyed a great southern road trip during the Easter break, taking in some of the South Island’s most scenic sights and having a whole lot of fun...

The sum of experience

05 Apr 2018

Guest speaker Dr Svetlana Jebrak began with a quote from late, great Jewish writer, professor, activist, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel: “There is divine beauty in learning …...

From farm to market

04 Apr 2018

Hash browns at McDonald’s was more than just a fuel stop for hungry students at the start of the Year 13 Agribusiness field trip on Tuesday 27 March – because,...

Edible insects: the future of food?

23 Mar 2018

Enterprising Year 12 Agribusiness students offered chocolate-coated crickets, deep fried locusts and a cricket flour smoothie, blended with milk, banana, berries and honey, to visitors at Open Day on Tuesday...

Effort and achievement

20 Mar 2018

A strong team of 37 athletes represented College at the Canterbury Track & Field Championship finals, held Friday 16–Saturday 17 March at Rawhiti Domain.

Model students

20 Mar 2018

Year 12 student Joshua Stevenson reports on College participation at Canterbury Model United Nations.

Back where it all began

20 Mar 2018

Opera star Teddy Tahu Rhodes could not resist the temptation to join in at Congers on Wednesday 7 March, his rich bass–baritone voice reverberating around Chapel in perfect harmony with...

Aviva reaches out to College community

20 Mar 2018

There’s no talk of “victims” at Aviva these days, New Zealand’s oldest women’s refuge having changed direction in the last five or six years to focus on working with all...

Dressed down for a cause

13 Mar 2018

Black and white gave way to a more casual look on Thursday 8 March, when students wore mufti instead of uniform.

Fit and ready to row

13 Mar 2018

Year 10 student Angus Wynn-Williams reports on College rowing in the build-up to the Maadi Cup regatta.

Flick the strength switch

13 Mar 2018

Parenting is one of the most challenging and rewarding of life’s activities.

Summer sport exchange

06 Mar 2018

The annual Christ’s College vs Otago Boys’ High School summer sport exchange started with bad weather.

Service in action

06 Mar 2018

Year 13 student Oscar Wilson jumped at the chance to participate in the Round Square International Service (RSIS) Big Build project in Vietnam in December 2017.

A clean sweep

06 Mar 2018

They went in as top seeds after a successful Canterbury championship and, with a clean sweep in the recent South Island Tennis Teams Championship, the College tennis team is now...

Something's coming

06 Mar 2018

The provocative posturing of rival street gangs, flexing muscles, dancing and fighting, and the doomed relationship of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria changed the face of musical theatre forever when...

Game on!

01 Mar 2018

In recent years, basketball at College has come on in leaps and bounds – or fast breaks, swishes and slam dunks, to borrow some basketball jargon – and the school...

Record breakers

01 Mar 2018

Pumped by the energy of the crowd, Year 12 student Edward Hsing reached new heights, breaking the previous Senior Pole Vault record with his jump of 3.65m.

Sportsmanship and friendship

01 Mar 2018

A large and happy crowd of boys, teachers and parents gathered on Upper to enjoy the spectacle of Athletics Day 2018, held on Friday 23 February.

An impassioned plea

19 Feb 2018

Year 10 student Claude Tellick is a young man with a strong social conscience and his powerful and pertinent speech about Tōrite/Inequality of Māori in New Zealand has just won...

Effort brings academic success

19 Feb 2018

The academic successes of students who sat NCEA in 2017 were celebrated by the whole College community at an assembly on Thursday 15 February.

French exchange a winner for Robert

19 Feb 2018

Six weeks near Nice in Provence, France, passed in a flash this summer for Year 13 student Robert Rolleston.

Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day coincide

19 Feb 2018

For the first time since 1945 Ash Wednesday this year fell on Valentine’s Day.

Powering to success in the pool

16 Feb 2018

The pool was the best place to be on Monday 12 February with Hunter Wilson and James Currie powering to new school records at the annual College Swimming Sports.

A College taster

13 Feb 2018

A group of 23 young Chinese boys took part in a bespoke training session with College rugby coach Ross Kennedy on Friday 9 February as part of their New Zealand tour.

Fertile ground for future success

13 Feb 2018

The Founders’ Dinner marks the beginning of the end for Year 13 students and – in honouring those who had the foresight to establish the school and the generations of...

Burning the calories at summer rowing camps

07 Feb 2018

Nearly 190 boys spent much of the summer holidays at Lake Ruataniwha, as part of the rowing programme run at College since mid-2014.

2018 Prefects inducted at Chapel service

03 Feb 2018

The whole school braved a pouring wet morning on 2 February to gather in the Chapel for the induction of the Prefect group for 2018.

Piper windows back in Chapel

03 Feb 2018

The Tree and the River of Life, two stained glass windows which were damaged in the earthquakes, have been repaired and reinstalled in the Chapel.

Cricket Live Foundation bowls boys over

03 Feb 2018

The Cricket Live Foundation, created by Old Boy Alex Reese in 2013, is changing more than just the lives of those lucky children selected to participate at its cricket centres.

Chin up, shoulders back

03 Feb 2018

Technology and the Internet now play a huge part in all our lives, yet how many of us really understand and can move with confidence through cyberspace?

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata

03 Feb 2018

On Wednesday 31 January, one of the hottest days of the year with cicadas in full song, the whole school gathered on the Quad to welcome new boys and staff...

Take a bat, have a ball

31 Jan 2018

Searing heat and torrential rain may have made conditions difficult, but the players found their own pace and rhythm – and, as ever, there was much to enjoy at the...

Rugby the Japanese way

31 Jan 2018

Year 12 student Zach Gallagher – along with six of his fellow rugby players – was thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Ota City, Japan, for an intensive...

Off on a new adventure

30 Jan 2018

Looking smart and well turned out, if a little nervous, this year’s intake of Year 9 students, accompanied by their parents, gathered in Chapel on Monday morning, 29 January.

Term 1 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

25 Jan 2018

Click here to view the Term 1 Newsletter.

West Side Story Audition Information

17 Jan 2018

This will be the combined Christ's College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School senior production for 2018, to be performed between Wednesday 16 May – Saturday 19 May in the Christ’s...

2018 University Scholarship recipients

19 Dec 2017

Start of Year Routine 2018

07 Dec 2017

Click here to view the routine for the start of 2018

Te Ao Māori programme impresses Year 9s and 10s

06 Dec 2017

November’s Te Ao Māori programme proved an exciting and educative experience for all Year 9s and 10s, with about 240 boys engaged in interactive workshops at the Te Rangi Marie...

Cool in the pool

28 Nov 2017

College water polo continues to build momentum, with its Junior team ending the season with two (almost) back-to-back finals against St Bede’s College in both the Canterbury and South Island...

Doing good in the ’hood

28 Nov 2017

The Year 10 boys who participated in Service Week very quickly realised giving service in the community and helping others enhanced their own sense of wellbeing.

Best New Zealand Film award to “A Perfect Child”

27 Nov 2017

The honours poured in again this week for “A Perfect Child”, the film not only winning the Best Secondary School Film, but also the Best New Zealand Film at the...

Guns, bullying, drugs and the inequality of Maori

21 Nov 2017

In a hotly contested afternoon of different topics, tones and techniques, the 12 Junior Speech Contest competitors performed before an appreciative audience and the critical eyes of judges, David Chambers...

Leaders of the future get inspired

16 Nov 2017

Cam Calkoen was the perfect presenter at the recent College ‘Be Inspired’ leadership afternoon, his whole life a demonstration of how to live the dream - even whilst having Cerebral Palsy.

Films recognized for technical skills

15 Nov 2017

A couple of quirky films made in German, with English subtitles have won acclaim for two groups of Year 10 German class students.

A way with words

13 Nov 2017

Year 13 student Simon Brown has had a short story and two poems accepted for publication in Re-Draft 17, an anthology of creative writing by teenagers – and the title...

Shorts in the frame

13 Nov 2017

Year 12 student Sam Howard won Best Actor (Male) and Year 13 student Jeremy Lidstone took the award for Best Sound at the School Shorts Screen Festival, held at Hoyts...

Chemistry matters

13 Nov 2017

Eight Year 12 students – Wills Wynn Thomas, Fawzan Sugarwala, Andreas Nicolaou, Josh Ting, Jayavi Premaratne, Jisu Kim, Alexander Hlavac and Han-young Kim – have made it through the first...

Brian Le Vaillant, aka BDL, closes innings on teaching

03 Nov 2017

After a 44-year career at Christ’s College, one of the school’s best known figures received a rousing and memorable farewell at the final chapel for leavers today.

Musicians tune in to Sedley Wells Music Competition

03 Nov 2017

Technical proficiency is one thing, but the judge of the Sedley Wells’ Music Competition was looking for “the goose bump effect” when she listened to the 18 College contestants playing...

Shooting for the top

31 Oct 2017

He is arguably one of the most talented young basketball players in the country and now, to end an excellent season, Year 13 student Max de Geest has been awarded...

Ain’t no music like it

31 Oct 2017

The rhythm and richness, spontaneity and sass of jazz brought the central city to life at the annual Big Band Festival, which took place over Labour Weekend, from Friday 20–Monday...

College shines at Zonta Sports Awards

30 Oct 2017

College has taken top honours in two of the six categories of the prestigious and fiercely contested 27th annual Zonta Sports Awards 2017.

A perfect win

30 Oct 2017

All is not as it seems at Madam Murphy’s orphanage, perfection comes at a cost, and the chilling secret behind the forbidding facade is slowly revealed ...

Principles, ethics and being drug free in sport

27 Oct 2017

“If someone says ‘take this pill, it will make you faster and stronger’ – what will you do?”

For one night only

27 Oct 2017

The 15th annual Christ’s College Film Festival showcased the diverse talent and creativity of College filmmakers.

Hooked on polo

25 Oct 2017

Fast, exciting, challenging, requiring balance, coordination, superb reflexes; man and horse together facing down the opposition.

Fun out cunning running

25 Oct 2017

For Year 10 student Jack Drage, the appeal of orienteering – also known as “cunning running” – is clear. “It’s both physically and intellectually challenging.

Poroporo planting at Kennedy’s Bush

24 Oct 2017

Mr Bell’s Year 9 Biology class rolled up their sleeves on Thursday 19 October and helped the Christchurch City Council’s “Poroporo for the Port Hills” project.

Surrounded and enriched by music

24 Oct 2017

College’s Chapel Choir has recently returned from a three-week tour to Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.

Ideals in action

20 Oct 2017

More than 1000 delegates from over 180 schools across 50 countries heard the call to “Unite to Ignite the Fire Within” and converged on Cape Town, South Africa, for this...

Passchendaele remembered

17 Oct 2017

Representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force Chaplain Service joined the congregation in Chapel, on Monday 16 October, to remember the sacrifice of College Old Boys and staff killed at...

Ways to “De-stress the Mess”

17 Oct 2017

Life is busy and, with NCEA examinations looming, Year 13 student Vincent Li wanted to share with other students some tools and techniques to help them manage their stressors and...

On their game

16 Oct 2017

No doubt about it, College basketball has become a force to be reckoned with. The Senior A team came first at the South Island Secondary Schools championships, and then fourth...

Art on the Quad

16 Oct 2017

Two works – Myopia and Acquiesce – by Anton Parsons, one of New Zealand’s leading sculptors, have been installed on the Quad as part of SCAPE Public Art 2017.

Term 4 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

13 Oct 2017

Click here to view the Term 4 Newsletter.

Set the scene and act

13 Oct 2017

The REACTION House Plays Festival is an opportunity for interested boys to channel their inner thespian and, whether in a comedy or tragedy or something in between, take part in...

Swift on the slopes

13 Oct 2017

College skiers have enjoyed success on the slopes at the South Island Secondary School Ski & Snowboard Championships, which took place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September at the...

Creative sparks fly

20 Sep 2017

Year 13 student Nuku Tau’s wry and compelling short story – 18 – has won this year’s Dr Roger Ridley-Smith writing competition.

Revved up, raring to go

20 Sep 2017

As a road user, he is on his restricted licence, but Year 13 student and self-confessed petrolhead Jack Noble-Adams has a handful of other vehicle licences that attest to his...

Lucky 7s

20 Sep 2017

A glorious day, large crowd and party atmosphere made for a memorable House Sports Festival at the Christ’s College cricket ground, Hagley Park, on Saturday 9 September – and with...

Hockey on fire

12 Sep 2017

The Hockey 1st XI have capped off a hugely successful season by being crowned national champions after winning the Rankin Cup final against Christchurch Boys’ High School.

Managing the Trump effect

12 Sep 2017

How to manage the ramifications of the election of President Donald J Trump was the focus of the recent Canterbury Model European Union meeting, held at the University of Canterbury...

Opening the world

11 Sep 2017

A “life changing” trip to Japan for this year’s Pacific Rim International Camp has given Year 12 student Josh Ting a whole new outlook – and he could not be happier.

Quest over, but more to come

08 Sep 2017

Their stellar run reached its climax at the SmokeFreeRockQuest National Final, held in Auckland on Saturday 2 September – and although Run77 did not come away with a prize, they...

Problem solved

08 Sep 2017

Team P=NP – Year 13 student Chris Jung, Year 12 student Wills Wynn Thomas and Year 9 student Janindu Pahalawatta – won the schools category of the 2017 New Zealand...

Full speed ahead

08 Sep 2017

Year 12 student Dion Houston – representing Canterbury – placed 6th in the Men U18 6km race at the 2017 New Zealand Road Race Championships, held at Canterbury Agricultural Park...

The power of giving

05 Sep 2017

The Lenten Appeal, one of College’s biggest charitable drives, raised $17,832.70 this year, with funds to be divided between the Christchurch City Mission and Beyond Water.

Bronze Award for Chapel Choir in Big Sing

29 Aug 2017

The Chapel Choir of Christ’s College stepped up a beat in Auckland’s Aotea Centre at the weekend to take bronze in the glittering Big Sing national competition.

College takes Premier hockey crown again

29 Aug 2017

A big crowd and a lot of tension combined for a great atmosphere at Marist Park on Friday night for the Secondary School Premier Hockey Final -- made even better...

Nurturing a natives nursery

23 Aug 2017

Tucked in a sheltered spot, hidden away on campus, the Environment Committee has been nurturing a nursery of around 25 different native species.

And the race is on

23 Aug 2017

Cold and blustery conditions could not dampen the enthusiasm of the College team at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Duathlon Championships, with their hard work earning the school a very respectable...

Remembering Jonathan

23 Aug 2017

Art History teacher Robyn Peers was thrilled when she was asked to contribute a chapter to a book – Colonial Gothic to Maori Renaissance: Essays in memory of Jonathan Mane-Wheoki...

In perfect harmony

23 Aug 2017

Indie pop duo “Nat and Jono” – that is, Year 11 St Margaret’s College student Natalie Hutton and Year 12 student Jono Stewart – are steadily winning fans, getting their...

Call for applications for Old Boy scholarship

22 Aug 2017

The David and Hugh Mowbray Howard Tripp Travelling Scholarship honours the memory of two brothers and Old Boys who lost their lives in the Second World War.

Rowing to the fore

22 Aug 2017

A three-month sabbatical working with Rowing New Zealand to help prepare the New Zealand Junior Rowing Team for the World Rowing Junior Championships has re-energised Tony O’Connor’s passion for coaching...

Bopping with the Big Band

15 Aug 2017

With Ara JazzQuest on Saturday 5 August and the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim from Wednesday 9–Saturday 12 August, it has been a busy time for College’s jazz musicians.

We could be heroes

14 Aug 2017

A dedicated research day is a rare treat in a busy school schedule, but on Tuesday 8 August Year 13 Classics students took a break from their usual routines to...

¿De dónde eres?

14 Aug 2017

Say “Hola” or “Kia ora” or “Hello”, and welcome Carlos Toda Plaza to our community. Carlos, from Viaró Global School in Barcelona, Spain, is on a one-month teaching fellowship at...

My house is your house

11 Aug 2017

International Week celebrates diversity, language, culture and the incredible benefits that spring from opening our hearts and minds to international experience.

Gender Equality expert at College

10 Aug 2017

Dr Michael Kimmell, Professor of Sociology and Gender Issues at Stony Brook University who has been visiting College this week, has plenty of insights for boys about understanding their masculinity.

Lessons for a fulfilling life

09 Aug 2017

Health, wellbeing, positive education, character strengths, mindfulness, leadership skills ... These are not the latest educational buzzwords, there is growing evidence to suggest such concepts have intrinsic value in education...

Drama to make you shudder!

03 Aug 2017

Senior Drama students have taken the bold step of exploring physical theatre, using movement and emotion to create atmosphere.

Seizing his chance – and making it

01 Aug 2017

It is not a career choice for anyone who is not 100 per cent committed, but actor and singer – and Old Boy – Nic Kyle’s passion for his craft...

Robotics builds connections

01 Aug 2017

A shared interest can go a long way in breaking down barriers, as the boys who took part in a recent intensive robotics workshop soon discovered.

Tools for peak performance

01 Aug 2017

Underneath the gymnasium and looking out on the river and Williams Court, the newly-refurbished and extended Christ’s College Fitness Centre, aka the weights room, provides a light and airy space...

Teeing off in Las Vegas

01 Aug 2017

Talented sportsman Zach May began playing golf at the age of five. After he showed some interest in the game his father took him to the Russley Golf Club, which...

A cool time at College

26 Jul 2017

They sacrificed part of their summer holiday to winter Down Under and attend College, but Year 12 exchange students Mathieu Bonneyrat and Martin Cavalera say it has been totally worth it.

Four teams, two games, one winner

25 Jul 2017

The annual Quadrangular (Quad) tournament between Wellington College, Wanganui Collegiate, Nelson College and Christ's College is the oldest secondary schools’ rugby competition in New Zealand.

Soaking up art in Auckland

24 Jul 2017

Three Year 13 Art History students joined six Rangi Ruru girls for a flying visit to Auckland on Friday 30 June.

Term 3 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

20 Jul 2017

Click here to view the Term 3 Newsletter.

Words of wisdom and experience

05 Jul 2017

Each year, the Emerging Leaders conference sees hundreds of Year 12 students from schools all over Canterbury converge on College for an immersive learning experience, designed to give them the...

Way to go!

05 Jul 2017

Year 12 students Sam King and Cody House were thrilled to represent New Zealand at the Oceania Athletics Area Championships, held in Suva, Fiji, from Wednesday 28 June to Saturday...

Skills put to the test

05 Jul 2017

Keen Year 11 mathematics students Nathan Penrose, Joshua Stevenson, Ralph Chiang and Max Heywood calculated they were in with a chance as they progressed through the levels at this year’s...

Make ’em laugh

04 Jul 2017

Exuberant, witty, effervescent, glamorous, starstruck fans and lovestruck stars, and an all-singing all-dancing ensemble tip-tip-tapping their way into our hearts ...

Run77 rocks the Town Hall

29 Jun 2017

College rock band Run77, fresh from their win at the 2017 Canterbury Rockquest regional finals on Friday 23 June, received more accolades on Thursday 29 June when they were asked...

On air with The Edge

29 Jun 2017

They put their two heads together and came up with one great promo. Becoming Edge Interns has given Year 13 students Andrew Fechney and Hugh Finlay insight into what it...

Inspirational chamber music

27 Jun 2017

Talented young violinist, Year 9 student Justin Hodges, is through to the semi-finals of the national NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

Fleet-footed athlete

27 Jun 2017

For keen cross country runner and Year 9 student Sam Idiens it is not so much about the thrill of the chase as, more often than not, he is at...

Rocking a win

27 Jun 2017

The pause before the winning band was announced seemed to last forever ... but then it was out: Run77 had taken first place in the Canterbury regional final of Smokefree...

Chapel Choir in Big Sing Finale

27 Jun 2017

Christ’s College choirs won a number of awards at the Big Sing regional competition held at The Piano on Monday 19 June.

Drawn from experience

23 Jun 2017

Old Boy Matthew Johnstone was back at College on Tuesday 13 June. Now a bestselling author, illustrator and communicator, Matthew dedicates his life to promoting mindfulness, resilience, positive mental health...

Scots College Junior Sports Exchange

22 Jun 2017

Three College junior teams had their chance to shine with the visit from junior Scots College teams on Tuesday 20 June and Wednesday 21 June.

College and Rangi create powerful energy

20 Jun 2017

Two energetic and vibrant haka reverberated around the Assembly Hall on Tuesday 20 June, creating a memorable first performance from the combined Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Christ’s College Kapa...

Combined Christ's College and St Margaret's College Concert

15 Jun 2017

The annual Combined St Margaret’s/Christ’s College Concert took place in the Charles Luney Auditorium at St Margaret’s College last night in front of an appreciative audience of around 300 people.

A sporting chance

15 Jun 2017

They arrived late in the afternoon of Monday 12 June, spilling out of their coach, ready for the challenge of the annual Christ’s College–Otago Boys’ High School winter sports exchange.

Amazing, inspiring jazz

15 Jun 2017

According to College Jazz Combo guitarist and vocalist, Year 12 student Angus Mossman, the NZSM Jazz Project 2017 was both amazing and inspiring – and while he was delighted to...

A treasured taonga, our College waiata

13 Jun 2017

In Chapel on Monday 12 June, a new and treasured College taonga – the specially commissioned waiata “Te Whakapono Ki Te Atua” – was gifted to the school.

Volunteers on their game

13 Jun 2017

As part of their commitment to service, Year 9 students Remy Fitzgerald, Ethan Punivai and Jonathan Huo, and Year 10 students Jared Herber, Moe Gath and Henri Quested volunteered to...

Authors discuss ways to help parents raise strong, resilient sons

13 Jun 2017

More than 100 people attended the Parents’ Information Evening on Wednesday 7 June where authors Richard Aston and Ruth Kerr discussed their tips for raising strong, happy sons from boyhood...

A rising rugby star

09 Jun 2017

Unassuming and self-effacing, but a powerhouse young player, 1st XV halfback and Year 11 student Shun Miyake was thrilled to be named Sky Sports Man of the Match following the...

Friendly rivalry, good sports

08 Jun 2017

For over 50 years, Christ’s College and Rathkeale College in Masterton have competed for the Hamilton Tankard in the annual Queen’s Birthday weekend winter sports exchange – and the friendly...

Focus on the game

07 Jun 2017

It has been a long time coming, but the College 1st XV has finally done it – beating Christchurch Boys’ High School in the schools’ annual and highly competitive rugby fixture.

Working stage magic

06 Jun 2017

With just three weeks to opening night, cast and crew alike are all systems go conjuring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to brighten a dull mid-winter.

Visit from Father Ben

06 Jun 2017

Christ's College was very pleased to welcome Father Ben Tapelu when he visited on Wednesday 31 May.

Up for debating

06 Jun 2017

Year 13 student Henry Seaton and Year 12 students Fawzan Sugarwala and Wills Wynn Thomas represented Canterbury at the Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools’ Debating Championship, held in Wellington from...

A stellar achievement

06 Jun 2017

Year 9 student Justin Hodges first took up the violin at the age of four; it was a good fit.

College rockers on a quest

31 May 2017

Many successful Kiwi musicians have launched their careers at Smokefree RockQuest and, aiming to bring their big break a little closer, four College rock bands – Illegal Bass, The Subs,...

New thinking about mathematics

31 May 2017

Level Up is an online mathematics challenge for Year 9 and 10 students, designed to develop their problem solving, creative thinking and communication skills.

Phat jazz sounds

31 May 2017

The Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival brings some of the world’s best jazz and blues artists to Christchurch, as well as giving home-grown musicians opportunities to perform.

House Haka Competition

25 May 2017

On a brilliant sunny Autumn day today, the Williams Quad and neighbouring Hagley Park rang to the war-like sounds of the haka as College Houses battled to take this year’s title.

Harry aims high, gets gold

23 May 2017

Year 13 student Harry Hartstone has attained the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award – the Gold Award.

A life of service and achievement

23 May 2017

Old Boy Sir Terence Arnold (6983) was presented with one of College’s highest awards, the Senior Honours Tie, at assembly on Tuesday 23 May.

Arts Week 2017

23 May 2017

The second annual celebration of creativity, imagination and culture was back on campus for Arts Week 2017, with a wide range of arts-inspired antics and activities providing entertainment for all comers.

Strength in teamwork

22 May 2017

There was an overriding sense of fun, spiced with a hint of chaos, at lunchtime on Upper on Tuesday 16 May.

Great day for a park run

22 May 2017

With the green expanse and mature woodlands of Hagley Park right on our doorstep, it is no wonder cross country is an integral part of College athletics.

Top athletics opportunity

22 May 2017

Congratulations to Year 12 students Cody House and Sam King, who have been selected to represent New Zealand at the forthcoming Oceania Athletics Area Championships in Fiji.

Annual Appeal 2017

10 May 2017

The Christ’s College Annual Appeal 2017 is now underway, with information sent out to our community in April.

New voices in harmony

10 May 2017

A service and ceremony was held in Chapel on the evening of Wednesday 3 May to mark the induction of 20 new boys into the Chapel Choir.

Challenging, thrilling sailing

10 May 2017

A seven-strong College team, along with hundreds of other young sailing enthusiasts from all over the country, competed at the 2017 Secondary Schools Team Sailing National Championship in April.

Past presidents pop in

03 May 2017

An enthusiastic group of past CCOBA presidents and their partners were wined and dined at a pop-up restaurant within the newly restored Tower on Monday 1 May.

Classic musical, coming soon

03 May 2017

In a world saturated with media, the 2017 senior drama production rewinds to a simpler time.

A lot to be enthusiastic about

03 May 2017

There was palpable tension in the air when the College 1st XV was awarded a penalty in the final minute of the game.

Hockey on tour

03 May 2017

An invitation to the 2017 Melbourne Grammar School International Hockey Cup competition proved a great start to the season for the College 1st XI: they won every game, coming home...

History and humanity

01 May 2017

It was a time for reflection on the sacrifices made in war, as students and staff gathered in Chapel for this year’s Anzac service, on Monday 1 May.

Term 2 Newsletter from Garth Wynne

28 Apr 2017

Click here to view the Term 2 Newsletter.

House Music choirs delight their audience

06 Apr 2017

The annual House Music festival is a keenly contested event, with most Houses putting entries in the three separate sections.

Success in summer sports

04 Apr 2017

Summer Tournament Week marked the end of a very successful summer sports season, with College sportsmen travelling to destinations across the country to represent the school in various sporting codes.

A taste of Christchurch culture

04 Apr 2017

On Tuesday 28 March, Christ's College international students attended an international student welcome event, organised by Christchurch Educated, at Christchurch Art Gallery.

Parry and thrust

04 Apr 2017

Fencing – the art and sport of fighting with swords – is as much about mental strength as it is about physical ability.

They did us proud

04 Apr 2017

A talented group of College thespians performed a fantastic, fun-filled scene from Twelfth Night at the 2017 Otago University Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, held at Villa Maria College on Saturday...

Polished performance, resounding success

03 Apr 2017

With up to 120 musicians together on stage, the performance by a combined orchestra – composed of students from Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School –...

His work here is done

03 Apr 2017

After 21 years, Bursar and Board Secretary Colin Sweetman has decided his work at College is done and it is time to retire.

Set to make a difference

27 Mar 2017

Old Boy Hamish Thomas has been awarded a prestigious Girdlers’ Scholarship for undergraduate study at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University.

Exploring their world

21 Mar 2017

Geography is all about the world in which we live – and one of the best ways to understand it is to get out there and study its landscapes, people,...

Put through their paces

21 Mar 2017

Three College athletes – Year 13 student Harry Hartstone and Year 12 students Sam King and Cody House – were selected for the Canterbury athletics team that competed at the...

A game of two halves

21 Mar 2017

The annual 1st XI cricket fixture against Wanganui Collegiate was played at the Christ’s College Cricket Ground in Hagley Park on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March.

Art in practice

15 Mar 2017

Faith, family, art and education are inextricable facets of Darryn George’s life, providing endless inspiration for his work.

A new way of thinking

15 Mar 2017

Inspiring presenters and engaged participants were key to the success of the inaugural Positive Education New Zealand conference, held at Christ’s College, on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March.

Fighting fit physicists

15 Mar 2017

Scientific investigations take time. Since the beginning of the year, the top Year 12 physics students have been investigating problems chosen for the New Zealand Young Physicists’ Tournament (YPT).

Taking a chance on fun

15 Mar 2017

The boarding programme provides a range of activities to keep the boys occupied in their downtime.

Exchanges enrich lives

07 Mar 2017

It is an amazing world out there – and going on an exchange opens up many opportunities to benefit from the experience of time spent living and learning, immersed in...

Biology in the field

07 Mar 2017

The problem for many science students is that what they learn in school simply does not seem applicable in the real world.

A show to treasure

07 Mar 2017

A rip-roaring tale of adventure and survival sprang to vivid life in the junior drama production of classic pirate story Treasure Island.

Something to talk about

07 Mar 2017

The premier College debating team won the prestigious Russell McVeagh Canterbury Schools’ Debating Championship in an intensive two-day tournament, held at the University of Canterbury on Saturday 4 and Sunday...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent

01 Mar 2017

An Ash Wednesday Chapel service today marked the beginning of Lent. The service concluded with many boys and staff receiving the traditional cross of ash on their foreheads.

Sit to the oar!

01 Mar 2017

In the Battle of Salamis (480BC) a small Greek fleet outmanoeuvred the much larger Persian navy to win a decisive victory.

On board with Spirit

01 Mar 2017

A voyage on the Spirit of New Zealand will take you out of your comfort zone and deliver a life-changing experience, says Year 13 student Harry Hartstone.

A fantastic athletics spectacle

28 Feb 2017

Perfect weather and a very positive atmosphere made for a memorable Athletics Day on Friday 24 February.

Excellent ICAS results

15 Feb 2017

14 November, 2016