Welcome from the Housemaster
I am a dedicated educator and leader with a passion for design and student mentorship.
After graduating from Ara with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Spatial Design, I moved to London, spending four years working in the development departments of St George Homes and Laing Homes. On returning to New Zealand, I completed a Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury.
In 2004, I began teaching part-time at College, focusing on Design & Visual Communications. The following year, I transitioned to a full-time teaching role. Throughout my career, I have also taught photography and junior hard materials. At present, I am the Head of Design & Digital Technologies at College.I have been an integral member of the Flower’s House community, initially as a mentor for two years before being appointed Deputy Housemaster several years ago. In 2024, I was also elected to the New Zealand Boarding Schools' Association executive team.
My commitment to student life extends beyond the classroom. I have established polo as a sport at College and coached and managed hockey teams. I am also involved in ski racing and tennis at College.
My husband, Jason, is a builder and we have two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia.
“Boarding is special. It's a very unique environment. It’s important to be able to wear different hats from the teacher earlier in the day, to the sports coach, and then the Housemaster. I love the richness and connections that boarding provides. I look forward to doing the best I can for the boys, their families, and the school.”
Monique Ellis-Martin
Housemaster
Welcome from Head of Flower's House
Flower's is unique in its own right. Although the House is new, tradition and history still runs deep.
Flower’s House is unique – although new, tradition and history still run deeply in our boarding House.
Sited in a prominent College position, Flower’s is rich in virtues, pride and a definite sense of community. Some Flower’s House boys are locals who board; others come from all over the world. Together they form a strong whanau, grasping every opportunity. There is never a dull moment in Flower’s with both boys and staff always having a story to share.
Being the only boarding House outside the school gates, life in Flower’s brings different responsibilities, even while it offers a break from the busy school grounds. Our location also allows us to enjoy a unique connection with the wider community around us.
I have a strong group of seniors around me, and together we are intent on working to ensure Flower’s House continues to prosper.
Jake Leck
Head of House 2024
House staff
Travis Dixon
Mentor
Travis Dixon
Mentor
Travis Dixon grew up playing basketball in North Canterbury and represented Canterbury and New Zealand in age-grade teams. He also played in the United States as an exchange student in his final year of secondary school. On his return to New Zealand, Travis played for Checkers in the premier men’s competition, the Canterbury Knights, and the Canterbury Rams. Travis attributes his success in basketball to the excellent coaching of fundamentals during his developmental years. He aims to ensure that College players receive the same high level of coaching.
Lydia Sinclair
Boarding Community Overnight Nurse
Lydia Sinclair
Boarding Community Overnight Nurse
The History of Flower’s House
In 1910, AE Flower became the first Housemaster of Flower’s House. The original Flower’s House was situated in the eastern end of what was then known as the Headmaster’s House (built in 1868). The boys occupied the western end. Downstairs facing the river was the boys’ dining room, which catered for 40 boys, and their dormitories were upstairs. A very large kitchen served both the Flower family and the boys.
The Board had hoped to build a new boarding house inside the Quadrangle, but circumstances were against them and instead the new House was built in Rolleston Avenue and completed in 1918. This building was demolished in 2004 and the new Flower’s House was completed in September 2005. It was officially opened on 25 October 2005 by Air Vice Marshall Hamilton (a Flower’s House Old Boy).