Welcome from the Housemaster
On behalf of the Rolleston House community, I would like to welcome you to Rolleston House.
Following a BSc in Geography and Geology, and an MSc in Geology at the University of Auckland, I completed a PhD researching the water chemistry of meltwater ponds in Antarctica at the University of Canterbury. Shortly after, I realised my passion was in teaching and I completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching through Victoria University. I then began teaching Chemistry at Christ’s College in 2014.
Since joining the Christ’s College community, I was the Deputy Day Housemaster in Corfe House, before becoming the Housemaster of Rolleston House in 2020 – a job that I love. I teach Years 10–13 Chemistry and I am involved in basketball and athletics. In the past eight years since I have been at Christ’s College, I have especially enjoyed the time I have spent building positive relationships with students and supporting them on their journey through secondary school.
I am married, with three children, and enjoy camping, mountain biking, and skiing.
The strength of Rolleston House comes from the students, families and staff in the community. The boys in Rolleston House try their best, set high standards and have fun along the way. I am proud of the positive attitude and community spirit of the boys and I look forward to a fantastic 2021 and welcome the opportunity to help your son grow in the supportive environment of Rolleston House.
Briar Wait
Housemaster
Welcome from Head of Rolleston House
The home of the mighty maroons, Rolleston House has a unique and positive culture.
The senior boys set the tone under the guidance of our Housemaster, who is always approachable and creates a welcoming environment. The House offers a haven to hang out with friends and have a game of basketball. Our academic, sporting and cultural achievements can be attributed to the participation of all. Teamwork is integral to our success.
Harry Vaughan
Head of House 2024
House staff
Warren Lidstone
Mentor
Warren Lidstone
Mentor
Warren has worked to NZ Cricket Level 3 coaching qualifications and has also coached at junior and youth representative levels. Coaching highlights include finishing second at the NZ Gillette Cup in 2011 and touring England in 2009, 2011 and 2015 with College teams. Warren previously coached the 1st XI from 2006–2018.
House booklet
History of Rolleston House
An increase in the College roll resulted in the addition of another House. Purchased in 1975 from the University of Canterbury, it was initially converted into classrooms and the Clothing Pool and then in 1983, with some more renovations, it began a new life as a dayboy House.
The name Rolleston House was originally given to the building when it was the Number 4 Hostel for Canterbury College (the predecessor of the University of Canterbury). It was most appropriate that this name should remain when acquired by Christ’s College. Not only is the House on the Rolleston Avenue corner but also William Rolleston, sometime Superintendent of Canterbury and Member of the House of Representatives, was an examiner of the sixth form in Latin and Greek, and a Fellow of Christ’s College from 1860–1903.
Rolleston House adopted the crest of the Rolleston Family Coat of Arms as its symbol.