Welcome from the Housemaster
Alex joined College in 2018, teaching ESOL and English. However, her desire to take a greater role in the wider school community and the pastoral care of students led to a step up as Housemaster of Condell's House.
House culture is paramount in her view, building a community of mutual support where individuality is valued and successes applauded. Originally from the United Kingdom, Alex, her husband and two sons are settled in New Zealand after four years working in Brunei.
Alexandra Robertson
Housemaster
Welcome from Head of Condell's House
A significant part of our culture at Condell's House is our whakataukī, which states Ehara taku toa, i te toa takitini – My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many.
The whakataukī reflects the aims of Condell’s House. By establishing strong bonds between the year groups, we strive together to grow and achieve in all areas. These include cultural and sporting events, which require the boys to work together towards shared goals. Success is measured not by individual performance, but by how, as a House, we strengthen our relationships and support one another. Through this sense of brotherhood and care, we create an environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.
Christ’s College has a close and supportive community, and the House system plays a crucial role in ensuring all boys have their strengths and interests recognised and appreciated. Condell’s House takes the purpose of the House system seriously, striving to be the best expression of it.
This House has been a place where I, along with others, can reside and never feel judged. It is a place which recognises and embraces everyone’s individuality. I know that my fellow Year 13 students will support not only me but everyone else in the House and bring out the best in each of us.
We’re excited to welcome new boys into Condell’s House. We encourage you to be enthusiastic about the opportunity to strive towards your goals and be part of our community.
Sammy O'Connell
Head of House 2026
House staff
House booklet
History of Condell's House
Condell’s House began in the building now known as Selwyn. This building began as a Master’s House. Designed by Thomas Cane (the same architect who designed the Lyttelton Time Ball Station) and built by Isaac Luck (one-time partner of Benjamin Mountfort), it was completed in 1879.
Thomas De Renzy Condell, who had been a Master since 1867 and pupil number 123 (1860-67), was appointed the first Housemaster. He had about 20 boarders until 1893, when it reverted back to being a Master’s House.
In 1918, it became Jenkins House and, until 1935, when it became a dayboy waiting House, it was alternately a Master’s and a Boarding House.
In 1940, it resumed the name Condell’s and remained that way until 1960, when Corfe House was also accommodated within the building.
The Condell's House tie shows the two facing angels, which were part of the original College Seal, with an outline that reflects the shape of the House windows.
In 2002, Condell's House moved across Rolleston Avenue to the new dayboy Houses in Gloucester Street. The original building was renamed Selwyn after George Augustus Selwyn, the First Warden of Christ’s College and the only Anglican Bishop of the whole of New Zealand.