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Harper House

Welcome from Head of Harper House

G.Coat.H 35096Harper is a House full of culture and tradition. In Harper there is always a positive atmosphere as each boy gets along with one another, no matter their ages. This allows each boy to feel welcome and be confident within themselves; whether that be during interhouse competitions, in other aspects of College life, or in their personal lives. The boys are encouraged to give their best in everything and, most importantly, not to give up. The House motto, Semper Floreat — may he always flourish — reflects perfectly what Harper strives for in each individual. Great young men have been produced over previous years and I am sure there are many more to come.

Gus Coates
Head of House 2019

Houses

House Staff

Matt Cortesi 2019
Matt Cortesi

Housemaster

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G.Coat.H 35096
Gus Coates

Head of House

8656 Graeme Christey
Graeme Christey

Deputy Housemaster

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Lisa Trundley Banks 2019
Lisa Trundley-Banks

Assistant Housemaster

Emily Priest 2019
Emily Priest

Assistant Housemaster

Katie Southworth 2019
Katie Southworth

Assistant Housemaster

Andrew Taylor 2019 1
Dr Andrew Taylor

Assistant Housemaster

History of Harper House

Harper House is one of the oldest dayboy houses at Christ's College and is located in the historic cloisters building alongside Julius House. This prime spot inside the school grounds, bordering the quad is very special to generations of Harper boys. The building, which was constructed in 1886 was initially used as classrooms and then known as “South Town” as it was a dayboy house into which all the boys who lived in the southern part of Christchurch were placed. Harper House was formed in 1924 and named after Henry John Chitty Harper, first Bishop of Christchurch, and second Warden of the College.

The Harper House Old Boys' tie shows the original house emblem which was used by Christ’s College, the gold cross surrounded by a blue shield. It can be seen in the “Harper” window at the east end of the Chapel. The heraldic version of this cross is in the College Crest. The motto Semper Floreat translates as “ May he always flourish”. The new emblem can be seen above the entrance to Harper House and is a red lion rampant on a black and white shield. The lion is taken from the Harper family coat of arms.

The central hub of the house is the main common room, a large room which accommodates for the majority of the junior boys with the table tennis table and the pool table while the senior year groups each have their own common rooms. Harper House is more of a family community than a House and every boy that has attended Harper will be able to tell you that. The way the house system works means you mix and socialise with all year groups in the house creating bonds that strengthen throughout your college career. Harper boys are encouraged to participate to a high level in all walks of College life and we pride ourselves on our competitive spirit which is consistently demonstrated in sporting, cultural and academic activities. While different year groups have different strengths for interhouse competitions, Harper House is never far from the podium. We have a special connection with our neighbours Julius House and enjoy our battles on the dodgeball court, cloisters cricket and fundraising activities.

In Harper House we aim to foster a friendly supportive environment where participation and excellence is valued.We have fun while maintaining high standards, both personally and in interhouse endeavours. Our motto “Semper Floreat” — may he always flourish -reflects this. All students are encouraged to reach their own standards of excellence in all areas of College life and to be the best citizens of the school. In recent years, Harper House has had a great deal of success in both interhouse competition and individual achievements of the boys.

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