June Newsletter

From the Rector

Kia ora

It always seems amazing how fast time goes by, and it would be true to say that this year is no exception as we reach the halfway point of the academic year and term 2 draws to a close.

The recent weeks have been a difficult time and have unfortunately been beyond our boundaries to control and mitigate. We can only hope for, and continue to work towards, positive outcomes for all of our young men as the year continues.

Today marks a day when we, temporarily at least, farewell Andrea Mulligan from SBHS and wish her all the best in the next exciting phase of her life. Thank you Andrea and best wishes for motherhood and all the joy it will bring you.

Julia Shannon will be starting her interim role as Deputy Principal next term. Along with the management team, Julia will be attending the International Boys’ School Association conference to be held in Auckland during the holidays. This conference is an exciting opportunity to share with boys’ schools from across the globe.

Please enjoy this newsletter, which once again showcases the breadth of talent at the school - from the sports fields to the limelight and everything in between. I am sure you will also join me in celebrating with, and wishing all the best, to our recent old boys who are making a significant global mark in their sporting fields of choice. This is fantastic to see.

This term has also seen some significant fundraising efforts and we are all grateful to the PTA for their commitment to the school and its students. The pink ribbon appeal and forty-hour famine have been in our thoughts and efforts and I thank all of those who have given time to ensure these great causes are able to be supported.

Thank you for all your ongoing support of the school. Have a safe and restful holiday break with whānau and friends.

Simon Coe 
Rector

Farewell Ms Mulligan - for now

Our lovely Deputy Principal Ms Mulligan is heading away on Maternity Leave. Ms Mulligan was presented with a beautiful bunch of flowers at the senior assembly, with a standing ovation from the boys. In the junior assembly, the classes presented Ms Mulligan with cards, drawings, gift baskets and a beautiful bunch of flowers, before singing Te Aroha. Ms Mulligan - you will be missed!

Selection for National Maori U18 camp

Congratulations to Jerome Buckley Fa’atoia, Hoani Nikora-Wilson and Jayton Fisher on their selection for the New Zealand Rugby National Maori U18 camp.

The boys travel to Rotorua on July 9th and have four days of training with the group. This is a great opportunity for the boys to push for selection in the NZ Maori U18 team that plays later in the year.

International Sporting Success

Two past students have achieved international sporting success.

Cyclist extraordinaire Corbin Strong has been selected by team Israel – Premier Tech to ride in the Tour de France and makes his Grand Tour debut this weekend. The 21 stage tour starts in Bilbao in Spain and finishes in Paris on July 23.

Jack Taylor has been signed up for the Highlanders for 2024, and is currently in South Africa playing for the New Zealand U20 team. Prior to his selection, Jack was selected as the Highlanders U20 Player of the Year for 2023. 

Level 2 Geography Trip - Aoraki/Mt Cook

The Level 2 Geography class went to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park recently, to collect primary data and to observe features of the glaciated landscape. Primary data collection is the process of gathering data directly from a first-hand source - the National Park - by the researcher themselves - the students.

And the trip would not be complete without an ice-cold swim (by a brave few!), and throwing rocks on the ice!

In the Spotlight

The Big Sing: Held on Tuesday 13 June, the Big Sing was a success for the Southland Boys' High School choirs, with both Momentum and Dimensions presented with Commended Awards. Dimensions performed a fabulous and highly entertaining rendition of 'Duct Tape (Materia Potens et Adhaesiva)' by Mark Burrows, and also received the Ministry of Youth Development 'Spirit of the Festival' Award.

Piping Hot: We have some Pipin' Hot pipers and drummers at Southland Boys' High School! Casey Thompson, Peter Devery, Aiden Teviotdale, Eamon Joyce, Hamish Russell, and Max Callahan took part in Pipin' Hot at the Civic Theatre on Friday, 16 June. Pipin' Hot pushes the boundaries with a mix of contemporary and traditional music, supported by some of Southland top vocalists, musicians and dancers, and received rave reviews!

Jersey Boys

The Invercargill Musical Theatre's upcoming production of Jersey Boys features our very own Head Boy, Ruairidh MacCallum, and a host of old boys. Make sure you head along to see the international musical phenomenon that takes you behind the scenes, and behind the music, of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Old boys involved: Jade Gillies, Jacob Hewton (Band), Michael Kuresa, Devin Ledington (Band), Kaleb Leitch (Crew), David McMeeking, Stephen Sarfaiti, Corbyn Shuttleworth (pictured below).

Recent Fundraising Efforts

PTA: Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent PTA Kai Pies Fundraiser - we made $7,369.80 from selling nearly $25,000 worth of product! The money raised will go towards the long-term goal of lighting our all-weather turf.

World Vision: The Prefects held a non-uniform day on Wednesday 28 June to raise funds for the World Vision Forty-Hour Famine. Together, the students raised $1,090.10!

Pink Ribbon High Tea: On Sunday, 25 June 2023, Southland Boys' High School hosted our first Pink Ribbon High Tea - catered by our catering students - raising $615 for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

U15 Rugby Tournament Team Battery Drive

The Southland Boys' High Rugby Tournament team are fundraising to get the team to Blenheim at the end of August 2023.

If you have old car, truck, or tractor batteries to recycle, the team would appreciate your donation to raise funds to cover expenses such as transport, accommodation, and meals on tournament. You can arrange to have these picked up on Sunday 23^rd of July by calling or texting Rhys on 027 301 5086 or email [email protected]. Please provide your address so pick up can be arranged.

Recent News

Association of Boys' School's Conference Recently our Head Boy Ruairidh MacCallum attended the Association of Boys’ Schools in New Zealand (ASBNZ) conference. View More   Japanese Trivia Night The annual Junior Japanese Trivia night took place on Friday 18 June 2023 at James Hargest College. View More   Pink Ribbon High Tea On Sunday, 25 June 2023, Southland Boys' High School hosted our first Pink Ribbon High Tea for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. View More   South Island Taekwondo Championships On June 10, Mason Steel and Brookyln McCullough-Clingin travelled to Christchurch to compete in the South Island Taekwondo Championships. View More   Go Bus First Fifteen - Rugby Report The Go Bus Southland Boys' High School First Fifteen have been on the road the last few weeks, playing against Waitaki Boys' in Oamaru, King's in Dunedin, and back home to play John McGlashan College. View More   Southland Secondary Schools Cross Country The Southland Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships were held on 20 June 2023. View More   Southland Primary Schools Cross Country The 2023 Southland Primary Schools Cross Country Championships were held at Waimumu on 16 June 2023. View More   Cross Country - Year 7 and 8 Year 7 and 8 Cross Country Championships 2023 View More   Junior Basketball - Season Report A round up of the Year 7 and 8 basketball season. View More