March Newsletter

From the Rector

Kia ora whānau. It has been a wonderfully busy term. As we near the end of term 1 it is a good time to reflect on what we have achieved and look ahead at what is to come. This term has had several highlights and many first-time achievements. 

I had the distinct pleasure of watching the Southland Secondary Schools' debating finals a few weeks ago and was thoroughly impressed by the mental jousting that took place through the event. It culminated in an SBHS v SBHS final, with the Year 13 team taking overall honours on the day. I must devote specific thanks to the tireless work of Mrs. Welsh who has spent the last few years developing the talent in the school, and preparing the boys for these events. 

Our summer sporting teams have been showcasing their considerable talent on fields, pitches and pools throughout the summer. It has been great to be able to get along and support them. In all cases the most notable thing is the number of parents on the sidelines supporting their sons while they do the sport that they love with their mates. Please make sure you follow the Southland Boys’ High School Sport Facebook page to stay up to date on the results and other special interest stories.

Our budding engineers have been showcasing their talent in the E-Pro 8 challenge, which is a competition that sees the boys working in teams of four to build devices that perform tasks, while working against an ever-ticking clock. 

As a school we have paid respect to several ex-staff members by naming buildings and rooms in their honour. Paying homage to our departing archivist and museum custodian, with the support of the Old Boys’ Association, we have named the Southland Boys' High School Museum the L & R Dear Museum. And following the completion of renovations to the catering room, we are naming the room in memory of Mr. Scott Richardson. One more space will be named next term, but I will keep that plan secret while we work through the planning stages. 

With a couple of weeks left in the term, I would like to thank the students, staff and our community for the support you continue to give the school. We continually work towards our goal of being a school that provides our boys with a seamless educational experience, feeding their thirst for learning, companionship, competition and success. 

Term 2 awaits, but first we all deserve a restful break with whānau and loved ones over Easter.

Ray Laurenson

Haere rā Mr Tonga

On Friday 9 March we said farewell to Junior Tonga. It was a poignant and powerful farewell for a teacher who has made an immeasurable difference to so many. We wish you all the best Junior. Thank you.

L & R Dear Museum

The school museum was recently renamed the L & R Dear Museum in honour of Lynley and Russell Dear, and their selfless contribution to preserving the history of our school. 

The L & R Dear Museum held a series of open days in March in conjunction with Southland Heritage Month. Hosted by archivist Tabita Sales with the help of our Museum Guardians, the museum had a steady stream of visitors of all ages, with valuable connections made with the community.

Read on for more on both events:

Spark Tank - Young Enterprise Scheme

On 4 March, our Level 2 and Level 3 Business Studies students visited the Southland Business Chamber to participate in the Spark Tank event of the Young Enterprise Scheme. They showcased their innovative business ideas, and gained valuable networking opportunities and feedback from industry mentors.

Guidance Corner - Netflix Series on Adolescence

It is not often that we recommend parents, caregivers, and whānau to watch Netflix programs, however we believe the series ADOLESCENCE is important viewing.

This new drama has prompted conversations around the growing influence on boys and young men. Many of us have heard of Andrew Tate and his version of masculinity. But do we understand the terms manosphere, masculinity, alphas, incels, betas, misogynistic and anti-feminist and their impact on our young men?

Read on for more from our Guidance Counsellor Kaaren Wilkes:

Collection of Lost Taonga

We have a collection of taonga - pounamu and bone - that have been handed in as lost property over the last few years. If you have lost a taonga at school, please visit the lovely team in Student Services and describe it.

NZ Pipe Band Championships Success

A number of our students competed with the ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band in the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships held in Invercargill recently, placing as follows:

Grade 4B - Winners: Morgan Teviotdale and Jack Harman, with Jacks Henry participating in the March.

Juvie A – Runners up in the Juvenile competition: Hamish Russell, Aiden Teviotdale, Morgan Teviotdale and past student Peter Devery.

Juvie B - Placed 8th: Jacks Henry and Shenal Wijesinghe.

Biology Field Trip - Orepuki

Recently the Level 2 Biology students spent the morning at Cosy Nook, Orepuki, to collect data and survey the distribution of organisms along a rocky shore. It was a beautiful morning to explore the rock pools, with the students all working effectively as a team to carry out their data collection.

Ollie Keast - NZ U17 Cycling Champion 

Congratulations to Ollie Keast who is the New Zealand U17 cycling champion in the 30km Scratch and Maddison races! Ollie competed in the recent Cycling New Zealand Elite and Age Group Championships, crashing out in the Points Race final but going on to claim two golds and a bronze.

NZ Champion - Gold - 30km Scratch
NZ Champion - Gold - Maddison 
Silver - Elimination 
Bronze - Individual Pursuit
Bronze - Team Pursuit
4th - Team Sprint

Recent News

Southland Debating Competition Success Success for Southland Boys' High School in the Southland Debating Competition. View More   Aotearoa Youth Declaration On Friday 21 March, Southland Boys’ High School was privileged to host the ‘Aotearoa Youth Declaration’, formerly referred to as the Model United Nations. View More   Southland Secondary School Athletics 2025 The Southland Secondary School Athletics Championships were held on Saturday 15 March at the Surrey Park athletics track. View More   Southland Primary Schools Athletics Championships On Saturday 22 March, 40 Year 7 & 8 boys represented Southland Boys' High School at the Southland Primary Schools Athletics Championships at Surrey Park. View More   King's High School Interschool Report On Sunday the 2 and Monday 3 March we welcomed King's High School from Dunedin for our traditional summer interschool. View More