THOMAS HOUSE  Newsletter -  MARCH  2009

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Hostel Manager's Message

Dear Parents, Caregivers & Boarders
What an outstanding beginning to the year. I believe it is one of the best first terms I have encountered in my time here and most of this can be attributed to the calibre of students and staff we have in the House.

It has not been easy for the lads with the ablution block re-development; however they have just knuckled down, not complained and carried on with what has needed to be completed.

Prep is going very well with the juniors in the dining room and the seniors in the school library. So well in fact that I am struggling to find anyone to keep the lawns and gardens up to date, much to the delight of the lads!

We have also had our fair share of success on the sports field in a range of activities. This information can be found in detail further on in the newsletter.

ERO Report

The initial report back from ERO has been excellent with only positive comments and no recommendations at all. Once the report is made official we will send the information out to all parents.

Rugby Trip - Crusaders v Bulls 3 April

48 boys and 10 adults will have the opportunity to enjoy this occasion in Christchurch and if past years are anything to go by they are in for a great time. We have every confidence that the Crusaders can get their title hopes back on track!!!!

Hostel Open Days

These were held on 24 and 25 March. Numbers for these days were very encouraging and at the present time we look to have an excellent number of enrolments for 2010. If the majority of Year 12 stay on next year and the number of enrolments at Year 9 continue, placement in the House could well be at the maximum. Another opportunity will be made for prospective boarders to view Thomas House on the school’s Open Day on 19 May.

Wanaka and Fairlie Shows

We had a tent at the Wanaka Show over the 12 & 13 March. It was a wonderful occasion to catch up with old boys and also the opportunity to meet young lads of the future.

Timaru Boys’ will also have a tent at Fairlie so if you wish to put your feet up for awhile and have a cup of tea, we would be delighted to see you.

Enjoy having the lads home over the holidays.

Ross Smith, Manager

From the Head Boarder

The term has started exceedingly well considering the situation with the ablutions block. The new Year 9s have settled in well for the first few weeks of term and are beginning to come to grips with going to High School and the ‘rigours’ of hostel life, such as making your bed every morning. 

On the second weekend of term the senior leadership team, deputy heads Brentton Donaldson, Caleb Strowger, and myself, took the new entrants for an introductory weekend with trips to the beach, the school pool and engaging in peer support activities to help everyone to settle in and get to know one another.

It is good to have a full team of prefects named.

In early March Caleb Strowger and I went on camp with the class 9TU at John Scott Lodge. It was a great week and one of the highlights was Michael Metherell being voted the most improved boy on camp.

Overall the hostel is running very well and everything is in order. Meals are great and let’s hope we get some lasting good weather.

James Mehrtens

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