House Music Festival

Our Christ’s College Parents' Association House Music Festival will be held on Thursday 25 June, from 6.30–9pm, at the Christchurch Town Hall. There is no need to register for House Music this year as we welcome all our College families to one of most loved nights on the school calendar.

Our Service Committee is helping a trio of charities – Heart Kids NZ, Autism NZ, and Sony Foundation NZ – this year and we will support all three with a collection on the night.

Change in routine – Tuesday 30 June

With Year 9 parent/teacher/student interviews being held from 3–7pm on Tuesday 30 June, there is a change in routine and the school day will end at 12.50pm.

• 8.30am – Mentor time
• 9–9.50am – Period 3
• 9.55–10.45am – Period 4
• 10.45–11.05am – Morning break
• 11.05–11.55am – Period 5
• 12–12.50pm – Period 6
• 12.50pm – End of school day
• 3pm – Year 9 parent/teacher/student interviews (online)
• 7pm – Interviews conclude

Element of success along with a timely exam reminder

As we near the halfway point in the academic year, it is timely to take stock. 

For Years 10–11 students, the end of Semester 1 looms. Most Year 11 prep courses take place in Semester 2, so only a few exams/assessments are held this Semester. It is important that students take these exams seriously and prepare well. Teachers will provide practice and revision material and tools to support students to succeed. At the end of semester 2, there will be a week of exams, mirroring NCEA arrangements. 

For those boys who do not have prep exams this semester, it is a great opportunity to concentrate on the Ngā Miha elements of their Diploma or revise core content in readiness for prep courses starting in Week 8. 

Diploma Coordinator Andrew Levenger has been speaking to Years 10 and 11 cohorts, ensuring that they understand the requirements. By the end of Term 3, Year 11 students must have submitted their bids so that Diploma awards can be finalised. While Year 10 students are just getting started on their Diploma journeys, many have already enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

For our senior boys, the countdown to the end of the year seems to gather speed after the July holidays. They need to monitor their progress through Schoolbox, and Analytics ensures that they are mindful of NCEA credits and UE requirements well ahead of final exams. Academic progress is also discussed in the Tuesday mentor time. Analytics is also available through the parent portal and can be found under the profile picture.

Upcoming dates

• End of Semester 1 – Friday 19 June
• Start of Semester 2 (Years 10–11 ) – Monday 22 June (new timetables)
• Year 9 parent/teacher/student interviews (online) – Tuesday 30 June (information on how to book will be sent out shortly). Students are encouraged to take part.
• Term 3 NCEA Options Evening – Monday 27 July

Bishop Susan takes over her father’s mantle 

Bishop Susan Hinemoa Wallace has been ordained Bishop of Te Hui Amorangi ki te Waipounamu during a joyous festival Eucharist.

The Bishop has been supported by more than 500 worshippers and wellwishers – including College students and staff – at the Transitional Cathedral service.

Her father, the late Right Reverend Richard Wallace, previously held the role and was a much-respected champion of biculturalism at College. We look forward to supporting Bishop Susan in her Episcopal ministry to Te Hui Amorangi ki te Waipounamu.

Students set best tempo in musical identity

Scrolling down the Music Department Facebook page, the depth of student talent and achievement is clear. While the posts share the success, they also show a programme in motion – purposeful and increasingly confident in the breadth of its musical identity.

In the past few weeks, our boys have excelled across rock, choral, and chamber music, highlighting the burgeoning strength of music-making at Christ’s College.

Schola Cantorum was recognised at The Big Sing, with the Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir Award affirming the central role of choral music in school life. In the contemporary space, Vertigo – featuring Matthew Burton-Lyall – was 2nd at the Rockquest regional final, demonstrating not only technical skill but also musical maturity. In the chamber arena, Oscar Stove and Richie Tu progressed to the Chamber Music Contest Regional Final with both their Trumpet Quartet and Piano Trio, revitalising our tradition of small ensemble performance. Many more groups were involved in these events, always performing with professionalism and commitment. Each is part of a wider pattern, with boys showing up, rehearsing consistently, and performing with growing assurance to a higher level.

The day-to-day life of the Music School remains equally vibrant as the Jazz Combo and Big Band rehearsals refine ensemble awareness and improvisational confidence, while workshops and informal performances give the boys regular opportunities to develop their skills. Across classroom music, rock, jazz, choral, and classical disciplines, there is a shared sense of momentum, weaving between styles, and discovering strengths as the boys find their places in the musical world.

These strands coexist and reinforce one another. The discipline of choral singing, the independence of chamber music, the creativity of contemporary performance, and the responsiveness of jazz all contribute to a musical culture that is both structured and flexible.

We are building a space where boys are increasingly equipped, encouraged, and inspired to engage deeply with music in all forms. Planned developments in facilities, technology, and ensemble opportunities will further support all boys. We also aim to deepen ownership over music-making, encouraging initiative, creativity, and collaboration across styles.

An eventful time for young leaders and agents

Celebrating two outstanding student leaders and welcoming agents to Christ’s College are among our most recent special events. 

Along with St Margaret’s College, we have co-hosted the annual agents gathering in our Boardroom. It is an opportunity to bring together our local agents to deliver an update on the schools. This year, we have focused on health and wellbeing, with counsellors and nurses from both schools explaining how we support our students.

Meanwhile, Year 13 leaders Yannis Zhang and Thomas Visakan have been recognised at the 2026 Ethnic Youth Awards, delivered in association with the Koru Korean Learning Community Hub Trust Board and the Ministry of Education’s Community Partnerships Team. The awards acknowledge emerging student leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds across Christchurch secondary schools.

Both Yannis and Thomas have been recognised for their outstanding leadership and contributions to College and the wider community while exemplifying our school virtues

Wrap up in Dark Hampton College scarf

Add a luxurious Dark Hampton Christ’s College scarf to your wardrobe. The stunning scarf – a Cashmere-modal mix – has been designed exclusively for College. Lightweight and very soft, it complements any outfit while adding a stylish all-seasons layer. You can purchase a Dark Hampton College scarf from the Uniform Shop or order one at uniformshop@christscollege.com. You or your son can then pick up the scarf from reception, with the cost charged to your account. Size: 120x120cm. Cost: $119.

Staying dry this winter

Stock up on winter essentials from our Uniform Shop, including our popular CCC College rain jacket ($130). Call in to our Uniform Shop on Mondays 10am–4pm, Tuesdays 10.30am–4pm, or Wednesdays 10am–4pm to view our full range of clothing and supporters’ gear or email the Uniform Shop at uniformshop@christscollege.com.

CHRIST'S COLLEGE & CCOBA EVENTS

Tee Off With Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day

A non-profit organisation co-founded by Old Boy Max Goodwin, Tamai Sports works alongside tamariki, whānau, and schools across East Christchurch to create fun, inclusive sporting opportunities by removing barriers to participation.

In his final year at Christ’s College in 2018, Max saw the need for a programme that enabled youngsters to become more confident and active through stronger community connections and cultural pride, leading to the creation of Taimai Sports. Today, thousands of youngsters benefit from multiple sports-related programmes. The Tee Off With Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day helps to fund those many opportunities for youngsters who may otherwise miss out.

If you want to play a part in supporting the Tamai Sports Charity Golf Day, you can find further details below, including sponsorship and team entry options.

UPCOMING CAREERS DATES

Christ’s College CareerWise

The Christ’s College careers website, CareerWise, is a rich source of careers information. Parents and students can subscribe to our careers platform to stay up to date with the options and opportunities open to the boys. These may cover career-related events, news, and jobs. For most events, there are links to register. Our Years 11–13 boys and their parents are encouraged to subscribe to CareerWise.

Upcoming study-related events
Common job interview questions
Navigating university open days
A career in farming
Explore facilities management
University of Otago – student for a day
University of Sydney – NZ information webinar
University of Melbourne – course guides for 2027 
Bond University – parents information webinar
Chiropractic Career Talk

Victoria University of Wellington – Pūaha

An online portal for students, Pūaha is where boys can view and manage their admission, enrolment, accommodation, and scholarship applications. It also provides study-related tools and information.

Ara – NZ Broadcasting School

The New Zealand Broadcasting School will host a three-day workshop from 7 July–9 July for students interested in a media career. Students can access the journalism, radio, and screen production facilities at the Madras Street campus as they work together to create a radio broadcast and try out a range of roles, including camera, sound, and lighting operators. The workshop costs $575. Register here.

University of Auckland key changes

From 2027, students will have more choice in health-related disciplines at the University of Auckland, with new and refreshed degrees, health majors, and clearer routes into potential health careers. Learn more about the undergraduate options. 

Key degrees include: 

• Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science
• Bachelor of Science, Health Majors

Undergraduate prospectuses are also available.

Entry requirements for 2028 can be found on the clinical programme pages:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
• Bachelor of Optometry
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy

Career Convos

Career Convos – a collaboration between the Christ’s College Old Boys’ Association and the Careers Department – helps our students learn more about post-school options and potential careers. We have recently welcomed guest speakers Angus Mossman, a young lawyer from Mortlock McCormack Law, and Charlie Dyer, a customer manager from Bascik Transport who has outlined his career in supply chain management. Meanwhile, Louis Gunn has also returned to College to talk about his sports degree. 

All three have provided valuable insights into their post-College life. It has been a great opportunity for the boys to ask questions and seek advice in an informal setting. 

Our upcoming Career Convos speakers include electrician James Jerard and medical student Jack Belcher. Career Convos welcomes Years 10–13 students who want to learn more about potential careers. If any Old Boys wish to share their own journeys with the boys, please contact Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer at ldyer@christscollege.com.