Nelson College Newsletter June 27
As we reach the end of a busy and action-packed Term 2, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of Nelson College and the many opportunities we provide for our young men. It’s been a half-year filled with academic growth, co-curricular success, and meaningful moments that have strengthened our school community.
This past week, I had the privilege of attending the annual Quad Rugby Tournament in Christchurch which is in its 99th year. It was an exceptional few days of competition, camaraderie, and school pride. What stood out most was the overwhelming support from our Old Boys, travelling families, and the generous hospitality shown by the billeting families. The positive feedback we received about our students’ conduct and mana was a real credit to them – and to you, their whānau. The team was cheered on via students watching back at school and we beat Wellington College in the final.
More congratulations are owed to our Kapa Haka groups who performed in the recent Taku Kara Tīpuna, the Regional Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition held at Trafalgar Stadium. Ngā Aho Rau took out 1st place overall , Whiria came in strong with 3rd place overall, and Te Kura Tamatāne also placed 3rd in the Waiata Tira (Choral) category. It’s wonderful to see Ngā Aho Rau go from strength to strength and for the newly formed Whiria gain some well deserved recognition.
Some of our young men will be competing in the regional finals of the Smokefree Rockfest tonight. I wish them the best of luck and eagerly anticipate the results.
As we enter the term break, I encourage you to take a moment if time and space allow to check in with your son. A quiet conversation during the holidays can be a good chance to reflect on the term just gone, reset, and refocus on goals for the second half of the year. Whether academic, sporting, cultural or personal, setting clear intentions helps build momentum and resilience.
While the students pause for a well-earned rest, our work as a school community continues. Planning is well underway for Tournament Week, our Board elections, and the next stage of our strategic planning process. Staff will also be engaged in professional development, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best for your sons.
I’ll leave you with a quote that reflects our shared journey:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
Have a safe, restful, and refreshing break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3, ready to build on the strong foundation we’ve laid this year.