As the year draws to a close and our collective eyes turn to Santa and end of year functions, it is important to take the time to reflect on the efforts and outcomes that made up 2024.

This year our boys carried the blazer around the globe. Our 1st XV played in the Sanix World Youth Rugby Championships in Japan, our 1st XI cricket squad toured Melbourne, and Magnus Jamieson and James McLeay competed in multiple countries as they vied for world championships. Every time the boys left our shores, they did so with the backing of a supportive school and caring community. While they were away they ensured that the mana of this institution was held high and our respect for healthy competition was represented in the dedication they put into each event. We are exceptionally proud of the accomplishments of all the boys involved in these endeavours.

On the home front, our Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students took on the rigours of NCEA assessment. Now as the year comes to an end we can begin to see the fruits of their efforts. With exam and external assessment results still pending, our results are quite simply stunning. The great unknown this year was NCEA Level 1, with brand new standards and a much heavier externally assessed component. The worry was that our level of excellence would drop. That has not been the case. In fact, many of our boys have performed well above our expectations.

NCEA Level 1: 64% of our students have already gained certification. Taking into account the large external assessment component, we anticipate our achievement rate mirroring that of previous years. Well done gentlemen, you should be deservedly proud of yourselves. I would also like to single out Tim McIlhone who has gained enough excellence credits to be the first Southland Boys' High School student to achieve his academic cap through the new assessment system. 

NCEA Level 2: 80% of our students have already gained certification. Congratulations also to these students who have already achieved their Level 2 cap; Tom Smith, Joshua Reynolds, Josh Cairns, Michael Crean, Zephyr Jackson, William Paris, Rory Coe, Thomas Gray, Cooper Mitchell, Hayden Millar, Jack Claridge and Ajay Smith. 

NCEA Level 3: 75% of our students have already gained certification. Congratulations to the 14 boys who have gained the Level 3 cap. I will not list you here as I get to present your cap at this years prizegiving. 

Year 9 and 10 Certificate: the results are, again, stunning, with over 65% of students in each year group having already gained their certification, with one more round of assessments remaining. 

I always say that we are a ‘finished product school’. By that I mean that our methods are designed to slowly build the capabilities of our young men so that when they graduate, they are the best men they can be. I stand by this statement and the results I have listed in this newsletter along with the many amazing adventures our students have been on throughout the year are testament to that. From our boisterous and energetic Year 7 boys to our diligent and determined Year 13 graduates, the journey through Southland Boys' High School is filled with opportunities that further the growth of our boys as they walk the road to manhood. 

Before I sign off, I would like to thank one young man for keeping me company as I walk around the school during breaks. We chat about this, that and everything. So, to Alfie, thanks for keeping me company, you are a good man. 

Finally, to all, thank you for a wonderful, adventurous, exhausting, memory-filled year.

Have a great Christmas, treasure your time with family and friends, get some sun, read a book, mow the lawns and stand around the barbeque.    

Nga Mihi Nui

Ray Laurenson