Kia ora whānau. As we approach the end of the academic year, it is great to see how many of the boys of this school are continuing to push themselves forward to experience new things and achieve success across a vast range of fields and endeavours. 

Our Junior Production has been a huge spectacle, and the feedback from the cast, crew and crowds have been a testament to the hard work that has gone into putting on Aladdin. As the applause dies out and lights dim it is a fitting time to acknowledge the amazing performances. From genies and princes to dashing heroes and scheming villains, our boys showed a diverse range of abilities whilst remembering that wit and charm carry a show. Congratulations to all. 

In memory of Jonty Carran, our tackle 10s had a chance to represent the Royal Blue at the Jonty Carran Memorial Rugby Tournament and did so with pride and determination. Their performances were a testament to the bond they had quickly formed as a team. Emerging from a hard-fought final as the ultimate victors was a great way for our rugby teams to finish 2024. Well done to all the players involved and a special thank you to the coaching and management crew, made up of staff and current senior students. 

At a time when charity organisations are finding it harder and harder to raise enough funds to support those in our community who need it the most, it was wonderful to see the thought, effort, fun and energy that our Year 8 pupils (and many of their whānau) put into the annual Market Day. A grand total of $2,276.00 was raised. $1,244.00 is to be donated to the Invercargill Cancer Society, whilst the remaining funds are for the Year 8 students to add to the resourcing of the Junior School as they graduate. By doing this they ensure that the next group of boys to walk the halls directly benefit from their efforts - Kotahitanga. 

I would like to finish this newsletter by acknowledging this year's graduating Year 13's. In a year of transition, they have been the anchor points of the school. In their own way they have ensured that the school remained focused and inclusive. During the Graduation celebration held prior to the start of the NCEA exams, the staff of the school were able to acknowledge these young men and reminisce on their journey through the school. During the evening, we also hand out individual awards acknowledging the efforts and successes of some of the members of the graduating class. This year we acknowledged the following young men:

• The Backbone Award – this is awarded to the student deemed the most reliable and diligent (the person who toils away with little or no recognition but is always there when needed). This award was presented to a very deserving Max McKenzie.
• The Benchmark – presented to the student who set a new precedence for excellence at Southland Boys' High School. Presented to Charlie Hopcroft. 
• Leader of the Pack – for the student who is infectiously upbeat and able to bring a group together in support of others. Presented to Samuel Kubrycht-Ellis.
• Putting Southland Boys' High School on the Map – Presented to the student who brought national attention to Southland Boys' High School in a positive way. Presented to Magnus Jamieson. 
• Superman Award – presented to the student who has overcome the most barriers during their journey through secondary school. Presented to David Landero-Castillo.
• Tane Murihiku Award (The Southern Man) - Presented to the student who has contributed at the highest level across the widest array of fields within the school and whose efforts directly reflect the values of Southland Boys' High School. Presented to Will Cairns. 

Thank you to the boys of this school for all that you do and all that you contribute. We are made better by the efforts of our collective brotherhood. 

Nga Mihi Nui,

Ray Laurenson

Rector