Providing a home away from home and nurturing young boys as they transition into manhood is the key focus of Napier Boys’ High School’s Scinde House.
The boarding house has a rich history within the school community, and is home to about 180 students from year 9 through to year 13.
Hostel Manager Ashton Johnson says Scinde House has a traditional environment, one that’s held on routine and structure, but has a real sense of community and promotes learning, enjoyment, friendships and long lasting memories.
“It offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere where boys are encouraged to take up the opportunities offered to them within and outside of the school grounds,” he said.
Their orientation programme encourages junior boys to get involved in a number of extra-curricular activities. Boys have the option to go mountain biking each week and yearly trips include mountain biking in Rotorua and skiing at Whakapapa.
They have a dedicated team of about 24, including house masters who supervise students day and night, as well as matrons, kitchen and cleaning staff and a security guard.
Each weekday, students have supervised prep where they spend time doing homework.
A fundamental part of hostel life is about promoting and fostering a sense of independence.
“Living away from their parents, boys’ need to be able to do things independently and we obviously give them guidance and help them through, but we certainly don’t do it for them.”
The coronavirus pandemic and current nationwide lockdown forced the cancelation of this month’s Scinde House promotional tour, which included an open day.
While interviews, albeit virtually, are now taking place for 2021, boys are encouraged to enrol for 2022 onwards.
There is ample opportunity for families to contact the school for further information.
Johnson says they are looking for boys’ who have a positive attitude and are willing to get involved with all aspects of the school.
“We’re not necessarily just looking for the best academics, or the best sportsmen, we want a range of boys that we think would fit the culture and the environment that Scinde house currently provides.”
Principal Matt Bertram says that “as a traditional school, we uphold our values and heritage by maintaining high expectations of our students, not only in terms of their work effort but also their courtesy, grooming, attendance and punctuality”.
“This is reinforced through our culture of formal assemblies, discipline and the inculcation of pride in our school and community.
“This same culture is part of Scinde House, our boarding hostel family, which offers a unique dimension to Napier Boys’ High School, bringing in young men from central and eastern North Island.”
Napier Boys’ High School year 9 student Thomas Evans (left) with year 13 Regan Coombe-Gray after Scinde House Year 9 Freestyle team won the 4 x 25m at this year’s swimming sports.
