Thursday 26 February 2026
Settling into a new year of boarding brings a mix of anticipation and adjustment. For many, it marks a return to structure after the holidays, accompanied by a range of emotions. Yet alongside the familiar rhythm, there is the renewed connection with friends, peers, House staff and the wider King’s community, underscoring the excitement of what lies ahead for our boarding students.
This year, King’s College welcomes more than a hundred new boarders across all Houses, many of whom are acclimating to a new school, city or even country. For these students, establishing strong connections with Housemates, mentors, and staff is essential to their long-term success as members of the King’s boarding community. The initial weeks are thoughtfully packed with opportunities to foster these bonds and build a foundation for the year ahead.
House spirit is already high, with swimming and athletics serving as catalysts for teamwork and celebration in weeks two through four. Two full boarding weekends provide additional opportunities for students to deepen their connections through a diverse program of onsite and offsite activities. During the first weekend, students from Middlemore, Selwyn, St John’s, and School House participated in community service, mentor-mentee sessions, and a spirited water-fight which is always a quick affair despite more than 1,000 water balloons to go through. The following day, Houses headed to the beach, hot pools, or swimming venues for shared dorm activities and friendly competitions designed to strengthen student bonds.
The weekend also welcomed the formal induction of our new Headmaster Patrick Gale with a Chapel Service that was attended by boarders and the King’s Community, signalling a fresh chapter for our school.
"The Full Boarding Weekend was a fun and memorable few days that brought the boarding community closer together" - Middlemore student
As the majority of boarders settle into routine, Year 9 students at Te Pūtake Lodge enjoy an additional weekend designed to bolster confidence and connection within the cohort. The program this year culminated in an exhilarating day at Wero Whitewater Park, where the group experienced rafting down rapids and conquered the new high-ropes course - experiences that build resilience, teamwork and foster personal growth.
This lively start to the year, with its blend of structured routine and spirited community, is a deliberate investment in the life-skills that our boarders carry forward beyond King’s. From self-management and resilience to developing interpersonal skills and qualities, the beginning of the Term 1 is purposefully designed to equip students for lasting success at the College and beyond.
You can see more pictures of the Boarding Weekend here.
Daniel Rattray - Head of Boarding