Kia, ora, School. Please be seated. 

I’d like to invite Wellbeing Prefect Niko Sawyers to deliver today’s reading 

Today’s reading comes from the Book of Proverbs 16, Verses 32-33 

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. 

This is the word of the Lord (Thanks be to God) 

Rectors Comments:    

Thank you, Niko.  

“And he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.” Today, I want to speak to you about something that will shape not just your time here at school, but your entire future— and that’s the skill of self-control.  

Being a teacher or a principal is one of the best jobs in NZ. Some would say it’s the best job because we get to work with young people every day who are full of potential and we get to see them grow and develop over their time at school. In the case of Lindisfarne College, we get to see most of you arrive as a junior boy, and graduate as a senior young man. It’s a privilege to witness and to support you on your journey, but you all walk the journey in your own unique way.  

But it’s also a challenging job and some of the most challenging times are when we are trying to work with those who are struggling with self control and who make poor choices which affect their own learning and reputation, affects other students, learning, or wellbeing and affects their teachers’ ability to do their jobs effectively.  

The ability to make good decisions, especially when you are in a group, is one of the most valuable skills you will ever develop. We’ve all seen it happen. A situation starts out as harmless fun — a joke, a dare, a challenge — but before you know it, things escalate. Someone crosses a line, and then there are real consequences. Detentions, stand downs, boarding removals, suspensions and sometime boys go before disciplinary committees and sometimes they lose their place at the college. 

This also means lost opportunities for you, or damaged friendships. And often, if you were to rewind the incident that got you into trouble, it all began with a simple choice—one that could have been avoided. 

The truth is, when we are alone, we tend to think more clearly. But when we are with friends, something changes. There’s a natural urge to impress, to fit in, or to avoid being the one who “ruins the fun.” It’s like the group develops a brain of its own and no one seems to be controlling it.  

This is why your own personal self-control is so important. It is what separates those who act on impulse from those who think ahead and make decisions they will not regret. 

So how do we practice self-control? The first step is to pause before acting. If something feels like it could lead to trouble, take a moment. Think beyond the next one, three, five minutes. What are the possible outcomes? Will this choice bring respect, or will it bring regret? That split second of thinking can make all the difference. Think about the rules but also think about your values, your family values, the College’s values and character flags. Before you say something to another person ask “Is that a kind thing to say?” Before you send that message or post something you’ll regret later ask “Is that respectful”? What if I was the victim? How would it feel? 

The second step is to take responsibility for yourself and those around you. You are not just individuals—you are part of a team, a brotherhood. If you see a mate about to do something reckless, don’t encourage it—stop it. Real leadership is not about being the loudest or the boldest. It is about guiding others towards the right decisions, even when it is not the easiest thing to do. It’s really hard to influence others or make rational decision when the heart rate is up, your in excited state, perhaps you’ve been running around and that when your impulsive behaviour is the hardest to control. I also know it’s also really hard when your peer group think it’s cool to do something that you know is wrong, but no one has the courage to say stop , no we’re not doing that.  

The third step is to remember who you are and where you are headed. Every choice you make contributes to your reputation, your character, and ultimately, your future. We all mistakes, but if you get a reputation for being someone who lacks self-control, people will remember. But if you are known as someone who stands strong, makes wise decisions, and respects himself and others, that reputation will open doors for you. 

Self-control is not about denying yourself fun. It is about knowing when to have fun, when to walk away, when to say no, and when to think for yourself instead of following the crowd. Strength is not about reckless behaviour—it is about discipline, focus, and the ability to rise above peer pressure. 

You know your teachers and deans and members of the senior leadership team waste a lot of time on matters that have been caused by someone not being able to show self control. Investigations have to take place, statements taken, parents often have to get involved, phone calls home, formal letters have to be written, reports produced. You don’t think about it, but sometimes students create an absolute mess that we have to clear up. And sometimes it takes days.   

So I leave you with this challenge: The next time you find yourself in a situation where things could go wrong – big or small, be the one who makes the right choice. Show that strength of character to say no. Be kind, be respectful and lead by example. Your future self will thank you. 

And I know that most of you show outstanding self control most of the time, but it only takes one moment of madness, one moment where you lose the ability to show self control that can lead you down the wrong path. Remember there are 564 of you. In order for us to be a strong brotherhood of Lindisfarne young men, we need all 564 of you to master self control. I don’t want to waste my time writing those letters, making those phone calls, having those meetings because it takes me away from watching you do all the amazing things you are doing in the classroom and out in the co-curricular world of our school.  

Two weeks to go boys so let’s make it a fortnight of kindness, respect and wonderful self control. 

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to assist with open day next Saturday. Open day is one of the biggest days of our year. It’s up there with Galas and Prize Givings in term of its importance to us. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but Lindisfarne College is now firmly the school of choice for boys in the Hawke’s Bay and actually because of the boarding house, in other regions too. We have all helped to achieve that reputation. Those who have come before have helped to achieve it too. What we don’t do is rest on our laurels, sit back and say oh we’re awesome everyone thinks we’re the best boys school in NZ. When you think that then you’re already on the way down. Were on the way up.  

Open day is a great way to keep promoting the college and the best advertising for Lindisfarne College is you. It’s not the amazing signs, radio ads, facebook posts, prospectus, my speech on the day – they all help, but you guys, the young men of Lindisfarne are the best promoters of our school. If you’ve already signed up to lead tours or assist in the classroom next Saturday then that’s fantastic, but if you haven’t then please see Mr Howlett to sign up because we need you to run tours and take part in classroom activities. And best of all there’s food boys so come and help. 

Thank you for listening courteously today and please join me in singing  

God Defend New Zealand.  

HYMN   

Thank you, please be seated. I will now invite Cultural Prefect, Jiten Ravla forward to update on the latest Cultural Report. 

Cultural Report 

Good afternoon, school. Here is today’s Cultural report. 

Mama Mia Production 

This week, there has been a huge push to perfect this year’s production, Mama Mia, before the opening night next Monday. Its pleasing to see the progress and work of both the girls and boys this year, as many of them have stepped outside of their comfort zone by taking up this challenge. There will be a full-dress rehearsal on Sunday for boarders to attend. Also, if any day boys would like to attend, they will need to register with Dr Kristensen today.  It will be an unforgettable production. 

Black Spider Trio 

On Monday, we had the pleasure of listening to the Black Spider Trio as part of Chapel. The Black Spider Trio is gypsy band that plays music inspired by Django Reinhardt who lost the use of two of his fingers, but went on to develop his own style of music. This was a great experience for all the boys and staff. Thank you to  Mr Selfe for organizing this and for speaking on the topic of overcoming adversity. 

The year 7/8 cultural program 

Congratulations to the year 7/8 students that are making the most of the cultural activities during Thursday lunchtime, including chanter, vocal ensemble, drama, pipe drums and training band.  This is a great place for year 7/8 students to get involved in cultural activities at the College. These boys look forward to a special morning tea in week 11.  

Instrumental Tuition 

Music lessons have been running smoothly this year, with many returning students learning. I would like to remind anyone who is still thinking about learning an instrument that it is never too late to start. So, if you have any questions regarding music lessons, please come see Dr Kristensen, myself or Josef. 

That’s all for this week’s cultural report. And finally, I would like to wish the production boys all the best for the show. Have a good weekend. 

Rector Comments: 

Thank you, Jiten. I’ll now invite Sports Prefect, Matt McKendry forward to update us on the latest Sports news 

Sports Report 

Good afternoon, school. Here is this week's sports report. 

In SURF LIFESAVING Eight Lindisfarne boys represented Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club at the Eastern Regional Junior Championships at Ohope Beach, competing against over 260 athletes. They performed superbly, with many achieving top-eight finishes. 

Hamish McLaren won two bronze medals in the U13 Run Swim Run and Surf Race. Congratulations, Hamish.  

In TOUCH Congratulations to all our boys who participated in touch this term.  There was a lot talent on display and the development has been amazing! 

Congratulations to our Senior A for winning the yr11-13 division and our Junior A for winning the year 9 and 10 division.  

In RUGBY LEAGUE Congratulations to Reid Palmer and Te Awarangi Puketapu-Pene on their selection for the Junior Warriors 2-Day Open Invitation Camp. They had the incredible opportunity to train under highly respected coaches and connect with the Warriors Pathways Manager. A fantastic achievement, well done to you both! 

In KAYAKING Last weekend, Oscar Jarvis, Corby Allison, and I travelled to Rotorua to compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Kayak Regatta. It was a successful weekend of racing, despite challenging conditions, with a strong crosswind making competition tough. 

In the long-distance event on Saturday afternoon, Corby earned a bronze medal, while I secured silver in our respective age groups. Oscar put in an outstanding performance, claiming multiple podium finishes, including bronze in the U18 Men’s K1 250m. 

The three of us then combined forces in the U18 Men’s K1 Relay, where we won silver. Oscar and I also teamed up in the U18 Men’s K2 250m, securing another silver. Overall, Lindisfarne came away with an impressive tally of four silver and two bronze medals. 

A huge thank you to Mr. Brown for his continued support of our crew. 

In SAILING The Central North Island Interschool Sailing 420 competition took place last weekend in Taupo, with 14 schools competing in a challenging regatta. Teams raced in a round-robin format to secure spots in either the Gold or Silver Division. 

Led by captain Jake Dickey, the Lindisfarne team displayed skill, teamwork, and adaptability throughout the event. After a day and a half of intense racing, they earned a place in the Silver Division, where they fought hard to secure an impressive second-place finish. 

This achievement reflects the team’s dedication and talent on the water. Congratulations to Jake and the team on their well-earned podium finish!  

In SWIMMING On Tuesday, March 18th, the Lindisfarne Swimming team competed at the Hawke’s Bay Secondary School Swimming Championships, facing 14 other schools. The team delivered an outstanding performance, claiming the overall title and being crowned Hawke’s Bay Secondary School Champions among ten competing boys' teams. 

Lindisfarne excelled in the relays, securing second place in the 15 & over 100m Medley Relay with Sam Skidmore, Wyatt Holmes, Beck Allen, and myself. Second place in 15 & over 100m Freestyle Relay with Sam Skidmore, Wyatt Holmes, Ben Gray, and myself, and second place in the 14 & under 100m Freestyle Relay Archie Cole, Thomas Birkett, Owen Booker and Connor Hacking. 

Sam Skidmore dominated the individual events, winning the 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke, and the Open 100m Freestyle.  

Ben Gray placed 3rd in the 50m Backstroke, 

Owen Booker won the 13 & under 50m Freestyle and placed 3rd in the 50m Butterfly 

Archie Cole finished 3rd in the 50m Freestyle and 2nd in the 50m Backstroke.  

Thomas Birkett and Connor Hacking also performed exceptionally well in their specialist events. 

A huge congratulations to all our swimmers! We now look forward to some of them competing at the New Zealand National Secondary School Championships in Hamilton this July. 

Could the following boys from the swimming team please come forward to receive a certificate and congratulations from the College: 

Wyatt Holmes 

Ben Gray 

Beck Allen 

Sam Skidmore 

Owen Booker 

Archie Cole 

Connor Hacking 

Thomas Birkett 

Matt McKendry (receive certificate after assembly) 

In TRACK & FIELD Congratulations to Austin McDougall, Gus Munro and Waiariki Hunia for being selected into the East Coast North Island track and field champs to compete against other North Island schools.  This is due to be held in Hamilton at the beginning of April.   In the INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL EXCHANGES On Wednesday, March 12th, our Intermediate School boys travelled to Wellington to take on Hutt International Boys’ School.  

In cricket, the 1st XI made history, claiming their first-ever victory on the 1st XI pitch at Trentham Racecourse.  Lindisfarne posted a competitive 151 and  bowled HIBS out for 132. Leo Baker was named Player of the Day.  

The 2nd XI match was equally intense. Lindisfarne batted first, scoring 156, which HIBS chased down with just a few balls to spare. Henry Dorward earned player of the day, scoring 28 and taking 3 wickets. 

Last Friday, we hosted Scots College for our annual summer exchange.  

In Tennis, Lindisfarne came out on top in a series of hard-fought matches, with Gabriel Miranda named Player of the Day. 

In 1st XI cricket, rain brought the match to an early end, with Scots in a strong position.  Mehtaab Singh led the bowling attack  with 2 wickets and Shaan Arora was the standout batsman, finishing unbeaten on 22*. 

The 2nd XI secured a fantastic win, bowling Scots out for 113. Alby Redmond took 3 wickets for 18 runs, and was named Player of the Day.  

Well done to all the boys on their efforts and achievements! 

In CANOE POLO Lindisfarne competed in the Senior Secondary School Championship last weekend, playing in the Division 2 competition against teams from across New Zealand. After winning four of our seven pool games, we secured a spot in the semi-finals. 

In the 3rd vs. 4th place playoff against Cornerstone Christian School, we trailed 2-1 at halftime after a strong defensive effort. Despite our determination, the final score was 5-2, placing us fourth overall. 

A standout performer was Thomas Griffiths, who finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer across both Division 1 and 2—a remarkable achievement. The team displayed great teamwork and growth throughout the competition. Well done, boys! 

UPCOMING GAMES Good luck to those boys playing sport this weekend.  Play hard, represent the college well and enjoy the game! The 1st 15 play Gisborne Boys tomorrow at 10.30am on Pakowhai field. Please come and support the boys if you can. That concludes this weeks Sports Report.   

Rector Comments: 

Thank you, Matt.  

Congratulation to all those boys who were recognised today and I wish you all the best for your weekend. I particularly wish our production team all the best for Sunday’s full dress rehearsal – most of them are next door right now, but we know they’ve all been working incredibly hard backstage, on stage and in the technical department to put on an awesome show for us next week. 

Reverend Dunnett, will now close our assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Monday 31 March 2025