Kia ora boys, please be seated. 

We will start our Assembly with a reading from the Bible and I’ve asked George Kenny to read it to us today. 

Today's reading comes from; 

Galatians, chapter 6: verse 9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

This is the word of the Lord – Thanks be to God. 

Thank you, George. 

Deputy Rector - Mr Howlett

I chose this reading today for a number of reasons. This verse links well with the theme I want to share with you about the value of showing up, doing good, and staying the course and because we present the Galatians Trophy at the end of year Prize Giving to an outstanding student who exemplifies what it is to be a good man.  

Gentlemen, we have come to the end of the second week of Term Two, and we are heading into what is a busy time of the school year, and I think it is timely to talk to you about something deceptively simple — showing up. 

At first glance, it might not sound particularly inspiring. There’s no flashiness to it. It doesn’t make headlines or win trophies on its own. But don’t be fooled — showing up is one of the most powerful things you can do. And, it’s something every single one of you is capable of, every single day. 

Showing up means being present — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It means stepping forward when it would be easier to stay in the background. It means committing to a cause, a team, a subject, a friendship — even when it’s hard, even when you're tired, even when no one else notices. 

At Lindisfarne College, we talk a lot about The Lindisfarne Way — a way of being that’s grounded in honour, respect, humility, and service. These aren’t just words we print on a poster or recite at special occasions. They’re values we are called to live out — in the classroom, on the sports field, at chapel, and in the little choices we make each day. 

And often, living The Lindisfarne Way begins with simply showing up. 

When you turn up to early morning training in the middle of winter...  ...you’re not just building fitness. You’re building discipline and reliability. 

When you raise your hand in class to ask a question or contribute a thought...  ...you’re not just learning. You’re showing courage and ownership of your education. 

When you check in on a mate who’s been a bit quiet lately...  ...you’re not just being kind. You’re showing leadership — the quiet kind that strengthens our brotherhood. 

When you sing the hymn well, wear the blazer properly, and stand tall at a pōwhiri...  ...you’re not just following tradition. You’re honouring something bigger than yourself. 

And it’s not just something I expect of you — it’s something I try to practise myself. 

I try to show up:  For 1st XI hockey team — on wet and cold days, at tough trainings and games, or in lobbies and halfway in various locations — because they deserve consistency, support and belief.  I show up as a teacher and Deputy Rector, not just to enforce rules or run meetings, but to know you, to challenge you, and to walk alongside you.  I show up on tours and exchanges — helping students navigate airports and unfamiliar cultures, but more importantly, helping them discover who they are in the process.  I show up in chapel and assembly — not out of duty, but because I believe these shared spaces shape us. In these moments, we remember who we are, what we stand for, and what it means to belong to something bigger than ourselves. They are not just routines — they are the heartbeat of Lindisfarne.  And I try to show up in the small moments — a quiet word after a tough day, a pat on the back after a hard loss, a conversation when someone needs to be seen. These are the things that often go unnoticed, but to me, they matter deeply. Because that’s where trust is built, where boys grow into young men, and where the spirit of Lindisfarne is truly lived out — not in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of care and belief. 

Now, no one gets it right all the time — I certainly don’t. But I’ve learned something over the years: consistency, presence, and quiet effort — especially when no one is watching — often matter more than raw talent. 

Because showing up doesn’t require brilliance. It doesn’t take genius or flair. It just takes you — willing, present, and being prepared to try. And more often than not, success goes to those who do just that: the ones who keep turning up, day after day. 

There are boys in this hall who earned their place — not because they were the most naturally gifted, but because they were dependable. They kept turning up. They showed they could be trusted that they were willing to learn, to commit, and to grow. And in any team, in any classroom, and in life — reliability like that is gold. 

There are boys whose grades have improved — not because of some sudden spark of genius, but because they kept at it. They asked questions, they did the extra revision, they picked themselves up after setbacks. It wasn’t easy, but they didn’t give up. And that kind of determination matters far more in the long run than natural ability ever will. 

There are friendships, moments, even life-changing opportunities that began with someone simply saying, 'I’ll be there.' Not knowing exactly how it would go — but turning up anyway. That’s how growth begins: by showing up, giving it a go, and being open to becoming better than you were yesterday. 

So, my challenge to you is this: Be someone who shows up. 

Show up for your mates.  Show up for your teachers and coaches.  Show up for your whānau.  And most importantly — show up for yourself. On the hard days. When you doubt your ability or question your worth. Show up anyway. Because you are worth the effort. You are worth the investment. And every time you choose to keep going, you’re building something strong and unshakable inside. That’s how men of character are made. 

Showing up is part of what it means to live The Lindisfarne Way. It’s a quiet strength — a dependable presence — a daily choice to be the best version of yourself, no matter the circumstances. 

Your presence is powerful. It says, “I care. I’m willing. I matter.” 

So — show up. And keep showing up. You never know how much of a difference it will make. 

Please join me in singing the hymn Shine Jesus Shine.  

HYMN   

Thank you, please be seated.  

I’ll now invite Cultural prefect, Jiten Ravla, forward to update us on the latest arts and cultural news. 

Cultural Report 

House Music Change With house music coming up at the end of the term, I trust that preparations in each house are well under way. I can confirm that this year each house will put forward an ‘Ensemble Choir’ – this year there will be no “Set Song”. The ensemble choir must have between 10 and 32 singers, so please put yourself forward for this when your house asks for volunteers.  In making this change, this will give more time for the preparation and practice of the full-house song.  

Pipe Band at Anzac service It was great to see the Pipe Band boys who represented Lindisfarne College with poise and respect at the Havelock North Anzac Service. They played a key role in the ceremony, piping in ex-servicemen and women, and again at the close of the service. I would like to especially congratulate and thank, Dominic Goodenough and Gus Denton, who also performed at the Hastings Dawn Service earlier that morning.  

Debating Last week Wednesday we hosted Hastings Chrisian school in our first regional debate for the year. Four teams from Lindisfarne competed in the debates along with four teams from Hastings Christian school. The moot debated was that “This house would implement rent controls in all major cities in New Zealand. Lindisfarne College won 7 of of 8 the debates.  Well, done to all the boys who competed. I would also like to thank, Miss Carrol for her organization in the lead up to this day and on the day itself, the boys appreciated this. 

Miscellania Spotify release Miscellania band members Dominic Goodenough, Liam King, Tait Humphreys, and Johnson Blakely who are in the band Miscellania have launched their music to all streaming services. You can now find them on, Spotify and Apple music, so please show youf support by having a listen, and share their music with friends, and family. Well, done boys, and good luck on your future projects. Thank you to Mr Selfe for mentoring these boys.  

Impromptu Speech Competition On the 21st of May the impromptu speech competition will be held for juniors and seniors. This is a fun competition, and if you enter, it will help you develop your public speaking skills. The way it works is that that each boy is given 5 minutes to prepare a 2-3 minute speech on a specified topic. The junior section is for years 7-10 and the senior section for years 11-13. I encourage anyone interested to enter and give it a go.  To enter please write your name on the list on Mr Kristensen’s door by the end of next week.  

That is all for this week’s cultural report. Thank you, boys and staff, have a good weekend. 

Mr Howlett Comments: 

Thank you, Jiten. I will now invite Sports Prefect, Oscar Jarvis, forward to update us on the latest Sports news. 

Sports Report 

In Rugby Our 1st XV participated in the annual Presbyterian Quadrangular during the first week of the holidays losing 43-7 to Saint Kentigern and beating Scots College 98-17 

Congratulations to Charlie East who was chosen as our MVP 

In Hockey The 1st XI and Colts teams participated in the annual WaiCol pre-season hockey tournament during the holiday period and recorded four wins against Onslow College (3-0), Wairarapa College (3-0),  

St Patrick’s, Silverstream (4-1) and Scots College (6-1). 

The Colts team participated in the same tournament against first eleven opposition and despite losing all four encounters, were great value in terms the progress made over the four games. 

Congratulations to the Ben Boere, Corby Allison, Hamish Butler, Jacob Holder and Riley Lennox on their selection to the Hawkes Bay U18 team who will compete at the national tournament in June.   

In swimming The NZ Age Group Champs were held in the first week of the holiday and in a the highly competitive 15-year-old age group, Sam Skidmore, won Gold in both the 100m Fly and 50m Fly. 

In Canoe Sprint Corby Allison and Matt McKendry competed in the 2025 Canoe Sprint Nationals against the country’s top paddlers. Corby paddled well in Under-16 Men’s K1 5km event, earning a silver medal. Matt, competing in the Under-18 category claimed three national titles, winning gold in the U18 men’s K4 500m, K4 200m, and 100m Relay events, along with a bronze in the K2 500m.  

In Golf Cordell Henare played in the South Island under 19 boys golf tournament and came third shooting 1 over through the three rounds. Luke Jarvis in Year 8, competed in the Australian age group golf tournament and finished fifth. 

In Canoe Slalom Ollie Fritchley competed in canoe slalom at the New Zealand Secondary Schools and National championships winning a silver medal at NZ Secondary Schools in C1 event and winning a bronze medal at the National Championships in K1 event. 

Note We would like to wish all the teams playing this weekend all the best for their respective games and I remind all of you that the 1st XI Football team will be playing Havelock North on Lyndhurst at 4pm. It will be awesome to see you down supporting the boys! 

Mr Howlett Comments: 

Thank you, Oscar and Jitien for sharing about the sporting and cultural activities — it’s always a privilege to hear about the commitment, passion, and pride you boys bring to representing our College. 

As we wrap up assembly today, I want to leave you with a simple message: showing up matters. Whether it’s turning up prepared for class, stepping out to support your teammates, or giving your best in rehearsals or games — being present, with purpose and a positive attitude, is what sets you apart. 

To everyone involved in sport this weekend, all the very best. Compete with integrity, back each other, and wear the crest with pride. 

Have a great weekend — and remember, keep showing up, in all the right ways. 

Chapel Prefect Daniel Hoffmeister , will now close our assembly in prayer. 

Article added: Friday 09 May 2025