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OBHS STUDENT SUPPORT FUND

A real difference in the lives of our boys.

Dear Student Support Fund Donors,

It is great to be in touch with you all again, and firstly, I want to thank you for your continued generosity towards the Otago Boys’ High School Student Support Fund.

Now in its eighth year, the Fund continues to make a real difference in the lives of boys at OBHS, helping ensure they have opportunities to participate, achieve their goals and make the most of their time at school.

Your support in action

Last Wednesday, I attended the OBHS Arts and Cultural Showcase in the Maurice Joel Theatre and was amazed by the quality of the performances, particularly from the Jazz Band and Choir.

The Jazz Band recently attended a week-long celebration of school jazz bands in Blenheim, where they were rated among the best performers in the South Island. The Choir also spent three days in Timaru performing alongside other choirs and received excellent recognition.

What made this particularly satisfying was knowing that the Foundation had financially supported both groups, enabling all members of the Jazz Band and Choir to attend these events. Your generosity helped ensure these boys could take part in experiences that build confidence, develop talent and create lasting memories.

It is a wonderful example of the Fund working as it was intended.

A story worth sharing

We established the Student Support Fund eight years ago to help a Year 9 boy from Ranfurly, Phoenix Taputu, attend the hostel. Phoenix came from a large family who needed some financial assistance to make an education at Otago Boys’ possible.

He would be the first to admit he had some adjusting to do when he arrived, but he worked hard, found his place in the school community and graduated five years later. Captaining the First XV in his final year was a real highlight, and he has since become a proud Old Boy.

With the support of the Glover family, Phoenix went on to begin a block laying apprenticeship. However, following a phone call from him last week, that commitment is now on hold.

After three years playing for the Kaikorai Rugby Club, where he showed real promise, playing in a number of Premier games, Phoenix has accepted a professional rugby contract in the Netherlands. He left New Zealand 10 days ago and may already have played his first game.

What a journey for a young man from Ranfurly who might otherwise never have ventured far beyond the Maniototo, now heading overseas to pursue something he absolutely loves.

When Phoenix spoke to me last week, he had a simple message:

“Thank you Des and the Student Support Fund, for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

That says it all. While every boy’s journey is different, Phoenix’s story is a reminder of what can happen when young people are given the right opportunities and support. It is also a reminder that the impact of your generosity can extend well beyond a boy’s school years.

Progress across the school

The Foundation has also continued to make great progress on a number of projects we have discussed in previous updates.

The swimming pool upgrade is complete, the gymnasium now has a new sprung wooden floor and two glass backboards, and the Shand Building provides outstanding facilities for music, the arts and school functions. The lifts are also complete, improving accessibility throughout the school.

We have been working closely with the Board of Trustees on these developments, including the redevelopment of School House, home to 140 boys during the school year. We have now raised $1.6 million towards our $2 million target, with work well underway and excellent progress being made.

These are exciting times for the school.

Thank you for your support

Whether it is helping a boy access an education at OBHS, supporting participation in sport, music and the arts, contributing to academic success or opening the door to opportunities he may never otherwise have had, the Student Support Fund plays an important role in school life.

Thank you for being part of it. Your generosity helps ensure more boys can make the most of their time at Otago Boys and gives them the chance to discover what they are capable of.

If you would like to make a further donation, contributions can be made to:

Account name: OBHS Foundation/Student Support
Account number: 06 0594 0054507 05

Once your donation has been deposited into the Foundation account, we will send a thank-you note and a receipt for tax purposes.

Thank you again for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Des Smith MNZM