House History - Tauranga Boys College

HOUSES

The House System was reinstated in 2009 and revived two of the original 4 houses of Tauranga Boys’ College. The houses that were retained were Rutherford and Freyberg. Four new houses were added to make six. They are Halberg, Hillary, Ngarimu and Ngata.

One of the main aims of the house system is to support and encourage student leadership in the school and to help develop boys within these houses into 'Good Men'.

All boys belong to one of six Houses. The Houses are named after great New Zealand men: Freyberg, Halberg, Hillary, Ngata, Ngarimu and Rutherford. When standing on the College green, you are surrounded by large portraits that celebrate and acknowledge each House. The boys are involved in Sporting, Cultural, Service and Academic inter-house competitions.

PURPOSE OF HOUSES

Enhance school spirit by growing a sense of place and belonging
Increase opportunities to recognise success
Increase student leadership opportunities
Increase positive relationships between seniors and juniors
Increase opportunities for participation and competition

One of the main aims of the house system is to support and encourage student leadership in the school and to help develop boys within these houses into 'Good Men'.

Each house consists of ten form classes, with students from every year group in those classes. These individual form classes meet regularly as a class, with all other form classes and in our full house assembly.

Student House Leadership roles include House captain, Deputy Captain, Academic Captain, Arts Captain, and Sports Captain and these boys are expected to lead other students in the various house activities and competitions throughout the year including sporting, arts and charitable events such as Athletics Day, Car Jam and the Food Bank Appeal. House points are awarded and tallied up to decide which house is the overall winner of the House Shield at the end of the year.

These events, and the friendly rivalry they inspire, are designed to promote House and School pride and also to imbue the boys with the characteristics of 'Good Men' including characteristics such as perseverance, loyalty, humility and co-operation.

HOUSE LOGO'S

Our past students created a logo for each House which recognizes the person their house was named after, and includes a representation of the qualities of ‘good men’ that their namesake displayed.

Freyberg

The House logo of Freyberg is based on the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to Sir Bernard Freyberg for his efforts in WW1’s Battle of Somme. The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration, and is awarded for valour “in the face of the enemy”. Members of Freyberg House strive to demonstrate “valour” in all that they do. Their logo reminds them to be “courageous under fire,” so that no matter how much pressure they find themselves under, they will continue to fight on.

Halberg

The House logo of Halberg features the bell used in middle distance track running events. It signifies the last lap of these races, representing that one is close to achieving their goals, and ultimately, success. The stripes across the bell represent the athletics track and Sir Murray Halberg’s achievement in sport. It also represents a lifetime dedicated to supporting others in their endeavour to overcome their own personal challenges, and reach success, and gain the recognition they deserve, determined, humble and positive.

Hillary

The House logo of Hillary is a stylised version of Mount Everest. It represents not only Sir Edmund Hillary’s success at Everest but also his determination that allowed him to succeed in such a difficult situation. Members of Hillary House seek to follow Hillary’s example by being determined, courageous and showing concern for the situation of others.

Ngarimu

The House logo of Ngarimu is based around the māori weapon, the Wahaika. This weapon required great skill to wield it. It is symbolic of the fighting spirit and courage Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu showed at Hikurangi. Members of Ngarimu House look to follow Ngarimu’s example and strive to be courageous, proud and determined in the face of challenge.

Ngata

The House logo of Sir Āpirana Ngata features the Tukutuku pattern of the Ngata whānau of Ngāti Porou. This is a reminder to Ngata House of Ngata’s tireless service to others. Members of Ngata House seek to follow Ngata’s example of being forward-thinking, hard-working and putting the concern of others above their own.

Rutherford

The House logo of Sir Ernest Rutherford is an atom, in recognition of Rutherford being the first person to split the atom. It is also recognition of his hard work that led to this discovery. Members of Rutherford House are determined to exhibit the traits of hard work, humility, co-operation and perseverance, all traits that Rutherford himself exhibited.