After much anticipation, Kai is now a student in New Zealand. His first day at “Boys High” (as it’s called) was rich with traditions and bi- cultural influence.
All the new students or “manuhiri” are welcomed by a Maori Powhiri ceremony. Parents were also invited- I’m so happy I didn’t miss this!
Kai was slightly intimidated about attending an all-boys school with an emphasis on “sport” but after being screamed at by an all out Haka chant, he’s ready for anything! 
Boys High is over 130 years old and it’s history will undoubtedly be revealed to us slowly over time.
The welcome or orientation was pretty unique and interesting in that most of the speeches were in the Maori language. It was a reminder that we are indeed in a foreign country, and that one not need understand the words to understand the passion …and get the point! These guys are serious.
Here’s video of the Powhiri. Kai can be seen in one shot walking into Pridham Hall behind a boy with a blue backpack. It well worth watching!
Boys High is composed of 4 Houses, each with their own house leader and Dean. Kai is in Barak ( emphasis on first syllable) so he will represent that house during internal school competitions. Today they spent 3 class periods playing games against the other houses: Donnelly, Syme, and Hatherly. Yes, just like Harry Potter!
Kai said is was awesome. He likes the house color green jersey he wore and is getting to know more boys. He gets along with two other new kids, one from South Africa and another from Australia.
Of note, Dr. Monty Barak graduated in 1920, was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, and studied electrochemistry.
Below are photos of the Memorial Gate entry to the school. It must be almost as old as Pridham Hall which was built in 1918.
We are going to investigate this RD Kidd fellow who was killed or died from his wounds in WW1.
Kai said a big challenge is deciphering the Kiwi accent. ” I sit up front so I can listen but honestly sometimes I don’t know what they’re taking about. The teachers do say ‘ bloody hell’ a lot. It’s really funny. I guess at a boys school you can just say that and it’s okay!”
Nice.
New Zealand Life 
In the words of Leela, “mama, that’s serious”
Congrats Kai and give them Hell!
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Thank you Leela and Sandy! I’ll tell Kai !
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sounds awesome! so glad y’all are getting such a cultural immersion and kai is getting a rich education.
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Awesome post & incredible school experience for Kai come what may he will carry this fruitful time with him into his future life and goals – hope he embraces it all in good stead – it is very different in all respects. L – Mom
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Jen, this is so cool. Did you ever, in your wildest imagination, think your boy would be attending a school like this one day? Harry Potter did indeed come immediately to mind.
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I sent an email reply in my “reply” response through my gmail. Should I send them all here instead? Carol
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Hi Carol, yes you can continue to comment on the blog here. I see those right away. The comments are public so if it’s more personal then send me an email. So far I don’t see your reply email about this post but in the past some have come through. But I’ll let you know if it arrives.
Thanks! Jen
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Bloody hell! What an adventure. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the Kiwi Hogwarts and all there is to learn.
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Glad you found the blog. I’m learning daily the benefits of all boys schools. Today, I was told they change into gym clothes right by the bleachers, no locker room needed. ” we have our underwear on !” Good, one less bloody thing. And no one eats at much time – that’s for basketball – so boys eat during morning break.
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