New Cotter House Tutors

A warm welcome to our new Tutors in Cotter House who like Messers Deas and Brookman, have joined us all the way from England.

Mr Braithwaite and Mr Trythall are both keen rugby players and also have siblings. They are looking forward to being role-models, big brothers, academic tutors and friends to your boys.

Please introduce yourself next time you see them during check out so they get to know you and they can also get your boy for you.



Heath

Fear Factor 2013

Fear Factor is one of the year's highlights in the House. Boys get to test their mettle in a dorm competition.

There was also the added bonus of our two tutors competing as part of their farewell celebrations.

Enjoy the photos.

School Social (Dance)

The boys all had a terrific time dancing up a storm at the 2013 Dance. Enjoy the photos!

                                                      
                                                             And the Winner is...

Winter and Yr 7/8 Dance

The first post of Term two and we have been blessed with predominately mild weather so far. The boys are in full swing of the winter routines and training hard with their winter sports teams.

Thank you to the parents who consistently come into the house to drop their boy off. It is nice to see you and important to read any notices on the board.

The school dance/social is in two weeks on Friday 24 May. This is always a highlight for the boys and a lot of fun. Here is a run down of FAQ.

1. Does my boy have to attend? Yes, it is a compulsory event and an important part in your boy's development.

2. When can I pick my boy up? The dance finishes at 9pm and checkout commences immediately from the boarding house as usual at that time.

3. Can boy boy stay at school on Friday night? In short, no. Out of town boys natually have permission to do so.

4. My boy wants to bring his cel phone. For the first time we are allowing boys to take phones to the dance. They will be locked away until the dance and then it is the boy's responsibility. They do not have to have one!

5. Can I come into the dance to watch? No. Sorry, too many parents and it's about the kids.

6. Will there be much parking? No. Because the girls who are attending are going to be picked up by their parents there will be pretty much double the amount of cars than on a usual Friday pick up. I would park on Omahu Rd and not even attempt to drive into the school. Good luck.

I will be talking to the boys about etiquette and how to behave appropriately around the girls. I will also be talking about the correct behaviour after the dance in terms of calling and texting the girls they met at the dance.

This is also an opportunity for you to talk to your boys about how boys should treat girls and how you expect your boy to act/ treat girls.

Finally here are some pictures of the boys on movie night.

Did you know that the boarding house has underfloor heat? It is always cosy and warm in winter.

A word from the Housemaster

 A few more pictures from our Hose Chapel and BBQ.


It's been an interesting term in Cotter House and I am pleased to say a positive one as well. The new leadership team have been working well and have risen to the challenge presented to them. These help to support their dorms, mediate, organise, assist with routines and act as role models for other boys in the house.

The term has not been without its challenges for myself as I broke my collar bone mountain biking early march. I had surgery 10 days ago and I'm pleased to say I will be back to full strength by the end of Term 2.

With the winter terms around the corner slippers and dressing gowns are a great idea for your boy to snuggle up in on those rainy nights.

Games such as cards, knuckle bones etc that the boys can quietly play are fantastic to bring along for those long winter afternoons.

Just a reminder that when your boy checks in on Sundays that we expect you to accompany him into the house. From there to Chapel. Chapel is an important part of Dilworth and we expect our parents to support the school and your boy by attending every time.

Please talk to one of the House staff if you have any concerns about your boy or information that may help us in caring for him.

Have a great holiday with your boy. Try and spend some time with him without any other children around. He needs it. Expect him to make his bed every day and set him one or two daily jobs. He does this at school, so why not at home? He knows how to use his manners at school so ensure he's using them at home. I will be checking my email throughout the holidays so feel free to contact me if there are problems or you would like me to have a chat to your boy. Sometimes kids listen to someone outside the family. I can put 48 boys to bed in 5 minutes but it can sometimes take 40 minutes with my own two girls.

Mid Term Break/ Meet the Teachers

This Wednesday AT 12.30pm is meet the teachers day. The purpose of this is so that you get to put a face to the names of the teachers your boy has. It is an opportunity for you to hear about the programmes each teacher offers and what their expectations of their students are.

It is often the first and only time to meet your boy's teacher before parent teacher interviews at the end of term two. You can of course contact any teacher if you have questions or concerns and arrange a meeting throughout the term.

CHECKOUT IS STRAIGHT AFTER AT APROX 1.30pm. There are no provisions for late pick-ups so please ensure someone is available to collect your boy at 1.30pm.

Have a great Easter and enjoy the time with your family.

Cotter House BBQ and Chapel

Thank you to all who attended our chapel service. Matron Davies did a terrific job organising the service. Well done Matron!

A highlight for me was seeing so many relaxed people making new friends (and of course the weather/food).

                     The boys'  best zombie impression whilst waiting to go for a swim after chapel.