We are pleased to confirm that St Thomas of Canterbury College has signalled intent to become a member of the South Island Boys’ Schools Network, a values-led collective of boys’ schools serving over 9,000 young men across Te Waipounamu South Island.
This network pools our collective expertise to address the specific developmental, social and relational needs of boys, informed by generations of practice and international research.
Our collaboration is built around four clearly defined pillars:
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Teaching & Learning – Driving achievement and engagement through evidence-based strategies that meet boys’ developmental and educational needs.
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Character & Wellbeing – Developing positive masculinity, identity, and emotional health.
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Culture, Sport & Belonging – Enriching boys’ character and connection through cultural identity, sport, performance, service, and shared experiences.
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Leadership Development – Building leadership capability in boys’ education, from principals to middle leaders and practitioners.
By engaging in these four pillars, St Thomas of Canterbury College will collaborate on professional learning, shared research and coordinated initiatives ensuring every boy benefits from best practice in teaching, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunity and leadership. We look forward to working alongside our fellow boys’ schools to deliver on outcomes that matter: lifted achievement, stronger wellbeing, deeper connection and confident young men.
Additionally, this signals our intent to join the Network’s inaugural First XV competition. I appreciate the public interest this initiative has generated and are committed to ensuring our participation aligns with our school’s values. A key aspect of this work will be our ongoing collaboration with provincial rugby unions, co-educational schools and other stakeholders to ensure rugby remains an inclusive, meaningful pathway for all students, regardless of school type or background. I wanted you to hear this directly from me before others shape the conversation.
As a proud boys’ school, we know single-sex education is uniquely effective at supporting achievement, identity formation and long-term success for young men. Joining this network only strengthens our ability to deliver on those outcomes.
This is an exciting time for boys’ education in the South Island, both for our students, our staff and our communities.
Steve Hart
Principal
St Thomas of Canterbury College
