Boarders’ Stories
Form 7 student J. J. R. Lundon from Auckland
Coming into Tibbs House, I wanted to give my best at everything I do and take from the mistakes I made and things I have learnt. When I first arrived, I did not know what to expect, but I don’t think I was expecting it to be as good as it is. As a new Form 3 student, I was nervous about starting a new school and leaving home, but excited about all the new challenges I would have to overcome and all the new friends I would make.
Tibbs has taught me lots of things like not being late, tiding your room and other great things that will make a good Grammar man. Being here has also helped me academically and on the sports field.
Academically the prep sessions have helped me complete all my homework on time and helped me do extra revision for my tests and exams. At Tibbs there are tutors here to help with your work which is a really helpful thing that you would not get at home.
If you are thinking of coming to Tibbs I would strongly urge that you do, you will make new life-long friends, face new challenges and become a Grammar man.
Form 7 student C. J. McCone from Pukekohe
When I found out I had made it into Tibbs House I was so excited and started to get ready. When I first went inside I realised I would need to make some changes to my daily routine to have the best experience I could possibly ask for.
Before my aunty left to go home when I started at Tibbs she said to me, “You take every opportunity that stands out to you and go for it.” That really encouraged me to do as she said and on my first night I had the best sleep of my life.
One of my favourite things to do when I get back to Tibbs after school is play pool, Table Tennis and Basketball with my friends. One of my favourite times of the night is when we do prep because we have a quiet space to get all of the homework we need to do in the space of 1.5 hours a night.
I have made so many friends not just in Form 3 but in all forms, and I hope to make many more. Overall it has been such an experience in the time I have been here.
Form 6 student T. S. S. Williams from Singapore
When I learned that I had been accepted into one of the most prestigious schools in New Zealand, I was so nervous since I had no idea what to expect, but I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to study abroad at a school like Grammar. The day that I had arrived at Tibbs House, I knew leaving home and starting a new life in New Zealand was going to take some time getting used to and a lot of responsibilities, but the environment and the friendships that I had made helped me overcome these challenges.
Being a Tibbs boy, you must uphold several responsibilities like doing your duty, being on time or clearing inspection, but also down at school we can sometimes be referred to as ‘the face of Grammar’ so our overall actions reflect the whole School.
The last thing that I want to say is just give boarding school a go whether it is at Auckland Grammar School or whether it is at another school you will make lifelong relationships and connections, so take every opportunity you get and remember you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.
Form 4 student T. C. Calvert-Allies from Auckland
Starting at Tibbs House was a challenge for me. Having previously attended a full immersion Māori class, it was a big transition, but I wanted to try my hardest and make the most of my time. My family’s and my reason for my attending Tibbs was for me to become a part of a bond that only boarders share. First receiving notice that I was accepted into Tibbs House was thrilling.
I knew this would be very different from my previous school. Initially I was excited to be changing to a different type of education as my old school. However, changes this large are not usually easy. Homesickness was there, but it seemed the same for other boys in my cohort which actually helped. I think compared to how hard I assumed it would be, I adapted quite easily because so many other boys were going through what I was going through around me. Also, the masters of Tibbs House were able to help with any problems I was facing.
So far in my journey at Auckland Grammar School and Tibbs House, I have most enjoyed being part of groups and sports teams and making new friends. In everything I do there are new people to meet – in Rugby, in Kapa Haka, in class, in the boarding house. Being a part of boarding has taught me so much about socialising and getting on with others.