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A Final Formal Dinner for Bruce House Leavers

October 26, 2023 at 4:25 PM

The life of a Bruce House boarder is one only a privileged few experience and understand. It is the joy of spending everyday with your best friends; and the strength required to live away from home. It is the community of being gifted a second family; and the independence to stand on your own two feet. Every year, formal dinners are an opportunity for those who understand these experiences – our boarders – to enjoy a meal together and reflect on the week that has been.

The final formal dinner of the year on 18 October, was an especially reflective evening. Family members of the Year 13s boarders were invited to join the collective celebration of a memorable 2023 at Bruce House. As is tradition, families were welcomed with the Bruce House haka then seated with their child to enjoy dinner while listening to various speakers. College Principal Mr Damon Emtage, Head of Boarding Mrs Bridget Anitelea, Head Prefects Jacqueline Masamba-Hunter and Zae Mangu each shared sentiments; some in reflection, some in gratitude, and some in anticipation of what the future holds. Through each voice, a common thread of togetherness emerged, reflecting the ‘no man left behind’ mentality this tight knit group has fostered.

Between the speakers, the tables of students and families filled the dining hall with energetic and excitable conversation. There was a strong sense of joy and comradery in the room that can only be attributed to a strong culture set by our senior leaders. The Head Prefects, alongside their deputy’s Rebecca Clements and Hwiseong Chang, and Prefect Oliver Jewell, excelled at bringing the boarders together this year. Building momentum from the outset with their first few days spent in close proximity during the Auckland floods, the group continued to be each other’s biggest supporters through events like Athletics Day, House Music, numerous sporting and cultural fixtures, as well as providing each other with day-to-day encouragement and support.                                                                                                                                

Towards the end of the dinner, the mantle was passed to the next group of Year 13s who will lead Bruce House in 2024. Though the current leaders will be missed, we look forward to seeing our new leaders step up to the job.

The night also provided an opportunity to recognise those who have made an exceptional impact in various areas of school life over the year. The recipients of the Bruce House awards can be found below. Thank you to all the Bruce House staff, students, and supporters who have been instrumental in filling this year with precious memories to last a lifetime.

MacFarlan Cup – Head Boy: Zae Mangu

MacFarlan Cup - Head Girl: Jacqueline Masamba-Hunter

Morgan Cup for Year 11 Academic Achievement: Cyrus Lau

McGuiness Cup for Year 13 Academic Honours: Ivy Wang

Bruce House Cup for Top All-round Boy: Hwi Chang

Norma Cowie Cup for Top All-round Girl: Jacqueline Masamba-Hunter

Marcroft Cup for Bruce House Sports Person of the Year: Zae Mangu

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