Welcome


Kia Ora and a warm Waitaki welcome to Don House Waitaki Boys High Schools boarding establishment. Don house is named after Dr Don who was the second rector of Waitaki boys.

Don House has a proud tradition of moulding boys into fine young men who contribute to their school their families and their communities.

The staff at Don house are dedicated and focused on the wellbeing of our boys. We ensure that all of our boys feel loved and cared for, and know that they are an integral part of our Don house family.

Don house facilities include four refurbished dormitories with office and common room. There are also three other open plan dormitories and common room area. Staff housing is all in close proximity of the dorms for added supervision for our boys. Recreational facilities include Swimming pool, diving well, Basketball gym, weights gym, tennis courts, soccer rugby and cricket fields, cricket nets and trap shooting range.

Don house boys also have access to the schools Fraser farm where they are called upon regularly to assist the farm manager with all manner of farm work.

At Don house we are very passionate about our boys. Whether it be on the sports field, in the classroom or at home. We want them to succeed in every aspect of their lives and become valuable members of society.

We thank you for considering Don House for your son.

DILIGENTIA ET LABORE

 


Meet The Team


Director of Boarding: Scott Mayhew, BPhed, PGDipTchgn

Scott is responsible for the overall management, leadership, enrolments, promotion, Kaupapa and vision of Don House. He is also responsible for the discipline, academic and co-curricular excellence of the boarders.

Scott has extensive experience and passion for boarding. He has worked in boarding schools since 2006. He was awarded the New Zealand Boarding School’s Association Leadership award in 2018 and has completed the Certificate in Residential Care and Tiaki Taiohi courses.

Scott also has an extensive coaching background having coached senior and junior sevens squads to national titles. This has enabled him to learn how to build positive and functional relationships that help get the best the of the Don House boarders every day. 
Through a strong sense of belonging Don House boarders can express themselves in all aspects of school and hostel life. Our extensive hostel programmes provide the opportunity for each boarder to develop positively as a man of outstanding character and leave Don House a well-rounded and confident young man”. 

Don house boarders have a range of activities and facilities within our grounds. We have full access to the school gym, swimming, and diving pool, trap shooting range and Fraser farm. This provides the boys an opportunity to learn new skills, challenge themselves whilst having fun. A unique aspect of Don House is that from year 10 onwards the boarders have their own rooms. This allows them to have their own space when required and teaches life skills that aligns with our Don House values.

Diligentia et Labore-Labour with Diligence 

Don House Staff

Don House boarders are very fortunate to have a staff team that provides the necessary wrap around support to enable them to be successful. Our staff team bring a wide variety of skill-sets into their roles & are able to adapt to the ever-changing needs of hostel life.  

It is great to have Mr Westgate, Mrs Forrest, and Mr Ratcliff, who as teachers, Deans & Kahui Ako Leaders can support our boys with their learning, which has been evident during our prep sessions as the boarders are able to gain one to one or small group tuition. 

In providing a balanced hostel we also have staff that are electricians, Alliance Group workers, Youthtown leaders and the Head Coach of the North Otago Rugby team. These wonderful people provide our boys with opportunities to learn through their experiences and share insights into their own lives, helping our boarders to develop their understanding of the world that awaits them post-schooling. 

Hostel life is becoming more than a home away from home and Don House has well-balanced and energetic staff to cater for every boarder.  


Some words from our Don House Families:

“Don House has a great culture. My son feels safe and happy in hostel. It has a very family-friendly feel. A definite brotherhood.” 

“WOW, where do I start, the 2 sleepovers my son had prior to starting said it all..."Mum it's like a big family who look out for each other". The information sent out prior to coming to hostel was amazing. Being a parent and letting your baby go is hard enough but what has been so reassuring is the amount of correspondence/support/information the school gives.”

“Encouraging positive relationships amongst the different year levels Providing fun and safe opportunities for the boys after school.”