Otago Boys’ High School head boy Fergus Oberlin-Brown remembers the first day he walked through the school’s archway.
"I remember it as being so exciting.
"It was also kind of scary.
"Most people were a lot taller than me."
Fergus, 16, was part of the school’s senior cohort who welcomed 190 year 9 pupils to the school in a ceremony yesterday.
The senior pupils performed a haka for the year 9 pupils, and rector Richard Hall delivered a mihi (greeting).
Mr Hall said the school introduced the ceremony in 2016, the year after he assumed the role of rector.
"You’re not an Otago Boys’ pupil until you’ve gone through that archway."
Mr Hall, a former Otago Boys’ pupil, said this was the largest year 9 cohort in a decade.
"For these young men, it’s about finding your place, your tribe, your group of mates.
"My four best friends all came from this school."
Fergus offered some advice to the new pupils.
"Just try everything; this school offers so many opportunities, and everyone is really nice to each other."
