``I'm very fortunate to be here.''
Wanganui Collegiate School was founded after a land grant in 1852 by the Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey, to the Bishop of New Zealand, George Augustus Selwyn, for the purpose of establishing a school. It was originally a boys-only school but in 1991 began admitting girls at senior levels and went fully co-educational in 1999. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004.
Even today walking into Collegiate's ``Big School'' [the original school], the glorious wood-panelled interior with its central hall long and high beams with classrooms leading off, is like breathing in the history of the past century.
Mr Wilbur emphasises that Wanganui Collegiate School stands for much that is important in today's world ... honour, integrity, compassion, courage and, of course, a first-class education.
``I believe that by fostering these important values, we can promote the development of versatile, well-rounded young people, who are capable of making strong contributions to society and mostly they do.''
Boarding school was a way of life for these students, he said.
``There are our international students and there are third and fourth-generation students from rural families ... we have two and three here from the one family.''
Two new boarding options are offered: Wanganui Boarders: available to students in Years 9 to 13 who must live within 20km of the school, who would prefer to board for four nights a week.
*Annual fees are $12,956.00. *Per term: $3239.00.
Full/Regional Boarders: *Annual fees are $19,256.00. Per term $4814.00.
The annual open day is on Saturday, when prospective boarders can stay for a sleepover.
``They can try out the facilities ... get a feel for it,'' Mr Wilbur said.
As you walk through the Collegiate grounds you are aware that the students are well in tune to their world and their personal strengths.
``Well, it's exactly what we encourage,'' Mr Wilbur said.
