Latest news with #StAndrew'sCollege
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Chch runner seeing the world one marathon at a time
Few in Christchurch's running scene can claim to be more well-known than Oska Baynes. A six-time national half-marathon champion, Baynes is now shifting his focus to the full marathon distance. Sam Coughlan catches up with him. It might be winter, but Oska Baynes is out pounding more than 150km of tarmac every week. The 34-year-old is one of New Zealand's most accomplished long-distance runners, with six national half-marathon titles under his belt, and has recently pivoted more into the full 42.2km event. His ruthless training schedule, normally getting through two workouts every day, goes hand-in-hand with his role as owner of shoe store The Frontrunner Colombo. But things could have turned out very differently. Baynes only took up running at 16 while at St Andrew's College, struggling with his personal life at school and at home. 'Most of us teenagers with a broken home probably struggle with stuff. Then you throw yourself into a pressure cooker, private school, elite environment,' he said. 'I didn't have the emotional maturity, the social maturity, and if you don't have that structure it can often come out in negative ways. I probably let myself down numerous times with my actions.' It took a helping hand from his maths teacher, former Commonwealth Games representative and 33-time national champion Phil Costley, to steer him on the right path. 'He (Costley) was consistent, I didn't have a lot of that consistency. 'Year 11, 12, and 13, I needed that consistent, unconditional male role model.' Costley's influence was hugely important for the young Baynes. "It wasn't even discipline. It was just, 'Sunday morning we're going for a run', and it meant I didn't go out Saturday night,' he said. 'I didn't play up or I didn't want to let him down. In the end, I think that's probably what it boils down to. "He was probably one of three teachers at school that, if they weren't there, I wouldn't have bothered turning up. The situation could have been quite different.' Baynes talks a lot about consistency. His daily routine is rigid but purposeful, centred around training and family. 'My priority at the beginning and end of every day is family – non-negotiable. So (spending time with) my 10-month-old son and my wife from when I get up at six until I leave the house at 7.30, quarter-to-eight.' He trains from 8-9.30am, works in the shop until 5pm and trains again in the evenings before heading home to spend the remainder of the day with his family. 'My (nine-year-old) daughter and I, at the moment we're learning to speak German,' he said. 'We sit up in the evenings for an hour-and-a-half and we talk to each other about our day. Then I pop her to bed at eight, maybe spend an hour with my wife if she's still up, half an hour to myself, and I'm sleeping at 9.30.' Having spend the majority of his career focusing on the half-marathon, winning numerous national titles and representing New Zealand at the world championships in Latvia in 2023, his training at the moment is all about the marathon. Baynes said his goal is to travel and experience new sights – while lowering his personal best time – 2hr 16min – and he believes he can shave off three to four minutes. 'I want to see how fast I can run over a marathon, that's the carrot keeping me going,' he said. 'I want to see if I can go to Frankfurt, or Osaka, or Vienna, or Valencia or wherever I want to go, and use running as an opportunity to see some places. 'We'll try and make that happen at some point next year.' In May he won the Christchurch Marathon for the second time, coming home in 2hr 20min. It wasn't his fastest time, but the home crowd made it memorable. 'Everyone you run past when you come into the last 300 (metres), people are seven deep, both sides. And when you're winning by six minutes, you can take your time to soak it in,' Baynes said. There were man familiar faces – people he had met through running circles or helped at the store. Baynes has owned The Frontrunner since 2016 and recently opened a second store in Nelson. 'Everyone knows everyone. What I will remember is that we've influenced and we've helped and we've cared for all of those people. 'The marathon recap said there might have been 15,000 people out supporting, and for all of those people, we will have helped them or helped someone they know over the last decade. It was really amazing being there.' Baynes said the key to running is to find a way to make it exciting, whether that is going out with friends or something else. 'Running is boring. Ultimately it sucks, right? It's the same bullshit two hours a day. 'If you're a kid, or even an adult, make it fun. 'You do it for long enough, you'll find it's two degrees, sideways rain, and you're up on the Summit Rd with four of your mates on a Sunday morning laughing at each other about how f***ing stupid you are.' Next up for Baynes is a marathon in Japan in February, with Frankfurt also in his sights for October. 'I'll be knocking on the door of 36 then, so we'll see how much patience my wife has.'
The South African
10-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest?
Home » How does SA's most expensive school Hilton College compare to UK's costliest? Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. In 2025, fees at South Africa's most expensive private boarding school, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passed the R420 000 mark. And it's not an outlier. Michaelhouse down the road costs R392 000 per annum with St Andrew's College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) setting parents back R387 531 a year. In terms of what one would need to earn per annum to afford to send your child to one of the aforementioned schools, remember those fees are after tax . You'd need to be in the top 1% of South African salary-earners to be able to afford to do so. Factoring in all of life's other costs, to afford Hilton College comfortably, our calculations show you'd need a household income of between R2.6 million and R2.8 million per year. However, those amounts are 'low' compared to what it costs to send a pupil to Eton College, one of the United Kingdom's top schools in 2025. Eton College fees are £21 099.60 (R508 863.70) per term, which includes tuition, board, activities, and educational materials – much the same as is on offer on Hilton College. With three terms per academic year, the total annual cost is £63 298.80 (R1 526 591.09). This is inclusive of VAT, which is now applied to independent school fees. Below, a detailed comparison between Hilton College and Eton College, focusing on school fees and the broader educational context: Feature Hilton College Eton College Location KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Windsor, England Annual boarding fees R420 729 (£17 445) £63 299 (R1.53 million) Type All-boys, full boarding All-boys, full boarding Extras Most activities included in base fee Extra charges for music, trips, uniforms Non-refundable acceptance fee R105 000 (£4,300) £400 registration + £3 000 joining fee All meals, tuition, boarding, textbooks, activities, and sport are included Known for a strong academic record and beautiful natural surroundings (in a 1 762-hectare estate) No 'hidden extras' is a key selling point Covers boarding, tuition, meals Additional charges for private music lessons, overseas trips, optional activities, and uniforms Historic prestige and access to elite global networks Aspect Hilton College Eton College Founded 1872 1440 Reputation Among South Africa's top private schools One of the most prestigious schools globally Notable alumni Business leaders, judges, politicians 20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites Curriculum IEB (Independent Examinations Board – SA) GCSEs and A-Levels (UK) Hilton College is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It's aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa. Eton College is elite in cost and access. It's typically reserved for global ultra-wealthy families, royals, or those on rare scholarships. School Estimated household income needed (ccomfortably) Hilton College R2.8 million (£116 000) Eton College £250 000 (R6 million) Hilton College offers a world-class boarding experience at a third of the price of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. offers a world-class boarding experience at a of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning. Eton College is in a different league globally – extremely prestigious, more expensive, and tightly tied to British aristocracy and governance. In short: Hilton College is elite within South Africa; Eton College is elite within the world. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
West Australian
01-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Princess Ingrid Alexandra swaps tiara for textbooks in move Down Under for university studies
A future Queen is heading down under to pursue tertiary education at the prestigious University of Sydney. When Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra begins her Bachelor of Arts degree in August, ahead of the university's Semester 2, she will call St Andrew's College home. The college, which is one of the university's exclusive student residences, is in Sydney's inner west. It has been home to the likes of former Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, Olympian Rohan Browning and Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown. The college costs more than $20,000 a semester to board and features a gym, bar, food hall and yoga studio. News of the young royal living on campus was leaked to Daily Mail Australia when students received an email from Dr Daniel Tyler, the principal at St Andrew's College earlier this week. A press release from the Norwegian Palace was issued a short time later. 'She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy,' the palace said. 'Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.' Princess Alexandra is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and the grandchild of King Harald V who has held the Norwegian throne since 1991. The 21-year-old is second in line to succeed him behind her father. Students at St Andrew's College received an email on Tuesday from Principal Dr Daniel Tyler announcing the royal's arrival, Daily Mail Australia reported. 'Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is moving to Sydney to study an Arts degree at the University of Sydney,' the email read. 'I am pleased to let you know she will be joining 'Drews and living on site. I know she is looking forward to integrating into College and university life. 'There may be media interest and enquiries. Please join us in respecting her privacy. 'We will share reminders about security on the College site ahead of Semester 2.' The Princess is not the first international royal to travel to Australia to study. Danish Count Nikolai of Monpezat completed a semester of his business degree as part of an exchange program at the University of Technology Sydney in 2023 while pursuing his master's at Copenhagen Business School. It was revealed by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month that Count Nikolai now calls Sydney home, quietly settling in with his long-time girlfriend and model Benedikte Thoustrup. He now has a full time job, and may be one of the elite that Princess Alexandra spends time with during her trip. Other children of wealthy and well-known families who also frequent the Harbour City include Chloe Green, daughter of British retail billionaire Sir Philip Green, Christian Wilkins, son of TV presenter Richard Wilkins, as well as granddaughter of the late media mogul Kerry Packer, Francesca Packer Barham. Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham, and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, daughter of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, are also known to occasionally visit. Sydney has been home to another royal in somewhat recent years. Queen Mary of Denmark was living in Sydney when she met Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the Slip Inn. The then advertising executive met the future King of Denmark while he was in Sydney to support the Danish sailing team at the 2000 Olympic Games. The two embarked upon a long-distance relationship over the next few months before Mary moved from Australia to Denmark in 2001. After four years of dating, the couple married in 2004. She became the Queen of Denmark upon the abdication of Queen Margrethe II last year.
Perth Now
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Peek inside Princess' life in Sydney
A future Queen is heading down under to pursue tertiary education at the prestigious University of Sydney. When Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra begins her Bachelor of Arts degree in August, ahead of the university's Semester 2, she will call St Andrew's College home. The college, which is one of the university's exclusive student residences, is in Sydney's inner west. It has been home to the likes of former Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, Olympian Rohan Browning and Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown. The college costs more than $20,000 a semester to board and features a gym, bar, food hall and yoga studio. News of the young royal living on campus was leaked to Daily Mail Australia when students received an email from Dr Daniel Tyler, the principal at St Andrew's College earlier this week. A press release from the Norwegian Palace was issued a short time later. 'She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy,' the palace said. 'Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.' Princess Alexandra is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and the grandchild of King Harald V who has held the Norwegian throne since 1991. The 21-year-old is second in line to succeed him behind her father. Students at St Andrew's College received an email on Tuesday from Principal Dr Daniel Tyler announcing the royal's arrival, Daily Mail Australia reported. 'Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is moving to Sydney to study an Arts degree at the University of Sydney,' the email read. She will be living in an exclusive student residence on campus at St Andrews College, with Principal Dr Daniel Tyler sending out an email announcing the news to students on Tuesday. Justin Lloyd. Credit: News Corp Australia 'I am pleased to let you know she will be joining 'Drews and living on site. I know she is looking forward to integrating into College and university life. 'There may be media interest and enquiries. Please join us in respecting her privacy. 'We will share reminders about security on the College site ahead of Semester 2.' The Princess is not the first international royal to travel to Australia to study. Danish Count Nikolai of Monpezat completed a semester of his business degree as part of an exchange program at the University of Technology Sydney in 2023 while pursuing his master's at Copenhagen Business School. It was revealed by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month that Count Nikolai now calls Sydney home, quietly settling in with his long-time girlfriend and model Benedikte Thoustrup. He now has a full time job, and may be one of the elite that Princess Alexandra spends time with during her trip. Other children of wealthy and well-known families who also frequent the Harbour City include Chloe Green, daughter of British retail billionaire Sir Philip Green, Christian Wilkins, son of TV presenter Richard Wilkins, as well as granddaughter of the late media mogul Kerry Packer, Francesca Packer Barham. Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham, and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, daughter of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, are also known to occasionally visit. Sydney has been home to another royal in somewhat recent years. Queen Mary of Denmark was living in Sydney when she met Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the Slip Inn. The then advertising executive met the future King of Denmark while he was in Sydney to support the Danish sailing team at the 2000 Olympic Games. The two embarked upon a long-distance relationship over the next few months before Mary moved from Australia to Denmark in 2001. After four years of dating, the couple married in 2004. She became the Queen of Denmark upon the abdication of Queen Margrethe II last year.
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
First XV rugby shakeup shock: South Island boys schools plot breakaway competition
The new competition would, therefore, include up to eight schools across Canterbury and Tasman, and six schools in Otago and Southland. 'We are excited about the impact this could have on our boys and communities.' Christchurch Boys' High School drive hard against Southland Boys' High School. Photo / Supplied At present, the top schools in the Crusaders catchment area contest the Miles Toyota Premiership. This season includes Nelson College, Marlborough Boys' College, Christchurch Boys' High School, Christ's College, St Thomas of Canterbury College, St Bede's College, St Andrew's College, Shirley Boys' High School, Rangiora High School and Selwyn Schools Combined. Timaru Boys' High School is contesting the lower tier championship, but are favoured to gain promotion back to the top tier this season. In the Highlanders' catchment, it's the Freeman Roofing Southern Schools Rugby Championship. There are 18 teams split across three divisions, with the top tier this season involving Southland Boys' High School's First and Second XVs, King's High School, Otago Boys' High School, John McGlashan College and Dunstan High School. The new structure would exclude co-ed schools like Rangiora High School, the Selwyn Combined Schools, St Andrew's College and Dunstan High School. Rangiora High School and St Andrew's College confirmed they had not been included in the proposed competition. 'I've not heard so much as a murmur,' said Bruce Kearney, Rangiora High School principal. Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney. The snub comes after co-ed schools had a weekend to remember against traditional powerhouse boys' schools. Dunstan High School in Alexandra travelled to Dunedin to tip up their more fancied opponents – Otago Boys' High School. Dunstan's 22-19 win was celebrated well beyond Central Otago, with Feilding High School congratulating their fellow co-ed school on social media. In Rolleston on Saturday, it was a similar story with Selwyn Schools Combined coming from behind to beat St Bede's College 18-12. Turning with the wind at their backs in the second half, the home side had all the momentum and sealed the game with a late try. Selwyn Schools will cease to exist in 2026 with Rolleston College electing to go it alone. Lincoln High School, Darfield High School, Ellesmere College and Akaroa Area School plan to continue in a new arrangement. It was almost three big scalps for the co-ed schools with Rangiora High School falling just short of spoiling rugby's return to Christ's College's Upper Field in a 38-37 win for College. Under a single-sex competition, their students could miss out on top-tier schoolboy rugby. That's long been an issue for certain schools in both regions. The flow-on effect is that those schools are prone to either losing their brightest rugby talent to bigger schools, by choice or by scholarship, or they're never even considered as an option by those who are in-zone but enrol elsewhere. Harrison Inch (holding trophy) and Saumaki Saumaki (right), two of the standout players for Nelson College in 2024. Photo / JDW Photography Details of how the competition would work aren't yet known, but combining the entire South Island would require a huge amount of travel. Invercargill to Nelson is a 12-and-a-half hour drive – or an expensive exercise by plane. But travel isn't something the top sides shy away from. Southland Boys' High School First XV coach Jason Dermody told the Herald last month that his side needs to travel to face the best opposition, referring to the distance that they'd travelled in pre-season. 'We've got to travel to play the best teams because if we just play the teams down here, we just think we're good,' said Dermody at the time. Southland Boys' High School First XV coach Jason Dermody. Photo / Debbie Fahey Photography His side had travelled to Auckland and Christchurch for matches with King's College and CBHS in preseason. Last year, they made the trip to Nelson to contest the South Island final. That could become a more familiar journey under the proposed competition. It will be a bold pathway, both literally and figuratively, for the single-sex collective. 'At the heart of this kaupapa is a shared desire to enhance the experience of boys' education. These ideas are still in development, and we are working carefully to ensure they reflect the values, needs, and aspirations of all our school communities,' the joint statement read.
