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This handbook provides general information about the school and school-related systems and procedures. The information is grouped into four different sections and arranged alphabetically – please refer to the contents section below for guidance on where to find specific topics.
For further clarification, or for information not included here, please contact the Preparatory School Reception on +64 3 940 2037.
Your child attends the Preparatory School at an exciting time. Learning today is engaging and meaningful, with a strong emphasis on developing key learning skills, strategies, and understanding alongside growing knowledge. Our aim is to foster independent learners and responsible individuals. The quality of our teaching staff remains the most crucial factor in delivering high-quality learning, and we are fortunate to have such capable educators at the school.
Specific curriculum and learning information can be obtained from the school’s Curriculum Plan. Copies of this document are available at reception or can be accessed online by clicking here. To view the model showing the diagrammatic summary of the school’s student-centred learning approach, please click here.
As we approach a period of transition in Preparatory School leadership, we remain committed to maintaining the high standards and values that define the Preparatory School.
Our current Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth, is retiring at the end of 2025 on Friday 12 December and our new Principal, Leigh Fowler, starts on Monday 19 January 2026.
We hope your child enjoys a positive and productive year. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher should you wish to discuss any matter related to the handbook or the school more generally.
Click here to view the Preparatory School Staff webpage, which covers the following:
Our Leadership Team
Our Staff
Click here to view the Operational Information (Parent-oriented Information) webpage, which covers the following:
Forms
Term Dates
Absences
Accounts
After School Care Programme
Bikes and Scooters
Cafeteria
Communications
College Shop – Thistles
Cyber Safety
Daily Timetable
Database Information Check and Student Consent
Dental Care
Holiday Programmes
Illness
Lost Property
Mobile Phone and Smart Watches Policy
Office Hours and Contact Numbers
Parent Interviews
Parking – Drop-off Zone
PTA
Scholarships
StAC App
Stationery
Sun Safe
Term Fixtures Calendar
Uniform and Grooming
Water Safety
Click here to view the Preparatory School Life (Student-oriented Information) webpage, which covers the following:
A Student-centred Learning Environment
Assemblies
Badges/Awards
Camps
Chapel
Class Trips
Home Learning (Homework)
Houses
Leadership and Service Opportunities
Learning Enrichment
Learning Support
Library
Prizegiving
St Andrew's College Song
StAC-Up – Student Expectations In The Preparatory School
Student Social Media Guidelines
Student Well-being
Click here to view the Preparatory Co-curricular Options webpage, which covers the following:
Dance – Ballet Academy
Dance – Highland
Music
Music Groups in the Preparatory School
Music Groups in the Secondary School
Pipe Band
Road Patrol
Speech and Drama
Sport
Sports (Summer)
Sports (Winter)
Other Options