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The morning sun strike is particularly bad travelling towards Papanui Road. Please be very careful. Do not attempt to turn right onto Normans Road leaving the drop-off zone when the Kea crossing is operating. Not only is it dangerous, it also annoys the drivers behind you.
The children and staff relished the opportunity to engage with the Education Review Office (ERO) team this week. We enjoyed being able to share the children’s enthusiasm for learning and the school’s wide-ranging and comprehensive learning programme. Congratulations to the Preparatory School staff.
The next StACTalk in two weeks’ time is specifically aimed at Pre-school and Preparatory School parents and caregivers. If you have concerns about the impact of smartphones, technology and social media, then you should attend this much anticipated well-being evening.
As a College we support:
See the notices for more details and to register.
Congratulations to MacGibbon House. The children may like to wear a little or a lot of yellow on Thursday 29 May.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
The highly anticipated Saint Kentigern School Sports Exchange provided thrilling matchups across rugby, football, and hockey. Athletes from both schools displayed determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As always, the event reinforced the spirit of friendly rivalry and mutual respect between the teams.
The rugby fixture was marked by outstanding defensive efforts and physicality. Both teams fought hard, exchanging powerful tackles and strategic plays throughout the match. In a nail-biting finish, St Andrew’s emerged victorious with a 27–24 win, displaying resilience and tactical precision in a closely contested encounter.
Football proved to be a showcase of technical ability and fast-flowing gameplay. Both teams exhibited great skill, delivering sharp passes and clever footwork. The match was highly competitive, featuring multiple spectacular goals that demonstrated the players’ refined finishing techniques. However, Saint Kentigern gained momentum in the second half, securing an 8–2 victory.
St Andrew’s faced a challenging test in hockey, going up against a highly skilled team. Despite a valiant effort to disrupt their opponent’s attacking flow, the pace and precision of Saint Kentigern proved difficult to contain. The match ended 8–0 in Saint Kentigern’s favour, with their sharp passing and relentless offensive pressure defining the game.
Flickr >Last Wednesday, Year 8 students attended National Young Leaders Day (NYLD) at the Christchurch Town Hall, one of Aotearoa’s largest and longest running leadership events for primary and intermediate students. Around 2000 Year 6–8 students heard from a range of inspiring young leaders from a range of diverse backgrounds. This year was particularly special, as NYLD celebrated its 25th anniversary with the inspiring theme of "Stronger Together." Cam Calkoen, a professional speaker, adventurer and dream-chaser, encouraged the children to never give up and to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. He emphasised the importance of working together and to take every opportunity that comes your way. Jase Te Patu, a thought leader in the well-being space, educator and speaker, reassured students that “stress is normal”, but learning to manage stress “enables us to thrive as human beings.” He spoke about the importance of human connections. Elisa Harley, the 18-year-old CEO of Enivo Pots, challenged our young people to identify problems in our world that need to be solved and to come up with solutions. She pointed out that when young leaders are brave, people care and respond in positive ways. The day was punctuated by a rousing performance by Kiwi musician, Georgia Lines, herself an NYLD participant in previous years. She had students dancing in the aisles and singing along at the tops of their voices.
After two days of kart racing last Saturday and Sunday, Zongze (Aaron) Li (Year 7) earned sixth place in the 2025 Rose City Championship held at Palmerston North.
Students have continued to complete lots of activities at Science Badge Club over the course of the year. Elina Wang (Year 8) was recognised for her success in the Preparatory School Assembly last week. Elina recently completed her fifteenth Science Badge and was awarded with a Gold Star Badge. A badge, certificate and congratulatory letter were presented to Elina at assembly, and she also has her photo on the Science Award Trust Honours Board.
If your child is in Years 7–10 and would like more information about Science Badges, or would like to join the Science Badge Club, please contact Teacher in Charge of Junior Science, Rebecca Richardson at RRI@stac.school.nz, or visit the website.
Andrew Li (Year 8) won the 2025 Lions Christchurch Schools' Music Festival poster competition. His artwork will be used to promote this year’s festival, and will be featured on the event poster and front cover of the programme.
Leona Smart (Year 7) competed at the South Island Artistic Swimming Championships 2025 in Rolleston last weekend. She won the 12 years and Under category for Solo, as well as earning the gold medal with her swimming partner in the Duet competition.
A number of St Andrew's College students selected by audition have been rehearsing for the upcoming National Youth Theatre production of the musical Cats, which has seven shows running from Thursday to Sunday this week. This 'youth' version of the show runs for 70 minutes, and the students are sure to impress with their singing, dancing and acting skills. The students involved are: Annie Young (Year 12) in a lead role as Bombalruina (cast one); Isla Marshall (Year 9) as Mungojerrie (cast two); Piper Stone (Year 11) as Bombalurina (cast two). These students, as well as Ella Nortje (Year 3), Emily Brook (Year 12), and Sophie Jacobs (Year 7) are also in the Dance Extension group, while Penelope Walker (Year 3) is a member of the ensemble.
A number of St Andrew’s College students were involved in the 2025 Oamaru Performing Arts Festival, showcasing their skills in a range of outstanding performances.
A highlight of the Speech and Drama Competition was the joint win between Violet Winterbourn (Year 5) and Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 7) for the John McDonald Challenge Cup in the 12 and Under category, along with shared honours for the E.D. Watts Memorial Challenge Cup. Violet also won the Elliot Challenge Cup for Girls, recognising their achievements and the scholarship for her age group.
View all Speech and Drama results >
In addition to their participation in the Speech and Drama competition, siblings Violet (Year 5) and Watson Winterbourn (Year 2) had success in the Festival’s Highland Dancing Competition. Watson won the Highland Fling six years and Under, and was awarded the J.R. Hornal Challenge Cup, while Violet Winterbourn (Year 5) won both the Sailors Hornpipe U12 and the Sailors Hornpipe Championship U10 years.
When: Saturday 24 May, Doors open from 6.00pm (approximate finish time 9.00pm)
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, St Andrew's College
Tickets: $35.00pp including pre-theatre glass of wine or juice on arrival
Movie Night will feature New Zealand movie Maurice and I which was co-directed and produced by Rick Harvie (OC 1989) who will be present to introduce the movie. It has won a number of international awards and accolades!
In addition to the movie showing, there will be a silent auction, including a number of incredible items to bid for, such as: an interior design voucher, reformer pilates equipment and membership, furniture, holiday home stays, a 3-hour mountain biking experience with New Zealand cyclist Anton Cooper, and a Lamborghini experience. There will also be a raffle, some good humour and a great night for all!
To make a pre-event bid, simply email the auction item number and your bid to Ray Fraser at fraserray@hotmail.com. You can make a pre-event bid even if you are not attending Movie Night.
Maurice and I Synopsis – Having lost almost their entire life’s work in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, iconic New Zealand architects Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney fight to save their finest building from demolition. Maurice and I is a powerful and enthralling exploration of partnership, loss and the enduring importance of architecture in shaping and enriching our lives.
If you would like to secure your tickets for this event, please email Kerry McIntosh on kerrynz@hotmail.com.
View Movie Night flyer >
Are you a parent at St Andrew’s College, concerned about the impact of technology and social media on your child’s well-being? Join our upcoming StACTalk, where we’ll explore and offer valuable insights and practical advice for parents to help their children thrive in both the digital and real worlds. We’ll reference the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and discuss the recent announcement from the government regarding banning social media before the age of 16.
Head of Guidance, Tom Matthews, will facilitate the event – drawing on other experienced members of the St Andrew’s College community, who will share their expertise on these critical issues. The evening will feature a panel discussion, providing an opportunity for parents and caregivers to ask questions, give feedback, and consider strategies to promote positive conversations and healthy technology use at home.
StACTalks: Smartphones, Social Media and Well-being Event Information
Date: Tuesday 3 June (Week 6)
Time: 6.30pm–8.00pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, St Andrew's College
Join us for an enchanting evening at the Ballet Winter Showcase. Our Secondary School Ballet Academy dancers will perform a captivating collection of their current pieces. This event includes Performance Awards, NCEA dances, and a special premiere of a collaborative new work with Neve Pierce (Royal New Zealand Ballet, Dance Educator). Our Junior and Intermediate Company dancers from the Preparatory School will also showcase their new repertoire.
When: Friday 13 June, 7.00pm–8.00pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adults $25.00 | Students and Staff $20.00
Please note, the annual Ballet photo for all dancers Years 1–13 will take place in Week 6, on Friday 6 June, 8.00am–8.35am in Gym 1.
A reminder that in Terms 2 and 3, the Preparatory School Pastoral Care team run several lunchtime clubs. These are overseen by a teacher with support from our Senior students. There is no registration required for clubs, with the exception of Code Club. More information can be found below.
Monday 12.50pm – Vex Robotics (Mrs Kamo) Years 7–8
This is for current VEX teams in Years 7–8 and will be when Mrs Kamo is on hand to support with builds.
Venue: Green Centre, email AMO@stac.school.nz.
Tuesday 12.50pm – Dance Club (Mrs Fenton)
A hip-hop dance class – run by two Secondary School students and supervised by Mrs Fenton.
Venue: Prep Drama Room, email JFE@stac.school.nz.
Wednesday 12.50pm – Coding Club (Mrs Pettit) Years 5-8
Come and learn how to code with CodingNZ. Parents can sign up at www.codingnz.com/enrol.
Venue: Food Room, email VPE@stac.school.nz.
Wednesday 12.50pm – Minecraft Club (Mrs Feller) Years 4–5
Dive into a Minecraft world and create new and exciting builds.
Venue: Downstairs learning hallway, email MFE@stac.school.nz.
Thursday 12.50pm – Chess Club (Mrs Gilray) Years 4–8
Preparatory School students verse each other in a game of chess.
Venue: Learning Hallway downstairs, email LGI@stac.school.nz.
Thursday 12.50pm – Drawing Club (Mrs Meyers) Years 4–8
A mindful and quiet space and time to work on self-directed drawing projects. Students can bring along props to sketch, or online tutorials to follow on their laptop. Headphones for music are also welcome.
Venue: Art Room, email KMY@stac.school.nz.
Friday 12.50pm – Stitch Club (Mrs Cronan) Years 4–8
A club to grow skills in needle felting – follow a pattern or go free style with an original creation. Students will also have the option to hand stitch their own sock monkeys.
Venue: Spanish/Future Problem Solving room, email ICR@stac.school.nz.
The following 2025 photographs are now available to purchase online:
Details of how to order the photographs can be found on our website using the button below and you will need to log into StACNet using your St Andrew's College login.
If you have any questions relating to this service, please email photography@stac.school.nz.
For any illness, students should stay home if unwell. Any student should also feel free to wear a mask if they wish to do so while at school.
For any absence, whether ill-health (including COVID-19) or otherwise, the College’s preferred platform for reporting this is via our online form which can be found at the button below:
If you are not able to report your child's absence using the online form, please report their absence via the relevant email address below. If you cannot get through to us via the form or email, please call our attendance line on +64 3 940 2031 (term time only).
