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I wish the children and staff the very best for the two-week holiday break. Term 2 is often the most difficult due to the cold, wet, and short days. There has also been significant sickness. We can look forward to the start of Term 3 and the prospect of more sunlight and warmth.
On Tuesday evening, the Preparatory School presented a concert of music items in the Chapel. The concert featured students from the Junior Choir (Years 3–5), Cantare Choir (Years 6–8), Preparatory School Orchestra, chamber group trio and solo items by Music scholars, Chenxiao (Leo) Yang (Year 8) and Caleb Waines (Year 7). The evening showcased a range of talent – from children performing in large groups, to very experienced musicians playing in small instrumental ensembles.
This was a wonderful performance opportunity for the children and the first opportunity for parents to hear the Junior Choir, the chamber group, and instrumental soloists. The performers supported each other with enthusiastic applause. The concert was very well received by a supportive audience of parents and families.
Sincere thanks to Music Teacher, Ros Emeleus, for her unwavering support of the children and their ongoing musical development. Thanks also to Teacher, Greta Henley, for the support she provides to Ros and the children, and to the many staff in attendance and assisting on the night.
Preparatory School Music Concert Flickr >
The Rutherford children relished the opportunity to arrive at school this morning wearing plenty of the colour blue.
If your child is missing any item of their uniform, please check the clothes rack in the foyer.
We have 110 families signed up to our Hold the Line 'Til Year 9 Parent Pledge. This represents 157 children and five classes with active pledges. These are: 2S, 4S, 5C, and 7S. Ten pledges per class are needed to activate the pledge. Currently sitting on nine students per class are 5A and 3A, and sitting on eight students per class are: 6S, 6T, 7C and 7T. If you would like to sign up, please use the following link: Sign the Pledge.
The pledge is a way to commit to delaying smartphone ownership for your child until at least Year 9. It aligns with the College’s position of encouraging free, unstructured play, adults modelling healthy tech habits, and introducing social media gradually and thoughtfully – ideally not before age 16. If you missed the recent StAC Talk on this topic you can view the slides here: View the Presentation Slides.
The interviews next term will be in-person and spread over four days. Please note, all Year 4–8 children are required to attend the interviews.
Please enter and leave the Junior Department via the gate behind the Pre-school.
Entry to the Years 4–8 building is via the front door, and exit via one of the two maglock doors either beside Year 5 (at the end of the building) or beside Year 4 (in the middle of the building).
Please contact Reception if you experience any difficulty making a booking. Bookings will close 4.00pm Friday 18 July. If there is no suitable time available for you, please contact your child’s class teacher directly (via email) and another day and time will be arranged.
Site link: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
School code: 9vm6s
At this interview, your child’s mid-year report and results will be discussed. Please note, Alex Kelley (Year 7) and Vicki Pettit (Year 8) are available to talk about their respective Mathematics classes.
Please note, Anna Wylie and Heather Orman’s classes are not included in this interview round. They have a different interview timetable. You will be contacted directly by the class teacher with the interview details.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
The annual Staff vs Year 8A Student Basketball Game was once again a thrilling showdown, marked by plenty of spirited play. The game was fiercely contested and surprisingly physical, with both sides determined to claim bragging rights. The Year 8A squad brought speed and energy, but the staff countered with experience and hustle. Making their basketball debuts, Miss Morriss and Miss Martin impressed with their standout performances, bringing grit, athleticism, and a number of points to the scoreboard. The crowd was electric from start to finish, adding to what was a fantastic celebration of basketball and school spirit. In the end, the teachers extended their unbeaten streak, continuing their dominance in this eagerly anticipated annual fixture. A big thank you to all players, supporters, and organisers for making it such a memorable event!
Flickr >The Preparatory School took two teams to the Years 1–6 Canterbury Interschool Chess Competition on Tuesday, and two teams to the Years 7–8 competition on Wednesday. All 16 students played other budding chess players from the Canterbury region. Our Senior B Team placed fourth in B Grade, and all of the students had several successful wins. The team members were:
ChlöeAnn Botha (Year 7) competed at the Gymnastics Tri Star Senior Championship on Sunday 22 June in Auckland, in Step 5 All Around. She achieved third place on Balance Beam, was fourth Overall, and achieved a Nationals Qualifying score.
Georgia Gregg (Year 8) travelled to Hokitika last weekend to compete in the Hokitika Highland Dancing Matariki competition. She won Most points U14.
The Abrahamson sisters performed at the Ashburton Highland Dancing Competition. Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 7) won Runner Up Most Points U12, and the CWCC Championship Highland Reel U12. Iaera Abrahamson (Year 5) won Most Points U10, Most points of the day, Most Points Irish Jig U10, and CWCC Championships for the Sword Dance U11, and Highland Fling U10. Nayana Abrahamson (Year 3) won Most Points U8, and CWCC Championships for the Sailors hornpipe U9 and the Irish Jig U8.
Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2025! A St Andrew’s College Pipe Band event at the prestigious Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre, this highly anticipated showcase guarantees an unforgettable evening of traditional Scottish entertainment.
Immerse yourself in the rich harmonics of the bagpipes, the infectious beat of the drums, and the flair of the Highland dancers as they take the stage. With talented St Andrew's College students from Years 4–13 showcasing their skills, StAC Attack promises to be an action-packed performance.
Be a part of the magic at StAC Attack 2025!
When: Sunday 27 July, 4.00pm–6.00pm
Venue: Christchurch Town Hall, James Hay Theatre
Tickets: Adults $59.50 | Students $38.80 (student ID may be requested)
PURCHASE TICKETS >We will be running a Sport Holiday Programme for Year 1–8 students during the first week of the Term 2 holidays (Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July).
The sessions will be run by a variety of staff. The sports included are invasion games, frisbee golf, basketball, cooperative games, futsal, pickleball, and more. Lunch will be provided and must be pre-ordered.
Please complete the online permission form below, and complete the lunch order form, by Friday 27 June at 3.00pm.
COMPLETE THE ONLINE PERMISSION FORM HERE >
A Year 7 Parent/Caregiver Gathering will be held on Wednesday 25 June, 6.00pm–8.00pm at Hotel Montreal, 363 Montreal Street.
Platters will be provided by Thomas and Jo Patterson (owners of Hotel Montreal and current Year 7 parents.)
Drinks and other food available for purchase at the bar.
This is a great opportunity to meet other parents in your child's year.
Please register for this event by Monday 16 June.
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).
