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We are looking forward to the children starting back on Tuesday. We are now a couple of weeks beyond the shortest day, so we can look forward to increasing light in the mornings. Please continue to take care navigating Normans Road driving into the sun.
Just a reminder that St Andrew’s College is participating in the world-renowned ICAS Assessments this year, and we encourage you to consider entering your child. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. Your child will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.
ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to computer-based assessments. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results. Learn more about ICAS by clicking here.
Participation Parent Payment System (PPS)
St Andrew's College Preparatory School has signed up for the ICAS Assessments Parent Payment System (PPS). Through this system, parents/caregivers pay directly to ICAS online, with the Assessments administered onsite at St Andrew's College.
ICAS Assessments Registration Information
Please use the following details to register your child no later than Friday 18 July 2025:
If you have any questions about the ICAS Assessments, please contact Head of Learning Enrichment, Kelly McBride, at KMC@stac.school.nz, or speak to your child’s teacher.
Next week, 35 Preparatory School students from Years 7–8 travel to Queensland, Australia to represent the College in basketball, football, and rugby. Over the seven days, the College will play fixtures against Anglican Church Grammar School, The Southport School, John Paul College, and Somerset College. In addition to playing sport, the students will visit Australia Zoo, and other landmarks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The touring party will be accompanied by staff from the Preparatory School, led by Preparatory School Deputy Principal, Alex Kelley.
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.
We have 114 families signed up to our Hold the Line 'Til Year 9 Parent Pledge. This represents 167 children and six classes with active pledges. These are: 2S, 4S, 4T, 5C, 6T, 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, 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.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
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 >
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).
