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The interviews this week have been well attended. Sincere thanks. It has a big week for the teaching team. I thank them for the time and thought they have given to the interviews.
The registration form is now open for our annual Grandparents' Day, which will be held on Friday 17 October from 10.40am in the Centennial Chapel. Visitors on Grandparents’ Day need to register to attend. This will ensure that the children are released from class to meet with them.
Please register grandparents for this special day by clicking here.
The number of families signing up to our Hold the Line 'Til Year 9 Parent Pledge continues to increase. There are now nine classes with active pledges: 7T and 2T are new classes active this week, joining 2S, 4S, 4T, 5A, 5C, 6T, and 7S. Ten pledges per class are needed to activate the pledge. 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 StACTalk on this topic, you can view the slides here: View the Presentation Slides. You can also watch the StACTalks: Smartphones, Social Media and Well-Being video by clicking here.
If you're interested in exploring this topic further, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is a highly recommended read. For those who prefer shorter, insightful pieces, Haidt also curates a thought-provoking Substack newsletter called After Babel. The most recent edition, titled It’s Not Just a Game Anymore, delves into the impact of online gaming and offers a compelling perspective.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the 35 students representing St Andrew’s College on the 2025 Australian Tour returned to Christchurch. They represented the College with distinction both on and off the field. The staff received many positive comments from members of the public as the touring party moved through Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with some taking the time to both email and call the College to commend the conduct of our students. The touring teams also performed admirably in their fixtures, always demonstrating fair play and playing many competitive games. Thank you to all those involved in the tour; the teams were well supported by the staff in attendance and the parents, uncles, aunties and grandparents that came along to the games.
Results:
Click here to view the Australian Tour Flickr>
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
Swimming Canterbury West Coast held their regional Short Course Championships last weekend. Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Year 8) competed in the 12–14-years-old age group, and achieved five new Personal Bests, including attaining the fastest time for a 12-year-old in New Zealand in the last year in 200m Butterfly. Kelicia came in under the qualification time in 100m Breaststroke and 200m Backstroke for the New Zealand Short Course Championships in late September in Auckland.
Results: 1st 100m Butterfly, 200m Butterfly, 4x100m Medley Relay (Butterfly); 2nd 200m Individual Medley; 3rd 100m Breaststroke.
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 >
Join us for the 2025 StAC Ag Show! Students at all year levels can enter several fun categories, such as baking, art, flower arrangements, and Lego creations, with ribbons awarded for first to third place in each category. Some incredible grand prizes are available, including an animal care package from Rangiora Vet Centre for the animal categories, as well as prizes in the plant and food, and art and photography categories. There will be several raffles on offer, and anyone who enters may be in to win a spot prize! There is something for everyone at this free, A&P Show-inspired event. Come along to Gym 1 to experience all the art, baking, and pet entries, as well as the petting zoo – get set for a day of agricultural fun!
Entry cost: $3.00 per category (charged to College Account).
Entries close at 4.00pm on Thursday 14 August.
To enter your child(ren) into the StAC Ag Show, please complete the relevant entry form(s) below:
In support of the Boarders’ Assembly on Friday 1 August, the Agriculture Committee will once again hold Gumboot Day to support and raise money for youth mental health charity, ‘I am Hope’. Students and staff can wear (clean) gumboots to school. The gumboots are to be worn with the children’s school uniform. Wristbands will be available this year for $2.00 each, pay by cash or EFTPOS.
Donate online by clicking here >
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).
