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Please be cognisant of the recent correspondence regarding safety on Normans Road and the Drop-off Zone. When exiting the Drop-off Zone in your vehicle, do not attempt to turn right onto Normans Road when the crossing is operating before and after school. Not only is it difficult and potentially dangerous to navigate the crossing and heavy traffic, but the time delay really annoys those waiting in a queue behind.
Please note, it is vitally important the Kea crossing is used to navigate Normans Road safely. Of equal importance is the use of the Papanui Road crossing aligned to the College’s front gate. There was a near miss on Tuesday. A student ran across this busy road, and cars had to brake to avoid hitting him. This highlights the need for parents of primary aged children to demonstrate safe road practice wherever possible. See more information in the Notices about how you can support road safety.
As a school, we are putting significant time and emphasis into next week’s Melanoma campaign for the children’s long-term awareness of the dangers of the sun. New Zealand’s statistics of melanoma are irrefutable. Please use the link below to donate to Melanoma New Zealand and to support Spotty Day. We have a proud record of supporting this annual campaign over many years.
Donate to Melanoma NZ by clicking here.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the skin’s pigment cells. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it can progress quickly. Anyone in New Zealand can get melanoma. It is treatable if diagnosed early, but if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the prospects can be fatal.
Statistics
Risk Factors
Prevention
Slip on a long sleeved, collared shirt
Slop on sunscreen that is at least SPF30, broad spectrum and water resistant
Slap on a broad brimmed hat that protects the face, neck, and ears
Seek shade
Slide on close fitting sunglasses
All Preparatory School children are required to have a St Andrew's College wide-brimmed or bucket hat at school. We hope this protection continues when they are not at school.
Wishing everyone the very best for a safe and restful long weekend.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
Year 6 students welcomed Adelma Matthews from the Antarctic Heritage Trust on Wednesday. She delivered a fascinating presentation about Hillary’s Hut in Antarctica, sharing insights into its history and significance. After the presentation, students stepped into the world of virtual reality (VR) to explore the hut for themselves. They navigated the original Scott Base building, hunting for hidden artefacts (including a surprise treat – chocolate!) and watched videos that revealed more about life on the ice. Through VR, they visited Sir Edmund Hillary’s room, the mess hall, kitchen, and radio room, gaining a real sense of what life was like for early explorers. Students then used iPads to complete their Explorer Journals, reflecting on their discoveries about different Antarctic explorers, and spotting some of the wildlife. The day concluded with an exciting Minecraft challenge: designing a vehicle capable of traversing the harsh Antarctic terrain. Creativity and problem-solving were in full swing!
Flickr>Music students in Years 5–8 performed in the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival at the Christchurch Town Hall. This year’s theme was Whānau – friends and family, featuring some well-known songs such as You Raise Me Up, and Thank you for Being a Friend. The audience was treated to a wonderful night of music from the massed choir, Junior and Senior representative choirs, the Concert Band and the Symphony Orchestra, which all featured St Andrew’s students. Congratulations to all students who participated in this festival. They have worked hard and shown true commitment.
Sixty students competed at the ISSA Athletics Zones event at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub this week, across the full range of athletics disciplines. Qualifying for ISSA Zones is already a testament to the students’ efforts, as they must place in the top 2 at our Preparatory School Athletics Day. The students competed extremely well, with 28 qualifications for the upcoming Canterbury Athletics event. This is a great achievement considering the high level of competition within our zone – congratulations to our athletes.
Our Preparatory School students performed very well in Highland Dancing at the Hororata Highland Games last weekend. Nayana Abrahamson (Year 3) was awarded Champion of the Hororata Highland Games and was presented her trophy by the Chieftain of the Games. Results as follows:
There was steady hum of activity at the VEX scrimmage in the Green Library and Innovation Centre on Sunday. All four VEX IQ teams competed, and there was lots learned – including the importance of having a robust robot, and being resilient when things don’t go as planned. Several of the Junior V5 teams were also present. Congratulations to team “The Terminator” (Jack Blyde, William Keir, George Nicholls, and Carter Robinson (all Year 7)) who made it to the VEX IQ finals as one of the top 3 alliances. They weren’t quite strong enough to take out the win, with just two points in it. Team “ERROR 101” (Jonathan Armstrong (Year 10), Hudson Blyde, Edward Garbutt, Ethan Waines (all Year 9)) made it to the V5 final with Ao Tawhiti, but unfortunately went down to a strong Burnside High School/Christchurch Boys’ High School combo. Teams will be honing their driving and autonomous skills, especially with only one more scrimmage before the VEX IQ Nationals in early December.
The following students have been named in Canterbury representative touch teams:
This is a reminder that your confirmed commitment to the Australian Tour is required by Friday 14 November, if you wish your child to be considered to attend. The tour will take place Sunday 12 – Saturday 18 July 2026.
Please note that this tour is for netball, rugby, netball/basketball, and rugby/basketball, and for Year 7 and 8 (2026) students only. The total cost of this tour will be $3000.
If your child would like to be considered for the tour, then a $200 deposit needs to be made, and the Confirmation of Interest and Sports Selection form completed by 5.00pm on Friday 14 November via the link below:
COMPLETE THE CONFIRMATION OF INTEREST AND SPORTS SELECTION FORM HERE >
In the event that your child is not selected (selection takes place in early Term 1 2026), then the deposit will be fully refunded. If you have any questions, please email Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Operations), Alex Kelley, at AKE@stac.school.nz.
We are excited to invite the St Andrew’s College community to join us at the Royal A&P Show of New Zealand from Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November. You will find us at Site M33, where we will be reconnecting with Old Collegians and welcoming new families. Whether you are stopping by for a chat, to learn more about what is happening at St Andrew’s, or just to say hello – we would love to see you there.
A recent review of near misses from January to September has highlighted that many incidents have occurred around the Drop-off Zone and Road Patrol area. While no injuries were sustained, these situations could have resulted in harm under slightly different circumstances. We have introduced several safety measures over the past year and continue to work with the Christchurch City Council and New Zealand Police to improve safety. Police will provide occasional visits to enforce safe driving behaviours.
How you can help – Road Patrol
How you can help – Drop-off Zone and Carpark
Your cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Thank you for your support.
Project Infinity is a voluntary initiative that assembles Christmas bags for school children in need, and sometimes their family members as well. The group works closely with Bromley Primary School and Opawa Primary School. Both schools have families who are struggling, and Project Infinity provides them with a new school bag filled with clean pre-loved clothing, new socks and underwear, and a small toy. Each year, the children are absolutely delighted with their unexpected gift. Bromley Primary School holds a celebration evening for the children who are chosen, and they enjoy the festivities with their families and then take home their special bags!
Your donation is needed: Community support makes this project possible. Donations of clean, pre-loved clothing for girls and boys aged 5–18 are warmly welcomed. Designer labels are not required – any contribution will be gratefully accepted. Clothing can be dropped off at the Preparatory School reception, with the final collection day being Friday 5 December. Thank you for helping make a difference this Christmas!
A Christmas Holiday Programme will be held at the St Andrew’s College Preparatory School from Monday 8 – Friday 12 December 2025. Children will enjoy a week of engaging activities both at the College and off-site, planned and supervised by staff. These will include sports, games and craft.
For further information and to register, please click here: https://stac.nz/HolidayProgramme.
The registration form will close at 5.00pm on Friday 21 November.
Please ensure medical information is up to date for your child in the Community Portal, by clicking this link: https://stac.nz/Details. Please indicate if there are any specific medical requirements or considerations we need to be aware of to assist in your child’s participation.
Unlock confidence, creativity, and expressive power through Speech and Drama. This programme nurtures students from Years 1–13, building communication skills, imagination, and self-belief that last a lifetime.
Existing students are invited to pre-enrol for 2026 to secure their place for next year. New students are warmly welcomed, whether stepping onto the stage for the first time or continuing to develop their voice and presence, every child is encouraged to shine. Join a supportive environment where students grow in confidence, connection, and courage – skills that go far beyond performance. Spaces are currently available for all year levels.
For more information, and to register your child for Speech and Drama Tuition, please click here.
If you made a PTA Christmas Goodies order, orders may be collected from the College's Second-hand Uniform Shop between 3.00pm–4.30pm on:
Please note, the final day for collection of orders will be Thursday 27 November.
Thank you once again and we hope you enjoy your Christmas Goodies.
From the St Andrew’s College PTA
Step into a world of enchantment, where fairies weave spells, a kingdom slumbers under a wicked curse, and true love awakens with a single kiss. Set to Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score and brought to life through exquisite choreography, The Sleeping Beauty is a timeless ballet that blends grace, grandeur, and a touch of magic. Join Princess Aurora, the Lilac Fairy, and a cast of fairy tale characters in this radiant celebration of beauty, hope, and the triumph of love.
Dates and times:
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adult $38.00 | Student $20.00 (student ID may be requested on entry)
The College Shop – Thistles will be open in December with the following summer hours:
Thistles will re-open in 2026 with the following hours:
The final operating day for the Second-Hand Uniform Shop in 2025 will be Friday 19 December. In January 2026, the Second-hand Uniform Shop will be open with the following hours:
All 2025 school 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).
