Key Dates
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the Fixtures page on StACNet (filter by "Preparatory School").
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Kia ora koutou
What an exciting and uplifting start to the term. The return of our tamariki has brought wonderful energy and enthusiasm to the school, and it has been a pleasure to see them settling so positively to school life.
We began Wednesday with a large Mihi Whakatau to welcome new tamariki from Years 2–8 and new kaimahi to St Andrew’s College. I also felt deeply honoured to be welcomed into the community as your new Principal at this event. I am grateful for the warmth and support shown by everyone.
Our kaimahi have worked hard to prepare for the start of the year, and it has been heartening to see their efforts come to life as tamariki engage confidently with their classrooms with teachers, and each other. The sunshine was an added bonus, giving me my first chance to see our tamariki enjoying the outdoors, hear their laughter and feel their energy filling every corner of our grounds.
A couple of reminders to help keep everyone safe:
Thank you again for the warm welcome. I look forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks, particularly as I settle in and find my rhythm on gate duty.
Ngā mihi nui
Leigh Fowler
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the Fixtures page on StACNet (filter by "Preparatory School").
Over the next week, our Summer Sport Co-ordinators will be getting in touch to confirm your child’s place in their chosen summer sport. If you have not received an email by the end of the week or believe your child’s summer sport selection may be missing, please get in touch.
We appreciate your patience as final lists are confirmed and look forward to another positive and enjoyable summer sport season.
If you have any questions, please contact Head of Preparatory School Sport, Dave Ermerins, at DER@stac.school.nz.
Junior Choir: This choir is for children in Years 3–5. This is not an auditioned choir. It is compulsory for Year 3 and Year 4 children to sing in the choir. Year 5 children all sing in the choir for the first term and then can choose if they wish to remain in the choir for terms 2–4, where they will join the Cantare Choir. Cantare Choir rehearses period 6 on a Thursday in the Preparatory School Music Room. The weekly choir rehearsal for the Junior Choir is on Thursday afternoon, 2.25pm in the Music Room. Directed by Ros Emeleus, accompanist Margot Askin. The Junior Choir starts Week 1.
Cantare Choir: This is an all-comers (not auditioned) choir for children in Years 6–8. This year the choir will rehearse at 11.40am–12.00pm on a Tuesday morning in the Centennial Chapel, and period 5 (1.35pm) on Monday afternoon in the Preparatory School Music Room. The choir sings mostly secular music and participates in the annual Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival in Term 4. Choir director: Ros Emeleus, Choir Manager: Greta Henley, accompanist Margo Askin. Cantare Choir will start Week 2, Monday 2 February in the afternoon.
Preparatory School Orchestra: This orchestra is for anyone Year 4 and up who is learning an instrument and can read basic music notation. This includes guitar and recorder players. Beginners are welcome. Players bring their lunch to the Music Room and eat before the rehearsal. The rehearsal time is Wednesday lunchtime in the Music Room starting Week 2, Wednesday 4 February. Orchestra members will need their own clearfile for the storage of orchestra music. Directed by Ros Emeleus, assisted by Greta Henley.
If you have any questions, please email Music Teacher, Ros Emeleus, at REM@stac.school.nz.
Swimming Prelims will be held on Monday 9 February at Jellie Park Pool. The students will be transported to and from the venue by bus. Students will compete at the below times:
Students will need to wear their PE gear and tracksuits to school, with their togs underneath. All children will require a towel, water bottles, and suitable footwear for the pool.
The preference is for blue or black swimming togs for girls, and blue or black speedos or skins (not board shorts) for boys.
The aim of the prelims is to place the students into races that are appropriate to their abilities. It is vital that the children are exposed to opportunities to practice swim safety and confidence in the water.
If your child cannot swim one length independently (Year 4) or cannot swim two lengths independently (Years 5–8) please let your classroom teacher know and they will swim a shorter distance on the day, swim with a kickboard, or be assisted by a Year 8 competitive swimmer.
Year 4 parents and whānau are invited to the Swimming Prelims.
If you are a Years 5–8 parent or whānau, please wait until the Swimming Championships Day on Monday 23 February to support your child. More information will follow for the Swimming Sports Championships.
The annual Primary Schools Triathlon will take place on Tuesday 17 February on private property at South Eyre Road (near West Eyreton), approximately 27km from the start of South Eyre Road (turn off Tram Road at Clarkville).
Please note: Parents will need to arrange transport (with bikes) to and from the event for the competing athletes.
Race Format:
Entries are due by Thursday 5 February. If you would like your child to be entered into the Primary Schools Triathlon, please contact Head of Physical Education, Isaac Leota, at ILE@stac.school.nz.
If you wish to sign-up your child for one of the below activities, please visit the link below for the Co-curricular sign-up forms on StACNet:
PTA meetings start at 6.30pm and are held in the Preparatory School staffroom. The dates for 2026 are:
Key changes to School Route 721 and 722 from Rangiora to Christchurch Schools:
Key changes to School Route 741 and 742 from Sumner to City and Merivale Schools:
For those who are new to taking the bus to school, visit Catch The Bus to School on Metro’s website.
Meet our teachers who make the difference at our upcoming Open Days. Please help spread the word for interested families to register online.
Secondary School Open Day: Wednesday 4 March, 9.00am–12.00pm
Preparatory School and Pre-school Open Day: Thursday 5 March, 11.00am–12.30pm
We’re excited to introduce a new initiative: Coffees and Catch-Ups. Held at The Coffee Cart, located in Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, these informal sessions provide a relaxed opportunity for you to meet and chat with key staff throughout the year over a cup of coffee. No RSVP required – just drop in after drop-off!
We’re thrilled to announce that our first session will be attended by Rector, Mark Wilson, and Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler.
When: Thursday 19 February, 8.00am–8.45am
Where: The Coffee Cart, located in Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre. View The Coffee Cart menu by clicking here.
Who: Mark Wilson (Rector) and Leigh Fowler (Principal of Preparatory School)
View all upcoming Coffee and Catch Ups by clicking here.
We’re excited to invite you to our first ever StAC Community Fête! This special event will bring students and families together on the Front Field for an evening of fun, food, and connection.
Date: Friday 13 March (Founders’ Day)
Time: 5.00pm–7.00pm
Venue: Front field
Parking: Available on school grounds via Circuit Street
This event is all about bringing our community together – Pre-school, Preparatory, and Secondary Schools, and celebrating the start of the year in a relaxed, family-friendly way. With bouncy castles, activities, music, and food trucks, there’s something for everyone. Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
Entry is free, but please register your attendance at the link below. We hope you’ll join us and make this inaugural event a memorable one!
REGISTER FOR THE STAC COMMUNITY FÊTE>If your child is unwell, please keep them at home. To report any absence (due to illness or other reason) please complete the Student Absence Form:
If you are unable to use the online form, you may report an absence by emailing the appropriate address:
If you cannot reach us via the form or email, please phone our attendance line (term time only) on +64 3 940 2031.