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Kia ora koutou
Our ākonga and staff have shown wonderful adaptability this week as they managed the persistent wet weather, including a couple of indoor break times.
The rain resulted in a postponement of Monday’s Year 8 Science trip to Halswell Quarry, but we look forward to rescheduling this soon. Thankfully, the sunshine returned for the Year 4 and Year 5 Beach Education trips, giving our students a valuable and enjoyable learning experience.
Like many of our ākonga, we are looking forward to the excitement of the Swimming Sports Championships on Monday. I’m told it’s a highlight of the year and to expect loud cheering as Houses compete fiercely for points!
You may already be aware that our newsletters are now framed around our four strategic areas of Inspiring Teaching, Well-being for All, Outstanding Opportunities, and Community and Partnership. This structure helps us showcase the rich learning across our Preparatory School and highlight exceptional work. We are focused on growing the profile of weekly articles, sharing high quality teaching and learning, rich opportunities, while celebrating ākonga and school success, so watch this space!
As an example of this newsletter organisation this week, under Outstanding Opportunities, you will see that we are seeking ways some parents might like to be involved in supporting the Year 7–8 production in June.
Within the Notices and Events section, you will find a full list of upcoming school events and commitments. Our kāiako are working hard to keep these updated and clearly detailed. We recommend using the 'Preparatory School' filter when viewing Fixtures, to easily find what is relevant to your children.
Thank you for your patience as we continue aligning our systems and processes to ensure you stay connected and engaged, as valued members of our school community.
Ngā mihi nui
Leigh Fowler
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
As beginning of year assessments draw to a close, targeted learning in Mathematics is now well underway across the Preparatory School. In one Year 8 class this week, students have been exploring number properties, with a particular focus on building confidence with positive and negative integers. To complement this, students took on a creative mathematical challenge: constructing their own hexaflexagon – a folded geometric paper model that can be flexed to reveal multiple hidden faces, offering an engaging way to engage with patterns. Its construction reinforces mathematical thinking by requiring careful measurement, symmetry, sequencing, and an understanding of how shapes transform.
This term, our ākonga have continued to embrace StAC-Up, our Preparatory School’s positive behaviour initiative designed to encourage kindness, responsibility, participation, and respect across all areas of school life. Through StAC-Up, students are recognised for making great choices – whether that’s helping others, showing perseverance in their learning, or contributing positively to our school environment. As part of StAC-Up, all students are expected to follow our three core expectations:
Each time a student displays one of these valued behaviours, they have the opportunity to earn House tokens, which contribute to the overall tally for their house. These tokens count towards the twice termly House Weigh-in, where the collected tokens are measured and celebrated. The house that comes out on top earns the special privilege of attending school in casual wear (in house colours) for the day, a prize that always sparks plenty of enthusiasm and house pride.
Thompson House children may wear their House colour GREEN to school on Thursday 26 February.
Welcome to our newest class at St Andrew's College, with new uniforms, big bags and huge smiles!
We have had a wonderful start to school life in 1CW. With almost a full class, the children have settled in beautifully and are already becoming familiar with our daily routines. This term, we are focusing on getting to know one another and building positive friendships, and it has been delightful to see so many new connections forming. Our personalities are beginning to shine, and teacher, Anna Wylie, is incredibly impressed with the progress the children have made in such a short time.
As we begin the school year, St Andrew’s College continues to place ākonga well-being and healthy development at the forefront of our practice. Around the world, families, educators, and communities are increasingly recognising the importance of setting thoughtful boundaries that support young people to grow with confidence and clarity. This aligns strongly with our own priorities at the College – promoting free, unstructured play, encouraging adults to model balanced and healthy technology habits, and introducing social media gradually and intentionally, ideally not before age 16 and delaying smartphone ownership until at least Year 9.
Jonathan Haidt’s recent article (found here) highlights how what once seemed impossible – restricting children’s access to social media – has rapidly become a global movement, as governments and communities respond to mounting evidence of harm to adolescents. He explains that rising public concern and a growing body of research have accelerated efforts to establish firmer age limits, strengthen digital safeguards, and prioritise young people’s well-being. Ultimately, Haidt argues that society is now “drawing a line” to better protect children from the mental health and developmental risks associated with early and unregulated exposure to social media.
This global momentum strongly reinforces our own Hold the Line initiative at St Andrew’s College, which champions clear, supportive boundaries that nurture learning, healthy relationships, and wellbeing. Just as international communities are taking action to safeguard young people in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Hold the Line helps our students build healthier habits, maintain focus, and thrive in environments designed for growth – both academically and personally.
We now have close to 50% of ākonga signed up to Hold the Line til Year 9. This represents 14 classes with an active pledge, with another three classes – 4S, 2T, and 7T – each just one or two families away from reaching the 10 required to activate their pledge.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Well-being), Vicki Pettit, at VPE@stac.school.nz, or click the pledge link below to sign up.
Last Wednesday, our Year 4 students enjoyed a fantastic day of creativity, cultural connection, and hands on learning. At the Christchurch Art Gallery, they explored the Whāia te Taniwha exhibition, deepening their understanding of Māori art and storytelling. Students then created their own artworks, an enriching cultural experience and a wonderful extension of our community partnerships.
Back at school, Imagination Station delivered an engaging programme that encouraged teamwork, problem solving, and urban design thinking. Students planned their own cities and brought them to life with LEGO®, proudly sharing their models. This experience highlighted our strong connections with local organisations, showcased meaningful community engagement, and contributed to the vibrant learning events that continue to enrich our students' experience.
On Tuesday, our Centennial Chapel transformed into a lively racetrack for our annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race – a much-loved tradition that brings plenty of smiles (and a bit of friendly chaos!). Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, has deep historical roots as the final day before Lent, when households would use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter by making pancakes before the fasting period began.
Our race was closely contested, with enthusiastic representatives from our Preparatory School kaimahi: Leigh Fowler, Marlene van der Bent, Jo Cordner, Bid Constanti, and new kaiako, Jayde Mayberry. After much flipping, sprinting, and laughter, Bid Constanti emerged victorious, with Jayde Mayberry taking a well-earned second place.
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At the Rangiora Highland Dance Competition, Eleanor Nortje (Year 4) earned Runner Up Most Points U10.
We are looking forward to the Year 7 and 8 Preparatory School production later this year – a unique opportunity for all students to be part of a large-scale stage event. The show is an original work, created by members of the 2025 Year 6 and 7 cohort, with music composed by some of our talented Secondary School songwriters.
To support the creative team, we are seeking parent/caregiver volunteers to help ensure our performers look their best on stage during production week, 15–18 June. We would love support in the following areas:
You do not need to have a child in Year 7 or 8 to be involved – all help is warmly appreciated.
If you are able to help in any of these areas, please complete the Preparatory School Production Volunteer Form at the link below by 3.00pm on Friday 6 March.
Additionally, all volunteers at St Andrew's College must have completed the St Andrew's College Volunteer Form for mandatory Police Vetting processes; if you have not yet done this for 2026, please do so by clicking here.
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the Fixtures page on StACNet (filter by "Preparatory School").
On Monday 23 February, St Andrew’s College will host the Preparatory School Swimming Championships at Jellie Park Recreation Pool (eight-lane, 25m pool). Students will travel to and from Jellie Park by bus. This event marks the culmination of the Preparatory School swimming programme and celebrates student progress, confidence, and achievement in the water. The Championships reinforce our commitment to water safety, participation, and encouraging every learner to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. See Event Schedule below and view the programme by clicking here.
Years 5–6
Year 7
Year 8
Families are warmly invited to our Junior School Athletics Day on Friday 27 February, 10.30am–12.30pm, on the lower Preparatory School field. (Postponement date: Friday 6 March, same time.) Students from Years 1–3 will take part in fun activity rotations and sprints, earning points for their Houses: Erwin (Red), Rutherford (Blue), MacGibbon (Yellow), Thompson (Green).
Please send children to school in a t-shirt in their House‑colour, shorts, school sunhat, suitable footwear, warm layers, sunscreen, and a named drink bottle.
Bean Buzz Coffee will be onsite for families. An email will be sent to Years 1–3 parents with full details. We look forward to seeing you there!
From 6–11 September 2026, selected Preparatory School teams will compete at the AIMS Games in Tauranga. The AIMS Games is New Zealand’s largest sporting event for Year 7–8 students, with over 12,000 participants from more than 360 schools competing across a wide range of sports.
Representative groups attending include the football 1st team and the Year 7–8 hockey A team.
Individual Entries: There will also be a small number of individual sports available. However, due to the limited group accommodation available in Tauranga, we are unable at this stage to include individuals as part of our official tour. If families are able to travel, supervise, and transport their child independently, entries can be submitted on their behalf by the Preparatory School. In travelling to and competing at the AIMS Games, your child would be included in any activities offered to the tour group and tour apparel will also be available. This option is suitable only for elite performers. Individual sports include (but are not limited to): Badminton, BMX, Canoe Sport, Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Tennis, and Yachting.
If this applies to your child, please contact Deputy Principal of Preparatory School, Alex Kelley, at AKE@stac.school.nz for further information. More details are also available at www.nzaimsgames.co.nz.
Talented Year 5–Year 8 singers and instrumentalists are invited to apply for an audition to join a Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival Representative Group in 2026. Representative groups include: Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Concert Band, and Orchestra.
Students must be active members of either a Preparatory School orchestra, or the Cantare Choir.
Applications are made online via the Music Festival website and close on Wednesday 1 April. Parents are required to complete the application to ensure they are aware of rehearsal and performance commitments.
The St Andrew’s College Preparatory School Rugby Club is currently seeking enthusiastic players to help strengthen team numbers for the upcoming season. This opportunity is open to siblings or interested players who may not attend the Preparatory School, but would like to represent the St Andrew’s College Rugby Club. Training sessions are held on Thursday afternoons, with some additional training on Tuesdays, and games are played on Saturdays. Places are limited.
For further information, please email Head of Physical Education, Isaac Leota, on ILE@stac.school.nz.
Our After-school Care programme operates from the Preparator School Library and supports approximately 30 regular students, with casual places available each day. Families are welcome to use the service flexibly: sessional (1–2 hours), 1–5 days per week, casual or regular bookings.
Operating Hours
Cost: $12.00 per hour or part thereof, charged monthly.
Children are offered an afternoon tea snack and a range of activities, including Lego, computer access, movie watching, reading and outdoor play when weather allows.
Enrolments and Bookings
To enrol your child, please visit the AimyPlus website and click “New Parent? Register here” button.
Casual bookings may be made on the day through the AimyPlus website or app. Parents can also update approved adults for pickup directly through AimyPlus.
Changes of Arrangements
If you have a message for your child regarding changes to After-school Care or pick-up arrangements during the school day, please contact the Preparatory School Office on +64 3 940 2037. Alternatively:
Before-school Care Trial (7.30am–8.00am)
We are currently trialling Before-school Care, available from 7.30am–8.00am. This option provides supervised care for students who need an earlier drop-off. Further information will be shared as feedback from the trial is reviewed.
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!
To see the StAC Community Fête map, please click here.
REGISTER FOR THE STAC COMMUNITY FÊTE>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
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.
