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
It has been a pleasure connecting with our students in classrooms and around the school this week. The energy and enthusiasm for learning they reflect is a delight to experience. A highlight was watching our Preparatory School Orchestra rehearse ahead of our Open Day on Thursday 5 March at 11.00am. This was a wonderful showcase of our student talent and teamwork.
Another display of talent was seen at the Years 5–8 Swimming Championship held on Monday at Jellie Park. Congratulations to all swimmers who competed, particularly those who have qualified for the next level of competition. It was lovely seeing so many parents and whānau supporters at this event!
This evening, I look forward to joining Rector Mark Wilson, Principal of Secondary School Evert van Florenstein, and our Secondary School Senior Management team as we meet with current Year 8 parents to support their planning for Year 9 in 2027. All Year 8 parents and ākonga are also invited to the Year 9 2027 Information Evening, being held on Monday 9 March at 6.00pm in the Centennial Chapel – look out for your email invitation tomorrow.
Another meaningful event coming up in our school calendar is our first Sunday Preparatory School Chapel Service for the year, on Sunday 8 March at 5.00pm. I am very much looking forward to attending this for the first time as a staff member and Principal.
Updates to School Reporting
As we look ahead to the next reporting cycle, I wanted to inform you that we have been making some small refinements to student reporting this year. These changes reflect the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum and support preparation in transitioning to a new Student Management System (SMS) in 2027, which is expected to bring a new visual look to school reports. For this reason, our reporting refinements in 2026 are intentionally minimal, focusing on aligning our terminology and structure with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum guidance expectations across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
Because the refreshed curriculum is designed for formal reporting at mid-year and end-of-year, there are no official progress markers for Term 1. However, in keeping with our commitment to early communication, and to maintain consistency with our previous reporting approach, Term 1 reports will continue to include an indication of student progress across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics using the following statements taken from reporting guidance material. You child will be identified as:
All other elements of the Term 1 report will remain the same as in previous years, including the sharing of key assessment results. For example, Term 1 reports will continue to include a General Comment, as well as specific comments and next steps for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
We will introduce small reporting updates in the Term 2 and Term 4 reports, as expected through the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum guidance material for schools.
As in past years, you will also have a Parent-Teacher Conference at the end of Term 1. At this time, you will have the opportunity to view and discuss a draft copy of the written report before the final version is produced the following week.
Please note, Mrs Wylie's class will not be part of this round of Parent-Teacher Conferences, due to having New Entrant six-week interviews instead.
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").
Our Year 7 students have begun their first Food Technology lessons with teacher Therese Bierwirth, and the enthusiasm in the kitchen is undeniable. The programme begins with five lessons focused on traditional baking techniques before moving on to exploring international cuisines, including dishes from China, France, Japan, and India.
As the students settle into the Preparatory School kitchen, Mrs Bierwirth has noticed a wide range of skills and confidence levels. What every child shares, however, is genuine excitement in this classroom. The kitchen provides a relaxed, hands-on experience where the students can feel comfortable to make a misstep as this is an important part of the learning process.
Beyond the delicious outcomes, Food Technology is also helping students make practical connections to their classroom learning. Students apply Mathematics concepts such as fractions, estimation, and metric measurements as they work through the recipes. Hygiene and safety procedures are a top priority. There is also a focus on food from other cultures, health and nutrition, and related science ideas.
Our pastoral care team plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all ākonga and their whānau. This team works proactively and responsively to uphold student well-being across the school.
How We Support Our Ākonga: Our counsellors and pastoral care staff work closely with students experiencing a wide range of emotional, social, or family pressures. Their support includes:
In addition, kaiako lead a vibrant Clubs Programme during the winter terms. These interest-based groups strengthen social connection, offer positive outlets during lunch times, and help students feel part of a caring and active school community.
Our Well-being and Pastoral Care Team
Need Support?
If you have any concerns about your child’s well-being, the first step is to contact their classroom teacher. You are also welcome to get in touch directly with Vicki Pettit at VPE@stac.school.nz.
The St Andrew’s Preparatory School Swimming Championships were held at Jellie Park on Monday, and it was a fantastic day of racing, encouragement, and House spirit. Our students participated with enthusiasm and determination, competing hard for House points while consistently supporting their classmates. It was wonderful to see our swimmers uphold our StAC-UP values throughout the event.
Congratulations to MacGibbon House, who won the overall House Points total, narrowly finishing ahead of Rutherford by 10 points. With every swimmer earning a point for each race they competed in, MacGibbon’s strong whole-house participation made the crucial difference.
A huge well done to all swimmers, and congratulations to our 2026 Age Group Champions.
View the Swimming Records by clicking here.
Flickr>Our Beach Education Day offered Year 4–6 students a rich blend of practical and theory-based learning, designed to build strong surf and beach safety awareness. Throughout the day, students toured the Surf Life Saving Club, observed lifeguards demonstrate essential rescue equipment, and learned key messages about surf and sun safety. They explored the role of lifeguards, gained an understanding of beach environments such as waves, rips, holes, and currents, and took part in fun, confidence building beach activities. The programme concluded with students putting their learning into action in the water through body boarding, swimming, and tube rescue experiences.
With the beach being a favourite recreation spot for many of our families, this programme plays an important role in helping students develop the skills to stay safe while enjoying New Zealand’s coastal environment. Thank you to the parents who supported our Beach Education Days, we value your partnership.
At the Rangiora Highland Dance Competition, Nayana Abrahamson (Year 4) won Most Points U8 and Most Points of the Day, while Iaera Abrahamson (Year 6) was runner up Most Points U12.
At the Timaru Highland Dance Competition, Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 8) won Most Points U12, Most Points U14, and the South Canterbury Championship Irish Jig U12.
Date: Monday 2 March (Week 6, Term 1)
Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm
Venue: Centennial Chapel, St Andrew's College
Join us for StACTalks: The Power of Stories with Jehan Casinader. This special evening features award-winning journalist, author, and mental health advocate Jehan Casinader, who will share his remarkable journey from early success in television journalism to battling depression and suicidal thoughts – and how storytelling helped him survive. Jehan’s presentation is not a generic mental health talk. He offers fresh, compelling, and practical insights into how we can support our children’s well-being and strengthen resilience within our families. His storytelling approach provides tools to help us become the “authors” of our own lives and navigate challenges with confidence.
Jehan has spoken to educators, parents, and students across New Zealand, changing lives – and saving lives – with his unique message. His book, This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life, has inspired countless readers to rethink how they approach adversity.
This free event is open to all St Andrew's College parents and caregivers. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served after the session in the Centennial Chapel foyer.
REGISTER>
Primary Sports Canterbury is once again hosting the popular Huxster Mountain Bike Event at McLeans Island on Tuesday 31 March and Wednesday 1 April.
This event is open to:
The Huxster is a highlight on the school sports calendar, bringing together young riders from across Canterbury for two action-packed days of biking and fun. Spaces are limited, so get in early!
If your child is interested in taking part, please email Jayde Mayberry on JMB@stac.school.nz.
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!
Our first Preparatory School Sunday chapel service this year will be held on Sunday 8 March at 5.00pm in the Centennial Chapel. The service is for all Year 1–8 students. Parents/caregivers are warmly invited to attend. The arrival time is 4.45pm and class teachers will be there to meet the children and to do the compulsory attendance check.
Please note, there will be no teachers at the meeting point until 4.45pm, so do not 'drop and go' earlier than this.
Year 1–3 children will meet in the Junior Department and Years 4–8 will meet at the flagpole in front of Strowan House. The expected finish time of the service is 5.40pm. Please arrive a little earlier (from 5.30pm) to ensure you are there to collect your child at the conclusion of the service.
CANTARE CHOIR (YEARS 6–8): The students in the Cantare choir need to arrive ready for a warm-up and run-through of their performance piece at 4.30pm in the Centennial Chapel.
Please note that all students are required to wear their school uniform with blazer.
Given the large number of people involved, it may be wise to arrange a place to meet your child after the service.
We warmly welcome our community to join us for the service – no RSVP is required. The chapel will be open for entry from 4.45pm.
The Preparatory School will be running a Sport Holiday Programme during the last week of the April holidays (Monday 20 – Friday 24 April).
Programme: The programme is open to Year 1–8 students. The sessions will be run by a variety of staff. The sports included are: invasion games, frisbee golf, basketball, co-operative games, futsal, pickleball, and more...!
Times: The sessions will run between 9.00am–1.30pm each day (there is also an option for supervision through to 3.30pm you can choose). Students can be dropped off from 8.30am, meeting in the Preparatory School Library.
Costs: The cost of the programme is $325 for the week (until 1.30pm), or $400 (supervised until 3.30pm). Payment will be disbursed to your College account.
Supervision: The optional supervision service from 1.30pm until 3.30pm is a further $15.00 per day (included in the $400 weekly cost).
It is possible to register for only some days of the programme, either until 1.30pm or 3.30pm. If your child doesn't attend all five days of the Holiday Programme, the daily rate is $75.00 until 1.30pm, or $90.00 until 3.30pm. For this option, choose "Only some days" on the form, then select the days they'll attend.
Meals: Lunch will be included. Students have the option of a six-inch or foot-long Subway sandwich for lunch. Gluten-free wraps are also available. Students will have Subway on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They will have pizza on Tuesday and Thursday. There will be an additional $15.00 charged for a foot-long for the three days. Students will need to bring morning tea and a water bottle.
Subway Order Form and Permission Form: Please complete the online permission slip (link below) and return the Subway order form (please complete one order per day and name each entry – all three entries would need to be completed for a student attending the whole week) to the Preparatory School office by 3.00pm on Thursday 2 April.
COMPLETE THE ONLINE PERMISSION FORM HERE>
If you have any questions, please email Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Operations), Alex Kelley, at AKE@stac.school.nz.
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.
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.
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.