Key Dates
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the Fixtures page on StACNet (filter by "Preparatory School").
You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
Kia ora koutou
It has been another active and rewarding week across the Preparatory School, with many opportunities for our ākonga to challenge themselves and represent the College with pride.
On Tuesday, our Year 7–8 students participated in the Waihi Sports Exchange, competing across hockey, netball, football, and rugby. We value this opportunity early in the winter sports season, providing meaningful competition and strengthening connections with Waihi School, a long-standing partnership that continues into our Senior College, with many students transitioning to St Andrew’s College for Years 9–13.
A sincere thank you to the many parents and whānau who supported their children throughout the day, your presence and encouragement make a real difference. Thank you also to our sports coaches, managers, and organisers, including our Head of Preparatory School Sport, Dave Ermerins for the time and commitment taken to ensure the event ran so smoothly.
Our Years 4–8 House Cross Country event today was another highlight, with students taking to the course with energy, courage, and a commitment to giving their very best. Whether aiming to qualify for zones or contributing points for their house, students demonstrated determination and a willingness to push beyond their comfort zone. It was fantastic to see the bold colours of Erwin, MacGibbon, Rutherford, and Thompson, with ākonga encouraging one another and celebrating participation. Thank you to our Head of Physical Education, Isaac Leota, staff, and our community for their support in making the day such a success.
It has also been a pleasure to hear about the learning taking place in our Pre-school, where young ākonga are exploring a space theme. The curiosity and excitement are evident, with rich experiences deepening their understanding and we love that they are drawing on staff expertise from across the College. It is wonderful to see such imaginative learning taking place, and, as many have said, it has really lifted their learning into orbit.
As part of our ongoing review of learning programmes, including changes implemented at the beginning of 2026, we are seeking perspectives from staff, parents, and whānau to help inform future thinking about co-curricular learning opportunities in the Preparatory School. This review aligns with the College’s strategic focus on providing outstanding and holistic educational experiences and supports ongoing evaluation of how these activities complement classroom learning.
By gathering perspectives, we aim to better understand how these opportunities are experienced by ākonga, what is valued by our community, and what considerations are important as the College reviews future provision. We are also seeking perspectives on communication, to support continued clarity and positive school engagement.
For this consultation, co-curricular opportunities refer to experiences that sit alongside classroom learning and contribute to a broad, balanced education, including cultural, creative, sporting, language, and outdoor opportunities.
Feedback will be gathered through a short survey and reviewed to identify key themes, which will be considered alongside ākonga learning, staff expertise, well-being, and practical considerations. You can access this survey by clicking the link below. While not all feedback will result in changes, it will help inform future planning. A summary of key themes will be shared with the community.
Complete the Co-curricular Consultation Survey >
Thank you for taking the time to contribute and engage thoughtfully in this process. We value our partnership with you and the perspectives you provide.
Thank you for your support.
Ngā mihi nui
Leigh Fowler
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy Rector
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the Fixtures page on StACNet (filter by "Preparatory School").
In our Year 1 classrooms, Mathematics is all about building a strong understanding of numbers through fun, hands-on learning experiences. Students explore numbers by counting forwards and backwards, joining and separating groups of objects, and discovering how numbers connect and relate to each other. Teachers make Mathematics lessons engaging and meaningful through songs, class games, and carefully planned activities that reinforce key concepts. Students also have access to high quality resources, which support their learning and help bring mathematical ideas to life. As students develop their understanding of number and early mathematical concepts, they are encouraged to talk about their thinking and explain how they reached an answer. This helps them understand the “why” behind their calculations and builds confidence in their problem-solving skills.
This term, Year 7 classes began their financial literacy learning with Banqer. Banqer is a New Zealand designed programme that is aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and is being updated as the Curriculum changes. The learning experiences are interactive, relevant, realistic and engaging. Topics include money basics, careers and employment, interest on savings, lending and debt, term deposits, personal loans, Kiwisaver, tax, and even real estate. So far, the students have learned about income and expenses, including discussing whether expenses are wants or needs, and how to make wise decisions with our money. Students are learning quickly that everything costs, from desk hire, locker rent and wi-fi – through to drink bottle filling, charging their devices, and getting their lost property back! Students earn a weekly income from which they need to cover their expenses. Students are also able to earn extra Banqer Bucks through kindness, initiative, work ethic, classroom jobs and doing good deeds.
The students are keen to earn extra dollars so they can make in-store purchases for their avatars as well as competing against classmates and being able to make donations to any of the three charities. There are quick surveys and questionnaires for the students to complete to show their understanding of a topic and earn more Banqer Bucks. Throughout the year we will offer students opportunities to spend their money with auctions, free time and market days. Banqer is an online learning platform and your children can access this at home. Feel free to get them to show you and share their learning with you as we go.
Last week, Year 7 students celebrated and learned about New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Students explored the importance of inclusive communication and enjoyed learning a range of everyday signs and greetings. A highlight was learning the NZSL version of the song Pepeha by Six60. Students showed enthusiasm as they practised the signs together, building both confidence and understanding of New Zealand’s Deaf community and culture. This learning experience strongly reflected our school value of inclusivity, encouraging students to appreciate different ways of communicating and helping to create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.
Watch the video>
The annual Cross Country event for Years 4–8 was held today. The weather was stunning, with sunshine, a cool 12 degrees, and a light breeze providing ideal running conditions. Following a stirring bagpipe performance by Benjamin Carline (Year 8) at the opening ceremony, the students launched into their house chants. Rutherford House claimed victory in the chant competition with a strong rendition of I Want to Be a Rutherford Ranger. The overall standard of house chants was the highest it has been in recent years – well done to all students for demonstrating such outstanding house spirit. The level of grit and determination on display during the races was something to be extremely proud of, with many students giving their very best effort throughout their races. Congratulations to our first-place finishers:
Full results can be viewed by clicking here.
We now look forward to the Independent Schools Zones Cross Country at Lake Roto Kohatu on Tuesday 2 June. Students who place in the top eight of their year group (boys and girls) will qualify for this event.
Flickr>The Waihi Exchange began with two hockey fixtures in the brisk morning sun. The Boys’ A team took the turf first in a fast-paced and high-scoring encounter. Goals came thick and fast early on, before the defence tightened at both ends. Despite this, Waihi’s speed and clinical finishing proved too strong, resulting in a decisive 3–14 victory. The girls’ match followed and presented a complete contrast. Defence was a feature for both sides throughout, with Lila Scott (Year 8) outstanding in goal, making multiple crucial saves. Trailing by one with time running out, the girls pushed hard but were unable to find a way past the opposition goalkeeper, finishing narrowly defeated 1–2. The netball game saw the teams trading goals throughout, with aggressive defence a highlight on both sides of the court. It remained close right to the final whistle, but Waihi just held on to secure a tight 13–14 win. The rugby team faced a significant challenge against a fast and well-drilled opposition. Waihi capitalised, scoring several tries out wide. To their credit, our boys tackled with determination all game, with a standout performance from Thomas Franks (Year 6). In the final highlight of the day, our football team continued their strong run in exchange fixtures. The boys created and converted numerous chances, and their performance capped off a successful day. Overall, it was an outstanding day of sport, filled with effort, resilience, and some excellent performances across all teams.
Flickr>
Arielle Swartz (Year 7) and Leona Smart (Year 8) have been selected to represent Canterbury at the 2026 New Zealand Artistic Swimming South Island Competition. This year’s competition will be held in Christchurch at Parakiore from 15–17 May.
Maggie and Ceci Pugh (both Year 8) recently achieved an outstanding result at the Australian Dance Crew Championships (ADCC), placing first in their division with their hip hop crew UNO, from Ace Dance Studio. This has qualified them the opportunity to travel to Sydney later this year to compete at the World Championships. Ceci was also awarded the prestigious Rising Star Award, and as part of this honour, received an exclusive invitation to attend the renowned Monsterz of Afro workshop in Sydney. This opportunity is significant, as only one dancer is personally selected each year by the organisers of ADCC.
If you are able to assist with the Preparatory School production, Looped, with being a parent volunteer, please contact Ginnie Thorner at GTH@stac.school.nz.
The story, script, and song lyrics for Looped have been created by our Year 7–8 students, with music composed by some of our Secondary School songwriters. All 221 Year 7–8 students will be involved across three performance nights. Each evening will feature a combination of lead roles and ensemble performers, with approximately 75–85 students performing per night. Performances will take place during the week of 15–18 June.
Join us for our upcoming Planting Day, where St Andrew’s College students will proudly see their efforts come to life. Having nurtured the at school, students—along with their families—are invited to help plant these native species in the reserve. Together, we can support the landscape to grow, thrive, and truly flourish.
Eco Action Community Planting Day – Invitation
Please join Eco Action and support our students and their communities as we plant 3,500 native trees and plants they have lovingly grown. It promises to be a great atmosphere, filled with enthusiastic students, families, and community members working together.
St Andrew’s College Preparatory School students have nurtured these under the guidance of Mrs Leota, and we now invite you and your whānau to help plant them in the reserve, creating a space where native biodiversity can flourish for generations to come.
When: Sunday May 17 at 10.00am - 12
Where: QEII Nature Trail – car parking in QEII
What to bring:
• Drinking water
• Sturdy footwear
• Your favourite spade (if you have one – 400 spades will also be available onsite)
The more, the merrier—everyone is welcome! Together, we are developing a lasting community asset that will provide habitat and food for native birds and lizards, while also helping to sequester carbon and support climate action. And best of all—it’s fun to plant a few trees!
This event is the first of four major planting days, which will see 14,000 locally sourced, student-grown native plants established across QEII, 3 Chimera, and 25 Atlantis Street. A wide range of schools, organisations, and community groups have contributed to growing these plants, making this a truly collaborative effort.
We hope to see you there!
🔗 More information:
Eco Action Red Zone Planting – May 2026 (Facebook)
Eco Action Nursery Trust: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023474951364807/
Website: http://eco-action.co.nz/
Tomorrow we will be acknowledging Pink Shirt Day, a nationwide initiative that promotes kindness, inclusion, and standing up to bullying. In the week leading up to the day, students will take part in learning focused on understanding bullying, being an upstander, and creating a safe and respectful school environment — all of which align closely especially with our StAC Up Expectation of being respectful members of our community.
To show support for this important message, tomorrow, on Friday 15 May, students are welcome to wear an item or items of pink with their uniform.
We encourage families to talk with their children about what they are learning and how they can live out our StAC Up Expectations by being kind, inclusive, and standing up for others.
For more information about Pink Shirt Day, visit: https://pinkshirtday.org.nz
We’re excited to once again offer sibling portrait sessions for Preparatory School students in Years 1–8.
This is a special opportunity to capture a professional photo of your children together in their school uniform, set against a blue background and presented on an A4 layout with their names included.
Pricing options for ordering online in the normal way:
Please note that we are not offering sibling photos which include Pre-School and Secondary School students.
The photographer will be on site the morning of Tuesday 16 June, and this will be the only opportunity in 2026 to book this service.
To reserve your spot, please complete the Sibling Portraits Years 1–8 Booking Form by Friday 5 June.
Complete the Sibling Portraits Years 1–8 Booking Form
The following 2026 photographs are now available to order online:
Details of how to order the photographs can be found on our website by clicking the link 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.
ORDER PHOTOGRAPHS ONLINE>In Terms 2 and 3, the Preparatory School Pastoral Care team will be offering a range of lunchtime clubs. All clubs will be supervised by a staff member, with support from our senior students. No registration is required for these clubs, except for Code Club.
For Code Club, parents can enrol online by clicking here. Students enrolled in Code Club in Term 1 will automatically roll over into Term 2; only new students are required to register.
We hope these clubs provide a fun and supportive space for students to connect, explore their interests, and enjoy their lunchtimes. Please feel free to reach out to the teacher in charge if you have any questions.
All children are encouraged to arrive at school from 8.00am onwards and can access learning spaces from this time.
Before-school Care is available from 7.30am–8.00am for families who need to drop their children off early. As this service has limited capacity and is designed for essential use only, we ask that families utilise it only if necessary.
Before-school Care enables us to provide active supervision, ensuring student safety while our staff prepare for the day.
Children arriving before 8.00am will be taken to Before-school Care. The small cost for this supervision will be disbursed to your child’s College account.
After-school Care continues to operate until 5.20pm each school day.
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.