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 was wonderful to see so many Preparatory School families at the Black & Bling Ball on Saturday evening, a fantastic community event in support of St Andrew’s hockey and rowing programmes. Guests looked stunning in a beautiful array of gowns and formal suits, with classic tuxedos and bow ties adding to the occasion. We thank our organising committee for creating such a memorable evening. Your efforts and dedication truly reflected the strength of our community.
It has also been a pleasure this week to see ours Year 1–3 Learning Team celebrating the diversity of cultures within our school. Through shared learning experiences, our ākonga have been engaging with a wide range of cultural perspectives and traditions throughout the week. We are especially grateful to the parents, staff, and Senior College Pasifika and Kapa Haka ākonga who have contributed their time and knowledge to support this learning. These rich experiences provide meaningful opportunities for our youngest ākonga to explore and appreciate diversity, and to recognise the many cultural values, identities, and experiences that shape our school and Aotearoa New Zealand today. The full Cultural Week report will be included in tomorrow's Rector's Comment.
Alongside classroom learning, our staff continue to prioritise professional growth through regular, fortnightly meetings. This ongoing professional learning sits alongside staff development days that take place outside of the school term this year, ensuring a consistent and sustained focus throughout the year.
This year, our overarching theme for professional growth is Positive Emotions and Engagement, drawn from the first two elements of the PERMA-V well-being framework, and highlighting the important link between well-being and learning outcomes. We are deliberately strengthening these two conditions because of their strong influence on learning, culture, and growth. When ākonga experience positive emotions and high levels of engagement, they are more likely to think deeply, sustain effort, develop their capabilities, and make meaningful progress in their learning.
Within this focus on Positive Emotions and Engagement, our key curriculum priority for 2026 is writing. This provides an opportunity to build on the structured literacy professional learning from last year, strengthen teaching practice, and consistently embed of the refreshed curriculum across the school. Teachers are drawing on a wide range of information, including observations, feedback, work samples, and achievement data, to better understand how ākonga are engaging, experiencing learning, and progressing.
At the same time, staff have also been engaging with Mathematics resources, tools, and supports that align with the refreshed curriculum. This work is building strong foundations as we move into Mathematics as a key focus area for development in 2027.
This deliberate and aligned approach reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and to achieving the very best outcomes for all ākonga.
We look forward to sharing our continued growth and progress with you.
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").
This term, our Year 7 students have been developing their explanation writing skills, learning how to clearly communicate how and why things happen. Students have researched topics, planned their ideas, and explored the features of effective explanations, including clear introductions, logical paragraphs, and cause-and-effect language.
Through planning, drafting, revising, and editing, students have built confidence as writers while learning to select relevant information, use precise vocabulary, and support their ideas with facts and examples. Our writing programme encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and perseverance as students develop the communication skills needed for future learning.
On Wednesday, St Andrew’s College competed in a winter sports exchange against St George’s School, Whanganui. All three fixtures were highly competitive and provided an excellent showcase of skill and sportsmanship across the afternoon.
The netball team enjoyed a successful outing, highlighted by a strong performance through the midcourt. Madeline Brooks (Year 8) was named Player of the Day for her outstanding contribution and work rate. The hockey match proved to be a tight contest. Despite a strong start, St George’s capitalised on a period of momentum, scoring several quick goals to take control of the game and secure a 5–2 victory. Jack Bailey (Year 7) was awarded Player of the Day for his dominant presence and effort on the field. Football delivered a more favourable result for St Andrew’s, with the team displaying excellent skill and converting numerous scoring opportunities. Indi Haydon-Uren (Year 8) produced a standout performance and was deservedly named Player of the Day.
Overall, it was a successful afternoon for St Andrew’s College, finishing with two wins and one loss.
Last week’s RNZB@StAC Residency saw our Year 4–8 Ballet dancers experiencing a masterclass with visiting Dance Specialist, Alina Kulikova. Alina came to New Zealand from Russia and was a ballerina with the Imperial Ballet Company. It was a treat to have such a beautiful dancer share her knowledge with our students. The Secondary School dancers also enjoyed a number of choreography classes during the week, working towards new Degas-inspired Ballet performance piece to be presented at a later date.
Flickr>Arielle Swartz (Year 8) competed in the South Island Artistic Swimming Championships held 15–17 May at Parakiore. Her Canterbury team won Gold in Dolphin Combo, qualifying for nationals in September in Hamilton, while Arielle also came away with second place in Figures for 12 and Under.
Rowan Weaver (Year 7) won Gold in the U40kg division at the Canterbury Open Judo Championships, held at the Lincoln Event Centre last weekend.
Liam Botha (Year 5) competed at the QEII Ruth Woolley Memorial Meet held at Parakiore last weekend, where he broke the Canterbury Boys’ 9-Year-Old and Under 200m Backstroke Short Course Record.
On Sunday, Eleanor Nortje (Year 4) competed in the North Canterbury Highland Dancing Competition. Ella won the trophy for Most Points U10 and the CWCC Championship Sailors Hornpipe U9. She also placed first in the Sailors Hornpipe U9; first in the Highland Fling U10; and third in the Sword Dance U10, demonstrating strong technique across a range of dances. In older age groups, she received Very Highly Commended in both the Highland Fling U12 and the Highland Reel U12.
Alexander Mazey (Year 7) achieved an outstanding result over the weekend, winning gold at the Kukkwon Cup. Competing in the Male Cadet (12–14 years) / Grade 8–6 / U37kg division, Alexander demonstrated excellent skill and determination.
As a yellow belt, this is a fantastic accomplishment and a reflection of his hard work and commitment to Tae Kwon Do.
On Saturday 23 May, St Andrew’s College Gym 1 was transformed for the much-anticipated Black & Bling Ball, one of the highlights on the College calendar. Held every two years, this special evening attracted more than 320 attendees, all dressed for the occasion and ready to enjoy a memorable night of connection, generosity, and celebration. This year’s Black & Bling Ball supported our hockey and rowing programmes, and it was wonderful to see a number of our students involved on the night, assisting with professionalism and pride. Their contribution added a special dimension to the evening and reflected the strength of our College community.
The live and silent auctions were a key feature of the evening, with Mark Morrison from Harcourts Gold doing an outstanding job leading the auction of 10 major items, alongside more than 100 silent auction offerings. After the formalities, Retrosonic had the dance floor buzzing well into the night, adding to an already vibrant atmosphere.
Thank you to our major sponsor, The Crater Rim, and all who contributed so generously and a big thank you to the organising committee for an outstanding evening.
Flickr>
Our second Preparatory School Sunday chapel service this year will be held on Sunday 14 June at 4.00pm in the Centennial Chapel. The service is for all Years 1–8 students. Parents/caregivers are warmly invited to attend. The arrival time is 3.45pm 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 3.45pm, 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 4.40pm. Please arrive a little earlier (from 4.40pm) to ensure you are there to collect your child at the conclusion of the service.
Junior Choir (Years 4–5): The students in the Junior Choir need to arrive ready for a warm-up and run-through of their performance piece at 3.30pm 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 3.45pm.
Families are warmly invited to the Preparatory School Music Concert on Tuesday 23 June at 6.00pm in the Centennial Chapel (finishing approx. 7.00pm).
Around 120 students will perform, including the Junior Choir (all Year 4 students), Cantare Choir, Orchestra, Chamber Group, rock bands, and Music Scholars. All Year 4 students are expected to participate.
A gold coin donation will be collected in support of the Preparatory School’s World Vision 40 Challenge.
If you have any questions, please contact Music Teacher, Ros Emeleus, at REM@stac.school.nz.
Hello! We are a Year 12 Business Studies group running our own small business called Slime Zone! We make fun, colourful slimes in a range of textures and scents, perfect for stress relief, sensory play, or just having fun. They also make great gifts, for birthday parties, or fun treats for family and friends. Parents are welcome to order for children, family members, or friends as well. Each slime comes in its own sealed container to help keep it clean, fresh, and easy to store.
Half of all profits made will be donated to the charity KidsCan, so every purchase helps support a good cause as well as our business project.
To make ordering easy, please use our online order form to place orders quickly and simply. Our slimes have been very popular, so we are currently out of stock, but orders can still be placed and we will be delivered as soon as we have made new stock. You can also find us on Instagram @slime_zoneslimes.
Thank you for supporting student entrepreneurship and helping us make a difference!
– Rosie Simpson, Sophie Veitch and Bridget Glass (Year 12 Business Studies students)
Preparatory School students are invited to take part in this year’s World Vision 40-Hour Challenge, from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June. Together we can make a difference.
During the challenge, students are encouraged to go offline for 40 hours – stepping away from devices including phones, gaming, and social media. Alternatively, they can set a personal goal that is meaningful and achievable to be sponsored for. This year’s challenge supports the people of the Solomon Islands, who are being greatly affected by rising sea levels.
Participating students can collect a sponsorship booklet from their classroom teacher, to then seek support from family and friends. Students will need to record the names of sponsors and then track pledges and donations.
Register for the Challenge>
Following the success of last year’s digital well-being session, we warmly invite our community to the next StACTalks event for 2026: StACTalks – Digital Well-being, Connection, and Identity
Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 6.00pm–7.30pm
Location: Centennial Chapel
Supporting young people to thrive in a digital world is an increasingly important focus for families. This session has been designed to provide practical, research-informed strategies to help parents support their child’s well-being, manage device use, and foster a healthy sense of identity online. The evening will combine expert insight with practical workshops and opportunities to learn alongside other parents in our community.
This is a free event open to all St Andrew’s College parents and caregivers. Spaces are limited, so please secure your spot at the link below. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a highly relevant and practical evening.
REGISTER FOR STACTALKS>Each year, the Secondary School's student Sustainability Council runs two clothing drives to support members of our wider Christchurch community. The Council is currently collecting donations for our Winter Clothing Drive. We invite students, staff, and families to contribute any surplus winter clothing that is in good condition, suitable for all age groups – from infants through to adults.
Collection bins (large plastic boxes) are located in the following areas across the College:
Your generosity will help provide warm clothing to those in need during the colder months. The clothing bins will be collected on Friday 26 June. Thank you in advance for your support.
Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2026 – celebrating 20 years!
Date: Friday 17 July
Time: 7.00pm–9.00pm
Venue: Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre
Tickets: Adult $72.89 | Child $44.13 (via TicketMaster)
A St Andrew’s College Pipe Band event at the prestigious Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre, this highly anticipated concert promises an unforgettable evening of traditional Scottish entertainment.
Be immersed in the rich harmonics of the bagpipes, the infectious beat of the drums, and the flair of Highland dancers as they take the stage. Talented St Andrew’s College students from Years 4–13 will showcase their skills in this action‑packed performance, along with members of our Old Collegian community. Join us for a special 20th anniversary celebration at StAC Attack 2026.
BUY STAC ATTACK TICKETS>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.