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 a wonderful week it has been to see our students enjoying the sunshine and making the most of our beautiful grounds during break times. After a run of unsettled weather, it has been fantastic to see fields, courts and playgrounds filled with activity, laughter, and friendship.
One of the highlights of the week was our Preparatory School chapel service. Our Future Problem Solving students shared their learning with confidence, insight and maturity, exploring topics as diverse as Antarctica, space exploration, and the future of video games. What impressed me most was not only their thoughtful research and presentation skills, but also the meaningful connections they made between their learning and their faith.
Future Thinkers and Future Problem Solving is an extension programme offered to students from Years 4–8, led by teacher Sonia Lewis. Through the programme, students explore future-focused topics, think critically about emerging challenges and opportunities, and develop creative solutions to complex problems. Our students demonstrated these skills brilliantly in Chapel, while also reflecting on how faith can guide us as we navigate an ever-changing world. Whether discussing the stewardship of Antarctica, the possibilities of space exploration, or the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies, their message was both inspiring and thought-provoking. A sincere thank you to Sonia for leading this valuable programme, and to Liam, Naomi, Zachary, Reva, Sam and Mia for representing Future Problem Solving so wonderfully.
I would also like to acknowledge Religious Education teacher, Bridget Roth, for her enthusiasm and energy in leading our Preparatory School chapel services. Bridget has a wonderful ability to engage students and create opportunities for them to share their learning, talents and faith in meaningful ways.
As one group of students explored the future, another has been busy trying to persuade us! Speech season is well underway, and our Year 7 and 8 students have certainly been keeping teachers and classmates entertained with their ideas and arguments. From Lucia debating the health gains and pleasures of ice cream, to Lucas explaining why gaming is good for you, to Jackson convincing audiences that our new Christchurch stadium, Te Kaha, should be on everyone's itinerary, students have been demonstrating confidence, creativity and excellent speaking skills. I look forward to hearing more of their speeches in the coming weeks.
We look forward to hearing about our sporting successes over the weekend as the winter season draws to a close. Best of luck to all our students, and thank you to the supporters, managers and coaches. I hope we go out in StAC style!
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").
The Year 8 Thinking Skills programme is both engaging and rewarding, offering students valuable opportunities to strengthen their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. It is especially suited to students who enjoy recognising patterns, tackling challenges, and deciphering codes. Students are presented with a series of challenges to compete either independently or with a partner. These activities are designed to stretch their thinking and encourage collaboration, persistence, and creativity. Throughout the term, students explore a range of areas, including verbal and non-verbal reasoning, critical thinking, lateral thinking, and logic and reasoning.
It supports the development of essential learning skills that benefit students across all subject areas. Through regular problem-solving, students learn to:
This programme not only strengthens academic skills but also builds confidence, resilience and a willingness to tackle challenges which is a valuable attribute for lifelong learning.
Science in the Junior Department is an exciting time for all students, as learning is always centred on hands-on experiences and experimentation. Rather than simply learning about scientific ideas, students actively explore them through questioning, predicting, observing, testing, and discussing their findings. These practical investigations make learning meaningful and memorable while helping children develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how the world around them works. Through Science, students learn that it is okay to wonder, investigate, make mistakes, and learn from their discoveries.
Our Year 2 students are exploring the fascinating world of sound and light. Through hands-on investigations, they are discovering that sound is made by vibrations and can travel through different materials. Students are making quacking ducks and listening to vibrations travel up strings from forks to their ears, helping them see and hear Science in action. Later in the term, they will investigate light, including where it comes from, how it helps us see, and how it can reflect, refract, and create rainbows.
St Andrew’s College was proudly represented by 44 students from Years 1–8 at this year’s ISSA Ski and Snowboard Championships at Mount Hutt. Despite the challenging weather conditions, students showed excellent perseverance, taking on the course with enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see students of all ages encouraging one another and making the most of the opportunity to compete on the mountain.
A particular highlight was an outstanding result for our Years 7–8 Co-educational ski team, who took out first place in their division. The teamwork and strong performances from Hugo Maier (Year 7), Luke Russell, Max Yandle, and Lucia Patterson (all Year 8) saw them finish at the top of the field. Most importantly, it was wonderful to see all 44 students embracing the challenge, giving their best and proudly representing the College, even when the conditions were less than ideal.
Cynthia Zhang (Year 5) represented St Andrew's College at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Canterbury Championships. In the Level 5 Performance category, she achieved an impressive third overall. Her individual results included second place in Free, third in Hoop, third in Ball, and third in Clubs. Cynthia also placed first in her group performance.
Earlier this month, Cynthia competed at the Otago Championships, earning second Overall. She won both Free and Clubs, along with taking second place in Hoop and second in Ball.
Two students have received international recognition in the 2026 Hexapod Haiku Challenge, organised by the Frost Entomological Museum in the United States, which attracted more than 1000 entries this year. Xinrui (Sophia) Xu (Year 3) received an Honourable Mention in the 12 & Under General Category, with her poem published on the competition’s official website alongside comments from the judges. Claire Zhao (Year 8) achieved the rare distinction of having three haiku selected by the judges, including two in the 12 & Under Laureates – General Category, and one in the 12 & Under Laureates – Arthropod Recyclers Special Category. The judges noted that it is unusual for one writer to have multiple poems recognised in the same year, particularly as entries are judged anonymously. Congratulations to both students on their outstanding achievements and for showcasing their creativity and writing talent on the international stage.
Mia Zhang, Claire Zhao, and Jessica Whitehead (all Year 8) had winter poems published on the NZ Poetry Box website. Jessica was awarded a book for her poem and photo of a tuna dish she baked.
The annual Ballet examination week is soon to be completed – from our littlest Year 1 Ballet class to the final examination in the series, with Year 13 dancers taking the NZAMD Ballet Solo Performance Diploma.
Congratulations to all in completing this milestone.
Six St Andrew’s College students recently took to the stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal as part of the National Youth Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Charlotte Currie (Year 10) performed the lead role of Ariel and was also in the Senior Ensemble, while Isla Marshall (Year 10) performed a lead role as Adella, one of the Mersisters, and was also part of the Senior Dance Extension. Sophie Jacobs (Year 8) was a member of the Senior Dance Extension. Stella Berry (Year 6) performed in the Intermediate Ensemble, Ella Nortje (Year 4) was part of the Junior Dance Extension, and Penelope Walker (Year 4) performed in the Junior Ensemble. After 12 weeks of intensive rehearsals, they performed in seven shows at the Isaac Theatre Royal, including three school performances and four public shows. It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to develop their performance skills and confidence, build friendships and teamwork, and experience the challenge and excitement of performing in a professional theatre.
There was plenty of excitement around the Preparatory School this week when Old Collegian Richie Mo'unga (OC 2012) made a special, last-minute visit to share the Ranfurly Shield with students following Canterbury's thrilling victory over Otago in Dunedin. Richie spent time with students from the Pre-school through to Year 8, stopping for class photos, chatting with students, and sharing in the excitement of Canterbury reclaiming one of New Zealand rugby's most treasured trophies. His genuine connection with the children made the visit particularly memorable. It is fair to say there were more than a few star-struck students... and teachers!
Adding to the pride of the occasion, there were five Old Collegians across the two NPC teams, highlighting the strong rugby tradition and talent that continues to emerge from our College community.
Thank you, Richie, for taking the time to visit and inspire our young learners while celebrating a special moment in Canterbury rugby history.
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As we continue to prioritise the safety and smooth flow of traffic during afternoon pick-up, we would like to remind all families of the parking restrictions in the drop-off zone.
The three parking bays closest to the Pre-school, clearly marked "Pre-school", are reserved exclusively for Pre-school families and have a maximum parking time of five minutes.
The bays located between the shelter and the Pre-school parking area are designated two-minute parking only.
These spaces are intended for quick drop-off and pick-up to ensure all families have fair access when collecting children. We have received reports that some vehicles are remaining in these bays beyond the permitted time, which can create congestion, inconvenience other families, and increase health and safety risks for students, staff, and parents moving through the area.
We ask all families to please observe the posted time limits and use alternative parking areas if a longer wait is required. Your cooperation helps keep our pick-up zone safe, efficient, and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your support.
As the winter season winds down, we’re now preparing for the summer sports season beginning in Term 4.
The coordinators and their email addresses are listed below for your reference. Should you have any questions, please refer to the Preparatory School Handbook in the first instance. Otherwise, please email Dave Ermerins at DER@stac.school.nz.
Summer Sport Coordinators:
The 2026 StAC Ag Show will be held on Thursday 20 August in Gym 1. Students and families are welcome to visit between 9.00am–12.00pm to attend the Ag Show and view the fun entries on display.
Ag Show Raffle Ticket Pre-Order | Closes Sunday 16 August
This year’s Ag Show Raffle is open for pre-orders, with funds raised supporting the Ag Show and the Christchurch City Mission. Purchase a ticket for your chance to win an incredible giant lollie bouquet, which will be on display during the Ag Show. Raffles can also be purchased during the Ag Show.
Families who submitted Ag Show entries can expect an email on Thursday 13 August about how to deliver these items, and visiting the Ag Show on the day.
Students in Years 5–8 are invited to compete in the Canterbury Primary Schools Duathlon on Monday 7 September at Euromarque Motorsport Park, Ruapuna.
Event Details:
Please let Head of Physical Education (Preparatory School), Isaac Leota know by Friday 21 August if your child would like to enter, by emailing ILE@stac.school.nz.
Winter sports team and co-curricular group photographs will be taken on Tuesday 25 August.
To help the day run smoothly, parents are asked to ensure students wear full, tidy College uniform and remind them to arrive five minutes before their allocated time.
The photo schedule includes: sports teams, performing arts groups, academic teams, Road Patrol, AIMS Games representatives, the Australian Tour group and other co-curricular activities.
Please note that some students may be involved in more than one photograph and must attend at the allocated times.
Get ready for a wild week of reading and imagination! Book Week is arriving a little earlier this year, running from Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September (Term 3 Week 7).
This year’s theme: Critters and Creatures – a joyful celebration of the real and imaginary, furry, feathered, and scaly characters children love in books.
Throughout the week, our library programme will take centre stage, with students enjoying:
The highlight of the week will be our colourful Book Parade which will take place on Thursday 3 September.
Grandparents' Day is a cherished St Andrew's College tradition, celebrating the special role grandparents play in the lives of our students. This year, we are delighted to welcome grandparents from both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools to join us for a morning of entertainment, connection and lasting memories.
Registration is essential and all grandparents attending must be registered by parents/caregivers to ensure students can be released from class to meet them. Registrations close at 12.00pm on Tuesday 20 October.
Complete the Grandparents' Day Registration 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>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.