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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 creative week it has been as preparations continue for Book Week and our Costume Parade on Thursday 3 September. I have loved hearing from families about their plans for the Critters and Creatures theme and seeing the growing excitement among our students as they look forward to this special event. The imagination and enthusiasm already on display remind us of the joy that books and storytelling bring to our community. Included in this newsletter is information about the much-anticipated Book Parade – see notices for details.
Due to other commitments, there will be no Preparatory School Newsletter next week. Book Week and other events will be reported on in Week 8.
While all of these preparations have been taking place, our Years 7–8 hockey A, football A and B, and rugby teams competed against Medbury School on Wednesday. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and provided excellent conditions for what was a valuable and enjoyable experience for all involved. We are proud of the way our students represented the College, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
Our staff have also been engaged in a valuable professional learning over recent weeks, through a series of classroom walkthrough observations linked to our school-wide focus on the impact of Positive Emotions and Engagement on student learning success. Through staff meetings and professional discussions, we have been working together to develop a shared understanding of effective teaching principles and practices that promote student engagement and achievement. A particular focus has been on writing within classroom programmes and specialist learning opportunities.
Team Leaders and Deputy Principals have visited classrooms, gathering evidence against our shared criteria. The information collected will help inform future discussions and next steps as we continue to enhance teaching and learning. We are incredibly grateful for the professionalism, openness and willingness of staff to engage so positively in this process. It has been a rich and energising experience for everyone involved, including our students, who have welcomed visitors into their classrooms and shared their learning with confidence and enthusiasm.
A final reminder that this is the last opportunity to view the wonderful Art Collaboration Project, on display in The Green Library and Innovation Centre until the beginning of next week. In this unique partnership, our Year 3 Art students created imaginative monster drawings with Art Specialist, Kathryn Meyers, which were then transformed into handmade ceramic sculptures by Year 10 Art students. Alongside each creature, visitors can enjoy stories and poems developed by Donna Jones' Year 10 English class, inspired by interviews with the Year 3 artists and bringing each monster's personality and adventures to life. The exhibition is a wonderful celebration of creativity, collaboration and learning across year levels, and I encourage families to take the opportunity to view it if they have not already done so.
Thank you for your continued support of our Preparatory School community. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Book Week celebrations next week.
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").
Some of our Year 7 Extension Mathematics students have been putting their skills to work in the exciting world of shares, investing and the stock market. Students have been learning what it actually means to own a share in a company and how the share market works. They’ve been investigating why share prices go up and down, what makes a company a good investment, and the important relationship between risk and reward.
The students have also become virtual investors, creating their own simulated investment portfolios. They are making decisions about where to invest their money, monitoring their chosen companies and tracking how their investments perform over time. There has been plenty of discussion, debate and mathematical thinking along the way! Students are using percentages, graphs, data analysis and problem-solving to calculate gains and losses and make decisions about whether to hold, buy or sell. Mathematics isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding the world around us and making informed decisions. It has been fantastic to see some of our Year 7 mathematicians applying their skills to something so relevant to the real world. Who knows – we might just have some future investors, entrepreneurs and financial experts in the making!
Year 4 students have been exploring the fascinating world of pāua. Through their learning, they have investigated the pāua life cycle, discovered how shells protect animals from predators, and developed their skills in drawing and labelling scientific diagrams. They have also learned how to use magnifying glasses and microscopes to observe and identify fine details. The students’ next step will be to compare pāua with other molluscs, identifying similarities and differences in their structures, habitats, and adaptations.
Preparatory School teacher, Christina Fitzgerald, in collaboration with Secondary School Science teacher, Connor O'Rourke, has provided a range of practical, hands-on activities to reinforce students' learning and deepen their understanding of these scientific concepts. These experiences have encouraged curiosity, observation, and inquiry while helping students make meaningful connections between scientific ideas and the world around them. To support this learning, Year 8 students have been working alongside the Year 4 classes, assisting them with experiments and scientific investigations. This tuakana-teina partnership has been a valuable experience for all involved, fostering leadership, collaboration, and communication skills while strengthening relationships across year levels. All of this homeroom and laboratory learning has been supported by real-life, ethically sourced pāua specimens, helping students connect their classroom learning with the natural world and develop a deeper appreciation for these remarkable marine molluscs, a treasured New Zealand taonga.
The Pre-school students joined Class 8A for a fun music session, and what a great time they all had! Together they explored beat and rhythm through a variety of songs, from It's Raining, It's Pouring, right through to The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. Everyone had a turn playing the bongos, drums, and congas, helping to keep the beat and bring plenty of energy to the music.
The Year 8 students loved working alongside the pre-schoolers, supporting and encouraging their buddies throughout the session. It was lovely to see the connections that formed and how engaged everyone was as they made music together. The Pre-school students brought so much joy, enthusiasm, and excitement into the room. The Year 8 children loved sharing music with them and it was great to see students of all ages having fun, learning, and performing together.
It was a wonderful reminder that music brings people together and that no matter how old you are, music is all about connection, creativity, and fun!
At St Andrew’s, we recognise that technology is an important part of modern life and learning. Our goal is not to eliminate technology, but to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and self-awareness needed to use it safely, responsibly, and in ways that enhance their well-being. Our Digital Citizenship programme teaches students age-appropriate skills from Year 1 to Year 8, covering topics such as online safety, digital footprints, cyberbullying, responsible gaming, social media awareness, misinformation, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.
Alongside these lessons, we are committed to maintaining a balanced approach to technology at school. This means using digital tools when they add value to learning, while continuing to prioritise meaningful engagement through face-to-face interactions, explicit teaching, physical activity, hands-on learning experiences, and positive relationships. We believe students thrive when they experience connection, enjoyment, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment in their learning. While technology can support these outcomes, it is only one part of a rich educational experience. We want our students to develop strong digital skills while also growing in confidence, resilience, communication, creativity, and independent thinking beyond the screen.
This balanced philosophy aligns closely with the Hold the Line initiative, which encourages families to delay providing children with a smartphone until at least Year 9. Research and growing community experience suggest that delaying smartphone ownership can help protect childhood, strengthen social connections, reduce online risks, and support positive mental well-being. Parents play a vital role in helping children navigate the digital world. When schools and families work together, young people are better equipped to make safe, healthy, and responsible choices online.
Learn more:
For families looking for additional guidance and support around online safety, resources such as Netsafe also provide excellent advice and practical tools for parents and caregivers.
The 2026 StAC Ag Show attracted nearly 300 entries, with students creating a wide range of artworks, models, and food items inspired by agriculture. Entries included a cardboard helicopter with a working rotor, sheep-shaped cupcakes, and a knight’s helmet featuring farm animals. Preparatory School classes visited the exhibition to view the entries and take part in the wider event. A petting zoo featuring alpacas, a Shetland pony, and a range of smaller animals provided another opportunity for students to engage with animals and agricultural learning.
Thanks to the Agriculture Committee and Agriculture teacher, Steve Hamlin for organising, and the families who helped students access materials and bring their projects to life.
Flickr>
The Preparatory School hosted Medbury School on Wednesday 26 August for an exciting winter sports exchange featuring rugby, hockey, and two football matches.
The hockey team was narrowly defeated 3–4 in a tightly contested encounter, with a few defensive lapses proving the difference. Despite the result, the group showed great determination throughout. In rugby, St Andrew’s displayed outstanding effort and resilience against a strong Medbury side. Andre Esler (Year 7) was named Medbury’s Player of the Day after scoring three impressive long-range tries. Coaches were pleased with the team's attitude, commitment, and courageous second-half performance. The football teams enjoyed outstanding success, recording dominant 4–0 and 5–0 victories. Jeffery Zhang (Year 8) starred in the 2nd XI match with four goals, while Angus Sutherland (Year 8) scored a double in the 1st XI fixture.
Across all four fixtures, St Andrew’s students demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, skill, and pride in representing the College.
At the recent Bandquest competition in Christchurch, two of our talented Preparatory School rock bands took to the stage for the first time, showcasing the creativity, passion, and musical excellence that are hallmarks of the performing arts culture fostered at St Andrew’s College.
Among the standout performances was New Collegians, who achieved an impressive third-place finish against strong competition from across the region. Their songs, Long Way to the Top and You’re the Voice were well received and the guest appearance by Luke Russell (Year 8) on the bagpipes drew loud cheers. The Thunder Thistles brought the party with an incredibly lively rendition of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer.
Adding to the celebration, Cole Gordon-Glassford (Year 7) was recognised as the Top Drummer of the Night. These achievements reflect not only the dedication of the students involved but also the strong culture of collaboration, perseverance, and artistic expression encouraged at St Andrew’s, where students are supported to pursue excellence while contributing to a vibrant and inclusive cultural community.
Several Preparatory School students have had their writing published and recognised through external literary opportunities. Book reviews by Lola Henderson and Xinrui (Sophia) Xu (both Year 3), Ava Blyde (Year 5), Georgia Blyde (Year 6), and Claire Zhao (Year 8) have recently been published.
Jessica Whitehead and Alfred Lash (both Year 8) received Editor’s Choice recognition for work published in the New Zealand Poetry Society’s Anthology 2026. Claire Zhao also achieved third place in the Primary/Intermediate division of the New Zealand Poetry Society competition, with her work included in the anthology.
On Monday, Year 8 students enjoyed an exciting day on the slopes at Mount Hutt. While the weather was cold and occasionally very windy, students were treated to mostly clear blue skies, providing excellent conditions for a memorable day in the mountains. The day began with two-hour ski and snowboard lessons, where students had the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. In the afternoon, students enjoyed free time on the slopes, putting their new skills into practice and challenging themselves on a variety of runs.
One of the highlights of the day was the outstanding spirit of encouragement and support shown by the group. More experienced skiers and snowboarders were often seen returning to the learner areas to cheer on and assist those who were still building their confidence. This willingness to help others created a positive and inclusive atmosphere, reflecting the values of teamwork, perseverance, and respect. There was plenty of laughter throughout the day, and it was wonderful to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, celebrating their achievements, and enjoying time together with their peers.
A special thank you to our dedicated parent helpers and staff, whose support, enthusiasm, and careful organisation helped ensure the trip was a safe, enjoyable, and successful experience for everyone involved. We are incredibly grateful for their contribution to making the day such a success.
Eleanor Nortje (Year 4) recently competed with the Empire Athletics Cheerleading Team, Sapphires, at the United Cheer Competition in Wellington. The team achieved an outstanding second place in their very large division. Ella performs as a flyer in the routine and also showcases her skills in a tumbling section.
Get ready for a wild week of reading and imagination! Book Week is next week, Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September.
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, our colourful Book Parade, is taking place on Thursday 3 September, starting at 12.00pm from the Junior Department Playground. Supporters are very welcome to come and cheer us along.
For the first time, St Andrew's College's acclaimed Jazz Big Band joins forces with a String Orchestra to perform an exciting programme of jazz favourites, spanning artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Radiohead.
With special guests and local jazz legends, Kate Taylor (vocals) and Old Collegian Jimmy Rainey (saxophone), this is a concert not to be missed and promises to be one of the musical highlights of 2026.
Featuring some of St Andrew's College's finest young musicians, this special one-night-only performance will showcase the breadth and depth of talent within the College's Music programme.
When: Thursday 17 September, 7.00pm–8.30pm
Venue: Gough Family Theatre, St Andrew's College
Tickets: $5.00 General Admission
Registrations are now open for the Sport Holiday Programme, running from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October for Year 1–8 students.
The programme includes a variety of sports and activities, with sessions running from 9.00am–1.30pm daily (drop-off from 8.30am). Lunch is provided, with an optional supervised programme available until 3.30pm.
Cost: $325 for the week (until 1.30pm) | $400 for the week (until 3.30pm) | Casual day options are also available.
Please complete the online permission form and return the Subway order form to the Preparatory School Office by 9.00am on Tuesday 22 September.
COMPLETE ONLINE PERMISSION FORM >
For further information, please contact AKE@stac.school.nz.
In July 2027, we are planning to take a group of Year 7 and 8 students to Australia for a sport and cultural tour, departing on Sunday 18 July and returning Saturday 24 July. This promises to be a fantastic experience – the students will visit Brisbane and the Gold Coast during their six-night stay, competing against a number of highly regarded independent schools in football, Girls' basketball, and Boys' basketball.
Steps to be completed if you wish your child to be part of the 2027 Australian Sports Tour:
1. Expression of Interest form – to be completed by 3.00pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.
Please complete the Expression of Interest form by clicking here >
2. Tour Presentation – Wednesday 21 October, 6.00pm in the Preparatory School Library.
3. Pay the $200 deposit – due Friday 6 November 2026.
4. Trials – early Term 1, 2027 (Deposit will be returned if your child is not selected).
5. Pay first Instalment: $1000 – due Thursday 1 April 2027.
6. Pay second Instalment: $900 – due Saturday 1 May 2027.
7. Pay final Instalment: $900 – due Tuesday 1 June 2027.
Please contact Preparatory School Deputy Principal (Operations), Alex Kelley, on AKE@stac.school.nz if you have any questions.
The upcoming independent two-day Minecraft Holiday Programme provides an opportunity for your child to boost their creativity and problem-solving skills via Minecraft Education. Working in small groups, they'll construct remarkable structures, overcome building challenges, and use specialised design software to modify and perfect their creations. This will use the latest update of Minecraft Education, which contains several exciting new additions for the students.
Dates: Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September
Time: 9.00am–3.00pm (early drop-off is fine from 8.30am)
Location: GI101, The Green Library and Innovation Centre (St Andrew's College Secondary School Quad)
Cost: $165.00 inclusive of GST.
Find out more and register by clicking the link below.
Year 7–12 parents are being offered the opportunity to attend the six-week Emotion Coaching course, Tuning into Teens (TINT). The programme will be led by Julie Forman (Counsellor/Mediator) from Āwhina Mai, and St Andrew’s College Psychologist, Kate Scott. You will learn how to manage your own and your adolescent’s emotions in ways that help you to remain close and keep communicating. By learning these skills, you are less likely to have as much conflict within your family and your teen is more likely to talk to you about the challenging issues they face. These are factors that have been found to reduce the risk of mental health and substance abuse problems.
When: Six-week programme on Tuesdays, 6.00pm–8.00pm, starting on Tuesday 15 September until Tuesday 3 November (during Weeks 9–10 of Term 3, and Weeks 1–4 of Term 4).
Where: St Andrew’s College – Preparatory School Library
Booking: email Kate Scott at KSO@stac.school.nz (14 places available)
Cost: $200 for the six-week course and $250 for a couple.
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions, please email KSO@stac.school.nz.
We are delighted to invite our parent community to the final StACTalks event for 2026: StACTalks: Becoming the Best Parent You Can Be with Joseph Driessen.
When: Tuesday 15 September, 7.00pm–9.00pm | Doors open from 6.30pm
Where: Gough Family theatre, Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Leading New Zealand educator and parenting expert, Joseph Driessen, will share practical strategies to help parents build strong relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and support their child's learning and well-being. With more than 40 years of experience working with families and educators, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
This free event has been made possible through the generous support of the St Andrew's College PTA.
We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be a practical and valuable evening.
This event is free and open to all St Andrew's College parents and caregivers.
REGISTER FOR STACTALKS>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>
Delicious Christmas goodies, locally made with the highest quality ingredients. The perfect gift for Christmas or to treat your own family! All proceeds will go towards the PTA 2026 fundraising drive, supporting the StAC Jazz Combo.
More information about each of the PTA’s Christmas Goodies, including the ingredients list, can be found at the order link below. The products on offer this year are:
Closing date for orders: Monday 2 November 2026
Cake collection: Orders must be collected from the Senior School (there is no delivery option) on the following dates:
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.