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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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It has been such an exciting and creative time at the Preparatory School as we approach the end of Term 3. I find it hard to believe how quickly the term has passed.
Over recent weeks, we have seen creativity expressed in many different ways across our school community. One area that has particularly impressed me has been the confidence and skill demonstrated by our Years 5–8 students during speech presentations. Today, 12 students have taken part in the preliminary Rotary Speech Competition at Heaton Intermediate. The quality of speaking, preparation and passion students have brought to their topics has been outstanding. We look forward to sharing more next week, with the finals due to take place on Monday.
I was also fortunate to experience my first Pre-school Art Exhibition. This year's Botanical Wonderland theme showcased the imagination, confidence and creativity of our youngest learners. The exhibition, 'Where Imagination Grows', was a wonderful celebration of student learning, and it was lovely to see so many families enjoying the work on display.
Another highlight was attending our recent PERMA-V Parent Evening, where our Year 1–3 teachers shared the practical ways they are helping students develop an understanding of well-being. It was wonderful to see so many parents and whānau attending and engaging with this important area of learning.
Creativity was also on display through the Junior Department's 'Hidden Words, Meaningful Messages' art project, where students incorporated words such as hope, joy, love and courage into their artwork. Shared during Chapel, the project encouraged students to reflect on the importance of using kind and thoughtful words and the impact they can have on others.
In the same chapel service, we were treated to a performance by our orchestra, who performed a piece by Dr John Emeleus for the first time, alongside a stunning vocal performance by Chloe McFedries (Year 12). Moments such as these highlight the depth of talent across our College community and provide wonderful inspiration for our younger students.
As we approach the end of term, I would like to remind families that our End of Term Assembly will be held on Friday 25 September at 10.50am, with prize recipients being notified later this week. We are also looking ahead to our much-loved Grandparents' Day on Friday 23 October, which is always a special opportunity to welcome extended whānau into our school community.
Finally, congratulations to all of our Speech and Drama students who have completed examinations in recent weeks, and to our talented dancers who performed in the St Andrew's College Dance Revue, The Greatest Show. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, preparation and courage shown by these students.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to celebrating the conclusion of another successful term with you all.
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").
Last week, Year 8 students took part in an exciting Mathematical Investigation Inquiry called Geocity. Working as architects, engineers, and city planners, they designed and constructed a city from scratch using their knowledge of geometry, measurement and teamwork. Students planned their city, considered key infrastructure and created detailed designs using scales, metric measurements and geometric shapes. They then brought their ideas to life by constructing three-dimensional buildings, and exploring the connections between two-dimensional plans and three-dimensional models. This investigation provided a valuable opportunity for students to apply their mathematical understanding in a real-world context. Along the way, they strengthened their skills in geometry, mapping, measurement, problem-solving and communication. The project also reflected our commitment to the PERMA-V framework. Students experienced Engagement as they immersed themselves in the design process, built positive Relationships through teamwork and collaboration, found Meaning in creating a shared community and celebrated a strong sense of
In Year 8 e-Learning this term, ākonga have been exploring digital citizenship, with a focus on learning how to stay safe online. To showcase their understanding, they have been creating stop-motion movies that promote positive online safety messages. The project has involved planning storyboards, designing backdrops, creating characters, and filming in pairs. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in action. We look forward to viewing and celebrating the completed movies together soon.
Over the past term, Year 5 students have taken part in a Rocket Challenge, exploring the big science idea that forces affect how things move. Through a series of hands-on investigations, students discovered how pushes, pulls, gravity, and air resistance influence the motion of rockets. Throughout the unit, students worked as both scientists and engineers. From testing balloon rockets and investigating different fin designs to exploring how nose cone shapes affect flight, each lesson provided opportunities to carry out fair tests and collect data. Students learned that changing one variable at a time helps scientists gather reliable evidence and identify patterns in their results. We were fortunate to have Year 8 students join us during the project, supporting the Year 5 learners with rocket construction, sharing ideas, and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
The highlight of the unit was testing and improving their own water rockets. In teams, students used evidence from their investigations to refine their designs and improve performance. On launch day, Year 6 students assisted with the rocket launches on the bottom field, drawing on their own experiences from participating in the Rocket Challenge the last year. Their support helped the event run smoothly and gave students the opportunity to confidently test their rockets. We were incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm, teamwork, creativity, and resilience shown throughout the project, as well as the positive mentoring relationships that developed across three year levels.
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In Novel Study, both Year 4 classes have been reading The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl. The children have delighted in uncovering Dahl’s wonderfully quirky “gobblefunk” words and exploring the unusual and often surprising moments from his life. Our Research Skills Group in 4S unearthed some remarkable facts: Roald Dahl served as a fighter pilot in World War II, survived a dramatic crash landing in the Libyan desert, and was eventually laid to rest with a collection of his favourite possessions – a snooker cue, a bottle of Burgundy, chocolate, HB pencils, and even a power saw. As part of this unit, the students have been crafting imaginative Dream Jar recipes inspired by the story. Next week, after watching the BFG movie, they will decorate and fill their own Dream Jars, bringing their creative ideas to life.
Junior Department families were invited to an engaging and informative PERMA-V Information Evening on Monday. The session featured presentations from members of our Junior Department teaching team, student leaders from the Secondary School, and Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, who shared insights into the PERMA-V framework and its role in supporting student well-being. Families were introduced to practical strategies for nurturing the six pillars of PERMA-V at home and learned more about how well-being is embedded within our school programme. The evening provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school in supporting our children's emotional, social, and academic growth.
Thank you to all families who attended and contributed to the evening's positive atmosphere. Families who were unable to attend have received a copy of the PERMA-V booklet developed by Kerry Larby, which outlines the framework and offers practical ideas for continuing well-being conversations and practices at home.
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The AIMS Games once again provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to test themselves against some of the best intermediate-aged athletes in New Zealand, with more than 460 schools and 14,500 athletes taking part. Beyond the results, the tournament provided valuable lessons in teamwork, independence and resilience. Our football and hockey players learned how to function as part of a tournament environment, supporting one another on and off the field, making lunches, helping with daily chores, and managing the demands of a busy competition schedule. The camaraderie between the two teams was a highlight, with the footballers enthusiastically supporting the hockey side through spirited chants and renditions of the College Song, while Mixed hockey captain, Patrick Glover (Year 8) proudly piped both teams onto the field at various stages of the tournament. On the pitch, our Mixed hockey team produced an exceptional performance, finishing 11th out of 57 teams, the highest placing achieved by a St Andrew’s Mixed hockey side at AIMS. Our football team faced a particularly challenging pool and narrowly missed the opportunity to progress higher in the draw, but responded by winning four of their final five matches, demonstrating tremendous character, determination and growth throughout the week.
We also celebrate several encouraging individual performances. In swimming, Lilly Mackie (Year 7) and Bozan Wang (Year 8) delivered superb results against the country’s top young swimmers, making finals, finishing in the top 8. Tristan Bi (Year 7) represented the College in golf, improving as the week progressed, while Cole Butler (Year 7) became our first ever competitor in the BMX competition. Collectively, our athletes embodied the spirit of the AIMS Games, embracing the challenge of high-level competition while representing St Andrew’s College with pride, commitment and enthusiasm.
Flickr>Archie Gordon (Year 7) represented Canterbury at the Regional U13 Hockey Festival in Timaru over the weekend, playing four games in the Year 7 Boys’ tournament.
Liam Botha (Year 5) competed at the 2026 Selwyn Spring Classic, where he broke the Canterbury Short Course Record for Boys 9 Years & Under in the 100m Butterfly, swimming an impressive time of 1:18.90.
Sophia Xu (Year 3), Ismay Bi (Year 4), and Jessica Whitehead (Year 8) have had their poems published on the NZ Poetry Box website in response to the August poetry challenge inspired by the book He Aha Te Mea Nui? What Matters Most? The challenge invited young poets across New Zealand to reflect on the question and write a poem in response. Ismay was one of three entries to receive a copy of He Aha Te Mea Nui?.
Our Year 4 students recently enjoyed their very first school camp at Woodend, an exciting milestone. Set in a fantastic outdoor environment at Woodend Christian Camp, students challenged themselves and built confidence through a wide range of activities, including the zipline, go-carting, disc golf, air rifles, archery, the ever-popular aero jump – and plenty of time exploring the playground with friends. These experiences provided valuable opportunities for teamwork, resilience, independence and fun beyond the classroom.
A special thank you to our wonderful camp parents for generously giving their time and support. Your assistance with supervising students and helping with daily camp routines, including mealtimes and camp duties, helped make this experience possible. The camp was a fantastic success, and the children returned home with many great memories, new skills and plenty of stories to share.
As part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), Year 6 ākonga proudly shared their learning with our Pre-school tamariki, showcasing the waiata, poi, rākau and haka they have been preparing for the upcoming Tūhono Festival. This special opportunity celebrated te reo Māori and tikanga Māori while strengthening connections across our College community. Following the performance, the Pre-school children learned alongside their tuakana, enthusiastically trying basic poi and rākau movements. It was wonderful to see our older students demonstrating leadership and confidence while fostering a sense of connection and shared learning across generations of learners.
Flickr>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.
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.