You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
It is not the difficult events that define us and our character, but rather it is how we choose to respond to such challenges in life that define us and how we grow our character. So, I was very proud last Friday to see our Boys’ 1st XV rugby team deliver such a strong character performance with their 32–3 win over the Combined Selwyn Schools, following tough and closely contested losses in their opening Miles Toyota 1st XV Boys’ Premiership games. It is such responses of courage and commitment that make sporting competitions wonderful opportunities for building teamwork, camaraderie, and personal growth.
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of travelling south to Timaru for our annual Winter Sports exchange with Timaru Boys’ High School, a strong and competitive sporting tradition between these two schools since 1929. My thanks to all our young players, coaches, and managers for these well-contested 13 games over five different sporting codes, and our congratulations to Timaru Boys’ for claiming more of the wins this year. We look forward to hosting them again next year.
After this exchange I visited Waihi School, a Years 4–8 independent school just outside of Timaru, and their new Headmaster. Our schools share key similarities, including both being founded over 100 years ago with Christian character and values, having strong traditions, very active alumni networks, both offering boarding, and Waihi School became co-educational in 2021.
A key cultural feature this term is the annual Canterbury ‘Big Sing’ Secondary Schools Choir Festival, held today at the Christchurch Town Hall. As this weekly newsletter is being sent out to you all, I have the privilege to be attending and hearing our two choirs perform – Stacchorus and Staccoro.
To conclude this week’s message, I would like to restate how the Board’s strategic planning for setting our future strategic direction has included a process of community engagement to gather views and ideas of about what they’d like to see for the future of St Andrew’s College. Through this process we have had a range of focus groups and next week a survey will be sent out to all current parents, staff, and Year 7–13 students. I would ask that you please take the time to share your thoughts and ideas with us. All this input will be collated late in July to help inform the Board’s development of a new Strategic Plan for 2026 and beyond. I will share more on this important work in the coming months.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
June is Pride Month, and this week, the College celebrated a nationwide Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2025. Alongside other well-being initiatives we celebrate as a College, this week aims to affirm rainbow identities and help increase a sense of belonging and reduce the experiences of bullying for rainbow youth. Led by our own Rainbow Group, the College celebrated diversity and put into action our value of inclusivity. The rainbow flag flew proudly on the main flagpole and the library launched their month-long ‘Out on the Shelves’ campaign with a book display, sticker giveaway, and colouring competition. Two former students spoke about their experiences as members of the rainbow community and a chapter of an LGBTQIA+ book was read at First Chapter Thursday. Thursday’s chapel message was delivered by Rev. Paul Morrow, who used the parable of the Good Samaritan and his own experience of a transgender student asking him what Jesus would think of them to explore the idea of inclusivity. He identified three actions we can all take:
Today, staff and students wore colourful accessories, and the Prefects led a ‘dance it out’ session in the quad at lunchtime using LGBTQIA+ artists.
Last Friday, as a pre-Samoan Language Week event, the Pasifika Group performed two Samoan songs for the residents of the Merivale Retirement Village, as well as sharing kai and conversation. During this week, the official Samoan Language Week, the Pasifika Group ran a cookie giveaway in the Cafeteria for anyone using Samoan greetings. They also performed a beautiful song in both the Middle School and Senior College chapel services on Thursday. Special thanks to group leaders, Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12) and Mia Montgomery (Year 13) for running the cookie giveaway, and to Jairo Senio (Year 11) for giving the Call to Worship in chapel in Samoan this week.
Flickr >Last Friday, a group of Year 13 Art, Design and Visual Communications (DVC), and Media students travelled to Wellington to explore future pathways in the creative industries at both Massey and Victoria Universities. Students were introduced to the world of Screen Arts, Communication Design, Spatial Design, Industrial Design, and Architecture. Touring the impressive facilities provided insight into the creative processes that underpin these disciplines. A highlight of the trip was reconnecting with four Old Collegians – Makayla Dai (OC 2023), Lily Hart, Daniel Ruge, and Oscar Reed (all OC 2024) – who generously shared their experiences of university life. From managing workloads to navigating the halls of residence, their reflections offered valuable perspectives to our current students. The day concluded with a visit to Te Papa, which was a first for many of the students. This trip not only broadened students’ understanding of tertiary study options but also sparked excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead in their creative journeys.
On Tuesday evening, the annual alumni basketball game took place, with the alumni roster including 20+ Old Collegians who left the College between 2001–2024. The deep Old Collegian roster got everyone a look in the first quarter, whilst the score remained close. The alumni made their run in the early third quarter, pushing their lead to the mid-teens. Ben Ashman (OC 2024) and Young-Wook Song (OC 2001) led a second-half surge, with the Old Collegians finishing with a win, 93–70, making it five wins in a row.
Flickr >The Year 12 Agribusiness students spent the morning at the Rangiora Vet Centre with the goal to see how the business has adapted over time to continue to have success and viability moving into the future. The class had a tour through the surgery rooms for small animals and then visited the equine centre, which contains some pieces of technology that are not in common use at most vets. The students gained insight on future proofing strategies that will be valuable knowledge for their internal assessment.
We are pleased to share that our annual visit from the drug detection dogs was conducted on Wednesday, and the outcome was entirely positive. The inspection covered both the day school and boarding facilities. This routine visit is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all students. The presence of the detection dogs serves as both a preventative measure and a reassurance to our community that student well-being remains a top priority. We commend our students for upholding the values and standards we strive to maintain, and thank all staff involved in facilitating a smooth and respectful inspection process.
Year 11 Geography students completed their annual trip to the West Coast this week. Despite the challenging weather, the students embraced every learning opportunity with enthusiasm. On the first day, the focus was on understanding the distinct characteristics of natural environments between the west and east coasts. Students also collected sediment data at four sites along the Waimakariri River. On day two, after a drive along the coastal Highway to visit Punakaiki and Trumans Beach, the students delved into the history of the area in Blackball. They also gathered insights from residents about the prospects for the West Coast in central Greymouth. The hot lunch at the Blackball Hilton was a highlight for many. On the final day of the trip, the students walked above the canopy of a temperate rainforest and then headed home via a cold and stormy Arthur's Pass.
A diligent team of Middle School leaders ran this week’s Middle School Assembly. Six DPR Awards were given out, for the value of Honesty. The following students demonstrate this value and show great integrity around the school: Joshua Stewart and Sofia Buckley (both Year 9); Boh Harris and Marika Tavendale (both Year 10); Lucy Norton and Carter Evans (both Year 11). The Year 9 rock band, Lies and Lullabies, captivated the audience with their exceptional talent and dynamic performance. Having recently played in the Rockquest competition, they have earned a place in the regional competition this Saturday. Finally, “hats off” to Cameron Sharpe (Year 11) who bravely asked Sofia Lagais (Year 11) to the upcoming Semi-formal. Thankfully she said yes – brave lad!
RUGBY
The 1st XV rugby team travelled to Ngā Puna Wai on Friday 30 May to play against Selwyn Combined Schools, who came into the game with two impressive wins against St Bede’s College and Christ’s College. The St Andrew’s team anticipated a tough match played in different conditions, under lights on a neutral ground. With a fierce haka from both teams, St Andrew’s made some errors and were penalised for some poor discipline at the breakdown. Selwyn kept attacking fiercely and kicked a penalty. St Andrew’s grew in confidence and played for territory, resulting in a penalty goal by Fynn Harris (Year 13) followed by outstanding tries from the hard running Lachlan Mitchell (Year 12) and the elusive Jett Timbrell (Year 12). At the break, St Andrew’s led 15–3. The second half started with St Andrew’s scoring more points and building momentum. Another penalty by Fynn Harris (Year 13) took the score out past two tries. Some strong tackles from Christian Tanuvasa (Year 13) put Selwyn under pressure. This led to a break by Lachlan Mitchell (Year 12), which set up a spectacular try by Jiutaisa Manumanuniliwa (Year 12), converted again by Fynn Harris (Year 13), who had a strong day off the boot. The final score was 32–3, a good confidence booster ahead of the next match against Nelson College at home.
FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI team celebrated their first victory of the season with an impressive 3–1 win over Hillmorton High School. The team showed determination and spirit right from the opening whistle, pressing high and maintaining possession in key areas. Their efforts paid off with three well-worked goals, showcasing both individual skill and solid teamwork.
The Boys’ 1st XI endured a difficult game against traditional rivals Christ’s College, suffering a 5–1 defeat. Despite a strong start and a spirited first half, the team struggled to contain Christ’s sharp attack and quick transitions. Defensive lapses were punished, and Christ’s clinical finishing left little room for recovery. While the result was disappointing, the match offers valuable lessons for the team as they regroup and look ahead to bouncing back in their next fixture.
NETBALL
On Wednesday, the Senior A team took to the court despite being without several regular players due to school trips. Annette Moody (Year 13) and Gemma Hawker (Year 12) stepped in, ensuring a full playing side. Their support was invaluable in maintaining both team spirit and performance. Facing Cashmere A, the girls steadily built momentum across all four quarters, securing a strong 31–6 win.
SPORTS EXCHANGE
On Tuesday, just over 200 students travelled to compete in our annual Winter Sports Exchange against Timaru Boys’ High School. After the 13 fixtures were completed, Timaru took the victory for 2025 10 matches to 3.
Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 12) and piper Finlay Trewinnard (Year 10) performed at the Rangi Ruru Girls’ Schools Founders’ Day Celebration last Friday. The Pipe Band has supported this event for many years and always receive fantastic feedback.
Over the holiday weekend, many of our Pipe Band members travelled to the annual 113th King's Birthday Solo Piping Championships in Dunedin, achieving several good results.
Sam Payton (Year 9) competed in the South Island Golden Gloves Boxing Championships, held in Blenheim last weekend. Sam won convincingly, securing the Golden Gloves 2025 title by unanimous decision.
A record 14 stories from St Andrew’s students have been longlisted in this year’s National Flash Fiction Day International Writing Competition: Hudson Blyde, Kangwoo Moon (both Year 9), Samuel Hu, Thomas Ambury (both Year 10), Hanxi (Cicy) Chen, Chloe McFedries (both Year 11), Thomas Palmer, Annalie Marshall (both Year 12), Penny Dai, Cooper Harris, and Cooper Gallagher (all Year 13). Shortlists to be announced soon.
On Tuesday, 57 Preparatory School students participated in the Independent Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Cross Country Zones event, held at the Roto Kōhatu Reserve in Harewood. Several students have now qualified for the Canterbury Primary Schools Sports Association (CPSSA) Cross Country on Wednesday 18 June, including Kobe Ford and Kelicia Rui En Purcell (both Year 8) who won their races. All competitors should be proud of their hard work and determination during their 2km or 3km race.
Qualified for the CPSSA Cross Country event:
During the last holiday break, young footballer Indi Haydon-Uren (Year 7) had an unforgettable experience at a training camp hosted by West Ham United. Demonstrating skill, dedication, and enthusiasm, Indi was recognised for her outstanding performance by the U14 West Ham United women’s coach, earning the prestigious Coach’s Choice Award. As a result of her impressive showing, Indi has been selected to attend the West Ham United Australia National Camp this September on the Gold Coast. The intensive four-day camp will provide an incredible opportunity to further develop her football talents alongside some of the best young players in the region.
After two points races in Blenheim and Nelson, Zongze (Aaron) Li (Year 7) took second place in the 2025 40th Central New Zealand Sunbelt Sprint Championships.
At the Otago Centre King’s Birthday Highland Dance Competition in Dunedin, Nayana Abrahamson (Year 3) won Most Points U8, Most Points Highland Dances U8, and won the Otago Championship Sword Dance U8. Iaera Abrahamson (Year 5) won Most Points U10, won the Irish Jig Trophy U10, and won the Otago Championship Highland Fling U10.
Head Prefect, Kate Simcock (Year 13), competed in the 37th New Zealand Schools' National Debating Championships as a member of the Canterbury team. Kate's team consisted of three other students from Burnside High School, St Margaret's College, and Christ's College. They won four of their seven rounds, including a win against Wellington Gold, who later went into the finals. They narrowly missed the semi-finals by a couple of speaker points. The selection into this team, and Kate’s subsequent success at the championships, is testament to her hard work and dedication to debating over her time at St Andrew's College.
Three students have been selected for the U17 New Zealand Youth Flag Football team. Toby Park, William Ballin, and Adam Beaman (all Year 12) will be heading to Los Angeles to compete in an eight-nation tournament.
Alexander Ballin (Year 11) has been selected for the U15 New Zealand Youth Flag Football team.
Gemma Thomas (Year 12) will represent New Zealand as one of 14 Pacific nations competing at the 2025 Oceania Karate Championship in New Caledonia this month. The selection comes after Gemma received her JKF (international) Black Belt in karate in April.
At the 138th AGM of Rowing New Zealand, Peter Midgley (OC 1973) received a Service Award for his decades of dedication to the sport. From launching the South Island Masters regatta to leading at Cure
Boating Club and South Island Rowing, Peter has been a driving force both on and off the water. His hands-on work, leadership, and tireless volunteer efforts have left a lasting mark on the rowing community. His recognition is a testament to an enduring influence across all levels of the sport.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities:
The Christian Church throughout the World celebrates Pentecost this Sunday, and many churches around New Zealand are having a week of prayer. As a Christian College with Presbyterian heritage, we would like to facilitate prayer stations for people to come to the College and participate in. Next week, parents/caregivers, staff, and students are welcome to prayer stations set up in the Centennial Chapel’s reflection room each lunchtime (except for Tuesday), from 12.40pm–1.20pm. A personal prayer request station will be one option. If you have a prayer need or have someone in your life who is going through a tough time, please feel free to come and write down that need. Someone will pray for those needs we collect. Other stations will include prayer for staff and leadership of St Andrew’s, prayer for students, prayer for family and friends in need (light a candle), a Communion station, and prayer of forgiveness and reconciliation (take a pebble and place in water). You can come and engage with one or all the prayer stations, the Chaplaincy team would love to see you.
Join us for an enchanting evening at the Ballet Winter Showcase. Our Secondary School Ballet Academy dancers will perform a captivating collection of their current pieces. This event includes Performance Awards, NCEA dances, and a special premiere of a collaborative new work with Neve Pierce (Royal New Zealand Ballet, Dance Educator). Our Junior and Intermediate Company dancers from the Preparatory School will also showcase their new repertoire.
The first planting of the year is Sunday 15 June, 3 Chimera Cres and 25 Atlantis St, Red Zone near QEII. Please join us, Eco Action, and help our students and their communities plant 5000 native trees and plants they have grown. It is a great atmosphere with heaps of fellow student and parent enthusiasts. Please bring some drinking water, gloves, solid footwear, and your favourite spade if you have one. There will be 400 spades on site, so everyone can help. The more the merrier. Help our community help itself by developing this community asset that will last for generations to come. The grown forest will provide habitat and food for native birds and lizards as well as sequester carbon to help with global climate change. It is also quite fun to plant a few plants. Hope to see you there.
This is the first of four plantings that will see 20,000 locally sourced, student grown, native plants and trees in the ground at 3 Chimera and 25 Atlantis St. The 28 organisations/schools who have grown plants currently are St Michael’s Church School, Rawhiti School, Shirley Boys’ High School, Avonside Girls’ High School, St Andrew's College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School, He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate School, Christchurch Girls’ High School, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Tuia Burnside Primary School, St Margaret's College, The Cathedral Grammar School, Te Kura Mareko Casebrook Intermediate, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Christ's College, Medbury School, Riccarton High School, St Peters School Beckenham, Student Volunteer Army – The University of Canterbury, Charles Upham Retirement Village, Richmond Community Garden, St Martins School, Ouruhia Model School, The River Christian Church and Kevin Hickman Retirement Village have also joined us.
Eco Action Nursery Trust Social Media >
Eco Action Nursery Trust Website >
The following 2025 school photographs are now available to purchase online:
Details of how to order the photographs can be found on our website using the button 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
For any illness, students should stay home if unwell. Any student should also feel free to wear a mask if they wish to do so while at school.
For any absence, whether ill-health (including COVID-19) or otherwise, the College’s preferred platform for reporting this is via our online form which can be found at the button below:
If you are not able to report your child's absence using the online form, please report their absence via the relevant email address below. If you cannot get through to us via the form or email, please call our attendance line on +64 3 940 2031 (term time only).
The Community Business Directory is on our website and represents over 100 parent businesses. Please take a look at how many businesses you can support locally.
The St Andrew's College Community Business Directory >
If you would still like to register your business, complete the following form.
Community Business Directory Registration >
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
