You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
A very warm welcome to the start of Term 3, and the second half of this school year. There is a lot to look forward to this term, including StAC Attack (Sunday 27 July), Winter Sports Tournament Week (Week 7), the Senior College Formal (Saturday 16 August) and a range of cultural events such as Film Fest (Week 5) and Dance Revue (Week 6).
We are pleased with the very positive and affirming responses from across our community to the decision to move the three-week holidays from September (Term 3–4 break) into July (Term 2–3 break) from 2026. See the 2026 term dates on our website by clicking here.
This last holiday break, many of our students were performing at various South Island sporting championships, including our talented trap shooters competing in Invercargill, and here in Christchurch a team of cyclists at the Road Race, and Year 9 and 10 netball teams. In addition, our U15 Boys’ hockey team competed in the Tanner Cup in Hamilton. It was great to see all these young people perform so well across these sporting codes, as reported in the articles below.
Thank you to everyone who responded to our strategic survey at the end of last term, as part of our process to gather the views and ideas from our community. This process included the surveys and focus groups of key stakeholders. The Board has a strategic session this Saturday, 19 July, to analyse this information and identify the key themes and messages from our community, as we then start to develop our new Strategic Plan for 2026 and beyond.
Here are some key points of interest that have come from this community engagement:
This term has started well, including on Monday with the valuable time for professional learning undertaken by our Preparatory School teachers, on further developing our impactful work on structured literacy and numeracy, and our essential Parent-Teacher Conferences held within the Secondary School.
All the very best for this exciting new school term ahead.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
On Saturday 28 June, St Andrew’s College celebrated Rugby Club Day with all teams playing at St Andrew’s throughout the day. The weather leading into this event had been very wet, and the pitches were heavy underfoot. Despite the conditions, an enthusiastic crowd of supporters gathered, and the hospitality was in full swing with a BBQ for all guests and teams. The Rugby Club Committee worked hard to make this day as enjoyable and hospitable as possible. Rugby games took place from 9.30am, through to the 1st XV game at 2.45pm. The 1st XV fixture against St Thomas of Canterbury College ended with a 5–55 loss for St Andrew’s after a physical game. St Andrew’s started well and retained the ball for several phases to build good early pressure. However, St Thomas had a solid defence that was resilient and well organised. Newly capped players included Henry Tayler, Beau Robertson (both Year 12) and Beau Hopkinson (Year 13), in what was a special moment for them and their families.
Flickr >The Year 9 and 10 netball teams delivered exceptional performances at the 2025 Junior South Island Netball Tournament, held indoors at Ngā Puna Wai over the holidays. The Year 9 team started strong with unbeaten pool play, claiming wins over Rangiora High School, James Hargest College, and Timaru Girls’ High School. They maintained momentum into the playoffs and in the semi-final, they met Christchurch Girls’ High School and put together a dominant display to secure their spot in the final. Facing a well-drilled Columba College team, the team fought hard and finished as runners-up, placing second in the South Island out of 32 teams. The Year 10 netball team won all their pool matches against St Hilda’s Collegiate School, St Kevin’s College, and Nayland College. In the playoff rounds, they produced a further three high-quality wins to reach the semi-finals. There, they faced a strong Columba College side and were beaten 25–41 in a physical encounter. In the third/fourth playoff, the girls took on Marlborough Girls’ High School in another close game, finishing fourth out of 32 teams.
Flickr >
The trap shooting team travelled to Invercargill for the South Island Secondary Schools’ Trapshooting Championships, followed the next day by the Scott Shield Intercollegiate Southland shoot. The first day started well for St Andrew’s despite rainy conditions, with Josh van Asch (Year 12) 24/25 and Lucie Hood (Year 13) 23/25 both placing second in the skeet event in the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, respectively. Lucie combined with Kurt Lilly (Year 12) to place third in the Open Pair’s skeet. In ‘Down the Line,’ Lucie Hood placed second in the Girls’ points score, Harry Pitts (Year 12) placed fourth in the Boys’ competition, and Lucie Hood placed fifth in the Girls’ Fish and Game Trophy Single Rise. Six of the team then travelled to Nightcaps for the Scott Shield team competition. Ethan Higgs (Year 13), Josh van Asch, and Harry Pitts scored 9/10 in the single barrel. Harry Pitts scored 19/20 in Single rise, with Ethan Higgs 55/60, and Josh van Asch 52/60 in points score.
During the first week of the school holidays, the St Andrew’s College Under 15 Boys’ hockey team travelled to Hamilton to compete in the prestigious Tanner Cup tournament, featuring 18 school teams from across the country. The tournament kicked off with two challenging pool games on Sunday. In the opening match against hosts St Paul’s Collegiate, St Andrew’s struck early to take a 1–0 lead. However, sustained pressure from St Paul’s saw them eventually take the win 4–2. The boys then faced Wellington College, narrowly going down 3–2. These results placed St Andrew’s in the bottom six for the remainder of the tournament. Despite this, the team showed resilience and growth in their following matches. Against Rotorua Boys’ High School, the boys dominated large stretches of play, but were unable to convert further chances, finishing with a 3–3 draw. Against Hamilton Boys’ High School, again St Andrew’s took an early lead before conceding late to draw 1–1. In the final match, a playoff for 15th/16th place against King’s College, the boys once again went ahead early, only for King’s to equalise late in the game, resulting in a third draw (1–1). While the results didn’t always reflect the effort and skill shown on the field, the tournament was a valuable learning experience for this development team.
The Preparatory School held a Sport Medley Holiday Camp in the first week of the holidays, attended by 30 students from Years 1–8. With 15 sports over five days, it was a great way to encourage physical activity in the holiday break. Thank you to Alex Kelley, Isaac Leota, Belinda Field-Dodgson, and Grace Vincent Parr (OC 2024) for providing this opportunity for the Preparatory School students.
The South Island School Road Championships took place at the end of the holidays at Ruapuna Motorsport Park. In the 3.5km individual time trial, Katalina Williams (Year 9) placed eighth, Alice Glover (Year 9) 10th in the U15 Girls’, and William Pringle (Year 12) fifth place in the highly competitive U20 Boys’. The road race on Sunday saw Katalina take seventh place, 13th for Alice over 4.5 laps (16km), and William sixth in a sprint finish after 11 laps (38.5km).
The Senior and the Junior Jazz Bands have both been accepted to the prestigious Young Jazz Band-it competition in Wellington at the end of Term 3. Only 10 bands nationally are selected for this competition from video auditions. The band will also take part in the MusicWorks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa (MEFA) competition, so they will have a busy but enjoyable time competing against the best secondary school jazz bands in the country.
Audition Video >
NETBALL
At the beginning of the term break, the Senior A netball team played against a strong University of Canterbury A team. UC A secured the win, taking the lead in the final quarter with a final score of 52–47.
Last weekend, the team played St Margaret's College in a spirited match. Despite a strong start and determined effort from our players, St Margaret's quickly pulled ahead, leading 14–7 at the end of the first quarter. The girls fought hard to close the gap, but St Margaret’s consistent accuracy widened the margin to secure a decisive 50–32 win.
BASKETBALL
With no Whelan or Thomson Trophy games on the schedule this week, our first ‘Day Students v Boarders’ basketball took place. The boarders were heavily favoured going into the game, however the depth and resolve of the day students helped them battle back from a double-digit deficit to take the win.
FOOTBALL
The Boys 1st XI battled to a hard fought 2–2 draw against Rangiora High School in a competitive fixture. Despite going behind early, the team showed great resilience, equalising before half-time and taking the lead midway through the second half. Rangiora responded with a late goal to level the match. A solid team performance with moments of quality and determination from the boys.
The Girls 1st XI lost 1–4 against a strong Rangiora High School. Despite the scoreline, the team showed good spirit and managed to get on the scoresheet with a well-worked goal in the second half. Rangiora's clinical finishing proved the difference, but the team will take valuable lessons forward.
Zongze (Aaron) Li (Year 7) won first place in the VMR category at the 2025 KartSport New Zealand National Schools Championship in the Bay of Plenty, representing the College. This is the largest annual karting competition between schools in the country.
Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 11) represented the College with distinction at the University of Canterbury on the final day of Term 2, competing against top Year 11 students from across the South Island. Her outstanding performance earned her an impressive second place finish, an exceptional achievement. Brain Bee is an international neuroscience competition designed to inspire Year 11 students to explore the brain and its functions, discover the latest advances in neuroscience research, challenge misconceptions about neurological and mental health conditions, and learn about the exciting career pathways in brain science.
Hadassah Timo (Year 12) was one of 20 Youth Press Gallery members chosen to participate in the New Zealand Youth Parliament, covering proceedings over three days. The Youth Parliament is held once per parliamentary term, with each MP choosing a young person from their electorate to act as a Youth MP and simulate Parliament.
Tavé Stuart (Year 13) made it to the final of the South Island Ballet Award (SIBA), out of 48 senior dancers. She danced Aurora’s Wedding Variation from The Sleeping Beauty, and a neoclassical solo choreographed by Abigail Boyle. As a finalist, Tavé has been invited to attend the Annette Roselli Dance Academy in Australia for a one-week international summer seminar.
Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) and Sam Foote (Year 12) travelled to Wellington at the end of June to compete in the annual Wellington Pipers' Club Brown Cup and Everest Memorial Piobaireachd competition. Both students had strong performances, with Maggie winning fourth place overall in the Brown Cup for March, Strathspey and Reel, Slow Air, Jig, and Hornpipe.
Two students entered the British High Commission’s recent Youth Photography Competition. For young people aged 14–24 in the Canterbury region, the aim was to submit a single photograph that creatively expresses their view of the relationship between Christchurch and the United Kingdom. Samuel Edwards (Year 13) won the competition with his photo of a British Jaguar car parked in front of vibrant street art in central Christchurch and Harry Simmons (Year 13) placed second.
A group of students competed in the Christchurch Speech and Drama Competitions in the July school holidays. Competitors had fun and showed a high standard of performance and presentation skills, participating wholeheartedly in this public event. It takes courage to face an audience as a solo performer and students, parents and caregivers, and teachers can be very pleased with the results.
A group of students saw success at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships held at Cashmere High School over the term break, gaining national titles and rankings. Around 240 competitors from throughout the country participated.
Hadassah Timo (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand U18 North Rugby Squad.
The Canterbury U18 Girls’ hockey team had a hugely successful week at the National U18 Women's Championship, going undefeated and claiming the national title with a 2–0 win over Hawke’s Bay in the final. Four students were key contributors to the result, playing influential roles: Annabelle Barker, Olivia Ratcliffe (both Year 12), Kate Simcock, and Sophia Voice (both Year 13).
Several students represented Canterbury at the Foot Locker Nationals for U16 and U18 Basketball in Wellington over the term break. The Canterbury A team, featuring Maniah Taefu (Year 11), Hayley Stowell, Sophie Schouten (both Year 10) and Maiyah Martin (Year 9) won the U16 National Championship. Maniah and Maiyah were both named to the All-Star 5, and Maiyah was also named tournament MVP. Zara Kleindyk (Year 11), Holly Radford and Jack Wilkins (both Year 10) also participated as part of other representative teams. In the U18 Nationals, the Canterbury team, including Oliver Kirk (Year 11) won the national title. Jai Curtis (Year 11) also represented Canterbury at this event. The Canterbury Girls’ U18 team included Ava Jones, Nadia De Thierry (both Year 12), Rosie Gaffaney and Hannah Radford (both Year 11) and finished in second place. Ava Jones (Year 12) and Rosie Gaffaney (Year 11) were both named to the All-Star 5.
Rally driver Jack Stokes (OC 2019) has been named the winner of the Bruce McLaren Trophy for 2025. Jack was the top performer at the Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand camp in Dunedin, standing out during a tough week of training, workshops, and challenges.
Siara Clarke (OC 2024) competed at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships in 18 Years and Over. She gained a 3rd National Ranking and won two individual Championship titles: Sean Triubhas and Reel O’Tulloch.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
Term 3 will see all students who are returning next year make their academic course selections for 2026. A series of events, presentations and the publication of the annual online Curriculum information will take place during the first half of this term, leading up to the deadline for students’ selections on Wednesday 20 August. On Friday 8 August, 3.40pm–5.00pm, we will run our annual Course Selection Expo in Gym 1, at which time several staff representing the different subject areas will be available to meet informally with students and their parents/caregivers to talk about the nature of courses next year.
This annual event is for students in Years 10–12, and both students and their parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend. The conversations with staff are invaluable in the decision-making process for students. Please note that along with the academic course selection process, students who are returning in 2026 will also be making their co-curricular selections in the above timeframe.
As part of the College’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, we recently recorded another online session in our StACTalks series, focusing on the signs and symptoms of concussion. We were privileged to welcome two expert speakers: Jeremey Caunt, Clinical Psychologist at the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, and Bridget Ford, Director of the Christchurch Headache Clinic. Watch the video for Bridget and Jeremey’s valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatment of concussion injuries, – helping students, staff, and parents/caregivers better understand this important health issue.
Watch the StACTalks: Concussion – Signs and Symptoms video >
In this brief informational video, our School Registered Nurse, Josie Gunning, outlines the St Andrew’s College procedures for parents/caregivers, coaches, and whānau to follow when a student is suspected of sustaining a concussion, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care. Please also see the following resources on concussion management:
Read our policy on Managing Injuries and Illness by clicking here.
Read the Guidelines for Managing Head Injuries by clicking here.
Watch the StACTalks: Concussion Procedures at St Andrew's College video >Please join us during Cultural Week 2025 for the annual St Andrew’s College Film Fest! This is a fun, family-friendly event where we celebrate our talented student filmmakers. Come along to enjoy their creative work and show your support. We encourage everyone coming along to get into the spirit of Film Fest by dressing up in your favourite sci-fi costume! Awards will be presented for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Actor/Actress, and more, including some exciting spot prizes.
When: Tuesday 12 August 2025, from 7.00pm
Venue: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Dress code: Come dressed as your favourite sci-fi character!
Please register your attendance in advance via the link below. Online registration is free and helps with event planning. Alternatively, walk-ins are also welcome on the night, with entry by gold coin donation at the door (proceeds to Qtopia).
Register in advance online >
In support of the Boarders’ Assembly on Friday 1 August, the Agriculture Committee will once again hold Gumboot Day to support and raise money for youth mental health charity, ‘I am Hope’. Students and staff can wear (clean) gumboots to school. The gumboots are to be worn with the children’s school uniform. Wristbands will be available this year for $2.00 each, pay by cash or EFTPOS.
Donate online >
Join us for the 2025 StAC Ag Show on Thursday 21 August. Students at all year levels can enter several fun categories, such as baking, art, flower arrangements, and Lego creations, with ribbons awarded for first to third place in each category. Some incredible grand prizes are available, including an animal care package from Rangiora Vet Centre for the animal categories, as well as prizes in the plant and food, and art and photography categories. There will be several raffles on offer, and anyone who enters may be in to win a spot prize! There is something for everyone at this free, A&P Show-inspired event. Come along to Gym 1 to experience all the art, baking, and pet entries, as well as the petting zoo – get set for a day of agricultural fun!
To enter your child(ren) into the StAC Ag Show, please complete the relevant entry form(s) below:
Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2025! A St Andrew’s College Pipe Band event at the prestigious Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre, this highly anticipated showcase guarantees an unforgettable evening of traditional Scottish entertainment.
Immerse yourself in the rich harmonics of the bagpipes, the infectious beat of the drums, and the flair of the Highland dancers as they take the stage. With talented St Andrew's College students from Years 4–13 showcasing their skills, StAC Attack promises to be an action-packed performance.
Be a part of the magic at StAC Attack 2025!
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.
