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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
StAC Attack on Sunday afternoon in the James Hay Theatre (Christchurch Town Hall) was a stunning start to this week and a great celebration of Scottish culture. This was my first attendance at this wonderful showcase that included our Pipe Band, Highland dancing, and other items – including the Address to a Haggis delivered by Noah Fanene (Year 13), who also performed a powerful rendition of the traditional Scottish folk song The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond. As double gold medal winners from this year’s New Zealand Championships, our St Andrew’s College Pipe Band showed their class in this hugely entertaining extravaganza of our Scottish heritage and culture.
StAC Attack Flickr >
At the start of this week, I joined class 10H at Castle Hill for their weeklong camp. This term, one Year 10 class at a time attends camp staying in the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge. I enjoyed joining in with the students’ team-building activities and settling into their camp, under the professional expertise of Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre Operations Manager, Jo Parsons, and her team. Weather permitting, the Year 10 camp includes activities such as skiing and building snow caves, which students then sleep in overnight.
This unique outdoor education opportunity is an incredible educational experience, and often one of the many positive schooling memories I hear our Old Collegians fondly recalling at events, as they did at last weekend’s 40 Years On Reunion – which was wonderfully organised by our Alumni Manager Lisa Clark.
The last two days of this week saw St Andrew’s College co-host with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School the annual gathering for the Presbyterian Schools’ Conference. This event is another strong connection to our Scottish and Christian foundation, with the Presbyterian Church’s origins going back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century in Scotland. It was the Presbyterian Minister Rev. Alexander T Thompson whose vision founded our College. This conference was a wonderful opportunity for all New Zealand Presbyterian schools to gather, to learn from inspiring speakers, and strengthen relationships through our common Christian faith.
A highlight of this conference for me was the performances from our students, including an impressive Preparatory School kapa haka performance at the opening mihi whakatau (welcoming). Kate Simcock (Head Prefect), supported by Daniel Officer (Year 13) and Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 11), gave an outstanding address to the conference on ‘Sustainability Practice at St Andrew’s College’. The delegates also enjoyed some high-quality entertainment at the conference dinner last night by members of the College’s Big Band, Pasifika Group, an inspiring address from Mia Montgomery (Year 13), and Noah Fanene (Year 13), supported by Piper Sam Foote (Year 12), performed the Address to a Haggis.
Special thanks to our Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, for his organisational work around us hosting this year’s conference.
Presbyterian Schools’ Conference Flickr >
This morning was our annual Boarders’ Assembly, traditionally led by our Year 13 boarders, and in recent years focused on promoting youth mental health through supporting ‘Gumboot Friday’. This fun and entertaining assembly is always a great celebration of our boarding community, which has been a special part of the College since its foundation. Judi and I have very fond memories from when we ran a boys’ boarding house at St Peter’s School, a co-educational independent school in Cambridge. We appreciate the strong and lasting friendships that can be created within boarding, as very evident at our Old Collegian reunions.
Rector’s Assembly Address >
Student Morning Comment >
Boarders’ Assembly and Gumboot Friday Flickr >
This week’s edition of Rector’s Comment once again outlines so many of the amazing opportunities and experiences our students have at St Andrew’s. I look forward to continuing to see and meet parents cheering from the sidelines, applauding those on stage, and seeing our young people working hard in developing their talents and hanging out around our beautiful campus with their friends.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
A huge thank you to all families who have already donated to this year’s Annual Giving appeal. As you know, St Andrew’s is committed to leading the way in sustainability and innovation. With only a few hours to go, you can still make a difference in the lives of others by donating towards our solar panel initiative.
Make a Donation
The school came together in support of Gumboot today, raising awareness and funds for youth mental health. Olivia Glass and Charlize Smith (both Year 13) led the initiative in assembly by briefly pausing the StAC Unplugged rules, allowing students to text 'Boots' to 469 and donate $3.00. Secondary students who showed proof of donation in the Quad received either a small chocolate or a wristband, adding a fun incentive to the cause. The Pre-school and Preparatory School embraced the spirit of the day by wearing gumboots, allowing them to enjoy the rainy weather, and creating a cheerful and united atmosphere across campus. The event saw strong participation from all year levels and highlighted the College’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives in a meaningful and engaging way.
Donate online >During the last term break, several St Andrew’s College staff engaged in professional learning opportunities. In this blog post, Head of Well-being Kerry Larby reflects on key themes shared by global presenters at the World Congress of Positive Psychology – and how these insights connect to our ongoing work in well-being at St Andrew’s.
Read the Well-being Blog >
To encourage reading in the Secondary School, ‘First Chapter Thursday’ takes place fortnightly in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, providing an opportunity for staff and students to share excerpts from books they've enjoyed. This week saw Assistant Head of Middle School, Liz Gormack, sharing a chapter from Jaws, the novel famously adapted as a film classic, which turns 50 this year. Other readings have celebrated New Zealand Sign Language Week, Pink Shirt Day, Samoan Language Week, Schools Pride Week, and the NBA draft. Upcoming readings will include New Zealand Fashion Week, and a well-being reading before examination leave for our Years 11–13 students.
The College hosted rugby legend, Richie Mo’unga (OC 2012) earlier this week, as he returned to St Andrew’s to offer encouragement and insights to our 1st XV players ahead of their Plate final game against St Thomas of Canterbury College. Richie talked about strategies to deal with pressure, and how to build confidence.
Last Sunday, seven members of the student Sustainability Council took part in the third EcoAction Nursery Trust community planting day for 2025. They joined with 350 community volunteers to plant 5000 native plants in under two hours, focusing on restoring a section where previous seedlings experienced low survival rates due to frost. Participation in the EcoAction Nursery Trust is the Sustainability Council’s flagship initiative, and it also provides an opportunity for students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. This project supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action, through long-term carbon sequestration. Over time, the plants cultivated and planted by our students will contribute to a thriving ecological corridor, encouraging native birdlife to return to the Christchurch city centre.
BASKETBALL
The Senior Girls’ team hosted Rangiora High School on Tuesday night. After a shaky start, the girls pulled ahead, maintaining a double-figure lead throughout the remainder of the game. Maniah Taefu (Year 11) had a double-double to lead the team to a 20-point win.
The Senior Boys’ basketball team travelled to Hillmorton High School for an away game. Roma Tuimaunei (Year 12) and Oliver Kirk (Year 11) kept the score close in a back-and-forth game. With the home crowd behind them, Hillmorton pulled away in the final quarter to take the win.
HOCKEY
The Boys’ 1st XI took to the field in Round 9 of the South Island Secondary School (SSP) Championship against Shirley Boys’ High School. Within the first five minutes, the boys took an early 1–0 lead. Shirley’s defence held firm despite St Andrew’s dominating possession throughout the first half. Shirley capitalised on a penalty corner to level the score at 1–1, but after half-time, two quick goals saw St Andrew’s surge ahead 3–1, securing the win.
The Girls’ 1st XI played Christchurch Girls’ High School on Friday. Annabelle Barker (Year 12) and Sophia Voice (Year 13) both scored, followed by Olivia Ratcliffe (Year 12) taking a penalty corner to further the score to 3–0 at the start of the fourth quarter. The final goal came from Sophie Lampe (Year 10) at the end of the fourth quarter, sealing a 4–0 win.
RUGBY
The Boys’ 1st XV travelled north to play Nelson College in the quarter final of the Miles Toyota Cup. St Andrew's started well and built some good early pressure but failed to score. Nelson defended very well, with strong kicking, leading the game 0–21 at half-time. Oliver Jackways (Year 12) scored a good try, converted by Fynn Harris (Year 13). Nelson continued to force errors, applying pressure with line speed and capitalising on mistakes. St Andrew’s showed resilience until the final whistle, with Lachlan Mitchell (Year 12) scoring late in the game. The final score was 47–12 to Nelson College.
FOOTBALL
The Boys’ 1st XI delivered a commanding performance in their 7–1 victory over Rolleston College. The team dominated possession, with sharp passing and intelligent movement. The attacking unit shared goals across several players. Defensively, they were disciplined and composed, limiting Rolleston to few opportunities. It was a confident display that reflects the team’s strong form and growing momentum.
Despite a spirited effort, the Girls’ 1st XI fell 1–4 to a well-organised Christchurch Girls’ High School. The team displayed resilience throughout the match, with moments of good combination play and determination on both ends of the pitch. A well-taken goal gave St Andrew’s a boost, but Girls’ High capitalised on their chances and maintained control in key moments to take the win.
NETBALL
On Thursday night in the Premier 2 competition, the Senior A team faced Technical B in a tightly contested match. The game began with both sides trading goals evenly. By the third quarter, Technical B had edged ahead, leading by four goals. St Andrew’s rallied in the final quarter, closing the gap and bringing the score level, however, Technical B took the win 49–47. Saturday’s game against Technical C was a steady and well-managed performance. The final score of 59–35 reflected a solid team effort and disciplined play, with good communication evident across the court. Wednesday’s game against Villa Maria College was closely contested, with St Andrew’s gaining an early lead, thanks to steady defence and consistent play. Villa Maria evened the score in the third quarter, and in the final quarter St Andrew’s regained momentum to earn a 25–20 win.
St Andrew’s College was represented by five swimmers at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships in Hamilton. Their unity, encouragement of others, and their commitment to giving their best earned the St Andrew’s team the prestigious Altogether Better Award, which celebrates outstanding teamwork and dedication. The team also delivered strong performances across both individual and team relay events, with numerous personal bests and Top 10 national finishes.
Ethan Waines (Year 9) passed his Trinity Grade 7 French Horn examination in May, with Distinction. Ethan has also been selected to join the New Zealand Opera and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra playing French Horn in the opera, Monster in the Maze, in September. He will perform in the Banda; a special brass ensemble featured on stage.
Hudson Blyde and Benjamin Yu (both Year 9) have been awarded Elite badges in the Education Perfect English Championship.
In the International EJCA Spring Haiku Contest 2025, Heidi Smith (Year 11) was runner up in the Young Poet category.
In the 2025 New Zealand Poetry Society International Poetry Competition, several students received acclaim and will have their poems published in the New Zealand Poetry Society (NZPS) 2025 Anthology.
Last Friday, 10 Sustainability Council students took part in the 2025 Speaking for the Planet Competition, held at Tūranga, which is jointly run by Sustainable Ōtautahi Christchurch and Environment Canterbury. This year’s theme, “Making Waves: Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility,” was inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water. Students explored critical issues, including marine plastic pollution, microplastics in clothing, overfishing, climate change, deep-sea mining, and biodiversity loss.
Cohnor Walsh (Year 12) recently competed in the University of Waikato New Zealand Cyber Security Competition and placed eighth in New Zealand.
This year’s challenge was a Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competition, a cyber security exercise made up of puzzles covering topics like cryptography, steganography, web application security, and forensics. Participants earned points by uncovering hidden “flags” within each challenge.
At last Friday’s ISSA Winter Tournament, Preparatory School students delivered impressive performances across multiple sports. The Years 5–6 netball team secured a strong second place finish, losing only one match to St Margaret’s College. The Years 7–8 netballers earned a memorable win against eventual champions St Margaret’s College, while facing a challenging competition against taller squads. The Years 5–6 Mixed hockey team demonstrated great teamwork to place third, while the Years 5–6 football team showcased strategic play and fast footwork to claim second place. The standout achievements of the day came from the Years 7–8 Mixed hockey team and the Years 7–8 football team, both of whom dominated their matches and finished the tournament unbeaten.
Flickr >
Last Sunday, Eleanor Nortje (Year 3) attended the South Island Show Offs Cheerleading competition in Nelson, as a flyer in her team, the Empire Sapphires. Eleanor’s team placed second in both the Youth Novice division and the overall Novice section, placing ahead of several teams with older and more experienced competitors.
In addition to the students previously reported, Lucy Cliff and Sophia Bourke (both Year 11) were also involved in the Basketball New Zealand U18 Nationals in the holidays, representing Canterbury and North Canterbury, respectively.
Last weekend, the College hosted the 40 Years On Reunion for the Class of 1985–1989. This was the largest decade reunion in many years, with 95 guests attending from across New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Beginning with a campus tour and a gathering in the Strowan House staff room on Friday, the group enjoyed a lively exchange of memories. Saturday evening featured the traditional Address to a Haggis, led by Noah Fanene (Year 13), supported by Guy Reardon, Tim Paterson, Andrew Kininmonth (all OC 1989) and Year 10 piper, Charlie Gregg. Ben Glover (OC 1989) emceed the evening, while Grant McLean (OC 1989) delivered a moving tribute to absent friends. Geoff Spark (Head Boy 1989) offered a Toast to the College, and the evening also included a light-hearted Scottish poem from Guy Reardon. Andrew Davies (OC 1989) led the Grace, while Sam Crosbie (OC 2009, OCA President) and Rector Mark Wilson gave thoughtful contributions to the evening’s speeches. The night concluded with a spirited rendition of the College Song, led by Duncan Ellis (OC 1989). His improvised lyrics and melody brought the room together in a moment of joyful chaos, perfectly capturing the spirit of the reunion.
Flickr >Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
On Friday 8 August, 3.40pm–5.00pm, we will run our annual Course Selection Expo in Gym 1, at which several staff representing the different subject areas will be present to meet informally with students and their parents/caregivers to talk about the nature of courses next year. This event is for students in Years 10–12, and both students and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend. The conversations with staff are invaluable in the decision-making process for students.
Subject Choices for Tertiary Pathways: Parent Information Evening | Friday 8 August, 5.00pm–5.45pm, Senior College Common Room
Immediately following the Course Expo, parents/caregivers are invited to attend a Subject Choices for Tertiary Pathways Parent Information Evening, hosted by our Careers Counsellor, Richard Webster. This session will focus on how to make informed subject choices for tertiary pathways, rather than NCEA. Students are welcome to join their parents in attending this presentation. No RSVP is required to attend.
For Years 9–10 families, the Parent Teacher interviews will be held online on Monday 11 August and in person on Wednesday 20 August. Further information will be emailed to parents during the week commencing Monday 4 August.
Preliminary examinations will take place in Weeks 8– 9 and will be followed by Academic Conferences with your child’s tutor on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September. On Tuesday, Head of Teaching and Learning, David Bevin emailed whānau the latest NCEA Newsletters (click here to view) with further information about why we have Preliminary examinations and Academic Conferences, and what resources are available to support your child with effective studying.
Spirit of Adventure Scholarship (Year 11) – This scholarship provides support for one current Year 11 student to participate in a 10-day sailing on the Spirit of Adventure (choice of dates). Further information on the sailing can be found on the Spirit of Adventure website by clicking here. Please also see further information on the College website by clicking here.
Outward Bound Scholarship (Year 12) – This scholarship provides support for one current Year 12 student to experience an Outward Bound Mind, Body, and Soul course from Monday 5 to Sunday 25 January 2026. Further information on this course can be found on the Outward Bound website by clicking here. Please also see further information on the College website by clicking here.
Please note, only students can access and complete the application forms, and they have been provided with the links. The applications must be completed by 3.30pm, Monday 11 August. For further information, please contact Assistant Principal of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, on HCE@stac.school.nz.
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).
The St Andrew’s College annual Dance Revue is back! Containing an eclectic range of dance styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Contemporary, this fast-paced evening of dance will have something for all to enjoy. Performances will come from St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy, StAC Dance, soloists, groups. Come and celebrate dance.
When: Friday 22 August, 7.00pm–8.30pm
Saturday 23 August, 7.00pm–8.30pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $20.00 General Admission
Buy Tickets 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:
This year, Grandparents' Day will be held on Friday 17 October. This special occasion will commence with entertainment in the Centennial Chapel at 10.40am. Please note, the PTA’s special Christmas cake will be present to sample before going into the Chapel. Cakes can also be ordered at this time.
Following the entertainment, everyone will leave the Centennial Chapel and meet up with the Preparatory and Secondary School children waiting in anticipation outside. There will be a photographer available outside of the Senior College to capture this special day with free family photographs for those who would like this option, with the day concluding at 12.35pm.
Visitors attending Grandparents’ Day must register to will ensure that the children are released from class to meet with them. Please use the link below to register for this special day.
GRANDPARENTS' DAY REGISTRATION >
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.
