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Rector's Comment

Friday 8 August 2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou.

This week began with the government’s proposal to replace NCEA with a new qualification framework. I am very confident that St Andrew’s College is well positioned to adapt and deliver such a new qualification, which aims to preserve a New Zealand-based qualification that is globally respected. I believe our College community would embrace the potentially more academically rigorous and streamlined approach.

The proposal is clearly driven by significant concerns about the credibility of New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification. NCEA’s flexibility has become perceived as a weakness, with some assessments perceived as easier pathways to accumulating credits. The option to avoid external examinations, along with curriculum changes, has contributed to a perceived decline in academic rigour of the qualification. The return to mandatory examinations will also help ensure the authenticity of student work in an increasingly AI environment. The removal of the current NCEA standards-based assessment system with a uniform grading scale, marking all subjects out of 100 with grades from A to E, should make student progress easier for parents to understand.

This proposal, which is open for consultation until Monday 15 September, represents the most significant reform to secondary school assessments since NCEA was introduced more than two decades ago. The hope across the education sector is that the political parties allow this change to become embedded and stop using education as a “political football” to address declining outcomes.

As the winter sports season is heading into its final weeks, several teams are approaching the “business end” of their competitions. Congratulations to our Preparatory School Boys A basketball team who this week were crowned Canterbury Champions, and to our Preparatory School Girls A basketball team who were runners-up. Well done also to the Preparatory School for successfully hosting this week’s sports exchange with Hadlow Preparatory School from Masterton.

Thank you to all our coaches, managers, and supporters for the work they have done this season. Your efforts have enabled our young people to stay active, challenge themselves, and contribute as team players. We wish all our teams the very best for the last few weeks of competitions.

At last night’s Board of Governors meeting, we received positive updates on this year’s goals, including the implementation of our new school management system, Veracross, and the new staff payroll/HR platform. Progress was also shared on strengthening our College-wide well-being framework using PERMA-V, and the successful pilot of a new learning management system, Toodle. The success of this year’s Annual Giving was acknowledged, with $121,830 raised by our supportive community for the exciting solar panels project.

Tonight, at the Old Collegians Annual Dinner, we will be honouring three outstanding alumni:

  • Mike “Scrump” Johnston (OC 1974), whose outstanding service and wide-ranging roles at the College sees him recognised as a true College legend. His dedication and unwavering commitment have touched generations of students and staff alike.
  • Olivia Brett (OC 2019), who brought home Olympic gold from Paris in 2024. Her achievement is not only a triumph of athletic excellence but a shining example of perseverance and passion.
  • Rick Harvie (OC 1989), whose exceptional filmmaking has earned widespread acclaim with his award-winning film Maurice and I. Rick’s work reminds us of the power of storytelling and the impact of creative vision.

Every year, we recognise and celebrate Old Collegians who in different and unique ways are making a meaningful impact in our world. Their achievements remind us that the seeds planted at St Andrew’s can grow into something truly extraordinary.

Ngā mihi mahana

 

Mark Wilson
Rector

Mark Wilson 1x1

Around the College

INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

International Assembly today was a celebration of global connection and student voice. Hoi Sang (Kevin) Chen (Year 13) presented the Morning Comment, sharing a message about finding courage, whether it’s trying something new, stepping up for others, or learning to be proud of who you are. A highlight of the assembly was the international student panel, where students shared their experiences living and studying in New Zealand, adapting to a new environment, building friendships, and embracing Kiwi culture. The assembly also highlighted our exchange programmes, with updates on recent and upcoming exchanges, as well as hearing from students from Strathallan School in Scotland, and Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) in Sydney. Students spoke about the transformative nature of these experiences, gaining independence, exploring new cultures, and forming lasting connections.

Student Morning Comment > 

Flickr >
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COMBINED BOARDERS’ CHAPEL

On Sunday, the College hosted boarders from Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, St Bede’s College, and Christ’s College, at the second Combined Boarders’ Chapel of the year. Special guest, Nikky Geldard, founder of E Tū Tāngata, gave a sermon based on the Bible reading from John 8:16-17. Nikky talked about ‘dropping our stones and opening our hearts.’ Teenagers may worry about being judged – by peers, adults, or even themselves. Verse 17 encourages a mindset of grace, forgiveness, and second chances. Samuel Hu (Year 10) performed Pie Jesu with Rangi Ruru student, Dora Pan. It was a fantastic occasion for boarding students across Christchurch to come together and celebrate as one community. The inclusion of student speakers from each of the attending schools strengthens the connections between our various boarding houses.

Flickr >

NATIONAL BOARDING WEEK

This week was National Boarding Week, and our boarders celebrated with a range of activities to share the unique experience of boarding life, along with the Boarders’ Assembly and Combined Boarders’ Chapel, both held last week. On Monday, the first ever ‘Boarding House Dinner Swap’ was held, involving St Bede’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, St Margaret’s College, and Christ’s College. The schools each hosted an entire year level of boarders from all the other schools. A large logistical operation, the boarders enjoyed getting to dine and catch up with friends from home who attend other boarding schools. On Wednesday, Year 9 boarders had the chance to ‘Bring a mate to lunch’ – a great opportunity for them to share daily boarding life with their day-school friends. Today, staff were welcomed into the Boarding Houses, and boarders were encouraged to invite their tutors to visit and see where they live during term time. It has been a wonderful week of connection, pride, and celebration of our boarding community.

ESPORTS

This week, St Andrew’s College passed a significant milestone, opening a new Esports Centre, under the management of Head of Esports, James Jenkinson. Throughout this week’s Esports Centre Open Week, Secondary School students were able to experience what Esports is all about. The College’s Esports team obtained a South Island Esports title in 2021 with three Old Collegians: Edwin Short, Matthew Browne and Thomas Hughes (all OC 2023). Students continue to compete in regional and national competitions for a range of Esports ‘codes’ throughout the year. It is a team-based co-curricular with the primary aims of fostering connection and building good habits around device use, nutrition, and online citizenship.

PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE EXCHANGE

Abigail Spring, Amelie Gooderick, Jasmine Lu, and Natalie Zhang (all Year 10) have joined St Andrew’s College from Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney as part of our ongoing international exchange programme. Over four weeks, these students will immerse themselves in New Zealand school life, experiencing our academic environment, participating in co-curricular activities, and building friendships across cultures. Their time here will also include opportunities to explore the richness of Canterbury, from scenic landscapes to local attractions. This exchange not only strengthens the bond between our two schools but also fosters global citizenship, personal growth, and shared learning. 

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BUSINESS STUDIES NIGHT MARKET

On Monday night, 30 Young Enterprise teams from St Andrew’s College, Cashmere High School and St Margaret’s College were hosted in the Senior College common room for the annual Business Studies Night Market. The theme was ‘Sustainability and Innovation,’ challenging teams to demonstrate that their products and processes were thoughtfully designed with respect for people, place, culture, and profit. The standard was high, with ‘Oaty Cosmetics’ (St Margaret’s College) taking first prize for product/presentation, and ‘A Better Co’ by Ricky Kotepong (Year 13) placing second with organisation tools for students. In third place was ‘Vroom Bloom’ (St Margaret’s College) who made essential oil car fresheners. Other products included shell anklets, AI-generated clothing brands, hands-on financial literacy packages for Year 7–8 students, rimu chopping boards, and Beeswax wraps.

Flickr >

PREPARATORY SCHOOL SPORTS EXCHANGE

The sports exchange with Hadlow Preparatory School featured four exciting fixtures, each showcasing grit, teamwork, and school spirit. The St Andrew's Mixed hockey team faced a challenging match and were defeated by a significant margin but kept battling to the end. The Girls' A netball team edged out a close contest with a well-earned four-point victory. The Sevens rugby team fought hard in a physical game, falling 0–12 in a valiant effort. Football delivered the standout result of the day, dominating with confidence in a 5–1 win. 

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Sports Roundup

BASKETBALL
In the Senior Girls’ basketball game against Kaiapoi High School, the team trailed by 10 points after the first quarter. Following a strong defensive performance, St Andrew’s limited the opposition to just 15 points across the second and third quarters, they then took the lead, winning by a 20-point margin.

 

The Senior Boys’ game was defaulted by Ashburton College due to illness.

 

HOCKEY

In the final round of the SSP Hockey Championship, the boys faced Timaru Boys’ High School. St Andrew’s converted their attacking pressure into a well-earned goal to take a 1–0 lead. Timaru responded swiftly to equalise. St Andrew’s built momentum in the second quarter to go ahead 2–1, only for Timaru to level the score once more. The third quarter saw St Andrew’s take the lead again, however, with just eight seconds remaining, Timaru earned a penalty stroke, which they converted to draw the game 3–3, securing St Andrew’s a spot in the semi-finals.

 

In the final round of the Girls’ competition, the 1st XI faced Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. St Andrew’s controlled much of the possession but were exposed on the counterattack, with Rangi securing a 2–4 win. Both goals came through penalty corners finished by Ella O’Brien (Year 13).

 

NETBALL

Saturday’s netball game against Kereru C began with promise, however, Kereru C gained momentum and pulled ahead on the scoreboard. Despite their best efforts to stay competitive, by the third quarter Kereru had built a 17-goal lead, which they maintained through to the final whistle, leading to a 27–51 loss.

 

In the final game of the SuperNet round, the team played Ashburton College in a crucial match to determine the top four. The game began with both teams trading goals evenly. As the match progressed, St Andrew’s gradually pulled ahead, securing a lead by the end of the third quarter. Despite Ashburton College’s determined comeback in the last quarter, where they narrowed the gap, our team held firm and finished strong. The final score was 33–29 to St Andrew’s.

 

RUGBY

The 1st XV played St Thomas of Canterbury College in the Miles Toyota Premiership Plate final on Saturday. The game started well, with Seymour Stowers-Smith (Year 12) running a great line to score under the posts and was converted by Fynn Harris (Year 13). St Thomas then created pressure from a kick-off to score. Caleb Collins-Polata (Year 12) and Isaac Matulewicz (Year 13) scored tries before half-time, both converted by Fynn Harris. In the last stages of the match, St Andrew’s was awarded a late penalty 30m out, which gave us the lead 38–36 with four minutes left to play. St Thomas then scored in the corner, seeing the final score 41–38 in their favour. Tom Brooks (Year 13) also earned his cap.

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TRAP SHOOTING
Last Sunday, the trap shooting team competed in the fourth round of the Canterbury Secondary Schools Trap Shooting Programme, held at Ellesmere Clay Target Club. St Andrew’s had an outstanding day earning nine podium results across the three ‘Down the Line’ (DTL) disciplines, plus Skeet, and culminating in Ethan Higgs (Year 13) winning ‘High Over All’ for the day against more than 75 other shooters. 

Skeet started well, with Josh van Asch (Year 12) winning first place, Ethan Higgs second and Lucie Hood (Year 13) third. In skeet Pairs, Josh and Lucie combined to place first, one point ahead of Ethan and Jonathan Rogers (Year 13), who finished second. In ‘Down the Line’ Lucie Hood (20/20) placed second in Single Rise after a strong showing in the shoot off. In Points Score, Ethan Higgs (59/60) and Marcus Ferguson (Year 12) (58/60) placed first and second, while the Points Score team (226/240) of Ethan Higgs, Marcus Ferguson, Lucie Hood, Josh van Asch, Jonathan Rogers, and Samuel Jones (Year 11) took out first place. The team also welcomed our new junior shooting team to the competition programme, with Jack Fredericksen, James Bennett, Hanlin Bone, William McKercher (all Year 10) performing well in their first event.

FOOTBALL

The Boys 1st XI secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Burnside High School, breaking a deadlock midway through the first half with a well-taken goal following sharp build-up play. Burnside responded and found an equaliser before the break. In the second half, St Andrew’s regained the lead, achieving a clinical finish. Solid defending and a composed performance from the goalkeeper in the final minutes ensured the boys held on for a deserved win. 

 

The Girls’ 1st XI put in a spirited performance but were unable to overcome a strong Rolleston College side, falling 1–4. Rolleston came out quickly, applying early pressure and taking a two-goal lead in the first half. St Andrew’s showed great fight and pulled one back after the break with a well-struck goal. However, Rolleston responded decisively, adding two more goals to seal the result in their favour.

Flickr >
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Student Success

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SQUASH

George Reynolds, William Nicholls (both Year 10), Jacob Bunting, Rory Forsythe, and Bodie Oxenham (all Year 13) travelled to Wellington last weekend for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Squash Championships. This is possibly the first time that St Andrew’s has entered a team in the National Championships and certainly the first in at least 15 years. On Day 1, with only four players available, the team was at a disadvantage for their first two games. The opening match, a Division 1 qualifier, ended in a loss, but the team refocused on Division 2 and aimed to be the first to claim the new trophy, securing a win in their evening game. Day 2 began with a tense local matchup against Christchurch Boys' High School B team; our team prevailed and went on to win a closely contested semifinal in the afternoon. The final on Day 3 against Wellington College resulted in a narrow 2–3 loss, and although they did not secure the title, the team was proud to finish second in Division 2.

PIPE BAND

After a busy time preparing for the recent StAC Attack showcase, our pipers turned their attention to the second Sunday indoor solo piping event of the winter, the Highland Piping Society of Canterbury Solo event, held on Sunday 3 August. The event was hosted onsite at St Andrew’s in the Arts Block and drew a strong turnout.

Results> 

BOXING

Sam Payton (Year 9) competed in the Canterbury Boxing Championships last weekend. He delivered a strong performance in the ring, winning the 2025 Canterbury Cadet Novice title by unanimous decision.

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CREATIVE WRITING

Penny Scarlett (Year 9) and Mia Zhang (Year 7) were announced as laureates in The Frost Entomological Museum 2025 Hexapod Haiku Challenge, earning first place in their respective categories in this international competition.

MUSIC

Cheryl Teng (Year 11) once again won first place this year in the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competition, String – 14 Years and Over category. 

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MUSIC

Caleb Waines (Year 7) has received Distinction for his LTCL Piano Diploma Exam. According to the Trinity College website, the LTCL Diploma is equivalent in standard to the final year recital of an undergraduate degree.

CPSSA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Canterbury Primary Schools Sports Association (CPSSA) indoor basketball tournament was held on Wednesday. The Preparatory School Senior Girls’ team faced a tough opening draw. Despite this early setback, they won all remaining pool matches to top their group. The girls dug deep in their quarter and semi-final games, to earn a well-deserved spot in the final. The championship match against Kaiapoi North School was a nail-biting contest, decided by only two points at the final whistle, in Kaiapoi North's favour. The Senior A Boys' basketball team cruised through pool play and the quarterfinals, winning by impressive margins. Their semi-final clash against a talented Christ the King School side was a true test, but the boys held firm to earn their place in the final. The championship game was a point-for-point thriller. In the final seconds, Austen Fraser (Year 8) stepped up with a clutch shot. The boys sealed the win, and with it, the tournament title.

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New Zealand Representative

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SQUASH

Following the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Squash Championships, George Reynolds (Year 10) has been named in the New Zealand Junior Secondary Schools’ squash team, who will travel to Canberra, Australia, to compete later this month.

Old Collegians

CRICKET

Zac Foulkes (OC 2020) was called into his first Test squad in Zimbabwe, with the series taking place this week. He took an impressive 4–38, helping dismiss Zimbabwe for just 125 by tea on Day 1 of the second Test in Bulawayo. His debut also marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in nearly 30 years that three players debuted in the same Test for New Zealand.

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Good Luck

Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:

  • VEX Robotics.

Notices and Upcoming Events

250725 Scholarship

YEARS 11–12 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY | APPLICATIONS DUE MONDAY 11 AUGUST

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.

FILM FEST| TUESDAY 12 AUGUST

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 >

Film Fest Promo Video >

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STAC AG SHOW | THURSDAY 21 AUGUST

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!

  • Entry cost: $3.00 per category (charged to College Account). 
  • Entries close at 4.00pm on Thursday 14 August

To enter your child(ren) into the StAC Ag Show, please complete the relevant entry form(s) below:

DANCE REVUE

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>
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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY | FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER

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 >

PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE ORDERS

The following 2025 school photographs are now available to purchase online:

  • individual student photographs;
  • Secondary School tutor group photographs;
  • All Preparatory School class photographs;
  • Preparatory School and Secondary School summer sports groups (except for Secondary cricket);
  • Secondary School leadership, clubs, and cultural groups;
  • Large groups for rowing and Pipe Band;
  • Years 9 and 13 group photographs;
  • Preparatory School sibling group photographs.

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

ORDER PHOTOGRAPHS ONLINE >

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ABSENCES

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:

Recording a Student Absence >

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).

Community Directory 1

COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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 >

KEY DATES

  • Tuesday 12 August – Film Fest (see more in the notices)
  • Friday 15 August – Cultural Assembly
  • Saturday 16 August – Senior Formal, Te Pae
  • Thursday 21 August – StAC Ag Show (see more in the notices)
  • Friday 22 August – Year 9 Dance
  • Friday 22 – Saturday 23 August – Dance Revue (see more in the notices)
  • Friday 19 September – End of Term 3
  • Monday 13 October – Start of Term 4
  • Friday 17 October – Grandparents’ Day
  • Monday 27 October – Labour Day, College closed
  • Friday 14 November – Canterbury Anniversary Day, College closed
  • Saturday 29 November – Prizegiving, Wolfbrook Arena, 4.00pm

For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.