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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
This week is Cultural Week, in which we celebrate and acknowledge the amazing cultural opportunities and offerings at St Andrew’s College, and those who make it all happen. This culminated this morning in a special Cultural Assembly, at which our students’ achievements and contributions across a wide range of cultural areas were recognised and celebrated.
Rector’s Address> Cultural Assembly Awards> Cultural Captains Morning Comment> Assembly Flickr>
As a school principal, I deeply believe in the power of culture and creativity to shape lives, and I want to lead a school that produces creative and vibrant students. So, I’m delighted that creativity is one of our five College values. Creativity is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s how we solve problems, how we connect, and how we imagine a better future.
Our cultural activities are strong and visible across so many areas. This includes our pipe bands, led by Pipe Band Director Richard Hawke and his team, who consistently set the national standard in competition and are such an integrated part of life at St Andrew’s. From our performing arts, including our outstanding Ballet Academy with Artistic Director, Dr Carolyn Cairns, and Highland Dance led by Julie Hawke, to our diverse performing arts programme, where Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, and Performing Arts Co-ordinator and Dance and Drama Specialist, Ginnie Thorner, lead productions, and performances of the highest standards.
In visual arts, Head of Fine Arts, Mallory Swadel and Art Teacher, Michelle Lawrence, inspire students to create new and beautiful images and ideas. Our young writers grow and blossom with support from Kerrin Davidson (our Writer in Residence), and Rebecca Ball and her English Department, where our debaters and orators give voice to truth, humour and imagination. Congratulations to our Junior debaters, who last night qualified for the regional finals, and commiserations to our Senior debaters, who narrowly lost their semi-final against Burnside High School.
On Tuesday evening, we held our annual Film Fest, showcasing the amazing creative work of our students in visual production arts at our Gough Family Theatre. My wife Judi and I thoroughly enjoyed viewing these very clever and impressive films produced by our talented young film makers, in a fun atmosphere with many in the audience in themed sci-fi genre costumes. Thank you to Teacher in Charge of Media, Rachel D’Arcy, and Technical Operations Supervisor, Paul Sparkes, for their ongoing support of our Media students in this creative space, including support for this weekend’s national 48Hours film competition.
This afternoon, continuing the cultural theme, I had the pleasure to speak with a Year 13 Religious Education class about customs and approaches across the eight different schools I have taught and worked at. Schools are typically very culturally different, in their values, character and practices.
Arguably, sports are also a part of our cultural character. This week has seen some critical games, including our Senior Girls’ A basketball team comfortably winning their semi-final over Christchurch Girls’ High School on Tuesday night. They will now defend their regional title for a potential sixth consecutive year (they haven’t lost in South Island since 2019). Unfortunately, our Senior A netballers lost a tough semi-final against St Margaret’s College on Wednesday. Meanwhile, our Boys’ 1st XI football team had an impressive 5–1 win over Burnside High School in their semi-final and will progress to their finals next week.
Tonight, both our Boys’ and Girls’ 1st XI hockey teams compete in the finals of their respective regional school premier competitions. This is very exciting, as it is the first time both teams have made the finals in the same year. Last week, our Boys’ 1st XI won their semi-final against St Bede’s College, and our Girls’ team won 2–1, eliminating defending champions Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.
Well done to everyone involved in making and shaping our wonderful and vibrant culture at St Andrew’s College.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
In this blog post, Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, explores one of the most powerful tools for student success: sleep. As students prepare for end-of-year examinations, Kerry shares research-based insights and practical strategies to help them protect their sleep, boost their focus, and support their emotional well-being.
Read the Well-being Blog>
The Secondary School celebrated Cultural Week with a range of student-led activities organised by Cultural Captains, Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee and Miu Kim (both Year 13). Students enjoyed hot chocolate paired with Barbershop music, a Songwriters and Chamber Music Concert, and a D-Cubed Open Day (Years 9–10 Drama Club). Students also had the opportunity to compete in the House Rock Music Competition (with Thompson House taking the win), House Jump Jam, and a House Art Competition, each event bringing energy and enthusiasm. The Theatresports Open Day added a dose of improvisational fun, while Film Fest and Cultural Assembly rounded out the week, showcasing diverse student talents.
FLICKR>The Science Fiction-themed annual Film Fest, held on Tuesday night in the Gough Family Theatre saw some stellar costume efforts, including two Year 10 students who hand-made Jedi and Darth Vader costumes. The evening showcased a fantastic range of filmmaking talent, from Year 12 and 13 students who wowed with the depth and polish of their NCEA Media projects, to the equally inspiring junior filmmakers who created the visions for their films independently. Harry Sibson and Hudson Blyde (both Year 9) were the winners of Best Junior Film with Breakfast Battle – a hilarious and brilliantly executed stop-motion animation of battling breakfast foods. Overall Best Film was awarded to Blue Light Project, a mind-bending dystopian gameshow film by Tyler Browne and Aki Hansen (both Year 13). The event was a resounding success and a true celebration of visual storytelling.
View all the film entries online> (enter FilmFest25 when prompted)
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Last Friday afternoon, we ran our annual Course Selection Expo in Gym 1. It provided an opportunity for Secondary School students and their parents to talk to staff about the courses that they are considering for next year and ask questions. As usual, it was a very well-attended function, and many good conversations took place between staff, students and parents. Following the Expo, our Careers Advisor, Richard Webster, ran an informative short presentation focussed on course selection relating to future career pathways.
The Expo was the next stage in the course selection process, after students were given access to our excellent and informative online Curriculum Book to view 2026 course information. Students now have until the end of next Wednesday, 20 August, to confirm and make their selections online. Sport and co-curricular selections are also being done at the same time, with the same process and timeline applying.
FLICKR>The Mathematics Club enjoyed a presentation by Professor Roy Kerr (OC 1950) who visited the College on Wednesday. Roy is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished mathematicians and physicists, was St Andrew’s College Dux, and at 91 years old, he remains incredibly sharp, deeply engaging, and genuinely funny. Stories from his time at the College between 1947–1950 were both insightful and hilarious. Roy’s legacy is honoured in the stained-glass windows in our Centennial Chapel, alongside Da Vinci, Rutherford, and Newton. Best known for discovering the Kerr solution to Einstein’s equations – a major breakthrough in astrophysics that describes rotating black holes – Roy has received numerous accolades for his work, including The Albert Einstein Medal, The Crafoord Prize, The Rutherford Medal, and was appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM).
This was a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone whose mathematical insight has shaped how scientists understand the universe. The captivated audience was treated to Roy’s explanation of how black holes form and the peculiarities of the event horizons of rotating black holes, phenomena elegantly described by Kerr Geometry. His deep understanding of geometry, calculus, and new methods for solving simultaneous differential equations (with up to 10 unknowns!) enabled him to find a general solution to Einstein’s equations for rotating black holes. His advice to students was to never accept the findings of so-called experts without checking for yourself. He also noted that much of what we currently believe about the universe will likely be revised in the future. His most recent paper published in 2023, Do Black Holes Have Singularities?, was the most read scientific paper for several months. Next year, he will travel to Italy to receive the 2025 Dirac Medal. It’s no wonder students were lining up for autographs!
On Monday, Preparatory School students travelled to Waihi School to compete in a series of sporting fixtures across hockey, rugby, football, and netball. While the results largely favoured the opposition, the day offered valuable lessons and moments of resilience for our students. Both the Mixed and Girls’ hockey teams faced strong opponents, with final scores of 0–10 and 2–11 respectively. In netball, the girls battled hard but were outpaced by a fast and accurate Waihi side, going down 11–37. Rugby proved to be a particularly tough match, with our team beaten in all areas, but showing commendable spirit by playing through to the final whistle despite a 0–100 scoreline. The highlight of the day came from our football team, who delivered a dominant performance and secured a 12–3 victory, providing a well-earned moment of success for our touring squads.
In stunning conditions, our rugby, football, and mixed hockey teams took to the field for a spirited exchange with Wellesley College this week. Each match showcased determination, teamwork, and plenty of drama. The Mixed hockey team capped off their week with a commanding performance, storming to an 8–0 victory. The football match delivered a fiery contest filled, with St Andrew’s rallying in the second half with a flurry of goals to secure a thrilling 6–4 win. After a challenging week, the rugby team came out with something to prove. Trailing 7–17 at half-time, they made tactical changes and fought valiantly to the end, ultimately falling 21–42 but showing immense effort.
In the final game of the round against CFC A, the match began with both sides matching each other goal for goal. However, in the second quarter, the St Andrew’s team found their rhythm and widened the gap, creating a crucial lead. This advantage proved decisive, as the third quarter saw both teams scoring evenly, and CFC A mounted a comeback in the final quarter. Despite their efforts, St Andrew’s earlier lead held firm, securing the win with a final score of 48–42.
Wednesday’s semi-final match in the SuperNet competition against St Margaret’s College was a hard-fought contest. The game began with both teams trading goals evenly, showcasing strong defensive and attacking play. However, in the second quarter, St Margaret’s gained momentum and pulled ahead by seven goals. Despite St Andrew’s determined efforts to close the gap, they maintained their lead and extended it further in the final quarter. The match concluded with a final score of 27–14 in favour of St Margaret’s College.
Flickr>
FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI battled hard but lost 1–4 to a well-organised Rangi Ruru Girls’ School team. Despite creating some promising moments and finding the net, the girls couldn’t quite match their opponents’ finishing on the day.
The Boys’ 1st XI put on an impressive display with a dominant 5–1 victory over Burnside High School. Sharp in attack and disciplined at the back, the boys took control early and never looked back, converting their chances with confidence. This win secures their spot in the Plate final next week, where they’ll look to carry their momentum into one last big performance of the season.
FLICKR>HOCKEY
Last Friday, the Boys’ 1st XI hockey team delivered a commanding performance in their SSP semi-final clash against St Bede’s College. St Andrew’s came out firing, showcasing sharp passing, disciplined structure, and clinical finishing. Their dominance was rewarded with three outstanding goals in the first half, giving them a strong 3–0 lead heading into the break. St Bede’s, backed by a passionate crowd, found momentum in the third quarter and pulled one back to make it 3–1. In the final quarter, St Bede’s narrowed the gap with a second goal, but St Andrew’s maintained control and sealed their ticket to the final championship match.
In a landmark moment for Girls’ hockey, the 1st XI claimed their first-ever win over Rangi Ruru Girls’ School with a hard-fought 2–1 victory in their semi-final. Rangi scored early in the first quarter to take the lead; however, Rylee McBride (Year 13) equalised the score just before the end of the first quarter. Anabelle Barker (Year 12) found the net with a crucial touch at the end of a strong team build-up to make it 2–1, securing the win and a historic result. They now head into the final against St Margaret’s College.
BASKETBALL
On Tuesday night, St Andrew’s hosted the last home double-header of the season for basketball. Year 13 basketballers were also recognised and thanked for their contributions to the basketball programme during their time at the College.
The Senior Girls’ basketball game started slowly, but the team put together a significant run to lead 41–13 at the break. With balanced contributions across the board, St Andrew’s secured an 88–39 win and a chance to go for six titles in a row against Kaiapoi High School next Tuesday in the Whelan Trophy final.
The Senior Boys’ team took on Rangiora High School. In a low-scoring game, the lead shifted between the teams, with Rangiora eventually pulling away to take the win, 75–72.
The Canterbury Ski and Snowboard Championships were held at Mount Hutt on Thursday. St Andrew’s College entered 13 skiers in the Mixed and Boys’ events. Several students have significant racing experience, while for a few it was their first time slalom racing. All racers completed two runs on the dual slalom course. The top of the course was hard and icy, while further down ruts formed at the gates as the race progressed, making it quite challenging. Hugo Harris (Year 12), Oliver Wilton (Year 10), Philippa Taylor (Year 11) and Elliott Harper (Year 9) had excellent runs, producing a combined time that awarded them first place in the Mixed team competition. The Boys’ team of Nick Burtscher, Luke Cleugh (both Year 11), James Richardson and Henry White (both Year 12) won third place in the Boys’ competition through their combined race time. Hugo Harris achieved sixth place in the individual category.
Full results can be found on the Canterbury School Sport site by clicking here.
Three dancers from the St Andrew’s College Ballet Company (Yinan (Vivian) Lu, Matilda MacMillan, and Tave Stuart (all Year 13)) undertook the New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD) examinations for their Solo Performance Ballet Diploma. At this event, which is the highest level pre-professional ballet examination, they each performed three solos for the examiner on stage, and all three successfully gained the award.
fLICKR>Two Junior teams and a Senior team competed in the semi-finals of the debating competition on Thursday evening. StAC 1, consisting of Fraser Walls, Hong Xin Tang and Christian Li (all Year 11), went up against Christchurch Girls’ High School and won in a unanimous decision. They had to affirm that “those involved in high-risk activities should not have access to free, public healthcare.” Down the hallway, arguing for access to free public healthcare for all, StAC 6, consisting of Tessa Kerr and Maya White (both Year 10), were unfortunately beaten by a strong team from St Margaret's College. The Senior team, consisting of Kate Simcock, Olivia Bloom (Year 13) and Reece Glennie (Year 12) took on Burnside High School in a challenging debate around centralised politics. They spoke incredibly well, arguing that “centralised politics is not a way to affect the changes that we need to see in our society,” however, the decision didn't go in their favour. Next week, our winning junior team goes up against St Margaret's College in the final.
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Last Sunday, eight students competed in the Canterbury Impromptu Debating Competition at the University of Canterbury. Impromptu debating requires students to debate in pairs and allows only five minutes of silent preparation. All St Andrew’s teams won at least two of their four first rounds. With three wins, Lachlan Hackston and Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (both Year 11) made it into the semi-finals where they beat a strong Cashmere High School team in a unanimous decision. However, they lost to Burnside High School in the final, arguing that “advanced, self-aware AI systems should not be granted equal rights and recognition as sentient beings.” This is the first time that Lachie and Cicy have competed in Impromptu Debating, and their result is testament to their skill and quick thinking. Lachie was also awarded as a Highly Commended Speaker in the competition.
1st XV players Christian Tanuvasa (Year 13), Caleb Collins-Polata, Seymour Stowers-Smith, and Jett Timbrell (all Year 12), have been selected for the Crusaders Knights Camp.
Despite the very wintry weather, there was solid turnout for the most recent VEX Robotics scrimmage in The Green Library and Innovation Centre last Saturday. Overall, it was a great event, with excellent IQ scrimmaging alongside a lot of V5 testing and skills. In VEX IQ, “the Terminators” (Jack Blyde, William Keir, George Nicholls, Carter Robinson (all Year 7)) combined with an Ao Tawhiti team to take out the finals with a convincing win. Scoring 93 points is by far the highest score in IQ so far this season.
Last Thursday, several Year 4–8 classes competed in the South Island Rocks Times Tables Competition. Held on the Times Tables Rock Stars website, set up by former teacher Bruno Reddy, it has quickly become a firm favourite in the Preparatory School. The children spend 5–10 minutes each day practising their times tables. The atmosphere in the hallways was electric as children answered question after question, while watching their class and school position on the leaderboard fluctuate. Jo Cordner’s Year 8 Mathematics class (8MATH02) earned a highly commendable second place in the South Island.
The Years 5–6 Boys’ and Girls’ basketball teams had a fantastic day out at the Years 5–6 Primary Sport Canterbury Indoor Tournament in Rolleston last week. Both teams played with heart and determination, making it through to the quarter-finals. The boys showed great resilience in a physical match against Hillview Christian School, with Hillview managing to edge ahead and progress. Meanwhile, the girls took on a tall Waitākiri Primary School team and proved that speed and teamwork can overcome height. Their fast-paced play earned the girls a spot in the semi-finals, where they came up against a strong Pūtahi Belfast School side. Although that match didn’t go their way, the girls regrouped and showed incredible spirit in the third-place play-off, defeating Avonhead School – Rakipaoa to finish the day with a well-deserved third place.
ChlöeAnn Botha (Year 7) recently competed at the Canterbury Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships, achieving Nationals qualifying scores on both days of the competition.
Eleanor Nortje (Year 3) competed in the Balmoral Highland Restricted Day. She gained first place in the U10 Jig, first place in the U10 Sword dance, first place in the U10 Fling, and Very Highly Commended in the U12 Sailors Hornpipe. Eleanor also received the Most Points U10 Trophy.
Adam Beaman (Year 12) made his debut in the Canterbury Men’s Flag Football team, resulting in a 3–0 win against the Otago Men’s team.
At the end of last term, Year 12 students Adam Beaman, Toby Park, William Ballin and Alexander Ballin (Year 11) represented New Zealand at the Junior International Flag Football World Cup in Los Angeles. In the New Zealand U18 team, Adam Beaman was captain and played at quarterback; Toby Park was wide receiver and defensive back; William Ballin was pass rusher and centre. Alexander Ballin played for the U15 team as pass rusher and wide receiver. The boys played against Mexico, Japan, Panama, Canada and Australia. In the quarter final against last year’s World Champions Mexico, the New Zealand U18 team lost 28–32, missing out on a semi-final against the eventual winners, United States of America (USA). Most of the USA team have already signed full College American football scholarships for next year. The play-off for fifth and sixth against Australia was a highlight of the tournament, with New Zealand coming out victorious 47–7, to finish fifth in the world.
Anthony Song (Year 10), Sam Foote, Emily Brook, Daniel Liu, and Annie Young (all Year 12) have been selected for the 2025 National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand.
Georgia Lewis (Year 12) was a member of the New Zealand Pony Club team at the International Mounted Games Exchange in the United Kingdom. The team competed in the international section of the UK Pony Club Championships, which involved 3500 riders competing over nine days. New Zealand came third overall against stiff competition from Great Britain and Australia.
Head of Pipe Band Drumming, Scott Birrell, has again been appointed as Head of Drumming for the National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand.
On Friday 8 August, 140 Old Collegians with peer years spanning from 1945 to 2024 gathered for an evening of celebration at the 2025 Old Collegians’ Annual Dinner, which was emceed by Tomo Yee (OC 2008). A number of Old Collegians were recognised for their achievements: Olivia Brett (OC 2019), for her Gold medal win in the Women’s K4 at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games; Rick Harvie (OC 1989) for his award-winning documentary Maurice and I, honouring the legacy of Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney; and Mike (Scrump) Johnston (OC 1974) for 26 years of outstanding service to the College, as Custodian, sports manager, coach, and mentor. Kelvin McMillan (OC 1977) presented Scrump with a beautiful portrait, which he accepted with characteristic humility. The night concluded with a rousing rendition of the College Song, and another memorable Address to a Haggis by piper Charlie Gregg (Year 10).
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Macklan Robertson and Charlie Sullivan (both OC 2024) have been selected for the Canterbury U19 rugby squad. The team will play representative matches throughout August, before heading into the South Island U19 Tournament.
Six Old Collegians are representing their provinces in this year's National Provincial Championship:
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
The Years 9–10 Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place in person on Wednesday 20 August. Please note that school will finish for all Secondary School students at 12.55pm to accommodate the interviews. Students needing to stay on campus can be supervised in The Green Library and Innovation Centre until 2.25pm.
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>Winter Sports and Leadership group photography will be held on Wednesday 20 August for both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools. Photos will be taken near the Turley Bridge, beside Strowan House. Please ensure your child is aware of their allocated timeslot – click here.
All students must:
Preparatory School: wear full, clean school uniform. If your child is involved in Ballet or a lunchtime sport, they must arrive in full school uniform and bring their gear to change into.
Secondary School: wear full, clean sports uniform with trainers.
Weeks 8 and 9 (1–12 September) will be a period of intense academic activity for students in Years 10–13. Students are receiving ongoing information from Head of Teaching and Learning, David Bevin, as they prepare.
Parents/caregivers have already been informed about the assessment programmes for these year levels, and a further email reminder will be sent next week.
Year 10 students (and some in Year 11) will sit NCEA assessments in Literacy (Writing and Reading) and/or Numeracy. Year 11–13 students will begin their Prelim examinations on Wednesday 3 September, running through to Friday 12 September.
Year 10 students do not have study leave; all other students do not attend classes while their examinations are on. The last day of classes for Years 11–13 is Tuesday 2 September. All students return to school on Monday 15 September.
All students sitting digital assessments must use their own device. It is essential that the device is in good working order and can last at least three hours.
Students are responsible for their device’s condition and contact the ICT Helpdesk if needed. School devices are available for examinations and assessments only in exceptional circumstances.
Year 10 students must use their NZQA login for their NCEA assessments. They should ensure they remember their login details and know how to access the NZQA website.
All inquiries should be directed to Head of Teaching and Learning, David Bevin, at DBV@stac.school.nz.
Welcoming international students into a homestay environment offers a deeply rewarding experience for both students and host families. It provides insight into different cultures and traditions, enriching lives and fostering global connection.
The College is seeking families who are willing to host international students in the following capacities:
This may include weekend hosting and other pastoral care responsibilities. To learn more or express interest, contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti, at PTU@stac.school.nz.
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.
