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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
“Book Week” in the Preparatory School this week is an annual event I was really looking forward to being part of and experiencing in my first year at St Andrew’s College. The classrooms have been decorated with books, there have been great talks and learning about the benefits of literacy, and then today saw a fun Book Parade (with dress ups, of course).
The importance of literacy is well known and researched. For example, back in the 1960s, Dr Betty Hart and Dr Todd Risley were renowned for pioneering research into how early language experiences shape children's cognitive development, long-term academic success and particularly being the key factor in getting people out of poverty.
Recent research, such as Visible Learning and Science of How We Learn by Hattie and Yates (2014), explains how our brains are primarily social machines, as we learn by watching, imitating, and interacting. This explains how we learn to speak and read body language, but how the literacy skills of reading and writing need to be explicitly taught and learnt through relevant scaffolding and regular feedback.
This is why developing our children’s foundational knowledge of literacy and numeracy through structured learning, is so critical for lifelong development and success. Books promote sustained, linear reading, which helps build comprehension, critical thinking, and empathy. On screens, people tend to skim, scan, and jump between sections; this is efficient for browsing but detrimental for deep comprehension.
Congratulations to Cong (Zilong) Chen and Benjamin Yu (both Year 9), who finished in the top three of the Upper South Island Regional Semi-Final of the National Spelling Bee competition. What is even more incredible is that out of the 28 spellers who remained on stage after the first round, 10 were St Andrew’s College students. As the competition progressed, six made it to the top nine and four out of the final six were from St Andrew’s – absolutely amazing! Well done to our talented and hard-working young spellers.
On Monday, we were delighted to announce Leigh Fowler as our new Preparatory School Principal commencing in January 2026. Leigh brings excellent educational leadership experience as principal of previous schools and strong alignment with our philosophy and strategic direction. We look forward to welcoming her into this role at the start of next year.
I have also enjoyed meeting with our four shortlisted companies to work with us in developing our Property Master Plan heading into 2026. We will look to announce our preferred company and commence this important planning work next term. This will be such a great opportunity to identify and prioritise our future needs based on our educational vision, to create a campus that is inspiring and creates an environment that reflects our values and culture.
I’m pleased to be joining members of our Board and senior leadership at the annual Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Conference being hosted in Wellington from Thursday to Saturday. Always a great chance to network with our fellow independent schools and learn from each other in creating and leading the best of schooling for New Zealand.
As we all head into this weekend, let’s remember to keep celebrating books and prioritising reading books – best for your brain, development, and lifelong success.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
During Term 3, the Pre-school children focused on the learning priority of creativity/auahatanga, culminating in the annual Pre-school Art Exhibition, which this year had a safari theme. On Thursday morning, whānau and other special guests were invited to Pre-school for the grand unveiling of the amazing artworks that up until then had been kept top secret. The tamariki took on the role of tour guides, showing their whānau the safari animal artworks on display.
Flickr>Cong (Zilong) Chen and Benjamin Yu (both Year 9) emerged as two of the three winners at the Aotearoa New Zealand Spelling Bee Upper South Island Regional Semi-Final, alongside a speller from Burnside High School. They will represent the Upper South Island at the National Final in November, in Wellington. Some of the tricky words our students correctly spelled included loquacious, anachronism, and braggadocio. Impressively, six of the top 10 students at the semi-final were St Andrew’s College students.
Last weekend, two of our talented solo pipers participated in prestigious competitions in Scotland. The Braemar Gathering Junior Piping (U18) event, attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, saw Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) as the overall winner. She placed 1st in Strathspey and Reel, 2nd in March, and 2nd in Piobaireachd, and Sam Foote (Year 12) 4th in March, 5th in Piobaireachd. At the Blairgowrie Games Junior Piping event, Maggie achieved 2nd in Piobaireachd, 3rd in March, and 4th in Strathspey and Reel. Both Maggie and Sam will now travel to the Northern Meeting in Inverness, a prestigious indoor event.
The South Island Secondary School Snow Sport Championship was held at Mount Hutt last weekend. On Saturday, the skiing squad competed in perfect conditions with clear skies and fresh powder. The Mixed team of Oliver Connolly, Philippa Taylor (both Year 11), and Elliott Harper (Year 9) won first place, while the Boys' team, featuring Oliver Wilton (Year 10), Luke Cleugh (Year 11), and William MacIntyre (Year 12), achieved third place. Individual highlights included Oliver Connolly finishing seventh in the Boys’ competition, and Philippa Taylor coming in eighth in the Girls’ competition. The following day, the slopestyle squad delivered impressive performances. The Mixed team of Rory Forsythe (Year 13), Oliver Wilton (Year 10), and Elliott Harper (Year 9) won first place, and the Boys' team of Lachlan Bell, Yosias Lehmann, and Joshua Morrow (all Year 12) took second place.
Flickr>Last Sunday, the trap shooting team participated in the sixth and final round of the Canterbury Secondary Schools Trap Shooting Programme at the Waihora Clay Target Club. The team faced the worst weather of the season, with strong winds and pouring rain making the competition difficult. Despite the challenging conditions, the team had some notable performances. In the Skeet event, Kurt Lilly (Year 12) scored an impressive 23/25, securing first place after a shoot-off. Kurt, along with Ethan Higgs (Year 13), also won the Skeet Pairs after another strong showing in a shoot-off. In the Down the Line (DTL) event, the team fought hard, with notable scores from Josh van Asch (Year 12) with 19/20, Harry Pitts (Year 11) with 18/20, and Jack Fredericksen (Year 9) with 18/20 in Single Rise. In the Points Score event, Jonathan Rogers (Year 13) scored 55/60, and Kurt Lilly scored 53/60. The Single Barrel event saw lower scores across the board, with Kurt Lilly scoring 8/10 and Harry Pitts scoring 7/10 as the best performers for St Andrew’s.
The finals round of the Canterbury Secondary Schools Trap Shooting Programme also took place on Sunday, with several awards given for the combined performances over the year. Kurt Lilly was named Skeet Shooter of the Year, and the Skeet Pairs Team of the Year was awarded to StAC 1, consisting of Ethan Higgs, Lucie Hood (Year 13), and Josh van Asch. In the DTL event, StAC 1 narrowly missed out on the Team of the Year award, which was awarded to Lincoln High School.
This week, 32 enthusiastic Year 9–10 students stepped out of their comfort zones to take on the Canterbury regional Get2Go Adventure Race. Competing against other schools, they tackled four one-hour challenges designed to test their teamwork, resilience, and thinking skills. The day started with a mountain biking challenge and orienteering, followed by a mixture of problem-solving activities, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For many of the students, this was their first time experiencing anything like this. We’re incredibly proud of how our teams embraced the adventure, supported each other, and gave it their all.
Flickr>Alexander Black (Year 13) has been re-appointed as a referee to the New Zealand Dettol National League Championship, New Zealand's premier domestic football competition and is one of 10 Christchurch officials appointed to the competition.
In addition to the AIMS Games sporting achievements reported last week, the netball A team delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Mangawhai Beach, while the Girls’ A hockey team’s strong second-half fightback in the quarterfinal against Diocesan School for Girls saw them finish a highly commendable eighth overall. The students also made a meaningful impact off the field at the 2025 AIMS Games, by embracing the spirit of the event through activities such as beach cleanups and tree planting. This contributed to St Andrew’s finishing second overall in the prestigious Kaitiaki Trophy – an award recognising schools that give back to the Tauranga community. These moments, along with the camaraderie and resilience shown throughout the week, made for one of the most memorable AIMS Games yet.
Flickr>On Thursday, nine players from the Preparatory School 1st XI took part in the annual Canterbury Primary Schools (CPSSA) Football Winter Tournament, a seven-aside competition they qualified for by winning the ISSA Zone tournament in July. Playing a total of seven games, the tournament is as much about attrition as it is footballing skill. The team played some fantastic passing football to win pool play unbeaten and qualify for the top 16. In the semi-final against Lemonwood School, despite taking an early lead, Lemonwood equalised with only minutes to go, and the game headed into extra time. During the 10 minutes, no further goals were scored, prompting the removal of a player from each team every minute, with a ‘golden goal’ needed. With only two outfield players and a keeper remaining, Patrick O’Byrne (Year 8) scored the goal that took the team through to the final against St Martin’s School. With no break between games due to the extra time, the team needed to not only show skill, but also resilience and determination…and that they did! Kobe Ford (Year 8) scored the only goal of the game to secure the title.
After qualifying first place at the ISSA competition, the Preparatory School Mixed Year 8 hockey team competed in the CPSSA Hockey Tournament held at Nunweek Park. The team were unbeaten in pool play and carried that form into a convincing quarter-final win. In the semi-final they were narrowly beaten by just one goal, but the team showed great resilience and determination to bounce back. In the playoff for third and fourth, they defeated Marshlands School 3–1 to secure third place. An excellent achievement and a reward for their hard work, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
At the end of August, the VEX Robotics scrimmage held in The Green Library and Innovation Centre was a hive of activity, as students built and drove their robots – testing out changes and honing their strategies. It is exciting to see the progress that is being made, especially in the VEX IQ teams, with all teams improving their game play and one team managing to score an impressive 54 points. This was followed up by Team “The Terminator” (Jack Blyde, William Keir, George Nicholls, Carter Robinson (all Year 7)) working well in the finals with their alliance partner from Hillmorton High School, coming from behind to secure the win.
Flickr>Yuhan (Uny) Shao (Year 11), Ethan Lam (Year 12), and James Walker (Year 13) have been selected to represent Canterbury in an upcoming interprovincial golf competition.
Last weekend, Ethan Lam also claimed victory at the Pegasus Golf Club Pegasus Open.
Gabrielle Wall (OC 1998) has sprinted her way into the Guinness World Records by running 100 metres barefoot over LEGO bricks. She clocked an incredible 24.75 seconds, taking on the ultimate pain challenge with 300kg of LEGO donated by Imagination Station. Her training included four months of barefoot practice at weddings, work Christmas parties, sprint drills, and stomping through a blow-up pool full of LEGO during work calls.
Charlie Sullivan (OC 2024) has been selected for the New Zealand U18 Barbarians team.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College this weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
Join us for a captivating screening of Maurice and I, a documentary celebrating the architectural legacy of Maurice Mahoney and Sir Miles Warren. Featuring rare archival footage and their final interview together, the film explores how their partnership transformed Christchurch’s cityscape. The event will feature a Q&A with the filmmakers, Rick Harvie (OC 1989) – Director/Producer, Belmont Productions, and Jane Mahoney – Director/Producer and daughter of Maurice Mahoney. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from the creators and reflect on Christchurch’s architectural heritage.
Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
Time: 6.00pm (6.30pm screening)
Location: Gough Family Theatre, St Andrew’s College
Tickets: $20.00 (includes a welcome drink and canapés)
Academic Conferences with tutors will take place on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September. Whānau of Year 11–13 students were emailed last week with instructions on how to book the Conference.
Why Academic Conferences? Following Preliminary examinations and receiving feedback from teachers, the next very important step is for your child to respond to that feedback and make a clear plan for study. The Academic Conferences (Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September) are designed to support students to engage with feedback the subject teacher has provided and then discuss this and their next steps with the tutor and whānau in preparation for the NCEA examinations in November. Please support this important process by making an appointment to have an Academic Conference with your child’s tutor.
What resources support my child’s study? Subject teachers will have guided students with specific information related to that subject and each dean has shared several resources to help with study on their year group Teams pages. There are a range of very useful resources for study available in StACNet by clicking here.
Two exceptional guest speakers will visit St Andrew’s College next week, hosted by the Science Club and Science Department. Both speakers have generously volunteered their time to inspire our students.
Professor David Paterson (University of Oxford) | Monday 15 September, 12.45–1.30pm, Gough Family Theatre
Professor Paterson is Head of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University, and a global leader in cardiac neurobiology. His research explores how the nervous system regulates the heart, with implications for cardiovascular health. He has also conducted research at Base Camp, Mount Everest. Professor Paterson has a personal connection to St Andrew’s, having served as a House Master during his student years. We are thrilled to welcome him back.
Tim Atkins (NASA) | Tuesday 16 September, 12.45–1.30pm, Gough Family Theatre
Tim Atkins works with NASA, contributing to projects that expand our understanding of the universe. He will share insights into life and work at the world’s leading space agency. Tim will also speak to the Preparatory School on Tuesday morning.
Delicious Christmas goodies, locally made with the highest quality ingredients. The perfect gift for Christmas or to treat your own family! All proceeds will go towards the PTA 2025 fundraising drive, supporting the Pipe Band. More information about each of the PTA’s Christmas Goodies, including the ingredients list, can be found at the order link below. The products on offer this year are:
Closing date for orders: Monday 3 November 2025
Cake collection: Orders must be collected from the College Second-hand Uniform Shop (there is no delivery option) between 3.00pm–4.30pm on Tuesday 11 or Thursday 13 or Tuesday 18 or Thursday 20 or Tuesday or Thursday 27 November.
ORDER CHRISTMAS GOODIES>Diary of a Wimpy Kid:The Musical is a lively stage adaptation of Jeff Kinney's popular book series, bringing Greg Heffley's middle school mischief to life on stage. The musical explores Greg's attempts to navigate the social landscape of middle school, his quest for popularity, and the complexities of his friendship with Rowley, all while battling the dreaded "Cheese Touch." Featuring our talented Year 9 and 10 performers, this show is full of fantastic song and dance, heartfelt moments, and fun for the whole family.
When: Tuesday 21 – Friday 24 October 2025 (four performances), all 7.00pm–9.30pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adults $35.00 | Students $17.50 (student ID may be requested on entry)
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.
