Rector's Comment

Friday 19 September 2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori! This year commemorates 50 years of celebrating our indigenous language, which is unique and special to us in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori – the language is the life force of Māori identity.

I’d like to acknowledge our Preparatory School and Secondary School kapa haka who performed at the annual Tūhono Kapa Haka Festival last Saturday. It is wonderful to see our rangatahi (youth) courageously representing our College, and thank you to kaiako (teacher) Wiremu Pickering, along with the great support from Science teacher Connor O'Rourke, tutor Matua Steve Reid, and Preparatory School teacher Mary Leota.

At the end of last week, at the Independent Schools New Zealand (ISNZ) conference, we were delighted to see Teacher in Charge of Digital Technologies, Phil Adams, recognised for his outstanding commitment and dedication to education with an ISNZ Honours Award. It was wonderful to see Phil’s superb teaching skills and outcomes acknowledged at this national level. Read the Award Citation by clicking here.

At the ISNZ conference, discussions on possible impacts of generative AI made me consider a couple of potential shifts in education:

the possible move to more traditional assessment methods, such as in-person examinations, supervised tasks and oral assessments, and possibly a return to more handwritten work;
the wonderful opportunities for teachers to improve learning experiences and consistency of practice, while reducing workload through AI tools assisting with planning more personalised lessons, marking assessments, data collation, and support with report writing.

In terms of intellectual thinking, this week saw two exceptional and inspiring guest speakers visit St Andrew’s College. They were Professor David Paterson, who is Head of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University, and a global leader in cardiac neurobiology; and Tim Atkins (NASA) who shared insights into life and work at the world’s leading space agency.

There were some wonderful musical events this week. In particular, a big night for our College rock bands with 11 bands performing to a large supportive crowd at “Rock Night” at A Rolling Stone, on Colombo Street. Then on Wednesday night, in our Centennial Chapel, we hosted the Vocal Concert which included superb performances from our two choirs and talented individual soloists.

The end of term assemblies this morning provided a great opportunity for us as a community to celebrate many of the amazing achievements throughout this winter sports season. Such success is always a result of hard work and dedication from our young people, as well as the awesome support provided by our staff, coaches, managers, parents, friends and supporters. Read more about the Preparatory School’s End of Term Assembly in the newsletter.

Rector’s Secondary School Assembly Address> Secondary School Assembly Morning Comment> Secondary School Assembly Awards> Secondary School End of Term Assembly Flickr>

This last week of term has seen the start of many end-of-year celebrations, including a wonderful Boarders’ Annual Dinner. In other fun events, this week saw our Year 13 cohort enjoy themed dress-up days, before they head off for the holiday break and preparation for their external examinations.

Representing the College over the term break we have a range of groups away, including our Girls’ Senior A netball, Girls’ Senior A basketball and our trap shooting team all competing at their national tournaments across the country; our Boys’ 1st XI cricket tour to Sydney for games against some top schools; our rowers are heading off for pre-season training in Twizel; 24 Spanish language students and two staff on a language and cultural trip to Argentina; our Jazz Band performing in the Wellington Jazz Festival; and St Andrew’s students participating in the Spirit of Adventure. We wish these groups all the very best and look forward to hearing of their experiences and thank you to all our staff who will be away supporting these groups.

To all our St Andrew’s College community, please have an enjoyable term break and thank you for all your contributions in helping to make this term such an interesting, busy, and exciting one.

Ngā mihi mahana

Mark Wilson
Rector

Around the College

PREPARATORY SCHOOL END OF TERM ASSEMBLY

This morning, the Preparatory School came together to celebrate the achievements of Terms 2 and 3 (the winter terms) in a vibrant and uplifting assembly. The event featured an array of performances that highlighted the diverse talents within our school community, including the stirring sounds of the Preparatory School pipers and drummers from the Pipe Band, followed by the Preparatory School Orchestra’s lively rendition of Puttin’ on the Ritz by Irving Berlin, arranged by Richard Oswin. Our Kapa haka impressed with a rakau performance, and the kōtiro mā showcased their poi skills to the waiata Haere Mai. A lyrical dance titled The Light That Never Fails was performed by a group of Year 8 Ballet Academy dancers, beautifully representing the artistic spirit of St Andrew’s College. Congratulations to all the students who were acknowledged for their accomplishments across a wide range of areas, including StAC-Up Awards, academic excellence, cultural contributions, service, and winter sports achievements. It was wonderful to see the Centennial Chapel filled with students and whānau, all gathered to honour the hard work and success of our Preparatory School community.

Assembly Awards>

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SECONDARY SCHOOL TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI

Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori – The language is the life force of Māori identity.

I whakanui nui a Hato Ānaru i te huritau 50 o Te Wiki o te Reo Māori mā ngā mahi hihiri o te ahurea. I tū tētahi wero hei kimi i tētahi akonga me tētahi kaiako e taea ai te whakahua i te ingoa wāhi Māori roa rawa i te wā poto rawa. I whakanuia tēnei kaupapa nui i te whare karakia, hei whakaatu i te ū o te kāreti ki te reo Māori. I te hui whakamutunga o te wāhanga, i tū ngā rōpū kapa haka o te kura tuatahi me te kura tuarua, hei whakakotahi i te hapori o te kāreti i raro i te kotahitanga, me te whakanui i te hōhonutanga o te ao Māori me ōna tikanga.

Hato Ānaru proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with vibrant activities and cultural acknowledgments. A wero/challenge was held to find one ākonga and one kaiako who could pronounce the longest Māori place name in the fastest time. This significant occasion was acknowledged in chapel, reflecting the College's commitment to te reo Māori. At the End of Term Assembly, both the Preparatory and Secondary School’s kapa haka performed, uniting the community in kotahitanga and honouring the richness of te ao Māori me ōna tikanga.

He reo e kore e ngaro, he reo Rangatira – A language that will not be lost, a chiefly language.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI

Preparatory School classes have been celebrating the 50th year of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) this week with daily challenges that require working together to solve puzzles and quizzes. Some classes have written pukapuka to share with their buddy class, waiata and haka have been heard echoing through the corridors and displays of Māori language books in the Preparatory School Library have been explored by the students. Secondary School students visited with books they created to share with their younger buddies, demonstrating tuakana/teina (older-younger peer support). On Friday the whole school joined together in song for Mahuru Moment – singing the waiata E Minaka Ana during the End of Term Assembly. The Year 8 Music class embraced Māori Language Week by singing waiata, performing rhythmic routines with rākau, and learning to play the ukulele. The classroom was filled with music, movement, and the spirit of kotahitanga (togetherness) as students explored Māori culture through sound and song.

Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi video>

KAPA HAKA

The Ōtautahi Tūhono Kapa Haka Festival was held over the weekend at the Christchurch Town Hall, featuring performances by Preparatory School and Secondary School students. Eighty Preparatory School students performed four items in the concert. Tutor, Matua Steve Reid, accompanied the kapa on stage and Alexander Petelo (Year 4), Hunter Donnithorne and Austen Fraser (both Year 8) played the opening call on conch shells to begin the performance. The first was Rākau Whiuwhuia, a waiata for everyone to sing and with sticks for the tama (boys) in the kapa. The boys performed this with precision, without a single stick hitting the floor out of time. The girls performed their poi dance to the waiata Haere Mai, led by Emma Theobald (Year 8) and Harriet Merry (Year 6). The tama supported the girls with excellent singing. This was followed by a combined action song, E Minaka Ana, and finished with the St Andrew’s College haka, ably led by Guy Griffin and Jack Ellwood (both Year 8). Emma and Guy joined representatives from other schools to lead the audience in the local haka – Tahu Pōtiki and the waiata Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho. This was the first time the Secondary School kapa haka has performed at the Festival. Despite some nerves for their debut, the group showcased te ao Māori with pride and passion. The group embodied the whakataukī “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – My strength is not that of one, but that of many.” Their performance was a real taonga, and they’ve set the bar for future performances with their celebration of kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, and Māoritanga. Kei runga noa atu, koutou!

Flickr>

BOARDERS' ANNUAL DINNER

The Boarders’ Annual Dinner and awards evening was held on Monday night in Strowan House. All 150 boarding students gathered to celebrate the year and pay tribute to those departing at the end of the year. Guests were treated to a three-course meal prepared by Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his team, and served by volunteers from the PTA, staff, and other helpers. The evening was hosted by Heads of Boarding, Lachie Sidey and Cata Serrano Burgos (both Year 13). Jackson Slattery (Year 13) delivered a toast to the College and country, while Henry Tayler and Matthew Wilcox (both Year 12) honoured the Year 13 cohort with a tribute. Manny MacDonald and Bronson Curtis (both Year 13) provided the karakia at the beginning and end of the evening. Beau Hopkinson, Jasmin Christie, Charlize Smith, Olley Collett, Oliver Cotter, Olivia Glass, and Maria (Masha) Pospolitak (all Year 13) all gave speeches, acknowledging the many individuals who contribute to the success of the boarding programme. Director of Boarding Matt Parr, and Rector Mark Wilson shared reflections on gratitude and belonging. In the boarding sports house competition, MacGibbon Sports House was the winner of the Dianne Needham Trophy. A number of other awards were given in recognition of contributions to boarding life.

Awards>

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250919 Screenshot 2025 09 19 at 3.25.55 PM

YEARS 9–10 ACTIVITIES DAY

Last Friday, the annual Activities Day was another spectacular event for Year 9–10 students. Each group was a mix of the two year-groups, with students meeting others for the first time. There was much entertainment, competition and a lot of brain work in the morning, with six different events: football, quiz, netball, charades, basketball and word puzzles. The day finished with enthusiastic singing in the Centennial Chapel. Everyone is a winner, but the winning house for the day was Rutherford, with MacGibbon and Thompson coming in second equal, and Erwin fourth.

VIDEO>

FOOD FOR HUMANITY HOUSE CHALLENGE

On Thursday lunchtime, the Food for Humanity House Challenge concluded, with House leaders displaying the cans of food collected through the efforts of students and staff. The Challenge was about House spirit and giving back to the community. Thanks to the generous support of the Pre-school and Preparatory School, a large number of items were donated to the Hoon Hay Foodbank who were incredibly grateful for the items. The collection was a massive boost to their supplies and will support local families experiencing difficulties. Overall, MacGibbon collected the most items, Rutherford came in a close second, then Erwin and Thompson. This is the second year the challenge has been run.

ROCK NIGHT

On Tuesday, Rock School students shared their original material at the annual Rock Night concert, which has been recorded this term for the 2025 StAC Rock album. A Rolling Stone was a great venue and was packed out with standing room only. The 11 rock bands performed for over two hours of fun, high-quality originals and covers. Nine Secondary School bands performed, with the Preparatory School’s two newly formed rock bands also taking the stage for their debut.

Flickr>

ROCK ALBUM

During this term, the rock bands have been recording for the StAC Rock 2025 music album. The album keeps the students motivated and working hard after Rockquest finishes in Term 2. The more material they write, the better they get, and this year’s album is testament to that. You can find the album on streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music) by searching for ‘StAC Rock 2025.’

JAZZ CONCERT

On Sunday, all three College jazz bands held a concert for friends and family, which served as the final rehearsal ahead of various competitions and festivals the students will be travelling to over the next few weeks. It was a great chance to get more performance practice in and thank you to all the parents and friends who came along to this very enjoyable event.

PERFORMANCE EVENING

On Monday, the Music Department held the final Music Performance Evening for 2025. Students worked hard and performed to a very high standard, reflecting their progress this year. These performance evenings assist in keeping the quality of music and performance extremely high at St Andrew’s through performing regularly to a live audience outside of class time.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

On Monday, Chamber Orchestra musicians had the opportunity to record a music video of their performance of the very famous classical piece, Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy. The Chamber Orchestra has reached a very high standard this year. The video will likely be released early next term.

VOCAL CONCERT

On Wednesday evening, singers showcased their talents in the Centennial Chapel with a diverse programme of performances, ranging from folk and classical songs to contemporary favourites and musical theatre. The audience enjoyed performances by soloists, the Barbershop, and the two choirs, Stacchorus (Years 9–10) and Staccoro (Years 11–13). The evening finished with the choirs performing a combined item. The concert was a wonderful showcase of the high standard of vocal music at St Andrew’s.

Flickr>

YEAR 13 THEME WEEK

Year 13 Theme Week was full of fun and creativity, with each day bringing a fresh burst of creativity and fun. On Monday, students dressed as something starting with the first letter of their name, filling the school with all sorts of quirky characters. Tuesday’s theme took them ‘10 years forward, 10 years back,’ with students dressing up as their future selves, or in throwback styles. Wednesday was ‘Rhyme Without Reason,’ pairing up with friends in hilarious and mismatched rhyming costumes. To finish off, Thursday’s ‘Anything but a Backpack’ had students carrying their books in everything from buckets to wheelbarrows, making it a week to remember.

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT GUEST SPEAKERS

This week, St Andrew’s College was privileged to host two exceptional guest speakers, thanks to the Science Club and Science Department. Professor David Paterson, Head of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University, is a global leader in cardiac neurobiology. His pioneering research explores how the nervous system regulates the heart, with important implications for cardiovascular health. Professor Paterson has also undertaken research at Mount Everest Base Camp and contributes to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) projects addressing the physiological needs of astronauts. Tim Atkins, who works with NASA, offered fascinating insights into life and work at the world’s leading space agency, highlighting projects that continue to expand our understanding of the universe. We are deeply grateful to both Professor Paterson and Tim Atkins for generously giving their time and expertise to our students. Their visits provided a rare and inspiring opportunity to learn directly from two such accomplished figures in the world of science.

TE WIKI O NGĀ PUKAPUKA | BOOK WEEK

Last week, the Preparatory School was bustling with excitement as students and staff celebrated Book Week. In addition to a packed programme led by the Preparatory School Library team, the whole school enthusiastically embraced the festivities, with classroom and specialist teachers creating lessons and activities to match the ‘Book an Adventure’ theme. The Library hosted two visiting authors, Karah Sutton and Sarina Dickson. Karah’s unique approach to her creativity captivated older students, whilst Sarina’s visit with the younger students provided them with fantastic ideas about how to become story writers. Other key events included the hard-fought inter-class Book Quiz, with 8T crowned as supreme winners, a delightful story walk courtesy of School Librarian Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (SLANZA), lots of competitions, and of course plenty of story sharing. The main event, as always, was the spectacular Book Parade. Led by pipers Benjamin Carline and Luke Russell (both Year 7), Preparatory School staff and students paraded across the campus dressed as our favourite book characters. Our Pre-school students also joined the fun by dressing up in character.

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Student Success

PIPING

Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) was named as the Overall Winner in the U18 Junior Solo Piping at the Northern Meeting in Inverness, Scotland. Maggie won the Piobaireachd event playing The Lament for Captain MacDougall, and she also placed second in the March, Strathspey and Reel event. The Northern Meeting is one of the world's most prestigious solo piping events. Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 12) also competed in these two major events and placed second in U18 March, Strathspey and Reel at the Pitlochry Highland Games.

SPACPAC LEADERSHIP AWARDS

On Wednesday, the annual SPACPAC Pacific Student Leadership and Supreme Awards event was held at Ara Institute of Canterbury. Three St Andrew’s College students were acknowledged for their contribution to Polyfest, along with various other Pasifika events throughout the year. Melenaite (Tia) Havea, Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (both Year 12) and Tave Stuart (Year 13) were presented with certificates. George Wesley, Coco Schwass, Mia Montgomery (all Year 13) and Moleli Lagokamu (Year 12) were unable to attend, however the College also acknowledges their considerable contributions in this space throughout this year and previous years with the group.

DUATHLON

Six keen athletes competed in the individual and team events at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Duathlon at Ruapuna Motorsport Park this week. The race consisted of a 1.9km run, 9.5km cycle and another 1.9km run. Sophie Lampe (Year 11) had an incredible race, winning the U16 Girls’ competition by over two minutes. Ashton Harris (Year 9) came in seventh place in a strong U14 Boys’ field. However, it was in the relay where St Andrew’s really excelled. Penny Scarlett and Katalina Williams (both Year 9) won the U14 Girls’ race, with Penny running and Katalina cycling, closely followed in second place by Phoebe Westaway and Alice Glover (both Year 9).

FLAG FOOTBALL

The Preparatory School flag football team put on an outstanding performance at the NFL Flag Canterbury Regional tournament, finishing as runners-up after a hard-fought final against Waihi School. This squad has shown incredible commitment and resilience, training tirelessly, learning a completely new game, and stepping onto the field with brand-new teammates. On top of that, they carried the weight of high expectations, following in the footsteps of last year’s national champions. Their ability to work together, adapt quickly, and keep morale high was a credit to their character, resulting in a well-deserved second-place finish and qualification for the national tournament in October.

Flickr>

CREATIVE WRITING

Claire Zhao and Alfred Lash (both Year 7), Emma Zhang (Year 8), Hudson Blyde (Year 9) and Samuel Hu (Year 10) have had their poems selected for publication as part of the Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day Given Words competition. Students had to include the following five words in their poems: justice, endure, pair, lightfast, and hold.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR

A group of students achieved outstanding results at the Canterbury-Westland Schools Science and Technology Fair. Aoife Forsyth and Lana Rogers (both Year 8) received the Canterbury Botanical Society First Prize for their investigation into native plants. Kangwoo Moon and Ethan Waines (both Year 9) were recognised by the Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society for excellence in experimental design, approach and interpretation in the Year 9–10 category. Carter Summerfield (Year 8) received the Canterbury Royal Society Years 7–8 prize for experimental excellence, third place from the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry for excellence in chemistry and rigour in the research undertaken for the science fair project, and First Prize for Best Year 8 Science Fair Project. Tessa Kerr (Year 10), Evelyn Lowe, Cong (Zilong) Chen (both Year 9), Aneel Bartlett (Year 8), and Benjamin Carline (Year 7) also took part in the fair.

DANCE

McKenzie Williams (Year 1) danced in her first ever dance competition, performing a jazz duo to Wings with her friend Ruby (also age 5). The girls outperformed older participants to win second place and a silver medal.

THEATRE

Jessica Whitehead, Sophie Jacobs (both Year 7), Jesse Clifford (Year 9) and Matilda Tombros (Year 10) are all involved in a youth production of The Sound of Music, which they will perform in during the last weekend of the school holidays.

Canterbury Representative

GYMNASTICS

ChlöeAnn Botha (Year 7) has qualified for and been selected to represent Canterbury at the upcoming XP New Zealand Gymnastics Championships.

New Zealand Representative

GYMNASTICS

Andre Hall (Year 9) has competed at several New Zealand Nationals qualifying gymnastics events this year, including winning the Central Championships in Wellington, winning the Canterbury Championships, and winning the Level 7 competition at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Competition. Andre also received an award for the highest execution score on an apparatus at the Canterbury Championships. He has been selected to represent Canterbury at the National Gymnastics competition in Auckland next week and has also been named in the New Zealand Men’s artistic gymnastics team for a training tour in Australia at the end of November.

Staff Success

PIPING

Pipe Band tutor Piers Dover placed third in the B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel solo piping event at the Northern Meeting in Inverness, Scotland. Piers continues to be an outstanding role model for our Pipe Band programme.

Old Collegians

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Rae (OC 2022) has won the Skyscapes category in the prestigious Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition for the second consecutive year. His award-winning image, Tasman Gems, taken at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, captures the dramatic Tasman Valley peaks beneath a dazzling southern night sky. Judges praised the photo's “eye-watering amount of sky and landscape" and said it acts as a reminder that "the longer you look up, the more you see."

Good Luck

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

Pasifika Camp;
Novice and Senior rowing camps;
North Island and National Secondary Schools Clay Target Championships;
Preparatory School Sports Exchange with The Southport School (Gold Coast);
Spirit of Adventure Team Trophy Challenge;
Spanish trip to Argentina;
Duke of Edinburgh Hillary’s Award Adventurous Journeys;
National Secondary Schools Basketball Championships;
National Secondary Schools Road Cycling Championships;
Cricket Colts tour;
1st XI Cricket Tour to Sydney;
National Secondary Schools Mountain Biking Championships;
National Secondary Schools Netball Championships.

Notices and Upcoming Events

GALLERY 347

A Design and Visual Communication (DVC) exhibition showing the work of Year 11–13 students in product and spatial design will be held in Week 1 of Term 4.

When: Wednesday 15 October, 5.00pm–7.00pm.
Where: The Green Library and Innovation Centre.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION | DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL

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)

Buy Tickets Online>

MAURICE AND I – A SPECIAL SCREENING AND CONVERSATION

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)

Buy Tickets Online>

PTA CHRISTMAS GOODIES | ORDER NOW

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:

2kg Traditional Christmas Cake $89.00
2kg Traditional Christmas Cake – Gluten-free option $89.00
450g Cathedral Cake (Gluten and Dairy-free) $42.50
Steamed Pudding in Ceramic Bowl (1kg) – $83.00
Christmas Truffles (box of 6) $24.00
Christmas Shortbread Trees (box of 8) $14.00

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>

PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE ORDERS

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

individual student photographs;
Secondary School tutor group photographs;
Preparatory School class photographs;
Preparatory School and Secondary School summer sports groups (except for Secondary cricket);
Preparatory School and Secondary School leadership, clubs, and cultural groups;
Preparatory School and Secondary School winter sports groups (except for Secondary 1st XV rugby);
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 >

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).

Years 1–8: prepschool@stac.school.nz
Years 9–13: attendance@stac.school.nz

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

Friday 19 September – End of Term 3
Monday 13 October – Start of Term 4
Wednesday 15 October – Gallery 347 DVC Exhibition
Friday 17 October – Grandparents’ Day (Register by midday on Thursday 16 October by clicking here)
Tuesday 21 – Friday 24 October – Middle School Production | Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
Monday 27 October – Labour Day, College closed
Tuesday 28 October – Leavers’ Chapel
Tuesday 28 October – 13 Years On Function
Wednesday 29 October – Leavers’ Breakfast
Wednesday 29 October – Leavers’ Assembly
Monday 3 November – Senior Art Exhibition
Wednesday 12 November – Maurice and I – A Special Screening and Conversation
Friday 14 November – Canterbury Anniversary Day, College closed
Friday 28 November – Prizegiving, Wolfbrook Arena, 4.00pm
Tuesday 2 December – Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner
Wednesday 3 December – Secondary School last day of term
Friday 5 December – Preparatory School last day of term

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

Rector's Comment

Friday 19 September 2025

Around the College

PREPARATORY SCHOOL END OF TERM ASSEMBLY

SECONDARY SCHOOL TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI

PREPARATORY SCHOOL TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI

KAPA HAKA

BOARDERS' ANNUAL DINNER

YEARS 9–10 ACTIVITIES DAY

FOOD FOR HUMANITY HOUSE CHALLENGE

ROCK NIGHT

ROCK ALBUM

JAZZ CONCERT

PERFORMANCE EVENING

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

VOCAL CONCERT

YEAR 13 THEME WEEK

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT GUEST SPEAKERS

TE WIKI O NGĀ PUKAPUKA | BOOK WEEK

Student Success

PIPING

SPACPAC LEADERSHIP AWARDS

DUATHLON

FLAG FOOTBALL

CREATIVE WRITING

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR

DANCE

THEATRE

Canterbury Representative

GYMNASTICS

New Zealand Representative

GYMNASTICS

Staff Success

PIPING

Old Collegians

PHOTOGRAPHY

Good Luck

Notices and Upcoming Events

GALLERY 347

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION | DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL

MAURICE AND I – A SPECIAL SCREENING AND CONVERSATION

PTA CHRISTMAS GOODIES | ORDER NOW

PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE ORDERS

ABSENCES

COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

KEY DATES

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