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Rector's Comment

Friday 31 October 2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou.

This week has been a very special time to say farewell to our Secondary School Leavers for 2025, with a beautiful family Leavers’ Chapel Service held on Tuesday evening, and then a wonderful and very special Leavers’ Assembly on Wednesday morning. This special assembly began with a breakfast, thanks to Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his kitchen team. Our Year 12 and 13 leavers then processed around the campus through a ‘line of honour’ formed by our Preparatory School students and staff, before receiving a rousing haka from our Middle School students as they entered our Centennial Chapel. It was a memorable and fitting send-off for our senior leavers.

On Tuesday evening, we also hosted a special function to acknowledge our “13 Years On” students – those who began their journey with us in Pre-school or Year 1 and have grown alongside St Andrew’s College every step of the way. Their long-standing commitment and connection to our community is deeply valued and is a testament to the strength of our community and the power of shared values.
13 Years On Flickr> 

I would like to make a special acknowledgement and offer congratulations to our talented Jazz Band, who performed as part of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival over the Labour Weekend. My wife Judi and I had the privilege of seeing them perform last Friday outside the Riverside Market, where a very large lunchtime crowd enjoyed their fabulous music. The band also performed at The Church Pub on Saturday to a very appreciative full house.

Congratulations once again to our Middle School Production students for their outstanding performances in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Their flexibility in rescheduling Thursday’s weather-cancelled show to Saturday evening was commendable. The performances were energetic, uplifting, and thoroughly entertaining. Thank you again to all the staff and volunteers who made this production possible and helped our young performers shine.

In our visual arts, it was wonderful to see the creative work from our Year 10 Art students on display in The Green Library and Innovation Centre over the last week. Their cleverly crafted cardboard sculptures of everyday items showcased impressive attention to detail and skill – well done to all these young artists.

Returning to the theme of farewells, this Saturday evening we will hold a College dinner to acknowledge and celebrate our Principal of Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth, who is stepping down after his very significant 29 years of service in this leadership role. This event will be an opportunity for current and former members of our community to reflect on and honour Jonathan’s his long service and contributions to the Preparatory School.

Finally, we send our very best wishes to our Year 11–13 students as they begin their examination study leave. Their external NCEA qualification assessments commence next Tuesday, 4 November. We trust that their hard work and dedication will be justly rewarded.

Ngā mihi

 

Mark Wilson
Rector

Mark Wilson 1x1
251031 Triathlon

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE – TOP 10 IN THE WORLD

On Friday 17 October, Sophie Lampe (Year 11) competed in the 2025 World Triathlon Junior Championships (ages 16–19) in Wollongong, Australia. She took part in the Age-Group Sprint Distance event, racing against 1260 competitors. Sophie finished 226th overall, 23rd among females, and 10th in the 16–19 age group.

At just 15 years old, Sophie was one of the youngest competitors. Finishing in the Top 10 is an outstanding achievement, and she has certainly made a name for herself on the world stage.

Around the College

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRODUCTION

Congratulations to the cast, band, crew, backstage assistants, and the creative team of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. This production beautifully reflects the College’s commitment to fostering imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. Our Middle School students engaged in a sustained creative process, navigating both the challenges and rewards of bringing a performance to life.

 

Special thanks to Director Ginnie Thorner and Musical Director Duncan Ferguson, who, alongside a dedicated team, guided and supported students in the art of theatre-making.

Flickr>
251031 DoaWK 20251015 2S5A4876
251031 BigBandFest STAC0088

JAZZ

The Senior Big Band and the Jazz Orchestra both performed over Labour Weekend as part of the Christchurch Big Band Festival. The weather was ideal for Friday’s outdoor gig at Riverside Market, in front of a large audience. On Saturday, the bands performed a 90-minute set at one of the students’ favourite venues, The Church on Manchester Street, in front of a packed and appreciative crowd. 

Both bands played exceptionally well, making it a memorable final send-off for our Year 13 students, who have been involved in Jazz at St Andrew’s College for five years.

Flickr>

BASKETBALL PRESENTATION

On Tuesday, the Secondary School welcomed former New Zealand Tall Black and NCAA champion Jack Salt to speak at the weekly hui. Jack is well known to many of our ākonga, having worked with our volleyball and basketball programmes in 2023. His presentation focused on “above the line and below the line” behaviours, highlighting how these distinctions separate good teams from great ones. Drawing on his personal experiences, Jack facilitated a highly engaging session with practical takeaways for students.

251031 BasketballPresentation

ART

Our Year 10 Art students have created an incredible collaborative installation inspired by the work of contemporary artist, Anastasia Parmson. The project involved designing and constructing every element of the display – from the backdrop and floorboards, to painting desks and crafting detailed models. Students sculpted everyday objects using recycled cardboard, then transformed them with spray paint and intricate detailing to get a comic like effect. This hands-on process encouraged creativity, construction skills, teamwork, and problem solving in artmaking. A highlight for the students was when Anastasia Parmson herself saw photos of the project on the StAC Fine Arts Instagram (@stacfinearts) and commented: “Absolutely amazing work and attention to detail.” This recognition was very special and motivating for the class. The display will be showcased in the library for one week.

Student Success

251031 SoloPiping IMG 3755

PIPE BAND

The Highland Piping Society of Canterbury’s Silver Chanter Labour Weekend Solo Piping Championships 2025 is the premier solo piping competition in New Zealand. A number of St Andrew’s College Pipe Band pipers took part, performing at the highest level throughout the weekend.

On Monday 27 October, the South Canterbury Solo Piping and Drumming Championships were held in Geraldine, where our students again achieved pleasing results.

Awards>

Flickr>

TENNIS

Over the long weekend, Tom Dawson and Zoe Kelso (both Year 9), along with Marija Filipovic (Year 11), qualified for the National Junior Tennis Masters 2025 in Wellington, placing them among the top eight junior players in New Zealand.

Unfortunately, Marija was unwell and unable to compete but was still recognised as part of the top eight. Tom placed fifth in the U14 Boys category, and Zoe placed seventh in the U14 Girls.

251031 Tennis

BASKETBALL

Several students competed in the SAS Australasian Slam and New Zealand HoopNation basketball tournaments over the long weekend:

  • Year 13: Bronson Curtis;
  • Year 12: Cooper Wilkins;
  • Year 11: Jai Curtis, Sol Calvert;
  • Year 10: Iosefo (Sefo) Tito, Lucas Bourke;
  • Year 9: Conner Dellaca, Samuel Hoshek, Mia Wilkins.

Jai Curtis’s team placed second, Mia Wilkins’s team won their final, and Bronson Curtis’s team also won their final. 

251031 Equestrian

EQUESTRIAN

In August, Georgia Lewis (Year 12) competed in the NZ Love Racing Pony Scurry at Riccarton Racecourse. Winning the race on her pony, Teddy, qualified her for the national final in Otaki, where she placed fourth.

Georgia has also participated in trials for the national squad to represent New Zealand at the International Mounted Games World Team Championships, which will be held in France in August 2026. She placed fourth in the squad selection, and will train over the Christmas holidays, with the final team of five riders to be announced in January.

DANCE

Tavé Stuart (Year 13) advanced to the semi-final of the New Zealand Young Performer Awards. Out of 125 of the country’s best modern dancers, only 24 progressed to the semi-final, making this a significant achievement.

251031 Tave Stuart Dance
251031 SurfLifesaving

SURF LIFESAVING

Millicent MacIntyre (Year 10) competed at the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships in Auckland, where top athletes from across the country showcased their surf lifesaving skills. Millie won two national titles, becoming champion in the 50m swim with fins (defending her title), and the 100m manikin carry (30kg) with fins. She also won silver in the 100m manikin tow (20kg) with fins and was part of her club’s U17 team that won bronze in the manikin carry relay.

Last term, Millie also competed at the Southern and Northern Championships, earning a similar number of medals and multiple top eight finishes.

CRICKET

The 1st XI hosted St Bede’s College on Saturday in a New Zealand Schools’ Cup semi-final. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the team got off to a solid start. Despite losing a couple of wickets, Joshua Nicolson and Jack O’Rourke (both Year 13) built an 85-run partnership, with Jack going on to score 94. Jock Sidey (Year 12) added 34, and Aarkin Kesar (Year 13) contributed to a 51-run partnership, helping the team reach 262/7. A tight opening spell from Ryan Bond (Year 12) and Austin Earl (Year 13) created pressure, and with strong fielding, including two runouts, St Bede’s was dismissed for 139. Aarkin Kesar, with figures of 3/22, was the standout in the pace attack.

On Sunday and Monday, the team travelled to Auckland to play Saint Kentigern College in a traditional fixture. Batting first, Saint Kentigern was dismissed for 127, with Liam Hall (Year 13) taking five wickets and Jack O’Rourke three. Connor Sharp (Year 13) scored 58, and Spencer Hair (Year 12) added 41 to set a strong platform. Jack O’Rourke then scored 93, and Austin Earl 77, taking the team to 310/7 declared. Saint Kentigern showed more composure in their second innings, reaching 174/4 before rain ended play. A strong result for the team, who retain the Saints Trophy.

The 2nd XI hosted Wellington College on Sunday. Wellington batted first and made 175, with Hugo Fairweather-Logie (Year 12) taking 4/18. St Andrew’s lost early wickets, but Hugo’s 36, supported by Jacob Farrelly (Year 12) and Benjamin Stewart (Year 11), brought the team close. Zachary Hoshek (Year 11) and William Wiffen Lal (Year 12) then secured the win, nine wickets down.

Saturday was a standout day, with all St Andrew’s teams winning their fixtures, a rare and exciting achievement. Key performances included:

  • 2nd XI vs Christchurch Boys’ High School – William Wiffen Lal (Year 12) 4/19;
  • 3rd XI vs Sydenham – Jake Elvidge (Year 13) 75, Thomas Julius (Year 12) 74 n.o., Lachlan Grant (Year 13) 4/41;
  • Colts vs St Thomas of Canterbury College – Angus Schmack (Year 10) 92, Nixon Dooley (Year 10) 79, Nathan Andrew (Year 9) 50, Lucas Jemmett (Year 10) 5/21;
  • Year 9 vs Shirley Boys’ High School – Luke Saegers (Year 9) 52 n.o. and three wickets.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Benji McBride and Montgomery Fox (both Year 7) placed third out of 112 teams in the 5KM Huxster Mountain Biking Relay Race held last week at McLeans Island.

251030 MTB
251030 HighlandDance

HIGHLAND DANCE

Georgia Gregg (Year 8) competed at the Rangiora Highland Dancing Competition last Saturday, winning all events in her age category.

Canterbury Representatives

SWIMMING

During the term break, Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Year 8) represented her club and region at the prestigious New Zealand 2025 National Artistic Swimming Championships in Wellington, which featured over 180 competitors. Competing in the Youth Mixed Duet category, Kelicia and her duet partner won silver.

251030 ArtisticSwimming
251031 Futsal

FUTSAL

Rosalie Lunam (Year 10) has been selected for Canterbury United 19's Pride futsal team, which will represent Canterbury at the 2025 NZF National Youth Futsal Championship in Wellington this December.

Good Luck

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

  • Girls’ South Island Secondary Schools Rugby 7s Cup;
  • Aoraki 1000m Rowing Regatta.

Notices and Upcoming Events

JUNIOR EXAMINATIONS (YEARS 9–10)

Year 9–10 students will sit their Junior examinations in most of their core subjects on Tuesday 4 November (morning and afternoon) and the morning of Wednesday 5 November (Year 9 only). Students will sit most of their examinations online, which will provide them with the opportunity to practise with this form of assessment that is increasingly used in NCEA examinations. Results will be available soon after each examination. 

Important notes: 

  • Device-readiness: students must check that their laptop is in good, sound, working condition and will last for the full length of the examinations. 
  • Thursday 6 November is reserved as a ‘catch-up’ examination day, should it be needed for Year 9 students who were absent from one or more of their examinations. 
  •  Friday 7 November is the catch-up examination day for Year 10 students.

NCEA AND SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS (YEARS 11–13)

NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship examinations begin on Tuesday 4 November and run through until Friday 28 November. Quite a few examinations are online, and students must check that their laptop is in good, sound, working condition and will last for the full length of the 3-hour examinations. 

View the examination timetable by clicking here.

Students sitting online examinations must provide the details of their NZQA Learner Login username and password for logging in to their examination/s themselves. Results of the NCEA examinations are available in mid-January 2026 and are accessed by students through their Learner Login. Marked papers will be available a week or two after results release through the Login. Scholarship examination results are timed for release in early February.

Please view the following resources on StACNet for additional information: 

  • ‘NCEA Examinations 2025’ – For information regarding absence from NCEA examinations and for accessing the examination timetable;
  • ‘NCEA Examination FAQs’ – This will provide parents with more information about issues such as how the system for derived grades is managed.

We wish our students well with these upcoming examinations.

PTA CHRISTMAS GOODIES | LAST CHANCE TO ORDER

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>
Christmas Cake 2 1
Sleeping Beauty 2 1

BALLET PRODUCTION: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

Step into a world of enchantment, where fairies weave spells, a kingdom slumbers under a wicked curse, and true love awakens with a single kiss. Set to Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score and brought to life through exquisite choreography, The Sleeping Beauty is a timeless ballet that blends grace, grandeur, and a touch of magic. Join Princess Aurora, the Lilac Fairy, and a cast of fairy tale characters in this radiant celebration of beauty, hope, and the triumph of love.

Dates and times:

  • Thursday 27 November, 1.45pm–3.15pm
  • Thursday 27 November, 6.00pm–7.30pm
  • Saturday 29 November, 2.00pm–3.30pm
  • Saturday 29 November, 4.30pm–6.00pm

Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adult $38.00 | Student $20.00 (student ID may be requested on entry)

Buy Tickets Online>

COLLEGE SHOPS – SUMMER HOURS

The College Shop, Thistles, will be open in December from Monday 1 December – Friday 19 December 2025, 8.00am–4.30pm. Thistles will re-open in 2026 with the following hours: 

  • From Monday 12 January, with uniform fitting appointments available during this period. 
  • The opening hours during January will be 8.00am–4.30pm weekdays.

The final operating day for the Second-Hand Uniform Shop in 2025 will be Friday 19 December. In January 2026, the Second-hand Uniform Shop will be open with the following hours:

  • Thursday 22 January: 10.00am–4.00pm
  • Friday 23 January: 10.00am–4.00pm
  • Monday 26 January: 10.00am–12.30pm
  • Tuesday 27 January: 3.00pm–4.30pm
  • Thursday 29 January 3.00pm–4.30pm
Thistles Shop MG 9151
M&I

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>

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 >

OnlinePhotographyOrdering

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

  • 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 – Last day of term (Secondary School)
  • Friday 5 December – Last day of term (Preparatory School)

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