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Dear Parents and Caregivers
A very warm welcome back to the new year here at St Andrew’s College.
Tēnā koutou katoa, nau mai haere mai.
This year we begin rolling out our Strategic Direction 2026–2030, weaving the future with the threads of tradition and affirming who we are, grounded in our values. Our vision is clear, “Where people belong, grow and flourish to make a positive difference in our world.” Please take a moment to view the plan by clicking here.
Strategic plans are high-level documents, which then shape our operational goals and the culture of what we do. We have started this year with a range of staff professional learning, with a deliberate focus on shaping the culture that will support the delivery of our strategic direction. This has included a strong focus on our PERMA-V Well-being framework, which is the overarching approach for much of what we will be doing.
You will notice this newsletter is now organised by our four ‘threads’, with reports grouped into ‘Inspiring Teaching’, ‘Outstanding Opportunities’, ‘Well‑being for All’, and ‘Community and Partnerships’. These threads are our new strategic priorities.
I would like to share our outstanding academic outcomes with our 2025 NCEA qualification results. These are genuinely incredible, especially as we are not an academically selective school, with around 25% of our students receiving specific learning support to enable them to realise their full potential.
The two highlights of the week for me have been our Mihi Whakatau on Wednesday morning, welcoming the new students and staff into our College, including our new Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler. Then ending the week with our Prefects’ Investiture and Leadership Assembly.
Rector’s Assembly Address> Head Prefects’ Morning Comment> 2026 Prefect team> Prefects’ Investiture and Leadership Assembly Flickr> Mihi Whakatau Flickr>
If you missed seeing my short (4-minute) welcome video message emailed on Monday, please view it by clicking here.
As you’ll see in the stories within the newsletter, it has been a wonderful and busy start to the year. I wish you all the very best for the exciting new school year ahead and all that it offers.
Ngā mihi
Mark Wilson
Rector
Benjamin Yu (Year 10) was selected as one of the top 30 students in New Zealand to attend the January residential Mathematical Olympiad training camp at St Cuthbert’s College. He has now been named to the NZIMO training squad. A representative team of six students will be announced in April to compete at the International Mathematical Olympiad, taking place in China from 10–20 July.
This week, staff from across our Preparatory School, Secondary School, and support teams, came together for the relaunch of PERMA‑V, our College’s framework for well-being. With clearer, streamlined guiding structures in place, PERMA‑V will play a central role in shaping the direction of St Andrew’s College.
By giving us a shared language and simple, practical tools, PERMA‑V helps weave well-being through everyday school life – across classrooms, year levels, and co‑curricular programmes. Staff left the session energised and aligned, ready to take this unified approach forward.
You can read more about the relaunch in the latest blog post written by our Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby.
READ THE WELL-BEING BLOG>
Last December, Holly Hembry (then Year 10) competed in the 79th Australian Open Dancesport Championships in Melbourne. As the New Zealand representative in the Junior Pro-Am Ballroom and Latin events, she achieved a second placing, a third placing, and two fourth placings. Holly also competed individually in several Solo Junior events, making the top 24 in fields of more than 40 entrants in multiple categories.
In January, Georgia Lewis (Year 13) competed as part of the Canterbury U25 team at the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association (NZPCA) Championships, where the team placed second in New Zealand.
Marshall Coles (Year 11) has been selected for the U16 Canterbury Black touch team, which will compete at the Junior Nationals Touch Championship at Ngā Puna Wai over Waitangi weekend.
Vincent Gardiner (Year 11) has been named in the U16 regional touch team competing in Hamilton in April as part of the Home Grown Touch Regional Series.
In December, William McKerchar (then Year 10) represented North Canterbury at the Special Olympics 2025 National Summer Games. Held every four years, the event saw William win two silver medals in backstroke and relay, and a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle.
In December, 11 talented athletes represented the College at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics National Track and Field and Road Race Championships in Hastings. Highlights included:
Congratulations to Jody McCarthy-Dempsey and Orla Motley, who were both named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ team.
In mid-December, the Mixed Touch team travelled to Rotorua to compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Touch Championship. The team opened strongly with two convincing wins, while the third game was cancelled due to lightning and recorded as a draw. They finished pool play unbeaten and advanced as the top seed into the top‑16 crossover round, where they remained undefeated. A draw against eventual finalists Whanganui High School placed them second in the group on points differential.
This set up a quarter‑final against Mount Albert Grammar School, where the team experienced its first loss of the tournament. Undeterred, they fought hard in their remaining matches, both of which were extremely close contests and reflective of the high standard among the top eight teams in New Zealand. The team finished seventh overall, a fantastic achievement in a fiercely competitive field.
Across December and January, the St Andrew’s College rowing squad completed two training camps and competed in both the Otago and Canterbury Championships, establishing a strong platform for the season ahead. Returning rowers began with a week‑long camp in Twizel, where calm conditions on Lake Ruataniwha enabled high‑quality technical and endurance work. The Novice squad joined later in the week. At the Otago Championships, the squad performed strongly, qualifying for 27 A Finals and 16 B Finals.
January began with a Senior training weekend in Christchurch, while the Novices travelled to Twizel for their dedicated camp. The full squad then regrouped in Twizel ahead of the Canterbury Championships, backing up earlier success with 26 A Finals and 16 B Finals.
Following the regatta, the U16–18 rowers remained in Twizel for a five‑day extension block focused on refining technical habits and embedding strong training routines heading into 2026.
Flickr >In December, RNZPBA Youth Band members Sam Foote, Annie Young, Daniel Liu (then all Year 12) and Anthony Song (then Year 10) took part in the band’s first-ever recording session in Palmerston North.
In early January, the RNZPBA Summer School welcomed Pipe Major Stuart Liddell MBE and Drum Sergeant Steven McWhirter from the World Champion Inveraray and District Pipe Band (Scotland). They were supported by tutors from around New Zealand, including Pipe Band Drum Tutor Jamie McEwan, Bagpipe Tutor Piers Dover, and Pipe Band Manager Graeme Bryce. St Andrew’s College hosted more than 200 students from across Australasia, including members of our own Pipe Band.
On New Year’s Eve, Pipe Band members Sam Foote (then Year 12), Finlay Trewinnard (then Year 10), Alice Glover (then Year 9), Thomas Bottomley (then Year 8), Patrick Glover (then Year 7) and Pipe Tutor Piers Dover travelled to Northland to compete at the Waipu Highland Games — a key solo piping event featuring New Zealand Championship titles.
At the end of the term break, a team travelled to Adelaide to compete in the annual Cricket Quad Tournament at Scotch College. Despite extremely hot conditions, the team performed well, narrowly losing two games in the final over against strong opposition and standing out as the only side to challenge the host team, Scotch College.
All players contributed strongly, with an excellent standard of fielding throughout the tournament. Liam Costeloe (Year 13) won the award for Most Runs Scored, and the team received the Spirit of Cricket Award, presented by the umpires for demonstrating respect and playing in the right spirit.
In December, 23 Secondary School students took part in a two‑week cultural and service trip to Cambodia, visiting Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot. The experience was a strong example of Community and Partnership, connecting people, place, and purpose.
Students worked alongside several NGO organisations, building genuine connections with local communities. They supported students at a local orphanage through reading and English‑language activities, assisted with painting and gardening projects, and shared aspects of their own culture while learning about Cambodian life. These partnerships offered valuable insight into the challenges many young Cambodians face, while also creating moments of joy, mutual respect, and authentic exchange.
The trip also provided important learning about Cambodia’s rich and complex history. Visits to Angkor, the Killing Fields, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum gave students a deeper understanding of resilience and the importance of remembering the past.
The group met each challenge with maturity and empathy, strengthening existing partnerships and forming new ones. The experience highlighted how learning extends well beyond the classroom.
Flickr >
Year 9 boarders have been fully immersed in their introduction to College life since arriving on Saturday afternoon. After moving in with their families and sharing a barbeque, the students began an orientation programme designed to build connections through shared experiences. The programme focused on key expectations, routines, and the skills needed to thrive in a communal living environment.
After their first night in the Boarding Houses, the group travelled to Adrenaline Forest for a high‑ropes challenge before heading to Sumner for a surfing lesson. Monday began with a classroom session on Manaakitanga, exploring how students can support one another in reaching their potential. In the afternoon, the group travelled to Springfield for a jet boat experience, followed by an overnight stay at Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill Lodge. Students prepared their own dinner before taking part in Adventure Based Learning activities focused on teamwork, communication, inclusiveness, and collaboration—key attributes of boarding life. On Tuesday morning, they completed a session led by Castle Hill Outdoor Education staff.
The programme was a valuable beginning for our new boarders, helping to build confidence, belonging, and connection within the boarding community.
Flickr >Harry Justice (OC 2024) competed in the Midwest Highland Arts Fund Winter Storm in Kansas City, winning the Gold Medal Tenor Drumming Championships.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College this weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
Meet our teachers who make the difference at our upcoming Open Days. Please help spread the word for interested families to register online.
Secondary School Open Day: Wednesday 4 March, 9.00am–12.00pm
Preparatory School and Pre-school Open Day: Thursday 5 March, 11.00am–12.30pm
Our South Island Boarding Roadshow events are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the wonderful boarding environment at St Andrew’s College and meet with members of our Boarding team in a relaxed and informal setting over drinks and nibbles.
If you or someone you know is interested in Boarding with us, please see the Roadshow details below to register and find out more.
If you wish to sign-up your child for one of the below co-curricular activities, please visit the link below.
• Speech and Drama Tuition;
• Instrumental and Singing Tuition;
• Pipe Band and Highland Dancing;
• StAC Ballet Academy.
For further information about co-curricular groups, itinerant lesson options, and tutors, please contact the following:
SPEECH AND DRAMA TUITION SIGNUP >
PIPE BAND AND HIGHLAND DANCE SIGNUP >
The timetable has been adjusted to better suit school start times for School Route 721 and 722 from Rangiora to Christchurch Schools, and School Route 741 and 742 from Sumner to City and Merivale Schools.
For those who are new to taking the bus to school, visit Catch The Bus to School on Metro’s website.
We’re excited to invite you to our first ever StAC Community Fête! This special event will bring students and families together on the Front Field for an evening of fun, food, and connection.
This event is all about bringing our community together – Pre-school, Preparatory, and Secondary Schools, and celebrating the start of the year in a relaxed, family-friendly way. With bouncy castles, activities, music, and food trucks, there’s something for everyone. Please note this is an alcohol-free event.
Entry is free, but please register your attendance at the link below. We hope you’ll join us and make this inaugural event a memorable one!
REGISTER >
We’re excited to introduce a new initiative: Coffees and Catch-Ups. Held at The Coffee Cart, located in Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, these informal sessions provide a relaxed opportunity for you to meet and chat with key staff throughout the year over a cup of coffee. No RSVP required – just drop in after drop-off!
We’re thrilled to announce that our first session will be attended by Rector, Mark Wilson, and Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler.
The Robert Burns Scottish Scholarship (RBSS) is a significant scholarship offered to one male and female in Year 12 each year. The scholarship provides the successful students the opportunity to learn about the history, customs and heritage of Scotland through the life and works of the revered poet, Robert Burns. The successful scholar gains the opportunity to be an ambassador of St Andrew’s College while traveling to leading independent schools in Scotland.
For Further Information:
View the Robert Burns Scottish Scholarship Booklet – for Female applicants here >
View the Robert Burns Scottish Scholarship Booklet – for Male applicants here >
All applications must be completed (by students) by Friday 6 February.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti, at PTU@stac.school.nz.
PTA meetings start at 6.30pm and are held in the Preparatory School staffroom. The dates for 2026 are:
If your child is unwell, please keep them at home. To report any absence (due to illness or other reason) please complete the Student Absence Form:
If you are unable to use the online form, you may report an absence by emailing the appropriate address:
If you cannot reach us via the form or email, please phone our attendance line (term time only) on +64 3 940 2031.
