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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Once again, it has been a smooth and very positive start to this new school year, thanks to everyone’s support and good work. Already, so much has taken place and even more is now well underway.
Last weekend, I enjoyed watching our Boys’ 1st XI cricket team begin their season with a cracking performance against Christchurch Boys’ High School, led confidently by our new captain, Ryan Bond (Year 13). Ryan delivered an outstanding finish to the day, hitting 24 runs off the last over to bring up his century and place St Andrew’s College in a commanding position going into day two. Down in Twizel, our rowers competed in the annual Canterbury Club Regatta and produced a series of pleasing performances, qualifying for 27 A finals and achieving seven podium finishes, including Gold in the Girls’ U19 Pair for Charlotte Galvan and Sayler Hedgcock (both Year 13).
The St Andrew’s College difference comes from many factors, including the breadth of our co-curricular opportunities and the high calibre of professional coaches and staff who guide and develop our young people. These opportunities are critical in not only growing the talents of each student but also strengthening their character. Experiences like these play an important role not only in extending students’ talents but also in strengthening their character. A simple example of this was evident last Saturday, when a large group of Senior rugby students independently organised and led a rigorous pre‑season fitness session – a great demonstration of organisation, collaboration, and commitment in action.
I wish you all an enjoyable Waitangi Day tomorrow. This national holiday is a special time to reflect on the day Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) was first signed on 6 February 1840. This year, we are pleased to have a group of Secondary School students who have travelled to Waitangi to experience the national commemorations firsthand.
Ngā mihi
Mark Wilson
Rector
As part of our commitment to Inspiring Teaching and fostering lifelong learning, we are proud to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Cong (Zilong) Chen (Year 10). Last year, as a Year 9 student, he earned Excellence Endorsement in Level 2 and Level 3 Calculus, along with Merit Endorsement in Level 2 Accounting. His exceptional motivation and curiosity saw him embrace learning far beyond his year level, supported by teachers who nurtured both his capability and his confidence.
This year, Zilong continues to extend himself and will sit Level 3 Physics, Chemistry, and Accounting, as well as Scholarship Calculus. He is also studying a STAR course at the University of Canterbury. His journey reflects the power of personalised pathways and the deep culture of learning we aspire to cultivate, where students are inspired to grow, challenge themselves, and pursue their potential with purpose.
Last year, we proudly launched Hold the Line ‘til Year 9 in the Preparatory School – a community initiative supporting families to delay smartphone ownership for children. The aim is simple: to protect tamariki from the social, emotional, and developmental challenges that can come with early access to smartphones, and to create a consistent approach that reduces the pressure to “keep up”.
Families are invited to sign the pledge to delay smartphone ownership until at least the start of Year 9. When 10 families from a class sign, the pledge becomes active, and participating families will receive confirmation next week, along with the option to share contact details to support one another. Families who signed last year remain part of the programme and do not need to re‑sign.
As part of this initiative, Year 7 and 8 families will receive a copy of the Mobile Phone Family Agreement at next week’s Meet the Teacher evening. This resource supports those considering a text‑and‑call‑only phone and provides clear expectations and discussion prompts for home.
A version tailored for Middle School families has also been developed and is encouraged for use as students navigate increased access to technology.
Sign the Preparatory School Pledge >
Preparatory School Smartphone Family Agreement >
Middle School Smartphone Family Agreement >
This week, the Peer Support programme began for Year 9 students. Around 90 Year 12 and 13 students were selected at the end of 2025 to serve as Peer Support Leaders, helping new students settle into life at St Andrew’s College. Each tutor group has been assigned four or five leaders who will work with them on Monday afternoons throughout Term 1. Last week, leaders met their groups and ran a series of activities and games designed to help students build early connections and develop a sense of belonging in the College community. Each session aligns with the PERMA‑V Well-being framework. This week’s focus was relationships, with students completing activities and challenges with their tutor groups.
The Middle School Leadership Assembly was held on Monday, where prefects and Middle School leaders were formally introduced to students. In his welcome address, Rector Mark Wilson spoke about the qualities of effective leadership, emphasising that everyone has the potential to lead and make a positive difference within the College community.
The 2026 student leaders were then introduced: Head Girl Charlotte Galvan; Head Boy Tom Simpson; Deputy Head Girl Lila Waghorn; Deputy Head Boy Jake Farrelly; Head of Boys’ Boarding Henry Taylor; and Head of Girls’ Boarding Katie Taggart. Together, they spoke about this year’s theme, “Growing Together, Thriving as One,” highlighting the importance of personal growth, collaboration, and working collectively as a community.
To close the assembly, Principal of the Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, reminded students that leadership is not defined by wearing a badge. He encouraged all students to show leadership by taking initiative, standing up for what is right, and setting the standard through their everyday actions.
fLICKR >The rowing squad travelled to Twizel to compete at the South Island Club Championships Regatta. In stunning summer conditions, the squad secured 27 A Final appearances and earned seven.
It was a highly successful weekend, and the squad has now returned to regular training in Christchurch as they prepare for the South Island Secondary Schools Regatta at the beginning of March.
fLICKR >
Over the weekend, pipers Sam Foote (Year 13), Maggie McConnochie (Year 12), Finlay Trewinnard (Year 11), and Charlotte Donovan (Year 10) competed at the 161st Turakina Highland Games. The event continues to grow in popularity, attracting strong fields of competitors from across the North Island and featuring several championship‑level events within the grades. The students represented the College superbly as they tested themselves against high‑calibre opposition.
Spencer Hair, Otis Wheeler (both Year 13), and Angus Schmack (Year 11) have been selected as U17 Canterbury cricket representatives following the recent national tournament.
Last weekend, Kelicia Purcell (Year 9) competed in 10 events at the Canterbury Regional Long Course Championships, held at the new Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre. She achieved Personal Best times across all her races, including seven National Age Group qualifying times.
· 1st: 100m Butterfly, 200m Butterfly
· 2nd: 400m Individual Medley, 4x50m Relay
· 3rd: 50m Butterfly, 200m Breaststroke, 200m Individual Medley
With only weeks remaining until the VEX V5 Nationals in Auckland, the robotics room has been buzzing as students complete final adjustments to their robots. On Sunday, teams from seven schools gathered in The Green Library and Innovation Centre for a fast‑paced scrimmage to practise driving and refine strategy.
Congratulations to team Error 101 (Jonathan Armstrong, Hudson Blyde, Edward Garbutt, and Ethan Waines (all Year 10)) who reached the finals against strong opposition.
This interschool event provided valuable preparation for Nationals, where teams will compete for the opportunity to qualify for the VEX World Championships.
The first Year 9 camp of 2026 delivered a mix of rain, snow, sunshine, and plenty of smiles. Class 9S supported one another through rock climbing, gorge rafting, and camping in challenging conditions, kept warm by hot chocolate, marshmallows, and some impressively crafted nachos.
Although wild weather meant a pivot from the original Waimakariri overnight journey, students awoke to snow‑covered peaks, rising mist, and a bright, sunny day before tackling the splashy challenges of the Rakaia Gorge. The camp offered a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with classmates and teachers in a stunning outdoor setting.
fLICKR >
Year 7 students enjoyed a brilliant day at Sumner Beach on Monday as part of the Preparatory School’s Transition to Year 7 Programme. With perfect conditions for surfing, the day focused on building connections, by helping students get to know one another, strengthen friendships, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Through shared challenges, teamwork, and lots of laughter, students supported each other in and out of the water. With guidance from instructors, they caught plenty of waves and showed resilience, enthusiasm, and encouragement. The day also supported student well-being, highlighting the benefits of being active, outdoors, and trying something new.
Flickr >This week, our Year 1–3 classes attended a Beach Education day at South Brighton Surf Club. Students learned about lifeguard equipment, including first aid kits, rescue boards, and inflatable rescue boats. Lifeguards also reinforced SunSmart messages, with classes performing short plays, songs, or dances to demonstrate sun‑safe rules.
Students were taught how to identify a rip and what to do if they were caught in one before heading into the water to put their safety learning into practice. A special thank you to the parents who supported the day and helped make the trip possible.
Flickr >
The master planning process with McIldowie Partners continues to progress well as we complete the Define & Discover phases. In January, as staff returned for the academic year, the first Co‑Design workshops were held with 25 selected staff and students. These highly interactive sessions provided a platform for genuine idea‑sharing and authorship, offering a range of provocations for how our campus might evolve to support a future‑ready academic environment at St Andrew’s College.
At the end of last year, more than 20 consultation workshops were conducted with students, staff, Old Collegians, parents, and the senior leadership team. This intensive Listening phase revealed remarkably consistent values, themes, and opportunities to inform proposals for campus redevelopment.
In parallel, an Education Brief is being developed with Dr Ben Cleveland, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. This brief will set a clear pedagogical agenda for future‑focused learning environments and guide the principles of the Master Plan.
Two Old Collegians went head-to-head in the United Rugby Championship in Parma, Northern Italy. Sam Gibert (OC 2016) took the field for Irish side Connacht, while Shilo Klein (OC 2017) represented Zebre Parma. Both proudly captained the 1st XV during their time at the College.
Moments like these reflect the strength of our Old Collegians community – a global network of graduates achieving great things while staying connected through shared values and lifelong friendships.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College this weekend in sports and cultural activities.
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
Date: Monday 2 March (Week 6, Term 1)
Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm
Venue: Centennial Chapel, St Andrew's College
Join us for StACTalks: The Power of Stories with Jehan Casinader. This special evening features award-winning journalist, author, and mental health advocate Jehan Casinader, who will share his remarkable journey from early success in television journalism to battling depression and suicidal thoughts – and how storytelling helped him survive. Jehan’s presentation is not a generic mental health talk. He offers fresh, compelling, and practical insights into how we can support our children’s well-being and strengthen resilience within our families. His storytelling approach provides tools to help us become the “authors” of our own lives and navigate challenges with confidence.
Jehan has spoken to educators, parents, and students across New Zealand, changing lives – and saving lives – with his unique message. His book, This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life, has inspired countless readers to rethink how they approach adversity.
This free event is open to all St Andrew's College parents and caregivers. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served after the session in the Centennial Chapel foyer.
REGISTER >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.
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.
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.
