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Dear Parents and Caregivers
What an enjoyable week this has been, with so many students applying their skills and talents across a wide range of exciting opportunities. Thank you to our wonderful staff, coaches and parents/caregivers who make these opportunities happen and support our young people to challenge themselves and achieve their best.
It has been pleasing to see our cricket teams continue their strong season. Recent individual achievements include Sophie Lampe (Year 12) and Ashton Harris (Year 10), who won their respective age groups at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships; Louis Smith (Year 11), who placed fifth at the New Zealand Karting Grand Prix; Max McAlister (Year 12), who received a Ross Macpherson Scholarship from Flying NZ to support his flying lessons; and Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 11), who has been selected as an intern with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Our Junior School Athletics Day last Friday was a wonderful success with beautiful weather.
Our Pipe Bands again performed strongly at the Canterbury Provincial Championships and Ensemble Day Contest held at Riccarton Bush. The A Band was overall winner across both Grade 2 competitions and placed first in the Juvenile Grade, winning all events including drumming. The B Band was overall winner of Grade 4A, runner up in the Ensemble, and second in the Juvenile Grade. Congratulations once again to all our hard-working Pipe Band students and talented staff.
Pasifika culture was celebrated this week through our Fiafia Night, providing an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy our students’ strong and dramatic performances ahead of Polyfest tonight. The group continues to demonstrate an inclusive and positive culture, supported by strong leadership from our senior students. Thank you to Pasifika Coordinator James Jenkinson (Year 11 Dean and English Teacher) and Science Teacher Connor O’Rourke for their support of this group.
Last weekend, it was a privilege to see our rowers compete at the South Island Secondary School Championships at Lake Ruataniwha. While strong westerly winds disrupted parts of the programme, students performed superbly, securing two gold and five silver medals across A finals. Their focus and conduct throughout the regatta were also commendable.
At today’s special Founders’ Day Assembly, we were delighted to welcome Athol Earl (OC 1970) amongst our many special guests. One of New Zealand’s distinguished oarsmen and a proud Old Collegian, Athol presented awards to our current rowing students. Founders’ Day, including the fun and colourful Highland Games, provided a fitting conclusion to the week and an opportunity to celebrate our College community. In my address, I reflected on the story of Andrew, whose name we honour, and how this story is woven through our College Song, reinforcing the importance of understanding who we are and where we belong.
FOUNDERS' DAY ASSEMBLY RECTOR'S ADDRESS > FOUNDERS' DAY GUEST SPEAKER MORNING COMMENT > FOUNDERS' DAY ASSEMBLY AWARDS > FOUNDERS' DAY ASSEMBLY FLICKR >HIGHLAND GAMES FLICKR >
This evening, we host our inaugural Community Fête, with around 1200 people register to attend. This should be an awesome and fun way for our St Andrew’s College community to gather and enjoy an evening of food and fun together and strengthen connections. Thank you to Head of Development and Community Relations, Tomo Yee, for coordinating this event.
Ngā mihi
Mark Wilson
Rector
Three outstanding student artworks have recently been selected for display in the Rector’s office, continuing a tradition established last year of showcasing Year 10 Art in this space. The selected works by Millicent MacIntyre, Billie Feaver-Banks, and Charlotte Withers, are Tetra Pak etching prints inspired by the work of artist Karen Wicks. These prints were produced late last year as part of a Year 10 inquiry exploring architectural forms and the potential of sustainable, recycled materials in printmaking. and the use of sustainable, recycled materials in printmaking. Students began by photographing buildings around the College campus, learning to compose images with careful attention to scale, framing and perspective. Selected photographs were then transferred onto opened, recycled Tetra Paks, which became the printing plates. Using traditional etching tools, students carved fine details into the surface, developing an understanding of how mark making influences tone and depth within a final print. Each plate was inked with black printing ink, carefully wiped back to allow ink to settle into the grooves of the linework, and then run through the printing press to reveal the completed artworks. All three students have continued into Year 11 Art. Next week, the class will travel to Ōtamahua/Quail Island as part of their visual inquiry into an Aotearoa New Zealand Māori context. Thank you to Head of Art, Mallory Swadel, and Art teacher, Michelle Lawrence, for their ongoing work in supporting student creativity and technical skill development.
Year 9 Digital Literacy students have been actively contributing to the development of the College’s guidelines for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in learning. Building on a draft created by a cross-faculty working group of teachers, students are providing feedback to ensure the guidelines are relevant, practical and grounded in authentic learning experiences.
This collaborative process reflects a commitment to inspiring teaching and strong community partnerships, with student voice playing a meaningful role in learning design. Through engagement with both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, students are developing critical thinking skills, ethical awareness and a shared responsibility for how emerging technologies are used in learning.
Effective literacy teaching is evident when vocabulary development is embedded within meaningful, real-world learning. This can be seen in the classrooms of Monique O’Sullivan and Greta Henley, where swan plants and monarch butterflies provide a rich, shared learning context. These living classrooms naturally prompt high-quality student talk and genuine dialogue, supported by responsive and appreciative listening. Through this process, students build confidence in oral language while expanding their vocabulary. Literacy learning is purposefully integrated with Science, demonstrating how hands-on experiences can deepen both language development and scientific understanding. An extension opportunity for Year 3 students involved inviting Pre-school children to visit, allowing students to share their observations and learning about butterflies. The Junior Department values opportunities such as this to strengthen its close relationship with the Pre-school.
This term, Year 7 Connection Time has focused on the PERMA-V pillar of Relationships and the College value of Inclusivity. Incorporated across most days of the week for the Year 7 cohort, this time provides regular opportunities for students to connect and strengthen their sense of belonging. Through cooperative games, team-building activities, physical movement and fun challenges, students are developing strong relationships while learning the importance of including and supporting one another. Collaborative tasks have also been a key feature, including designing a dream classroom and creating a unique animal using AI, encouraging creativity, communication and teamwork.
The Junior Department recently welcomed Johanna Borella for the first of six mindfulness lessons, supporting the introduction of the PERMA-V well-being framework for younger learners. The initial session focused on paying attention and being present. By noticing bodily sensations, students learn strategies that support self-regulation and help anchor them in the moment. Students were introduced to the idea that, like any skill, attention improves with practice, and that gently refocusing when the mind wanders helps to strengthen concentration across the day. The Junior Department is looking forward to a year of well-being learning with Johanna, including lessons on kindness, mindful breathing, and understanding how “red” and “green” brain states influence both well-being and learning.
The rowing programme has had a strong lead-up to the Maadi Cup regatta, to be held in a fortnight at Lake Ruataniwha. With 75 competitive rowers, this remains one of the largest school rowing teams.
At the South Island Secondary School Rowing Championships held at Lake Ruataniwha last weekend, the team contested 21 A finals and four B finals, securing two gold and four silver medals:
Following the regatta, the Maadi Cup squad remained at Lake Ruataniwha for training and preparation, making good use of cold but flat-water conditions. Thank you to our wonderful coaching team, teachers and parent helpers for such a successful regatta and camp.
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The Canterbury Provincial Championships on Saturday 7 March and the Canterbury Centre Contest on Sunday 8 March provided a busy weekend of competition for the College’s pipe bands at Riccarton Bush. The events offered valuable performance experience, with strong crowds and favourable conditions.
The A and B Bands continue to build competitive momentum ahead of the National Championships in Inglewood, Taranaki, on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March.
Flickr >Today, at the Founders’ Day Assembly, Lucy Norton and George Suter (both Year 12) were announced as the recipients of the Robert Burns Scottish Scholarship for 2026. This prestigious joint scholarship enables two students to travel to Scotland for four weeks in September, during which time they will spend time across 11 leading Scottish schools. We also acknowledged the ongoing work of Cylas Tauti (OC 2023), who coordinates the scholarship programme. The scholarship was established through a generous gift from Mr Bruce‑Barron (OC 1953) seven years ago, securing this opportunity for future students, and the College remains grateful for his continued support.
Sixteen students competed in individual and team events at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships in Southbridge last week. Despite hot conditions, students recorded strong performances, including age group wins by Sophie Lampe (Year 12) and Ashton Harris (Year 10), along with first place finishes by both girls’ relay teams.
Flickr >Louis Smith (Year 11) placed fifth in the New Zealand Karting Grand Prix held at Kartsport Manawatu.
Last weekend, the 1st XI played day one of their match against Christ’s College at Hagley Oval. Sent into bat, openers Liam Costeloe (Year 13) and Spencer Hair (Year 13) put on a 126-run opening partnership, with Hair scoring 77. Costeloe and Harrison Horsley (Year 12) then added a further 62, before Costeloe went on to compile a well-paced 108. Ryan Bond (Year 13) contributed a quick 57 as St Andrew’s College reached 322/5 declared. Christ’s College began their reply positively, but St Andrew’s was able to make regular breakthroughs and had them 188/7 at the close of play.
On Sunday, the Year 9 and Colts teams travelled to Timaru to play Timaru Boys’ High School in 40-over matches. In the Year 9 fixture, Timaru Boys’ High School scored 202, with St Andrew’s College replying with 132. In the Colts match, St Andrew’s College posted 238, with Connor Dellaca (Year 10) scoring 54, before Timaru Boys’ High School were dismissed for 159.
On Wednesday, the 1st XI met Christ’s College again in a T20 fixture. St Andrew’s College dismissed Christ’s for 116 and reached the target with seven wickets remaining.
The 2nd XI also played Christ’s College this week. Christ’s scored 126, with Gus Aldridge (Year 12) taking 4/14. St Andrew’s College chased the total with Jock Sidey (Year 13) scoring 104 not out from 51 balls.
Other notable performances:
Ella Bailey (Year 9) won the Canterbury Show Hunter SPH Boutique Breeding Rider in First Season Series 2025–2026 last weekend. This was her first season competing in Show Hunter, partnering Willowmead Acrobat (Charlie).
Sam Wilton (Year 12) and Oliver Wilton (Year 11) competed in the Motatapu Miners Trail, a 15km mountain run in Arrowtown, finishing second and third respectively in the 16–18 age group.
Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 11) has been selected for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Ireland’s Interns programme. The programme supports young musicians in Waitaha Canterbury who are considering professional music pathways. As part of the programme, Terence will perform with the CSO in concerts in August and November.
Max McAlister (Year 12) was awarded a Ross Macpherson Scholarship at the Flying New Zealand National Awards Dinner in Timaru. He received first place overall and will be funded $3,000 towards flying lessons in 2026.
Thirty Preparatory School students competed at the ISSA Zones Swimming Competition at Wharenui Swimming Pool on Wednesday. Several students have qualified for the Primary School Canterbury Swimming Championships to be held at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March:
Year 6 students recently took part in the Cycle Safe programme, developing practical cycling skills and road safety knowledge. After morning skill sessions on the turf, students applied these skills during supervised road riding. The programme was delivered by instructors from Christchurch City Council.
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Our Junior School Athletics Day was a spectacular success, set against a backdrop of bright sunshine and a warm 27°C morning. Families gathered along the sidelines, offering enthusiastic cheers as students gave their all in each event. Throughout the day, our Year 1–3 students sprinted down the track, leapt confidently over hurdles, and raced to fill buckets with balls in our ever-popular team challenges. The combination of determination, House competition, and joyful encouragement from parents created a vibrant atmosphere that truly celebrated our St Andrew’s community spirit. Congratulations to all our young athletes for their wonderful effort, energy, and sportsmanship and to our winning House – MacGibbon.
Flickr >On Tuesday, the St Andrew’s College Polyfest Group hosted their annual Fiafia Night in Gym 1. This event provides an opportunity for students to share the results of their mahi during an intensive preparation period leading into the Ōtautahi Polyfest. Friends and whānau attended to support the students, view their performances, and provide feedback to assist with final preparations. The evening began with honoured guests being piped into the venue, followed by student leaders Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 13) and Jairo Senio (Year 12) welcoming the audience in Samoan and English. The group then delivered a polished and energetic performance, after which parents, staff and students shared reflections on the importance of the College providing space for young Pacific learners to express and celebrate their culture. Acknowledgement was given to Polyfest tutors Afamasaga Uli, Afamasaga Feleki, Lynonah Tausa (OC 2022), Laai Tausa (OC 2023), and Cylas Tauti (OC 2023) for their support of the group.
Ōtautahi Polyfest: St Andrew’s College students will perform this evening from 6.00pm. Families are welcome to attend. Tickets ($5.00 per person) can be purchased online prior to arrival by clicking here.
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On Tuesday, St Andrew’s College hosted the first Combined Boarders’ Chapel of 2026 in the Centennial Chapel. Boarding students from Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and St Bede’s College joined St Andrew’s College boarders for the service.
Head of Boys’ Boarding Henry Tayler welcomed those present and acknowledged the long-standing nature of Combined Boarders’ Chapels, now in their tenth year. Readings and prayers were shared by Heads of Boarding from the participating schools, and the guest speaker was Fergus Morunga, Head Boy of Lindisfarne College in 2024. Fergus spoke about finding purpose, sharing his experience of changing direction from studying Law to pursuing helicopter piloting. The service also included a vocal performance by Isla Kempthorne (Year 13). Following the chapel, Year 13 boarders gathered in the Senior College to socialise.
Flickr >The Preparatory School community gathered in the Centennial Chapel last Sunday for the first Sunday service of the year. Ten Year 8 students were inducted as Sacristans and presented with their Service Badges by Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler.
Teacher Bridget Roth explored the theme of “God in the driving seat”, highlighting the importance of inviting guidance when making decisions. Teachers Mason Shaw and David Ermerins reinforced this message through the No Arms skit, illustrating how collaboration can support learning and daily life. The theme connected with the PERMA‑V framework, reinforcing how purpose, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and vitality are strengthened through shared responsibility. The service concluded with a collection for Kairos Food Kitchen, raising $751.50.
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The Year 7 Parent Social Gathering was held on Thursday 5 March at Hotel Montreal and was attended by more than 100 parents. The evening provided an opportunity for new families to connect with one another and begin building relationships within the College community.
Parents also had the opportunity to meet Principal of Preparatory School Leigh Fowler, PTA representative Andrea Hopping, and Year 7 Team Leader Kelly McBride. The relaxed format encouraged conversation and connection as families began the year together.
Rugby: Sullivan and Sam Mustchin (both OC 2024) have been selected for the New Zealand Rugby U20 Development Programme in Taupō.
Tennis: Finn Emslie‑Robson (OC 2022) is competing this week in the ITF World Tennis Tour in Timaru. The tournament features emerging international players alongside leading New Zealand competitors. Finn is pictured with Eliot Spizzirri (USA) at the 2026 ASB Classic, where he acted as a warm‑up partner.
Basketball: Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023) has been named West Coast Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. The West Coast Conference is one of the major university sporting conferences in the United States, with Player of the Year recognising the top athlete across the league and Freshman of the Year awarded to the leading first‑year player.
Super Rugby: Joel Lam (OC 2020) made his Super Rugby debut for Moana Pasifika against the Chiefs, entering the match in the second half at halfback.
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.
Set to a sparkling Cole Porter score, Anything Goes is a fast-paced, fun romp aboard the S.S. American, where romance, mistaken identities and high-seas hilarity collide. This Golden Age classic follows the lovelorn Billy Crocker as he teams up with the charismatic Reno Sweeney, along with an incognito gangster, to win the heart of debutante Hope Harcourt. Featuring iconic tunes and full‑cast tap dancing, this 2022 revision brings fresh wit while honouring the show’s timeless charm. Filled with glamour and wonderful dance numbers, Anything Goes promises a joyful escape for audiences of all ages. This musical is delightful, delicious and truly de‑lovely.
if you are in Wanaka this weekend, we warmly invite the StAC community to stop by the Wanaka A&P Show on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. You will find us on site C06, where we look forward to reconnecting with old collegians and meeting new families. Whether you are popping in for a chat, keen to hear what's happening at St Andrew’s College, or simply want to say hello, we would love to see you there.
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!
For our second catch up, join PTA President, Tim Gibb, for a cup of coffee and learn more about the fantastic work the St Andrew’s College PTA does to support our students.
When: Tuesday 17 March, 8.00am–8.45am
Where: The Coffee Cart, located in Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre. To view The Coffee Cart menu, please click here.
Who: PTA President, Tim Gibb
View all upcoming Coffee and Catch Ups by clicking here.
We are excited to invite students and parents to a St Andrew’s College information evening focusing on careers in Building and Construction, Automotive, Engineering trades, Electrical trades and Infrastructure. This event will provide valuable insights and potential student opportunities in these fields.
Date: Tuesday 31 March
Time: 7.00pm–9.00pm
Venue: St Andrew's College Gough Family Theatre, followed by an Expo in the Senior College Common Room.
This event brings together the following top industry experts who will give real insights into qualifications, apprenticeship options, career pathways, and what the future of trades actually looks like:
The St Andrew’s College has a Community Business Directory features over 100 businesses and professional services owned by families of current students. The Directory is a fantastic way to support local businesses, strengthen connections within our St Andrew’s whānau, and discover the range of services offered by fellow parents and caregivers. This year we’ll also be hosting business networking events – keep an eye out for upcoming dates and details.
THE ST ANDREW'S COLLEGE COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY>
List Your Business: If you’re a current parent and would like to be included, complete the registration form at the link below, or email development@stac.school.nz to update a current listing.
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.
