You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last Sunday marked the seventh anniversary of the Al Noor and Linwood Mosque attacks. It remains a significant and deeply felt day for many in our community, reminding us of the importance of standing together, upholding the values of inclusion and respect, and continuing to build environments where every person’s identity and background are acknowledged and valued.
At St Andrew’s College, we take a deliberate and ongoing approach to building a strong, connected community. This was evident in our extremely successful inaugural Community Fête last Friday evening. There has been such a lot of positive feedback to the event which provided an opportunity for our community to gather to enjoy the fun activities, delicious food, and time with one another. We look forward to reflecting on how the Fête could evolve for 2027. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s event such a success.
It is always so pleasing to see our young people engaged in the wide range of co-curricular opportunities available through the summer months. For example, rehearsals for our Senior College production, Anything Goes, are well underway, with students and staff working collaboratively, and the production shaping up to be another outstanding show. Tickets are available by clicking here, with further information in the notices.
In other co-curricular activities, our Boys’ 1st XI cricket team has continued a strong run of results, including an outright win against Christ’s College last Saturday, keeping our team at the top of the 1st XI Championship Two-day Competition table, success in the John McGlashan College exchange, and a Gillette Cup knockout fixture against Timaru Boys’ High School. This momentum continued on Wednesday with the team securing the regional T20 final against Northwest Club, a composite side drawn from Burnside High School, Papanui High School, and Lincoln High School.
Last weekend also saw our Pasifika group take part in Polyfest, and today at the Senior College assembly, 31 Year 12–13 students were recognised for achieving their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. These awards are highly regarded, recognised worldwide, and are valuable additions to the CV of our young people in promoting their sustained commitment across service, skill development, physical activity, and challenge.
Sadly, the ongoing conflict within the Middle East continues to have wide-reaching impacts. We all hope to see a peaceful resolution to this crisis soon. The New Zealand government travel advice for the region remains at Level 4 – “do not travel”. As a result, a decision was confirmed this week to cancel the Classical Studies and History trip to Europe scheduled for the April holidays. The situation will continue to be monitored, particularly where it may affect future College travel.
This weekend, my wife Judi and I are looking forward to supporting our amazing Pipe Bands as they compete in the annual New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Taranaki. The Pipe Bands remain such an important part of the culture and character of St Andrew’s College, and the quality of our programmes and performances are globally recognised for their excellence.
Ngā mihi
Mark Wilson
Rector
On Monday, Year 11 Art students took part in a full-day learning experience at Ōtamahua/Quail Island as part of their 1.1 Visual Inquiry. Prior to the visit, students had been studying whakairo (art carving), with a particular focus on the pou whenua (land post), Te Hamo o Tū Te Rakiwhānoa, which stands at the centre of the island.
The day began at the Whakaraupō Carving Centre Trust in Lyttelton, where students learned about the cultural significance, purpose, and creation process of the pou. Students then travelled by ferry to Quail Island, where they worked from the DOC hut to create cyanotypes. While on the island, they visited the pou, saw the shipwreck graveyard, and spent time at the beach, using photography and drawing at each site. Artmaking was used as a visual inquiry tool to deepen understanding of place, history, and context within their assessment focus.
Flickr>Year 10 Economics students are developing practical financial skills as part of their Accounting unit, learning to budget, produce income statements, and undertake variance analysis. Over the past week and a half, students have worked in groups as travel agents, creating both group and per‑person budgets for clients of different ages travelling to destinations around the world.
Client groups included families travelling to London and New York, 50–60‑year‑olds heading to Rome, 30–40‑year‑olds travelling to Paris, 20–25‑year‑olds going to the Gold Coast, 60–70‑year‑olds visiting Tokyo, and a school group travelling to Barcelona. Students considered client age, group dynamics, flights, accommodation, transport, food, and activities before presenting their budgets to the class. In the coming week, students will be given a scenario impacting revenue and expenses. They will then produce an income statement and variance analysis, followed by a written evaluation of the impact on their business decision‑making.
Year 1 students have been working with clay to create an escargatoire as part of their Art learning. After learning about snails and their features, students shaped their own snail forms from clay and explored texture through the foot of the snail.
Following bisque firing, students revisited the rules of glazing before adding colour and pattern to their work. After the final firing, each snail was finished with a reflective disco‑ball shell. The completed pieces demonstrate individual creativity through varied colour, texture, and form, while reinforcing key skills in sculptural processes and material exploration.
On Wednesday, the Pre-school celebrated Global Recycling Day through a series of learning experiences designed to build understanding of sustainability and care for the environment. Throughout the day, tamariki read Papatūānuku has a Tummy Ache, watched a short video about recycling, went on a walk to empty the Pre-school recycling bins, and created and constructions using recyclable materials brought from home.
A key learning focus was the idea of having respectful relationships not only with people, but also with places and things. Through Recycling Day, Sea Week, and ongoing learning experiences, tamariki are developing an understanding of kaitiakitanga and their role as caretakers of the natural world, strengthening both environmental awareness and connection to place.
Next week, many students will head into Tournament Week, bringing opportunities to compete, connect, and grow. While these high-performance moments are exciting, they can also involve pressure, nerves, and the natural ups and downs of sport.
In this short blog post, Head of Well-being Kerry Larby, explores why PERMA-V, our framework for well-being, matters in sport and how it can support athletes to stay grounded, resilient, and focused on performing at their best.
Read the Well-being Blog>This week, Senior College focused on the PERMA‑V element of Positive Emotions through a simple, community‑driven activity. Year 12 and 13 students, alongside staff, were invited to write short messages acknowledging moments where someone’s actions had created a positive emotion for them.
Messages were submitted at reception and entered into a draw at today’s Senior College assembly. The activity highlighted how recognising small actions can create a ripple effect, benefiting both the person receiving the message and the person writing it. Reflections shared by students included moments of feeling overjoyed, connected, energised, and supported. Positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, interest, and connection play an important role in broadening thinking, strengthening relationships, and supporting overall well‑being.
Some favourite acknowledgements were: “I felt overjoyed because you wanted to study with me during our study period;” “I felt connected because we had a good conversation on the way from the bus and I felt I got to know you better;” “I felt energised because you made me laugh and smile when I was feeling down.”
Students from Class 8S welcomed our Pre-school learners into the Preparatory School Music Room last Friday for a buddy session full of music, creativity, and connection. As part of nurturing positive emotions and well-being, Year 8 students shared the much-loved story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, performing a musical soundscape using percussion instruments. The older students brought each scene to life through sound and movement. The session concluded with shared music‑making using boom whackers and singing Hakuna Matata, creating an atmosphere of trust, enjoyment, and shared participation. The experience highlighted the role of music in building relationships across age groups.
Flickr>The Year 10 Te Waka Departure Evening was held on Thursday, marking a special milestone in the first term of the Te Waka journey. Parents and caregivers met with Te Waka teachers, heard about the learning and growth already underway, and shared a moment of connection with their children.
A key highlight of the evening was the exchange of letters between students and parents. Students reflected on the support and guidance they receive at home, while parents responded by acknowledging developing strengths, resilience, and moments of growth. These exchanges created a reflective and meaningful atmosphere, allowing families to pause and engage in conversation often missed in day‑to‑day routines.
The evening also provided space to discuss shared values and ways to support students as they continue their Te Waka journey. The event reinforced the importance of partnership between school and whānau in supporting rangatahi.
Thirty-one 31 students have completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, demonstrating sustained commitment across service, skills development, physical activity, and a challenging Adventurous Journey.
Following performances at the 2025 National Gymnastics competition, Andre Hall (Year 10) has been selected for the Gymnastics New Zealand 360 Youth Squad. He is one of two boys currently in this national development group.
Students selected for representative basketball teams include:
Three St Andrew’s College teams competed at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Senior Volleyball Championships over the weekend at Parakiore Sports Centre. The Senior A Girls recovered from a challenging first day to record three consecutive wins on day two, finishing sixth overall. The Senior A Boys competed strongly across both days, taking sets off several teams and securing a win on the final day. The Senior B Girls, competing in Division 2 against many schools’ A teams, recorded one win and pushed several matches to five sets, showing steady development across the weekend.
Flickr>The St Andrew’s Polyfest Group performed at the 25th Ōtautahi Polyfest on Friday 13 March. The group presented a tightly executed performance, with choreography emphasising precision and unity. Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa and Melenaite (Tia) Havea (both Year 13) took centre stage in their traditional garments, taonga passed down through their whānau.
Flickr>
Thirty-seven students travelled to Dunedin for the annual John McGlashan College and Columba College Summer Sports Exchange. Matches were played across Sunday and Monday, in generally favourable conditions. All matches were evenly contested. One notable performance was that of Charlotte Schmack (Year 9), in our Girls’ 1st XI cricket team, who took four wickets and scored 95 runs, five short of being the first female player to have scored a century for the College.
The Premiership Wednesday Tennis Competition concluded this week with an all‑St Andrew’s College final. The girls have played well all season, resulting in an all-St Andrew’s College final.
Additional squad members included Mia McHarg (Year 11), Molly Brophy (Year 12), Imogen Turney, Sabine Waghorn, and Scarlett Dunbar (all Year 10).
The 1st XI recorded a closely contested win over Christ’s College on Saturday. St Andrew’s secured a 79‑run first‑innings lead before adding 182/4 in the second innings, with Ryan Bond (Year 13) making 82 not out. Christ’s College were set a target of 262 from 55 overs. Otis Wheeler (Year 13) produced an excellent opening spell, finishing with 5/21 and applying early pressure. Christ’s College showed resilience and, with 17 overs remaining, were eight wickets down. The final wicket fell with two overs to spare, concluding a tightly fought match.
On Tuesday, the 1st XI travelled to Timaru to contest the quarter‑final of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Boys’ First XI Cup. Timaru Boys’ High School made a solid start batting first, but disciplined seam bowling and sharp fielding restricted them to 91. St Andrew’s lost two early wickets in reply before Ryan Bond (Year 13) and Spencer Hair (Year 13) steadied the innings, guiding the team to the target in the 13th over. The side now progresses to the semi‑finals in Term 4.
On Wednesday, the team competed in the regional T20 final against North West. Batting first, St Andrew’s posted 178, with Ryan Bond (Year 13) scoring 68 and Spencer Hair (Year 13) adding 46. A consistent bowling performance followed, with North West restricted to 148/6 to secure the title.
A selection XI travelled to Dunedin for the John McGlashan College exchange. On Sunday, a 50‑over match saw St Andrew’s score 277, highlighted by Harrison Horsley (Year 12) with 94 and Lucas Jemmett (Year 11) with 54. John McGlashan responded strongly but were held to 238. On Monday, a 25‑over match followed, with McGlashan dismissed for 71. Cuintin Borella and Zachary Hoshek (both Year 12) each claimed three wickets, before the runs were chased with the loss of four wickets.
The Girls’ XI played Columba College in two T20 fixtures. The first match was narrowly lost, while the second finished as a tie. Charlotte Schmack (Year 9) recorded 52 in the first match, followed by 96 and four wickets in the second.
Other key performances
Last weekend, Kelicia Purcell (Year 9) competed at the South Island Long Course Swimming Championships at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, recording a combined 16.5‑second improvement across Personal Bests, making five finals and achieving four National Age Group times. She secured first place in 200m Butterfly, and third place in the 400m Individual Medley in the 12-14-years age group.
On a clear, blue-sky Sunday afternoon last weekend, Year 12– 13 students gathered for their first Senior College chapel service of the year. The service opened with a creative reading that wove together Voices from the Bible, setting the tone for Rev. Paul Morrow’s reflection on why bad things happen to good people, a thoughtful exploration of one of the most challenging questions many people wrestle with in their lives. Music formed an important part of the service, with Staccoro performing two pieces that contributed to a reflective and contemplative atmosphere. The choir’s skill and commitment continue to add depth and meaning to Senior College chapel gatherings.
Senior College chapel services remain an important rhythm within the life of the school, offering space for reflection, questioning, and shared experience, and are valued as a foundational part of the Senior College programme.
Flickr>
To mark La Journée Internationale de la Francophonie on 20 March, the International Club hosted a crêpe‑making session. Students prepared crêpes with a variety of toppings, with further activities planned for next week, including a quiz exploring French‑speaking countries. Next week the International Club will be holding a quiz based around these countries, of which there are 29 where France is an official language, and 88 states who belong to the International Francophonie organisation.
Rehearsals are underway for LOOPED, the upcoming Years 7–8 production, set to take the stage in Term 2 Week 8. Students have taken creative ownership through scriptwriting, lyric development, choreography, and rehearsal. Secondary School students Sylvia James and Oliver Wallace (both Year 13) and composer Violet McInnes (Year 11) have supported cast members in refining performance skills. Their expertise and mentorship add depth to the production experience.
All Years 7–8 students will appear on stage as part of the production. Some will be in their element, and some will step outside their comfort zones, try something new, and perhaps even discover a passion for the performing arts.
Tuesday’s Preparatory School Chapel service provided an opportunity for students to reflect on empathy, identity, and belonging within the life of the school. Building on the previous week’s focus on empathy, students were invited to consider acts of kindness they had noticed or offered, reinforcing a shared responsibility to care for one another.
Through the reminder that we are all “wonders”, wonderfully and fearfully made by God, students were encouraged to recognise both their own unique value and the value of others. Year 8 students then shared learning from their inquiry into family heritage and identity. Through researching surnames and creating family crests or coats of arms, students explored the histories, values, and aspirations that shape who they are today. Presentations by Mya Sutherland, Benji McBride, Daisy Feaver-Banks, Lucas Bingham, and Lucia Patterson explained the origins and symbolism behind their designs, highlighting thoughtful reflection and connection to story and faith.
Music also played a role in the service, with Year 8 pipers Andrew Bryce and Luke Russell leading the processional and recessional. The chapel intentionally brought together faith, learning, and well‑being, supporting students to understand themselves as known, valued, and connected, while encouraging empathy and respect for the stories of others.
This morning, Pre-school was privileged to be visited by Alina Kulikova, a visiting Dance Educator from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The session included basic ballet positions and choreography from Dazzlehands, supporting movement, listening, and participation through dance. Ngā tamariki were entranced by Alina’s dancing and enthusiastically participated in the workshop.
Flickr>Last Friday, the College grounds came alive as St Andrew’s College hosted its first StAC Community Fête, welcoming more than 1400 members of the community at the end of a successful Founders’ Day. Despite uncertain forecasts, the weather held, allowing the front fields to become a vibrant space filled with connection and activity.
Students enjoyed time with friends, while parents and whānau gathered to catch up and socialise, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for all ages. Outstanding performances from our talented student musicians set the tone for the evening, and activities such as the dunk tank, Radical Run inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals, and bubble soccer were well used throughout the event.
Food trucks, including Bacon Bros, Empire Chicken, Fush, Mr Whippy, Bo’s Dumplings and Coffee Embassy, provided a wide range of options, while the PTA drinks stand remained a popular hub across the evening. The Fête offered a valuable opportunity to bring the College community together early in the year and reinforced the importance of shared spaces and experiences.
Flickr>
ATHLETICS – Tapenisa Havea (OC 2021) has been selected for the New Zealand team for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, competing in shot put.
BASKETBALL – Niamh Chamberlain, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell (all OC 2024), Bronson Curtis (OC 2025), and Rylan Cliff (OC 2025) have been selected for representative teams.
MUSIC – Jimmy Rainey (OC 2012) is touring with Symposium Brass as part of Chamber Music New Zealand’s Progression tour.
Teacher in Charge of Digital Technologies, Phil Adams (OC 1991), alongside Justin Conway (OC 1991) and Leyton Hunt (OC 1992), competed as part of the Canterbury Over‑50s Men’s team at the 2026 Bunnings Masters National Touch Championships, finishing with a 4–3 win over Bay of Plenty in the final. The match went into extra time during the drop-off period, where Phil scored the match winning touchdown to seal the title.
On Friday 13 March, around 40 Old Collegians from the Classes of 1966–1970, along with their partners, returned to St Andrew’s College for the 60 Years On Reunion. Many attendees began the weekend by attending the Founders’ Day Assembly, with the presentation of rowing medals by double Olympian Athol Earl (OC 1970) marking a memorable moment.
The afternoon continued with the Highland Games brought plenty of colour, energy and fun to the afternoon, which concluded with a performance from the Pipe Band.
Friday evening’s cocktail event provided space for reconnecting and sharing stories, with former staff members John and Jill Irving, and Rex Livingstone, also in attendance. The formal dinner on Saturday evening included contributions from several Old Collegians, including Andrew Conway, John Munro and Rod Craw with the Address to a Haggis, Ian Wallace as MC, Doug Kelman delivered the Toast to Absent Friends, Alan Dodgson led the Grace, and Athol Earl gave a Toast to the College, reflecting long‑standing traditions and connections to the College.
Throughout the weekend, guests appreciated the hospitality provided by Catering Manager Russell Gray and his team, who supported the programme across multiple events.
Flickr>
This year marks the final phase of St Andrew’s College’s involvement with the Eco Action Trust, which the College joined in 2019. As the Trust moves towards winding up its operations, the College will receive its final allocation of 1,500 seedlings in the coming weeks.
In preparation, students have contributed significant time before school, during breaks, after school, and on weekends to ensure plants were carefully prepared and packed for transport to the nursery hub ahead of the Red Zone planting season beginning in May. This work highlighted strong collaboration and responsibility across the student group.
Looking ahead, the conclusion of the Eco Action Trust partnership provides an opportunity to develop a bespoke College nursery model tailored to St Andrew’s needs. This may include a combination of native and exotic plants, opportunities for sustainable revenue generation, and expanded planting projects within the College and wider community. The initiative aligns closely with the Community and Partnership focus on people, partnerships, and place, supporting purposeful student engagement and tangible environmental outcomes.
The Preparatory School’s partnership with the Canterbury Eco Action Trust continues to support environmental learning and action. Last year, Years 7–8 students potted and cared for 500 native plants in the Preparatory School nursery, with the majority successfully maintained through the summer months.
Last Friday, Year 6 students joined the project, working together to transport more than 100 plants to the loading area in preparation for delivery to the Christchurch Red Zone. After planning an efficient system, students collaborated to complete the task effectively.
As a satellite nursery school, the Preparatory School plays an active role in supporting Red Zone restoration. Plants grown at the College, sourced from the nearby Travis Wetland, contribute to habitat creation for native bird species and the development of a green corridor through the city. Through planting, mulching, and ongoing care, students and whānau are gaining first‑hand experience of environmental stewardship and long‑term sustainability.
Flickr>Good luck to all students who are representing the College this weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:
Hanmer Choir Camp;
Pipe Band Nationals;
Maadi Cup Regatta;
South Island Secondary Schools Touch Championships;
South Island Secondary Schools Water Polo Championships;
New Zealand Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Championships.
Monday 23 March – Summer Tournament Week
Monday 23 March – Years 9–13 Parent-Teacher Interviews (online)
Tuesday 31 March – Coffee and Catch Ups with the Head of Values and Culture and the Director of Sport & Co-curricular Activities
Wednesday 1 April – Years 9–13 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 1 April – early finish at 12.30pm due to Parent-Teacher Conference. Student supervision available until 2.30pm (normal finish time)
Thursday 2 April – Years 9–13 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Thursday 2 April – Last day of Term 1, early finish at 12.30pm due to Secondary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
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.
St Andrew’s College is planning to offer a Years 11–13 cultural and service-based trip to Cambodia in April 2027. The proposed trip will run for approximately 14–16 days, likely during the first two weeks of the April 2027 holidays. It is open to students entering Years 11–13 in 2027 and will be accompanied by St Andrew’s College staff, as well as an experienced, English-speaking local tour manager. The programme is designed to give students an authentic insight into Cambodian life through engagement with a range of non-government organisations, alongside visits to significant cultural and historical sites such as Angkor Wat, the Killing Fields, floating villages and local markets. Travel will include time in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot, with a short transit stop in Singapore to provide a contrasting cultural experience. Places are limited and selection will be based on suitability, numbers and staffing ratios. If oversubscribed, priority will be given to Years 12–13 students.
Parent Information Evening: Tuesday 31 March, 6.30pm, in the Senior College.
If your child is interested in attending, please attend the Parent Information Evening. During this session, we will share a draft itinerary, outline key details about the trip, discuss expectations and preparations, and provide an opportunity for any questions. Following the information evening, families who wish to proceed will be sent an application form to formally confirm their interest in joining the trip. If you have any questions, please contact Trip Coordinator, Kate Taylor, at KTA@stac.school.nz.
At our next Coffee and Catch Ups, join Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, and Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities, Mark Lane, for a cup of coffee and learn more about summer sports at St Andrew’s College.
When: Tuesday 31 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: xx
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! View all upcoming Coffee and Catch Ups by clicking here.
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.
