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Dear Parents and Caregivers
A warm welcome to the start of Term 2. While the term break offered time for rest and refreshment, many of our students remained actively involved in pursuits they enjoy. As outlined further in this week’s Rector’s Comment, this included winter sports teams competing in pre-season tournaments, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Adventurous Journeys, continued Pipe Band achievements, and individual achievements, including Mila Yin (Year 9), Cheryl Teng and Ary Son (both Year 12) being selected for the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, with Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (Year 12) named as a reserve.
Our annual Anzac Day service, held in our Centennial Chapel last Saturday, continues to be an important occasion for the St Andrew’s College community. The service provided an opportunity to reflect on those who served and sacrificed, including members of our own community who answered the call. By continuing to honour their service and sacrifices, we reaffirm values of respect, gratitude, remembrance, and responsibility.
During the break, I had the privilege of attending a formal function as part of the opening of the new One New Zealand Te Kaha Stadium strong theme of the occasion was the significance of the stadium within Christchurch’s earthquake recovery and the spirit of collaboration and optimism evident across the region. It was particularly pleasing to see our students perform the Aotearoa Medley from last year’s Prizegiving at Te Kaha Stadium as part of the Super Rugby half‑time entertainment on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the term, there are many wonderful opportunities for our young people to continue challenging themselves and growing through co‑curricular and cultural experiences. One highlight will be the upcoming Senior School production of Anything Goes, a fast‑paced musical comedy that brings together students across music, drama, and dance. Some tickets remain available by clicking here.
As the old adage says: “It takes a village to raise a child”, and the strength of our College community plays a vital role in supporting our young people. A great example of this in action is the parent-organised biennial Black and Bling Ball, which this year will raise funds for our hockey and rowing programmes. A small number of tables remain available, with further details accessible by clicking here.
I wish you all the very best for the term ahead and I look forward to seeing you around our beautiful campus, at our various performing arts events and community functions, and supporting our sports teams throughout the season.
Ngā mihi nui
Mark Wilson
Rector
On Wednesday Cohnor Walsh (Year 13) travelled to Wellington to be recognised for his Top Scholar in Technology Scholarship in 2025, supported by Principal of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, and Teacher in Charge of Technology, Phil Adams. He received his award from Kevin Jenkins, Chairman of NZQA and had the opportunity to meet and speak with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Education Erica Stanford. It also provided Cohnor with a great chance to meet and connect with other high achievers from around the country.
Last term, Year 8 students explored Earth Science through an in‑depth study of the rock cycle and major rock types, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Students examined how convection currents within the Earth drive geological processes and investigated weathering, erosion, and deposition, developing an understanding of how landscapes change over time.
Learning was extended through a field trip to Halswell Quarry, where students observed rock formations and Earth processes directly in the local environment. The experience supported strong connections between theoretical learning and real‑world geological contexts.
In Year 7 Science, students developed their understanding of acids and bases through a sequence of hands‑on practical investigations. Students safely tested everyday substances, learning how to identify acids and alkalis using both class‑made and synthetic indicators, alongside the pH scale.
Students explored chemical properties, investigated neutralisation reactions, and made connections to real‑world applications of acids and bases. Through experimentation, observation, and structured discussion, students strengthened scientific inquiry skills and confidence in using scientific terminology and laboratory equipment.
The Year 7 Mathematics programme is guided by St Andrew’s College values of excellence, inclusivity, and integrity in learning. Ability‑based grouping supports students to work at an appropriate level of challenge, enabling teachers to respond thoughtfully to individual learning needs.
From 2026, the programme will be strengthened through the use of Oxford Maths as a supplementary resource. This supports conceptual understanding, problem‑solving, and creative mathematical thinking, while encouraging students to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and build confidence within a supportive learning environment.
Learning to read begins well before children arrive at school, through shared stories, songs, and poems experienced at home. These early interactions help children develop positive attitudes toward books and understand how print and imagery work together to tell stories.
At school, formal reading instruction begins with learning letter sounds, correct letter formation, and decoding strategies. Students use phoneme fingers to segment and blend sounds as they read and write, building early literacy skills through a carefully sequenced programme that ensures mastery before progression.
The Preparatory School Library plays an important role in supporting this journey, fostering a love of reading and helping students grow into confident and independent readers.
Over the coming terms, the College will bring the PERMA‑V well‑being framework to life by focusing on one element at a time and sharing practical ideas that can be used at home. This week’s Well‑being Blog, written by Head of Well‑being Kerry Larby, explores the PERMA‑V pillar of Positive Emotion.
The post considers how small, everyday moments of positivity can support perspective, resilience, and emotional balance for young people.
Read the Well-being Blog>
At the end of last term, Peer Support Leaders hosted a shared morning tea to mark the conclusion of the term and wish Year 9 students a positive Easter break. The gathering provided an opportunity for students to spend informal time together and connect with their senior role models.
The Peer Support Leaders valued the chance to strengthen these relationships and look forward to continuing their work with the Year 9 cohort across the remainder of the year.
Sophie Lampe (Year 12) competed in the Marra Sprint Triathlon at Mount Maunganui, racing against elite competitors over the sprint distance. She placed third overall and finished first in the U19 category.
Earlier in the season, Sophie won the Triathlon New Zealand Junior Series U20 title. At the final race in Napier, she placed second overall and was the first New Zealand competitor to finish, securing qualification for the Triathlon World Championships later this year in Spain. She is also currently ranked the top female athlete for Youth Olympic selection, subject to New Zealand securing a qualifying place.
Four students have been selected for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s National Youth Orchestra. Mila Yin (Year 9), the third‑youngest selection in the orchestra’s history, will perform on double bass. Cheryl Teng (Year 12) has been selected for Violin II, and Ary Son (Year 12) for the Viola section. Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (Year 12) has been named as a reserve for the Viola section.
Five students have been selected to represent New Zealand at the USA Football Summer Series in Los Angeles this June, competing against international opposition in their respective age groups.
Preparatory School teacher and Flag Football Co-ordinator Mason Shaw has been appointed Head Coach for the New Zealand U15 Girls’ team and will also travel with the squad to Los Angeles.
A small group of students represented Canterbury in a Tier 2 tennis tournament in Wellington over Easter Weekend, achieving the following results:
Three students have been selected to represent Canterbury at the New Zealand Inter‑Provincial Volleyball Championships in Wellington. Hamish Bilton (Year 11) will compete in the U17 Boys’ team, while Ana Sloane (Year 13) and Riley Blackler (Year 13) have been selected for the U19 Girls’ and U19 Boys’ teams respectively.
During the term break, 36 students from Years 11–13 completed Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Adventurous Journeys. Weather conditions required changes to original routes, with all four groups travelling to the West Coast.
Three groups based themselves at the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill, completing training modules in navigation, campcraft, teamwork, leadership, risk management, and environmental awareness. All groups, supported by Castle Hill instructors, successfully completed the Kelly Tops traverse from the Taipo River to Carroll Hut.
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The annual Presbyterian Schools Rugby Quadrangular Tournament was hosted by Scots College, Wellington, from 8–10 April. Twenty‑four Year 11–13 students competed alongside teams from Lindisfarne College, Saint Kentigern College, and Scots College.
Following a chapel service, the opening fixture against Lindisfarne College saw St Andrew’s defend strongly before executing their game plan to record a 54–7 result. The tournament dinner at the Beehive included a guest address by Warner Dearns, Hurricanes lock and Japanese national team player.
The final match against Saint Kentigern College was closely contested, with St Andrew’s leading 17–5 at half‑time. Momentum shifted in the second half, and Saint Kentigern secured a 29–22 result.
fLICKR>Two College teams competed at the Basketball New Zealand Secondary Schools 3x3 Nationals in Wellington. The Girls’ team finished sixth overall with a 5–3 record, while the Boys’ team progressed to the final and finished as national runners‑up with a 7–1 tournament record.
Benjamin Marsh (Year 12) was named to the Basketball New Zealand All‑Star Four at the conclusion of the tournament.
The Boys’ 1st XI hockey team travelled to Hamilton during the holidays to compete in a pre‑season Anzac tournament hosted by St Paul’s Collegiate School. Results included wins against St Paul’s Collegiate School (2–1) and Cambridge High School (3–2), along with competitive matches against Westlake Boys’ High School, Hastings Boys’ High School, and Whangārei Boys’ High School.
The Girls’ hockey team had an away tournament scheduled in Auckland; however, this was cancelled due to Cyclone Vaianu.
Students and families competed in the South Island Secondary Schools Adventure Racing Championships in Kaikōura across 3‑, 6‑, and 12‑hour race formats. Results included:
During the term break, several College pipers competed at solo piping competitions in Hastings and Fairlie. Both events form part of the New Zealand solo piping calendar and included competitors from across the country.
College students achieved multiple results across grades and disciplines at both the Hastings Easter Gathering and the Fairlie A&P Show.
Marija Filipovic (Year 12) has been awarded the Canterbury Tennis Grand Prix for Senior Premier Tennis, recognising consistency across the season. This is a significant achievement for a school aged student playing against adults. Marija has had a wonderful season dominating the secondary school competitions, as well as her Premier tennis accomplishments.
Kelicia Purcell (Year 9) competed in both speed swimming and artistic swimming at national and international events. At the New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships, she recorded six top‑ten finishes, including a third placing in the 200m breaststroke after improving her personal best by 7.52 seconds.
Within 24 hours, Kelicia travelled to Sydney to compete at the Australian National Artistic Swimming Championships, recording her highest scores to date across Figures and Routine events, including a routine completed without penalties.
At the recent Kiwi Classic Dance Championships in Auckland, Holly Hembry (Year 11) competed in Junior Solo events and Junior Pro-Am events. She successfully defended her six Junior Pro-Am titles and received two firsts, a second, and a third place in her Solo events.
Ava Jones (Year 13) has committed to Santa Clara University in the USA. Ava has made an indelible impact on the St Andrew’s College basketball programme, whilst accumulating accolades on the regional, national, and international stage. She captained her New Zealand age-group team to both the FIBA Oceania and Asia Cup finals, with the FIBA U17 World Cup taking place mid-year. Ava will be joining the team in January as a redshirt freshman.
St Andrew’s College riders competed at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Showjumping competition. Individual results included Makayla Lochrie (Year 12) placing fifth in the 95cm Showhunter, Amelia Brockhurst (Year 10) third in the 85cm Showhunter, and Georgia Grant (Year 10) fifth in the 105cm showjumping class.
The College team placed ninth overall in a field of 19 schools.
Two Preparatory School teams competed at the Canterbury Kids’ Lit Quiz Regional Heat, which featured 44 teams and 100 literature‑based questions.
Team One – Alfred Lash (Year 8), Henry Streeter (Year 7), Georgia Blyde, and Freya Gibbs (both Year 6) – placed joint sixth, achieving top scores in two rounds. Team Two – Jessica Whitehead (Year 8), Claire Chua (Year 7), Reva Bartlett, and Geneva Walker (both Year 6) – finished mid‑table.
Liam Botha (Year 5) competed at the 63rd Wharenui Winter Olympics during the school holidays. He broke the meet record for Boys’ 10 and Under in the 100m Butterfly, previously set in 2006, and the Canterbury record for Boys' 9 and Under in the same event, which was previously set in 1982.
Eleanor Nortje (Year 4) competed at the Oxford A&P Show, receiving the trophy for Most Promising Dancer. She also performed as part of the Canterbury Caledonian Highland Dancing group during the Tactix match on Saturday 11 April.
The St Andrew’s College Anzac Chapel Service was a moving occasion that honoured Old Collegians who lost their lives in service to their country. Members of the St Andrew’s College community gathered alongside the Year 12 cohort for scripture readings that reflected on the suffering caused by war and the hope found in following the way of Christ.
Musical contributions included performances by Vin Schelp (Year 13), who sang The White Cliffs of Dover, and Luna Robinson (Year 12), who performed We’ll Meet Again. A student address by Matthew Graham (Year 13) drew on personal family history, including a letter written by his great‑great‑grandmother as her son departed for war.
The service continued with the Roll of Honour read by Rector, Mark Wilson, and Deputy Board Chair, Nick Letham, followed by the laying of wreaths by Gail Turner, Ladies’ Circle President, and Head of Development and Community Relations, Tomo Yee. After the recitation of For the Fallen and a minute’s silence, The Last Post and Reveille were played by Year 12 student Yuxin (Alice) Chen, with a piping lament by Maggie McConnochie (Year 12). The service concluded with prayers and readings led by the Head Prefects.
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On Anzac Day, St Andrew’s College Pipe Band members served at a range of parades and services across the South Island.
On Anzac Day, the Music Department performed at the Hurricanes' Super Rugby “Super Round” at One New Zealand Te Kaha stadium. Due to the coverage of last year’s Prizegiving finale performances, organisers selected the College’s 2025 Aotearoa Medley to mark the occasion and celebrate Anzac Day.
Due to the requirement to shorten the original arrangement by two minutes, and the introduction of new singers this year, the Music Department undertook considerable planning and preparation during Term 1. As orchestras could not be present at the stadium due to stadium requirements, all orchestral parts were pre-recorded. On the day, students delivered the performance with strong musical focus and stage presence, supported by staff across rehearsal, direction, arrangement, and coordination roles.
Staff members involved included Kate Taylor for soloist training, Dr Jared Corbett for choir direction, Mark Hodgkinson for orchestra conducting, William Buffham for arrangement, Ginnie Thorner for choir management, and Duncan Ferguson as overall organiser. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in preparing the students for this exciting and prestigious event.
A video of the performance, produced by Harry Ferguson (Year 12), is available via the link below.
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The first Boarders’ Chapel Service of Term 2 was held on Tuesday in the Centennial Chapel. Head Boarders, Henry Tayler and Katie Taggart (both Year 13), warmly welcomed students back for the new term and shared information about upcoming boarding events.
Jiutaisa Manumanuniliwa (Year 13) read from Psalms 19, 23, and 24. Rev. Paul Morrow reflected on these readings through the concept of the “overview effect”, encouraging students to gain perspective and appreciate the wider context of their lives, particularly through time spent in nature. A prayer led by Katie Taggart echoed this theme.
The service included a musical performance by Sofia Buckley (Year 10), who sang Bright Eyes. Following the service, Rutherford House farewelled departing Assistant House Manager Dee Guillemot‑Rodgerson, acknowledging her service within the boarding community.
Flickr>The Pasifika Group performed at the Super Round Anzac Day Fan Zone near the Bridge of Remembrance, contributing to the day’s commemorations through music and cultural expression.
An end‑of‑term lunchtime fundraiser raised just under $300 in support of So They Can. Teachers Liz Gormack, Kevin Barron, and Liam Smith took part in a cream‑pie throwing activity, providing an informal and engaging opportunity for students to contribute to the cause.
The 91st OCA Golf Tournament was held on Friday 17 April, with more than 90 Old Collegians and friends of the College taking part. The event was played in autumn conditions and supported by volunteers and sponsors.
John Holmes (OC 1977) claimed the Old Boys’ Golf Cup and will represent the College at the Strowan Rose Bowl later in the year. Funds raised from the tournament will support cricket at St Andrew’s College.
fLICKR>Law – Thomas Kamo (OC 2022) competed at the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, DC, as part of the University of Canterbury team, which advanced to the international rounds. Thomas was ranked as the highest New Zealand oralist.
Meat Industry – Ron Park (OC 2013) was named the 2026 Meat Industry Association Dragon’s Den winner for his Kiwi Tender concept.
Rugby – Jack Sexton (OC 2019) was named on the Crusaders bench for his Super Rugby debut.
Photo credit: Martin Hunter / New Zealand Rugby
Rallying – Jack Stokes (OC 2019) won his first New Zealand Rally Car title at the Otago Rally, following in the footsteps of his father Brian Stokes (OC 1975).
Pipe Band – Piers Dover (OC 2013), current Piping Tutor, won the Comunn Na Piobaireachd Gold Medal at the Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering.
Tennis – Elliot Darling (OC 2013) was named Men’s Grand Prix Winner at the Tennis Canterbury Awards.
Air Force – Francis Gillies (OC 2025) and William Ruge (OC 2024) graduated from their RNZAF Recruit Course at Base Woodbourne.
Rowing – Robbie Miller (OC 2025) was named coxswain of the New Zealand Universities Women’s Eight for the Trans‑Tasman Series in Sydney from 6–11 July.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
Over the three days of Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May, Years 10 and 11 students will be completing compulsory online assessments for NCEA in Literacy and Numeracy. All Year 10, and a small number of Year 11, students will complete Numeracy on the morning of Tuesday 19 May and Reading on the morning of Wednesday 20 May. A number of Year 11 students will sit Writing on the morning of Thursday 21 May. All students who are sitting the assessments will receive an emailed personalised timetable on Tuesday 12 May.
Students are required to use their own laptop and will login to each assessment using the NZQA website and their NZQA Learner Login details. Gaining an NCEA certificate requires students to pass three assessments (Literacy – Reading, Literacy – Writing, Numeracy), that are assessed in schools twice each year, with the first opportunity being this month. Each assessment is designed to be completed in about an hour, but students may take less time, or longer. Results will be available to students through their Learner Login later in June.
Because the assessments are online for most students, it is very important that their laptops are ready for use and are able to last the full length of each assessment. This year, once again, the College will not be providing a back-up laptop for students unless there is an exceptional circumstance on the day of the assessment.
Year 10 students will complete the set of assessments when they sit the Literacy – Writing Common Assessment Activity in September. Those who do not achieve either or both of the assessments in May will have another opportunity to do so in the September assessment period.
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.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration, and community spirit at the Black & Bling Ball 2026, proudly sponsored by The Crater Rim, and support our St Andrew’s College hockey and rowing programmes. Standard Tables of 10 are available for $1600 and include complimentary bubbles on arrival, dinner, late evening supper, and fantastic live entertainment. With a formal dress code, this is your chance to dress to impress and enjoy a fantastic evening with friends and our wider College community. Enjoy the fun of the photo booth, explore our exciting silent auction, take part in the raffle and experience the energy of our live auctions.
Tickets typically sell fast, so we encourage you to book to secure your table! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community for an elegant and memorable evening while supporting our students. All funds raised will support the ongoing development of hockey for all Preparatory and Secondary School teams and contribute to upgrading the St Andrew’s rowing kitchen in Twizel, helping provide outstanding opportunities for our students.
PURCHASE BLACK & BLING BALL TABLE OF 10>
The following 2026 photographs are now available to order online:
Details of how to order the photographs can be found on StACNet. Parents will need to log in using their St Andrew's College login credentials.
For photography enquiries, please contact: photography@stac.school.nz.
Order Photographs Onlibe>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.
