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Dear Parents and Caregivers
A highlight of the week has been the outstanding Senior College production of Anything Goes, which opened to a full house and a standing ovation. Something that really stood out was the willingness of students to take on new challenges as part of their learning and growth – whether mastering tap dancing, stepping into lead singing roles for the first time, or performing with confidence before a live audience. The production reflects courage, commitment, and collaboration across the entire cast and crew.
On Monday, I had the opportunity to travel with Leigh Fowler, our new Principal of Preparatory School, to visit the Year 8A class on the first day of their camp at Castle Hill. Leigh and I enjoyed spending time with students participating in team-building activities, abseiling, bush walks, and outdoor cooking. These experiences were delivered under the professional guidance of Jo Parsons, Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre Operations Manager, and her team. Camps such as these continue to provide rich learning opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
Winter sport is now underway, with many teams playing their initial grading fixtures this week. This Saturday at 2.45pm, our Boys’ 1st XV rugby team will host Christ’s College in an annual fixture known for its strong tradition and community support, including many Old Collegians. The team enters the match following encouraging performances at their pre‑season tournament and a narrow loss away at Nelson College last weekend.
As outlined at the end of last year, the College engaged an independent external group to review pastoral care and well-being programmes across St Andrew’s College. The resulting report was received in February and considered by the Board at its March meeting. This review highlighted the strong commitment of staff to well-being, the care and attention evident in policies and procedures, and the alignment of pastoral practice in the College’s strategic vision. The report also included recommendations to strengthen a shared understanding of well-being, how it is supported, evaluated and communicated, and how existing good practice can be sustained over time. Overall, the reviewers concluded that the College is well positioned to move from strong relational practice to a more mature and sustainable well-being framework.
This week, we internally advertised a new position titled Head of Hauora. This role will identify opportunities to further strengthen a coherent, systematic and sustainable whole-of-College approach to pastoral care. The Head of Hauora will work closely with our Heads of Middle School and Senior College, deans, syndicate leaders, counselling and youth staff, and well-being teams, to support ongoing development across the College.
As always, I encourage you to enjoy this week’s Rector’s Comment, which captures the breadth of activity across the College and the continued engagement of students in learning, culture, service, and opportunity.
Ngā mihi nui
Mark Wilson
Rector
Year 11 Textile Technology students took part in a field trip focused on sustainability, linked to their current shirt project and external assessment. During a visit to The Fabric Store, students learned about sustainability within the textile industry, including ethical sourcing, material provenance, and environmentally responsible production practices.
The experience provided real‑world context for classroom learning and reinforced the importance of sustainable decision‑making. Students also selected fabric swatches to gather feedback from intended end users, supporting informed design choices before finalising materials for their shirt construction, with sustainability remaining a key consideration throughout the process.
As part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories curriculum, Year 8 students are exploring the inquiry focus Remembering the Past, with particular attention to Anzac Day and the Gallipoli campaign. This learning is integrated with the Preparatory School Inquiry Learning model, supporting investigation, critical thinking, and communication.
Students are working towards a presentation explaining the significance of Anzac Day, including why it is remembered, how it is commemorated, and what it represents. They are also examining the causes and consequences of the Gallipoli campaign.
During the Immersion stage, students build background knowledge through texts, videos, and digital resources. They then move through the Thinking and Acquiring phases, responding to guiding questions such as the symbolism of the red poppy and the impact of the Gallipoli landings. Learning is supported through mind mapping, cause‑and‑effect analysis, and a creative visual or craft‑based component. In the Communication phase, students will present their findings, complete a self‑assessment, and collaborate to recreate Anzac Cove using Minecraft.
The Year 4 Writing programme supports students to build confidence and skill through carefully structured learning opportunities grounded in the College values. Students are currently working on a unit inspired by the traditional wishing tale The King of the Fishes.
Through sequenced lessons, students explored authorial techniques such as purposeful structure, rich vocabulary, and effective language choices. Learning was scaffolded through targeted word‑level and sentence‑level activities, including vocabulary exploration, sentence construction, and the use of expanded noun phrases, relative clauses, similes, metaphors, and correct punctuation of speech.
Students examined the underlying pattern of a wishing tale before innovating on the model text by creating new characters and wish‑granting creatures. Using this structure, they have planned, drafted, revised, edited, and are currently publishing their own imaginative Wishing Tales, developing fluency and pride in their writing.
Music learning in the Junior Department is taught using the Kodály pedagogy, a singing‑based approach that follows a carefully sequenced progression of skills. Through songs, games, and the use of solfège hand signs, students develop an understanding of pitch and pitch relationships.
A key focus of learning is musical literacy, with students developing the ability to read and write music alongside essential musicianship skills such as singing, listening, and performing together. These lessons support accuracy, confidence, and enjoyment, while building strong foundations for future music learning.
Pre‑school learners took part in a science experience last Friday with a visit from Assistant Head of Science Kelly Marsh‑Smallman, who led an experiment using dry ice. Being part of the wider College community provides opportunities for Pre‑school learners to engage with new ideas and experiences.
The demonstration prompted curiosity and questioning, with tamariki closely observing the changes taking place and discussing what they noticed throughout the experiment.
This week, the Pre‑school marked New Zealand Sign Language Week. Tamariki learned signs to accompany one of their favourite waiata, Te Aroha, and, linking to their current inquiry into space, also learned signs for earth, moon, space, and rocket.
These experiences supported communication, inclusion, and curiosity while reinforcing connections between language learning and inquiry topics.
The Pre‑school recently welcomed students from class 1AH, who visited to share learning about PERMA‑V, the well‑being framework used across the College. The Year 1 students introduced PERMA‑V through a song that helped reinforce ideas around caring for ourselves and supporting our own well‑being.
They also demonstrated simple strategies for calming the body and regaining focus when experiencing strong emotions. Through a shared game, Pre‑school tamariki were supported to recognise and name emotions that they might observe in themselves and their friends. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for connection and learning across age groups, reinforcing shared language and understanding around well‑being.
A further group of students has completed the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, marking the second set of presentations this year. In total, 48 students have now completed the Silver Award in 2026.
The Silver Award requires six months of sustained engagement in physical activity, service, and skill development, alongside training for both a practice and qualifying Adventurous Journey. A third presentation will take place next term for students who are close to completing their requirements.
Silver Award recipients (all Year 12): Emma Bailey, Lauren Bolton, Zara Browne, Victoria Cairns Knight, Yuxin (Alice) Chen, Oliver Connolly, Isabella Cutforth, Edward Keenan, RuoLin (Lauren) Li, Neve Lovelock, Chloe McFedries, Amy Medland, Carrie O’Donnell, Adele Sherborne, Ary Son, Genevieve Wallis, Katrina Wallis.
Alysa Brown (Year 12) represented New Zealand at the World Race Walking Team Championships in Brasilia, Brazil, competing in the U20 grade against experienced athletes from 22 countries. Alysa recorded a season-best time of 1:00:35, finishing 38th overall where the podium was decided in 46:37.
Jacob Schouten (Year 11) competed at the Australian Archery Youth Nationals in Tasmania, participating in events across five days alongside approximately 150 competitors. In the U16 division, he won all entered events, receiving four gold medals and winning a further non‑medal category.
Following selection to represent New Zealand, Jacob travelled to Auckland to compete at the World Archery Oceania Championships, where he contested the U18 division and recorded two silver medal finishes.
Grace Roy (Year 11) represented New Zealand at the KRA Cup – CSIJ‑B Seoul, an international event supported by Equestrian Sport New Zealand. Riding RookieDevines, Grace finished seventh overall in her opening round following a formal international opening ceremony.
Rosie Gaffaney (Year 12) was a member of the Canterbury U21 Mixed touch team that won the national title this season. She was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player at the Touch Canterbury Opens and Masters Prizegiving.
Ten students represented St Andrew’s College at the Canterbury NFL U15 Flag Football Championships, finishing as winners and qualifying for the national tournament in June.
Team members: Olivia Quane, Isabelle Taylor, Edward Park, Archer Foster, Maxwell Ardagh, Levi Currie, Samuel Hoshek, Rico Cantwell (all Year 10), Austen Fraser, Carter Busch (both Year 9).
On Tuesday, students represented the College at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Road Race held in Hagley Park, with multiple top‑10 placings recorded:
The Junior Girls’ team placed first in the Teams event.
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The Senior Adventure Racing team competed in the Hillary Challenge six‑hour race, completing a running and cycling rogaine across Hansen Park, Rapaki Valley, and Bottle Lake Forest. The team cleared both courses, recording maximum points in the running stage and the third‑fastest time in the cycling stage.
Team members: Abigail Scott‑Douglas, Iona Garrett, Amelia Blockley, Joshua Morrow, Toby Wilson, Cohnor Walsh (all Year 13), Marija Filipovic, Luke Cleugh (both Year 12).
Qualification has been secured for the Hillary Challenge Final in Tongariro National Park in October.
Maggie McConnochie (Year 12) competed at the R U Brown Memorial Piobaireachd Gold Medal event in Adelaide, placing second overall. This prestigious piobaireachd event is open to any competitor of any age, excluding previous winners. She also placed third in the A Grade March, Strathspey, and Reel and finished first overall in B Grade events.
Benjamin Marsh (Year 12) made his NZNBL debut for the Canterbury Rams, recording three points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in Rapid League play.
The Big Band and Jazz Combo performed at the Ōtautahi Jazz Jam at Christchurch Boys’ High School. This event provided an early public performance opportunity ahead of the Ara JazzQuest later this term.
Ryan Teng (Year 9) has been selected to perform as part of the 2026 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Emerging Artists Concert in Wellington on Wednesday 23 September.
The rowing programme concluded its season with a prizegiving dinner at Russley Golf Club, attended by students, families, coaches, and staff. Year 13 rowers were presented with framed miniature College oars acknowledging their four seasons of involvement.
Year 13 rowers: Lucia Apse, Oliver Barker, Alanna Brook, Olivia Connor, Emily de Joux, Charlotte Galvan, Sayler Hedgcock, Chloe Lowe, Lucy McWhirter, Tadhg Molony, Katie Taggart, Hadassah Timo, Xanthe Ward.
pRIZE lIST>Each year we are grateful to have a group of Year 13 students who have been involved in the Senior College productions over their five years in the Secondary School, contributing to cast, crew, orchestra, and technical roles, as well as supporting Junior productions.
Students acknowledged: Lucy Binnie, Scarlett Ryan, Isla Kempthorne, Charlie Bisphan, Oliver Hill, Cooper Fleming, Alice Howard, Annie Young, Sylvia James.
The inaugural Copernicvs Competition was held as part of the Academic Extension and Enrichment programme, serving as a preparatory experience for the da Vinci Decathlon. The competition provided a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, challenging students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge across a range of disciplines.
The competition was initiated and led by Louis Hyland, Kangwoo Moon, and Hudson Blyde (all Year 10), with support from Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 12) and Samuel Hu (Year 11).
Classes 8S and 8C attended their annual camp at Castle Hill Lodge, engaging in hiking, abseiling, conservation activities, bush craft, and overnight camp‑outs. Around the campsite, students developed resilience, teamwork, and independence through structured outdoor learning experiences.
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BASKETBALL
On Tuesday, the Senior Girls’ and Senior Boys’ teams hosted their first home double‑header of the season. The Senior Girls faced Kaiapoi High School, fellow 2025 finalists, and recorded a 136–27 win. Sophie Schouten (Year 11) was one of seven players to reach double figures, with Nadia De Thierry (Year 13) recording 15 assists.
In the second game, the Senior Boys took on Ashburton College. A strong second‑quarter surge established control of the match, with St Andrew’s finishing with a 119–48 result. Roma Tuimaunei (Year 13) top‑scored with 25 points, while five other players also reached double figures.
FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI opened their season with a 2–1 win over Villa Maria College. Everley Gilmore (Year 10) scored on debut to give St Andrew’s an early lead before equalisation from Villa Maria. Rosalie Lunam (Year 11) scored the decisive goal late in the match.
The Boys’ 1st XI faced defending champions Shirley Boys’ High School and were defeated 4–0. After a win over Rangiora High School last week, the team remained competitive in the first half, trailing 1–0 at the break, before Shirley established greater control in the second half.
NETBALL
The Senior A netball team played Revelation A on Saturday, marking the first occasion the full squad had taken the court together this season. All players received meaningful court time. Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 13) returned from injury and provided key feeds into the circle, while Carley McNee (Year 13) shot at 100 percent.
Charlotte Galvan (Year 13) received Player of the Day acknowledgement for defensive contributions, and a seven‑goal passage of play followed an intercept from Hayley Stowell (Year 11). St Andrew’s finished with a 59–32 win.
RUGBY
The 1st XV opened their Miles Toyota Premiership campaign away against Nelson College. Early momentum saw St Andrew’s score three converted tries in the opening 15 minutes. Nelson responded before half‑time, with St Andrew’s leading 21–14 at the break.
A try early in the second half extended the lead, before Nelson regained momentum, levelling the scores with ten minutes remaining and converting a penalty to secure a 31–28 result. The team’s first home fixture of the season takes place this weekend against Christ’s College.
Flickr>The annual St Andrew’s College Careers Expo was held on Wednesday evening, with positive engagement from both students and parents. Twenty‑six exhibitors attended, including five New Zealand universities, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Otago Polytechnic, and a range of Industry Training Organisations such as the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police, alongside several private training providers.
The Expo provided an opportunity for students and families to speak directly with providers about course options, accommodation, scholarship pathways, and potential employment opportunities. It also supported informed conversations about post‑school pathways and subject selection.
The St Andrew’s College Careers website, stac.careerwise.school, continues to be a key resource, offering guidance on pathway planning, subject choices, studying overseas, and upcoming tertiary events.
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The Basketball programme fundraising raffle was drawn this week by Year 13 basketball players in the Rector’s office. The raffle supported programme initiatives and community engagement.
Raffle winners were:
Nineteen students from across all year levels in the Secondary School participated in a training day run by local charity Recycle A Device (RAD) on Friday. During the workshop, students learned how to dismantle computers, diagnose faults, and carry out basic repairs.
RAD will supply donated computers for students to either refurbish or responsibly dismantle. Refurbished devices will be returned to RAD and distributed within the local community to individuals who may not otherwise have access to a computer. Students showed strong engagement throughout the day and are preparing to continue this work at school.
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PHOTOGRAPHY – Tom Rae (OC 2022) has had his photograph Night at the Remarkables selected as one of the top images in the 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year. This marks the third consecutive year his work has been recognised in this international selection.
CRICKET – Henry Nicholls (OC 2009) and Zak Foulkes (OC 2020) have been named in the BLACKCAPS Test squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England. The tour includes a one‑off Test against Ireland on 27 May, followed by a three‑match Test series against England beginning 4 June.
PIPE BAND – At the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association (RNZPBA) Solo Tenor Drumming Championships, held at St Andrew’s College on Saturday 2 May, Tenor Drum Tutor Liam Argyle won the inaugural championship. Old Collegian Marcella Bragg (OC 2019) placed third in the same event.
Also competing at St Andrew’s College on the same day, Georgia Eagle (OC 2023) took part in the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) Oceania Solo Drumming Competition and New Zealand Championship, finishing fifth in the Adult March, Strathspey, and Reel.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:
1st XV rugby vs Christ’s College;
VEX Robotics Scrimmage.
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
A reminder to parents parking in the streets around the College at drop-off and pick-up times, please do not park on yellow lines, especially when close to intersections. When parked cars are blocking the line of sight it makes it difficult for other drivers to turn safely onto the roads, causing them to have to move further into the road to see. This could be dangerous not only for drivers but also for pedestrians and cyclists. We would also like to remind parents/caregivers not to park across driveways and to be courteous to College neighbours. Please take a moment to read the following ways you can help our community stay safe:
How you can help – Road Patrol
• Please keep to the speed limit of 30KM during the following times when Road Patrol is operating:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8.00am–8.35am and 3.20pm–3.40pm.
Wednesday: 8.00am–8.30am and 2.25pm–2.40pm.
• Avoid parking on yellow lines or people’s driveways.
• Avoid stopping in the middle of the Road Patrol area.
• Please use the Road Patrol and follow the instructions of our road patrollers.
How you can help – Drop-off Zone and Carpark
• The speed limit is 5KM for drivers in the Drop-off Zone and Normans Road carpark.
• Avoid parking on yellow lines.
• Please remind your children to wait for your vehicle to park safely before attempting to open the door.
• Please be mindful and present.
Your cooperation is essential to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Thank you for your support.
Middle School parents are invited to attend the first Coffee and Catch Ups session for Term 2 on Wednesday 13 May. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to connect with Head of Middle School Matt Parr and Year 9 Dean Liam Smith over a coffee and discuss any questions you may have.
Join us between 8.00am–8.45am – no need to RSVP, just drop in after drop-off. We hope to see you there!
Find out more and see all upcoming Coffee and Catch Ups>An exchange opportunity is available for three Year 11 girls with Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney. The exchange will run from Monday 8 June to Saturday 4 July 2026.
As part of the programme, participating families must also be able to host a PLC student for four weeks, from 12 July to 8 August. Costs include flights, travel insurance and exchange fee of $250.
Students must meet the College’s ambassador criteria, demonstrating consistently positive behaviour, strong academic effort, reliability, and the maturity to represent St Andrew’s College with pride and respect.
Families interested in applying or seeking further information are invited to contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti, at PTU@stac.school.nz by Tuesday 12 May.
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.
Saturday 23 May, Gym 1, from 6.00pm to midnight
The Black & Bling Silent Auction is now live on GalaBid, our online auction platform! Bidding is open to anyone aged 18 and over, so even if you’re unable to attend the Ball in person, you can still be part of the excitement and support this fantastic event. This year’s auction features an exceptional range of more than 100 items, including holiday home stays, premium food and wine experiences, beauty vouchers, sports coaching packages, and much more.
VIEW SILENT AUCTION ITEMS AND PLACE A BID VIA GALABID>
We're pleased to let you know that individual tickets for the Black & Bling Ball are now available in place of Tables of 10, with ticket sales closing on Monday 11 May – get in quick!
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.
