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Dear Parents and Caregivers
This week began with our traditional annual sports exchange with Timaru Boys’ High School, an event that dates back to 1929. This year’s exchange included 17 teams competing across seven sporting codes. A highlight was our Boys’ 1st XV rugby team’s hard fought and well-deserved 34–17 win, following their brilliant sporting spectacle last Saturday and their 29–29 draw against Christchurch Boys’ High School.
It was also pleasing to see members of the Boys’ 1st XV involved in a service initiative on Sunday, supporting the preparation and delivery of meals for those in need. This new servant leadership programme, led by Rev. Paul Morrow and supported by Cafeteria Manager Martin Pacitti, provides an opportunity for students to engage in practical service and reflect on the importance of contributing to the wider community. The Sunday programme is run by Daniel and Hyun Sook Chung, and it was lovely to hear how our senior boys appreciated being part of this service project.
In the performing arts, the Big Sing, one of New Zealand's largest choral competitions, remains an important event on the College calendar. Judi and I will attend the regional finals at the Christchurch Town Hall this afternoon, where our choirs perform for the first time under their new names: Ngā Manu Tīoriori ("the melodious birds"), our auditioned choir, and Ngā Oro o te Ngahere ("the sounds of the forest"), our all-comers choir. Our combined choir, Te Kōkī o Hato Ānaru ("the dawn chorus of St Andrew's"), will also be making its Big Sing debut. The performances will determine selection for the national finale in Christchurch in August or the South Island Cadenza in Timaru. We wish them all well this afternoon.
This morning’s Senior College Assembly recognised students who achieved the most significant “value-added gains” in their 2025 NCEA results, based on independent data from the Centre for Assessment and Monitoring (University of Canterbury). Nearly half of our current Year 12 cohort exceeded expectations, achieving up to one-and-a-half grades above predicted levels. This outstanding outcome reflects the combined impact of student effort, teaching, and academic support across the College, and highlights a culture where students are confident, well supported, and consistently surpass expectations. Well done to all involved on these excellent results.
Senior College Assembly Flickr>Senior College Assembly Awards>
I’d like to acknowledge that next week, we will be farewelling our Preparatory School Chaplain, Jillian Fenton, after 21 years of dedicated service to St Andrew’s College as she moves south to take up a new role closer to family.
This evening, we look forward to hosting our biennial Old Collegians Association (OCA) Presidents’ Dinner, bringing together key people who continue to contribute to and support the College community.
Ngā mihi nui
Mark Wilson
Rector
Health Education at St Andrew’s College is designed to support students’ well‑being, relationships, identity, and decision‑making through relevant and engaging learning experiences. A key feature of the programme is the integration of external providers who bring real‑world perspectives into the classroom.
This year, students in Years 9–11 participated in sessions delivered by Attitude (Youth Impact Foundation), including Connected for Year 9, Attitude for Year 10, and Hardwired for Year 11. These sessions addressed topics such as technology use, relationships, resilience, and risk‑taking behaviours. The programme was further supported through partnership with Life Education Trust, with learning experiences focused on technology, alcohol awareness, and financial decision‑making. These combined approaches reinforce classroom learning and align with the PERMA‑V model through shared understanding, discussion, and reflection.
On Thursday, Year 7–8 students visited the Secondary School recording studio to pre‑record vocals for the Preparatory School production Looped. This approach allows students to perform live on stage while supported by recorded vocals.
The production songs have been composed by Secondary School students, with Violet McInnes (Year 11) working alongside a small group to record additional vocal elements. The experience provided insight into the production process while supporting performance confidence and collaboration across year levels.
This term, students in Class 8C applied their understanding of area, perimeter, and volume through a “Tiny House Challenge.” Working in pairs, students designed an L‑shaped house that met a series of constraints, including total floor area, room size, and perimeter limits.
Students worked through the design process by calculating dimensions, drawing scaled plans, and then constructing their designs in Minecraft, where each block represented one metre. The project provided immediate visual feedback and allowed students to test and refine their calculations. Extension tasks included comparing volumes, analysing wall space, and checking perimeter accuracy, reinforcing mathematical reasoning in a practical context.
Year 8 students participating in Future Problem Solving focused on the theme The Future of Invasive Species during Term 1. Using a structured six‑step process, students analysed future scenarios, identified key challenges, and developed considered solutions.
Anqi (Angie) Qin, Madeline McDonnell, Benjamin Carline, and Alfred Lash received recognition from national adjudicators for their work, reflecting strong engagement with the problem‑solving process. In Term 2, students are exploring Space Exploration, considering technological developments and ethical questions, while continuing to build skills in collaboration, reasoning, and innovation.
Year 5 students visited Orana Wildlife Park as part of their Inquiry learning on animal enrichment. Prior to the visit, students examined how enrichment activities support animal well‑being and encourage natural behaviours such as foraging and movement.
At the park, students observed animals and enrichment practices, connecting classroom learning to real‑world examples. The experience supported understanding of how environments influence behaviour and provided ideas for designing their own enrichment solutions.
Robotics learning continues across the Preparatory School, with students engaging at different levels of complexity. Year 2 students are developing early coding skills using Bee‑Bots, while Year 4 students are applying their knowledge through the LEGO Spike programme.
In Years 7–8, students are working with VEX robotics, designing, programming, and testing their robots in preparation for competition. Across all year levels, robotics provides opportunities to apply problem‑solving skills and bring learning to life through practical application.
Flickr>
On Tuesday, St Andrew’s hosted Timaru Boys' High School for the 97th annual winter sports exchange. With rugby, hockey, football, basketball and badminton as just a few of the games part of the exchange for both junior and senior teams, there were plenty of fierce competitions, sportsmanlike behaviour, and a whole lot of fun. Across the 17 fixtures, St Andrew’s recorded five wins, two draws, and nine losses, with a range of closely contested fixtures.
See results by clicking here.
Flickr>Fourteen students represented the College at the Canterbury Cross Country Championships on Thursday, delivering an impressive set of performances against strong regional competition. Leading the way was Year 10 student Tayla Ford, who produced an outstanding run to claim second place in the Junior Girls’ race, while Diesel Mackie (Year 9) placed third in the Year 9 Boys’ event after a competitive and well-judged race.
Additional top 10 finishes were recorded by Olivia Copland (Year 9) ninth and Isabelle Tull (Year 9) tenth in Year 9 Girls; Ashton Harris (Year 10) fifth and Dylan Cooper (Year 10) sixth in Junior Boys; and Tabitha Ferreira (Year 10) eighth and Alyssa Blackman (Year 11) tenth in Junior Girls.
Isla Kempthorne and Hollie Miller (both Year 13) were recognised at the Senior College Assembly today for achieving the Queen’s Guide award, the highest award international award in Girl Guiding. The award reflects a sustained commitment across service, leadership, and outdoor experiences over a five‑year period.
Over King’s Birthday Weekend, students, Old Collegians, and staff competed at the Basketball New Zealand U20 National Championships in Porirua. Canterbury secured both the Men’s and Women’s national titles, with Ava Jones (Year 13) named Most Valuable Player for the women’s team.
Students involved included Ava Jones, Nadia de Thierry, Eva Jeffries (all Year 13), and Emilia Ainley (Year 12), alongside Old Collegians Karereatua Williams (OC 2022), Valentino Swainson (OC 2023), Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell, Niamh Chamberlain (all OC 2024), and Bronson Curtis (OC 2025), plus basketball staff coaches Jayden Cameron and Head of Preparatory School Sport, David Ermerins.
Students achieved strong results in Speech NZ examinations. Teresa Steiner and Sylvia James (both Year 13) gained Pass with Distinction at Associate Diploma level, while RuoLin (Lauren) Li and Logan Scott (both Year 12) achieved Honours Plus in Grade 8 modules.
Holly Hembry (Year 11) competed in the New Zealand One Dance Ballroom Championships in Wellington over King's Birthday weekend, recording 15 national titles. She also competed in the Adult Open Ballroom and New Vogue events, reaching the finals across the programme.
Sarah McCarthy (Year 11) competed at the Highland Dancing Otago Championships, securing two South Island titles (Sean Truibhais U16 and Irish Reel U18), two Otago Championship titles, Sailors Hornpipe and Reel O Tulloch and Most Points U16, and the trophy for Most Outstanding Performance U18.
Students competed at the King’s Birthday solo piping competitions in Dunedin, an event on the national solo piping calendar, with some amazing achievements and opportunities.
Over King’s Birthday weekend, Louis Smith (Year 11) won the Sunbelts Championship, a South Island competition held across Nelson and Blenheim, following multiple qualifying races and a final.
Students competed at the ISSA Zone Cross Country held at Lake Roto Kōhatu. Distances included 2km for Year 5–6 students and 3km for Year 7–8 students.
The following students qualified for the Canterbury Primary Schools Cross Country Championships: Zoe Johnstone, Liam Botha, Flynn Cutts, Toby Wilson (all Year 5), Theo Nelson (Year 6), Clara Jones, Arizona Wallace, Franklin Rahman (all Year 7), and ChloeAnn Botha, Indi Haydon‑Uren, Matteo Gibbons (all Year 8). Franklin Rahman (Year 7) placed first in his age group.
Full results can be viewed by clicking here.
Flickr>
Tristan Bi (Year 7) won the 2025/2026 Canterbury Golf U13 Order of Merit. He will be representing the College at the 2026 AIMS Games in September, alongside 14,000 other Year 7–8 students competing in a variety of sporting codes.
Students attending the Writer’s Club, led by Writer‑in‑Residence Kerrin P Sharpe, have been submitting work to external platforms. As part of the Poetry Box May challenge, Xinrui (Sophia) Xu and Isabelle Gibbs (both Year 4 students) and Jessica Whitehead (Year 8) had their work selected for publication.
Year 8 students have been leading lunchtime sports sessions for Year 1–3 students since Week 3. The programme focuses on skill development, participation, and introducing younger students to structured games.
The sessions have provided leadership opportunities for Year 8 students, while supporting engagement and skill development for younger participants.
FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI defeated Lincoln High School 2–1 at Foster Park. St Andrew’s established a 2–0 lead before Lincoln scored late, with the team maintaining defensive structure to secure the result.
The Boys’ 1st XI was defeated 6–0 by Cashmere High School. The team will look to next week’s fixture in their push for a top‑eight placing.
NETBALL
There was no Senior A fixture on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the Senior A team played Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. After an even opening, St Andrew’s produced a strong first quarter, scoring 14 unanswered goals to lead 14–2 at quarter time. The second quarter saw continued defensive pressure, generating turnover ball and extending the lead. Lucy Cliff (Year 12), playing briefly at Goal Attack, contributed a long‑range goal followed by an intercept, while Maniah Taefu (Year 12) was named Player of the Match in her return from injury. The final score was 42–18.
RUGBY
The Girls’ 1st XV was defeated 65–17 by Selwyn combined. Zoe Paterson (Year 10) was named Attacker of the Match, and Emily Woodgate (Year 13) Defender of the Match.
The Boys’ 1st XV played Christchurch Boys’ High School in a match broadcast on Sky TV. St Andrew’s opened the scoring to lead 5–0 before extended defensive work during a period with a reduced side. Tries were exchanged through the middle stages, with the score 17–14 at half time. In the final stages, St Andrew’s regained the lead 29–24 before Christchurch Boys’ High School scored in the corner. The conversion was missed, resulting in a 29–29 draw.
BASKETBALL
Four basketball fixtures were played on Tuesday. The Junior Boys opened against Timaru Boys’ High School in the exchange fixture, with Timaru taking a 107–75 win. The Senior Boys also faced Timaru Boys’ High School, building a strong first‑quarter lead and responding to multiple momentum shifts to secure a 76–65 win, with Benjamin Marsh (Year 12) scoring 23 points. The Senior Girls recorded a convincing win over Marian College in a deferred Whelan Trophy fixture, with Maiyah Martin (Year 10) scoring 33 points.
The final game of the day was the annual Alumni match, with Year 13 players taking on an Old Collegians’ team. A close first half saw the alumni hold a narrow lead before a decisive fourth quarter extended the margin, with the Old Collegians winning 133–103. Jackson Rhodes (OC 2021) was named MVP, scoring 33 points on 11 triples.
Flickr>
Rowing – Ben Taylor (OC 2017), pictured left, has won gold at the opening regatta of the 2026 World Rowing Cup series in Seville, Spain. Competing in the Men’s Pair alongside Oli Welch, the crew established control early and extended their lead through the second half of the race. The World Rowing Cup is a three‑event international series, and this result provides a strong start to the season for the pair as they progress through the competition calendar.
King’s Birthday Honours – Richard Ashford (OC 1969) has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Richard has contributed to New Zealand’s textile industry for more than 55 years. As Managing Director and designer at Ashford Handicrafts since 1970, he has overseen its development from a family business into an international company exporting to over 40 countries. His work has supported the production of more than 900,000 spinning wheels and looms, alongside advocacy for traditional textile crafts and sustainability.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:
Big Sing;
Rockquest regional finals.
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
Become a homestay family with St Andrew's College and open your home to a rewarding global experience. Hosting an international student provides not only a reliable source of extra income, while enriching your family's daily life. You will gain insight into new cultures, traditions, and creating lasting bonds along the way. St Andrew's College will provide the guidance and support for you and your family to feel confident throughout the experience.
Please contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti, at PTU@stac.school.nz for more information.
More information>
Date: Tuesday 9 June 2026
Time: 8.00am–8.45am
Location: The Coffee Cart, inside Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Join Head of Senior College, John Ruge, for a coffee and kōrero about any questions you may have.
No RSVP required.
Find out more and see all upcoming Coffee and Catch Ups>
Welcome to Looptown, a world where everything runs on points, progress and the promise of more. The Mayor has a grand vision to build an empire where success is measured, tracked and endlessly chased. But as the citizens of Looptown race to keep up, one voice begins to question it all. Granny Coda senses that something is not quite right, and she might be the only one brave enough to uncover the truth. Join us for an imaginative adventure that moves through unexpected Glitches, encounters a powerful Firewall, and ventures right to the edge of the world itself. As the system begins to falter, what will it take to break the loop?
This vibrant production brings together 220 Year 7 and 8 students across three nights of collaborative theatre. With a story and script devised by our Preparatory School students, and an original score composed by our Secondary School songwriters, Looped is a celebration of creativity, teamwork and student voice. Step into the loop… if you dare.
When: Monday 15, Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June
Times: 11.00am–12.15pm and 7.00pm–8.15pm each day (six performances)
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets*: Adults $35.00 | Students $17.50 (school-aged children only; ID may be requested on entry)
*A small levy is included in the ticket price, contributing to the build cost of Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre.
This one-night-only event features our Junior and Senior Performance Awards, Secondary School NCEA dances, and a special premiere of a collaborative new work with Alina Kulikova (Royal New Zealand Ballet, Dance Educator). Our Junior and Intermediate Company dancers from the Preparatory School will also showcase their new repertoire.
Important Ticketing Information:
St Andrew’s College warmly invites you to our Business Studies Night Market – an evening celebrating innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among young people. This event brings together student-run businesses from several local schools, with over 30 stalls showcasing a range of interesting products and services. Visitors can browse and support stalls featuring items such as handcrafted air fresheners, grip socks, baked goods, hot water bottle covers, slime, phone wallets, fragrance primers; well-being room sprays (e.g. anxiety, sleep); electrolyte gummies; ready-to-bake stuffed cookies; skin-support smoothie powders; single-serve brownies in reusable jars; and mouthguard cases with jewellery compartments – alongside student-led service promotions including cleaning and lawn care.
Enjoy a relaxed evening in the Senior College while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs – friends and family welcome. From handmade products to creative services, there’s something for everyone – plus hot drinks from our Coffee Cart to keep you warm!
Following the success of last year’s digital well-being session, we warmly invite our community to the next StACTalks event for 2026: StACTalks – Digital Well-being, Connection, and Identity
Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 6.00pm–7.30pm
Location: Centennial Chapel
The evening will include:
This is a free event open to all St Andrew’s College parents and caregivers. Spaces are limited, so please secure your spot at the link below. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a highly relevant and practical evening.
Please note: this session will be recorded to support members of the St Andrew’s College community who are unable to attend in person. Please be aware that any audience participation (including questions) may be included in the recording.
REGISTER FOR STACTALKS>
Preparatory School and Secondary School students are invited to take part in this year’s World Vision 40-Hour Challenge, from Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June. Together we can make a difference.
During the challenge, students are encouraged to go offline for 40 hours – stepping away from devices such as phones, gaming, and social media. Alternatively, they can set a personal goal that is meaningful and achievable to be sponsored for. This year’s challenge is supporting the people of the Solomon Islands, who are being greatly affected by rising sea levels.
Participating students can collect a sponsorship booklet from their classroom teacher, to then seek support from family and friends. Students will need to record the names of sponsors and also track pledges and donations.
Register for the Challenge>Each year, the Sustainability Council runs two clothing drives to support members of our wider Christchurch community. We invite students, staff, and families to contribute any surplus winter clothing that is in good condition, suitable for all age groups – from infants through to adults. Collection bins (large plastic boxes) are located in the following areas across the College:
Your generosity will help provide warm clothing to those in need during the colder months. The clothing bins will be collected on Friday 26 June. Thank you in advance for your support.
Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2026 – celebrating 20 years!
Date: Friday 17 July
Time: 7.00pm–9.00pm
Venue: Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre
Tickets: Adult $72.89 | Child $44.13 (via TicketMaster)
A St Andrew’s College Pipe Band event at the prestigious Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre, this highly anticipated concert promises an unforgettable evening of traditional Scottish entertainment.
Be immersed in the rich harmonics of the bagpipes, the infectious beat of the drums, and the flair of Highland dancers as they take the stage. Talented St Andrew’s College students from Years 4–13 will showcase their skills in this action‑packed performance, along with members of our Old Collegian community. Join us for a special 20th anniversary celebration at StAC Attack 2026.
PURCHASE TICKETS VIA TICKETMASTER>The very popular Pipe Band Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) returns in 2026, celebrating St Andrew's proud Scottish heritage. Come along to a good old-fashioned Scottish knees-up and enjoy a friendly, fun and energetic night of haggis, music, spot prizes, drams and dancing in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your dancing shoes and wear a touch of tartan!
This much-loved fundraiser is a wonderful way to celebrate our Scottish heritage while supporting the St Andrew's College Pipe Band as they travel to Scotland to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in August this year. The proceeds from this event will go towards supporting this trip.
When: Saturday 18 July, 7.00pm–12.00am
Venue: Gym 1 – St Andrew's College
Tickets: $79.00 (includes a drink on arrival and supper throughout the evening)
PURCHASE TICKETS>
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.
