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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Congratulations to both Secondary School choirs following their performances at the regional Big Sing last Friday. Ngā Manu Tīoriori (“the melodious birds”), our auditioned choir, was awarded Best Mixed Choir for the third consecutive year, along with Best Performance of a New Zealand Composition, a significant result in a highly competitive category.
Further success in the performing arts saw four chamber music groups selected for the Schools' Chamber Music District Finals held at The Piano this week. Each group received awards or high commendations, reflecting the strength and depth of the programme. Full details can be found later in this week’s newsletter.
Our annual Festival of the Spoken Word remains a highlight, both for the quality of student speeches and the development of public speaking skills. Following the Junior Finals, held in late May, winners Thomas Bottomley (Year 9) and Charlotte Currie (Year 10) re‑performed their speeches this week alongside Senior finalists. The Senior event provided an opportunity to showcase a wide range of perspectives and confident delivery. Further details are included in this week's Rector’s Comment.
This week also marked the launch of the 2026 Annual Giving Appeal, which will support the College’s scholarship programme. Last year’s appeal raised approximately $140,000 for solar panels, which are now in operation. Our scholarships programme enables access to a St Andrew’s education for students who may not otherwise have that opportunity, effectively through a reduction in fees. A large proportion of our scholarships are funded by our Foundation and other donors; this annual giving appeal will help further support this. Scholarship students help bring valuable diversity and a willingness to fully engage in all we have to offer here at St Andrew’s College. Thank you for the generous donations received so far to support this appeal and please click here to learn more.
It has been fun seeing the range of student-led activities during Well-being Week. These have included free morning hot chocolates, a lunchtime tug-of-war, non-uniform day yesterday, and food trucks on site for lunch today. These initiatives contribute to a strong sense of connection across the College.
Work on the College Property Master Plan continues. This week, the Board of Governors and school principals met to review the draft proposals, along with anticipated costs and timeframes. This is an exciting step as we work to shape the College’s campus development for the decades ahead. Further updates will be shared with the community once plans are confirmed.
Tomorrow is our St Andrew’s College Rugby Club Day, with all our teams playing at home. This is always an important community occasion in the College calendar, and my thanks to the parent-led rugby committee for organising the BBQ and hospitality for our community and visitors.
Ngā mihi nui
Mark Wilson
Rector
Last Friday, Year 11–13 French students attended a language immersion day at the University of Canterbury, alongside students from other Canterbury schools. The programme focused on strengthening French language skills in preparation for NCEA, while providing opportunities to engage with the language in authentic contexts.
The day included a keynote address from former principal of Burnside Primary School, Matt Bateman, reflecting on his experience establishing a French bilingual unit, followed by year‑level workshops and activities centred on the theme of Tahiti. Students also took part in a French treasure hunt and a cultural activity involving Tahitian dance. The experience provided both language practice and insight into tertiary study pathways, supported by university students who led sessions throughout the day.
Year 9 French students applied their learning through a Défilé de Mode (fashion parade), presenting descriptions of clothing and appearance in French. Students wrote and delivered short scripts describing their partner’s outfit, using key vocabulary and sentence structures developed in class.
The activity supported language fluency and confidence, while providing an engaging context to practise descriptive language.
Year 13 Travel and Tourism students completed a four‑day field trip to Queenstown and Central Otago as part of their study of New Zealand tourism destinations. The trip provided opportunities to experience a range of tourism attractions and understand their contribution to regional economies.
Students visited Queenstown Resort College to explore career pathways, before participating in activities such as a jet boat ride, Time Tripper, Fear Factory, and Highlands Motor Sport Park. Visits to the Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru Historic Precinct reinforced the role of natural and heritage tourism. The programme supported connections between classroom learning and industry practice.
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Year 11 Geography students undertook a three‑day field trip to the West Coast, based in Greymouth. The programme included visits to Arthur’s Pass, Punakaiki, Blackball, and Hokitika.
Students carried out river studies, geographic investigations, and nature walks, and the Hokitika Tree Top Walk. The trip supported understanding of geographic processes and provided practical data for Level 1 Geography assessments.
This term, Year 8A students have explored themes of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity through class novels including Trash, Tomorrow, When the War Began, and The Power of One. Guided reading groups have focused on developing comprehension, inference, and analytical writing skills.
Students have engaged in regular discussions, reading aloud, and written responses, considering the question How do young people develop strength and identity when faced with challenges? This has supported deeper understanding of character development and thematic ideas across texts.
Year 7 students have been exploring ancient warrior societies as part of their Inquiry programme. Students researched aspects of daily life, training, weapons, and belief systems, using a range of sources to gather information.
The process involved identifying reliable sources, recording key ideas, and presenting findings clearly. The unit supported the development of research, critical thinking, and communication skills, while encouraging connections between historical contexts and contemporary values.
Year 2 students have been developing their writing through a novel study of Mr Popper’s Penguins. Using the theme of dreams and aspirations, students reflected on their own goals and explored how these might be achieved.
Students planned and wrote short pieces describing their “big dreams”, using simple structure and personal voice.
The unit supported creativity and purpose in writing, with students demonstrating increasing confidence in expressing ideas through written language.
The College marked Student Well‑being Week this week, with a programme of student‑led activities designed to reflect the pillars of PERMA‑V, our well-being framework. Student leaders worked collaboratively to develop a range of initiatives supporting connection and engagement across the school.
Activities included morning hot chocolates, a non‑uniform day and bake sale raising funds for YouthHub Christchurch, and a lunchtime Kahoot quiz in The Green Library and Innovation Centre. Prefects focused on the Relationships pillar, hosting visiting prefects from other schools for connection activities and an inter‑school netball game, while Middle School leaders ran a tug‑of‑war and a much-loved activity where students spent their lunch break tracking down Middle School leaders for a chocolate reward. The week concluded with Friday in the Quad, with food trucks and music bringing students together. It was a wonderful week, filled with connection and positive emotion – a lovely lift as we move into the winter months.
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The annual Well‑being Assembly was held today, bringing the PERMA‑V framework to life through student voice. Speakers reflected on how each pillar contributes to their own well‑being, helping to reinforce a shared understanding across the College.
A highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the prestigious Mahia te Aroha Character Awards, recognising students who embody our core value of inclusivity, demonstrating kindness, and the ability to support and uplift others.
The assembly concluded with the annual Deans’ Challenge, with the Deans engaging in a ‘Just Dance’ activity led by Middle School Leaders.
Flickr>Today, the Pre‑school held a Pyjama Day in support of The PJ Project, a charity that provides winter pyjamas for children in need. Tamariki and kaiako were invited to wear their favourite pyjamas and also bring a pair of cozy winter pyjamas to donate to this worthy cause.
The initiative supported early conversations about care for others and ways to contribute to the community through simple, practical actions.
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Throughout June, the Centennial Chapel Prayer Room is open to staff, students, and the wider community as a space for reflection and prayer. The room features six prayer stations, including opportunities for Communion, forgiveness and letting go, prayer for oneself, and prayer for others.
A current focus is prayer for family and friends, encouraging visitors to pause and reflect while engaging with the space, through the lighting of candles, entrusting their joys and concerns into God’s care. The Prayer Room provides a quiet setting for connection and reflection during the busy mid‑year period.
Four groups featuring St Andrew’s College students performed at the Schools’ Chamber Music Contest District Final at The Piano. A range of results was achieved across ensembles, including recognition for performance and composition.
All-St Andrew’s College chamber group Super Mature was awarded Best performance of a New Zealand work, with a piece that was commissioned by St Andrew's College from Isaac Shatford (OC 2014) and first performed by our Quartetto Maduro in 2019, where they reached the National Final. Trio Lumiere is the second full St Andrew’s College chamber group, with Isotopes and Sparks Trio including students from other school.
Sparks Trio progresses to the Regional Final, with other groups awaiting selection confirmation.
This week, ten Year 9–10 students competed at the NFL Flag U15 National Championships in Wellington, progressing through pool play and knockouts to reach the final. The decider against St Bernard’s College, was a rematch of an earlier pool game, remained level at full time before being decided in overtime in the dying seconds.
St Andrew’s finished as national runners‑up. Levi Currie (Year 10) was named Offensive Player of the Tournament.
See an outstanding StAC pass on NFL Flag Football Australia and New Zealand’s Instagram>Students in Years 11–13 took to the stage for the Senior Festival of the Spoken Word on Tuesday, showcasing their skill, creativity, and confidence across both prepared and impromptu speech categories.
Students presented prepared speeches exploring a range of thoughtful and challenging themes, including ‘the weight of words’, ‘progress’, ‘at the edge of change’, ‘what would you risk?’, ‘te ara tika (the right path)’ and ‘I’ve been thinking’. Year 12 and 13 students also competed in impromptu speaking, responding with agility and clarity to topics on the spot. Thank you to Cultural Captains, Scarlett Ryan and Alice Howard, for hosting the evening, and to the judges, Rachael Craw (author) and Isobel Forsey (OC 2024).
Our choral ensembles Ngā Manu Tīoriori, Ngā Oro o te Ngahere, and Te Kōkī o Hato Ānaru, represented the College with distinction at the Big Sing Canterbury and West Coast Regional Competition, held last Friday at the Christchurch Town Hall. Ngā Manu Tīoriori delivered an outstanding recital, receiving the University of Canterbury School of Music Award for Best Performance of a New Zealand Work, for their performance of Andrew Baldwin's Martha Goose Suite and the Jubilate Singers Award for Outstanding Mixed Voice Choir, the third consecutive year Ngā Manu has claimed this title.
Ngā Oro o te Ngahere brought energy, heart, and real presence to their recital session and Te Kōkī o Hato Ānaru made their debut performance at this year's competition, appearing in both the recital sessions and the Gala Concert. Selection for national and Cadenza events will be confirmed in coming weeks.
Flickr>On Sunday, Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 13) and Pipe Sergeant Maggie McConnochie (Year 12) competed at the Queensland State Pipe Band Championships in Brisbane, Australia, as part of the Emmanuel College Highlanders at the University of Queensland Pipe Band in the Grade 2 events, held at Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong. The band placed first in both the March, Strathspey and Reel, and Medley events. Sam and Maggie were pleased to play alongside Old Collegian, Jim Allan (OC 1996), who is the Pipe Sergeant of the Emmanuel College Highlanders Pipe Band.
Last Saturday, our most senior Rock Band, Pretty When It Burns, competed in the Smokefree Rockquest regional final. They performed an amazing set in front of a huge and appreciative audience and can now be considered for the national finals via the “second chance” pathway, for which they are writing a third song and putting together their video for consideration.
Watch their performance>
Students have been recognised in the National Flash Fiction Day international writing competition. Shortlisted entries include Ellarose Wang (Year 10) with Most trees live beautiful and lonely lives, Thomas Ambury (Year 11) with Eggs and this equation is wrong, Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 12) with Graphing You, and Ellie Zhou (Year 13) with i am seven years old, just like i have always been. Longlisted in the same competition are Emma Zhang (Year 9) with Look and Listen and Hanxi (Cicy) Chen with maybe in another life we were both rhombuses. All students have been invited to read their stories at the official Ōtautahi National Flash Fiction Day celebration at Tūranga on Monday 22 June, when the winners and runners up will be announced.
Ben McKendry (Year 9) placed first in The Great Talk Poetry Recitation Competition. Organised by Language Arts Trust, the competition assessed not only the ability to memorise lines of poetry, but also the skill of performance, and confidence in public speaking.
Chenxiao (Leo) Yang (Year 9) has been selected for the semi-final of the Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition. He also achieved Distinction in Trinity Trumpet Grade 7.
On Monday, Preparatory School basketball teams took part in the ISSA Basketball Tournament held at MainPower Stadium in Rangiora, playing a short-format game. The fast-paced and high-intensity nature of the competition made for exciting and clinical matches throughout the day. The Year 7–8 Girls’ A team were outstanding, finishing the tournament undefeated.
BASKETBALL
On Tuesday, the Senior Girls’ and Senior Boys’ teams travelled to Hillmorton High School and Christ's College, respectively. The Girls’ team locked in defensively from the start, allowing only seven points in the first quarter. Maiyah Lavea-Martin (Year 10) hit 8+ triples for another 30-point showing in a dominant 92–35 win.
In a back-and-forth game, the Boys’ team faced number one ranked Christ’s College, with neither team able to build a double-digit lead. A few more disciplined plays down the stretch earned Christ's an 89–90 win.
HOCKEY
It was a true game of two halves against Christchurch Girls’ High School for the Girls’ 1st XI hockey team. Setting the tone early, the girls played with excellent tempo and cohesion, building strong attacking opportunities and putting Girls’ High under pressure. The passing was sharp, and the team's collective effort created momentum to be up 3–0 at half-time. However, the second half saw a shift, with Girls’ High lifting their intensity and disrupting the flow, finishing 3–3 following a late equaliser.
The Boys’ 1st XI had a bye.
NETBALL
The Senior A netballers played Technical in the Saturday competition. Getting off to their best start of the season, they converted all centre passes and gained ascendancy early in the match with attacking and defence working hard to apply pressure and create turnover opportunities. In the second quarter, Charlotte Galvin (Year 13) took some enterprising intercepts, and Rosie Gaffaney (Year 12) combined well with Sophie Schouton (Year 11) to provide excellent service into the shooters, Emilia Ainley (Year 12) and Carley McNee (Year 13). Technical gained more possession in the third quarter, however, the team responded strongly in the final quarter, lifting the defensive intensity and finishing the match with real purpose. It was a pleasing all-round team performance, resulting in an impressive 83–42 victory.
On Wednesday, the Senior A team played Marian College in a strong all-round performance. The tempo lifted each quarter, allowing St Andrew’s to extend their lead. The second quarter saw the defensive unit dominate, doing an exceptional job of shutting down Marian’s shooters. Charlotte Galvan (Year 13) and Maniah Taefu (Year 12) created numerous turnovers which the team capitalised on and converted into goals. Hayley Stowell (Year 11) returned to Centre after covering Wing Defence due to injury. Alongside Rosie Gaffaney (Year 12), they provided strong and consistent feeds into the circle. As the game progressed, the growing tempo translated into increased accuracy and cohesion in attack, with the shooters building confidence and finishing strongly with a 44–15 win. Player of the Match was Sophie Schouten (Year 11), for her excellent movement and accurate shooting display.
RUGBY
The Girls’ 1st XV defeated Christchurch Girls’ High School 49–36. Hadassah Timo (Year 13) was named Attacker of the Match and Taylor Esler (Year 9) Defender of the Match. Chloe McFedries (Year 12) and Stella Fastier (Year 10) scored their first tries since starting rugby this term.
The Boys’ 1st XV had a bye.
FOOTBALL
The Boys’ 1st XI produced an excellent performance to secure a convincing 3–0 win over Christ’s College. The team showed strong structure and discipline throughout the match, taking their chances well and remaining solid defensively. This result confirms their place in the Top 8.
The Girls’ 1st XI lost their game 0–1 and the Girls’ 2nd XI lost 0–1 to Cashmere High School in a closely contested match. Despite the result, the team delivered a strong performance, showing determination, good teamwork, and continued improvement.
Flickr>On Tuesday, 13 Year 8 student leaders attended National Young Leaders Day at the Christchurch Town Hall, alongside students from other Canterbury schools. The programme focused on developing leadership through a series of talks and activities centred on resilience, courage, and stepping beyond comfort zones.
Speakers shared personal experiences and perspectives on leadership and growth, encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence. The aim of the event was to motivate students to try new experiences and strengthen their confidence as leaders. Speakers included Graci Kim, Riley Elliott, William Pike, Juliet Pahina, and Lola Fisher, each offering insights into leadership across a range of fields.
The St Andrew’s College Old Boys’ Association was established in 1920, with William Johnston as its first President. A Senior Master at the College from 1917 to 1919, Johnston was highly regarded by his students, making him a natural choice for the role when the Association was formed. Following the College’s move to co-education in 1992, the Association was renamed the Old Collegians Association. Today, the OCA is led by Zoe Merrick (OC 2014), our 71st President and the second woman to hold the position.
The Presidents’ Dinner, held every two years, brings together both past and present leaders of the Association. On Friday evening, the event welcomed 20 past presidents whose connections to the College span from 1939 to 2014, with service to the OCA from 1968 through to 2026. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from the dedication and ongoing support of such committed members of our community. Rector Mark Wilson and Judi Wilson also attended their first Presidents’ Dinner in their roles.
Flickr>Structural and Geotechnical Engineer Michael Simcock (OC 2011) visited the Year 13 Physics Enrichment class about careers in Civil Engineering. to speak about pathways into Civil Engineering. As part of the session, students completed a bridge‑building challenge using spaghetti and glue, applying problem‑solving and design thinking.
The visit formed part of a wider programme that brings external expertise into the classroom, linking subject learning to real‑world applications and future study pathways.
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.
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.
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>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>
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:
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.
As part of the evening, there will be a fundraising live auction featuring a range of fantastic prizes, along with a silent auction that will open for bidding two weeks prior to the event. Those unable to attend the Ceilidh will still be able to participate and place bids in the silent auction – more information coming soon!
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.
