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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Across the world in Scotland, our Pipe Band has had an impressive start to its World Championships preparation, winning the U18 Juvenile title at the Perth Highland Games. This was an important lead-in competition ahead of the World Pipe Band Championships, which are being contested this afternoon, Scotland time.
In addition to this early success, our Pipe Band has been settling into Scotland, exploring, rehearsing, and performing locally, including on the streets of Glasgow as part of the Piping Live! Festival, which runs alongside the World Championships. Congratulations to Maggie McConnochie (Year 12) and Sam Foote (Year 13), who were both invited to compete in Pipe Idol, the individual world competition for U21 pipers. While neither progressed to the top four, both delivered excellent personal performances in Glasgow this week.
Earlier this week, our Pipe Band, travelling supporters, and parents had a very special day in St Andrews, our ancestral home. The group visited and performed at the ruins of the great cathedral, once a major pilgrimage centre, with the performance warmly received by a large tourist crowd. Special thanks to Annie Young (Year 13), who sang a beautiful solo of our College Song. The lyrics tell the story of Saint Regulus taking the relics of Saint Andrew to this place “by the grey North Sea”, making this a moving opportunity to reconnect with our founding roots, better understand our origin story, and reflect on our responsibility as those “who bear St Andrew’s name”.
As the winter sports season moves into its final weeks, we have seen some remarkable achievements across a range of premier teams. Our Senior A canoe polo team won the Senior Open Championship in Oamaru to become South Island Champions for the third consecutive year. Our Senior A Girls’ netball team won its semi-final against Cashmere High School and now progresses to the SuperNet regional final against St Margaret’s College. In basketball, our Senior A Girls also defeated Cashmere High School to progress to the Whelan Trophy final, while our Senior A Boys will play their semi-final against Christ’s College next Wednesday. Both premier badminton teams ended their seasons after semi-final losses, and tonight both our Girls’ 1st XI and Boys’ 1st XI hockey teams play their semi-finals. We wish them all the very best.
Meanwhile, our Boys’ 1st XV rugby team defeated St Bede’s College in last weekend’s semi-final, reversing the result from earlier in the season. This continual improvement and growth has been a feature of the team this year and has now seen them qualify for tomorrow’s regional Miles Toyota Premiership final against Christchurch Boys’ High School. It promises to be an exciting match, with the two teams having drawn their earlier fixture this season.
It is exciting to see so many of our young people challenging and stretching themselves across such a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, often competing against the very best locally, nationally, and internationally. Taking up these challenges is an important part of the educational experience at St Andrew’s College and a key way for young people to learn and grow. This is also evident in our Year 10 classes rotating each week to our Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre, where they are taking part in outdoor activities as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Bronze programme.
As this newsletter is published, our Pipe Band will be preparing to perform at the World Championships in Glasgow. It is a great privilege to be here, representing New Zealand, and competing against leading school pipe bands from around the world. We look forward to sharing news of how our talented and dedicated young pipers and drummers have performed on the world stage.
Finally, I encourage all parents and caregivers to complete the Well-being, Learning, and Culture Survey shared earlier this week. The survey is confidential and only takes a few minutes to complete.
Parent/Caregiver Well-being, Learning and Culture Survey – Preparatory School>
Parent/Caregiver Well-being, Learning and Culture Survey – Secondary School>
Ngā mihi nui
Mark Wilson
Rector
Science in the Junior Department is centred on hands-on learning, with students exploring ideas through questioning, predicting, observing, testing, and discussing their findings. These practical investigations help make scientific concepts meaningful while developing curiosity, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how the world works.
This term, Year 2 students are exploring sound and light. Through practical experiments, they are learning that sound is created by vibrations and can travel through different materials. Activities include making quacking ducks and listening to vibrations travel along string, helping students see and hear Science in action. Later in the term, students will investigate light, including where it comes from, how it helps us see, and how it can reflect, refract, and create rainbows.
The Year 8 Thinking Skills programme provides students with opportunities to strengthen problem-solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills. Students work independently or with a partner to complete challenges that involve recognising patterns, deciphering codes, applying logic, and thinking creatively.
Throughout the term, students explore verbal and non-verbal reasoning, lateral thinking, logic, and problem-solving strategies. The programme supports learning across curriculum areas by helping students interpret information, make connections, draw conclusions, and apply mathematical thinking in meaningful ways. It also builds confidence, resilience, and a willingness to engage with challenging tasks.
Year 10 French students took part in the annual French Day with Lincoln High School last Friday, beginning at the Hagley Park Pétanque Club. Students started the day with a pain au chocolat and a chance to interact in French, asking and answering questions about pets, family, likes, and dislikes.
Students then rotated through activities connected to French language and culture, including a quiz, a treasure hunt in the Botanic Gardens, a creative challenge to build a model symbolising France, and a pétanque tournament. The day also included a French-style lunch, with a ham and cheese baguette and pastry. The experience provided an engaging opportunity to practise French, explore culture, and connect with students from another school.
The Pipe Band has settled into Scotland following a 51‑hour journey from Christchurch to Stirling, beginning its tour with rehearsals, sightseeing, and early performances ahead of the World Pipe Band Championships. During the first week, students visited Stirling Castle and travelled to St Andrews, where they performed in the historic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral in Fife. The Rector spoke to the gathered crowd about the College’s connection to St Andrews before the band performed, with students and families then spending time exploring the town and its history.
On Sunday, the band competed in the Juvenile Grade at the Perth Highland Games, placing first overall, as well as first in Drumming and first in Ensemble. This was an important lead‑in competition ahead of the World Championships.
The second week has seen the band based in Glasgow, participating in the wider atmosphere of Piping Live!, one of the major events on the international piping calendar. Maggie McConnochie (Year 12) and Sam Foote (Year 13) both performed in the heats of the Pipe Idol competition at the National Piping Centre, gaining valuable solo performance experience in front of international audiences.
The group also visited Edinburgh and attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where the New Zealand Army Band was among the performers. On Wednesday, the Pipe Band performed publicly on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, finishing on the steps of the Royal Concert Hall in front of a large crowd. This was the band’s final public performance before competing at the World Pipe Band Championships.
The College hopes to livestream the World Championship performance on the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band Facebook page at 5.10pm GMT on Friday (4.10am NZT on Saturday).
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A number of students have been selected for Canterbury representative rugby teams. Metua Cranwell (Year 13) has been selected for both the Canterbury Rugby Female Performance Squad and the Canterbury Women’s League Bulls team. She is the youngest member of the Bulls squad.
Additional Canterbury selections include:
Fourteen paddlers travelled to Oamaru to compete at the South Island Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Championships, facing schools from Canterbury, Dunstan, and the North Island. Although this is a Secondary School competition, Preparatory School students Jessica Whitehead (Year 8) and Arizona Wallace (Year 7) also competed, playing in both the Junior Girls’ and Senior Girls’ teams.
The Junior Girls’ team won its final 7–2 against a combined Cashmere High School / Dunstan High School team, with Mila Lovelock (Year 10) scoring four goals. The Junior Open team also performed strongly, defeating Shirley Boys’ High School 15–2 and reaching the final against Dunstan High School, where they were narrowly beaten 2–1. Jackson Wallace (Year 10) was the highest‑scoring junior player of the tournament with 17 goals, while Nate Randall (Year 10) and Max Maier (Year 9) were equal second with 13 goals each.
The Senior Girls’ team, made up of two Preparatory School students, three Year 9–10 students, and one Year 11 student, competed against older and more experienced opposition, finishing fourth overall. The Senior A team also produced a strong tournament. After an earlier loss to Shirley Boys’ High School, they delivered a controlled performance in the final to win gold for the third consecutive year. Luca Rose (Year 13) and Luke Cleugh (Year 12) were selected in the Tournament Team, recognising them among the top players in the South Island.
Five St Andrew’s teams competed against schools from across Canterbury in the Impromptu Debating Cup on Sunday 9 August. The teams were Lachlan Hackston and Hanxi (Cicy) Chen; Alyssa Huang and Gracie‑Starr Guest (all Year 12); Matthew Glass and Reece Glennie; Oliver Wallace and Teresa Steiner (all Year 13); and Daniel Kenyon and Samuel Hu (both Year 11).
Impromptu debating is a two‑versus‑two format, with teams given five minutes to prepare before delivering speeches of approximately five to six minutes. All St Andrew’s teams won three of their four in‑round debates. Lachlan Hackston and Hanxi (Cicy) Chen progressed to the semi‑finals as second seed and went on to win all six of their debates across the day, taking the Cup as overall champions. Their final debate against Burnside High School was on the moot, “This House Supports significant funding for space exploration”. Both students were awarded Highly Commended speaker recognition, with Lachlan named Best Speaker of the final debate.
The Canterbury Secondary Schools Ski and Snowboard Championships were held at Mt Hutt, with 18 St Andrew’s College skiers competing in the Mixed and Boys’ events. All racers completed two runs on the dual slalom course, with warm conditions making the snow soft and technically challenging.
Nicholas Burtscher, Oliver Connolly, and Philippa Taylor (all Year 12) combined to win the Mixed Team competition. Siblings Benjamin Wilton (Year 9), Oliver Wilton (Year 11), and Sam Wilton (Year 12) placed second in the Boys’ Team event.
Individual results:
Full team and individual results are available via School Sport Canterbury – Snowsports.
St Andrew’s College was represented by 44 Year 1–8 students at the ISSA Ski and Snowboard Championships at Mt Hutt. Conditions were challenging, but students approached the course with determination and supported one another throughout the day.
A highlight was the Year 7–8 Co‑educational Ski team winning its division. The team of Hugo Maier (Year 7), Luke Russell, Max Yandle, and Lucia Patterson (all Year 8) combined strong individual performances to finish first overall.
The annual Ballet examination week is nearing completion, with students across year levels taking part in examinations, from the Year 1 Ballet class through to Year 13 dancers completing the final examination in the NZAMD Ballet Solo Performance Diploma series.
Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 11) performed a recital in the Great Hall at the Arts Centre on Tuesday. His programme included works by composers such as Bach, Messiaen, and Telemann, requiring a high level of technical and musical skill.
The recital provided Terence with an opportunity to perform a substantial solo programme in a formal concert setting.
Isabella Godfrey‑Morris (Year 11) and Emily Watt (Year 13) have each had a poem accepted for publication in Toitoi 35. Toitoi is a journal that publishes writing and artwork by young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Two students received international recognition in the 2026 Hexapod Haiku Challenge, organised by the Frost Entomological Museum in the United States. The competition attracted more than 1000 entries.
Xinrui (Sophia) Xu (Year 3) received an Honourable Mention in the 12 and Under General Category. Claire Zhao (Year 8) had three haiku selected by the judges, including two in the 12 and Under Laureates – General Category, and one in the 12 and Under Laureates – Arthropod Recyclers Special Category.
Mia Zhang, Claire Zhao, and Jessica Whitehead (all Year 8) also had winter poems published on the NZ Poetry Box website, with Jessica awarded a book for her poem.
Cynthia Zhang (Year 5) competed at the Rhythmic Gymnastics Canterbury Championships, competing in the Level 5 Performance category. She placed third overall, with individual results including second in Free, third in Hoop, third in Ball, and third in Clubs. Cynthia also placed first in her group performance.
Earlier this month, Cynthia competed at the Otago Championships, placing second overall. She won both Free and Clubs and placed second in Hoop and Ball.
Six St Andrew’s College students performed in National Youth Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Charlotte Currie (Year 10) played the lead role of Ariel and was also part of the Senior Ensemble, while Isla Marshall (Year 10) performed as Adella, one of the Mersisters, and was part of the Senior Dance Extension. Sophie Jacobs (Year 8) also performed in the Senior Dance Extension.
Stella Berry (Year 6) performed in the Intermediate Ensemble, Ella Nortje (Year 4) was part of the Junior Dance Extension, and Penelope Walker (Year 4) performed in the Junior Ensemble. After 12 weeks of rehearsals, students performed in seven shows last week, including school and public performances. The experience provided an opportunity to develop performance skills, confidence, teamwork, and experience in a professional theatre environment.
BASKETBALL
The Senior Girls hosted Cashmere High School in the Whelan Trophy semi‑final on Tuesday evening. Seniors Ava Jones, Nadia De Thierry, and Eva Jeffries (all Year 13) were acknowledged before their final home game. St Andrew’s then delivered a dominant 119–44 win, with Ava Jones scoring a career‑high 50 points.
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FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI secured a 2–0 win over Burnside High School to book a place in the Plate Final. The team controlled key periods of the match, converted its chances, and maintained strong defensive organisation to keep a clean sheet.
The Boys’ 1st XI was defeated 5–1 by Shirley Boys’ High School. St Andrew’s continued to compete throughout the match and created moments of positive play, but Shirley was clinical in transition and capitalised on key opportunities.
HOCKEY
The Boys’ 1st XI faced St Bede’s College in their final round‑robin match for the Challenge Shield. After conceding first, St Andrew’s responded to level the scores and later took the lead with some strong attacking hockey. St Bede’s regained momentum as the match progressed. With five minutes remaining, St Andrew’s withdrew the goalkeeper in search of goals, and Zac Hibbs (Year 11) scored soon after. St Bede’s then added a late goal to secure a 6–3 result.
The Girls’ 1st XI earned a 3–1 win over Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, building momentum ahead of their semi‑final. The team took its scoring opportunities and maintained strong defensive organisation throughout the match, combining disciplined structure with effective attacking play.
NETBALL
Premier 1 – The Senior A team played Saints A on Monday night. The opening quarter was high scoring, with both teams moving the ball well, before Saints created an early lead through efficient conversion. St Andrew’s responded strongly in the second quarter and continued to compete well for the remainder of the match. Hayley Stowell (Year 11) was named MVP, while Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 13) received the Team Moment award. The final score was 80–58 to Saints.
SuperNet – The Senior A team played Cashmere High School in a close semi‑final. St Andrew’s led by three at halftime before Cashmere won the third quarter to set up a tight finish. St Andrew’s regained control to win 37–26 and progress to the final. Hannah Papali’i Taimalelagi Malietoa was named MVP for her shooting from range, while Zara Kleindyk (Year 12) received the Team Moment award for a clean intercept at a crucial stage.
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RUGBY
The Girls’ 1st XV won the playoff for third place against Christchurch Girls’ High School 2nd XV, finishing with an 88–0 result. Tries were scored by a number of players, with Zoe Robinson (Year 12) scoring her first try. The match was the final game for captain Poppy Reynolds and Hannah Papali’i Taimalelagi Malietoa (both Year 13). The team finishes third in the Miles Toyota Cup.
The Boys’ 1st XV travelled to St Bede’s College for their Miles Toyota Premiership semi‑final. St Bede’s opened the scoring after sustained early pressure, before St Andrew’s responded with patient phase play and a try of their own. A driving maul then gave St Andrew’s a 12–7 lead at halftime.
The second half saw both teams trade tries before St Andrew’s created separation, including a break down the left edge followed by a kick back infield collected by Thomas McIntosh (Year 13). Despite late pressure and two yellow cards, St Andrew’s held on to win 31–21 and progress to the Miles Toyota Premiership Final against Christchurch Boys’ High School tomorrow at 11.30am at Straven Road.
Flickr>St Andrew’s College hosted the Combined Boarders’ Chapel on Sunday 9 August to conclude National Boarding Week. Now in its 10th year, the service brought together boarders from a number of schools for worship, reflection, and connection.
Director of Boarding Matt Parr welcomed attendees, with Toby Rose (Year 11) leading the Call to Worship. Students from Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College, and St Bede’s College contributed Scripture readings from Luke 15:11–32 and John 8:1–11. Oliver Barker (Year 13) sang My Way and led the congregation in 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) and The Servant Song. Prayers were offered by Heads of Boarding Henry Tayler and Katie Taggart (both Year 13).
Guest speaker Miriam Fisher, Lecturer at Laidlaw College, spoke about belonging through the life and ministry of Jesus. Drawing on the image of sharing a table, she reflected on how Jesus welcomed those who were excluded or judged, reminding students that everyone has a place in God’s family. Her message encouraged boarding communities to create spaces where all people are welcomed and valued. Many thanks to Rev. Paul Morrow for leading the service.
This morning, the College held its annual Boys’ and Girls’ Assemblies, welcoming back members of the 10 Years On cohort to share their experiences since leaving St Andrew’s. These assemblies provide current students with an opportunity to hear from Old Collegians who were once in their place and to reflect on the many pathways life beyond school can take.
At the Girls’ Assembly, Samsara Guillemot Mene (OC 2016) spoke about the successes and challenges that have shaped her journey. She reflected on the importance of embracing change, understanding that success is not limited to achievements or accolades, protecting personal well-being, and recognising the lasting impact of kindness. Samsara encouraged students to remain open to new opportunities, to be willing to change direction, and to remember that their worth is not defined by grades, achievements, or the opinions of others.
At the Boys’ Assembly, former Head of Boys’ Boarding Jack Taylor (OC 2016) shared his journey from studying Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Canterbury to his current role as Engineering and Design Manager at Resolve Water. He spoke about the importance of balancing hard work with time for people and activities that matter and encouraged students to value practical experience and people skills alongside academic achievement. Jack’s message focused on becoming the best version of oneself, rather than feeling pressure to be the best in every field.
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This year, the 2nd XV has supported Full Bellies, a local charity providing food for children and families who need additional support and are not currently receiving government funding. Players and coaches volunteered at two Sunday sessions, preparing food packs for local schools.
The team helped fill lunch bags, cut and wrap baking, and sort fruit and vegetables ready for Monday deliveries. Full Bellies currently partners with more than 30 schools and prepares over 1500 food bags each week, providing students with morning tea, fruit, lunch, and a small after-school snack.
The volunteering experience gave the team a practical opportunity to contribute to the wider community and learn more about the impact local charities can have for children and families.
Theatre – Elliot Wood (OC 2019) has earned a second season in Melbourne for his one-man show, Mrs Lovett’s Famous Meat Pie Extravaganza, after being nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Theatre – Fraser Hoffman (OC 2012) is currently performing the lead role in An Enemy of the People at Q Theatre Loft in Auckland, following recent work in screen acting and a return to live theatre.
Musical Theatre – Jack Duff (OC 2015) is currently performing in The Book of Mormon as it tours Australia, with performances in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Indoor Volleyball – Pippa Henderson (OC 2022) has again been selected for the New Zealand Volley Ferns for a 10-day tour of Fukuoka, Japan. The team will play Japanese club and university sides while also taking part in training and cultural experiences.
Hockey – Sam Lane (OC 2015) will captain the Vantage Black Sticks Men at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The Black Sticks will face the Netherlands, Japan, and Argentina in pool play, beginning with the Netherlands on Monday at 2.00am NZT.
There was considerable excitement in the Preparatory School this week when Old Collegian Richie Mo’unga (OC 2012) made a special visit with the Ranfurly Shield, following Canterbury’s victory over Otago in Dunedin.
Richie spent time with students from the Pre-school through to Year 8, stopping for class photos, talking with students, and sharing the significance of Canterbury reclaiming one of New Zealand rugby’s most recognised trophies. His visit was warmly received by students and staff, and provided a memorable connection between current students, Old Collegians, and Canterbury rugby.
The occasion also highlighted the strong St Andrew’s College connection within the recent Canterbury and Otago NPC teams, with five Old Collegians involved across the two sides.
Flickr>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.
As we continue to prioritise the safety and smooth flow of traffic during afternoon pick-up, we would like to remind all families of the parking restrictions in the drop-off zone.
The three parking bays closest to the Pre-school, clearly marked "Pre-school", are reserved exclusively for Pre-school families and have a maximum parking time of five minutes. The bays located between the shelter and the Pre-school parking area are designated two-minute parking only.
These spaces are intended for quick drop-off and pick-up to ensure all families have fair access when collecting children. We have received reports that some vehicles are remaining in these bays beyond the permitted time, which can create congestion, inconvenience other families, and increase health and safety risks for students, staff, and parents moving through the area.
We ask all families to please observe the posted time limits and use alternative parking areas if a longer wait is required. Your cooperation helps keep our pick-up zone safe, efficient, and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your support.
The Secondary School will celebrate Cultural Week from Monday 17 to Friday 21 August, with a range of activities designed to showcase the many creative and cultural opportunities available to students at St Andrew’s. Students are encouraged to explore new interests and get involved in the week’s events:
Cultural Week is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate creativity, discover new passions, and experience the rich cultural life of the College. We encourage all students to get involved and make the most of the activities on offer.
As part of the 2027 Course Selection process, the College will be hosting a Pathways and Course Selection 2027 Parent Information Evening. The evening is open to any current Year 9–12 parents/caregivers with the main focus of the evening being course selections. The presentation will be made by our Careers Counsellor, Richard Webster.
When: Monday 17 August, 6.00pm–6.45pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre
If you wish to attend the parent information evening, please register by clicking here.
At this week’s Year 11 and 12 Dean’s hui, Assistant Principal of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, promoted two scholarships that have been generously sponsored by an Old Collegian. The objective of these scholarships is to encourage personal discovery through experiential learning and develop leadership potential in young adults. Both scholarships provide 80% funding, with the remaining 20% and travel funded by the recipient.
Spirit of Adventure Scholarship (Year 11) – This scholarship provides support for one current Year 11 student to participate in a 10-day sailing on the Spirit of Adventure in early 2027.
Outward Bound Scholarship (Year 12) – This scholarship provides support for one current Year 12 student to experience an Outward Bound Mind, Body and Soul course from 6–26 January 2027.
All Year 11 and 12 students have been provided a link to the relevant online application form via their year-level Teams page. Please note only students can access and complete these forms.
Deadlines: Applications for both scholarships close on Monday 17 August 2026 at 3.30pm.
For further information, please contact Assistant Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, on HCE@stac.school.nz.
Join us during Cultural Week 2026 for the annual St Andrew’s College Film Fest, a fun, family-friendly evening celebrating the creativity and talent of our student filmmakers.
This year’s theme is Reality Is Not What It Seems, inspired by films such as The Truman Show, The Matrix, Black Swan and Inception. Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening by dressing in an uncanny costume – interpretation is entirely up to you!
Awards will be presented for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Actor/Actress and more, with spot prizes also up for grabs on the night.
When: Tuesday 18 August, from 6.00pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Free. Please register your attendance in advance to assist with event planning. Walk-ins are also welcome on the evening, with entry by gold coin donation at the door. Proceeds will go to Qtopia.
View a fun promotional video letting you know what to expect at this year’s Film Fest>
Register your attendance>
The 2026 StAC Ag Show will be held on Thursday 20 August in Gym 1. Students and families are welcome to visit between 9.00am–12.00pm to attend the Ag Show and view the fun entries on display.
Ag Show Raffle Ticket Pre-Order | Closes Sunday 16 August
This year’s Ag Show Raffle is open for pre-orders, with funds raised supporting the Ag Show and the Christchurch City Mission. Purchase a ticket for your chance to win an incredible giant lollie bouquet, which will be on display during the Ag Show. Raffles can also be purchased during the Ag Show.
Families who submitted Ag Show entries have received an email about how to deliver these items and visiting the Ag Show on the day.
Term 3 will see all students who are returning next year making their academic course selections for 2027. A series of events, presentations and, in particular, the publication of the annual online Curriculum Book information take place this term, leading up to the deadline for students’ selections (Friday 11 September).
On Friday 28 August, from 3.40pm–5.00pm, we will run our annual Course Selection Expo in Gym 1, at which time a number of staff representing the different subject areas will be present to meet informally with students and their parents to talk about the nature of courses next year. This annual event is for students in Years 10–12, and both students and their parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend; the conversations with staff are invaluable in the decision-making process for students!
Please also note that, along with the academic course selection process, students who are returning in 2027 will be making their co-curricular selections.
The St Andrew’s College annual Dance Revue returns for 2026 with The Greatest Show, a spectacular celebration of dance featuring Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Highland and Ballet styles. Showcasing the talents of the St Andrew’s College Dance programme, Ballet Academy and NCEA Dance students, this vibrant production celebrates creative movement, artistry and performance. Inspired by the excitement and magic of live entertainment, The Greatest Show promises an unforgettable evening of dance at St Andrew’s College.
When: Sunday 30 August, 3.00pm–4.30pm and 7.00pm–8.30pm (two shows)
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $20.00 (including $5.00 levy)
Grandparents' Day is a cherished St Andrew's College tradition, celebrating the special role grandparents play in the lives of our students. This year, we are delighted to welcome grandparents from both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools to join us for a morning of entertainment, connection and lasting memories.
Registration is essential and all grandparents attending must be registered by parents/caregivers, to ensure students can be released from class to meet them. Registrations close at 12.00pm on Tuesday 20 October.
Complete the Grandparents' Day Registration Form >
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>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.
