"As a school we work hard to provide all students with opportunities to explore new experiences through our co-curricular programme and support their learning with appropriate structure and clear expectations, while developing creative and critical thought through discussion and debate."

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa

The second half of Term 2 has been packed with various sporting and cultural events, while at the same time, senior students have been juggling the demands of assessments and internals. In a school where there is so much choice available to students, it can be difficult to manage competing demands and priorities. I hope that all will take advantage of the coming term break to take some well-earned time out from routines, timetables and ‘to-do’ lists.

Recently I and other staff have witnessed a number of student speeches in a variety of contexts. The Festival of the Spoken Word speech finals, the Ngā Manu Korero speech competition, Prefect Assembly morning comment, chapel address from two students on our DPR Value, Faith, and speeches from recent Old Collegians at our Girls’ and Boys’ Assemblies on It is OK not to be OK and Managing Life Beyond School.

On all of these occasions, I was impressed with the maturity and thoughtfulness of our young people. There is no doubt that as they move to life beyond school our teenagers have a challenging world to navigate. The ‘VUCA’ world – one which is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, requires young people who can make sound judgements based ,on knowledge, consideration of different perspectives, and understanding the consequences of decisions and actions.

Schools are a place where students are encouraged to try new things and test their perspectives. Sometimes they will make mistakes and their judgement will let them down. They are, after all, teenagers. It is from these mistakes that they will readjust their perspective, respect alternative viewpoints, and learn the value of collective rules and boundaries, which are important for communities to thrive.

Last week I spoke at an ISNZ (Independent Schools New Zealand) leadership conference on DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In preparing for this talk I considered the diverse perspectives of the people who make up our St Andrew’s community. These include different thinking and learning styles, ethnicities, religions, perspectives, experiences, cultures, skills, gender identities, neural pathways, sporting and cultural preferences, social groups, and economic realities. For both our staff and students it can be a challenge to balance that which is common ground with the desire for individualisation. As a community we are on the necessary but difficult journey to be more inclusive and embrace diversity while still being clear on our collective values and common ground.

As a school we work hard to provide all students with opportunities to explore new experiences through our co-curricular programme and support their learning with appropriate structure and clear expectations, while developing creative and critical thought through discussion and debate. We also aim to provide scope for freedom of thought and expression within appropriate boundaries. By encouraging students to discover their true selves in a way that shows respect for others and our school, we can make St Andrew’s College a safe place for all. Thank you for the way you support teachers and staff in their collective efforts for the College to be the best we can be.

Best wishes for a good term break.

Kia noho haumaru koutou katoa (may you all stay safe).

Christine Leighton
Rector

It has been extremely busy and successful in terms of celebrating what is special about St Andrew’s College; Prefects Assembly, Boys’ and Girls’ Assemblies, Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition, Interschool exchanges, and our extensive co-curricular programme.

Supporting the students in their co-curricular activities continues to be a good reminder of why I chose to be an educator, seeing the students at their best and taking part in something they are passionate about is always so uplifting. Many of our top sports teams are once again tracking well this season. The Girls’ basketball, football, and hockey teams remain unbeaten and are strong contenders to progress to the playoffs next term. The Girls’ A netball team, the 1st XV rugby, 1st XI Boys’ hockey, and the Boys’ A basketball teams are still in contention for their playoffs. 

I always make a real point of visiting classes at this time of the year. I am so grateful that the students are so willing to share their work with me and engage in a conversation about what is exciting to them about their learning. The quality of relationships that exist between the teachers and their students is making a real difference in how students feel about learning and school.

The first set of reports will have been made available to you in the last month. Your child’s teachers have spent a considerable amount of time providing feedback on what is going well and what the next steps need to be. Can I please encourage you to have a conversation with your child on how they may learn from the feedback and where appropriate make some changes.

Follow-up meetings to the tutor conferences held at the beginning of the year are scheduled for Tuesday 18 July. You will receive information about these this week, and the meeting times will be booked in the same way as they were at the beginning of the year. Please note that you will have the option of having an online or in person conference. The conferences provide a valuable opportunity to review how the first two terms of the year have gone, to reflect generally on the goals that were set, discuss academic progress and well-being, and share any persistent problems or issues. It is expected that the students will take the lead in these discussions, but we also value your input. The key goal is to ensure that your child feels supported. Classes will begin again on Wednesday 19 July.

We have been hit very hard this year with student illness, especially with flu. This has the potential to disrupt the learning of your child and their ability to achieve their full potential in assessments, especially in NCEA. We ask that you please urge your child to use the College’s NCEA assessment extension process when they are/have been ill, and they believe their performance may be impaired in some way. Please note that a medical certificate needs to be supplied as part of this process. I would like to also ask you to let the College know as soon as possible if your child is going to be away from school and provide a specific reason for their absence.

I have been very pleased and delighted with the way the students are wearing their uniform at school. Only minor issues persist, such as dirty shoes and unshaven faces for some of the boys, and not wearing the correct socks and too many earrings for some of the girls. Please remind your child they must leave the school grounds in school uniform with their blazers on. The only exception to this is if they are going to a sports match.

Please encourage your child to balance the work set by their teachers and time for relaxation during the school holidays. I hope you all enjoy having your children at home for the next couple of weeks.

Evert van Florenstein
Head of Secondary School
Deputy for Rector

Last Thursday two prefects spoke in chapel on what our Developing Positive Relationship value of Faith meant to them. Kavanah Lene and William Russell took up this challenge after I presented the opportunity for the prefects to have a voice in a chapel service. I asked Kavanah and William to write a summary of their presentation for me to publish in On Strowan. I am grateful for their voice and courage to stand up in front of their peers and speak with such authenticity on their ideas and beliefs around the value of Faith.

Kavanah Lene – Faith is loving and respecting all people, regardless of their differences. Differences like appearance, what type of phone they have, what they wear, their sexuality, religion, social class, and even what school they go to. My belief is that we are worthy of love and respect because we are all created wonderfully by God and deeply loved by Him. As StAC students our values are Truth, Excellence, Faith, Creativity, and Inclusivity. We can say that we are true to these, but what good are all these beliefs and values if we cannot apply them in our everyday life? If people cannot see them as a part of who we are and a part of our character? These beliefs can also be applied to factors like school, work, or sport. We can believe in our abilities to get an E in an internal, meet due dates in work, and play well in a sports game, but if I am not consistently training or studying outside of school hours then the belief I have in my own ability is rendered useless. The apostle Paul delivers this message perfectly when he says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” So, I would like you to reflect on yourself today. Ask yourself, is your faith alive or dead? Will people be able to know the values of your character by your actions alone? Are you acting out your beliefs and stepping out in faith to do what you know is right? Faith is key in life. Whether it is faith in yourself, faith in your dreams, faith in your teammates, co-workers or classmates, faith in your friends and whānau, or faith in God. We all need faith in action to truthfully live.

William Russell – In my speech, I covered a broad range of aspects of the value of faith. While writing it I wanted to ensure the speech could apply to everybody, while incorporating my own personal experiences and outlook. I spoke on my past personal experience with faith and an ultimate belief that any problems or challenges can always be resolved. I indicate that the first step I want people to take is to simply believe. Focus not on the problem but look past it. Throughout all our lives we will experience struggles – no matter if you are a boy or a girl, no matter where you come from, and no matter what you believe in. We all meet battles and setbacks in so many walks of life. In Men’s Health Month, where we reflect and focus on mental health, I wanted to talk about an aspect of our lives which many of us seem to hold less valuable today. In the speech I referred to 2 Corinthians 5:7. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Referencing this, I try and allude to the idea that believing will always be paramount over a short-minded attitude where we focus on the problems and get wound up on the small things. This reference to Corinthians 5:7 is also supported in my speech where I say “I can nearly guarantee that having faith brings about a positive outcome in whatever situation you are in.” When having faith and looking for the best in situations I referenced Muhammad Ali, “It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.” Here, I wanted to emphasise that you can apply this to any situation in life. Give things a go, believe, and have faith.

I wish you all a very restorative and restful holiday with your wonderful whānau and friends.

Blessings

Rev. Paul Morrow
College Chaplain

As educators, we believe that the path to success for our students lies in fostering their sense of responsibility and ownership over their own learning. In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial that students become active participants in their educational journey. By instilling a sense of ownership, we empower them to develop essential skills and attitudes that will serve them well beyond the classroom walls.

Taking ownership of learning means more than just completing assignments and studying for tests. It involves students actively engaging in their education, setting goals, making decisions, and reflecting on their progress. Here are a few reasons why this approach is vital for your child's development:

1. Increased Engagement: When students take ownership of their learning, they become more engaged and invested in the process. They become curious seekers of knowledge, asking questions, seeking answers, and exploring topics beyond the prescribed curriculum. This enthusiasm translates into higher levels of motivation and a genuine passion for learning.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: By allowing students to take charge of their learning, we encourage them to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. They learn to analyse information, make connections, and seek solutions independently. These skills are invaluable in an ever-evolving world, where adaptability and creativity are highly sought after.
3. Improved Responsibility and Accountability: When students take ownership of their learning, they develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. They understand that their actions directly impact their academic growth and take pride in their accomplishments. This mindset nurtures a strong work ethic, time management skills, and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
4. Lifelong Learners: By fostering ownership, we instil in our students a love for learning that extends far beyond their time in school. They develop the ability to set goals, seek opportunities for self-improvement, and take initiative in pursuing their interests. These qualities create lifelong learners who are equipped to face challenges and adapt to new situations throughout their lives.

At St Andrew’s College, we are committed to creating an environment that encourages students to take ownership of their learning. We invite you, as parents, to support and reinforce this mindset at home. Encourage your child to ask questions, explore their passions, and take responsibility for their academic journey. Together, we can empower our students to become confident, self-directed learners prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We start next term with a wonderful opportunity to reinforce this approach with Parent-Student-Tutor Conferences on Tuesday 18 July. All students have been working on a reflection and goal-setting task in preparation for these interviews. They have been asked to reflect on their mid-year reports and set WOOP goals for the remainder of the year as well as complete a reflection task that links to our well-being framework, PERMA-V. I strongly encourage you to engage in this process and be involved in these conferences.

Term 2 has been an opportunity for Middle School students to really get involved in the life of the College. It is my hope that students have established positive friendships, are involved in the range of co-curricular opportunities, and are enjoying their learning in the classroom. Term 2 always presents its challenges, whether it be academic loading, illness, or simply dealing with the colder weather. However, I hope that students can keep themselves in a good space by staying positive and getting stuck in. Well done to all for their involvement.

I wish everyone well for the upcoming holidays and I am looking forward to seeing you all in Term 3 when classes start on Wednesday 19 July following the conferences on Tuesday 18 July.

Matt Parr
Head of Middle School

Kia ora koutou

In the last couple of school days, we have celebrated the best of what our Senior College offers, with the Prefect Assembly and the mid-Winter Christmas (organised by the Senior College Council).

The recent assembly was a great success, with the prefect team hunting for the hooded mercenaries who had kidnapped the four Heads and Deputies and stole the Head Prefect book. They brought cleverly filmed video, vibrant dance numbers, the annual ‘Formosal’ (where a member of the team asks an unsuspecting student to come to the Senior College Formal), and the Team of the Week Challenge, run between representatives of the 2nd XV rugby team and the Girls’ 1st XI hockey. The Morning Comment, from Lauren Whittaker, was superbly written and delivered. It challenged us to reflect on whether we have a finite or an infinite perspective on the game of life, and is well worth making the time to read – click here.

Students from the Senior College Council came into school on Sunday to decorate the common room and atrium areas with streamers, balloons, fairy lights, window art, and a Christmas tree. The aim was to provide a winter boost to students as we move into the last week of term and battle the urge to stay in bed every morning!

This is Senior College life at its best, with students stepping up to build on our philosophy of interdependence or living in community. It is such a privilege to have group ‘happenings’ where we can come together and celebrate, and where the role of school as a community builder can be acknowledged. Congratulations to the prefects and the council for all their hard work.

I hope you all have a chance to relax and recharge in some way over the school holiday period. It has been another challenging but productive term.

John Ruge
Head of Senior College

As we come to the end of a busy Term 2 for the co-curricular programme, it is pleasing to reflect on our high participation rates and some significant achievements. At times the weather has proved to be a challenge for outdoor sport and the students are to be commended for the way they have adapted to the challenges we have faced with this. In recent weeks we have had many sporting and cultural highlights across the co-curricular programme, including two sports exchanges.

We are looking forward to another winter Tournament Week in Term 3 where 18 teams from eight sports will compete in a number of tournaments from Auckland to Invercargill.

Mark Lane
Director of Sport and Cultural Activities