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"It’s no secret having high standards and expectations, and providing quality teaching experiences, leads to our young people learning to grow and develop their own talents."
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa. Ngā mihi o te tau hou.
Over this first term I have enjoyed getting into many of the classrooms to see the quality teaching and learning in action – and I have frequently been impressed with the focus and engagement from our young people on what they are doing and learning. This is our core business as a school, and quality programmes our committed teachers are providing are clearly delivering real academic rigour.
Back in 2004–2007, a highly effective teaching pilot programme in New Zealand, called Te Kotahitanga, identified what most parents and teachers already knew – that the real key to successful to schooling is having high standards and high expectations. Sadly, state schools abandoned this programme, but I am delighted to see high standards and expectations very evident and alive in classrooms at St Andrew’s College.
The outcomes of these high standards and practices were on show at our special community assemblies, when we celebrated the Investiture of College Prefects and Leadership and then the Academic Assembly to acknowledge our top scholars.
At this Academic Assembly, our College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, shared during his prayer the ‘Parable of the Talents’ from Matthew 25:14-30. This parable tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money (referred to as ‘talents’) before going on a journey. Upon his return, he evaluates how each servant has used their talents given to them – praising those who grew their talents and scolding the one who lazily wasted theirs. The truth of this message is important for us all to recognise – as individuals we all have different talents and abilities, and the importance in growing and developing what talents we have.
We all have our own unique abilities. I have been so impressed as I meet our young people and hear them speak about their wide range of interests and talents, and seeing them putting their talents into action in areas such as robotics, solving equations, workshopping their creative writing, rehearsing music, co-ordinating community service initiatives, performing on stage, mixing chemicals in science labs, etc.
It’s no secret having high standards and expectations, and providing quality teaching experiences, leads to our young people learning to grow and develop their own talents. This is how we help shape and grow our young people to become the very best version of themselves.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
The year has started with a flurry of activity. We began with our Pōwhiri, followed by several special assemblies, parent information evenings, and conferences. Year 9 camps have been a highlight, alongside a bustling co-curricular programme. Students have quickly settled into productive learning routines, creating a vibrant and positive atmosphere around the College. There’s a real excitement among students about the numerous opportunities available.
During our Academic Assembly, we celebrated and congratulated all the students who excelled in last year’s NCEA examinations. This special occasion allowed us to honour the 213 students who achieved an NCEA Excellence endorsement. Congratulations to all the students who persevered, with the support of their teachers, to reach their goals.
Year 13 Leavers from 2024 returned to receive their Board of Governors scholarships for their Level 3 Excellence endorsements, three subject Excellence endorsements, and NZQA Scholarships. In 2024, our students earned 62 NCEA Scholarships, including eight Outstanding scholarships. This achievement placed us second in the South Island for scholarships achieved. We had five students attain five scholarships or better, with our Dux from 2024, Aaron Moore, achieving one outstanding and five scholarships, which placed him in the list of ‘Top Scholars’ (top 55) for New Zealand, a significant accomplishment.
Our Academic Captains, Maria (Masha) Pospolitak, Sarah Waddington and James Anthony, delivered a simple but powerful analogy comparing shopping with study; the effort you put into the planning of your list and what you put into your trolley will determine what your receipt will look like at the checkout. The message was well received by all who attended the assembly.
Old Collegian, Frankie Morrow (OC 2019), also spoke at the Academic Assembly, delivering an inspiring message. She emphasised that success in academics, sports, or life isn’t about always getting it right. Setbacks and disappointments are inevitable, but they don’t define your potential – your response to them does. Be resilient, embrace opportunities, and trust that your time to achieve will come.
The summer sports season is in full swing, and it’s a joy to support the teams from the sidelines. The enthusiasm and commitment our students display is truly impressive. The highlight for me so far has been the Girls’ A tennis team who narrowly lost the final of the South Island championships last weekend, losing to St Margaret’s College in a hard-fought final.
A heartfelt thank you to the many parents who have attended our beginning-of-year parent information and orientation events over the past five weeks. These evenings have not only facilitated meetings between parents and teachers but also fostered valuable connections among parents themselves.
At the end of Week 1, we once again held the Parent-Student-Tutor Conferences. These meetings provided an opportunity to meet and establish or renew relationships with your children’s tutor teachers, who are responsible for monitoring both the general well-being and academic progress of all students in their tutor group. The high turnout from parents clearly indicates the importance of the home-tutor relationship from the parents’ perspective. A second follow-up conference is scheduled for the beginning of Term 3.
As well as the tutor, please feel that you can contact classroom teachers, the year group Dean, or Head of Middle School or Senior College should you have a question or a specific concern or issue you would like to raise or simply provide information you think we should know.
The Year 9–13 Course Outlines are now available on the Community Portal. These outlines include course topics, specific assessment dates, and deadlines. We strongly encourage you and your child to sit down together to plan the year ahead, considering workload and key assessment dates.
Last week, we had our first round of ‘Fortnightly Feedback.’ This feedback is designed to keep you updated on your child’s progress in terms of attitude and effort in each class. Please use the indicators as discussion points with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, I urge you to contact the classroom teacher or the Dean.
This has possibly been the best start to the year during my time at St Andrew’s in terms of setting high standards for uniform and personal grooming. Thank you for your support; it is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Evert van Florenstein
Head of Secondary School
Deputy for Rector
We have decided to hold our Parent-Teacher Interviews both in person (over two days) and online (for one day). This decision was made based on feedback from parents last year. Confirmed interview dates are Wednesday 26 March (online), Wednesday 2 April (in person) and Friday 4 April (in person). Booking details will be emailed to you soon.
FEBRUARY
28 College Athletic Sports Day
MARCH
10 College Swimming Sports
14 Founders' Day Assembly, 11.15am
14 Highland Games
16 Senior College Chapel, 7.00pm
20 Year 10 Information Evening and Te Waka Departure, 7.00pm
Please view the fixtures on the College intranet for more upcoming events. The intranet is updated daily.
Visit the College intranet, StACNet >
In Season of Lent, I share with you a reading, a reflection, and a prayer.
A reading (or two)
John 15:13 (NLT)
13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
1 John 3:16 (NLT)
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So, we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
A reflection
When our material possessions or loved ones are taken from us our faith, our doubt in God, and our relationship with others can be exposed. Our humanity and ability to see the good in others is often boosted through tough times and the support others give to those in need. On the fourteen-year anniversary I was reminded of the support we were given through the February 2011 earthquakes, support that came from far and wide, from friends and complete strangers. Many sacrifices were made.
Many people in Vanuatu have recently suffered greatly through their earthquake with many people having had their homes destroyed. It is devasting to see, but it provides an opportunity for us to make some sacrifices and give back what was so generously given to us through the difficult times Christchurch endured. I have been in touch with a principal of a school in Vanuatu and have been able to offer a small token of providing a morning tea for their staff as a way of letting them know we are thinking of them and keeping them in our prayers.
Sacrifice is required to consider others as ourselves, but a freedom is available to us when we do. Sacrifice is about giving up something now in order to make a better future.
I often hear an argument about science and humanity being able to sort out all life’s problems. The situation in the Ukraine tells us a very different story. Humanity’s greed gets the better of us, especially when ‘self’, power, and riches are at stake.
Next week the Season of Lent begins; a period of 40 weekdays leading up to Easter. Within this period many Christians around the world will sacrifice something. Easter reminds us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice – the laying down of life so that others might live.
When the disciples saw the resurrected Christ, they no longer feared death or what death could do to them because their Saviour had overcome death; for them and all humanity. They now felt compelled to give their lives to sharing this good news with everyone.
If we are prepared to give up our ‘self’ life for the sake of others, we can be free. No one can take anything away from us that we haven’t already given up. When you do not fear loss, you can do so much more in life. You are free! I think life is supposed to be like this.
Whether you are faith filled or faith less, whether you believe in God or don’t, whether you are a follower of Christ or not, think about Lent. Making sacrifices and embracing loss, could free you to be and do things for others that you never thought possible.
A prayer
Dear God
We pray for the people of Ukraine, and our Pacific friends in Vanuatu suffering from the impact of a major earthquake.
We pray for those who at this moment are frightened and fearful. For those who have lost loved ones and for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
We pray for wisdom and unity among our leaders and among world leaders.
Let us remember the sad predictabilities of warfare and natural disasters, that the unpredictable is inevitable.
May we be reflective of the Season of Lent and the hope of Easter. Give us the courage to make sacrifices for the greater good of all humanity.
Lord, hear of prayer. Amen
God bless.
Rev. Paul Morrow
College Chaplain
Over the past few weeks, I have been hugely impressed with the way that the Middle School students have engaged with their learning and are meeting expectations in all areas. The ‘wheels are well and truly in motion’ and students have been performing well in class, getting on with what they need to do throughout a very busy beginning to the year.
It is pleasing to see a lot of the co-curricular programmes in full swing. One thing I love about St Andrew’s College is the range of opportunities available to students. If your child wishes to participate in any activities, please ensure they keep an eye on the notices and Teams pages and/or reach out to the relevant staff members to find out more. Especially in the first couple of years, I encourage students to do as much as they can, for as long as they can manage it. Building better people for life is about the holistic approach to education. Lessons learnt outside of the classroom hold huge value in growing great young people.
With Year 9 Camps taking place, I wish all students well as they embark on what will be a wonderful week of challenge, fun, and connection. I have heard some great stories from the camps so far and I am sure that there are many more to come.
Matt Parr
Head of Middle School
It is the time of the year where the Te Waka programme holds some key events for the programme. At the time of publishing, students will have completed ‘The Calling’ and are preparing for ‘The Departure’, where they connect with whoever is at home on a deeper level. This will be taking place on Thursday 20 March, in conjunction with our Year 10 Information Evening which you are all encouraged to attend. Thank you to Kate Taylor for her work as the Teacher in Charge of our Te Waka programme. Thank you also to our amazing Te Waka teachers for their efforts in making these events so special.
It has been great to be able to host our community events like our Year 9 Peer Support and Parent Information evening on the first day of the year, and our recent Year 11 NCEA information evening. https://stac.nz/NCEAInformationVideo2025
As mentioned above, we look forward to hosting Year 10 whānau later this month too. We enjoy hosting these types of events to help connect our wider community with what is happening at school. It is a fundamental part of what we do as a College.
Tēnā koutou katoa
Community is one of the cornerstones of our Senior College philosophy. It’s important that students learn to manage their own lives and pathways, but it’s equally vital that they learn to do this in the company of others as a community of young people. As I’ve written previously, we want our young people to graduate from here as independent but socially responsible young adults, with the skills to flourish in an ever-changing world.
One of the university halls of residence, College House, has an annual welcome chapel service, and the words of the community prayer are a great summary of what we are trying to recognise here at St Andrew’s College. The group response part of the prayer had the following affirmations:
So much of what we are doing is encapsulated in these statements. As the year progresses, I’m looking forward to writing more about what this looks like in practice, with everything from table tennis tournaments to Friday Quad organisation for younger students, and some amazing community service initiatives that are already under way. I hope some of your conversations at home will reveal the strong sense of belonging and respect for each other that our young people are developing here at St Andrew’s.
Ngā mihi nui
John Ruge
Head of Senior College
Our first chapel service for the year is on Sunday 16 March at 7.00pm in the Centennial Chapel. All Year 12 and 13 students are expected to attend, and we will be taking rolls to check attendance. Whānau are warmly invited to join us for this service, which will run for approximately an hour. If you are coming, please aim to be seated by 6.50pm.
Year 13 students are allowed to have lunch leave on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday lunchtimes, and we’ll be reminding them of the following:
Year 12 students cannot leave the school grounds at all during the school day unless they have permission from parents to attend a valid appointment, and have signed out at the Senior College office.
Our Academic Captains, James Anthony, Maria (Masha) Pospolitak and Sarah Waddington, are in the process of launching two major service initiatives for students. The first is a peer tutoring scheme whereby seniors volunteer to tutor younger students in a variety of subjects. The second is the LEAP reading programme. For this, Year 12 and 13 students will volunteer to read to students in the Preparatory School to help them with their reading fluency and comprehension.
These are great opportunities for senior students to provide some community service and get involved in the wider life of the College.
The Senior College Council, led by Connor Frew and Madison Wallace, have had a great start to the year. We’re only just starting Week 5, and already this group of Year 12 and 13 students have organised a highly successful Valentine’s Day, with decorations all around the Senior College building. They have also planned and run a Senior College Assembly, with an introduction to our Common Room Cup competition, and have other plans forming for the next initiatives to build connections within our student body.
The College has a process for applying to bring a vehicle to school. It is outlined in the Senior College Handbook.
It has been a very productive start to the year in the sport and co-curricular area and it is pleasing to see our students taking full advantage of the many opportunities on offer. Every summer season we have over 60 sports teams representing the College weekly, and students are representing the College with pride with many pleasing performances. The top teams have had a busy time as we approach Summer Tournament week in Week 8. Our teams in futsal, tennis, rowing, and volleyball will be representing the College at the top national level.
We are looking forward to an enjoyable Athletic Sports Day at the College on Friday 28 February and House Swimming on Monday 10 March at Jellie Park. It will be great to see the students getting fully behind their Houses and ensure they compete in lots of events for House points.
Students are to be congratulated on the way they have started the summer sport and cultural season.
The benefits of physical activity and playing sport are far-reaching. For participants, research shows that sport is a form of recreation that makes us remain active, and be happier, healthier people. At a community level, we know sport is a great connector.
Playing sport encourages us to feel included and supported; we often play sport because it gives us a sense of belonging, helps us to feel proud of our community, improves our mental health, and facilitates many different areas of personal development. In fact, the benefits of community sport, and physical activity in general, are hard to overstate.
For the committed armies of volunteer administrators, managers, coaches, and helpers within our school sports programmes, sporting clubs, and youth sport organisations – the people who serve and support community sport and recreation at every level – these factors are super important. And, in these uncertain times, it is worth pausing to recognise, respect, and value their contribution.
Tony Philp, New Zealand Rugby’s High Performance Sevens Manager, puts it well: “Playing sport helps our communities come together to connect, communicate, and care.”
And these benefits are not limited to those who play sport; adults often volunteer to help organise and deliver community sport for the personal fulfilment and the enrichment they gain from being part of a community – a collective of athletes, parents, coaches, and other stakeholders – beyond their homes and workplaces. Indeed, the sense of inclusion and cohesion that’s intrinsic to so many community sport programmes and institutions is arguably their greatest success. Ultimately, the benefits of sport far exceed the (still incredibly important) benefits most commonly associated with physical activity.
In difficult times, volunteering within sporting clubs and community sport organisations becomes a source of well-being akin to other forms of recreation, especially if volunteers have lost jobs, are dealing with personal losses, or are struggling with the challenges of a changing environment. The benefits of sport are not limited to playing sport; volunteering in community sports programmes can help individuals to remain active, engage in personal development and the learning of valuable life skills, build their self-esteem and self-confidence, and feel a sense of social inclusion within the communities in which they participate.
Participation in community sports gives volunteers contact with the outside world while, on a micro level, enabling them to serve their local society. They become part of the team. It may not be their initial aim, but, by helping to sustain invaluable forms of school and community sport, physical activity, and recreation, these committed volunteers don’t just support local children and young athletes; they also support themselves.
While children benefit greatly from playing sport, and other forms of physical activity, it also produces huge benefits for our network of community teams, clubs, organisations, and volunteers – the people who support these crucial programmes so that young people have the opportunity to play sport and experience the considerable benefits of sport. “Connecting to our community is critical to the mental health and well-being of our society, especially in times of uncertainty,” says Tony. “Connecting through sport provides all people – athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers of all ages – with a sense of identity, gratitude, belonging, and even joy. People need that self-fulfilment, pride, and connection.”
Tony’s comments align with the Value of Sport study – the results of which state that being physically active creates happier, healthier people, better connected communities, and a stronger society within New Zealand. In fact, 88 per cent of respondents believe that playing sport, and other forms of physical activity, provides them with opportunities to achieve, and helps them build confidence, thereby improving their mental health; 84 per cent believe that participation in sport and physical activity brings people together and creates a sense of social inclusion and belonging; and 74 per cent say that physical activity and playing sport benefits society by helping to promote vibrant and stimulating communities.
As Tony says, the theme that keeps recurring when discussing the benefits of sport and physical activity is the importance of connection. “Connection also provides opportunities for people to help each other out, whether on a personal level, such as ‘How are you?’, or a professional level. It opens up connections to areas that may help with personal circumstances, such as job opportunities, and gives people the ability to have conversations with others about their challenges – which will no doubt help in the long-run.” Essentially, Tony explains, the development of social capital that community sport often fosters can benefit participants – both volunteers and athletes – in their lives well beyond the context of the playing field.
The follow-on from connection is massive if our communities are to care for each other again, he continues: “If anything, COVID-19 has reinforced to people the importance of volunteering their time within their community, in order to help with their mental health and well-being. Contributing to something like community sport helps them know that they still have value and worth.”
Sport – particularly through community sport and youth sports programmes – has a huge array of benefits. Playing sport, like other types of physical activity, is a form of recreation renowned for boosting mental health and well-being; there is the endorphin buzz from exercise, as well as that sense of pride in achieving something. Team sports in particular enable people to feel a sense of belonging and, in some cases, provide them with ‘safe’ environments to be themselves.
Many of the psychological and social skills that we learn through playing sport are also important life skills. For example, participation in sport will often help us to build resilience when times are tough – for instance, when we lose a game, don’t get picked for a team, experience injury, or need to work out how to overcome difficult challenges – in ways that many other types of recreation do not. Whether through school physical education classes, recreational grassroots programmes, or competitive sport, access to organised physical activity can provide children invaluable opportunities for personal development.
There is no doubt that community sport creates a culture that helps to grow people’s identities, senses of belonging, and connections to their communities when they participate. “It really does help people to feel like they are contributing to something bigger than themselves and allows them to have a sense of pride and gratitude for making a difference to others and the community,” says Tony.
It’s also worth noting that, given the limited funding that many youth clubs and community organisations receive, a significant number of community sport and recreation opportunities are dependent upon the support of volunteers.
Furthermore, Netball Wellington’s Sue Geale says that, if we take community sport away, some community volunteers would also find it difficult and feel isolated. “They would be worried about their physical well-being. And, mentally, not having that contact with the group that they normally experience each week could have a real negative impact.”
According to Geale, being involved in programmes for sport and physical activity doesn’t only help community volunteers remain active; the sense of belonging and feeling of giving support to others provides them with a real lift and improves their overall mental health. “Community sport gives them a sense of purpose and a feeling of being valued. Being around youth sport can also help the adult feel younger and more energetic, and they can find it rewarding to see athletes grow and develop. By working with a club or team and helping children to stay involved in sport and physically active, our volunteers can also feel as though they’re keeping them busy, off the street, and out of trouble. It’s a win-win.”
We know that there are many benefits to playing sport, especially for children: we want our young people to remain active; undergo important physical development (such as the development of co-ordination and fundamental movement skills) through physical activity; learn crucial life skills, like how to win, lose, and be resilient when facing adversity; and enjoy the diverse social experiences that can accompany youth sport environments; when they play sport or engage in other forms of organised physical activity, they enjoy all of these benefits and more.
But, as mentioned, the benefits of community sport extend beyond the young people who play sport. Participation as a volunteer can arguably be as beneficial to the volunteers themselves as to the sporting communities they help to support.
We believe the top six benefits for volunteers who involve themselves in community sport are:
This is a good time to remind everyone of our expectations around sporting conduct for players and spectators. It is important that we all continue to role model the sporting behaviour we want from students particularly around the area of respecting the officials and keeping the game in context.
The Pipe Band season is coming to a close with the National Championships on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March in Invercargill. 74 students and staff (including seven Old Collegians) will be competing across the College’s three Pipe Bands.
The Performing Arts is well underway for term with many students signing up to learn instruments and join groups. There are many cultural groups available in our school.
Cultural Captains, Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee and Miu Kim, are leading their fantastic Cultural Council and they have a number of events planned for the year.
There are many groups that students can join including:
We welcome all new and returning musicians to the department and look forward to working with you. There are over 25 music groups that students can join at St Andrew’s, including choral, instrumental, jazz, and rock groups. Most students have already signed up to these, however, it is not too late.
Mid-February saw the annual choir camp. This year, we opted to do an in-school Friday and Saturday – we had a fantastic time with group challenges, workshops, rehearsals, a visiting vocal physio, and a wonderful sharing at the end. Thanks to Jared Corbett and Thomas Woodfield for their leadership of these young voices.
Itinerant Music lessons have begun. Students in Years 4–9 attended a music demonstration by the tutors to pique interest in learning an instrument. All student, whether new or returning continuing with tutors, need to ensure they fill in a form for the year. Please note there are some age restrictions for some instruments.
The senior students have started rehearsals for Twelfth Night. This promises to be a wonderful contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self-discovery.
Tickets will be on sale later this term.
For further information about co-curricular groups, itinerant lesson options, sign-up forms, and tutors please contact one of the following:
|
1–3 March |
Orchestra Camp |
Hanmer Springs |
|
5 March |
Open Day |
Music suite |
|
14 March |
Founders’ Day |
Chapel |
|
16 March |
Senior College Chapel |
Chapel |
|
18 March |
Music group photos |
StAC |
|
28–31 March |
Production Camp |
Living Springs |
|
Tuesday 1 April 5.30pm start |
Performance Evening |
MS01 |
