Preparatory School Newsletter

Thursday 16 November 2023

Key Dates

College Prizegiving, Sunday 26 November, 5.00pm, Wolfbrook Arena (Years 8–13 compulsory attendance, and Year 7 prizewinners only);
Term 4 Chapel, Sunday 3 December, 5.00pm–5.40pm;
End of Year Preparatory School Assembly – Friday 8 December, 11.00am, Centennial Chapel;
Term 4 concludes at 12.35pm on Friday 8 December (please note there is no After-school Care);
Term 1 Commences on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

StACTalks

Thank you to the parents who made the effort to attend the evening with Rob Cope last week. Rob was entertaining and provided ideas and clarity as to how to keep our children safe in the digital world.

The only down side of the evening was the poor attendance, especially given this event was offered free of charge to all families across the College. The intention was Rob would assist parents in making good choices about technology at home, and heighten their awareness of the dangers and issues for their children.

I encourage you, if you don’t already, to manage your child’s digital landscape and seek support for this if you need to. This management includes but is not limited to:

• don’t rush into getting your child a cell phone;
• if you do decide a cell phone is appropriate, buy one with limited capabilities;
• use something like Family Link to monitor content, set screen time limits, and be able to see your child's location when carrying the device;
• ensure only age-appropriate Apps are installed/used;
• have family cut-off times for using devices at home or on holiday;
• ensure your child never has a device in their bedroom during the night.

Netsafe has put together tips to help parents and whānau talk to their young people about social media and online safety. Read more by clicking here >

StAC-Up Winning House

Congratulations to Thompson House. The children came to school today with a little or lot of green.

Kea Crossing

Please ensure you use the Kea Crossing before or after school when it is operating, and please do not attempt a right hand turn onto Normans Road when leaving the drop-off/pick-up zone.

Regards

Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector

Student Successes

Sports Exchange

On Wednesday, St Andrew’s College welcomed the St Margaret’s College cricket and touch teams onto the campus for the annual Summer Sports Exchange. A very close touch rugby game, with St Margaret’s eventually winning by one, preceded the highly anticipated game of cricket. This was a step up from the two-day tournament that our girls' team played a couple of weeks ago. St Margaret’s posted a very good score of 175 runs for our team to chase. St Andrew’s were unable to chase down the total but gave their best effort. Sportsmanship was the winner on the day with all teams showing great respect for the opposition. Thank you to all those involved.

FLICKR >

Athletics Exchange

The ISSA Athletics Zones were held on Tuesday. Congratulations to all athletes who represented our school.

All the best to the students progressing to the Canterbury Zones, which will be held on Wednesday 29 November.

View results in the Top 3 by clicking here >

View full results by clicking here >

Notices

Advent Chapel | Sunday 3 December

Family Advent Service (Years 1–8) – Sunday 3 December, 5.00pm, in the Centennial Chapel

This is the Preparatory School’s final compulsory service of the year. Giving this year is for the Christchurch City Mission. Guidelines: a suitable (unwrapped) gift for age range 3–14 years.

Junior Choir (Years 3–5) and Cantare Choir

These two choirs will be singing at the Advent Chapel Service. Please note that this is all of the Year 3–4 students.

The students in these choirs need to arrive ready for a warm-up and run-through of their performance piece at 4.20pm in the Centennial Chapel. Full College uniform is worn with a blazer for this occasion.

There will be no entry to the chapel, other than the students in the choir, before 4.45pm.

PTA Christmas Goodies | Collection Information

For those who placed a PTA Christmas Goodies order, there will be several opportunities to collect your order from the Second-hand Uniform Shop, on the following dates and times:

COLLECTION DATES/TIMES

Tuesday 21 November, 2.00pm–4.30pm;
Tuesday 28 November, 2.00pm–4.30pm;
Tuesday 5 December, 2.00pm–4.30pm.

Please note: unless arranged directly with the PTA, these are the only collection times available.

If you need to arrange an alternative, please contact PTA member Rachel Gunn via email by clicking here >

Science Theatre Show

Upcoming live science theatre show, Nanogirl Live! is a dynamic and interactive STEM experience hosted by Nanogirl Labs, designed to ignite the spark of curiosity and excitement for science in young minds. Presented by Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM, the show combines entertainment and education in a way that captivates students while fostering a deeper understanding of science and engineering concepts.

For more information and to book, go to https://www.nanogirl.co/tickets.

Ballet Production: Trilogy

This year we present Trilogy, a triple bill showcasing three different performance presentations in one show! Kaleidoscope – a colourful fusion of dances developed over this year, creating a kaleidoscope of artistic endeavours. Peter and the Wolf – a delightful ballet that tells the story of Peter, his animal friends and a menacing wolf, with a score composed by Sergei Prokofiev in which each character is represented by a distinct musical theme. Winterscape – an original ballet, capturing the spirit and beauty of winter, journeying from a misty landscape to an enchanting skating party.

When: Friday 1 December – Saturday 2 December 2023

Friday 1 December, 1.30pm–3.15pm;
Friday 1 December, 6.30pm–8.15pm;
Saturday 2 December, 1.30pm–3.15pm;
Saturday 2 December, 4.00pm–5.45pm.

Where: Gym 1
Adult ticket: $35.00
Student ticket: $20.00

Please note: Seating allocation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

PURCHASE TRILOGY TICKETS HERE >

Tūhono Kapa Haka Festival | Saturday 25 November

The Kapa Haka group is performing in the 9.00am Ngahau Performance on Saturday 25 November.

Tickets are now available for family members to buy. Performers do not require a ticket. This is for the students in Years 4–8 who are performing at the Town Hall in the Kapa Haka group.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE >

City Mission Christmas Appeal

The Community Service team is helping organise the College’s contribution to the Christchurch City Mission’s Christmas Appeal. Students and their families are invited to help disadvantaged children by donating gifts for children aged 3–14. The unwrapped purchased gifts can be taken and placed under the Christmas tree in the Centennial Chapel. This is a great opportunity to help our wider Christchurch community during the Christmas period, which can be a tough time for families, so we hope you all get involved.

For more information, please contact communityservice@stac.school.nz. Please bring in your donation by Wednesday 6 December.

The Strowan Gathering | Sunday 3 December

Come along to a gathering in the Scottish Highland tradition. Hosted by St Andrew’s College in partnership with the Canterbury Caledonian Society Pipe Band, join us for this free event as we celebrate all things Scottish, with a hint of Christmas cheer! Featuring piping, drumming, Highland dancing, Scottish country dancing, and a Pipe Band contest. With a bouncy castle, food vendors and a licensed bar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fun, family day out!

When: Sunday 3 December, 9.00am–5.00pm
Where: St Andrew’s College Field
This is a free, non-ticketed event, no bookings are required

What's Happening When >

2023 Photography Online Orders

All 2023 photographs are now available to purchase online:

individual student photographs;
sports, cultural, music and leadership groups;
Year 9 and Year 13 whole year group photographs;
Ballet Academy photo (NEW – option to order A3);
Secondary School tutor group photographs;
Preparatory School class photographs.

Details of how to order the photographs can be found on our website using the button below and you will need to log into StACNet using your St Andrew's College login.

If you have any questions relating to this service, please email photography@stac.school.nz

ORDER PHOTOGRAPHS ONLINE >