You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
The children met their next year’s teacher this morning. In just about all cases this went well. Given the time, thought and involvement of so many people in this process, a positive result was expected. This doesn’t mean everyone was ecstatic, but they all seemed to cope. I am sure all will be well.
Melanoma NZ have posted an article about our campaign on their Facebook page with the hope of inspiring other schools and organisations.
The children in Erwin House enjoyed the opportunity to wear red accented casual clothes yesterday. This was the final result for 2024. We will return to tokens and the ‘top’ House competition at the start of next year.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
On Wednesday, students from the Preparatory School took part in the annual Summer Sports Exchange against The Cathedral Grammar School. This year the fixtures were hosted by Cathedral Grammar, though games were played nearby at Elmwood Park. The St Andrew’s tennis team dropped only one match of the 12 played as they rose to the occasion and performed to a high standard. The cricket team recovered from early wickets to post 133 from their 20 overs before producing a mesmerising bowling display, dismissing Cathedral Grammar within 10 overs. It was a standout performance with the ball by Guy Griffin (Year 7) as he took five wickets from his three overs.
Flickr >For the first time at St Andrew's College, an entire class (and their teacher) have successfully achieved the Preparatory School Bronze Wide Reading Award. Miss Haisty's class, 6T, set a goal to achieve the award as part of Preparatory School Library Manager Tracey Hull's reading programme. The aim was for each student to read 12 novels across nine different genres. The friendly competition quickly escalated, with many students going above and beyond and even achieving Silver and Gold Wide Reading Awards. Jack Blyde earned an incredible five Gold Awards, reading over 125 novels throughout the year. Jack’s dedication to reading is truly inspiring and set a wonderful example for his classmates. Ms Hull went above and beyond to support the students and her support and enthusiasm for the reading programme were key to its success. The challenge may be over, but the love of reading will continue to grow.
In addition to Chenxiao Leo Yang (Year 7) reported last week, Ethan Waines (Year 8) also participated in the Rising Stars Concert in the Great Hall of the Arts Centre. Ethan, with his younger brother, Caleb, presented an outstanding recital of piano works. Both played on their own, and also performed two duet pieces with each other.
At the Hororata Highland Games Highland Dancing Competition, Preparatory School dancers achieved the following results:
Georgia Gregg (Year 7) travelled to Greymouth for her final Highland Dance competition for the year, winning U12 Most Points, U14 Runner Up Most Points, and winner of the Irish Jig Championship trophy U12.
Ruby Bradbury (Year 2) danced at the Pleasant Point Show and achieved U8 Most Points and U10.
The Preparatory School Kapa Haka students have worked hard all year to develop their skills and are now in the last preparation stages for their performance on Saturday 23 November in the Christchurch Town Hall.
Book your spectator tickets for the 10.00am Ngāhau Concert. Performers do not require a ticket. Purchase tickets by clicking here.
Travel Arrangements
Students will meet at the Performers’ Entrance on Kilmore Street by 9.25am. Teachers will be there to meet the students and take them to their allocated seats. After the performance finishes, students can be collected from their teachers. Students must stay for the whole event – we watch the other schools perform.
This year the St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy proudly presents The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic and one of the most beloved ballets around the world, enchanting audiences with its magical storytelling and unforgettable music. Set on Christmas Eve, the story begins at a festive holiday party where young Clara receives a special gift—a nutcracker doll. That night, as the clock strikes midnight, Clara is swept into an enchanting adventure where the Nutcracker comes to life, leading her on a journey through a battle with the Rat King and into the dazzling Land of Sweets. With its blend of joy, wonder, and fantasy, The Nutcracker captures the magic of the holiday season, making it a cherished tradition for audiences young and old. We hope you enjoy the beauty, grace, and excitement of this ballet, which continues to inspire and delight with its timeless charm.
When: Friday 29 – Saturday 30 November 2024 (four performances)
Times: 2.00pm–3.30pm and 6.30pm–8.10pm (Friday), 1.30pm–3.10pm and 4.00pm–5.40pm (Saturday)
Where: Gough Family Theatre – Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adult $35.00 | Student $20.00 (student ID may be requested on entry)
We will be running a Sport Holiday Programme for Year 1–8 students in January 2025.
Dates: Monday 20 – Friday 24 January 2025 (final week of the holidays).
Programme: the sessions will be run by a variety of staff. The sports included are invasion games, frisbee golf, basketball, backyard cricket, futsal, pickleball, and more.
To register, and for more information, please click here.
We have two programmes running this summer. One at the start of the holidays and one towards the end, shortly before the children are all due back at school. This two-day programme provides an opportunity for students to boost their creativity and problem-solving skills via Minecraft Education.
Working in small groups, students will take on the task of constructing remarkable structures, overcoming building challenges, and utilising specialised design software to modify and perfect their creations.
Each programme will have a unique set of challenges ensuring that the engagement level remains high for children participating in both programmes.
Programme One: Monday 9 – Tuesday 10 December 2024
Programme Two: Thursday 16 – Friday 17 January 2025
Time: 9.00am to 3.00pm (drop off from 8.30am)
Location: The Green Library and Innovation Centre, St Andrew's College (in the Secondary School Quad)
Activities:
What to bring:
Cost: $150 inclusive of GST for each programme (parents/caregivers will be sent an invoice).
REGISTRATION: Register for the Years 5–8 Minecraft Holiday programme by completing the registration form before Monday 9 December at 5.00pm. Please register by clicking here.
The programmes will be run by Nathan Campbell with support from Wilj Dekkers. Nathan has experience running Minecraft education programmes for the Christchurch Libraries and Wilj Dekkers is an experienced educator who has worked in a contract capacity for Microsoft Mojang, the developers of Minecraft Education.
Should you have any questions, please email wilj@wdekkers.nz.
All 2024 photographs are now available to purchase online:
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.
For any illness, students should stay home if unwell. Any student should also feel free to wear a mask if they wish to do so while at school.
For any absence, whether ill-health (including COVID-19) or otherwise, the College’s preferred platform for reporting this is via our online form which can be found at the button below:
If you are not able to report your child's absence using the online form, please report their absence via the relevant email address below. If you cannot get through to us via the form or email, please call our attendance line on +64 3 940 2031 (term time only).
