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End of Year
It has been a productive and successful year for the Preparatory School children. I thank them for the way they have embraced their learning. They have worked hard and been a joy to have at school. I wish everyone the very best for Christmas and the festive season.
To you, the parents, I thank you for choosing the Preparatory School for your children and for supporting the school so strongly. We are all so fortunate to be part of this wonderful place. There is no doubt the children enjoy their learning and the opportunities available to them.
For most children, learning success and advancement lies in the hands of their teacher. This person is the most important factor for successful learning. We are fortunate to have quality staff who lead and guide the children's learning, day in and day out. On behalf of our school community, I thank all the staff for their efforts and for the wonderful results and achievements this year across the school, and I wish everyone the very best for a happy and restful break.
Term 4 concludes at 12.30pm tomorrow, Friday 6 December. Please ensure you have pick up arrangements for your children as there is no After-school Care available.
Lost Property
Please check the clothing rack in the foyer.
End of Year School Reports
School reports will be posted to the Community Portal tomorrow. There are no scheduled parent interviews, but if you would like to discuss your child’s report, please contact the relevant class teacher directly.
Prizegiving
Congratulations to the children and staff who participated in Sunday’s Prizegiving. A wonderful event that captured the hearts of all those in attendance. On show was a plethora of exceptional talent and dedication. Congratulations to the Year 7 and 8 children who received awards.
Ballet – The Nutcracker
Following a stunning season, the Ballet Academy children regrouped to present a wonderful excerpt from the Nutcracker as part of the Prizegiving. What a treat that was, particularly for those who didn’t see the show in the Gough Family Theatre.
Staff Changes
Sincere thanks to Mrs Philippa Becker who joined Year 3 at the beginning of September following Mr Isaac Leota’s move to the school’s Head of Physical Education position. Mrs Becker has given her very best to the role to ensure continuity and quality. On behalf of the school, I wish Mrs Becker the very best for her future endeavours. I also thank Mrs Marlene van der Bent for her committed and competent support of Mrs Becker.
Next year Miss Lori Haisty, Year 6 teacher, will be on maternity leave. On behalf of our school community, I wish her the very best for 2025 as she navigates motherhood. Also, my Assistant, Charlotte McCaughey-Chapman, will be on maternity leave until the end of September. Charlotte and her partner are very excited about the year ahead. Fun times!
I also thank Mrs Penny Munro-Foster for stepping into Year 5 at short notice early in the year. There were many challenges for her, all of which, she embraced and met. Penny is an outstanding and hardworking teacher. She is looking forward to being in Year 2 in 2025.
I thank Stephen Higgs, Alice Wilson, and the PTA for their wonderful support during 2024. The first major event of 2025 is the Preparatory School Meet the Teacher and PTA Wine and Cheese evening on Tuesday 11 February.
My family and I are excited about Christmas at Mapua. Christmas is always more special when grandchildren are involved. I am also looking forward to a few weeks of down time to reflect on 2024 and commence planning for 2025.
Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
Last week, the St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy proudly presented The Nutcracker as its production for 2024 – the first to take place in Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, Gough Family Theatre. Under the guidance of Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Director Dr Carolyn Cairns, the talent of dancers from all year levels shone through this timeless holiday classic. Audiences thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and excitement of this ballet, plus the graceful and elegant dancers and the stunning costumes on stage.
Flickr >On Tuesday, the Junior Department held their Christmas Concert and Year 3 Graduation. The students sang six Christmas carols together and each class also performed an item. These included action songs and dances, a Christmas Bell song and a beautiful umbrella dance.
It was also a special time for our Year 3 tamariki to share their school memories. We wish our Year 3 leavers all the best as they transition into Year 4 next year.
Flickr >
The children in the Junior Department have spent the morning do all things 'Christmassy', dressed up in Christmas clothes of their choice. The children have enjoyed a Christmas Circus show by Sport Suzie, including balancing candy canes, magical underpants, juggling presents, circus tricks, and much more. Next was a Superhero Science Show by Nanogirl, which was 45 minutes of interactive, and explosive live entertainment. Her message highlighted the superpowers of science and engineering through experiments and demonstrations. Next, author Sue Heazlewood spoke to the children about her books while she did a cooking demonstration with them. Finally, the children decorated Christmas biscuits. Everyone has had a great morning and are all very much looking forward to Christmas.
Flickr >Today, the Preparatory A netball team faced their toughest game of the year, against the Preparatory School Teachers A team. The game was played in a great spirit with the Prep A student team taking a first quarter lead 7-5, however the teachers used a growth mindset to expand their game, took a few risks and when the final whistle blew, the teachers had prevailed 13-10. Fitness certainly played a part, and the teachers were relieved that quarters were only five minutes long. Congratulations to everyone involved with special thanks to Olivia Quane and Chelsea Li (both Year 8) for ensuring rules were observed by both teams!
On Monday, the Preparatory School hosted Medbury School for the annual Summer Sport Exchange. What a great way to finish the school year! The weather put on a show as games were played in warm conditions. The Preparatory A tennis team completed a clean sweep for the year as they defeated Medbury 11 matches to four. The cricket games were also eagerly contested and despite a wonderfully crafted half century by Oliver Morrow (Year 8), the 1st XI were just defeated with a couple of overs to go, Medbury successfully chasing down StAC’s 133 in 28 overs. Both cricket games reflected the great sportsmanship between the two schools. Thank you to everyone who took part in the final sport exchange of the year!
Flickr >Louis Hyland (Year 8) has been awarded with his Platinum Award, for completing 30 Science Badges! Louis will be presented with his badge, certificate and congratulatory letter, at the End-of-Year Preparatory School Assembly. He also has his photo displayed on the Science Award Trust Honours Board. Only seven other students in New Zealand have attained this award this year, so this is a huge feat.
Keer (Tessa) Meng (Year 9) and Elina Wang (Year 7) were also recently presented with their Bronze Star Badge for completing five Science Badges. Well done to all Science Badge students who have been part of the club and have completed badges and activities throughout this year. It is so great to see you engaging in scientific activities that broaden your knowledge and further develop your passion for Science.
‘Project Infinity’ assembles clothing parcels for pre-school and school children in need, and sometimes their family members also. This Christmas we are working with Kidsfirst Bromley Kindergarten, Bromley Primary School, and Opawa Primary School to provide school bags, pre-loved clothing, new socks and undies, and a few treats for families who are struggling.
If you would like to contribute to these parcels, we would love clean, pre-loved clothing for girls and boys (ages 2–18). Any clothing donations will be gratefully accepted. Clothes can be left at the Preparatory School reception area. The last day for collection will be Friday 6 December. Thanks so much for your help!
The Christmas Eve Chapel Service will take place on Tuesday 24 December at 6.00pm in the Centennial Chapel. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly service.
The Preparatory School Library team invite all returning students to take part in the Preparatory School Library Summer Reading Photo Challenge.
We would love students to send in a photograph of themselves reading in a summer setting over the holidays, or a wintery setting if you are heading overseas this year.
Great prizes for the best photos! Send your photos to the Preparatory School Library Manager, Tracey Hull, at THL@stac.school.nz.
Summer reading is important for all children and teens to help prevent the summer slide in reading levels, and we encourage all students to read for pleasure over the long holiday period.
If your child is current student and has a new device, you may now onboard and set it up from home by following instructions here - Device Onboarding » St Andrew's College Christchurch
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).
