In Brief:

• New Parents (Years 1–8) morning tea – tomorrow, Friday 31 January, 11.00am, Preparatory School Library;
• Years 4–8 Swimming Prelims – Monday 10 February at Jellie Park;
• Preparatory School Swimming Championships – Monday 24 February at Jellie Park;
• Term 1 Preparatory School Chapel Service – Sunday 9 March, 5.00pm.

Week 1 Term 1

The staff are delighted to be under way with the new school year. We have thoroughly enjoyed the first two days with your children.

For most of the new children the settling-in process will be very quick. For a small number, this may take a little longer. Please keep your child’s class teacher informed as required.

Morning congestion has increased with all of the Secondary School students returning. Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the drive to school and to find a park.

The flag football team left for the USA on Tuesday, involving six Preparatory School students and four Secondary School students. Mason Shaw (Year 8 teacher) is leading the group, supported by Jo Cordner (Year 8 teacher). Games will be held from this Saturday and a full report will be shared in Prep Newsletter on their return. 

START OF YEAR INFORMATION

• please use the Kea crossing on Normans Road if applicable. It operates from 8.00am–8.30am each morning, and for 15 to 20 minutes straight after school. All children (and parents/caregivers) are required to use the crossing when it is operating;
• for vehicles, the entrance to the drop-off/pick-up area is at the Centennial Chapel end of the main carpark, but the drop-off is at the other end near the Preparatory School driveway. This is a drop/collect and leave area, just like at the airport. Please note, there are three 5-minute parks allocated in the drop-off zone for Pre-school parents and caregivers use only; always drive slowly (5km) through this drop/collect area;
• the Preparatory School Handbook is available online here: stac.nz/PreparatoryHandbook;
• all children must have a St Andrew’s College wide-brimmed or bucket hat this term, and given the time of year, it would be best if sunscreen is applied at home before coming to school;
• the Preparatory School Meet the Teacher and PTA Wine and Cheese Evening is a combined event on Tuesday 11 February commencing in the Centennial Chapel at 5.45pm;
• there will be individual Parent–Teacher Interviews before the end of Term 1 (most likely Week 8);
• the Staccato Café in the Preparatory School is open for parents from 8.00am–9.15am daily. This is a great way to meet new people. Please note it will be open every morning next week except Wednesday 5 February;
• please refer to the Mobile Phones and Smart/Apple Watch Policy in the Handbook. In short, these devices are not permitted at school. In some cases, individual dispensation may be granted for complicated travel arrangements e.g. public transport, biking or walking a significant distance. Please note: Year 7 dispensation from last year does not carry over to 2025 – there needs to be a new application for consideration. Please only apply if there is a real and valid reason for your child to bring a phone or smart watch to school. In just about all cases, after school transport arrangements can be sorted using the student phone at Reception or an email to the relevant class teacher.

Regards

Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector