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Preparatory School Newsletter

Thursday 27 March 2025

Important Dates:

  • Junior Athletics – Friday 28 March, 1.30pm;
  • End of Term 1 Assembly – Friday 4 April, 11.00am;
  • End of Term 1 – school will conclude at 12.30pm on Friday 4 April (3-week break);
  • Term 2 commences on Tuesday 29 April at the normal time (Monday is a Staff Professional Development Day);
  • Anzac Day Service – Friday 25 April, Centennial Chapel, 10.00am;
  • Grandparents' Day – Friday 17 October.

Week 9 Term 1

Dangers on the Road

I received an email from a concerned driver during the week. He was in the vehicle marked 'ML' turning left from Mays Road onto Papanui Road. Beside him was a driver in a Ford Ranger trying to turn right. One of our children (unknown but in school uniform) was heading towards the College on a scooter.  The child went onto the island and the Ranger driver obviously indicated to pass in front of the car. Unfortunately, 'ML' was totally obscured and was about to move forward to turn left when the child shot in front of him. Close call. If you think this could be your child, or you have a child who scoots to school, please initiate a discussion and check their understanding of safety on a scooter in relation to speed, sharing the footpath with pedestrians, potential backing vehicles from driveways, and crossing roads. 

 

Regards

 

Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector

JBI


Around the School


YEAR 6 CYCLE SAFETY

Year 6 students recently took part in the two-day, Christchurch City Council-run Cycle Safe programme, which was an invaluable opportunity for our students to build confidence and develop essential cycling skills. The programme began with an informative session from Constable Brunton on road safety rules and cycling laws. Students then moved onto the turf, where they practised key skills, such as signalling, braking, and manoeuvring around obstacles. Finally, the Cycle Safe instructors took the students out on the road, giving them the chance to apply their learning in a real-life setting. A huge thank you to the Cycle Safe team for their highly professional and engaging sessions. Our students gained so much from this experience.



Student Successes


POLO

Sofia Sneddon (Year 8) competed in the final South Island SUPA Polo Tournament, with her team winning the B Grade. They were a Christchurch combined team with players who attend the Blue Springs Polo School. Sofia scored seven of the nine goals for her team.

250327 Polo

Notices


250314 Twelfth Night 2 1

SENIOR COLLEGE PRODUCTION: TWELFTH NIGHT | TICKETS ON SALE

St Andrew's College proudly presents Twelfth Night, a vibrant and modern musical twist on Shakespeare's cherished comedy, created by Shaina Taub. Join us as our talented senior students bring the classic tale of mistaken identities and romance to life in a fresh and exciting way.

This musical adaptation blends Shakespeare’s sharp wit with a bold, contemporary soundtrack. Featuring an eclectic mix of folk, pop, and soul, the performance will have you tapping your feet and humming along to the tunes long after the final bow.

Step into a world brimming with mischief, love, and witty wordplay. With dazzling performances, vibrant choreography, and a unique musical score, Twelfth Night promises to be an unforgettable experience.

When: Sunday 4 May – Saturday 10 May (no show Wednesday)
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adults $35.00 | Students $17.50

PURCHASE TICKETS >

SPORT MEDLEY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME | REGISTER FOR APRIL

The Preparatory School will be holding a Sport Holiday Programme during the first week of the holidays (Monday 7 April – Friday 11 April). The programme is open to Years 1–8 students. 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.

Please complete the online permission slip and return the Subway order form (please complete one order per day, and name each entry – all three entries would need to be completed for a student attending the whole week) to the Preparatory School office by Thursday 3 April. More information is available on the permission form page below.

COMPLETE THE ONLINE PERMISSION FORM HERE >

If you have any questions, please email AKE@stac.school.nz.


THE ONE HUMAN RACE AND SO THEY CAN

St Andrew’s College is proud to support So They Can through the One Human Race initiative. The College has set an ambitious target to raise $20,000 to assist girls in Kenya and Tanzania who face challenges such as limited access to education and basic human rights. Achieving this goal will help empower these girls to chase their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Throughout March, the Secondary School Community Service team has worked with tutor groups to organise fundraising activities, and the Preparatory School will be participating in Term 2. 

Students, families, and the wider community are encouraged to follow the College’s progress and make your donation by clicking here


CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOLS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL | REPRESENTATIVE GROUP APPLICATIONS

Representative group applications are now open for the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival. Talented Years 5–8 singers and musicians can now apply for an audition to join a Representative Group – Junior and Senior Choir, Concert Band, and Orchestra. Please note that to represent our school in one of these groups, students are required to be an active member of one of our College orchestras, or in the Preparatory School Cantare Choir.

Applications are made online on the Festival website here and close on Tuesday 1 April. Parents/caregivers need to make the application so that they are aware of the rehearsal and performance commitments.


AIMS GAMES – TAURANGA 2025 | ENTRIES DUE FRIDAY 16 MAY

From Sunday 31 August – Friday 5 September 2025, the A netball team, Girls’ A hockey and Boys’ A hockey teams will compete at the annual AIMS Games in Tauranga. Over 11,000 Year 7 and 8 students from over 360 schools have competed at these games in a variety of sporting codes in the past.

There will also be a number of individual sports available. However, due to the limited group accommodation available in Tauranga, we are unable at this stage to include individuals as part of our official tour. If you would like your child to compete at the games and you are able to travel, care for, and get them to and from the events, then Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Operations) and Head of Preparatory School Sport, Alex Kelley, can complete and forward the entry on your behalf. In travelling to and competing at the AIMS Games, your child would be included in any activities offered to the tour group and tour apparel will also be available. You should only consider this option if your child is an elite performer in their chosen sport. The individual sports offered are: badminton, BMX, canoe sport, cross country, golf, gymnastics, hip hop, indoor bowls, mountain biking, orienteering, rock climbing, squash, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and yachting.

If your child is in this category and you would like to consider this option, please email AKE@stac.school.nz for further information. You can also access the AIMS Games website which provides further information on each sport offered, visit www.nzaimsgames.co.nz.


PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE ORDERS

The following 2025 photographs are now available to purchase online:

  • individual student photographs;
  • Secondary School tutor group photographs;
  • Preparatory School class photographs.

Class photos for 8T, 8C and 6T will be available for purchase before the end of term.

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 >

OnlinePhotographyOrdering

ABSENCES

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:

Recording a Student Absence >

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).