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I hope the school holiday break is going well for you and your family. In preparation for starting Term 2, you may find the information below helpful. There will be no Prep Newsletter next week.
Health New Zealand recommends everyone over six months old gets immunised against influenza each year. If you have a child under nine years old, talk to your vaccinator about whether they may need one or two immunisations (four weeks apart) depending on if they have had an influenza vaccination before.
There has been significant discussion about the heart-wrenching Netflix drama Adolescence, particularly around the pressures young people and parents face in the digital age. In response, the College has put together a blog post for parents, offering guidance on how adults can support young people in an increasingly complex world.
Read the Well-being Blog >
Please do not park in the Pre-school carparks if you do not have a child attending the Pre-school.
As Winter approaches and visibility is more challenging, please be extra careful when driving and parking near the College.
Regards
Jonathan Bierwirth
Principal of Preparatory School
Deputy for Rector
All are welcome to attend the St Andrew’s College Anzac Day Chapel Service on Friday 25 April, in the Centennial Chapel from 10.00am.
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
The Pipe Band Department is proud to be hosting the Pipe Band Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) for 2025 – this year as a family-friendly social event with the call to “Gather Your Clan” to enjoy this special evening together. Expect a relaxed occasion with family, fellowship, and fun at the forefront. This is an alcohol-free event; however a range of non-alcoholic beverages will be on offer, along with delicious spit-roast food with dietary requirements catered for. Aligning with Scottish community tradition, fun will be in the form of a Ceilidh (Kay-lee) dance, Address to a Haggis, Highland Dancing and Pipe Band performances. Auction items, spot prizes and mystery prizes are up for grabs.
So, Gather Your Clan for Sunday 18 May!
PURCHASE TICKETS >The 2025 Prizegiving ceremony will be held on Saturday 29 November, rather than on a Sunday as in previous years, due to a scheduling conflict at Venues Ōtautahi. More information will be communicated in due course.
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.
In Terms 2 and 3, the Preparatory School Pastoral Care team is organising several lunchtime clubs. These will be overseen by a teacher, with support from our Senior students. There is no registration required for clubs, with the exception of Code Club and Dance Club. For Code Club parents can enrol online by clicking here. Code Club students from Term 1 roll over into Term 2 – only new students need to sign up. For Dance Club – email Jillian Fenton at JFE@stac.school.nz to register your child’s interest.
Monday 12.50pm – Vex Robotics (Mrs Kamo) Years 7–8
Tuesday 12.50pm – Dance Club (Mrs Fenton)
Wednesday 12.50pm - Coding Club (Mrs Pettit) Years 5–8
Wednesday 12.50pm – Minecraft Club (Mrs Feller) Years 4/5
Thursday 12.50pm – Chess Club (Mrs Gilray) Years 4–8
Thursday 12.50pm – Drawing Club (Mrs Meyers) Years 4–8
Friday 12.50pm – Stitch Club (Mrs Cronan) Years 4–8
Years 7–12 parents/caregivers are being offered the opportunity to attend the six-week Emotion Coaching course, Tuning into Teens (TINT). The programme will be led by Julie Forman (Counsellor/Mediator) from Āwhina Mai and College Psychologist, Kate Scott.
You will learn how to manage your own and your adolescent’s emotions in ways that help you to remain close and keep communicating. By learning these skills, you are less likely to have as much conflict within your family and your teen is more likely to talk to you about the challenging issues they face. These are factors that have been found to reduce the risk of mental health and substance abuse problems.
When: Six-week programme on Mondays, 9.00am–11.00am, starting on Monday 12 May until Monday 23 June .
Where: St Andrew’s College – Thompson Boarding House common room.
Booking: email Kate Scott at KSO@stac.school.nz, 14 places available. In the event of excess numbers, places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: $200 for the six-week course (individual) and $250 for a couple.
The following 2025 photographs are now available to purchase online:
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.
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).
