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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa
Last week I reported the participation of four rangatahi in the Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition. This competition attracted a large number of rangatahi from as far south as Timaru. All our speakers spoke with mana, clarity and conviction, and we were all proud of their performances. The speakers were well supported by a Waiata Tautoko from the Māori and Pasifika group. Metua Cranwell (Year 10) gained third place overall in the Te Reo Māori section and Lily Champion-Smith (Year 12) also gave an outstanding presentation gaining second in English and second place overall. Ngā mihi nui ki a korua. Tau Kē!
Congratulations to the Year 7– 8 students who presented their learning in the Arts subjects of Drama, Music, Film and Art, on Wednesday evening to the appreciative whānau. Thank you to Drama teacher and Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, and Preparatory School teachers for their skill and encouragement in this important curriculum area. Cultural Prefect Marco Leighs also gave a great ‘off the cuff’ comment on the joy of the creative arts.
The one thing you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So, write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can do.
Congratulations to Sophie Lampe (Year 9) who last weekend came third in the country in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country event held in Palmerston North. Congratulations also to Kupa Rule (Year 10), Abigail Scott-Douglas (Year 10) and Hendrick Todhunter (Year 10) for taking part in this popular event.
Last evening, the St Andrew’s College 106th Board AGM was held in the staffroom following the Board meeting. Felicity Odlin was re-elected as Chair and Nick Letham as Deputy Chair. Several Old Collegians and friends of the College attended the meeting and enjoyed reflections from the Board Chair and Rector on the successes and highlights of 2022.
Please see the link below to access the full Annual Report which includes annual strategic goals; financial statements; key student successes; target outcomes; public benefit report. The document also gives interesting comparative information over time including student roll, student-to-staff ratios, student achievement in NCEA and scholarship.
2022 Annual Report >
Have a good weekend. Good luck to the Senior Ballet students performing in Dancing Like the Stars at the James Hay Theatre.
Ngā mihi mahana
Christine Leighton
Rector
In this blog post, Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby reflects on a report recently published by the American Psychological Association offering evidence-based guidelines to support adolescents in using social media platforms in a healthy way. These recommendations are particularly relevant to parents and educators.
READ BLOG POST >
The Year 11 Semi-formal was held at Riccarton Park and was a night filled with joy and excitement. The theme was ‘New York’ and the students eagerly dressed up in their finest attire, blending the elegance of formal wear with a touch of youthful flair. The venue was beautifully decorated, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant colours that set the perfect ambience for the occasion. The room was filled with laughter, as friends and classmates gathered to celebrate their special night.
Thank you to the Year 11 Middle School Leaders who helped organise the evening, including doing the planning and decorating of the venue. Also, thank you to THE Head of Middle School, Matt Parr, Year 11 Dean, Dayna Stirling, the staff members who attended and the prefect group for their efforts on the night. The Year 11 Semi-formal was truly a brilliant night enjoyed by all, leaving a lasting impression on the students as they created memories to cherish for years to come.
On Sunday, the Preparatory School held their second Sunday service of the year. It was a wonderful service which was well supported by the Preparatory School students and families. Thank you to all those involved, in particular the contribution from the Junior choir and Cantare choir.
St Andrew’s College students spanning all year groups volunteered their time and energy last Sunday to plant trees in the red zone as part of the Eco-Action Trust Christchurch Schools’ Project. St Andrew’s has been a member of this project since late 2019 and grows 2000 seedlings on site to contribute to the red zone plantings each year. Sunday proved to be another hugely successful planting day, resulting in 5000 trees and shrubs in the ground.
This was the first planting with a lot of the trees in 70x70mm pots. The Eco-Action Trust has initiated fast-growing trees like pittosporums and karamu to be planted after just one year of growth, instead of the two years the other seedlings get in PB3 bags. This increases the throughput of plants, reduces the area needed to grow, and makes transport easier. We welcome staff, students, and families to join us for our next planting on Friday 30 July.
On Wednesday night just over half of the Year 7–8 students shared some of their in-class arts learning. Family and friends filled the Centennial Chapel to admire the students’ showcase, including viewing a range of fantastic artworks. The wide-ranging performances were enjoyed by the audience and included short drama scripts, puppetry, films, chamber music, ballroom dance and musical performances with xylophones, ukeleles and boom-whackers. Thank you to all staff who helped create, set up, manage and pack up the event.
FLICKR >This week our Year 10 classes all completed a Red Cross First Aid course, covering emergency response, CPR, operating AED and other basic first aid skills. This was a great opportunity for the students who may find having the certificate on their CV useful, as well as it counting towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.
Most classes managed to avoid the bad weather to complete a couple of hours of red zone planting this week, while other classes were postponed to a later date. The planting of native shrubs and trees is part of an Eco-Action Trust Christchurch Schools’ Project. The aim is to reintroduce native species to attract native birds back into the area. This was a rewarding activity for the students who will see the benefit of their hard mahi in future years to come. This service activity also counted towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.
Last Friday, two Year 9 Japanese language teams took part in the annual national Japanese Trivia Quiz at Cashmere High School. This year there were 16 teams from 10 different schools. The teams answered questions from a variety of different general knowledge categories including food, geography, pop culture and sports. The students were encouraged to dress up in Japanese clothes, and there was a prize for the best-dressed team as well as an individual award, which Kristina Burton (Year 9) won for her wonderful cosplay outfit. Both school teams did well, had a good time as well as enjoyed the variety of Japanese okashi (sweets) that were given out during the break.
The annual NCEA French Immersion Day was held at the University of Canterbury on Friday 12 June. Students enjoyed the chance to join other Christchurch secondary schools for a day of French activities and learn a little more about the possibilities of tertiary language study and career options. They also enjoyed hearing from “Le Rugbyman” Adam Whitelock who spoke in French about his time playing rugby in France and the value of learning French. The students did a range of activities designed to encourage speaking and practice of language skills required for each level of NCEA, followed by a fabulous performance by the primary students from the French bilingual unit at Burnside Primary School who also shared insightful and valuable comments around the value of learning French.
Following lunch, the Year 11 students took part in a treasure hunt around the UC campus and the Year 12–13 students enjoyed an escape room challenge. The day finished with a giant Kahoot on a rugby theme – James Anthony first and James Steel third (both Year 11). Students also enjoyed tasting brioche, provided by Thierry from the Ilam Village Bakehouse.
BASKETBALL
On Tuesday evening our Senior Girls’ and Boys’ teams had a home double-header. The first game saw the Senior A Girls’ team take on the other undefeated team in the competition and our fellow finalist in the last two Whelan Trophy finals – Rangiora High School. St Andrew’s had a superb start and never looked back after taking a 32–9 lead into the first quarter break. Newcomer Niamh Chamberlain (Year 12) played her best game for the College, and Kavanah Lene (Year 13) finished the game strong, as St Andrew’s secured a 93–48 win and first place.
The second game of the night saw our Senior A Boys’ team take on formidable opponents, St Bede's College. After a good start by St Andrew’s, St Bede's battled back to take the lead into the waning moments of the game. Mitchell Corkery (Year 13) hit a huge three-pointer to put the team up by two points, then Torin Ward (Year 13) took charge and iced the game from the free throw line for a 74–70 win, moving into sole possession of second place in the Thomson Trophy competition.
FOOTBALL
The Girls’ 1st XI continued their unbeaten streak after winning with a convincing 4–0 at the United Sports Centre against Burnside High School. The girls took the lead early in the first half and managed the game throughout. The team remains top of the competition and is the holder of the Connetics Shield.
The Boys’ 1st XI came up top on a 7-goal game thriller at Foster Park. The team’s attitude on and off the ball was fantastic and it paid its dividends. Both halves were very tight, and it could have gone either way, but St Andrew’s fought until the end and won 4–3.
HOCKEY
Last Friday evening, the Girls’ 1st XI played Marian College in cold conditions. The girls started exceptionally well, scoring the first two of their 12 goals in the first two minutes of the match. Their dominance continued throughout the match, with the team scoring another 10 goals. The score could have been 13–nil but St Andrew’s had one goal disallowed, making it a 12–0 victory. It was a very good all-round performance and has given the girls a lot of confidence moving forward.
The Boys’ 1st XI did not have a match this week due to playing Timaru Boys’ High School in the annual sports exchange.
RUGBY
Played in wet conditions, the standard of play against St Bede’s College was outstanding as both teams used the ball well. St Andrew’s started extremely well going to a 10–0 lead in the first 10 minutes. St Bede’s bounced back to a 14–10 lead and the teams traded tries as St Andrew’s went to the half-time break 24–21 up. Scoring first, St Andrew’s had the advantage 31–21 but St Bede’s was relentless and fought their way back 31–35. Some outstanding goal-kicking from Samuel Mustchin (Year 12) with two tough penalties saw St Andrew’s take a 37–35 lead. With five minutes on the clock, St Bede’s kicked a penalty 38–37, then St Andrew’s was awarded a penalty 40–38. With just one minute on the clock, St Andrew’s was penalised right in front of the posts and the final score was 41–40 to St Bede’s.
NETBALL
The first game in the second round of Premier 2 was against St Margaret’s College, who are always worthy competitors and so the girls were prepared for the challenge. It proved to be an exciting game with the two teams within three or four points for most of the time. As centre, Ruby Beynon (Year 12) played well ensuring the ball moved down the court to be converted into goals. Unfortunately, in the last quarter, St Margaret’s pulled ahead to win 64–56.
St Andrew’s played Cashmere High School in the last game of the first round in SuperNet on Wednesday. At the end of the first quarter, St Andrew’s was up by seven goals. By the third quarter that lead had been extended to 20 goals. At the final whistle, the score was 45–23 to St Andrew’s. Milla Downing (Year 12) played a great game as WD and GK.
The team arrived early on Sunday morning to extremely foggy conditions, which creates possibly the worst visibility for shooting. Skeet squads started first with strong performances from Maggie Hood (Year 13) 21/25, Connor Higgs (Year 13) (21/25) and Logan Gardner (Year 12) (23/25). Combined high scores of 22 and 24 from the Lincoln High School team kept St Andrew’s from the top spot in the two-person team event.
Kurt Lilly (Year 10) won Junior Single Rise outright with a score of 19/20. Logan Gardner and Connor Higgs both scored the highest possible score of 20/20 in Senior Single Rise and had to shoot off, with Logan finishing second. Connor continued his outstanding form in Points Score to come third with a score of 59/60. Connor was the highest overall shooter, on the day, and won an entry into a Provincial Championship.
A small team of runners travelled to Palmerston North last weekend to compete in the New Zealand Secondary School Cross Country Championships. Sophie Lampe (Year 9) returned the best individual result among the group, with a third place finish in the Year 9 Girls’ race. She then backed this up as part of the Canterbury Junior team in the relays on Sunday with another bronze medal.
Kupa Rule and Abigail Scott-Douglas (both Year 10) have another year in the U16 category, so their top 30 results were promising, particularly as within their own year group they were fourth and 10th place respectively. Hendrik Todhunter (Year 10) also ran well in the Junior race within a large field.
The Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition was held at the end of last week at Kaiapoi High School. We had speakers representing our school in all four categories – Metua Cranwell (Junior Māori), Harata Galvan (Junior English), Penelope Taulafo (Senior Māori), and Lily Champion-Smith (Senior English). Our speakers were supported by 37 members of our Māori and Pasifika Group who sang waiata tautoko after our speakers.
Overall, our school finished fourth which is a huge achievement and reflects the efforts our students have all put into their speeches, plus the hard work and support of their whānau and others who have helped them. Individually, Metua placed third, Harata sixth, Penelope sixth, and Lily second.
Thank you to Maia Takitimu, who was the tutor for our Māori speakers and all the families of our speakers who have supported our speakers throughout this journey.
Years 5–8 students from all over Canterbury competed at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub on Wednesday. Ten students from the Preparatory School competed in this event and represented our zone.
This week our top two chess teams from both the Preparatory School and the Secondary School represented St Andrew’s College at the Canterbury Interschool Chess Competition. The students played against teams from schools across Canterbury and faced some gruelling competition. Our younger students had never played in an official chess competition before, so it was quite nerve-racking for them, but they all had a fabulous day and learned so much from their games from watching the older students play. The Secondary A Team came second overall, and Samuel Rijpma (Year 5) won all his individual games.
Our Kids’ Lit Quiz Team of Matilda Atkins, Zoe Bostock (both Year 8), Emmett Lawler and Harry Sibson (both Year 7) put in an amazing performance to gain fifth place in the National Finals held in Wellington last weekend. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit ensured they were an extremely strong team. They competed against 16 other schools, facing five intense rounds of very tough questions. As Christchurch Heat winners the team represented both the College and the Christchurch Region at this event, and we are all very proud of their achievement.
Spencer Hair (Year 10) has had his poem Fish On! accepted for publication in Toitoi 32.
Jayden Lai (Year 7) will be featuring in a new dance show, KPA Battle Squad. The show will be launching on TVNZ2, on Monday 26 June 3.30pm and On Demand TVNZ+ and TVNZ+ kids. KPA Battle Squad features children aged seven to 17 who do street dance styles and compete in Dance Battles. There are eight 15-minute episodes, and each episode is accompanied by eight five-minute tutorials/lessons by some of the best street dancers in New Zealand, which enable children to learn dance styles and practice. This might be a great option for an interactive activity over the holidays for those wanting to cheer Jayden on or get involved in Breaking, Krump, Popping, Locking, Waacking, House and Hip-Hop Freestyle!
This photo was taken on the KPA Battle Squad set. Jayden will also be on What Now this Sunday demonstrating his B-boy skills.
Nineteen students from the Preparatory School have successfully auditioned for Representative groups in the 2023 Christchurch School’s Music Festival. The Christchurch School’s Music Festival takes place over four evenings in early November in the Christchurch Town Hall.
Mia Montgomery (Year 11) represented and captained the Canterbury U17 Girls Volleyball team during King’s Birthday weekend in the annual Inter Provincial Volleyball tournament. The team won bronze, and Mia was one of two Canterbury players named in the tournament team.
RuoLin (Lauren) Li (Year 9) recently participated in the Future Problem Solving Programme International (FPSPI) competition at the University of Massachusetts, USA. Over 2000 students from around the world attended this event. FPSPI is a prestigious, challenging, academically rigorous international competition and while Lauren did not place, her efforts in both preparing and competing in this event are to be highly commended.
Rowing New Zealand has announced its squad to contest the World Rowing Cup III regatta in July in Lucerne, Switzerland followed by the World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia in September. Thomas Russell and Ben Taylor (both OC 2017) from the 2017 winning StAC Maadi Cup crew have reunited to race in the Men's Coxless Pair. Robbie Manson (OC 2007) has been selected to row in the Men’s Double Scull event.
Martini Talapusi (OC 2013) has been selected for the Pre-Rugby World Cup 2023 Manu Samoa squad.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities.
Please continue to report to the College any COVID-19 related student absence using the same process as for non-COVID-19 related absences.
Parent Guidelines >
Ākonga Absence and Ill-health
A polite reminder that any ākonga who are unwell should not attend school. For any absence, whether ill-health or otherwise, the College’s preferred platform for reporting this is via our online form 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).
Years 9–12 parents 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 St Andrew’s 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, 9.00am–11.00 am, starting on Monday 24 July
Where: St Andrew’s College boarding house common room
Booking: email Kate Scott at KSO@stac.school.nz, 16 places available
Cost: $160 for individuals | $250 for a couple
In the event of excess numbers, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kate Scott at KSO@stac.school.nz.
Three of our Year 12 students are currently underway developing a winter clothing drive by the name 'Snug Up Rug Up'. The objective of this clothing drive is to collect donated second-hand winter clothes such as old ski thermals, hoodies, track pants, and puffer jackets, as well as warm blankets. These will then be passed on to lower decile communities who are struggling to keep warm this winter.
Donations are being collected in the Senior College Office and the Middle School Office – look for the donation bins. The collection began this week and will finish at the end of Term 2. Any donations have a tremendous impact on those in need, and this is an opportunity to greatly improve others’ lives.
A Secondary School Cultural Showcase event is being held on Tuesday 27 June at 7.00pm in the Centennial Chapel. Join us to be entertained by various cultural performances, all organised by our Cultural Captains, Mia Walker and Marco Leighs (both Year 13). The performance will last about an hour and entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to Christchurch-based charity Full Bellies.
When: Tuesday 27 June
Where: Centennial Chapel
Time: 7.00pm
Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2023! A St Andrew’s College Pipe Band event at the prestigious Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre, this highly anticipated showcase guarantees an unforgettable evening of traditional Scottish entertainment and an opportunity to see our A Band in action before they travel to Scotland to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in August. Immerse yourself in the rich harmonics of the bagpipes, the infectious beat of the drums, and the flair of the Highland dancers as they take the stage. With talented St Andrew's College students from Years 4–13 showcasing their skills, StAC Attack promises to be an action-packed performance.
With special guests New Zealand Champion Pipe Band – Canterbury Caledonian Society.
When: Sunday 30 July, 5.00pm–7.00pm
Where: In the Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre
Tickets: Adults $49 | Children $29
We invite you to follow the official St Andrew’s College social media accounts through the links below:
Instagram: @standrewscollegenz
Facebook: St Andrew's College
By following our accounts, you will have access to photos and the occasional video showcasing the events, latest news and activities taking place around the College involving our students and staff.
The online sales for the following 2023 photographs are now available:
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 >
The Community Business Directory is on our website under Alumni & Community and represents over 100 parent businesses. Please take a look at how many businesses you can support locally.
The St Andrew's College Community Business Directory >
If you would still like to register your business, complete the following form.
Community Business Directory Registration >
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
