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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa.
Although Term 2 has only been nine weeks, it seems to have been exceptionally busy and both staff and students certainly are ready for the term break. I acknowledge all (staff and parents) who encourage and support our rangatahi with their learning and activities and congratulate students for the commitment, enthusiasm and resilience they have shown throughout this term.
I believe St Andrew’s students are on the whole developing positive values and attributes in citizenship, through our programmes including well-being, health, tutor groups, Te Waka, the Preparatory School StAC UP framework, chapel messages, Religious Education classes, Senior College Electives programme, and ongoing messages and support from teachers, deans, coaches and mentors.
This week the Secondary School assemblies have recognised a number of students with a new award for Progress and Effort. Taken from the newly refocussed Fortnightly Feedback, these are directed to students who have displayed an impressive work ethic. The message to students is that any student can earn this recognition with the right attitude, mindset and commitment.
I also spoke of the importance of balancing gratitude, pride and respect. These values cannot exist in isolation but are inextricably linked. When our school has the right balance of all three, we can truly say we are, in the words of our Head Prefects, Blue and White, Doing it Right!
Middle School Assembly Awards >
Middle School Assembly Flickr >
Senior College Assembly Awards >
Senior College Assembly Flickr >
Alongside managing teaching and learning and assessment, co-curricular programmes, and the daily responses to what happens in a school environment, we are always mindful of creating and sustaining a positive school culture. Our daily interactions with students are the best indication of this, as are the attitudes and behaviours outside of the classroom and at special events. Sustaining this culture is certainly a team effort and I thank everyone who shows their support of our collective values through words and actions.
This week has seen a number of cultural events with the Preparatory School Music Concert on Monday, Cultural Showcase on Tuesday, and a Junior School and Pre-school Matariki celebration on Thursday. It has been a positive and energy-giving way to finish the term.
A number of students are involved with events and competitions during the break. Good luck to all. Competing teams are; basketball U17 AON Nationals, netball SISS Junior Tournament and Celebration Box NZ U18 Championships, hockey Vantage National U18 Tournaments and Tanner Cup; SISS Orienteering Championships, NZSS Rogaine Championships, SISS Road Cycling and Cyclo Cross Championships, and SISS Clay Target Championships. Also, good luck to all involved with the Preparatory School sports trip to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Best wishes to all for the term break, a relaxing time at home, perhaps some skiing or time to visit family and friends, or a trip to enjoy some sunshine and warmth.
Kia noho haumaru koutou katoa
May you all stay safe
Christine Leighton
Rector
Our Secondary School Ballet dancers, Years 9–13, enjoyed their two-night performance at the Dancing Like the Stars event at the end of last week at the Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre. Twenty-seven dancers performed a new contemporary piece as invited 'Guest Artists’. For most, it was their debut on this iconic stage.
The Coaches on the Couch fundraising event for the St Andrew’s cricket and rugby communities was held in the Senior College Common Room last Friday evening, with Stephen Fleming, Andy Ellis and Marianne Delaney-Hoshek as the guest speakers. It was a very entertaining evening with all the coaches giving an insight into their careers and adding some humorous anecdotes and experiences in their current roles as professional coaches.
MC Willy Nicholls (OC 2007), Head of Communications with New Zealand Cricket, was outstanding in keeping the flow of the evening going and adding his wit to proceedings. Thank you to those who attended for supporting cricket and rugby.
On Monday evening, the Preparatory School presented a concert of music items in the Centennial Chapel. The concert featured the Junior Choir (Years 3–5), Cantare Choir (Years 6–8), Preparatory School Orchestra, chamber groups and solo items by the Year 8 Music scholars. The evening showed a range of talent, from children performing in large groups, to very experienced musicians playing in small instrumental ensembles. This was a great performance opportunity for the children and the first opportunity for parents to hear the Junior Choir, the two chamber groups and the instrumental soloists. The performers supported each other with enthusiastic applause. The concert was very well received by a supportive audience of parents and families.
On Tuesday evening, the Cultural Council put on their second Cultural Showcase for the year. This event consisted of Theatresports games, a trumpet trio, a jazz combo, senior hip-hop, a singing duet and a monologue from a Year 10 Drama student. All performers did a wonderful job, with the showcase being a fun way to end Term 2. Donations of $65.00 were collected for the Christchurch-based charity Full Bellies, which supports school children by providing packed lunches.
On Thursday lunchtime the Year 8 basketball A teams came head-to-head with the ever-so-competitive Preparatory School staff. In a game where winning did matter, the game was played in a great spirit (most of the time) and fair play was evident everywhere on the court. St Andrew’s Old Collegian and special guest for the staff, Maddie Morrow (OC 2022), increased the talent significantly as the winning formula was found for the staff. For such an occasion, the score wasn’t relevant, but the teachers won!
Last Friday lunchtime, the prefects ran a Men’s Mental Health-themed Friday Quad which aimed to spread awareness and promote a positive atmosphere around the College. A pinboard was set up in the Quad with encouraging messages pinned up by students. Thank you to everyone who supported this important cause.
Four students, Lauren Whittaker, Kyra Lazor, Amelia McAllister (all Year 13), and Megan Simpson (Year 12), and the Teacher in Charge of Travel and Tourism, Ian Morrison attended the Beyond Greatness breakfast on Monday morning to launch the FIFA Women's World Cup Tournament. The guest speakers encouraged students to set their goals high and achieve greatness. The students were inspired by guest speakers to create plans for developing their mental skills, learn how to improve their self-awareness and optimise their mindset to tap into their full capabilities. Speakers included Ged Robinson, Todd Astle, Gemma McCaw, Melissa Ruscoe MNZM, and the MC was Lesley Murdoch ONZM MBE. It was a powerful start to the day and the students were highly impressed by the messages from the prestigious sportspeople in attendance.
John Paul College Exchange – On Sunday 25 June, St Andrew’s College hosted John Paul College from Brisbane. The mini exchange involved a U15 seven-a-side rugby fixture which saw St Andrew’s dominate the contest to win 55–15. A Year 10 netball game was also played and was a tight contest with John Paul College winning an exciting game 26–23.
Noosa Rugby Exchange – On Tuesday 27 June our U15 Development side was invited to play in a festival game against Noosa Dolphins from Australia, hosted at the Christchurch Rugby Club. It was a tough, physical fixture with both sides moving the ball to play some entertaining rugby, with Noosa taking the win 12–0.
Ever wanted to just go away and walk on deserted beaches, visit caves with an amazing history or just admire the rugged nature of the West Coast? Thirty-four Year 12 Tourism students have been doing that for three days this week. Staying at Carter's Beach for two nights the group have been studying the positive and negative aspects of domestic and international tourism on the people on the Coast and the local environment. This was a great way to finish a really busy term.
As a part of the new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum, Year 10 Social Studies students experienced a brand new unit examining New Zealand’s participation in 20th-century conflicts. For their assessments, students worked collaboratively to design research questions, locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources, and write up their research findings. Students displayed their work on presentation boards, with each class holding a gallery exhibition. Topics explored included New Zealand women’s involvement in World War I, the impact of technology on warfare, conscientious objectors, and much more.
On Thursday, in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, 15 teams competed in the annual Young Enterprise pitch competition, where teams present a five-minute pitch to three judges. One of the judges was entrepreneur and recent leaver Sophie Goode (OC 2021). The concepts being pitched needed to be sustainable and innovative and ranged from devices to help farmers collect bailing wrap onsite, to handmade surfing wax made in a unique shape to be more abrasive and effective when applying to your board. There were some fabulous food products packaged-made and targeted to specific niche markets. Another great idea was a reusable car air freshener using New Zealand wool.
Children in the Preparatory School have been learning about Matariki – the Māori New Year. Staff and students were set the challenge to connect with a buddy class and in doing so embodied an integral part of traditional Māori society, tuakana-teina. The older tuakana classes have shared waiata, games and crafts related to Matariki, with their younger teina. Matariki means “eyes of God” and is a shortened version of the phrase “Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea”. It is a significant celebration in Te Ao Māori and has as its focus the cluster of nine stars each with its name and domain. The themes of Matariki that students have been learning about are:
If you would like to learn more about Matariki and about what’s on in Christchurch to celebrate Matariki see the links below:
Last Friday evening, Pre-school families were invited to a Matariki Whānau Evening. Tamariki confidently sang the Matariki waiata they have learned and proudly showed their whānau the Matariki-themed artworks, including paintings of the night sky, stars, and kites. Our Matariki celebration was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, being grateful for abundance, and a time for sharing kai with whānau and friends.
An aspect of Matariki is celebrating and spending time with family and friends. It is about relationships, connections and sharing knowledge. The Preparatory School Junior Department invited the Pre-school to join in the fun. Year 8 students also engaged with the younger children in a supportive role. The Pre-school children loved listening to the waiata sung by the older tamariki, and then confidently sang two waiata they have been practising over the term – Tirama, Tirama and Kapo Kapo. The oldest tamariki then joined the Preparatory School tamariki in making Matariki crafts, including making koru art, manu aute (kites), lanterns and story-related crafts. Waiata, Karakia and Māori legends were also an important part of the event. Whakawhanaungatanga (building respectful relationships) is such an important aspect of Matariki, and something valued highly at both Pre-school and Preparatory School.
BASKETBALL
On Tuesday evening our Senior Girls’ and Boys’ teams had a blockbuster home double-header. The first game saw our Senior A Girls host Kaiapoi High School in the first match-up of the 'top 4' round. Behind our senior leavers, our girls pushed out to an early 20-point lead and then cruised home to win with a 56-point win.
The second game of the night saw our Senior A Boys take on the defending New Zealand Secondary School National Champions, Christ's College. Having not beaten Christ's since 2020, this was a key game on the Thomson Trophy calendar. St Andrew’s fell behind early but battled back to lead by eight going into the half. Unfortunately, Christ's scored the last five points of the game, including a brilliant buzzer-beater game-winner to win by two points.
FOOTBALL
The Girls 1st XI, who are top of the table, were looking forward to playing second-placed team Rangiora High School at Kendall Park this week. The game started even for both sides, but it was St Andrew’s who were first on the score sheet and then dominated to finish with a very clinical display and a 7–0 win. The team are now six points clear on the table.
After coming off a good result against Rolleston College and a 4–3 win, the Boys 1st XI were in high spirits to continue their good form and get another win this week. The game against Hillmorton High School started strong and within 10 minutes St Andrew’s went 2–0 up thanks to a double from Jackson Blake (Year 13). As the game settled, Hillmorton scored top right-hand corner from 30 yards out. With both sides having opportunities, the game opened up and after a few good set plays St Andrew’s capitalised on a keeper error and then a long shot from Noah Cole (Year 11) was spilt by the keeper and Joseph Connolly (Year 13) tapped it in, his first of the season, to secure the 4–1 win. Congratulations to Callum Moores (Year 13) who made his 50th appearance for the 1st XI.
HOCKEY
Last Friday the Girls’ 1st XI played Villa Maria College in cold conditions. St Andrew’s started well and carried on the momentum from their last match to win 4–0. With this performance, the team are now second on the table, one point behind Rangi Ruru Girls’ School with one game in hand.
The Boys’ 1st XI played Christ’s College in a match they knew was going to be a tough encounter. St Andrew’s started well in the first quarter but struggled to keep the momentum going through the whole game. Christ’s slowly chipped away, scoring a goal in each quarter to win 4–0.
RUGBY
The 1st XV bounced back from the gut-wrenching defeat last week and put in a very good team performance to beat Shirley Boys’ High School 31–12 on heavy ground conditions at Burwood Park to retain the John Fox Memorial Cup. The first half saw St Andrew’s kick well for territory and apply pressure on Shirley Boys and convert that pressure into a 19–5 lead at halftime. The St Andrew’s forwards rolled their sleeves up and took them on at the pick-and-go’s. The second half saw Shirley Boys bounce back but found it hard to break St Andrew’s defensive wall but scored one converted try to two more tries by St Andrew’s. Tom Turner (Year 12) on the wing was always dangerous with the ball in hand and kicked extremely well for territory, earning him the Man of the Match award.
NETBALL
The only Senior A game this week was against St Nicholas A in the Premier 2 competition on Saturday. St Andrew’s came out strong and were ahead by eight goals after the first quarter, fighting hard and converting some turnover balls. However, each quarter St Nicholas gained a few more goals to end with a 62–48 win.
BADMINTON
Badminton is off to a great start in 2023 with most of the competitive players in teams that are new to them and are now finding their feet. Training sessions by Yirui (Elly) Li (Year 13), combined with their Wednesday competitions, have increased the skill level of all players. Friday lunchtime sessions always have an air of excitement around them as all skill levels mix and enjoy the social aspect of the sport.
The Spirit of Adventure team returned from the Spirit of New Zealand 870D Voyage on Monday. The team consisted of Year 10 students Lucia Apse, Spencer Ballinger, Harvey Croft, Elissa Croy, Isla Kempthorne, Anton Monk, Olivia Ratcliffe, Vin Schelp, Henry Tayler and Eva Van Walt Van Praag, and was supported by teacher, Kelly Marsh-Smallman. Departing from Auckland, they spent five days sailing in the Hauraki Gulf with students from Otumoetai College, New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.
Starting each morning with a 6.30am jump into the ocean from the ship, students developed their capacity to work as a team and learned many new sailing skills, rising to the various challenges placed before them each day. The experience of sailing a tall ship and the new friendships forged made the trip one that will be remembered for years to come.
Cohnor Walsh (Year 10) competed in the Canterbury Duathlon Series in Rolleston in the U20 category and won first place in the series, as well as third place for all age groups. Cohnor completed three races, a 5km run, a 24km bike and a 2.5km run.
Luke Brown (Year 13) won best bassist at the Ara Jazzquest Gala Concert last weekend.
Tamaroa Connelly (Year 12) has been announced as a finalist in the Play It Strange Peace Song Competition and has won a recording contract to the value of $750.
Term 2 has concluded for the Pipe Band with preparations for StAC Attack being held on Sunday 30 July, at the Christchurch Town Hall, James Hay Theatre. It is great to have so many students working towards their performances from Years 4–13. It will be a great show!
On Sunday 25 June, there were two solo competitions for our Pipe Band members through the Highland Piping Society of Canterbury and the Canterbury Drummers Club. Both events were hosted at the College in the Spiro Science and Mathematics Centre. Solo competitions are ideal for helping students’ development, and a number of students were also competing for the first time.
Drumming Results >
Piping Results >
Digital Technology students have been busy testing out their programming skills this month. On Saturday 3 June, about 40 girls took part in the annual Canterbury Girls’ Programming Workshop at the University of Canterbury (UC). Volunteers from the UC Women in Technology group shared how they started on their journey in Digital Technologies. The girls had the opportunity to practice their python coding and learn some new skills, then, working in small groups, students tested out their coding knowledge on some programming challenges. The main aim of the day was to have fun and learn – however it was still a competition, and Chelsea Jenkins and Kotori Mori (both Year 13) won first place.
On Saturday 24 June, 35 teams of Christchurch secondary school students completed as many programming tasks as possible in 3.5 hours at UC. Six teams from St Andrew’s College took part, with students from Years 10–13. A strong team from Burnside High School won, however, with four teams in the final top 10, St Andrew’s College students performed very well.
Last weekend at the Christchurch Competitions Society Highland competition, Nayana Abrahamson (Year 1) won Most Points 6 and Under, and the 6 and Under Highland Fling Trophy. Iaera Abrahamson (Year 3) won the Highland Fling trophy U8 and the Best Dressed Dancer U14, and Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 5) won the Highland Fling trophy U10 and a summer school dance scholarship.
In Blenheim, Iaera Abrahamson won the Marlborough Nelson Championship Highland Fling, Championship Irish Jig and Championship Sword Dance. She was also the Overall U8 Champion.
Last Sunday, a group of Year 4–5 students represented St Andrew’s at the Jellybean Netball Tournament at Hagley Park. Lots of fun was had by all. The final game of the day was a nail-biter, which St Andrew’s won in the last minute with a goal by Alice Williams (Year 5).
Senior Boys’ Basketball Coach, Taylor Britt, has been selected into the Tall Blacks squad for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
At the end of last week, a group of 37 Old Collegians from around New Zealand, London, Vanuatu and Australia, were welcomed back to St Andrew’s for their 40 Years On Reunion. On Friday 23 June, the group enjoyed a Cocktail Party, where they reminisced about their time at the College and rekindled old friendships. They were joined by former teachers Roland Burrows, Mike Woodlock, Joe Leota, Rex Livingstone, and John and Jill Irving, who enjoyed sharing some of their memories from that time.
Jonathan Wells (OC 1987) delivered his usual passionate Address to the Haggis, flanked by whisky and haggis bearers, Barry Paterson and Michael Inkson (both OC 1987). Andrew Cordner (OC 1987) shared a moving Grace, and Russell Faulkner (Head Boy, 1987) gave a thought-provoking Toast to the College. Rector, Christine Leighton, spoke about the current happenings around the College and delighted the guests by announcing the final score to the Crusader-rich crowd which topped off a fabulous weekend.
Logan van Beek (OC 2008) rewrote the record books, with an astonishing display of power hitting in his Netherlands side’s famous ODI win over the West Indies in Harare. Following a dramatic tie in Harare, Logan clubbed 30 from six deliveries before taking on bowling responsibilities and claiming two for eight. Logan's grandfather Simpson Clairmonte ‘Sammy’ Guillen was one of the few men to have played Test cricket for two countries.
Pippa Henderson (OC 2022) has been selected for the Volley Ferns tour to Chile later this month.
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).
It has been brought to our attention that some vehicles are continuing to park on yellow lines along Normans Road during pick-up and drop-off times, causing visibility issues which compromise the safety of our students and other road users. Please consider finding suitable parking spaces further away from the immediate vicinity of the College during these peak times. We also request your cooperation in adhering to good driving etiquette around the College campus and surrounding areas.
During our recent technology-focused parent StACTalk event, we discussed the topic of ‘Teens and Tech’. The event started with two of our rangatahi giving their insights on navigating the digital landscape, then we reflected on the research around the impact social media is having on the well-being of our young people, and considered strategies we can adopt at home to prioritise digital well-being that promotes positive technology use for children and adults alike. The evening concluded with a panel discussion where parents had the opportunity to ask questions and offer their insights.
RESOURCES FROM THE EVENT >Students who are wanting their Academic/Sporting or Cultural achievements embroidered onto blazers must have their blazers at the College Shop at the end of the school day on Friday 30 June. The next opportunity after this will be the end of Term 3.
The College shop will be open for the following hours during this school break (9.00am – 3.00pm):
Shop hours during the term (from Monday 17 July) are:
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.
