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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa.
This morning’s Middle School and Senior College assemblies were a celebration of Boarding life with our 25 Year 13 boarders cleverly adapting a theme of ‘News and Seven Sharp’ to share their perspective on life as a boarder. It is good to be reminded each year of the boarding community at St Andrew’s College and the extra challenges, routines, and ups and downs of communal living. The morning comment cleverly delivered by Portia Bennie (Year 13) entertained us with her thoughts on boarding. Expertly filmed videos of “Life on the Farm”, golfing in Queenstown and Kiwiana icons also made for great entertainment, as did the traditional boarders’ dance items. Congratulations to the Heads of Boarding, George MacLeod and Freddie Todhunter, and the Year 13 boarders for their great effort in creating and organising the assembly.
Boarders’ Assembly Rector Address >
Also, on campus this morning, the St Andrew’s Preparatory School hosted the ISSA Winter Sports Tournament for the Christchurch Independent Schools. Congratulations to the Deputy Principal of the Preparatory School, Alex Kelley, for the organisation of this event. An added interest was the Romotow caravan designed and produced by New Zealand W2 architecture which was on display with the bonus of a free sausage sizzle for team participants. I was fortunate to catch the game of our Years 7–8 netball team in the final against Selwyn House School, and to see a good win to St Andrew’s.
This morning I also had the pleasure of hosting the Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (UC), Cheryl de la Rey. Now in her fifth year in this role, Cheryl is keen to retain a strong connection with Christchurch Secondary Schools. UC is in a strong position currently exceeding its planned role growth. Cheryl was able to share insights into St Andrew’s leavers’ success at university. Data since 2019 showed that 75–80 students from St Andrew’s chose to attend UC each year. Analysis of UC data relating to St Andrew’s College shows the most popular course of study as Liberal Arts (society and culture), second Engineering, and third Management / Business / Commerce. Data on first-year St Andrew’s students also shows that an average of 80% of students pass their first year of study at UC. I am grateful for Cheryl’s interest in St Andrew’s and her commitment to making time to visit our campus this morning.
Thank you and congratulations to the students who organised Gumboot Friday today in support of Youth Mental Health. It was a cold day for the popular ‘Dunk the Staff’ entertainment at lunchtime!
On Sunday, our Pipe Band – 32 students, nine staff and several parents, depart for their trip to Scotland to compete in the World Championships. I am fortunate to be travelling to Scotland to support the Band. Rector’s Comment will continue in my absence with the occasional message from me over the next four weeks.
Best wishes to all for a good and hopefully pleasant weekend.
Ngā mihi nui
Christine Leighton
Rector
StAC Attack returned to the Christchurch Town Hall – James Hay Theatre on Sunday 30 July. The show was performed to a full auditorium and the atmosphere was brilliant. Students from Years 3–13, plus two Old Collegians from last year, were part of the show. With 108 Pipe Band students supported by 20 St Andrew’s College highland dancers, and the New Zealand Champion Grade 1 Pipe Band – Canterbury Caledonian (over half of whom are Old Collegians), ensured the performance showcased the biggest group of performers yet! Feedback from patrons has been fantastic with many commenting that they enjoyed the items with highland dancers, seeing the learners perform, then progress through to the A Band. The A Band were highlighted as they leave for Scotland this Sunday to perform and compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. We wish them well.
FLICKR >The Year 9–10 students had an opportunity to show off their dancing skills at their annual dance last Friday evening in Gym 1. Disc jockey, AJ Vines, played a wide range of music to keep everyone entertained and moving. Thank you to the amazing support crew of Middle School Leaders and Senior College students who helped make this a fun and successful evening.
FLICKR >
Music students had a great time at the Ara Jazzquest on Saturday. The Big Band won a Gold Award, while the Soul Band and Jazz Orchestra both won Silver Awards. You can view their performances on YouTube via the link below.
Last Sunday evening, St Andrew’s hosted the second Combined Boarders’ Chapel for the year in the Centennial Chapel. Along with the 160 St Andrew’s boarders, approximately 400 students collectively from St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Christ’s College and St Bede’s College were also in attendance. Rev. Paul Morrow delivered an enlightening sermon based on the book After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty got back up again. The message was about having the courage to step outside your comfort zone and face your fears. Rev. Morrow related his experiences and challenges of returning to study for his chaplaincy after a long period since being a student. As always, it was a wonderful occasion for students who board in Christchurch to gather and celebrate as one. The involvement of student speakers from all of the attending schools helps build the connection between the respective boarding communities.
FLICKR >
Last week, four of our student well-being leaders attended an inspiring workshop at the University of Canterbury, focused on future thinking and leadership. Students from throughout Canterbury were inspired by the key speaker, the first Future Generations Commissioner of Wales, Sophie Howe. Sophie discussed her exciting role and described how she ensures the Welsh Government is making decisions that impact positively on future generations. Students were energised to listen to a speaker who is having a significant leadership role with international organisations such as the United Nations.
Radha Vallabh (Year 13), Aria Wilke, Jack Satterthwaite and Elliot Graves (all Year 12) participated in teams with students from other schools and used the future thinking framework to create and present ideas to community leaders from around the city.
On Monday, the 11PHED students had their annual High Ropes trip, where they took part in a variety of adventure-based learning activities in small groups. They had to collaborate, problem-solve and demonstrate their selected interpersonal skills before stepping outside of their comfort zone and embracing the challenges of the high-rope activities. The group took part in a leap of faith, facing a ninja vertical wall where they could race each other, and a variety of ‘challenge by choice’ climbs where some students chose to extend themselves by using blindfolds and pool noodles to push themselves. Students developed belaying skills and commands and supported their peers.
A group of students braved the frost and sub-zero conditions to plant trees in the Red Zone as part of the Eco-Action project last Sunday. This was another spectacular success, achieving close to 5000 trees planted in two hours, with the help of over 300 students and community volunteers. This planting was into the grass instead of mulch because the area has already been taken over by rushes, becoming a lizard habitat. Please join our student Sustainability Council and prefects for the final planting of the year, on Sunday 3 September.
Last weekend, the Senior Blue Boys’ basketball team travelled to Nelson to play in the inaugural Whakatu Invitational Tournament. On day one the team played Otago Boys’ High School team, coming away with an 88–66 win. On day two the boys played tournament standouts, Waimea College, followed by Nelson College. St Andrew’s lost to both teams despite having a 45–35 lead against Nelson College after an impressive start to the third quarter. On the final day of the tournament, the boys played their final fixture against Marlborough Boys’ High School, coming away with a convincing win featuring some awesome plays from the whole roster.
On Tuesday, St Andrew’s College hosted the Thriving Minds ‘Junior Stretch and Challenge’ Conference, which involved 140 students and 16 visiting staff from a wide range of Christchurch and Canterbury schools. The conference sessions included an Introduction to the Science of Nanotechnology, a Community of Inquiry based on ‘How do we know what is fair?’, and the philosophical question ‘What should I do?’. The house debate was a highlight of the conference, featuring skilled debaters Julie Arliss and Xavier Dickason (OC 2020) debating ‘it is always right, to tell the truth’. Xavier won the house debate with an overwhelming majority vote, much to the delight of the audience.
Students have the opportunity to register for the University of Otago Neuroscience Mentoring Programme. The mentoring programme involves regular presentations from university researchers, as well as the opportunity for 1:1 mentoring for senior students keen on pursuing Neuroscience as their tertiary study discipline. This opportunity has been offered to St Andrew’s due to the long-standing participation in the South Island Brain Bee competition. To register for this programme, students can contact Teacher in Charge of ACEE, Ellen Hampson.
On Thursday, St Andrew’s junior debating teams competed in Round 6 of the CSDC School Debating Competition, the final round before finals. The StAC 1 team of Olivia Bloom, Cameron Aldridge, and Joshua Adams (all Year 11) competed against Ao Tawhiti, arguing that superheroes should reveal their true identities. StAC 4, Arihia Lawton, Oliver Wallace and Teresa Steiner (all Year 10), competed against Burnside 2 and argued that superheroes should not have to reveal their true identities. The StAC 2 team consisting of Hansen Hong (Year 11), Reece Glennie (Year 10), and Max Barclay (Year 11), competed against St Bede’s College 1 and argued that students should not have any say in curriculum or course design. Round 6 was a ‘blind round’ so no winners were announced, however, all three teams performed exceptionally well. This was a great way to finish the week as debaters head into regionals this weekend, with two junior teams competing.
FLICKR >
Year 11 students have completed some amazing sculptures which can be seen on display in The Green Library and Innovation Centre for the next couple of weeks. These sculptures are based around their turangawaewae (a place to stand, where a person feels strong and at home). The two New Zealand artist models were Ghostcat and Peter Madden. Students were hugely inspired after seeing Ghostcat in the Shift Urban Art exhibition earlier in the year at the Christchurch Museum and were lucky enough to have Mike Beer (aka Ghostcat) come in to talk to them about his work.
Yesterday, the Year 10 French students teamed up with Lincoln High School for a French immersion and cultural experience. Hosted at the Pétanque Club in Hagley Park, the students enjoyed a variety of activities – pétanque, a quiz, a model building competition and a treasure hunt – all in French. Volunteers from the pétanque club helped our students learn how to play and there was some fierce competition and budding champions. The day wouldn’t be typically French if it didn’t include some delicious food as well – croissants, pains au chocolat et éclairs – délicieux!
Gumboot Friday, today, was a colourful and compassionate display of support for young people's mental health. A vibrant array of gumboots adorned the feet of students in the Pre-school, Preparatory School and Secondary School, united in their commitment to the cause. The campus buzzed with positivity as the students came together not only to raise funds for the I Am Hope Foundation but to also spread awareness about the importance of mental well-being. A delicious sausage sizzle at lunchtime added a savoury touch to the event, raising further funds as well as providing a chance for everyone to connect. The day's success reinforced the power of unity and compassion in addressing mental health issues among youth.
During Term 2, a group of Year 12 students organised a clothing drive to support those in need with warm winter clothing. As part of the drive, there was a friendly competition between the Middle School and Senior College to see who could donate the most clothing. The winners of the clothing drive were the Middle School students. As a prize, the Middle School (and any Senior College students) had the opportunity to dunk Head of Middle School, Matt Parr, in water during lunchtime today, watched on by a huge crowd. All donations will go towards Clothed in Love, a local charity that helps Christchurch families in need by providing free good quality pre-loved or new clothing for children.
FLICKR >BASKETBALL
The Senior Girls’ team played their last game of the 2023 regular reason against St Margaret's College, with first and third place, respectively, locked in for both teams. St Margaret's demonstrated poise and passion at their home court, earning an early lead that they maintained into the fourth quarter. St Andrew’s depth and experience proved to be too much, however, as they pulled ahead for a narrow 78–70 win. This is the fourth season in a row where the Senior Girls’ team has not lost a regional game.
HOCKEY
The Girls’ 1st XI played Christchurch Girls’ High School in their final round-robin match of the SSP competition. This was a tough game and from the start, both teams played with determination and grit. St Andrew’s showed moments of great team hockey and one led to a goal. St Andrew’s collectively managed to defend and hold out Girls’ High from scoring, making the final score a 1–0 victory. This is the first time in St Andrew’s College history that the Girls’ 1st XI has achieved the top of the table in the SSP grade at the end of the rounds. They have a bye this week before heading into the semi-finals.
The Boys’ 1st XI played Christchurch Boys’ High School on Friday night, competing for the Burtt/Maister Cup, which was being played for the first time. The first two quarters were very even, with both teams having opportunities to score. At half time the score was still 0–0. In the third quarter, the opposition lifted a gear and achieved three goals. Boys’ High won comfortably and was awarded the inaugural Burtt/Maister Cup winners.
FOOTBALL
The Boys’ 1st XI played in a playoff against Hillmorton High School. St Andrew’s took control early, with many chances created by Tim Hellman (Year 12) and Noah Cole (Year 11). Most of the chances fell to Callum Moores (Year 13) who scored a first-half hattrick. Substitutions were made at half-time and going against the wind the team struggled to stay at their peak form. A disallowed goal for Levi Purdue (Year 13) would have been the icing on the cake and as the game neared the end, a long shot by Jack Christie (Year 11) was fumbled by the keeper, his first of the season, to make it 4–0. The team now progresses to the semi-final next week.
NETBALL
The first quarter of the game against Halswell A had St Andrew’s up by three goals. Lily Champion-Smith (Year 13) and Charlotte Galvan (Year 10) worked hard on defence turning over any loose ball that the team then moved down the court to score off. By the end of the third quarter, St Andrew’s increased the difference by seven goals. With another eight turnovers and scoring off most of our centre passes, St Andrew’s won 57–47.
Last Wednesday’s game was against Christchurch Girls’ High School. The team was keen to secure a win to ensure progression into the semi-finals in the best possible position. The defence again worked hard and made it difficult for the opposition. In two of the quarters, St Andrew’s scored off every centre pass and also were able to score off the turnovers, to win 44–20.
RUGBY
Saturday’s game was a hard-fought battle against Selwyn Schools, played at the Rawhiti Domain on a good firm surface. The first half was marred by some poor decision making and a lack of urgency by the St Andrew’s players and Selwyn Schools took the early advantage and went ahead 12–0. The 1st XV showed great resolve to stay in the fight and scored two late converted tries to go to the break 14–17 down. The half-time break saw some very clear messages delivered which resulted in a far more robust and clinical display as the 1st XV went ahead 28–17. Full credit must be given to Selwyn Schools as they never gave up and clawed their way back, scoring in the corner to take the score to 28–22. With only four minutes left on the clock, Selwyn Schools clinically built pressure and scored again making it 28–27. It all came down to the final conversion but thankfully for St Andrew’s, the attempt went wide of the posts and the final score stood at 28–27 to St Andrew’s College. Captain Lucas Te Rangi (Year 13) was powerful with ball in hand and Laai Tausa (Year 13) had a very strong game in the loose. Samuel Mustchin (Year 12) scored two tries and kicked four conversions in a very complete performance at fullback. Fergus Sidey (Year 13) in midfield proved to be a force both on attack and defence.
This week the 1st XV will play Marlborough Boys’ College at home with an 11.15am kick-off for the Plate Final. Marlborough Boys’ College also holds the Trust Bank Cup which is a trophy that is contested for amongst all South Island schools in every fixture, so will also be on the line.
Penelope Taulafo (Year 13), Henrietta Nation (Year 12) and Luke Slee (Year 13) have all been named in the New Zealand Future Blacks Sticks squads to attend a super camp to be held in Hamilton at the beginning of October.
Daisy Thake (Year 10) has been selected into a South Island Girls’ U15 cricket team for a tour to Dubai early in 2024.
Sea-am Thompson (Year 12) was one of nine choir members to sing in the Christchurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square on Thursday evening. The Cathedral Choir has been singing in this Cathedral for 140 years. This is the first time the Choral Evensong service has taken place in the Cathedral since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. This was a one-off service at the Cathedral until it is repaired and opened in 2028, and only members of the choir and clergy were allowed into the Cathedral for this experience. m
Sam Wilton and Katrina Wallis (both Year 9) each had a piece of writing – Rugby Practice and Dad respectively – accepted for publication in Toitoi 33.
This morning St Andrew’s College hosted the ISSA Winter Tournament, with over 300 students from the independent schools of Christchurch competing in football, hockey and netball. It proved to be a very successful day for St Andrew’s with the Year 7–8 teams winning each of their respective competitions going through unbeaten. In the Years 5–6 competition, the three St Andrew’s teams also gave everything and our Years 5–6 netball team were joint winners of their tournament. All four teams now qualify for the Canterbury Primary Schools Tournament on Thursday 14 September.
FLICKR >On Wednesday, our Years 7–8 A basketball teams competed in the inaugural one-day Canterbury Indoor Basketball Tournament, which was held at the MainPower Stadium in Rangiora. The boys had a tough pool that ended in a three-way tie for first place. On a countback, the boys qualified for the quarter-final against an aggressive Halswell School team. The game was scrappy with a lot of body contact, with St Andrew’s finishing top eight.
In the girl’s division, the St Andrew’s A team won all their pool games convincingly, with tenacious defence and accurate finishing. The girls then won the quarter-final game against Russley School 25–0 and moved onto their semi-final against Hillview Christian School. The semi-final was a lot more aggressive, and the physicality was brutal, however, the girls held their nerves and won 13–4. Their final opponent was Kaiapoi North School and the girls played with great courage and fought for every position. Hayley Stowell (Year 8) hit a flush three-pointer which gave the team some wriggle room in the final minutes. In a fast 10-minute game, the girls played smart, to win 13–4 and crowned Canterbury Champions.
Holly Hembry (Year 8) competed at the recent top-level Ballroom Dancing Exams, Oscars. Holly achieved an Honours level pass in all three types – Ballroom, New Vogue and Latin, which is the highest pass mark able to be attained.
Ben McKendry (Year 6) entered eight Christchurch Speech and Drama competitions and was awarded the highest number of medals in the U12 category – the Louisa Williams Cup, five gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal.
At the TYR Pro Swim Series in the US last week, Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (OC 2021) equalled the New Zealand Open record in 50m freestyle with a time of 22.11. His time was 0.01 inside the world championship qualifying standard.
Head of Senior College, John Ruge, performed on stage in the premiere of Indian Ink's new play Dirty Work last weekend. John brought his bass voice with other singers in a community choir onstage for the full 90 minutes with the actors from the company. The tricky part was that the choir didn't know the play, so the play is structured improv with some hilarious and heartwarming moments. Both Friday and Saturday nights at the Isaac Theatre Royal had large appreciative audiences. Indian Ink is an internationally acclaimed New Zealand Aotearoa theatre company who have created stunning plays for the past 25 years.
Two St Andrew’s College coaches have been selected to either represent Canterbury or coach Canterbury teams. Joe Piggott, our Boys’ 1st XI coach, is to coach the Canterbury Beavers team. He has also been selected for the Future Black Sticks Coaches programme. Ollie Bunny, our 2nd XI coach, has been selected to play for the Canterbury Cavaliers.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities.
Students have now begun the process of selecting their courses for 2024 and the Course Selection Expo provides students in Years 10–12 and their parents with the opportunity to meet informally with teachers of subjects that they are considering studying next year. The Expo is all about having a conversation with staff to ask questions and hear information so that students are better able to make decisions about what they would like to study in their next year of schooling. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take up this opportunity to meet with staff.
When: Friday 11 August, 3.45pm–5.00pm
Where: Gym 1
The St Andrew’s College annual Dance Revue is back! Containing an eclectic range of dance styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Musical Theatre and Contemporary, this fast-paced evening of dance will have something for all to enjoy. Performances will come from St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy, StAC Dance, soloists, groups, and guest artists. Come celebrate dance!
When: Saturday 16 September, 7.00pm–8.30pm and Sunday 17 September, 2.00pm–3.30pm
Where: St Andrew's College Gym 1
Tickets: $15.00
The Pipe Band art show is back! Showcasing the work of talented professional artists, the art sale offers you the chance to own remarkable local art while supporting our Pipe Bands. With many wonderful artists from all over New Zealand contributing artwork, this is a fabulous opportunity to snap up a unique piece for your home or office.
Your purchase will directly contribute to our Pipe Band 2023 World Championships and 2024 National Championships fund. You will also have the chance to win $500 towards a special artwork with our Art Show raffle – entry forms will be available in the Centennial Chapel throughout the Art Show.
Join us for the StAC Agricultural Show on Wednesday 20 September. Students can enter a number of fun events, such as baking, art, flower arrangements, and Lego creations, with placings from first to third place receiving a ribbon, and all first-place winners will also receive a prize.
There is something for everyone at this A&P Show-inspired event. Come along to Gym 1 to experience all the art, baking and other pet entries as well as the petting zoo – get set for a day of Agricultural fun!
Entries: Cost: $3.00 per category entered (viewing the entries on the day is free). Entries close Friday 15 September 2023. To enter your child/ren into the StAC Agricultural Show, please click to complete the relevant entry form/s below:
Two scholarships have been generously sponsored by an Old Collegian and are available for Year 11–12 students. The objective of these scholarships is to encourage personal discovery through experiential learning and develop leadership potential in young adults. Both scholarships provide 80% funding, with the remaining 20% and travel funded by the recipient.
Spirit of Adventure Scholarship (Year 11) – One scholarship provides support for one Year 11 student to participate in a 10-day sailing on the Spirit of Adventure (choice of dates). Further information on the sailing can be found on the Spirit of Adventure website by clicking here. Please also see further information on the College website by clicking here.
Outward Bound Scholarship (Year 12) – The Outward Bound scholarship provides support for one Year 12 student to experience an Outward Bound Mind, Body and Soul course from 5–25 January 2024. Further information on this course can be found on the Outward Bound website by clicking here. Please also see further information on the College website by clicking here.
All Year 11 and 12 students will be emailed a link to the online application forms, which open Monday 24 July and close Monday 14 August 2023. Please note only students can access and complete these forms. For further information, please contact Assistant Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, on HCE@stac.school.nz.
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 >
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).
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
