You are logged in as
Logout
You are logged in as
Logout
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou katoa.
As I begin 2024, I am aware that, like our Year 13 students, this is a year of ‘lasts’ for me. Many people have asked how I am feeling. My overwhelming emotion is a sense of privilege and gratitude for being at this great school. I hope to enjoy the energy and sense of satisfaction that being here brings. Further reflection will come at a later date but in the meantime, there is still much to do and enjoy.
It has been a great start to 2024 thanks to the work of many people, Senior Management, teaching and support staff. All have their role to play. After some good quality time away, students have returned with a spring in their step and a smile on their faces.
Before school even started there were many students involved with sporting camps and activities including:
At the Twizel rowing camps, I was honoured to be recognised by the StAC Rowing community with the naming of a Rowing Eight ‘Christine Leighton’. Maybe a future Maadi Cup medallist (in name, if not in body!).
Other on-campus activities have included the Prefect training day, Ballet Academy Summer School, holiday programme and the Year 9 Boarders’ Weekend. It has been great to welcome 43 new boarders to St Andrew’s this year (Year 9 students plus other year levels).
On Wednesday, we welcomed 235 new Year 9 students who enjoyed activities with their Peer Support Leaders and started to make connections with their tutors, Dean James Jenkinson, Head of Middle School Matt Parr and Assistant Head of Middle School Liz Gormack. For 214 Year 13 students, Thursday marked the first day of their final year of school.
First Day of Term 1 Flickr >
On Wednesday 91 new ākonga joined the Preparatory School at various year levels and enjoyed connecting with their teachers. In the Junior School, the Head of Junior Department, Heather Orman and the teachers welcomed 10 new entrants to their very first day at school. How fortunate are we to influence the growth, learning and character development of all our rangatahi as they travel through their school years.
On Wednesday evening, parents of Year 9 students were welcomed in the Centennial Chapel and then met with their child’s tutor. Refreshments were hosted by the PTA and whānau mingled together finding old friends and new ones, while rangatahi enjoyed activities and games organised by the Peer Support Leaders.
Thursday was our traditional Mihi Whakatau when tangata whenua welcomed manuhiri onto our campus. Five new kaiako, two new Guidance Counsellors and five support staff were welcomed along with our new Secondary School students. The Preparatory School kapa haka performed a haka pōwhiri and Tumuaki and kapa haka from Villa Maria College joined with around 100 whānau to support new rangatahi and Kaiako. Matua Wiremu Pickering, our new Teacher in Charge of Te Reo Māori, and Tikanga teacher Trent Harris gave the Korero at the Mihi Whakatau. It was a special occasion with all 1164 students and 110 Secondary School teachers, plus the Preparatory School kapa haka in attendance.
Mihi Whakatau Flickr >
Today was our traditional Leadership Assembly with the investiture of 34 Prefects. Heads of College Hugo Ranken, Meg Simpson, Carter Rhodes and Holly Maraki introduced each other and then Hugo and Meg gave their first address as Head Prefects where they introduced their theme for the year – ‘All for One, One for All!’ Other Year 12 and 13 leadership positions recognised were Peer Support Leaders, Senior College Council, Academic Captains, Cultural Captains, Heads of Cultural Activities, Pipe Band officers, Sacristans, Community Service Leaders, International Cultural Leaders, House Leaders, Boarding House Leaders, Sports Captains and Sports Council.
An entertaining music interlude was performed by the Jazz Big Band featuring Year 13 students Chantelle Xiong, Xanthe Pearce, Tamaroa Connelly, Jack Flanagan and Miu Kim (Year 12), and a handover of the Prefects’ Diary from Lily Champion-Smith and Poppy Rumble (Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl from 2023) added to the ceremony of the occasion. Congratulations to all students who were recognised this morning.
We also recognised the significance of Waitangi Day and our country’s commitment to the three Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Partnership, Protection and Participation. At St Andrew’s we honour these Principles, working together to value the taonga all our students bring to our school community.
After a very busy and productive start to the new school year, I thank you all for your support.
Kai Pai tō Mutunga Wiki.
Best wishes
Christine Leighton
Rector
Our team of 75 Peer Support Leaders welcomed and led our new Year 9 students on the first day of the term. The programme included a chance to learn names and interests, an orientation tour and various activities designed to help the group relax and connect. The team also organised and ran an activities night for the students while the Parent Evening took place. After some food outside the dining room, a bouncy obstacle course, quizzes, tug of war, and other team challenges kept the students entertained throughout the evening. The Peer Support team were fantastic role models and enjoyed supporting and encouraging the brand-new students in tutor groups. This connection will continue weekly throughout the coming term.
Year 9 boarders have been immersed in their orientation to the College and Boarding Houses since arriving on Saturday afternoon. Thirty-three Year 9 students started their journey living away from home, with families spending time moving in and having a family barbeque. The new boarders have now completed an orientation programme, designed to help knit them together as a cohort, which involved them learning routines and making connections with staff and one another. After spending their first night in their respective boarding houses, the Year 9 group travelled to Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill Lodge, for an overnight stay and more adventures. A jetboat ride at Alpine Jet Thrills in Springfield on the way was an awesome experience for all. Once at the Lodge, the Castle Hill staff took one group rock climbing and the other on a river/hill walk. After dinner, the boarding staff ran some Adventure Based Learning (ABL) games designed to ‘plant seeds’ for the boarding journey. These challenges required tolerance, good communication skills, valuing other people, inclusiveness, and collaboration to be successful – much like what is required as a boarder. Monday morning saw more activities before packing up the Lodge and heading ‘home’ to the boarding houses. After a classroom session learning about Manaakitanga and how to take action to help others be their best, the boarders spent Tuesday at Adrenaline Forest before driving to Sumner for a surfing lesson in the afternoon. Orientation was a hugely valuable experience for the boarders, creating a wonderful sense of belonging and connection and a great chance for staff to get to know the rangitahi they are caring for.
FLICKR >It is wonderful to have new international students join us in 2024. This year we welcome Hancheng Tang (Year 9), and Muyi Yang (Year 9) both from China, Maja Lewandowski (Year 10) from Germany, Baoxuan Guo (Year 10) from China, Luiz Felipe Romolu-Piteri (Year 10) from Brazil, Lenia Schroter (Year 11) from Germany, Junqi Xu (Year 12) from China, Nea Korpela (Year 13) from Finland, and Kalina Sandve (Year 13) from Canada.
A big feature of the past three days has been the individual and class/tutor group photographs for all 447 Preparatory School and 1168 Secondary School students. Parents will receive an email in the coming weeks advising when these are available to purchase online.
The dancers who attended our first Ballet Intensive this week had a great time – new dances, friendships, and wonderful experiences abound. In just two days, the students were challenged to learn and perform two completely new dance works.
FLICKR >
The cast of this year’s Senior College production, Legally Blonde, started the year with workshops from Friday to Sunday. Over the three days, the students worked on conditioning, technique, and amalgamations in preparation for the show.
Jack Flanagan (Year 13) competed at the Evolution Dance National Finals held on the Gold Coast at the start of January. In singing, Jack received first place 16–20 years Novice Vocal Solo, first place 16–20 years Novice Any Style Solo, and Highest Scoring Novice Soloist 16–20 years. As part of his dance company, Jack's group placed second in Musical Theatre, and first in Adagio, Musical Theatre and Broadway Jazz.
Three musicians from St Andrew's College: Ary Son, Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (both Year 10), and Alexander Allan (Year 9), spent a week in January attending the Auckland Philharmonia’s Summer School. The programme included rehearsals and coaching with players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and culminated with a public concert in the Auckland Town Hall.
The Strowan Gathering – Sunday 4 December 2023: It was a fantastic day within the St Andrew’s College grounds. Events ranged from Pipe Bands, Solo Piping, Solo Drumming and Highland Dancing. Well done to all pipe band members who won prizes in the solo events and to students who were competing for the first time.
Jenny Mair Square Day – Palmerston North Friday 8 – Saturday 9 December: Georgia Eagle (OC 2023) won the Celtic Inn Open Hornpipe and Jig Championship in solo drumming with piping support from her sister Tayla Eagle (Year 11). It was the second year in a row that Georgia won this top-level solo drumming event. Tayla Eagle: B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel – 3rd.
Waipu Highland Games – Monday 1 January 2024: Pipe Band members Emily Brook (Year 11), Alanna Brook (Year 11), Maggie McConnochie (Year 10) and Alice Glover (Year 8) competed at one of the first major events in the calendar for 2024 at Waipu Highland Games in Northland on New Year’s Day.
St Andrew’s College Pipe Band students attended the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Summer School 10–14 January, which was held at the College. The tutor team included top New Zealand Pipe Band tutors but also top international tutors too. The students had an amazing time learning new tunes, attending technical workshops, performing and networking with other pipers and drummers New Zealand-wide and from Australia. Lucas Paterson (Year 13), Tayla Eagle (Year 12) and Sam Foote (Year 11) performed with the National Youth Pipe Band and are working towards a big project with the band later in the year.
Turakina Highland Games – Saturday 27 January: Lucas Paterson (Year 13) and Maggie McConnochie (Year 10) continued their run of solo competitions at the start of 2024 with great success at the Turakina Highland Games in the North Island.
Amelie Clark (Year 11) competed at Canterbury Championships for Surf Life Saving at North Beach in January, placing first in the Board Race, second in the Surf Race, second in the Diamond and second in the Run Swim Run. She also recently returned from Eastern Regional Championships in Mount Maunganui where she placed fifth out of 44 in the Board Race.
Over the holidays, the Senior Development White team travelled to Melbourne, Australia to play in the Quad Tour. They played five very competitive games and enjoyed the experience. The Senior Development Blue team played in the Queenstown Cricket Festival, winning one of five games played.
The 1st XI played Christ’s College in the first day of a two-day game at Christ’s College. Batting first, Christ’s College made 265/4 on a very good batting surface. Unfortunately, the St Andrew’s batsman could not replicate their efforts and were dismissed for a disappointing 156. Spencer Hair (Year 11) 34 and Tom Turner (Year 13) 35 were the main contributors.
The new Year 9 boys attended a skills session on Tuesday and impressed the cricket staff, especially on bowling. Numbers this year are light as we will only have one squad of 15.
In the Bay of Plenty Invitational pre-season tournament, the Senior Girls’ A volleyball team won two of their three matches and the B-team also won two of their three matches. The teams then travelled to Auckland to play their final two matches before coming home. The A team beat Orewa A and drew with Rangitoto College. The B-team also beat Orewa A but lost to Rangitoto.
In addition to the playing programme the players spent time learning about the new St Andrew’s College Balance is Better sports framework, and discussed and identified the behaviours and actions they wanted to use as part of their team in the upcoming season.
FLICKR >The second rowing camp of the summer took place mid-January, coinciding with the Canterbury Rowing Championships held on Lake Ruataniwha from Sunday 14 – Monday 15 January. Before arriving in Twizel, the squad participated in a 2km erg test to measure progress after the Christmas break, as well as some squads completing seat racing (trials) on Kerr’s Reach. It was one of the better efforts by a team returning from the break in the last 20 years. Unfortunately, the regatta was interrupted by wind. All three of the Girls’ U16 coxed quads made it through to the A final, with two of these crews winning their heats respectively.
Lastly, the novice squad spent time in Twizel without the company of our return rowers at the end of January, with our return rowers joining them on Friday 26 January to compete in the South Island Rowing Championships, one of three championship regattas during the season. Novice rowers were pushed hard during their time at camp, with an emphasis on team building and building culture within our novice programme. The regatta was yet again affected by the wind, but the rowers got a full day of racing in on some nice water on the Sunday. The St Andrew’s team won three bronze medals, one silver and three gold medals and South Island Club Championships titles.
Six students have been selected to trial for Basketball NZ U15 teams on Waitangi Day – Roma Tuimaunei and Ava Jones (both Year 11), Oliver Kirk, Jai Curtis, Makenzie Disher, Maniah Taefu (all Year 10).
Jai Curtis, Makenzie Disher, Maniah Taefu (all Year 10), along with Ophelia and Rafferty Powell (both Year 13) travelled to Australia to represent New Zealand HoopNation in a big international tournament in Melbourne in the last week of January.
Holly Thirkell (Year 9) has been awarded a scholarship to a Ballet School overseas.
Tave Stuart (Year 12) won second place in the 2023 New Zealand Classical Ballet Awards for NZAMD, held in late November in Wellington.
Neve Aitken (Year 11) and Cameron Lyons (Year 9) both gained entry into the Associates Programme with the New Zealand School of Dance for Contemporary and Classical respectively.
Matthew Lee (Year 13) has been selected to be part of the New Zealand National Secondary Schools Choir, which only auditions once every two years. Matthew has just finished a holiday rehearsal and will be part of the national tour later in the year.
Bronson Curtis (Year 12) recently travelled to Australia to represent New Zealand in the 2024 Koru Tour.
Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023) has been selected for the Tall Ferns travelling team for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in China. If successful, they will head to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
St Andrew’s was well-represented at the BBNZ 3x3 Pro Quest. Tanae Lavery (OC 2021) was named MVP after his team took out the title. Mitch Corkery (OC 2023), Kavanah Lene (OC 2023), Carter Rhodes, Hugh Kenny, Marcus Isitt (all Year 13), and Logan Righton (Year 12) were also in attendance.
Anika Boet (OC 2019) has secured a contract as a Company Dancer with Sydney Dance Company and is now departing on an international tour. She was a member of the Ballet Academy from its inception in 2011 and enjoyed many wonderful roles during her time with the Academy. A dedicated dancer to her technique and artistry, she gained our highest honours and achievements every step of the way.
Harry Waddington (OC 2021) has recently been named the winner of the 2023 Sir Edward Taihakurei Durie Essay Competition. Harry's essay will be published in the Māori Law Review Journal in February 2024. There have been no previous winners from a university in the South Island since the competition's inception in 2012, and Harry was proud to be the first from the University of Canterbury.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:
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).
Exciting News! The Communications team, with the support of the ICT team, have been hard at work during the holidays, and are delighted to share that a revamped StACNet (school intranet) is now live for our current parents and students.
Explore the new look at stacnet.nz >
Updates include a Quick Links section at the top of StACNet, designed to streamline access to the pages parents visit most frequently.
Beneath the Quick Links, you'll find organised accordions (drop-down folders) with links to pages per topic area.
All existing links from the old site will redirect to the new one. If you encounter any issues or unexpected behaviour, please let us know by emailing comms@stac.school.nz. Please note you will be prompted to log in using your StAC parent login when accessing StACNet. This is to protect the privacy and security of our school and community.
If you wish to sign-up your child for one of the below co-curricular activities, please visit the link below.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL SIGN UP FORMS >
For further information about co-curricular groups, itinerant lesson options, and tutors, please contact one of the following:
SPEECH AND DRAMA TUITION SIGNUP >
PIPE BAND AND HIGHLAND DANCE SIGNUP >
Do you have a fabulous fence in a prominent and busy thoroughfare within a 30km radius of the College?
We are looking for some spaces for our corflute signage for our Open Days in March. They will be put up and taken down by the College, so if you can help, please contact Alumni and Community Relations Co-ordinator, Lisa Clark, at oldcols@stac.school.nz, or Registrar, Lynn Smith at enrol@stac.school.nz.
There have been a couple of changes to the 72 service. Route 723 from Waikuku Beach has been discontinued due to low patronage. Students can use Metro route 95 which leaves Waikuku Beach at 6.49am and returns at 3.49pm (near Bealey Ave). Please note that in the morning this trip is an “express” route, typically this service will not make stops after Belfast before arriving at the Bus Interchange. However, as an exception for this, drivers will allow students to get dropped off on the route if requested. Route 722 timetable and route have been adjusted due to the location change of Marian College. The route will now terminate on Papanui Road (near Clare Road). The Metro timetables for 2024 school bus services can be found online by clicking here.
Wednesdays: 7.30am–8.15am, commences Wednesday 7 February in Ballet Studio 1.
This popular class is open to all Secondary School dancers and high performance athletes. It focuses on conditioning the body – developing core strength, control, flexibility, and much more. This training is beneficial for all genres of dance and is key to injury prevention. It is also a great way to start each week off on the right foot (or the left!). Casual workout gear and must bring own small towel. To register please contact Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Dr Carolyn Cairns, at CCA@stac.school.nz.
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
