close

You are logged in as

Logout

This website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users. This helps us to provide you with a good user experience and also allows us to improve our website. More information

Close
Facebook Old Cols College

Rector's Comment

Friday 8 March 2024

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou katoa.

What a great day it has been to celebrate the St Andrew’s College’s 107th Founders’ Day. Many of our StAC traditions came to life today; Address to a Haggis, Pipe Band, Highland Games, Highland dancers and Scottish songs.

Our Founders’ Day Assembly celebrated a number of awards, including the presentation of the 1st XI cricket caps, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, New Zealand representative badges, and South Island medallists, including eight medals to our rowing squad who competed at Lake Ruataniwha last weekend – five gold and three bronze.

Our Secondary School choir, Staccoro accompanied by the string orchestra sang an original piece composed by Sea-am Thompson (Year 13) and the symphony orchestra performance were both musical highlights from an exceptionally talented group of musicians.

Two special Old Collegian Awards were presented:

  • A.M. Hilson Memorial Accounting / Economics award to James McIver (Year 13)
  • Henry Dowling Memorial French Award to Joseph Ryan (Year 13)

The Address to a Haggis was a most dramatic and entertaining moment from Year 13 student Matthew Lee. Another highlight was the presentation of the 2023 Robert Burns Scholars who will travel to Scotland in the September holidays to be hosted by a number of Scottish schools. Jack Elvidge and Olivia Bloom (both Year 12) have the honour of representing St Andrew’s College on this wonderful trip. Jake and Olivia were then celebrated with a beautiful rendition of Loch Lomond by Year 12 soloist Noah Fanene.

It is a StAC tradition to invite an Old Collegian to speak at Founders’ Day and Juliette Newman, Head Girl of 2019, was today’s guest. Juliette is now in her fifth year of medical school studying at Otago and Christchurch universities, after completing 13 years at St Andrew’s College. Juliette spoke about the importance of “enjoying the journey and the place of failure in creating a memorable life”.
Rector’s Address >
Guest Speaker’s Address >
Assembly Awards >
Founders’ Day Assembly Flickr >

Finally, the day wrapped up with our Highland Games, a great occasion of noise, colour, chants, games, songs and House spirit. Our whole school, including the Preparatory School, joined on the lawn outside Strowan House to enjoy the competitive fun. The afternoon wrapped up most appropriately with a display from the Pipe Band.
Highland Games Flickr >

The whole day was enjoyed by students, staff, several parents and around 60 Old Collegians who have returned to St Andrew’s for their 60 Years On reunion, which has a number of events throughout the weekend.

Other events this week have included the Secondary School John McGlashan College and Columba College summer sports exchange to Dunedin, and Open Days for the Secondary and Preparatory Schools.

This weekend is another busy one, with the 60 Years On Reunion Dinner, boarding promotion at the Wanaka A&P Show, Canterbury volleyball championships, and the Preparatory School chapel service on Sunday. 

With best wishes to all for a great weekend.

Ngā mihi maioha

 

Christine Leighton
Rector

CLT 2023

Around the College

MUSIC CAMP

Last weekend, the Secondary School members of the symphony orchestra and 10 songwriters went away for the annual Music Camp at Hanmer Springs. This was a very productive weekend, with fun at the pools and the anticipated camp quiz run by Miu Kim (Year 12) and Head of Orchestra, Sea-am Thompson (Year 13). Thank you to Music tutor and Conductor, Mark Hodgkinson and Social Studies Teacher, Dominica Urmson for their work with the orchestra, which included sectionals and full rehearsals focusing on a few key pieces, including preparing for Founders’ Day.

The songwriters participated in workshops with Dance and Drama Specialist, Ginnie Thorner, and Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, in lyrics, musical structure and one to one time as they each composed a new song. Due to high winds, the planned performance at Hanmer Springs had to be cancelled, however the performance for the Preparatory School back at school in the afternoon went ahead as planned.

FLICKR >
MusicCamp Orch 13
Health Expo

HEALTH CAREERS EXPO

Last Friday, six Year 12 and four Year 13 students attended the ‘Explore Your Career With Us’ Career Expo hosted by Health New Zealand Waitaha. The students had the opportunity to speak to lots of clinical and non-clinical professionals currently working within the health system, who were happy to share their knowledge, skills and stories of how they began in their chosen career pathway and where it has taken them, professionally and personally. Feedback from the students that attended was extremely positive with many enjoying the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with the simulators.

TERTIARY PRESENTATION

On Tuesday lunchtime, Sophie Scott-Elvidge from the University of Auckland gave an informative presentation to 30 Year 12–13 students about the opportunities available to them at the university. Students received information about upcoming events, key dates and assistance with applying for accommodation, scholarships and courses.

Tertiary Presentation

SO THEY CAN FUNDRAISING

The So They Can blue and white Theme Day held last Friday raised $1498.60 towards supporting the charity. So far this term, a total of $9775.83 has been raised from a variety of events, including Athletic Sports Day sausage sizzle and Mr Whippy, chapel offerings, and $250 raised from auctioning off the Head of Middle School, Matt Parr’s, parking space. The goal is to raise $18,000 this month, with each tutor group raising $300. We are well on the way, but please keep donations coming in.

donate now >

YEAR 10 AGRISCIENCE TRIP

The Year 10 Agriculture students spent a day at the National Trade Academy in Christchurch, a private agriculture training centre. The Academy took small groups of students around a series of skills ‘taster’ sessions, including equestrian skills, fencing, animal care and horticulture. The tutors from the academy are highly experienced at their craft, and excellent teachers. The wide range of skills taught, and anecdotes spun inspired students into considering where their future career choices might lead them to.

JnrDeptCultural 2S5A1203

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT CULTURAL WEEK

This week, students in the Preparatory School Junior Department have been celebrating Cultural Week. We have such a diverse range of cultural backgrounds at school and the children have loved sharing who they are and where they come from. The week started with children sharing cultural boxes and a Cultural Dress Day on Tuesday. The week ended with a special cultural discovery session and our Highland Games.

Flickr >

Student Success

ROWING

The St Andrew’s rowing squad had a successful weekend in Twizel at the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships and Maadi Camp. The squad handled the mixed conditions well, competing in 24 A finals to eventuate to eight medals, five of these being gold and three bronze. Both the Boys’ and Girls’ U16 8+ became South Island Champions, the girls beating a strong St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Christchurch Girls’ High School crews to win by a length. The boys won in similar fashion, beating Christ’s College by ¾ of a length. This is the first St Andrew’s Girls’ 8+ team to ever win a South Island Secondary School title. The Senior Boys’ squad also became South Island Secondary School Champions in both the U18 4+ and U18 8+. With limited racing over the season, they left everything out on the water to put in a great effort as the squad looks to prepare for Maadi Cup.

Full Results >

Flickr >
SISS Rowing J6A0021
Kurt Shooting

CLAY TARGET SHOOTING

Kurt Lilly (Year 11) competed in the New Zealand Clay Target Shooting National Championships last weekend, the Open National Championships. Kurt won the Open Handicap Trophy to be crowned National Champion in this event. There were over 200 shooters of all ages taking part, including New Zealand representatives. Kurt beat all of them, including his dad, Brett Lilly (OC 1985). It is unthinkable that the title would be taken out by a Year 11 student, given that he is against super veterans with decades of experience, shooting at the highest level. It goes without saying that this is the highest accomplishment of any St Andrew’s trapshooter, in our long history in the sport.

TRIATHLON

Cohnor Walsh (Year 11) and Sophie Lampe (Year 10) travelled to Oamaru last weekend to compete in the South Island Secondary Schools Tri and Duathlon Championships, and once again they both won first place in their respective U16 events.

PIPE BAND

Last weekend, the Pipe Band Provincial Championships were held on Saturday at Riccarton Bush and an Ensemble Day contest on Sunday. Thirteen bands and four Juvenile bands competed in the various grades. St Andrew’s College had 77 students involved over the weekend, with the contests a lead up for the upcoming Pipe Band Nationals.

  • Provincial Championships (Saturday): A Band – 1st overall Grade 2, B Band – Runner up in Grade 4, Juvenile A Band – 1st, Juvenile B Band runner up
  • Ensemble Day Contest (Sunday): A Band – 1st overall Grade 2, B Band – 1st Overall in Grade 4, Juvenile A Band – 1st, Juvenile B Band 3rd

Full Results >

Flickr >
PipeBandProvincials 3a0e4a2f d9e1 4b46 916a 07c554fc500f
Photo1MinistryAwards

EDUCATION AWARDS EVENING

On Monday evening, the Ministry of Education hosted the 2024 Academic Awards Night for top NCEA academic achievers from ethnic and migrant backgrounds in Christchurch secondary schools. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate Ōtautahi’s growing diversity and acknowledge the academic successes of our rangatahi. This celebration aims to strengthen the partnership that students, families, communities have with teachers, schools, local, and central Government.

The three St Andrew’s College students nominated and awarded were Aaron Moore, Sea-Am Thompson and Chantelle Xiong (all Year 13). They achieved highly at Level 2, as well as completing Level 3 subjects as Year 12 students last year. We are proud of their efforts, as well as the support of their whānau, and look forward to continued success this year and in the future.

LEAD CLIMBING

Last weekend, Spencer Menzies (Year 12) competed in the La Sportiva New Zealand Lead Climbing Championships 2023/2024 in Hamilton. Spencer had a mixed result in the qualifying climbs in the Youth A Male U18 category, with a 12+ on the first climb, and then a valuable top on the second climb, which meant he qualified second for the finals on Sunday, where he finished third determined by a timed countback, but Spencer's strong result of a 22+ earned him first place. Spencer has now been selected into the New Zealand lead climbing team for the Australian Youth Nationals in April, when he will also represent New Zealand in the bouldering discipline.

Spencer Climbing

BASKETBALL

Ava Jones (Year 11), Maniah Taefu (Year 10), and Makenzie Disher (Year 10) have been selected to be part of the Basketball New Zealand U15 national team selection camp. Ophelia Powell (Year 13) was selected to attend the Basketball New Zealand U17 national team selection camp. Roma Tuimaunei (Year 11) and Jai Curtis (Year 10) were selected for the U15 Men’s national team selection camp.

BASKETBALL

On Saturday, four teams took part in the Canterbury Basketball pre-season 3x3 Tournament at Pioneer Stadium. Carter Rhodes and Rafferty Powell (both Year 13) led the way for their respective teams, with our 'Blue' teams placing first in the girls’ competition and third in the boys’ competition for the region.

Jetski

JET SKI

Brothers Thomas and William Parsonage (Year 11 and Year 8 respectively) competed in the Jet Ski South Island Championships a couple of weeks ago. Thomas came second in the 13–15 years category, and William came first in the 10–12 age group. The competition took place over two days, with seven races in total contributing points towards their placing.

MOTORCYCLING

Shey Doerner-Corson (Year 11) competed in Round 1 of the New Zealand Hard Enduro Series, in Wanaka last weekend, placing third.

Motocycling Shey

SUMMER SPORTS EXCHANGE

On Sunday, 54 students travelled down to Dunedin to compete in our annual Summer Sports Exchange against John McGlashan College and Columba College. There were two rounds of matches scheduled to be played during the exchange – one round on Sunday and one round on Monday, but because of rain only the Sunday matches were completed. Overall, St Andrew’s won the exchange 4–3.

  • Cricket beat McGlashan;
  • Tennis – boys’ team beat McGlashan, and girls’ team beat Columba;
  • Volleyball – girls’ team lose one and won one against Columba;
  • Touch – boys’ team lost to McGlashan, and girls’ team lost to Columba.

CRICKET

The 1st XI hosted Christchurch Boys’ High School 2nd XI at home on Saturday. Batting first, Boys’ High amassed 204 with Tom Turner (Year 13) taking 5/56. A great opening partnership of 138 between Jackson Hodgkinson (Year 13) 81 and Spencer Hair (Year 11) 72 set the base for a big score. Tom Turner blasted a quick fire 53, which left St Andrew’s on a score at the end of the day of 268/5.

In other games, Angus Schmack (Year 9) made 110 and Felix O’Byrne (Year 9) 107 n.o. against St Bede’s College. Lachlan Sidey (Year 12) took a very impressive 5/10 against Christ’s College 2nd XI. Oliver Orchard (Year 10) had a great double for the Year 10 team, making 70 and taking 4/13.

VEX ROBOTICS

Last Sunday saw the Green Library and Innovation Centre buzzing as almost 100 students from seven Christchurch schools came together for the first VEX robotics meet-up of the 2024–2025 season. The current focus is the Canterbury Challenge, a three-month VEX competition held in. At the end of the day, four VRC teams with working robots demoed Balance Point – the St Andrew’s team paired with Ao Tawhiti School came out on top.

ISSASwimming untitled 253

PREPARATORY SCHOOL SWIMMING

On Wednesday, a number of students from the Preparatory School competed at the ISSA Swimming Sports Day, winning the Years 5–6 Mixed Medley and Years 7–8 Mixed Medley, as well as a number of first, second and third placings in finals. Final placings will be shared in next week’s newsletter.

fLICKR >

Staff Success

HOCKEY

Principal of Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth is a national champion!

Jonathan saved many goals as goalkeeper to help his Canterbury team secure gold at the Vantage National Masters Hockey Tournament hosted in Wellington last week.

JBI Hockey Masters
Cricket Scrump

CRICKET

Custodian and Sports Coach, Mike Johnston’s New Zealand team came third overall at the International Cricket Masters in Chennai, India. They beat Sri Lanka in the third and fourth play-off, then lost the semi-final to eventual winners Australia in a very tight contest. Playing nine games, New Zealand won six and lost three. Mike says it was a great experience in very challenging conditions, especially the high humidity and smog that surrounded Chennai.

Old Collegians

ROWING

Freddy Todhunter (OC 2023) has been selected for the U21 New Zealand rowing team to compete at the 2024 U21 Pacific Regatta in Sydney, Australia in May/June.

Freddy OC

Good Luck

Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities, including:

  • Canterbury Senior Secondary School Volleyball Championships;
  • 1st XI cricket vs Christchurch Boys’ High School 2nd XI.

Notices and Upcoming Events

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEW INFORMATION (YEARS 9–13)

Dates and times for the Parent-Teacher Interviews (Years 9–13) this term are as follows:

  • Monday 25 March (online) – 3.45pm–6.00pm;
  • Wednesday 3 April (online) – 1.20pm–6.00pm;
  • Wednesday 10 April (in person) – 1.20pm–6.00pm.

Please note that school will finish for the students at 12.35pm (i.e, we will not be running Period 5). There will be supervision available for students should you wish your child to be supervised until school would normally finish.

Boarder Interviews: There will be no boarder interviews at the end of this term. This means that classes will finish at 3.20pm on Friday 12 April.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | TUESDAY 12 MARCH

The PTA’s AGM will take place on Tuesday 12 March, with an early start of 6.00pm, in the Preparatory School staffroom. All parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.

StAC Talks 2x1

STACTALKS: NUTRITION

The first of this year's well-being information sessions, StACTalks, will focus on nutrition and fueling growing students to flourish. Join us to learn more about the science and importance of nutrition for teenage development and performance across all areas of school life, general health and well-being. Presenter Conrad Goodhew is an expert in his field, with a broad nutrition knowledge with links between high performance sport and general nutrition. He has his own private practice and has worked within the community, as well as with professional teams such as the Black Ferns and the Crusaders rugby team. He has also supported athletes in the Coast to Coast, and the Auckland, Queenstown and Hawke's Bay marathons, and Motatapu events. Important tips and information will be provided to help promote a flourishing student/athlete. This StACTalk is designed for both students and parents who are interested in understanding the science of nutrition and its link to performance, well-being and general function both mentally and physically.

Date: Monday 25 March
Time: 6.00pm–7.00pm
Location: Centennial Chapel

REGISTER >

SAFETY ISSUES RELATING TO DRIVING IN THE VICINITY OF THE COLLEGE

Unfortunately, in the past couple of weeks we have received complaints from local residents regarding driving and parking behaviour in the streets surrounding the College. We would like to ask everyone to be courteous and obey the road rules at all times. This is critical to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, other road users, and local homeowners.

Congestion has increased significantly at pick-up and drop-off times. Please take care as you approach the College and navigate parking, ensuring the road rules are obeyed at all times.

In addition, please:

-  use the Kea crossing on Normans Road, 8.00am–8.30am each morning and 20 minutes at the end of the school day;

-  only turn left onto Normans Road when exiting the drop-off zone;

-  do not park across neighbouring residents' driveways;

-  do not park on yellow lines, which can lead to obstruction of line of sight and access;

-  check for cyclists, as well as other road and footpath users before opening your vehicles doors;

-  unless you are a Pre-school parent (with a visible permit) do not use the allocated Pre-school parks in the drop-off/pick-up zone.

POLYFEST FIAFIA NIGHT

Kia Ora e te iwi. Over the past two months, our Māori and Pasifika group have been working hard at putting together their performance for the annual Christchurch Polyfest showcase for the third year running. As a part of this process, there will be a Fiafia Night on Thursday 14 March, 6.00pm–8.00pm in Gym 1. Entry is free for all those who would like to support, provide feedback, or just enjoy the groups’ performance. Following tradition, the Fiafia night will include the full performance, open mic opportunity for the audience, and a shared kai at the end of the night. The group would love your support and hope to see you there! Ngā mihi, from the student Māori and Pasifika Group.

Fiafia Night

ENROLMENTS | YEAR 9 2025

We are currently accepting enrolments for the Year 9 intake in 2025. Kindly note that the deadline for applications from siblings of current and past students, children of alumni and children of our current staff is Monday 18 March. The deadline for boarding applications is Friday 22 March.

To register your interest in a place at St Andrew’s College for students new to the College, complete our online application form by clicking here >

For further information please don’t hesitate to contact our Registrar, Lynn Smith, enrol@stac.school.nz.

COURSE OUTLINES

Our Course Outlines, summarising the learning and assessment for each subject, are available on StACNet. Students will also have received an electronic or hard copy of each Outline, and we encourage you to read them and discuss them. Of additional importance in the Years 11–13 Outlines is the NCEA assessment programme information.

View Course Outlines by clicking here >

ABSENCES

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:

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).

Community Directory 1

COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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 >

KEY DATES

  • Monday 11 March – Secondary School Swimming Sports;
  • Tuesday 12 March – PTA AGM, early start at 6.00pm, Preparatory School staffroom (all welcome);
  • Thursday 14 March – Fiafia Night, 6.00pm–8.00pm in Gym 1;
  • Monday 18 March – Sunday 24 March – Summer Tournament Week;
  • Friday 29 March – Tuesday 2 April – Easter;
  • Wednesday 3 April – School finishes at 12.35pm for Parent–Teacher Interviews (Secondary School);
  • Wednesday 10 April – School finishes at 12.35pm for Parent–Teacher Interviews (Secondary School);
  • Friday 12 April – End of term, 3.20pm (Preparatory School and Secondary School).

For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.