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Rector's Comment

Thursday 27 June 2024

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia ora koutou.

Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau — Celebrate the rising of the new year
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi — Celebrate the rising of the lord of the heavens
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki — Celebrate the rising of Matariki

This week our ākonga and kaiako have been learning together about the significance of Matariki. Learning about Matariki gives us an opportunity to explore and strengthen our local identities, and for the Māori language, culture, and history to be more accessible to all New Zealanders. Celebrating Matariki supports us to reflect the value we place on our cultural heritage and helps us develop a better sense of our national identity.

This morning was a hive of activity in the Junior School as our youngest ākonga got into the spirit of Matariki. There was plenty of creativity on display, and I was most impressed with the children’s ability to name and explain the nine stars of Matariki.

CLT 2023

Despite it being a short week, there has been a lot on around our campus. It was great to see the Preparatory School production back on the calendar after a hiatus since 2017. The original script and score, written by Year 8 students and Year 13 music students, made The Aurora Stone extra exciting and special. All students in Years 7 and 8 (over 200) all had a part to play, and I am sure their time ‘on stage’ will remain memorable for them in the years to come. Congratulations to students involved, to the Year 7 and 8 class teachers, and of course to the production team of Director Ginnie Thorner, Musical Director Duncan Ferguson, and all backstage and technical assistants (including many parents). It was wonderful to see a second group enjoying the experience on stage in the Gough Family Theatre.

This week all Year 10 students have taken part in a variety of activities, including Red Cross First Aid training, a Science trip to the Antarctic Centre, and Eco Action Red-Zone native tree planting. These activities contribute to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Bronze Award programme which is compulsory for all our Year 10 students. I fully endorse the resource St Andrew’s invests in all our students to experience this programme. I have witnessed the personal growth in our students as they engage with this wonderful worldwide programme and am always pleased to see the number of our students who go on to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Silver and Gold Award.

On Wednesday, St Andrew’s hosted a senior citizen group in our Centennial Chapel. After speaking to them about St Andrew’s, I shared the Centenary film, The Spirit of St Andrew’s, made in 2017, which showcases 100 years of StAC history. Made by Old Collegian Rick Harvie (OC 1989), Belmont Productions, the film has some great historic footage and delightful coverage of past and present highlights of our College community. Rick Harvie is the Director of the acclaimed and recently released film Maurice and I which you may have seen celebrating the work of Architects, Sir Miles Warren, and Maurice Mahoney (Warren and Mahoney). To view the StAC Centenary Film, The Spirit of St Andrew’s (20 minute duration), click here.

This morning, I was delighted to catch up with Tapenisa Havea (Head Girl 2021) who was back from completing her second year at the University of Arizona. Tap is studying Biomedical Science as she pursues her dream of competing at the highest level in athletics. Her abilities in shot-put, discuss, and more recently hammer-throw, have put her on track to aim for the 2028 Olympics. It was also so good to see Tap and her beautiful smile return to StAC and engage with her teachers and the current students.

 

The 2023 Collegian has been distributed this week. Thank you to the editor Jo Bailey and the Communications Department who all contribute to this massive undertaking. I certainly can attest that this information captured each year is critically important in telling our stories in years to come. 

Mānawatia a Matariki
Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori.

Happy Māori New Year and best wishes for the long weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

 

Christine Leighton
Rector

Around the College

SECONDARY SCHOOL MATARIKI

Matariki hunga nui. Matariki heri kai. Matariki the gatherer of people. Matariki, the bringer of food.

It has been a busy week of Matariki activities. Te reo Māori classes making whetū/stars, kōkiri/shooting stars, and doing mahi whai/string games. Matariki challenges in The Green Library and Innovation Centre kept ākonga busy with a few winning hāngī tickets. All Te reo Māori classes took part in mau rākau (traditional Māori weaponry). This was led by Matua Kevin Hapi a tohunga in the art of mau rākau. Some ākonga looked very natural and skilful in the short time they did mau rākau. The kapa haka group celebrated Matariki by performing for kaumātua at the Summerset on Cavendish Retirement Village. The residents enjoyed the kapa haka performance and joining in with the Matariki Macarena! A traditional hāngī was planned, with all the preparation and cooking done by the Te reo Māori classes, however this unfortunately did not go ahead due to the wet weather. Manawatia a Matariki!

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PREPARATORY SCHOOL MATARIKI

Mānawatia a Matariki. Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present with kai, time with our whānau and communities, and to look ahead and plan for the future. This week and next, Matariki is being celebrated throughout the Preparatory School with all classes participating in Tuakana-Teina activities, a practice when older children pass on knowledge and skills to younger children. The older classes have been researching aspects of Matariki, using a variety of video, games, waiata and reading resources to grow their knowledge of the traditions of Matariki. They have designed Matariki inspired activities to share with their younger buddy class. In class learning has involved learning about the environmental relationships represented by the Matariki stars and the traditional and modern practices associated with them. Reflections on the previous year have been made, goals are being set for the next year, and hākari (feasting) is being encouraged for gatherings over the holiday weekend. Next Friday, the whole Preparatory School is assembling to celebrate Matariki with kapa haka, poi and waiata in the chapel.

This morning the Junior Department had a beautiful celebration with special guests from the Pre-school. Our tamariki came together to sing waiata and to create some magnificent Matariki crafts, including kites, Matariki stars, Matariki mindfulness, pāua art, collaborative art, and learning about what each star represents.

FLICKR >

PRE-SCHOOL MATARIKI

Over the past few weeks the whole group focus in the Pre-school has centred around Matariki. Matariki is the name for the traditional Māori new year, marked by the midwinter rise of ngā whetu o Matariki/the Matariki stars. The Pre-school children have been reading and re-telling pūrākau (legends) about Matariki, creating visual art inspired by the Matariki stars, and as Matariki is traditionally a harvest festival, have also been planting seeds and roasting vegetables. Most importantly, as Matariki is a time for bringing whānau and friends together, whānau were invited to an evening celebration held on Tuesday night. Pre-school tamariki and kaiako said a karakia to welcome our visitors, then performed three waiata – Rangi Papa, Matariki Macarena, and Kapo Kapo, before everyone joined together for a delicious hākari (feast) of shared kai.

FLICKR >
Pre schoolMatariki untitled 29
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JAZZQUEST

The St Andrew’s Jazz Combo, The Not So Big Band, performed outstandingly last Friday night as part of the Ara JazzQuest gala concert at The Piano. The combo has worked hard and produced a great sound.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME

On Monday, three representatives from Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) visited to judge the Year 13 Business Studies teams’ pitches. This year eight teams were involved, with some really pleasing presentations. Some of the innovative ideas included: a mobile car detailing company that specialises in detailing for rally car drivers, rabbit meat jerky for pets, and delivery of coffee and muffins for teachers and students who don’t have time for breakfast in the morning at home – this business has partnered with the Staccato Café in the Preparatory School to ensure quality, with orders being taken online. Another impressive business is catering for event crowds selling dumplings prepared onsite at big St Andrew’s College rugby matches.

FLICKR >
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BUSINESS STUDIES

On Tuesday, five rangatahi participated in the second wānanga at Ara Programming Māori and Pasifika Potential (PMP) Haumi. This is a programme run by Chante Botica from Paiheretia designed to engage rangatahi in solving social and environmental problem with digital solutions but using whakapapa Māori and values-based business planning to develop these solutions. A team of 12 students are enjoying using Canva to collaborate and plan their business. The finals of this require a pitch and presentation, which will be held in October.

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CHARITY CHALLENGE

Leah King (Year 9) has been competing in the Year 9 Charity Challenge Competition and sold Mayor of Christchurch, Phil Mauger (OC 1975) cupcakes on the weekend to help raise funds with her baking initiative. The competition involves each tutor group having been allocated $10.00 each, which they are aiming to turn into as much money as possible to donate to charity at the end of the year. The challenge is part of a series of tutor group competitions for the Year 9 Top Tutor title.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL DIGI CLUB

This term the Preparatory School Digi Club have been learning how to design and print bubble wands using a 3D printer. This week the students visited the Pre-school to share their wands with the children and spent time blowing bubbles with them. It was a great way to celebrate the students’ learning.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

FOOTBALL
The Girls' 1st XI achieved an important 4–0 victory over Burnside High School in this week’s game, a highly enjoyable and competitive one. Holly Lyon (Year 11), Amber de Wit, and Scarlett Gray (both Year 12) all distinguished themselves as key contributors, each scoring goals that contributed to our comprehensive win. The victory not only highlights the team's good form but also secures three crucial points in the league standings.

The Boys’ 1st XI secured a significant 7–0 victory against Middleton Grange School. The game showcased an exceptional display of skill and teamwork, with the team dominating from start to finish. The impressive scoreline underscores their strength and determination on the field, marking a standout performance for the boys’ team this season.

NETBALL
In the Saturday game against Kereru C, St Andrew’s performed well in the first two quarters, leading to a halftime score of 30–23. However, Kereru C made a strong comeback in the last two quarters, outplaying the girls and winning 52–44.

In the Wednesday game against Cashmere A, St Andrew’s got off to a strong start and maintained the lead throughout the match. The team won all quarters, except the fourth, resulting in a final score of 42–19.

RUGBY
The 1st XV played against St Thomas of Canterbury College, who currently sit second on the Miles Toyota Competition ladder. St Andrew’s started really well with a fantastic try in the 22m area. Building phases and staying patient were key elements the group had been working on. St Andrew’s dominated large periods of this game and played some outstanding defence; however, a few key moments had a big impact on the outcome. St Thomas were competitive and lethal on the counterattack. Their hard running backs scored some well-worked tries, and they were the eventual winners 31–13. The 1st XV team can take many positives from this encounter as they build towards the home game against Marlborough Boys’ College this week.

HOCKEY
The Boys’ 1st XI played St Bede’s College this week and started the match well. St Andrew’s scored first after a good build up and at half time were leading 3–0. However, this match was a game of two quite different halves. In the second half, St Bede’s rallied and whittled St Andrew’s lead down and late in the last quarter St Bede’s equalised for a 3–3 draw.

The Girls’ 1st XI showed great heart and determination last Friday against Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, considering this was their first match in three weeks. They displayed excellent passing throughout the game, with Katherine Simcock (Year 12) standing out in defence and Aine Molony (Year 13) scoring a crucial one-touch goal. Despite conceding a late goal to Rangi in the last 20 seconds, their effort and emotion were palpable, leaving them proud of their performance.

BADMINTON
This week the Premier Boys’ team were up against a strong Riccarton High School team and were unfortunately outclassed by their experience. With lessons learnt and one more game for the term, the boys are looking forward to another week of competition.

The Premier Girls’ team played against Rangi Ruru Girls’ School A, winning three out of four single matches convincingly and had close doubles games: both going to deuces. The girls are doing well and improving every single game.

Student Success

CHAMBER MUSIC

The 2024 NZCT Chamber Music Contest journey has reached its destination for the three St Andrew’s College groups that were selected for the Southern Regional Final, held last Saturday at The Piano. Acousticks (Jack Flanagan, Hayden Lam, Daniel Ruge (all Year 13) and Edward Park (Year 8), 8 Strings 88 Keys (Miu Kim, Jasmine Hooker (both Year 12) and Sea-am Thompson (Year 13), and AAA Insurance (Ary Son, Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (both Year 10) and Andy Li (Year 9), all gave the best performances of their repertoire so far, but sadly this wasn’t enough for them to reach the National Final which will be held in August. Only two groups from Canterbury made it through this year, however the groups’ performances were well received by the audience and adjudicators alike, with comments such as ‘…beautiful tone and ensemble…’ (AAA Insurance), ‘… great drama!’ (Acousticks), and ‘…very accomplished playing…’ (8 Strings 88 Keys).

On Sunday, 8 Strings 88 Keys and AAA Insurance took part in a workshop with the adjudicators. Helen Lee and Michael Jamieson passed on insights and suggestions to further improve the groups’ work, which will be of value going forwards.

SQUASH

Four squash players travelled to Dunedin last weekend to play in the South Island Schools Teams’ Championships. The team of Jacob Bunting, Bodie Oxenham (both Year 12), George Reynolds, and Oliver Gilbert (both Year 9), were seeded second in Grade B, with only four teams in Grade A. On the first day, the team beat Christchurch Boys’ High School and lost to Cashmere High School. Day two involved matches against Otago Boys’ High School and Marlborough Boys’ College, with one win and one loss. With the top three teams each recording a two win and two loss record, it came down to matches and games won, which saw our team placed third and finishing with a ranking of seventh in the South Island.

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PROGRAMMING

Digital Technology students have been putting their programming skills to the test this month. On Saturday 8 June, a group of 40 girls met up at the University of Canterbury (UC) Computer Science Department for the annual Canterbury Girls’ Programming Workshop, with Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 10), Eileen Jiang, Keer (Tessa) Meng, and Katherine Nichols (all Year 9) attended from St Andrew’s College. The girls had the practiced their python coding and learnt some new skills. Working in small groups, students tried their hand at programming challenges, with the main aim of the day having have fun and learning.

Last Saturday, 40 teams made up of almost 100 students from around Christchurch gathered in a computer lab at UC to complete as many programming tasks as possible in 3.5 hours. Four teams from St Andrew’s took part, with students from Years 11–13. The competition was fun but intense, with students working through 14 problems that got progressively harder. The St Andrew’s teams made strong starts, solving some of the harder problems early on. When the buzzer sounded, Team Jabba made up of Bryan Cooper, Jack Li, Aaron Moore (all Year 13) earned third place, with the other Year 13 team, StACOverflow of Flynn Blackler, Owen Menzies, Dixel Vallabh placing sixth.

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CREATIVE WRITING

Last Saturday, students from the long and short lists of the International Flash Fiction Competition (stories of 300 words or fewer) attended the Ōtautahi celebration of Flash Fiction Day at Tūranga. Katrina Wallis (Year 10) read her long-listed story, Piano, and Jack Flanagan (Year 13) read his short-listed story, I play under the trees, with the monkeys and big cats. At this event it was announced that Bàba tells me, by Ellie Zhou (Year 11), had been placed second overall in the Youth competition – an outstanding achievement in an international writing competition of this calibre. Edward Keenan (Year 10) was also long listed in this competition for his story, The Tree.

MUSIC

This Matariki weekend, Sea-am Thompson (Year 13) will be performing over three days as one of 11 young organists featured in the Dunedin Organ Festival, organised by the New Zealand Organ Association. The aim of the festival is to encourage others to consider learning the organ, showcasing the instrument and the developing musicians. Sea-am is an organ scholar at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral and has played for the last five years. He will be performing a French contemporary piece at Port Chalmers, followed by Messiaen at St Paul’s Cathedral with the Dunedin City Choir.

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SWIMMING

Luca Graham (Year 12) won third place in the Men’s 50m Backstroke 15–16 years at the 2024 Swim Canterbury West Coast Short Course Championships, held last weekend.

MUSIC

This year a record 20 students from the Preparatory School have been selected for representative groups in the 2024 Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival. Being a member of these prestigious groups involves participating in a holiday course in the Spring holiday break, then in October the selected students will perform four evenings of the Music Festival in the Christchurch Town Hall.

  • Symphony Orchestra: Chloe Wang (Year 6), Chloe Sha, Emma Zhang, Jacob Wang, Chenxiao Leo (Leo) Yang, Matthew Zhang, Baizhen (Tony) Chen, Yunze Li (all Year 7), Ethan Waines, Ethan Zhao, Lexie Dong, and Cong (Zilong) Chen (all Year 8).
  • Junior Representative Choir: Adelyn Abrahamson, Alice Williams, Annabelle Laurenson, Jessica Whitehead, Ruby Richards (all Year 6), Riona McKendry and Romilly Comyn (both Year 5).
  • Senior Representative Choir: XiaoYa (Cynthia) Zhou (Year 7).

PREPARATORY SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

On Wednesday, the 10 Preparatory School students competed in the Canterbury and CAIMS (Canterbury Association Intermediate Schools) Cross Country at Ngā Puna Wai.

  • Podium finish: Isabelle Greer (Year 7 Girls) – 2nd.
  • Top 5 finish: Tayla Ford (Year 8 Girls) – 5th.
  • Top 10 finish: Diesel Mackie (Year 7 Boys) – 7th, Kobe Ford (Year 7 Boys) – 9th, Mila Rule (Year 7 Girls) – 10th.

Staff Success

FOOTBALL COACHING

Juan Chang has been away for the past two weeks coaching the Samoa U16 Women’s national team, which has proved incredibly successful as they clinched first place in the OFC U16 World Cup pre-qualifiers. This achievement now necessitates his participation in the U16 Women’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled in Fiji later this year. This is Juan's first campaign with the U16 Samoa national team but overall is his fourth campaign with the Samoa national team.

JuanChang IMG 3479

Old Collegians

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40 YEARS ON REUNION

The classes of 1984–1988 were welcomed for their 40 Years On Reunion last the weekend. Thirty-seven Old Collegians returned from around New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, many returning after a long hiatus. The event was filled with much hilarity, nostalgia, rekindled friendships, and shared memories with former teachers.

flickr >

ROWING

Ben Taylor (OC 2017) has been selected as a travelling reserve in the New Zealand rowing team for the Paris Olympics. He and Phillip Wilson qualified for the Games by placing third in the B Final of the Men’s Pair at the 2023 World Championships in Serbia. In 2017, Ben was in the eight that won the prestigious Maadi Cup for the first time. He was also in the St Andrew’s crew that won the U18 Coxed Four, known as the Springbok Shield. Since then, he has won numerous national titles.

Rowing OC Ben Taylor
Kavanah Lene OC Basketball

BASKETBALL

Kavanah Lene (OC 2023) is representing New Zealand at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China, as a member of the Junior Tall Ferns.

WINE AWARD

Tim Ogle (OC 1996), Director and Founder of Cellar Door in the Arts Centre in Christchurch, was the recipient of a prestigious award at an industry event in New York. Cellar Door won a “best of” Award of Excellence at the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, an honour given to establishments with well-curated wine lists. Only one other restaurant in the country has ever received the award.

OC Tim Ogle Wine 2

Good Luck

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

  • 1st XV vs Marlborough Boys’ College.

Notices and Upcoming Events

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CANS FOR HUMANITY

This year, as part of House competitions in the Secondary School, a Cans for Humanity competition is being run. Students are encouraged to bring in cans of food and at the end of the competition on Thursday 4 July the cans will be counted, and the winning House will gain the most points. There will also be a sculpture competition where the House Leaders will make a sculpture out of the cans to get extra points. Thank you for your support.

COLLEGE SHOP OPENING HOURS

During term time: the College Shop, Thistles, is open from 7.45am–9.45am and 12.00pm–4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 7.45am–9.45am and 12.00pm–3.30pm on Wednesday.

During term breaks: the College Shop is open on Monday of the first week of holidays from 11.30am–3.30pm, and Friday of the last week of holidays from 11.30am–3.30pm.

Christmas break (December/January) hours will be confirmed later in the year.

YEARS 12–13 PARENT PRESENTATION EVENING

Year 12–13 parents and caregivers are warmly invited to an engaging evening presentation. 'Supporting Your Child's School-to-Life Journey' is a free, comprehensive event that will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently guide your child through the crucial transition from school to the next stage of their life. Key topics we will cover include school-to-life transition: NCEA vs tertiary education; scholarships, halls of residence, and tertiary applications; funding tertiary study; addressing student anxiety; pathway options beyond St Andrew's College.

When: Tuesday 30 July, 6.00pm–7.00pm
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Registrations close at 3.00pm, Monday 29 July.

REGISTER HERE >

AVIATION INFORMATION EVENING

An aviation industry information evening is being hosted at St Andrew’s College on Tuesday 6 August, 7.00pm–9.00pm, for interested students and their parents from St Andrew's College, St Margaret's College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and Christ's College. Industry Engagement Lead, Allan Moulai, will open the evening with a brief welcome and the evening will be supported by Airways New Zealand (employer of Air Traffic Controllers and others), International Aviation Academy of New Zealand, Christchurch Helicopters, Air New Zealand Learning Institute, New Zealand Air Force, Association of Women in Aviation, and Christchurch Engine Centre.

STUDENTS REGISTER HERE >

STAC ATTACK 2024 | SUNDAY 28 JULY

Experience the thrilling sounds of StAC Attack 2024! 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.

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 displaying their skills, StAC Attack promises to be an action-packed performance.

Be a part of the magic at StAC Attack 2024!

When: Sunday 28 July 2024
Time: 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Christchurch Town Hall, James Hay Theatre
Tickets: Adults $49.00, students/children $29.00 (student ID may be requested).

PURCHASE tICKETS >
StAC Attack 2x1
Online Photography 2024

2024 PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE ORDERS

The online sales for the following 2024 photographs are now available:

  • NEW: Preparatory School Librarians, Mini Jammers basketball, cricket, and water polo;
  • NEW: Secondary School summer sports, music, and cultural groups;
  • individual student photographs;
  • Secondary School tutor group photographs;
  • Preparatory School class photographs (excluding new entrant and Class 8A);
  • entire year group photographs for Year 9 and Year 13.

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 >

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 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 >

Community Directory 1

KEY DATES

  • Friday 28 June – Matariki (College closed)
  • Tuesday 2 July – Performance Evening
  • Friday 5 July – Prefects’ Assembly
  • Friday 5 July – End of Term 2
  • Monday 22 July – Staff Professional Development Day
  • Tuesday 23 July – Start of Term 3
  • Tuesday 23 July – Secondary School Tutor-Whānau Conferences
  • Sunday 28 July – StAC Attack, 5.00pm, James Hay Theatre
  • Saturday 3 August – Senior College Formal
  • Tuesday 20 August – Film Fest

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