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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
This week started with the Middle School Chapel Service on Sunday evening, an occasion that made me reflect on how important it is for our young people in this modern fast-paced age to learn to gather together and spend time being still and quiet, as they reflect on the readings, prayers, songs and words. These contemplative practices are a discipline that research shows has huge benefits for our minds, well-being, as well as our souls. My special thanks to Stacchorus for their beautiful singing performance within this chapel service.
Our Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, spoke at this chapel service on the theme of ‘Seeds and Switches’ – noting how in our modern world we are too used to fast ‘switches’ and so expect quick changes and immediate actions, although real progress and growth takes time for change just like we see in slow growing ‘seeds’.
Middle School Chapel Service Flickr >
This message was then repeated in the dawn service I participated in with our Year 10 students on Thursday, as part of their Te Waka Programme. This is truly an outstanding “rite of passage” programme ably led by the Teacher in Charge, Kate Taylor. The aim is to help slowly support and guide our Year 10 ākonga towards and into adulthood. This beautiful dawn service, at Cracroft Reserve overlooking the city, was held to mark the beginning of their journey into adulthood. I look forward to following these Year 10 students through this structured support programme with their allocated teachers for the year.
In terms of quality time, it was wonderful to meet up with another large group of Old Collegians at Waipara Springs Winery for our North Canterbury OCA Gathering. I enjoyed meeting yet another connected and loyal group so keen and passionate about St Andrew’s College. It was enjoyable hearing their stories and seeing them meet up with old friends.
Congratulations to Richard Hawke and his team with our three Pipe Bands (64 students) who competed in the Provincial and South Island Championships last weekend. StAC A Band won both the overall Grade 2 and U18 titles, with our combined StAC B and C bands runners-up in the U18. These wonderful outcomes show the excellent work of our Pipe Band programme, and we now look forward to nationals at the beginning of March in Invercargill.
This week finished with my first experience of St Andrew’s amazing Athletic Sports Day, where a lot of fun was had. This Athletic Sports Day, our 107th Athletic Sports Day, was also an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of our House system and competitions. My message for the students at the start of this festive day was that ‘life is not a spectator sport’ – and that you get out of it what you put in. So, it was great to see the high level of engagement and participation from the Secondary School students, and staff. Many thanks to everyone for this wonderful day and excellent end to this school week.
Athletic Sports Day Results >
Athletic Sports Day Flickr >
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
On Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February, the Music Department hosted an in-house Choir Camp to kickstart the year. The two days included group challenges, workshops, rehearsals, and a visit from a vocal physiotherapist. The two choirs have already shown they are focused and are making a great sound together.
On Monday, the Year 11 NCEA PE students went on their annual High Ropes Day trip. It was a fantastic day filled with adventure-based learning activities where students demonstrated and promoted Kotahitanga for their upcoming written assessment. They were outstanding ambassadors for the school, showing inclusivity and encouragement, especially during the more challenging High Ropes activities. It was great to see students stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing the experience with enthusiasm.
Last Friday the Quad was inundated with spectators for the annual House rowing competition. It was the first time the competition had been held in two years and was just before Maadi Cup, the vibe was electric. Each House fielded a team of ten rowers, two from each year group, and were enthusiastically supported by the students and staff from each House. Each rower completed a 500m sprint, then completed a second round of 250m each. It was an epic showcase of the mahi that the rowers need to do to perform at the top levels in their sport. In the last 250m, Jasmin Christie (Year 13), Head of Rowing, brought home the MacGibbon crew just in front of the Thompson. Rutherford finished third after some mighty performances from non-rowing athletes, and Erwin fourth.
A group of Year 12 Geography students attended a two-night field trip to Aoraki Mount Cook this week. The key purpose of the trip was for students to carry out their geographic research for their NCEA internal assessment in an alpine environment. The students were fortunate to go on a helicopter trip to get a bird’s eye view of the impact that glacial melt is having on the alpine landscape of the Aoraki National Park, completed tramps in the valley.
Flickr >At 5.30am on Thursday, the Year 10 students gathered at St Andrew’s College to participate in ‘The Calling’ Te Waka ceremony. This event marks a significant moment where teachers ‘call’ the students on their journey towards adulthood. This year, the ceremony took place at Cracroft Reserve, with breakfast served on the lawn of the Sign of the Takahe.
The ceremony began with greetings and welcoming messages, emphasising the importance of moving forward, accepting greater responsibility, and marking the start of this crucial phase. ‘The Calling’ also signifies the end of childhood and expresses gratitude to those who have influenced the students throughout their early years. A key part of the ceremony involves students writing down a ‘childhood’ behaviour they wish to leave behind on a piece of harakeke and weaving these together as a class. The students respectfully and reflectively cast these back to the land, symbolising the end of childhood behaviours and the beginning of new challenges and responsibilities.
The morning was fantastic, with the sunrise breaking through the low clouds. The students deeply appreciated the significance of the ceremony, and it will remain a cherished memory they share with others.
flickr >
On Wednesday, 19 Year 9–10 students attended a second half-day creative writing workshop in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, organised by Writer in Residence Kerrin P. Sharpe, with Head of English Rebecca Ball. This workshop provided students with a range of exemplar poems and prose to learn from, as well as information and advice on upcoming writing competitions and publication opportunities. Student writers were then given inspiration, time, and support to develop their own writing projects. Students will now work with Kerrin and Rebecca to refine, edit, and submit their work, and then move onto their next writing project.
flickr >Our College A, B and C Bands competed at the Canterbury Provincial Championships last weekend in the grounds of Riccarton Bush. The competition weekend is ideal preparation for the upcoming National Pipe Band Championships next Friday and Saturday in Invercargill. The Pipe Band was delighted to welcome our development players who competed with the B and C Bands in the Juvenile event on Sunday morning. There were many parents and supporters attending both days.
Provincial Championships
Canterbury Centre Contest
The top tennis players represented the College at the South Island Championships last weekend. The Girls’ team of Lily McHarg, Ruby McPhail (both Year 13), Lila Waghorn (Year 12), Billie Feaver-Banks (Year 10) and Zoe Kelso (Year 9), faced both Craighead Diocesan School and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School on Saturday, with convincing wins against both, setting them up for a final against St Margaret’s College on Sunday. The final was very close, with the Singles honours shared 2–2. This meant the doubles would decide the title and again some hard-fought matches saw the final drawn at 3–3 matches, resulting in a set countback. Unfortunately, St Margaret’s won this 7–6, with St Andrew’s finishing as runner up in the Girls’ South Island Championships. The Boys’ team of Ricky Kotepong (Year 13), Jack Wheeler (Year 11), George Kotepong (Year 10), and Tom Dawson, Haolin (Harley) Xiong (both Year 9) also had a good tournament. They lost in their semi-final to eventual winners, Ashburton College, finishing third in the Boys’ Championship.
Flickr >Wilde Brabazon-Fleming (Year 10) playing alongside his teammates from Christ’s College, represented the A grade South Island in a polo match against the Central Districts Hawkes Bay traveling team, with a 4–4 draw.
Georgia Lewis (Year 12) is a regular quarter midget competitor at Ruapuna Raceway and was honoured to be invited to lead the 71st NZ 3/4 Midget Championship field driving the restored 89/90 championship winning car. As well as leading the championship field, she also got to run some hot laps to show off what the old car can do.
The first day against Christ’s College proved to be a success. College chose to bat first, but the St Andrew’s bowlers hit their targets early and kept the pressure on, dismissing them for 55. Jock Sidey (Year 12) 4/2 and Aarkin Kesar (Year 13) 4/21 bowled exceptionally well. One key highlight was the wicket keeping of Jack O'Rourke (Year 13) taking four catches and two stumpings. St Andrew’s replied with 146/9 declared and had College 91/3 at the end of the day’s play.
In a 20/20 match against Christ’s College on Wednesday, St Andrew’s batted first and accumulated 169 with Ryan Bond (Year 12) 95. Some good tight bowling saw St Andrew’s restrict College to 131, with Aarkin Kesar and Harrison Horsley (Year 11) taking three wickets each.
Other key performances:
On Monday, Year 5–8 students participated in the annual Preparatory School Swimming Championships at Jellie Park. The event was a resounding success, with all students competing with great enthusiasm and determination. The inclusion of Year 8 students as helpers in the water was particularly beneficial for those who find swimming challenging. The house competition saw MacGibbon taking first place, followed by Erwin, then Rutherford and Thompson.
fLICKR >
On Tuesday, our Preparatory School triathletes participated alongside 600 students in the Canterbury Primary Schools (CPSSA) Triathlon in Oxford. Our students demonstrated remarkable determination and spirit throughout the event. Joshua Smith (Year 8) came first in the Year 8 Open Category, finishing 1:51 ahead of second place.
Full results >
Last week, Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Year 8) competed in the 2025 South Island Long Course Swimming Championships, racing over three days, with heats in the mornings and finals at night. Kelicia raced in nine events, making top eight finals in six events. Results:
Iaera Abrahamson (Year 5) and Nayana Abrahamson (Year 3) competed in the recent Rangiora Highland Dancing Competition. Iaera won Most Points U10 and Most Points of the Day. Nayana won Most Points U8, Most Points 6 and Under, and Most Outstanding Dancer of the Day.
Ava Gardiner (Year 13) was selected for the Canterbury U18 touch team, with her team placing sixth overall in the U18 Girls’ Nationals earlier this month.
On Monday, over 70 Old Collegians and their partners gathered at the Waipara Springs Winery to meet Rector Mark Wilson and reconnect at our North Canterbury Gathering. The perfect weather and stunning vineyard setting, created an atmosphere of camaraderie among the Class of 1951 to 2024. This year's Head of Boys’ and Girls’ Boarding, Lachie Sidey and Cata Serrano Burgos, enjoyed hearing memories from past boarders. The reunion highlighted the strong bonds within our alumni community, with many attendees also being past or current parents. Special thanks to our hosts Bruce Moore (OC 1962) and Andrew Moore (OC 1991).
Flickr >On Tuesday, our OCA President Sam Crosbie (OC 2009) welcomed a group of Old Collegians from the Mid-Canterbury region to the Lake House in Lake Hood. Alumni from 1946 to 2005 reconnected and shared fond memories, with Craig Galloway (OC 1970) entertaining the group with anecdotes about his memories of school days as the Rector’s son.
flickr >
Mac Stodart (OC 2019) has been signed by the Otago Nuggets for the 2025 Sal’s NZNBL season. After graduating from St Andrew’s, Mac earned a scholarship at Concordia University Irvine, before transferring to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS). He has represented Otago and played for U16 and U18 NZ teams and also made a significant impact with the Canterbury Rams.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
We are looking forward to welcoming our current, past, and potential future members of the St Andrew’s College community at the Wanaka A&P Show. Please look out for us at our new site, C6, in the Schools & Education Zone, near the Lakeside Gate Entrance.
The annual Hoop It Up gala fundraising event will take place on Saturday 7 June from 6.00pm at the Commodore Hotel. Organised by the StAC Basketball Fundraising Committee, this is sure to be a fantastic evening. Reserve your seat or get a group together. Ticket includes entrees, dinner, and drinks (Tinpot Hut wines and tap beer provided, cash bar for all other drinks), special guest speaker panel, an auction, a DJ, and dance floor. All proceeds support St Andrew’s College Basketball. This will be a great mid-winter night out.
To reserve a seat/table, please email Teacher in Charge of Basketball, Ben Eves, on BEV@stac.school.nz, while spots last.
Meet our teachers who make the difference at our upcoming Open Days. Please help spread the word for interested families to register online.
Secondary School Open Day: Wednesday 5 March, 9.00am–12.00pm
Last Tour Commences: 10.30am
Rector's Address: 11.00am
Boarding House Open Day (register separately): 12.00pm
Preparatory School and Pre-school Open Day: Thursday 6 March, 11.00am–12.30pm
Principal of Preparatory School Address: 11.45am
Applications for the Year 10 Exchange Program are now open. This year, we have one exchange opportunity available to Barker College in Sydney, Australia (Co-ed). If your child is interested in experiencing a different country, culture, and school environment, this four-week exchange is a perfect opportunity for them.
For more information, please contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Pale Tauti, PTU@stac.school.nz.
2025 photographs:
Parents/caregivers will receive an email later this term when photos are available, and access codes for new students will then be visible on the photo ordering information page on StACNet.
All 2024 photographs are available to purchase online:
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
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).
The Community Business Directory is on our website and represents over 100 parent businesses. Please take a look at how many businesses you can support locally.
The St Andrew's College Community Business Directory >
If you would still like to register your business, complete the following form.
Community Business Directory Registration >
For a full list of upcoming school events, please refer to the fixtures page on StACNet.
