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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
It was with much sadness that we shared, at the start of this week, with our College community the tragic and sudden death of our Year 11 student, Gus Menzies. Thank you to all the staff who provided support and care for students and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Gus’ family and friends, as they grieve and manage this heartbreaking loss.
Advice on grief and loss >
What does a grieving child or teen need the most >
Prior to this sad news, over this last weekend, we had just been celebrating some wonderful student achievements, which had come from persistent hard work and dedication. St Andrew’s once again winning the national U18 (Juvenile) Pipe Band title, as well as the adult Grade 2 national title; and our rowers claiming more medals, this time at the South Island Schools Championship regatta.
These impressive successes are the result of hard work and ongoing practice by these students. The Pipe Band, under the excellent tutoring team directed by our Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke, and our rowers superbly coached by our great team, led by Rowing Manager, Liam Parker.
My wife Judi and I were fortunate to travel to Invercargill in support of our pipe bands at the national championships. It was such a privilege to be part of the strong St Andrew’s group – with three student pipe band groups (A–C), tutors, support teachers, and a parental support team. Well done to everyone, especially navigating the difficult weather conditions with heavy showers on the final day – with a special shout out to the B and C bands heroically marching on in the pouring rain during the Street Parade.
Into the start of this week, I appreciated meeting up with our Year 8 parents as part of their information evening for progressing into Year 9 in our Secondary School. While entry from Preparatory School is automatic into our Secondary School, there are still deadlines, and families all have choices. There is far greater engagement and success when we choose to be part of a community. Following our very successful Open Days last week, the strong demand for enrolment places at St Andrew’s College certainly continues to be exceptionally high.
Founders’ Day started this morning with our annual special assemblies, first for our Years 7–10 students, and then for Years 11–13. This occasion is made incredibly special with the attendance of many of our Old Collegians, including those who will be attending this weekend’s 60 Years On Reunion. In addition, it was wonderful to have guest speaker, Amiria Rule, an Old Collegian who attended St Andrew’s College from 1998–2001, and represented New Zealand as a Black Fern. We are delighted to have Amiria on staff at St Andrew’s, as our Head of Learning Support – Secondary.
Founders’ Day Assembly Rector’s Address >
Assembly Awards >
Founders’ Day Assembly Flickr >
Following the Founders’ Day celebrations, this afternoon I enjoyed my first Highland Games. This was as much fun as I expected, with the range of activities including the inter-house singing and chants, Highland dancing, wheat sheaf tossing, caber tossing, and the two-person dead lift and carry. The inter-house haka added a much appreciated bicultural aspect, recognising our special place here in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Then our stunning Pipe Band completed their traditional performance march to close off the awesome day.
Highland Games Flickr >
Over this weekend my wife Judi and I are looking forward to attending the Old Collegian’s 60 Years On Reunion, which commences with a cocktail evening tonight, and then the dinner function on Saturday. We are so pleased to see such a strong turnout for this reunion, and their opportunity to enjoy reminiscing and reconnecting.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
St Andrew's College hosted the first Combined Boarders’ Chapel of the year on Tuesday, welcoming boarders from Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and St Bede’s College to the Centennial Chapel. Heads of Boarding, Cata Serrano Burgos and Lachie Sidey (both Year 13) opened the service, highlighting the significance of this gathering. The guest speaker was 2024 Head Boy from Lindisfarne College, Fergus Morunga, now a law student at the University of Canterbury. He delivered an inspiring message on courage, drawing from his own experiences facing his fear of public speaking due to his stutter. His stories, including a memorable farmyard moment involving a charging bull, reinforced the theme of embracing challenges and how this can lead to personal growth. The service also featured a stunning performance of O Sole Mio by Noah Fanene (Year 13). The event concluded with Year 13 boarders enjoying a chance to connect over an ice cream in the Senior College.
On Monday, French students had the opportunity to come along to the Food Room at lunchtime and sample a crêpe for Mardi Gras. Madame Radcliffe, Madame Taylor, and the French Assistant, Bintou, prepared the crêpes and served them to students, who indicated in French their preference from a range of toppings including Nutella, banana, cream, lemon juice, sugar, and berry coulis. The French tradition of Mardi Gras takes place on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent. This is a time for people to consume their rich foods in preparation for fasting. Around 30 students enjoyed the crêpes and will be looking forward to another opportunity to celebrate French culture in the near future.
On Sunday, the Preparatory School children, families, and staff attended their Term 1 chapel. The service was co-ordinated by Preparatory School Chaplain, Jillian Fenton, and the message was delivered by Assistant Chaplain, Ben Hughes. He was, as always, entertaining, and thought-provoking. The senior choir provided beautiful singing, and Chapel was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Flickr >Buttercup is a much-loved member of the Preparatory School’s Junior Department and holds a special place in the hearts of students who have been through our Year 1–3 classes. She has been part of the team for more than 15 years and spends her time visiting classes in recognition of students’ StAC-Up manners at Junior Assembly each Friday. During her time in the Junior Department, Buttercup has enjoyed many decorative outfits, but now she is a true St Andrew’s bear in her first school uniform. Current parents, Bev Bradbury knitted her cosy cardigan, and Alice Wilson made the beautiful pinafore. The children in the photo with Buttercup are Ruby Bradbury (Year 3), Harry Bradbury and Toby Wilson (both Year 4).
The Secondary School annual Swimming Sports competition was held on Monday at Jellie Park. 135 swimmers participated, and with a full back-to-back programme, some swimmers were kept very busy. Five new school swimming records were set – Luca Graham (Year 13) one record, and Rylee McBride (Year 13) four records. The champion sports House was Rutherford, with MacGibbon second, Erwin third, and Thompson.
Flickr >In support of the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing regatta on the weekend, Robbie Miller’s (Year 13) older sister Myken Miller (OC 2024) made gingerbread decorated to represent St Andrew’s rowing squads. At the competition, St Andrew’s won with three golds, two silvers and two bronze medals. The Maadi squad stayed on for three days, conducting vital training to gain more boat speed for the upcoming Maadi regatta.
Flickr >
The College's A, B, and C Pipe Bands had a fantastic weekend in Queen's Park, Invercargill, for the National Pipe Band Championships. The A Band won the Grade 2 National Championship title, in addition to winning the Juvenile Grade. In Grade 2, the A Band was competing against top adult bands, including the Australian Pipe Band Club, Sydney, and St Andrew's Pipe Band from Brisbane. This was a first time our C Band competed outside of Christchurch and was an amazing experience for all of the students, tutors, and supporters.
Flickr >Last weekend, the St Andrew’s College Junior Girls’ futsal team competed in the Mainland Football Futsal 2025 Regional Championship. The team played four matches to qualify for the finals on Sunday afternoon at the new Ngā Puna Wai complex. The team played against Lincoln High School in the final, after an undefeated run in the group stage. The team started under pressure, trailing 0–1 at half time and had to substitute the injured goalkeeper. In the second half, the girls showed great resilience by scoring four goals and eventually winning 4–1 to become the Mainland Football Futsal 2025 Regional Champions. Both the Junior A and Senior Boys’ A teams claimed third place in their respective categories at the tournament.
St Andrew’s College students showcased their debating skills at the Canterbury Debating Senior Regionals, held at the University of Canterbury last weekend. Among the standout performances, StAC Blue (Lachlan Hackston, Hanxi (Cicy) Chen, and Gracie-Starr Guest (all Year 11)) won the Most Promising Team award as the only full Year 11 team competing against senior opponents. Throughout the tournament, all four teams demonstrated strong debating skills, with StAC Red advancing to the semi-finals after consistent success in the preliminary rounds. The team delivered a compelling case but were ultimately defeated by Cashmere Gold, who went on to win the competition. Kate Simcock (Year 13) was named the Best Reply Speaker for her impactful leader's replies and was also selected as a Canterbury Representative for the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Nationals in May.
Anthony Song (Year 10) has been awarded first place in the Young Writers category of the Scottish Book Trust's 50 Word Fiction Competition, an international competition. Anthony wrote his short prose on the given theme of 'frost', in the junior Creative Writing Workshop earlier this term.
Oliver Macdonald (Year 11) was also a medallist multiple times at both the 2025 Canterbury and South Island Surf Lifesaving competitions. Last week he competed in the Surf Lifesaving Nationals in Gisborne, where he competed in board, surf ski, rescue, and iron events, winning a national silver medal in the surf ski team relay event.
Millicent MacIntyre (Year 10) competed in a number of surf lifesaving competitions recently, achieving third place overall at the Canterbury Championships.
On Wednesday, a group of 38 Preparatory School students took part in the ISSA (Independent Schools) zone swimming event at Wharenui Swimming Pool. Eleven students achieved top three placings, and four students achieved a first place. The first and second place individual swimmers, along with the first place relay participants all qualify for the Primary Canterbury Swimming event in Week 10.
Last weekend, Archer Wyeth (Year 4) attended the New Zealand Boys’ Dance Convention. He took workshops in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip-hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Arco and Tap, and performed in six items in the convention’s showcase concert, representing his dance school.
Last weekend, Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Year 8) competed in the 2025 Makos Junior Swimming Festival at Moana Pool against 165 junior athletes from across the South Island. Kelicia raced in 12 individual and four relay events, placing in the top 10 for every event. She earned three podium placings – second in 100m butterfly and 200m breaststroke, and third in 50m butterfly. She also achieved six new personal bests, including a New Zealand U13 Short Course qualifying time.
Anthony Kutovoy (Year 13) recently competed in a short-track speed skating Junior World Cup 3 event in Quebec, where he placed in the top 20 internationally. As a result, he has been long-listed for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Last weekend he also competed in the Junior World Championships in Calgary, gaining further experience.
Oliver Macdonald (Year 11) recently competed at Tikitapu 2 at Blue Lakes, Rotorua. This was a New Zealand selection regatta and Oliver excelled with his results throughout the weekend across all events – K1 200m, K1 500m, K1 1000m, K2 500m and K4s. As a result of his performance, Oliver has been selected to compete in the 2025 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup for the New Zealand U16 team in Japan this May.
Along with the students reported in previous newsletters, Rosie Gaffaney (Year 11) was selected for the Canterbury U16 touch team at the Bunnings Youth Nationals Touch Championship earlier this month.
Kate Simcock (Year 13) was selected as a representative for the Canterbury region’s debating team. She will compete at the New Zealand Schools' Debating Nationals in Wellington in May this year. The finals are held at Parliament and the opening ceremony is at the Supreme Court.
Four Old Collegians have been named in U20 squads to compete in a week-long national tournament in Taupō. Sam Mustchin (OC 2024) and Couper Killick (OC 2022) will be playing for the Highlanders U20 team, while Cylas Tauti and Radford Powell (both OC 2023) are in the U20 Crusaders team.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend in sports and cultural activities including:
St Andrew's College proudly presents Twelfth Night, a vibrant and modern musical twist on Shakespeare's cherished comedy, created by Shaina Taub. Join us as our talented senior students bring the classic tale of mistaken identities and romance to life in a fresh and exciting way.
This musical adaptation blends Shakespeare’s sharp wit with a bold, contemporary soundtrack. Featuring an eclectic mix of folk, pop, and soul, the performance will have you tapping your feet and humming along to the tunes long after the final bow.
Step into a world brimming with mischief, love, and witty wordplay. With dazzling performances, vibrant choreography, and a unique musical score, Twelfth Night promises to be an unforgettable experience.
When: Sunday 4 May – Saturday 10 May (no show Wednesday)
Where: Gough Family Theatre, Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: Adults $35.00 | Students $17.50
We are excited to announce Fia Fia Night, a special event to celebrate and support this year’s StAC Polyfest Campaign.
We warmly invite all families to join us for this vibrant evening of culture and community. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Pipe Band Department is proud to be hosting the Pipe Band Ceilidh for 2025 – this year as a family-friendly social event with the call to “Gather Your Clan” to enjoy this special evening together. Expect a relaxed occasion with family, fellowship, and fun at the forefront. This is an alcohol-free event; however, a range of non-alcoholic beverages will be on offer, along with delicious spit-roast food with dietary requirements catered for. Aligning with Scottish community tradition, fun will be in the form of a Ceilidh (Kay-lee) dance, Address to a Haggis, Highland Dancing and Pipe Band performances. Auction items, spot prizes and mystery prizes are up for grabs.
So, Gather Your Clan and save the date for Sunday 18 May – tickets and more information will be released in the coming weeks.
Looking for a way to help your child build their confidence, enhance their public speaking skills, or explore the world of drama? This term, we are offering places in our popular Speech and Drama classes – a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and creative expression. Not only are these classes a wonderful way for students to develop valuable skills in a supportive and engaging environment, but participation can also count as a signed-off activity towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. Lessons are 30 minutes long, held once a week during school hours. To enrol your child, please access the speech and drama form on StACNet or follow the link below.
Speech and Drama Tuition Sign Up Form >
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.
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.
The following 2025 school photographs are now 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.
