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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
“Grit is defined as a combination of passion and perseverance to achieve your goals” (Angela Duckworth, author of Grit). This grit was clearly in action when our Senior Girls’ A volleyball team came back from two sets down in both their semi-final against Burnside High School and then again in their final against St Margaret’s College to win the Canterbury Regional title last weekend. ‘Shout out’ to Mia Montgomery (Year 13) for being selected as the MVP for this tournament. Our Senior Boys’ A team also performed well, finishing fourth at this Canterbury tournament. It is good to see our Senior volleyball girls building well towards nationals next week, after recently placing fifth in South Island (Mainland) tournament.
At the Senior College Chapel Service last Sunday evening, College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, shared a similar message around grit – how strength can often be found in difficulties or weakness, and through this we can discover who we really are and what we are capable of, often with the support of others. A special thank you to the students for their stunning performances from Staccoro and the Boys’ Barbershop during this service. It was also great to see the donations received for our So They Can charity fundraising campaign. There are some great initiatives and efforts underway for this year’s So They Can One Human Race, which we look forward to sharing in the coming weeks.
Flickr >
On Monday afternoon, a number of staff and students attended the funeral at Little Akaloa for our young man, Gus Menzies (Year 11). Our prayers, thoughts, and support continue to be with his family and close friends following this tragic loss.
Advice on grief and loss >
What does a grieving child or teen need the most >
On Wednesday evening, we hosted our annual Pasifika Fiafia evening. This was such a fun and enjoyable evening of music and Pasifika culture, in preparation for the annual Canterbury Polyfest event being held at North Hagley Park this Saturday, with our StAC Pasifika group performing at around 4.30pm.
Wednesday sports concluded this week. Thank you to all staff and coaches and all our teams across half a dozen different sporting codes, including well over 350 students participating. Congratulations to both our Boys’ and Girls’ Senior A tennis teams winning the Canterbury Secondary School Sport Premier Tennis competition. The girls won their final 3–1 against St Margaret’s College, and the boys won theirs 2–1. Another notable mention for this week was our undefeated Boys’ 1st XI cricket team finishing runners-up in a thrilling Championship T20 Final against Christchurch Boys’ High School yesterday, with Boys’ High just making our total of 119/7 with just two balls to spare.
Next week is Summer Tournament Week. All the very best and thank you in advance to all our coaches, staff, and supporters who are involved in taking our teams across the country to compete. There are an impressive number of teams who have qualified – two boys’ futsal teams (Wellington), canoe polo (Hastings), 3x3 boys’ and girls’ basketball (Dunedin), mountain biking (Mt Hutt); and here in Christchurch will be the Senior Girls’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ water polo, boys’ and girls’ touch, and girls’ cricket. At the weekend, I am looking forward to cheering on our rowers at the Maadi Cup regatta at Lake Karapiro, after their great successes at the recent South Island regatta.
This Sunday, the Board of Governors are meeting for our first Strategy Day, with the aim of setting out the process for developing our new Strategic Plan for 2026 and beyond. We look forward to sharing details of this project throughout the year.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
The 2025 Prizegiving ceremony will be held on Saturday 29 November, rather than on a Sunday as in previous years, due to a scheduling conflict at Venues Ōtautahi. More information will be communicated in due course.
On Thursday evening, the Year 10 Te Waka Departure Evening was held on campus. This is a meaningful event where parents and caregivers have the opportunity to meet with their child’s Te Waka teacher and share a special moment of gratitude. A highlight of the evening was the exchange of heartfelt letters between parents and their child, expressing appreciation and reflection. The night was a beautiful occasion for reminiscing about the students’ childhood journeys while also discussing strategies to support our rangatahi as they step into their future. It was truly special to witness these moments of connection and reflection between families. A sincere thank you to all the students, parents, and staff who contributed their time and effort to making this event such a memorable and meaningful experience.
Our annual Fiafia Night on Wednesday evening continued its tradition of celebrating Pasifika culture in our community. With over 300 parents, students, and staff in attendance, the 2025 Polyfest students were certainly feeling the aroha for their performance this Saturday, 22 March, at the annual Canterbury Polyfest Festival at North Hagley. Polyfest student leaders Coco Schwass, Mia Montgomery, and George Wesley (all Year 13), and Hannah Papali’i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12), opened the evening with words of gratitude for their Polyfest tutors and supporting staff. They reflected on the five-year ‘full circle’ journey that St Andrew’s has gone through. With the inception of Polyfest in 2020 featuring 19 students, now in their fifth and final year at the College, the Polyfest leaders support a group of around 35 students. The Polyfest team gave a stirring performance, full of energy and precision, and showcased the many weeks of hard mahi they have put in to preparing for Polyfest. The evening ended with shared kai with friends and whānau.
Flickr >
Last week, Year 13 Business Studies students had their first round of mentor feedback to assist their new startups to be more sustainable. The College is fortunate to have the support of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors, Stepen Bateman and Lloyd Mander, as well as a new mentor, Sophie Goode (OC 2021). Sophie was a previous finalist in the 2022 Young Enterprise regional finals and is currently studying Commerce and Law at University of Canterbury. The Business Studies students will use their mentors’ advice in their planning documents and their pitches for the Young Enterprise programme.
This year’s International Day to celebrate French speaking countries was held yesterday. To celebrate, students and staff were invited to take part in a French quiz during lunchtime, which involved identifying countries where French is currently, or was once, an official language. The clues were flags and a map or something to identify the country. While doing this they were able to gain inspiration by sampling some French pastries. The competition was fierce and was won by a group of four Year 9 boys.
Last weekend, prefects Kate Simcock and Milla Smith (both Year 13) were invited to attend the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre’s 100th birthday celebration in Governors Bay, representing the College. The occasion celebrated the charity’s centenary of support of children in Canterbury, and Kate and Milla enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the history and importance of the centre to the region. The two students were privileged to meet with Cholmondeley staff, as well as Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor-General of New Zealand.
Tom Simpson and Lila Waghorn (both Year 12) were announced as the 2025 Robert Burns Scholars during our Founders’ Day Assembly last Friday. Since 2006, this scholarship offers one boy and one girl the opportunity to travel to Scotland and be hosted at several prestigious schools, which St Andrew’s College has strong connections with. The two students will represent St Andrew’s while spending four weeks in Scotland. They will start their journey in Edinburgh at St George’s School (Lila) and Merchiston Castle School (Tom), each travelling to five different schools. They will enjoy two days in Dumfries, where they will be embraced by Robert Burns’ enthusiasts and discover how the great Scottish poet and lyricist lived.
A group of 45 students received their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, certificate, and badge at the Senior College Assembly today. This prestigious award is offered globally in 130 countries and has been on offer at St Andrew’s College for 60 years. The Silver Award requires six months of regular physical recreation, six months of participation in a skill or hobby, six months of community service and preparation, training, and completion of Adventurous Journeys. Good luck to those who have now taken on the challenge of completing their Gold Award.
Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Recipients >
The Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics Prelims were held in less-than-ideal conditions on Tuesday, with many events sent straight to finals on Friday due to the rain. All the 3000m finals were held, with Tayla Ford (Year 9) winning the U14 Girls’ and Sophie Lampe (Year 11) the U16 Girls’. Cohnor Walsh (Year 12) was fourth in the Senior Boys’ race. Most athletes qualified in at least one event for the finals taking place today. Athletes qualifying in the top position included Jody McCarthy-Dempsey (Year 13) for Senior Girls’ long jump, Melenaite Havea (Year 12) for Senior Girls’ discus, and Roma Tuimaunei (Year 12) for U16 Boys’ shot put. Many others were in the top four or five positions, putting the team in a strong position for the Friday finals and qualifying for the South Island Championships.
This past weekend, four teams represented the College at the Canterbury Senior Volleyball Championships. The Senior A Girls’ team went through pool play unbeaten, including a five-set victory over Christchurch Girls’ High School and faced Burnside High School in the semi-finals. After dropping the first two sets, the team won the next three to advance to the final against St Margaret's College. They lost the first two sets, but dug deep to reverse sweep St Margaret’s, securing the gold medal and Canterbury Championship title. Catherine Cook (Year 13) and Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12) were named to the tournament team, and captain Mia Montgomery (Year 13) was named Tournament MVP.
The Senior A Boys’ team also had a strong tournament. After losing both their day-one matches, they secured two wins, earning a spot in the semi-finals. They were defeated in the semi-final 1–3 by Riccarton High School, who went on to win the tournament, and the team finished fourth overall. Jett Timbrell (Year 12) and Jairo Senio (Year 11) were named in the tournament team. The Girls’ B team, competing in Division 2, also went through pool play undefeated. After a tough quarterfinal loss, they won a five-set match against Avonside Girls’ High School A to finish seventh overall. The Boys’ B team, competing in Division 3, didn’t secure a win but gained valuable experience.
The Boys’ and Girls’ tennis teams competed in the finals of the Canterbury Secondary Schools Sport Premier Tennis competition this week, with both teams securing their respective titles. The girls achieved a 3–1 victory against St Margaret's College A, while the boys won 2–1. The final boys’ match was not included in the score, as it extended beyond the two-hour time limit. Additionally, the A2 Girls' team, comprised of Billie Feaver-Banks, Mia McHarg (both Year 10), Zoe Kelso (Year 9), and Molly Brophy (Year 11), secured a commendable third place. Lila Waghorn (Year 12) was a member of the Premier A1 team that claimed the title, although she did not participate in the match. This week was also a significant milestone for Year 13 students Ruby McPhail, Lily McHarg, and Ricky Kotepong, as they conclude their five-year tennis career for St Andrew’s.
Andre Hall (Year 9) trialled for and was selected into the National Development gymnastics squad in December. Andre was presented with his Gymnastics New Zealand 360 Squad top by artistic gymnast Olympian, Misha Koudinov, at the regional training camp last weekend, and will be travelling to Auckland in the holidays to attend the national training camp.
Several St Andrew’s students recently competed in the Smooth-Air Products New Zealand Jetsport Nationals in Ashburton.
The Canterbury Secondary Schools Dressage Championships was held on Wednesday, with two St Andrew’s teams of four braving the freezing. Although neither team secured a placing, Georgia Lewis (Year 12) gained fourth place in test 2B and third place in test 2A. Taylor Quaid (Year 11) earned fourth place in test 2A. Although she was sitting in first place for the majority of the day, the last two riders overtook Bridget Glass (Year 11), for her to finish in third place for test 1C.
Flickr >Rosie Gaffaney, Maniah Taefu, Ava Jones (all Year 11), Nadia De Thierry, and Eva Jeffries (both Year 12) have been selected to attend Basketball New Zealand camps in April.
The 1st XI experienced a challenging match against Christchurch Boys’ High School’s 1st XI at St Andrew’s College. Batting first, Boys’ High made 243 with Liam Hall (Year 13) taking 4/48. St Andrew’s replied with 139 and Austin Earl (Year 13) made a solid 40. Boys’ High inserted the follow-on, and unfortunately the batting again lacked substance and St Andrew’s was bowled out for 95.
The 1st XI then played Boys’ High in the 20/20 final on Thursday in a very tight contest. Batting first, St Andrew’s made 119 with Austin Earl (Year 13) 36. The boys bowled well with Ryan Bond (Year 12) taking three wickets, but Boys’ High got the total with two balls remaining.
Key performances for the week:
Liam (Year 4) and ChlöeAnn Botha (Year 7) competed in the 2025 Makos Junior Swimming Festival at Moana Pool, Dunedin in early March. Liam competed in eight individual races and five relays in the Boys’ 10 Years category. He achieved Personal Bests in seven of his individual races, placing in the top 10 in five of these. ChlöeAnn competed in the Girls’ 11 Years category in 12 individual races and six relays, achieving seven Personal Bests in her individual races, placing in the top 10 in three of these.
Rylee McBride (Year 13) swam in the 2025 Swimming Auckland Long Course Age Group and Open Championships at the weekend, representing the Canterbury Los Angeles Olympics 2028 Target Squad. She achieved the following results for the 16/17-year-old-woman category: Gold 50m backstroke (new Canterbury record and overall top woman); Gold 100m backstroke; and Silver 50m butterfly.
Genevieve Wallis (Year 11) was a member of the U17 team representing New Zealand in water skiing at the Aussie/Kiwi Challenge-Oceania Junior Championship in Bridgewater (Bendigo), Australia last weekend. This tournament is known as the Oz Kiwi Challenge and is a test match between the two countries. While Australia took a clean sweep of the teams’ events, Genevieve individually achieved the following results:
Kalisa Zhang (Year 10) will be representing New Zealand at four rhythmic gymnastics competitions this year. In April she will be competing in the Koop cup and Manitoba Qualifier in Canada. In June she will compete in the Tbilisi Cup, in Georgia, which is an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) competition. Lastly the Junior World Championships in Bulgaria, which is the top international junior level competition and is held every two years.
Last Friday, the College hosted around 50 Old Collegians from the Class of 1965–1969 and their partners for a memorable Founders’ Day and 60 Years On reunion. The Founders’ Day Assembly left a lasting impression on our Old Boys, particularly Noah Fanene’s (Year 13) captivating Address to a Haggis. David Livesey, a former member of the 1969 1st XI, presented this year’s 1st XI cricket caps, and Euan Hilson and Graham Dowling (both OC 1954) presented their fathers’ (G.A.M. Hilson and Henry Dowling) awards. The Old Collegians thoroughly enjoyed watching the Highland Games and Pipe Band performance. Friday evening’s Cocktail Party brought together around 60 guests for a reunion and campus tour. The Old Collegians were amazed by the modern facilities and opportunities now available to our students. The formal dinner on Saturday night was another highlight, featuring another fantastic Address to a Haggis, a Toast to Absent Friends, and a Toast to the College. Rector, Mark Wilson, and his wife Judi, enjoyed participating in their first Old Collegians reunion.
Flickr >On Thursday 6 March, Wānaka provided a picturesque setting for our Central Otago Gathering. Old Collegians from 1955 to 2020 came together for a wonderful evening of reconnecting and reminiscing. It was heartwarming to see many new faces, including several who hadn't attended an event since they left the College.
Flickr >
Blair Currie (OC 2018), international and American College goalkeeper, has signed with Melbourne's Calder United Soccer Club.
Jonte Butterfield (OC 2024) came in third place in the Ski GP race at the Smooth-Air Products New Zealand Jetsport Nationals in Ashburton.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend and coming week 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
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.
Applications for The Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC), Sydney Exchange are now open to Year 11 girls. If your daughter is interested in a four-week exchange to Australia, this is the perfect opportunity. The experience the students receive on exchange is life changing, building character strengths like independence, self-management, time management, confidence, public speaking, love of learning new cultures and much more.
The Exchange will take place between Sunday 8 June and Saturday 5 July. A reciprocal Exchange will see the PLC students visit St Andrew’s College from Saturday 26 July to Saturday 23 August.
Applications close Friday 28 March. Costs for the Exchange will include flights, insurance and spending money. For more information, please contact Director of International Students and Exchanges, Pale Tauti, at PTU@stac.school.nz.
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.
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.
