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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Kia ora koutou.
Last Sunday, the Board of Governors held our first Strategy Day at which they defined the objectives and focus to set out our future strategy, to identify what data we want to ensure we are best informed and then confirm this strategy. This process included affirming the College’s five values, expressing our intention to refresh our purpose and vision statements, and setting out the initial thoughts on our educational priorities. Through the next few months, we will engage with a range of groups within our St Andrew’s College community for their input and thoughts to inform our strategy. Alongside this process will be developing a future property Master Property Plan, which will be driven and informed by our strategy. The aim is to have our new 2026 Strategic Plan in place for the start of next year.
Last Saturday was the annual Canterbury Polyfest, and it was wonderful to see our Pasifika group perform on the big stage to celebrate Pasifika culture and performing arts. It was great to see some “adopted” Pasifika students forming a strong and inclusive group. While our founding Scottish heritage is a key part of what St Andrew’s character is, our value of inclusivity means we celebrate and recognise our diversity of who we all are. Special thanks to Teacher in Charge James Jenkinson and other staff including Science teacher Connor O’Rourke and Year 12 Dean Lucy Curtis, as well as our external tutors Uli Afamasaga and Pete Westrupp, and the valuable support of Old Collegians Laai Tausa and Cylas Tauti (OC 2023) and Lynonah Tausa (OC 2022).
Polyfest Flickr >
As I outlined last week, this week is Summer Tournament Week for our senior sports teams who are competing across the country in a wide range of sporting codes. My thanks again to all the people that make these opportunities happen for our young people – including many staff, coaches, parents, and supporters. Special thanks to our Director of Sport and Co‑curricular Activities, Mark Lane, for his oversight in making this all happen.
Sport is about competing to challenge ourselves, physically and mentally, and to be the best we can be. Typically, we measure sport in whether we win against others or how much we improve our own performance. Yet the strongest memories are often from the camaraderie sport creates through strong social bonds of friendship, trust, and shared experiences among teammates, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
These common social experiences are often the greatest benefits of participation in sport – which are evident when I see our Old Collegians meet up again and talk about their shared memories and experiences. I am sure that this will continue to be the case when our current students look back on their school years.
The second half of this week, my wife Judi and I have had the pleasure of being up north at Lake Karapiro to cheer on our large rowing contingent at the Maadi Cup Regatta. As this newsletter was written, most of the rowing finals are still to be held.
Like here at rowing, many of our sports outcomes from this week are just being determined, but whatever these are, as a community we are so proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by all our young rowers and their coaches throughout the season and at this national regatta.
Ngā mihi mahana
Mark Wilson
Rector
The Netflix drama Adolescence has sparked urgent discussion about the pressures young people face in the digital age. In this blog post Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, reflects on the emotional weight and unsettling impact of the series, exploring how parents and educators can support young people in navigating social media, mental health, and the complexities of growing up online.
Read the Well-being Blog >
Year 6 students recently took part in the two-day Christchurch City Council-run Cycle Safe programme, which was an invaluable opportunity for our students to build confidence and develop essential cycling skills. The programme began with an informative session from Constable Brunton on road safety rules. Students then moved onto the turf, where they practised key skills, such as signalling, braking, and manoeuvring around obstacles. Finally, the Cycle Safe instructors took the students out on the road, giving them the chance to apply their learning in a real-life setting. A huge thank you to the Cycle Safe team for their highly professional and engaging sessions.
This year, 15 teams and two squads represented St Andrew’s College in 11 different sports, competing from Hamilton down to Wānaka.
Summer Tournament Week Latest Results >
Combined Flickr >
New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (Maadi Regatta) – The St Andrew’s squad is having a great campaign, qualifying for eight A Finals and 10 B Finals. A special mention must go to our Girls U18 8+ which for the first time in the College’s history have made the A Final tomorrow. For a complete set of rowing results please see next week’s Rector’s Comment.
Flickr >
New Zealand Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships – Both the Boys and Girls Senior A teams have had a highly successful Championship, with the girls playing off for third in New Zealand later today and the boys also playing off for third in Division 2.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Tennis Championships – For the first time in the College’s history, a Girls’ tennis team competed in the national championships. The tournament at Wilding Park was split into two pools of three and saw the team face St Margaret’s College in the first match, defeating them 5–1. They then played a very class act from Saint Kentigern College, the number 1 seeds, and whilst St Andrew’s played valiantly, they lost the tie 0–6. In the semi-finals against Wellington Girls’ College, St Andrew’s was one game up after all four singles matches but lost both doubles, so the tie score was 4–2. The finals day saw the team playing against Queen Margaret College, who won 4–2, placing St Andrew’s fourth in New Zealand.
New Zealand Secondary Schools 3x3 Basketball Championships – At the time of writing, the tournament was still in progress. A full summary of results will be in next week’s Rector’s Comment.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Futsal Championships – It was a tough week for both the Boys Senior and Junior futsal teams, both teams enjoyed the tournament and gained some valuable experience.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Championships – The St Andrew’s canoe polo team was the only South Island team to qualify for, and attend, the New Zealand Secondary Schools Canoe Polo Championships, held in Hastings. After a first-day defeat, the highlight of the championship was the game against tournament favourites, Karamū High School, who were unbeaten at the top of the table. With two goals from Luca Rose (Year 12), St Andrew’s were in the lead with five minutes to go. Another goal from Thomas White (Year 13) had Karamū fighting back. Karamū scored in the last few minutes, with St Andrew’s winning 3–2. St Andrew’s finished the competition seventh in New Zealand, with team captain Sophie Burnett (Year 13), being selected into the Ladies Tournament Team (Top 8 in New Zealand).
South Island Secondary Schools Mountain Biking Championships – At the time of writing, the tournament was still in progress. A full summary of results will be in next week’s Rector’s Comment.
South Island Secondary Schools Water Polo Championships – At the time of writing, the tournament was still in progress. A full summary of results will be in next week’s Rector’s Comment.
Flickr >
South Island Secondary Schools Boys’ Junior Cricket Championships – The Year 10 Colts team went through unbeaten, winning four 20/20 matches and a 40-over game.
Girls’ 1st XI Cricket Cup Qualifier – The Girls’ XI cricket team ended their competition in fifth place overall. Imogen Smith (Year 12) with a 69 n.o. and Daisy Thake (Year 12) with a 53 n.o. were the key performers in a young team.
Canterbury Secondary Schools Golf Championships – The St Andrew’s A team won the Canterbury Secondary Schools Golf Championships on Monday, qualifying for the Nationals in Wellington later in the year – Yuhan (Uny) Shao (Year 11): 66 (4 under); Ethan Lam (Year 12) 68: (2 under); James Walker (Year 13): 78 (8 over). There were 13 students from St Andrew’s competing in a field of 120. One highlight was watching Ethan fight back after being three over after the first couple of holes. Sam Smith (Year 13) shot a score of 77.
South Island Secondary Schools Touch Championships – The Senior Boys’ touch team played in the South Island Secondary Schools Touch Championships last weekend. Despite having to make last minute changes due to injury and player numbers, the team of Year 10–13 students played competitively, never giving up, and earned some great results against strong competition.
Last Friday, around 30 athletes competed in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics Finals, achieving many top results. Some of the highlights included meet records being set by Orla Motley (Year 13) in the U19 Girls’ Hammer, and Melenaite Havea (Year 12) in the U19 Girls’ Discus – breaking her older sister Tapenisa Havea’s (OC 2021) record. Orla also won the Javelin, and Mel won the Shot Put. Three titles each were won by Maiyah Martin (Year 9), in the U14 Girls’ Shot Put, Discus and 80m Hurdles, and by Jody McCarthy-Dempsey (Year 13) in the U19 Girls’ High Jump, Long Jump and 100m Hurdles. Sophie Lampe (Year 11) backed up her earlier U16 3000m win by taking out the 1500m. Caleb Collins-Polata (Year 12) won the Boys’ U19 Discus, Abigail Scot-Douglas (Year 12) won the Open Girls’ 2000m Steeplechase and finished fifth in the U16 1500m. Tayla Ford (Year 9) backed up her U14 3000m win with a second in the 1500m. Sophie Paterson (Year 11) won the U16 Triple Jump, was third in the Long Jump and third in 200m Hurdles. Oliver Jackways (Year 12) won the U16 400m, came second in the 200m race, and in High Jump, while Kupa Rule (Year 12) won the U16 800m and came fourth in the 400m. In the U14 age group, Emma McKellow (Year 9) placed second in High Jump and Long Jump; Marshall Coles (Year 10) came in third in the 100m and 200m, and fifth in Long Jump; Sam Payton (Year 9) placed third in Triple Jump; and Louis Cooper (Year 9) came third in Javelin. All relay teams finished in the top 5 of their events. From this competition, 25 athletes qualified for the South Island Championships, which takes place in early April in Nelson.
Flickr >
On Tuesday evening, Jinyang (Yang) Zhang (Year 12) represented St Andrew’s College at the regional heat of the Race Unity Speech Awards, held at the Christchurch Ba’hai Centre. Speakers had to address the issue of race relations in Aotearoa, incorporating this year’s theme: Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau, The Great Ocean of Diversity. Yang was placed second in this regional heat.
Danica Minson (Year 10) placed third in the 2025 Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final last weekend in Sheffield. Danica and her teammate from Christchurch Girls’ High School competed against 25 teams from the upper half of the South Island, including some much older students. The competition involved completing a range of tasks, from genetic calculations to driving machinery, fencing to breed identification, and marketing to risk mitigation.
In the lead up to the New Zealand solo piping season events, the Victorian Piper's Association hosted an online event where for Sam Foote (Year 12) and Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) perform. The Victorian Piper's Association Online Solo Piping Competition was judged by top pipers, Callum Beaumont and Connor Sinclair from Scotland. Both students featured well in the prize list, with the following results in B Grade:
The 1st XI had an outright win over Christchurch Boys’ High School’s 2nd XI team. Batting first, the boys dominated the attack, posting 273/4 off 43 overs. Connor Sharp (Year 13) 71, Spencer Hair (Year 12) 46, Jack O’Rourke (Year 13) 61, and Austin Earl (Year 13) 50. Once the bowlers found their length, they were able to exert pressure, bowling Boys’ High out for 134 with Liam Hall (Year 13) 4/42. We asked them to bat again and dismissed them for 139 with Ryan Bond (Year 12) 4/28 and Liam Hall (Year 13) 3/19.
Other key performances:
Millicent MacIntyre (Year 10) and Kiera-Leigh Watt (Year 9) competed at the 2025 Apollo Projects Division II Swimming Championships. In addition to gaining new personal bests, both girls achieved podium finishes as follows:
Sofia Sneddon (Year 8) competed in the final South Island SUPA Polo Tournament, with her team winning the B Grade division. Her team was a combined Christchurch team with players who attend the Blue Springs Polo School. Sofia scored seven of the nine goals for her team.
Rhys Mariu (OC 2019) will debut for the Black Caps ODI squad, alongside recalled Henry Nicholls (OC 2009), to face Pakistan in a three-match series starting on Saturday.
Good luck to all students who are representing the College over the weekend and coming week in sports and cultural activities including:
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.
St Andrew’s College is proud to support So They Can through the One Human Race initiative. The College has set an ambitious target to raise $20,000 to assist girls in Kenya and Tanzania who face challenges such as limited access to education and basic human rights. Achieving this goal will help empower these girls to chase their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Throughout March, the Community Service team is encouraging tutor groups to organise activities or initiatives inspired by the number 60, symbolising the percentage of girls in these regions who are denied fundamental rights. Students, families, and the wider community are encouraged to join the Community Service team to create positive change through donating. Follow the College’s progress and make your donation by clicking here.
Theme Day Thursday 3 April: To further support the One Human Race, a blue and white Theme Day is being held in Week 10 for the Secondary School. Years 9–13 students are encouraged to bring a gold coin or donate at the link above.
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.
PURCHASE TICKETS >
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.
