The Preparatory School Kapa Haka programme continued to develop during 2020. Both the Years 4–6 and Years 7–8 Kapa Haka took part in celebrating this popular Māori art form at their respective Tūhono Festival competitions. The Years 7–8 Kapa Haka numbers increased, along with the students’ commitment and dedication to practices. They have become a polished performance group and played key roles in many College events and ceremonies including Prizegiving and the annual Mihi Whakatau. The Pipe Band performed at the 2020 Hororata Highland Games – an annual festival celebrating Scottish heritage which more than 10,000 people attend. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions this year, the band did not perform at the normal local concerts or at ANZAC Services at local RSA clubs.
COMMUNICATION WITH OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY The College’s website has readily accessible information which informs any member of the public about the activities undertaken at the school. The Annual Report is available online, as is the annual Philanthropy Report, which reports on the philanthropic and volunteering efforts of staff, students, and parents in the St Andrew’s community. The College’s magazine, Regulus, is also available online, which covers latest news from the College with regards to campus development, alumni news, and student successes. Any matters important to the local community are communicated on the website and via social media and, when relevant, neighbours will receive communications from the College.
EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMY The College is one of the larger employers in Canterbury, employing approximately 300 staff. The College generally supports the local economy by purchasing the majority of its goods and services in the Canterbury region.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE The College’s governance structure is outlined on page 2 of this report and is also detailed on the website. Both management and the Board of Governors have access to extensive professional development opportunities, including the annual Independent Schools New Zealand Conference. The local community has the opportunity to attend the Board Annual General Meeting if they wish. From time to time, community consultation meetings will be held where any member of the public can attend.
To read more about what is happening at the College or to read the Philanthropy Report, please visit the College website at stac.school.nz.
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020
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