Regulus Issue 3, 2021

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RREGULUS EGULUS NOVEMBER2021 2021 NOVEMBER

Contents NOVEMBER 2021

Editor/Writer: Jo Bailey Photography: Anna Turner Sue Oxley Rosa Horncastle Craig Morgan Jeffery Wen Hamish Bond Jake Steel Jakub Glab Emma Breitmeyer Printing: Caxton

Leadership and Governance

Values and Culture

2 4 5 6

From the Rector

24 Musical murder and mayhem 26 Final curtain for Theatrette 28 Vich Perfect win NZCT Chamber

7

In and out of lockdown

From the Board David Evans to retire

New Operations Manager

for Castle Hill;

Introducing the new Assistant Chaplain

Teaching and Learning

8

Designing our 21st century world; A career in design

10 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 11 Staff Learning Te Reo Māori 12 StAC Ag Show; Year 10 camps

13 Another Canterbury Championship for debaters; Media and Visual Arts trip

Published: November 2021 General correspondence should be addressed to: Head of Communications St Andrew’s College 347 Papanui Road Strowan Christchurch 8052 New Zealand Telephone: +64 3 940 2000 Email: comms@stac.school.nz Website: stac.school.nz Find us online: Facebook YouTube Flickr Instagram

Where these icons appear throughout the magazine, they indicate where further photographic or video content is available via our online channels.

(Cover) Vich Perfect – Christine Jeon (Year 10), Samuel Jeon (Year 13) and Grace Lawrence (Year 12) Photo credit: Jeffery Wen

14 St Andrew’s hosts SPACPAC Supreme Awards; Business Studies trip and Night Market

15 Academic successes 16 Pre-school celebrates 21st birthday 18 A colourful display 19 Digital literacy key for all learners 20 Mastering mathematics 21 Seamless transition to online learning

Resources and Environment

22 From the Director of Development 23 Final planning before construction;

ISNZ Honours Awards

Music Contest

29 Cultural Week 30 Celebrating compassion in action 31 Long term partnership with So They Can

32 Family ties in boarding grow stronger; ‘Surrogate’ families play key role

34 Community and service 35 St Andrew’s hosts Presbyterian Schools’ Conference

36 Mini tour for Robert Burns Scottish Scholar

37 Senior College Formal 38 13 Years On 40 Cultural catch up 43 Leavers’ Assembly 44 StAC themed mural gifted by Leavers 45 International students’ trips 46 New Zealand Representatives 2021 47 Sports round up Old Collegians

52 Message from the President; Events

53 Events 54 Class notes 55 Events for 2022;

Gone but not forgotten

56 Welcome to the world; Just married

7

10 16 34

12 15

24

From the

Rector as we guide our youth through these uncertain times. Over the last 18 months, I have seen so many positive actions taken around our St Andrew’s community – supporting others in their sadness and need, bringing joy to those who feel uncertain or lost, and hope to others struggling to deal with disappointment or fear.

Writing this reflection in Wanaka during the term break, I feel very blessed to be able to rejuvenate in this spectacular environment where mountains, lakes, and spring growth helps to regain perspective after what has been a challenging and uncertain few weeks.

My mind, like the thoughts of many others, frequently turns towards those in less ideal circumstances and particularly family, friends, and colleagues in Auckland who have experienced a much-extended lockdown period. My personal reading often takes me back to times in history where adversity has had even more severe impact on communities, such as during the First and Second World Wars. Each year at St Andrew’s College, we reflect upon these times, particularly during the Second World War where 64 young St Andrew’s men lost their lives and so many more were changed forever. In this context perhaps it can seem selfcentred to focus on our own emotions relating to the uncertainty of this COVID-19 environment.

However, the distress, anxiety, disappointment, and uncertainty are very real for many of our young people, and it is our job as educators, leaders, parents, and adults to be a positive, consistent yet understanding presence

Our students themselves continue to be the best example of how best to live with uncertainty. They show gratitude for the things they can enjoy, such as coming back on campus after the lockdown, resuming their sports competitions (even without tournaments or spectators), for the teachers who cared over the lockdown, and the support staff who ensured their online environment worked effectively and that the campus was ready for their return.

On top of this, they continue to demonstrate empathy for others, recognising that the needs of others are greater than their own. During the recent term break, the Year 13 prefects spent a day at Allenvale School taking games and fun activities for the children. By giving of their time, our senior students are building their resilience and leadership skills, while bringing joy into the lives of others.

At a recent chapel service, our Head Sacristan, Abby Jones (Year 13), spoke of the impressive generosity of St Andrew’s students during the latest World Vision fundraiser.

St Andrew’s College raised a most impressive $26,000, the most we have ever raised in the annual appeal.

Once again, the Community Service Leaders mobilised the support of others at the end of Term 3 as the Community Service and Well-being Committees assisted a group from ‘Uniting Canterbury Women’ to prepare ‘Seeds of Love’ and welcome packs for Afghan refugees. These are but three recent examples of a community that consistently reaches out to support others. It is well documented that the attributes of kindness, generosity, and gratitude go a long way to developing

the resilience and strength to cope in times of adversity, and we can be proud of our young people living by this example.

All around me every day I see teachers and students remaining positive in uncertain times. In supporting others, our teenagers feel better not always thinking about themselves.

By continuing to play their sport, pursue their musical and creative interests, and prepare for their examinations they retain a sense of purpose, which gives them hope for the future.

Living with uncertainty is a new reality for us all. The most important thing we all have are our thoughts, which we need to manage. While we must weigh risks and consider negative scenarios, we need to balance this against reacting emotionally or feeling threatened, afraid, and unsafe. We are the authors of our own thoughts and each one of us can to some extent, control our response to the inevitable challenges ahead.

Once again, this edition of Regulus contains many stories of wonderful achievements. A thrilling highlight was the success of our Chamber Trio, Vich Perfect in winning the NZCT Chamber Music Contest in August.

Samuel Jeon (Year 13), Grace Lawrence (Year 12) and Christine Jeon (Year 10) showed pure joy and delight in their success, which came from years of working towards this ambitious goal.

It was a special moment, one which will be spoken of for years to come.

I hope that in reading this edition of Regulus you can share the joy from the stories of our students and extended community who continue to make this world a better place, despite living in these uncertain times.

Christine Leighton Rector

Leadership and Governance Regulus

3

Recent Highlights:

Some of the highlights over recent months have included celebrating the Autumn Festival with our International students; chatting with 98-year-old Robert Long (OC 1941) at the Gentlemen’s Luncheon; joining the boarders in Thompson House for ‘posh porridge’; and dressing in New York style fashion with my Year 13 tutor group during Theme Week.

From the

Board level of results obtained in the annual Ballet examinations among many other successes. Old Collegian awards were presented to Sam Lane (OC 2015) – Sport, Andy Munro (OC 1974) – Service and Sven Parnell (OC 1996) – Cultural at the lively and enjoyable Old Collegians’ Annual Dinner.

If ever there was a time for students, staff, parents, and the St Andrew’s College community to demonstrate their resourcefulness, flexibility, and resolve Term 3 has been it.

Although, with the benefit of hindsight, we perhaps should have seen it coming, the lockdown descended rapidly and with limited time to prepare. We can, however, all be proud of the tremendous response to the situation we found ourselves in. The College transitioned seamlessly to online learning, staff and students adapted quickly to the new learning environment, and for the most part, seem to have come out well prepared for the balance of the year. No doubt some of this was a result of learnings and experience from last year’s lockdown but the College’s efforts to make sure it was well prepared with a focus on student well-being and resilience, have paid dividends.

Despite disruptions to co-curricular activities, there have been some impressive achievements during Term 3. Vich Perfect played a powerful, passionate, and moving piece to win the NZCT Chamber Music Contest. There were several basketball division wins, junior and senior debating competition wins, and an unprecedented high

Now that it is spring, many of us, including me, are in the vegetable garden thinking about the growing season ahead. I have once again set a yet to be accomplished goal of growing all the vegetables my family needs over the summer. The lockdown and travel restrictions have provided a great opportunity to get stuck in. Maybe this year I will succeed in reaching my goal.

I have put time and effort in to fertilising the soil, planting seeds, and feeding the roots. It is so satisfying to see the green shoots come up and develop into healthy and nutritious plants.

Just as our vegetables need care and attention to grow and flourish, our young people need our time, energy, and investment to develop and thrive.

We feed their roots by providing them with lots of opportunity to build their cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

St Andrew’s College seeks to play its part, alongside parents, family, and the wider community, in this process by creating a range of diverse opportunities that inspire, engage, and lead to personal growth for students.

The last few months have been difficult for many and, unfortunately, we have not been able to participate in every aspect of school life as much as we would have liked. I am particularly conscious that we have missed a number of co-curricular events that many have worked hard for and how disappointing this can be. However, adversity frequently challenges, extends, and enriches people of all ages. As much as we may long for a perfect environment free from disruptions, we can learn a great deal from nature. The occasional early frost or dry spell can lead to a more

flavoursome crop, especially if those plants have had the opportunity to put down strong roots. Trees seldom flourish in perfect conditions. You may think a wind would be damaging for a tree, though studies have shown that trees benefit from variable winds as they cause their roots to grow deeper and stronger. This in turn enables trees to grow taller and gracefully bend and sway in the wind. The wind is a blessing that helps them thrive.

The Board is very proud of how the St Andrew’s community bent and swayed in the winds of adversity over the last year, while remaining positive and confident. This is a testament to the hard work and attentive care of many and the strong roots we’ve collectively put down along the way. No doubt there will be some testing times ahead. Let’s continue to focus on what matters and what we can control.

With summer holidays approaching, on behalf of the Board of Governors, best wishes for a positive end to the year and a safe and happy holiday season.

Whangaia ka tupu ka puawai That which is nurtured blossoms and grows.

Felicity Odlin Board Chair On behalf of the Board of Governors

Leadership and Governance

to

retire

When David Evans took up the position of General Manager at St Andrew’s College in December 2000, he couldn’t have imagined that he would have a key role in helping to guide the College through one of the most transformational periods of its long history.

“I was part of a large team that got the campus up and running again within four weeks of the February 2011 earthquake and then completed a challenging and complex repair programme. Over the last seven years I’ve also had the privilege of project managing $110 million worth of capital works on the campus. I’m really proud of what we have achieved over the last few years, and the fact that the College is now in such great heart.”

David is preparing to retire from the General Manager’s role at the end of 2021, but his experience and expertise won’t be completely lost to the College.

Next year, he will work part-time – to project manage the Ben Gough Family Theatre development. “I’m very pleased to be able to stay on to manage this complicated, and very specific project, which is the largest of any in our capital works strategy to date.

It will be great to bring it to fruition.”

David has enjoyed being part of the Executive team at St Andrew’s College, and says the strong leadership from Rector Christine Leighton and the Board, is key to the strong position the College

finds itself in today. “Post-earthquake, the message was ‘get in there and do what needs to be done and we’ll support you’. That confidence and support meant we could start rebuilding very quickly.”

Over the last decade, property development and capital works have been the most significant part of David’s diverse role, which also includes people management, administration, finance, Health and Safety, business development, providing oversight for Castle Hill property, and previously the College farm. David is also the Board Secretary. “The General Manager’s role is highly people focused. I’ve been fortunate to build good quality relationships with a lot of people over the last 21 years, from our consultants and construction companies, to students, teachers, parents, and staff.

It’s the most satisfying part of the job for me.”

David particularly enjoys the cultural side of life at St Andrew’s. He was part of the Staff Barbershop, took a key role in the Amahl and the Night Visitors opera in the Centennial

General Manager, David Evans

Chapel a couple of years ago, and tries to attend as many assemblies, events, and cultural opportunities as possible.

“It’s all hugely enjoyable, keeps me connected, and I’m continually amazed at the incredible talent of our young people.”

David says his focus as General Manager has been to find a way around a challenge, rather than be put off by it. “This is a very meaningful job. I’ve always believed that its main purpose is to serve the College, and to provide the best possible teaching and learning environment for our students and staff.”

Looking at the campus now, with its impressive buildings and picturesque environment, anchored by historic Strowan House and the multi awardwinning Centennial Chapel, it is no wonder that David is proud of the legacy he will be leaving. “The campus looks amazing, and it has been a real privilege to be part of the large team of people who made it happen.

St Andrew’s College has such a good reputation and is a place that people want to come to. For me, it is a way of life really.”

5 Regulus

David Evans

New

Operations Manager for Castle Hill St Andrew’s College students can look forward to a reinvigorated Outdoor Education programme in 2022, under the leadership of Jo Parsons, the new Operations Manager for the Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre (CHOC).

The search for a new Operations Manager got underway earlier this year, following the temporary closure of the Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill and a comprehensive external review.

Operations Manager for the Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre, Jo Parsons

The role attracted a number of quality applicants, but it was Jo’s extensive experience in Outdoor Education leadership as a Senior Instructor at Outward Bound and Senior Programme Manager at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, which stood out. “I’m really excited to be collaborating with staff throughout the College to get the programme flying to its full potential again. Castle Hill Outdoor Centre is an amazing venue, and a rejuvenated Outdoor Education programme will complement and enhance the provision of world class education and holistic learning contexts at St Andrew’s,” she says.

Jo started in the role in August, and, until the end of this year, is focused on getting Health and Safety plans, year level programmes, and staff requirements in place, ready for the start of 2022. During Term 3 and 4, the Peel Forest Outdoor Centre has continued to run Year 10 camps onsite at Castle Hill for St Andrew’s.

“There is a great team of skilled people who are excited about working with St Andrew’s College students and inspiring them to be the best they can be. We are looking forward to facilitating students’ journeys experiencing challenge, success, a sense of belonging, and shared adventures.”

Jo is delighted to have been appointed to the challenging Operations Manager role, and says her work is inspired by the Māori proverb, Hāpaitia te ara tika pūmau ai te rangatiratanga mō ngā uri whakatipu, which translates to ‘Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations’.

Introducing the new

Assistant Chaplain

Religious Education teacher, Ben Hughes, has taken on the new role of Assistant Chaplain, to support College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow.

“I’m delighted Ben has taken up this newly created role. With my wife, Jo Morrow, leaving St Andrew’s College at the beginning of this year to take up the position of Principal of Rochester and Rutherford Halls of Residence at Canterbury University, this left a gap in the Religious Education teaching space, and the areas of pastoral support, and speaking in chapels. Ben is a wonderful person to have working in this space,” says Rev. Paul Morrow.

Before he joined St Andrew’s College almost five years ago, Ben was involved in youth work, pastoral care, and leadership through a church in New Brighton. At the College, Ben leads the Peer Support programme, has started a lunchtime Christian community group, and helps to

facilitate the Travellers programme with groups of Year 9 students. “I really enjoy getting to know the students and helping them to journey through the many challenging phases of adolescent life. Outside of school life, I am an accredited Gallup Strengths coach and thoroughly enjoy using this tool to help people discover the best in themselves.”

Another of Ben’s responsibilities at St Andrew’s is heading up the Junior Religious Education programme.

“I believe that Religious Education and our chapel services provide a unique opportunity to reflect on and explore some of the important questions of life, belief, and faith. I have had the privilege of speaking regularly in chapel services for both the Secondary and Preparatory Schools this year, and I look forward to that continuing as I support Rev. Morrow in the chaplaincy area.”

Assistant Chaplain, Ben Hughes

Ben enjoys a happy family life at the beach with his wife, Laura, and their two young daughters. He is also passionate about football, as a former player, coach, and now manager of a Boys’ Junior team at St Andrew’s.

There was excitement at the start of the school day on Thursday 9 September, when students returned to the campus following a three-anda-half week Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown.

When the first case of community transmission of the Delta variant was confirmed in New Zealand on Tuesday 17 August, the whole country found itself almost immediately thrust back into an Alert Level 4 lockdown. The news was not entirely unexpected, but caused a flurry of activity at St Andrew’s before the midnight deadline, says Christine.

“Fortunately we had been preparing and updating our plans, and had kept good records and reviews from our lockdown experiences last year. This helped our staff and students to adjust quickly and ready themselves for online learning.”

Christine says teachers thought creatively about ways to facilitate the best online learning for their students during the lockdown. “They worked really hard to deliver well-planned

In and out of

lockdown

lessons that had a variety of activities designed to engage the students in their learning, and provide them with the opportunity to interact with both the teacher and their classmates at different times. Some of the creative ideas included an online cook-along, selfie scavenger hunt, art lockdown challenge, and kitchen science experiments.”

The entertaining weekly student newsletter, HeadsUp, created by the Heads of College, positive messages on the St Andrew’s student-led Instagram page (which was taken over by the Well-being Committee during the lockdown), and Chaplaincy Online, delivered by Rev. Paul Morrow, also kept the St Andrew’s community supported and connected.

Christine also acknowledges the teams of staff who ‘worked tirelessly’ to support the online learning environment, ensured boarders returned home safely, secured the campus, prepared for the continuation of business operation, and supported the well-being of both students and staff.

Even once everyone returned to campus under Alert Level 2, there was still uncertainty, with a number of planned events being curtailed or cancelled, including the Black and Bling Ball and Grandparents' Day, says Christine. “There have definitely been disappointments throughout this challenging time, however, I have been impressed once again by the collective determination of the St Andrew’s community to make the most of the situation, and to continue in the best way possible.”

Various Te Waka activities, challenges for students in the Athlete Development programme, and online production rehearsals were some of the other activities keeping students active and engaged while they were stuck at home.

The Head Student welcoming committee, from left, Isabella Galvan, Tapenisa Havea, Jack Calder, Sophine Innes and Arden Ongley.

Leadership and Governance

The students were greeted on their arrival at school by the prefects, including Papa and Mama Smurf, who enjoyed hearing about the students’ lockdown experiences and how they were feeling about being back at school.

Many of the students’ reflections were captured on camera, and they were universally appreciative of the teachers’ support during online learning.

Rector Christine Leighton and Naomi Dana (Year 11) are pleased to be back on campus.

7 Regulus

“The students looked happy to be back, ready to connect with friends, and there were plenty of smiles, greetings, and signs of energy. There was also a sense of relief for teachers that the all-important face-to-face learning could resume,” says Rector Christine Leighton.

Designing our

21st century world

The imagination and creativity of designers shape how our world looks and functions, and touches almost every aspect in our lives, from the homes we live in, to the products we use and consume.

Designers start with an idea or concept, create a design, then choose from a range of visual communication methods to send their idea into the world. This could be anything from a simple freehand sketch, to modelling techniques, advanced digital models, and even virtual reality.

Teacher in Charge of Design and Visual Communication, Andy Kerrison, says from Years 7–13, students at St Andrew’s College can to put these principles into action, as they learn how to express their design thinking in either spatial or product design applications.

“Being able to visualise, draw, and understand drawings is an important skill. The creative side of Design and Visual Communication is also really exciting, especially when students come up with ideas we don’t expect.”

The Design and Visual Communication courses at St Andrew’s are very practical, and reflect what’s happening in the industry, says Andy. “We use industry-

based software and technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting.

The students are only limited by their imagination. They can pretty much make whatever they dream up.”

During this portfolio-based course with no external NCEA examinations, students learn about the broad principles of design – aesthetics, function, and sustainability, and how they can apply these to their own ideas.

Students in Years 7–9 learn the basics of drawing, digital drawing, and how to create a simple product. When they get to Year 10, students in Design and Visual Communication start to focus on spatial and product design, creating a USB stick as their product, along with an interior design for an existing space.

In Year 11, students produce an occasional table based on a specific application of design principles and design a tiny house as their spatial project. Year 12 students create a hotel chair and commercial building design.

In Year 13, students specialise in either a product or spatial project, and work on it throughout the year. “By then, the students have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and it’s great to see what they can create with a big chunk of time to experiment and realise their design.”

Design and Visual Communication is also a Scholarship subject. Last year, Kelly Ting (OC 2020) won both a New Zealand Scholarship for her design project and a prestigious scholarship to Auckland University to study Architecture.

Andy started teaching at St Andrew’s at the start of 2020. He has taught many students who have gone on to achieve in the design realm, with his most famous former student being Tim Brown, co‑founder of footwear company, Allbirds. “The skills students learn in Design and Visual Communication can translate to a wide range of study and career paths, including product design, architecture, engineering, animation, graphic design, interior design, museum displays, gaming, and much more.”

Creativity should be regarded as one of the most important skills in the 21st century, says Andy. “There is a whole of lot of unknowns in the world going forward, and we don’t know where we are going to end up. I believe that being able to communicate visually is just as critical as being literate and numerate.”

Oliver Affleck, Bree Middleton and Rupert Shepherd (all Year 13) working on models during a Design and Visual Communication class.

A

career indesign These former Design and Visual Communication students at St Andrew’s College are forging exciting study and career paths in the field.

Ollie Brown (OC 2012)

Ollie Brown’s first exposure to Design and Visual Communication was at a St Andrew’s College Open Day, and he knew it was the right fit for him.

“Artistic and technical forms of design and visual communication offer the ability to not only express creative flair and thinking, but apply it to strategic research and analysis. DVC is a subject that teaches vastly transferable skills and possibilities, both for life and for a career in the creative industries.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Otago) and Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication (Ara Institute of Technology), Ollie, who is also a former Rutherford Boarding House tutor, was selected for the Commercial Communications Council of New Zealand Graduate Programme. He was taken on as an intern at DDB Aotearoa working on strategy for advertising campaigns for clients including Vodafone, AA Insurance, Sky TV, Goodman Fielder, and Mobil Australia. He is now employed as an Account Executive and Junior Strategist at Stanley St, formerly Ogilvy New Zealand, working with both commercial and government clients. “My goal is to seek a career in advertising and communications strategy.”

Ollie says he developed strong time management skills and foresight during his time at St Andrew’s, which he uses every day in his work. “Studying DVC also provided valuable training in how to visualise clients’ objectives and insights from a more creative lens.”

Lyndon Craig (OC 1998)

As Head of Design for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, for 100-year-old Swedi sh multinational, Electrolu x, Lyndon Craig (OC 1998) leads a team which designs produc ts, ser vices, and experiences that mil lions of consumers around the world engage with in their dai ly lives.

These include the full range of kitchen and laundr y app liances, and the apps that drive the way users connect and inte ract with their products.

Lyndon says studying Design and Visual Communic ation at St A ndrew’s College was a valuable first step tow ards his ter tiar y study at Ma ssey Universit y, where he gra duated with a Bachelor of Desig n, Industrial and Produc t Design with First Class Honou rs, before embarking on his imp ressive career. “DVC builds up both the formal and inform al skills to practice as a design er.

Understanding the cha llenge or problem you are trying to solve, and then expressing the solution to that problem, wheth er it’s an object, a building, a pos ter, or something else entire ly, was the aspect of the course I en joyed the most.”

He says DVC helps stu dents to understand the concep t of Design Thinking, which is a fun damental way of looking at the wo rld and creating meaningful sol utions.

“Whether students wa nt to follow a visual, product or ser vice design path, or bring a human centred approach to how they think about business or social cha llenges, DVC provides a great fou ndation.”

9 Regulus

ays wanted to Kelly has alw , so studying interior design e ion (DVC) at architectur or at ic sual Commun Vi love d an gn si De perfect fit. “I llege was the St Andrew’s Co plor ative, and flexible the e, ex rsal how innovativ ally this unive . Design is re be .” n le ca op t pe ec of bj su nds connects all ki language that owledge Kelly undational kn 3D The strong fo ing, using the concept sketch e ar lik ye gs st in fir th in well for her learnt in DVC prepared her land, making, have el iversity of Auck ing od Un m e d th an at , s ie ud ud St cl in al , ur ’s CA D program itect at St Andrew chelor of Arch al world, opportunities e on th si l studying a Ba es al of r fo pr e ul so gr atef ard insight into th she says. “I’m the College Bo ms to gain an chitectur al fir sign project at great ar de a g y ch in m t su ow en as ad es sh Mr Kerrison w portunity to pr e. op t.” nc e ec rie th bj g pe su ex vin e and ha ettable larship in th was an unforg Zealand Scho ew N y m in meeting, which ga sisting me to in the future. suppor ter in as udies overseas st te ua ad collaborate gr post neur, hoping to complete her ural entrepre e architecture ct tiv ite Kelly hopes to va ch no ar in an ue to become lturally uniq cu te ped ea lo cr ve to “I also aspire s de ularly in less d professional unities, partic m with like-minde m co e .” tiv ed si ster po s are need strategies to fo infrastructure re immediate countries, whe

Teaching and Learning

C 2020) Kelly Ting (O work in either

Te Wiki o

te Reo Maori Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) was celebrated by students and staff during an action-packed week of fun challenges and activities.

“We were overwhelmed with student participation and support for the activities. It was a very busy and exciting week,” says Rector Christine Leighton.

Students from the Pre-school to Year 13 engaged in everything from a Māori Art Exhibition, Māori weaponry tutorial, Māori board games, and a quiz, to sessions with the College’s thriving Māori and Pasifika Group.

Week-long te reo Māori challenges in the Library were popular – with all students who completed the daily challenges going into the draw to win one of 40 free hāngi. The hāngi was a highlight of the week and was put down on the Thursday by some Te Reo Māori students and members of the Māori and Pasifika Group. The food was prepared by the Senior A Girls’ basketball team in their own time and included fried bread they made to accompany the hāngi. The delicious food was highly appreciated by the lucky winning ticket holders.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori has been celebrated in New Zealand since 1975.

It acknowledges and celebrates the Māori language as a taonga for all New Zealanders. In 2021 the theme was Kia Kaha te Reo Māori – let’s make the Māori language strong.

St Andrew’s College is already well on its way to doing just this. Māori language and tikanga is integrated into all learning from Pre-school to Year 8, is a compulsory one hour per week class at Year 9, and an option class in Years 9–11.

Next year, 23 of the incoming Year 9 students have selected Te Reo Māori as an option subject. Te Reo Māori will be an option available at all year levels in the Secondary School by 2023.

Throughout the year, a group of highly motivated staff from across all areas of the College have supported each other on a unique journey, learning Level 1 Te Reo Māori.

The participants have dedicated about 15 hours each per week to this full-time tertiary course, which has been delivered by tutors, Rebecca Tamati and Terina King, from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa ki Ōtautahi. Preparatory School Art teacher, Pip Dinsenbacher is one of the participants, and is grateful the Wānanga has offered St Andrew’s this pilot workplace programme.

“The Wānanga has recognised a need for people who are keen to start their te reo Māori experience, as well as being able to work full-time.”

Pip says the Wānanga’s vision for the collective success of its tauira (students) is highly evident in the way the course is delivered. “We all have different levels of experience, however Bex and Terina do a great job of helping us work together to ensure that no one is left behind.

Their sense of aroha, compassion and patience for everyone as a learner is the most incredible philosophy.”

The weekly in-person lessons start with a mindfulness session, and include lots of fun ways to learn, including games, karakia, quizzes, charades, and script writing. “We’ve also learnt a lot about tikanga, Māori protocols, and pepeha, which is already influencing the curriculum in the Preparatory School,” says Pip.

A follow-up email details the students’ learning for the rest of the week. Their work is regularly assessed throughout the year.

Supporting his whanau was a key motivator for Commerce teacher, Steve Aldhamland, to join the course.

“My wife and daughter are Ngāti Kahungunu and both are learning te reo Māori.”

Steve has enjoyed the innovative and fun learning styles adopted in the classes. “We do lots of online work, but also do very active work, play games, use rākau sticks, tell silly stories and sing waiata.”

In the classroom, he is starting to incorporate his newfound language skills. “I use Māori greetings and whakataukī as much as possible, and am keen to use my pepeha in appropriate situations.”

English teacher, Linda Garden, is originally from Zimbabwe, and says her primary exposure to te reo Māori was through her own children’s schooling. “Teaching English has made me increasingly aware of the need for a more comprehensive understanding of te reo Māori to access the historical context and cultural heritage of New Zealand literature, both of which underpin my subject.”

Back Row: Alma Ronald, Dave Neilson, Steve Aldhamland, Richard Boon, Alexis Evlampieff, Dave Hart, Andy Kerrison, Sarah Exon, Pip Dinsenbacher Front Row: Emma Richards, Kodie Kutyn, Terina King and Rebecca Tamati (from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa ki Ōtautahi), Linda Garden, Treena Ruwhiu, Helaina Coote

She says connecting with a diverse range of people in a range of roles from other parts of the school has been a highlight of the course. “We laugh a lot, and the environment is genuinely encouraging and supportive. This is important, as when learning a new language, you have to be willing to be vulnerable and fallible.”

Director of International Students and Exchanges, Pāle Tauti, says his children, who attend Tuahiwi Primary School, which delivers bi-lingual lessons in te reo Māori and English, were his prime motivation for signing up. “I am part Māori (Te Ati Awa–Te Waipounamu) and Samoan, and felt it was vital for me to pick up the language so I can support their te reo Māori and we can enjoy this journey of learning together.”

Pāle has enjoyed working with a ‘tight group of amazing colleagues’ who have supported each other through the journey. “We have created a space where we can make lots of errors and learn with a laugh but all in the spirit of having fun while learning.”

Pip also says the connections made within the group have been incredibly powerful. “We are all so different and hardly knew each other at the start of the year, but have grown into a closeknit group, and really enjoy working and learning together.”

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Te Reo Maori

Teaching and Learning

Staff dedicated to

Ag Show

StAC

The country was brought to town in fine fashion, when the first annual StAC Ag Show was held at the College. Although some restrictions had to be put in place for Alert Level 2 requirements, a fun day was had by all.

There were a large number of entries in the various competitions, with ‘Plant Art’, ‘Lego Creations’ and ‘Pencil Drawing’ proving the most popular. Jake Wilson (Year 8) stunned the judges with his impressive edible art entry, showcasing a vase of flowers made entirely from food.

He took out the Supreme Winner award for the Art and Baking classes. Students were able to enter their pets via a pre‑recorded video in the animal classes, which included best pet lamb, lamb handler, furry pet, and feathered pet.

Alex Wilson (Year 5) was the Supreme Winner in this section with his impressive pet lamb. Jake and Alex both received a family pass to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

The Agriculture Committee put in a huge effort to plan and run the day, and were supported by a number of staff who acted as judges for the various competitions. The younger committee members are looking forward to a bigger and even more exciting StAC Ag Show in 2022.

Top: Roger Tian, Harry Collis, Alexandros Michaelides and Patrick Jarman (all Year 2) viewing the entries. Middle: Members of the Agriculture Committee, from left, Marshall Stokes (Year 11), Hannah Glass (Year 13), Georgie Burdon (Year 13), Georgia Spark (Year 13), and Charlie Moorhead (Year 13). Bottom left: Rector Christine Leighton with Jake Wilson’s (Year 8) Supreme Award winning edible art. Bottom right: Hugo Lash (Year 1) with his entries and ribbons.

Year 10 camps Since the end of Term 3, the Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill has been abuzz with activity and filled once again with the sounds of happy students.

After a hiatus in the early part of 2021, this taonga of St Andrew’s College is operating again, with Year 10 camps returning to Castle Hill, and run by Peel Forest Outdoor Centre.

The students experienced a great three days away, taking part in everything from kayaking, hiking, and a navigation challenge, to environmental education and shelter building.

Wet, windy, and snowy conditions greeted some of the first classes to go on camp, but subsequent camps enjoyed warmer spring conditions at Castle Hill.

Incoming Operations Manager, Jo Parsons, had the privilege of seeing a few camps in action. She says it was great to kickstart the Outdoor Education programme with the Year 10 camps and students can look forward to a full programme of camps next year, run by a new team of Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre instructors. “The team is looking forward to meeting the students and running exciting and rewarding programmes with each year group.”

Another Canterbury

Championship

debaters

Oscar Bloom, Thomas Forsey (both Year 13), and Thomas Kamo (Year 12) of the StAC Blue debating team, have cemented their place as the top young debaters in the region, after winning the Canterbury Schools’ Debating Championships.

In a tight debate in the final, they beat a very strong Burnside High School team by just half a point, affirming the moot, ‘This house would punish violent fouls in sport as criminal assaults.’

Champion debaters, Oscar Bloom (Year 13), Thomas Kamo (Year 12) and Thomas Forsey (Year 13)

a great achievement to have two St Andrew’s teams in the semi-finals in this competition, which got underway in March.

Thomas Forsey and Oscar Bloom also shared fourth equal best speaker, based on individual speaker points earned throughout the competition. StAC Blue had already won the Canterbury Regional Championship Tournament earlier this year, so Thomas and Oscar have finished their schools’ debating careers in great style.

Following his Canterbury championship win, Oscar Bloom teamed up with Tom Edwards (Year 12) to beat Christ’s College to win the Canterbury Impromptu Cup. They made the final after just squeaking past the other St Andrew’s College team of Thomas Forsey (Year 13) and Liam Hackston (Year 10) in the semi-final.

StAC Blue made the final of the Canterbury Schools’ Debating Championships after a split adjudication in their semi-final debate over StAC White, comprising Tom Edwards, Ethan Adams (both Year 12) and Luke Wylie (Year 11). It was

Debating at St Andrew’s is in very good heart, with the Junior team of Lachlan Odlin, Mia Fraser (both Year 11) and Liam Hackston (Year 10) winning the final of the Junior Debating Regional Tournament against St Margaret’s College.

Teaching and Learning

for

Media Visual Arts trip and

A group of Year 12–13 Media and Visual Arts students enjoyed a stimulating two days in Wellington which both supported their classroom learning and helped them to explore future pathways in the creative industries.

The students, along with Teacher in Charge of Media Studies, Mia Silverman, Head of Art, Mallory Swadel, and Design and Visual Communications teacher, Andy Kerrison, who accompanied them on the trip, enjoyed bespoke tours of Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University’s College of Creative Arts, and Yoobee Colleges’ Wellington campus. The tour of Massey University was a highlight for many students, who came away inspired about what their future in tertiary studies might look like.

In addition to exploring further study options and a quick ride on the cable car, students had the opportunity to visit the Surrealist Art exhibition at Te Papa, followed by a fun pizza and movie night at the Embassy Theatre. Before leaving Wellington, the group visited Weta Workshop for the famous Weta Experience Tour and took part in a two‑hour Sculpting Workshop where they learnt how to create fantastical monsters.

The students returned to the College buzzing about their experiences and the opportunities for the future presented by the trip.

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St Andrew’s College hosts

SPACPAC

Supreme Awards

St Andrew’s College was proud to host the Canterbury sPACifically Pacific (SPACPAC) Supreme Awards for the first time, with five St Andrew’s students also recognised for their academic achievement and/or leadership.

This annual event is organised by the Ministry of Education to bring together the education and Pasifika communities to inspire and celebrate Pasifika identity, language, culture, and achievement.

Its objectives include strengthening the partnership that students, families, and communities have with teachers, principals, tertiary providers, local and central government.

“St Andrew’s College was delighted to be asked to host the event in our Centennial Chapel and it was humbling to see such talent across the Ōtautahi/ Christchurch Pasifika community.

We look forward to participating again next year,” says St Andrew’s Assistant

Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote.

The five St Andrew’s students recognised at the SPACPAC Awards were Head Girl Tapenisa Havea (Year 13) for Leadership and Level 2 NCEA Academic Achievement, prefect Torian Barnes (Year 13) for Leadership, D’Angelo (Lino) Tauti (Year 13) for Polyfest Leadership and Level 2 NCEA Academic Achievement, and Lynonahdolphin Tausa (Year 12) and Ethan-Hayward Punivai (Year 13) for Polyfest Leadership.

It has been a year of firsts for St Andrew’s College, with the Māori

Lynonadolphin Tausa (Year 12)

and Pasifika Group who entered Polyfest for the first time in 2021 providing impressive entertainment at the SPACPAC Awards celebration with a repeat performance of their Polyfest items. Penelope Taulafo (Year 11) performed the speech she presented at the Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition, and Lynonahdolphin Tausa did a wonderful job co-hosting the SPACPAC Awards with Magnum Tuipulotu from the Ministry of Education.

and were thrilled to see a southern right whale and her new-born calf in five metres of water, just 100 metres off the coast. The sighting was incredibly special, as this is a rare event, given there are only around 3000 of these whales globally.

Business Studies trip and Night Market It was a busy start to Term 3 for Year 13 Business Studies students. A group of 68 students went to Kaikōura to learn about the highly successful Whale Watch Tourism company. This was followed by the first ever St Andrew’s College Night Market, where 22 student companies displayed their sustainable and innovative products.

In Kaikōura, the group met with Lisa Bond, Whale Watch’s Marketing Manager, to discuss the company’s formation in the 1980s, its values, quality product, and how it remains innovative and deals with change.

The group took an exciting two-anda-half-hour trip on Whale Watch’s new 120 berth launch Te Ao Mārama,

Over 100 customers came to Senior College to support the Year 13 Business Studies students displaying their wares at the St Andrew’s College Night Market. There was an incredible range of products, including everything from tool refurbishments and vintage clothes, to design artworks representing social causes, and dog bandanas.

Among the many highlights of the night, were Shane the Brand selling over $1000 of their branded clothing, and Rocky Treat selling out of their product.

The young entrepreneurs were grateful to all the parents, friends, and teachers who turned out to support them.

Academic

successes

Hannah Burnett (Year 10) won a Best Poem Award in the National Poetry Day 2021 ‘Noho Mai Given Words’ competition for her poem, dusk is near and no one’s ready.

Alice Burnett (Year 13) won the St Andrew’s College Secondary School Creative Writing Competition with her collection of poetry. Runners-up were Stella Venning (Year 13) and Portia Bennie (Year 11).

Future Problem Solving Three teams and one individual from St Andrew’s College have qualified for the national finals in Future Problem Solving (FPS), with results due mid-November.

The students are: • Year 6: Sophie Schouten, Nika Meyn, Alexa Collis, Alyssa Geddes; • Year 7: Honour Fraher-Richardson, Fraser Walls, George Flanagan, Anton Zhang; • Year 8: Teresa Steiner, Charlotte Kyle, Ania Kuziel, Matthew Bluck;

Sarah Anthony, Corin Simcock, Cindy Xiong and Luke Zhu (all Year 12) were awarded a Bronze Award in the 2021/22 New Zealand International Biology Olympiad. The students now have the opportunity to compete in another examination for selection for a 10-day NZBIO camp in 2022, from which a team of five are selected to represent New Zealand at an NZBIO International competition.

Chess At the Canterbury Interschools Chess Championships, the St Andrew’s College A team of Gavith Dharmasena (Year 11), Kian Dharmasena, Owen Menzies (both Year 10) and Samuel Foote (Year 13) played outstanding chess to take top honours, pipping Christ’s College by one point in the final round.

The St Andrew’s College B team of Bryan Cooper (Year 10), Aki Hansen, Cayden Wang and James Anthony (all Year 9) won the B Division, which was particularly encouraging given three members of this team are in Year 9. Chess is a growing activity in the Preparatory School, with more than 30 students enrolled in the new Preparatory School Chess Club.

Creative Writing The following students were recognised in the Junior Open Section at the New Zealand Poetry Society International Poetry Competition 2021:

Junior Open Section

• Isla Calder (Year 11): Runner-up, A woman carrying the simple day’s pain; • Myken Miller (Year 10): Highly Commended, She had forgotten; • Mia Walker (Year 11): Commended, Simulacrum.

Junior Haiku Section

• Emily Keith (Year 11): Second place, soft lights between leaves; • Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Year 12): Third place, white walls, messy wires; • Emily Morgan (Year 10): Highly Commended, made from oil; • Lorna Hart (Year 11): Highly Commended, cars speeding away; • Addison Williams (Year 10): Commended, Nanny’s birthday.

Haiku Junior Section

• Aneel Bartlett (Year 4): Highly Commended, Midnight; • Chloe Sha (Year 4): Commended, Winter; • Alfred Lash (Year 3): Commended, Early Morning.

In the Lingogo Matariki Short Story Competition, Connor Ott (Year 11) and Estella Venning (Year 13) achieved special mentions from the judges.

One of our Secondary School students had their work awarded in the Schools’ Pride Week ‘Out on the Shelves’ writing competition.

A poem by Year 3 student, Alfred Lash, was selected to be published in the UK publication Poems to Solve the Climate Crisis.

• Squad leader and mentor: Katie Foot (Year 8).

Maatangi Whenua Geography Competition Against 18 teams in the regional Year 11 Maatangi Whenua Geography Competition, the St Andrew’s College team of Torin Ward, Jacob Giles and William Russell placed a respectable third, behind Christchurch Boys’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School.

Teaching and Learning

Biology

• Year 8 Individual: Hannah Withers;

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Visual Arts Graham Campbell (Year 13) had his artwork selected for the Creators’ Room Exhibition, which offers a youth development programme for young creatives aged 15–18 years, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with a community of collectors.

Young Enterprise At the regional finals of the Young Enterprise competition, Rocky Treats, run by Alice Lane and Madeleine May (both Year 13), which makes rocky road, especially focusing on customers with dietary requirements, finished second overall. Phunki, a sole proprietorship run by Sophie Goode (Year 13), who makes hair scrunchies for children and bandanas and bow ties for dogs won the Regional Award for Customer Service and was awarded second place nationally for the financial section of her Annual Review.

Portia Bennie (Year 11) and Matthew Butler (Year 12) both had haiku selected for publication in the New Zealand Poetry Society Anthology.

In the Waitaha English ‘Lines for Lockdown’ poetry competition, Madison Fahey (Year 8) was runner-up in Category One and Jenna Howell (Year 10) was runner-up in Category Two. The poems will be published in Waitaha English’s first WE magazine.

Sophie Goode (Year 13)

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The winning chess teams (standing from left) manager Conrad Wing, Aki Hansen (Year 9), Owen Menzies, Bryan Cooper (both Year 10), Gavith Dharmasena (Year 11), Kian Dharmasena (Year 10), (seated from left) Cayden Wang, James Anthony (both Year 9), Samuel Foote (Year 13).

Pre-school celebrates its

st

21 Birthday!

The youngest members of the St Andrew’s College community enjoyed a very special birthday celebration on Friday 24 September, when the St Andrew’s College Pre-school marked 21 years since it first opened its doors.

“The children were excited to celebrate with balloons and special individual cupcakes. Two of our children, Finlayson (Finn) Holley-Hill and Coco Boock-Walker, joined with Principal of the Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth, to cut a delicious birthday cake. This small event was a lovely way to honour the Pre-school’s longstanding support of our tamariki and families as they start their learning journey at St Andrew’s College,” says Head of Pre-school, Phillipa Stephens.

Jonathan started the project from scratch and enlisted the help of Beverley Rose, who was from a Montessori background. “After working with Beverley for a couple of months, I managed to convince her to take up the role as the first Head of Pre‑school.

About four months before the Pre‑school was due to open she did all the paperwork to get us ready for day one. Marilyn Hawkins from the Ministry of Education was also a great help in getting everything across the line.”

The Pre-school opened in 2000, but it was back in 1996 that an Old Collegian first proposed the idea of a purposebuilt pre-school at St Andrew’s, says Jonathan. “I had only been in my role as Principal of Preparatory School for a few months when Board Chair, Brian Gargiulo, asked if I would investigate whether or not it was a good idea. The following year, I started working on a big strategic plan with staff, and it was apparent that a co-educational pre-school was indeed a logical progression for the College, to both service our St Andrew’s community and boost co-education in the Preparatory School, where we had only a sprinkling of girls at the time.”

The original, purpose-built Pre-school, designed by Wilke and Bruce, was constructed on top of a tennis court, adjacent to the Junior School.

“The Pre-school was originally supposed to be in one of the tutor’s houses on Normans Road, but I always believed it needed to be situated next to the Junior School. It was a lovely little building, and on the day we opened, there were already 30 children enrolled.”

Jonathan says some of the best elements of Montessori, and fun free play based activities and inquiry time, were morphed to create St Andrew’s unique style of Pre-school education.

During her 16 years as Head of Pre‑school, Beverley was much-loved by the children and known for providing a safe, happy, and calm environment.

She left St Andrew’s at the end of 2016 to pursue her love of flying.

Top: Outside the original Pre-school.

Bottom: Preparatory School Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth, cutting the birthday cake with Finlayson (Finn) Holley-Hill and Coco Boock-Walker.

Above: First Head of Pre-school, Beverley Rose, with children in the original Pre-school building.

Left: A special celebration marked the 21st birthday of the Pre-school.

Top: The new Pre-school was opened in February 2018. Middle: Second Head of Pre-school, Amanda Jack, encouraging the children during a race. Below: Current Head of Pre-school, Phillipa Stephens reading to Emelia.

New era for the Pre-school Amanda Jack became the new Head of Pre-school in 2017, and was immediately thrown into the planning and setup requirements of the new Pre-school, which was already under construction as part of the new Stewart Junior Centre.

“We had to work quite hard to move the Pre-school alongside the Junior School, but I believe their connection remained critical. The pre-schoolers often have siblings in the Preparatory School and it is wonderful that the youngest members of the St Andrew’s College family can learn and interact in such close proximity.”

Pre-schoolers today enjoy the large, colourful open-plan Pre-school building, which is divided into separate areas for different curriculum activities, such as Art and transition to school activities. Colourful ‘eggs’, with tunnels, ropes, bridges, slides, and steps are a fun aspect of the bespoke playground.

The reputation of the St Andrew’s College Pre-school continued to grow under Amanda’s leadership. She left at the end of 2019 after almost three years in the role, and was known for her ‘remarkable way with people, and kind, calm manner,’ says Jonathan.

Phillipa Stephens took over as Head of Pre-school two years ago, and the Pre-school continues to go from strength to strength under her leadership, with strong demand and a wait list for places. “We have continued with the same vision and values. There were already great practices in place, particularly around the children’s learning and development, which is my main focus. It’s been easy to step in and strengthen what the team were already doing.”

A special group of Year 13 leavers each year complete all their schooling at St Andrew’s College, with some even starting in the Pre-school, says Jonathan. “One of the highlights of my year is catching up with these students at the 13 Years On function.

In all my time at St Andrew’s, I’ve never had one student say to me that they’ve spent too long at this place.”

It’s not just the Pre-school celebrating a special milestone in 2021. Two of its staff, Team Leader, Jan Marshall, and teacher, Joanna Gregg, were two of the very first staff employed when the Pre‑school opened and are still on the team.

“I love the sense of family here.

Both Jo’s and my children have come through the Pre-school and are in the Preparatory School and Secondary School now. We’ve seen so many other children start with us and go right through the whole College. It’s always lovely to see them at Prizegiving achieving their awards. We were very excited when Juliette Newman (OC 2019) was the first girl to go through the Pre-school and make it all the way to Head Girl,” says Jan. Alongside her day-to-day work with the children, events such as the Nativity Play, Art Exhibitions, and Pre-school family gatherings are other highlights, says Jan. Jo graduated with her Diploma of Teaching on a Friday and started her job at the St Andrew’s College Pre-school on the Monday. “I did my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning degree while working here full‑time.

It was a lot of work, but I never looked back.”

Jo loves the happy, welcoming, caring environment at the Pre‑school and appreciates the long working relationship she has with Jan. “She is fantastic to work with and there is never a dull moment. At the end of the day, the strong working environment in the Pre‑school has kept me here so long, as well as the lovely people I get to work with, each and every day.”

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Jo and Jan’s special celebration

Teaching and Learning

Pre-school teachers Jo Gregg and Jan Marshall cutting the Pre-school’s birthday cake.

A

colourful world Visitors to the Preparatory School often comment on the stunning artworks adorning the learning hallways.

Year 1–8 students are taught by Preparatory School Art Specialist, Pip Dinsenbacher.

Digital literacy

Teaching and Learning

key for all learners

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In today’s high-tech world, digital literacy is paramount so children can flourish at school, says Anneke Kamo, a former Year 4 teacher at St Andrew’s College, who is now a part-time Digital Technology and Literacy teacher in the Preparatory School. “There is no avoiding these critical skills. If children don’t keep up, they get left behind.”

Thankfully at St Andrew’s, children start to learn digital skills from Year 1. “The little ones start with some very basic Digital Technology learning and coding, before working with some small robots called Bee Bots, which they love. In Year 2, students work with slightly more advanced robots called Blue Bots, coding them from their iPad.” When students enter Year 3, they face a ‘huge learning curve’, using laptops in the classroom for the first time, says Anneke. “Some of the students may have never touched a laptop before, but it’s amazing how quickly they pick it up. Right throughout their schooling at St Andrew’s, they continue to use and build on the digital literacy skills they learn in Year 3.”

During weekly Digital Technology and Literacy lessons, the Year 3 children are introduced to email, work with programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, and learn about the College’s technology systems and programs, such as Microsoft Teams and OneNote.

Their growing digital skills proved valuable during the COVID-19 lockdown in August, when they were able to communicate with their teachers via email and confidently share their learning on Seesaw.

Year 3 teacher, Kodie Kutyn, says her students love the Digital Technology and Literacy sessions, which are helping them in nearly all aspects of their learning. “In most subjects there is usually at least one group using their laptops. A lot of the students have signed up for programs such as Mathletics, Reading Eggs, and typing.com, which helps them to develop their typing skills. There is a lot for the children to take in on this digital journey, but they are soaking it up, step by step.”

Anneke enjoys working with students across all year levels in the Preparatory School. She keeps a close eye on other schools’ programmes and the latest information online, to ensure her classes are fresh and interesting. “I am fortunate that St Andrew’s supports the introduction of new activities and initiatives, which helps to ensure our Digital Technology and Literacy programme is fun, relevant, and most importantly, provides the children with key skills they will use for life.”

Left: William Keir (Year 3) working with teacher, Anneke Kamo.

Top right: Archie Passmore, Harry Julius and William Crimp (all Year 3) Middle right: Luke Russell and Adelyn Abrahamson (both Year 3).

Bottom right: Year 3 students engrossed in their Digital Technology lesson

Mastering

mathematics

Alongside reading and writing, Mathematics is a key pillar that helps children to do well in almost every area of their learning.

In Years 4–6, students take a big step up in the subject, learning to solve increasingly complex problems, as they use their growing understanding of numbers, symbols, shapes, measurement, and statistics. To help them master these concepts, teachers use a wide range of engaging resources and activities, says Head of Middle Syndicate, Meg Feller. “We use a combination of traditional graphic Mathematics books, Mathematics task sheets, a specialised programme called PR1ME, concrete materials, and various online resources. Having these different learning methods means there is something to engage every child and help them to work at their own level.”

Even ‘rote’ learning, which includes the memorisation of things like times tables, is part of the curriculum, says Meg. “The children’s parents probably learnt this way during their primary school years. These days rote learning

has a much stronger foundation, with students taught to understand the concepts behind multiplication and division, rather than simply memorising the numbers.”

St Andrew’s College is among many top performing New Zealand schools to use the PR1ME Mathematics programme which is a collaboration between the Singaporean Ministry of Education and Scholastic. This interactive programme is used for teaching group lessons, with students working through workbooks at their PR1ME group level, says Meg. “The levels are established by a placement test at the start of the year.

Students’ progress is reviewed at the end of each unit, with a summative test at the end of the book. It is a very thorough programme.”

Online learning is another key aspect of the Mathematics programme, with Years 4–5 students using the MathsBuddy program, and the Year 6 students using Mathletics.

“MathsBuddy is completely customised for each child’s learning. As they work through the video tutorials and exercises, their progress is captured and assessed. This is brilliant for teachers, as we can see where children

are excelling or may need some extra support. The Year 6 students really enjoy Mathletics, which is another highly engaging program which uses a points and rewards system to chart their progress.”

Mathematics is integrated into the wider curriculum in the Middle Syndicate where possible, often incorporating practical skills such as weighing and measuring. A recent example saw students use chalk on a concrete area outside the classrooms to draw and measure the size of a blue whale as part of their Antarctica inquiry. “Key aspects of robotics, such as coding, programming, and using angles, are also part of our Mathematics programme.”

With parents thrust into the role of substitute Mathematics teacher aides during the COVID-19 lockdown, the differences between how they learnt the subject when they were at primary school, and how their children do now, became clear, says Meg. “Some of the learning methods have definitely changed, but thankfully there are great resources for parents, such as nzmaths.co.nz, to help them to support their children’s Mathematics learning at home.”

Top: Year 4 students measuring the size of a blue whale while integrating Mathematics into an Antarctic inquiry. Left: Middle Syndicate Leader and Year 4 teacher, Meg Feller, guides Oscar Han, Kendal Dawson and Aneel Bartlett (all Year 4) during a Mathematics lesson.

Seamless transition

online learning

Two Microsoft programs were again central to the delivery of online learning. OneNote was used to deliver learning to the students, and Teams allowed teachers to connect face‑to-face with their students for three virtual classroom meetings each day, and to deliver video lessons, he says. “The students are already very familiar with these programs.

Each child has their own OneNote account, where the teachers can post work, links, and video lessons. Using Teams, we could replicate group sessions they would normally have in the classroom, provide breakout rooms for the students, and arrange

individual sessions for students who needed a bit more support. Voice calls and video chats with specialist teachers, also kept everyone connected.”

Morgan says a slightly less structured approach to this year’s online learning gave the students greater flexibility and helped them to focus on their well-being alongside their learning.

“During the 2020 lockdown, we stuck fairly rigidly to the classroom timetable, including class meetings.

This year, the students were given more agency to achieve their targets and learning goals in a way that worked best for them. If they missed a meeting or lesson, they could watch a video replay later. We were very mindful that most of the students’ learning was going to be done through a device, so placed a big emphasis on them having breaks, getting some fresh air, and focusing on their well-being too.”

The Year 8 teachers kept in regular contact with parents, so they were aware of their child’s learning targets and well-being plan. “The lockdown is a challenging time for teachers

Year 8 Team Leader, Morgan Sheppard, and Year 8 students, Daniel Liu, Ethan Lam, Emily de Joux and Abigail Wiseman, connect to other students on a Microsoft Teams call.

and parents too, who are often juggling both work and home life.

We hoped that our approach to online learning resulted in happy, engaged children, making it a less stressful time for parents too.”

Morgan says the success of the online learning programme was evident when the students returned to the campus in early September. “We had a busy and bubbly couple of hours on the first day when everyone caught up, then the students got straight back into their work. It was almost like we’d never had a lockdown.

The students’ attitude across the Year 8 team was really impressive.”

While teachers are at the ‘pointy end’ when delivering online learning, Morgan says they are grateful to a large group of people working behind the scenes who ensure the technology is in place and support the teachers to utilise it. “Lockdowns are not something we want to go back into, but if they happen again, we are very well prepared to continue to support our students’ learning and guide them to be the best they can be.”

Teaching and Learning

There is no doubt that a COVID-19 lockdown is disruptive to students’ learning. However, the systems and technology St Andrew’s College has in place, made for an almost seamless transition for the Year 8 students in and out of the latest Alert Level 4 restrictions, says Year 8 Team Leader, Morgan Sheppard. “We learnt a lot from our experiences during the lockdown last year and spent quite a bit of time this year preparing resources in case the restrictions happened again. When Alert Level 4 was announced we were ready to go.”

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to

From the Director of

Development I am sure many of us, deep down, knew there was a chance we would re-enter another COVID-19 lockdown at some time in the future. However, when it did happen on Wednesday 18 August, it was with lightning speed and little warning, and all felt a little surreal. The College was well prepared and, after talking to many people in our school community during this time, including teachers, parents, and students, we were well versed and a little more confident this time around.

ks Than to our Donors Theatre Seat Gibson Family Tapenisa Havea John and Alison Westgar th

The Development team retreated to their home offices and worked on event management, searched for missing contact details of Old Collegians, and touched base with our many community groups – Ladies Circle, Old Collegians Association, Strowan Club Members, and Year 9 Class Parent Volunteers.

We felt very lucky that, under the lower level lockdown restrictions, many of our events were able to be rescheduled for Term 4.

the Theatre by purchasing a theatre seat, or a bronze, silver, or gold note from the College Song. Support can also continue to be directed towards the StACFit Fitness Centre with bronze, silver, and gold family legacy recognition plaques. There are many opportunities for students, families, and Old Collegians, friends and supporters to have their names recorded during this very important part of College history.

One of the casualties, due to Alert Level restrictions, was the much-anticipated Drama Reunion event in October.

It was planned to bring together 20 years of Old Collegians and existing students who had been either cast or crew in past Middle School and Senior College Productions, to enjoy the very final show in the Theatrette before it is demolished in December. We will look for the next opportunity to hold this event and in the meantime plan to hold a small farewell of the Theatrette with our existing students involved in cultural pursuits.

Over 151 businesses are now listed on the Community Business Directory, created to raise awareness of businesses owned and professional services offered by current St Andrew’s College families. You can register your business or find a link to the directory in the Alumni and our Community section of the St Andrew’s website.

Fitness Centre – Bronze Plaque Anonymous

Excitement is building as we near the start of construction of the Ben Gough Family Theatre at the end of this year. We are pleased to announce that Armitage Williams was recently awarded the tender for this project.

We are also incredibly fortunate that David Evans, who at the end of this year will retire after 21 years of service as our General Manager, will continue in the capacity of Project Director for this development.

For more information about how to support the Your Legacy, Our Future campaign visit Giving at StAC on the College website: stac.school.nz

We are just over halfway through our fundraising campaign, Your Legacy, Our Future, which aims to raise $4 million for this much needed new facility. So far, we have raised $2.3 million and so the need for your support remains great. There are still opportunities to support

Theatre Note – Gold Gideon and Amie-Jane Couper Fitness Centre – Gold Plaque Pugh Family

Thank you to all our volunteers who give up their time to help in the College Cafeteria, PTA Second-hand Uniform Shop, event hosting, and our Year 9 Class Parent Volunteers. There is a link to Volunteers under the Alumni and our Community section on the St Andrew’s website for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. At the end of each year our volunteer list reduces, as Year 13 families finish their time at the College, so your support would be appreciated.

Thank you to everyone in our community who has already shown their support for the Your Legacy, Our Future campaign. It is much appreciated. If you are able to assist us in reaching our campaign fundraising goal, we’d love to hear from you.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and holiday break.

Miranda Newbury Director of Development

Final planning before

Attending the Pre-Construction meeting were from left, Armitage Williams Construction Site Manager Wayne Lamb, St Andrew’s Facilities Manager Mark McGregor, Armitage Williams Construction Quantity Surveyor Sam Peters, Wilkie and Bruce Architect Tony Hoare, and St Andrew’s General Manager David Evans.

ISNZ Honours Awards Each year, independent schools across Aotearoa are invited to nominate staff for the ISNZ (Independent Schools New Zealand) Honours Awards. This year, three of the twelve honours were awarded to outstanding St Andrew’s College staff – Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and 1st XV Manager, Manager of Cricket and 1st XI Coach, and College Custodian, Mike Johnston.

Unfortunately, Laurence, Russell and Mike were unable to accept their awards as guests at the ISNZ Conference in Auckland, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

ISNZ Honours Award winners, College Custodian, Mike Johnston, Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, and Catering Manager, Russell Gray.

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A Pre-Construction meeting attended by various stakeholders, was held in October to look at enabling works to be completed before the main construction of the Ben Gough Family Theatre gets underway on 15 December 2021. Various works in preparation were completed over the October term break. “The Project Team are very enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing the Ben Gough Family Theatre to life,” says General Manager, David Evans.

Resources and Environment

construction

Musical

murder mayhem and

How very appropriate that the final ever show performed in the Theatrette, was called Curtains. This high-energy, toe-tapping, and often hilarious Tony-nominated show, was performed by an exuberant Middle School cast, who engaged their audience from beginning to end.

The show harks back to old-school style musicals and is a send up of many of the old murder mysteries, with lots of twists and turns. During opening night of an ill-fated show, Robbin’ Hood of the Old West, a star is murdered, and all of the cast and crew become suspects. Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights in musical theatre, must save the show, solve the case, and maybe even find love, all without getting himself killed.

Curtains was another St Andrew’s production disrupted by COVID-19.

The cast had to rehearse for four weeks online during the lockdown, and because of Alert Level restrictions, were unable to play to a full house.

However, Director, Ginnie Thorner, said the determined cast of Year 9–10 students rose to the challenge. “It was an extraordinary task for them to catch up on the missed rehearsals. I am so impressed by what they achieved.

For many, this is where their love of theatre begins.”

Hana Pearce (OC 2019) returned once again to choreograph the fun song and dance numbers. She did fantastic work with the students who ranged from beginner to more experienced dancers.

The big Wild West song and dance numbers were particular highlights.

The creative set by Paul McCaffrey and over 100 spectacular costumes designed by Sylvia Campbell created a magical world for the actors. Musical Director, Duncan Ferguson put in another stellar performance. He not only played the two-and-a-half hour shows each night, but rehearsed the soloists, choir, and band, and trained the sound team. He is Musical Director for two productions each year at St Andrew’s which is highly unusual at a secondary school.

A dedicated technical crew, and team of supportive friends and parents, also did their part to create another highly memorable show at St Andrew’s College.

Jack Flanagan (Year 10) did a brilliant job as fast-talking Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, particularly in the funny scenes where his love for musical theatre, and his growing attraction for cast member, Niki Harris (Jenna Howell – Year 10), took over his real job of solving the crime. He also has a great singing voice. Jenna Howell shone in the role of Niki, superbly evoking the character’s sweetness, and naivety, but leaving the question about whether she might be just a bit too innocent?

Two of the strongest actors and singers were Xanthe Pearce and Edward Pitts (both Year 10) who played estranged songwriting husband and wife, Georgia Hendricks and Aaron Fox. Their powerhouse vocals were evident in their solos, and their moving duet, Thinking of Him/I Miss the Music, was one of the show’s highlights.

Sassy producer, Carmen Bernstein (Alexandra Shepherd – Year 10) and fussy, narcissistic director, Christopher Belling (Tamaroa Connelly – Year 10) had some of the funniest lines in the show, which

they delivered with absolute relish.

Alexandra also impressed vocally, while Tamaroa stole just about every scene he was in.

Chantelle Xiong (Year 10) is another talented singer and dancer, who was great as Carmen’s beleaguered daughter Bambi Bernét, while Noah Grossmith (Year 10) did a great job as journalist and theatre critic Daryl Grady, Jack Satterthwaite (Year 10) impressed as Bobby Pepper the choreographer and leading man of Robbin’ Hood, and Grace Kempthorne (Year 10) was excellent as stage manager Joanie Harmon. Others to shine were Ethan Higgs (Year 9) as Carmen’s husband Sidney Bernstein, Matthew Lee (Year 10) as the show’s financier Oscar Shapiro, Miah Taylor (Year 10) who was hilarious in her brief appearance as the first murder victim Jessica Cranshaw, Jake Elvidge (Year 9) who had great comic timing delivering his lines as Sasha Iljinksey, and Hugo Ranken (Year 10) who had fun playing Detective O’Farrell.

The large chorus also had lots of fun, and beautifully sung the big production numbers, sometimes in four-part harmony. Highlights included the hilarious, The Woman’s Dead, and In the Same Boat Completed.

Curtains was a great show, and a wonderful, upbeat final note on which to farewell the Theatrette.

Values and Culture

The young cast of Curtains did a fantastic job of pulling off this complex show, which is at the same time a classic ‘whodunnit’, a musical within a musical, and has lots of in-jokes and puns about the world of ‘showbiz’.

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Young cast excel

Final curtain for

Theatrette

The lights have faded and the curtains closed on almost 50 years of history for the Theatrette, which is about to be deconstructed to make way for the new Ben Gough Family Theatre.

Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, is excited at the prospect of a new professional theatre facility in which to work his magic with Drama students and productions, but feels a tinge of sadness that the Theatrette will be lost. “That is the bittersweet thing about theatre – all the magic happens, then it’s gone and won’t ever happen like that again. I have so many great memories in the Theatrette, and know every inch of the space because it is so small. It has been my creative home for almost every day of my eight years at St Andrew’s, and was home to many others too, from my teaching colleagues, Drama students, and production casts, to our wonderful theatre geeks and tech kids.”

It was way back in 1972 – that a fundraising campaign began to raise money for a new teaching block (the Arts block) and a lecture theatre/ cafeteria complex. By the end of 1972, $375,000 had been raised for both facilities, including $10,000 promised by staff of St Andrew’s College, and around $5000 raised by the boys during workdays, largely driven by their keenness for a new Cafeteria.

A compelling scene from the end of Cabaret (2016).

Demolition of the old gymnasium block took place at the beginning of the Christmas holidays in 1972. Paynter and Hamilton was awarded the contract to build the new Cafeteria and

Theatrette, which got underway early in 1973 and opened at the beginning of Term 3 that year.

In High Flies the Cross, the late Gordon Ogilvie (OC 1951 and a former teacher at St Andrew’s) reported that the new Theatrette facility was highly anticipated. “There was at long last a facility in the new theatre, which could do justice to school Drama and serve as a comfortable venue for lectures, meetings, films, debating, and public speaking.”

When Preparatory School Art teacher and St Andrew’s College historian, Pip Dinsenbacher, joined the teaching staff in 2000, she says the multi-purpose Theatrette was used for everything from performances, staff, student and parent meetings, Rector’s addresses to staff, Preparatory School Assemblies, and teacher union meetings, to lectures from visiting speakers, boarders’ events, Deans’ meetings, PTA events, promotional events, films, College events, and family events. Dance and Drama teacher, Ginnie Thorner says it is still very much a multi-use space, used for Drama teaching, productions, speeches, visiting performers, Drama clubs, and events such as Ballet shows, Dance Revue, Film Fest and Cultural Showcases, as well as being hired out by outside groups for all sorts of occasions.

Highlights and memories Dance and Drama teacher, Ginnie Thorner, is another member of staff who has a long history with the Theatrette, and like Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, has mixed feelings about its demise.

“I’m definitely excited about the new Ben Gough Family Theatre, and the amazing working space the architects have created. However, I do feel a little nostalgic about the Theatrette, which is a small, weird, and properly old theatre. It is a place of many memories, creativity and beauty, and has been a challenging, fun, exhausting and exhilarating space to work in.”

Laurence, who directs the amazing Senior College Productions each year, agrees that the Theatrette’s small size has been its major constraint, but this has also led to its biggest highlights for the production teams. “It has been a significant creative challenge for us to produce big shows in this small space – getting so many students on stage without it looking too cluttered or overwhelmed. I’ve loved that aspect of putting on the shows.”

Ginnie has produced and directed many wonderful Middle School and Preparatory School Productions during her time at the College.

She says having no fly floor or much backstage storage has also demanded creative solutions, and there has been little space for keeping props and costumes. “One of the great things about not having individual dressing rooms in the Theatrette was the sense of teamwork and collaboration that occurred when we used the Cafeteria as a dressing area.

We have kept this aspect in the new Theatre design – a communal space that can become a dressing room.”

Ask Laurence and Ginnie about their most memorable shows in the Theatrette, and both have clear favourites. “My most notable will always be Parade. It was an epic story, with a challenging premise around discrimination, which we produced the same year as the terror attack in Christchurch. It will take a lot of beating for me personally,” says Laurence.

Suspect, written by Old Collegian, Isaac Shatford (OC 2014), Anything Goes for its old time charm and hard-working cast, and The Drowsy Chaperone, for its fantastic cast and being a hilarious show to create, are at the top of Ginnie’s list.

Their long-time collaborator, Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, who arranges and produces the incredible live music for every show, is in agreement. “My favourite shows have to be The Drowsy Chaperone, which was so funny, and Parade. The musical and technical challenges involved with Parade were so hard, and it was immensely satisfying to pull these off to such a high standard.”

Unlike Laurence and Ginnie, Duncan is not sad at all to lose the Theatrette.

“It has been awful having an orchestra in the laps of the front row all these years. I think I’ll be the first there with a sledgehammer when it’s time to bring it down. The new facility will be the best equipped theatre in any school in New Zealand. It will be wonderful to be able to walk into it.”

Space is something Laurence and Ginnie are also looking forward to. “The new Theatre will give us the ability to do a whole host of musicals and shows we have been unable to do in the past, and we’ll be able to use larger bands and the orchestra. It is a whole new chapter for us, and the chance to create a new home for Drama, productions, and performance at St Andrew’s College,” says Laurence.

Values and Culture

27 Regulus

Centre: Ambitious staging during The Drowsy Chaperone (2018). From left to right: The Theatrette was a special place for two former Heads of Drama, Julie Drummond (2004–2013) and Rozena Hallum (1993–2004). Rector Ian Galloway (1962–1982) addressing a group of boys in the Theatrette, which has always been a multi-purpose facility. Some of the many wonderful shows staged in the Theatrette include (from left) Oklahoma, Blood Brothers, Parade, and Chicago. Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, and Drama and Dance teacher, Ginnie Thorner have mixed feelings about losing the Theatrette.

Vich Perfect

win NZCT Chamber Music Contest

Not even a broken cello could prevent Vich Perfect, comprising three outstanding young St Andrew’s College musicians, Samuel Jeon (Year 13), Grace Lawrence (Year 12) and Christine Jeon (Year 10), from winning the national final of the 2021 NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

chamber music competition five years in a row. To finally win on his last attempt, meant so much, he says. “I was so scared the night of the finals until I thought, it’s my last time, let’s just go out there and have fun.

Everything was a blur when our names were announced, and I was trying not to fall over with excitement. I knew we had given a really emotional performance, winning was a dream come true.”

The trio were surprised and delighted when they were announced as the winners, following their virtuoso performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No 2, a powerful and moving piece, rarely attempted by musicians so young.

Christine also felt the pressure before the finals, knowing it was Samuel’s last chance, but on the day managed to keep incredibly calm, even when her cello broke. “I had been nervous beforehand, but once my cello broke, the nerves completely disappeared. I knew it would be the last time I would get to perform with Sam in the Chamber Music Contest and wanted to have fun and do the best I could for the group.”

Just before their finale performance, Christine Jeon’s cello tumbled from its case, with the impact snapping its neck. She was able to borrow a cello from a guest performer and had just 20 minutes to practice on the completely new and larger sized instrument before they performed. Despite the setback, the performers left everything on the stage, with their spectacular finale seeing them crowned the winners.

It was the first ever win in the contest for St Andrew’s College and was a fitting result for exceptional pianist, Samuel Jeon, who has made the national semi-finals or finals of New Zealand’s most celebrated

Violinist, Grace Lawrence, was also ecstatic with the win, and says like at all awards shows, she was ‘trying to look diplomatic’ as the trio waited for the result, so she wouldn’t look too upset if someone else’s name was read out.

“It took a moment for me to realise it was us, and it was so exciting. The win is huge for me, as I’d been considering studying Music once I leave school but wasn’t sure if it’s what I wanted to do. This could be the moment that helps me to decide, so the win is really meaningful.”

All three of the talented young performers are Music scholars at St Andrew’s College, and have achieved so much together in the Chamber Music Contest. Samuel and Grace were part of Quartetto Maduro, which made the national final (top six in New Zealand) in 2019. Incredibly, Samuel and Christine were part of another trio, Babarians, with a student from Christ’s College, which also made the national final this year.

Both groups progressed through the Christchurch District, Canterbury District and Regional finals to qualify for the national finals.

At the Cultural Assembly in August, the students each received the Rector’s Medal – the first students to receive this significant recognition of achievement. “We are so proud of Samuel, Grace and Christine for their incredible achievement. This is a great moment for them personally, and for St Andrew’s College music. We also congratulate Mark Hodgkinson and the other staff offering tuition, guidance, and support to these committed, outstanding young musicians,” says Rector Christine Leighton.

Christine Jeon (Year 10), Samuel Jeon (Year 13) and Grace Lawrence (Year 12) are elated after being named winners of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

Cultural Week

There was even a Highland Day, featuring Highland dancing, classic Scottish games, a presentation from the Pipe Band, and the chance to learn Robert Burns’ famous poem, Address to a Haggis.

The week culminated in the Cultural Assembly, with highlights including Scarlett and Catelin delivering their thoughts on What is Culture?,

An appropriate finale to Cultural Week saw 12 St Andrew’s pipers play at Victoria Square to show support for the Olympic athletes who were in their last few days of MIQ at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The athletes were moved by the performance, with many filming and taking photographs from their windows and balconies and sharing on their social media.

A short clip of the performance was also shown on the Seven Sharp current affairs television programme that evening.

Values and Culture

Heads of Culture, Scarlett Rumble and Catelin Riordan (both Year 13), organised a packed programme, which included everything from art activities, a dance class, and Theatresports, to an entertaining Open Mic Night, and a StAC’s Got Talent competition, won

by Eva Hitchon, Alice Burnett and Madeline Bailey (all Year 13).

an energetic performance of Mr Brightside, and pieces from the Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, Barbershop, and Year 10 Rock Band.

Many significant achievements were recognised at the assembly, including members of the national NZCT Chamber Music Contest winning group Vich Perfect, Samuel Jeon (Year 13), Grace Lawrence (Year 12) and Christine Jeon (Year 10) being the first ever students to receive the Rector’s Medal.

29 Regulus

The incredible array of cultural opportunities at St Andrew’s College was reaffirmed during Cultural Week, when students and staff had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of fun activities.

Celebrating

compassion

in action

A new initiative developed by members of the Muslim community in the pursuit of peace following the terror attack of 15 March 2019, has inspired young leaders and members of the Well-being Committee to consider how compassion is brought into action at St Andrew’s College.

Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, who attended the official launch of Christchurch Invitation Mahia te Aroha in July with five students from Years 11–13, says it was a ‘stunning’ evening, which invited everyone in our community to play their part in creating a future of compassion and humanity. “Some of the actions identified were sharing aroha, welcoming compassionate solutions, building trust, honouring the lives changed by 15 March 2019, creating pathways and platforms that counter prejudice and hate, and sharing inspiration.”

At the event, the students loved hearing the stories of six young people, who shared their experiences and aspirations for a future based on compassion. “They were also inspired by the address from Tony Green, a member of the Muslim community and former St Andrew’s College parent. Tony later had a meeting with Rector Christine Leighton and I at the College and was very keen to hear about our students’ responses.”

(Back) Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, with inaugural Mahia te Aroha Award winners, Luke Zhu (Year 12), Michael Kelly (Year 13), Rachel Holyoake (Year 12), Tony Green from the Christchurch Muslim community, (Front) Zac Zaalberg (Year 10), Oliver Cotter (Year 9), Juliet Noordanus (Year 11), and Nikao Panapa (Year 9).

Absent: Scarlett Rumble (Year 13)

The Well-being Committee subsequently introduced the inaugural Mahia te Aroha Awards, for students nominated by their peers and teachers for exemplifying character traits which impact positively on others. When the Wellbeing Assembly was cancelled due to COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions, the awards were presented at the Term 4 Assembly on Friday 5 November instead, which was livestreamed to students other than award recipients.

After the assembly, Tony Green visited St Andrew’s to meet with the recipients of the College’s Mahia te Aroha Awards – Scarlett Rumble, Michael Kelly (both Year 13), Luke Zhu, Rachel Holyoake (both Year 12), Juliet Noordanus (Year 11), Zac Zaalberg (Year 10), Nikao Panapa and Oliver Cotter (both Year 9).

In her address, Kerry Larby celebrated these young people as being students who think beyond themselves, are compassionate, inclusive, and make a positive contribution to the culture of St Andrew’s College.

Kerry says ‘conversations over kai’ encouraged by the Muslim community also led to a shared staff lunch at St Andrew’s. “It was a great way to give everyone space to connect through conversation and over food.”

Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, with the 2021 Heads of Well-being, Oscar Bloom (Year 13) and Selena Gan (Year 12).

It is already being considered how the value of compassion will continue to be actioned at St Andrew’s next year, says Kerry. “The student Well-being Committee will consider ways they can bring the Christchurch Invitation to life and intend to collaborate with the wider community to do this.”

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So They Can This quickly became the mission of So They Can – to empower children living in poverty-stricken communities in Kenya and Tanzania by providing them with quality education. The charity is achieving this through programmes focused on improved learning conditions, teacher training and development, child well-being, women’s empowerment, and community engagement and health.

So They Can’s impressive list of projects includes building schools, and even a teacher training college in Tanzania, now ranked number one out of all the teachers’ colleges in Tanzania.

So They Can founder, Cassandra Treadwell, and Rector Christine Leighton, with Heads of Community Service, Abby Jones and Isabella Logie (both Year 13).

Disadvantaged students, teachers, and families in poverty stricken regions in Africa will benefit for years to come from an exciting new partnership between St Andrew’s College, and not for profit organisation, So They Can. After working informally with the charity and its Kiwi founder, Cassandra Treadwell, since the start of the year, the College’s Board has signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding which will see a percentage of all funds raised at St Andrew’s being directed towards So They Can. This generous financial support will go largely to Mwikantsi School in Tanzania, the new partner school of St Andrew’s College, and may also benefit other schools in the region.

The partnership with So They Can is an exciting new chapter in St Andrew’s long proud history of philanthropy, says Rector Christine Leighton. “We are incredibly proud to become part of the So They Can community. Our students are already developing meaningful connections with students at Mwikantsi School, and seeing the tangible difference their support can make. Our Year 13 Community Service team will be working with the Preparatory School to build knowledge and understanding between our young students. The motto ‘Empowering them through

education. Enriching us through understanding,’ neatly captures the benefits for students on both sides of the partnership.”

Since the start of the year, St Andrew’s College has already raised considerable funds for Mwikantsi School, which have gone towards building a toilet block, providing education resources, and building a meeting room for teachers.

Developing a sustained personal relationship between the two schools is another focus of the partnership, with regular communication and activities planned.

Cassandra Treadwell founded So They Can 12 years ago, after witnessing the impacts of poverty first hand in poor communities in Africa.

“I visited people living in tents in a displaced persons’ camp in Kenya and asked what I could do to help.

They did not ask for money nor food, asking instead for support to educate their children, as this is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and enables people to make good choices.”

Former All Black, Conrad Smith, and singer, Kimbra, have been ambassadors of So They Can for a number of years. Kimbra is writing and performing a specially written song for the girls So They Can works with who suffer female genital cutting and child marriage, with all funds raised from its sales going to support them in school.

Cassandra says she is ‘overwhelmed’ by the new partnership with St Andrew’s College, which will provide ongoing and sustainable support for So They Can. “The relationship with St Andrew’s gives us the confidence to be able to plan three years ahead for what we want to achieve instead of just year by year. It will change the lives and the future of our Mwikantsi students and future generations to come.

I’m excited and extremely grateful for the partnership.”

Values and Culture

partnership with

31 Regulus

Long term

Family ties in

boarding grow stronger

The boarding community at St Andrew’s College is all about family, with boarding staff working hard to provide a genuine homely environment for students. After a weekend of fun activities in August, which included a large number of boarding parents, the close-knit family has become even tighter.

The first well-supported event was the inaugural Boarding Parents Big Night In, when over 100 guests embraced the fancy dress theme of ‘Famous Duos’. They also enjoyed canapes and a delicious meal from the team at Moveable Feasts, took part in a fundraising auction for the St Andrew’s College trap shooting team, then partied the night away with a fantastic local band, Urban Rumour.

Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, says activities in the boarding houses such as the Kaitiaki programme, and various orientation, co-educational, and House initiatives are already successfully connecting students across the boarding community, so it was important to be able to give parents the same experience. “It was a great night of fun and socialising, which gave parents the opportunity to connect with each other and also interact with the boarding staff. The fancy dress theme really helped to break down any barriers.

Everyone loved it.”

The following night, just prior to the Senior College Formal, around 80 Year 12–13 boarder parents were hosted in the Strowan House staffroom for a pre-Formal event, which included some group photographs on the staircase. Once all the boarders were dropped off at the Formal, most Senior College parents gathered at No.4 Bar, in Merivale, for some drinks and mingling.

Matt says these ‘fantastic couple of days’ have further strengthened St Andrew’s boarding community.

“Our connections with boarding parents are a key part of what I call the ‘square of connection’, which encompasses our boarders, boarding parents, the boarding house team, and the day school. The more connected we are, the more we interact with each other, and the better the outcomes for our students will be.”

Matt says parents had been asking for an event like the Big Night In for some time, and the boarding team got a real sense of achievement from making it happen. “Seeing everyone interact with each other and having so much fun was the pinnacle of what we’ve been trying to achieve with the boarding connection over the last couple of years. Bringing our boarding parents together was the last piece of the puzzle.”

‘Surrogate’

families play key role

Monte and Jake have many of the same classes, so were able to attend online lessons together. Discovering they were ‘top tier fishermen’ when fishing in an irrigation pond was a highlight of the lockdown, says Monte.

“We were lucky to be able to get outside and clear our minds. It was also good to play a bit of basketball together and stay active throughout

Jake Jackways and Montague Stamm (both Year 13) dressed 'formally' for online learning during the lockdown.

Jake says on the night the Alert Level 4 lockdown was announced, the boarding house was frantic as boarders packed up their things and sorted out ways to get home or find places to stay. “Many of my friends live in places that are not within a quick hour’s drive like myself, so I asked Monte if he would like to stay at mine for the lockdown period. This was not the first time I have hosted other boarders at my house, but it had never been for more than a long weekend before.”

Jake says a typical school day during the lockdown was an 8.00am wakeup followed by a full day of classes.

“Working together during online learning helped us to stay productive and get more work done.”

They filled free periods with ‘snacking and basketball’, and usually finished each day with a run, then fishing, he adds. “I definitely encourage other St Andrew’s families to consider hosting long distance boarders. It gives them a chance to get out of the boarding house and is a great way to bond and create friendships.”

Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, says St Andrew’s College is fortunate to have many caring boarding and day families who put their hand up to look after boarders for the weekends and holidays, or to transport them around.

“Some of the families who support the boarders are not boarding families themselves but are still very much regarded as part of the boarding community. We were delighted to invite them along to the Boarding Parents Big Night In in recognition of all that they do. The kindness of all who support our boarders is another example of our wonderful connected community at St Andrew’s College.”

Values and Culture

Australian boarder, Montague Stamm (Year 13), was one of several boarders who spent time in ‘surrogate’ families during the latest lockdown. He was hosted by Head of Boys’ Boarding, Jake Jackways, and his family at Dorie, near Rakaia. “The Jackways are a very kind family and I was so grateful for their help during the lockdown. I really miss going home for the holidays, but I’d rather be stuck in New Zealand. I’ve already done two MIQ stints in Auckland and if I went home it would be difficult for me to get back to school. I’m glad I’ve got a bunch of good mates and support around me over here.”

the day. My family is extremely grateful for the Jackways’ support. It is a difficult time for everyone at the moment and I know they are incredibly grateful to all the families who look after me throughout the holidays, lockdowns, and long weekends.”

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While most boarders are able to head home to family during the holidays, weekends, or when a dreaded COVID-19 lockdown is announced, some, including international students, don’t have that option.

Community and

service

Josh Ongley, Luke Wylie and Lachlan Odlin (all Year 11) with Year 11 Dean, Donna Jones.

Dress for Success As part of the Year 11 theme of giving back and making a difference, Lachlan Odlin, Josh Ongley, Luke Wylie and a number of other Year 11 students collected, sorted, and delivered clothes generously donated by the staff at St Andrew’s College. Ginnie from Dress for Success was delighted with the clothes and accessories donated and said that they would be gratefully received and appreciated by those that would receive them.

Bead and Proceed Workshop A group of 22 Middle School students participated in a Bead and Proceed Epic Workshop, with co-founder and facilitator, Bridget Williams, to raise awareness and enhance knowledge of the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The students were also tasked to come up with creative solutions to action their goals in their daily lives.

Eco-Action Project A group of students, including several from Year 12, who had been to their Senior Formal the night before, helped to plant 3000 trees in the Red Zone at the final Eco-Action tree planting event for 2021. St Andrew’s College has been an Eco-Action Trust partner, alongside other schools, since 2019 and has had a nursery onsite since early 2020, where students currently grow 2000 native seedlings for twelve months, then plant them in the Red Zone the following winter.

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Year 13 students, Hamish Bain, Jacob Bhatia, Alyssa Le, Isabella Logie and Ariana Mellish-Temple completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards in Term 3.

International Club Lunch and Global Competency Certificates The International Club gathered for a potluck lunch to celebrate and recognise the tough year to date.

The students enjoyed some delicious mooncake and pizza, and were joined

by Rector Christine Leighton, who also presented Global Competency Certificates to Alan Xie, Jerry Chang, Helen Tang, Soichiro Saito, Michael McCaskey, Beam Luepanichkul (all Year 12), Alvin Chen, Jamie Howell, Mirai Oka, Andy Xu, Shiyu Feng and Regan McCann (all Year 13), who achieved this accreditation through work online and in facilitated sessions.

Welcome Packs for Afghan Evacuees Groups of Year 10–12 students helped Regulus editor, Jo Bailey, and her team from Uniting Canterbury Women with three different initiatives as part of the group’s fundraiser to create Welcome Packs for the Afghanistan evacuees who have arrived in New Zealand.

The students helped to mould ‘Seeds of Love’ hearts for the Afghan women. The hearts are made from paper mache infused with wildflowers, which represent diversity when they are grown. Michelle Lawrence’s Year 10 Art students created beautiful artworks with messages of welcome

for the Afghan children under 12 years old. On Sunday 3 October, four Year 11 students, and Year 11 Dean, Donna Jones, helped Uniting Canterbury Women to pack the Welcome Packs in the Senior College cafeteria.

World Vision and World Vision Awards St Andrew’s raised a College record $26,457 for the World Vision 40 Hour Famine this year, which means 645 children will receive lifesaving food for a month in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Two St Andrew’s students were also recognised by World Vision, with Abby Jones (Year 13) awarded the Greatest Individual Impact Award for creating a significant impact through the World Vision 40 Hour Famine 2021, and Georgia Chadderton (Year 12) awarded a place at World Vision’s Senior Scholarship Summit. Georgia will attend three days of global education, leadership development, and social action training in January 2022.

Prefects’ Service Days Over the first two days of the term break, a group of prefects volunteered their time to work with Allenvale School, running an outdoor games programme at its satellite location at Kendal Avenue School. The prefects helped to set up and pack down each day, ran activities, and interacted with the students from Allenvale.

Below top: Several students received their Global Competency Certificates at the International Club lunch. Below left: Mia Fraser, Mia Walker, Holly Walker, and Emily Keith (all Year 11) packing the Welcome Packs with Zahra Asghari from Cashmere High School. Below right: Isobel Forsey, Jessie Williamson, Tanner Bartram (all Year 10) with their artworks.

St Andrew’s hosts

Presbyterian Church

Rev. Paul Morrow says those in attendance heard from a variety of engaging speakers over two enriching and fulfilling days. “The speakers were outstanding and the delegates were in awe of our Centennial Chapel and its surroundings. The hospitality, food, and dinner entertainment were particularly appreciated by those in attendance. St Andrew’s College certainly showcased itself in spectacular fashion.”

After lunch, Rev. Dr Jordan Redding spoke on the topic ‘Proudly Presbyterian?’, which was followed by breakout sessions for Chaplains, Principals, and Board Members.

The conference dinner, held in the Strowan House dining room, was a highlight and featured a wonderful performance from the Māori and Pasifika Group, two engaging speakers – Lily Champion-Smith (Year 11) and Lynonahdolphin Tausa (Year 12), and Head Prefects, Tapenisa Havea and Jack Calder, as engaging Masters of Ceremony. The evening began with the traditional Address to a Haggis, expertly performed by Caitlin Riordan (Year 13) with Oskar Trafford (Year 11) as piper.

The Friday morning session was packed with more excellent speakers, including the Presbyterian Mission Resourcing Team, Paul Humphreys, Megan Waddington and Shaun Robinson.

After lunch, Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, gave an exclusive ‘1.00pm update’ to the conference. Unfortunately, prior commitments prevented him from attending in person, but a personalised and effective remote online session allowed Dr Bloomfield to share his thoughts on ‘Lessons on Life and Leadership in a Global Pandemic’, says Rev. Morrow. “Ashley spoke about the importance of leading self in a volatile context. At the heart of leading self is controlling our behaviours by being guided by our values. His personal values of kindness, humility, and compassion were evident as he spoke. It was a great way to finish the day and the conference.”

Rev. Morrow says St Andrew’s enjoyed working with the Director of Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office, Rev. Stephanie Wells, on the organisation of the conference.

“We are also grateful to the staff and students from St Andrew’s College who were involved, particularly Catering Manager, Russell Gray and his team, who looked after us all so well.”

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It was a privilege for St Andrew’s College to host the annual Presbyterian Schools’ Conference on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 August, when Principals, Chaplains, Senior Leaders, and Board Members from 12 Presbyterian schools across New Zealand gathered in the Centennial Chapel to reflect on the value of Religious Education and the purpose of Presbyterian schools, under the conference theme, ‘The Power of the Word’.

The conference began in stirring fashion with a mihi whakatau led by the Preparatory School Kapa Haka and Secondary School Māori and Pasifika Group. Attendees were invited to join the Senior College chapel service, and after morning tea, the conference programme got underway with insightful addresses by Kim Manahi, Rev. David Jackson, Jeannette Duffy and Rev. Hamish Galloway, which inspired thought and discussion.

Values and Culture

Schools’ Conference

Mini tour for

Robert Burns

Scottish Scholar

With COVID-19 putting an end to the hopes of Isabella Galvan and Oscar Bloom (both Year 13) travelling to Scotland as Robert Burns Scottish Scholars in 2020, and 2021, a tour of Presbyterian schools in New Zealand was put in place instead.

Unfortunately, the latest Alert Level restrictions put paid to this full experience as well. Instead, in late September, Isabella embarked on a mini six-day tour of two Presbyterian girls’ schools, Columba College in Dunedin, and Iona College in Hastings.

“I was certainly gutted that I didn’t get to go to Scotland but that’s just the way that things happen sometimes. I was very grateful and excited that a smaller trip within Aotearoa was organised. It wasn’t quite Scotland, but it was still an awesome trip which provided many different opportunities and learning experiences.”

At Columba College, Isabella was hosted by the Head Girl and ‘her lovely family’. She spoke to the staff and student leaders, and during the day, took part in classes and joined in some extra-curricular activities.

“My time at Iona College in Hawke’s Bay was spent doing relatively similar things.

I attended my usual timetable classes for two days and also spent a day doing subjects that I don’t normally do, such as Art Painting, Geography, Physical

Education, and Design. This made for an interesting, exciting, and refreshing day.

At Iona, I spoke in chapel and was hosted in the boarding house by the Head of Boarding, which was another fun, new experience for me.”

Both Iona and Columba College have strong Presbyterian foundations and were founded at a similar time to St Andrew’s College, says Isabella.

“For this reason, they too have a rich history.”

One of Isabella’s highlights was experiencing the boarding environment for the first time.

“I really enjoyed the good food, the camaraderie, and the independence that it offered. As Year 13 students, we were flatting in an apartment with six others, living independently and organising ourselves.”

Other highlights included meeting lots of new people, experiencing new ways of doing things, and visiting new schools. “I enjoyed the challenge of developing my ability to speak off the cuff and deliver impromptu speeches.”

One thing Isabella wasn’t so keen on was flying from Dunedin to Christchurch in gale force winds. “The wind on the ground in Christchurch was so strong that once we did manage to land, we were held on the plane for 50 minutes before disembarking as it was a deemed a health and safety hazard to get off!”

Oscar Bloom and Isabella Galvan (both Year 13) were unable to travel to Scotland as Robert Burns Scottish Scholars due to COVID-19.

Top: Isabella Galvan (Year 13) with a student at Columba College, Dunedin. Below: Students at Iona College, Hastings.

Oscar Bloom was disappointed but philosophical about not to having the opportunity to travel to Scotland. “I was disappointed, but it’s important to put these things into perspective. It would have been a privilege to go on the trip, however so many people have lost their basic necessities and loved ones due to COVID-19. Our loss was just the nature of the beast with the pandemic. It has been an honour to have this Scholarship and I know Izzy and I have been extremely grateful to go through the whole process and receive the incredibly kind gifts we did at the end.”

Senior College

Formal

Last year’s Senior College Formal was delayed due to COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions, so it was great that this year’s event on Saturday 14 August was able to take place, just three days before New Zealand went back into an Alert Level 4 lockdown, says Head of Senior College, John Ruge. “The timing was miraculous. It was a wonderful evening, and by all accounts a resounding success. I would like to thank the Senior College Council, and staff members, Jocelyn Simmons and Kelsey Williams for leading the organisation of the formal, and the large group of staff volunteers who assisted on the night. It is a pleasure to look back on such a fantastic evening.”

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There were spectacular decorations, including a massive gold and white chandelier, delicious food enjoyed by all, and a DJ who not only pumped out great music, but brought along some very popular special guest performers, Drum ‘n Bass DJ, Matson Clark, from Christchurch, and MC Azza Ginge from the UK. The excited students enjoyed a hugely successful celebration, which was a real night to remember.

Values and Culture

A large group of 560 students, resplendent in their best outfits, enjoyed a star-studded 2021 Senior College Formal, themed ‘Evening on the Red Carpet’.

13

Connor Barr

Years On 2008/9‑2021

With primary, intermediate and secondary schooling on campus at St Andrew’s College, each year, there is a special group of Year 13 leavers who have enjoyed their entire schooling at the College.

This year, 11 students who arrived in Year 1 in 2008 and 2009 will walk out of the school gates for the final time, with six of these students, Connor Barr, Deirbhile Roberts, Abby Jones, and William MacKenzie, Jacob Gavin the Lachlan McBride, also attending ol. scho Pree olleg w’s C St Andre We asked the students to share what their time at St Andrew’s of means to them, along with some the highlights of being part of the St Andrew’s College family.

Karina Ahn

I was a very shy kid and on my first day, I was so scared to even enter the classroom, but I quickly faced this fear and have thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years at St Andrew’s.

I have learnt so much, have many amazing memories, and made close connections that I know I will never lose.

I have grown so much at St Andrew’s, physically and mentally, and a big part of who I am today is because of this school. Thank you to all the staff, friends, and family that have helped me grow throughout my years at St Andrew’s. I will be eternally grateful.

I have enjoyed ever y one of my 13 years at St Andrew’s College, and am sad to be leaving.

St Andrew’s has helped me with my spor ts and academics, and has set me up for my future.

I have met many great people here and have so many fond memories to look back on.

My favourite memories are definitely the Year 9–10 camps at Castle Hill, but Athletics Day and Swimming Spor ts are up there too. I am proud to be a ‘lifer’ at St Andrew’s College, and want to thank my parents for placing me here and ensuring I received a great education. Also thank you to all teachers and staf f for helping me in many different ways over the years.

Mitchell Kohin

Abby Jones

My 13 years at St Andrew’s have been amazing. The opportunities I have been given through the College have been invaluable and have prepared me for what is ahead. I have had some amazing teachers and staf f helping to challenge me throughout my time, which has made it such a positive experience. I am very grateful

for the St Andrew’s community, and the connections I have made and will continue to make because of it. I will always remember the memories I have made since beginning my journey in the Pre-school.

A big thank you to the College and my family for giving me this opportunity.

g My 13 yea rs of bein g at St Andre w’s memorie College is filled w s , an d b e ith cause I h been here ave for most of my life at this po int, it has become li a s e co n d ke family. O ver here, I ha ve been g my time iven so m great opp an y or ex tremely tunities which I am grateful fo oppor tun ities have r. These helped m find what e I a and beco m interested in, me passio na such as le arning an te about, d playing guitar. So m over the ye uch has changed a the buildin rs, the uniforms, gs, the pe ople, but inclusive the an has staye d suppor tive cultu d the sam re e. and am th ankful fo I appreciate r my time St Andre at w’s I have ma and the friendship de. s

Archie Calder

Jaime Howe ll

I started at St A ndrew’s Colle ge when there w as a swimmin g pool and a su mmer and win ter uniform. It’s sa fe to say a lot has changed since I had m y first class here in 2008. I have made so man y friends and experienced so m very vivid mem uch. I have ories of cr ying in the Prepar ator y School during the ea rthq running around uakes, the turf and avoiding the w orms in the Middle School , and my first time navigatin g the Secondar y School. Ever yt hing I have learnt and ex perienced duri ng my time at St Andrew’s I am very gr ateful for and think it has prepared me well for the future.

39 Regulus

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years at St Andrew’s College and have made a lot of lifetime friends and many memories.

It only feels like yesterday when I first showed up and time has flown by. I enjoyed my time participating in St Andrew’s rugby, and will miss the culture around the College.

Very few get the opportunity to attend a school like St Andrew’s, let alone for 13 incredible years. Since Pre-school in 2008, to the Secondary School in 2021, I’ve developed as a part of the St Andrew’s community.

In every aspect, I’ve had superb role models to look up to, and plenty of support for my education and well-being. I’ve learnt valuable life lessons and built my character. Without St Andrew’s, I wouldn’t have become the young man I am today. For this experience, I would like to sincerely thank all the staff for their unwavering support, and all the friends I’ve made along the way, I look forward to maintaining our friendships over many years to come.

Values and Culture

Jacob Gavin

Deirbhile Roberts

After arriving at St Andrew’s as a shy little five-year-old, in my slightly too big school uniform, I found my place quickly. Travelling through the different areas of the College, the Secondary School went from being a terrifying place to my home for five years. Now, as I leave school for one last time, my life has been forever changed in the best way. The students and staff have made a lasting impact on my life and I will never forget my time here. I walk out the doors proud to say St Andrew’s was my home for 13 years.

This school is a large reason I have adapted into the ‘young woman’ I am today and I am forever grateful.

William MacKenzie

Lachlan McB ride

My 13 years at St Andrew’s Co llege have been incr edible.

I have apprecia ted ever y opportunity th e school has gifted to me bo th inside and outside of the classroom.

I have been su ppor ted and pushed by man y amazing teachers and st af f. It is sad to think I have finished my time here and it ha by so quickly. I d s flown isembark this school with amazing skill s, an awes ome group of boys, and great pride to say I a ttended St Andrew’s Co llege.

The past 13 years at St Andrew’s College have been great and I have many memorable moments from my time here. St Andrew’s has helped me to meet new friends and people who I am grateful for, as well as the endless opportunities available. I have been very privileged to attend St Andrew’s for my entire schooling and will never forget the time I spent here as I move on in life.

Cultural catch up

Ara JazzQuest The Big Band, Jazz Orchestra, and Soul Band all delivered superb performances at the Ara JazzQuest Ensemble and Big Band competitions, with the Big Band taking home a gold award, and the Jazz Orchestra and Soul Band both winning silver medals.

• Elementary Diploma High Honours: Charlize Blakely, Emily Carswell, Matilda MacMillan and Yinan (Vivian) Lu (all Year 9); • Intermediate Diploma High Honours: Maia Cook, Alexandra Hirschfeld, Xanthe Pearce and Sienna Spark (all Year 10); • Intermediate Diploma Distinction: Siara Clarke and Eilish Johns (both Year 10) – also recipients of a Scholarship Nomination to compete at the NZAMD national event in Wellington; • Advanced Diploma High Honours: Alistair Gorton, Ella Gunn, Kate McFerran, Caitlin Roberts, Poppy Rumble and Ella Withers (all Year 11); • Advanced Diploma High Honours: Milly Christie, Tegan Mathewson, Lucy Rule and Brianna Sloper (all Year 12); • Advanced Diploma Distinction: Qing Yu Huang (Year 11); • Advanced Diploma Distinction: Charlotte Brown, Mei-Lin McClelland, Anja Sander (all Year 12), Riley Lyons (Year 11) – also recipients of a Scholarship Nomination to compete at the NZAMD national event in Wellington.

Ballet Academy dancer Taylah Zhang (Year 8) auditioned and gained a highly coveted place with the Australian Ballet School International Training Programme (ITP).

• Charlie Hole (Year 6): third Piano Solo 10 years; • Will Fang (Year 4): second in Jazz Music (9 and under), Quick Learn (U9) and Piano 4 Hands (Open), and winner of a Special Award Cup for the Most Promising Boy (U10).

Highland Dancing Several students gained national rankings and titles at the New Zealand Championships: • Milly Christie (Year 12): winner of the New Zealand Championship Reel O’Tulloch U18 years, fifth national ranking U18 years; • Brianna Sloper (Year 12): tenth national ranking U18 years; • Siara Clarke (Year 10): winner of the New Zealand Championship Seann Triubhas U16 years, winner most points Highland Events, and an overall third national ranking; • Charlize Blakely (Year 9): winner of New Zealand Championship Sailors Hornpipe and Irish Hornpipe U14 years, third national ranking U14 years; • Sarah McCarthy (Year 6): fifth national ranking U12 years; • Amelia Lyttle (Year 6): winner of the 10 Years Gathering Award Highland Fling.

Big Band Festival

The Junior Jazz Orchestra performing at Ara JazzQuest.

Ballet All dancers performed beautifully in the annual Ballet examinations. The dancers who achieved the highest level in their examinations, only attainable from Year 4 and over, are: • Year 4: Isabelle Harrison; • Year 5: Charlotte Currie, Charlotte Everest and Tasmin Wingfield; • Year 6: Alyssa Geddes, Sophie Schouten and Kalisa Zhang; • Year 7: Victoria Cairns Knight, Emma Geddes, Femke McLean, Annabel Paterson and Eden Taylor; • Year 8: Charlotte Kyle, Taylah Zhang and Sara Yu; An unprecedented number of high-level results were obtained by dancers in the St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy:

A group of Music students performed well in the Christchurch Big Band Festival. The public performances were possibly the last time that eight Year 13 musicians would perform together.

Christchurch Competitions Society Instrumental Competition At the Christchurch Competitions Society Instrumental Competition, the following musicians won placings: • Jessica Drury (Year 8): first place and the Joan Sinclair Challenge Trophy in Violin Solo U14 competition; • Anya Fang (Year 8): first in Quick Learn (12 years and U14) and Piano Scarlatti Sonata (Open), second in Piano Scholarship (12 years and U14), and Piano Solo (12 years), third in Piano Solo (12 years and U15), winner of Special Award Cup for Senior Scholarship (U18); • Lucas Zhong (Year 7): second for Jazz Music (Piano) 12–14 years group and Baroque (Piano) 12–15 years group, third for New Zealand Composer (Piano) 12–15 years group;

Highland dancing teacher, Julie Hawke, with nationally ranked Highland dancers, Milly Christie, Brianna Sloper (both Year 12) and Siara Clarke (Year 10).

Jazz Club at Fat Eddies On a beautiful spring afternoon, St Andrew’s jazz musicians performed a great gig at Fat Eddies, a jazz club on The Terrace. The Jazz Orchestra, Big Band, Soul Band, and the Senior Combo, Club 347, played a range of classics, wellloved charts, and covers of contemporary music, along with some original pieces by student composers.

Performing Arts Eden Taylor (Year 7) successfully auditioned for a role in Matilda being performed with Showbiz next year.

She auditioned along with 260 students from around New Zealand.

Highland Piping Society of Canterbury Solo Piping Competition The third indoor solo piping competition of the season was held at St Andrew’s College. Our Pipe Band students featured well throughout the prize lists. First placegetters were: • Lucas Paterson (Year 10): first B Grade Piobaireachd, 2/4 March; • Iona Lawson (Year 10): first B Grade Strathspey/Reel, C Grade Piobaireachd;

Pipe Band

Sisters Yuxin (Alice) (Year 7) and Yutian (Tianna) (Year 6) Chen both had outstanding success in their recent Trinity College music examinations.

Yutian achieved Distinction in both her Grade 4 piano and trumpet examinations, while Yuxin gained Distinction for the higher-level Grade 6 trumpet examination.

Grade 4 is equivalent in standard to NCEA Level 1 and Grade 6 to NCEA Level 3.

There were almost 1000 entries in the World Online Piping and Drumming Championships, and brothers Connor (Year 11) and Ethan (Year 9) Higgs performed well to achieve great success in different grades. Connor finished sixth in the Overall Champion in all categories, was second overall in Grade 1 Snare Drumming, and third overall in Grade 2 Snare Drumming. Ethan was fifth overall in Grade 2 Snare Drumming and fourth overall in Grade 3 Side Drumming.

The brothers also competed in the Up to the Line online solo piping and drumming competition, where Connor won three first placings and two second placings, and Ethan won two first placings.

Jessica Drury (Year 8) was selected as Concert Master of the 2021 Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival, which was to be held in a reduced format at Cashmere High School's Performing Arts Centre due to COVID-19.

Lucas Zhong (Year 7) sat his Violin ABRSM Grade 5 examination, scoring 142/150.

Black Wired, comprising Ethan Lam (Year 8), Sam McAlister (Year 9), Hayden Lam, Tamaroa Connelly, and Chantelle Xiong (all Year 10) won first place at the Tiwerawera Band Competition. The duo, Good Morning December, comprising Jack Calder and Alice Burnett (both Year 13) won the Best Duo category.

Lexie Dong (Year 5) achieved her piano grading examination with the New Zealand Music Examination Board with High Distinction.

Eva Hitchon (Year 13) was awarded an ATCL with Distinction in Piano from Trinity College.

Play it Strange Songwriters Struan Gordon (Year 11), Grace Lawrence and Cindy Xiong (both Year 12), and Matthew Fleming, Alice Burnett and Imogen Roberts (all Year 13) were named as finalists in the Lion Foundation Play It Strange Songwriting Competition. They each received $750 towards having their songs professionally recorded.

Sisters and Pipe Band members, Georgia Eagle (Year 11) and Tayla Eagle (Year 9) performed at a fundraising concert with Rakes o’ the Gael at the Speirs Auditorium in Palmerston North to raise money for Breast Cancer Research.

The Highland Piping Society of Canterbury were extremely fortunate to be able to run the Silver Chanter Labour Weekend competitions, which were held at the College. Many of our pipers were able to perform their tunes that they have been working on over the last few months.

First placegetters were: • Tayla Eagle (Year 9): C Grade 2/4 March and 6/8 March; • Sam Foote (Year 8): D Grade Piobaireachd; • Cameron Sharpe (Year 7): D Grade 6/8 March and Overall D Grade Winner; • Charlie Gregg (Year 6): D Grade 2/4 March.

Solo Piping Anthony Song (Year 6) placed third in 18 Years and Under Intermediate March at the City of Brechin Pipe Band online solo piping competition.

• Cameron Sharpe (Year 7): first D Grade Piobaireachd; • Ryan Cliff (Year 9): first D Grade 2/4 March; • Sam Foote (Year 8): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel; • Anton Zhang (Year 7): first Novice.

Southern Jam A group of 29 jazz musicians from St Andrew’s College participated in the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim, where Flynn Megaw (Year 13) was recognised as the Best Trombone Player of the festival.

Speech and Drama A group of 41 Preparatory School students took part in the Speech and Drama section of the Christchurch Competitions Society Festival of the Arts. They all gave great performances, and all gained at least a Commended ribbon for their efforts.

Students to achieve at least one top three placing and medal awards were: • Under 8: Jessica Whitehead, Harrison Julius, Annabelle Laurenson, Anaya Hapuarachchi (all Year 3), Patrick Jarman (Year 2) and Reva Bartlett (Year 1); • 8–10 Years: Charlotte Everest, Louis Hyland and Chelsea Li (all Year 5), Ben McKendry, Aaron Yu, Aneel Bartlett, Oscar Han (all Year 4); • 10–12 Years: Alexander Dunn, Christian Li, Logan Scott, Anton Zhang (all Year 7), Anthony Song, Jacob Triplow (both Year 6); • 12–14 Years: Emily Everest, Sylvia James, Emily Woodgate, Cherng-Jung (Alina) Ho, Teresa Steiner, Daniel Liu (all Year 8).

Trophies and Special Prizes • Jessica Whitehead (Year 3): Trinity Cup, Anne-Marie Bateman Cup; • Ben McKendry (Year 4): Kent Cup, Louise Moore Cup;

Values and Culture

Music

• Tayla Eagle (Year 9): first C Grade 2/4 March;

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The Big Band performing at Fat Eddies.

• Alexander Dunn (Year 7): Louisa Williams Cup; • Christian Li (Year 7): Tucker Bros Cup; • Logan Scott (Year 7): Louise Arnold Cup; • Anton Zhang (Year 7): Trevella Cup, Alan Looser Cup (Most Entertaining); • Emily Everest (Year 8): Competitions Prize (Most Potential Over 12 Years); • Sylvia James (Year 8): Christchurch Competitions Society Cup; • Teresa Steiner (Year 8): Melva McAleer Cup. Alex O’Neill (Year 5), Emma Geddes (Year 7) and Ava King (Year 8) represented St Andrew’s at the Rotary Primary School Speech Finals at Heaton Intermediate and were all awarded Highly Commended Certificates amongst very tough competition.

FilmFest

A large group of Preparatory School students sat their Speech and Drama examinations at the end of last term.

They all achieved fantastic results, with everyone gaining passes in the top three of the eight levels of pass. The following students gained Honours passes: • Grade Four (Year 8): Sylvia James, Cherng-Jung (Alina) Ho, Emily de Joux, Ava King, Caitlin Brinch, Georgia Lewis, Bella Jeram, Teresa Steiner, Emily Everest, Jessica Drury, Emily Woodgate, Daniel Liu, Corbin Revis and Montgomery Scott-Lysaght; • Grade Three (Year 7): Emma Geddes, Eliana Gibbons, Honour Fraher-Richardson, Christian Li, Hamish Longstaffe, Spencer Hammar-Campbell, Alexander Dunn, Logan Scott, Rosie Simpson, and Eileen Jiang; • Grade Two (Year 6): Theo Smith, HanYu (Lana) Li, Chloe Monk, Oliver Gilbert, Jaden Jia, Anthony Song, Alyssa Geddes, Alexa Collis and Lila Cook;

• Grade One (Year 5): Charlotte Everest, Isla Marshall, Kaia Hartston.

The following students gained the highest level of pass Honours for Speech New Zealand or Distinction for Trinity College.

• Speech New Zealand Grade 6: Dara Ballard, Emily Morgan, Billie Revis, Chantelle Xiong, Cherry Zhou (all Year 10); • Trinity College Grade 6: Sophie Hayden (Year 11); • Trinity College ATCL Performance Diploma: Cindy Xiong (Year 12) and Scarlett Rumble (Year 13).

Theatresports The St Andrew’s College Senior Theatresports team, comprising Harry Waddington (Year 13), Thomas Kamo, Alexander Wilson, Benjamin Robertson (all Year 12) and Marco Leighs (Year 11) made the final of the Court Theatre’s Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Theatresports Competition where they finished third’.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, FilmFest had a limited guest list, but this didn’t prevent everyone from having a fantastic night. The standard of films this year was very high, which made it a hard job for the judges to pick the nominees and winners. Year 12 student Elise Vaudrey took home Best Film for her beautiful film, Insomnia. Another big winner was Alice Burnett (Year 13) who won Best Original Music and Best Screenplay for her film, Miss Me. An exciting new Year 8 category was introduced for the first time this year. Alina Ho (Year 8) accepted the award for Tag, on behalf of her teammates. A large group of people, including the wonderful tech crew, ensured FilmFest was another successful and memorable evening of film and entertainment.

FilmFest Winners: Best Actor: Jack Calder (Year 13), Miss Me Best Actress: Jungmin Jo (not a St Andrew’s College student), Insomnia Best Supporting Actor: Rector Christine Leighton, Secrets of the College Best Cinematography: Elise Vaudrey (Year 12), Insomnia Best Sound: Seth Moore and Jerome Clark (both Year 12), Killa Drone Best Visual Effects: Jack Tansey, Ben Ellis and Jack Hollamby (all Year 13), The Movie Best Lighting: Marco Leighs and Struan Gordon (both Year 11), Click Best Original Music: Alice Burnett (Year 13), Miss Me Best Documentary/Mockumentary: Rupert Shepherd (Year 13), Banks Peninsula Best Editing: Freddie Wilkie (Year 13), Secrets of the College

Best Screenplay: Alice Burnett, Miss Me Best Year 8 Film: Tag Best Film: Elise Vaudrey, Insomnia

Leavers’ Assembly 2021 Leavers There were mixed emotions as the 11 Year 12 and 206 Year 13 leavers were recognised at the Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 15 November.

Deputy Heads of College, Isabella Galvan and Arden Ongley, reflected humorously on the year group’s time at the College, both in the Preparatory School and the Secondary School.

The group also enjoyed seeing many photos from throughout the years and watched some great musical performances.

Various awards were presented, and university scholarship recipients were recognised. Milo Betts (Year 13) was presented with the prestigious DPR Award and Shipton Family Cup. Staff leavers were also acknowledged for their valuable contributions to St Andrew’s College.

Values and Culture

The leavers were greeted by Preparatory School students and honoured with a Haka performed by Year 11 students outside the Centennial Chapel.

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www.montreux.co.nz

factory & showroom 400 Barbadoes Street, christchurch

StAC themed

mural

gifted by

Leavers

Thanks to the Year 13 Leavers, a spectacular StAC-themed mural, painted by high-profile Christchurch illustrator and street artist, Jacob Yikes, will be enjoyed by generations of St Andrew’s College students to come.

Head Boy, Jack Calder, says the entire Year 13 group went through a significant process of brainstorming and voting, before they settled on the mural idea as the 2021 Leavers’ Gift.

“A small committee of Year 13 students then teamed up with Jacob Yikes to conceptualise the design, which has

Head Boy, Jack Calder, artist Jacob Yikes, and Deputy Head Boy, Arden Ongley

been painted on to the Gym 1 wall underneath the StACFit Fitness Centre.

The mural consists of four large letters, S, t, A, and C, filled with images which cleverly incorporate key themes of life at St Andrew’s College,” he says.

Within the ‘S’ is a collection of moments from some of the sports offered at St Andrew’s. The ‘t’ represents tradition, incorporating the College’s Presbyterian faith with the School Song, Haka lyrics, and the Pipe Band. The ‘A’ is for academics across all year groups, and the ‘C’ holds images from different cultural groups and opportunities at the College, says Deputy Head Boy, Arden Ongley.

“Set against a Thistle design and the Ferguson tartan, these four cornerstones come together to create one word, one College: StAC.” The finished mural was unveiled after the Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 15 November to an excited group of students.

Rector Christine Leighton says the Year 13 gift each year is a symbol of gratitude from the students for the opportunities they have enjoyed during their time at St Andrew’s College, and it is special to see the interest the students take in their gift when they return for their 10 Years On reunions.

T R A N S F O R M YO U R O U T S I D E S PA C E I N TO A N EX TR AORDINARY PL ACE

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & BUILD SPECIALISTS C A L L 0 8 0 0 10 0 75 0 FOR A FREE C O N S U LT A T I O N

OUTER S PAC EL A N DSC A PES.CO.NZ

International students’

trips Values and Culture

While many St Andrew’s College students enjoy the creature comforts of home during the holidays, many international students are not able to be with their families. However, a joint initiative between St Andrew’s and St Margaret’s College has seen them experience action-packed trips throughout the South Island this year with international students from other independent and private schools.

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45

Top left: Mirai Oka (Year 13) enjoying the scenery in Queenstown. Top right: At The Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo are Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Year 12), Shiyu Feng (Year 13), Chayanit (Beam) Luepanichkul (Year 12), JingYang (Andy) Xu (Year 13), Stewart Inch, Chang (Jerry) Chang (Year 12) and Alvin Che (Year 13). Bottom left: A ride on the Amuri Jet was a highlight of the Hanmer Springs retreat. Bottom middle: Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Year 12) and JingYang (Andy) Xu (Year 13), give ice skating a try. Bottom right: Soichiro Saito (Year 13) giving archery a go at Hanmer Springs.

“The trips have been a great opportunity for our international students to explore, try new things, grow their mindset and skill level, and form connections with other international students,” says Head of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti​, who accompanied them on the excursions.

During the Term 1 holidays, a group of international students from St Andrew’s College and St Margaret’s College spent five days at Hanmer Springs, where fun activities included archery, a low ropes course, orienteering, an Amazing Race, mountain biking, a Mission Impossible course, tree climbing, mini golf, jet boating, and a trip to the hot pools.

A group of 19 international students from seven schools then took part in a trip to Lake Tekapo in the Term 2 holidays. “Several of the students had never seen snow before and even gave skiing a go for the first time. Other popular activities during the week included snow tubing, stargazing, ice skating, a visit to the hot pools, a private tour of The Church of the Good Shepherd, golf, a hike up to Tasman Glacier Lake, and a fun ‘Tekapo has Talent’ competition on the final night, which was enjoyed by all. I was really proud of the students, who were flexible, resilient and had a ‘can do’ attitude which saw them give everything a go,” says Palē.

The students also visited Queenstown and Wanaka, where they took in the beautiful scenery and enjoyed some of the amazing tourist attractions unique to this part of New Zealand.

“The weather was fantastic, with the highlights for the students including iFly, a gondola and luge ride, zip lining, paragliding, bungy jumping, a visit to the Chinese Settlement, jet boating, the Haunted House, and the Realm Virtual Reality experience. We also enjoyed the local delicacy of Fergburger, only found in Queenstown. A big thank you to the students for their full participation, and Deanne Gath, International Student Manager from St Margaret’s College, who had a key role in organising these wonderful trips,” says Palē.

New Zealand

Representatives 2021 Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent New Zealand in Academic, Cultural, and Sports pursuits in 2021.

Academic

Sport

European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics

CrossFit

Polo

Alys Scott (Year 12) was selected to represent New Zealand in the Teen Individual Oceania CrossFit Championships.

Tom Turner (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand Schools’ Polo team.

Gemma Lewis (Year 11) was selected for the New Zealand team, which competed at the inaugural European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics.

Cultural Highland Dance Milly Christie (Year 12) was selected as part of the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand.

Orchestra Felix Kenton-Smith, Flynn Megaw (both Year 13), Grace Lawrence (Year 12), Jin Woo (Luka) Lee (Year 11) and Jasmine Hooker (Year 9) were selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

Pipe Band Rachel Holyoake (Year 12), Georgia Eagle, Connor Higgs, Emily Ung (all Year 11) and Lucas Paterson (Year 10) were selected for the New Zealand National Youth Pipe Band.

Dressage Gemma Lewis (Year 11) and Georgia Lewis (Year 8) represented New Zealand U25 in the inaugural Virtual Dressage Competition.

Gemma was also selected to represent New Zealand for the 2021 Hygain Interschool Virtual Challenge in both dressage and eventing against riders from Australia and New Zealand.

Fencing Ryan Stewart (Year 12) was selected to represent New Zealand in the Australian National Fencing Competition.

Orienteering Alice Egan (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand Schools’ Orienteering team.

Rugby Tamati Frost (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand Māori U18 Ngā Whatukura Boys’ team. Torian Barnes (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand Schools’ team.

Sailing Gabriella Kenton-Smith (Year 11) was selected for the New Zealand 420 Sailing team.

Swimming Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (Year 13) received retrospective selection into the 2020 Junior Pan Pacific Championship team.

Tennis Duncan McCall (Year 11) was selected to represent the New Zealand U15 Boys’ Tennis team.

Touch Thomas Ruwhiu (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand U18 Touch team.

Back Row: Milly Christie (Y12), Jin Woo (Luka) Lee (Y11), Tom Turner (Y12), Tamati Frost (Y13), Rachel Holyoake (Y12), Gabriella Kenton-Smith (11), Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (Y13), Ryan Stewart (Y12), Connor Higgs (Y11). Front Row: Georgia Lewis (Y8), Emily Ung (Y11), Lucas Paterson (Y10), Grace Lawrence (Y12), Thomas Ruwhiu (Y12), Alice Egan (Y13), Georgia Eagle (Y11), Duncan McCall (Y11), Jasmine Hooker (Y9), Alys Scott (Y12). Absent: Gemma Lewis (Y11), Torian Barnes, Felix Kenton-Smith, Flynn Megaw (all Y13)

Sports round up

The Senior A netball, and Senior A Boys’ basketball teams came within a whisker of the same result, both finishing in second place after tense finals. The highly anticipated netball final against St Margaret’s College went down to the wire, with St Margaret’s just holding on 32–30. The Senior A Boys’ also did extremely well, to finish within four points of favourites Christ’s College.

Many other St Andrew’s teams across various codes and age groups also won their finals – Girls’ U15, Boys’ U15, and Boys’ U17 White basketball teams, Girls’ 2nd XI football, Girls’ B badminton, the Senior B, Year 10A, Year 10B and Year 9C netball teams, and the U15 Open and U16 U65kg rugby teams.

Badminton The Premier Girls’ badminton team won their grade after convincingly beating St Margaret’s College 7–2 in the final. The girls played consistently well throughout the season, with Yirui (Elly) Li (Y11) and Ashley Bonne (Y9), winning every singles game they played.

Alyssa Le (Y13), Yirui (Elly) Li (Y11), Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Y12) and Ashley Bonne (Y9)

The Senior A Girls’ basketball team was delighted to win the Canterbury Whelan Trophy final. They went into the final against Rangiora High School undefeated and got off to a strong start. However Rangiora pulled slightly ahead in the second quarter. The teams were neck and neck in the third quarter, until a strong performance by the St Andrew’s girls in the final quarter saw them come home with a 70–53 victory.

Team captain, Te Rina Cooper (Y13),

was rewarded for her fine effort by being named the final’s Most Valuable Player.

The Senior A Boys’ basketball team took on heavy favourites Christ’s College in the final of the Thomson Trophy. Christ’s College was unbeaten all season, however the St Andrew’s boys were right in it, and only down one point with three minutes to go.

Some solid free-throw shooting and a few missed opportunities late in the game saw Christ’s College take out a narrow 88–92 victory.

Values and Culture

The Senior A Girls’ basketball team, Girls’ First XI football team, and Senior A Girls’ badminton team all played incredibly well to become Canterbury Secondary Schools’ champions.

Basketball

47 Senior A Girls’ basketball team (back) Rafferty Powell (Y10), Ophelia Powell (Y10), Angie Doig (Y12), Otolose (Lose) Faingaanuku (Y13), Renee Tuhikarama (Assistant Coach), Natasha Lind (Y12), Lauren Whittaker (Y11), (front) Isabella Gibson (Y13), Karereatua Williams (Y12), Kavanah Lene (Y11), Karina Ahn (Y13), Grace Cameron (Y13), Madeline-Rose Morrow (Y12 – Vice-Captain), Te Rina Cooper (Y13 – Captain).

Football It was a great year for Girls’ football, with both the 1st XI and 2nd XI teams winning their respective grades.

The 1st XI were in dominant form in their final against Rangi Ruru Girls’

School, easily winning the match 5–0.

The 2nd XI had a much closer battle against Avonside Girls’ High School, and won the match following an exciting penalty shoot-out.

Back: Juan Chang (Assistant Coach), Shannan Delany (Y11), Morgan Lee (Y11), Piper Bartram (Y13), Alana Gunn (Head Coach), Odette Lieshout (Y10), Kiara Bercelli (Y12), Megan Simpson (Y10), Charlotte Roche (Y12), Sophia Lazor (Y13), Scarlett Gray (Y9), Steve Aldhamland (Manager), Front: Amber de Wit (Y9), Chelsea Tippen (Y12), Annabel Surveyor (Y13), Kinda Khanafer (Y11), Amelia McAllister (Y11), Ruby Wybourne (Y12), Kyra Lazor (Y11).

Regulus

St Andrew’s College sports teams had another stellar Wednesday winter season, with girls’ teams shining especially brightly.

Basketball The Senior A Boys’ team took part in a North Island invitational tour against some of the strongest basketball teams in the country. The team picked up great wins against Westlake Boys’ High School (Auckland), Fraser High School (Hamilton), and St John’s College (Hamilton), while losing narrowly to Rotorua Boys’ High School (Rotorua) and Rangitoto College (Auckland).

The Senior A Girls’ basketball team travelled to Auckland to play four of the stronger teams in the Auckland/ Waikato region in an invitational tournament. They beat Hamilton Girls’ High School, a previously unbeaten Westlake Girls’ High School team (first in the Auckland region), Saint Kentigern, and Baradene College (second in the Auckland region) to finish unbeaten in the tournament, a fantastic achievement.

Lauren Whittaker (Y11) participated in the NZNBL competition as a member of the Auckland Dream. She was the only school-age student from the Canterbury region participating in New Zealand’s professional women’s league.

Grace Cameron (Y13), Madeline-Rose Morrow, Karereatua Williams (both Y12) and Molly-Belle Morrow (Y10) were awarded sponsored scholarships from the Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats and will also be mentored for the season by a current Wildcat player.

At the CPSSA Basketball Tournament, the Preparatory School Girls’ A basketball team finished fourth, and the Girls’ Years 5–6 team was third.

Grace Cameron (Y13), Madeline-Rose Morrow, Karereatua Williams (both Y12) and Lauren Whittaker (Y11) were in the winning Canterbury basketball team at the New Zealand U17 National Championships.

• Jack Pitts (Y10): third in the Junior Single Rise; • Logan Gardner (Y10): first in the Junior Single Rise and Junior Single Barrel, second in Junior Points Score.

Sasha McIntyre and Ella Buchanan (both Y8) were selected for the U13 Canterbury Basketball Regional Development Programme.

Senior A Boys’ basketball coach, Aled Jones, and starting forward, Benjamin Freeman (Y13), were in the Checkers team which beat Atami in the Canterbury Men’s Premier Final. Benjamin was the top scorer with 30 points and seven rebounds and was named the final’s Most Valuable Player. He is the only schoolboy in recent memory to be awarded this prestigious accolade.

At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Clay Target Shooting Championships, the St Andrew’s Girls’ team of Maggie Hood (Y11), Lucie Hood (Y9) and Addison Williams (Y10) was third in the Points Score Championship. Connor Higgs (Y11) was third in the Senior Single Barrel Championship, and Logan Gardner (Y10) was second in the Junior Single Barrel Championship.

Maggie Hood (Y11), Lucie Hood (Y9) and Addison Williams (Y10)

Cycling Benjamin Freeman (Y13)

A group of 14 St Andrew’s College students from Years 10–13 were involved in the FIBA 3×3 ‘Seven Stars’ tournaments run by Basketball New Zealand. The final iteration of the women’s tournament was won by a team including Madeline-Rose Morrow, Karereatua Williams (both Y12) and Lauren Whittaker (Y11).

Madeline-Rose Morrow (Y12) was selected to participate in the 2021 Basketball New Zealand December National Camp in Auckland, which will serve as preparation for the U19 National team which will compete for the FIBA U18 Asia Championships scheduled to take place in 2022.

Grace Cameron (Y13), Karereatua Williams, Madeline-Rose Morrow (both Y12) and Lauren Whittaker (Y11)

• William Long (Y10): third in the Skeet competition;

Andrew Greig (Y11) competed at the Otago Provincial Championships where he won the B Grade and Junior Single Rise Championships, with the only possible (25/25) in that grade or category on the day.

Isabella Gibson, Te Rina Cooper (both Y13), Karereatua Williams, Madeline-Rose Morrow (both Y12) and Lauren Whittaker (Y11) played for the Wolverines club team which won the Canterbury Basketball Association Trophy final.

Ophelia Powel (Y10) was named in the Canterbury Women’s U19 2021 first team.

Those to place were:

Clay Target Shooting A strong team of 19 students competed at the seventh event in the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Clay Target circuit at Mead Te-Pirita Gun Club. As well as winning two firsts and a second in the Junior competition, Logan Gardner (Y10) had a shoot-off against two seniors for Highest Overall Shooter.

The following students achieved top 10 placings at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Road Cycling Championships in July.

• William Crawford (Y8): second in the U14 Boys Individual Time Trial, fifth in the Y14 Boys Road Race; • Nate Pringle (Y13): seventh in the U20 Boys Individual Time Trial, sixth in the U20 Boys Road Race.

The Canterbury Schools’ Team Time Trial Championships saw four cyclists competing against the clock to ride 16km as fast as possible up and down Old Tai Tapu Road. The St Andrew’s Boys’ U20 team comprising William Crawford (Y8), Max Blockley (Y11), Tom Edwards (Y12) and Nate Pringle (Y13) did incredibly well, finishing second behind the traditional powerhouses of schools’ riding, Christchurch Boys’ High School.

The Girls’ U20 team of Neisha McKenzie, Emelia Rozen (both Y12), Evangeline McNeill (Y11) and Rebecca Strang (Y9) finished fifth.

As the South Island Schools’ Road Cycling Championships were cancelled due to the lockdown, Cycling New Zealand arranged an online

Golf

Max Blockley (Y11), Nate Pringle (Y13), Tom Edwards (Y12) and William Crawford (Y8)

At the recent 2020/21 Canterbury Golf Awards, Madeleine May (Y13) was awarded Canterbury Women's Golfer of the Year, Canterbury Junior Girl's Golfer of the Year, and the Liz Douglas Trophy (awarded to the player with the lowest stroke average over the season).

Equestrian

Hockey

The equestrian A team of Gemma Lewis, Sophie Thomas (both Y11), Lily Ellis, Elleanor Bell (both Y9) and Georgia Spark (Y13) placed fourth overall at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ One Day Horse Trial 2021 at McLeans Island Equestrian Centre.

Lily Ellis also took first place in Class 2D.

Cameron Slee (Y13) and Hugh Nixon (Y12) were selected for the National U18 Hockey Training Squad. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, the Junior Black Sticks have not been able to play a competitive international game for a few years, so selection into this training squad is the highest honour for this age group of hockey players.

At the South Island Mounted Games Tournament Gemma Lewis (Y11) and Georgia Lewis (Y8) were second in the A Grade final, and Annabel Glass (Y9) and her partner Bridget Glass were fourth in the C Grade final.

ISSA Winter Sport Tournament

The St Andrew’s Equestrian A team was second overall at the Canterbury Schools’ Dressage Championships.

Individual placings were: • Sophie Pickens (Y12): first Level 2B dressage test, third Level 2A dressage test; • Gemma Lewis (Y11): second Level 2A dressage test and Level 2B dressage test; • Lily Ellis (Y9): second Level 1B dressage test, third Level 1C dressage test.

e-sports The St Andrew’s College Senior e-sports team of Matthew Browne, Edwin Short and Hugh Thomas (all Y11) won the Regional Rocket League Finals, making them South Island Secondary Schools’ champions.

Football Kiara Bercelli, Charlotte Roche (both Y12), and Megan Simpson (Y10) were named in the Canterbury Pride Football team, which is the Senior Women’s team that plays in the national league.

A group of 17 Preparatory School teams competed at the ISSA Winter Sport Tournament, where the StAC Navy hockey team (Y7–8), StAC Yellow football team (Y7–8), and Preparatory School A netball team (Y8) all placed second to qualify for the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Tournament.

Jump Jam Preparatory School Jump Jam group, StAC Superheroes, coached by Year 13 student Sophie Goode, were second in the Year 5–6 Advanced category at the 2021 South Island Jump Jam Challenge.

Karting

The Year 10A netball team

in the final 25–30 by Cashmere High School to finish second overall.

Six players from the Senior A netball team were chosen to compete at the Netball New Zealand U18 Championships in two participating centre teams.

• Red Team (fifth overall): Isabella Galvan, Holly Munro, Otolose Faingaanuku (all Y13) and Karereatua Williams (Y12); • Black Team (14th overall): Angelique Doig and Arlya Guard (both Y12).

Orienteering At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Orienteering Championships, the following students achieved top 10 placings: • Clayton Shadbolt (Y13): ninth in the Senior Boys Long Distance event, seventh in the Sprint Distance event; • Alice Egan (Y13): third in the Senior Girls Long Distance event; • Ethan Griffin (Y9): fourth in the Junior Boys Sprint Distance event.

Polo Tom Turner (Y12) was selected for the highlycontested New Zealand Schools’ Polo team, which will play Australia in two matches at the end of November and early December. This is a major achievement for Tom, who is the youngest in the team.

Driving on a challenging hillside track, Josh Silcock (Y10) won three out of four races to claim the Junior Class at the Tasman North vs South Grass Kart Championships. At the Canterbury Grass Kart Championships, Josh drove consistently well to become the 2021 Canterbury Champion in the Junior Open class.

Netball At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Netball Tournament, the St Andrew’s Year 10A team was unbeaten in their pool games, won their semi-final 42–18 against Waimea College, and was narrowly beaten

Tom Turner (Y12)

Values and Culture

Jessie Mercer (Y9), Zihui (Alisia) Ren (Y10) and Madeline May (Y13) were named in the Canterbury Women’s Interprovincial team, as well as the Canterbury Girls’ Interprovincial team which finished third in the New Zealand Interprovincial Tournament during the Term 3 break.

Hayden Lam (Y10), Sebastian May (Y11) and Mika MacDonald (Y13) were named in the Canterbury Boys’ Interprovincial team which took part in the same tournament.

49 Regulus

virtual championship using the Zwift software. This enabled students to set their bikes up on a smart trainer at home and log into the races on their computers to compete against other students of their age group.

William Crawford (Y8) competed in the U14 Boys’ grade and was second in General Classification (overall position of the three events), and third in the hill climb and criterium events.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

race, representing St Andrew’s.

Alessandria also placed first in the U8 Dual Slalom and was selected for the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team.

Kalisa Zhang (Y6) represented Canterbury at the 2021 New Zealand Gymnastics National Championships held during the holidays, where she won silver for the Hoop event.

Oliver Connolly (Y7) won the Boys’ Years 7–8 competition at the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Ski Racing Championships.

Rogaine At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Rogaine Championships, Matthew Hirschfeld and Ethan Griffin (both Y9) won first place in the U14 Boys’ event, and the team of Alice Egan (Y13), Lucy Hamilton and Jenna Hirschfeld (both Y12) were second in the U19 Girls’ event.

St Andrew’s College was well represented at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Rogaine Championships, with all four teams finishing top three of their categories: • Senior Girls (four hours): second place (1800 points) Alice Egan and Molly Spark (both Y13); • Senior Girls (four hours): third place (980 points) Lucy Hamilton, Emily Davis, Jenna Hirschfeld (all Y12) and Payton Kimber-Reynolds (Y11); • Senior Boys (four hours): third place (1960 points) Benjamin Ferrier, Zachary Moore, Joseph Drury, Oliver Affleck (all Y13); • Junior Boys (two hours): first place (880 points) Matthew Hirschfeld and Ethan Griffin (both Y9).

Rowing

Jack Harding (Y13), right

in the 2021 Junior Crusaders Camp.

Thomas Sexton (Y13) was named as a standby player. Torian and Will later played in the Crusader Junior XV final against the Highlanders U18 team.

Jack Harding (Y13) was selected for the University of Waikato Chiefs Region U18 Development Camp. He will head to the Waikato to study and be part of an exciting Chiefs Rugby Academy programme in 2022.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Y13) was named co-captain of the Hurricanes U18 rugby team, which played Manawatu U19.

Ashleigh Brett (Y13) was selected for the Canterbury U19 rugby team and has been training with the Senior Women’s Canterbury Development Squad.

She was also selected as a member of the National U18 Māori Rugby Development Camp.

Emma Inglis, Thomas Forsey (both Y13), Georgia Thomson (Y12) and William Tavendale (Y10) were selected for the Canterbury U20 rowing team to compete at the Mainland Interprovincial Championships.

William Timbs (Y12), Cylas Tauti, Josh Ongley and Oskar Trafford (all Y11) were selected for the U16 Metro Black team.

Lucas Te Rangi (Y11) and Couper Killick (Y12) were selected for the U16 Metro Red team.

Thomas Forsey, Emma Inglis (both Y13), Georgia Thomson (Y12) and William Tavendale (Y10) were in the Canterbury team which won the Mainland Inter‑provincial Championships.

Thomas coxed the winning Men’s Open 8+ and Emma placed third in the Women’s U20 4X-.

Couper Killick, William Timbs (both Y12), Lucas Te Rangi, Cylas Tauti, Josh Ongley and Oskar Trafford (all Y11), played in Canterbury Metro U16 teams.

Rugby After attending the National U18 Māori Rugby Development Camp, Tamati Frost (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand Māori U18 Ngā Whatukura Boys’ team. Torian Barnes (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand Schools’ team. Travel restrictions have affected the planned international schedule for the teams, which will instead gather for a development week.

D’Angelo (Lino) Tauti, Torian Barnes and Will Stodart (all Y13) were named

Skiing The Canterbury Ski and Snowboard Championships were held at Mt Hutt in July. The Girls’ ski team of Alys Scott, Monique Weber (both Y12), Holly Thomas (Y10) and Mia Fraser (Y11) placed second, the first ever girls’ ski team from St Andrew’s to medal in this event. The Boys’ ski team, comprising Thomas McKendry, Brodie Flett, Campbell Searle (all Y11) and Isaac Smith (Y12) finished a creditable fourth.

At the National Junior Ski Championships, sisters Isabelle (Y4), Alessandria (Y2) and Francesca Greer (Y1) were second in the Years 1–4 team

In the Remarkables Interfield races on Saturday 18 September as part of the South Island Secondary Schools’ Snowsport Championships, Holly Thomas (Y10) was first in the U16 Girls’ event, and Nilo Labbe Hubbard (Y10) was second in the U16 Boys’ event.

The following day, the Mixed ski team placed first, the Boys’ ski team second, and the Boys’ slopestyle team second.

Thomas McKendry (Y11) was the fastest boy and Holly Thomas (Y10) was the fastest girl in the competition. The Boys’ snowboard team placed second.

Swimming A team of 12 St Andrew’s College swimmers competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ National Swimming Championships against 730 swimmers from across 167 schools. They did incredibly well to win a total of 14 medals, including relays. The highlight of the meet was Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (Y13) breaking a 13-year-old record in the Men’s 50m freestyle event.

Results • Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (Y13): gold in Men’s 50m freestyle (New Zealand Record), 100m butterfly, silver in 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 16 and Over skins events, bronze in 100m individual medley, 50m breaststroke; • Bree Middleton (Y13): bronze 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle; • Taiko Torepe-Ormsby and Bree Middleton: silver in 2 × 50m Mixed freestyle; • Taiko Torepe-Ormsby and Connor Barr (Y13): silver 2 × 50m Men’s freestyle; • Connor Barr, Callum Lockhart (Y12), Maddison Barr, Caitlin Roberts, Isabella McConchie (all Y11), Bree Middleton, Oliver Graves (Y13) Taiko Torepe-Ormsby: silver 8 × 50m Mixed freestyle; • Connor Barr, Bree Middleton, Isabella McConchie, Taiko TorepeOrmsby: bronze 4 × 50m Mixed freestyle; • Taiko Torepe-Ormsby, Callum Lockhart, Oliver Graves, Connor Barr: bronze 4 × 50m Men’s freestyle.

• Lucy Hamilton (Y13) was a member of the silver medal winning Canterbury team which competed at the U18 Girls A Grade Water Polo Nationals.

The St Andrew’s College Swimming team

At the North Island Championships, Jono Baynon (Y12) hit an incredible 183 targets without missing to win the Single Rise and Points Score. He achieved a ‘Long Run’ of 352 targets altogether, which is an outstanding achievement. Maggie Hood (Y11) was third in Ladies’ Points Score. At the

national championships, Maggie was third in Single Barrel. She teamed up with Sam Kinney (Y12) to win the two-person Skeet Team event. Connor Higgs (Y11) and William Long (Y10) were third in this event.

Volleyball Pippa Henderson (Y12) and Tineke Hinton (Y11) were named in the New Zealand U19 Junior Women’s Volleyball squad, from which a team will be selected to play in the Asian Championships to be held in 2022.

Water Polo • Taylor Farrell (Y11), Ryan Marsh and Jake Burrowes (both Y10) were members of the silver medal winning Canterbury team, which competed at the U16 Nationals B Boys Water Polo Competition; • Benjamin Steel (Y13) and Lachlan Frazer represented Canterbury at the U18 Nationals Men’s Water Polo Competition;

Zonta Sports Awards Congratulations to Blake Richards (Y13 – water polo) who was the winner of Category Two – Contribution to Sports Administration, and Alexander Carrodus (Y13 – rowing) who received a Highly Commended in Category One – Most Valued Contribution to a team, at the Zonta Sports Awards. Other finalists were Otolose Faingaanuku, Isabella Galvan (both Y13 – netball), Molly Spark (Y13 – multisport), Georgia Thomson (Y12 – rowing), Lachlan Frazer (Y13 – water polo), and Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (Y13 – swimming) in the Outstanding Individual Achievement category; the Adventure Racing team and Multi-sport team in the Most Outstanding Team category, and Cameron Slee (Y13 – hockey, cricket, water polo and swimming) in Best All-Round who achieved in more than one Sporting Code.

Another

historic win for

1st XI Cricket The St Andrew’s 1st XI cricket team has repeated their historic feat as regional winners of the Gillette Cup, comfortably beating Christ’s College in the final. This was a fantastic achievement at the highest level of competition possible this year, with the cancellation of the national tournament due to COVID-19.

Christ’s College won the toss and elected to bat, making 152 in their 45 overs. Will Anderson (Y13) was the star bowler for St Andrew’s, with 4/30. A gritty middle-order partnership between Arden Ongley (Y13 – 42 not out) and Cameron Paul (Y12 – 63 not out) saw the team reach the target in the 38th over. It was a great team win, with everyone contributing superbly, especially in key moments.

Values and Culture

In the latest round of the Canterbury Area Secondary Schools’ Clay Target Championships, Sam Kinney (Y12) and Maggie Hood (Y11) scored very highly to win the Skeet Team trophy for the overall competition, with Mitchell Twentyman (Y9) winning the Junior Points Score. Jono Baynon (Y12) delivered another outstanding performance to win three disciplines, Single Rise, Senior Points Score, and Highest Overall. Jono achieved a shooting grade of 96 per cent which saw him promoted to AA grade; an elite status which very few shooters achieve.

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Trap Shooting

Jake Burrowes, Ryan Marsh (both Y10) and Taylor Farrell (Y11)

Message

from the

President

1st XV

Rugby Reunion 2021

In my last update, I noted the fortune in seeing our Old Collegian events return to pre COVID-19 normality. This was clearly premature, with the last couple of months a stark and unfortunate reminder of how quickly life can change during the pandemic.

While frustrating for those behind the scenes who organise upcoming events, we were able to host our flagship event, the OCA Annual Dinner on the Friday before the country went into the lockdown. It was a pleasure to be able to recognise Sam Lane’s hockey achievements with the award of the Maginness Cup Sports Award. Due to Sam’s Olympic travels, his award was accepted by his father Keith, whose speech gave us a great insight into Sam’s life so far.

The Cockram Cultural Award this year went to Sven Pannell (1996) for his achievements in the film industry, having won numerous awards in New Zealand and around the world. We were lucky to have Hamish Taylor (1996) from Sven’s peer year to accept the award on his behalf.

Andy Munro (1974) was the deserving winner of the Alister Newton Service Award. Andy is well known in the community for his ongoing service to both the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Friends of the Glenmark Church Inc. Andy is a strong role model for how life changing the volunteers in our communities are. The Munro family were all there to hear Andy’s very memorable speech.

We also recognised Rev. Sandra-Wright Taylor’s 12 years’ service to the College and were fortunate to welcome her into the OCA as an Honorary Old Collegian.

We also saw a number of familiar faces at the St Andrew's College versus Christ’s College 1st XV game on Saturday 7 August, which doubled as the Rugby Reunion where a number of Old Collegians who played in the St Andrew’s 1st XV over the years got together to watch the game.

The 40 Years On Reunion classes of 1981–1985 have had their reunion postponed until November and we look forward to them returning to the College, especially after their 30 Years On Reunion was impacted by the 2011 earthquakes.

In the meantime, I wish all those in our St Andrew's College community the best of health.

Meg Black (2010) OCA President

On Saturday 7 August, St Andrew’s hosted 68 Old Collegians and their partners for the annual 1st XV Rugby Reunion.

Represented were players and management from 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2021. It was fantastic to have so many of our rugby greats all in one room and it had been many years since some had seen each other. There were many hilarious stories and lots of banter as former team mates reminisced and recounted their games over a few beers. The weather held off for a nerve-wracking 1st XV match against a tough Christ’s College, side, with the final score 26–29 to Christ’s College.

It was a wonderful day of friendship and memories.

Old Collegian Association

Annual Dinner

The evening was expertly MC’d by OCA Executive Sam Crosbie (2009) and a very memorable speech was delivered by OCA President, Meg Black (2010). Jonathan Wells (1987) entertained guests with his accomplished Address to the Haggis, and the evening was topped off by another superb meal by Catering Manager, Russell Gray and his team.

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The amazing achievements of some alumni were recognised during the presentation of the annual awards.

The Maginness Cup Sports Award went to Sam Lane (2015) who represents New Zealand in the Black Sticks hockey team. Unfortunately, Sam was not able to be at the dinner, as he was in quarantine in Christchurch having returned from the Tokyo Olympics days earlier. His award

Old Collegians

On Friday 13 August 2021, the Old Collegians Association hosted their Annual Dinner. There was an incredible turnout with 134 Old Collegians in attendance, ranging in peer years from 1949–2019.

was proudly accepted by his father Keith. The Cockram Cultural Award this year went to Sven Pannell (1996) for his achievements in the film industry, notably his award-winning 2015 documentary Act of Kindness which won awards at the New Zealand International Film Festival and other festivals around the world.

The Alister Newton Service Award was won this year by Andy Munro (1974) for his tireless service to his community, as Chair for both the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Friends of the Glenmark Church Inc. Rev. SandraWright Taylor was made an Honorary Old Collegian for her 12 years’ service to St Andrew’s College, and Bryan Pearson (1980) was gifted a beautiful artwork of the College, by artist and OCA Executive Kelvin McMillan (1977).

Gentlemen’s

Luncheon

On Friday 15 October, the College hosted the annual Gentlemen’s Luncheon. A group of 75 Old Collegians, ranging in age from 73 to 98, were warmly welcomed to the campus, including 18 gentlemen from the class of 1951–1955 who were celebrating their 70 Years On reunion.

For some, the Gentlemen’s Luncheon has become an annual event, but for many others it was their first time returning to the College for some time.

The gentlemen enjoyed a short tour of the Centennial Chapel, where they were entertained by Russell Kent

(1959) on the organ, then were treated to a fabulous lunch in the Strowan House dining room, where hilarious antics and tales were shared. George Scrimshaw (1955) and Murray McIver (1955) delivered the Toasts to the College and Absent Friends. Mac Hamilton (1957) was introduced to his uncle’s 1928 tennis medal that was recently acquired by the College after being spotted in an online auction.

Thank you to all the Old Collegians who were able to come and share this wonderful event.

Class notes

making them work better and passing on the knowledge to others. The best part has been meeting people, learning languages (German, Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch), and the friendships formed, he said.

Coastguard Nelson, including Old Collegian Andrew Murray (1981), were crowned winners at the International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards for Outstanding Team Contribution to Maritime SAR Operations. The group was recognised for their contribution to the successful 14-hour rescue of the SV Ocean Gem near Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island on 18–19 March 2020. The daring rescue challenged the crew both physically and mentally, and highlighted the bravery, selflessness, and dedication of the Coastguard volunteers.

Jonathan Scragg

Jonathan Scragg (1996) was Deputy Head Prefect in his last year at St Andrew’s in 1996. For some years, he has been a partner at Duncan Cotterill, lawyers, and has now become the firm's Chair of the Board.

Chris Fountain

Chris Fountain’s (1975) love of science and engineering has taken him all over the world. After leaving St Andrew’s, he studied Chemistry at the University of Canterbury and then focused on applying his knowledge through a Master of Science in mineral processing in Broken Hill, NSW, followed by a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne. His first permanent job was in Mount Isa, Queensland, where he joined the team that developed the Isasmelt smelting process for extracting copper. As part of this work, Chris designed three Isasmelt plants, and helped commission five new smelters. During his career, Chris has visited 30 smelters in ten different countries in Europe, North America, Asia and the Caribbean, lived in Australia, Brazil, and currently lives in the United States where he is Rio Tinto’s chief advisor for copper smelting and refining. Chris finds his work intensely rewarding and says engineering provides an opportunity to solve puzzles and to provide creative solutions to challenging problems.

He enjoys learning how things work,

Rev. Cameron Pickering Jamie McFadden

Jamie McFadden (1985) graced the cover of Latitude magazine over the winter. Jamie and his wife Linda, run Hurunui Nurseries just outside of Cheviot, where they collect native seeds from their property and surrounds, which are then propagated and sold mainly to farmers for various projects. Daughter, Rosie (2017) works in the nursery and son, Patrick (2015) works on a nearby hill country farm. Jamie and Linda also run a flock of Wiltshire sheep, and Jamie chairs the Rural Advocacy Network, which gives a voice to farmers, particularly around agricultural policy and regulation.

The Reverend Cameron Pickering (OC 1997 and past staff) has a new role as Chaplain of Christ’s College.

A group of Old Collegians from 2001–2020 returned to the College in August to take on Year 13 players in the inaugural Basketball Alumni Game.

Led by most ‘senior’ Old Collegian, and current Science teacher, Dr Young-Wook Song (2001) and with great contributions by Sam Jenkins (2020), Heitawhiri Cooper (2019) and Jess Allan (2017), the Old Collegians pulled away for a narrow 92–88 win, becoming the first team to etch their names onto the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy Jamie-Lee Tuuta (2005) has become the Registrar of the Waitangi Tribunal and also the wāhine Co-President of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, the Māori Law Society.

Blair Williamson (2008) completed an incredible 10,815 burpees in 24 hours, as part of an attempt to break two Guinness World Records; most burpees completed in 12 hours, and most burpees completed in 24 hours.

The 24 hour circuit was a fundraising event for Gumboot Friday and the charity I Am Hope, with the team raising over $35,000. The record is being sent to Guinness World Records to be recognised.

Alumni and Year 13 basketball teams.

Britney-Lee Nicholson (2017) won a Canterbury Blue Award for being a Football and Futsal New Zealand Representative.

Preparatory School teacher Isaac Leota (2012) was selected for the New Zealand Universities rugby team to play two games.

Oscar Wilson (2017), Rhys Mariu, Jesse Frew (both 2019) and Zak Foulkes (2020) were named in the Canterbury ‘A’ cricket squad for the 2021/22 season.

Caitlin Dore (2014) represented New Zealand at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she competed in the Women’s shot put F37 event and made it to the final.

Zack Rumble (2017), Louie Murden and James Tavendale (both 2020) were selected in the Canterbury rowing team.

Sam Lane (2015) competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Black Sticks Men’s hockey team.

Raymond Nu’u (2015) joined Otago Rugby after three seasons with Southland. Previously, Raymond featured in Canterbury age-group sides before linking up with the Crusaders Academy, but an injury in 2017 stalled his progress and he joined Southland the following year.

Shilo Klein (2017), Cameron Bailey (2014) and Richie Mo’unga (2012) were named in the 2021 Canterbury NPC rugby squad.

Thomas Russel (2017) was selected for the Rowing New Zealand Elite Development Squad.

60 Years On Reunion Class of 1962–1966 ANZAC Day Service Friday 25 March 2022 50 Years On Reunion Class of 1972–1976 Friday 27 May–Sunday 29 May 2022

Tell us

Saxon Morgan (2018) was selected to represent New Zealand in the Mixed Team Relay event at the World Triathlon Championship Series in Montreal, where his team finished second to win the silver medal. This was Saxon’s first big MTR event.

If you know of any Old Collegians you think should be featured in our Class Notes section or would like to tell us what you are up to, we’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t have to be a significant achievement – our community just loves to hear about what fellow Old Collegians are doing. So please do not be shy and send any updates and information to oldcols@stac.school.nz

Gone not but

Mac Stodart

Mac Stodart (2019) is settling into his new college, the University of Colorado, and is following his basketball dreams.

Jamie Carr, Mini Toga, Joel Lam (all 2020), and Sebastian Calder (2019), were named in Canterbury U19 rugby teams for 2021.

Isileli Saumaki (2020) was named in the Tasman U19 Rugby Squad.

forgotten

Mike Hindin (1940) Peter Adams (1947) Michael Wilkinson (1950) Brian Gibbs (1952) Lancelot (Barrie) Rhodes (1952) Peter Triggs (1954) John (Dan) Matheson (1954) John Freeman (1955) Robert Thomson (1957) Ross Butler (1957) Robert Sloss (1957) Selwyn Watson (1959) Gerald Oliphant (1963) Stuart Young (1966) Peter Low (1967) John McMurtrie (1977) Todd Jackson (1985)

For the full 2021/2022 Old Collegian Events Calendar please visit stac.nz/OldColsEvents

Old Collegians

Saxon Morgan (right)

Grace Donaldson (2020), Stefan Millard (2020) and Graham Campbell (Year 13) all featured in September’s Art Stars 2021 exhibition. They were selected from a pool of over 2000 submissions for a life-changing affirmation and taste of the industry.

Thomas Russel

Founders’ Weekend Friday 18–Saturday 19 March 2022

your news!

Charlotte Elley (2014) and Kelera Nawai-Caucau (2016) have been named in the 2022 Tactix netball team.

Amosa Faitaua-Nanai (2015) represented the Aotearoa Men’s Netball squad against the Silver Ferns in the Cadbury Netball Series in October.

for 2022

55 Regulus

Jamie-Lee Tuuta.

Zack Rumble (2017) and Louie Murden (2020) were included in the first cohort of athletes selected into the National Pathway, which was recently announced by Rowing New Zealand.

Events

Welcome to the world Annabell Li Louise Th & Charlotte omson

Daughters of Sam Th o 2 2 Ma y 2 0 18 and 27 mson (2006) born Decembe r 2020.

Mia Chiu Page

Daughter of Sam Page (1995) born 5 May 2021.

Rhemy Monica & Zeph Albert van Hout

Daughter and son of Heather (née Scott, 2009) and George van Hout (2009) born 15 February 2021.

Just married Richard Storey (2006) and India Kraal (2008) were married on a beautiful day in Port Levy on 26 March 2021, with lots of Old Collegians in attendance.

TOP STUDENT

SUCCESSES

Congratulations to our students for their outstanding successes across sports, cultural and academic areas.

SPORT

2021

CRICKET:

Winner Gillette Cup Regional Final

ROWING:

Winner NZSS Girls’ U16 Single Sculls Silver NZSS Springbok Shield Bronze NZSS Maadi Cup Bronze NZSS Boys’ U17 Coxed Eight, Boys’ U18 Coxless Pair Oars and Girls’ U18 Single Sculls SISS Championships 11 podium finishes

ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS:

80 awarded

FUTSAL:

VEX ROBOTICS:

Winner NZSS Junior Girls

National Champions

TENNIS:

CHESS:

Winner NZSS Mixed Team Winner CPSSA Boys

Winner Canterbury Schools

BIOLOGY:

NETBALL:

Runner Up SuperNet – Senior A Winner Year 10 Canterbury Schools Winner U13 Division 1 Preparatory School

New Zealand Biology Olympiad Bronze Award – 4 students

FOOTBALL:

CULTURE

Winner Senior Girls Canterbury Schools

BADMINTON:

CHAMBER MUSIC:

Winner Senior Girls Canterbury Schools

Winner NZCT Chamber Music Contest

BASKETBALL:

ORCHESTRA:

Winner Division 1 Girls Whelan Trophy Runner Up Division 1 Boys Thomson Trophy

NZSS Symphony Orchestra – 5 students

GOLF:

Winner RockQuest Canterbury Best Song Winner BandQuest Christchurch Region

ROCK BAND:

Canterbury Women’s Golfer and Junior Girl’s Golfer of the Year Runner Up Canterbury SS Team

JAZZ BANDS:

WATER POLO:

Gold Award ARA Jazzquest Combo and Big Band New Zealand Youth Jazz Festival Gold Combo Award

ROGAINE:

Six Finalists Play It Strange Competition

COAST TO COAST:

Winner Canterbury Senior Regionals Winner Canterbury Junior Regionals Winner Canterbury Schools Winner Canterbury Impromptu Cup

Runner Up SISS Boys Championships

SONGWRITING:

Runner Up NZSS Senior Girls

DEBATING:

First Female and School Grade Winner Two Day Team

ADVENTURE RACING:

Winners NZSS Mixed Team

PIPE BAND:

CYCLING:

Grade 2 National Champions NZ National Youth Pipe Band 5 students

Runners Up Canterbury SS Team Time Trial

EQUESTRIAN:

TRAP SHOOTING:

Canterbury Schools’ Dressage (1 × first and 3 × seconds) Runners Up South Island Mounted Games

Winner NZSS Ladies Skeet and Two-Person Skeet Winner NISS Single Rise

POLO:

E-SPORTS:

SKIING

CROSS COUNTRY:

Winners SUPA Tournament

Winner SISS

Winner SISS U16 Girls Winner SISS Mixed Team

HIGHLAND DANCE:

Winner CPSSA Year 8 Girls

NZ Champion – U18 and U16

ZONTA AWARDS:

SWIMMING:

NZSS Championships 14 podium finishes

Winner Category Two Highly Commended Category One

ATHLETICS:

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES:

SISS Championships – 10 gold, 4 silver, 11 bronze

College Productions

12 Recipients

Festival of Dance (Ballet Academy) Curtains (Middle) Chicago: High School Edition (Senior)

BALLET:

Six NZAMD Ballet Scholarship Nominees 10 NZAMD Ballet Distinctions NZSOD Associate Dancer Australian Ballet School International Training Programme Dancer

DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD:

18 Year 13 Gold Awards

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES:

11 Recipients

Outstanding Cultural Celebrations

Music Festival Film Fest

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