Editor/Writer: Jo Bailey
Photography: Sue Oxley
Clinton Lloyd
Anna Turner
Lisa Clark
Craig Morgan
Bri Lawrence
Meg Cuddon-Corlet
Liz McKerchar rowinghub.co.nz
Printing: Caxton
Published: August 2025
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
20
‘Me, we’ – celebrating our individuality and interconnectedness.
These two simple words were spontaneously delivered by the American boxing great, Muhammad Ali, when his audience requested a poem at a 1975 Harvard lecture. It is now officially recognised as the shortest poem by the Guinness Book of Records These words capture the importance of knowing who you are as an individual, yet still being positively connected to your wider community.
As with most poetry, it is open to interpretation. To me, it’s a poem (during the turbulent 1960s) which speaks of unity and togetherness. One man fights for dignity in the ring, a society fights for dignity on earth. It speaks to the important role of individuals within the context of a larger group. I can’t be me until we are we.
It is the shortest, and to me, one of the most evocative poems in sport history. I chose to reflect on this poem in light of both the individual and collective success I have seen and experienced at St Andrew’s College over my first two terms.
Learning is part of life. Learning allows us to grow, achieve, and create our sense of personal identity and purpose. In modern education we speak about ‘personalised learning’, which recognises students as unique individuals who can learn in different ways (for example, their learning needs, interests, and capability determine the depth and pace of learning). St Andrew’s seeks to help each student achieve their potential and find their future pathways. Yet as this poem reminds us, none of this happens in isolation.
As a school community, we celebrate the success of our individuals. At the very start of this year, we had our Prefects Investiture and Leadership Assembly acknowledging those senior students taking up formal leadership roles and responsibility with the expectation of them leading through service to the wider College. Then our Academic Assembly celebrated outstanding individual achievements in the 2024 NCEA qualifications and New Zealand Scholarships. Also, the regular editions of Regulus celebrate many stunning examples of individual talent and accomplishments across a wide range of diverse areas.
Such personal achievement does not happen in isolation – it requires natural talent and personal dedication, but success also relies on the support, guidance, and nurturing of family, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors. ‘Me, we' is a simple articulation that everything is interconnected and our main purpose in life is to become truly conscious of this and then live accordingly. Our personal achievement is a result of the support of others, and we too must contribute to the success of others around us.
Our achievements as a ‘we’ are evident in our many and varied successes in our team and group opportunities – whether on the sports field, on the stage with the Performing Arts, or working as a group. When ‘we’ come together to share and combine our skills and talents, as a team, we are capable of achieving so much more. High performing teams and individuals can inspire others around them to ‘shine’, to overcome their insecurities and strive to become the best version of themselves. Success however can bring responsibilities, as a person becomes an example to others and can contribute to a culture of achievement within a community.
As American actor, Leonard Nimoy (who played Spock in Star Trek), aptly reflected on life: “The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.” Thank you to our St Andrew’s staff, parents, and community who share and give so our young students may flourish and grow.
It’s been another action-packed few months on the St Andrew’s campus. In June, I was delighted to present Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, with an award from the New Zealand Boarding Schools' Association (NZBSA) for Outstanding Service. This award recognises Matt’s 15 years of service in boarding, including the last seven years at St Andrew’s College. This award celebrates both his significant contributions to the association, representing 103 boarding schools across New Zealand, and his positive impact on our boarding community. Matt’s visionary leadership has not only enhanced the day-to-day experience of boarders at St Andrew’s, but has also contributed to our thriving, co-educational boarding culture.
Early in Term 2, I was delighted to host three talented Year 10 artists, James Bennett, ZiQi (Maggie) Xu and Taylor Grant, for morning tea, after their beautiful class painting work was framed and selected for display in my office. Thank you to our Head of Art, Mallory Swadel, for the stunning work she and Art teacher, Michelle Lawrence, do with our Visual Arts students.
There have been many other highlights during Term 2, including a spirited Jump Jam session in the Quad during Well-being Week. My wife Judi and I enjoyed listening to our talented speakers during the Festival of the Spoken Word Competition, including the accomplished winner, Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12). Judi has also accompanied me to various Old Collegians’ reunions and functions, and it’s been great to be on the sidelines cheering on our various sports teams. There was spirited student support during the 1st XV’s great win over old rivals Christ’s College, with many students dressing up for the occasion. Our outstanding Senior Production, Twelfth Night, was a highlight on the busy Performing Arts calendar. Read all about it on pages 24–27.
Looking back, celebrating now, and setting our sights on the years ahead.
On Thursday 12 June, the Board welcomed guests to the College’s 108th Annual General Meeting, an important occasion to present the Annual Report and Financial Statements and to reflect on the highlights and challenges of the 2024 school year. It was a year marked by continued strength: full rolls, excellent academic outcomes, vibrant participation in co-curricular life, further staff professional development, and deepened support between staff and students.
The AGM also served as a moment to recognise governance continuity and change. My own role as Chair, alongside Nick Letham’s as Deputy Chair, was ratified for another term.
We farewelled long-standing Board member, Rob Woodgate, who chose not to seek reappointment after three terms and nine years of service. As the longest-serving current Board member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Rob played a vital role in stewarding the College’s financial health. His wisdom and integrity guided many key decisions, and we extend our thanks for his valuable contribution.
It was my pleasure to welcome David Bennett to the Board. David brings a wealth of experience in finance and leadership. He is CFO at Market Gardeners (MG) and his previous roles include CFO at Ryman Healthcare,
Group Financial Controller at Westland Dairy, and in audit at Deloitte. He has three children at St Andrew’s College, a son in the Secondary School and two daughters in the Preparatory School. David now chairs the Audit and Risk Committee, and we look forward to the perspective and expertise he brings.
Our past achievements are only possible through the dedication of many. From our Board and Management team to our teachers, support staff, community groups, and volunteers, each person plays an essential role in creating an environment where ākonga can thrive.
This year, we were delighted to welcome Mark Wilson as our new Rector. In his first six months, he has already made a remarkable impact on College life. Whether attending student performances, sports matches, or alumni reunions, Mark has shown a commitment to fostering strong connections across our community. We also extend our appreciation to his wife, Judi, for the warmth and support she has shown, not only to Mark but also to the broader College family.
Their contributions, along with dedication from the Board, management team, and wider community have ensured a smooth transition, making it feel as though Mark has been part of the College for longer than just this year.
We live in a time where the pace of change is swift, and the future is increasingly difficult to predict. From AI and climate change to evolving social media landscapes and global education trends, the world requires us to be adaptable and responsive.
Navigating this complexity is most effective when guided by a clear and considered plan as reflected in the following whakataukī;
Tē tōia, tē haumatia
Nothing can be achieved without a plan and way of doing things
As a Board, we are looking forward with purpose. This year, we began
the process of revising the College’s Strategic Plan, a vital exercise to reaffirm our purpose, recognise our strengths, identify areas for growth, and map a clear direction for the coming years. This plan will provide an updated and shared vision, shaping decision-making across every aspect of College life.
In tandem, we are developing a new Property Master Plan. This blueprint will assess our current facilities and outline the staged improvements needed to support our strategic priorities.
Importantly, our planning incorporates voices of our community. Through surveys and focus groups over the past few months, we’ve heard what you value most about the College, what needs attention, and what facilities will best support future learning. We’re grateful for the insightful and constructive engagement which continues to shape our direction.
We are also looking outward, to national demographic shifts, regional challenges, and global innovations in education. By learning from other schools leading the way and understanding the broader context, we aim to position the College for long-term success.
The revised Strategic Plan will be shared with our community later this year, and we look forward to your continued involvement as we take these important steps together.
As we honour our traditions, celebrate the present, and embrace future possibilities we remain committed to keeping our students, past, present, and future at the heart of all decisions. With this focus, I am confident our College will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.
Felicity Odlin Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Governors
St Andrew’s College Board scope and set process and direction for new Strategic Plan. 23 MARCH 2025
The Board of Governors is making good progress on the development of the new Strategic Plan, which will outline the strategic direction for St Andrew’s College for the next five years. The strategic planning process has included Strategy Days during which the Board identified the College’s objectives and educational priorities and signaled an intention to refresh the College’s purpose and vision statements aligning them closely with the College’s five values – Truth, Excellence, Faith, Creativity and Inclusivity. The Board has reached out to a range of groups within the St Andrew’s community for their input and thoughts to inform the strategy. A separate Property Master Plan is also being developed and will be driven and shaped by the new Strategic Plan.
Community engagement to seek and collate views and ideas for future goals and direction from key stakeholders e.g. students, parents, staff, and Old Collegians.
Board collate and review thinking and ideas from key stakeholders, and identify main themes and content for Strategic Plan.
Board Committee draft initial Strategic Plan to be reviewed by whole Board and key staff leadership, and seek feedback from some key stakeholders. AUGUST – OCTOBER 2025
Whole Board to confirm Strategic Plan for 2026
ASSOCIATED DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO THIS STRATEGIC PLANNING:
• Property Master Planning process underway with ROI and RFP next step;
• Reviewing key College policies e.g., new Complaints policy, and work underway on Admissions, Student Behaviour and Discipline;
• Change made for 2026 – College calendar with three week term holidays moved from September to July.
OPERATIONALISING
Setting out the operational plan to achieve the strategic priorities and objectives. DECEMBER 2025 – FEBRUARY 2026
Members of the St Andrew’s College Board of Governors play a key role providing governance for all aspects of the College, including financial, capital development, health and safety, the appointment of key staff, support of management and staff, and the development and implementation of the College’s Strategic Plan.
Our Board members have a wide range of complementary skills and expertise, and give their time freely to this important role. The following brief profiles provide an insight into the professional and personal lives of the group of eight Board members who serve alongside Rector, Mark Wilson, on the 2025 Board of Governors.
In addition to Mark coming onto the Board, there has been one other change this year, with Parent Nominee, Rob Woodgate, deciding not to seek reappointment after nine years valuable service as a Board member. As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Rob played a vital role in stewarding the College’s financial health, and was known for his wisdom and integrity. New member, David Bennett, has taken over both of Rob’s roles on the Board.
Felicity Odlin
Board Chair
Board Nominee
Board Chair, Felicity Odlin, is passionate about preserving the College’s unique culture while looking to the future to ensure every student leaves St Andrew’s confident, connected, and ready for any opportunity. Her connection to St Andrew’s spans three generations, with her grandfather a student in the 1920s, her brother in the 1980s, and her two sons both graduating in the last few years.
Professionally, Felicity has a strong background in accounting and finance, and has spent the last 10 years as Group Finance Manager for Destination Retail Group and Global Culture. Her leadership has spanned finance, strategy, people management, and a major company merger.
Outside work and school, Felicity, who is naturally competitive, enjoys sports-based activities, from skiing, swimming, Pilates, and golf, to her new favourite – pickleball. Her advice to current St Andrew’s students is to build respectful, face-to-face connections, and focus on personal growth and fulfilment without comparisons.
Nick Letham Deputy Board Chair Staff Nominee
Nick Letham (OC 2001) says his time as a student at St Andrew’s helped to build foundations for life beyond the school gates, in terms of skills, work ethic, values and the desire to make a difference.
Professionally, Nick is a corporate/ commercial law partner at Chapman Tripp. He has strong family ties to St Andrew’s, with brothers, Andrew (OC 2004) and Cameron (OC 2008), father Guy (OC 1974) and uncle Donald (OC 1970) among the many family members who have also attended.
The current Deputy Chair, Nick has served on the Board of Governors since 2019. He has also been a member of the Old Collegians Association Executive since 2007 (including as President from 2014–2016) and is a former trustee of the College Foundation. Nick believes all St Andrew’s students should appreciate the special nature of the large and supportive community at the College, which will likely lead to lifelong friendships and connections long after they have finished their schooling.
Stephanie Bain Old Collegians Nominee
One of the first girls to join St Andrew’s in 1992, and a boarder, Stephanie Bain was also the first girl at the College to get Colours – in Music. She says it often surprises people to learn she was a professional opera singer and completed her postgraduate study in America. The Old Collegians Nominee on the Board for the past four years, Stephanie is a parent of Alexander in Year 6 and Sebastian in Year 4, with many of her wider family also attending the College including her father, and a great-uncle, who started in the late 1920s.
Professionally, Stephanie works as a people and culture consultant, with extensive experience across a variety of sectors. She is also a co-founder of Sunstone Talent, which specialises in IT and executive recruitment. Outside work, Stephanie is a passionate supporter of the Arts, supports her boys’ many activities, and enjoys tennis, pickleball, and Pilates.
She encourages St Andrew’s students to take advantage of the opportunities on offer, as you never know what might spark a passion or shape their future.
Alan Merry Parent Nominee
Alan Merry’s motivation to join the Board in 2002 was to contribute to the strategic direction, legacy, and long-term success of the College, which plays such a significant role in shaping our young people. A Parent Nominee, Alan’s daughter, Harriet, is in Year 6 and his son Hugo will soon join the College.
Originally from Ireland, Alan moved to New Zealand in 2001 to pursue his love of white water kayaking. He is the Chief Executive of Engenium Consulting Engineers, a civil and structural engineering consultancy specialising in industrial and commercial building design across New Zealand. Alan is also Board Chair of Sport Canterbury, a regional sports trust dedicated to fostering community, connection and well-being through play, active recreation, and sport across the Canterbury and West Coast regions.
His advice to St Andrew’s students is to stay open to where life takes you, as sometimes the best journeys begin with a leap into the unknown.
Peter Nelson Alpine Presbytery Nominee
After attending St Andrew’s from Years 1–12, Peter Nelson (OC 1974) was honoured to join the Board of Governors as the Presbytery representative four years ago. At the time, Peter was chairing a Presbytery Mission Board, and has also brought considerable business acumen and a strategic approach to his governance role.
Peter spent 48 years in the hospitality and liquor industry, including senior corporate roles and running his own franchised business across New Zealand and Australia. He sold the business in late 2024 and now does some private consultancy work. He was made a Life Member of Hospitality New Zealand this year. A passionate rugby supporter, Peter has played, refereed, and now coaches and mentors two Canterbury Premier referees, while also chairing the Canterbury Rugby Referee Association.
Peter says it is after leaving St Andrew’s that students really start to appreciate all the opportunities offered to them at the College, and the doors being an Old Collegian will open for them.
David Bennett Board Nominee
Having children at St Andrew’s, Liam (Year 10), Sophie (Year 3) and Olivia (Year 1), is what drew David Bennett, the newest member of the Board, to join, along with helping shape the future of the College. David brings considerable experience in finance to his new governance role, taking over as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee from the retiring Rob Woodgate. He has been Chief Financial Officer at Market Gardeners for just over a year, was previously Chief Financial Officer at Ryman Healthcare, and started his career at Deloitte.
When he is relaxing, David enjoys weekends at home with family, catching up with friends, playing a bit of golf, “badly”, and chauffeuring his children to events. His advice to current students is to enjoy and make the most of their time at St Andrew’s, as it is a great place to make lifelong friends and develop skills to set them up for life.
Peter Armstrong Parent Nominee
The down-to-earth nature of St Andrew’s, the way it balances well-being with achievement, and the opportunity to help shape the College’s future contributed to Peter Armstrong joining the Board of Governors. Father to Jessica (Year 10) and Jonathan (Year 9), Peter is in his third year as a Parent Nominee.
Professionally, Peter’s background is in the electricity sector, covering all things to do with power generation, distribution, and transmission. He is the current CEO of the New Zealand-owned ElectroNet Group. Outside of work, Peter has an interest in aviation, which he shared with his late father, and is re-learning to play the violin, which he says is a “humbling” experience. He also enjoys running Christchurch’s trails, and spending time with his family.
His advice to students, especially those trying to fit in? “Be yourself. There’s a lifetime in front of you and who you are as a person is just perfect – just grow and learn.”
Jamie-Lee Tuuta
Board Nominee
Jamie-Lee Tuuta (OC 2005) joined the Board of Governors as an intern in 2021, becoming a full Board Nominee in January 2023. She says St Andrew’s had a “huge influence” on her life, so it is important for her to support the work of the Board to ensure the College continues to be a great place for students and their whānau.
Jamie-Lee is a barrister with Atticus Chambers, specialising in family law. She works across several courts, including Family, Criminal, Māori Land, and Coronial Courts, and is a court-appointed Lawyer for Child. Her extensive legal career includes roles with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Waitangi Tribunal, and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
Outside work, Jamie-Lee values time with her whānau and friends, loves to travel, and has a rich background in Highland dancing and Pipe Band. Her advice to students is to enjoy their time at school and make the most of every opportunity, as time “goes way too fast!”.
Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, shares the College’s new guidelines for healthy use of technology to help parents navigate this challenging space with their children.
At St Andrew’s, we’ve witnessed the rapid rise in young people’s engagement with smartphones and social media. While these platforms can offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning, we’ve also seen negative impacts on relationships, attention and focus, comparison, sleep, and mental health.
To help families navigate this evolving space, we’ve developed a flexible, research-informed timeline which reflects the developmental needs of young people and supports age-appropriate decisions around smartphone and social media use.
We recognise social media is not inherently good or bad – its impact depends on how it is used, the content encountered, and the developmental stage of each young person.
As a school grounded in research, reflection, and responsiveness, we engage critically with the evolving evidence to guide our approach. In 2019, we led the way with StAC Unplugged, removing mobile phones from the school day to protect time for face-to-face interaction and engagement in learning. Alongside this, we continue to evolve our curriculum to equip students with timely and relevant digital literacy skills.
Although research in this space is nuanced, complex, and still evolving, one thing is clear: the adolescent brain is uniquely shaped by its environment. Adolescence is a time of extraordinary neuroplasticity, a window of opportunity where experiences profoundly influence learning, identity, and well-being. Because the brain is still developing, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, impulse control, and social sensitivity, young people are more susceptible to the influence of digital environments. Our concern is not just about harm, but about opportunity cost – what might be lost when social media displaces the real-world experiences young people need to grow and flourish.
We believe in supporting students to make the most of this window of growth. This means delaying exposure to digital environments – such as social media –which demand emotional maturity, while building lifelong skills: critical thinking, respectful communication, emotional regulation, and digital literacy.
We recognise every child is unique. The timeline below is a flexible guide to support parents in making thoughtful, age-appropriate decisions. As research evolves, we remain committed to reviewing our approach and working in partnership with families.
Above all, young people flourish when adults are actively involved – modelling healthy habits, communicating openly, setting clear boundaries, and prioritising what matters most: connection and presence, purpose and engagement, unstructured play and downtime, physical activity, and restful sleep.
Foundations for Healthy Development
• recommend no smartphones and social media;
• explore positive,age-appropriate content together;
• prioritise unstructured play, face-to-face time, and sleep;
• model healthy technology use.
Grow Digital Awareness
AGES 8–12:
• delay smartphones and social media;
• use parental controls and supervise content;
• talk regularly about safe, respectful technology use;
• keep devices out of bedrooms and before bed;
• encourage maximising in-person activities, exercise, sleep, and creativity;
• introduce positive online content which supports learning and interests.
Guided Introduction to Smartphones and Social Media Support Independent Use
• allow independent social media use with limits;
• encourage self-monitoring and reflection;
• keep communication open;
• prioritise real-life relationships, physical activity and sleep;
• support discernment in choosing content which aligns with values and goals.
AGES 13–15:
• introduce smartphones with clear boundaries;
• slowly introduce social media with a shared family agreement and ongoing guidance and supervision;
• maintain screen-free sleep routines and offline balance;
• engage with content together and keep dialogue open;
• support critical thinking, emotional regulation and digital literacy;
• encourage following creators and platforms which inspire, educate, or uplif t.
Orla Motley
Talented all-round sportsperson
Orla Motley says she is "grateful, privileged, and excited” to have been selected as a Sport Captain for 2025. Her goals for the year are to help improve participation in sport across the College, promote House sport events, and to create an environment where all students enjoy their sport, whether they are involved socially or competitively. Orla is captain of the highly successful Senior Girls’ A basketball team and the Girls’ 1st XV. She also plays touch and sevens. Last year, Orla, who is an accomplished hammer-thrower, represented New Zealand at the Oceania Championships. She also received a Zonta Award for All Round Female Sports Person. Although unsure of her future plans on leaving St Andrew’s, Orla intends to pursue some type of sporting career.
Jonty Lang
Jonty Lang is proud to have been selected as a 2025 Sport Captain, especially when considering the legacy of the “outstanding” people who have been in the role before him, he says. A member of the 1st XV for the last three years, Jonty is captaining the side this year, and is well-known for his heart, energy, and work-rate on the field as the team’s hooker. Some of his priorities in the Student Captain role have been to make College sports events more inclusive across the age groups and sports levels, and to create an environment where every student enjoys their sport and feels supported and part of the school sport community, no matter what sport they play. Jonty has also played cricket in Years 9 and 10. He is still considering his plans post St Andrew’s, but is looking at further study at the University of Otago, or possibly a gap year overseas.
Sarah Waddington
Sarah Waddington says it is a great honour to have been selected as a 2025 Academic Captain. One of her main goals is to provide support to students needing tutoring and to co-ordinate work with both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools. Throughout the year, Sarah has been involved in academic groups including the Writing Group. She has passed NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence and is sitting three NZQA Scholarship subjects this year. Once she leaves St Andrew’s, Sarah plans to study Health Science at the University of Otago.
Maria (Masha) Pospolitak
Maria (Masha) Pospolitak was delighted to be offered the position of Academic Captain. Her focus has been fostering a passionate environment when it comes to academic pursuits, alongside supporting programmes like Peer Tutoring. She has achieved NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence and was involved in the Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School at the University of Canterbury. Maria is sitting two NZQA Scholarship subjects this year. After St Andrew’s, she plans to study Neuroscience or Astronomy, hoping to work for NASA or become a neurologist.
James Anthony is excited to give back to the St Andrew’s community as an Academic Captain and hopes to implement a project highlighting student voices across year levels, such as podcasts, and student-led events. James has been involved in choir, productions, and Pipe Band, has contributed to academic groups, and is a Prefect and Head Sacristan. He has achieved NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 with Excellence. James sat three NZQA Scholarship subjects last year and is sitting four this year. His future plans include studying towards a double degree in Law, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and International Relations, at the University of Canterbury.
Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee Performer and musician, Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee, says she is grateful to be a Cultural Captain for 2025. Her goals include engaging more students with cultural activities at St Andrew’s, and helping to inspire younger students to explore and develop their own cultural interests. A multi-talented singer, actor, and dancer, Mookmanee has featured in Middle School and Secondary School productions since Year 9, and had a key role in the 2025 production, Twelfth Night. A multiinstrumentalist, she has played with the orchestra, Big Band, and Rock School. She has also taken part in the choir and Theatresports. Mookmanee plans to continue being involved with the arts after leaving St Andrew’s, either in further study, or within the community.
Miu Kim
Miu Kim is grateful for the opportunity to be a Cultural Captain, with her key focus on fostering an environment where all students feel free to express their passions, and getting as many students involved in cultural activities as possible. Miu is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing violin to Trinity ATCL Performance Diploma level, working towards this standard for flute, and is a Grade 8 saxophonist and pianist. She has been involved in most classical musical groups at St Andrew’s, and has been in the band for four productions. She has also represented the Christchurch Youth Orchestra and performed in outside chamber music groups. After leaving St Andrew’s, Miu hopes to study Architecture in either Australia or Wellington, and will definitely continue with her flute playing.
Throughout the year, vibrant examples of student artworks can be seen brightening various spaces around the College, dotting the hallways, in displays on campus, in the gallery of the Fine Arts building, at various exhibitions, and even in the Rector’s study.
Instagram followers are also enjoying seeing the students’ impressive drawings, paintings, sculpture, digital art, design projects, and photography on the StAC Fine Arts page, says Head of Art, Mallory Swadel.
“We share Preparatory School students’ work on the page as well and get lots of comments from staff members, parents, and others who are impressed by the artworks. The students love having a platform for their art too.”
Alongside producing their impressive pieces, there are many additional benefits for students studying Art, believes Mallory.
“Art teaches students to be more creative in all their subjects, to think broadly, and view things in a different way. It also enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking as well as promoting self-expression. There are lots of personal benefits too, from setting high expectations and challenging themselves, to learning time management skills.”
In the Secondary School, Art starts in Years 9 and 10 as a half-year semester option course, with students getting a taste of the different mediums on offer – drawing, painting, printing,
sculpture, and sometimes digital art and photography.
During the first full year course in Year 11, students continue their creative exploration in all the different art forms. In Years 12 and 13, they select one or two of three speciality subjects – Design, Painting, or Photography, says Mallory.
“Although the programme is more specialised for senior students, it evolves in terms of the complexity, technique, and creative freedom they can express. There is generally quite an even split of students across the three subjects, and our Year 12 and 13 students usually work towards a passion project or theme they are really interested in or invested in. We love seeing what they come up with.”
Mallory says several senior students have achieved NZQA Scholarships in Design, Painting, or Photography over the last few years.
“It’s often our most creative students, who take a slightly different approach to their work, who are awarded the Scholarships.”
A dedicated dark room and photography studio supports the Photography students as they learn both traditional photography skills as well as digital
techniques. They learn how to develop and print film, understand the effects of chemicals, and manipulate light to create images, as well as Photoshop editing skills.
“In the Design realm, students work to creatively express their conceptual ideas, using either graphic design or character design, which is becoming increasingly popular.”
Mallory says some of the students who choose Painting in Years 12 and 13 go on to study Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury, with Design students tending to head to Massey or Victoria.
“We take groups of students to visit all three universities to explore future study options, and during the year, inspire them with external workshops off-campus, including our annual day trip to Quail Island for Year 11 students, which is a fun, fully immersive art experience.”
Art is not just about what the students produce, but how they grow and express themselves throughout the process, says Mallory.
“We love seeing the students’ develop their creativity and discover all they can achieve.”
The following former Art students at St Andrew’s are putting their studies to good use in exciting further study and careers beyond school.
Tom Rae had an extraordinary year in 2024, with the rising international star in landscape and astrophotography entering and winning five prestigious global competitions, including the Royal Museums Greenwich Skyscapes Astronomy Photographer of the Year Award. His outstanding work has been lauded around the world, featuring in a range of magazines like National Geographic, Forbes, BBC, NASA, and The Guardian to name a few.
After a recent stint travelling and photographing in the United States, Tom is back home, and excited to be teaching a four-day workshop in the Aoraki/ Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in September. When in Year 12 at St Andrew’s, Tom loved learning about film and traditional photography techniques, saying the “great conversations” he had with his teachers extended his philosophy and encouraged him to develop new perspectives.
Tom reveals a Scholarship portfolio he created in his final year at St Andrew’s is still one of his favourite creative endeavours, which wouldn’t have come to life in the way it did without the encouragement and support of his Photography teacher at the time, Jacqueline MacLeod; Head of Art, Mallory Swadel and Physics teacher Kevin Barron. With such incredible success at just 20 years old, Tom’s future in landscape and astrophotography star looks extremely bright.
Phoebe Walker says she felt incredibly lucky to be able to explore her passions for photography and painting at St Andrew’s, spending hours in the darkroom learning about film photography and lots of time in the Art room, drawing, painting, and developing ideas.
It was Art teacher, Michelle Lawrence, who gave Phoebe the confidence to explore her talents beyond the College and study Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury. Phoebe says she enjoyed Michelle’s wonderful, quiet, critical way of teaching which was non-prescriptive, and encouraged her to experiment, setting her up well for the largely self-directed studio environment of art school.
After graduating, Phoebe became an Art teacher herself for several years, and after having children is now in her third year running her own business, Flowers by Phoebe, growing flowers in her seasonal flower field in Greymouth, and selling them locally. She says her creative background has been key in the development of her business, especially when it comes to design principles and aesthetics in her studio work. Other transferable skills include conceptualising and producing her own products, problem-solving, and using creative storytelling to communicate her brand story.
She also draws on her Art education background to teach creative seasonal flower workshops, still paints occasionally, and is working on some illustration collaborations with a couple of other businesses. Phoebe’s future goals are to grow her business in a creative, social, seasonal, and sustainable way around her young family.
Harry Withers (Head Prefect 2022) says he instantly loved Design when he took the subject for the first time in his final year at St Andrew’s. During his Year 13 studies, Harry learnt about the highly-considered and sometimes painstaking decisions behind every creative project, and started to refine his own creative process. The course also gave him the confidence and technical proficiency to move into studying a Bachelor of Design majoring in Visual Communication Design at Massey University in Wellington, where he is currently in his third year.
Harry describes Head of Art, Mallory Swadel, as an amazing mentor, who created a supportive environment, taught with patience and enthusiasm, and provided a good grounding in the idea of how briefs, deliverables, and outputs function in a design scope alongside creativity.
It was Mallory who encouraged Harry to seek his current tertiary pathway at Massey University, where he has had the opportunity to study abroad in Sydney for six months thanks to the university’s exchange programme.
Harry says studying Design has changed the way he sees the world around him in all areas, whether branding, advertising, film, or visual storytelling. Once he graduates from university, he plans to enter a creative career, either joining a design agency, or diving straight into freelance work.
The latest cutting-edge neuroscience is challenging educators and parents to rethink some common assumptions about teenagers’ brains. It has also sparked some valuable professional dialogue among teaching staff, and led to some new ideas and ways to support students’ learning.
Early in Term 2, Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby and Assistant Principal of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, facilitated a full-day session for teachers, inspired by powerful insights from Psychology Professor, David Yeager, from the University of Texas in Austin, who last year published a thought-provoking book titled 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
“We were informed by Yeager’s research, which reminds us adolescence is a time of exceptional neuroplasticity, second only to early childhood,” shares Kerry. “Adolescence should not be viewed as a stage to get through, but as a valuable second window of opportunity to shape learning, identity, grow emotional intelligence, and foster well-being.”
One of the compelling insights to come out of Yeager’s research is how adolescents are deeply motivated by status, respect, and understanding of their place and role in the world, Kerry adds.
“Our role as parents and teachers is to provide opportunities for them to earn genuine respect, have a sense of purpose, and feel like they are being taken seriously.”
The research also debunks the way adolescent brains are often described as "still under construction", which can imply something is lacking.
“Neuroscientists now offer a different perspective, with one analogy likening the adolescent brain to a Ferrari – fast, powerful, and built for performance,” explains Kerry. “What it needs is the right fuel such as status and respect, and safe road conditions such as support, guidance, and connection.”
Kerry adds teachers were "inspired and engaged" after the professional development session and appreciated having access to some robust research.
Helaina Coote says she and Kerry are "energised" by this work and are "strong believers" in equipping teachers with evidencebased knowledge from which they can choose their own path to embed in their classrooms and strengthen relationships with their students.
During the professional development day, she says teachers reflected on key ideas and explored practical strategies for motivating their students and giving wise feedback.
“We asked teachers to set themselves a goal for the rest of the term to trial a strategy which could be based on individual students, a group or class, then set goals relevant to their own practice, which could be shared during regular staff meetings.”
Helaina says a proven strategy for educators is adopting a "mentor mindset" and offering a "high expectations, high support" approach to help students thrive, with the message, "I believe in you; I see your potential to do great things, and I will support you to get there".
Kerry adds Yeager’s research aligns perfectly with the College’s teaching and learning Whole School Goals, along with John Hattie’s Visible Learning framework and PERMA-V well-being framework, already adopted by the College. Implementing the latest neuroscience research and science of learning in practical ways is intended to become a strategic priority in the College’s new Strategic Plan, and will be implemented within classes and wider areas of the school over the next five years.
“Yeager’s research is strength-based and helps students become agents of their own lives. We love how this work builds resilience and a growth mindset, connects students, and helps them to find their purpose and place at St Andrew’s,” says Kerry.
Assistant Principal of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote and Head of Well-being, Kerry Larby, discuss the ground breaking book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.
St Andrew’s long-standing commitment to digital learning tools is taking an exciting step forward, with a pilot of Toddle, an AI-powered, next-generation Learning Management System now underway in the College.
DigiLit Teacher e-Learning and Innovation, Wilj Dekkers believes Toddle will prove a "game-changer" for both teachers and students into the future.
“This powerful platform will enable teachers to transform the way they plan, deliver, and personalise their students’ learning,” shares Wilj. “The system supports teachers to plan their curriculum as individuals or collaboratively in departments, as well as supporting in the assessment of their students’ learning, creating reports, streamlining school-home communication, and seamlessly delivering resources and lessons when required, to students, all from one platform.”
As well as helping teachers to save time and be more efficient, Toddle’s relational AI-powered tools can act like a virtual assistant, providing inspiration, suggesting resources, and coming up with questions teachers can ask students related to the subject and topic they are working on.
Students will also engage with the platform to access their schedules, resources and assignments, and interact with the program’s AI Tutor, which is another "standout feature", says Wilj.
“The AI Tutor acts as a second set of eyes for the teacher, asking in-depth personalised questions of students, and checking their level of understanding based on their responses. Used strategically, it can provide teachers with a detailed class breakdown, highlighting individual students’ different areas of strengths and gaps in their learning. The program then enables the teacher to easily adapt and personalise future lessons for their students.”
The Toddle pilot is currently underway with the Year 7 team, who jumped in "feet first" during Term 2, with teachers using Toddle for the bulk of their planning and lesson delivery.
“The early phase focused on teacher preparation and familiarisation, and students are now interacting with the platform too,” says Wilj. “Some Secondary School subject areas will engage with the platform in the next phase of the pilot, with these early adopters helping to shape how the tool is used and refined across the school. There are still some big questions, so teacher feedback and input will play an important role in this pilot.”
Toddle was chosen as the College’s preference after looking at several learning management systems.
“We were impressed by Toddle’s capabilities and deep education focus. It also integrates well with Veracross, the new school information system we are moving to, so it feels like the right tool at the right time,” shares Wilj.
The decision to pilot Toddle comes from necessity as the College begins to outgrow Microsoft Teams in the classroom and the proliferation of generative AI in education.
“We’re developing a platform which combines purposeful AI integration to support teachers, while improving how we best use our current tools,” explains Wilj. “Certain tools, such as OneNote, are powerful in the right hands. Since the education version was launched in late 2014, some departments and year level teachers have developed rich teaching and learning courses in OneNote. However, there are three versions in use, each with varying view options, adding a layer of complexity for staff and students alike. Throughout the pilot, we will look closely at best use cases of OneNote and the integration with Toddle.”
Wilj says the pilot is more than a technological upgrade — it’s a bold step toward a more connected, inspired, and student-centred future.
“Together, we’re building a learning environment where every learner can flourish.”
A record 14 stories from St Andrew’s students were longlisted in this year’s National Flash Fiction Day International Writing Competition, in which Samuel Hu (Year 10) was awarded first equal for his short story, Fool's Gold, Thomas Palmer (Year 12) placed second for his story, The Weight, and Cooper Harris (Year 13) received a Commended award for his piece, She doesn’t get the music I listen to. Kangwoo Moon and Hudson Blyde (both Year 9) were also shortlisted, and read their stories, Temperature of Heaven and The Gun Fires
A number of Preparatory School students achieved success in creative writing endeavours:
• Claire Zhao (Year 7) won the March essay competition for the Scottish Book Trust 50-Word Fiction Competition in 5–11 year age group;
• Jessica Whitehead (Year 7): Scottish Book Trust winner, 50-Word Fiction;
• Vitek Mencl (Year 7): Young Poets Network United Kingdom, Couplet Competition Ages 11–17;
• Anqi (Angie) Qin (Year 7); Ismay Bi (Year 3); Georgia Blyde (Year 5); Ava Blyde (Year 4); and Claire Zhao (Year 7) – Published online on New Zealand Poetry Box.
Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 11) won second place at the 2025 South Island Brain Bee Final.
A group of twenty-four students from three different year levels represented St Andrew’s College at the da Vinci Decathlon – competing in teams of eight across nine diverse disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. The Year 9 team achieved first place, with the Years 10 and 11 teams both securing second place in their divisions.
St Andrew’s College was the topperforming school in the competition.
Head Prefect, Kate Simcock (Year 13), competed in the 37th New Zealand Schools’ National Debating Championships as a member of the Canterbury team, which won four of their seven rounds, including a win against Wellington Gold, who later went into the finals. They narrowly missed the semi-finals by a couple of speaker points.
Twenty teams of four competed in the annual Year 12 Mathematics Competition, held by the Canterbury Mathematics Association at Burnside High School. Teams of four worked in pairs to complete as many alternate questions as they could within a
20-minute timeframe. The St Andrew’s teams were first and third going into the final. Both teams streaked ahead, but while all other teams were stumped by a single question, StAC A (Alex Manson, Luke Manson, Joshua Exon and Hannah Withers) raced through and finished with over five minutes remaining on the clock to take the win.
Metua Cranwell (Year 12) and Lucia Thorne (Year 9) represented St Andrew’s at the annual Ngā Manu Kōrero regional speech competitions, which showcased te reo Māori and oratory excellence, delivered by articulate rangatahi from across Waitaha. Metua Cranwell placed third overall in both the Senior Māori Impromptu and Senior Māori Prepared Speech sections.
Elina Wang (Year 8) was awarded a Gold Star Badge after completing her fifteenth Science Badge.
Dr Vanessa Stedman, a General Practitioner and Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago, provided Daniel Officer (Year 13) and Vin Schelp (Year 12) with an insightful tour of the university’s medical Simulation Centre. Both students are aspiring to become medical doctors, and this visit offered them a valuable glimpse into the medical field. During the tour, the students had the opportunity to experience a simulated medical emergency, including managing an asthma attack, practising blood draws, and maintaining an open airway.
Some of St Andrew’s most talented young speakers impressed the audience and judges at the annual Festival of the Spoken Word with their hugely entertaining and well-crafted performances.
An outstanding speech by Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12) earned her both the Senior Prepared Speech title, and Overall Best Speaker
of the Night award. RuoLin (Lauren) Li won the Year 11 Prepared Speech category, and Daniel Officer (Year 13) was the winner of the Senior Impromptu competition.
Hosted by the English Department, and held in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, the Senior final on Tuesday 10 June also featured Charlotte Currie (Year 9) and Thomas
Ambury (Year 10), winners of the Junior Festival of the Spoken Word, held two weeks earlier.
The evening was compered by Year 13 Cultural Captains, Miu Kim and Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee, with judges, Head of English at Avonside Girls’ High School, Laura Borrowdale, and Harry Waddington (OC 2021).
Matariki, the Māori New Year, was celebrated right across the College with a variety of activities and special commemorations.
During Term 2, Pre-school tamariki learnt about the meaning and special role of the Matariki stars, read and retold Matariki legends, roasted vegetables, and made vegetable soup, then invited whānau to a special evening celebration, where the children performed three waiata before everyone joined together for a delicious hākari (feast).
The Preparatory School Junior Department invited Pre-school tamariki to join the older students’ fun, making Matariki kai, woven mats, stars, lanterns, and kites. Year 7 and 8 classes also enjoyed buddying up with Junior classrooms for their annual Tuakana Tēina Matariki celebrations, doing lots of craft-based activities with the younger students, creating artistic representations of the
cluster.
In the Secondary School, students embraced Matariki with mahi toi (art) projects, kapa haka performances, and a shared hāngī. The International Club encouraged students to celebrate Matariki by painting gratitude stones to reflect on the things they are grateful for.
A special Matariki Assembly was held in the Secondary School, and a Preparatory School Matariki Chapel Service also marked the occasion.
The way children are taught to read and write is changing, with all New Zealand primary schools expected to implement structured literacy as a mandatory part of their literacy programme from 2026.
Preparatory School Deputy Principal (Well-being) and Head of Education, Vicki Pettit, says this "highly explicit, systematic, evidence-based approach" to teaching literacy skills has already been in place in the Junior School for around four years, and is being extended to the Years 4 to 8 classes following the government mandate.
“At the end of last year, we surveyed our teachers about their priorities for professional development, and the overwhelming response was literacy needed to be our focus,” says Vicki. “Throughout this year, our teaching staff have engaged in intensive professional development with Literacy Connections, the same company which worked closely with our Junior School teachers. Our Years 4 to 8 team has already begun incorporating key learnings into their classrooms in preparation for next year.”
Structured literacy strongly links reading and writing instruction, with
benefits of this already proven in the Junior School.
“As our five-year-olds learn letter sounds and names, they are also practising letter formation and the basics of writing, which connects directly to reading decodable books. Students learn the important components of literacy from the earliest stage and will continue to build on their foundation skills in vocabulary, comprehension, and writing as they move through the Preparatory School.”
The approach is designed to benefit all learners, stretching the skills of advanced readers while providing essential support for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges. These students are already supported at St Andrew’s in small group sessions which focus on systematic instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, and comprehension strategies, shares Vicki.
“The systematic approach takes away assumptions which might have been made in the past about every student’s understanding of seemingly simple concepts. No one gets left behind.”
Vicki, and Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Operations),
Alex Kelley, attended the Structured Literacy Workshops in Terms 1 and 2, joining the teaching staff in building their knowledge and confidence.
“It was great to be able to do that, as it opened discussions with our teachers, and showed us where the gaps were in our own learning,” says Vicki.
Professional Learning Groups made up of teachers from Years 1–8 continue to share resources, teaching slides, and experiences to support each other in embedding structured literacy into their classrooms.
“It’s been invaluable to have the Junior School teachers’ expertise as a resource, given their considerable experience delivering this approach,” Vicki adds.
When structured literacy is fully implemented in 2026, Vicki says teachers will use an "I do, we do, you do" model to scaffold the learning.
“Teachers will demonstrate concepts, then classes and groups will work on lots of examples together before students practise independently once they feel confident,” she says. “This approach ensures students are supported every step of the way.”
A parent donation of a heart-warming book called The Brain Forest, which follows a mother and her son down the path of understanding the different ways brains can be, has helped introduce a culture of understanding and inclusivity around neurodivergence, says Head of Learning Support in the Preparatory School, Irene Cronan.
“The book has sparked lots of wonderful and affirming classroom discussions around neurodiversity celebrating all the different kinds of brains. It reinforces we are all unique and don’t always think and learn the same way. Neurodiversity is what makes the world a great place.”
Late last year, the Preparatory School’s learning around neurodiversity took a step further, when Irene and a group of students created a large interactive display, which is still a popular feature on an upstairs landing. Fun and informative, the display has audio and video content (accessed by large buttons
and QR codes), brain trees created by some of the Preparatory School children, and profiles of famous people, like actors Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, and singers Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi, who have one of the eight types of neurodiversity which feature on the display. These include autism, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Dyslexia.
The display has been visited by groups of teachers and students, with several students pausing independently to read the information, press buttons, and listen to the audio. One of the recordings was made by a Year 9 student, who described his understanding of the characteristics of autism.
Some students have even shown their parents the display, says Irene.
“We want to encourage as much engagement as possible. There is the capacity to add more stories and information to the display, and I’d love to see classrooms taking the lead on that.”
Irene’s goal is for the ongoing learning to normalise neurodiversity, reduce
stigma, and shine a light on the strengths which come with different brain types, helping every child feel seen and valued.
“I love the way the te reo Māori names are so positive and strengths based, for example autism is takiwātanga, which means ‘in their own time and space’ and ADHD is aroreretini, meaning ‘attention goes to many things’, which is much more positive than many of the current labels,” she shares.
One of the most significant outcomes of the focus is the sense of belonging it has brought to neurodivergent students, enthuses Irene.
“The children realise they are not alone, and there are others at school who think and learn differently, just like them. They understand they can thrive and be successful just the way they are.”
Above: Head of Learning Support in the Preparatory School, Irene Cronan (right) chats with Head of Middle Syndicate, Megan Feller, and Year 4 students, Alex Robinson, Hayden Winkworth, Qinwei (Natasha) Huang, Ava Blyde and Cynthia Zhang, about the neurodiversity display.
From clouds in jars to chirping baby quails, and chattering Matariki stars, science is coming to life in some playful, hands-on ways in the Pre-school.
Head of Preschool, Mandy Jenkins, says the tamariki’s strong interest in science has been ignited by Secondary School Assistant Head of Science, and Pre-school parent, Kelly MarshSmallman, who has welcomed groups of children into the Science laboratories.
“Kelly pitches the learning perfectly for our little ones, who loved seeing the baby quails and various insects during their recent visits. They are fascinated by the world’s mini creatures.”
Back at the Pre-school, teacher, Jan Marshall, has been doing fun experiments with the children during hui time, which have included making an outside weather station, and creating clouds in a jar, shares Mandy.
“The experiments have really captured our tamariki’s imagination, linking the real science behind them with a rich vocabulary and cross-curricular learning. Plus they are lots of fun!”
This love for science has been further enriched by the Pre-school’s involvement in the Waimairi-iri Kāhui Ako (community of learners)
programme, joining a group of early childhood education centres and primary schools in the local area to share expertise and ideas.
In May, two teachers from the Kāhui Ako, Haley Taylor, from Breens Intermediate School, and Cain Cunningham, from Fendalton School, spent an engaging session with the children, introducing them to the ChatterPix app, which animates artwork.
“The children were shown how take a photograph of their colour drawing of a Matariki star on an iPad, use the app
to add a moving mouth, and record a voiceover so their stars could ‘talk’. They picked it up so quickly and were delighted to see their drawings come to life,” shares Mandy. “Our kaiako were also really inspired by Cain and Haley’s visit and used their new learning about the ChatterPix app to create a movie about the weather topic some of the children have been exploring.”
The session was practise for the Kāhui Ako’s Matariki themed Digi Awards, a celebration of digital creativity using apps including ChatterPix.
“Matariki is always such a special celebration in the Pre-school, and combining it with science and digital storytelling has made it even more magical,” enthuses Mandy.
The Junior Department teachers have been so inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking book, The Anxious Generation, particularly one of its key messages around the importance of play, they have added an exciting new Discovery Den to the weekly Discovery Time sessions each Friday morning.
Packed with dress-ups, blocks, building materials, and various art supplies, the new space allows the Year 1–3 children to let their creativity run wild, engaging with the materials in any way they wish in fully self-directed play.
Head of Junior Syndicate, Heather Orman, says there are many great quotes and messages in the book, but the one which really stood out to the teachers was, "play is the work of childhood", especially in their early years.
“It is such a thought-provoking comment, which led to lots of reflection and discussion among the teaching group about how we can best support free play in a busy school day taken up by so many directed activities,” shares Heather. “Our Discovery Time is already such a precious commitment over a whole morning, where the children can take part in a range of
activities. It’s been wonderful to see how they are using the new Discovery Den in lots of creative ways.”
Heather says children who choose one of the more structured activities during Discovery Time, often go into the Den the following week to utilise and build on the new skills they’ve learnt.
The teachers have also noticed lots of valuable conversations happening between the Year 1–3 children, she adds.
“We’ve seen Year 3 boys chatting with new entrants about what they are building, and even working alongside each other. Sometimes the little ones just watch to get some ideas. In this digital age it’s even more important our children learn to play with real people, have real conversations and problem-solve together.”
Another challenge of the digital age is children’s shorter attention span, which free play helps to address, says Heather.
“Educators say rather than accepting this, we need to work on broadening children’s attention spans. We see creating time for free play as one of many opportunities to support this.”
An area of interest in the book is the discussion around children’s brains being naturally in "discovery mode".
“As adults, even with the best intentions, we can hinder this if we over-direct or become overprotective. A step on from the Discovery Den would be ensuring young children have time at home without screens, where they can direct their own play,” says Heather. “We highly recommend our parents read at least the first few chapters of Haidt’s book, which may prompt their own
From the minute Year 4–6 students walk into their classrooms at the start of the year, they begin to develop a sense of belonging, and make important connections with their peers and teacher, under the Preparatory School’s "one teacher – one classroom" model, says Head of Middle Syndicate, Megan Feller.
“We hold this model in such high value, as it enables us as teachers to get to know our children really well and establish strong relationships with them and their families. At the beginning of the year, students right across the Middle Syndicate explore the theme of identity in lots of different ways. This is the essence of how we start to develop a strong classroom culture.”
Many other schools have collaborative learning environments, with multiple teachers working with large groups of students. But this doesn’t suit every child, shares Megan.
“Some children have the self-motivation and resilience to learn well in this model, but others, especially those who are a bit shy, on the spectrum, or have learning challenges, can easily get lost.”
She says simple things like Middle Syndicate students having their own desk, locker, classroom, and teacher, helps to reinforce their place at school.
“As teachers, it is also much easier for us to create consistent learning expectations under this model, as everyone is on the same page.”
Middle Syndicate students spend most of their time in their "home room" with their regular teacher, and attend specialist lessons outside the classroom in things like Art, Religious Education, Science, Physical Education, Music, Dance and Drama, Digital Technology, Spanish, and Aotearoa Studies.
In addition to academic learning, the children benefit from weekly StAC-Up lessons, which focus on their physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
“Our students are at such a pivotal time in their development, especially socially, as they start to explore who they are in the world,” explains Megan. “We tell the children they don’t have to be friends with everyone, but they do have to be friendly, kind, and not exclude anyone.”
When social issues do pop up, having a trusted teacher the children can talk to is vital, she adds.
“A real strength are the everyday conversations we have with the children, helping them to manage things which might happen in the moment. Sometimes they just need an adult to remind them it is normal to feel disappointed or angry and to let their feelings settle.”
The children can also share their feelings through the online Komodo well-being platform, which gives them another safe space to express any concerns and reflect on their well-being.
“It’s a great way for children to share with us if they are a bit unsure about how to have a conversation. We get all sorts of wee notes, even, ‘I love school and just want you to know!’”
Megan believes everything comes back to connection, relationships, and investing in the students’ emotional well-being as well as their academic learning.
“Everything is a lot easier when you invest in relationships, whether that’s with our students and parents, or our relationships within the Middle Syndicate team, a great group of teachers who truly value each other.”
The atmosphere was electric at the Christchurch Town Hall on Wednesday 14 May, when Year 8 students joined around 2000 of their peers at the National Young Leaders’ Day, one of Aotearoa’s largest and longest running leadership events for primary and intermediate students.
Year 8 Syndicate Team Leader, Morgan Sheppard, says the day’s theme of "Stronger Together" resonated with St Andrew’s students, with a key message being how we can do "amazing" things when we work together as a team and help each other, he says.
“This was the first time we have taken the entire Year 8 cohort to this high-energy celebration of leadership. Our students got a lot out of listening to a range of inspiring young leaders
from diverse backgrounds who shared personal stories about hope, resilience, and the power of dreaming big.” The event also focused in inspiration, motivation, connection, empowerment, education, and positivity, adds Morgan.
One of the standouts in the speaker line-up was adventurer, dream chaser, and inspirational speaker, Cam Calkoen, who has defied expectations after being born with cerebral palsy, and showed how challenges can become stepping stones to greatness, shares Morgan.
“Cam encouraged the children to never give up and how to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. He emphasised the importance of working together and taking every opportunity that comes your way.”
Jase Te Patu, a thought leader in the well-being space, alongside being an educator and international keynote speaker known for his powerful storytelling, shared tools for mindful, values-based leadership grounded in mātauranga Māori.
The students enjoyed listening to Elisa Harley, the 18-year-old CEO of Enivo Pots, which creates biodegradable pots from New Zealand forestry and industry waste, who challenged them to identify problems in our world which need to be solved and to come up with solutions.
The day concluded with a rousing performance by award-winning singer/ songwriter, Georgia Lines, who won Best Pop Artist at the 2024 New Zealand Music Awards, and is herself an NYLD participant in previous years.
“Georgia has been a favourite with previous cohorts who attended the event, and as usual had students dancing in the aisles and singing along at the tops of their voices to her powerhouse performance. It was a great end to a wonderful day,” says Morgan.
St Andrew’s College is developing a new Property Master Plan, a comprehensive long-term strategy which will guide and prioritise the development of the campus over the next 10 to 20 years, shares Rector, Mark Wilson.
“A specialist property planning company is being appointed to lead this process, which will start by identifying where the campus is at now, then undertake extensive engagement with the College community to better understand current needs and aspirations for the future.”
The planning company’s focus will be on the broader campus layout, mapping existing facilities, looking at pedestrian and vehicle traffic flows, and identifying areas for potential improvement or development.
Following the consultation process with the wider College community, it will work with the Board to prioritise the "wish-list" of ideas it has gathered, says Mark.
“Our Strategic Plan thinking and planning will drive the entire process, with the selection of the priority list based on what the Board sees as the most strategically important, and aligns with the College’s broader strategic goals.”
Future roll size, affordability, and realistic timeframes for the delivery of projects from a management and
operational perspective are other key considerations in the decision-making process, shares Mark.
“The final Property Master Plan will include a staged roadmap for development, along with estimated budgets and a clear picture for the entire College community of what can be achieved and when over the coming decades.”
As a "living document", the Property Master Plan could be reviewed and updated if there were dramatic circumstances in the future, such as an economic shift or natural disaster.
“Ideas not included in this phase of planning aren’t necessarily off the table forever – they may become priorities in the next generation’s cycle of development,” Mark adds.
By the end of the year, it is expected the property planning company will have clearly established where the campus is at now, with the engagement process with the College community and consultation with the Board around prioritising current and future needs progressing throughout 2026.
“The process will take some time to work through, and we anticipate having a finalised Property Master Plan later in 2026, which will set out a clear and practical direction for the College’s development over the next couple of decades.”
The Head of Development and Community Relations role has been created to meet the changing needs of the Alumni and Development office.
A key aspect of the new role is ‘friend-raising’ –developing and nurturing strong and positive relationships and networks across the College community, and creating initiatives which build engagement and connectedness. As the new Head, Tomo will also build on the proud culture of philanthropy which is a hallmark of St Andrew’s, managing sponsorship and yearly fundraising initiatives alongside the Rector and Executive Team.
“Relationship building is at the heart of everything,” Tomo explains. “To begin with, I’ll reach out to everyone from students, staff, Old Collegians, parents, and supporters, to the College’s various sponsors, and do a lot of listening, learning and taking on feedback.”
Tomo brings strong skills and fresh energy to the position. For nearly twelve years, he’s worked in strategic marketing and brand management as a Senior Account Director with creative agency Choir (formerly Novo), where he’s worked alongside major organisations including the All Blacks, Metlifecare, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University and Craigmore Sustainables. His background in managing relationships and strategy, alongside a double degree with first-class honours in marketing and accounting, means he’s well-equipped to take St Andrew’s development and community relations to the next level.
As a member of the Old Collegians Executive since early this year, Tomo has already been reconnected with alumni, and is looking forward to providing oversight and support for Alumni Manager, Lisa Clark, who works directly with the Old Collegians community from the office.
Outside work, Tomo enjoys keeping fit through his passion for basketball, regularly playing in social teams alongside several fellow Old Collegians. He is also a registered marriage celebrant and has officiated at a number of weddings for his school friends.
After completing his entire schooling at St Andrew’s from Years 1 to 13, with his final year as Head Boy, Tomo Yee (OC 2008) is delighted to be returning to the College in the newly created position of Head of Development and Community Relations
“It’s exciting to be taking up this role at a place which has already given me so much, and helped to build the foundations of who I am as a person today,” shares the proud Old Collegian.
Tomo has strong family ties to St Andrew’s. His younger sisters, Monica (OC 2012) and Olivia (OC 2014), along with several cousins, all completed their schooling at the College. His aunty also previously worked as a manager at the cafeteria.
Tomo will start his new role at the beginning of September, and expects it to be like “coming home.”
“I’m sure it will feel a bit like my first day of school all over again, except this time there’ll be familiar faces and places. I’m excited to have this opportunity and am ready to give it my all.”
A ‘spectacular achievement’ is how Rector, Mark Wilson, described the Senior Production of Twelfth Night, which delighted audiences during its run in May.
“The cast and musicians demonstrated passion and talent as they lit up the stage to bring Shakespeare’s timeless tale to life with music, laughter, and heart,” he enthuses. “They were ably supported by a fantastic backstage student and parent crew. This production was a great example of creativity and collaboration at St Andrew’s.”
With toe-tapping tunes, vibrant performances, and a fresh, contemporary take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, Twelfth Night was a great success.
Director, Ginnie Thorner, who guided the student performers, says the joyful retelling of Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identities and romance was a delight to bring to the stage.
“I first came across this version of Twelfth Night a couple of years ago and was immediately drawn to the music, energy, and delightful storytelling which makes this classic play accessible to another generation. I am so proud of our incredible community of cast, musicians, crew, and creative team who poured their energy into this production.”
This modern musical adaptation, which condenses the original three-hour play into a dynamic 90-minute production, features music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, blending pop, funk, and soul into an unforgettable soundtrack.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this adaptation is the exploration of
how music plays an integral role in lifting both character and story,” says Ginnie. “Unlike classical Shakespearean productions where songs are secondary, here they are woven into the fabric of the play, preserving the integrity of Shakespeare’s text while rendering the lyrics contemporary and relevant.”
Musical Director, Duncan Ferguson, led "The Illyrian Band" a talented group of young musicians featuring several current and former St Andrew’s students, who played the show’s 23 vibrant songs with precision and flair.
The choreography of Hana Pearce (OC 2019) also brought the show to life, blending dynamic musical theatre style numbers with
expressive contemporary dances, and high-energy, often hilarious ensemble routines.
The set and costumes were spectacular as ever, perfectly encapsulating the fictional land of Illyria and its inhabitants.
Ginnie believes the universal themes explored by Shakespeare is the reason his work continues to resonate with audiences today.
“At its core, Twelfth Night, both Shakespeare’s original and Taub’s brilliant adaptation, celebrates love, identity, and the beautiful chaos of human connection. It reminds us of the power of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and of opening our hearts to one another’s stories.”
The modern version of Twelfth Night is a spirited reimagining of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy, featuring some of the Bard’s classic tropes of mistaken identity, unrequited love, a complicated love triangle, and self-discovery.
After a shipwreck separates young heroine, Viola, from her twin brother, Sebastian, she lands in the mysterious land of Illyria, and disguises herself as the page, Cesario, to serve Duke Orsino. Chaos quickly ensues when Viola falls for Orsino, who in turn, pines for Countess Olivia, who then falls for Cesario, the disguised Viola.
Meanwhile, Olivia’s household have other marriage plans for her, so cue a dark comic sub-plot and lots of pranks, which includes the pompous Malvolio being hilariously duped by his fellow servants, who give him a fake letter which leads him to believe he has a chance with Olivia.
As confusion peaks, Viola’s brother, Sebastian, who is thought to be lost at sea returns, identities unravel, joyful reunions take centre stage, and as Shakespeare so famously said in another of his plays, "all’s well that ends well".
The show kicked off with a rollicking ensemble opening number, Play On, when we were introduced to the stunning voice of Emily Edwards (Year 13), who was excellent throughout the show as the heroine, Viola, effortlessly performing her character’s emotionally rich songs. One highlight
was the new swagger and deep manly voice Emily adopted when her character transformed into Cesario.
We also met Sean Liddiard (Year 13) who delivered yet another strong performance as the lovesick Duke Orsino, a nobleman obsessed with the idea of love, who is in love with Countess Olivia. Sean did a great job of portraying the dramatic, charming, and slightly over-the-top character, who delivers the famous line, "If music be the food of love, play on".
Chloe McFedries (Year 11) was another impressive performer, and one to watch in the future, with her character, the forthright and glamorous Countess Olivia, being the third person in the love triangle. She had a beautiful singing voice, and her duet, I Am She, with Emily Edwards was particularly memorable. Chloe also had great comic timing, revealing her character’s journey from grief-stricken sister to her sudden passion for Cesario.
The rest of the main cast also had lots of fun in their roles.
A standout was Noah Fanene (Year 13) as Malvolio, Countess Olivia’s uptight, self-important steward, who falls from grace thanks to the scheming of his fellow servants. Noah was a scene stealer, with a commanding stage presence, who totally nailed his character’s traits and physical comedy. An accomplished singer, Noah’s numbers, especially Count Malvolio, ended with enthusiastic applause.
As Feste, Olivia’s quick-witted "fool", Cultural Captain, Mookmanee (Mookee) Lee (Year 13), also shone. Her character was the glue of the show, observing and commenting on the action, while also singing and joking. She did a wonderful job singing some of the show’s most poignant and playful songs, including Is This Not Love, which also featured a stunning contemporary dance performance. Her musical prowess was also on display, playing her accordion during several of the show’s numbers.
Providing hilarious comic relief were Nicholas Wylie (Year 13) as Olivia’s hard-partying uncle, Sir Toby Belch, and Rory Forsythe (Year 13) as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a foolish nobleman, also trying to woo Olivia. Both characters were lovable and full of mischief, with Nicholas and Rory
mastering their slapstick comedy. Rory’s awkward dance moves as Sir Andrew brought the house down.
Sarah Heffernan (Year 13) was also impressive as Olivia’s clever and mischievous lady-in-waiting, Maria, who brought sass and wit to her performance, singing and harmonising well during her songs. Scarlett Ryan also had a lot of fun, performing well as Fabian, a friend of Maria, who helps to set up the prank on Malvolio.
Late in the show, Viola’s brother, Sebastian, played enthusiastically by Edward Keenan (Year 11) arrives in Illyria, followed by Antonio, the ship captain who rescued him, played well by Jingyang (Yang) Zhang (Year 12), another lovelorn character, who has fallen in love with Sebastian.
Finally, the character’s true identities are revealed. Viola and Orsino declare their love for each other and sing a beautiful duet, Tell Her. Olivia finds love with Sebastian.
As the officiant, Ruolin (Lauren) Li (Year 11) enjoyed her important task of making the unions official.
The students playing the people of Illyria performed with zest, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the show, which ended with another raucous final number, Eyes of Another, featuring the whole cast.
With passionate performances from talented cast and musicians, supported by seamless work by the dedicated creative team, backstage ākonga, and whānau crew, Twelfth Night was another infectious Senior Production at St Andrew’s College.
A rich and varied programme of classical, jazz, national, and contemporary dance from the students’ class studies to date, captivated the audience at the Ballet Academy’s Winter Showcase on Friday 13 June.
The performances reflected the hard work and progress of talented students across the Secondary School level of the Ballet Academy, and featured the exciting premiere of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s (RNZB) CollaborativeDanceProject – a stunning new work co-choreographed by our Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Carolyn Cairns, and RNZB Dance Educator, Neve Pierce.
Senior dancers were joined on stage by the Junior and Intermediate Companies from the Preparatory School Ballet Academy, with each group performing their new pieces beautifully.
The International programme at St Andrew’s has bounced back strongly since the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 21 students from around the world attending the College in 2025, compared to just eight international students on campus at the end of the pandemic, says Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti.
“It’s taken a while for the international student market to get up and going again but confidence has definitely improved. New Zealand is seen as a safe place to learn given the conflict and political unrest hitting other parts of the world, with higher costs for international students in Australia, another factor in our favour.”
The majority of the College’s international students come from Asia, with China and Korea the biggest markets. Another key focus is Germany, which has a strong interest in St Andrew’s hockey programme.
Jane Breede (Year 12) from Düsseldorf, Germany is a talented mid-field hockey player who is in her second year with the Girls’ 1st XI hockey team. She says the biggest challenge being away from home is living in a different culture, among different personalities. However her highlight has been "all the nice people" she has met at St Andrew’s.
“The people are so supportive and inclusive, and interested in you and your life.”
There has been personal growth for Jane too, who says she is more independent after coming to New Zealand. “I don’t have my parents to do things for me, and feel like it is easier for me to make decisions by myself now.”
The biggest growth in the international programme is happening at Year 11, with several students coming to New Zealand for their final years of secondary schooling, before moving on to university study.
Kevin Chen (Year 13) from Guangdong province in China, arrived at St Andrew’s in Year 11, and says worrying about the language barrier was his biggest challenge.
“Each time I doubted, I reminded myself that sincerity matters more than perfect English. Learning to act despite that fear pushed me to grow faster.”
One of Kevin’s proudest moments was becoming a Peer Support Leader,and discovering he could make genuine connections.
“This experience, knowing I could support others despite my own language doubts, remains one of my standout memories,” says Kevin, who notes becoming an international student has taught him skills he didn’t know he had. “I’ve learnt resilience, that missing a word or missing a basketball shot is okay as long as I keep trying. More importantly, I’ve learned to embrace who I am, my culture, my perspective, and my journey, because they shape how I connect with others.”
Korean student, Kangwoo Moon (Year 9), started his journey at St Andrew’s this year, with the passionate young writer making the most of his experiences so far.
“The culmination of the first term was without a doubt, camp. Especially how my class was the last among the Year 9 cohort to visit Castle Hill.”
Kangwoo is making a short documentary about his experiences at camp, and likens his journey at the College to being a character in a TV show.
“Starting at St Andrew’s was an opportunity to ‘reboot’ my character, redeem all regrets, and reinforce this identity of mine. I hope to get to not only excel at my position within the school community, but be tolerant of others, and make this story as interesting as possible.”
Over the last 18 months, students from Brazil, Norway, Vietnam, and Mexico have added diversity to the international community at St Andrew’s, with the programme possibly expanding into Italy, Japan, and Thailand in the future, says Palē .
“It would be great to increase numbers to around 30 international students, and continue the spirit of global citizenship at St Andrew’s.”
When Ian White joined St Andrew’s College as an Assistant House Master in August 1989, he stepped into a vastly different boarding environment than the one which exists today.
“It was the tail end of corporal punishment,” Ian recalls. “Discipline relied heavily on detentions, standdowns, and fatigues. It was rigid and punitive, with little consideration for the individual. It was tough on both students and staff, and I believed there had to be a better way.”
That belief would go on to shape a transformative 36-year journey in boarding at the College. In 1993, Ian became the Manager of Rutherford House, where he began implementing a new vision, one grounded in fairness, respect, and student empowerment.
Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, credits Ian with playing a pivotal role in reshaping the culture of boarding, particularly in Rutherford House, which today is home to senior boys in Years 11–13.
“Ian has considerable wisdom and experience, with the deliberate systems he has put in place in Rutherford House breaking down hierarchies, and promoting the boys’ self-control and management in a mana-enhancing and empowering way.”
Ian says the move into "horizontal boarding" with junior (MacGibbon) and senior (Rutherford) Houses for boys, and the advent of Thompson House for girls, was a pivotal moment for boarding at St Andrew’s, when systems, particularly around discipline, could be tailored to the students’ ages and stages rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
“In Rutherford we became focused on restorative change behaviour, using a points system which quietly highlights actions and behaviours that need changing, like swearing, lateness, or not signing out. When the boys reach six points they are grounded for a day and a night. But even if the boys reach this stage, they still have control,” Ian explains. “If they are getting close to the tipping point, the boys can choose
to serve their grounding early so they don’t risk missing something important on their social calendar.”
Ian says the non-confrontational discipline system empowers the students to manage the entire process themselves, with a high level of self-responsibility.
His "fair and equitable" approach extends to day-to-day domestic duties around the House, he adds.
“I’m quite egalitarian and don’t like the appearance of hierarchies because I don’t think they’re healthy. We share the jobs out equally with the Year 13 boarders given leadership opportunities in a way which supports and uplifts others.”
Ian says the "high calibre" boarding staff at Rutherford, which includes
four tutors who look after evening and weekend supervision on a rostered basis, play an important role looking after and guiding the boarders in their care.
“Every staff member shares responsibility for the well-being of the boys, which creates a great community. They are a key element to a successful time in boarding.”
As they leave Rutherford House, Ian’s hope is the boys go into the world with a sense of fairness, equity, and compassion.
“I hope our young men leave here with fond memories, and to have learnt that it’s not always about ‘me’. Life is also about growing into responsible adults, sharing opportunities, respecting others, and taking responsibility for our actions.”
Seeing the fin of a hammerhead shark pop out of the water during a rafting expedition was an exciting highlight of Max Bell’s (Year 12) Spirit of Adventure journey during the April holidays.
“We were paddling back to the boat as the sun was setting, and it was unreal to see a hammerhead that close” said Max. “We started each day with a 6.00am swim, and at one point we were hosed down by a fire hose when the sharks started swimming nearby.”
Max says sailing in the Hauraki Gulf in three-metre swells, with water coming up over the front of the boat, was another memorable experience of the 10-day adventure.
“Our eight-hour hike to the top of Aotea on Great Barrier Island was another awesome challenge. There were lots of stairs and it was quite slippery at some points, but there were great views from the top.”
It was late last year Max discovered he was one of two annual scholarships recipients awarded by the Gough Family Foundation for students to attend Spirit of Adventure and Outward Bound.
“If it was possible, I would make it compulsory for all students to go on the Spirit of Adventure. It is such a valuable experience being offline with 40-plus people you have never met before, on a sailing boat in some of the best places in New Zealand. I’m so grateful to Ben and Penny Gough for sponsoring this scholarship, as it provides a significant change to the well-being and confidence of students like me.”
Max loved the culture on the boat, with the 40 strangers quicky becoming new friends, as they worked together as a team, and learnt valuable leadership skills.
He says being offline was one of the best parts of the adventure.
“Being without a phone is a refreshing feeling, not having to worry about deadlines and just living in the present. On Spirit of Adventure I gained a larger sense of gratitude, self-confidence, and made lifelong memories and friendships. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Once again, the St Andrew’s College community enthusiastically supported the annual "One Human Race" fundraising campaign, with $15,442 raised for So They Can, a charity helping girls living in Kenya and Tanzania without access to basic human rights, including education and good living conditions.
The campaign started at the Secondary School’s Athletic Sports Day, when the Community Service team worked tirelessly on the barbecue with a sausage sizzle, raising $756.
Other Secondary School initiatives included a fun blue and white themed non-uniform day, with every tutor group also running their own creative fundraising campaigns.
In an impressive effort, English teacher Donna Jones’s tutor group, 10DJS, made $2291 selling their hugely popular cheese rolls fundraiser, on the back of the $1200 they made the previous year.
Year 13 student, Spencer Menzies, organised a highly successful "bikeathon", with all members of his tutor group, 13RMN, supported by their tutor, Rod McIntosh, taking up the challenge to ride 60km each in one session. Spencer set up a collective sponsorship page, raising $1613.
The Preparatory School was also involved in the fundraising, with families of the children in Julia Evan’s 8A class generously donating $437 after their children discussed what life might look like from the perspective of a young girl in Kenya and the cruel practices which still occur today.
“It was another amazing One Human Race campaign,” shares College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow. “The generous amount raised by our community will make a significant difference to the lives of many young African girls.”
As St Andrew’s celebrates 100 years since Rector A K Anderson started the very first House Competitions at the College in 1925, with two houses for boarders Strowan and Rutherford, and two for dayboys, Erwin and Thompson, it is great opportunity to be reminded about the history of each House, and the men behind each of their names. In 1982, the House Competition system was reorganised by Rector Dr John Rentoul, who replaced the name Strowan with Thompson, and ensured there was a mix of boarding and day students across each of the Houses. Today students continue to have a deep sense of identity and pride in their House, with the friendly rivalry between the Houses as they take part in various sports and activities in a bid to win the coveted House Cup, a key aspect of the St Andrew’s College experience for all students
Erwin House was named after The Very Reverend Dr Robert Erwin, who was the first Chairman of the St Andrew’s College Board. He was regarded as a man of flawless integrity, visionary ideas, great knowledge, and biblical commitment.
Erwin was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1882, where he was licensed to the Auckland Presbytery. After a brief time at Papatoetoe, he accepted a call to the North Belt Church in Christchurch, now known as Knox Church.
As Board Chairman, Erwin guided the College from its inception in 1917 until 1931, and he was also College Chaplain for much of this time, leaving a lasting mark on the school.
While students may have found his Scripture lessons a bit dry, there is no denying that Robert Erwin’s seasoned wisdom and resolute leadership made the College grow and prosper.
Thompson is not only a competition House, but also our only boarding house for girls from Years 9–13. Its name honours the founder of St Andrew’s College, Reverend Alexander Thomas Thompson.
After leaving school at the age of 12 to become an apprentice draper, Thompson attended night school for the next four years to become a lay preacher. He later attended Otago Boys’ High School and won scholarships to study at both the University of Otago, and Yale University in the United States – becoming the first New Zealander to attend this prestigious university.
Reverend Thompson was minister of three parishes, an exceptional orator, scholar, fundraiser, and visionary. He served in the British and Foreign Bible Society in New Zealand and Australia for 20 years and was part of the Flying Doctor Service’s early years. However, he was most proud of founding St Andrew’s College, first in Addington, with a move to the magnificent property called ‘Strowan’ in 1917, thanks in large part to his tireless efforts convincing generous benefactors to share his vision.
Reverend Thompson’s driving ambition was to "educate the sons of the Presbyterian and Scottish community of Canterbury", and due to his determination, St Andrew’s College opened its doors in Christchurch in 1917, with 19 boys and four teachers. He devoted decades of his life to the College and was the driving force behind the Memorial Chapel.
The tenacity and drive of Reverend Alexander Thompson is the reason St Andrew’s exists and he would surely be proud to see how his legacy lives on today.
MacGibbon House is not only a competition House, but also a boarding house for boys from Years 9–11. Its name honours William S MacGibbon, a Scottish-born accountant who was a good friend of the College founder, Rev. A T Thompson. He became an early advocate of St Andrew's College, as well as the Secretary and Treasurer of the College’s first Board of Governors from 1917–1919. Generosity was a hallmark of his life. Right from the time he started work, MacGibbon set aside 10 per cent of his salary for good works.
William MacGibbon maintained an interest in St Andrew’s throughout his life, and on his death in May 1962, became a major benefactor of the College, leaving it a substantial amount of money. His generous bequest allowed several upgrades and new builds, including the construction of a Mountain Lodge in Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill and the start of our Outdoor Education programme. The Mountain Lodge was officially opened on 1 May 1965 after 19 months of hard work by the entire College community, and then rebuilt in 2008 into the award-winning Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge.
There are very few schools with such exceptional facilities and outstanding Outdoor Education programmes, and the College is grateful to William MacGibbon for the legacy he helped to create with his generous bequest.
In addition to being a competition House, Rutherford House is also a boarding house for boys from Years 11–13. It was named after one of our first major bequestors, Duncan Rutherford, who enabled the College to purchase Strowan House and its grounds.
Rutherford was born in South Australia and came to New Zealand when he was seven. He was a successful, generous runholder in North Canterbury and a founder of the Hanmer Springs township and its hospital. Rutherford left a generous gift of $5000 to the College in his will around the same time the Stead family put their property Strowan Park on the market. This enabled St Andrew’s College to find its home in 1917.
Duncan Rutherford is remembered in a variety of ways throughout the College, including the 1917 Society – a special group through which we recognise all those who have chosen to make a gift to the College through their will. His legacy continues to live on, not only through our school, but also through the people who share his generosity of spirit.
Alexander Black (Year 13) was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer within his New Zealand Cadet Forces Air Training Corps Unit. This is the highest possible rank a cadet can obtain, and there is only one position within each unit.
On Thursday 24 April, Emily Watt and Lucy Binnie (both Year 12) delivered speeches for residents of Nurse Maude during their annual Anzac Service. Both students were inspired by their own families’ experiences of war. They also delivered their speeches at the Preparatory School Anzac Service on the first day of Term 2.
There was an incredible night of community connection, entertaining banter, and support for the St Andrew’s College basketball programme, StACHoops, at the bi-annual Hoop It Up gala dinner on Saturday 7 June. A special thank you to the StAC Basketball Fundraising Committee, past parent, Vicki Farrant, Charlotte Whittaker (OC 2018), Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023), Bryan Stronach (OC 1998) and Joe Moody as speakers, Burton Shipley (OC 1969), the generous sponsors and donors, and all who attended to make the event a success.
The International Club hosted food trucks on campus to celebrate the last day of Term 2, with staff and students enjoying some tasty treats from Kung Fu Dumplings, Roma, and Empire Chicken.
RuoLin (Lauren) Li (Year 11) was one of 20 girls from around New Zealand selected for the 2025 Girl Boss Sustainability online course, a 10-day online accelerator focused on young women who are keen to step up, stand up, and change the world. The course content encouraged students to gain insight into Sustainability, Decarbonisation, STEM Science, Climate Change, Policy, and Social Change. The girls had mentoring support from role models like Melati Wijsen, the Gen Z activist who got plastic bags banned on Bali, and Clover Hogan who aged 19 founded Force of Nature, a youth-led non-profit organisation driving climate change which is active in 50 countries.
On Friday 16 May, the College came together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day, a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against bullying and fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Prefects, Milla Smith and Jonty Lang (both Year 13), delivered a moving and impactful address at the Secondary School Assembly, which concluded with a call to action: to be upstanders, not bystanders. The Preparatory School was awash with pink as students gave a vibrant show of support, transforming their classroom doors into powerful messages of kindness, each one uniquely expressing what it means to be an upstander.
In June, the College celebrated the nationwide Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2025, which aims to affirm rainbow identities and help increase a sense of belonging and reduce the experiences of bullying for rainbow youth. Led by our own Rainbow Group, the College celebrated diversity and put into action our value of inclusivity. The rainbow flag flew proudly on the main flagpole and the library launched their month-long "Out on the Shelves" campaign with a book display, sticker giveaway, and colouring competition. Two former students spoke about their experiences as members of the rainbow community and a chapter of an LGBTQIA+ book was read at First Chapter Thursday. Rev. Paul Morrow delivered a powerful message in chapel, and the Prefects led a "dance it out" session in the Quad using LGBTQIA+ artists.
Just before Samoan Language Week, the Pasifika Group performed two Samoan songs for residents of the Merivale Retirement Village, as well as sharing kai and conversation. During the official Samoan Language Week, the Pasifika Group ran a cookie giveaway in the Cafeteria, led by group leaders, Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12) and Mia Montgomery (Year 13), for anyone using Samoan greetings. The group also performed a beautiful song in both the Middle School and Senior College chapel services, where Jairo Senio (Year 11) gave the Call to Worship in Samoan.
Hadassah Timo (Year 12) was one of 20 Youth Press Gallery members chosen to participate in the New Zealand Youth Parliament, covering proceedings over three days. The Youth Parliament is held once per parliamentary term, with each MP choosing a young person from their electorate to act as a Youth MP and simulate Parliament.
It was an evening of glitz and glamour when students gathered at a beautifully decked out function room at Riccarton Racecourse for the highly anticipated Year 11 Semi-formal.
The venue perfectly matched the "Under the Stars" theme, with the Middle School Leaders doing a great job setting up the balloons and backdrops, creating a starry night for all.
The event’s DJ spun lots of popular tunes and ensured the dance floor was packed with both Year 11 students, and the Year 13 prefects who helped to supervise on the night. After burning off lots of energy, a delicious supper was well-received.
A special mention to Year 11 Co-Deans, Riley Gain and Liz Gormack, for their organisation of another successful event, and Head of Middle School, Matt Parr, and the other St Andrew’s College staff for their support.
Although Regulus has served as the title of the College magazine since 2006, its roots in St Andrew’s history reach back to the earliest days of the school’s identity and traditions.
Since the College Song was composed in 1929 by music master, Alfred Worsley, with lyrics by teacher, Tom Stuart-Menteath, thousands of students have, and continue to, sing the words, “When Regulus to Angus bore at King’s Mount by the Great North Sea, St Andrew’s relics and the Lore of Truth to set the heathen free …”
The Regulus referenced in the song is another name for St Rule, a 4thcentury monk – or possibly bishop – from Patras, Greece. According to legend, in 345 AD Regulus was warned in a dream that the Roman Emperor Constantine planned to move the
relics of St Andrew to Constantinople. In response, Regulus took some of the saint’s relics and set sail. He was reportedly shipwrecked off the east coast of Scotland landing at a site later known as St Andrews. It became a major religious place, with a large cathedral built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and clergy. This story remains a powerful part of Scottish folklore.
This Regulus story is also connected to the origin of the Saltire – a diagonal cross which represents Saint Andrew, who was martyred on an X-shaped cross. As King Angus of the Scots prayed for victory while facing a much larger force of Saxons in 832 AD, a white saltire (X-shaped cross) appeared in the blue sky – interpreted as a sign of Saint Andrew’s protection. Inspired by this vision, the Scots famously won the battle. In gratitude, King Angus vowed that Saint Andrew would be the patron saint of Scotland, and the white saltire on a blue field would be its symbol. The white cross, or Saltire, is believed to be the oldest flag in Europe.
In 2006, Harvey Lee Thomas, the College’s ninth rector, chose the name Regulus for the new magazine, in reference to the legend in the College Song and because the Latin word regulus means regular. He wrote he was seeking a “more structured method of communication with the wider St Andrew’s family which will be more regular and ongoing.”
The first issue of Regulus was distributed to the St Andrew’s community in March 2006 and today the magazine is produced three times a year, celebrating and communicating the achievements, successes, events, community spirit, and educational developments at the College.
During Well-being Week in late May, students had the chance to reflect on the importance of caring for their mental, emotional, and physical health, while also celebrating the inclusive and supportive school culture which defines St Andrew’s College.
Under the leadership of Heads of Well-being, Olivia Bloom and Gemma Wong (Year 13,) and the student Well-being Committee, a series of thoughtfully planned events brought the College’s PERMA-V framework to life. This evidence-based model was developed by positive psychologist, Martin Seligman, and outlines the six key components contributing to well-being, resilience, and happiness.
The week’s highlights included a calming origami session to encourage creative flow, a lunchtime panel discussion hosted by the Guidance Team on managing stress, maintaining balance, and supporting one another, and a bake sale with proceeds going
to Youthline. The week culminated with a wonderful student-led Well-being Assembly, and a lively Jump Jam session in the Quad which boosted everyone’s mood and energy, and reminded us of the power of physical activity.
On Friday 30 May, the student Well-being Committee, led by Heads of Well-being, Olivia Bloom and Gemma Wong (Year 13), hosted the annual Well-being Assembly. Mia Montgomery (Year 13) delivered a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech, reflecting on how life often takes unexpected turns and doesn’t always unfold as we hope. She encouraged her peers to treat themselves with the same kindness and compassion they would offer a friend. The gym was buzzing with energy as students cheered enthusiastically for their year group Dean, as they participated in the Deans’ Challenge, which this year was an online quiz called Kahoot and focused on well-being and character strengths. Year 10 Dean, James Jenkinson, took the win. A highlight of the assembly was the presentation of the prestigious Mahia te Aroha Character Awards, which honour students who consistently demonstrate values such as kindness, compassion, and inclusivity in their everyday actions. The 2025 recipients were George Hubbard, Charlotte Currie (both Year 9), Holly Hembry, Thomas Ambury (both Year 10), Hamish Bray, Isabelle Williamson (both Year 11), Ken Minh-Ky Pham, Milla Hooker (both Year 12) and Yinan (Vivian) Lu and Madeline Davidson (both Year 13).
The Prefects’ Assembly on Friday 27 June was a fun and light-hearted way to finish Term 2. A clever theme, "Battle of the Holidays", saw the prefects split into four groups, Christmas (with Rector, Mark Wilson), Valentines (with Principal of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein), Easter (with Year 13 Dean, Dayna Stirling) and Halloween (with Head of Senior College, John Ruge). There was the usual hilarity, videos, challenges which included random students from the audience, and a spectacular dance number. A moving and inspiring Prefects’ Address was given by Ivan Ren (Year 13) who reflected on what the prefects’ 2025 motto, Grounded by the thistle, surrounded by connection, means to him. The four senior staff got into the swing of the occasion, with a highlight being Evert van Florenstein wearing a tutu, feather wings, and frequently shooting pink darts into the air.
Well-being is at the heart of St Andrew’s College, with a diverse range of programmes across both the Secondary and Preparatory Schools empowering students to grow and thrive.
However, even in a supportive environment, life can still sometimes feel overwhelming for both students and their families. This is when the College’s highly skilled and compassionate counselling team is there to offer a safe space for support and guidance, says Head of Guidance, Tom Matthews.
“Many of the problems facing teenagers are the same as they’ve always been – things like anxiety, depression, relationship problems, work pressure and balance, and eating disorders. However, the world is a lot more complex now. Smartphones magnify all these issues and can be weaponised, leading to things like online bullying and unrealistic comparisons on social media which erode students’ confidence. It can be hard for parents too, with some saying supporting their teens can feel like trying to tend a desert – every night the sands shift and are never quite the same.”
Last year over 400 students from the Secondary School connected with the counselling team, with a fairly even
split of students self-referring, being passed on by teachers or Deans, or by their parents.
“It’s amazing to think around a third of our student population sought the support of our team. I believe there is a lot less stigma about asking for help these days, and the more we can normalise parents having conversations with their kids about mental health, and encouraging them to not be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed, the better.”
Tom is the only full-time member of the College’s counselling team of seven, which includes two youth workers, who together offer a "very balanced and family-centred approach", explains Tom.
“We have a high trust model, where the family space is sacred. If we do step into that space, we do it really carefully, advocating for all. We consider it a real privilege to do the work we do.”
There are four counsellors on campus every day who see students from both the Preparatory School and Secondary School, which is a considerable jump up from the single College counsellor a decade ago.
Tom says youth workers, Seb Norman and Mikeely Jones, have become an integral part of the team.
“They are young, cool, and approachable, and are often the first
point of contact for students seeking mental health support.”
The counselling team works closely with a wider support network in the College to provide wraparound care for students including school nurses who deal with health concerns; College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, and the chaplaincy team who provide care and compassion, especially in times of grief; and boarding house staff, teachers, tutors, and Deans, who offer pastoral support in numerous ways.
“We work under a whānau mode, where we see the students as our family and do our best as a community to support them. We are here for our parents too, who are always welcome to come in for a chat, attend one of our parent courses, or join a parent support group, to connect and share.”
Additional well-being support for students is provided by a range of programmes. In the Secondary School, the Health and Physical Education curriculum covers lots of topics relevant to teens, alongside the meaningful Te Waka and The Rite Journey programmes in Year 10 and Year 13. The Prepatory School offers initiatives like StAC-Up and Bounce Back which helps younger students build resilience and life skills.
“The world can be a complicated place for teenagers, but together, we can help them navigate it,” says Tom.
In June, the popular StAC Talks series was extended to an exclusive Preparatory School parents event for the first time, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience to "Hold the Line ’Til Year 9" which shared the latest information about smartphone use for Preparatory School students.
Deputy Principal of the Preparatory School (Well-being) and Head of Education, Vicki Pettit, says feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive about the event’s key messages, including encouraging them to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least Year 9.
“A book called The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt has influenced our position around smartphone use, and we wanted to start a conversation with parents around four key areas,” shares Vicki. “These are delaying smartphones until Year 9, ideally waiting until age 16 to access social media, adults modelling healthy technology use to their children, and encouraging free, unsupervised play, which helps children develop resilience.”
“The pledge becomes active once 10 families per class have signed, with families who join encouraged to connect with each other and provide mutual support,” says Vicki.
Head of Guidance, Tom Matthews, says being a teenager and being a parent are both "hard gigs", which is why working together and sharing current information with parents is so important.
Vicki says concerns have already emerged in Years 6 to 8 around smartphone use including online bullying, students accessing or being asked to share inappropriate content, making friends with people in the online world they don’t know, and learning offensive language.
“We often overprotect our children in the outside world and under protect them online, where they can be exposed to all kinds of dangers. Parents at the StAC Talk expressed a strong desire for both the school and the wider community to take a united and proactive stance in this space.”
Vicki spoke at the StAC Talk from a personal family context, with Head of Guidance, Tom Matthews, discussing the impact and damage smartphones have on young people, Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, talking about social media behaviours and concerns in boarding, and DigiLit Teacher e-Learning and Innovation, Wilj Dekkers, sharing what smartphones really do, which most people do not appreciate or understand.
As well as offering insights and practical advice, parents were invited to sign a "Hold the Line ’Til Year 9 Parent Pledge", cementing their family’s commitment to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least Year 9.
“We’ve held various StAC Talks in recent years, which are a great way to keep the dialogue open with parents and get the best information out to them about a range of subjects, often calling on expert guest speakers,” he says.
Some of the topics covered in StAC Talks so far include Flourishing in Sport, Talking to Teens, Sleep, Nutrition, and Vaping, Alcohol and the Party Season.
Earlier this year, nutrition presenter, Conrad Goodhew, who has worked with professional teams including the Black Ferns and Crusaders rugby teams, shared important nutrition tips and information to help support student athletes.
In addition to the live StAC Talks, shorter videos on a variety of topics including nutrition, and concussion and injury for young sportspeople, are already available for our parents on StACNet, with more planned, says Tom.
“The StAC Talks programme is not about us telling parents what to do,” he shares. “The events are conversation starters, which also raise awareness and let parents know they are not alone with some of the challenges they might be experiencing.”
Mac Simpson (Year 7) competed with 100 other talented young singers and received a first place (own selection), first equal (novice), and second place in musical theatre at the Illuminate 2025 Centre Stage Rolleston Arts Competition.
Holly Hembry (Year 10) danced in 31 events at the New Zealand One Dance Championships in Wellington, where she won 24 Junior Registered events, as well as coming second in another four. Additionally, in the Adult Open Latin events, Holly claimed three third places. Holly also took part in the Kiwi Classic Ballroom Dance Championships in Auckland, where she won six of the Pro/Am Junior Level 5 events. In the Junior Registered solo events, she made six of nine finals, winning third, fourth, and fifth placings.
At The Big Sing Regional Competition at the Town Hall, Staccoro, our senior choir, made up of students from Years 11–13, delivered a captivating recital which earned them the award for Best Mixed Choir. A highlight was the moving rendition of Christchurch composer Rosa Elliott’s, Ojalá, which featured instrumental contributions from Ary Son (Year 11) and Edward Park (Year 9). The junior choir, Stacchorus, comprising Year 9–10 students, also gave a memorable performance, with a standout moment their joyful interpretation of Philip Norman’s setting of Margaret Mahy’s Tarragon Vinegar , complete with kazoos.
At the 2025 Canterbury District round of the NZCT Schools' Chamber Music Contest, the Preparatory School chamber group, Cucumbers, comprising Caleb Waines (Year 7), Matthew Zhang and Chenxiao (Leo) Yang (both Year 8), won the Adjudicators' Award, with Terenced Dynamics, comprising Baizhen (Tony) Chen (Year 9) on violin, Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (Year 11) on the oboe, and Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 10) on piano, winning the New Zealand Double Reed Society Award for their playing of a J S Bach concerto.
St Andrew’s Music students performed in the annual choral concert at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral, with performances from Staccoro, Stacchorus, the Senior Barbershop, and chamber ensemble "AAA Insurance". The recital culminated in two pieces by the combined choirs. The programme offered a rich variety of repertoire, from contemporary New Zealand compositions to classic barbershop and chamber music. It was a wonderful opportunity for the choirs to share their Big Sing repertoire in such a beautiful and acoustically resonant space.
The annual Classical Concert was a wonderful showcase of work by the College's orchestral ensembles. This year the concert included performances from the Preparatory School Orchestra (conducted by Music teacher, Ros Emeleus), and String Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, and Chamber Orchestra (all conducted by Mark Hodgkinson). The groups gained valuable experience performing their pieces in front of a large audience, with their excellent performances warmly appreciated. The Classical Concert also provided St Andrew’s chamber groups with a performance opportunity ahead of their participation in the NZCT Schools Chamber Music Contest.
Following her performance at the Relevé Dance Competition, Tavé Stuart (Year 13) received a nomination for the PACANZ Young Performer Awards in Palmerston North in October for modern dance. She placed first in classical championship, classical, first variation, neo-classical, musical theatre, contemporary, and lyrical, was first equal in barefoot, and second in modern championship.
At the Christchurch Tap Dancing Teachers Association (CTDTA) dance competition, Tavé Stuart was first in Ballet Championship and Classical, and second in Barefoot and Variation. Cameron Lyons (Year 10) was second in the Ballet Championship.
Andrew Li (Year 8) won the 2025 Lions Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival poster competition. His artwork will be used to promote this year’s festival and will be featured on the event poster and front cover of the programme.
St Andrew’s students had wonderful success at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships held in Christchurch from 2–5 July with several gaining national titles and rankings against 240 competitors from throughout the country. Sarah McCarthy (Year 10) was the top performer, winning six individual New Zealand Championships, and being crowned overall New Zealand National Champion U16.
• Charlotte Kyle (Year 12): eighth national ranking U18;
• Samantha Bilton (Year 11): ninth national ranking U18;
• Sarah McCarthy (Year 10): New Zealand Champion U16, winners of six New Zealand Championships in Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Reel O’Tulloch, Irish Jig Single Time, Irish Jig Double Time, Irish Reel;
• Sofia Sneddon (Year 8): runner-up national champion U14;
• Georgia Gregg (Year 8): national champion in 12 and U14 Sean Triubhas;
• Iaera Abrahamson (Year 5): runner up national champion U10;
• Nayana Abrahamson (Year 3): third national ranking.
At the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBHD) New Zealand nationals in Taranaki Aoife Forsyth (Year 8) achieved third overall, with two first-place finishes, a second, a third, five fourths, and one fifth place.
Sarah McCarthy (Year 10) had a successful time at the Top of the South Highland Dancing Championships in Blenheim, winning all 10 Marlborough/Nelson Championship U16 events and finishing as the Overall U16 Champion.
At the Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering, Samantha Bilton (Year 11) competed in the U16 events, winning a North Island Championship in the Highland Fling, and finishing runner-up Most Points over the two-day event.
New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing Examinations
St Andrew’s Highland dancers achieved great results in these national dancing examinations:
• Initial Honours: Nayana Abrahamson, Alissa Alborough, Eleanor Nortje (all Year 3), Iselle Bromhead (Year 4); Initial Merit Plus: Brooklyn Van Toor (Year 3), Watson Winterbourn (Year 2); Initial Merit: Ruby Bradbury, Sibella Street (both Year 3); Achieved: Ava Blyde (Year 4);
• Grade 1 Honours: Iaera Abrahamson, Violet Winterbourn (both Year 5); Grade 1 Merit Plus: Emily Syme (Year 5);
• Grade 2 Honours: Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 7); Grade 2
Merit: Agnes Buist (Year 6); Grade 2 Achieved Plus: Patrick Glover (Year 7);
• Grade 3 Honours: Georgia Gregg (Year 8);
• Grade 4 Honours: Evelyn Lowe (Year 9);
• Grade 5 Honours: Sarah McCarthy (Year 10); Grade 5 Merit Plus: Alice Glover (Year 9);
• Intermediate Honours Practical and Theory: Samantha Bilton (Year 11), Emily Brook, Charlotte Kyle (both Year 12);
• Sailors Stage 1 Honours: Sofia Sneddon (Year 8).
The Abrahamson sisters, Nayana (Year 3), Iaera (Year 5) and Adelyn (Year 7), have had strong success, winning several events and championships between them at the Otago Centre King’s Birthday Highland Dance Competition in Dunedin and the Ashburton Highland Dancing Competition.
Georgia Gregg (Year 8) competed at the Oxford Highland Dance Competition where she won all her dance categories along with two U14 and one U16 event. She also won Most Points U14 at the Hokitika Highland Matariki Competition. At the Oxford competition, Eleanor Nortje (Year 3) had two first and two third placings.
Both our senior and junior jazz bands have been selected for the prestigious Rodger Fox Big Band Young Jazz Band-it competition in Wellington, out of only ten bands chosen nationwide. Their impressive video auditions earned them a spot, and they’ll also be competing in the MEFA competition.
The Senior Jazz Combo delivered a great set of four songs from memory at the Ara JazzQuest competition, where they won a Gold category award.
Ethan Waines (Year 9) passed his LTCL Live Piano examination with Distinction.
The following Preparatory School students successfully auditioned for representative groups in the 2025 Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival:
• Symphony Orchestra: Youzhen (Max) Chen (Year 5), Raymen Dai, Dylan Liu (both Year 6), Caleb Waines (Year 7), Emma Zhang, Jacob Wang, Chenxiao (Leo) Yang and Matthew Zhang (all Year 8);
• Concert Band: Claire Chua (Year 6);
• Senior Representative Choir: Alice Williams, Jessica Whitehead and Ruby Richards (all Year 7) and XiaoYa (Cynthia) Zhou (Year 8);
• Junior Representative Choir: Choe Shi, Iaera Abrahamson, Violet Winterbourn (all Year 5), Romilly Comyn and Harriet Merry (both Year 6).
The Music Department hosted a special evening featuring 20 singing students who are not NCEA students, and don’t usually have an opportunity to perform. Vocal tutor, Deb Wai Kapohe, organised the evening, which was well supported by parents, caregivers, and students, who provided an encouraging and supportive audience for the singers, some who were singing in public for the first time.
The Preparatory School presented a concert of music items in the Centennial Chapel on Tuesday 24 June. The concert featured the Junior Choir (Years 3–5), Cantare Choir (Years 6–8), Preparatory School Orchestra, chamber group trio, and solo items by Music scholars, Chenxiao (Leo) Yang (Year 8) and Caleb Waines (Year 7). The evening showcased a range of talent, and the performers supported each other with enthusiastic applause. A supportive audience of parents and families thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
Opera
Samuel Hu (Year 10) was selected for the children’s chorus for New Zealand Opera’s, La Bohème Orchestra
Cheryl Teng (Year 11) accepted an opportunity to participate as an orchestral instrumentalist in the 2025 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s Emerging Artists concert.
Baizhen (Tony) Chen (Year 9) successfully auditioned for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s soloist programme. As a result, he was offered the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist at A Night of Proms in October.
Oamaru Performing Arts Festival
In the Speech and Drama section at the 2025 Oamaru Performing Arts Festival, Teresa Steiner (Year 12) won the Oamaru National Young Performers Speech and Drama nomination to the
PACANZ Nationals at Labour Weekend, while Violet Winterbourn (Year 5) and Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 7) were joint winners of the John McDonald Challenge Cup in the 12 and Under category, and shared honours for the E D Watts Memorial Challenge Cup. Violet also won the Elliot Challenge Cup for Girls, and the scholarship for her age group. Violet also had success in the festival’s Highland Dancing competition, winning the U10 and U12 Sailors Hornpipe Championships. Her brother, Watson Winterbourn (Year 2) won the Highland Fling Six years and Under, and was awarded the J R Hornal Challenge Cup.
The newly created StAC Dance competition team also competed at the Oamaru Performing Arts Festival in their inaugural performance.
Pipe Band
Pipe Band students were honoured to perform in various Anzac Day services and parades throughout the South Island – at St Andrew's College, Akaroa, Arrowtown, Avebury House, Burlington Village, Burwood Hospital, Cavendish Home, Leeston, Mountainview Village (Timaru), Twizel, and Victoria Park.
The Pipe Band, led by Pipe Major Sam Foote (Year 12), supported the BrainTree Ball fundraiser by performing at the beginning of the event, held at Te Pae Convention Centre. BrainTree Trust is a charity which supports people living with neurological conditions.
Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) and Sam Foote (Year 12) travelled to Adelaide to compete in the annual R U Brown Piobaireachd Society of South Australia Gold Medal solo piping competitions, where they achieved fantastic success in strong fields of competitors. Maggie won the R U Brown Silver Medal for Piobaireachd and overall B Grade Light Music, and Sam won the B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel.
Pipe Band members have competed in several competitions throughout 2025, with results as follows:
The Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Oceania Solo Drumming Championships
In conjunction with the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association, the Oceania Solo Drumming Championships 2025 were held in the Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Auditorium on Saturday 5 April, with several students performing incredibly well to become Oceania champions. Results were:
• Connor Higgs Memorial Juvenile Section 5 March, Strathspey and Reel
(Age 16–18): Ethan Higgs (Year 13) first Oceania Champion, Daniel Liu (Year 12) second, Theodore Lagias (Year 13) third, Jack Shearer (Year 12) fourth;
• Juvenile Section 4 March, Strathspey and Reel (Age 14–16): Ethan Lam (Year 12) first Oceania Champion, Lee Patterson (Year 12) fourth, Yuxin (Alice) Chen (Year 11) fifth, Radha Gamble (Year 11) sixth;
• Juvenile Section 3 March, Strathspey and Reel (Age 11–14): Edward Park (Year 9) second;
• Juvenile Section 2 Marches (Age 14–16): Oliver Gilbert (Year 10) first Oceania Champion, Samuel Gough (Year 11) second, Samuel Hall (Year 12) fourth;
• Juvenile Section 1 Marches (Age 11–14): Hunter Donnithorne (Year 8) first Oceania Champion, Benjamin Edward (Year 9) second.
Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering
The Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering took place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April and is one of the major events in the solo piping calendar. Top results were:
• Sam Foote (Year 12): second B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, second U21 Piobaireachd – New Zealand Championship, second U12 Strathspey/Reel, second Medley;
• Maggie McConnochie (Year 11) third B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, second 2/4 March, second Strathspey/Reel, first 6/8 March, first Medley;
• Alice Glover (Year 9): fourth C Grade Piobaireachd;
• Finlay Trewinnard (Year 10): first C Grade Strathspey/Reel, third 2/4 March, first D Grade Piobaireachd, third 2/4 March;
• Hamish Bilton (Year 10): third C Grade Strathspey/Reel, second 6/8 March;
• Patrick Glover (Year 7): second Novice Piobaireachd, third March.
127th MacKenzie A&P Highland Show
– Easter Monday
First placegetters at this event were:
• Cameron Sharpe (Year 11): first in C Grade Piobaireachd, 2/4 March (Mackenzie Highland Show Medal), Strathspey/Reel, Hornpipe/Jig, 6/8 March, and winner of Most Points C Grade;
• Benjamin Carline (Year 7): first D Grade Piobaireachd, first Novice March;
• Nathaniel Jones (Year 8): first D Grade 2/4 March;
• Emily Syme (Year 5): first Beginner Chanter.
King’s Birthday Solo Piping Championships
Top three placegetters in the A Grade, B Grade, and Under 21 Grade, and first placegetters in C Grade, D Grade, and Under 16 at the King’s Birthday Solo Piping Championships were:
• Sam Foote (Year 12): second A Grade/Open Dunedin Gold Medal Piobaireachd, third equal Otago Centre Qualifying March Strathspey and Reel, winner B Grade Silver Medal Piobaireachd Otago Championship, first Strathspey/ Reel, winner of Most Points B Grade;
• Maggie McConnochie (Year 11): third equal A Grade/Open Otago Centre Qualifying March Strathspey and Reel, second B Grade Silver Medal Piobaireachd, second 2/4 March, second 6/8 March, first Under 21 2/4 March Otago Championship;
• Cooper Gallagher (Year 13): third B Grade Hornpipe/Jig, third Under 21 Hornpipe Jig New Zealand Championship;
• Finlay Trewinnard (Year 10): first C Grade Piobaireachd, first D Grade Piobaireachd, first 6/8 March, winner of Most Points D Grade;
• Anthony Song (Year 10): first C Grade 2/4 March, first Under 16 2/4 March, winner Most Points Under 16;
• Cameron Sharpe (Year 11): first C Grade Hornpipe/Jig, first 6/8 March, winner Most Points C Grade
• Ryley Medland (Year 12): first D Grade 2/4 March Otago Championship;
• Patrick Glover (Year 7): youngest competitor in Piobaireachd.
Highland Piping Society of Canterbury Solo Piping Event
First placegetters at this event were:
• Sam Foote (Year 12): first B Grade Piobaireachd, 2/4 March, Strathspey and Reel;
• Finlay Trewinnard (Year 10): first C Grade Piobaireachd, Strathspey and Reel, first D Grade 2/4 March;
• Hamish Bilton (Year 10): first C Grade 2/4 March;
• Aidan Jia (Year 7): first Novice;
• Emily Syme (Year 5): first Practice Chanter.
Canterbury Drummers Club Autumn Solo Event
• First placegetters at this event were:
• Yuxin (Alice) Chen (Year 11): first D Grade 2/4 March;
• Edward Park (Year 9): first D Grade Strathspey and Reel;
• Hunter Donnithorne (Year 8): first D Grade Aggregate;
• Samuel Rijpma (Year 7): first Novice Drum;
• Samuel Carline (Year 6): first Novice Drum Pad;
• Ruolin (Lauren) Li (Year 11): Intermediate Tenor Drumming first March, Strathspey and Reel;
• Ewen Li (Year 10): first Intermediate Tenor Drumming, first Novice Tenor Drumming;
• Austin Paterson (Year 11): Intermediate Bass Drumming first March, Strathspey and Reel, Novice Bass Drumming.
Nine College rock bands performed exceptionally well in the Smokefree Rockquest Canterbury Heats. Three bands, Whiplash, Lies and Lullabies, and Mendacity were selected for the regional finals, which gave them just a week-and-a-half to write another song and put together a two-song set. They all put on great performances, with Lies and Lullabies, comprising Evelyn Lowe, Mason Gauld, Reef Fitzpatrick and Joseph Soon (all Year 9) winning the ZM award for Best Song.
A small group of students successfully auditioned for the National Youth Theatre production of the musical, Cats, which ran in late May. The students involved in this "youth" version of the show were Annie Young (Year 12) in a lead role as Bombalurina (cast one), Piper Stone (Year 11) as Bombalurina (cast two) and Isla Marshall (Year 9) as Mungojerrie (cast two). These students, as well as Ella Nortje (Year 3), Emily Brook (Year 12) and Sophie Jacobs (Year 7) were also in the Dance Extension group, while Penelope Walker (Year 3) was a member of the ensemble.
The Year 10 Music class held a concert in the Gough Family Theatre, featuring singer/songwriters, a classical ensemble, a musical theatre ensemble, and several rock and band items. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the students’ work.
Year 12 students embraced a photo challenge during Term 2, when they were asked to submit photos showcasing specific themes and starring the letters of their core classes. The most popular theme was "selfie with a staff member," where Principal of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, was a popular choice. Core class R, made up of teachers, Steve Aldhamland’s and Jo Bigford-Fleming’s tutor groups, were crowned the winners.
The Senior Adventure Racing team, comprising four boys and four girls, took part in the Hillary Challenge six-hour race in Christchurch and just missed a spot at the national final after navigating 61 checkpoints, and covering approximately 25km on foot and 40km on bikes within the six-hour time allocation.
At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Adventure Race in Kaikoura, 10 St Andrew’s students competed in various teams and race categories. Abigail Scott-Douglas and Joshua Morrow (both Y12) won the six-hour Open Schools' event representing St Andrew’s College. Cohnor Walsh (Y12) was second in the 12-hour Open Schools' event with two students from other schools.
A group of more than 20 Old Collegians who left the College between 2001–2024 returned for the annual alumni basketball game against current students. A second-half surge, led by Ben Ashman (OC 2024) and Young-Wook Song (OC 2001), saw the Old Collegians claim a 93–70 victory, making it five wins in a row.
ChloeAnn Botha (Y7) achieved a nationals qualifying score at the Gymnastics Tri Star Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Step 5 All Around. She achieved third place on balance beam and was fourth overall.
Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Y8) and Leona Smart (Y7) competed at the South Island Artistic Swimming Championships, with Kelicia winning the Mixed Duet competition and Leona winning the 12 years and Under Solo category and the Duet competition.
A group of 17 St Andrew’s students competed at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships, making 36 finals and winning 12 gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. Maiyah Martin (Y9), Melenaite (Tia) Havea (Y12), Jody McCarthy-Dempsey (Y13) and Orla Motley (Y13) were particularly impressive, each winning multiple individual South Island titles. Results were:
• Kupa Rule (Y12): gold U16 800m;
• Tayla Ford (Y9): gold U14 3000m;
• Maiyah Martin (Y9): gold U14 80m hurdles, shot put, discus;
• Melenaite (Tia) Havea (Y12): gold U19 shot put, discus;
• Jody McCarthy-Dempsey (Y13): gold U19 100 hurdles, high jump, long jump;
• Orla Motley (Y13): gold U19 javelin, hammer throw;
• Molly Michael (Y10): silver Open 2000m race walk;
• Sophie Paterson (Y11): silver U16 triple jump;
• Alice Glover, Maiyah Martin, Tayla Ford, Emma McKellow (all Y9): silver U14 4×100m Girls relay;
• Marshall Coles (Y10): bronze U14 100m;
• Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y12) Molly Michael (Y10), Alice Glover, Tayla Ford (both Y9): bronze U16 Open 4×400m Girls relay.
Roma Tuimaunei (Y12) was selected for the New Zealand basketball U16 team to travel to Mongolia for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
Ava Jones (Y12) and Maniah Taefu (Y11) were selected to represent New Zealand at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
St Andrew’s teams performed well at the Years 5–8 ISSA Basketball Tournament, where they vied for a chance to represent the zone at the Canterbury Indoor Tournament. The Girls' competitions were particularly intense, with the Years 7–8 Girls’ team putting in significant effort to earn their first-place, and the Year 5–6 Girls’ team
facing an unusual outcome, finishing in a tie for first place, but being placed third due to a countback on point differential. The Year 7–8 Boys’ and Year 5–6 Boys’ teams both delivered dominant performances, securing their overall victories with a clear margin over second place.
At the Boxing South Island Novice Championships, Sam Payton (Y9) dominated all three rounds to win the gold medal and title of South Island Novice Champion 2025. Sam also competed in the South Island Golden Gloves Boxing Championships, where he secured the Golden Gloves 2025 title by a unanimous decision.
Canoe Polo
Liam Randall (Y13) and Luca Rose (Y12) competed at the 2025 ICF Canoe Polo Oceania Championships as part of the New Zealand Men’s U18B team, winning silver.
Sophie Burnett (Y13) competed with the Nemesis canoe polo team which won the National Ladies A grade title, becoming national champions. Nick Burnett (OC 1994) coaches the team.
South Island Secondary Schools’ Canoe Polo Championships
The St Andrew’s College Senior canoe polo team was unbeaten despite fierce competition at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Canoe Polo Championships to take gold and remain the top team in the South Island. Luca Rose (Y12), Thomas White and Sophie Burnett (both Y13) were selected into the male and female tournament teams, recognised among the top eight players in the championship. Luca Rose was also the highest scorer of the tournament, scoring 25 goals across the two days. The St Andrew’s Senior Girls’ and Junior Girls’ teams both took second place in their respective categories, with the Junior canoe polo team finishing fourth in the Junior Open.
The Chess A team of Cayden Wang, James Anthony (both Y13), Alex Manson (Y12) and Anthony Song (Y10) were the overall winners of the Regional Interschool Chess Tournament, qualifying for the national tournament. Anthony Song delivered a notable performance, finishing unbeaten with five victories. The B team also played well, finishing in third place.
The Preparatory School took two teams to the Years 1–6 Canterbury Interschool Chess Competition and two teams to the Years 7–8 competition. The Senior B team placed fourth in the B Grade, and all the students had successful wins.
At the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Championships, Tayla Ford (Y9) was 19th in the Year 9 Girls’ race out of around 100 athletes. She also competed with the Year 9 Girls’ Canterbury team who won the relay event.
The Year 9 Girls won their team’s event at the Canterbury Cross Country Championships, by a huge 50 points over St Margaret’s College. Tayla Ford was second, with Tabitha Ferreira fifth, Penny Scarlett sixth, and Kate Jones 15th. The other athlete to claim a top ten finish was Ashton Harris (Y9) who was tenth in the Year 9 Boys’ event.
The annual Secondary School House Cross Country took place in perfect weather, with enthusiastic participation by students. The top three placings in each age group were:
• Year 9 Boys: Ashton Harris first, Ashton Cody second, Haolin (Harley) Xiong third;
• Year 9 Girls: Tayla Ford first, Tabitha Ferriera second, Penny Scarlett third;
• Year 10 Boys: Kai Sloane first, Oliver Julius second, Willim Fowler third;
• Year 10 Girls: Hayley Stowell first, Alyssa Blackman second, Mia McHarg third;
• Year 11 Boys: Hugo Lewis first, Izaak Keen second, Sam Wilson third;
• Year 11 Girls: Sophie Lampe first, Rosie Gaffaney second, Maria Filipovic;
• Year 12 Boys: Cohnor Walsh first;
• Year 12 Girls: Abigail Scott-Douglas first;
• Year 13 Boys: James Walker first, Noah Cole second, Alexander Black third;
• Year 13 Girls: Sophia Voice first.
4–8
The Years 4–8 Cross Country took place on Monday 12 May. The students performed and participated to a high level, and teachers were extremely proud of the effort shown by all students who ran on the day. Placegetters were:
• Year 4 Boys: Liam Botha first, Sullivan Street second, Parker Stronach third;
• Year 4 Girls: Zoe Johnstone first, Isabelle Turnbull second, Harriet Foster third;
• Year 5 Boys: Theo Nelson first, Frederick Irwin second, Jack Marsh third;
• Year 4 Girls: Francesca Greer first, Georgia Blyde second, Chloe Shi third;
• Year 6 Boys: Ming Macarthy first, Tom Dore second, Samuel Carline third;
• Year 6 Girls: Giselle Petre first, Alessandra Greer second, Rosie Turnbull third;
• Year 7 Boys: Benji McBride first, Jackson Cutts second, Kip Waghorn third;
• Year 7 Girls: ChloeAnn Botha first, Daisy Feaver-Banks second, Indi Haydon-Uren third;
• Year 8 Boys: Kobe Ford first, Diesel Mackie second, Liam Gravley third;
• Year 8 Girls: Mila Rule first, Kelicia Rui En Purcell second, Willa Rahman third.
ISSA Cross Country
A group of 57 Preparatory School students participated in the ISSA Cross Country Zones event, with Kobe Ford and Kelicia Rui En Purcell (both Y8) winning their races. Students who qualified for the CPSSA Cross Country event were:
• Year 5 Girls: Francesca Greer third;
• Year 5 Boys: Theo Nelson sixth;
• Year 6 Boys: Ming Macarthy second;
• Year 7 Girls: ChloeAnn Botha second, Indi Haydon-Uren sixth;
• Year 7 Boys: Montgomery Fox third, Benji McBride sixth;
• Year 8 Girls: Kelicia Rui En Purcell first, Mila Rule third, Willa Rahman sixth;
• Year 8 Boys: Kobe Ford first, Diesel Mackie second, Joshua Smith fourth.
CPSSA Cross Country
The team of 13 Preparatory School runners showed determination and sportsmanship at the CPSSA Cross Country event. The highlight was two podium finishes in the Year 8 Boys’ event, with Diesel Mackie finishing second, and Kobe Ford third. Students to achieve top 20 placings were:
• Year 7 Girls: ChloeAnn Botha 11th;
• Year 7 Boys: Montgomery Fox 10th;
• Year 8 Girls: Mila Rule fourth, Kelicia Rui En Purcell sixth;
• Year 8 Boys: Diesel Mackie second, Kobe Ford third, Joshua Smith eighth.
Equestrian
Georgia Lewis (Y12) was selected to represent New Zealand at the International Mounted Games Exchange in Birmingham, UK. The team of five will compete against teams from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Heidi Kendrick (Y12) competed in the Dressage Southland 2024/2025 points series, where she was the Otago winner of the Young Rider Top 10 League Area for Horse Medium Level Dressage, and the winner of the Dressage Southland Points Accumulator Medium Horse for the season.
William Ballin, Toby Park and Adam Beaman (all Y12) defended their national flag football title along with the rest of the Canterbury Youth Flag Football team, which was unbeaten during the three-day tournament. These three students were selected for the U17 New Zealand Youth Flag Football team to compete in an eight-nation tournament in Los Angeles. Alexander Ballin (Y11) was selected for the U15 New Zealand Youth Flag Football team.
Noah Cole (Y13) was a member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ U19 football team which toured Australia over the Term 1 break. The team made history by going unbeaten, marking their most successful results in over two decades. The tour wrapped up with a thrilling 2–2 draw in an international clash against Australia. Noah was presented with the award for New Zealand U19 Team Player of the Tour.
During the Term 1 holidays, Indi Haydon-Uren (Y7) had an unforgettable experience at a training camp hosted by West Ham United, with her skill, dedication, and enthusiasm earning her the prestigious Coach’s Choice Award by the U14 West Ham United women’s coach. Indi was also selected to attend the West Ham United Australia National Camp this September on the Gold Coast, alongside some of the best young players in the region.
At the Saint Clair Vineyard Half Marathon, Sofia Lagias (Y11) was fourth in the U18 female 12km event, and Theodore Lagias (Y13) was seventh in the U18 male category.
Several 1st XI hockey players were selected for Canterbury and Tasman representative teams to play in tournaments during King’s Birthday Weekend.
• Canterbury U18A Men’s: Blake Edwards, Hugo Lewis (both Y11), Edward Connolly, Thomas Gough, Liam Hall and Lucas Munt (all Y13);
• Canterbury U18A Women’s: Annabelle Barker (Y12), Kate Simcock and Sophia Voice (both Y13);
• Canterbury U18B Men’s: Mason Connelly, Oliver Connolly (both Y11) and Lewis Tavendale (Y12);
• Canterbury U18B Women’s: Olivia Ratcliffe and Lila Waghorn (both Y12);
• Canterbury U18 Men’s and Women’s Development: Samuel Gough, Elliot Munt (both Y11), Rebecca Kingsbury (Y12), Rory Forsythe (Y13);
• Tasman U18A Women’s: Sasha McIntyre (Y12), Sophie Roberts (Y13).
Rory Forsythe (Y13) was selected for the U18 Canterbury ice hockey team.
Jakob Dana (Y10) was selected for the U16 Canterbury Representative ice hockey team.
Carter Summerfield (Y8) and Ming Macarthy (Y6) were named in the U14 Canterbury Ice Hockey Representative Training Squad for 2025.
Daisy Thake (Y12) was selected for both the Canterbury U22 Women’s and the Canterbury U18 Girls’ Indoor Cricket teams to compete at the nationals.
George Hubbard (Y9) was selected for the Canterbury U15 Indoor Cricket team to compete at the nationals.
Gemma Thomas (Y12) represented New Zealand as one of 14 Pacific nations competing at the 2025 Oceania Karate Championship in New Caledonia in June where she and her team won a bronze medal in her weight division for kumite (fighting). Gemma’s selection came after receiving her JKF (international) Black Belt in karate in April.
Zongze (Aaron) Li (Y7) was second in the 2025 40th Central New Zealand Sunbelt Sprint Championships and sixth at the Rose City Championships in Palmerston North. He also finished second in the VMR class at the Canterbury Karting Club Championships.
In the New Zealand Hard Enduro National Championship Series, Shey Doerner-Corson (Y12) was first overall in round one after two days of racing, and was third overall in round two after three days of racing in challenging weather in Wānaka.
Hayley Stowell (Y10) was selected for the U16 A Canterbury netball team, which won the regional South Island tournament over the King’s Birthday weekend.
Georgia Lewis (Y12) had a successful final year in the Quarter Midget speedway racing class at her home track, Ruapuna Speedway, completing 100 per cent of racing laps, ending as the top female competitor, and finished fourth in season points. In the Mike Greer Homes Series, Georgia was the top female competitor, finished fifth overall, and was awarded the Rising Star Award for the driver with the most potential.
Eight athletes from St Andrew’s competed in the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Road Race Championships with Tayla Ford (Y9) in the Year 9 Girls’ category, and Sophie Lampe (Y11) in the Senior Girls’ competition both finishing second in their races. Top 10 results:
• Sophie Lampe (Y11): second Senior Girls;
• Taylor Ford (Y9): second Year 9 Girls;
• Cohnor Walsh (Y12): fifth Senior Boys;
• Tabitha Ferreira (Y9): seventh Year 9 Girls;
• Ashton Harris (Y9): eighth Year 9 Boys;
• Alyssa Blackman (Y10): tenth Junior Girls.
Fifty members of the U18 rugby squad visited the Gold Coast for a preseason Australia tour, hosted at The Southport School (TSS). The 1st XV played three games and won one, while the 2nd XV lost all three of their games.
The 1st XV attended the 35th Presbyterian Rugby Quad Tournament hosted at Lindisfarne College. St Andrew’s started strongly winning their first game 67–17 against Scots College. The team then faced Auckland A1 finalists, Saint Kentigern College, in the final. St Andrew’s played with courage and
determination but went down 39–12 in an exciting encounter.
St Andrew’s hosted Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) from Brisbane, Australia. In a fast and furious game, both teams played expansive, high tempo rugby, with St Andrew’s taking a close victory 24–22. Noah Fihaki and Marshall Coles (both Y10) were named as Best and Fairest from the encounter.
St Andrew’s College 1st XV players, Caleb Collins-Polata, Lachlan Mitchell, Jett Timbrell, Seymour Stowers-Smith (all Y12), Azaniah Roebeck, Fynn Harris and Christian Tanuvasa (all Y13), were selected to attend an U18 Crusader Development Day.
Metua Cranwell (Y12) was selected for both the New Zealand Māori U17 rugby league team and the New Zealand South U18 rugby team.
Hadassan Timo (Y12) was selected for the New Zealand North U18 rugby team.
Sports Exchange –John McGlashan College and Columba College
Just under 150 students travelled to Dunedin for the annual John McGlashan College and Columba College sports exchange. Matches were played across two days, with stunning autumnal weather. St Andrew’s won the exchange convincingly, 9–3 and had three draws.
George Reynolds (Y10) was second at the Secondary Schools’ Individual Squash Championships after prevailing in a close five-set match in the semi-final, then meeting a much higher-ranked opponent in the final. Having gone in as the third-ranked player, finishing second was a great achievement and is the highest squash result St Andrew's has had for several years.
The St Andrew’s squash team of Rory Forsythe (Y13), George Reynolds and Oliver Gilbert (both Y10) were fifth at the Canterbury Schools’ Team Squash Championships.
Amelie Clark (Y12) won the U18 Women’s title at the Canterbury Women’s Surf Championships.
Rylee McBride (Y13) competed at the 2025 Apollo Projects New Zealand
Open Swimming Championships, where she won a national title and gold medal in the 50m backstroke, setting a new Canterbury record, and won silver in the 100m backstroke.
A team of 24 swimmers competed at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships, achieving nine top three placings in individual events, and four top three placings in the relays. Rylee McBride (Y13) was awarded Outstanding Female Swimmer for 2025, which capped off her highly successful school swimming career.
Keira-Leigh Watt (Y9) attended the National Age Group Swimming Championships, qualifying for six events, making the final in four events, and earning six new long course personal bests. Her top national placings were fifth in 800m freestyle, sixth in 50m backstroke, and seventh in 400m freestyle.
Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Y8) competed in the 62nd Wharenui Winter Olympics, with seven podium placings including firsts in 100m and 200m butterfly, which achieved New Zealand Short Course qualification. Kelicia’s 200m butterfly time was the fastest in New Zealand this year for her age group and almost 10 seconds under the qualification time. Kelicia also won two golds, three silver, and a bronze medal at the Ashburton Splash 2025, with her time in the 200m Individual Medley also achieving New Zealand Short Course qualification.
Liam (Y4) and ChloeAnn Botha (Y7) swam at the Makos South Island Country and Town Competition, with Liam achieving six personal bests and placing in the top five in seven of his races, and ChloeAnn achieving six personal bests and placing in the top five in five of her events.
Several St Andrew’s tennis players represented Canterbury in Interprovincial Teams events. Marija Filipovic (Y11) played in the U17 Canterbury team which placed third.
Mia McHarg (Y10), Zoe Kelso, Tom Dawson and Haolin (Harley) Xiong (all Y9) represented the U14 Canterbury team which placed fourth.
Alexander Black (Y13) attended both the National Men’s Open Club Softball Championship and the South Island Secondary Schools’ Softball Division 2 Championship, where he was appointed Plate Umpire for the boys’ final.
St Andrew’s teams did well at the finals of the annual VEX Robotics Canterbury Challenge. In the VEX IQ division (Preparatory School), the Terminators team, comprising Jack Blyde, William Keir, George Nicholls and Carter Robinson (all Y7) finished in first place. Three St Andrew’s Secondary School teams made it to the Drivers’ skills playoffs in the VEX V5 division, with the team Syntax Error, comprising Hannah Withers, George Bissland, Alex and Luke Mason (all Y12) winning this section.
Mia Montgomery and Catherine Cook (both Y13) were part of the Canterbury Women’s U19 volleyball squad which won gold for the second consecutive year at the Inter-Provincial Volleyball Championships. Both Mia and Catherine were named in the New Zealand Junior Women’s U20 volleyball team which took part in an international development tour to Fukuoka, Japan in July, playing a series of matches against local university teams.
The following players were selected in Canterbury representative teams to compete in the IPC (Inter-Provincial Championship) in Wellington.
• Grace Smith (Y11): Canterbury U17;
• Mia Montgomery, Catherine Cook (both Y13) and Jett Timbrell (Y12): Canterbury U19.
Genevieve Wallis (Y11) competed at the Canterbury Regional Water Ski Championships at Lake Hood where she won silver in slalom, gold in trick, gold in jump, and the overall gold in the U17 Girls’ category. She went on to represent Canterbury at the Water Ski National Championships, achieving five personal best results over six skis, including a bronze in slalom, silver in trick, gold in jump (New Zealand champion) and overall silver.
Chat with Old Cols Tim Goom (1997) & Charlie Smith BLA Hons(2019) about how smart landscape design can elevate your lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a full refresh or want expert planting advice - we’re here to
Our junior netball, trap shooting, Boys’ U15 hockey, and road race teams had good success at their various South Island and national tournaments over the Term 2 holidays. The stand-out performers were trap shooters, Lucie Hood (Y13), Kurt Lily and Josh van Asch (both Y12), who all made the podium at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Clay Target Championships, and the Year 9 netball team, which finished second at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Netball Tournament.
South Island Secondary Schools’ Clay Target Championships
On a very wet and cold day in Invercargill on Saturday 28 June, St Andrew’s top 10 trap shooters took on over 130 shooters in the South Island Secondary Schools’ Clay Target Championships. All shooters competed well, with three team members making the podium. Lucie Hood was the top performer with two second and one third placing in the South Island. Those to achieve top five finishes were:
• Lucie Hood (Y13) and Kurt Lilly (Y12): third Open skeet team;
• Lucie Hood: second Girls’ skeet, second Girls’ point score, fifth Fish and Game Girls’ single rise;
• Josh van Asch (Y12): second Boys’ skeet;
• Harry Pitts (Y12): fourth Fish and Game Boys’ single rise.
South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Netball Tournament
Our Year 9 and Year 10 junior netball teams both put on a great display at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Netball Tournament in Christchurch from Monday 30 June to Thursday 3 July. Both teams were impressive in pool play, reaching the top four unbeaten. After winning their semi-final, the Year 9 team came up against a very good Columba College team in the final. They fought hard, but just couldn’t get there on the day, going down 23–29, and finishing a highly creditable second in the South Island. The Year 10 team came up against eventual winners, Columba College, in their semi-final, going down in another spirited match 25–41 to finish fourth overall in the South Island.
Tanner Cup U15 Boys Hockey Tournament
The Boys’ U15 hockey team headed to Hamilton for the annual Tanner Cup national tournament from Sunday 29 June to Wednesday 2 July, which featured 16 of the best hockey schools in New Zealand. In pool play, the team had two close losses against St Paul’s Collegiate School, 2–4, and Wellington College, 2–3. This put them into the bottom pool where they had three draws against Rotorua Boys’ High School, Hamilton Boys’ High School, and King’s College. Although they didn’t secure a victory, the boys fought hard in some very close matches, and finished 15th overall.
South Island Secondary Schools’ Road Race Championships
A small team of cyclists took part in the South Island Secondary Schools’ Road Race Championships at Ruapuna Motorsport Park. In the U15 Girls’ 3.5km individual time trial, Katalina Williams (Y9) was eighth, and Alice Glover (Y9) tenth. William Pringle (Y12) was fifth in the highly competitive U20 Boys’ 3.5km event. Over the longer distances, Katalina Williams took seventh place, and Alice Glover was 13th over 16km, with William Pringle sixth after a sprint finish in his 38.5km event.
The past few months has been a busy period for our alumni community.
On Wednesday 18 June, more than 60 Old Collegians gathered at the Northern Club in Auckland for an enjoyable evening of conversation and connection. Attendees spanned leavers from 1949 through to 2023, illustrating the strength of our network across the generations. My thanks go to Michael Wood (1966) for securing the venue, and to Alumni Manager, Lisa Clark, for her impeccable organisation of the event.
Back on campus, the annual 1st XV Rugby Reunion was held on Saturday 17 May. Former players and coaches from the 1955–2015 teams met in the Sports Pavilion before cheering the current 1st XV to a well-earned victory.
It has been a pleasure to welcome Rector Mark Wilson and his wife, Judi, to their first rounds of Old Collegian events. Mark’s genuine interest in our community is already evident, and we look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.
Looking ahead, there are several key dates for your diary – the Old Collegians Annual Dinner on Friday 8 August; the Gentlemen’s Luncheon on Friday, 10 October (incorporating the 65, 70, 75 and 80 Years On Reunions); and a debut event called Collegians and Cocktails on Saturday 8 November, at which we look forward to connecting with a younger cohort of Old Collegians.
These events are valuable opportunities to engage with the College, reconnect with old friends, and expand your network.
I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming months.
Sam Crosbie (2009) President Old Collegians Association
In March our Old Collegians team faced off against alumni from Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College, and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School for the Janet Storry Shield. This historic competition, which
began in April 1930, hadn’t been contested since 2016. Unfortunately driving rain interrupted the tournament, but the team (pictured above) is looking forward to next year’s event.
Over 100 golfers played in sweltering conditions in the 90th OCA Golf Tournament on Friday 4 April at Waitikiri Golf Club. Leo Carter (2012) won the Old Boys’ Golf Cup and will now play in the Strowan Rose Bowl in November. Thanks to Michael Simcock (2011) for his tremendous effort organising the event, Kevin Simcock and Michael Wells (1979) for meticulously marking all the cards, and to Mike 'Scrump' Johnston (1974) for arranging the raffle prizes. Thanks also to Rod Templeton (1972) and the Waitikiri Golf Club, event sponsors, and all the Old Collegians and friends of the College who supported this event.
Around 500 attendees gathered for the annual Anzac Day service, which as well as honouring the many Old Collegians who served during various theatres of war, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the original Memorial Chapel, built to honour past pupils and staff who died during World War II. Rector, Mark Wilson, also acknowledged Old Collegian Daryll Fell (1991), who served with both the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces. His ongoing research has identified 687 Old Collegians and 26 teachers and staff who answered the call of duty.
On Saturday 17 May, over 60 Old Collegians and their partners were welcomed back to the College for the annual 1st XV Rugby Reunion. There was a strong turnout of players and coaches from the 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 teams, who enjoyed a beautiful day at the Sports Pavilion. A special highlight was the presence of five Old Boys from the 1955 70 Years On team. Before the match, Max and Rex Moore (1965), Roger Fuller (1975) and Dale Inch (1985) presented jerseys to the current 1st XV players, and shared reflections on their time playing for the thistle.
On Friday 13 June, the College welcomed more than 80 Old Collegians and their partners from the class of 1995–1999 for their first reunion back at the College. Guests travelled from as far afield as Canada, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, to reconnect and celebrate this milestone. During a campus tour, many of the Old Collegians were impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities,
On Wednesday 18 June, more than 60 Old Collegians came together at the Northern Club in Auckland. The gathering spanned generations, from those who first walked the College’s corridors in 1949, to a recent graduate from 2023, creating a rich tapestry of shared history and connection. Sam Crosbie (2009), President of the Old Collegians Association, spoke about the College’s evolution over the years
particularly the Gough Family Theatre and the StACFit Fitness Centre. The evening’s cocktail event was made even more special by the presence of former and current staff members. Among the familiar faces were Barry Maister, who began his tenure as Rector in 1995, along with Laraine Sharr, Wayne Milligan, Dianne MacDonald, Mike Woodlock, Joe Leota, Hamish Faulls, Sarah Long and John Hamilton.
and the importance of our Old Collegians community. Rector, Mark Wilson, introduced himself to those gathered and shared his genuine excitement and passion for the future of the College.
30 Years On boarders, with former Director of Boarding, Dianne MacDonald.
Gentlemen’s Luncheon (incorporating 65, 70, 75 and 80 Years On)
Friday 10 October 2025
10 Years On: Class of 2011–2015 Friday 7 November 2025
OCA Cocktail Party –Collegians and Cocktails Saturday 8 November 2025
Dougall McLachlan (Pipe Major, 1972), Toby McLachlan (2007), Hamish McKerchar (2008) and Hamish McLachlan (2008) played with the Waimate Pipe Band at Anzac services in Waimate and Waihou Forks on Anzac Day. Their music was a heartfelt tribute to those remembered.
Congratulations to Ben Taylor (2017) and his rowing partner, Oliver Welch, for their incredible victory in the Men’s Pair at the 2025 World Rowing Cup, held in Italy. The duo triumphed over the reigning Croatian world champions to claim the gold medal, which was an outstanding achievement on the world stage. The pair then teamed up at the Rowing World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland, where they took a silver medal in the same event against a Romanian pair. In a nail-biting contest, the Kiwis were ahead at the 500m mark,
Foundation, based in New York. He leads the Foundation’s engagement on multilateralism, the SDGs, and emerging global challenges. A former New Zealand diplomat and UN adviser on climate and energy, George has held senior roles in government and international policy. He is a Fulbright Scholar and Harvard Kennedy School graduate with expertise in law, diplomacy, and international economic policy.
however, Romania drew ahead in the second half of the race. Earlier in the day, the Men’s Four, featuring Zack Rumble (2017) came within a couple of metres of qualifying for the A Final.
milestone for Oska as he became the first person to win every Christchurch Marathon event distance – the 10km, half marathon, and full marathon, not once, but twice.
At the 138th AGM of Rowing New Zealand, Peter Midgley (1973) received a Service Award for his decades of dedication to the sport. From launching the South Island Masters Regatta to leading at Cure Boating Club and South Island Rowing, Peter has been a driving force both on and off the water. His hands-on work, leadership, and tireless volunteer efforts have left a lasting mark on the rowing community.
Alistair Cameron (1987) is the Technical Director for Cirque du Soleil’s big top show, Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, which is currently touring Europe.
Andrew Brown (1995) is a world-renowned Olympic sailing coach with over 30 years’ experience coaching 420, 29er, 470, and 49er sailors at the highest levels, including World Championships and the Olympic Games. A 2004 Athens Olympian for New Zealand, Andrew is currently coaching in Turkey.
George Hampton (1999) is the Executive Director for Global Policy and Multilateral Initiatives at the United Nations
Chris Peat (2002) competed in the South Island Firefighter Challenge in March, completing the course in an impressive 1:52, earning him a spot in the elite ‘LION’S DEN’ for finishing in under two minutes. Chris is a career firefighter at Christchurch International Airport Fire and is a volunteer firefighter in Rolleston. He is now heading to Dallas, Texas to join some of the best in the world for the World Firefighter Challenge in October.
Brothers Nick Boon (2003) and Matt Boon (2005) took on the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland in May, to raise vital funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
James Kennedy (2006) was selected for the New Zealand Men’s 35s Hockey team competing in Cairns in a three-match Trans-Tasman series against Australia.
Oska Inkster-Baynes (2009) blitzed through the Christchurch Marathon Men’s race in April, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds. He was over five minutes ahead of the next runner. This race marked a special
Maris Scanlon (2012) earned her MB BCh (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from University College Dublin, Ireland. She is preparing to match with a hospital in the United States to begin her internship in Emergency Medicine.
Richie Mo’unga’s (2012) rugby team, Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, made history by becoming the first side to win two titles in Japan’s Rugby League One. This victory adds to Richie’s impressive collection of NPC and Super Rugby titles since 2015.
William Ernest (Buffham) (2014) and Hana Pearce (2019) will both be part of the Court Theatre’s summer musical, 9 to 5, opening in November. William is joining the team as Assistant Musical Director, while Hana will serve as Associate Choreographer.
Black Stick, Sam Lane (2015,) went to Malaysia in June for the Vantage Black Sticks’ Nations Cup campaign.
George Boanas (2016) is taking on an incredible challenge, running over 2400km from Cape Sata to Cape Soya in Japan. With limited running experience but a powerful sense of purpose, George is doing this to raise awareness and support for Medical Aid for Palestinians, helping provide healthcare to those living under occupation or as refugees.
Britney-Lee Nicholson (2017) was selected for the New Zealand Futsal Ferns tour of China, building up to the 2025 FIFA Futsal World Cup in the Philippines later in the year. At the time, Britney-Lee was the current top goal scorer for the New Zealand Futsal Ferns.
Louis Newman (2018) won the Comunn na Piobaireachd 67th Gold Medal at the Hawke’s Bay Easter Highland Gathering.
Kayaker, Olivia Brett (2019) was named as a finalist in the Sportsperson of the Year – High-Performance Category for the Canterbury Sports Awards, for her gold medal performance at the Paris Olympics last year.
Rhys Mariu (2019) debuted for the Black Caps ODI squad, alongside recalled Henry Nicholls (2009) against Pakistan in a three-match series in April.
Joel Lam (2020) has been selected for the Manu Samoa squad for the 2025 international season. Joel is part of the team which faced Scotland at Eden Park and will play in the Pacific Nations Cup in August and September.
Rachel Holyoake
Justice (2024) performed and competed with the six-time World Champion
Simon Fraser University Pipe Band in Canada. They are heading over to Scotland in August to compete in the Grade 1 World Championships.
Four Old Collegians have been selected for the Vantage Black Sticks Junior Men’s and Women’s squads which will represent New Zealand at the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups later this year. The final teams will be named in October. Jakarta Klebert, Hugh Nixon and Harry Withers are heading to India in November, and Penelope Taulafo Chile in December.
Ben Ashman (2024) was selected for a New Zealand Juniors rowing trial.
Coby Goode (2024) clinched the National Rowing Championship Men’s Club Double title at the Rowing New Zealand Coastal Beach Sprints at Orewa Beach in April. Representing Avon Club, Coby teamed up with Jamieson McConnochie from Waikato Club to secure this impressive victory.
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Alex Shepherd (2024) was cast in the University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society’ production, Mise-en-Scène, in May.
Siara Clarke (2024) achieved a third national ranking and won two individual New Zealand Championship titles at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships in July.
Edward Perry 1945
Derek Petrie 1950
James (Dermot) Frengley 1953
Graham Riley 1953
Brian Winskill 1953
Jim Childerstone 1953
Edmund Freeman 1955
John (Roger) Lawson 1955
Robert (Bob) Petrie 1955
Kenneth Frew 1956
Thomas (David) Hempstalk 1956
John Birks 1959
Desmond Calder 1959
David Lyttle 1964
Graeme Beveridge 1965
Martin Strachan 1969
Linton Gardiner 1970
James (Jamie) McKenzie 1974
Graeme Cook 1978
Son of Caitlyn Wildey (née Scott, 2009), born 10 February 2025. Photo with big brother Braxton.
Genevieve Grace Simcock
Daughter of Michael Simcock (2011), born 11 March 2025.
Daughter of Harry Railton (2010), born in March 2025.
Harvey Leslie Hallberg
Son of Courtney Williamson (2010), born 6 May 2025.
William Gordon Broughton
Son of Tom Broughton (2002), born 24 April 2025.
Son of Willie Todd (2005), born 12 June 2025.
Have you had a baby recently? We’d love to hear about this new addition to your family. Send us a photo of your baby and your contact details and we will send you a complimentary St Andrew’s College Bonny Bear. This cute teddy bear is a part of our St Andrew’s College merchandising range and is especially for our St Andrew’s community members. For more information visit our website stac.school.nz.
Email your photo and contact details to Lisa Clark at oldcols@stac.school.nz
