Regulus Issue 1 | 2023

Editor/Writer: Jo Bailey

Photography:

Sue Oxley

Anna Turner

Sam Johnson

Craig Morgan

Sarah McCook-Weir

Cam Swainson-Whaanga

Armitage Williams

Jo Bailey

Picture Show Ltd

Elizabeth Inglis Photography

Printing: Caxton

Published: May 2023

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

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

(Cover) Year 13 students Lucas Te Rangi

and Laai Tausa (right) performing at Canterbury Polyfest.

Photo credit: Cam Swainson-Whaanga

From Rector

more than $605 million annually to the New Zealand economy. There is no doubt that independent schools are facing a challenging time as increasing tuition fees are likely at the same time that inflation has risen to its highest rate in 32 years. With the average household experiencing a 7.7 per cent increase in the cost of living in September 2022, there are challenges to balancing the rising costs of providing the holistic education while maintaining affordable tuition fees.

motorbike up many country roads, attended Presbyterian community meetings, and knocked on doors to canvas numerous households to assist St Andrew’s College’s purchase of Strowan House and land. His personable character and determination led directly to the generous bequest by Mr Duncan Rutherford, which secured the sizeable property which has allowed the College to grow and prosper over the years.

We have begun 2023 with a strong sense of optimism, with our campus abuzz as students engage with their learning and take part in a full range of co-curricular programmes.

Five years ago, I canvassed our community as the Board embarked on a strategic planning exercise to guide our decision making in the following years. This work has resulted in a strengthening of our holistic offering to our students, staying true to our commitment of ‘Together, building better people, for life’. These years, despite the obvious challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, have resulted in some quite remarkable successes in academic, sporting, cultural, and service activities. Just as importantly we are seeing our young people gain confidence as they appreciate their personal character strengths, develop compassion for those who are suffering or in need, and value the strength of inclusion, belonging, and community.

Recently ISNZ (Independent Schools of New Zealand) commissioned a report based upon data gathered from 64 independent schools. These schools represent 96 per cent of ISNZ members and 29,331 students. It is clear that independent schools in New Zealand are in high demand and offer a quality educational experience which is highly valued by parents. Not only do ISNZ member schools gain an average of 20 per cent higher achievement in NCEA, but we also engage strongly in Community Service programmes, fundraise for charities, and contribute

Independent schools have for many years campaigned for greater contribution from the government. The contribution per student at St Andrew’s was $1467 for 2022. This contribution has continued to decrease over the last 14 years as the total contribution to independent schools has been capped since 2009. This challenge in independent school funding is not a new phenomenon at St Andrew’s. One need only reflect on our humble beginnings 106 years ago to realise that the determined efforts of our founder, Rev. A T Thompson, supported by a few prominent business people, faced similar challenges in equally constrained economic times.

At our recent 106th Founders’ Day on 17 March, and through a chapel presentation from Museum Curator and Archivist, Pip Dinsenbacher, we learnt of the remarkable courage and grit of Rev. Thompson as he travelled about Christchurch and environs, determined to raise funds to secure a property upon which to allow St Andrew’s College to become properly established.

Rev. Thompson believed in the value of establishing an independent school founded firmly in the tradition of Presbyterianism and the Scottish model of education. He himself had overcome financial hardship to achieve his personal academic goals by attending night classes and winning several academic scholarships, including one which made him the first New Zealander to attend Yale University. He rode his

There is no doubt that St Andrew’s College has changed remarkably since those humble beginnings when the College moved to Strowan on Papanui Road in 1918. But the world of good teachers, engaging learning, Pipe Bands, outdoor education, personal challenge, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards, sporting and cultural experiences, and the making of great friendships, are as important as ever.

The recent achievements celebrated in this issue of Regulus include the outstanding academic results in NCEA and Scholarship, the performance of the Māori/Pasifika Group in Polyfest, Summer Tournament Week and Maadi Cup results, and success of the Pipe Band.

As 85 Old Collegians gathered together on Founders’ Day weekend for their 60 Years On reunion (Form 3 in 1962 and 1963) they marvelled at how far the College had come. It is thanks to the collective efforts of so many: the guidance and expertise of our teachers, coaches, and tutors; commitment energy and passion of students; support of Old Collegians; and the sacrifice and support of parents, that such progress has been made over the years.

Our College whakataukī ‘He Waka eke noa’ – we are all in this waka together, really says it all.

I was delighted to catch up with Old Collegians, sisters, and former Head Girls, Lizzie Stevenson (OC 2017) and Dr Annie Stevenson (OC

who have both gone into, or are studying in, the medical field.

Before they performed at Canterbury Polyfest, the St

group held a wonderful Fiafia Night at the College, where they performed their

From Board the

We have some changes to Board membership this year. At the end of 2022, we bid a fond farewell to Rob Hall and Malcolm Johns as outgoing Board members. Rob joined the Board in 2014 and sat on the Remuneration and Nominations Committee. Malcolm served on the Board and Capital Works Committee for six years. Both Rob and Malcolm could always be relied upon for considered wise counsel. They contributed greatly to the governance of the school during their respective tenures.

As I write this, I’m also packing my bags for the upcoming weekend as I head to Wānaka to take part in the Motatapu Mountain Bike Race. With so many things cancelled over the past three years I’ve jumped on board with a few events lately, feeling I should make the most of being able to do these things.

I am sure I am not alone in this. It has been refreshing and energising starting a year with no restrictions in place. We’ve seen great participation, support, and involvement in school events at the start of this year, possibly in an effort to make up for the two years without.

The Academic Assembly was one such event. The Centennial Chapel was bursting with whānau and friends who came to celebrate the students’ academic successes of 2022. The award recipients contributed to a record level of achievement in NCEA and Scholarship examinations. The College is extremely proud of their achievements. The Board recognises and appreciates the teachers and support staff who have supported these achievements through their dedication to teaching, encouraging and inspiring students to attain their best.

We had a good response for the two vacated Parent Nominee positions on the Board and thank all those who expressed an interest. The Board was seeking to appoint members with senior executive or strong governance experience together with a background in development, construction, and health and safety. We appointed Alan Merry and Peter Armstrong to fill these positions and warmly welcome them to the Board.

Alan is the Chief Executive at Engenium Consulting Engineers. He has a background in civil and fire engineering and extensive experience in the construction industry. Alan also sits on the Board of Sport Canterbury and has a daughter, Harriet, in Year 4.

Peter is CEO of Westpower. He brings experience in business, strategy, growth, building teams, and asset management. He has Advisory Board roles at the University of Canterbury in the engineering field. Peter has two children at St Andrew’s, Jessica in Year 8 and Jonathan in Year 7.

Jamie Lee Tuuta, who has been a Board Intern for the past 18 months, was appointed as a full Board member at the beginning of this year. We will continue to value Jamie Lee’s ongoing contribution.

The Board started the year with an afternoon at Castle Hill Lodge, hosted by Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre Operations Manager, Jo Parsons, and the team of instructors (Emma, Bailey, Jason and Sienna). It was a great opportunity to see this wonderful outdoor education space in action and it truly is a unique learning facility for our students. We had a tour of the lodge and outbuildings before a walk along the river. Not quite as adventurous as the rafting or caving that the students do (we’ll do better next time, I promise). The experience did, however, give us a chance to chat with the instructors, gain oversight on health and safety, and learn more about the new programmes implemented last year. 2022 was the first full year of the new programme and team. A total of 652 students over four year groups (Years 7–10) attended camps and Duke of Edinburgh Hillary’s Award activities. Jo and the team are so passionate about the outdoors and how they can play a role in developing physical, social, character, and leadership attributes in students over consecutive years. They have oodles of energy, warmth, skill, and very evident capability. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon with them.

So, with all this in mind, I would invite you all to seize the opportunities that this year will bring and build on the strong start that the College has had.

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart.

for New direction Mikae Tuu’u

As a passionate educator, and Head of Middle School for the last five years, Mikae Tuu’u (OC 2003) has inspired hundreds of students since he joined the College in 2015.

On Friday 31 March, Mikae left to inspire another group of young people, taking up a new position at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu as Kaiārahi Toiora. His role will involve leading the South Island team as part of a nationwide initiative to re-engage disengaged students.

St Andrew’s is in Mikae’s blood. He is a former scholarship student, proud Old Collegian, and staff member. Although excited by the challenges of his new role, Mikae says there is an element of sadness at leaving St Andrew’s. “There are so many things I will miss, from the students and people I’ve formed relationships with, to the experiences I’ve had. Overall, I feel extremely grateful for everything the College has done for me, both professionally as a staff member, and personally as a student.”

Mikae has made a positive impact on the Middle School, implementing programmes and systems to enrich the student experience. As someone who fully embraced the sporting and cultural opportunities on offer during his time as a student, Mikae has enjoyed supporting students in their various co-curricular pursuits. He has also played a key role in the volleyball programme and enjoyed coaching the 1st XV for three years. “Winning the title in 2020 was a massive highlight.”

At his official farewell on Founders’ Day, Rector, Christine Leighton, said Mikae also taught the Te Waka programme and introduced what is now known as the Athlete Development programme to the College curriculum. “It is in his leadership role as Head of Middle School that Mikae leaves a significant mark on hundreds of students.

With the ability to engage with students, reason with parents, and manage and inspire staff, Mikae has juggled the many roles required of his position. He has been an advocate for students, responsible for their pastoral care, at the same time passionate about making St Andrew’s College a positive learning environment for all. He has spent countless hours getting to know students as individuals, recognising the talents and passions of all.”

Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, says Mikae earned enormous respect from staff, students, and parents through his passion and enthusiasm and never giving up on any student who needed some extra help.

Mikae gave the Old Collegians’ Address at the Founders’ Day Assembly, leaving students with one final inspirational message, based on the words of Maya Angelou, “I've learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

He encouraged students to think about how they would like to be remembered, and what St Andrew’s meant to them. “This is an incredible place, built on the foundations of those who have gone before. I hope you do your best to add to the legacy that is ‘StAC’. Make the most of what happens here. Get involved, meet others, and embrace St Andrew’s, which is a place to shine in whatever area you wish. St Andrew’s College has played a huge part in my life. I hope that when you look back on your time here, you can say the same thing.”

The ‘enormously positive impact’ Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, has on staff and students at St Andrew’s made him a worthy recipient of the 2022 Marily Scanlon Award for Teacher Excellence, says Rector, Christine Leighton. “Not only does Laurence have an outstanding record of student achievement in his NCEA Drama classes, with his students gaining outstanding levels of Excellence endorsements, he has delivered nine Senior Productions which have become widely renowned for their entertainment value, skilled performances, and magical story telling.”

The Marily Scanlon Award for Teacher Excellence is generously supported by previous Board Member, Jay Scanlon, in honour of his late wife, Marily. Laurence says he was ‘surprised and shocked’ to be presented with the award at the end-of-year Prizegiving and was still considering how to spend the $5000 prize.

When he reflects on his eight years at St Andrew’s, Laurence says he is most proud of the productions, and while every show is special, his personal highlight is Parade, from 2019. “I have loved the story and music for so long, so to put on the New Zealand premiere of Parade was a dream come true. The show has confronting themes of racial prejudice and oppressed minorities, which took on a whole new significance given we performed it soon after the mosque attacks. It was a case of art imitating life, and the students showed incredible maturity and sensitivity to pull it off.”

When it comes to teaching, Laurence says he simply ‘loves this job’ and appreciates the leeway, autonomy, and trust that is placed in him at St Andrew’s. “I am not a touchy-feely, stereotypical Drama teacher. We are here to create work, performance, and theatre, and I believe any student can do it.

Laurence Wiseman wins

Marily Scanlon Award

A lot of my approach is giving students the opportunity to play, explore, wonder, and ask questions like “what if?”

I play devil’s advocate a lot and am not very conservative and traditional but it seems to work so far.”

Laurence says he is proud to work with a team of ‘amazing artists’, Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, and Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, who every year support him in bringing his vision for the productions to life. “I’m proud of the culture we have between us and the positive working relationships we’ve discovered. The quality of the productions created are a testament to these relationships, which underpin every show.”

Myriad of developmentprofessional

With the role of teachers becoming increasingly more challenging in today’s fast-paced world, a multi- layered professional development programme is critical to ensure they are well-equipped to deal with the complexities of modern teaching, says Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote. “We have over 100 teachers in the Secondary School, who are hungry for knowledge and keen to engage in their professional learning. We offer an incredibly varied professional development programme, with multiple layers in many different areas. A lot of thought goes into providing professional development which balances people’s needs, while ensuring that we are all on the same page in our approach to teaching and learning.”

Helaina says there is substantial ongoing staff professional development to prepare for the significant changes taking place at a national level to NCEA and the Curriculum. “Individual departments also have space to consider their programmes across the Secondary School as they prepare for the Curriculum refresh.”

Developing staff understanding of Mātauranga Māori, Te Reo, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, as well as New Zealand’s history under the new Aotearoa/New Zealand Histories Curriculum, is another focus.

Staff leadership training, GROWTH coaching, and professional development relating to teachers’ specific curriculum areas are also important parts of the programme, says Helaina. “Our teachers are engaged with and supported by a range of professional learning linked to their curriculum areas. They self- organise a lot of the time, applying to the College to attend a conference or workshop relating to the subject area they are interested in. Teachers can also engage with each other on a Microsoft Teams page dedicated to professional development, and can access fantastic online platforms and webinars, including free lectures from the University of Canterbury.”

Many staff contribute voluntarily to the wider educational community as leaders or members of various professional associations, relating to their departments, she says.

The importance of staff well-being when working in such a highly demanding role is also a priority, with the College’s overarching well-being philosophy providing teachers with important strategies and tools. Staff working in key areas regularly undertake development in areas like pastoral care, and health and safety, with all staff currently involved in a cybersafety programme.

Helaina says St Andrew’s doesn’t rush to ‘jump on the bandwagon’ when it comes to selecting its professional development programmes. “We are an evidence-based school, and ensure the platforms we choose deliver good practice and provide the right learning for our teachers.”

The additional pressures created by COVID-19 over the last three years, have added to the task of undertaking professional learning, however the teachers have more than met the challenge, says Helaina. “It is heartening to know teachers at St Andrew’s College continue to be committed to learning as a professional, in spite of significant disruptions and pressures they have faced in recent years.”

Introducing our 2023 student leaders

Another wonderful group of students have been appointed to a wide range of leadership roles for 2023, with over 200 positions filled by Year 12 and 13 students. Leadership is both an opportunity and responsibility which our students take seriously and are well supported in. The 2023 prefect team, under the leadership of Head Prefects, Lily Champion-Smith and Torin Ward, have introduced a theme called ‘Blue and White, Do it Right’, as their guiding principle for the year.

Lily Champion-Smith Head Prefect

Lily Champion-Smith was honoured and excited to be named Head Prefect for 2023. As an approachable, energetic young role model, Lily enjoys meeting other students, and strives to promote a sense of inclusivity at the College. Her main goal is to embed the 2023 theme, ‘Blue and White, Do it Right’, encouraging students to embrace the school spirit and culture, get involved, and have fun at the same time. Lily is a talented sportswoman, representing St Andrew’s in Senior A netball, Senior A volleyball, and Sevens rugby, and is a Canterbury and South Island Māori netball representative. She gained an NCEA Level 2 Excellence endorsement, is an accomplished public speaker, and is a member of the Māori and Pasifika Group. Lily is considering studying Psychology or Law after leaving St Andrew’s, and hopes to leave a lasting impact on the College’s spirit and culture.

Torin Ward Head Prefect

Torin Ward says he is blessed and grateful to be the 2023 Head Prefect and is doing his best to lead by example, forge his own path in the role, and make a positive impact. Promoting a great culture where students are kind to each other, and work together across different age groups and experiences, is one of his priorities. Torin is an accomplished academic and talented sportsman, having achieved an Excellence endorsement in NCEA Level 1 and Level 2, and played in the Senior A basketball team for three years. After leaving St Andrew’s, Torin hopes to gain a scholarship to an American university to play basketball and study, with a goal of playing professional basketball. He would like to be known as a kind and caring leader, who stands up for what he believes in, and has a positive impact on others.

Poppy Rumble

Deputy Head Prefect

After being heavily influenced by the 2017 Heads of College, Lizzie Stevenson and Angus Syme, when she was in Year 7, Poppy Rumble says it is a privilege to have the opportunity to be a voice for the younger generation as the 2023 Deputy Head Prefect. Poppy wants all students to feel included, and as an approachable, friendly leader, strives to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. She is looking forward to making an impact through the prefects’ initiatives, especially when it comes to school spirit. Poppy is a highly skilled all-rounder, achieving NCEA Level 1 and 2 with Excellence, participating in Ballet since Year 6, all College productions, StAC Dance, Speech and Drama, netball, and representing Canterbury in rhythmic gymnastics. She hopes to study Architecture in Wellington or Auckland after leaving St Andrew’s, and continue her love for the arts.

Lachlan Odlin

Deputy Head Prefect

Deputy Head Prefect, Lachlan Odlin, is honoured to have been selected for the role, and excited to have the opportunity to give back to students and the wider StAC community. He is an honest, outgoing, and focused leader, who values the traditions and culture of St Andrew’s. His main goal, following three years of COVID-19 disruptions, is to help foster a re-embracing of the usual traditions and events that made his early years at St Andrew’s so memorable. A gifted academic, Lachlan has already achieved NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 with Excellence, and won New Zealand Scholarships in Year 11 and Year 12. He was a Canterbury Junior Debating Champion and a gold medal winner at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships. Lachlan plans to study Law and a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury after leaving St Andrew’s.

Freddy Todhunter

Head of Girls’ Boarding

Freddy Todhunter is excited and privileged to be named as Head of Girls’ Boarding, a role she has looked up to during her time in boarding. She describes herself as a servant leader, giving her all at events, and building positive relationships with her peers. Her main aim for 2023 is to build an inclusive, positive environment for all boarders, along with a strong House spirit. Freddy has achieved NCEA Level 1 and 2 with Excellence and is one of St Andrew’s most talented rowers. At the 2023 Aon Maadi Cup, Freddy won gold in the Girls’ U18 single sculls, following the gold and silver medals she won last year, along with a bronze medal at the Club Nationals. Freddy is considering a year off to focus on rowing in 2024 and may study AgriScience or Environmental Science at a New Zealand or overseas university in the future.

George

MacLeod

Head of Boys’ Boarding

George MacLeod is honoured to be the Head of Boys’ Boarding for 2023, and says it is a good opportunity for him to grow his leadership skills and be put into situations that will also grow him as an individual. His leadership style is to be himself, be a good person, and get everyone involved. George’s main goals for the year are to build a great spirit in boarding and strong connections with boarders, to ensure they all feel included and develop a sense of belonging. He wants to leave a strong legacy in the role, not just for the next Heads of Boarding, but to be a role model for anyone going through the boarding houses. George has been part of the A Pipe Band, 1st XV and 2nd XV rugby at St Andrew’s. He is looking forward to studying AgriScience at university once he leaves the College.

Prefect Team 2023

Jackson Blake

Max Blockley

Jedd Bright

Lily Champion-Smith

Georgia Eagle

Mia Fraser

Jacob Giles

Connor Higgs

Emily Keith

Gabriella Kenton-Smith

Morgan Lee

Marco Leighs

Kavanah Lene

Gemma Lewis

Annika MacDonald

George MacLeod

Juliet Noordanus

Lachie Odlin

Poppy Rumble

William Russell

Fergus Sidey

Sienna Stowers-Smith

Middle School Leaders 2023

Joshua Adams

Cameron Aldridge

Ruby Allan

James Anthony

Olivia Bloom

Toby Browne

Isabella Cody

Noah Cole

Madeline Davidson

Amber de Wit

Jake Elvidge

Noah Fanene

Rory Forsythe

Ava Gardiner

Lachlan Grant

Hazel Hall

Sarah Heffernan

Ethan Higgs

Jasmine Hooker

Ricky Kotepong

Jonty Lang

Anton Lilley

Rylee McBride

Lily McHarg

Ruby McPhail

Mia Montgomery

Preparatory School Prefects 2023

Adam Bluck

Becky Buist

Maja Clark

Alexa Collis

Lila Cook

Eva Crawford

Alyssa Geddes

Oli Gilbert

Charlie Gregg

Thomas Howard

Anna Lewis

Danica Minson

Penelope Taulafo

Laai Tausa

Cylas Tauti

Lucas Te Rangi

Freddy Todhunter

Oskar Trafford

Louis Van der Bent

Mia Walker

Torin Ward

Lauren Whittaker

Luke Wylie

Hannah Morris

Nikao Panapa

Samuel Richardson

Jonathan Rogers

Elia Short

Katherine Simcock

Milla Smith

Caitlin Stowell

Sophia Voice

Madison Wallace

Gemma Wong

Katie Morris

Lucy Pugh

Estelle Russell

Sophie Schouten

Hayley Stowell

Languages open a world of

opportunity

The benefits of learning a second language go way beyond opportunities for career advancement, says former Head of Modern Languages, Virginia Simcock, who has taught Japanese at St Andrew’s for over 30 years. “There are numerous cognitive benefits, with significant research showing that Languages students have improved listening, memory, and problem-solving skills, and often do better across all their other subjects, particularly if they are in at least their third year of learning a language.”

It can also give them greater confidence when travelling the world, and provides them with an insight into new cultures and the ways other people live, says Virginia.

St Andrew’s offers Japanese and French as a Year 9 option, with Spanish added as a Year 10 option. All three languages are available at NCEA Levels 1–3. Joining Virginia in the Language Department are Spanish teacher, Alexis Evlampieff, French teachers, Bronwyn Radcliffe and Angela Marshall, and French assistant, Aurelie Coquard.

Teacher in Charge of Te Reo Māori, Pete Westrupp, is also part of the Languages Department, although being a national language, the Te Reo programme is run independently of the three international languages. “We support Pete in the pursuit of teaching a second language as there is a lot of crossover, particularly around the cultural aspects.”

With its strong focus on grammar, the Languages Department also provides positive reinforcement to the English Department programmes, says Virginia.

Prior to COVID-19, Languages students looked forward to international trips to Japan, France, and Spain, which were rotated on a yearly basis. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to give students these experiences over the last three years, as being fully immersed in the language and culture has such positive benefits. We’ve heard from a number of former students who have gone back to the countries they visited while at St Andrew’s, as their Languages trip had such an impact on them.”

Virginia was Head of Modern Languages at St Andrew’s for over 20 years, and decided to step back from the role about three years ago. Her interest in languages began at primary school where she learnt French in Form 1 (now Year 7). Her mother enrolled her in Japanese when she started at St Margaret’s College, and after becoming ‘hooked’ in what was a relatively unheard of subject at the time, she later studied both languages at university, before becoming a teacher.

Career options for Languages

students are endless, particularly if they are keen to work overseas or with companies or trade organisations doing business in countries using the language they are fluent in. There are also a myriad of opportunities in Foreign Affairs and various other government organisations.

However, the real beauty of learning an international language can be simply using it to communicate, says Virginia. “Trying to express yourself clearly in a foreign language can make you feel uncomfortable and push your personal boundaries, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Learning a language is a bit like learning a musical instrument or a new sport. It takes practise and hard work, but the benefits are well worth it.”

Speaking their language

Sam Stapley (OC 2010)

A push from his father to learn another language prompted Sam Stapley (OC 2010) to study Japanese, a decision which has had a profound impact on all areas of his life. Sam says his teacher, Virginia Simcock, was passionate and encouraging to everyone learning the language, with a class trip to Japan and a three-month exchange to Japan, among the most memorable parts of his studies.

After leaving St Andrew’s, Sam studied Japanese alongside a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the University of Canterbury, before taking up a scholarship to study at Waseda University in Tokyo. “After completing my studies in 2015, I founded a hotel and short-term accommodation management company in Tokyo, growing a portfolio of 1000 rooms under management nationwide across Japan. I used Japanese on a daily basis as I had predominantly Japanese staff.”

After selling the company at the end of 2019, Sam moved back to New Zealand with his Japanese wife, Niina, and co-founded Mayfair Luxury Hotels, in Christchurch. The Stapley’s son, Louis, attends the St Andrew’s Pre-school, and the family use Japanese every day at home. “If I had not studied Japanese, I would not have had these opportunities or gone down my current career path. I would strongly encourage students to try a second language, as it can open up more doors.”

Hana Pearce (OC 2019)

Hana Pearce has a lifelong love of the Spanish language, which she started learning at the age of just three. “I’ve always been fascinated by languages, and Spanish especially,” she says.

During her studies at St Andrew’s, Hana enjoyed learning from Spanish teacher, Alexis Evlampieff, who prepared her well for future study at the University of Canterbury. “Thanks to the support of Mr Evlampieff and what I learnt at St Andrew’s, I entered straight into second year Spanish at University, and was able to continue building my Spanish knowledge.”

While at university, Hana taught Spanish as a second language at the Selwyn House School Pre-school, which she says was a total joy. “I love sharing the possibilities that a new language can provide and a passion for learning new languages and experiencing new perspectives on the world.” After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Spanish and Linguistics, Hana received a scholarship to study in Spain at the University of La Rioja, which has programmes for foreign students to learn Spanish language and culture. “I’m really enjoying living and studying here, as it has been a dream of mine for a long time. When I get back to New Zealand in June, I plan to begin a Masters course in Applied Translation and Interpreting for Spanish or in Linguistics.”

These former Languages students are forging exciting study and career paths in the field.

Mitchell Radcliffe (OC 2018)

Mitchell Radcliffe says gaining an appreciation for another culture and being able to communicate with people from around the world was his reason for learning French at St Andrew’s. “Learning a language is also a way to distinguish yourself from others.”

The language was already familiar to Mitchell, as his mother, Bronwyn, is a French teacher at the College. “I had the pleasure of having my Mum teach me for three years, which was really fun.”

Living with a French speaking family during an exchange to Switzerland, where he did lots of skiing in the Swiss Alps, was a highlight of Mitchell’s studies. After leaving the College, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, and currently works for Beca in their Auckland office.

He says learning French may open up opportunities to work for companies and clients in French speaking regions such as those in the Pacific, and he is already using French in his current role. “Beca has an office in New Caledonia and does a lot of work in this region. Having an understanding of the language helps me to communicate with French speaking engineers and clients. Some documentation I have to read is in French, so having some kind of French speaking background helps my ability to understand.”

Another year of impressive NCEA achievement

St Andrew’s College students once again achieved impressive success in NCEA, with a total of 274 Excellence endorsements across all three year levels (98 at Level 1, 99 at Level 2, and 77 at Level 3), and 100 per cent of students gaining NCEA at Level 2. This was the College’s second-best result ever and was incredibly pleasing given the disruptions caused by COVID-19 over the last three years. Congratulations to all students who gained overall Excellence endorsements, along with the many students who gained subject endorsements.

Record-breaking New Zealand Scholarship Awards

St Andrew’s College achieved record-breaking success in the 2022 NZQA Scholarship examinations, with 33 students (including five in Year 12 and two in Year 11) achieving 77 Scholarships (12 at Outstanding level) between them, easily breaking the previous record of 62. Standout achievers were Corin Simcock, Luke Zhu, Tom Edwards and Toby Harvie (all Year 13 – read their story on page 13), Ethan Adams, Grace Lawrence, Thomas Rae, Harry Withers and Cindy Xiong (all Year 13 who achieved Outstanding Scholarships), and Gemma Lewis, Annika MacDonald, Lachlan Odlin, Daniel Robertson, William Russell (all Year 12) Christine Jeon and Megan Simpson (both Year 11) who also achieved Scholarships. These results reflect the exceptional commitment and talent of our students and the quality of guidance, encouragement, and support given by their teachers throughout the year.

• Ethan Adams (Year 13) – Technology (Outstanding);

• Sarah Anthony (Year 13) – Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, Calculus, Religious Studies;

• Finn Bradshaw (Year 13) – Biology;

• Chang Chang (Year 13) – Calculus;

• Tom Edwards (Year 13) – Technology (Outstanding – Top Scholar in New Zealand), Statistics (Outstanding), Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Geography, Classical Studies;

• Jonty Foote (Year 13) – Biology;

• Eloise Fraser (Year 13) – Agriculture and Horticulture;

• Toby Harvie (Year 13) – Calculus (Outstanding), English, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Geography, Technology;

• Rachel Holyoake (Year 13) – English;

• Harrison Hooker (Year 13) –Geography;

• Jacob Horrey (Year 13) – Design and Visual Communication;

• Christine Jeon (Year 11) – Music;

• Thomas Kamo (Year 13) – English, Classical Studies;

• Charles Keith (Year 13) – Technology;

• Jakarta Klebert (Year 13) – Health and Physical Education;

• Grace Lawrence (Year 13) – Drama (Outstanding), English, Geography;

• Gemma Lewis (Year 12) – Chemistry, Statistics;

• Callum Lockhart (Year 13) – Physics, Statistics, Geography, Technology;

• Annika MacDonald (Year 12) –Chemistry, Physics, Statistics;

• Moana MacDonald (Year 13) – Design;

• Benjamin McKeown (Year 13) –Technology;

• Lachlan Odlin (Year 12) – Chemistry, History, Health and Physical Education;

• Thomas Rae (Year 13) – Photography (Outstanding);

• Daniel Robertson (Year 12) – Physics;

• William Russell (Year 12) –Geography;

• Anja Sander (Year 13) – Biology;

Board Scholarship Awards

99.1% gained NCEA at Level 1

100% gained NCEA at Level 2

97.6% gained NCEA at Level 3

87.7% gained University Entrance

• Corin Simcock (Year 13) –Chemistry (Outstanding), Calculus (Outstanding), Technology (Outstanding), Biology, Physics, Statistics, Geography;

• Megan Simpson (Year 11) – Health and Physical Education;

• Ashton Threadwell (Year 13) –Technology;

• Henry Twiss (Year 13) – English, Media Studies;

• Harry Withers (Year 13) – Drama (Outstanding), English, Health and Physical Education;

• Cindy Xiong (Year 13) – English (Outstanding), History;

• Luke Zhu (Year 13) – Biology (Outstanding), English, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture and Horticulture, Statistics, Calculus, Geography.

The following group of student leavers from 2022 were presented with Board of Governors Scholarships after gaining NCEA Level 3 Excellence endorsements.

Ethan Adams, Skye Atkins, Finn Bradshaw-Waugh, Charlotte Brown, Rebecca Brown, Matthew Butler, Matthew Cartwright, Georgia Chadderton, Chang (Jerry) Chang, Melissa Christie, Blake Cullen, Angelique Doig, Jonty Foote, Benjamin Forgie, Eloise Fraser, Rico Gamble, Selena Gan, Gavin Gao, Bella Gibbons, Terry He, Pippa Henderson, Stevi Hokianga, Rachel Holyoake, Harrison Hooker, Jacob Horrey, Eva Hyde, Thomas Kamo, Charles Keith, Sarah Kennelly, Samuel Kinney, Jakarta Klebert, Harry Lieshout, Callum Lockhart, Moana MacDonald, Brooke Manion, Bianca Marshall, Tegan Mathewson, Jasmine McAllister, Mei-Lin McClelland, Neisha McKenzie, Benjamin McKeown, Sophie McNee, Elliot Menzies, Seth Moore, Mya Moore, Hugh Nixon, Harry O’Brien, Lucy Ojala, William Reynolds, Grace Richan, Anika Robinson, Charlotte Roche, Patrick Ryan, Anja Sander, Alys Scott, Eloise Sluis, Riley Smith, Jack Stokes, Lynonahdolphin Tausa, Isabella Tuaine, Charli Watts, Estee Wilke, Harry Withers, Cindy Xiong, Zhan Ying, Wenjin (Katie) Zhang

Top academics scholarship exams in excel

It was an astounding result for 33 St Andrew’s College students to achieve 76 New Zealand Scholarships between them in the 2022 examinations. Leading the charge were four of the College’s most exceptional academics, Corin Simcock, Luke Zhu, Tom Edwards, and Toby Harvie (all Year 13 in 2022), who between them, achieved an incredible 29 Scholarships.

The highlight was Corin Simcock being named as one of the top 11 students in New Zealand, after winning a Premier Award in the examinations. Corin was one of only two South Island students to achieve this honour, after gaining an impressive seven New Zealand Scholarships overall, with three at Outstanding level in Digital Technology, Chemistry, and Calculus. He also gained four New Zealand Scholarships

as a Year 12 student, in 2021. As a Premier Award winner, Corin will receive a $10,000 scholarship, each year for three years, during his tertiary studies.

This wasn’t the only success for St Andrew’s at the highest level. Tom Edwards won a Top Subject Scholar Award for receiving the top mark in New Zealand in Digital Technology. He gained seven Scholarships overall, with two at Outstanding level.

Tom, and two other former Year 13 students, Luke Zhu (eight Scholarships, one Outstanding) and Toby Harvie (seven Scholarships, one Outstanding), also gained Outstanding Scholar Awards, which placed them amongst the top 62 students in New Zealand.

The academic talents of the four boys were already well-recognised at St Andrew’s. For the first time in College history, three of them, Corin Simcock, Luke Zhu and Toby Harvie, were jointly awarded College Dux

for 2022, when it was impossible to choose one based on their academic results. Tom Edwards was the Proxime Accessit. The boys are friends as well as academic rivals, and also gained global success in 2022 as one of three winners of the International Mathematical Modeling Competition.

Several other students gained multiple Scholarships, including one of the 2022 Academic Captains, Sarah Anthony, with five Scholarships.

Rector, Christine Leighton, says she is ‘incredibly proud’ of the students’ achievements. This is the third time during the last 12 years that a St Andrew’s student has won a Premier Award. “The Scholarship numbers have grown each year, to the 76 Scholarships from the 2022 examinations earned by St Andrew’s students. This is testimony to the commitment and passion for learning of the students, and the expertise and dedication of the teaching staff at St Andrew’s College."

staff New

for 2023

Secondary School

Leisha Connolly is a Food Technician and part-time Food Technology teacher, who returns to St Andrew’s after a year’s absence.

Rachel D’Arcy is the new Teacher in Charge of Media Studies, and has joined St Andrew’s from teaching overseas, most recently from Yakanarra Community School, a remote indigenous community in Western Australia.

Hannah Gallagher is an English teacher, who joins St Andrew’s from St Margaret’s College.

John Haggart is a long-term relief teacher in the Secondary School, is part of the Sports Leadership and Development programme, and is a senior rugby coach. He joins St Andrew’s from a career in Professional Sports

and High Performance coaching having taught previously at King’s High School, Dunedin.

Michelle Lawrence has rejoined the Visual Arts Department after a year’s sabbatical.

Annie Pickering is a Mathematics teacher who has joined the College from an international school in Jakarta.

Amiria Rule (OC 2001) is the new HOD Learning Support, who joins St Andrew’s from Avonhead Primary School.

Jason Smallman is a part-time teacher in the Science Department, who has returned to teaching after taking a break for several years.

Kirby Streeter is the new Assistant Head of Mathematics and has joined St Andrew’s from Sandhurst School in the United Kingdom.

Dom Urmson has rejoined the Accelerated Programme after 18 months of maternity leave.

Jamie Wright (OC 2012) is an English teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Burnside High School.

Preparatory School

Sonia Lewis is a Future Problem Solving tutor and Years 7–8 Music teacher, who joins St Andrew’s from Medbury School.

Chess is a fast-growing activity at St Andrew’s College, with increasing numbers of students involved in both the Secondary and Preparatory Schools, says Teacher in Charge, Conrad Wing. “We’ve had an influx of Year 9 students joining the Chess Club this year, and more students than usual are enjoying chess in The Green Library and Innovation Centre throughout the day. There is also a thriving Chess Club in the Preparatory School, where some of our experienced senior players have spent time helping out, and a few of the younger students have had coaching from Richie Christie, a former president of the Canterbury Chess Club. The future looks bright for chess at St Andrew’s.”

The College’s star player is Gavith Dharmasena (Year 13), who won an U19 New Zealand title at the

Esports

move Making a on the rise

Esports is now a legitimate sport and co-curricular activity at St Andrew’s, and is a great outlet and formalised, properly supervised activity for students who enjoy gaming, says Teacher in Charge, James Jenkinson. “It has been fantastic to see the strong numbers of students sign up to Esports as a co-curricular activity and we hope to grow these numbers further, as competition grows locally and nationally. Esports is a rapidly growing global industry, and was included at the last Commonwealth Games for the first time in the competition’s history.”

James was instrumental in setting up the Esports programme in 2021, when the St Andrew’s College team had great success, being crowned the inaugural Canterbury Esports champions, and winning the South Island title. In 2022, they finished seventh in the South Island.

New Zealand Junior Chess Congress for junior players aged under 20 last year. “Gavith is a key member of the St Andrew’s A team and is a positive mentor and coach for students in the Chess Club. He uses his experience to come up with interesting puzzles, variations on openings, and middle and end game tactics, to help students learn the whole gamut of chess play.”

The two St Andrew’s College chess teams had great success in 2022, winning both the A and B Divisions in the Canterbury Interschools Chess Championships. “All of the players from last year are back in 2023, and many if not all of them have improved, which bodes for another successful year of chess for our teams,” says Conrad.

Richard Holstein, whose son, Thomas Lindstrom plays Esports at St Andrew’s, is highly in favour of it being a formalised co-curricular activity. “For those students who don’t fit or feel comfortable in the regular sporting and Physical Education environment, Esports provides a valuable alternative where they can learn many of the same skills. Teamwork, strategy, creativity, and problem-solving are all part of it –and like any sport, doing really well

requires dedication, commitment, and some sacrifice.”

As well as continuing to grow the competitive side of the Esports programme, James says the focus this year is on having a dedicated space in the College to run training sessions. “We are focused not only on improving individual skill sets, but also to help students find the right screen/ offscreen balance alongside how to ‘fuel’ themselves in a healthy way.”

lasting legacy Scholarships create

With many incredible changes and challenges in the world since St Andrew’s was founded 106 years ago, the needs of the College community have varied according to the times, says Rector, Christine Leighton. “There have been times of extreme hardship, such as the First and Second World Wars, the Depression, and latterly the earthquakes and COVID-19. St Andrew’s has always tried to support members of its community through adversity. Conversely, in the early days, once student numbers grew and the College entered more affluent times, it started to provide generous financial support for students, many of whom would not otherwise have been able to attend the College. Scholarships have always been part of the DNA of St Andrew’s.”

The world is a diverse place, and St Andrew’s commitment to supporting its own diverse community continues. “Over the years, there have been many incredibly generous people who have either gifted money to St Andrew’s and our various fundraising campaigns, or left money to the St Andrew’s College Foundation.”

The Foundation was established in 1993 to independently oversee the management and prudent investment of the generous gifts and donations made to the College. A $400,000 annual grant from the Foundation contributes to the scholarships offered to a number of students in academic, sport, music, Pipe Band, and areas of endeavour. A few named scholarships have been gifted by generous benefactors over the years, who have contributed to the Foundation. These include the George Feilding Hight Scholarships, the John Sinclair Scholarship and the

Endeavour Scholarship, each of which are based upon financial need.

Among the many notable scholarship students who have passed through St Andrew’s gates are Professor Michael Spiro (Dux of the College 1946), a former Jewish refugee, who led an outstanding academic career overseas, becoming an Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the Imperial College of London after leaving St Andrew’s. In 2007, he donated $1.2m to the College, which was devoted to the Spiro and Mathematics Centre. All Black, Richie Mo’unga (OC 2012), came to the College in Year 10. He has previously said he owes a lot to St Andrew’s. “Without the support and the opportunities they gave me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Jin Ju (Victoria) Lee (OC 2019) is an accomplished scholarship musician, who achieved many accolades during her time at St Andrew’s. She was recently accepted into Medical School, but continues to come back to St Andrew’s every year to support the Music programme.

Christine says St Andrew’s is proud of its top-class facilities, dedicated teaching staff, and a diverse academic and co-curricular programme, which supports scholarship students to develop special talents to their full potential. “We are incredibly grateful to the many people in our College community whose generosity in supporting our thriving Scholarship programme creates life-changing opportunities for students.”

For more information about supporting the Scholarship programme, email development@stac.school.nz

Meet some current scholarship students

Jiutaisa Manumanuniliwa

“Unbelievable. I never imagined I would get such a great opportunity. It’s been a dream since I was a little kid to go to a good school,” says Jiutaisa Manumanuniliwa (Year 10), one of five current George Feilding Hight scholars at St Andrew’s.

In 2013, George and his wife Merrilyn established a Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for young men and women from rural communities in the South Island to attend St Andrew’s from Year 9. Jiutaisa’s family moved to New Zealand from Fiji when he was three years old, and are currently sharemilkers at Killinchy.

Jiutaisa says joining the boarding community at the start of 2022 was one of the most challenging aspects of coming to St Andrew’s. “I find it hard to go out of my comfort zone but it didn’t take long before I started talking to new people and by the end of the year I was close to everyone.” He says the teachers at St Andrew’s are a great support academically, and he is enjoying participating in sports, with a dream to make it as a professional rugby player one day. Director of High Performance Sport, Rod McIntosh, says Jiutaisa is doing well across the board. “He has a real presence in boarding, is starting to understand what is required academically, and is working really hard in the sporting space. It’s great to see him flourish.”

Lily Champion-Smith

Coming to St Andrew’s on a Sports Scholarship has given talented sportswoman, Lily Champion-Smith (Year 13) opportunities to progress in her passion for netball, volleyball, and sevens rugby. But it doesn’t stop there. Lily is also an academic high achiever, and has risen right to the top in her leadership role as a 2023 Head Prefect. “My scholarship has had a very positive impact on my life. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today nor would I have been given the opportunities to achieve to my best potential. My current role is a huge honour and I am forever grateful for the support of the College and the wider community.”

Lily says she had to learn to adapt quickly to the large St Andrew’s community after coming from a small country school, but says the welcoming sporting and academic groups she became involved with helped her to settle quickly. “The opportunities I have been offered here are endless. Coming to St Andrew’s has also given me a sense of connection to my identity and allowed me to grow as a person. I am extremely grateful for the donors who support the Scholarship programme. Their generosity keeps young athletes motivated to develop in their sport and seek great potential for future opportunities.”

Christine Jeon

Christine Jeon (Year 12) is one of most incredible young musicians to have attended St Andrew’s College. She is a previous winner of the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest and the Strings Open Age category at the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival. Most recently, she was second in her category at the American Virtuoso International Music Competition.

Christine joined St Andrew’s on a Music Scholarship, and says she is 'grateful and privileged' for the support of the generous donors who support the Scholarship programme. “Without their support I wouldn’t be part of this amazing community, where I can try out various academic and cultural activities. The Music Department has one of the best secondary school studios in New Zealand. I have been able to learn composition, and new genres, and get lots of performance opportunities. My teachers also check in on me to make sure I am not overwhelmed or stressed so that I can achieve high performance while enjoying it.”

Christine says St Andrew’s will always be a key foundation which has helped to shape her as a person. “Since I have received so much from St Andrew’s, I also want to give back what I have received to this lovely community in the future.”

Academic successes

Late 2022 Successes*

Creative Writing

In the Secondary School Creative Writing Competition, William Russell (Year 12), was awarded first in prose and the overall winner of the competition with his piece, Honey Toast. William received the Kerrin P Sharpe Cup for Promise in Creative Writing at Prizegiving. Runnerup in the prose section was Daniel Robertson (Year 12) with Chaotic United Symphony. First place in poetry was Vivien Kuziel (Year 12) with Motherland, with runner-up Anisha Chand (Year 10) with An Insult

Emma Geddes (Year 8) was presented with the 2022 Elsie Locke Writing Prize and $250 awarded by The Elsie Locke Memorial Trust for her story, The Boy and Grasshopper. The Trust asked young writers aged 5 to 13 to develop a piece of writing inspired by New Zealand history or Elsie Locke’s work for peace, the environment, women’s issues, and her community.

examination, designed to offer a high-level qualification in the language to those wishing to use French for professional or study purposes. This is an excellent achievement for a Year 13 student.

Future Problem Solving

St Andrew’s students once again achieved outstanding results at the Future Problem Solving National Finals, including two New Zealand titles and a second placing. All members of the College’s squad of 20 national finalists achieved a top 10 place at the competition. The top three placegetters were:

• Years 5–6 team: Benjamin Edward, Louis Hyland, Emmett Lawler (all Year 6) and Rhys Seath (Year 5) won the New Zealand title for their division and also placed third for their Presentation of Action Plan;

* Please note the use of 2022 year groups.

Neuroscience Mentoring Programme

Under the umbrella of the ACEE (Academic Extension and Enrichment) programme, St Andrew’s College now has a Neuroscience Mentoring programme, courtesy of the University of Otago. A group of 25 Year 9–10 students meet with one of three university academics on a regular basis to explore neuroscience concepts, theories, and case studies. In 2023 there will be opportunities for senior students to join as well. A group of 25 Year 9–10 students enjoyed their first online neuroscience lecture with Dr Xiao-Wen Yu in late November.

VEX Robotics

2023 Successes

French Patrick Ryan (Year 13) passed the International DELF B2 French Canterbury Kids’ Lit Quiz

The Preparatory School Team 2, comprising Harry Sibson, Emmett Lawler (both Year 7), Matilda Atkins and Zoe Bostock (both Year 8), was first in the Canterbury Kids’ Lit Quiz and have qualified for the national finals later in the year.

Creative Writing

In the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Essay Competition 2022, James Anthony (Year 11) won a Silver Award for his essay about Sir Edmund Hillary, and Rylee McBride (Year 11) won a Bronze Award for her essay about Princess Diana.

In the UK Poetry Society’s, Your name is a poem: a translation challenge competition, Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 9) was longlisted for her poem, The Meanings of my Name

Two students had their writing selected for publication in Toitoi 31: Cooper

• RuoLin (Lauren) Li (Year 8) was the New Zealand Junior Individual Champion. Lauren will travel to the United States in June 2023 to compete in the International Conference.

St Andrew’s fielded one team of Year 7 students, Alexander Allan, Matilda Atkins, Zoe Bostock, and Charlotte Withers, into the Elementary section of the 2022 VEX IQ Nationals. In the skills section, they finished tenth, and won the Inspire Award, which recognises passion for the competition and positivity at the event.

Fleming (Year 10) with his story Long Nights, and Charlotte Galvan (Year 10) with her poem My Koro’s tangi

Five students received awards from Environment Canterbury’s Seaweek Poetry Competition 2023: ‘Poetry for the Sea’.

• Years 9–10 Category: Heidi Smith (Year 9) was first with her poem, My wahine. Charlotte Galvan (Year 10) and Scarlett Oulsnam (Year 9) Highly Commended for their poems, Mahia and My Blue Eyes;

• Years 11–13 Category: William Russell (Year 13) first for his poem, I search for the pods and schools. Saskia Wells (Year 12) Highly Commended for her poem, One with the surge

Debating

The StAC White debating team, comprising Emily Keith, Luke Wylie (both Year 13) and James Hart (Year 12),

won the Canterbury Regionals Debating Competition. James Hart was named in the New Zealand Development team, and Luke Wylie was named in the Regional team.

Science Olympaid

Gemma Lewis (Year 13) attended the New Zealand Olympiad in Informatics Summer Camp.

VEX Robotics

Five VEX Robotics teams from St Andrew’s College qualified to compete at the VEX Robotics National Competition in Auckland in February, after the completion of their final regional scrimmage. The Year 10 team, Super Series Squabblers, made it to the top eight, but were knocked out in their semi-final. They finished as the top South Island team.

Professional learning Preparatory School in the

Well-being is a significant focus of staff professional development in the Preparatory School, especially given the recent challenges presented by COVID-19, says Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Well-being) and Head of Education, Vicki Pettit. “We usually start with our Whole School Goals when planning our professional learning, and well-being has certainly been a strong focus over the last couple of years. Our goals in this area have included the development of workplace well-being and class programmes related to well-being, along with building teachers’ skills in having difficult conversations with parents.”

Vicki has the oversight of the Professional Learning programme in the Preparatory School, which includes a combination of in-house teacher experts sharing their knowledge, Professional Learning Groups (PLG) exploring areas of interest, and external providers delivering onsite, offsite, or online learning. One of the most successful and engaging initiatives in 2022 was called, ‘Investing in our Psychological Capital – Unlocking the Key to Workplace Well-being’, delivered to nine staff across four full days during the year by Tony Burkin of InterLEAD, she says. “This programme helped our teachers to measure workplace stress and anxiety levels, identify if

they are nearing a dangerous zone, and through self-monitoring, change how they work without impacting adversely on learning outcomes or the quality of their work. We all found it highly valuable.”

Teachers have also upskilled on the Komodo Well-being Survey tool, which has been introduced in Years 4–8 to encourage students to make checking in on their well-being habitual. “Staff are finding the tool invaluable, particularly in providing the means to implement support for students experiencing struggle or difficulty before this develops into bigger issues.”

Visible Learning continues to be a focus in key learning areas, with the adoption of a Structured Literacy approach leading to ongoing staff development. “A Structured Literacy approach to the teaching of reading, spelling, and writing is gaining considerable traction in New Zealand education circles, particularly as an approach for our youngest learners and those with learning differences. Many of our staff trialling this very structured approach have reported significant gains for learners. It ensures no one is left behind.”

Vicki says teachers in the Preparatory School are also on a learning journey to improve their knowledge and confidence in using te reo Māori as part of daily interactions and learning with the children. “Staff have attended workshops, had full day visits to Tuahiwi Marae, and have taken part in introductory sessions around the new Aotearoa New Zealand History curriculum with teacher, Mary Leota, who is so approachable, knowledgeable, and passionate about this area. Mary also supports our teachers to develop their confidence in te reo.”

Leadership development and supporting students with neuro- diversity differences to reach their potential in the classroom, are some of the other topics recently covered in the Professional Learning programme, which also features ‘just in time’ learning, to meet more immediate needs, such as the use of technology in the Preparatory School. “A diverse Professional Learning programme coupled with knowledgeable and passionate staff who are keen to learn, continues to have benefits for our whole community,” says Vicki.

Deputy Principal of Preparatory School (Well-being) and Head of Education, Vicki Pettit, leading a professional development session for Preparatory School teachers.

Reconnecting

with the and environment community

With COVID-19 restrictions now a thing of the past, Pre-school staff and children are enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with the wider College campus, forge links with older students in the Preparatory and Secondary Schools , and strengthen bonds with the children’s whānau, says Head of Pre-School, Mandy Jenkins. “For such a long time we couldn’t run some of our events or visit the wider College. It’s wonderful to be able to access the amazing resources on our doorstep, and fully involve whānau in our programmes again.”

Small groups of children interested in mini creatures such as caterpillars and cicadas, have enjoyed exploring the wider College grounds to find and study them, with Pre-school teachers, Jan Marshall and Nadine Freeborn. Visits to the Preparatory School classrooms as part of the Transition to School programme have recommenced, and new links are being forged with groups of students from the Secondary School, says Mandy. “The Pre-school children really love it when the Senior students come to visit. Members of the Fuel our Future Club are helping us to make worm farms, and we are looking forward to working with AgriScience students on projects to do with animals and planting. We’ve also had visits from some Year 9–10 Te Reo students, who read books and sang to the children in Māori. There are such positive benefits from these connections.”

In addition to attending Pre-school events, the return of informal Parent-Teacher interviews, and a Parent School Readiness evening run by Head of Junior Syndicate, Heather Orman, have also helped to strengthen relationships with whānau in the post-COVID environment.

Mandy says the setting of the Pre-school as part of the wider St Andrew’s College learning community is something truly special. “It is wonderful to see the children who start in the Pre-school, build links from a very early age with the Preparatory School and Secondary School. All children at the Preschool learn the important values and traditions that are such a special part of the St Andrew’s culture, and if they are lucky enough to spend their whole learning journey at the College, they have the roots and foundation on which to build as they travel through the rest of their schooling.”

Exciting creative opportunities

There was high excitement outside the Discovery Room in the Junior School during a recent Tūhura Time, with Year 1 and 2 students pressing their faces against the doors and windows to get a glimpse of Year 3 student, Oliver Warren, putting on his impressive wearable arts costume, inspired by a Stormtrooper from the Star Wars films.

Oliver, and his friends, Charlie McKay and Alfred Keir (both Year 3), had already come up with a great design for their costume, and spent the morning bringing it to life. The other Year 3 group to have a practical session that day were Adaline Weston and Freya Gibbs, who cleverly created a skirt using a long piece of fabric as a waistband, with lots of pieces of waste plastic attached to it. When it was wrapped several times around Freya’s waist, the skirt created a wonderful frothy tutu effect.

Head of Junior Syndicate, Heather Orman, says Tūhura Time (formerly Discovery Time) has been held for Year 1–2 students every Friday for a significant time, but when students went into Year 3, they missed it so much that a solution had to be found. “The idea to create a special extension programme for Year 3 students came from seeing their sad little faces as they watched the younger students enjoying Tūhura Time. We came up with a plan, and Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth, put in resourcing so we could engage part-time teacher, Helen King, to provide a more in-depth experience for them.”

The sessions are student-led, and Helen King says the activities have been formulated after discussions with the children about their ideas and interests. Late last year, the Year 3 students spent several weeks making wonderful puppets. In Term 1, their project is creating wearable art from recyclable items. “A couple of Year 3 girls helped to write a letter home to all families in the Junior Department requesting any clean waste and rubbish. We collected a big pile in the Discovery Room, and the children have been very excited to see how they can incorporate the various items into their designs. Alongside the project work, lots of learning is happening around the amount of rubbish we create each

year, landfills, and alternative uses for waste,” says Helen.

The children take turns in small groups to have their practical sessions in the Discovery Room. The rest of the Year 3 students work alongside the Year 1–2 students during the regular Tūhura Time, which has added benefits, says Heather. “Our Year 3 students are modelling leadership and supporting the younger children as they move around the various activities. It is a great opportunity for them to live and articulate our key competencies.”

She says the support for extra staffing and resources to provide the Year 3 students with creative opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have in the timetable has been much appreciated. “It is wonderful that when we have an idea with real potential at St Andrew’s that management is so supportive and helps to make it happen.”

Science a big hit

The new Practical Science programme introduced for students in Years 4–8 has proved so popular, that students are asking to spend some of their spare time in the freshly kitted out Science laboratory, says teacher, Christina Fitzgerald, who is running and teaching the programme in the Preparatory School three days a week. “The students really look forward to their weekly 40-minute hands-on session and many of them don’t want to leave once it’s finished. It’s wonderful to see the delight on their faces.”

Christina says Principal of Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth, has given full support to the new Practical Science lessons, to enhance and support the delivery of the existing Science programme already in place in the Preparatory School. “The logistics involved for homeroom teachers to deliver practical sessions themselves is tricky, as the set up and pack up of the lessons can be prohibitive. A great addition to the programme is that the teachers work alongside me as we deliver the lessons to their students. The teachers love observing and interacting with their students in the laboratory. Having the homeroom teacher present has also meant the science concepts

are being discussed and reflected upon back in their own classrooms.”

Christina has taught for many years at St Andrew’s, predominately as a Year 8 homeroom teacher. She is highly passionate about her new role and has put a lot of effort into making the laboratory an exciting, welcoming space. The room is brightened with plants, artwork and posters on the walls, cuttings and microgreens growing in small pots, and scientific models on display. The well-resourced laboratory has 35 microscopes, including modern electric microscopes and some ‘super-power’ older models, donated by the University of Canterbury. A fume cupboard provides safe fume management control when the children are observing more challenging experiments.

Year 4–6 students have been focusing on scientific method and design, and the concept of fair testing to develop controlled experiments. “This term has seen the students learning a lot of new practical Science skills, including how to use the equipment in the laboratory. As we progress further into the year, these wide-ranging skills will be applied in various contexts as they start to ask

their own experimental questions and design their own experiments.”

Submerging Gummy Bears into different liquids to test their absorption/ osmosis rate was an experiment enjoyed by the Year 5 students in Term 1. “The students asked an experimental question, hypothesised, designed their test with variables, constants, and a control, followed procedure, gathered and analysed data, and then came to a scientific conclusion, all the elements of scientific method. “The only thing they didn’t get to do was eat the Gummy Bears,” says Christina.

Many students have told Christina they have found their niche in the Science laboratory, which bodes well for their future progression in Science, she says. “I am thankful to be working closely with Secondary School Head of Science, Brent Cummack, to ensure we are helping students to progressively develop their Science skills and have an understanding of key concepts in the Science curriculum. One of my goals is to instil a love of Practical Science in the students, and to encourage them to see this as a pathway for learning throughout their secondary schooling, and even into careers beyond school.”

A large group of almost 70 students from Years 6–8 acted as tour guides during the Preparatory School Open Day in early March, giving over 100 prospective families a first-hand glimpse of the vibrant campus, while sharing their personal learning experiences.

Head of Year 8, Morgan Sheppard, says teachers had no problem finding willing volunteers to carry out the role. “When I asked my Year 8 class who would like to volunteer, around 90 per cent of hands went up. They were very enthusiastic.”

Before the Open Day, the tour guides had a brief session with Head of Preparatory School Sport and Deputy Principal (Operations), Alex Kelley, who set expectations for the day, and talked to them about the sorts of questions they might face. “We reminded the students they would be ambassadors for the College, and to remember to present well and use their manners. Most importantly, we wanted them to just be themselves, and to answer any questions truthfully and honestly about their experiences at St Andrew’s.”

There was high excitement among the tour guides when prospective families started to arrive, and they were able to start showing them around. “The guides started by asking the families which area of the Preparatory School or Pre-school they were most interested in and started there, before taking them on a broad tour of the rest of the

Open Day tour guides

inside and outside of the school. Classes continued as normal, so the families were able to see what an ordinary day in the Preparatory School looks like.”

Morgan says the students who acted as tour guides did a wonderful job and were a great advertisement for St Andrew’s College. “We are proud of how the students talked about their learning and showed off the school with pride. There was a great atmosphere in the Preparatory School all day, and the tour guides can take a lot out of that. It was a great confidence booster for them.”

From the team Development

St Andrew’s has a proud history of philanthropy, and a long-held tradition of giving back. The generosity of individuals, families, and businesses connected to the College over many years has helped to provide the topclass buildings and facilities current students enjoy today, and ensures future generations can enjoy an equally high standard of education at St Andrew’s.

It is incredible to think that the Your Legacy, Our Future campaign which began in 2019, with the goal to raise $4 million, is reaching its final phase. Together, in 2022, the St Andrew’s community raised $648,221, which increased the overall total from the Your Legacy, Our Future and other campaigns, to $3.2 million. Significant funds have also been pledged and are coming in during 2023.

The money raised in 2022 was directed towards student scholarships (partially funded by the St Andrew’s College Foundation), the Performing Arts Centre which includes the Gough Family Theatre, Centennial Chapel, StACFit Fitness Centre, and Pipe Band.

“It is humbling to witness the ongoing support of the St Andrew’s community, through their generosity,

and also giving their time and advice, which has been much appreciated by the College throughout 100 years. Philanthropy is important, not just for the development of the campus, but to ensure the sustainability of the College especially in uncertain times,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Excitement is building with the new Performing Arts Centre set to open later this year. Many families have taken the opportunity to donate a theatre seat in the Gough Family Theatre, which displays a family name plaque. There is still time to purchase one of the remaining seats, and ensure a lasting legacy for your family.

The Sponsorship Support programme, launched in 2020, is another successful initiative, which allows sponsors to target their giving to specific sports and cultural activities at St Andrew’s. “This support gives the College an extra edge, drives a culture of excellence, and helps students to achieve at their best,” says Christine.

St Andrew’s also has four Donor Societies for significant gifts, some of which are given as a one-off, and others pledged over time. Strowan Club is the most popular of these with 198 members who have gifted $10,000 or more – most have been

directed to key projects such as the Centennial Chapel, StACFit Fitness Centre, Performing Arts Centre, or scholarships.

The St Andrew’s College Foundation has the overall responsibility for the management and prudent investments of the generous gifts and donations which flow into the College. Giving to the Foundation is a way of contributing to the College’s diverse Scholarship programme, which provides opportunities for students with exceptional academic, musical, or sporting abilities, many of whom may not have otherwise attended the College. Several donors to the Foundation are Old Collegians who attended St Andrew’s on a scholarship many years ago.

A host of volunteers give their valuable time to the College in a variety of ways, whether being part of the PTA, Old Collegians Association, Ladies Circle, and Class Parent Programme, helping support sports teams, or run special College events and productions.

“We are grateful to all who give back to St Andrew’s in so many different ways. Each contribution has a positive impact on the College, and our students,” says Christine.

Thanks Donors to our

Theatre Seats and Notes

Bierwirth family

Greene/Johnston family

Trent, Blake and Annabelle Harvey

Centennial Chapel – Brick

Jan and James Anderson

F R and R A Twiss in memory of B L and W D Twiss

New Strowan Members

Jonathan and Therese Bierwirth

Francis and Rosemary Twiss

Campus update

Performing Arts Centre completion edges closer

Excitement is growing, as steady and visible progress continues on construction of the new Performing Arts Centre incorporating the Gough Family Theatre, now due for completion on Friday 20 October.

Project Director, David Evans, says the structural steel for the main auditorium was completed in March, with framing of the walls underway. Main contractors, Armitage Williams, have also been working on the Black Box Theatre, Dance/Ballet Studio, and cafeteria area. “It’s certainly an impressive looking building, with the roof due to go on in the next few weeks.”

The overhead gantry in the Gough Family Theatre was put in place at the same time as the structural steel, and is a key feature, says David. “The walk through gantry system will provide students with a professional experience in rigging lights and lighting set up, and enable full theatrical lighting to be tailored to each performance. The sound control box is also under construction.”

David says the first official use of the facility will be in 2024. “We look forward with real excitement to the completion of this new space.”

The Cloud is the recent standout development on the Preparatory School campus, says Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth. “We are delighted with this amazing facility which enables us to continue specialist Physical Education classes during times of inclement weather or during periods of very warm temperatures. The Cloud is also being used by our Years 4–8 cricket teams, and as a play space during the school day.”

Strict procedures around the use of the Cloud have been put in place to ensure this expensive resource, which was partially funded by a grant from the St Andrew’s College PTA, is well looked

after. Students are always supervised when using the facility, which is also approved for limited adult cricket training on specified days after school.

“Already in Term 1, the Cloud proved its immense value to the Preparatory School children and staff. During the February heat wave, the Cloud was several degrees cooler than the uncovered areas of the school, and during significant rain in March, the full Physical Education programme was able to continue,” says Jonathan.

and Founders’ Day Highland Games

After the disruptions caused by COVID-19 over the last three years, it was wonderful for the St Andrew’s community to gather once more for the 106th Founders’ Day, where the College’s Scottish traditions were on full display.

Among the guests in the packed assembly were parents, caregivers and around 70 Old Collegians, who had returned to St Andrew’s for their 60 Years On reunion.

Highlights included the Address to a Haggis, beautifully performed by Year 13 students, Marco Leighs and Georgia Eagle at the Founders’ Day Assembly, performances by the Pipe Band and Highland dancers, and of course the spirited Highland Games, which were the usual riot of noise and colour.

There were some special presentations at the Founders’ Day Assembly, including the 1st XI cricket caps, and the announcement of the 2023 Robert Burns Scholars – Megan Simpson and Jack Flanagan (both Year 12) who will travel to Scotland in the September holidays to be hosted by a number of Scottish schools. This scholarship has also been

curtailed by the pandemic in recent years, so there is great excitement to have this wonderful opportunity back on the College calendar.

Two special Old Collegians presentations were made by Old Collegians Association President, Sam Crosbie. Thomas MacLean (Year 13) was awarded the GAM Hilson Memorial Accounting/ Economics Award, and Emily (Millie) Keith (Year 13) was awarded the Henry Dowling Memorial French Award.

Guests at the Assembly enjoyed a number of musical items, performed by the Secondary School choirs, Orchestra, and a beautiful solo performance of Wild Mountain Thyme, performed by Chantelle Xiong (Year 12) accompanied by the String Orchestra.

Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u (OC 2003), gave the traditional Old

Collegian’s address at the assembly. This event doubled as a formal farewell to Mikae, who left the College at the end of Term 1, and will be greatly missed. (See page 5 for a story about Mikae).

The day’s celebrations wrapped up with the Highland Games, which was another great occasion filled with noise, vibrant colour, House chants and songs, games, and fierce House spirit. The entire school, including the Preparatory School, joined together on the lawn in front of Strowan House to enjoy the competitive fun, taking part in everything from wheat sheaf tossing to medicine ball throwing and Highland dancing.

Founders’ Day is always a highlight on the St Andrew’s College calendar, and the 2023 event was a great community occasion, and a fitting way to celebrate 106 remarkable years.

Highland Games

Strowan Gathering

St Andrew’s College was delighted to host the inaugural Strowan Gathering on Sunday 4 December 2022, where an estimated 1500 people enjoyed the best of Scottish traditions during the action-packed day. A highlight was the Pipe Band Contest, run by the Canterbury Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band with 13 bands participating. Other events included solo piping and drumming competitions, a Highland dancing competition, a Scottish country dancing display, and a massed band. The St Andrew’s Pipe Bands won the Juvenile, Grade 2, and Grade 4 competitions, with many St Andrew’s students winning individual prizes.

A range of hospitality stands and stalls included traditional Scottish haggis and black pudding, Scottish highland wear and accessories, and food and coffee vendors. The College PTA provided a Scottish bouncy castle which proved very popular with younger children. The St Andrew’s Pipe Band fundraising raffle was drawn and livestreamed to the event, with the closest 10 golf balls to the flag dropped from a helicopter all winning prizes. It was great to see many Old Collegians, parents, students, staff, and friends of the College, gather for a fun Scottish day out.

excels Pipe Band at national event

The St Andrew’s College Pipe Band relished the opportunity to participate in the 2023 New Zealand and South Pacific Pipe Band Championships, held in Christchurch for the first time since 2009, after the event was cancelled in 2022, due to COVID-19.

More than 50 bands, including three from Australia, competed at the championships, with a huge crowd enjoying more than 120 performances over the two days of competition.

Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke, was delighted with the results, with the St Andrew’s College A Band winning the New Zealand Championship Juvenile title and finishing overall runners-up in Grade 2 behind Hawthorn Pipe Band (Melbourne), and the B Band finishing third overall in Grade 4A after a close tussle at the top with only a couple of points separating the first to third placed bands. The combined B and C Bands (with 50 students) placed sixth in the Juvenile grade. “The bands did incredibly well, especially given we didn’t have a national or contest season last year. They went into it with a bit less

experience than they normally would –particularly up against the adult bands in Grade 2. We were very happy with how they all performed.”

Richard says the A Band was a clear winner in the Juvenile section and did extremely well against the adult bands in Grade 2. “It was a fantastic result for them to finish second and has given the band a real confidence boost for later in the year.”

The Pipe Band drummers also finished second behind Hawthorn Pipe Band in Grade 2, which was a good result, says Richard.

These achievements were on the back of more excellent results at the RNZPBA Canterbury Provincial and Centre Contest at Blenheim, where the A Band won the Juvenile event

and was runner-up in Grade 2 on both days, and the B Band won the overall Grade 4 event on both days.

Richard says competing in perfect weather at North Hagley Park in front of a big crowd was a highlight of the national championships, along with a St Andrew’s Pipe Band dinner on the Friday evening at the Papanui Club attended by 180 people, including Pipe Band members and supporters.

“This special annual occasion is an opportunity for us to honour the leavers from the Pipe Band the previous year, who are given a special leavers’ medallion. These former students come back to compete with us at nationals.

It was a great event, with an excellent turnout.”

Mihi Whakatau

The traditional Mihi Whakatau is the first official assembly held at the College each year, providing a warm welcome from all current staff and students to the manuhiri – those ‘new’ to the College.

On Tuesday 2 February, the entire St Andrew’s community gathered in the Quad to welcome the 265 new ākonga (students) including 42 new boarders, along with five new kaiako (teachers) in the Secondary School, and one in the Preparatory School. For the first time, around 100 whānau joined the celebration and were also welcomed into the St Andrew’s College family.

Tikanga teacher and High Performance Fitness Centre Manager, Trent Harris, delivered a powerful whaikōrero on behalf of the tangata whenua. The Māori and Pasifika Group also took part in the mihi, which is a formal way of respecting people by acknowledging their mana and tapu.

Polyfest

After many hours of practise and hard work, the St Andrew’s College Polyfest group performed extremely well at the Canterbury Polyfest in Hagley Park in March. A large audience enjoyed the performance, including many St Andrew’s staff and students. It is the second time the College has participated in this event, with 38 students in the group. Laai Tausa, Lucas Te Rangi, Cylas Tauti, Kavanah Lene, Penelope Taulafo and Lily Champion-Smith (all Year 13) did a great job as Polyfest leaders.

Before the Canterbury Polyfest, the group held a Fiafia Night at the College, where they performed their 15-minutes set to whānau, friends, and the wider St Andrew’s community, who more than half-filled Gym 1 for the wonderful occasion.

Calling Ceremony Te Waka

It was an early start for Year 10 ākonga, Te Waka teachers, and Year 10 tutors on Thursday 2 March, who travelled to Sumner to enjoy the sunrise at Rapanui, Shag Rock as part of ‘The Calling’ ceremony.

The dawn ceremony is part of the Te Waka programme and was organised by Teacher in Charge of Te Waka, Kate Taylor. ‘The Calling’ signifies the end of childhood and the students’ transition towards adulthood, letting go of behaviours, and accepting new challenges and responsibilities.

The venue was chosen as a reminder of Christchurch’s resilience, that even though things might feel a bit broken, or look a bit different, they can still just be as beautiful and come out of

things even stronger. This parallels the challenges students face in their journey to adulthood, which will teach them perseverance and resilience.

‘The Calling’ also involves a show of gratitude to people who influenced the students through their childhood. An important part of the ceremony involves the students writing a childhood behaviour they wish to let go on a shell or rock. The ceremony was respectful and reflective, and the students appreciated its significance.

A sense of belonging at St Andrew’s

The boarding houses were abuzz in the first week of February when boarders were warmly welcomed back to St Andrew’s, ready to start another exciting year.

Heading away from home for the first time can be a daunting experience for boarders. However, the College does everything it can to ensure a smooth transition, with a range of initiatives and activities helping them to build a strong sense of belonging and community.

Alongside their welcome cookie and chocolates, for the first time this year, all students new to boarding received a special card from Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, which encouraged them to take pride in their new identity as a boarder and reflect on the long history of boarding at the College. “Boarding has been a special part of the fabric

of St Andrew’s since it was founded in 1917. Now it is the turn of our new boarders to leave their mark.”

Attached to the card was the distinctive boarders’ badge, with the slogan te taki tino ma, which translated means, ‘To lead the rest and be your best’. Matt says this philosophy underpins the way of life in the boarding houses. “We encourage boarders to strive to reach or extend their personal potential, whether that be in the classroom, in cultural pursuits, or on the sports field. The badge was introduced last year and identifies boarders as being part of a special community.”

On their first day at St Andrew’s, the Year 9 boarders and their families enjoyed a shared lunch and heard from management and leaders in the boarding community.

The Year 9 Boarders’ Orientation Weekend was another great opportunity for the youngest members of the boarding community to get to know each other, while fun events like the Boarders’ Weekend also fostered lots of new connections. “These events also give our Year 13 boarders the opportunity to shine as kaiāwhina, or leaders in boarding,” says Matt.

With the year now in full swing, Matt says boarders are well settled into their ‘home away from home’. “Our students are on a unique shared journey and enjoy some incredible opportunities as a boarder here at St Andrew’s College.”

Year 9 Boarders’

With the first Year 9 Boarders’ Orientation Weekend in 2022 proving such a success, the initiative has become a permanent addition to the start-of-the year activities for the boarding community.

During the weekend, the students enjoyed 10-pin bowling, a visit to Adrenaline Forest, a fish and chip lunch, and a surfing lesson in Sumner, followed by a swim at Jellie Park in the evening. The next day, the students experienced an overnight stay at the Castle Hill Lodge and enjoyed a jet boat ride at Alpine Jet Thrills in Springfield. The Castle Hill Outdoor Education staff ran an orienteering activity, and boarding staff ran some Adventure Based Learning (ABL) games designed to plant seeds for the boarding journey. The final morning was spent rock climbing and abseiling before the students headed ‘home’ to the boarding houses.

Orientation Weekend Sports House

Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, says the action-packed long weekend was a great opportunity for the group of 32 new Year 9 boarders to get to know each other, and the boarding staff. “We believe there is around three or four weeks of value from these three days in terms of connecting and bonding as a group.”

Boarding Weekend

There was enthusiastic participation from boarders, Year 13 House Leaders, and wider Year 13 kaiāwhina in the Boarding Sports House Weekend, which was a fun way for the boarding community to kick off the year and get to know its newest members. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, this was the first time many current boarders had experienced the event, which is entirely student-run and focuses on fostering House spirit.

Planned by the Heads of Boarding, Freddy Todhunter and George MacLeod, and their team of House Leaders, the weekend included a variety of events, such as the traditional Friday night ‘Pot Games’, Tabloid Sports, a ‘selfie scavenger hunt’, and an Amazing Race around campus. The weekend culminated in a multisport tournament where Houses competed for points towards the Dianne Needham Trophy, awarded to the best sports House at the end of the year. Boarders’ Chapel concluded the weekend, with College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, giving a sermon on the importance of community. The energy and enthusiasm of the student leaders have created a wonderful feeling in the Houses, and the boarding community is looking forward to a positive year ahead.

Special assemblies

Prefects’ Investiture and Leadership Assembly

St Andrew’s College values giving students opportunities to experience the responsibilities and skills required for leadership development. At the Leadership Assembly, more than 200 students in Years 12–13 were recognised for undertaking various leadership roles across the College. This included the investiture of the 32 prefects and six Heads of College.

Head Prefects, Torin Ward and Lily Champion-Smith, delivered their first address as student leaders, introducing the prefects’ 2023 theme ‘Blue and White, Do it Right’, which is promoting a St Andrew’s student culture which has a strong sense of belonging for all. A wonderful music interlude from the band, Black Wired, was enjoyed by all and a handover address from Harry Withers and Thomas Kamo (Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect 2022) added to the ceremony of the occasion.

Academic Assembly

The Secondary School Academic Assembly was a wonderful celebration of the outstanding achievement of students in the 2022 NCEA and Scholarship examinations. Around 40 St Andrew’s 2022 leavers returned to the assembly to receive a Board of Governors’ Scholarship in recognition of their achievement. A highlight was the opportunity to honour New Zealand Scholarship Premier Award winner, Corin Simcock, and Outstanding Scholars, Toby Harvie, Luke Zhu and Tom Edwards (Tom was also a Top Subject Scholar in New Zealand for Digital Technology).

The 2023 Academic Captains, Gemma Lewis, Annika MacDonald and Daniel Robertson (all Year 13) gave an excellent address encouraging all students to ‘take the first step’ to getting started, build positive study habits, and find their passion in learning.

Those gathered enjoyed the musical item, Feeling Sore, an original piece performed by Meghan Shearer, Makayla Dai, Mia Fraser (guitar) (all Year 13), Hayden Lam (drums), Daniel Ruge (percussion) (both Year 12), Grace Burnett and Drew Castles (both Year 13 – backing vocals).

Scholarships life changing

Brooke Hughes (now Year 12) and Amelia McAllister (now Year 13) were the two lucky St Andrew’s College students to have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build character, and face some exciting challenges, thanks to the generosity of Old Collegian, Ben Gough (OC 1991), who funds annual scholarships.

Brooke won the 2022 scholarship for a Year 11 student to attend Spirit of Adventure and spent 10 days sailing in the Hauraki Gulf at the end of November. The Outward Bound Scholarship saw Amelia take part in a 21-day course at Anakiwa in January.

The Spirit of Adventure experience surpassed Brooke’s already high expectations, she says. “I loved the spontaneity of each day where we were always doing something new and exciting. My favourite moments were getting thoroughly drenched by the waves on the big travel days, swimming through caves with crystal clear water, the morning swims, sitting in one of the sails, and anytime that I was up the mast or harnessed onto the bowsprit. I had so many amazing experiences, but the people were the best part and really made the trip. It was great to get

to know everyone better than just small talk, especially during the night watch conversations. We felt like a family so quickly and organically.”

Brooke says leading the sailing and directing others was the most challenging aspect of the adventure, as she had no prior sailing experience before the adventure. “Overall, the experience and its boundary pushing activities have enabled me to work towards the person I want to be, with greater confidence and sense of self; whether it’s being more secure in my values, more at ease in situations I’m uncomfortable with, or simply being able to have better conversations with more people.”

Amelia says she immediately called her Mum to share her excitement when she found out she had been selected for the Outward Bound Scholarship. “I was ecstatic, and there was definitely a degree of nervous anticipation too.”

She says the highlight was the final ‘five day journey’ towards the end of her course, which consisted of a three- day tramp and two-day’s sailing. “On the first day, I led the team up Mount Cullen, which consisted of 300m of bush bashing and 700m of steep hill climbing. Then we hiked across the ridge for a few more hours and set up camp. After a 14-hour day we slept very well.”

After another two days of hiking, the group arrived at Momorangi Bay where they hopped on the sailboat, Sir Woolf, sailing the outer Marlborough Sounds, and anchoring near Motuara Island, which they also explored, seeing blue penguins and incredible views. “To top off the day, we sailed as the sun set into Wharehunga Bay. My mate, Molly, and I put our hands up to take the sail boat out to anchor, and swim back in the dark, which was a very cool experience.”

Amelia says the physical aspect was the most challenging part of the course, but as the weeks went by she found herself adapting well.

Being surrounded by a diverse group of people helped Amelia to develop her social skills, while the three-night solo camp gave her time to reflect on her goals and how she would like to achieve them. “The course changed my perspective and has driven me to be more focused. I have grown as a person in so many ways.”

Both Brooke and Amelia are grateful to the Ben Gough Family Foundation for the life-changing scholarship and encourage other students to apply. “Even if you are feeling slightly unsure, go for it. The benefits you get from these experiences are unmatched,” says Brooke.

Communityservice and

Late 2022* 2023

A&P Show prize winner

Danica Minson (Year 7) won six prizes for her heifer and calf at the Canterbury A&P Show.

Sustainability

Sustainability Council student leaders, Corin Simcock and Toby Harvie (both Year 13), finished their leadership on a high note with the hosting of EV City. Supported by other senior members of the council, Corin and Toby spoke to Middle School students about the significant benefits of electric vehicle (EV) technology. Owner/operator of EV City, Dave Boot, demonstrated the functionality of his XRAY demo car and a Tesla Model X in the Quad at lunchtime.

Year 9 Community Service Day

In mid-November, the Year 9 cohort spent a day at New Brighton beach for their Year 9 Community Service Day. The students were surprised by some of the findings – a tyre, yellow jandals, mascara, old fishing gear, as well as lots of little bits of plastic, glass, and cans, but overall, they were heartened by the low amount of rubbish found. The group returned to school for kai followed by two short seminars about ocean health, which explained the impact of plastics on sea creatures and the oceans in general.

Christmas gifts to Christchurch City Mission

We had an outstanding and humbling response from students and their families who gave a gift for the Christchurch City Mission. The Mission was truly grateful for these gifts, which were given to many families in need at Christmas.

International Students

It was wonderful to welcome the following international students to the St Andrew’s College community in 2023 – Junee Kim (Year 9) and Geonwoo (Jeremy) Kim (Year 11) from South Korea, Hoi Sang (Kevin) Chen (Year 11), Wan Yu (Coe) Chen (Year 11), Qi Cheng (Iven) Wang (Year 11) and Manzhao (Cherry) Xu (Year 11) from China, and Tim Hellmann (Year 12) from Germany.

Fundraising for Cyclone Gabrielle

Thanks to the generosity of the St Andrew’s community, an incredible $33,754.20 was raised during a non-uniform day to support those

affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Further donations from the Middle School chapel pushed the total amount raised to just over $34,000. This degree of generosity strongly represents St Andrew’s Developing Positive Relationships (DPR) value of compassion. The donation was directed to the New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Fund.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award

Max Blockley and Gabriella

Kenton-Smith (both Year 13) received confirmation that their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award was approved by the National Office in Wellington.

Athletic Sports Day

There was a carnival atmosphere on the front fields of St Andrew’s College for the Secondary School Athletic Sports Day, which attracted enthusiastic participation from students. House chants got the day off to a great start, with students resplendent in their House colours. The novelty races were a way for all to get involved, and the College’s more competitive athletes did not disappoint

with some wonderful displays of speed, perseverance, strength, skill, and technique. Titles in the track and field events were well spread across the athletes, with several students picking up multiple titles. The Pipe Band display was a fitting end to a fantastic day of fierce competition and wonderful school spirit. It was a great week for Rutherford House, which won the Champion House Cup at both the Athletic Sports Day and Swimming Sports.

Cultural catch up

Late 2022*

Ballet Production Greatest Hits

The Ballet Academy dancers delivered exceptional performances in the Ballet production, Greatest Hits, at the end of 2022, which saw them revisit previous year’s productions with excerpts from the Tales of Beatrix Potter, La Boutique Fantasque, and Peter Pan. The two preview shows for the Preparatory School, and four public shows were outstanding, and delighted the audiences.

* Please note the use of 2022 year groups.

Art

Year 8 student, Adele Sherborne, had her winning Re:ACTIVATE 2022 mural, Ccino and Ash, installed on Park Terrace.

Ballet

Tara Kinajil-Moran (Year 13) was accepted into the Brent Street Performing Arts programme, where she will train towards an Advance Diploma in Professional Dance (Elite Performance).

Ballroom Dancing

Holly Hembry (Year 7) won eight national titles at the New Zealand Open Recreational and Solo National Dance Championships, and the Aotearoa New Zealand Open National Championships.

Cello

Christine Jeon (Year 11) was selected by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) as the school student concerto soloist for the 2023 Young Artist Showcase. She will perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto, accompanied by the NZSO, in the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington in April 2023.

Film

Year 12 Media students, Marco Leighs, Struan Gordon and Bede Miller, won third prize at The International Youth Silent Film Festival for their film Amica. This competition challenges filmmakers aged 20 years and under from the United States,

Europe, Australia, The United Arab Emirates, and Aotearoa, to create a three-minute silent film set to one of 10 musical scores composed for the festival. Amica narrowly missed out on the two top spots which would have meant an entry into the grand finals in Portland, Oregon in 2023. The film also won Best Shot. Two other films by St Andrew’s Year 12 students were selected for the competition: 43 Hours – Qing Yu (Qing Qing) Huang, Kevin Che, Savannah Larkins; and Nightmares – Ethan Bonis, Jonah Cropp, Solomon Hix.

Highland Dance

At the Hororata Highland Games, Sarah McCarthy was winner of the Canterbury West Coast Centre Championship Highland Fling Under 12, winner of Most Points Under 12, and Overall Hororata Champion of Champions. Tessa Meyrick (Year 8) won the Canterbury West Coast Centre Championship Highland Reel Under 14, and was Winner Most Points Under 14.

Pipe Band

Georgia Eagle (Year 12) won the Open Grade Solo Drumming Championship in Palmerston North.

Songwriting Grace Lawrence (Year 13) performed at the Play It Strange Awards in Auckland as the winner of the Lion Foundation National Songwriting Competition. Grace was interviewed on the TV1 Breakfast show the following morning and gave a live performance of her winning song, Differently Now

Speech and Drama

The following students received Honours passes in their Speech and Drama examinations:

• Grade 2 Honours: Summer Mora-Kelley, Lara Isar, Kaia Hartstonge (all Year 6);

• Grade 3 Honours: Alyssa Geddes, Lila Cook (Honours Plus), Alexa Collis (all Year 7);

• Grade 4 Honours: Allegra Voice, Honour Fraher-Richardson, Zara Browne, Emma Geddes, RuoLin (Lauren) Li, Rosie Simpson, Sophie Veitch (all Year 8);

• Grade 5 Honours: Teresa Steiner (Honours Plus), Sylvia James (Honours Plus), Emily de Joux (all Year 9).

Speech New Zealand Examinations:

• Honours Plus – Jeremy Kent (Year 13), Matteo Ballara (Year 12), Teresa Steiner, Sylvia James (both Year 10);

• Honours – Toby Cammock-Elliot (Year 13), Scarlett Gray (Year 11), Emily de Joux (Year 10);

• Merit Plus – Billie Revis (Year 12).

Trinity College Examinations:

• Distinction – Anton Zhang (Year 9), Madelyn Harding, Estella Michaelides (both Year 7), Grace Stokes (Year 9), Yunze Li (Year 6), Alfred Lash (Year 5), Zhenan (Jayden) Lai, XiaoYa (Cynthia) Zhou (both Year 6), Vanessa Li (Year 9);

• Merit – Queenie Qu (Year 8).

Values and Culture

39 Regulus

Ballet Summer School

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the annual Ballet Summer School took place in late January where dancers enjoyed a two-day programme of ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, national, and choreography with St Andrew’s ballet tutors and three guest tutors. It was a wonderful jump start to the dancing year.

Cultural Showcase

The Cultural Council hosted their first Cultural Showcase for the year, hosted by Cultural Captains, Mia Walker and Marco Leighs (both Year 13). It was a huge success, featuring dance, the Māori and Pasifika Group, senior choir Staccoro, films made by senior students, a jazz combo, a classical trio, and some theatresports games. The Council also showcased art made by senior students. A total of $140 was raised for Christchurch-based charity, Full Bellies, at the event.

Highland Dancing

Georgia Gregg (Year 6) won Most Points U10 and was the overall winner for her age group at the Timaru Highland Competition, where Sarah McCarthy (Year 8) won the U16 Single Time Irish Jig Championship. Both girls also competed at Rangiora, where Sarah won the U14 Runner-up trophy for Most Points, and Georgia won Most Points U10.

Music

Terence (Hao Bo) Yang (Year 8) was named as one of the winners of the 2023 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, which seeks to discover artists of outstanding personality and provide awards which can help to launch international careers. Terence has been invited to perform at the Winners’ Concerts, which will take place at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, in December 2023. He also achieved ABRSM Piano Grade 8 with Distinction 134/150 (Performance) and Flute Grade 7 with Merit 128/150 (Academic).

Christine Jeon (Year 12) placed second in the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, in the 20th and 21st century period category, Young Artist – Group A. The American Virtuoso International Music Competition is organised by a non-profit organisation, the American Society of Musical Excellence, and is open to vocalists, instrumentalists, and chamber music players of any nationality. The competition aims to discover outstanding young artists and provide them with support to launch international careers, with a jury made up of distinguished performers and professors in various musical fields.

Miu Kim (Year 11) received the Irene Lassen Cup for 2022 for her outstanding Grade 8 flute examination result. Ethan Waines (Year 7) received the Irene Lassen Cup for 2021 for his similarly outstanding result in his Grade 8 piano exam in 2021. The awards were presented at a special ceremony held by the ABRSM at The Piano, with both students also performing.

Jasmine Hooker (Year 11) passed her LTCL piano examination with Distinction.

Orchestra

The following students were selected for the 2023 New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra:

• Violin: Selena Zhang (Year 10);

• Viola: Ary Son (Year 9), Hansen Hong (Year 11), Xinyi (Alice) Chen (Year 9);

• Principal Cello: Jasmine Hooker (Year 11);

• Principal Flute: Miu Kim (Year 11).

Naomi Dana (Year 13 – trumpet) was selected for the 2023 Christchurch Youth Orchestra.

Performing Arts

Harrison Mugford (Year 8), Eden Taylor (Year 9), Miah Taylor (Year 12), Edward Keenan (Year 9) and Austen Fraser (Year 6) were successful in gaining roles out of over 380 auditionees for Frozen Junior at the Court Theatre. Miah will play the lead of Elsa, Eden is playing Olaf the snowman, Harrison gained the role of the Bishop, Edward is playing the reindeer Sven, and Austen is in the company.

Pipe Band

St Andrew’s students achieved excellent results at the 150th Waipu Highland Games:

• Georgia Eagle (Year 13 – Drum Sergeant), won the A Grade side drumming MSR, hornpipe and jig, and drum fanfare, which won her the overall A Grade side drumming;

• Alanna Brook (Year 10) won the Intermediate tenor drumming 2/4 March, Open MSR, and Open hornpipe and jig, which won her the Aggregate Open tenor drumming overall;

• Tayla Eagle (Year 11) placed third in the B Grade strathspey and reel, the U21 strathspey and reel, and the U21 New Zealand Championship 2/4.

Tayla Eagle (Year 11) spent had a 10day exchange at Haileybury College in Melbourne, competing with their A Pipe Band at the Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival where the band won Grade 4A and was runnerup in Novice A, and the Victorian State Championships where the band won Novice A and Grade 4A overall.

Pipe Band Summer School 2023

The Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Summer School was held at St Andrew’s College Wednesday 11 – Sunday 15 January, with 140 bagpipers and drummers from around New Zealand and Australia attending. St Andrew’s College was represented by Toby Cammock-Elliott (Year 13), Ethan Higgs, Theodore Lagias, Emily Carswell (all Year 11), Sam Foote, Alanna Brook, Emily Brook, Emily Watt (all Year 10), Cameron Sharpe, Austin Paterson (both Year 9), Charlie Gregg and William Nicholls (both Year 8). The students attended classes and private lessons and performed in a final concert with their Summer School group.

So They Can One Human Race Challenge

St Andrew’s College has an ongoing commitment to support So They Can, a non-profit organisation committed to empowering children living in poverty. During the month of March, the community got behind So They Can’s One Human Race Challenge, and through a variety of different initiatives, led by the Community Service team, raised a total of $6000.

Students were asked to get sponsorship from friends and family for a challenge around the number 85, which is the percentage of girls in Baringo County, Kenya, who suffer from genital cutting and child marriage. Students could choose something such as running/ biking a total of 85km or doing 85

push-ups every day. The money raised by this initiative is going towards So They Can’s vital education and empowerment projects which support these girls.

A House competition in the Quad in early March kicked off the initiative. Each House had a rowing machine and a bike, with the aim of covering the most distance. It was a great competition, with lots of students cheering each other on, and excellent House spirit. Rutherford continued its great form in House events so far this year to take the win.

Other events run across the month included a House basketball shooting competition, and a Theme Day, when students were encouraged to wear green, black, white or red, the colours of the Kenyan flag. Rector, Christine Leighton, personally supported the campaign with a sponsored walk,

surpassing her goal to walk 200km for the month, mostly walked on the treadmill at StACFit early each morning, with some weekend walks in the Port Hills or Hagley Park.

“I congratulate Heads of Community Service, Guy Daniels and Jessie Logie (both Year 13), for their fantastic efforts in supporting So They Can with the One Human Race campaign,” said Christine.

St Andrew’s College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, says this initiative was a wonderful opportunity for staff, students, and families to gather in teams to practice kindness, look for the needs of others, and respond as we would want to be responded to.

“By being generous we make room for the gifts of contentment, purpose, love, and hope to come to us – the things money cannot buy but the giving of it can.”

House Swimming Sports

House spirit was alive and well at the House Swimming Sports in early March. There were some close races and the Houses all got in behind their teammates, not to mention the exciting Heads of College race. There were many standout performances, including Josh Exon (Year 10 – U15 Boys) and Rylee McBride (Year 11 –U16 Girls) who won every event in their respective age groups. The Champion House for 2023 was Rutherford.

Sports round up

Late 2022* Athletics

Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships

Couper Killick (Y13) was the standout athlete from St Andrew’s at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships. He broke the Senior Boys’ shot put record with a throw of 17.49m, won the discus with 45.75m, and was 10th in the 100m. Findley Curtis (Y9) won the U14 Boys’ 200m in 24.14, breaking the record – but unfortunately had a following wind that was too strong to allow this officially. Jonah Cropp (Y12) won the Open Boys’ walk in a new personal best time of 13:10.20. The Senior Girls’ 4×100m relay team of Maia Columbus (Y13), Natalia Geneblaza, Jorja Williams, Nikkita McIntyre (all Y12) placed first. Placegetters were:

• Couper Killick (Y13): first Senior Boys shot put (new record), Senior Boys discus;

• Lily Twyford (Y13): second Senior Girls 400m, third 800m, second U19 Girls 400m;

• Miah Taylor (Y11): second U16 Girls pole vault;

• Samuel Cook (Y9): second U14 Boys 800m;

• Elliot Graves (Y11): second U16 Boys 800m;

• Sam McAlister (Y10): second U15 Boys discus;

• Hannah Hughes (Y11): third U16 Girls 3000m;

• Holly Rossiter (Y11): third U15 Girls discus;

• Nikkita McIntyre (Y12): third U18 Girls 400m.

Canterbury Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships

On Wednesday 30 November, the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships were held at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub. St Andrew’s Preparatory School entered a team of 19 students who competed in 23 events.

Students to place in the top 10 were:

• William Turner (Y8): second Boys high jump;

• Isabelle Harrison (Y5): third Girls long jump;

• Charlotte Currie, Tayla Ford, Kaia Hartstonge, Isla Marshall (all Y6): fourth Girls 4×50m relay;

• Sophie Schouten (Y7): sixth Girls high jump;

• Finn Bruwer (Y8): sixth Boys 1200m;

• Charlotte Currie (Y6): eighth Girls high jump;

• Holly Thirkel (Y7): eighth Girls 60m;

• Bryn Seath, Harry Summers, Cooper Pringle, Finn Bruwer (all Y8): eighth Boys 4×100m relay.

National Track and Field Championships

bronze medal in the shot put with a distance of 16.87m. He also finished seventh in the discus.

The Senior Girls’ 4×100m relay team had a late change with the withdrawal of a COVID-19 positive athlete two days before departure. Ava Gardiner (Y10) stepped up to join Natalia Geneblaza (Y12), Maia Columbus (Y13) and Nikkita McIntyre (Y12) to finish seventh.

Other results

• Nikkita McIntyre (Y12): ninth in 400m (just missed final by .08 seconds);

• Scarlett Kirby (Y13): eighth in shot put, ninth in hammer throw and discus, eleventh in javelin;

• Natalia Geneblaza (Y12): tenth in long jump, thirteenth in triple jump;

• Maia Columbus (Y13): seventeenth in 100m, twenty-fifth in long jump;

• Ava Gardiner (Y10): sixteenth in 80m hurdles, twenty-third in long jump, thirty-ninth in 100m.

• Jonah Cropp (Y12): first Open Boys walk;

• Findley Curtis (Y9): first U14 Boys 200m, second 100m, third long jump;

• Ricco Peauafi Symonds (Y9): third U14 Boys 100m and 200m, javelin;

• Scarlett Kirby (Y13): third Senior Girls hammer, discus;

• Sasha McIntyre (Y9): second U14 Girls 400m, third 200m;

• Amber de Wit (Y10): second U15 Girls 300m, third 1500m;

* Please note the use of 2022 year groups.

A team of seven athletes from St Andrew’s competed at the National Track and Field Championships, held in Inglewood from 9 – 11 December. Performances were affected by wet weather conditions over the first two days.

Jonah Cropp (Y12) won gold in the 3000m walk in a time of 12:34.46 which was a huge personal best performance. He only just missed the national record which he will have another chance at in 2023. Jonah was named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ team, which was selected at the end of the meeting.

Couper Killick (Y13) was the team’s other medallist with a well-deserved

Basketball

Madeline-Rose Morrow and Karereatua Williams (both Y13) were invited among the top 20 secondary school students from around New Zealand to attend the Steven Adams High School Invitational, which was held in Auckland in early December.

Mitchell Corkery, Torin Ward (both Y12) and Carter Rhodes (Y11) were selected to attend the Basketball New Zealand NZ Pro 3×3 Quest in early December 2022.

Benjamin Ashman, Hugh Kenny, and Charlie Haigh (all Y11) were champions of the 2022 Intra-school 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

Canoe Polo

Riley Thomson (Y10) was part of the title winning team in the Schools’ A Grade canoe polo finals. Jake Wilson and Tayler Monk (both Y9) were part of a novice team that won C Grade. Liam Randall (Y10) and Luca Rose (Y9) won their grade at the South Island Canoe Polo Championships.

Cheerleading

Bella Dean (Y6) was a member of Allstar Pride Icekatz, which was first in the Grade 1 Mini A Division at the 2022 New Zealand Super Nationals Cheerleading Competition, becoming national champions. The team also placed third in the Grand Championship, where all the division national champions competed against each other.

Cricket

Year 8 students Angus Laing and Zachary Hoshek were selected for a CJCA teams to represent the region at the Canterbury Regional Festival in Ashburton in January 2023.

Equestrian

Gemma Lewis (Y12) was selected to represent Canterbury (U25) in Mounted Games at the New Zealand Pony Club Championships.

Flag Football

Thomas Swailes (Y12) and Couper Killick (Y13) were selected for the Canterbury flag football team.

Futsal

The Senior Girls’ A team were undefeated to win the Mainland Regional 2022 Futsal Tournament, winning the final game against Rangi Ruru Girls’ School 5–0.

Alyssa Sanders (Y9), Scarlett Gray and Amber de Wit (both Y10) were part of the U15 Canterbury futsal team that became national champions at the 2022 New Zealand Youth Futsal Championships. Scarlett also received the Golden Glove Award for being the top keeper, and Amber was named U15 MVP.

Noah Cole (Y10) was in the Canterbury Dragons U15 futsal team which won the National League final against a previously unbeaten Wellington Phoenix Capital side.

Grass Kart

Josh Silcock (Y11) won all five of his races to defend his title as Canterbury Champion in the Junior Open Class (up to age 17 years) at the Canterbury Grass Kart Championships.

Motocross

Bailey Graham (Y12) competed at the 2022 New Zealand Motocross Championship and was the highest scoring junior rider in the history of ATV racing with a 96 per cent winning percentage. Bailey moved to the senior ranks this season, placing third in New Zealand in the Senior 450cc Production Class. He was also the recipient of the U21 Cup, an award for the top U21 competitor at the New Zealand Championship event.

Harrison Graham (Y11) also competed at the 2022 New Zealand Motocross Championship, where he won every race and cemented himself as the top junior rider in New Zealand for Motocross and TT style racing.

Netball

Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y12) was named in the 2023 National Netball League Mainland Development Squad.

Polo

Tom Turner (Y13) was part of the South Island U21 polo team that competed in the Ronald McDonald Day in the polo event, raising $160,000. They beat an U21 team from New South Wales in two games.

Race Walk

Jonah Cropp (Y12) had his race walk result from the Canterbury Road Championships in August 2022 verified by Athletics New Zealand as a confirmed New Zealand record for Men’s U18, U19, and U20 5km road walk, with a time of 23:45.

Rowing

Friederica Todhunter (Y12) and Coby Goode (Y11) were invited to attend the 2022 Rowing New Zealand U19 Development Camps held in December 2022.

Rugby St Andrew’s was awarded the prestigious Press Cup by the Canterbury Rugby Union for the second year in a row. This award recognises the best aggregate points from finishing positions from all teams within a club or school programme.

Rugby Sevens

The St Andrew’s U18 Girls’ rugby sevens team attended the Condor Invitational Tournament at King’s College, the first time a St Andrew’s sevens team has attended a national event. After winning all four of their games on day one, and a one win, one loss record in play-offs, the team made the final against Epsom Girls’ Grammar School. The score was tied at 12–12 with three minutes to play, but some late tries saw Epsom take the win 22–12, with St Andrew’s finishing second overall in an impressive effort.

Penelope Taulafo and Sienna

Stowers-Smith (both Y12) were selected to play for the New Zealand Māori Under 18 Ngā Māreikura (Girls’) team to play in a World Rugby Sevens Tournament in Auckland in December.

St Andrew’s teams had great success at the South Island Schools’ Rugby Sevens Tournament, with the following results:

• U16 Boys – won all their games to be crowned South Island Champions;

• U16 Girls – third overall;

• U19 Girls – lost final 21–22 to finish in second place.

Tennis

At the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Tennis Tournament at Wilding Park, both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams ended

as champion teams, while Frank McHarg (Y5) won an individual title:

• Boys team Joint Champions: Jack Wheeler, Oliver Connolly (both Y8), Toby Lang and Theo Smith (both Y7);

• Girls team Champions: Lucy McAlister, Kristina Burton (both Y8), Billie Feaver-Banks (Y7) and Kaia Hartstonge (Y6);

• Frank McHarg (Y5): champion in Year 6 and Under singles and doubles, qualifying him for the South Island Primary Schools’ Tennis Championships, where he also won the Year 6 and Under singles and doubles.

Canterbury Junior Secondary Schools’ Championships

At the Canterbury Junior Secondary Schools’ Championships, St Andrew’s students achieved the following top results:

• Lila Waghorn (Y9): winner of the Year 9 Girls singles;

• Ollie Jackways (Y9): runner-up in the Consolation Tournament;

• Lily McHarg (Y10): runner-up in the Year 10 Girls singles;

• Ruby McPhail (Y10): third in the Year 10 Girls singles;

• Lily McHarg and Ruby McPhail: winners of the Year 10 Girls doubles;

• Ricky Kotepong (Y10): third in the Year 10 Boys singles.

Touch Thomas Ruwhiu (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand U20 Men’s touch squad.

The Senior Mixed touch team played in the National Secondary Schools’ Touch Competition in Rotorua in December, with 25 teams competing in the Mixed grade. After two successful days of pool play and crossover matches, the team qualified for the semi-finals but suffered a narrow loss to Botany Downs. In the play-off for third/fourth, the team lost in extra time to Mahurangi College after scores were tied 7–7. This was an outstanding result given the team had little preparation before the competition.

The following St Andrew's College students have been selected to represent Canterbury touch teams:

• U16 Boys: Nikao Panapa, Fynn Harris (both Y10), Seymour Stowers-Smith (Y9);

• U18 Boys: Macklan Robertson, Samuel Mustchin (both Y11), Tom Harris (Y12).

Triathlon

The Primary Schools’ Canterbury Triathlon was held at South Eyre Road, with Hunter Donnithorne, Emma Theobald (both Y5), William Wilson, William Parsonage, Riley Pringle, Isla Marshall, Jackson Morrow (all Y6), Danica Minson and Benjamin Theobald (both Y7) representing the Preparatory School. Isla Marshall finished 10th in the Year 6 Girls’ race and Jackson Morrow placed 12th in the Year 6 Boys’ race.

Cohnor Walsh (Y9) was first in the U14 category and fourth overall for all age groups at the Secondary Schools’ Triathlon.

Touch

The following female touch players were named as Canterbury representatives:

• Canterbury U16 Girls: Addison Williams, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell (all Y11) Metua Cranwell (reserve – Y9);

• Touch Canterbury U18 Girls 2022/2023 season Red Team: Milla Downing (Y11), Mia McNaughtonVincent (Y13).

Volleyball

At the Canterbury Senior Secondary Schools’ Indoor Volleyball Championships, the Girls’ Senior A team finished fourth overall, and the Girls’ Senior B team was second in the Division 2 competition.

At the South Island Junior Secondary Schools’ Volleyball Championships, the Girls’ Junior A team finished sixth in Division 1. Mia Montgomery (Y10) was named in the tournament team. In the Boys’ Division 2 competition, the St Andrew’s Junior A team beat John McGlashan College in the semi-final but lost to Marlborough Boys’ College in the final, to finish second.

Water Polo

The Junior Boys’ water polo team was fifth at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Water Polo Tournament, after beating Christchurch Boys’ High School 8–3 in the play-off for fifth and sixth.

2023

Athletics

The following students won titles at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships:

• Shannan Delany (Y13) – U19 Girls 100m;

• Torin Ward (Y13) – U19 Boys pole vault;

• Jonah Cropp (Y13) – Boys walk;

• Holly Rossiter (Y12) – U16 Girls discus;

• Ollie Jackways (Y10) – U14 Boys 400m;

• Makenzie Disher (Y9) – U14 Girls javelin; Kupa Rule (Y10) – U14 Boys 800m;

• Sophie Lampe (Y9) – U14 Girls 1500m.

St Andrew’s took a clean sweep of placings in the U14 Boys’ 800m with Samuel Cook (Y10) and Ollie Jackways following Kupa Rule across the finish line. A total of 22 athletes qualified for the South Island Championships, with 15 able to attend.

Basketball

Twelve students were selected to attend Basketball New Zealand representative camps in February:

• U16 – Valentino Swainson (Y11), Benjamin Ashman, Ruby Beynon, Niamh Chamberlain, Marcus Isitt, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell (all Y12);

• U17 – Molly-Belle Morrow, Carter Rhodes, Ella Sharpe (all Y12), Kavanah Lene and Charlotte Seddon (both Y13).

The following students were selected for representative basketball teams:

• U15 Representatives: Lucy Cliff, Sophia Bourke (both Y9 – North Canterbury), Cooper Wilkins (Y10 –North Canterbury), Makenzie Disher (Y9 – Canterbury), Roma Tuimaunei (Y10 – Canterbury), Valentino Swainson (Y11 – Canterbury);

• U17 Representatives: Connor Higgs (Y13 – North Canterbury), Marcus Isitt, Carter Rhodes, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell, Niamh Chamberlain, Molly-Belle Morrow, Ella Sharpe (all Y12 – Canterbury), Kavanah Lene, Charlotte Seddon (both Y13 – Canterbury);

• U18 Representatives: Rylan Cliff, Ethan Higgs (both Y11 – North Canterbury), Connor Higgs (Y13 – Canterbury);

• U19 Representatives: Mitchell Corkery, Torin Ward, Lauren Whittaker (all Y13 – Canterbury).

Cricket

Charlie Bisphan (Y10) was selected for the Canterbury 15 and Under indoor cricket team.

Cycling

Riley Crampton (Y9) is having a great season on the bike. He won a national title in the U15 7.5km points race at the National Track Cycling

Championships, and was a bronze medallist in the 500m team sprint.

Riley won the U16 Male section and was overall ‘Le Race Petite’ winner at the Le Race cycling race from Christchurch to Akaroa. He also won the U15 15km individual time trial (setting a new Canterbury record), and the 32km road race at the Canterbury Cycling Road Championships.

Megan Simpson (Y12) was selected to attend the New Zealand U20 football team camp in the April holidays.

Futsal

The Senior Girls’ futsal team were undefeated at the Mainland Futsal Secondary Schools’ Championship, to win the title.

Amber de Wit, Scarlett Gray (both Y11) and Megan Simpson (Y12) were selected to represent Canterbury in the Ford Futsal National Super League 2023. Britney-Lee Nicholson (OC 2017) and Frankie Morrow (OC 2019) are also part of the squad that will be competing nationally.

Golf

Dressage

The St Andrew’s A team was sixth overall at the Canterbury Interschools Dressage Competition.

Equestrian

Gemma Lewis (Y13) competed in a number of equestrian events over the summer, with results including winning Reserve Champion in the Young Rider Division at the Dressage Nationals, the Cup for Canterbury Dressage Championships Overall Winner of Pony Section, and Reserve Champion Level 4 Pony at the South Island Dressage Championships. She also led the South Island representative team to a national title at the Interisland Championship, and was a member of Canterbury teams for dressage, show jumping, and mounted games (U25) at the New Zealand Pony Club Championships, finishing in the top three in several events. She also won Reserve Champion FEI Pony at the Waikato Premier League Competition.

Football

Amber de Wit (Y11) travelled to Texas in April as part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Girls’ football team to play in the Dallas International Girls’ Cup.

St Andrew’s took a clean sweep against a strong field of over 20 teams at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Golf Championships, qualifying for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ finals in August. Results:

• Sebastian May (Y13), Zihui (Alisia) Ren (Y12) and Ethan Lam (Y10) –first in Team event;

• Ethan Lam – first individual male, Sebastian May – third individual male;

• Zihui (Alisia) Ren – first individual female;

• Thomas Waghorn (13) – first individual in Handicap section.

Gymnastics

Kalisa Zhang (Y8) was first in Free, Hoop, Ball and Club, and first overall in Stage 4 at the Canterbury Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.

Hockey

Penelope Taulafo (Y13) was named in the playing squad for New Zealand Māori U21 hockey team, with a heritage tournament over the Easter weekend.

ISSA Swimming Championships

and Kumite (fighting) 12–13 years Premier at the Canterbury Classic Karate Competition.

Motocross

Shey Doerner-Corson (Y10) was second in his class at the Tasman Honda sixhour cross-country motocross event at St Arnaud.

Netball

Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y13) was named as one of 24 triallists for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ netball team.

Rowing

Freddy Todhunter (Y13) had great success at the Club National Championships. She raced in the singles final of the U22 and Senior grades and took home a bronze medal in the U22 double.

The South Island Club Rowing Championships were held at Lake Ruataniwha in near-perfect conditions. The rowing team made 24 A Finals and six B Finals. Eleven crews gained a podium finish, with the team receiving one gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.

At the Canterbury Head of the River Regatta at Kerrs Reach, St Andrew’s College crews won five gold medals, three silver, and one bronze medal.

Show Jumping

Lucy Charteris (Y11) and her pony placed second overall at the Show Jumping Nationals held at McLeans Island, with only .07 between first and second place.

The St Andrew’s College team won the Show Hunter’s Division at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Show Jumping Event.

Senior Girls’ futsal team, back from left, Britney-Lee Nicholson (OC 2017), Scarlett Gray (Y11), Odette Lieshout, Hannah Burnett, Billie Revis (all Y12), Amber de Wit (Y11), Kinda Khanafer (Y13), front from left, Megan Simpson (Y12), Amelia McAllister, Kyra Lazor (both Y13), Taylor Gordon, Alyssa Sanders (both Y10), Addison Pilkington (Y12), Juan Chang (coach)

A group of Year 5–8 students competed in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, open butterfly, and mixed relay events at the ISSA Preparatory Swimming School Championships. Those to place first or second in their event and qualify for the Canterbury Primary Swimming Sports Day were Chloe Wang (Y5), Yunze Li, Jacob Wang (both Y6), Kaia Hartstonge, Zilong Chen, Hudson Blyde (all Y7), Anthony Song and Lauren Exon (both Y8). The Year 5 4×50m Mixed freestyle relay team comprising Chloe Wang, Charlotte Harrison, Max Yandle and Bozan Wang; and the Year 7 4×50m Mixed freestyle relay team comprising Kaia Hartstonge, Edward Garbutt, Zilong Chen and Isla Marshall, also qualified.

Karate

Gemma Thomas (Y10) won silver in both the Kata (display) 12–13 years Premier

Surf Lifesaving

Amelie Clark (Y10) was first equal overall in the U14 category at the Canterbury Surf Lifesaving Championships.

Swimming

At the South Island Long Course Swimming Championships in Invercargill, Rylee McBride (Y11) competed in the 15–16 Women’s category, winning six gold medals (200m individual medley, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke, 100m butterfly, and 50m breaststroke). Rylee was also the overall Open South Island champion for the 100m fly and 50m backstroke. Sophia Molnar (Y12) was first in the 12 and Over Women’s 100m breaststroke and second in the 50m and 200m breaststroke. Joshua Exon (Y10) was second in the

12 and Over Men’s 50m breaststroke and third in the 100m butterfly.

A team of 33 swimmers competed at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships, achieving 11 top three placings:

• Girls 15 Years 50m Butterfly: Rylee McBride (Y11 – gold);

• Boys 15 Years 50m Breaststroke: William McConchie (Y11 – gold);

• Girls 16–18 Years 100m Freestyle: Maddison Barr (Y13 – gold);

• Boys 12–13 Years 50m Freestyle: Roma Tuimaunei (Y10 – silver);

• Girls 16–18 Years 50m Butterfly: Isabella M cConchie (Y13 – silver)

• Girls 12–13 Years 50m Butterfly: Irinia Westerink (Y9 – bronze);

• Boys 14 Years 50m Butterfly: Joshua Exon (PB) (Y10 – bronze);

• Girls 14 Years 200m Freestyle

Relay: Amelie Clark, Charlotte Kyle, Olivia Ratcliffe, Rebecca Kingsbury (all Y10 – bronze)

• Boys 15 Years 200m Freestyle: George Bissland (Y10), Luca Graham, Sam McAlister, William McConchie (all Y11 – bronze);

• Girls Open Age 200m Freestyle

Relay: Rylee McBride (Y11), Caitlin Roberts, Maddison Barr, Isabella McConchie (all Y13 – bronze);

• Boys 16–18 Years 200m Freestyle

Relay: Elliot Graves, Joe Mundy, Jaden Hu, Ryan Marsh (all Y12 – bronze).

A group of nine Preparatory School students in Years 5–8 competed at the Canterbury Primary Swimming Sports Day, all placing in the top 10 in their respective events and age groups. Highlights were Kaia Hartstonge placing third in the Year 7 Girls’ freestyle, and Anthony Song placing second in the Year 8 Boys’ breaststroke.

Tennis

St Andrew’s top boys’ and girls’ tennis teams represented the College with pride at the South Island Tennis Championships, where they both finished runners-up. Both teams had good wins in their preliminary rounds, with the girls making the final against St Margaret’s College, and the boys facing a strong Christ’s College team. It was 2–2 after the singles in the girls match, however, St Margaret’s won the doubles matches to decide the championship. The boys final was won 6–0 by Christ’s College.

• U16 Development: Harrison Mealings (Y11).

Trap Shooting

At the Canterbury District Championships, Kurt Lilly (Y10) was third in the B Grade double rise, and won the B Grade triples contests, finishing as the highest scoring junior.

Triathlon

At the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Triathlon Championships, Sophie Lampe (Y9) had an outstanding race, winning the U14 Girls’ event. Cohnor Walsh (Y10) was 11th in the U16 Boys’ event and was 10th in the Aquathon the next day.

At the South Island Secondary School Triathlon, Cohnor Walsh (Y10) was second in the Intermediate Boys’ U16 category with a time of 34.27, and Sophie Lampe (Y9) was first in the Junior Girls’ U14 category with a time of 38.39.

St Andrew’s students achieved the following top placings at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Senior Tennis Championships:

• Girls’ Year 11 Singles: Lily McHarg – second, Ruby McPhail (both Y11) – third;

• Girls’ Year 11 Doubles: Lily McHarg and Ruby McPhail – first;

• Boys’ Year 11 Singles: Ricky Kotepong (Year 11) – second;

• Girls’ Consolation Senior Singles: Cherry Zhou (Y12) – first;

• Girls’ Senior Doubles: Izzy Western (Y13) and Cherry Zhou (Y12) –second;

• Boys’ Senior Singles Consolation: Josh McPhail (Y13) – first, Josh Silcock (Y12) – second;

• Senior Boys’ Doubles: Josh Silcock and Tim Hellman (both Y12) won Consolation title.

Touch

The following students took part in the 2023 Bunnings National Youth Touch Championship, representing Canterbury:

• U16 Boys: Nikao Panapa, Fynn Harris (both Y11), Seymour Stowers-Smith (Y10);

• U18 Boys: Macklan Robertson, Samuel Mustchin (both Y12), Tom Harris (Y13);

• U16 Girls: Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell, Addison Williams (all Y12), Metua Cranwell (Y10);

• U18 Girls: Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y13);

Sophie Lampe (Y9) won the U14 Girls’ race at the Otago Secondary Schools’ Triathlon Championships by over four minutes and was one minute faster than the first U14 boy.

Cohnor Walsh (Y10) won the U15 Boys’ category at the Sea to Sky Challenge Triathlon.

A group of 27 students from the Preparatory School competed in the Canterbury Primary and CAIM Schools’ Triathlon, with Isla Marshall (Y7) the top place finisher in ninth overall.

Volleyball

The Senior Girls’ A volleyball team was third at the Canterbury Senior Secondary Schools’ Volleyball Championships. Tineke Hinton (Y13), Molly-Belle Morrow (Y12) and Mia Montgomery (Y11) were selected for the tournament team. The Senior Girls’ B team also had a great tournament, winning Division 2.

Summer Tournament Week

After the disruptions caused by COVID-19, it was exciting for the 16 summer sports teams from St Andrew’s which were finally able to represent the College in an uninterrupted Summer Tournament Week. It was great to see some outstanding results come in from the various national and South Island competitions as the week progressed.

Standout performers were the Year 10 cricket team which finished second equal in New Zealand, and the Senior Girls’ A volleyball team, Mixed tennis team, Senior Girls’ Blue 3×3 team and Junior Boys’ Blue 3×3 team, which all finished fourth nationally. The St Andrew’s mountain bikers won gold and silver medals at the South Island championships, the athletics team had eight podium finishes including three South Island titles, and the Senior Boys’ water polo team won a bronze medal at their South Island event. The weekend prior to Summer Tournament Week, the Mixed Touch team were crowned South Island champions.

St Andrew’s College rowers also had outstanding success at Maadi Cup with three gold medals and one silver medal – read the full report on page 50.

Along with the great results, there was lots of positive feedback from staff who travelled with the teams, commenting on the students’ courage, positive spirit, resilience, and commitment to fair play.

Cricket

After winning the Canterbury final of the NZCT Cup, the St Andrew’s Year 10 cricket team competed at the national finals as one of the top six Year 10 cricket teams in New Zealand. They performed extremely well during the week, with wins against John McGlashan College, and Wellington College, and losses to Napier Boys’ High School and Auckland Grammar School. In their last match the team beat Tauranga Boys’ High School to finish second equal on points. Spencer Hair was named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament after scoring an impressive 229 runs at an average of 57.25 per game.

Volleyball

The Senior A and Senior B Girls’ teams went to Palmerston North with high hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of their respective competitions at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Volleyball Championships, with both far exceeding their goals. The Senior A Girls had a wonderful tournament, playing some of their best volleyball of the season. They fought hard throughout pool play and in their quarter-final, and were eventually beaten by a very good St Mary’s College team in the semi-final. In the playoff for third and fourth, they lost to Christchurch Girls’ High School to finish fourth in New Zealand, which is an outstanding effort. The Senior B team went through with only one loss in pool play to win the Division 5 Championship, which was a fantastic effort for this young team.

Tennis

A young St Andrew’s Mixed tennis team competed against the top championship tennis teams from throughout the country at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Tennis Championships

in Christchurch. Some very tough competition ensued during the week, with the closest being a countback on games against Ashburton College, with St Andrew’s winning 50 games to 48 after six matches. After four days of competition, St Andrew’s finished fourth in New Zealand, a commendable effort against very strong competition.

Mountain Biking

Brothers, Cooper Pringle (Y9) and William Pringle (Y10) achieved great results at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Mountain Biking Championships. William won the U16 cross country event to become a South Island champion, and Cooper won silver in the U15 cross country event.

Touch

The St Andrew’s Mixed touch team are South Island champions, after an exciting 8–7 victory in the final of the South Island Secondary Schools’ Touch Tournament against reigning national champions, Rolleston College. The score was locked at 7–7 with seconds to play, when St Andrew’s scored to take a memorable victory.

Athletics

A group of nine athletes from St Andrew’s College competed at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships and did incredibly well, achieving eight podium finishes. Highlights included South Island titles won by Sophie Lampe (Y9) and Natalia Geneblaza (Y13). Medallists were :

• Sophie Lampe (Y9): gold in Girls U14 1500m and 3000m;

• Natalia Geneblaza (Y13): gold in Girls U19 triple jump;

• Kupa Rule (Y10): silver in Boys U14 800m, bronze in 1500m;

• Oliver Jackways (Y10): Boys U14 high jump and 400m;

• Beau Robertson (Y10): bronze in Boys U15 long jump.

Water Polo

A Senior A Boys’ and Senior Girls’ team represented St Andrew’s at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Water Polo Championships. The boys put in a fantastic performance to finish third and take the bronze medal. The girls finished ninth but also did extremely well, given they were entered into B Grade, but ended up playing in the A Grade.

the standout results being the Senior Girls’ Blue and Junior Boys’ Blue teams, which both finished fourth nationally, and were the top South Island schools in the competition. The Senior Boys’ Blue team finished tenth (second in the South Island), and the Senior Boys’ White team was 15th (fifth in the South Island).

Futsal

At the New Zealand Junior Secondary Schools’ Futsal Championships in Wellington, our Senior Girls’ team came back strong after a couple of early losses to finish 17th in New Zealand. The Senior Boys’ team had mixed results, finishing 29th overall.

Basketball

Two Senior Boys’ teams, one Senior Girls’ team and a Junior Boys’ team travelled to Auckland to compete in New Zealand Secondary Schools’ 3×3 Championships.They had great success at their competitions, with

Maadi gold for St Andrew’s

Freddy Todhunter (Y13) has added another Maadi gold medal to her collection, capping off a brilliant rowing career for St Andrew’s College with an outstanding victory in the Girls’ U18 single sculls at the 2023 Aon Maadi Regatta.

After racing strongly during the week, Freddy kept her cool in the final, and with her long, relaxed stroke, managed to power her way to the front of the race over the second 1000m. She determinedly fought off the challenge of an Otago Girls’ High School rower over the last 200m to win by half a boat length and take gold. This is St Andrew’s first U18 title since the Maadi Cup win in 2017, so it was a special day for Freddy, and the squad.

Freddy had previously won gold in the Girls’ U17 double and silver in the Girls’ U17 quad at the 2022 Maadi Regatta.

That wasn’t the only gold for St Andrew’s at the 2023 regatta. The Girls’ U15 coxed quad, Abbie

Hartstonge, Sophia Voice, Sophia Drury, Mollie Thomas (all Y11) and Zakiya Smith (Y12 – cox) won gold by 0.32 seconds in a thrilling race on day one of the finals. The next gold medal win was won by the Boys’ U17 coxed four. The crew of Cameron Scott (Y13), William Long, Benjamin Ashman, Jack Pitts and Jonty Pye (all Y12) came back in a gripping final from three-quarters of a boat length down against a strong St Bede’s College crew to beat them over the line by just 0.11 of a second. They set a new record for both U17 and U18, with no schoolboy four in any age group ever having gone faster.

The other medallists were the Boys’ U17 coxed eight, comprising Cameron Scott (Y13), William Long, Logan Gardner, Jake Burrowes, Benjamin Ashman, Jack Pitts, Charles Butterfield, Coby Goode and William Tavendale (cox) (all Y12), who won silver after finishing a close second to Hamilton Boys’ High School in another nail-biting race.

Overall, the St Andrew’s rowing squad made nine A finals and eight B finals, so it was an exciting last two days on the water for the students and their supporters.

Following the regatta, Freddy Todhunter was named as a New Zealand U19 team triallist, while Ben Ashman, Logan Gardner, Coby Goode, William Long, Jack Pitts, and William Tavendale (all Y12) were selected as South Island U18 team triallists.

Head of Rowing, Guy Williams said it was a special week for the St Andrew’s Rowing team. “The results were outstanding – not only from our three national champion crews and silver medallists, but the entire team, who all put their best performances together. This is a reflection of the hundreds of hours of hard work put in by our rowers over the last six months, along with the support of our coaching staff, parents and the school. All involved should be incredibly proud.”

Maadi Cup A Final results:

• Freddy Todhunter (Y13): gold in Girls U18 single sculls;

• Abbie Hartstonge, Sophia Voice, Sophia Drury, Mollie Thomas (all Y11) and Zakiya Smith (Y12 – cox): gold in the Girls U15 coxed quad;

• Cameron Scott (Y13), William Long, Benjamin Ashman, Jack Pitts and Jonty Pye (all Y12): gold in the Boys U17 coxed four;

• Cameron Scott (Y13), William Long, Logan Gardner, Jake Burrowes, Benjamin Ashman, Jack Pitts, Charles Butterfield, Coby Goode and William Tavendale (cox) (all Y12): silver in the Boys U17 coxed eight;

• Logan Gardner, Jake Burrowes, Charles Butterfield, Coby Goode and William Tavendale (cox) (all Y12): fifth in the Boys U17 coxed four;

• Thomas Heffernan, Sam Gamble (both Y12): fifth in Boys U17 coxless pair oars;

• Jackson Evans, William Currie, Kaelan Graham, Bradley Hughes, Logan Righton, Theo Thomas, Max Barclay (all Y11), Bryn Hall, Olivia de Joux (cox) (both Y12): sixth in the Boys U16 coxed eight;

• Mollie Thomas, Ella Short, Sophia Voice, Jasmin Christie, Sophia Drury, Caitlin Stowell, Abbie Hartstonge (all Y11), Rosa Hill, Isobel Forsey (cox) (both Y12): sixth in the Girls U16 coxed eight;

• Mollie Thomas, Sophia Voice, Jasmin Christie, Ella Short (all Y11), Isobel Forsey (Y12 – cox): seventh in the Girls U16 coxed quad sculls.

A successful season for the rowing squad

South Island Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships

The South Island Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships in March provided the St Andrew’s rowing squad with a great build-up to Maadi Cup, setting many of the crews up for later success. Racing in excellent conditions on Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel, the squad made 25 A finals and four B finals, placing sixth overall, after winning two gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals.

The gold medal crews were the Boys’ U17 coxed four and Boys’ U17 coxed eight, which went on to win gold and silver medals respectively at Maadi Cup.

Freddy Todhunter (Y13), and the Girls’ U15 coxed quad (who both went on to become national champions at Maadi Cup) were South Island silver medallists, alongside the Boys’ U15 coxed eight, comprising Jonty Pye (Y12) (cox), Henry Tayler, Harry Pitts, Timothy McLaren, William Gilray, Oliver Barker, Jonty Moorhead, Tadhg Molony and Hendrik Todhunter (all Y10). Bronze medals were won by

the Boys’ U17 coxed four #2 (placing St Andrew’s first and third in this race), and the Boys’ U16 coxed eight.

St Andrew’s fielded a Girls’ U18 eight for the first time, making St Andrew’s the only co-ed school in the South Island to have a boys’ and girls’ boat in the U18 eight events.

Other regattas

The St Andrew’s Rowing Club’s season kicked off over the summer holiday, participating in a number of camps and regattas.

The squad of 80 students (58 in Years 11–13 and 22 in Year 10) enjoyed exceptional weather for each of their camps at Twizel, with senior rowers putting in the hard work to row around 160km in each of their two camps.

The first camp in early December was for the whole squad and gave the novice rowers their first taste of a regatta, as the camp coincided with the Otago Rowing Championships. During three uninterrupted days on the lake, the squad made 23 A finals

and 10 B finals, with three first, three second, and three third placed crews.

The second camp in January coincided with the Canterbury Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha. Director of Rowing, Guy Williams, was impressed at how well the rowers had kept up their fitness over the holiday break, saying it was one of the better efforts by a team returning from the break in his 20 years in the sport. This put St Andrew’s in good shape for the regatta where crews competed in 25 A finals and two B finals, with two first, one second, and two third place results.

In late January, the squad went into camp again, and competed at the South Island Club Rowing Championships. This is one of the championship regattas and at its end, St Andrew’s had crews compete in 24 A finals and six B finals with one first, four second, and six third place results. This was a great way to finish off the holiday events and prepare for the business end of the season at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Championships and Aon Maadi Regatta.

Old Collegians from the

President Message

10 reunion Years On

Class of 2008–2012

It has been a busy start to the year for the Old Collegians Association. It was a privilege to represent the group at the Founders’ Day Assembly and our double 60 Years On reunions.

There was a mixture of emotions during the 106 year Founders’ Day Assembly which was held in the Centennial Chapel. We were treated to an entertaining Address to a Haggis and excellent musical performances. It was a pleasure to have the Honourable Nicholas Davidson, KC (1966) in attendance to present a number of cricketing awards. The College also received a brilliant address from outgoing Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u (2003). Mikae’s departure will undoubtedly be felt by the College, and the Old Collegian community looks forward to staying connected with him.

The double 60 Years On reunion was a successful three days, with the dinner being a particularly memorable occasion. The culinary creations of Catering Manager, Russell Gray and his team were exceptional and the evening was well hosted by Bruce Bascand (1967). A highlight of the evening was the address given by Philip King (1966), which featured a moving rendition of “The Parting Glass”. Philip’s speech was filled with amusing and detailed anecdotes about past teachers at the College, and his singing voice added a special touch to the evening’s proceedings. The reunion was a testament to the enduring strength of the St Andrew’s College community and a celebration of the bonds that continue to unite its alumni after many years.

The OCA Executive is excited about the upcoming reunions which are planned for the rest of the year.

On Thursday 10 November, 65 members of the Class of 2008–2012 were welcomed back for their 10 Years On reunion. The afternoon started with a tour of the College, with the Old Collegians enjoying the chance to see the many changes which have taken place on the campus since the 2011 earthquakes. Following the tour, the group gathered in the Centennial Chapel where they were addressed by Rector, Christine Leighton, who reflected on the changes that have happened since they had left, and also the memories she had from their time at the College. This was followed by an amusing speech from Jono Oxley and Tim Tarbotton. The Cocktail Party in Strowan House was a wonderful catch up for the Old Collegians who had a lot to talk about after 10 years apart. There were several special guests in attendance, including the Dean of the year group, Jane Corbett, who came from Blenheim to join the celebration. The reunion party later visited a local establishment, where they reminisced well into the early hours. It was a memorable occasion for all.

London gathering

A group of 14 UK-based Old Collegians gathered at The Fitzroy Tavern in London in November 2022, for their second annual gathering. Thank you to Peter Goodman (OC 1965) for once again, making this happen.

On 22 August 2023, Rector Christine Leighton, will be hosting a reunion at The Caledonian Club in Belgravia, London. Please email oldcols@stac.school.nz for more information.

60 reunion Years On

Classes of 1962–1966 and 1963–1967

More than 70 Old Collegians from the classes of 1962–1966 and 1963–1967 returned to St Andrew’s College on Friday 17 – Sunday 19 March for their 60 Years On reunion. Their three days of reminiscing and celebration got underway with their attendance at the traditional Founders’ Day Assembly and Highland Games, which was a great occasion of noise and colour. On the Friday evening, the Old Collegians enjoyed a lively Cocktail Party, where Bill Gardner and Blair Stockwell (both 1967) were delighted to see their names on the Centenary Sports Wall in Gym 2. In attendance were three King’s Counsels’ from the Class of 1966, Nick Davidson, Peter Whiteside, and Philip Sapsford, who had travelled from Switzerland for the occasion.

On the Saturday evening, 90 guests attended the formal dinner, which was emceed by Bruce Bascand (1967) and featured an hilarious Toast to the College by Philip King (1966). The weekend was completed with a chapel service on the Sunday morning to remember those who had gone before. It was a very successful and special 60 Years On reunion, with the large group enjoying their reconnection with both the College, and each other.

Events for 2023

Double 50 Years On Reunion (1972–1976 & 1973–1977)

Friday 26 May – Saturday 27 May

40 Years On Reunion (1983–1987)

Friday 23 June – Saturday 24 June

OCA Annual Dinner Friday 21 July

Rugby Reunion vs Christ's College Saturday 22 July

London Reunion 22 August

For the full 2023 Old Collegian Events Calendar, please visit stac.nz/OldColsEvents

Class notes

Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr FRS CNZM FRSNZ (1950) was named as a semi-finalist in the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Roy is an eminent mathematician, internationally renowned for a discovery that sparked a revolution in physics when he discovered an exact solution to the Einstein field equation of general relativity, making him the first New Zealander to be awarded the Einstein Medal by the Albert Einstein Society in 2012. In 2022, University of Canterbury asteroid hunters named an asteroid they discovered after Roy.

Hamish Rennie (1976) was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the New Zealand Planning Institute. This follows receiving the President’s Award for Graduate Research Supervision in 2020 by the New Zealand Geographical Society. Hamish was appointed as Head of the Department of Environmental Management at Lincoln University for 2023.

enjoyed the opportunity to take a small part alongside the other actors in the film. In February, Jonathan spent the afternoon with the Year 13 Media students going over industry roles and script breakdown, plus some great information for our future filmmakers. He also shared some insights from his career, including his experience working with renowned American director, Stanley Kubrick.

Amiria Rule (née Marsh, 2001) and Jamie Wright (2012) have joined the teaching staff at St Andrew’s College in 2023.

Thomas Eves (2006) performed Hummel’s TrumpetConcerto as a trumpet soloist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as part of the Appalachian Dream concerts at The Piano.

Amosa Faitaua-Nanai (2015) was a coach of the St Andrew’s U19 netball team in 2022 and participated in the World Fast5 Netball. He was also named MVP against Australia.

Hamish Rennie

Brett Lilly (1985), recently competed in the Canterbury District Trapshooting Championships where he finished second in B Grade single rise, following a shoot off. He shot exceptionally well in all of the rounds and won the overall B Grade category with a score of 217/255.

In November 2022, the St Andrew’s campus was used as the set for a film, which was written and directed by Jonathan Ogilvie (1979). Jonathan (PhD from Macquarie University Sydney for his thesis The Cinematics of Surveillance and his screenplay Lone Wolf) is producing a film, loosely autobiographical, with the working title of Head South. A few of St Andrew’s Drama students and a couple of Pipe Band students

Thomas Eves

Harrison Crooks (2012) is an engineering geologist working in Brisbane.

Richie Mo’unga (2012) signed a three-year deal with Japanese rugby club Toshiba, starting in 2024.

Mitchell Crooks (2013) is a physiotherapist working in the Wellington Hospital area.

Robbie Stokes (2013) won the opening round of the 2023 Mainland Rally Championship held on the first of the two-day Otago Rally.

Henry Shipley (2014) was awarded the ANZ Aotearoa Player of the Match with a maiden international five-wicket bag (5–31) against Sri Lanka in his fourth appearance for New Zealand. He also made the Black Caps ODI squad for their tours of Pakistan (three ODIs) and India (three ODIs) in January. He wreaked havoc for Canterbury in the cricket team’s Ford Trophy win against Wellington by picking up five wickets, which included a hat trick. It was the fourth hat trick in the 52 years of the competition, and the first ever for Canterbury.

Thomas Russel , Zack Rumble and Ben Taylor (all 2017) were selected for the 2022 Rowing New Zealand Elite Development Squad.

Britney-Lee Nicholson (2017) and Frankie Morrow (2019) have been selected to represent Canterbury in the Ford Futsal National Super League 2023.

Juliet Robertson (2017) played for the New Zealand korfball team in the IKF Asia-Oceania Korfball Championship, where New Zealand placed fourth. This qualified them to go to the World Games in 2023 and is the first time New Zealand has made it to the semi-finals.

Blair Currie (2018) was selected for the football season’s All Conference 1st team and awarded Conference Defensive Player of the Week during November at Spring Arbor University in Michigan, USA. In December, her Spring Arbor Cougars team won the national NAIA Women’s Championship Tournament. Blair was named Defensive Player of the Tournament, and was named in the Tournament team. She finished as the top-ranked goalkeeper across all 188 NAIA women’s football colleges. Blair was also selected for the All-American College team, the first New Zealand footballer since All Whites star, Joe Bell, in 2019 to achieve this feat.

Marcus Armstrong (2018) was named the fourth IndyCar driver in the Chip Ganassi Racing line-up for 2023. In the season opener he finished 11th and Top Rookie.

Rhys Mariu (2019) had an outstanding first-class debut for Canterbury, scoring 68 in the first innings and guiding Canterbury home to an outright win over Northern Districts with a 78 not out in the second innings.

Seb Calder (2019) and Joel Lam (2020) represented the Crusaders, against fellow Old Cols Will Stodart (2021) and Sam Gilbert (2016) who lined-up for the Highlanders, in the first game for the Farmlands Cup Pre-Season.

Benji Freeman (2021) signed with the Taranaki Steelformers Airs basketball team for the 2023 Sal’s New Zealand NBL season

Tapenisa Havea (Head Girl 2021) was one of 76 nominees in the 60th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, run by the Halberg Foundation. Tapenisa was nominated in the Sky Sport Emerging Talent category for her incredible performances as a shot put and discus athlete.

Holly Munro (2021) was named as one of three new apprentice players ahead of the 2023 ANZ Premiership. She joined the Premiership team for various training sessions to get a taste of the elite netball environment and has been a part of the Tactix pre-season. She was also selected for the National Netball League Mainland squad.

Arlya Guard (2022) was named in the Development squad.

In February, Molly Spark (2021) raced in both the Coast to Coast and then the gruelling Godzone just 12 days later.

Kiara Bercelli (2022) has signed a professional contract with U C Sampdoria in the Italy Serie A League, which is the highest level of football in Italy. Kiara played for St Andrew’s in the 1st XI in 2020–2021, which won the Canterbury Championships, and the St Andrew’s Girls’ futsal team, which won a bronze medal nationally.

forgotten but Gone not

Donald (Doug) Black 1944

Millar Henderson 1945

Ray French 1946

Alan Familton 1946

John (Robin) Bruce 1947

Neil McIntosh 1949

William (Ian) Hopewell 1949

David Relph 1949

Peter Wilson 1949

John Neale 1952

Geoffrey Ruck 1953

As part of her prize for winning the Play It Strange songwriting competition in 2022, Grace Lawrence (Head Girl –2022) had a professional music video made for her song, Differently Now

Maddie Morrow and Karereatua Williams (both 2022) accepted full Basketball Athletic Scholarships to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, USA.

Rory Sloan (2022) was selected for the 2023 Māori Secondary Schoolboys’ Cricket team.

GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S HILLARY AWARDS

St Andrew’s College proudly hosted the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award – National Awards Ceremony, with the awards presented by Governor-General, Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro.

The 14 Old Collegians who received their Gold Awards were Ewan Lawson (2018), Lucy Cammock-Elliott (2020), Rory Dephoff (2020), Libby McKinnel (2020), Pippa McAnergney (2020), Ben Wilson (2020), Hamish Bain (2021), Ben Ferrier (2021), Sophie Goode (2021), Eva Hitchon (2021), Alyssa Le (2021), Ariana Mellish-Temple (2021), Oliver Odlin (2021), Emma Prince (2021).

Colin Jowers 1954

Dougal Norrie 1955

Jim Maxwell 1956

Philip Patterson 1957

Melvyn Selwood 1958

John Logie 1960

Gareth Bradshaw 1961

Peter Nixon 1961

Martin Howman 1962

Bill Rushworth 1962

John Moyle 1964

Alan Grant 1965

Ian McLachlan 1969

Craig McGowan 1972

David Neilson 1974

Scott Stevenson 1976

David Carrell 1989

Simon Bagrie 1989

Son of James Munro (2004), born 16 January 2023.

Saskia France

Daughter of Lucy Neame (1996), born 2 February 2023.

Son of Hamish McKerchar (2008), born 28 December 2022.

Son of Kate Brabant (1999) and Mason Nutt (1998), born 26 September 2022.

Welcome world to the Justmarried

Alistair Smith (2010) married his wife, Gabrielle, at the Carmel Mission, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California on 29 October 2022. They live in California and are both winemakers in Napa Valley.

A Bonny Bear for your baby!

Son of Ellen Rowlands (née Stick, 2008), born 7 September 2022.

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 oldcols@stac.school.nz