St Andrew’s College Olympians; Hong Kong Rugby Hall of Fame inductee
Exciting basketball scholarship opportunities
Sports round up
Message from the President; Events
Events; Upcoming events
Class notes
Gone but not forgotten
Welcome to the world; Just married
(Cover) Legally Blonde Senior Production: Xanthe Pearce and Hugo Ranken (both Year 13)
Photo credit: Sue Oxley
From Rector the
The joys and demands of a teaching career
At the end of this year, I will be completing a 44-year career in schools. Many regard teaching as a ‘calling’, something they have been compelled to do from a young age. Others choose teaching through a love of learning, or a passion for a particular discipline or subject. Many recognise their yearning for variety, human connection, and sense of purpose, and see a life surrounded by young people as an attractive option.
It was in 1980 that I had my very first taste of teaching in a classroom, as I completed my ‘Div C’ Postgraduate year at the University of Canterbury. As a 20 year old, with a BA in English and History from Auckland University, I found myself on section at none other than St Andrew’s College, teaching Seventh Form English to a then all-male class under the watchful eye of Master Teacher, Gordon Oglivie. To be fair, my memories of that time are a little vague, but I do remember the text was Chips withEverything and Pipe Band Director, Richard Hawke, and I have chuckled about the fact he was in that class!
Many years later, and after various roles at Nayland College (1981–1986), TASIS England (1987–1988), Tauranga Boys’ College (1989–1994), St Hilda’s Collegiate (1999–2007), and finally St Andrew’s College (2007–2024), I have called ‘time’ on what has been a most rewarding and satisfying career.
Without experiencing it first hand, it is surprisingly difficult to understand the life of a teacher. The role of a classroom teacher is demanding. Guided by a curriculum, lessons are designed and prepared, tailormade for the learning preferences and capabilities within the class. Students are motivated through the enthusiasm and passion of the teacher, and individual emotional needs are considered. Some of the challenges currently facing the teaching profession are increasingly diverse student needs, issues related to the misuse of social media, behavioural issues, at times unrealistic expectations from parents, ever increasing workload with co-curricular involvement, health and safety requirements, rapid change in digital technology, and the need for schools to p rovide emotional support on many levels.
At St Andrew’s, we are able to apply extra resourcing in support of these challenges and through facing them head on, leveraging our teachers’ skills, creativity, and passion for teaching, along with their unshakable belief in young people, support them to continue to overcome these obstacles and shape young minds with professional care and dedication. The many successes once again highlighted in this Regulus magazine are a result of this dedication and skill of our teachers and staff. Behind every student achievement or success are countless hours of teaching,
guidance, coaching, encouragement, and support. It is my greatest wish that these teachers be recognised and appreciated by our community.
Recently, I had the pleasure in attending the Festival of the Spoken Word speech competition, where Senior students spoke with heart, conviction, and maturity on subjects such as AI which is predicted to change the very nature of our future societies. Listening to them gave me faith in the future. Like the generations who have gone before them, today’s St Andrew’s students will be leaving the College ready to think, test, challenge, imagine, and dream of a world where good decent values remain at the heart of what people believe and how they behave.
So 44 years on from my first experience at St Andrew’s College, I believe that, as one school in the educational network across New Zealand, we can stand proud knowing our St Andrew’s young people will make a positive difference to many lives and communities beyond school. Despite all the challenges, our teachers and staff will continue to ‘Together, building better people, for life’.
With best wishes.
Christine Leighton Rector
English teacher, Ellie Simatos, engaging with students in her classroom.
Recent Old Collegian Visits
Over the last few months, it has been wonderful to catch up with several of our young Old Collegians. I love the fact that they want to return to St Andrew’s, see some of their teachers and in some cases, give back through taking coaching clinics in sports, performance, or academics. The foundation laid down at St Andrew’s has inspired these talented young people to forge a potential career path in their areas of passion. We are certainly proud of the way they and others are making their mark.
I was delighted to attend a recital by Samuel Jeon (OC 2021) at The Great Hall as part of the lunchtime concert series. Samuel, currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, delighted the audience with his astonishing talent on piano. Samuel has recently won a scholarship to attend the International Summer Piano Academy Disentis in Switzerland, which includes participation in the Summer Music Festival in Blonay, Switzerland. It was wonderful to see several of Samuel’s peers arriving at the Great Hall to support him in his incredible performance, along with his sister, Christine Jeon (OC 2024), who is studying Music at the University of Auckland this year.
to see the final night of our Senior Production, Legally Blonde, in the new Gough Family Theatre. The invited group were made up of past Cultural Captains, Heads of College who were in productions, and others who gave a great deal of service to many shows over the past 10 years, with two travelling from Australia for the event. The group were very impressed with the new Theatre, with many wishing they could come back to school to do another show.
Another exciting visit was from Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (OC 2013) who called in to see Ballet Academy Director, Dr Carolyn Cairns, and the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre. Joshua, now 26, performed this year as Principal dancer in the Royal New Zealand Ballet performances of Swan Lake, which is an incredible achievement.
On Saturday 19 May, it was special to welcome back a small group of Old Collegians, who were invited to attend a Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre tour, catch up, and
Thanks
Donors to our
from the Development Team
In late June, I was delighted to catch up with Tapenisa Havea (Head Girl 2021) who was back from completing her second year at the University of Arizona. Tapenisa is studying Biomedical Science as she pursues her dream
Theatre Seats and Notes
Burtscher Family
New Strowan Members
Prof. Lewis and Sharon Evans
New Highland Members
David Jarman and Moira Farrell
of competing at the highest level in athletics. Her abilities in shot put, discus, and more recently, the hammer throw, have put her on track to aim for the 2028 Olympics. Many of Tapenisa’s former teachers and current students also enjoyed catching up with her.
During his summer break from Harvard, it’s been wonderful having one of our most accomplished academics, Luke Zhu (OC 2022), back at the College to share his experiences with students. Luke gave an excellent seminar for a group of students focused on his time at Harvard University and the international university application process. He also delivered a workshop in late July focusing on the Common App application process.
New Thompson Founders’ Circle
Burnett Valley Trust
New StAC Fellow Members
John and Alison Westgarth
Old Collegians in the Gough Family Theatre, during their tour of the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre.
Lucas Kerry, Graeme Campbell (both OC 2021), Christine Jeon (OC 2024), myself, Samuel Jeon, Emma Inglis, Alice Burnett, Eva Hitchon (all OC 2021) at the Great Hall.
Board Chairs outstanding service reflect on
As Rector, Christine Leighton, prepares to retire at the end of 2024, we chat with Garry Moore, Bryan Pearson, and Felicity Odlin, the three Board Chairs she has worked closely alongside during her long 17-year tenure.
A ‘crossroads’ is how former Board Chair, Garry Moore, describes the climate at St Andrew’s College in 2007, when the search began for a new Rector. “We were immersed in some fairly serious cultural change at the time, and knew we needed someone in the role who could give us a fresh start. Christine stood out from the start, with her experience,
demeanour, and engaging personality. She was so highly regarded at her previous school, and I knew in my gut she was the right person for the job. However, the Board and stakeholders still needed a bit of convincing that a female could run St Andrew’s.”
Garry, who had been Board Chair for about a year at the time, of course did guide the Board, and Christine’s capabilities were ‘instantly obvious’ when she took on the role, he says. “The green shoots started appearing pretty early on. I did my best to keep out of her way in the day-to-day running of the school and we worked closely together on getting the business side of things sorted.”
As the new Rector, Christine focused on introducing strategy in areas like management and academic achievement, creating performance management systems, and using data as an accountability tool for both the running of the business, and the management of teaching and learning at the College.
An existing Master Plan was in place at the time, with several building developments either planned or underway. Garry remembers during a flight back to Christchurch in 2008, he and Christine writing the four pillars of a new Strategic Plan for the College.
When the Canterbury earthquakes happened in 2010 and 2011, everything changed, he recalls. “All our plans went out the window. We lost several buildings and Strowan House was badly damaged. We ended with a blank piece of paper and had to re-prioritise everything. Who would have thought we would have to rebuild our boarding houses and Chapel, which were never part of the Master Plan?”
Garry’s financial acumen and Christine’s outstanding leadership led the College through this challenging time and this has been a significant contributor to the over $120 million of investment made in the campus over the last 13 years.
The stunning transformation of the campus, including the magnificent Centennial Chapel, and the development of St Andrew’s impressive academic reputation under Christine’s leadership, are two of Garry’s highlights from the decade they served alongside each other. “I never had to worry about anything with Christine at the helm. I was on the Board of ISNZ for a while, and instead of us going to look at other schools, suddenly other schools wanted to come and have a look at what we were doing, which was largely due to Christine’s approach. She is a courageous and sometimes steely leader, but underneath is warm, empathetic, and caring. I’m amazed at her ability to know the name of almost every student at the College.”
With the combination of Christine’s well-established leadership and Garry Moore passing the baton with the College in ‘incredible shape’, Bryan Pearson was expecting a smooth transition when he took over as Board Chair in mid-2017 following the centenary celebrations. But things didn’t quite go according to plan, he recalls. “Some unexpected and significant challenges came up and I saw straight away just how Christine doesn’t shy away from any difficult issue, in fact she walks towards them.”
On the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Bryan remembers standing on a deserted Papanui Road outside the gates of St Andrew’s and not seeing a car in any direction. “They were confronting times for the College, and we had no idea what was going to happen. Again, Christine showed her incredible ability to deal with some serious and confronting stuff, yet still effectively do her job as Rector. Her resilience, and ability to lead when there is chaos going on around her is something that will always stick with me, along with her relationship building skills, and patience. She achieves things in a calm and considered way, without creating major upheaval.”
Bryan says trust and confidence between the Rector and Board Chair is critical and was something he was able to establish quickly with Christine. “She has also built strong relationships and trust with the entire St Andrew’s community,” he adds. “Throughout my career I’ve never seen anyone demonstrate more effective stakeholder engagement and relationship management. She also has unreasonable optimism and can find silver linings when no one else can.”
An ability to not only live the College’s founding values of Truth, Excellence and Faith, but evolve them to include Creativity and Inclusivity, are other important legacies Christine will leave, Bryan adds.
Felicity Odlin says when she took over as Board Chair three years ago, she appreciated the strong foundations put in place by Christine, Garry, and Bryan over the years. “Christine and I have a very close relationship and put a lot of thought into what needs to be discussed at Board level from a topical and future focused viewpoint. The meetings are very open and there is space for everyone to bring their skills, ideas, and thoughts. Christine has such vast educational knowledge and it’s important we harness that at Board level and understand what’s happening on the ground.”
Felicity is impressed by Christine’s team approach when working on strategic goals. “She asks many questions, has a knack for knowing the right questions to ask, pulls the team knowledge together, and then
leads deliberate actions that embed improvements in a sustainable manner. Christine is intentional about continuous improvement but what’s left an impression on me is the way she always ensures any evolution has longevity and is done in a deliberate and structured way.”
During her tenure as Board Chair, Felicity has enjoyed working alongside Christine during several milestones for the College, including the 30-year anniversary of St Andrew’s being co-educational, and the adoption of the College’s first Cultural Narrative “The student engagement and success in the extensive sports and cultural programme has also made St Andrew’s a school of choice for many, to the extent it is not easy to secure a place in either the Preparatory or Secondary School."
Celebration is a big part of Christine’s leadership style, adds Felicity. “She goes out of her way to recognise accomplishments and diversity at St Andrew’s, and encourages staff and students to do the same. Christine has given truly outstanding leadership and service to St Andrew’s College over the last 17 years, and it is a privilege to serve alongside her in the final few months of her wonderful tenure as Rector.”
Garry, Bryan and Felicity acknowledge that while effective leadership is claimed by many it is achieved by precious few. They say, in Christine, the College is blessed to have a Rector who is one of the few.
Board Chairs, Bryan Pearson (2017–2021), Garry Moore (2006–2017) and Felicity Odlin (2021 to present) with Rector Christine Leighton, standing below the portrait of College founder, Rev. A T Thompson.
From Board the
It was a privilege to host the 107th Annual General Meeting of the St Andrew’s College Board of Governors on Thursday 20 June. As always, the AGM is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, hold ourselves accountable for achieving goals set at the start of the year, and look forward to opportunities ahead.
There have been no changes in Board members since the previous AGM. Two members, Stephanie Bain and Peter Nelson, were reappointed for a second term of three years. My appointment as Board Chair and Nick Letham’s appointment as Deputy Chair were both ratified at the AGM. We have a prayer that we say at the start of each Board meeting. It speaks about the Board giving their time and skills freely to support the College’s vision and being positive working examples of living the Colleges values. I’m proud to say my fellow Board members live up to those words with great respect for each other and the College.
The 2023 Annual Report presented at the AGM can be found on the College website under the heading Publications. Contributing factors to the health of the College in 2023 included the strong roll, high academic achievements, a number of sporting and cultural successes, continued well-being initiatives, development of the first Cultural Narrative, the appointment of a dedicated Health and Safety Manager, generous donations from our community, and sustained giving back to the community.
We wouldn’t be enjoying these successes if it weren’t for the team effort of the whole community. Leadership across the College, management teams, teachers, and support staff, keep the College running day to day. Our staff strive for continuous improvement which ensures the students can perform at their best. Support and generosity from the wider community strengthen the outcomes.
Jo Parsons, Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre Operations Manager, spoke to the Board at our meeting in May. Jo took us through Castle Hill’s health and safety measures, and the current challenges and opportunities in the outdoor recreation sector. Jo is a highly respected specialist in this area, and we are fortunate to have her expertise alongside the experienced team of instructors. Our carefully managed outdoor programmes balance levels of challenge with risk controls, giving our ākonga an immeasurable experience that builds character, confidence, and social skills.
At our April Board meeting, we heard from Chief Information Officer, Dave Hart, and Nick Baty from Bastion Security Group on the topic of cyber security. Nick explained the most common phishing and credential harvesting pathways and attacks the College is exposed to. Bastion Security Group’s review suggested that the College has reasonably good cyber safety hygiene and we are focused on how we continue to move with developments in this area.
Congratulations to the hockey and netball parent committees for hosting a successful Black and Bling Ball. It was a fabulous night and great to see the support from the school community.
The official opening of our new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, combined with the opening night of the Senior Production, Legally Blonde, was an impressive spectacle. It is the beginning of a new home for creativity, talent, boundless potential, and community connection. It has been many years in the planning and two years in construction.
Designed by Wilke and Bruce and constructed by Armitage Williams, the Performing Arts Centre encompasses the Gough Family Theatre, the Fife Dance and Drama Studios, and superb lighting and sound design throughout. We are grateful for the many generous donations which have made this possible.
The Board was delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Wilson as our next Rector to our staff, students, and school community on Thursday 30 May. The Board spent considerable time getting to know Mark and his wife, Judi, during the recruitment process. Mark has invaluable and proven experience relevant to all aspects of our St Andrew’s College’s offering. This experience has been gained over the past 25 years in his roles as leader of a large co-educational independent school, Kristin School, leader of Cashmere High School, Deputy Principal at Hamilton Boys’ High School, and Boarding House Director at St Peter’s School in Cambridge.
Mark shared his educational vision with us which is based on making a real and positive difference in the development of young people so they can realise their potential as individuals as members of our society. We are excited to begin a new chapter in 2025 and work alongside Mark as we continue realising our shared vision. We are confident Mark will continue to build on the College’s strong foundations, and foster our long tradition of academic, sporting, and cultural excellence, as well as growing wellrounded young people.
In the meantime, the Board is privileged to continue to work alongside Christine Leighton in the final six months before she retires at the end of the year. We know she will continue to lead with her usual passion, commitment, and professionalism, and leave her inimitable mark on every aspect of College life.
Noho ora mai.
Felicity Odlin Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Governors
Meet the new
St Andrew’s College Rector
In late May, following a robust four-month recruitment process, the St Andrew’s Board of Governors was pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wilson as the new Rector of the College. He will take up the position in January 2025, following the retirement of current Rector, Christine Leighton, at the end of this academic year.
Board Chair, Felicity Odlin, says Mark has a wealth of experience as an educator, leader, strategist, and communicator, who for the last 15 years has made a positive impact leading two large co - educational schools. “Since 2019, Mark has been Executive Principal of Kristin School, on Auckland’s North Shore, which like St Andrew’s, is a large co - educational independent school. For the previous 10 years he was Principal of Cashmere High School, so is already familiar with the educational landscape in Christchurch, understanding first-hand about guiding a large school and the complexities it entails.”
Mark is delighted to have been appointed to his ‘dream job’ at St Andrew’s and feels a strong synergy with the College. “St Andrew’s is my school of choice for many reasons, from its traditions and character, to its inclusive environment, holistic educational offering, highly successful achievements, faith-based values, character development, and engaged community.”
He says returning to Christchurch will be a homecoming of sorts. Although he grew up in Waikato, where he met his wife Judi at university, Mark’s family are originally from Christchurch. When the couple moved north so Mark could take up the position at Kristin School, their adult children, Elise and Luke, stayed in Christchurch. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our five years at Kristin School but are excited to relocate back to our family in Christchurch, especially after the birth of our first grandson, Noah, nearly two years ago.”
Outside work, Mark and Judi are active, familyoriented people. Mark is passionate about sport and has played a range of codes himself, including football to a high level and serving as a New Zealand U19 Boys’ football manager for several years. As an avid sports fan he is looking forward to supporting St Andrew’s individuals and sports teams, as well as the College’s talented performing arts students, and those involved in other activities.
The fact that both Mark and Judi have Scottish ancestry gives extra meaning to the special character of St Andrew’s, he says. “As a former History teacher and our family historian, I’m passionate about our links to the past. Alongside St Andrew’s Scottish Presbyterian traditions, it is also important to recognise the College’s relationship with the mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen the place of Te Ao Māori as part of our educational experience at St Andrew’s.”
He says his leadership style is primarily focused on making a positive difference in the lives of others, ensuring their growth and development. With St Andrew’s College already in great heart, Mark is aligned with the Board of Governors’ view that St Andrew’s does not need wholesale change in the immediate future. He sees his role as the new Rector as striving for continual improvement across all areas of the College, ensuring students are supported to reach their highest potential and be well prepared for their future.
Mark is looking forward to joining St Andrew’s in January 2025, and getting to know the staff, students, and wider St Andrew’s College community. “The settling in phase is always a really positive time of meeting new people. I liken it to a treasure hunt in terms of finding out all the good things that go on in the school and make it so successful, and meeting the often quite remarkable people who are behind those stories.”
International leadership programme St Andrew’s
trialled at
A series of conversations between Rector, Christine Leighton, and a Scottish friend, Professor Don Ledingham, has led to her facilitating a special leadership programme for a group of St Andrew’s staff, utilising some of his world-renowned leadership resources.
“As the chief executive of Ceannas, a successful international leadership consultancy, Professor Ledingham has developed leadership programmes used by many high-profile corporate clients. He was keen for me to trial some of his material at St Andrew’s, to see how the programme translates in the education environment,” says Christine.
Professor Ledingham has a background in education, as the former head teacher at Dunbar Grammar School in Scotland and serving as the Honorary Professor at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh for the last decade. His long-term research is focused on the leadership behaviours and cultures associated with high-performing organisations, which led to the development of the Ceannas programmes.
Joining Christine and Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, on the 10-session course was a group of ten middle to senior leaders at St Andrew’s, comprising nine teachers, and Head of Communications, Kay Shaw. “The Ceannas tools are accessible, memorable, and practical rather than
theoretical. The use of storytelling is a big part of the course, with helpful peerto-peer and group sharing of leadership experiences and learning. The course has been a great success, with lots of excellent feedback from participants who are at different stages of their leadership journey,” says Christine.
One of the key learnings of the programme is that leadership is not fixed, she adds. “In the programme we look at seven different leadership archetypes – builder, parent, villager, sculptor, conductor, scientist, and gardener, and how we can include attributes of all in our own leadership roles.”
Head of Communications, Kay Shaw, says the programme has taught her to be more self-reflective around her leadership role. “We are sent regular reminders via an app to stop and consider our leadership behaviour in both our day-to-day management and in challenging situations. This has made me think about how I can push myself in directions outside my comfort zone to be a better leader.”
Another to enjoy the reflective aspect of the programme is Head of Junior Department in the Preparatory School, Heather Orman. “Taking a moment to reflect on your leadership decisions regularly helps you to identify which lenses you use the most and which areas you need to pay more attention to. The readings have been really fascinating, prompting discussions with family and friends.”
Agriculture teacher and rowing programme leader, Liam Smith, has also ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ the programme, saying it has allowed him to analyse his strengths and drill into areas he needs to focus on. “Being surrounded by leaders in the College and hearing their stories about how their leadership characteristics have changed over time, as well as what has influenced their changes, has been highly beneficial.”
Every member of staff at St Andrew’s works in teams, and even if they are not a leader, can still show leadership through supporting their team, says Christine. “The importance of leaders creating a great culture within an organisation was another important thing to come out of the programme. Culture is much harder to develop than strategy, as strategy can be learnt, but culture must be built. When an organisation has both culture and strategy in sync, it can really fly.”
Rector Christine Leighton (second left) leading a group of senior St Andrew’s staff on the Ceannas leadership programme, from left, Head of Communications Kay Shaw, Head of Values and Culture Hamish Bell, Head of Middle School and Director of Boarding Matt Parr, Head of Physical Education Clare Register, Director of High Performance Sport and Rugby Rod McIntosh, Year 12 Dean and Teacher in Charge of Health Dayna Stirling, Assistant Principal of Preparatory School and Head of Junior Department Heather Orman, Year 9 Dean and English Teacher James Jenkinson, Agriculture teacher and Boarding House tutor Liam Smith, and Preparatory School Deputy Principal (Well-being) and Head of Education Vicki Pettit.
Meet the 2024 Student Captains
is enjoying the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the sporting environment at St Andrew’s. His main goals are encouraging involvement and fun in sports, whether students are motivated by social interaction or competition; fostering a culture of inclusivity; and creating spaces for sporting students to spend time together and share knowledge. Tim is a multi-talented athlete who is passionate about a variety of sports. He has been in the 1st XI cricket team for three years and is its current captain; is part of the 2024 leadership team for 1st XV rugby; and has been a member of the Senior A water polo team for three years. Tim plans to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Sport Development and Management at the University of Otago once he leaves St Andrew’s.
Grace Vincent-Parr
Grace Vincent-Parr is excited and honoured to be selected as a 2024 Sports Captain. Among her aims is to build strong connections between all sports and age groups at the College, including the Preparatory School, where she has coached a variety of teams since Year 9. In her role, she encourages participation and building a strong, competitive House spirit. During her time at St Andrew’s, Grace has played a variety of sports, including cricket, netball, hockey, volleyball, 7s rugby, touch, and squash. She has captained the Years 10B, 17A, and Senior B netball teams, and has participated in four Colomba College exchanges. Grace has received her Gold Level Umpire badge and won a Physical Education Award at Prizegiving in Years 11 and 12. She plans to study at the University of Otago in 2025, potentially a Bachelor of Science, first year Health Sciences, or a Bachelor of Commerce and Science.
promoting academic opportunities, supporting programmes like Peer Tutoring, and encouraging other students to pursue their passions. Isobel has achieved Excellence endorsements in Levels 1 and 2 and enjoys being involved in many academic competitions and groups – particularly the Debating Club. Once she leaves St Andrew’s, Isobel plans to complete a double degree in Science and Law, with the hope of going into patent law.
Joe Mundy
Joe Mundy is excited to be selected as an Academic Captain, helping other students to reach their full academic potential. Joe co-leads the Peer Tutoring programme, and is involved in Preparatory School tutoring. He would like to arrange seminars with professional experts to inspire students towards future career paths. Joe gained NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence and Academic Colours. After leaving St Andrew’s, he intends to study Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
James Hart
James Hart is pleased the Academic Captain role gives him the opportunity to co-lead the Peer Support Programme, prepare House Competitions, and put forward ideas from the student body for tutoring, academic competitions, and clubs. One of St Andrew’s top academics, James tutors Year 7–11 students for around six hours a week. He has already gained NCEA Levels 1, 2, and 3 with Excellence, as well as a NZQA Scholarship in Physics, and an Outstanding Scholarship in Chemistry. He plans to study Physics at university, and potentially seek a researched PhD in the field.
area she is passionate about. Jenna’s main goals include getting more students involved in culture through House competitions and Cultural Week, and inspiring and educating younger students towards developing their cultural passions. Providing performance opportunities for students of all ages through regular Cultural Showcases is another key part of the role. Jenna is a multitalented performer who has been involved in five Secondary School productions, including two lead roles. She has also been a choir member for five years, has been part of Theatresports teams and StAC Dance, plus had films featured in FilmFest. Jenna plans to take a gap year travelling and working in a boarding school in England, and potentially do a degree in Event Management on her return.
Xanthe Pearce
Xanthe Pearce says it is an amazing opportunity to be a Cultural Captain. She enjoys helping to run events such as Cultural Assembly and Cultural Week, and performance nights for various cultural groups and individuals. Xanthe is focused on maintaining the high standards of supportiveness within the College’s cultural groups, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to take part. An outstanding performer, Xanthe has performed in every College production since Year 9, with several lead roles, most notably in this year’s production, Legally Blonde. She has been the Head of Drama, has taken the lunchtime group D-cubed, and started her own musical theatre class.
Xanthe is passionate about many subjects and is not sure if she will study the arts when she leaves for university but plans to keep the arts in her life in some way.
Student Captains: Tim Richardson, Grace Vincent-Parr, Isobel Forsey, Joe Mundy, James Hart, Jenna Howell and Xanthe Pearce (inset)
power The of the past
Although History and Classics takes students on a deep dive back to the past, these subjects also help them to make sense of the world as it is now, says Teacher in Charge of both subjects, Hamish Faulls. “Studying History and Classics helps students to appreciate the human experience, while giving them an understanding of the origins of current systems and institutions, and how they continue to shape the world we live in. They emerge with a broad general knowledge and understanding of how society has evolved.”
Students also develop key skills which are valuable for life beyond school, he adds. “They learn how to answer questions, research properly, and support an argument, while developing critical thinking, analysing, evaluation, and justification. These are all critical skills as they move into tertiary study and future careers.”
History and Classics are option subjects which traditionally attract big numbers. In Years 9–10, students choose semester courses (Year 9 History, and Year 10 Classics/ History), before branching into full subject options from Year 11 onwards. In 2024, there are three Year 11, two Year 12, and two Year 13 History classes, along with two Year 12 and one Year 13 Classics classes.
Hamish puts the strong interest in the English-rich subjects down to students enjoying the topics. “History and Classics have lots of fascinating stories about human achievement,
disaster, culture, art, and architecture. These are subjects all students can succeed in if they are methodical, systematic, and organised.”
One of the biggest changes in the History curriculum over recent years has been the introduction of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum in 2022. “There is a much stronger focus on New Zealand stories, particularly in Years 9–11, which incorporate the broader history and cultural narratives of New Zealand history, with rich stories around Māori history and culture, and immigrant stories. This curriculum continues to evolve as we move forward.”
Covering the period from Elizabeth I to 20th century history, History students study everything from Hiroshima, the creation of Israel, New Zealand significant events and protests, and Vietnam and New Zealand, to Nazi Germany, Black Civil Rights, New Zealand attitudes to war, and the US Civil War.
Classics students study Roman art and architecture, Alexander the Great, The Odyssey, Athenian art and architecture, and Pompeii to name a few.
Hamish says the History and Classics Departments are well resourced with a great team, including longstanding teachers, Beka Roest and Ellie Simatos, plus two new staff who have joined this year, Stacey Williams, a History and Social Sciences teacher, and Nicola Proffitt who is the new Head of Social Sciences. “Nicola has a wonderful way with people and is bringing some great ideas to her leadership role. It’s great to be part of a group of teachers who are so passionate about passing the critical knowledge of human history on to the next generation.”
The following former History and Classics students are putting their learning to good use in study and careers beyond school.
Paving the the with future past
Dr Dylan James (OC 2003)
Dr Dylan James grew up with tales of Greek myth and Roman feats of engineering from his dad and wanted to learn more about these fascinating cultures that flourished so long ago. Taking Classics at St Andrew’s turned his interest into a passion, and later a career. He is now an ancient Greek historian working internationally.
Dylan completed his doctorate at Oxford in 2019 and has since held a series of international research fellowships, most recently at Harvard’s Center of Hellenic Studies in Washington DC. In October, he will move back to the UK to take up an EU-funded Marie Curie Fellowship at the University of Reading. His project will look at the neglected role of indigenous guides in ancient Greek and Roman imperialism. Dylan is completing his current book project on bilingualism in Classical Greece, with his ultimate goal to become a university professor, preferably in Australasia. He believes studying Classics has made him a more engaged global citizen, helps him process information critically, write and think more clearly, not make assumptions about a person or culture, and understand his place in the world. Dylan is grateful to St Andrew’s teachers, Hamish Faulls and Sarah Long, for their inspirational teaching, passion for Classics, and helping to set him on his path.
Meg Longley (OC 2019)
History and Classics at St Andrew’s always interested Meg Longley because of the depth of the topics explored by the department.
During her time at the College, she studied four years of History, two years of Classics, and both History and Classics Scholarships.
Taking part in the Vietnam History trip in 2018 was a memorable experience, says Meg, made even more special by the months the group spent studying the Vietnam War in the classroom. Meg credits teacher, Hamish Faulls, for her love of these subjects, saying his storytelling ability sparks the interest of students and allows them to visualise living a life vastly different to their own.
As well as being in her final year doing a double degree of a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Education and Minoring in History and English, Meg runs her own tutoring business, specialising in individualised tutoring programmes for students. As she helps her students reignite a love for school and writing, Meg often uses tools and activities based around historical events and figures of interest to them, something she wouldn’t be able to design with the understanding and skills she developed at St Andrew’s.
Post-study, Meg is considering a career in education, law, or growing and expanding her business.
Imogen McNeill (OC 2020)
Imogen McNeill has always been interested in history and says learning the subject at St Andrew’s set her up well for her tertiary studies. As well as learning interesting content, she says History teaches great critical thinking skills, the ability to logically connect events and look at cause and effect. More broadly, she believes understanding some history helps with interpreting modern world politics as it provides a wider perspective.
Studying New Zealand Scholarship History with Teacher in Charge of History, Hamish Faulls, was a highlight of Imogen’s studies at St Andrew’s, when she enjoyed havingin-depth discussions about a range of themes, including ‘who writes the history?’.
In 2023, Imogen studied History at a university in Glasgow for a semester, with highlights including visits to Culloden Moor, Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Dachau Concentration Camp, and the incredible sights of Rome. Imogen is finishing a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Otago. While she plans to pursue a career in synthetic chemistry, she will continue to learn about history in her own time and says the skills she has developed in the subject will be useful regardless of her future career path.
A Greek and Italian Odyssey
Following a delay of almost five years due to the disruptions of COVID-19, the Classics and History Departments were delighted to reintroduce students to the incredible sights and sounds of Greece and Italy during a trip in the Term 2 holidays.
Such was the demand for the adventure, that the 61 Classics and History students and seven staff who participated, travelled in back-to-back groups, each completing a 17-day journey.
During their busy itinerary, the students were guided through numerous museums, historical sights, and places of significance to New Zealand. In the major cities of Athens, Chania, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento they visited some of the world’s most incredible sights, from ancient ruins in Athens, to the Colosseum in Rome, and artistic masterpieces in Florence.
Other highlights included visiting Náfplio, Crete, Monte Cassino, and the ancient city of Pompeii, says Teacher in Charge of Classics and History, Hamish Faulls.
“In Crete, the students enjoyed exploring both Minoan history and World War II history, which was a theme that continued once we got to Italy. We visited the Commonwealth
War Cemeteries at Monte Cassino, where some students placed plaques alongside the graves of lost relatives, and in Florence, where both groups briefly met and attended an ANZAC Service together. These visits were especially meaningful for students whose family members served during the war, including Harris Steel (Year 13) who is named after his greatgrandfather’s uncle who served at Monte Cassino and was an ex-All Black. The students’ reverence after these experiences was deeply moving.”
Visiting the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was buried by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD, was another unforgettable moment, adds Hamish.
“We packed a lot of learning into the trip, which was balanced by some downtime and the opportunity for the students to experience Greek and Italian culture, and some of the amazing foods both cultures are known for.”
Hamish says History and Classical Studies teacher, Beka Roest, did another incredible job of organising the trips. “It was a massive job co-ordinating two trips this time, and Beka did a fantastic job.”
The great feedback from students has made it all worthwhile, he adds. “We worked hard to ensure the itinerary had a good mix of fun and education, and really brought our curriculum to life. To have the students tell us it was great and how much they enjoyed it was a highlight.”
Top: ANZAC Day Service at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Florence. Bottom: Year 12 students at the Acropolis (left); and at Lions Gate (right).
Teacher dispositions a key to student success
At the end of 2023, the Senior Leadership Group reflected on the results-to-date of a significant ongoing project, Value Added Data and Student Progress, which has provided some fascinating insights into the top teacher dispositions which lead to student success.
“Over the last few years we’ve been doing a lot of work around John Hattie’s ground-breaking Visible Learning, which helps teachers to become evaluators of their own teaching,” says Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein. “We wanted to take this a step further to investigate which teacher attributes are making the most difference when it comes to helping our students become more effective learners.”
St Andrew’s already collects a significant amount of data about students’ individual learning progress, which helps them to reach their academic potential. Mathematics teacher and Data Analyst, Sarah Exon, used this data to create a baseline set for the Year 9 cohort of 2021, which continues to be monitored throughout the research project.
Sarah says sorting, arranging, visually presenting, and analysing
this data has revealed some exciting conclusions so far. “We measure the data against predictions sent to us by the Centre for Assessment and Monitoring from the University of Canterbury and have found some students and classes are making considerably more progress than we expected, with gains year on year. We have drilled down into the stories behind the data, looking at individual students, individual courses, year groups, and departments, and investigating what has helped them to flourish.”
A series of teacher and student focus groups have been held to gather more information, she explains. “We decided to go back to John Hattie’s work around teacher mind frames, and see which ones were in play in the classrooms when students were doing really well. We matched the student data with teachers’ scores on dispositions and ran focus groups with teachers and students to help us reach conclusions about which dispositions were most closely aligned with good student progress.”
Evert says the top two teacher dispositions to emerge are that teachers are passionate about teaching and learning, their subject, and have high expectations of their students.
“We went back to two groups of students and asked them to share what these dispositions look like in practice, specifically what teachers were saying and doing when these dispositions were visible in the classroom. We shared our findings from the data and student and teacher voice in a big presentation to teachers at the start of the year, which supported the Visible Learning initiative and how it is helping to shift student achievement levels at St Andrew’s, especially at NCEA Levels 1 and 2.”
Sarah says the data provides everyone, from students to teachers and senior leaders, with valuable information which can translate into student success. It can also help to identify and resolve any issues that might arise. “We have so much data, the key is to make sense of it in terms of the student and what is going on in the classroom. Understanding the stories behind the data is what really makes the difference.”
Head of Teaching and Learning, David Bevin and Data Analyst and Teacher in Charge of Junior Mathematics, Sarah Exon running a focus group with Year 12 students, from left, Ruby McPhail, Liam Randall and Harvey Cross.
Regulus
Komodo enhances student well-being
After running a successful pilot of the Komodo student wellbeing programme in the boarding houses over the last four years, the data-driven platform has now been introduced into the Middle School.
Head of Middle School, Matt Parr, says Komodo empowers students to regulate and self-monitor their own well-being, and share their thoughts in a fortnightly survey. The data is monitored by tutors and the year level Dean, enabling them to make positive and effective interventions when needed.
“Since it was introduced in Term 1, Komodo has led to some great conversations with students who might have otherwise not been on our radar. It opens up lines of communication and gives students permission to share their feelings in a confidential way without it being public. Komodo provides us with a valuable snapshot of what is going on for our ākonga and gives them reassurance they are being heard and supported.”
Alongside the fortnightly survey, students have the ability to log into Komodo at any time to check in, raise a concern, or ask for support. “They have responded well to the introduction of the programme, with a high completion rate. So far, it’s going really well.”
Matt says tutors are the first set of eyes on the Komodo data and provide the initial layer of support for students. “A quick conversation to check in is often all that is needed. However, if the concerns are deeper, they will refer the student for more support, perhaps from the Dean or our guidance team. The beauty is that we are providing help at the ‘top of the cliff’ and catching things early rather than concerns being left undetected.”
Matt says teen mental health is one of the biggest drivers behind the introduction of the programme. “Many students will say they are ‘fine’ when asked how they are, but through Komodo they learn to self-regulate, self-check, ask themselves important questions, and seek help if they need it. These are skills they can use any time in years to come if they start to feel a bit low.”
The variety of questions in the holistic Komodo survey could include anything from workload, social interactions, social anxiety, self-esteem, nutrition and sleep quality to physical and spiritual health.
St Andrew’s has worked with Komodo since the earliest beginnings of the Christchurch-based start-up, which now has a global reach. Two years ago the programme was introduced into the Preparatory School, when a pilot was also run with Year 9 students.
“We have run professional development sessions with tutors on how to drill down into the data within the programme, identify where help is needed, and have these important conversations with students,” says Matt. “We also have access to Komodo’s proactive strategies to help with common teenage issues, which we can incorporate into our daily practice, and can even access their psychologists if required. It’s a pretty powerful support network and proactive tool which aligns well with our College well-being framework, PERMA-V.”
Head of Middle School and Director of Boarding, Matt Parr and Assistant Head of Middle School and Year 10 Dean, Liz Gormack checking data on the Komodo student well-being programme.
Boarder well-being a key focus
There’s no doubt a good night’s sleep can underpin student potential and success. However, studies show that young people worldwide are having increasingly interrupted and reduced sleep, something which can be exacerbated in a boarding environment, says Director of Boarding, Matt Patt. “At a StACTalk session in Term 2, we enjoyed hearing from the guest speaker, sleep physiologist and sleep researcher, Dr Kelly Dale, who has a particular interest in young people’s sleep and well-being. The advice reinforced some good strategies we have in place to support healthy sleep in our boarders.”
A good routine is critical for teen’s circadian rhythms to ensure they are getting the required nine to eleven hours sleep each night, Matt explains. “Our different age groups of boarders have set bedtimes and no tech in their hands for half an hour before bed. Once they get to bed, the lights are dimmed for half an hour of reading before lights out. One of the big takeaways from Dr Dale’s talk was the importance of a hot shower an hour before sleep time to promote a good night’s rest.”
Boarder well-being has been a strong focus of the boarding management team this year, with food and physical activity also high on their radar. Two food surveys have been conducted
in the boarding community, with boarders and parents consulted independently about the food provided to boarders and the way it is delivered, says Matt. “Some great action points came out of the surveys, including menu tweaks based on the feedback, and some changes to operational procedures like how late dinners are managed.”
In addition to boarders’ regular co-curricular activities, extra physical activity is also encouraged. Boarding house social basketball and cricket teams are growing in popularity, and Physical Education and Health teacher, Daniel O’Reilly, has taken over the mantle of former tutor, Jono Oxley, to run the popular early morning ‘BK Run’ and swim squad for boarders. “It’s been great to have Daniel onboard to reignite some of Jono’s initiatives. There are mostly boys in the swim squad, and it’s been great to see girls join the ‘BK Run’ for the first time.”
Well-being surveys also help to identify any concerns boarders might have.
A standalone survey is held in Term 1 each year, and the Komodo well-being platform, trialled for some time in boarding, has now also been adopted by the Middle School, with boarders in Years 9–11 having an additional set of
boarding specific well-being questions to answer on their fortnightly check in.
As a former Physical Education teacher, Matt values the Māori philosophy of health, Hauora, saying the Te Whare Tapa Whā model represents the importance and interdependence of all areas of well-being; physical, mental, social, and spiritual. “We are continually checking in with our young people and reviewing the ways we support them, to ensure our practice is best practice. It is all part of the holistic experience we offer boarders at St Andrew’s, which is fundamental to our boarding advantage.”
Top: Alex Kinney, Ryan Marsh, and Holly Maraki enjoying a healthy lunch in the Boarders’ dining room. Bottom: A group of boarders enjoy regular ‘BK Runs’ with Physical Education and Health teacher, Daniel O’Reilly (left)
Academic successes
Brain Bee
Ellie Zhou and Matthew Bluck (both Year 11) achieved entry to Round 2 of the South Island Brain Bee representing St Andrew’s College, along with 34 students from South Island schools.
Chess
At the Interschool Chess Tournament
the St Andrew’s A team of Cayden Wang, James Anthony (both Year 12), Owen Menzies and Kian Dharmasena (both Year 13), were second in the A Grade, and the B team of Alex Manson, Luke Manson (both Year 11), Joshua Adams and William Sherborne (both Year 12) were third in the B Grade. The Preparatory School A chess team finished fourth at the Years 7–8 Canterbury Chess Competition.
Creative Writing
Heidi Smith (Year 10) had her poem, A storm, accepted for publication in fingers comma toes. Heidi Smith (Year 10) won first place in poetry in her category of the Never Such Innocence international poetry competition for her poem, The silence of war. Jack Foley (Year 9) received an Honourable Mention in this competition with his poem An active warzone
da Vinci Decathlon
A group of 24 Secondary School students and eight Preparatory School students competed at the da Vinci Decathlon, a challenging competition celebrating the academic gifts of youth. The students competed in teams of eight across 10 disciplines – engineering, mathematics code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. The Year 10 and 11 teams were both placed third overall amongst some very tough competition.
The Preparatory School team, comprising Chenxiao (Leo) Yang (Year 7), Cong (Zilong) Chen, Baizhen (Tony) Chen, Tasmin Wingfield, Louis Hyland, Juno Park, Benjamin Edward and Emmett Lawler (all Year 8) were the overall winners of the Year 8 division.
Environment Youth Conference
Aaron Moore, Jack Li (both Year 13), Hanxi (Cicy) Chen, Alyssa Huang, and Vanessa Li (all Year 10) participated in the Waitaha Positive Action for the Environment Youth Conference, which was attended by over 300 students and staff from the wider Canterbury region. The event included hearing from keynote speakers, with the students dispersing to many workshops available throughout the day.
Ethics Olympiad
The St Andrew’s College ‘eth-letes’ (ethics athletes), pictured below, entered the South Island Senior Ethics Olympiad, with the Year 13 team of Chantelle Xiong, Jack Li, Aaron Moore, James Hart and Oscar Reed placing third, while the Year 11 team of Matthew Bluck, Ellie Zhou, Sam Foote, Daisy Huang, Jinyang (Yang) Zhang, received an Honourable Mention as well as Most Improved Team.
Informatics Olympiad
Following a selection contest to pick the New Zealand team to compete at the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI) in the Netherlands in July, Hannah Withers and Ellie Zhou (both Year 11) were selected as two members of the four-person team. Although the competition is intended only for European teams, New Zealand is one of a limited number of countries from outside Europe who are invited to take part.
Mathematics
Year 8 student Cong (Zilong) Chen has achieved some outstanding international achievements in Mathematics in 2024, including gold medals in the Bebras Challenge, UKIMC (UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge), and the Singapore Mathematics Global Final, along with a silver medal in the AMO (American Maths Olympiad). He also achieved High Distinction with a perfect score in the Australian Maths CAT Competition, which gives students the opportunity to develop their problemsolving skills through algorithmic thinking.
Oxford English Dictionary submission
Class 4T, led by teacher Emily-Jane Ullrich, came up with a collection of 21 new words inspired by Roald Dahl’s novel, The BFG, which have been accepted for submission by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) team, who emphasise the importance of children’s language creativity.
Philosophy Club
Philosophy is a key component of the junior Gifted and Talented Programme at St Andrew’s College, which has launched its first Philosophy Club. Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 10) is the Philosophy Club’s lead student and numbers are increasing weekly. Cicy is creating weekly seminars held during Friday lunchtimes which are rich in content and fun to participate in.
Science Badges
Louis Hyland (Year 8) received a Gold Star Badge for completing his fifteenth Science Badge.
VEX Robotics
At the finals of the VEX Robotics
Canterbury Challenge, the Preparatory School team of Oliver Gibb, Alex O’Neill, and Harry Kempthorne (all Year 8) was third in the Junior VEX IQ Challenge, Rise Above. Two Secondary School teams made the semi-finals.
St Andrews ‘eth-letes’ from left, Matthew Bluck, Ellie Zhou, Sam Foote, Daisy Huang, Jinyang (Yang) Zhang (all Year 11), Chantelle Xiong, Jack Li, Aaron Moore, James Hart, Oscar Reed (all Year 13).
Cong (Zilong) Chen (Year 8)
Spoken Word Festival of the
The Senior Festival of the Spoken Word, hosted by the English Department, was another wonderful showcase of the talented speakers at St Andrew’s College. Judges, Chris Waugh (Head of English at Christ’s College) and Thomas Kamo (OC 2022), were impressed by the calibre of this year’s speakers.
Amanda Watkins (Year 9) and Fletcher Cairns (Year 10) delivered their speeches after winning the Junior finals the previous week. In the Senior Prepared category, the finalists were Kiera Faass, Noah Fanene, and Katherine Simcock (all Year 12), with Kiera Fass winning this category. In Senior Impromptu, the participants were Joshua Adams, Sarah Waddington, Maria (Masha) Pospolitak (all Year 12), Alexandra Hirschfeld, Isobel Forsey and James Hart (all Year 13). The winner of this category was Joshua Adams.
The prize for Best Speaker of the Night and winner of the Mark Ellerm Memorial Cup was Fletcher Cairns (Year 10) for his outstanding speech.
The well-run event was brilliantly compered by Cultural Captain, Jenna Howell (Year 13).
New St Andrew’s website
A brand new St Andrew’s website, designed specifically for prospective parents and showcasing the very best of what the College has to offer, was launched in May.
The previous website, launched at the end of 2017, hosted information for both prospective and current parents, including StACNet, the intranet site for current parents. However, as the website grew substantially over the years, it became obvious that the two audiences deserved their own dedicated spaces, says Head of Communications, Kay Shaw.
“The project was put on hold during COVID-19, but in mid-2023, the College committed to a brand new website and the separation of StACNet.”
The 650 pages from the old St Andrew’s website have been consolidated into just 90 core pages, with the modern new site showcasing the unique selling points of the school, says Kay. “It is a true representation of the College’s brand, community, and values, and is the perfect introduction for prospective parents.”
The website has a fully responsive design, with a sticky menu that moves down the page with the user, making it easy to navigate on any device, adds Kay.
“Information for the wider community, including Old Collegians, the PTA, and the Ladies’ Circle, can be found in the Community section of the new site.”
StACNet was rebuilt and launched for current parents at the start of 2024, providing them with a more streamlined way to access information about the day-to-day operation of the College and their child’s schooling. The site also includes quick links at the top of the homepage, allowing parents to click straight to the information they need.
Kay says feedback about the new website has been positive, particularly with its clean, fresh look. “The new site has lots of compelling video and photo content and has given us the opportunity to weave our important well-being and sports ‘Balance is Better’
Top: Best Speaker of the Night, Fletcher Cairns (Year 10) Bottom: Senior Impromptu winner, Joshua Adams (Year 12) delivering his speech
Su perheroes
Safety has been a big theme for the Pre-school children, who have been exploring lots of different ways to keep themselves safe on the roads, and at home.
With traffic often busy around the Pre-school, especially at peak times, road safety awareness is critical, says Head of Pre-school, Mandy Jenkins. “Many of our children walk, scooter, or bike to school with their parents, so it’s important they have good road safety understanding enabling them to navigate the environment with confidence and security.”
As part of Road Safety Week, the children were visited by St Andrew’s Health and Safety Manager, Art Preuss, and members of the Preparatory School Road Patrol team. They enjoyed practising safe traffic and pedestrian movements inside the Pre-school on their scooters and bikes, with makeshift roads and even a pedestrian crossing.
Learning about ‘Safety Heroes’ has been another important aspect of their inquiry. The children were excited to be visited by Senior Constable Richard Brunton, who joined Pre-school hui time. He explained the variety of ways Police help to keep people safe, and showed the children his Police radio, handcuffs, uniform, and Police car, turning on the lights and sirens.
Nico says, “The Police make people feel better in an emergency.” And they “Keep people safe”, added Florence.
Another highlight was a visit by four firefighters from the Fire Service, who gave a safety talk, answered questions, and took the children in small groups to visit a fire engine, pointing out the ladder and hoses, and giving the children the opportunity to sit inside.
The children loved seeing teacher, Ashleigh Gargiulo, dress in a fire fighter’s uniform.
When the children were asked if they knew what to do in a fire, Ashton answered, “Get out, stay out”, a message reinforced by the Fire Service educational package the Pre-school children have been working through.
“We’ve had some great feedback from parents about how valuable the fire and police visits are, and now much they appreciate fire safety being taught in the Pre-school,” says Mandy. “Teaching the children how to keep themselves and others safe is all part of preparing them for school and encouraging them to be great citizens and members of the community.”
Left: Teacher Ashleigh Gargiulo in uniform. Middle: Senior Constable Richard Brunton with Florence, Olivia, Lucy, Charlie, Raphaela, Archie, and Louis. Right: Arcadya, Kyro, Jack and Asher, with teacher Emma Richards during the Fire Service visit.
Left: Health and Safety Manager, Art Preuss teaching the children about road safety. Right: Preparatory School Road Patrol team members James Aldridge, Libby Aldridge, and Nathaniel Jone (all Year 7), talking to the chidren.
World of Wearable Arts Extravaganza
The Year 3 students’ imagination and creativity was on full display, when they performed their spectacular World of Wearable Arts Extravaganza to an appreciative audience of students, parents, and teachers.
The children worked in teams to create their vibrant costumes around the theme ‘Magical Mystery Garden’ which included everything from an eco-friendly wheelbarrow, princesses, dragons, a hedgehog, sausage dog, a bird, and unicorn, to a child-sized flower.
Specialist teacher, Helen King, supported the children in this visually exciting project and says their use of materials was extended this year.
“Along with recyclable items, we used lots of donated items which were going to be thrown away, from old clothes, fabrics, hoola hoops, and even an
old bike wheel. The costumes were brighter and even more incredible than last year.”
During the project, the children also learnt about Purple Cake Day, a charity that WOW founder, Suzie Moncrieff, is a patron of, which helps to raise money and awareness for children who are less fortunate.
Seeing some of the children work in teams with others they don’t usually work alongside was a highlight of the project for Helen. “New friendships were made along with the chance to be creative and innovative. It was such a positive outcome.”
Year 3 students modelling their Wearable Arts looks. Top of page: Qinwei (Natasha) Huang. Top row: (left) Cynthia Zhang, (right) Emilie Bryant and Parker Stronach. Bottom row: (left) Angus Tiffen, (middle left) Olivia Han, (middle right) Zoe Johnstone, (right) Zachary Hore and Jasper Berry.
love of reading Fostering a
A valuable reading programme with a competitive edge is helping to foster a love of reading for students in Years 4–6 and expose them to a variety of authors and genres.
Throughout the year, students take part in the Wide Reading Awards, recording all the books they have read across a range of specified genres, as they work towards bronze, silver, and gold awards, depending on the number of books they have read.
Head of Middle Syndicate, Megan Feller, says by Year 4, many students are already discovering their favourite authors or genres. “What I love about the programme is that it takes students from learning to read, which is the main focus in Years 1–3, to reading for pleasure. It’s wonderful to see students having aha moments with new authors they are discovering as part of the programme.”
Megan says Preparatory School Library Manager, Tracey Hull, does an ‘amazing’ job organising and facilitating the programme, helping students to develop a love of reading
in the school’s vibrant Library environment, which has an incredible turnover of 26,000 books a year.
A significant amount of time is spent in the Library guiding students through their wide reading journey and helping to match readers and books, explains Tracey. “It helps we know the students well, and that they all love coming to the Library. We encourage the children to read at their own level and broaden their horizons. The purpose is to encourage reading for pleasure, as there is a great deal of research suggesting this is one of the greatest indicators of academic success.”
The wide reading programme has been running since 2011, but since Tracey took over in 2017, the focus has shifted from awarding just the top readers, to giving all students the opportunity to succeed. “A group of 29 students achieved their Gold Wide Reading award in 2023, with many of these students completing more than one booklet. We also support our dyslexic readers to achieve in the programme, with a great selection of specific books for dyslexic readers available for them to enjoy.”
Genres the students in Years 4–5 explore include everything from adventure, thriller or detective, classics or modern classics, animal stories, and short stories or graphic novels, to fantasy fiction or science fiction. In Year 6, the genres expand to include historical and war fiction stories and non-fiction or biography.
Gold awards are presented at each end-of-term assembly, with students receiving a voucher enabling them to choose a book at the Scholastic Book Fair at the end of the year.
As a reader herself, Tracey says the best part of the programme is listening to the children tell her about the stories they have read. “You can see the light in their eyes when they recount a story they have enjoyed, almost acting out the plot. Some of them get very animated and it’s a real joy to witness.”
Top of page: Reva Bartlett (Year 4) is a passionate reader from an enthusiastic family of readers and writers. Above: Preparatory School Library Manager, Tracey Hull, with Georgia Blyde (Year 4) and her brother Jack Blyde (Year 6) who already have multiple golds between them in the Wide Reading Awards.
Future Problem Solvers third in the world
St Andrew’s College Future Problem Solvers have proven once again they are among the best in the world, with two teams finishing in the top ten at the Future Problem Solving International Conference, held at Indiana University Bloomington, USA in June.
“We are thrilled with the results, and incredibly proud of the students’ achievements,” says Preparatory School Future Problem Solving and GATE teacher, Sonia Lewis, who coached both the Year 9 team which placed third, and the Year 8 Boys’ team which finished ninth in their respective categories.
The students qualified for the international conference in October last year, giving them the opportunity to compete against around 2000 problem-solving champions from around the globe.
“In March, eight weeks before the competition, the designated international topic, Air Quality, was released. We had to identify challenges, come up with one underlying problem, and solve solutions from a future scene which was given to the students at the contest. During the competition, they had two hours to work on this, using the six step Future Problem Solving model to complete their booklets.”
The Year 9 team of William Nicholls, Sophie Schouten, Genevieve Bainbridge-Smith, Alyssa Geddes, Alexa Collis (all Year 9), and Maja Clark (Year 8 leaver 2023), delivered an outstanding performance to place third in the world in the Presentation of Action Plan category. “It was an exceptional result given there were 72 teams in this division. We learnt so much from this experience, and had outstanding feedback from the judges, who said this was a world-class team,” says Sonia.
Hyland, Benjamin Edward, Cong (Zilong) Chen and Emmett Lawler.
The Year 9 students qualified for the international event when they were in Year 8, and continued to work with Sonia. The current Year 8 Boys’ team of Cong (Zilong) Chen, Benjamin Edward, Louis Hyland, and Emmett Lawler (all Year 8) also did incredibly well to place ninth in Global Issues at the international event. “The judges commented this was another exceptional team,” says Sonia.
Also travelling with the team was individual competitor, Genevieve Bainbridge-Smith who took on the challenge of completing the six step Future Problem Solving booklet on her own, says Sonia. “It was a difficult task, but Genevieve completed all stages with confidence. A judge said she demonstrated exceptional writing skills”.
Along with their success at the competition and meeting other students from all over the world, Sonia says the St Andrew’s students enjoyed exploring the historic hallways of Indiana University, immersing themselves in the university town of Bloomington, staying in dorm rooms, and visiting both Chicago and Disneyland. “It was a wonderful trip. I would like to thank Head of Learning Enrichment and Year 7 Team Leader, Kelly McBride, for her wonderful support and incredible organisation and planning. It was seamless.”
Kelly McBride says the students were great ambassadors for St Andrew’s College and they, and Sonia, can be proud of their achievements. “Sonia has done a fantastic job in her first year of coaching, as it normally takes Future Problem Solving coaches up to five years to fully understand the programme. She is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher who has done a superb job to academically challenge our brightest students.”
Left: Future Problem Solving teacher, Sonia Lewis, with the Year 9 team, William Nicholls, Alexa Collis, Alyssa Geddes, Sophie Schouten, Maja Clark and Genevieve Bainbridge-Smith. Right: The Year 8 Boys’ team, Louis
officially opened Arts Centre Nga - Toi Performing
The hoardings finally came down around our new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre in April, and the spectacular new addition to the St Andrew’s College campus was officially opened at a wonderful celebration on Sunday 12 May.
After years of fundraising and a lengthy construction process, an excited group of sponsors, supporters and guests, key St Andrew’s staff, and representatives of the project’s consulting architect and construction partners, gathered for the opening ceremony of the impressive $21 million development.
Following heartfelt blessings from mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, speeches from Rector, Christine Leighton, and major sponsors, Ben Gough and Gina Satterthwaite, as well as ribbon cutting ceremonies for both the Fife Dance and Drama Studios and the Gough Family Theatre, saw the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre officially opened.
After the formal part of the celebrations, guests were wowed by a stunning, highenergy student performance of the hit musical, Legally Blonde, which was the perfect way to christen the new theatre, and set the scene for the creativity, learning, and magic to come.
Rector, Christine Leighton, says the ambitious development, designed by Wilke and Bruce Architects, and constructed by Armitage Williams, is the most expensive at the College to date, and will provide unparalleled performance and learning opportunities for students. “Ngā Toi is an exciting space where our young people will be immersed in creativity in their various cultural pursuits and can let their imaginations take flight.”
A highlight of the development is the Gough Family Theatre, with its sophisticated acoustic and lighting design and seating for 266, making
it a premier performance space in Christchurch. As well as productions, the theatre will be utilised for a range of other events and activities at St Andrew’s, says Christine.
The Gough Family Theatre’s major sponsors, Ben and Pen Gough and their family, were special guests at the opening.
“It has been great to play a part, along with a lot of other people who have supported this development, to create a facility which will connect students, parents, and the community, bring a lot of laughter, joy and fun, and spark ideas and creativity,” says Ben Gough.
After watching Legally Blonde, guests enjoyed drinks in the Old Collegians’ Foyer, and the opportunity to tour the upstairs facilities including the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio and separate Georgia and Jack Satterthwaite Dance Room, which are providing the College’s Ballet Academy and co - curricular dance students with leading edge spaces to train and showcase their talent.
Guests were also able to visit the Blair Gough Drama Studio – a Black Box Studio, also supported by the Fife Foundation, which as well as being used for Drama classes at all year levels, has seating for 50 people, creating an intimate, immersive performance space.
The Dance and Drama studios’ major sponsor, Gina Satterthwaite of the Fife Foundation, who attended the opening celebrations with her family, was delighted to see the studios in action
prior to the official opening. “Seeing these spaces alive with students is what it is really all about for me. Performing Arts can provide young people with a launch pad for their future and teaches them so many life skills.”
Other major donors supporting the development were John and Alison Westgarth, sponsors of the John Westgarth Family AV Room, along with the Old Collegians Association and PTA who supported the Old Collegians Foyer and PTA Green Room.
Theatre Operations Manager, Stuart Lloyd Harris, says our Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre will also provide wonderful opportunities for students involved in Media and Television Production and those interested in technical and backstage roles. “With training and supervision, students will be able to actively engage with jobs like rigging and focusing lights for shows, and hopefully be involved in the lighting design process later on.”
Other features of the new theatre include changing rooms, a large workshop area with vehicle-sized access onto the stage, and extensive prop and costume storage.
Christine says fundraising efforts over several years and lots of hard work from a wide range of people has been crucial to realising this visionary project. “We are immensely grateful for the generous support of all those who contributed to bringing this amazing facility to life, from our major sponsors, Ben and Pen Gough, Gina Satterthwaite and the Fife Foundation, John and Alison Westgarth, the Old Collegians Association, and the PTA, to the St Andrew’s College Development team, particularly former Director of Development Miranda Newbury, Development Co-ordinator Mel Rissman, and all the members of our community who purchased theatre seats, notes of the School Song, or donated through our Annual Giving campaign. They are leaving a legacy which will benefit so many young people, not only today, but for many years to come.”
Regulus
takes Creativity centre stage
The opening of the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre means all aspects of Performing Arts teaching and performance at St Andrew’s College are contained in a single complex for the first time.
Although it wasn’t officially opened until Sunday 12 May, Ngā Toi had already been abuzz with students, following the handover from the construction team on Friday 12 April.
Students involved in the Senior Production, Legally Blonde, were the first to experience the magic of the new space, gracing the impressive stage in the Gough Family Theatre to rehearse the show in the lead up to the official opening. During this time, the Ballet Studio, Dance Studio, and Drama Studio were also filled with students working on their various arts.
Head of Drama and Dance, Laurence Wiseman, says Ngā Toi offers ‘exciting possibilities’, for Performing Arts students and staff at St Andrew’s.
“It is wonderful to be using this incredible new facility following years of disruption throughout the construction process and COVID-19, when we were without a purpose-built theatre and rehearsal space. The Gough Family Theatre, with its stage, twice the size of the old Theatrette, is creating some amazing possibilities when it comes to the variety of shows and performances we can now produce.”
The Blair Gough Drama Studio, a black box theatre, is Laurence’s ‘dream space’, he says. “This is the perfect contemporary learning and performance space, where Drama students and actors who are not into musicals can practise the craft of acting and put on plays and performances. The students are really excited about it.”
Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Carolyn Cairns, says the Ballet Academy is ‘beyond thrilled’ with their new studios. “The professional quality and facilities in the Ballet Studio and Dance Studio are second-to-none and provide incredible spaces for practise and rehearsals. We are looking forward to presenting The Nutcracker ballet as
our first full-length production in the beautiful new Gough Family Theatre later this year.”
The ‘incredibly designed spaces’ in Ngā Toi will be a cultural haven for students, which will allow their ideas to flourish, says Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner. “It will be a place for many students to share their work and embark on a love of theatre. The stories we tell, and connections made through creating theatre stay with us like a handprint on the heart.”
Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, who is Musical Director of all the productions at St Andrew’s, says the fit-for-purpose theatre can easily accommodate a mid to large size band or orchestra during productions, without the band members having to ‘be in the laps of the front row of the audience’ as they were in the old Theatrette. “One of the great challenges in the old theatre was playing quietly enough so the singers and dialogue could be heard over the music. With the design, acoustics, and sound system of the new theatre it will be a much more sonically comfortable environment for musicians and audience alike.”
Architect, Tony Hoare, from Wilkie and Bruce, who worked with the St Andrew’s project team and consultants on the design of the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, admits to a few nervous moments before Legally Blonde got underway.
“I was excited, and a bit nervous as the auditorium space has a lot of moving parts which were all being brought together for the first time in public. However, the production team, performers, crew, and Theatre Operations Manager, Stuart Lloyd-Harris, had the place humming. I think I had relaxed by the start of the second act.”
Co-ordinating the various elements of the building was one of the most challenging aspects of the design, says Tony.
“This applied at a broad scale, requiring the dovetailing of all the new spaces and functions into existing buildings on three sides, and on a detailed scale – aligning the theatrical, architectural, structural, seismic, acoustic, and services features to meet the educational and performance requirements of the brief. I’m really pleased with how much good quality bespoke space we were able to create on such a restricted site. It’s also satisfying to reflect on how this project and the Fitness Centre have transformed the campus to present a sharp and modern face for the College.”
Since Wilkie and Bruce started working with St Andrew’s in 1990, the firm has designed or altered virtually every building on the College campus. Alun Wilkie designed the Senior College,
Fine Art block, Music Suite addition, Technology Centre, Preparatory School Library, Spiro Science Centre additions, and the beautiful restoration of Strowan House. He also designed the concept plans for the new Preparatory School, a project taken over by Tony Hoare in 2009. Since then, Tony has led the design on significant postearthquake rebuild and restoration projects at St Andrew’s, including the Green Library and Innovation Centre, Thompson and Rutherford Boarding Houses, Gym 2, the Stewart Junior Centre and Pre-school, and StACFit fitness centre. “We value the strong relationship Wilke and Bruce has built with the St Andrew’s management team and Board over many years and take pride in our role in maintaining and developing the high quality built environment of the College campus.”
Dazzling adaptation of
With the curtain rising on the 2024 Senior Production on the same night as the official opening of the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, the production team couldn’t have made a better choice than the high-energy, hilarious show, Legally Blonde
The standing ovation and wild applause from the packed audience of invited guests, sponsors, and supporters there to witness the first performance to grace the stage in the spectacular new Gough Family Theatre, left no doubt about the success of the show. It was like a big, joyful sugar rush that left everyone on a massive high.
What made the performance even more special, was that 25 members of the
“From the first moment the capacity audience was captivated by the vibrant and cleverly designed pink set, the talented band, and the meticulously costumed actors, all of whom were accomplished singers and dancers,” says Rector, Christine Leighton. “The show was fastpaced, joyous, full of humour, with the audience astonished that school students could present such a professional show. The cast, band, and crew earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the
First show in new theatre a stunning success
Director, Laurence Wiseman, is well known for his love of dark, more obscure musicals with big themes, but knew a different type of show was needed to coincide with the opening of the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre. “For the opening of a brandnew theatre – one that has been years in the making, I knew we had to produce a show which would celebrate this, aligning with the positive atmosphere which comes on such an occasion. The challenge was set.”
He admits to having pre-conceived ideas about Legally Blonde, in much the same way the seemingly stereotypical lead character, Elle Woods, is misunderstood as a ‘bit of fluff with no substance’. However, once he saw a performance, read the script, listened to a cast recording, and discovered both the movie and stage show are derived from a book detailing the real-life experiences of a
former female law student at Stanford Law School, he was hooked. “It’s true that Legally Blonde is light and fun with lots of dance numbers, but it also makes an acerbic comment on human tendencies, bias, and assumptions of which we are all guilty sometimes. Can someone be both beautiful and have depth and intelligence? Can seemingly opposing values and ideas both be true concurrently?”
The talented cast and band of Legally Blonde worked tirelessly together for many months with the expert production team of Director Laurence Wiseman; Production Manager Ginnie Thorner; Musical Director Duncan Ferguson, and Choreographer Hana Pearce (OC 2019) to bring the standout show to life.
Legally Blonde’s score features an incredible 22 toe-tapping songs, which were played beautifully by the 13-piece
live band, led by Duncan Ferguson, and featuring several current and former St Andrew’s students. Choreographer, Hana Pearce, was in her element, creating her trademark exceptional, high-energy dance routines, which referenced everything from music videos, to cheerleading, and even Irish dancing.
The set and costumes were spectacular as always, with the stage and many of the performers awash with pink.
Laurence Wiseman says it was a privilege to present Legally Blonde as the first show in the Gough Family Theatre. “The cast understood the magnitude of the performance and worked so hard to deliver their absolute best. I am incredibly proud of the cast, production team, crew, and band for their adaptability and willingness
Regulus
Peppy, pink, believing in yourself and the power of
With its catchy tunes, hilarious antics, a dash of romance, and a journey of empowerment which turns well-worn cliches on their head, Legally Blonde captivated audiences during a sold-out run in the new Gough Family Theatre.
Xanthe Pearce (Year 13) lit up the stage as Elle Woods, the ultimate fashionista, who trades her designer handbags for law books after miraculously being accepted into Harvard Law School where she plans to win back her estranged boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. A hugely talented singer and dancer, with impeccable comic timing, Xanthe’s performance swept the audience up in Elle’s journey of self-discovery and belief.
We were first introduced to Elle during the exuberant opening number, Omigod you guys, also featuring the ensemble, as they prepared for the inevitable proposal by Elle’s self-serving boyfriend, Warner, played by Head Boy, Hugo Ranken (Year 13), ending his Senior Production career with another superb performance. The duet, Serious, between Elle and Warner, was a great mix of humour, miscommunication, and pathos, as Elle learnt she was being dumped rather than proposed to, leading to her unexpected journey.
Other highlights of Act One included a great performance of What You Want (Part 1) by Grandmaster Chad (Sean Liddiard – Year 12) supported by the ensemble; and the brilliant What You Want (Part 2) when Elle turns up at Harvard with the ensemble in tow, to deliver her personal essay in a full song and dance number. Hana Pearce’s high-energy cheerleader choreography for this song was a standout.
We were also introduced to smarmy Professor Callahan, played in another commanding performance by Tamaroa Connelly (Year 13), and Elle’s Harvard classmates, including the sweet Emmett Forrest, another fish-out-ofwater character played with confidence by the wonderful Edward Pitts (Year 13), buttoned-up Vivienne, Warner’s new girlfriend, played with poise by
Miah Taylor (Year 13), and activist Edith, hilariously brought to life by Dara Ballard (Year 13).
Elle’s Greek Chorus of sorority sisters popped up with great effect throughout the show, with Elle’s friends Serena (Annie Young – Year 11), Margo (Madeline Davidson – Year 12) and Pilar (Emily Edwards – Year 12), delivering performances filled with peppiness, positivity, and humour. Madeline Davidson’s incredible energy throughout the show was particularly impressive.
We also met sassy hair salon owner and Elle’s confidante, Paulette Bonafonté, with her song, Ireland, showcasing Amina Pabst’s (Year 13) powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Incredibly, Amina, an international student from Germany, had no previous experience in musical theatre.
As Elle’s focus switched from love to legal matters, she found herself at the start of Act Two on Professor Callaghan’s crack team of legal interns, along with Emmett, Warner, and Vivienne to defend a fitness instructor, Brooke Wyndham, accused of murdering her husband.
The first number, Whipped into Shape, was a workout anthem which saw Chantelle Xiong (Year 13) as Brooke, demonstrating an incredible ability to jump rope and sing at the same time, while negotiating some clever rope moves. The jail song, Delta Nu Nu Nu, when Elle bonds with Brooke in jail and extracts her alibi was another highlight.
Girl power is a big theme of the show. Using the law, Elle helps her new friend, Paulette, to reclaim her beloved dog from her dirtbag ex-boyfriend Dewey (played by a hilarious Jack Satterthwaite –Year 13). Then Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, and others teach Paulette the signature move, Bend and Snap, which they guarantee will attract any ‘straight’ man. Paulette is enamoured with Irish delivery guy, Kyle O’Boyle,
played by a hysterical Jack Flanagan (Year 13) who perfectly mastered Kyle’s sexy swagger and flirting.
Of course, Elle plays a key role in winning the murder trial. Her finely tuned gaydar discredits the pool boy witness, Nikos Argitakos (Shaun Cooper – Year 13), in a side-splitting performance who claimed to be having an affair with the accused, fitness guru, Brooke, but doesn’t respond to Elle’s never fail ‘bend and snap’. The fast-paced, operatic-style song, Gay or European?, had the audience in stitches and included a riotous cameo by Flynn Rhodes (Year 13) as Carlos, Nikos’ lover.
After celebratory drinks, when she is hit on by sleazy Professor Callahan, a disillusioned Elle is ready to quit the law game and head back to Malibu. Cue the poignant song, Legally Blonde, with Elle and Emmett.
Of course, common sense wins the day. Elle stays, and her knowledge of perms and hair washing protocols eventually catch out the real killer, Chutney Wyndham, Brooke’s stepdaughter, comically played
by Mookmanee Lee (Year 12). Elle eventually graduates Harvard as Valedictorian, turns Warner down once and for all, and finds love with the devoted, upstanding Emmett.
The big production number Find My Way/Finale was the perfect end to an unashamedly over-the-top production, with some Irish dance steps thrown in, and Xanthe Pearce and Amina Pabst’s stunning vocals leaving the audience on a high.
The large ensemble was on point throughout, and the entire cast obviously revelled being part of the joyful, comedic show which also managed to deliver heartfelt messages and highlight prejudices. Two additional and delightful four-legged stars were born – Mila Davidson, as Bruiser Woods, and Golden Retriever, Indy Oxley as Rufus, who appeared totally unfazed by the bright lights and crowds.
Legally Blonde was bright, bubbly, visually stunning, and delivered some top-notch performances which have set the bar incredibly high for future St Andrew’s productions.
Regulus
Audiences were transported to the magical of world of Norina during the Preparatory School production, The Aurora Stone, with its compelling characters, stunning costumes and set, captivating song and dance numbers, and exciting quest for the mythical aurora stone
What made the show even more special, was that it was conceived and brought to life by the Year 7–8 students themselves, with around 200 students in these year groups taking to the stage.
Director, Ginnie Thorner. says The Aurora Stone was an exciting collaborative project, that began last year, when around 20 students from Years 6–7 were invited to write the show using a practical playmaking process under Ginnie’s guidance. “The students did such a great job creating the world of the story, the characters, plot, and song lyrics for the show, which had several iterations throughout the creative process.”
Once the show was written, the Year 13 Music students were invited to compose the music for the show as their first composition task for the year, says Ginnie. “Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, saw this as a valuable task, as writing for a brief is such a different skill set. This process had its challenges but also a freedom, as the lyrics were already
written by the Preparatory School students and the style was indicated by the place in the story. Year 13 student, Sea-am Thompson, also contributed three orchestral pieces for the show.”
One of the benefits of creating their own show was the ability to accommodate 200 performers. There were two casts, with a core group of lead actors playing their roles in both casts. “Another practical benefit of creating our own show was making use of resources which already exist, like costumes. Creatively it is a better experience too, as it places students at the centre of the process and exposes them to aspects of theatre making, they might not otherwise see.”
Ginnie says 75 students auditioned for the 25 roles, with some never having sung solos before. All the soloists sang live during the show, with the music and songs sung by the various large groups, being pre-recorded to ensure well-balanced sound given the large cast.
The Aurora Stone was the first full Preparatory School production since 2017 and is the ninth Ginnie has co-created with students. Her wish is to give as many students as possible the opportunity to experience theatre and maybe ignite a love for it. “The new Gough Family Theatre has allowed a whole new generation of students to experience the excitement of performing live, which is particularly important in a world that is often lived online. For some, this will be the only show they do in their lives so making it fun was also very important.
A quest for the ages
The ultimate quest story, The Aurora Stone, was packed full of adventure, conflict, problem-solving, and humour, as a small group of characters overcame their differences to restore order to the world.
The show opened with a high-spirited number, The Aurora Stone, as people from the realm of Norina celebrated the arrival of the ruler’s Callabus’ son, Gallaboo, with the mystical crystal, which after falling from the sky, had been safely nestled in its hollow, bringing peace between the two fighting realms of Norina and Comodo.
It became apparent Gallaboo had not been completely honest about how he acquired the stone, then it was stolen again by some thieves from Comodo. One of the thieves, Shakel, was left behind, and on the instructions of
Callabus, played in a strong performance by Hayden Brown (Year 8), his daughter Veronica, and the thief, Shakel, are sent on a mission to find the stone and return it to its rightful place.
As Veronica, Charlotte Currie’s (Year 8) performance of Not in the Shadows was a highlight. She has a beautiful singing voice and was a compelling presence throughout the show. As her unlikely sidekick Shakel, Edward Garbutt (Year 8) was another of the lead actors to impress, with his magic tricks adding some lighthearted moments.
Joining them on the quest were three children, Briar, Maria, and Joel, played brilliantly by Sofia Buckley (Year 8), Isla Marshall (Year 8) and Oliver Hodgson (Year 7), who found themselves reluctantly involved after meeting the mysterious and suitably creepy Ancestors of the Castle. They had great energy as they set out to fulfil the prophecy as the chosen ones to return the stone. The upbeat song, The Prophecy, detailing their mission was sung with lots of enthusiasm by Good News (James Laurenson – Year 7) and Bad News (Ben McKendry – Year 7).
On their journey, the young truthseekers met some other interesting characters, including the Lake Lurkers, who guarded the entrance to Florinville Forest and were the keepers of the map to the hollow. Their song Lake Lurkers was another great number. Next up, they met the tricky Tremins of the forest, who don’t always tell the truth. Max Scouten (Year 7) as Grover, delivered a fantastic performance of This Way That Way, which had great rap lyrics and choreography.
The group finally made it to their destination, converging with the Guardians of the Hollow, Gallaboo, and the thieves from Comodo, with Aaron Yu (Year 7) putting in a high energy and hilarious performance as the thieves’ leader, Frank. A scuffle ensued, the stone was rightfully returned to the hollow, and peace and unity reigned once again.
The entire cast did a fantastic job, with the reprise of The Aurora Stone at the end the perfect way to end a wonderful show.
Cambodian cultural encounter
From the temples of Angkor, to sampling deep-fried tarantulas at a roadside stall, a group of 14 Year 12–13 students were challenged by the sights, smells, and history of a culture that extends back thousands of years, during a 17-day cultural encounter in Cambodia during the Term 1 holidays.
Head of Senior College, John Ruge, who accompanied the group, along with Physical Education and Health teacher, Kate Taylor, says it was the first trip back to Cambodia for St Andrew’s students since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The students had an amazing experience in a fascinating country. They coped well with very warm temperatures, which reached into the 40s most days.”
The group was based in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot, and had several days working with a variety of nongovernment organisations, hearing about their work and interacting with students of all ages. “This was an eye-opening experience for many of our students and a powerful reminder of the privileges, and temperate climate, we enjoy in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says John.
Some of the NGOs which had a great impact on the students included ABCs and Rice, which provides both education and food to the poorest children from local villages, and Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC), which works with young people aged 15–30, providing them with education and lifeskills.
“Our students enjoyed spending two mornings with the young people on the JWOC programme, sharing their culturesand experiences.”
The students also made the most of some down time,with three days on the southern coast a highlight.
John expects travelling to such a culturally-rich country full of massive contrasts, is bound to have a lasting impact on the students. “It is one of those experiences which will stay with them and become even more meaningful as they reflect on it. Visiting Cambodia is a powerful opportunity for our young people. Hopefully we can continue to run thistrip in the future, strengthing our existing links there and building new ones.”
Successful sabbatical trip
A three-week sabbatical trip visiting six Australian schools and their chaplaincy teams has given College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, lots of new ideas, as well as affirming St Andrew’s programmes, he says. “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to see what chaplaincy looks like in Australian schools. I sat in with many of the chaplains during their day and got a glimpse into how each school runs their programmes and Religious Education curriculum.”
Paul started his journey on the Sunshine Coast, where he visited St Andrew’s Anglican College, a 20-year-old school with a ‘massive’ wait list, which holds chapel services in a large covered outdoor amphitheatre. Back in Brisbane he visited Cannon Hill Anglican College, where he enjoyed attending a chapel service led by a visiting Franciscan monk, and Anglican Church Grammar School, known as ‘Churchie’, leaving both schools impressed by their Religious Education delivery.
At All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast, Paul enjoyed meeting with the multi-chaplain team, learning about their highly successful
fundraising programme, and hearing some modern songs during chapel, which he is keen to introduce to the traditional repertoire at St Andrew’s.
Paul says the highlight of his trip was visiting Barker College, an Anglican co-educational school in Sydney with 3500 students. “Christian traditions permeate everything they do, and it was extraordinary to see the way the team of seven chaplains work alongside and support each other. In addition, Barker College has three Aboriginal schools and a refugee school. It was great to see how their overall mission is played out in who they are as a school.”
The last school Paul visited was St Andrew’s Cathedral School in the heart of Sydney, located in two multistorey buildings, with no outdoor campus. “It was lovely to see the school’s thematic approach to running their chapel services and the good connections between their chaplaincy and Religious Education teams, which is something we have here at St Andrew’s.”
Paul has returned from the sabbatical trip with lots of new ideas and approaches. “I took away some
great curriculum ideas, and it was interesting to see many of the schools doing a lot of their community service work in Houses.”
He says the trip was ‘very affirming’ of the chaplaincy, Pastoral Care and Community Service programmes, and Religious Education curriculum, in place at St Andrew’s. “It was such a worthwhile trip. I’m so grateful to Rector, Christine Leighton, and the Senior Leadership team for their support in releasing me for it.”
Fundraising goal exceeded
A Leadership Hub, organised by charity, So They Can, and hosted at St Andrew’s, inspired the College’s 2024 Community Service team to set an audacious goal to raise $18,000 for the charity during its annual monthlong fundraiser, 1HumanRace.
The goal was not only reached, but was exceeded, says College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, who leads the Community Service team of 12 students who apply for the role each year. “Thanks to incredible generosity from the College community, over $20,000 was raised for So They Can’s work to support mainly Tanzanian girls into education who are at risk of child marriage or genital mutilation. I am incredibly proud of our Community Service leaders, Samuel Ferguson and Isobel Bhatia (both Year 13), and the team for doing such an amazing job.”
The money was raised through a combination of tutor group donations, fundraising events, and other donations, says Paul. “The Community Service team put a great strategy in place to achieve their goal. They encouraged each tutor group to raise $300, and
various other groups and individuals came on board with their own amazing initiatives, including English teacher, Donna Jones, who made over $1300 from cheese roll sales, and Year 13 student Jack Flanagan, who raised $375 by waxing his legs.”
College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow at Barker College, Sydney
College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow with students at the launch of 1HumanRace.
Specialassemblies
Girls' and Boys Assemblies
The annual Secondary School Girls’ and Boys’ Assemblies organised by Year 13 students were enlightening events, which saw two panels of guests share life experiences and answer a range of questions The girls’ panel of Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023), Assistant Head of Physical Education and Health, Ash James and Rector, Christine Leighton, revealed personal challenges and the ways they bounce back from setbacks. Chloe McFedries (Year 10) also sang a beautiful solo.
The Boys’ Assembly featured a panel of three guests –Agriculture teacher, Liam Smith, Athlete Development Programme teacher, Trent Harris, and Thomas Kamo (OC 2022), who is currently studying Law and Arts at University of Canterbury. The panel was interviewed by Macklan Robertson and Daniel Ruge (both Year 13) with questions ranging from sharing a favourite childhood memory, to what it means to be a good man. The rock band Awthentix, made of up Year 13 students Tamaroa Connelly, Jack Flanagan, Hugo Ranken, Daniel Ruge and William Ruge, performed two numbers.
Prefects’ Assembly
The prefect team put together a fun, high-energy Prefects’ Assembly, with the theme ‘Survivor Games’ keeping the audience well entertained. The Sports, Cultural and Academic tribes battled it out in a variety of challenges with the Sports tribe announced as the final champions.
The highly anticipated assembly was punctuated by the singing, dancing, and the thoughtful Morning Comment from prefect Benjamin Ashman (Year 13), whose worthwhile message around nurturing a positive attitude, with references to personal setbacks and challenges, was well received. Another crowd favourite was the appearance of Enzo the dog.
The Senior College and Middle School DPR Awards were presented to Michael Vaivai (Year 13) and Ewan Mander (Year 11), with a number of other students recognised, including the Year 9 Future Problem Solving team, which achieved third place in the world.
Year 11 Semi-formal
It was an evening of glitz and glamour when students gathered at a beautifully decked out function room at Riccarton Racecourse for the highly anticipated Year 11 Semi-formal.
The venue perfectly matched the ‘Casino’ theme, with a ‘Welcome to Vegas’ sign, playing cards, and gold, black, and red decorations adding to the atmosphere. The students looked wonderful in their finery as they walked the red carpet, and there was a happy, positive vibe throughout the event.
As always, the photo booth was a huge hit, creating lasting memories of a magical night. The dance floor was packed with both Year 11 students, and the Year 13 prefects who helped to supervise on the night.
The Middle School Leaders did a wonderful job assisting with planning and organising the event, supported by Head of Middle School Matt Parr, Assistant Head of Middle School Liz Gormack, and Year 11 Dean Lucy Curtis, plus Year 11 tutors and staff who made an appearance on the night.
Communityservice and
Cans for Humanity
During a school-wide annual House competition, Cans for Humanity, over 1230 cans of food were collected across the Preparatory and Secondary Schools for Christchurch City Mission. MacGibbon House won the competition, with 389 cans collected.
Canteen Fundraiser
The College Quad was packed with students to watch the selfless act of Alexandra Shepherd (Year 13) and her older sister Christina (OC 2017) shave their heads during Non-uniform Day, to fundraise for Canteen, a New Zealand charity which supports rangatahi impacted by cancer.
Christina Shepherd (OC 2017 – left) and Alexandra Shepherd (Year 13 – third left) with past staff member and mother Maxine Shepherd and a Canteen staff member
Careers Expo
There was positive feedback from students and parents who attended the annual St Andrew’s College Careers Expo. Twenty-six exhibitors attended,
including six of the eight New Zealand universities, Ara and SIT (Te Pukenga), as well as several industry training organisations and private training providers. The event provided an excellent opportunity for parents and their children to ask questions directly to the providers about the types of courses, accommodation, and scholarship options as well as potential job opportunities.
International Club
The International Committee launched the 2024 International Club in Term 2 and ran a fun piñata activity to celebrate Spanish Language Week in late May. The Club also ran an activity to coincide with Matariki, and at the end of Term 2, organised food trucks, Roma (Mexican food), Empire Chicken, and the Black Forest Waffle Hut to come to school.
Pink Shirt Day
Students across the College supported Bullying-Free NZ week and took part in Pink Shirt Day, doing their part to end bullying by celebrating diversity, spreading aroha, and promoting kindness and inclusion, while raising money for the Mental Health Foundation.
Service to Production
Year 13 students, Tamaroa Connelly, Edward Pitts, Jack Flanagan, Alexandra Shepherd, Dara Ballard, Shaun Cooper, Hugo Ranken, Sea-am Thompson, Matthew Lee, Chantelle Xiong, Hayden Lam, Jenna Howell and Xanthe Pearce, were acknowledged by the Cultural Council for giving service to five or more productions during their time at the College. As well as performing, the group assisted with leading vocal sectionals, dance rehearsals, set creation, director assistance, hair, make-up, front of house, backstage, and helping younger students.
Sign Language Week
The St Andrew’s prefect team encouraged the College community to embrace New Zealand Sign Language during Sign Language Week, which included them making a short video demonstrating everyday sign language in action.
Whānau hui
The first whānau hui was held at St Andrew’s in June, to connect with our Māori ākonga and whānau. A shared time together gave a time for introductions, discussion, and kai. Kaiako Wiremu Pickering and Mary Leota lead the College’s Te Ao Māori strategy which has developed our understanding and confidence over several years.
World Vision Leadership Day
Community Service leaders, Isobel Bhatia, Madeline Clucas, Benjamin Bolton, and Samuel Ferguson (all Year 13), attended the World Vision Leadership Day in Christchurch, attended by around 30 schools from the upper South Island. Samuel Ferguson shared St Andrew’s approach to supporting the 40-hour Challenge. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn, connect and get re-energised to support the amazing work World Vision does globally.
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards Days Out
As part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards, Year 10 students planted over 2500 native trees in the Red Zone, gained invaluable first aid, child minding and self-management skills during a course run by Red Cross, and attended an interactive half-day session at the Antarctic Centre.
Students enjoying Mexican food from the Roma food truck.
Head of Girls’ Boarding, Gretal Tavendale (Year 13) at the Careers Expo.
Ball Black and Bling
It was a spectacular night of fun, frivolity, and fundraising at the biennial Black and Bling Ball, which was thoroughly enjoyed by a group of around 400 St Andrew’s parents, staff, supporters, and friends, all dressed in their finery.
Gym 1 was unrecognisable following its transformation into a sparkling ballroom by the hardworking committee of organisers from the parent hockey and netball committees, and their helpers. It was the perfect
venue for socialising, enjoying a great meal, and an auction with generous donations and support for the two sporting codes. The popular band, Black & Gold, kept the guests on the dance floor for most of the evening.
Along with the organising committee who did such a fantastic job, thanks go to all the businesses, families, and individuals who contributed goods, services, or time to this fundraising event.
This was the eighth Black and Bling Ball at St Andrew’s, since it was first held in 2008.
the classroom Learning beyond
The exciting co-curricular programme at St Andrew’s is integral to every young student’s development, enriching their educational journey, and helping them to find their place in the College, says Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell. “Whatever their interests, there is a co-curricular activity for all students, allowing them to explore their existing passions or find new ones. Socially, there are huge benefits too, with like-minded students mixing in different groups, building networks and a sense of community.”
In the Secondary School, the co-curricular programme is compulsory for students from Years 9–12, and although it is not compulsory in Year 13, the majority of these students stay involved. “A lot of our students have multiple co - curricular activities on the go, which teaches them good selfmanagement skills as they manage their busy schedules alongside their academic learning,” says Hamish.
The co-curricular programme covers all competitive and social sport, and a wide range of cultural activities including music, Performing Arts, dance, Ballet Academy, Pipe Band, debating, and a range of clubs.
Alongside Hamish, who oversees the programme, a whole team of staff contribute, including Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities, Mark Lane, who looks after all sport and the various clubs in the programme. “St Andrew’s competitive sports teams are well known for the great success they achieve in local, regional, and national competitions. However, the biggest growth areas in the sports programme are social sport, and our Learn to Play programmes,” explains Mark. “It’s great to see so many students giving sport a go, no matter what level they play at or whether they have played it before. Our Learn to Play programme is huge, as it gives students the opportunity to learn a new sport, so their experience when they do get on the court or field is a positive one.”
Also heavily involved in the programme are the sports co-ordinators of the various sports, Pipe Band Director Richard Hawke, Head of Music Duncan Ferguson, Head of Drama and Dance Laurence Wiseman, Performing Arts Co-ordinator Ginnie Thorner, and Ballet Academy Artistic Director Carolyn Cairns. The programme is also compulsory for teachers, who each year, are required to be involved in either a winter and summer co-curricular sport or activity, or a year-long one. Parents also help out in various areas of the programme, while students give back too, often via Community Service, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Programme.
Both Hamish and Mark agree the co-curricular programme is essential for developing well-rounded young adults, helping them to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build relationships, “Whether students are striving for the highest levels of achievement in their sport or cultural activity, or enjoy the participation side and being with their friends, the programme has huge value,” says Hamish. Adds Mark, “One of the great measures of success is that students continue on with their sport or cultural activity once they leave school. That’s when we know the programme is working.”
Exceptional co-curricular options on offer
An exceptional range of sporting, cultural, recreational, musical, and other performance opportunities are available to students at St Andrew’s, ensuring they can discover their potential, express their talents, and strive for excellence in their activity of choice.
The College has a rich and varied sports offering, with 33 sports available to choose from. These include all the major codes such as cricket, tennis, touch, basketball, rugby, football, hockey, netball, volleyball, and rowing, along with niche options like ice hockey, multisport, trap shooting, equestrian, surfing, canoe polo, and golf. An impressive 90 per cent of students competed in interschool sport last year, and all are encouraged to participate in the annual athletic sports, swimming, and cross country events.
The high quality sports grounds and facilities, including Gym 2 and the StACFit Fitness Centre, along with the experienced coaches available at St Andrew’s, help all students to reach their potential in the sports programme, which has embraced the overarching Sport NZ ‘Balance is Better’ philosophy.
This is also true of the incredible facilities on offer for students taking up cultural pursuits, including the new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre incorporating the Gough Family Theatre, Drama Studio, and Ballet and Dance studios;
the state of the art music suite and recording studio; and cutting edge TV studio, where students interested in the practical and technical aspects of production can learn their craft.
Cultural options for students include everything from music, Performing Arts, speech and drama, Theatresports, and dance, to Highland dance and the St Andrew’s Ballet Academy, which offers a comprehensive co-educational ballet programme from Pre-school through to Year 13 students. Professional tuition in singing and a wide range of instruments is offered, along with the opportunity for students to join jazz and concert bands, choirs, barbershop groups, chamber and orchestra groups, rock bands, and the internationally acclaimed Pipe Band, which has been an integral part of the College’s heritage since 1919.
The productions in the Preparatory School, Middle School, and Senior College include large numbers of students in performance and behind the scenes roles and are among the many highlights on the cultural calendar, along with StAC Attack, Dance Revue, and FilmFest.
St Andrew’s has a strong Māori and Pasifika Group and Kapa Haka, which celebrate Māori and Pasifika performance.
Debating is another popular option, along with the co-curricular clubs –Chess, Digitech, International, Junior Young Farmers, and Writing for Publication.
With such a vast array of co - curricular options available in the Secondary School, St Andrew’s students are well-supported to explore their interests, learn new things, and develop into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Regulus
Cultural catch up
48Hours Film Competition
Eight Media students from Years 9–11 participated in the 48Hours film competition. The students were assigned the genre of ‘The Animal Adventure’ and were given 48 hours to write, shoot, and edit a short film. They rose to the occasion creating an imaginative timetravelling hijinks story. The participants enjoyed the thrill of seeing their work on the big screen, networking with film enthusiasts, and competing for prizes.
Ballet
Tave Stuart (Year 12), won first place in the Ballet Championship (15 and Over), and third place in the Modern Championships (15 and Over). Tave received a nomination to take part in the 2024 National Young Performance Awards, later this year. At the New Zealand Dance Awards, Tave achieved first in both Ballet and Contemporary, gaining national titles for her age divisions, and was second in Lyrical.
The Ballet Academy enjoyed four full days of classes with the Specialist Dance Educator, Neve Pierce, from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Dancers in Years 3–8 experienced learning new repertoire from the current RNZB production of Swan Lake, including the classic Four Cygnets, while the Secondary School dancers took up the challenge of having entirely new contemporary works set on them.
At the Christchurch Tap Dancing Teachers Association (CTDTA) competitions, Neve Aitken (Year 11) won two first places for Jazz and Contemporary Duos, third for Jazz Solo, and a special choreography award for her Contemporary Duo.
Ballroom Dance
Holly Hembry (Year 9) took part in the Kiwi Classic Ballroom Dancing Championships in Auckland, winning nine first placings from her Solo and Pro/Am events. She later competed at the New Zealand One Dance Ballroom Dancing Championships, winning 23 out of 24 of her Recreational Single events in the Teen and Adult sections, receiving the Champion of Champions trophies for both. She also won all four of her Pro/Am Teen Latin events. Holly made the final in two dances out of four in the Adult Open Ballroom events, placing fourth in the Quickstep, against competitive adult couples much older than herself.
Battle of the Bands/Rockquest
St Andrew’s band, The E.C.H.O. have had a fantastic year. After getting through the Battle of the Bands Christchurch heats, semi-finals and finals, The E.C.H.O., featuring Hayden Lam (Year 13), Ethan Lam and Oliver Hill (both Year 11), and their bass player from Papanui High School, made their way to Wellington for the national finals against fourteen bands from all over the country. The E.C.H.O. played their set of five originals and one cover. Ethan Lam won the Best Guitarist award for the national finals and Hayden Lam was nominated in the top three drummers at the finals.
The E.C.H.O. was one of two St Andrew’s bands who made it to the regional finals of Rockquest, where they won the award for Best Song, and their bass player won the Musicianship Award. The other band to make the finals was Awthentix, comprising Hugo Ranken, Jack Flanagan, Tamaroa Connelly, William Ruge and Daniel Ruge (all Year 13).
Big Sing
Two St Andrew’s choirs were awarded for their wonderful performances at the Big Sing competition. Staccoro won The Jubilate Singers award for an Outstanding Recital Performance
by a Mixed Voice Choir, as well as the Outstanding Performance of a Contemporary Art Composition award. Stacchorus won the trophy for The Christchurch Youth Choir Audience Impact award.
Chamber Music
Following the Canterbury District Final of the NZCT Schools Chamber Music Contest, three St Andrew’s groups were selected for the Southern Regional Final: The Acousticks (percussion quartet, coached by Roanna Funcke): Jack Flanagan, Hayden Lam, Daniel Ruge (all Year 13) and Edward Park (Year 8); 8 Strings 88 Keys (piano trio): Miu Kim, Jasmine Hooker (both Year 12) and Sea-am Thompson (Year 13); and AAA Insurance (trio): Ary Son, Xinyi (Alicia) Chen (both Year 10) and Andy Li (Year 9). In addition, at the Canterbury District Final, One Gold Two Silver (trumpet trio with William Ruge (Year 13), and sisters Yuxin (Alice) (Year 10) and Yutian (Tianna) Chen (Year 9)) were awarded the Woolston Brass School’s Trophy, the seventh time since 2008 that St Andrew’s College has won this cup. The three groups’ performances at the Southern Regional Final were well received by the audience and judges, however, none progressed through to the national final in August.
Sea-am Thompson (Year 13) was both the Southern Region winner and the Overall Winner of the Original Composition section of the 2024 NZCT Chamber Music Contest. The award was presented to Sea-Am at the national finals of the contest at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, on Friday 2 August. Adjudicator, Michael Norris, said Sea-am’s piece was an ‘impressive, professional composition’ and that he demonstrated ‘phenomenal’ instrumental writing, along with being an experienced and gifted performer himself. This is an outstanding achievement, with the last person from St Andrew’s to achieve this being Isaac Shatford (OC 2014) ten years ago.
Tave Stuart (Year 12)
Ethan Lam (Year 11)
Sea-am Thompson (Year 13)
Classical Concert
Nine chamber groups and three orchestras performed at the annual St Andrew’s College Classical Concert in the Centennial Chapel, with performances well received by the audience of family and staff, who responded with warm applause throughout.
Creative Writing
At the Ōtautahi celebration of Flash Fiction Day at Tūranga, it was announced that Ellie Zhou had placed second overall in the Youth competition in the National Flash Fiction Day Youth Competition for her story Bàba tells me, which was an outstanding achievement in an international competition of this calibre. Jack Flanagan (Year 13) was also shortlisted in the competition, while the writing of Katrina Wallis and Edward Keenan (both Year 10) made the longlist.
Cultural Showcase
Cultural Captains, Jenna Howell and Xanthe Pearce (both Year 13), along with the Cultural Council, organised a wonderful Cultural Showcase. The Big Band opened the night with some New Orleans styled work. Other performances were from singer songwriters, StAC Dance, Year 10 Drama, and the Senior Choir, Staccoro. The evening was well supported, and entry was by koha, with money raised going to the So They Can charity.
Highland Dance
Before heading to Melbourne to perform with the New Zealand Highland Dance Company, Siara Clarke (Year 13) competed at the King’s Birthday Highland Dancing competitions in Dunedin winning the most points U18, Most Points in Highland Dances U18, South Island Championship Seann Triubhas U18, South Island Championship Reel O’Tullock U18, Highland Fling Championship Open, and the Most Outstanding Highland Performance.
Sofia Sneddon (Year 7) was first (most points) in her age group, 10 and U12 Years, at the National Highland Dancing Championships.
Eleanor (Ella) Nortje (Year 2) won the Novice Highland Fling trophy and the runner-up Most Points 6 and Under at the Christchurch Caledonian Highland Dance Competition.
At the Waimate 69th Festival Highland and National dancing competition, Adelyn Abrahamson (Year 6) and Iaera Abrahamson (Year 4) won the Double Swords trophy. Iaera won Most Points U10 and the South Canterbury Championship Highland Fling, and Nayana Abrahamson (Year 2) won most points U7 and runner-up Most Points U8. At the North Canterbury Highland Dance Competition, Iaera Abrahamson won Most Promising Dancer U10 and runner-up Most Points U10. Nayana Abrahamson won Most Points U6 and Most Points U8.
At the Oamaru Highland Dance Championships, Georgia Gregg (Year 7) won Most Points runner-up U12. At the Oxford Highland Dance Competition, Georgia won the trophy for U12 Irish Jig, was first in U12 Fling and U12 Sword, and placed second in Sailors. Agnes Buist (Year 5) won the Novice Highland Fling U14. At the Hokitika Matariki Highland Dance Competition, Georgia also won Most Points U12, U14 and Overall Most Points of the competition.
Watson Winterbourn (Year 1) won the Most Promising Highland Dancer Award at the Oamaru Performing Arts competition.
International Languages Week
International Languages Week was celebrated throughout New Zealand, with students at St Andrew’s participating in a variety of activities. Highlights included a Chinese calligraphy session in The Green Library and Innovation Centre, with around 150 students taking part; several classes watched films at the French Film Festival; the Year 10 Spanish class made quesadillas; a haiku competition took place; and an international food challenge was held in the Quad.
Matariki
Together, ākonga and kaiako explored the significance of Matariki. Te Reo Māori classes made whetū/stars, kōkiri/shooting stars, and took part in mahi whai/string games. There were Matariki challenges in The Green Library and Innovation Centre. All Te Reo Māori classes took part in mau rākau (traditional Māori weaponry). The Kapa Haka group performed for kaumātua at the Summerset on Cavendish Retirement Village. In the Preparatory School, older students researched aspects of Matariki and designed some Matariki inspired activities to share with their younger buddy class. The Junior School also got into the spirit, taking part in waiata, learning, and creative activities.
A special Matariki celebration night was held in the Pre-school, with family enjoying a shared feast and watching the children perform three waiata.
Music
During Matariki weekend, Sea-am Thompson (Year 13) performed over three days as one of 11 young organists featured in the Dunedin Organ Festival, organised by the New Zealand Organ Association.
In 2024, a record 20 students from the Preparatory School were selected for representative groups in the 2024 Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival:
Siara Clark (Year 13)
Students taking part in a Chinese calligraphy session.
Rector Christine Leighton and Junior students with their Matariki artwork.
Taking part in mau rākau, traditional Māori weaponry.
• Symphony Orchestra: Chloe Wang (Year 6), Chloe Sha, Emma Zhang, Jacob Wang, Chenxiao Leo (Leo) Yang, Matthew Zhang, Baizhen (Tony) Chen, Yunze Li (all Year 7), Ethan Waines, Ethan Zhao, Lexie Dong and Cong (Zilong) Chen (all Year 8);
• Junior Representative Choir: Adelyn Abrahamson, Alice Williams, Annabelle Laurenson, Jessica Whitehead, Ruby Richard (all Year 6), Riona McKendry and Romilly Comyn (both Year 5);
Ngā Manu Kōrero Secondary School Speech Competition
Metua Cranwell (Year 11) and Holly Maraki (Year 13) represented St Andrew’s at the Ngā Manu Kōrero Secondary School Speech Competition. Both students spoke powerfully about themes including discrimination, racism, identity, and history. Metua Cranwell was third overall in the Senior Māori Impromptu section.
Pipe Band
As part of the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association National Youth Band, five members of the Pipe Band (Lucas Paterson, Harrison Justice (both Year 13), Tayla Eagle (Year 12), Sam Foote, Daniel Liu (both Year 11)) and Pipe Band tutor, Tiffany Gilchrist, attended the Penticton Highland Games in Vancouver, Canada and took part in the Piping Hot Summer Drummer School at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
At the Australian Pipe Band Championships Tayla Eagle (Year 12) was runner-up in the Juvenile A Grade while competing with Haileybury Pipes and Drums.
Pipers, Sam Foote (Year 11) and Finlay Trewinnard (Year 9), performed at the Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Founders’ Day Celebrations. Sam’s sister, Annie, graduated from the school a few years ago and Finlay’s sister, Ruby, is currently in Year 12 and Head of Chapel.
Several Pipe Band members performed in services around the country on ANZAC Day:
• Lucas Paterson (Year 13), Tayla Eagle (Year 12), Sam Foote, Daniel Liu (both Year 11) and tutor, Tiffany Gilchrist, played with the National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand at Pukeahu National War Memorial, Wellington;
• Jack Boon (Year 13) and Cameron Sharpe (Year 10) played with the Ellesmere Pipe Band at a service in
Leeston. Jack Boon led the parade in Dunsandel;
• Maggie McConnochie (Year 10) played at the Dawn Service in Twizel;
• Charlie Gregg (Year 9) led the parade in Akaroa;
• Lachlan Sneddon and Hamish Bilton (both Year 9) played with the Southern Lakes Highland Pipe Band at Arrowtown, Queenstown;
• Emily Brook (Year 11) played at the Fairlie ANZAC Service with the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band;
• Anthony Song (Year 9) and Ryley Medland (Year 11) led the parade at Alpine View Retirement Village;
• William Nicholls (Year 9) played at Victoria Park on the site of the 19th Battalion and Armoured Regiment Memorial, and later played at Summerset Retirement Village with George Nicholls (Year 6);
• Cooper Gallagher (Year 12) was the lone piper at the St Andrew’s College ANZAC Service alongside Guards of Honour, Iona Lawson (Year 13) and Adam MacFarlane (Year 12);
• Luca Graham (Year 12) led the parade for the Tai Tapu service;
• Tutor and Pipe Band Manager, Graeme Bryce, played with the Canterbury Caledonian Society Pipe Band at Templeton.
Highland Piping Society of Canterbury Solo Piping and Canterbury Drummers Club Solo Drumming
At the first competitive events of the year, St Andrew’s pipers and drummers to achieve first placings were:
Piping
• Sam Foote (Year 11): first B Grade Piobaireachd, C Grade Strathspey/Reel;
• Maggie McConnochie (Year 10): first B Grade Strathspey/Reel, C Grade Piobaireachd, 2/4 March;
• Lachlan Sneddon (Year 9): first D Grade Piobaireachd;
• Alice Glover (Year 8): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel; Snare Drumming
• Ethan Lam (Year 11): first B Grade Hornpipe/Jig, C Grade Strathspey/ Reel, C Grade Aggregate;
• Edwards Park (Year 8): first D Grade March, Strathspey/Reel, D Grade Aggregate;
• Hunter Morrow (Year 9): first Novice Drum;
• James Laurenson (Year 7): first Novice Drum Pad; Tenor Drumming
• Madelyn Harding (Year 8): first Novice Tenor;
• Tane Claxton (Year 11): first Intermediate and Novice Bass Drumming.
Otago Centre King’s Birthday Solo Piping Competition
A group of 16 St Andrew’s pipers competed at the Otago Centre King’s Birthday Solo Piping Competition, one of the five major solo piping events on the calendar. Placegetters were:
• Sam Foote (Year 11): U21 Champion, U16 Champion, second B Grade 2/4 March, first U21 2/4 March, second Strathspey/Reel, C Grade Most Points Overall, first Piobaireachd, third 2/4 March, second Strathspey/Reel, first Hornpipe/Jig, first 6/8 March;
• Maggie McConnochie (Year 10): second B Grade Silver Medal Piobaireachd, second Hornpipe/ Jig, third 6/8 March, second U21 2/4 March, third C Grade Piobaireachd, second 2/4 March, second 6/8 March;
• Cooper Gallagher (Year 12): third B Grade Silver Medal Piobaireachd;
• Tayla Eagle (Year 12): third U21 Strathspey/Reel;
• Anthony Song (Year 9): first C Grade Strathspey/Reel, third Hornpipe/Jig;
• Charlie Gregg (Year 9): third C Grade 6/8 March;
Ryley Medland (Year 11), Lachlan Sneddon (Year 9), Sam Foote (Year 11), Anthony Song (Year 9) and Alice Glover (Year 8)
• Lachlan Sneddon (Year 9)
D Grade Most Points Overall, second third Piobaireachd, second 2/4 March, second Strathspey/Reel;
• Alice Glover (Year 8): Most Points D Grade Lady Piper, third Strathspey/Reel, third 6/8 March;
• Finlay Trewinnard (Year 9): first D Grade Piobaireachd;
• Hamish Bilton (Year 9): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel;
• Ryley Medland (Year 11): first D Grade 6/8 March.
Ōtautahi Solo Drumming Championship and Oceania Solo Drumming Championships
St Andrew’s hosted both the Ōtautahi Solo Drumming Championship and the Oceania Solo Drumming Championships, with the following students achieving top results:
• Ethan Higgs (Year 12): third B Grade March, Strathspey and Reel;
• Konnor Chamberlain (Year 12: second C Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, Compound March and second C Grade Aggregate;
• Edward Park (Year 8): first D Grade March first D Grade Aggregate;
• Hunter Donnithorne (Year 7): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel, second D Grade Aggregate;
• Femke McLean (Year 10): third D Grade March, third D Grade Aggregate;
• Lee Patterson (Year 11): second D Grade March;
• Max Yandle (Year 6): first Drum pad, first Drum.
Tenor Drumming
• Harrison Justice (Year 13): third Open March, Strathspey and Reel, Hornpipe and Jig, and third Open Aggregate;
• Dara Ballard (Year 13): first Intermediate March, Strathspey and Reel, Hornpipe and Jig, and first Intermediate Aggregate;
• Annie Young (Year 11): second Intermediate March Strathspey and Reel, second Hornpipe and Jig, second Intermediate Aggregate, first Novice;
• RuoLin (Lauren) Li (Year 10): third Intermediate March, Strathspey and Reel, second Novice;
• Madelyn Harding (Year 8): third Novice.
Preparatory School Music Concert
On Tuesday 2 July, the Preparatory School presented a concert of music items in the Centennial Chapel, featuring the Junior Choir (Years 3–5), Cantare Choir (Years 6–8), Preparatory School Orchestra, chamber group trio, and solo items by the Year 8 music scholars, Ethan Waines and Tony Chen. The performers supported each other with enthusiastic applause and the concert was very well received by a supportive audience of parents and families.
Pride Month
St Andrew’s enjoyed a colourful celebration of Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2024, led by our Rainbow Group. A rainbow flag flew proudly on the main flagpole and The Green Library and Innovation Centre celebrated with a book display titled Out on the Shelves. Staff and students wore colourful accessories, and the Rainbow Group members and prefects provided hot chocolates to start the week. Thursday’s chapel message was delivered by Assistant Chaplain, Ben Hughes, who spoke of the need to widen our circle and embrace diversity. Prefects and the Rainbow Group led a ‘dance it out’ session in the Quad at lunchtime to end the week.
Samoan Language Week
St Andrew’s celebrated Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week with various activities, including using Samoan greetings or phrases, and ula lole (lolly necklace) making.
Students acknowledged the week with a tatalo (prayer) and pese (hymn) during chapel. The Pre-school also celebrated Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa in a variety of ways, including listening to Samoan music, learning to count to sefulu (10), exploring motifs used in traditional Samoan art forms, and tasting some popular Samoan foods, pani popo (coconut buns) and koko alaisa (chocolate rice).
Samoan Language Week was celebrated College-wide.
Speech and Drama
A group of 13 Preparatory School students competed in the Speech and Drama Section of the Oamaru Performing Arts Festival. Highlights included Aaron Yu (Year 7) taking top honours with the Most Points Overall, beating competitors in the U14, U16 and Open classes as well as winning the 12 and Under class, in which Ben McKendry (Year 7) was second. Riona McKendry (Year 5) was awarded Most Points 10 and Under, Violet Winterbourn was awarded Most Points Under 8, and Watson Winterbourn (Year 1) won Most Points for Under 6.
Co-Head of the Sustainability Council, Katherine Simcock (Year 12), gave an exceptional speech to a large audience at Tūranga as part of the Speaking 4 the Planet (S4P) series. Katherine spoke of the urgent need for everyone to make choices that will result in protection of New Zealand’s unique biophysical environment.
Vocal Concert
In May, the Staccoro and Stacchorus choirs, two barbershops, as well as a new Senior Quartet, performed at a lunch-hour choral concert at St Mary’s, which St Andrew’s College puts on each year. A piano trio was included, and all the items were well received by an appreciative audience. The concert finished with a combined item of the two choirs singing The Water is Wide with Bring Me a Little Water, Sylvie
Matthew Zhang (Year 7) left, and Baizhen (Tony) Chen (Year 8)
A special book display was among the Pride Week activities.
Regulus Values and Culture
St Andrew’s College Olympians
A record-breaking five former St Andrew’s students were selected to represent New Zealand on the world’s biggest stage at the Paris Olympics, with three of the Old Collegians, attending the Olympics for the first time.
Olivia Brett (OC 2019) is competing in her first Olympics in the canoe sprint team, racing in the K4 500 alongside Dame Lisa Carrington, Alicia Hoskin and Tara Vaughan. The quartet have gone into the Olympics as World champions, having won New Zealand’s first-ever World title last year.
After setting the New Zealand Swimming Championships alight, producing the fastest 50m freestyle swim ever by a New Zealander and achieving the Olympic qualifying standard, Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (OC 2021) was selected as a member of the nine-person Aquablacks swimming team, and will also make his Olympic debut.
Robbie Manson (OC 2007) will compete in his third Olympics in Paris, teaming up with Jordan Parry in the Men’s Double
Scull. He still holds the world’s best time in the single sculls when he set the mark (6min 30.74sec) at a World Cup event in 2017.
Making his second Olympics appearance as a member of the Black Sticks Men’s hockey team is Sam Lane (OC 2015). The formidable striker is renowned for his exceptional stamina and goal-scoring prowess, scoring an average of one goal every two games over the past two years.
Ben Taylor (OC 2017) has been selected as a travelling reserve for the New Zealand rowing team in the Men’s Pair. Ben has continued his great form at a national level after being in the St Andrew’s Maadi Cup and Springbok Shield winning crews at the 2017 Maadi regatta.
Representing New Zealand in Paris are (from left) Olivia Brett (OC 2019), Taiko Torepe-Ormsby (OC 2021), Robbie Manson (OC 2007), Sam Lane (OC 2015) and Ben Taylor (OC 2017)
Hong Kong Rugby Hall of Fame inductee
St Andrew’s Director of High Performance Sport and Rugby, Rod McIntosh, says he was ‘honoured’ to be inducted into the Hong Kong Rugby Hall of Fame for Services to Rugby in the Asia Region.
“Hong Kong holds a lot of special memories and experiences for me. I will always be grateful for the opportunities, connections, and friendships I made there.”
Back in 1995, Rod was playing rugby for Waikato when he decided to pursue playing and studying overseas. Over the next 19 years in Hong Kong, he was involved in all aspects of the game, including playing over 100 tests for the national side in both 7s and 15-a-side.
“A highlight was playing in the 1997 Rugby World Cup 7s hosted by Hong Kong. We made the Plate Final but unfortunately lost to Tonga. The local
support was immense with 40,000 fans screaming for us every time we ran out. Beating top tier sides like France, USA, Argentina, Italy, Scotland, and Japan were other highlights of my 7s career.” Rod also played international 15-a-side in the first Pacific Rim Series, which he describes as a ‘mini four nations’ between Hong Kong, Canada, Japan, and USA.
His influence reached well beyond the pitch. Rod coached at school, club, and national level, serving as Director of Coaching for the Hong Kong Rugby Board, successfully coaching the 7s rugby programme through two Rugby World Cup cycles. He was also an International Rugby Board Coach Educator within the Asia region. During his busy time in Hong Kong, Rod also completed a Masters in Education at Hong Kong University, taught in international education, and set up his own sports coaching business. Rod was hosted at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Tournament in April,
when a special induction ceremony was held. “It was a huge honour to receive this recognition and a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and players.”
Rod McIntosh (right) in Hong Kong.
Exciting basketball scholarship opportunities
The high quality of scholars from St Andrew’s College who have been, or are, in the United States on scholarships is creating opportunities for current basketballers who are keen to explore this pathway, says Teacher in Charge of basketball, Ben Eves. “We are privileged to be sending great human beings from St Andrew’s over, which makes the ongoing recruitment process easier.”
St Andrew’s students have secured over $2 million NZD through scholarships over the past three years, which are ‘no small investments’, says Ben. “There are currently eight former St Andrew’s students on basketball scholarships in the United States, and over the last few years, four talented students from the College have also been awarded basketball scholarships to Lincoln University.”
While back in New Zealand for their summer break, several former St Andrew’s students on basketball scholarships in the United States have taken the opportunity to visit and train at the College, share experiences, and catch up with staff from the programme. Among those to return were sisters, Charlotte (OC 2018) and Lauren (OC 2023) Whittaker, who have had a highly successful start to 2024 in the United States. Their respective teams, Colorado and Gonzaga, made the Sweet 16 (top 16 College teams in the country) during the NCAA Tournament.
Ben says in the highly competitive US college basketball environment, student-athletes have the opportunity to hone their skills and compete at the highest level outside the professional environment. However, Ben believes that access to high-quality education is equally, if not more, important. “A scholarship is, at its core, an academic pathway. At some point, the ball will stop bouncing, and it’s important athletes have plans for life beyond basketball. Some of our students are returning to New Zealand with multiple degrees and no student debt, alongside the immense opportunities they have had living abroad. Basketball can be the vehicle for that,” he explains.
Making regional or national basketball teams can certainly increase the chances of gaining a scholarship, however, this is not a pre-requisite, says Ben. “Universities in the US are looking for all-rounders, who are obviously skilled basketballers, but also achieve academically, and have great personal character. Several of our athletes have gained academic honours on top of their sporting achievements over there.”
The impressive number of basketball teams in the Secondary School has doubled to 40 in the last five years. There are a further 16 teams in the Preparatory School, overseen by Preparatory teacher, Dave Ermerins, who also coaches the Junior Girls’ A
team and is assistant coach of one of the College’s most successful teams – Girls’ Senior A. Runners-up at the last two national championships, this team has not lost in the local Whelan Trophy and South Island Championships since 2019. Secondary teacher, Jamie Wright, holds the same responsibilities on the boys’ side of the programme and helped to lead the Junior Boys’ A team to their first ever South Island Championship in 2023.
More importantly to Ben, over 70 per cent of St Andrew’s competitive basketballers continue playing the sport for at least one year after leaving school. Many former students return to the kura to coach, and there are even two StAC Old Collegians’ teams entered in the local Men’s U20 competition.
Ben says a basketball scholarship to the United States can be a life-changing opportunity. “There are so many benefits – from athletic, academic, and personal development, financial benefits, and the opportunity to experience a completely different culture. To me, it’s an outstanding opportunity for students with drive, determination, and the right skillset as a hooper and a human.”
Former St Andrew’s students on basketball scholarships, Charlotte Whittaker (OC 2018), Kavanah Lene, Mitchell Corkery, Torin Ward (all OC 2023), Flynn McGuinness (OC 2020), Mac Stodart (OC 2019), Karereatua Williams (OC 2022), Jackson Rhodes (OC 2021), Maddie Morrow (OC 2022), Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023).
Sports
round up
Adventure Racing
The St Andrew’s College Adventure Race team, Elliot Graves (Y13), Adam MacFarlane, Madison Wallace (both Y12), Joshua Morrow, Toby Wilson, Abigail Scott-Douglas (all Y11), Sophie Lampe (Y10), and a student from Christchurch Girls’ High School, finished in the top five placings in the Hillary Challenge Qualifier and will now take part in the gruelling five-day national final held in October at the Hillary Outdoor Centre in Tongariro National Park.
In the South Island Secondary Schools’ Adventure Race in Kaikoura, the StAC Prickly Thistles team comprising Adam MacFarlane (Y12), Joshua Morrow, Toby Wilson and Abigail Scott-Douglas (all Y11) was second in the 12-hour Senior Mixed Race. This was a massive effort as some of the team members had never done a 12-hour race before.
Lucy Moore (Y11) won the Girls’ team event, competing with her friend, and was second overall in the school competition, at the three-hour Kaikoura Adventure race.
Athletics
Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Athletics
Around 30 St Andrew’s College students competed at Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics finals. Highlights were:
• Kupa Rule, Oliver Jackways and Samuel Cook (all Y11): first U15 Boys 800m;
• Oliver Jackways (Y11): first U15 Boys 400m, third high jump;
• Jock Sidey (Y11): first U16 Boys javelin, second 100m, and fourth 200m;
• Melenaite Havea (Y11): first U16 Girls shot put and discus;
• Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y11): first U16 Girls steeplechase, third U15 Girls 1500m;
• Sophie Lampe (Y10) first U15 Girls 1500m;
• Cohnor Walsh (Y11): first U16 Boys 3000m, second 1500m;
• Orla Motley (Y12): first U19 hammer throw;
• Vincent Gardiner, Kai Sloane (both Y9), Hugo Millar-Bell (Y10), Marshall Coles (Y9): first U14 Boys 4×100m relay;
• St Andrew’s athletes achieved a further six second placings and eight third placings.
South Island Athletics Championships
St Andrew’s athletes carried their good form into the South Island Athletics Championships, where they won four titles, five second placings, and four third placings. Placegetters were:
• Miah Taylor (Y13): first Senior Girls pole vault;
• Orla Motley (Y12): first Senior Girls hammer throw, third javelin;
• Melenaite Havea (Y11): first U16 Girls shot put, second discus;
• Sophie Lampe (Y10): first U15 Girls 3000m, second 1500m;
• Hannah Hughes (Y13): second Senior Girls 3000m;
• Oliver Jackways (Y11): second U15 Boys 400m;
• Jock Sidey (Y11): second U16 Boys javelin;
• Beau Robertson (Y11): second U16 Boys long jump;
• Kupa Rule (Y11): second U15 Boys 800m;
• Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y11): third U16 Girls 1500m;
• Amelia Cody (Y10): third U16 Girls 200m hurdles;
• Kupa Rule, Oliver Jackways, Samuel Cook (all Y11) and Hugo Millar Bell (Y10): third U16 Boys 4×400m relay;
• Molly Michael (Y9): third Girls Open Walk.
Badminton
At the Otago U15/19 Badminton Tournament, Fanxi (Elsa) Meng (Y9) won the U15 Singles, U15 Doubles with Cherry Zhang, and was equal winner of U15 Mixed.
Basketball
Ophelia Powell (Y13) travelled with the New Zealand U17 Women’s select team to the Elite is Earned Tournament in California, USA.
Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell, Marcus Isitt (all Y13) and Jai Curtis (Y10) competed in the HoopNation Junior Showcase in Whanganui. Ophelia and Rafferty were members of the 17U team which won the title.
Ophelia Powell (Y13)
The following students represented North Canterbury and Canterbury at the U16 and U18 National Qualifying Tournaments:
• U16 Boys: Roma Tuimaunei (Y11);
• U16 Girls: Ava Jones (Y11), Maniah Taefu, Lucy Cliff, Makenzie Disher (all Y10);
• U18 Girls: Rafferty Powell, Niamh Chamberlain (both Y13) finished first in their respective brackets.
Samuel Hoshek (Year 8) was selected for the North Canterbury Representative A basketball team.
The Preparatory School organised the ISSA Basketball Tournament with schools from the ISSA, fielding teams in four divisions – Year 5–6 Boys, Year 5–6 Girls, Year 7–8 Girls, and Year 7–8 Boys. All four St Andrew’s College teams went through the tournament undefeated despite some tough games, qualifying for the Canterbury Primary Schools Basketball Tournament in Term 3.
A group of Senior students took part in the BBNZ U18 Nationals, including Logan Righton (Y12) and Niamh Chamberlain, Ophelia Powell, and Rafferty Powell (all Y13) who led Canterbury to a bronze medal. Ophelia Powell was selected in the All-Star 5 at the tournament.
Beau Robertson (Y11)
Beach Sprint
Coby Goode (Year 13) won the U19 single title at the 2024 Rowing New Zealand Beach Sprint National Championships. Coby also won silver in the U19 Double with Charles Beale from Christ’s College.
Canoe Polo
Six students represented St Andrew’s in the Canoe Polo South Island Championships, with the Senior team unbeaten to become South Island champions, thanks to an extraordinary goal in extra time by Ethan Griffin (Y12). Luke Cleugh (Y10) was part of a Junior Christchurch combined team which also won a South Island title.
St Andrew’s Senior and Junior canoe polo both made it to the hotly contested semi-finals of the Canterbury Schools’ competition, with the Senior team winning a tight game against Cashmere High School A to be crowned Canterbury champions, and the Junior team beating Cashmere High School B to take third place.
Cheerleading
Iselle Bromhead (Y3) competed with her cheerleading team, Allstar Pride Kittenz, in Wellington winning their division (Mini Level 1) and being named Level 1 grand champions. Iselle’s team also won the highest tumbling score out of the whole event, including the older teams.
Cricket
Daisy Thake (Y11) was selected for the Canterbury U17 indoor cricket team.
Cross Country
Six St Andrew’s runners competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Championships. With over 100 athletes in each race, the best individual result came from Sophie Lampe (Y10) finishing 11th in the Junior Girls’ race, with Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y11) 41st. Elliot Graves (Y13) finished 46th in a strong Senior Boys’ field, and Hannah Hughes (Y13) 60th in the Senior Girls’ event. In the provincial relay events, Kupa Rule (Y11) anchored the team to a silver medal in the Junior Boys’ event. Abigail Scott-Douglas’s team finished fifth in the Junior Girls’ race.
At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Cross Country event. Sophie Lampe (Y10) won the U16 Girls’ race with Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y11) in seventh place. Elliot Graves (Y13) was fourth in the Senior Boys’ event.
At the Canterbury Secondary Schools Cross County Championships, Sophie Lampe (Y10) won the Junior Girls’ event, and the U16 Boys’ team of Kupa Rule (Y11 – fourth), Samuel Cook (Y11 – fifth), Hugo Lewis (Y10 – 14th) and Samuel Hardy (Y10 – 19th) finished as the top team. Others to make top 10
placings were Abigail Scott-Douglas (Y11) seventh Junior Girls and Elliot Graves (Y13) sixth Senior Boys.
Preparatory School Cross Country
The Preparatory School Cross Country was held in fine conditions on Wednesday 22 May. Students practised at home, with their teachers, and during Physical Education lessons, and gave their best on the day. Top three placegetters in each age group were:
• Year 4 Girls: Geneva Walker, Francesca Greer, Iaera Abrahamson;
• Year 4 Boys: Frederick Irwin, Alfred Keir, Jack Smallman;
• Year 5 Girls: Alessandria Greer, Pippa Bailey, Rosie Turnbull;
• Year 5 Boys: Ming Macarthy, Xander Swettenham, Samuel Carline;
• Year 6 Girls: Indi Haydon-Uren, Madeline Brooks, Chloe Wang;
• Year 6 Boys: Harrison Julius, Luke Russell, Bozan Wang;
• Year 7 Girls: Isabelle Greer, Mila Rule, Imogen Brooks;
• Year 7 Boys: Joshua Smith, Diesel Mackie, Kobe Ford;
• Year 8 Girls; Tayla Ford, Sabine Waghorn, Freya Manuel;
• Year 8 Boys: Riley Pringle, Hayden Brown, Levi Currie.
Coby Goode (Y13)
Samuel Cook (Y11)
Benjamin Rorke, Riona McKendry, Addison Jones and Amber Phillips (all Y5)
South Island canoe polo champions, Ethan Lau-Berger, Luke Cleugh (both Y10) Ethan Griffin (Y12) Luca Rose (Y11) Sophie Burnett and Liam Randall (both Y12)
Independent Zones Cross Country (ISSA)
A group of 44 students from the Preparatory School competed at the Independent Zones Cross Country (ISSA). Those to finish in the top six and qualify for the Canterbury Primary Schools Cross Country were:
• Year 5 Girls: Alessandria Greer second;
• Year 5 Boys: Ming Macarthy fifth;
• Year 6 Boys: Luke Russell fifth;
• Year 7 Girls: Isabelle Greer second, Mila Rue fourth, Imogen Brooks fifth;
• Year 7 Boys: Diesel Mackie third, Kobe Ford fourth;
• Year 8 Girls: Tayla Ford third, Sabine Waghorn fourth, Alice Glover sixth.
Canterbury and CAIMS Cross Country
A group of 10 Preparatory School students qualified to compete at the Canterbury and CAIMS Cross Country. Those to finish in the top 10 were:
• Isabelle Greer: second Year 7 Girls;
• Tayla Ford: fifth Year 8 Girls;
• Diesel Mackie: seventh Year 7 Boys;
• Kobe Ford: ninth Year 7 Boys;
• Mila Rule: tenth Year 7 Girls.
Enduro Racing
Shey Doerner-Corson (Y11) was second in the South Island Enduro Championships.
Equestrian
Lily Ellis (Y12) was first Instant Jump Off
– 95cm and second Show Hunter –80–90cm at the Canterbury Interschools’ Show Jumping Championships.
Georgia Lewis (Y11) was selected to represent New Zealand at the Asia and Pacific Cup for Show Jumping. She travelled to Fuzhou, China as part of the team of four 15–17 year-olds. Despite torrential rain, the New Zealand team performed exceptionally to take out second place on borrowed horses. Individually, Georgia came third, the top international, non-local rider, just behind two Chinese riders.
Grass Cart
Josh Silcock (Y13) was second in the 0–205cc Four Stroke Class, with his brother Harri Silcock (OC 2019) winning the championship at the New Zealand Grass Kart Championships.
Hockey
The following students were selected for representative hockey:
• Canterbury U18A: Benjamin Harford, Henrietta Nation (both Y13);
• Canterbury U18B: Annabelle Barker, Lila Waghorn (both Y11), Edward Connolly, Liam Hall, Lucas Munt, Connor Sharp, Sophia Voice (all Y12), and Jackson Hodgkinson (Y13);
• Canterbury Development: Thomas Gough, Katherine Simcock (both Y12), Lewis Tavendale, and Olivia Ratcliffe (both Y11).
Ice Hockey
Ming Macarthy (Y5) was selected for the U15 Canterbury Ice Hockey representative squad 2024.
Karate
At the Otago Southland Karate Championships, Gemma Thomas (Y11) won gold in the Female Kata 13–15 years Premier, and Female Kata Open. At the Canterbury Westland Karate Championships, Gemma won gold in the Female Kata 14/15 years Premier event and at the South Island Schools event she won gold in the Female Kata U16 event.
Kartsport
Iris Li (Y3) won the third-place trophy in the Cadet Rok class while competing over four days at the 39th annual Central New Zealand Sunbelt Kartsport Championships.
Louis Smith (Y9) was seventh at the New Zealand Schools KartSport national championships.
Netball
The following students were selected to play in Christchurch Netball Centre representative teams in the South Island King’s Birthday Tournament:
• U16 Red Team: Hannah Papali’i Taimalelagi Malietoa and Saige Maraki (both Y11);
• U16 Black Team: Makenzie Disher, Hannah Radford, Emma Bailey (all Y10).
Rally Driving
At the 2024 Lone Star Rally of Canterbury, a round of the South Island Mainland Series Championship, Josh Silcock (Y13) competing in his first ever rally, finished third in the 1300 class and James McIver (Y13) finished fifth in the 1600 class.
Refereeing
Alexander Black (Y12) refereed at the U14 and U15 Christchurch International Football and was appointed to referee the U15 final.
Road Race
Of the nine St Andrew’s students competing at the Canterbury Schools’ Road Race Championships, top performers were Sophie Lampe (Y10) who was a convincing winner of the U16 Girls’ race, Kupa Rule (Y11) fourth in the U16 Boys’ race and Hannah Hughes (Y13) fifth in the Senior Girls’ event.
Rogaine
Jackson Morrow (Y8) was first in the Mixed Open category of the four-hour Wicked Rogaine in Teviotdale.
Rowing
Charlie Butterfield (Y13) was selected into the Men’s U19 eight and Jack Pitts (Y13) as a travelling reserve for Rowing New Zealand’s team to compete at the U19 World Championship Regatta in St Catharines, Canada.
Coby Goode (Y13) was selected for the 2024 New Zealand rowing team to attend the 2024 World Coastal Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, Italy in September. The team includes some big names and current Olympic Athletes such as Emma Twigg and Jackie Kiddle.
William Tavendale (Y13) was selected for the South Island U18 rowing team.
Rugby
The Senior rugby teams had a great tour of Auckland in the Term 1 holiday break, hearing from inspirational ex-All Black, Keven Mealamu, attending ANZAC Day services, and competing well in their various competitions. The U18 team had a loss to King’s College and win against
Charlie Butterfield and Jack Pitts (both Y13)
Iris Li (Y3)
a well-drilled Takapuna Grammar side. The Quad team finished third in the Presbyterian Quadrangular tournament, after losing to eventual winners, Saint Kentigern College, and beating Lindisfarne College. William Voice (Y13) was the St Andrew’s Player of the Tournament.
The Preparatory School U13 rugby team won the Pleasant Point Rugby Tens Tournament after two wins and a draw in pool play, and an exciting final against Celtics from Ashburton, who they had earlier drawn with. The Celtics pulled ahead in the second half; however, a great comeback saw St Andrew’s draw the match level 25–25 at full-time and score the first try in extra time to win the tournament on golden point.
Metua Cranwell (Y11) was selected for the New Zealand U18 Māori Rugby Camp for 2024.
Squash
At the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Squash Tournament, the St Andrew’s A team of Rory Forsythe, Jacob Bunting and Bodie Oxenham (all Y12) finished third after losing to eventual winners St Bede’s College in their semi-final. A team comprising Jacob Bunting, Bodie Oxenham, George Reynolds and Oliver Gilbert (both Y9), played in the South Island Schools’ Teams Championships where they were seeded second in Grade B. With the top three teams, including St Andrew’s, each recording a two win and two loss record, it came down to matches and games won, which saw our team placed third in Grade B and finishing with an overall ranking of seventh in the South Island.
Swimming
In the 16-Year Woman category at the New Zealand Swimming National Age Group Championships Rylee McBride (Y12) won a national title and claimed a new Canterbury record in the 50m backstroke, won silver in the 50m butterfly and 100m backstroke, was fifth in the 100m butterfly, and sixth in the 50m freestyle.
A team of 26 swimmers from St Andrew’s competed at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships. In the individual events, the team achieved 14 top three placings, plus five top three placings in the relays:
• Rylee McBride (Y12): first 16–18 Year Old 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke;
• Sophia Molnar (Y13): second 16–18 Year Old 100m breaststroke, 50m breaststroke;
• Luca Graham (Y12) second 16–18 Year Old 50m backstroke;
• Ryan Marsh (Y13): second 16–18 Year Old 50m butterfly;
• Joe Mundy (Y13): third 16–18 Year Old 50m freestyle;
• Joshua Exon (Y11): second 15 Year Old 50m breaststroke;
• Cohnor Walsh (Y11): second 15 Year Old 50m freestyle;
• Iona Garrett (Y11): second 14 Year Old 50m butterfly;
• Roma Tuimaunei (Y11) second 14 Year Old 50m freestyle;
• Yiduo (Gordon) Hu (Y9): second 12–13 Year Old 50m Freestyle;
• Millicent MacIntyre (Y9): third 12–13 Year Old 50m freestyle;
• Anthony Song (Y9): third 12–13 Year Old 100m freestyle.
• Elliot Graves, Joe Mundy, Jaden Hu, Ryan Marsh (all Y13): second Boys’ 16–18 200m freestyle relay;
• Catherine Shao (Y9), Iona Garrett (Y11), Sophia Molnar (Y13), Rylee McBride (Y12): third Girls’ Open 200m medley relay;
• Catherine Shao (Y9), Iona Garrett (Y11), Sophia Molnar (Y13), Rylee McBride (Y12): third Girls’ Open 200m freestyle relay;
• Luca Graham (Y12), Joe Mundy, Ryan Marsh, Jaden Hu (all Y13): third Boys’ Open 200m medley relay;
• Joshua Exon (Y11), Joe Mundy, Jaden Hu, Ryan Marsh (all Y13): third Boys’ Open 200m freestyle relay.
At the South Island Junior Swimming Championships, Catherine Qian (Y9) was first in all her individual events and first in the relay, with her relay team breaking a Canterbury/West Coast record by two seconds. Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Y7) competed in 13 events, placing fourth or higher in every event with four first places, four seconds, and two thirds.
Iona Garrett (Y11) competed in the U14 Woman category at the Division 2 Apollo Projects National Swimming Championships, gaining personal bests in five of her six events, finishing fifth in the 400m individual medley, sixth in the 100m butterfly, and seventh in the 50m butterfly.
Luca Graham (Y12) was third in the Men’s 50m Backstroke 15–16 years at the 2024 Swim Canterbury West Coast Short Course Championships.
Siblings Chloe (Y6) and Jacob Wang (Y7) competed at the Timaru Invitational Swimming Meet, recording new personal bests, and winning their respective age group categories.
Kelicia Rui En Purcell (Y7) competed at the Otago Short Course Championships in Dunedin, finishing with 10 podium placings and four personal bests in the Girls’ 11 Years category. She won five gold medals, four silvers, and one bronze.
Triathlon
Sophie Lampe (Y10) was awarded the Junior Athlete of the Year by the Canterbury Triathlon Club.
Volleyball
Molly-Belle Morrow (Y13) was selected for the Junior New Zealand Women’s Development Team to compete in the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships in Adelaide.
Molly-Belle Morrow (Y13), Catherine Cook and Mia Montgomery (both Y12)
Bodie Oxenham, Jacob Bunting (both Y12), Oliver Gilbert, George Reynolds (both Y9)
Rylee McBride (Y12)
Catherine Qian (Y9)
were selected for the U19 Canterbury Interprovincial volleyball team which made history to become the first Canterbury women’s team to win the U19 national title at the Interprovincial Volleyball Championships. Molly and Mia were also selected in the tournament team.
Water Ski
Genevieve and Katrina Wallis (both Y10) were part of the New Zealand U14 water ski team that competed in the Oz Kiwi Challenge in February. Both girls then competed at the Canterbury Regional Championships at Lake Hood in mid-March, with Katrina winning the category overall and Genevieve finishing second. At the New Zealand Water Ski National Championships in late March, the girls represented Canterbury in the U14 category. Katrina won a gold in slalom, making her a New Zealand champion of this discipline, along with a silver and bronze in her other disciplines. Genevieve won two bronze and a fourth placing. Katrina also received a Women’s Silver Star Series placing at the nationals prizegiving. These awards recognise the best skiers in their age groups across the whole season. Katrina won third place and Genevieve came fourth.
Catherine Cook, Mia Montgomery (both Y12) and Molly-Belle Morrow (Y13)
Genevieve and Katrina Wallis (both Y10)
Holiday Tournaments
Trap Shooting
The St Andrew’s trap shooting team of Ethan Higgs (Y12), Kurt Lilly (Y11), Mitchell Twentyman (Y12), Logan Gardner (Y13), Konnor Chamberlain (Y12) and Marcus Ferguson (Y11) competed in two shoots over the holidays. The first was the Hamilton Boys’ High School Invitational Shoot, where they finished second, after being narrowly pipped on a countback by Palmerston Boys’ High School. At the North Island Secondary Schools’ Trap Shooting Championship, the Skeet team of Kurt Lilly and Ethan Higgs finished second, one point behind the eventual winners. In the DTL events, Kurt Lilly did exceptionally well, placing first equal
The St Andrew’s College Boys’ U15 hockey, Junior netball, and trap shooting teams had great success at their respective national, South Island, and North Island competitions over the Term 2 holidays, with all sports achieving top three finishes
Hockey
Tanner Cup – New Zealand Under 15 Boys’ Hockey
The St Andrew’s Boys’ U15 hockey team delivered outstanding performances during the annual Tanner Cup Tournament at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, with 16 of the best hockey schools in New Zealand taking part. During pool play, the team beat both last year’s finalists, Whangarei Boys’ High School and New Plymouth Boys’ High School, 4–1 and 3–0 respectively. A 5–1 win over Tauranga Boys’ College saw St Andrew’s qualify for the quarter-finals top of their pool, which they won 3–2 against John McGlashan College. In the semi-final, eventual competition winners, King’s College from Auckland proved too strong, beating St Andrew’s 5–2. This put the team into a playoff for third and fourth against New Plymouth Boys’ High School. The St Andrew’s boys dug deep and demonstrated excellent commitment and skill to win the match 6–1, taking third place.
Netball
The St Andrew’s junior netball teams competed well at the South Island Secondary Schools Junior Netball Tournament, with the Year 9 team finishing a highly creditable second, and the Year 10 team in ninth place. The Year 9 team’s accurate shooting, excellent defence, and mid-court turnovers, saw them unbeaten during three days’ of pool play. They won their semi-final against Christchurch Girls’ High School, then met a strong St Margaret’s College side in the final. Although fighting hard, they went down 22–27, taking second place. The Year team had mixed results during pool play, with four wins and two losses. Their two wins on playoff day included a 24–17 victory over Craighead Diocesan School to claim ninth place.
Back: Coach Brad Munt, Dougal Scotland, Lachlan Hackston, Gregory McKay (all Y10), Zac Hibbs (Y9), Oliver Connolly (Y10), Oliver Jackways, Matthew Wilcox (both Y11), Hugo Lewis, Elliot Munt (both Y10), Manager Struan George. Front: Elliot Wallace; Samuel Gough (both Y10), George Levings (Y9), Harrison Shore. Luke Cleugh (both Y10)
The Year 9 netball team, Back: Vika Koloto (coach), Georgie Magrath, Madeline-Rose Topless, Alex Reid (coach), Amanda Watkins, Marika Tavendale, Sophie Tauwhare, Emily Jenkinson, Maya White, Front: Hayley Stowell, Sophie Schouten, Holly Radford
Kurt Lilly (Y11)
from the
President Message
The past few months have been bustling for the Old Collegians Association. We΄ve had the pleasure of hosting several reunions and the OCA gatherings in Dunedin and Wellington.
The annual ANZAC Day service was another memorable event, with a great turnout of Old Collegians. Reading the Roll of Honour alongside Board Chair, Felicity Odlin, was a privilege. It’s always humbling to see the faces of such young men who gave their lives for their country.
I thoroughly enjoyed the bi-annual Presidents΄ Dinner in June. It was a delight to connect with so many Old Collegians who have also served as Presidents of the OCA. Alumni and Community Relations Co-ordinator, Lisa Clark, organised another fantastic event, and Catering Manager, Russell Gray and his team delivered exceptional service once again.
Meeting so many incredible Old Collegians during my term as President has been a true pleasure. Thank you to the Executive team and Lisa Clark for their unwavering support in my role.
Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Rector, Christine Leighton, for her remarkable 17-year tenure in the role, which is coming to an end following her retirement at the end of the year. Congratulations, Christine, on a job well done. The College is undoubtedly a better place because of you.
Sam Crosbie (2009) President Old Collegians Association
Annual 2024
Golf Tournament
On Friday 5 April, the annual OCA Golf Tournament was held at Waitikiri Golf Club, with an impressive 92 competitors vying for the prestigious winner’s trophy. Dave Steel (1993) emerged victorious, playing alongside his father Peter (1964). Mike ‘Scrump’ Johnston (1974) organised a raffle
that left attendees with arms full of prizes. Around $5000 was raised for St Andrew’s College cricket. Special recognition to Michael Simcock (2011) for his tireless efforts organising the event, and Rod Templeton (1972) for hosting it at Waitikiri.
30 Years On 2024
On Friday 10 May, St Andrew’s hosted over 50 Old Collegians and their partners from the Class of 1994–1998 for the first 30 Years On event held at the College in several years. The attendees came from all corners of New Zealand, Bangkok, and Australia. The presence of past and current staff members at the Cocktail Party, including Barry Maister, the Rector from 1998, Laraine Sharr (Head of Senior College 1993–1999), Wayne Milligan (Dean in 1998), Mike Woodlock (Head of Agriculture 1974–2012), and current teachers Joe Leota and John Hamilton, made the event even more special. A group of the attendees were impressed by the College’s state-of-the-art facilities during a campus tour and enjoyed an exclusive peek inside the new Gough Family Theatre, where they saw students preparing for the production, Legally Blonde. Many old friendships were rekindled, with the celebrations apparently lasting until the early hours.
1st XV Rugby Reunion 2024
On Saturday 18 May, over 50 Old Collegians were hosted at the Sports Pavilion for the annual 1st XV Rugby Reunion. The group included team members and coaches from 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014, with some travelling from various parts of Australasia. A highlight was hosting three Old Boys from the 70 Years On team, Euan Hilson (1954), Buddy Shirley and Don Davison (both 1956), who enjoyed mingling with some of the younger guests. Twins, Robert and David Le Lievre, (1994) returned to celebrate and participate in the humorous post-match re-enactment of their Collegian rugby photo. The group enjoyed watching the 1st XV’s closely contested game against St Bede’s College, only just going down 18–21.
Dunedin Function 2024
Presidents’ Dinner 2024
On Friday 7 June, a group of 20 Presidents of the Old Collegians Association from 1968 to 2024, gathered at the bi-annual Presidents’ Dinner, to celebrate the unique role they have all shared at St Andrew’s. The group was joined at this wonderful event by past Board Chair, Garry Moore, and Current Board Chair, Felicity Odlin. Neil Thomson (1957) expressed his gratitude to Patron, Christine Leighton, for her dedicated service to the OCA during her 17-year
40 Years On
On Friday 21 – Saturday 22 June, St Andrew’s hosted 37 Old Collegians from the Class of 1984–1988 for their 40 Years On Reunion. Guests travelled from various parts of New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji to reconnect and renew old friendships. The Friday night Cocktail Party included former teachers, Stan Wilson, Mike Woodlock Rex Livingstone, and John Irving, plus current teacher, Joe Leota, who shared fond memories of their time with the students. Dinner on the Saturday evening was a highlight. MC, Andrew Bates, set the tone of the evening with some
tenure. The OCA has a long history dating back more than 100 years to 1920, when William Johnston, an esteemed Senior Master at the College from 1917 to 1919 was elected as the first President of the St Andrew’s College Old Boys Association, as it was then known. Shortly after St Andrew’s became co-educational in 1992, the name was changed to Old Collegians Association. Current President, Sam Crosbie (2009), is the 70th to hold the position.
humorous anecdotes, followed by an emotional Toast to Absent Friends by Phil Nevell. Hugh Henderson, the Head Boy of 1988, gave a heartfelt tribute to the College. Rector Christine Leighton, also shared insights from her tenure at the College. Mick Sidey took the microphone to lead the group in a rousing performance of the
Wellington Cocktail Function
Events for 2024
Gentlemen’s Luncheon (incorporating 70 Years On (Class of 1954–1958) and 75 Years On (Class of 1949–1953)
Friday 18 October 2024
10 Years On: Class of 2010–2014 Friday 8 November 2024
Class notes
Gary Christie (1959) visited from Auckland to donate a saxophone he played while he was at St Andrew’s College to the Music Department.
Gary Christie (right) with Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson
Jack Allan (1960) received The Mayor’s Award for Public Service at the Ashburton District Council’s 2023 Community Honours Award. Jack has spent the best part of his 80 years working for his community in a wide range of district activities, including tennis, golf, and Lions, and most recently with the Mt Somers Walkways Society. He is described as working tirelessly and enthusiastically for his community.
Ian Harvey (1977) won the 2024 Prospa/ Stuff Local Business Hero competition for the Canterbury region, with his floristry business, Flower Bazaar.
Ian Harvey
Head South, a film directed by Jonathan Ogilvie (1979), will kick off the Ōtautahi Christchurch season of the New Zealand International Film Festival in August, following sold-out sessions at the Sydney Film Festival. Parts of the film were shot at the College and among the credits are Lee Hubber (1979, Executive Producer), Chris Sinclair (1988, Sound Designer) and Dougal Holmes (OC 1979, Stills Photographer).
Rick Harvie (1989) is making headlines, with his feature-length documentary, Maurice and I. The film, co-directed
by Rick, pays tribute to the powerful architectural collaboration between Sir Miles Warren and Maurice Mahoney, skilfully blending scarce archival footage with exclusive interviews featuring Sir Miles and Maurice Mahoney. The film screened around New Zealand, and stars Kelvin McMillan (1977) as Sir Miles himself. Sir Miles Warren was a student at the St Andrew’s College Preparatory School from 1934 to 1935.
Tim Ogle (1996), Director and Founder of Cellar Door in the Arts Centre in Christchurch, was the recipient of a prestigious ‘Best Of’ Award for Excellence at the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards in New York. Only one other New Zealand restaurant has ever received the award.
Tim Ogle (left)
Four Old Collegians are applying their Media skills at exciting highprofile sporting events around the globe. Rupert McKee (2011) has been serving as the onsite Engineer in Charge (EIC) for the Formula E World Championships. This year he has also worked at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Tim Murdoch (2004) worked as an EIC for ESPN’s coverage at Roland Garros (French Open) before heading to the LIV Golf in Spain and the UK, as well as the US Open tennis. Steve Hartley (2001) constructed two studios for ITV’s coverage of the UEFA Euros. He led a team of audio engineers at the sailing at the Olympics, and will be Head of Audio for America’s Cup Media at the America’s Cup. Blake Morgan (2013) was responsible for the technical delivery of Sky’s coverage of the Summer Olympics. He was stationed in Paris at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), alongside broadcasters from around the world.
The Toshiba Brave Lupus, with Richie Mo’unga (2012) at No. 10, won their first Japan Rugby League 1 title in 14 years. For his efforts, Richie was crowned the Japan Rugby League 1 MVP of the season.
Patron of the St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy, Joshua GuillemotRodgerson (2013), has been promoted to the highest professional rank of Principal by the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB). Joshua was recently on tour with the RNZB season of Swan Lake, in the lead role of both Prince Siegfried and Rothbart.
A group of Old Collegians represented Canterbury in the New Zealand Mixed Nationals Easter Netball Tournament in Auckland. Charlotte Elley (2014), Sam Paterson (2017) and Olivia Clark (2017) were in the Canterbury A Mixed Open team. Grace Cameron (2021) and Arlya Guard (2022) were selected for the Canterbury U23 Mixed team.
Ned George (2014), a shepherd from northern Hawke’s Bay, was the standout performer at the New Zealand and North Island Sheep Dog Trial Championships, clinching both the national and North Island titles in the Straight Hunt category with his dog Bounce.
Mitchell Small (2016) won the 24th annual St Jude Nashville Marathon. This was his first marathon with the win qualifying him for the Boston Marathon, which he will run in 2025.
Thomas Russel (2017) was a special guest at an assembly to present the rowing medals from the 2024 Maadi Cup. Thomas was a member of the U18 Boys’ rowing crew who won Gold in both the Springbok Shield and Maadi Cup at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ regatta in 2017.
Marcus Armstrong (2018) crossed in third place at the IndyCar Championship in Detroit to achieve his maiden IndyCar podium. This is his first full season racing in America after switching from Formula Two last year.
Marcus Armstrong
Frankie Morrow (2019) signed for the Florida Elite Soccer Academy for the Summer League football season in Florida.
Harri Silcock (2019) was unbeaten in all six rounds of racing to become New Zealand Grass Cart Champion in the 0–205cc Four Stroke Class.
Mitchell Small
Alicia Smith (2019) received the Distinguished Undergraduate Award from the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), becoming just the second non-American student to receive one of these prestigious international awards. Alicia is working for Rocket Lab in Auckland after graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
Zak Foulkes (2020) was selected to represent the Black Caps to play in the Twenty20 International in Pakistan.
Tapenisa Havea (Head Girl 2021) representing Arizona University, opened the outdoor season with a win in shot put, hitting the secondbest mark in the nation and a new personal best of 16.83m.
Jackson Rhodes (2021) committed to Waynesburg University on a basketball scholarship for the 2024–2025 season.
Will Stodart (2021) started at the University of Otago Rugby Football Club in 2022, progressed through to their Premier Men’s team, the Otago rugby team, and has officially debuted for the Highlanders.
Moses Armstrong-Ravula (2022) was selected for the Fijian U20 team for the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
Hugh Nixon (2022) was selected for the U21 Future Black Sticks hockey team. Hugh and Jakarta Klebert (2022) also played in the U21 North vs South series.
Tom Rae (2022) made another big impression in the international Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition, with his stunning photograph, Lightning Lake, showcasing the Milky Way galaxy against the backdrop of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, being selected as one of the top 25 images from around the world. This is the second time one of Tom’s photographs has been selected.
Tom Turner (2022) played for the Young New Zealand polo team as part of the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo 2024 in the Buckmaster Trophy (Young England vs Young New Zealand).
Charli Watts (2022) completed the South Island Ultra 100km Greymouth to Hokitika race in a time of 11:46.49.
Jonah Cropp (2023) was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Athletics U20 Championships, which
takes place in Peru in late August/ early September, where he will be competing in the 10,000m Race Walk. During this season, Jonah has broken seven longstanding New Zealand U19/U20 age group records and represented New Zealand at the World Teams Race Walking Championships in Turkey, where he placed 33rd.
Edwin Short (2023) is playing rugby for Dorset and Wiltshire U20 which made it to the national finals at Twickenham.
Old Collegians Kavanah Lene, Lauren Whittaker, Mitch Corkery and Torin Ward (all 2023) and their coach Adam Morgan, won BBNZ U20 National titles with Canterbury Basketball.
Scarlett Kirby (2022) represented New Zealand at the International Korfball Federation’s World Korfball Championship in Turkey in July.
Marcus D’Acre (2022) was selected for the Hong Kong Under 20s side
forgotten not but Gone
Jim Paterson (1949)
Graham Cairns (1950)
Lindsay Brown (1951)
Derek Cockburn (1954)
James Dysart (1956)
Derek Hegan (1958)
Ron McKinley (1958)
William Southgate (1958)
Warner Collins (1958)
David Martin (1961)
Nathan Scott (1962)
Ross Harper (1963)
John Crothall (1966)
Peter Doak (1969)
Paul Millner (1972)
Grace Webley (2011)
The St Andrew’s College community was saddened to learn about the passing of two special former staff members.
Helen Geary was a muchloved matron at MacGibbon House for over two decades from 1992–2013, with many Old Collegian boarders having fond memories of her. She passed away on Friday 31 May.
Philippa Scott was a dedicated and popular teacher at St Andrew’s between 1972 and 2003, teaching subjects including Latin, English, German and Social Studies.
She passed away on Sunday 7 July in her 87th year.
Scarlett Kirby
Regulus
Old Collegians
Welcome world to the Justmarried
Matilda Jane Pearl Henderson
Daughter of Annie (née Black, 2012) and Todd (2012), born 27 October 2023.
Maximilian George France Lasocki
Son of Katherine France (2007), born 14 February 2024.
Bella McBreen (2018) married Reef Lancaster at her family farm in Omihi, North Canterbury on 3 February 2024.
Fraser Hoffman (2012) married Georgia Hoskins-Smith on 24 February 2024 at Patearoa, Central Otago.
Bryn Lewis (1984) married Justine Lee (current staff) on 27 January 2024 at Lincoln.
Michelle Teo (2009) married Te Wehitaua Winikerei-Smith at the Centennial Chapel on 11 March 2023.
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