Regulus Issue 1, 2022

Editor/Writer: Jo Bailey

Photography:

Sue Oxley

Anna Turner

Craig Morgan

Adrian Malloch

Heather Orman

Morgan Sheppard

Sarah McCook-Weir

Elizabeth Inglis Photography

Norrie Mailer – Light and Motion Photography

Printing: Caxton

Published: May 2022

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Head of Communications

St Andrew’s College

347 Papanui Road

Strowan

Christchurch 8052

New Zealand

Telephone: +64 3 940 2000

Email: comms@stac.school.nz

Website: stac.school.nz

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ts Day

Old Collegians

51 Message from the President; Colin Watson celebrates turning 100

52 10 Years On reunion; London reunion; Events for 2022

53 Class notes

55 Obituary; Tell us your news!; Gone but not forgotten

56 Welcome to the world

(Cover)

Girls’ U17 Double crew of Friederica Todhunter (Year 12) and Georgia Thomson (Year 13) win gold at 2022 Aon Maadi Cup.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Inglis Photography

From Rector

The 22 February 2011 earthquake, when four St Andrew’s College immediate family members lost their lives, and the resultant devastation to buildings and infrastructure, interruptions to learning, and the years of rebuilding, was another time when life ceased to continue as we had come to expect. However, history has shown us that these times teach us important lessons, amongst them to be grateful for opportunities we sometimes take for granted and to develop ways of being resilient, supportive of others, and value the community to which we belong.

The start of the 2022 school year was certainly an unusual one, with new rules and regulations dictating a myriad of decisions to keep our community safe under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System).

So many things were cancelled that are usually considered vital to our commitment to a holistic education – assemblies, sport and cultural pursuits, parent evenings, special events, weekend activities, and large gatherings, disappeared from the calendar and the campus ceased to be the usual hive of activity.

However, our students seemed undeterred and remained determined to make the most of things and were very grateful when co-curricular activities could resume halfway through the term. We are all very aware that there are many other times throughout St Andrew’s College history that school life has been disrupted. When the College opened on 17 March 1917, World War I saw many family members fighting overseas. The Great Depression followed, as did the sacrifice of lives throughout World War II

Under Phase 3 of the CPF Red Traffic Light setting, our teachers and staff have led the way in making student learning and continued engagement with school a priority. Our commitment to deliver continuous learning programmes for all students has relied upon:

• our continued sense of community and support of each other;

• recognition that the greater good may sometimes influence decisions over personal preferences;

• understanding the tension between competing priorities;

• to remain focused on achieving of educational excellence in delivery.

Our Well-being programme, now in its sixth year, also helped us to pay attention to our personal resilience, drawing upon the tools and lessons learnt through chapels, assemblies, the Health curriculum, well-being speakers, programmes, and support net works.

Connection, communication, compassion, and co-operation, remain fundamental to who we are and what we do at St Andrew’s. I see this in action every day amongst our students. They remain optimistic despite the current challenges and are grateful for the

opportunities they have. Watching them is inspiring and gives us faith that the world will perhaps emerge stronger than before as we readjust and find a new equilibrium.

We all know that change can be painful and difficult. Sometimes change is forced upon us and sometimes it is a deliberate choice, forging a new path. In today’s environment, many people recognise the value of co-education, although the debate between single sex and co-education remains at times a vigorous one. In March, on Founders’ Day, St Andrew’s celebrated a significant milestone from 30 years ago – the official launch of co-education with the opening of the new state-ofthe-art Senior College in March 1992. Dr John Rentoul, the Rector at that time, firmly believed in the benefits of co-educational schooling that led to the Board decision to take this first step in St Andrew’s admitting girls into the Senior College. In 1992, 55 girls made up 18 per cent of the 300 students in the Senior College. Today, the Senior College is home to 451 students with 42 per cent of them girls.

Seeing our students living and learning side by side, experiencing life’s lessons through success and failure, is a natural way for young people to develop. School learning and experiences must develop the skills, attitudes and character to adjust, adapt, and ride through the challenges of time. Built upon the firm foundation of our St Andrew’s College values of Truth, Excellence, Faith, Inclusivity and Creativity, and with our own experiences and lessons learnt from history, St Andrew’s College will continue to ‘Build Better People for Life’. A life that is co-ed.

Christine Leighton Rector

Rector’s Medal for Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994)

When he served as Rector of St Andrew’s College from 198 2–1994, Dr John Rentoul had a strong belief in the benefits of co-education, which led to the Board decision to take the first step to admitting girls into the Senior College in 19 92. That year, Dr Rentoul also oversaw the official opening of the Rentoul Senior College (Years 12–13 ) with the entry of 55 girls. At the Founders' Day Assembly I was delighted to present Dr Rentoul with the Rector’s Medal, in recognition of his foresight and the significant contribution he has made to St Andrew’s College.

I believe the well-known quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go where there is no path and leave a trail’, epitomises the vision of Dr Rentoul. I feel fortunate to have followed in his footsteps, having had the opportunity to further develop co-education at St Andrew’s College.

Celebrating 30 years of

A group of the First Girls to study at St Andrew’s after it became co-educational, gathered for a photograph with their children who now attend the College.

From Board the

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the management team for its hard mahi. They have been instrumental in maintaining continuity and communicating with the College community, as well carrying out a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure everyone is fully supported.

Kia Kotahi Tātou | We are One. Kotahitanga, teamwork and rowing the same waka (in the same direction) have always been important to the success of St Andrew’s College.

The Board of Governors acknowledges the many varied and valuable contributions made by everyone in Team StAC. Recently the frequently changing landscape has required patience, flexibility, and fortitude from our staff and students. The requirement for teachers, coaches, those responsible for co-curricular activities, volunteers, support staff, and students to plan, respond, and deliver in different modes has been testing. We are delighted with how well everyone has risen to the occasion.

Part of the team that is not as visible to most of us is the St Andrew’s College Foundation which, while a separate legal entity from the College, is very much in the same waka. As the name suggests, the Foundation operates to ensure the long-term viability of the College. The Foundation was established in 1991 and is tasked with overseeing the management and prudent investment of donations from the St Andrew’s College community. It pl ays an important role in the financial security of the College.

The annual contribution by the Foundation to a number of scholarships reflects the strong desire from many donors to provide an opportunity for young people to experience a St Andrew’s College education which would not otherwise be available to them.

The Foundation’s funds under management have shown significant growth over the past 30 years and currently sit at approximately $14 million. As you would expect, the Foundation has a diversified portfolio which has consistently performed well. We thank the generous donors and acknowledge the strong performance of the fund manager and the wise stewardship of the funds by the Foundation Trustees in achieving this outcome.

The Foundation is governed by trustees who draw on their combined backgrounds, skills, and experience to ensure that the funds are prudently invested. Rodger Findlay retired in February after serving seven years as Chairman of the Foundation. The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Rodger for his expertise, integrity, and contribution during his tenure.

Rodger’s longstanding co-trustees, David Boyd, Matthew Lancaster and Richard Smith, have been joined by Nick Letham and Rob Woodgate as interim trustees pending a formal appointment process.

Like many others in the St Andrew’s College community, the trustees quietly give their time voluntarily behind the scenes to make the College a better place and ensure we’re building better people well in to the future.

Hei konā mai

Felicity Odlin Board Chair

On behalf of the Board of Governors

Tēnā koutou

Meet the new and People Business

Manager

It was a meaningful first visit to the Centennial Chapel for St Andrew’s new People and Business Manager, Justine Scott, who has replaced General Manager, David Evans, following his retirement.

Justine’s grandfather, Ian Armit Scott (OC 19 28), was one of the earliest pupils at St Andrew’s College, and lost his life during World War II. “The Centennial Chapel is beautiful and it was very special to see my grandfather’s name honoured on the Memorial Wall, alongside the other fallen Old Collegians.”

Justine’s first impressions of St Andrew’s have been highly positive, although joining a new organisation when everyone is wearing face masks has made getting to know people a bit more of a challenge. “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming and I’m figuring out who is behind the masks. St Andrew’s has a collegial, team environment and a stunning campus. The staff here enjoy it, and it shows.”

Improving and strengthening HR systems, processes, and frameworks, and centralising some of these, is a key focus for Justine in 20 22. “I’m excited to be in the role and look forward to making some positive changes in these support areas.”

Justine has extensive experience in this field. Her previous role was Manager HR Shared Services with the Christchurch City Council, where she worked for 12 years. In addition to local government, she has held HR roles in the hotel, hospitality, tourism, events, and snow sports sectors. Justine also has a Master of Science Degree in Applied Industrial – Organisational Psychology “I’ve never worked in the education sector before, so am enjoying the opportunity to stretch myself and grow professionally. I have already developed a greater appreciation for teachers, how much responsibility they have, and the breadth of what they do.”

At St Andrew’s, Justine also has the overall responsibility for health and safety, catering, facilities, Thistles –the College uniform shop, reception area, Health Centre, Cafeteria, facility hire, and finance to some degree. With the slight reshuffling of roles in this important area of College management, Financial Controller, Richard Boon, and Facilities Manager, Mark McGregor, have taken on more delegations, and former General

Manager, David Evans, is still on campus two-and-a-half days a week as Project Director for the Ben Gough Family Theatre development.

Justine has strong family connections to St Andrew’s, with both her grandfathers, her father, John Scott (OC 1963), and her brothers all attending. Her brother, Cameron Scott (OC 19 90), is currently working as a volunteer counsellor at St Andrew’s once a week. “Lots of my family are Old Collegians, and I went to school down the road at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, so I do understand the independent school environment.”

Outside of work, Justine and her family are keen skiers and sailors. She enjoys practising yoga, walking her dogs, and spending time with her family, which includes many hours spent on the football sidelines, supporting her two boys, aged 13 and 15.

“I’m very happy to be at St Andrew’s. The College has such a great reputation in Christchurch, and I’m enjoying being here and seeing it first-hand.”

People and Business Manager, Justine Scott

New Head of Innovative Practice and Strategy

There was no time for Chami (Chamindika) Hutterd to ease into her role as the new Assistant Head of Secondary (Innovative Practice and Strategy) at St Andrew’s College, given her responsibilities include responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“A big part of my role is ensuring the College has the systems and processes in place to enable teachers to deliver the teaching and learning programme in the best possible way, whatever the impact of the pandemic. My first job was to set up our Continuous Learning Plan, figure out what it looks like for teachers and students, the practices we needed to put in place, and how we could leverage technology to support it.”

At the start of the year, Chami did considerable research into what was happening in schools overseas, and talked to teachers about how the current systems could be more effective for them. She also pondered the many eventualities that would crop up with the rapidly escalating Omicron outbreak. These included the delivery of both in-person and remote learning, and how these would be impacted when a number of teachers and students were away from school.

John French wins

Marily Scanlon Award

At the 2021 Prizegiving, Teacher in Charge of Chemistry, John French, was awarded the Marily Scanlon Award for Teaching Excellence, for his enormously positive impact on staff and students at St Andrew’s College.

John joined St Andrew’s College in 2003 as a Science and Chemistry teacher and was promoted to Teacher in Charge of Chemistry in 2008. He retired at the end of 2021, and during his 18 years at the College, had a significant impact on the success and popularly of Chemistry as a subject. There were three senior classes when he started, and by 2021 there were nine, with a high percentage of students going into fields which require the study of Chemistry.

In 2008, he made a formal proposal to set up a Chemistry Scholarship programme – which proved to be enormously successful with 46 students achieving NCEA Scholarships since then, 24 in the last four years.

Three of John’s students were selected for the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad team, putting them in the top four students in the country.

Along with his ‘legendary’ knowledge of Chemistry, John’s students appreciated his humour, and ability to see the positive of any situation.

He also had considerable success as a football coach at St Andrew’s, taking the 1st XI Boys’ team to Canterbury competition wins in 2009 and 2018, with the 2009 win even more special with his son, Stephen (OC 20 09), as a member of the team. John’s daughter, Sarah (OC 2012), also attended St Andrew’s. John loved working at St Andrew’s and says he misses the students who were a source of inspiration.

The Marily Scanlon Award for Teacher Excellence is generously supported by previous Board member, Jay Sc anlon, in honour of his wife, Marily.

Prior to joining St Andrew’s, Chami, who is a well-respected, forwardthinking, problem solver with strong technical capabilities, was the establishing leader of Maukatere Technology Centre in North Canterbury, which included setting up and establishing the tikanga of the Centre. Previously, she was High School Technology Co-ordinator at the International School of Kuala Lumpur where she taught for several years. Chami, her husband, and their three children, returned to New Zealand just over two years ago, after working overseas for 12 years.

Chami is enjoying the environment, team culture, and her role at St Andrew’s College, which is about more than just the COVID-19 response, she says. “I’m looking forward to working on lots of other initiatives to progress learning experiences of our students.”

John French put the $5000 award tow ards the costs of travel and entry associated with the Ocean Swim Series – seven long distance open water swims held throughout New Zealand over the summer months.

Assistant Head of Secondary (Innovative Practice and Strategy), Chami Hutterd

Former Teacher in Charge of Chemistry, John French

Omicron Responding to

The pandemic has resulted in a significant change of role for Chief Information Officer, Dave Hart, who in the midst of the 2022 Omicron outbreak, has become St Andrew’s COVID Officer.

Alongside the rest of the Executive Team, Dave has been instrumental in developing the Ministry of Education’s guidelines around the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System) setting into a comprehensive 37-page Risk Management and Logistics Plan, now a blueprint for how all aspects of College life operate under the restrictions. “We drew together all facets of College life, and asked how can we deliver our core academic programmes, and protect our community’s health and wellbeing, while not limiting students’ experiences in their co-curricular and other pursuits.”

By the end of Term 1, well over 800 St Andrew’s students had been off school, either due to catching the virus or being a household contact. “All of those students had at least a week off school, which is a massive level of absence. Our classroom teachers had the challenge of providing teaching and learning for those who could partake, and online resources for those who couldn’t.”

Additional plans were set up to mitigate risk, with other initiatives put in place including Continuous Learning Plans for students, professional development for teachers, and business continuity plans for the various support teams in the College.

Dave says he has ‘quite enjoyed’ becoming an unofficial expert on all things COVID-19 since the first lockdown in 2020, when he had a key role in the development of St Andrew’s Remote Learning programme. “This year has been even harder than the lockdown, as we need to balance a lot of competing factors within a hybrid environment. On any given day we have different numbers of teachers, students, and support staff either at work, sick, or self-isolating and working from home. A big team effort is going on behind the scenes to manage this.”

Having excellent data gathering and technological systems already in place at the College has assisted the response, and Dave says other systems which have been adopted during the pandemic may continue to apply well into the future.

Transparency, good communication, and guidance for students, teachers, support staff, parents, caregivers, and the wider St Andrew’s community

throughout the ever evolving situation has been another important aspect, says Dave. “We try to be as visible as possible and I think our communication has been well received. One of my responsibilities was releasing daily case numbers at the College, a bit like Dr Ashley Bloomfield and his 1.00pm update.”

A lot of early work also went into gathering Vaccine Pass information from students and staff, and creating systems around contact tracing, both of which are now obsolete. “I’ve never done so much work that has become out of date so quickly. But this is the nature of COVID-19.”

Dave got to test drive the College’s COVID-19 systems and procedures first-hand when he had to isolate with his three daughters, Lorna (Year 12), Lily (Year 11) and Mabel (Year 7) when one of them caught the virus. “From my perspective as a parent it was a positive experience. The framework did the work and there was a good level of engagement from the College to check on the girls’ well-being and learning.”

The unpredictable nature of COVID-19 means the College will continue to assess, reassess, and update its planning going forward alongside the ‘really good guidance’ it receives from the Ministry of Education, says Dave. “We have become used to not planning too far in advance, and to react and respond to whatever comes up.”

Teacher, Valerie Eves and students wearing masks in a Year 13 history class.

Introducing our 2022 student leaders

Another wonderful group of students have been appointed to more than 100 leadership roles for 2022. Leadership is an opportunity and a responsibility our young leaders take seriously, and they are well supported in their roles. The 2022 prefect team, under the leadership of Heads of College, Grace Lawrence and Harry Withers, have introduced a theme called Unity Builds Community, as their guiding pr inciple for the year.

Grace Lawrence Head Girl

Grace Lawrence has looked up to the previous Head Girls since being looked after by Lizzie Stevenson (OC 2017) on her shadow day in Year 8, so is delighted to have been chosen as Head Girl for 2022. Grace is a strong, assertive leader, who is driven by compassion, and strives for inclusivity. Her main goals for the year are to build on the fantastic culture that already exists at St Andrew’s, and to ensure all students feel they have a place. Grace is a highly talented musician and performer, who is concertmaster of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra for 2022, was in the winning St Andrew’s group at the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest in 2021, and has had a lead role in every production since Year 9. Grace achieved NCEA Level 2 and 3 with Excellence. Next year she hopes to study in Wellington, surrounded by culture, music, and art.

Harry Withers Head Boy

As the 2022 Head Boy, Harry Withers is honoured to be part of the College’s legacy and is excited for the year ahead. He is a compassionate leader, with a focus on being ‘out there’, which enables him to interact with wide groups of people. Harry is proud to have initiated the Unity Builds Community theme with the rest of the prefect team and promoting a sense of community is a main focus. He would like to be remembered for being approachable and sharing meaningful conversations that lifted people. Harry is a brilliant performer who has had several lead roles in productions. He has also sung in the choir, played 1st XI hockey, is a Canterbury representative hockey player, and gained Academic Colours in 2020 and 2021. Next year, Harry is deciding between studying Science/ Medicine, or Design/Performing Arts.

Thomas Kamo

Deputy Head Boy

Thomas Kamo is honoured to be Deputy Head Boy for 2022, and to be making a positive contribution to the College through the prefects’ legacy projects. He is an organised leader, who enjoys working in team settings and considering multiple points of view. Thomas would like to leave St Andrew’s knowing that his contributions have helped students to feel a strong sense of belonging. A talented all-rounder, Thomas is a Canterbury Champion debater, representing St Andrew’s, has appeared in every production since Year 9, sings in the choir, is a key member of the College’s Theatresports team, and is working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. He received NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence, and after leaving St Andrew’s, hopes to go to the University of Canterbury to study Law, and a BA in Political Science or History.

Charlotte Roche

Deputy Head Girl

Charlotte Roche feels privileged to be the 2022 Deputy Head Girl and to have the opportunity to help others contribute their strengths to the College community. As an empathetic, energetic, and inclusive leader, she is a positive role model who is dedicated to helping other students share their voice and bring their ideas to reality. Charlotte would like her legacy to be someone who cares about others, forms connections, and makes people feel special and valued. A skilled sportswoman, Charlotte has been in the 1st XI football team since Year 9, is in the Senior A futsal team, and was in the Canterbury Pride Women’s football team in 2021. She achieved NCEA Levels 1 and 2 with Excellence. Charlotte is still finalising her plans for 2023 but hopes to study Health Science with a view to doing Medicine.

Charlotte Brown

Head of Girls’ Boarding

Charlotte Brown is excited to be the Head of Girls’ Boarding for 2022, as it is a role she has always looked up to. Her ‘lead from the front’ style is appreciated by other students, along with her organisational skills, always giving her all, and maintaining and creating relationships with her peers. Charlotte aims to give boarders the best experience possible despite the challenges of COVID-19 and is building as many relationships as she can with younger female boarders. A talented dancer, Charlotte was Head of Dance and the StAC Dancer of the Year in 2 021. She was awarded a Scholarship Nomination by NZAMD for ballet in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and has achieved NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 with Excellence. Charlotte is considering tertiary studies in Health Science or a Bachelor of Science at either Auckland or Otago.

James McLaren

Head of Boys’ Boarding

James McLaren is honoured to be the Head of Boys’ Boarding for 2022, as it is a good opportunity for him to show his leadership skills and create good connections in the boarding community. His practical approach to the role is based on his leadership style of putting words into actions. One of his main priorities for 2022, is to make strong connections with the younger boys in the boarding houses, given the challenges presented by COVID-19. He hopes to make a good impression in the role and leave a strong legacy that future Heads of Boarding will continue to build on. James has been a member of the 1st XV rugby team, and is a talented rower, having won bronze and silver medals at the Maadi Cup. He is looking forward to going flatting and becoming a plumber after leaving the College.

Prefect Team 2022

Sarah Anthony

Skye Atkins

Kiara Bercelli

Cameron Blackwood

Charlotte Brown

Matthew Butler

Maia Columbus

Tom Edwards

Jonty Foote

Rico Gamble

Selena Gan

Bella Gibbons

Toby Harvie

Pippa Henderson

Rachel Holyoake

Lachlan Johns

Thomas Kamo

Couper Killick

Grace Lawrence

Rhys Marshall

Max McIntyre

James McLaren

Sophie McNee

Madeline-Rose Morrow

Middle School Leaders 2022

Abby Baxter

Ruby Beynon

Henry Broadbelt

Tamaroa Connelly

Leon Dias

Sebastian Ennals-Pellett

Jack Flanagan

Isobel Forsey

James Hart

Thomas Heffernan

Jenna Howell

Jaden Hu

Brooke Hughes

Eilish Johns

William Kamo

Hayden Lam

Holly Maraki

Lucy McIntyre

Molly-Belle Morrow

Xanthe Pearce

Preparatory School Prefects 2022

Victoria Cairns Knight

Hanxi (Cicy) Chen

Zuzu Connelly

Carter Evans

Honour Fraher-Richardson

Madison Gear

Emma Geddes

Eliana Gibbons

Yazan Khanafer

Hamish Longstaffe

Maggie McConnochie

Femke McLean

Charlotte Roche

Thomas Ruwhiu

Corin Simcock

Lynonahdolphin Tausa

Charli Watts

Alexander Wilson

Harry Withers

Cindy Xiong

Wenjin (Katie) Zhang

Luke Zhu

Edward Pitts

Hugo Ranken

Billie Revis

Holly Rossiter

Ella Sharpe

Megan Simpson

Gretal Tavendale

Sea-am Thompson

Grace Vincent Parr

William Voice

Elliot Munt

Adele Sherborne

Rosie Simpson

Eden Taylor

The 2022 Student Leaders (from left), Head of Boys’ Boarding James McLaren, Head of Girls’ Boarding Charlotte Brown, Head Girl Grace Lawrence, Head Boy Harry Withers, Deputy Head Girl Charlotte Roche, Deputy Head Boy Thomas Kamo.

Science explodes Popularity of

Human progress throughout history largely rests on advances in science, with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of scientists leading to solutions for world problems.

Combine this with the greater understanding of biological and physical aspects of the world, along with exciting potential career paths, and it is no wonder that Science subjects are proving hugely popular at St Andrew’s College, says Head of Science, Brent Cummack. “The growth in the Department has really accelerated over the last few years from 51 classes in Years 11–13 in 2016, to 75 classes in 2022. Students can see the relevance of science, and the importance of scientific literacy to understand how the world works. Some students are drawn to the wide range of Science-related career pathways, which includes things like Engineering, Health Sciences, and Veterinary Science, while other students take Science because they simply enjoy it.”

Brent is pleased that unlike many other schools, Science is still a compulsory subject for St Andrew’s students in Year 11. “What I am most proud of is our high retention rate of around 80–90 per cent of students continuing with a Science subject in Years 12–13.”

Biology is also available to Year 11 students, along with Physical Science for those keen to branch into Physics or Chemistry in Year 12. “The reason we combine these two in Year 11 is that we don’t want students to specialise too early and miss the opportunity to take other subjects.”

In Years 12–13, students can take Biology, Physics, or Chemistry, or choose General Science which has a mix of the three subjects.

AgriScience also comes under the Science Department banner, and is another rapidly growing subject, with three classes in each of Years 12–13, says Brent. “It’s great seeing some of our more able students going into AgriScience, which links to Physics and Chemistry and can lead to all sorts of career pathways in the industry.”

There are 17 teachers in the Science Department in 2022, who teach a broad range of classes to Years 9–13.

“I’m proud to have such a diverse group of people from different ethnicities, schools, and backgrounds in the Department. They are a good bunch of great teachers who create a positive learning environment for our students.”

After 15 years as Head of Science, Brent has seen hundreds of students come through the Department, and he enjoys hearing about their journeys into tertiary education and stimulating careers. “Many still regularly keep in touch, years after leaving the College,” he says.

With everything we know about the world largely the result of scientific research and experiment, Brent says Science is more important than ever given the current challenges facing the world. “Science teaches students to think logically. Even those who decide not to keep going with it after Year 11 benefit from what they have learnt. Tackling problems by applying scientific thinking remains critically important.”

Experiment underway in a Year 13 Physical Science extension class (from left to right clockwise) Corin Simcock, Sarah Anthony, Toby Harvie and Cindy Xiong.

On the frontier of science

Dr Theresa Pankhurst (OC 2011)

These former Science students from St Andrew’s College are forging exciting study and career paths in the field.

Dr Theresa Pankhurst’s journey through scientific research has taken interesting turns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After leaving St Andrew’s, she studied Biomedical Science at Victoria University of Wellington, followed by a Master of Clinical Immunology. In 2021 she graduated with a PhD in Biomedical Science, researching adjuvants – a vaccine additive that makes vaccines more effective, that could be added to vaccines delivered via the nose as a nasal spray.

In 2020, she joined the Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand

(VAANZ)

Ohu Kaupare Huaketo at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) to work with other leading scientists on New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at MIMR, she is now investigating next generation COVID-19 vaccines that aim to strengthen Aotearoa’s preparedness for the ongoing and future pandemics. She is also organising an overseas Postdoctoral secondment for 2023, with opportunities available for her to work in the UK and USA.

Throughout Theresa’s scientific journey she has kept in touch with two of her St Andrew’s Science teachers, Brent Cummack and Kate Shelton. “They uncovered and cultivated my passion for science, and I will always be grateful for their role in kick-starting my scientific career.”

Ellena Black (OC 2016)

Ellena Black says the support of the St Andrew’s Science Department has helped her to achieve impressive results in her tertiary studies.

“The support I had at St Andrew’s to extend myself, train for the Chemistry Olympiad in Tbilisi, Georgia, which was an absolute highlight, and do the Mathematics STAR course at the University of Canterbury, prepared me to finish my Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland in just two years. I then did a year of Honours in Applied Mathematics before moving to Australia for my PhD in Quantum Chemistry at the University of Sydney.” Her PhD project involves using mathematical methods to improve algorithms that model chemistry computationally.

Ellena has been fascinated by Science and Mathematics from a young age. “I was lucky to be part of the first year of Accelerated Science at St Andrew’s, doing NCEA Level 1 Science in Year 10 and continuing in Physics, Chemistry and Calculus a year ahead from there. I am forever grateful for the support and advocacy of Mr Cummack and Mr French, who created a whole new class for us in Year 13, to extend our learning in the Sciences.”

Following her PhD, Ellena hopes to continue working in academia, both lecturing and researching.

Toby Bourke (OC 2017)

After completing a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Toby Bourke has been awarded a PhD Scholarship and stipend by the university. Toby’s PhD studies will investigate the development of a robotic platform capable of harvesting scallops for NIWA. The purpose is to find an alternative to current methods of scallop harvesting, which destroy the environment through dredging.

Toby studied Physics at St Andrew’s, and says his interest isn’t in Science itself, but its implementation.practical

“This is why I studied Engineering, as I wanted to use the Science I have learnt to make something new. Doing Physics and Mathematics helped me towards studying Engineering, as these subjects allowed me to explore how I could design something to physically work.”

Toby says former Head of Innovation and Information, Wilj Dekkers, helped him to explore his interest in Robotics when he took over the Vex Robotics Club, and Head of Science, Brent Cummack, helped him to explore his interest of using Science to implement physical systems. After completing his PhD, Toby plans to work either in Aerospace (the space industry) or in a field that focuses on robotics.

Regulus

Teaching and Learning

Doctors in the department

Alongside the broad experience and diverse backgrounds of the 17 Science teachers at St Andrew’s College, three of them have also completed doctorates, which brings another layer of learning into the department.

Dr Young-Wook Song (OC 20 01) is in his fifth year as a Physics teacher at St Andrew’s College. He says his PhD research was a meaningful learning experience, which has aided his

classroom practice. “There were many challenging hurdles to cross involving the immense amount of study but at the same time it was really fun. Together with the skill sets and knowledge I gained throughout the course of my degree, I try to instil my passion for Physics into my classroom, where students can take ownership of their learning and think outside of the box. It is my absolute privilege to deliver these learning experiences in my

Vital role behind the scenes

As Laboratory Manager, Jasmine Harrison heads a small team which ensures all practical Science lessons across the Secondary School are ready for the class, which is a very busy role. “We’re currently averaging around 12 practicals a day,” she says.

To fulfil requests, Jasmine can be found anywhere from preparing chemicals in the Prep Room to collecting organisms from streams. “While some scientific ideas require specialised equipment, others are best served by everyday items that the students are already familiar with. It’s amazing how many pipe cleaners I go through.”

Along with setting up whatever is required for the students’ practical work, Jasmine has the responsibility for health and safety, and the safe storage and handling of items. “What is allowed in schools when it comes to practical work is generally quite safe, but we are dealing with a lot of moving parts and students, so it’s important to have a high level of risk management in place.”

Jasmine says she couldn’t do without part-time Science Technicians, Elizabeth Ashton and Marco Casamassima. Together, they look after two Prep Rooms and around six different storage areas housing all the chemicals and equipment. Other aspects of her role are to advise teachers, and work alongside students during certain experiments, to ensure they are using the technology safely and properly.

After joining St Andrew’s as a Science Technician in 2016, Jasmine took over the Laboratory Manager’s role from Head of Science, Brent Cummack, due to the rapid growth of the Science Department. Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Science from Lincoln University majoring in Environmental Biogeoscience, and a Post-Graduate Diploma from the University of Canterbury in Water Resource Management. She is also on the executive of the Science Technicians Association of New Zealand.

old classroom, where I first began my lifelong learning process as a student at St Andrew’s College.”

In her ninth year as a Biology and Senior Science teacher at St Andrew’s, Dr Heidi McIlroy says the continuous learning, open-mindedness, and curiosity she experienced during her PhD studies are also important in teaching. “My PhD taught me key Science skills that I am able to pass on to our ākonga, including how to collect and interpret data, to evaluate information, ask good questions, come up with innovative solutions, and reflect on my work.”

Completing his PhD gave Chemistry teacher, Dr Antony Crowther, experience working in industry, lots of opportunities to interact with students and the public, and made him think about clever ways to communicate Science. “My confidence in Science ideas and practicals, along with the ability to conduct research and critique written material on the internet, are valuable skills I developed during my PhD studies. I enjoy sharing these skills with students, discussing how Science is used in real world applications, and helping them to positively engage with Science.”

Jasmine enjoys the well-resourced environment at St Andrew’s and the opportunity to play a key support role to the busy Science teachers. “Our team does the invisible things that make everything tick. Without our support the Department wouldn’t be able to do anywhere near the current practical load.”

Science teachers, Dr Young-Wook Song, Dr Antony Crowther, and Dr Heidi McIlroy

Laboratory Manager, Jasmine Harrison gets equipment ready for a Science class.

Record breaking

Gold Awards

Careful planning, commitment, teamwork, and supporting each other, saw St Andrew’s College students do incredibly well to gain the most Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards of any organisation or school in New Zealand in 2021.

The exceptional total of 22 Gold Awards was also well ahead of the previous record of 13 achieved in one year by St Andrew’s College students. Two additional students who were in Year 13 in 2021, went on to complete their Gold Award early this year.

The initial group of 22 students were presented with their Gold Awards at the Prizegiving ceremony in December, with a formal presentation to be made to the whole group by Governor General, Her Excellency

The Rt Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro, later in the year. “Receiving the Gold Award at Prizegiving is a real motivator for some students, as it may be their first, and/or last time on the stage. This is an award for hard working all-rounders, as well as our highest achievers,” says Head of Value and Culture, Hamish Bell, who oversees the programme.

Hamish says planning was a big part of the group’s success. “Back at the start of Year 12, we worked with the students to figure out how they could fit all the requirements for the award into their last two years of schooling.

The students later split into small groups to support and encourage each other through different aspects of the programme.”

The COVID-19 disruptions, including the t wo lockdowns, made the results even more remarkable, with the students having to adapt to different ways of doing things to complete their two adventurous journeys and the five-day residential project, all while wor king individually to achieve the one hour per week, 12-month commitment of physical recreation, completing a skill or hobby, and community service.

Each year, Hamish looks forward to seeing what the students decide to tackle for their final adventurous journey, which they are encouraged to make as memorable and special as possible. “One group did the St James Walkway, which is normally competed in four days/five nights, however they were determined to complete it within the minimum award criteria of three days/four nights. It became quite an endurance feat, with the students doing some big miles and getting lots of blisters along the way. A group of girls went sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park, which was another wonderful bonding experience.”

Having a positive impact on the community through one hour of community service each week, is another valuable aspect of the programme, he says.

2021 Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award recipients Hamish Bain, Jacob Bhatia, Sophia Clark, Alice Egan, Emma Elston, Benjamin Ferrier, Samuel Foote, Isabella Galvan, Sophie Goode, Eva Hitchon, Jaime Howell, Felix Kenton-Smith, Lucas Kerry, Alyssa Le, Isabella Logie, Ariana Mellish- Temple, Lachlan Muir, Oliver Odlin, Arden Ongley, Emma Prince, Rupert Shepherd, Molly Spark.

2022 Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award recipients Graeme Campbell, Tatiana Keogan (both OC 2021).

Success of this magnitude does not happen without careful planning and ongoing support from many staff, coaches, mentors, parents, and whānau. “There can be up to 50 staff involved in the programme in various capacities. Everyone is really behind it,” says Hamish.

It is compulsory for students in Year 10 to complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. In 2022, around 70–80 students from Years 11–13 have signed up for the Silver Award, with a smaller group committing to the Gold Award. “We are proud of all the students who achieve their Silver and Gold Awards. Their hard work sets them apart from others with an award that is recognised internationally in 140 countries.”

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards winners with Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, at the 2021 Prizegiving.

Another year of impressive academic achievement

St Andrew’s College students once again achieved impressive success in NCEA, with a total of 243 Excellence endorsements across all three year levels (86 at Level 1, 92 at Level 2, and 65 at Level 3). Congratulations to all students who gained overall Excellence endorsements, along with the many students who gained subject endorsements.

New Zealand Scholarship Awards

St Andrew’s College students celebrated unprecedented success in 2021, with 62 subject New Zealand Scholarships awarded, including five Outstanding. College Dux, Oliver Odlin, achieved six Scholarships including one Outstanding, and Proxime Accessit, Eva Hitchon, achieved five Scholarships including one Outstanding, with each also receiving Top New Zealand Scholar Awards. Felix Kenton-Smith also gained five Scholarships. An impressive 17 Scholarships were gained by seven students in Year 12 including Toby Harvie (five), Luke Zhu (four including one Outstanding) and Corin Simcock (four). Year 11 students, Lachlan Odlin and Gemma Lewis also achieved one Scholarship each.

• Sarah Anthony (Y12) – Chemistry;

• Madeline Bailey – Biology;

• Oscar Bloom – Classics, Geography (Outstanding);

• Alexandra Chadderton – Design;

• Tom Edwards (Y12) – Physics, Geography;

• Benjamin Ferrier – Photography, Painting (Outstanding);

• Thomas Forsey – English;

• Isabella Galvan – English, Biology;

• Sophie Goode – Accounting, Economics;

• Toby Harvie (Y12) – Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Geography, Technology;

• Eva Hitchon – Geography, English, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics (Outstanding);

• Rebecca Hurley – Painting;

• Sophie Innes – Design;

• Felix Kenton-Smith – Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Classical Studies, Health and Physical Education;

• Mitchell Kohing – Accounting, Technology;

• Alice Lane – Health and Physical Education;

• Sophia Lazor – Geography;

• Gemma Lewis (Y11) – Statistics;

• Callum Lockhart (Y12) – Geography;

• Madeleine May – Statistics;

• James MacLean – Economics;

• Ariana Mellish-Temple – Geography;

• Charlie Moorhead – Agriculture;

• Arisa Mori – Calculus;

• Lachlan Odlin (Y11) – History;

• Oliver Odlin – Physics, English, Economics, Chemistry, Calculus, Technology (Outstanding);

• Tobias Paull – Technology, Statistics;

• Corin Simcock (Y12) – Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Geography;

• Harry Waddington – Biology;

• Cindy Xiong (Y12) – English;

• JingYang (Andy) Xu – Calculus;

• Luke Zhu (Y12) – Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Calculus (Outstanding).

Board Scholarship Awards

College Dux: Oliver Odlin

Oliver Odlin was the winner of the David Wilton Prize for the Dux of St Andrew’s College for 2021 for outstanding results across a range of subjects. Oliver was also awarded the Digital Technology Prize, the Physical Science Prize, the Economics Prize, a General Excellence Prize and a Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Award. He sat eight NZQA Scholarship Examinations in 2021, achieving six in Physics, English, Economics, Chemistry, Calculus, Technology (Outstanding).

100% gained NCEA at Level 1

98.7% gained NCEA at Level 2

99.0% gained NCEA at Level 3

94.2% gained University Entrance

The following group of student leavers from 2021, and six Year 12 students, were presented with Board of Governors Scholarships after gaining NCEA Level 3 E xcellence endorsements.

• Alyssa Le

• Sophia Lazor

• Samuel Foote

• James MacLean

• Isabella Galvan

• Oli ver Odlin

• Jake Jackways

• Eva Hitchon

• Sophie Goode

• Alice Burnett

• Madeline Bailey

• William Lucas

• Emma Prince

• Samuel Jeon

• Mitchell Kohing

• Michael Kelly

• Abby Jones

• Tobias Paull

• Luke Stedman

• Megan Reed

• Felix Kenton-Smith

• Thomas Forsey

• Har ry Waddington

• Blake Theobald

• Montague Stamm

• Mat thew Fleming

• Zackary Waite

• Luke Sherry

• Jack Calder

• Luc y Bevin

• Imogen Roberts

• Sophia Rutherford

• Madeleine May

• Sophie Innes

• Alice Egan

• Dyl an Smith

• Zoe v an Klink

• Mika MacDonald

• Shiy u Feng

• Osc ar Bloom

• Catelin Riordan

• Deir bhile Roberts

• Alexander Carrodus

• Ariana MellishTemple

• Alice Lane

• Farr ah Richards

• Georgia Spark

• Char lie Moorhead

• Luc y Hamilton

• Arden Ongley

• Benjamin Ferrier

• George Burrowes

• Regan McCann

• JingYang (Andy) Xu

• Piper Bartram

• Arisa Mori

• Alex Traylen

• Alexandra Chadderton

• Georgie Burdon

• Sarah Anthony (Y12)

• Cor in Simcock (Y12)

• Tom Edwards (Y12)

• Luke Zhu (Y12)

• Toby Harvie (Y12)

• Grace Lawrence (Y12)

The secrets the NCEA success behind

The 243 NCEA Excellence endorsements and 62 Scholarship awards achieved by St Andrew’s College students in 2021 is a testament to their hard work, and the people, systems, and programmes in place to support them, says Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein. “Over the last few years there has been a cultural shift that everybody can achieve, no matter who you are. The students are definitely buying into this, and it is a real team effort behind the scenes to support them to do so.”

The Excellence endorsement and Scholarship results are exceptional, however it is the University Entrance rate of 94.2 per cent, which Evert is most excited about. “I was hoping we would get to around 90 per cent, so to have 94.2 per cent of our Year 13 students eligible to go on to university was really pleasing. Nationally the average for Decile 8–10 schools was 67.5 per cent, and nationally it was 51.7 per cent, so we are well ahead.”

Evert says a University Entrance Literacy programme, introduced in Term 2 for students who did not achieve the UE Literacy requirements in Year 12, was a key driver of these results. “The students were really engaged with it, and worked hard throughout the year. Nearly all went into the examinations with a good chance of achieving it.”

The 62 Scholarship awards achieved by St Andrew’s students, five at Outstanding level, is almost three times the 23 Scholarships achieved in 2017. A number of students achieved multiple Scholarship awards, which is a significant achievement, placing

them among the top students in New Zealand. “The Scholarship programme continues to go from strength to strength. Our students decide for themselves which subjects they want to attempt, and we encourage them to do it in subjects they are excited about. Many more students in Years 12–13 are starting to believe they are capable of getting a Scholarship, with a handful of students in Year 11 each year starting to have a go. The Scholarship programme is a great learning experience for students, but we are also mindful it is not at the expense of their other interests, like sports or cultural pursuits.”

Evert says the 243 Excellence endorsements achieved across Years 11–13 is impressive, but almost expected, given the support wrapped around each student. “Our philosophy is that no one gets left behind. We utilise data from the Power BI program to keep track of our students’ progress throughout the year and support them at the earliest stage if required.”

The Learning Support Committees in the Middle School and Senior College are becoming more adept, with a strong focus on Individual Learning Plans for students who are identified as not fitting into the ‘cookie cutter’ subjects, says Evert. “We have students studying courses outside the College which are more aligned with their aspirations.”

Overall, Evert says the results are extremely pleasing. “We can, and therefore we should be achieving these results. We have great students, great systems and learning opportunities, and great staff, who are dedicated to supporting the students.”

Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, with some of the College’s top academics, Cindy Xiong, Sarah Anthony and Corin Simcock (all Year 13), who achieved New Zealand Scholarships in Year 12

Exciting programmes on offer enrichment

It has long been accepted that gifted and talented students need extra support to reach their full potential in their academic, cultural, and sporting pursuits.

St Andrew’s College has a range of exciting programmes and initiatives in place to provide this support, including the well-established Academic Extension and Enrichment (ACEE) programme for academically able students.

Assistant Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote, says the programme starts with ACEE classes in Years 9–10, and supports students throughout their schooling. “Our philosophy is to provide opportunities for students’ gifts and talents to emerge, and for us be flexible, finding ways to enrich and extend their learning in ways they absolutely love.”

The driving force of the ACEE programme is Teacher in Charge of Academic Extension and Enrichment, Ellen Hampson, who is passionate about helping students to reach their potential. “There should never be limits. Students need to fly as high as they can at this time of their lives and be supported to do so.”

In Years 9–10 ACEE classes, students work with a specialist teacher, on a range of high level learning units based on philosophy, anthropology, coding and electronics, neuroscience, political science, sustainability, robotics, physics, and astrophysics. “In Year 9, students complete an individual impact project, which must demonstrate a positive impact on society or community. In Year 10, they typically complete a group impact project. Some of the exciting things students have come up with include a shark detector, and CO2 meter,” says Ellen.

Multi-levelling is another option to extend students, with some being accelerated within specific learning areas, taking NCEA levels a year earlier than their peers, or attempting Scholarship in Years 11 and 12. By the time some students reach Year 13, they may have exhausted the options available to them under the NCEA framework, which is when other opportunities, such as the University of Canterbury STAR programme, become invaluable, says Ellen. “We currently have eight students enrolled in the STAR programme. It is very important for us.”

Although COVID-19 has impacted some of the events that ACEE students in Years 9–11 typically participate or

compete in, the regular programme includes Future Problem Solving, the Model United Nations Conference (MUNA), Model European Union Conference, World Scholars Cup, Ethics Olympiad, and Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition for Year 11 students. Megan Simpson, Isobel Forsey, Chantelle Xiong, Tamaroa Connelly, and William Couper (all Year 11) have committed to the annual New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge in 20 22.

“For the last five years, St Andrew’s College has hosted the Philosophy Conference, now called the Thriving Mind Conference, which we hope to host again in August. In May, we will be the first New Zealand school to host the Da Vinci Decathlon, which sees schools compete in teams of eight across 10 academic disciplines.”

A ‘power team’ of six of the College’s top academics are currently working on the Water is Life research project, which sees them collaborate with students from around the globe on the health and sustainability of the world’s water. Helaina says this project is a great example of how Ellen engages students with authentic ideas and issues, and asks them to consider how they can harness their academic capabilities in real life situations. “One of our strengths at St Andrew’s is that all of our students, whether or not they are in the ACEE programme, are enriched by their teachers across every department. We are all in this together and contribute to their success.”

Teacher in Charge of Academic Extension and Enrichment, Ellen Hampson, painting cauliflower ‘brains’, with Year 9 ACEE students, Ewan Mander and Daisy Huang.

Mia Fraser and Alexandra Irwin (then Year 11) participating in the 2021 Brain Bee neuroscience competition at the University of Otago.

Talents passions

flourish with ACEE and

Four students, four very different projects, and how the ACEE programme supports them.

A powerful painting in Head of Senior College John Ruge’s office, was created by Selena Gan (Year 13) when she was in a Year 9 ACEE class, and was given the opportunity to combine her passions for art and the social issue of poverty. “I have always felt greatly privileged coming to St Andrew’s, with both my parents being first generation immigrants. I was hoping to remind students through my art that we are only a few thousand lucky humans who were born into comfortable living conditions that a billion don’t have.”

During the ACEE classes, Selena was introduced to the wax melt art form by specialist, Sandy Gottermeyer, and combined this with pastels, and collages of photos to create her compelling artwork which has a focus on children in extreme poverty. “The artwork is sad but that is what I was trying to achieve, creating uncomfortable conversations about often overlooked issues that seem fictional to our lives.”

Toby Harvie (Year 13) is one of St Andrew’s most outstanding young academics. Last year, when in Year 12, he achieved Level 3 NCEA with Excellence, and achieved five New Zealand Scholarship awards in Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Geography, and Technology. In 2020, he won an ICAS Gold Medal for Mathematics – achieving the top marks of any student in New Zealand. Toby says the acceleration of his learning through the ACEE programme has been significant in helping him to reach these incredible achievements. “A key factor of my success has been my teachers, who are passionate about their subjects and excited to extend me, often providing opportunities outside the cur riculum.”

Part of Toby’s extension programme this year is his inclusion in a University of Canterbury STAR course in Mathematics, a subject he has been passionate about since completing NCEA Level 1 in Year 10 along with Digital Technologies. “I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to pursue my own coding projects,” he says.

Year 11 student, Megan Simpson, says the support of the ACEE programme and teacher, Ellen Hampson, was invaluable during her Year 9 ACEE project, which culminated in her writing a scientific article called, The Science of Stress. Her work looked at the body’s flight or fight response to stress, and analysed the positive and negative effects that stress can have on our body and brain, concluding that we should learn to embrace and reframe stress in a positive light.

Megan has since completed two online courses through EDX (a platform of online university courses) including Justice, centred around philosophy, offered by Harvard, and a course from MIT called ‘Minds and Machines’. “With the help and support of the ACEE programme I have been able to ex tend myself academically in ways I could never have imagined,” she says.

William Couper (Year 11) has a goal to study aerospace engineering at a university in Germany, but there was one drawback – he didn’t speak German. So last year, as a Year 10 student, he started to learn the language and has been supported by St Andrew’s to study German at NCEA Level 1 this year. “Learning German is not a simple task. It entailed many hours of study, practise, and the support of many German speaking people to get me to the level required to study NCEA Level 1. To make this possible, Mrs Hampson also dedicated many hours, many emails, and quite a bit of string-pulling.”

William says he is grateful for the opportunities he receives at St Andrew’s, particularly in the ACEE programme. “Any institution can teach you something but here is one of the few schools that would make it possible for me to undertake a subject that wasn’t even offered on the cur riculum.”

Toby Harvie (Year 13), Megan Simpson (Year 11), Selena Gan (Year 13) and William Couper (Year 11) with the painting Selena completed in a 9ACEE class.

exceptional student for Bright future

One of St Andrew’s top academic students, Luke Zhu (Year 13), is an exceptional mathematician, who looks set for a bright future, possibly at one of the world’s leading universities.

In 2021, Luke, then in Year 12, undertook two 200-level Mathematics papers at the University of Canterbury, achieving A grades in both papers. He then applied to the UC summer research project without realising it was for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students, and even some PhD students. “Despite my unique situation I was lucky to be accepted by a great supervisor, who helped me to work through the research in an abstract field of maths, called Group Theory. Presenting my report back to the other summer project students and some UC Mathematics faculty was a cool experience. My supervisor and other staff at UC continue to informally mentor me this year,” says Luke.

It was back in Year 9, that Luke discovered a passion for Mathematics and Calculus and decided to push himself. By the time he joined Phil Adam’s Mathematics class in Year 10, he was already doing Year 13 C alculus and even sat Scholarship Calculus that year. Although he missed out the first time, he was successful in Year 11

At the same time, Luke started tutoring other Year 11 students who were keen to give it a try. “There were no formal classes timetabled for us, and because I had done the examination the year before, I was happy to help out.”

Since then, Luke has continued to tutor many students. “Last year, with the help of Mr Adams, I started a Wednesday Mathematics Club, with a goal to spark interest and curiosity in a subject that’s often regarded as boring. Once a week, students of all year groups come in and we get them thinking about interesting topics, like how many holes are in a straw, and what’s the shape of the universe?”

Luke is also running formal tutorials this year for Scholarship Calculus students, alongside their teacher, in regular timetabled classes.

Phil Adams says Luke puts considerable time into finding or creating resources that will challenge and interest students. “He comes alive when there is a chance to discuss new concepts, is always keen to share his expertise, and is patient when explaining.”

In Year 12, Luke achieved four Scholarship subjects, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, and Calculus (Outstanding), and is one of the Academic Captains and a prefect at St Andrew’s this year.

Teacher in Charge of Academic Extension and Enrichment, Ellen Hampson, says Luke is an exceptional student, both academically and character-wise, who supports community projects at the College such as the Eco-Action Project, Sustainability Council, and the Water is Life Project. “Luke is surprisingly humble for someone who will obviously achieve lofty heights as far as academic pursuits are concerned.”

Luke says the support of a number of teachers at St Andrew’s, particular Phil Adams and Ellen Hampson, have been instrumental in his success. “I’m really thankful to both of them for helping me to excel.”

In 2022, Luke is concentrating on taking more Scholarship papers, participating in community service, and bulking up his resume ready to apply for Scholarships to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. “I’m considering overseas universities like Oxford or Cambridge in the United Kingdom, or potentially one of the Ivy League universities in the USA.”

Luke Zhu (Year 13 – standing), tutoring students during the regular Wednesday Mathematics Club he started with the help of Mathematics teacher, Phil Adams.

Future Problem Solvers for New coach

Success in 2021 FPS national finals

Students and teams involved in Future Problem Solving at St Andrew’s College have an enviable record of success both nationally and internationally.

In 2022, they have a new teacher and coach, Susannah Debenham, who is excited to have taken the reins from former coach, Julie Rogers. “Julie has such a huge reputation both here and overseas, so it is humbling to follow in her footsteps. At the same time, I am excited to bring my style of teaching and passion for innovation and research into the programme.”

Susannah is working part-time for 14 hours a week with future problems solvers in both the Preparatory and Secondary Schools at St Andrew’s College. She is also a teacher at St Mary’s Primary School where she works with students with special abilities. Her diverse background includes experience as a classroom teacher and working in tertiary education in Physical Education and teacher education.

Future Problem Solving is an extension programme offered by many schools in New Zealand. It gives students with exceptional abilities such as a high capacity for acquiring knowledge, or other mental skills, the opportunity to spend time with students of similar capability, as they apply a unique set of thinking skills to an emerging

global problem. “As a teacher, I help students to apply their natural aptitude and develop depth and complexity in their critical, analytical, and future thinking skills. We thoroughly research the global topic, think about all perspectives, and innovate on the research to come up with what solutions to the problem could look like in 20 years’ time. The process is steeped in scientific pedagogy.”

Susannah says it can be a significant learning curve for students as they learn to take risks and move past any limiting beliefs. “Developing their intellectual gifts is a bit like getting a bicycle for Christmas. Once they learn how to ride it or use it, they get a genuine thrill as they experience it. The students bring so much vitality with their knowledge, so it is definitely a two-way street in terms of learning.”

In their final competition with 2021 coach, Julie Rogers, as pictured below, St Andrew’s College students achieved outstanding results at the national finals of the Future Problem Solving Competition. Those to finish in the top three were:

• Hannah Withers (then Year 8) first Junior Individual competition;

• Teresa Steiner, Matthew Bluck, Ania Kuziel, Charlotte Kyle (all then Year 8): first Division J team;

• Sophie Schouten, Alexa Collis, Alyssa Geddes, Nika Meyn (all then Year 6): first Division Y team;

• Honour Fraher-Richardson, George Flanagan, Anton Zhang, Fraser Walls (all then Year 7): third Division JB team.

Future Problem Solving coach, Susannah Debenham, guides students Tasmin Wingfield and Emmett Lawler (both Year 6)

New teaching staff

for 2022

Secondary School

Steve Hamlin is an Agriculture and Science teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Avonside Girls’ High School, Christchurch.

Jon Fahlander is a Mathematics and Statistics teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Takapuna Grammar School, Auckland.

Anne McNamara is a Mathematics and Statistics teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Dilworth Senior College, Auckland.

Astrid Geneblaza is a Mathematics and Statistics teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Christchurch Boys’ High School.

Georgia Boyes is a Chemistry and Science teacher who joins St Andrew’s as a new graduate from the University of Otago College of Education.

Rhys Lloyd is a Chemistry and Science teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Rangitoto College, Auckland.

Jacqueline Macleod is a Visual Art teacher and Teacher in Charge of Painting and Photography. She is an active artist who has taught in numerous Auckland and Christchurch sch ools.

Trent Harris is a Te Reo Māori Tikanga Māori, Health and Physical Education teacher, and Fitness Centre Manager, who joins St Andrew’s from the University of Canterbury College of Education.

Melissa Seddon is a Health and Physical Education teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Sacred Heart College, New Plymouth.

Preparatory School

Anna Wylie is a Year 1 teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Ilam Primary School.

Mason Shaw is a Year 8 teacher who joins St Andrew’s from Marshland School.

Annabelle Kerr is a Specialist teacher for Years 6–8 who joins St Andrew’s from the University of Canterbury College of Education.

Susannah Debenham is the new Future Problem Solving teacher and coach for two days a week.

Senior Leadership Group

Chami Hutterd is the new Assistant Head of Secondary School (Innovative Practice and Strategy) who has joined St Andrew’s from the Maukatere Technology Centre in North Canterbury where she was founding leader.

Academic successes

Late 2021 successes*

Creative Writing

Year 9 students, Thomas White, Oliver Murchison, Jackson Evans, Olley Collett, Lachlan Grant, Max Barclay, Jonty Lang, Kaelan Graham, Alasdair McCall and Olivia Glass, had their poems selected for publication by Paula Green in New Zealand Poetry Shelf. Alasdair McCall and Olivia Glass also received Editor’s Choice pr izes.

ICAS English Gold Medal Winners

Each year thousands of students sit examinations in various subjects in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) examinations. In 2021, six St Andrew’s College students received an ICAS Gold Medal for achieving the top mark in New Zealand for their year group, which is outstanding. Congratulations to the following students, whose medals were presented during the online celebration on Founders’ Day:

* Please note the use of 2021 year groups.

2022 Successes

Biology Olympiad

Sarah Anthony (Year 13) achieved a Silver Award in the New Zealand Biology examination. She was also one of 26 students selected to attend a Biology Olympiad Training and Selection Camp at the University of Otago during the Term 2 holidays. Based on their performance in the assessments at the camp and their personal attributes, a team of four students will be selected to represent New Zealand at the 2022 International Biology Olympiad in Armenia, in July.

Chemistry Olympiad

Corin Simcock and Luke Zhu (both Year 13) have been selected among the top 30 students in New Zealand for the Chemistry Olympiad training camp. They are two of just four students selected from the South Island. After the training camp, four successful candidates will be chosen to represent New Zealand in the International Olympiad competition, to be held in Tianjin, China in July 2022.

• Year 4 Spelling Bee – Aneel Bartlett;

• Year 7 English – Fraser Walls;

• Year 10 English – Aaron Moore;

• Year 10 Science – James Hart;

• Year 11 English – Portia Bennie;

• Year 12 Science – Corin Simcock.

Debating

In mid-January, Tom Edwards and Thomas Kamo (both Year 13) competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ British Parliamentary Debating Tournament, finishing in the top six out of 38 teams. British Parliamentary is a format where four teams compete in one debate as opening government, closing government, opening opposition, and closing opposition. Tom Edwards was named the third Best Speaker of the tournament.

The St Andrew’s College B team, comprising Year 12 students, Millie Keith, Luke Wylie and Mia Fraser, won the Canterbury Regional Debating Championships, after beating the top St Andrew’s College team, Tom Edwards, Thomas Kamo and Ethan Adams (all Year 13), in the semi-final, and winning the final against Christ’s College. Tom Edwards and Luke Wylie were named in the Canterbury team, and Thomas Kamo was awarded Highly Commended Speaker, while

Poetry

Saskia Fitzgerald (Year 6) had her poem Wheo – Blue Duck published on NZ Poetry Box.

VEX Robotics

A St Andrew’s College team, comprising Ewan Mander, Hannah Withers and Matthew Bluck (all Year 9), competed at the VEX IQ National Championships, held in Palmerston North, which was a qualifying competition for the VEX World Championships in Dallas, Texas 2022. The competition was called Pitching In, with the aim to score as many points as possible with an alliance partner by scoring balls in goals, clearing corrals, and hanging the robot at the end of the match. The team made the final round as part of the fourth pair and finished fourth overall. They were also awarded the Build Award.

ICAS Gold Medal winners (back) Aaron Moore (Year 10), Fraser Walls (Year 7), (front) James Hart (Year 10), Aneel Bartlett (Year 4), Corin Simcock (Year 12), (inset) Portia Bennie (Year 11).

Millie Keith and Kate Simcock were named in the Canterbury Development Squad.

Pre-school

DaySports

There were smiles galore when the children took part in a range of fun activities at the Pre-school’s highly anticipated annual Sports Day, where they tried everything from hurdles, a tunnel crawl, and balancing, to an egg and spoon race.

“Our main goal was for the children to have fun, take part, try new things, give their best, and celebrate their achievements. We were so proud of their positive attitude,” says teacher, Ashleigh Gargiulo, who is Head of Sport in the Pre-school, and has organised the event since 2019.

The children had practised their skills for several weeks before the Sports Day, both at the regular sports sessions held in the Pre-school on Tuesday afternoons by Ashleigh, and during extra sessions for children who don’t attend the Pre-school that day. “The group sessions are a great way for the children to try some new things and

gain confidence, so the activities are not too new or scary for them on the actual Sports Day. We encourage the children to challenge themselves, without being too worried about the result.”

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents were unable to attend Sports Day this year, but the children did a wonderful job of supporting each other throughout the day, says Ashleigh. “Kindness and manaakitanga are a big part of our culture in the Pre-school. We encourage the children to cheer each other on, and give high fives, and this was even more important on Sports Day with parents not able to be there.”

Exciting year Junior Department for

The Junior Department is constantly innovating and coming up with new ways to enrich the learning of children in Years 1–3.

One of the exciting initiatives for 2022, is the re-establishment of weekly Science lessons for each class, which are proving hugely popular with the children, says Head of Junior Syndicate, Heather Orman. “The children really enjoy working with specialist teacher, Emma Yeoman, and taking part in lots of hands-on investigations. They are being thoroughly exposed to a range of scientific concepts.”

Picture books are often used to inspire an investigation, and prompt the children to think about predictions, and how they might test outcomes. “One example was the book Who Sank the Boat?, which saw the children make their own boats and put animal figures in them one at a time, until it sank.”

Expanding the Discovery Time programme to include Year 3 students, supporting the children’s oral language skills in a new group setting, and building on the Mindful Movers programme are other initiatives happening this year, says Heather.

“Discovery Time has been limited to year groups only under the COVID-19 restrictions, but once they lift, we will open it back up to the whole department, with the Year 3 students actively supporting their younger peers as they take part in a range of different activities and interestbased learning opportunities. It is a great way for them to develop their leadership skills and reflect on what they are doing.”

Mindfulness is being delivered in the Junior Department for the third year by the Mindful Movers tutor, Johanna Borella, with the benefits of the programme now highly evident. “The children are learning so much about identifying emotions and self-regulating, which are invaluable skills during these changing times. Mindfulness also helps new entrants to identify and share the feelings that come with starting a new school, in a br and new environment.”

Oral language continues to be a strong focus in the Junior Department, says Heather. “This year, we have small groups of children working with a teacher to support and develop their conversation skills, so they are able to speak confidently with their peers and teachers.”

Professional development of Junior Department teachers is ongoing, with a current focus on reading, says Heather. “We are excited by the research into The Science of Reading. An article by Laura Stewart, states: ‘The past three decades have produced exciting evidence about what happens to the brain during reading and what needs to take place instructionally in order to wire the brain to be able to read.’ It is wonderful to be in a profession that is engaged in continuous learning, with the benefits flowing on to our students.”

With lots of new initiatives underway as well as the regular diverse curriculum, Heather says the Junior Department has an exciting year ahead.

Lux Howard (Year 2)

Top: Specialist teacher, Emma Yeoman, works with Year 3 students during a Science lesson. Below: Year 1 students engaged in Discovery Time.

Maintaining strong connections

At the start of each year, there is an excited buzz in the Middle Syndicate, when a sea of children and parents descend on the Preparatory School, ready to start another year of learning.

However, 2022 was very different, with COVID-19 restrictions meaning parents were unable to accompany their children into the Years 4–6 classrooms, says Head of Middle Syndicate, Meg Feller. “We usually make important face-to-face connections with parents at the beginning of the year, but with them not able to come into school, and missing important events such as the Swimming Sports and Meet the Teacher week, we’ve had to think differently about how we connect and communicate.”

Meg says regular contact with parents throughout the term has helped to reassure them and keep them up to date with their child’s learning and progress. “We emailed the Meet the Teacher booklets to parents rather than handing them out in person, completed a number of Parent-Teacher interviews online as well as in person, have communicated via phone and email, and continue to use platforms such as SeeSaw, to share information with them about what is happening in the cl assroom.”

Parents were asked to complete a survey during the first week of school to tell the teachers about their child and what their goals were for the year. “Normally we would have these kinds of discussions in person, but the survey was a great alternative to ensure our parents still have a voice and know their input is valued.”

With all children from Year 4 up wearing masks in the classroom, connections with the children have also been challenging for the teachers. “Between every period we go outside, get some fresh air, and chat one-onone with the students, which helps.”

Meg says the children have coped surprisingly well with the mask wearing and other changes to their routine due to the COVID-19 restrictions. “It has been especially challenging for our Year 4 students, who have made the big step up to the Middle Syndicate from the Junior School without having their parents at school to support them. We haven’t had one sad or tearful child though, which I put down to the thorough transition programme we run for Year 3 students as they prepare to move up. We are extremely proud of the independence and self-management they are demonstrating.”

While getting to know parents over a phone call or email is more challenging than making connections face-to-face,

Meg says everyone has adapted and is making the best of the situation. “We are doing everything we can to ensure everyone is feeling part of the classroom and community, and that parents know we are still available and accessible.”

Above: Alex O’Neill, Lara Isar and Bella Dean (all Year 6) enjoying an outdoor break.

Below: Tayla McFadyen (Year 4) unpacking her bag

Outdoor experiences at

Castle Hill

The four Year 8 classes were among the first groups to take part in some exciting outdoor activities at the Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre, which is back in full operation in 2022.

Year 8 Team Leader, Morgan Sheppard, says the camps, held right at the start of Term 1, were a great way for students to bond with each other, and their teachers. “The children appreciated being able to take their masks off while they were outside and to interact with each other in a more pre-COVID-19 way. The teachers also formed positive relationships with the students as they negotiated the unfamiliar environment together. These connections can take much longer to build and maintain in a normal school situation.”

Abseiling off rocks, building and sailing rafts, stream investigations, tramping, cooking outdoors, and sleeping in tents were some of the challenging activities the students engaged in. “They were split into five different activity groups and most enjoyed being pushed outside their comfort zone. There were lots of new experiences for them to try, which is so important at this age,” says Mor gan.

Two out of the three nights at the camp are usually spent sleeping in tents or bivouacs, however the first group of two Year 8 cl asses had an extra night indoors due to a severe thunderstorm and heavy rain. “We weren’t able to accommodate all of the students in the Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at once due to

COVID-19 limits, but luckily some students were able to stay at the lodge at Mt Cheeseman to escape the ferocity of the weather.”

Morgan is full of praise for the team at the Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre, led by Operations Manager, Jo Parsons. “Jo has assembled a great team of instructors, who were patient and caring as they worked with the students and guided them through the various activities. The camps were very well run, and there were lots of contingencies in place. Our Year 7 students are already looking forward to their camps at Castle Hill later in the year.”

Development Director

As I write this article, I look through my office window from the second floor in Strowan House and see the big yellow excavator taking down the last pieces of the old Theatrette, making way for the exciting new Ben Gough Family Theatre. It is amazing to think that we will have a brand-new facility in 18 months, which will be the hub for many Secondary and Preparatory School students who take part in a wide variety of cultural pursuits at the College.

I was very excited to have been given the role to plan, design, and promote the campaign three years ago, and to fundraise for a new theatre and the St Andrew’s College Foundation.

Thanks Donors to our

Theatre Seats and Notes

Fan Family

Brett and Sarah Gamble

Joshua and Xavier

Guillemot-Rodgerson

Tony Lee and Family

Mori Family

Rev. Paul and Jo Morrow

Noordanus Family

Andrew and Schira Withers

Gold Note – Theatre

Tony and Joyce Wallace and Family

StACFit Fitness Centre

Bronze Fitness Centre Plaque

St Andrew’s College Cricket 2021

Gillette Cup Regional Winners

Graeme Wall and Shelley Singer

New Strowan Club Members

Peter and Julianne Darling

New Highland Members

St Andrew’s College Ladies Circle

Tony and Joyce Wallace and Family

While the COVID-19 environment has presented us with many challenges, together we can be proud to have raised $2.8 million (receipted) and $1.9 million (pledged) across the last three years for the Your Legacy, Our Future campaign, totalling $4.8 million in support.

All naming right opportunities for the new Ben Gough Family Theatre are now taken, and over 100 Family Legacy Theatre Seats have been donated so far. Many Bronze, Silver and Gold Notes have also been donated, to form part of an art installation in the Old Collegians’ Theatre Foyer.

I have enjoyed building community, fundraising and community events, hosting events, and stewarding

donors for the Theatre build and the Foundation. I have met so many supportive and enthusiastic parents, Old Collegians with incredible tales of St Andrew’s history, members of the Old Collegians Association, the Ladies Circle, PTA, volunteers, and community groups who continue to assist with our vision to improve the future of our students and our College.

This is my last article for Regulus, as I leave my role at the end of Term 1 to focus on family and personal projects planned for 2022.

I give personal thanks to the incredible leadership and support of Rector, Christine Leighton, the great teamwork with our Communications Department, and our incredible Development team – Development Co-ordinator, Mel Rissman, and Alumni and Community Co-ordinator, Lisa Clark, whose skills and positive energy have helped strengthen the systems and processes in our office to enable us to deliver some great results.

I will miss the staff, the beautiful campus, and building on existing relationships with so many in our community. Thank you for all your support in helping to ensure we build an exciting future for the students of St Andrew’s College.

Miranda Newbury Director of Development

From the of Introducing StAC Connect

One of our goals in 2021 was to use the LinkedIn online platform to increase the connections and engagement between the Old Collegians and the College. With the exciting launch of StAC Connect, which is connected to the existing Old Collegian group on LinkedIn, alumni can now share their professional and personal experience and expertise with existing senior students (Years 12–13) and other Old Collegians, helping to prepare them for, and motivate them towards, a successful future. Students can access the service by discussing their needs with Careers Counsellor, Richard Webster.

We see this as a pivotal tool to help facilitate connections and professional development within the St Andrew’s College community for those needing advice, and those who are willing to share their expertise.

If you are an Old Collegian and would like to be part of this group, please email oldcols@stac.school.nz and we will connect you to the pr ivate group.

support for sports Sponsors

A new sponsorship programme, borne out of the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, is providing significant support for several different sporting codes and is helping to drive the culture of excellence at St Andrew’s College, says Director of Development, Miranda Newbury.

“Formalising a structure for sponsorship has been extremely positive for the codes that have embraced the sponsorship programme so far. The extra funds available for equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses provides an edge which helps our students to perform at their best.”

Sponsors have already got behind rugby, rowing, basketball, and cricket as part of the programme, and can choose from three levels of support – $2000 (Bronze), $5000 (Silver), or $10,000 (Gold). Their support is acknowledged in various ways, including their names featuring on the St Andrew’s website or team uniforms. “Sponsors make such a valuable contribution to our community, in both sports, and from time to time, to the arts. We are so grateful for their generosity,” says Miranda.

Graeme Rhodes of accounting firm, Oxford Edge, is a Gold sponsor for basketball, one of the fastest growing sports at St Andrew’s. “Both my sons, Jackson (OC 20 21) and Carter (Year 11), played basketball for St Andrew’s, and I was already on the committee that formed around three years ago to raise funds to support the growth of the players, and to provide coaching and development to help them achieve their goals. I see becoming a Gold sponsor as an important way to expand on this support. There has been some good early assistance for the sponsors programme and I’m convinced it put s basketball in a great position going forward.”

Steven and Jacqueline McDonald, former owners of Pak’nSave Riccarton, have been major supporters of sport at St Andrew’s for some time, and are current Gold sponsors of both rowing and rugby. Their four sons have always been involved in sport at the College, and Steven has been on the StAC Rowing Parents Committee for eight years. “The number of students rowing this season is about three times the number from when we started in 2013. A huge investment in new boats, equipment, and logistical support is needed to accommodate them, even more so in a co-educational school. We purchased a boat for the rowing club around seven years ago, and have continued our support from there.”

More recently, the McDonalds have become Gold sponsors of rugby.

“It is great to see St Andrew’s athletes well presented with smart uniforms and good equipment, which I think helps teams to feel closer and more tight knit. Our main reason for being a sponsor is purely for the enjoyment of being involved,” says Steven.

He would recommend other parents and Old Collegians consider becoming part of the sponsorship programme. “Being a sponsor is a great way to be more closely involved with the sport. We have had a huge amount of enjoyment from being along for the journey, and many of our friends are other St Andrew’s parents who we have met on the side of the lake or the sports field."

Top left: Gold basketball sponsor, Graeme Rhodes of Oxford Edge, presenting the half-court $100 shot cheque to Lachlan Frazer (OC 2021) during a home game in 2019. This initiative continues at the Senior Boys’ and Senior Girls’ home games.

Top right: Steven and Jacqueline McDonald are Gold sponsors of both rowing and rugby at St Andrew’s.

If you are interested in participating in the Sponsorship Programme, please contact Development Co-ordinator, Mel Rissman on +64 3 940 2021.

important contribution makes PTA

PTA President, Stephen Higgs, says it takes a community to raise a child, which is a key reason he decided to join the PTA around seven years ago. “I think most of the parents on the PTA would agree – that we want to give back to the College, as it is such a big part of the community that helps to raise our children.”

Since it was first established in 1933, the St Andrew’s College Parent Teacher Association has promoted and nurtured friendships within the school community, provided parents with a forum for discussion, and an avenue for participation in College activities.

“We try to organise a big fundraiser at least every couple of years, with our last one being the Curtain Raiser event for the new Ben Gough Family Theatre. Our other events include Wine and Cheese Evenings for new Preparatory School parents, and we have a team of willing volunteers who help out at lots of different College-run events,” says Stephen.

The PTA’s major source of fundraising is the Second-hand Uniform Shop, which is run by its own group of volunteers. Its Christmas cake fundraiser also brings in welcome funds. Each year, the PTA provides financial support in areas of the College which may not normally be included in its operational budget, says Stephen. “Last year, we gifted $36,000 for side walls of the new Shade Systems Canopy for the hard courts behind the Preparatory School, donated new equipment to the StACFit Fitness Centre, gave money to the Music Department for a new electric guitar, plus electric and acoustic amps, and have continued to donate money towards lunchtime activities for the students, including giant games and sports gear for the Preparatory and Secondary Schools, and toys and sandpit equipment for the Junior Department.”

Stephen says the PTA is an important liaison between parents and College management. “Our meetings are a good place for general discussions, with any questions from parents able to be fed back to management. Rector, Christine Leighton, Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, and Principal of Preparatory School, Jonathan Bierwirth, attend every meeting

and gi ve us a report, and every second month we try to have another speaker from a different area of the College. These informative reports give us a great insight into what is happening around the College, and how we can contribute.”

A group of up to 25 enthusiastic parents are regularly involved in the PTA’s monthly meetings, which have been held online so far this year due to the Omicron outbreak. Many more parents assist the PTA as volunteers in the Second-hand Uniform Shop and by supporting events. “New people are always welcome to join, and we have a really good gender balance. When I started, I was the only male but there are several fathers on the committee now.”

Stephen’s two sons, Connor Higgs (Year 12) and Ethan Higgs (Year 10), have attended St Andrew’s since Pre-school. He says joining the PTA was a natural progression from his early involvement as a parent coach of rugby and cricket in the Preparatory School. “Parents usually become less involved in their children’s worlds once they start in the Secondary School, and getting involved in the PTA is a great way to stay connected and make a difference to the St Andrew’s community.”

PTA President, Stephen Higgs, with parent volunteer, Lisa Young, in the Second-hand Uniform Shop.

Campus update

Early works on the Ben Gough Family Theatre have progressed well since 15 December 2021, when the construction stage of the project got underway, says Project Director, David Evans. “The construction site has been established, and some exciting images of the new Theatre have been added to the hoardings surrounding the site, which has got everyone enthused about the project.”

Underground services and other project enabling works were completed in March. A temporary wall was built in the back of Gym 1 in preparation for the demolition of the gym foyer. An interim cafeteria facility was set up in the Senior College cafeteria space and is working well, says David.

Demolition works were also completed by the end of March and have caused only minimal disruption to the campus. “It hasn’t been too noisy at all, due to the large degree of deconstruction involved in the project, and the fact that parts of the existing buildings will remain. This project doesn’t have the wholesale heavy demolition of some of the other projects we have started from scratch.”

The trusted team of Wilkie and Bruce Architects and Armitage Williams Construction have worked on many other projects at St Andrew’s, which is a positive for the delivery of the Theatre, says David. “Armitage Williams are responsible, careful, and well versed with logistics, and maintaining the health and safety of an operating school in the midst of construction.”

A Public Use Certification has been issued by Christchurch City Council for the Theatre site, who is happy with

all aspects of construction and the integration of the project within the College operation.

The expected completion date of the Ben Gough Family Theatre is June 2023.

When it comes to other projects, People and Business Manager, Justine Scott, says remediation work is underway on the Castle Hill bridge and Thomas Stream, following a severe flood at Castle Hill last year. Some alterations and improvements are also ongoing at the College’s property at Porter Place in Castle Hill.

On the College campus, a door and wall have been added to the Health Centre to create a COVID-19 isolation room for day pupils. Various other small works were completed on the campus over the summer break.

Steady progress is being made at the new Ben Gough Family Theatre site.

Resources and Environment

St Andrew’s comes of age at Co-education

It was a momentous occasion when the first female students walked through the gates at St Andrew’s in 1990, which started a transformation of the traditional all-boys’ school forever.

In 1992, not only did the College celebrate its 75th birthday – it also became officially co-educational. Fast forward to 2022, and the St Andrew’s community is celebrating 30 years of boys and girls learning alongside one another.

The brand new, state-of-the-art Rentoul Senior College also opened its doors in 1992, built to accommodate the 55 girls who joined St Andrew’s for their final years of school in Form 6 and Form 7 (Years 12–13 today). “The Rentoul Senior College remains an important contributing factor to the positive, inclusive, and spirited environment that is a hallmark of our College; a College that is committed to the leadership and development of young people, preparing them to take their place in life beyond school,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994), was a key figure in this transformational period of the College’s history. He believed in the benefits of co-education, especially for senior students, and it was his drive and determination that led to the Board deciding to take the first significant step, by accepting girls into the Senior College.

At the recent Founders’ Day Assembly, Dr Rentoul said the presence of both boys and girls in the classroom stimulates a broader teaching base, allows students to build mutual respect, engenders a far more mature and tolerant social climate, and generally improves the academic performance of students. “The aim of the Senior College is to provide a collegiate institution between school and tertiary education, with an environment appropriate to the personal and social development needs of older adolescents, emphasising self- development, self-motivation, and self-discipline.”

Dr Rentoul went on to remark: “I am deeply gratified that co-education at St Andrew’s has been so successful.”

Christine says collaboration in the co-ed classroom helps boys and girls in many ways. “They gain a fresh perspective from each other intellectually, develop socially, and become more confident in expressing their views around members of the opposite sex. Our students are introduced to both male and female role models, and learn how to develop realistic and meaningful relationships, which are skills they carry throughout their lives.”

Top: Dr John Rentoul during his time as Rector of St Andrew’s College. of Celebrating 30 years

She says Dr Rentoul has left an incredible legacy to St Andrew’s. “Dr Rentoul’s foresight to introduce girls to the College, and the changes that were introduced in 1992, have enabled St Andrew’s College to be the place it is today.”

pathway carved a First girls

The very first girls to attend St Andrew’s College were in the Preparatory School, with Caiti Morgan (OC 2003) and Aften Lyttle (OC 2002) starting on the same day in 1990 in Year 1. The following year, in 1991, Elizabeth Dumergue (OC 1992) was the first and only girl in the Secondary School for half of the first term before being joined by three other girls in Term 2. A much larger group of 55 girls started at the College in 1992.

Rector, Christine Leighton, commends the trailblazing first Senior girls at the College for their courage. “Integrating into a male dominated environment, they probably didn’t dwell on the fact they were carving out a pathway for future students. Today our culture is dynamic, diverse, and welcoming and I think those first girls would be proud to see what they started. It is wonderful that some of the children of those first girls have, or now attend, the College.”

Darryl Bruce (OC 19 92) was Head Boy when St Andrew’s became co-educ ational. He says there was some resistance from people in the College community with more traditional views, but this was a ‘storm in a teacup’ as far as the students were concerned. “Many of the existing boys knew some of the girls, and like any typical new school year it probably took two or three weeks for the dust to settle. After having spent our entire school life with the same cohort it was wonderful to bolster the year group with a host of new students and personalities. Having girls at St Andrew’s really improved the overall dynamic.”

Later, under Rector Barry Maister (1995–2001) girls were also able to enrol in Years 9–11. “Girls who attended the Preparatory School would leave in Year 8, and often come back for their final years of schooling in Years 12–13. Introducing girls to the Middle School was the final piece of the puzzle,” says Christine.

Today, girls make up around 40 per cent of the roll. Subject options have diversified over the last 30 years, with girls holding their own with their male counterparts across all subjects.

Female teachers make up 52 per cent of staff, and a number of female staff hold senior leadership roles including, Head of Secondary School (Academic), Helaina Coote; Assistant Head of Secondary School (Data), Sarah Exon and Head of Innovative Practice and Strategy, Chami Hutterd (all in the Senior Leadership Group); Board Chair, Felicity Odlin and President of the Old Collegians Association, Meg Black. In the Preparatory School, Head of Teaching and Learning, Vicki Pettit; Head of Junior Syndicate, Heather Orman; Head of Middle Syndicate, Megan Feller and Year 7 Team Leader, Kelly McBride are all part of the Leadership Group.

“The natural integration of girls and women into the fabric of College life in 2022, shows that 30 years on from Dr Rentoul’s vision, co-education has truly come of age at St Andrew’s College,” says Christine.

The next generation

Four of the trailblazing ‘first girls’ at St Andrew’s reminisce about their time at the College and why they wanted their own children to join the ‘StAC family’.

of Celebrating 30 years

Jo Macauley (née McNeice – OC 1992)

Jo Macauley says it was daunting coming to St Andrew’s from an all girls’ school. “I switched schools because I wanted to do Photography in the seventh form. My parents thought St Andrew’s would be a good change, and I already had a brother there. There were only about 20 girls when I started. We were a novelty for the boys, who made us feel welcome quite quickly!” Jo later married Mark Macauley (also OC 1992), and their sons, Sam (Year 11) and Harry (Year 9), are currently at the College. “It’s great to be able to carry on our strong family traditions at St Andrew’s. Mark’s grandfather was one of the first pupils, and his father, uncle, and cousin also attended, alongside my three brothers. We all cherish the opportunities and experiences given to us at St Andrew’s and have met some amazing people who helped to shape who we are today.”

Hayley Barnes (née Roberts – OC 1992)

After spending most of her schooling at St Margaret’s College, Hayley Barnes says she was ‘very nervous’ about switching to St Andrew’s College. “Having been at a girls’ school and only seeing my Dad at weekends, I didn’t have a lot of male contact. I thought I might learn a bit about boys if I went to a co-educational school before university.” Hayley remembers being one of only two girls in a Physical Education class and the teacher trying to adjust. Hayley’s husband, Mike Barnes (OC 19 92), was in the same peer year at St Andrew’s, and they later married in 2003 in the Memorial Chapel, with all the ‘best men’ being Old Collegians. She is proud their daughter, Sophie (Year 9), is carrying on the family tradition of attending the College. “Sophie’s work ethic has improved greatly. It is amazing for her to be at St Andrew’s.”

Emma Steel (OC 199

Although some boys might have been disappointed by the arrival of girls at St An drew’s most embraced it, says Emma Steel. “I decided to go to St An drew’s as I was looking for a change and several of my friends were already there.” Emma remembers one PE class when she and her friends were made to do an extra lap around nearby streets, as they were too slow compared to the boys. “We knew the boys had cut through one of the parents’ houses, which made their time unachievably quick!” Emma’s sons, Jacob Giles (OC 2016) and Ben Steel (OC 20 21), both experienced the ‘great culture’ at St An drew’s, with Jake graduating from Massey University with Honours in Design and Ben now studying Engineering at the University of Canterbury. He still helps to coach the St An drew’s water polo teams.” Emma does some photography for St An drew’s, and is still in touch with many great friends from her school da ys.

Stephanie Bain made the most of the opportunities at St Andrew’s when she joined as one of the first female boarders – she was a prefect, on the Student Council, had a lead role in the production, and spent lots of time in the Music Department. “I didn’t fully appreciate at the time what a fundamental and brave step it was for the management and the Board to open up the College to girls. Fr om a student’s perspective it felt like normality within a relatively short time.”Stephanie, who is the Old Collegians nominee on the Board of Governors, says she feels incredibly lucky that her sons, Alexander (Year 3) and Sebastian (Year 1), have followed in the footsteps of many other members of their family who were educated at St Andrew’s “All the opportunities I had for my final year in school, they are able to have from the beginning of their school life. They are well looked after and they love it.”

Stephanie Bain (OC 1992)

Emma Steel with her children Lulu Steel, Ben Steel (OC 2021) and Jacob Giles (OC 2016)

Hayley Barnes with daughter Sophie (Year 9)

Jo Macauley, with Sam (Year 11 and Harry (Year 9)

Stephanie Bain, with Alexander (Year 3) and Sebastian (Year 1)

Celebrating 30 years of co-education ! Day Founders’

The annual Founders’ Day Assembly and Highland Games are much anticipated events on the St Andrew’s calendar, which usually see a large group of students, parents, and Old Collegians join together at the College to celebrate its founding on 17 March 1917.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 disrupted this year’s plans. However a special one-hour, 105th Founders’ Day film captured all the magic moments, and was delivered to the St Andrew’s community online instead.

Special guests at the assembly included Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994) and his wife Sandy, who were invited to join the celebration of 30 years of co-education at St Andrew’s College. “As Rector at that time, Dr Rentoul had a belief in the benefits of co-educational schooling that led to the Board decision to take the first step to admitting girls into the Senior College. He oversaw the official opening of the Senior College (Years 12–13 ) in 1992, with the entry of 55 girls into their senior year. At the assembly I was delighted to present Dr Rentoul with the Rector’s Medal, in recognition of his foresight and the significant contribution he has made to St Andrew’s College,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Also in attendance at the assembly was Stephanie Bain (OC 19 92), the Old Collegians nominee on the Board of Governors, who was in the first official intake of girls to the Senior College in 1992.

In addition to the Rector’s Address celebrating co-education, highlights

of the 105th Founders’ Day film, included solo pipers Oskar Trafford and Toby Cammock-Elliott (both Year 12); student awards presented including the GAM Hilson Memorial Accounting/ Economics Award to Alex Ying (Year 13), and the Henry Dowling Memorial French Award to Corin Simcock (Year 13) for their achievements in Year 12 in 2021 ; a student item featuring Estee Wilke (Year 13) and the String Orchestra; Heads of College Address; This is Us – a student-led film from 2013; Pipe Band and Highland dancers, and the Address to a Haggis, delivered for the first time in College history by two students, Lachlan Johns and Rachel Holyoake (both Year 13). Their spirited performance, in keeping with the co-educational theme, was much enjoyed.

Founders’ Day of course also honours the founder of the College, the Rev. A T ( Alexander) Thompson. On Thursday 17 March, Preparatory School teacher, Pip Dinsenbacher, delivered an enlightening and engaging chapel service about the life and work of this remarkable man. “There is no doubt that it was Rev. Thompson’s vision, determination, faith, and sacrifice that resulted in the success of developing the College from its fledging enrolment of 19 boys in 1917,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Busy, positive start to the year

The start of the year is always a fun time for new boarders, with highly anticipated activities such as the Orientation Weekend, and the Valentine’s Dinner, helping them to get settled in and make new friends.

Unfortunately, crowd-gathering restrictions due to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System) meant neither of these larger combined events could go ahead. However, it was still a ‘busy and positive’ start to the year for boarders, says Director of Boarding, Matt Parr. “We started the year with a Year 9 Boarders’ Orientation Camp at Castle Hill, followed by the Thompson House Valentine’s Day Breakfast. The positivity of the boarders was great to see.”

Fun activities organised by the boarding house tutors, also keep the boarders engaged and active, says Matt. “Around 40 boarders have been taking part in the weekly ‘BK Run’ with tutor, Jono Oxley, which is now a bit of a tradition. He takes them on a run from the College to Burger King on Papanui Road and back, and takes a ‘swim squad’ of around 20 boarders to weekly swimming lessons at Wharenui Pool.”

A group of 36 new Year 9 boarders, one Year 10, six Year 11, four Year 12s, and a Year 13 boarder joined the boarding community this year and have adapted well to the boarding way of life.

Matt says integrating new boarders, and helping them to feel welcomed and settled, starts well before they even arrive at the College. “We complete personal profiles on each new boarder

Innovative isolation solution

When the Omicron variant of COVID-19 started sweeping through New Zealand, the boarding house management team came up with a novel way to manage impacted boarders, says Director of Boarding, Matt Parr. “It wasn’t always possible or practical for symptomatic boarders to go straight home. So to ensure they were isolated away from the rest of the boarding community while waiting on test results, or for their parents to collect them, we came up with the novel solution of isolating them

in Tui campervans out the back of the boarding houses.”

In some cases, boarders slept in the campervans overnight, and Matt was impressed with how they adapted, both to the campervan isolation, and dealing with all of the changes presented by COVID-19. “Life in the boarding houses has been far from normal, with mask wearing inside, eating at different times, not able to do some of the usual fun stuff,

and communicate with their family to ensure we are providing the best possible environment to suit their needs. Our prospective parents and caregivers tell us they appreciate how we get to know their children before they start.”

Shadow nights are also held in the latter part of each year, when students who are joining boarding the following year, spend a day and night at St Andrew’s to familiarise themselves with the environment.

Matt says the boarding houses at St Andrew’s College are far more than just a place to stay for boarders. “We constantly add value in a range of ways, such as our Prep (homework) programme, Academic Support programme, and the leadership opportunities we provide.”

Oskar Trafford and Fergus Sidey (both Year 12) enjoying a treat put on for the boarders in early March, to recognise their great response to the challenges of COVID-19.

or mixing between floors. However the boarders’ response has been outstanding. They have been so compliant and coped well, despite all the challenges.”

Year 9 boarders during their Orientation Weekend.

Orientation Weekend

Changes to the usual start-of-theyear activities for the entire boarding community saw the addition of a new Year 9 Boarders’ Orientation Weekend. “It was a fantastic weekend, with the boarders getting three or four weeks of value in just three days, in terms of forming new connections with each other and with our staff,” says Director of Boarding, Matt Parr.

Over the long weekend, students enjoyed everything from ten pin bowling to a visit to Adrenaline Forest, a fish and chip lunch and surf lesson at Sumner Beach, jetboating at Springfield’s Alpine Jet Thrills, and an overnight stay at the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill, where they did a three-hour, 10km walk up Hogs Back Trail, took part in some adventure-based learning games, and finished with bouldering and rock climbing.

The initiative was so successful it is likely to stay on the Orientation programme each year. The House Orientation Weekend, which was postponed at the start of the year, is likely to be run when gathering restrictions are lifted – hopefully sometime in Term 2, says Matt.

Year 9 Boarders’ boarders’ breakfast

Valentine’s Day

The boarders were unable to have their annual Valentine’s Day dinner together in the Strowan House dining room this year, so the Thompson House girls organised their own special breakfast instead. Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his team prepared delicious waffles with cream and berries, chia seed puddings, croissants, fresh fruit, muesli, and yoghurt. It was a lovely, informal occasion for the gir ls before they headed off to cl asses.

Special assemblies

Prefects’ Investiture and Leadership Assembly

With a full Leadership Assembly unable to be held due to CO VID-19 restrictions, a small virtual ceremony was held in the Centennial Chapel, which recognised the important role the prefects play in building and supporting the student community. Heads of College, Grace Lawrence, Harry Withers, Charlotte Roche and Thomas Kamo, introduced each other, and in their traditional first address, Head Boy, Harry Withers, and Head Girl, Grace Lawrence, spoke about their pride in being appointed to these roles, and the prefects’ theme for 2022, Unity Builds Community. The commitment to drawing strength through inclusivity and belonging was a great message to start the year. A celebration for all 2022 student leaders will be held once gathering restrictions are lifted.

Academic Assembly

The exceptional NCEA and Scholarship results achieved by St Andrew’ College students in last year’s examinations were celebrated at two Academic Assemblies – one for Year 12 and one for Year 13. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the assemblies were engaging and meaningful occasions, both for the students receiving their awards, and the students, parents, and caregivers, watching the livestreams. The students who received an NCEA Excellence endorsement were acknowledged, with those gaining Level 3 E xcellence to receive a Board of Governors’ Excellence Scholarship. The Year 13 leavers from 2021 were unfortunately absent due to the restrictions. A record 62 Scholarships, including five at Outstanding level were also celebrated.

Guest speakers at the Academic Assembly were Academic Head Students, Tom Edwards, Sarah Anthony and Luke Zhu. They spoke about the importance of ‘Effort, Enjoyment and Excellence’ and how students could use the three Es to achieve personal success.

Calling Ceremony Te Waka

There was lots of excitement as Year 10 students gathered on campus at 6.30am on Thursday 3 March, to take part in the Te Waka ‘Calling Ceremony’, an important rite of passage, when they are ‘called’ by their teachers on their journey towards adulthood, and show gratitude to the people who have influenced them throughout their childhood.

The Year 10 students usually venture into nature for the sunrise ceremony, but an alternative had to be planned this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, they gathered on campus to watch a special video filmed at the Sign of the Bellbird, which featured piper, Toby Cammock-Elliott (Year 12), flag raising, a welcome from Matua Steve, prayer from College Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrow, addresses from Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u, Teacher in Charge of Te Waka, Kate Taylor and Rector Christine Leighton, a Year 11 musical item, and reflections from previous Te Waka students.

“We decided to film the entire sequence on location, just as it would have been if the students were able to be there,” says Kate Taylor, who was instrumental in creating the memorable event.

After the viewing, the Te Waka groups enjoyed breakfast together outside, then wrote a childhood behaviour they wished to let go of on a piece of recycled paper. “The students were respectful and reflective as they put these into eco-friendly boats and placed them into the Strowan Stream to float away.”

The next Rite Journey and Te Waka ceremony, ‘The Departure’ took place on Thursday 24 March, when parents, carers and mentors joined the students in an online meeting to bless and support the programme, and to reflect together on the students’ childhood experiences.

Communityservice and

Late 2021*

Waitaha Canterbury Youth Award

Oscar Bloom (Year 13) won The Collective Success and ELG Supreme Award for Christchurch for his dedicated service, not only to the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū, but to a number of other activities.

Year 9 Community Service Day

Year 9 students participated in a Community Service Day, which started with a presentation from the Environmental Council, before the students were split into class groups and were given an area around New Br ighton to pick up rubbish. After lunch, the students repotted plants that will then be replanted in the Christchurch Red Zone in 2022.

2022

Honouring his greatgrandfather’s sacrifice

Toby Cammock-Elliott (Year 12), a member of the St Andrew’s Pipe Band, played the Military Lament at a special ceremony in the Dutch town of Lochem, wearing his St Andrew’s College Pipe Band uniform, to honour his late grandfather, Raymond, who served as a pilot Flying Officer in WWII. Raymond flew his plane directly into an enemy ammunition train, paying the ultimate price. Toby and his family travelled to the Netherlands to attend a ceremony, and the opening of a new tunnel, called Flying Officer R J Cammock in honour of Raymond’s bravery and sacrifice.

So They Can theme day

Year 9 students repotting plants.

Year 12 Business

Year 12 Business team Stinky Cars, made up of Patrick Ryan, Joshua Carr, Tom Turner, Zach Hedgcock and Wyatt Gowans, created car air fresheners as their business, and donated $1300 of their profits to the Chalky Carr Trust after running a successful social media campaign.

* Please note the use of 2021 year groups.

On Thursday 10 March, the Community Service team held a blue-themed day in the Secondary School in support of charity So They Can, with students and staff wearing various shades of blue clothes to co-ordinate with the charity’s colours. A total of $1669 was raised for Mwikantsi Primary School in Tanzania, the partner school of St Andrew’s through So They Can. Other funds raised by St Andrew’s for So They Can supports the charity’s important work supporting 45,000 children and their communities in Kenya and Tanzania through 37 schools, a teachers’ college, microfinance, a children’s village, and clinics. The Community Service team also ran a quiz, during tutor time, when whole tutor groups participated to win pr izes.

Tonga Appeal

St Andrew’s College joined with other Presbyterian schools around the country to raise money for Tonga, in response to January’s devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami. Head Sacristan, Sarah Anthony (Year 13), and the Community Service Leaders, under the creative guidance of Catering Manager, Russell Gray, worked to create 1176 chocolate Easter crosses. In exchange for a donation, prefects and Community Service Leaders delivered a box of chocolate Easter crosses to every tutor group in the College, raising $944.20 for the appeal.

Baking for the Ukraine

A group of Year 12 students, led by Juliette Noordanus and Mia Walker, encouraged their peers to bring along some baking as a way of raising funds to support the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. Their Bake Sale raised $927.00 for the World Central Kitchen, a Non-Profit Organisation which is feeding Ukrainian refugees.

Luke Wylie, Mia Walker and Jack Guest (all Year 12) and the impressive Bake Sale.

Students creating Easter crosses.

Life-changing

scholarships

Two more lucky St Andrew’s College students have had the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build character, and face some exciting challenges, thanks to the generosity of Old Collegian, Ben Gough (OC 1991), who funds annual scholarships for a Year 11 student to attend Spirit of Adventure, and a Year 12 student to take part in Outward Bound.

Jacob Giles (now Year 12) was awar ded the scholarship to spend 10 incredible days on the Spirit of Adventure, sailing around the Hauraki Gulf.

He is full of gratitude for the lifechanging experience, saying it helped him to feel more confident in himself and his abilities. “I can push myself further to try new things now and am much more confident meeting new people.”

Highlights of his adventure include climbing the ship’s 30m mast, steering the ship, visiting several stunning beaches on Great Barrier Island where they also tramped to the top of Mt Hobson, and eating amazing food. “Being in the ocean for such a long time was a new experience for me but I quickly found my footing and settled in. I was most nervous about talking to all these new people, however it wasn’t an issue as everyone was in the exact same boat – literally.”

Jacob would like to thank the Ben Gough Foundation for the ‘incredible’ opportunity. “I was able to explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf region, make new friendships, and most of all, create lifelong memories. I encourage everyone with even a slither of interest to apply for the scholarship. You won’t get another opportunity like this.”

The Outward Bound Scholarship saw Neisha McKenzie (now Year 13) take part in a 21-day course at Anakiwa in January. When she heard she had won the scholarship, Neisha says she was excited about the new experiences and people she would meet, but was a bit nervous about being away from family and friends for so long.

However the personal growth she experienced during her adventure made it all worthwhile, she says. “I have a better understanding of my physical and mental limits after doing Outward Bound, and am a lot better at dealing with unknown and scary situations. I am also better at focusing when under stress, and being able to relax and think when I get nervous about things.”

Sailing was the biggest highlight of her experience. “I loved the sailing. It was so much fun to be out on the water with everyone, and cool to learn how to sail.”

The most challenging part of her experience was also on the water –learning to kayak with a spray skirt, she says. “I had never used a spray skirt before, and was scared of get ting trapped under water and not being able to get back out.”

Neisha encourages all students to consider applying for a Ben Gough Family Scholarship, especially if it is something they would not normally do. “After doing Outward Bound, I am more confident in my abilities and much more positive and willing to give unknown things a go. I gained so much from it, made new friends and had many new experiences. I’m so grateful to the Ben Gough Family Foundation for this amazing opportunity.”

Jacob Giles (Year 12 – right) on board Spirit of Adventure in Katherine Bay on Great Barrier Island.

Neisha McKenzie (Year 13 – front row second left) at the Outward Bound base in Anakiwa with other participants.

difference making a Volunteers

St Andrew’s is lucky to have a team of wonderful volunteers who assist in many different areas at the College.

The time and expertise they give ensures the wheels keep turning on everything from events, sporting fixtures, productions, Ballet, and cultural activities, to the Year 9 Cl ass Parent Programme, camps, the PTA, Cafeteria, Second-hand Uniform Shop, community projects, fundraising, and more.

Director of Development, Miranda Newbury, says each year, St Andrew’s needs to find more volunteers, to replace those who leave when their children finish their education. “We really value the contribution volunteers make to the College. Some of the roles only require a few hours’ commitment, or even just one day a year. We love to hear from parents who have some time to give, and who might want to feel more connected to the community through volunteering.”

Around 40 parents answered the call for new volunteers which went out via email early in Term 1. The Year 9 Cl ass Parent Programme, which sees two parent volunteers per class organise four family oriented activities each year, is being reimagined so it can go ahead under COVID-19 restrictions. The once a term, hosted meetings for class volunteers with the Director of Development, will be hosted online in the meantime.

Miranda says volunteers offer ‘immense’ value to St Andrew’s College. “Building relationships with people within our community who generously donate their time, creates savings for the College, and develops tighter, closer bonds, with stronger community engagement. We are grateful to them all.”

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?

Fill out the online volunteer form at stac.nz/Volunteer The Development team will help you to determine which volunteering positions would suit you best. A Police Vetting Clearance is required for all volunteers.

A star behind the scenes

The last of her four children may have left St Andrew’s in 2019, but that hasn’t stopped Nicky NewmanStick from continuing to be a highly valued volunteer at the College. She started helping with musical theatre at St Andrew’s when her two youngest children, Louis Newman (OC 2018 – Pipe Major) and Juliette Newman (OC 2019 – Head Girl), became involved.

“I’m part of a small team with Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, Sylvia Campbell and Karen Smith, who work behind the scenes for all the productions. I’m in charge of the hair-dos, which is fabulous. It’s lots of fun and I love giving back to the College.”

Creating memorable hairstyles for the stage may be one of the least well known volunteer roles at St Andrew’s, and it is just one of many ways in which Nicky has supported the College over the years. She first became a volunteer when her older children, Ellen Stick (OC 20 08) and George Stick (OC 2010), joined the Pipe Band. “I was in charge of record keeping for the parent committee’s monthly meetings, and my husband, Ed Newman, and I were involved with lots of fundraising and work behind the scenes. This continued when Louis and Juliette also joined the Pipe Band,” says Nicky.

Juliette took part in Ballet from Years 5–13, and kapa haka from Years 6–11, and Nicky, who is a talented sewer, made numerous costumes for both. She also served on the Events Committee, which arranges parent volunteers to host big events at the College, and still likes to help when COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Nicky says being a parent volunteer is a great way to gain more insight into the College, and get to know other parents. “It’s also a wonderful way to support your children in their interests and pursuits. Would I recommend becoming a volunteer to other parents? Absolutely.”

Cafeteria volunteers, Renee Brook, and Nita Young, serve a customer.

Nicky Newman-Stick (right) creating a beautiful hairstyle for Estee Wilke (currently Year 13) for the 2019 Middle School Production, Peter Pan

Cultural

catch up

Late 2021*

Ballet

Siara Clarke (Year 10), Eilish Johns (Year 10), Charlotte Brown (Year 12), Riley Lyons (Year 11), Mei-Lin McClelland (Year 12) and Anja Sander (Year 12) were awarded Scholarship Nominations following the New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD) Ballet examinations, recognising them as amongst the top dancers of their level in New Zealand.

Bandquest

Student band, Unspoken, comprising Lucia Marshall, Annie Young, Ethan Lam, Emily Woodgate (all Year 8) and George Flanagan (Year 7) were Bandquest regional winners for Christchurch, winning a $400 prize for St Andrew’s and an opportunity to compete for the national title. At the national competition, Ethan Lam was named Best Guitarist.

Highland Dance

Julie Hawke School of Highland Dance held a very successful endof-year production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall in December. The two shows included performances from 30 St Andrew’s College students and Old Collegians.

* Please note the use of 2021 year groups.

Ballet Academy Production Festival of Dance

The St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy proudly presented its Festival of Dance with six concerts held over two weeks in November, showcasing the impressive talents of dancers aged 5–17 years.

Due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown in Term 3, Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Dr Car olyn Cairns, changed direction for this season, to provide dancers with a performance experience, while planning to accommodate smaller audiences as required under Alert Level 2 restrictions. There were two concerts for each group: Junior Preparatory School Years 1–4,

Senior Preparatory School Years

5–8, and Secondary School dancers in Years 9–13. The Ballet Academy tutors, special choreographic guests, and the dancers, all did such a wonderful job of making these events a success during these difficult times. The chance to perform was appreciated by all, and the concerts were very well received.

Ballet Academy Summer School

In late January, 45 St Andrew’s Ballet Academy dancers enjoyed a two-day intensive programme of ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, national, and choreography with our St Andrew’s College Ballet tutors, held in four onsite venues. This kick started the year with technique and the chance for Ballet students to catch up with fr iends.

Cello

Christine Jeon (Year 11) was third at the National Strings Competition, which was a significant achievement for a student in Year 11. This is New Zealand’s toughest competition for string players and is open to anyone born after 1995. This means, at age 15, Christine was competing against the very top string performers in New Zealand aged up to 25 years old. Christine was by far the youngest contestant, presenting a demanding repertoire. She also won the popular Peoples’ Choice Award after receiving the most votes online for her performances.

better at all aspects of the music production process is fantastic. Hayden Lam completed my Mixing Techniques for Teachers Intermediate Level course in 2021, which is an online course I run for New Zealand and Australian teachers. This is a pretty amazing achievement for a student who was only in Year 10 at the time. As a result, his understanding of the music production process is about as advanced as any high schooler anywhere.”

New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra

Grace Lawrence (Year 12) was selected as Concertmaster of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO) for 2022. This is one of the top achievements in New Zealand secondary school classical music, and Grace is only the second St Andrew’s College student to have been selected to this position. Five St Andrew’s students were selected to play with the NZSSSO in 2022 – Miu Kim, Jasmine Hooker, Hansen Hong (all Year 9), Jessica Drury, Ryan Gu and Anya Fang (both Year 8)

Music

Christchurch earthquake anniversary music video

To commemorate the anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake in February, the band, Black Wired, comprising Year 11 students Hayden Lam (drums), Tamaroa Connelly (bass), and Chantelle Xiong (vocals), Year 10 student, Sam McAlister (guitar) and Year 9 student, Ethan Lam (guitar), wrote, recorded, and mixed a beautiful song called Closing In. The students created a compelling music video to accompany the song, with the support of their parents who assisted with the filming and editing. The video has had over 1500 views on YouTube. Bl ack Wired have been together for several years, and have gone to a new level with the addition of vocalist, Chantelle Xiong, in 2021, says Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson. “They are one of the hardest working bands at St Andrew’s. Their dedication to their music and getting

Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 7) w as awarded the Pettman National Junior Academy of Music Scholarship to take part in the 2022 Pettman National Junior Academy of Music. The programme provides lessons, classes, and performance opportunities throughout the year.

Black Wired in a scene from their music video.

Grace Lawrence (Year 12)

Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 7)

Christine Jeon (Year 11)

Pipe Band

Georgia Eagle (Year 12) is only the second female Drum Sergeant of the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band in it s 103-year history.

The Pipe Band has had many events cancelled in recent months, but the tutors found a different approach to keeping students engaged. Several students competed in the World Online Solo Championship Fall 2021 with huge success throughout piping and drumming events. The Pipe Band also had high participation in an internal In-House solo event, suited to all students’ experience and ability levels.

World Online Solo Championships

– top three placegetters:

Grade 4 Piping

• Sam Foote (Year 9): first Strathspey/Reel, Jig and Alasdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March Ages 13 and 14;

• Camer on Sharpe (Year 8): first 6/8 March, third Alasdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March Age 12 or younger;

• Anthony Song (Year 7): second Al asdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March Age 12 or Younger, third Str athspey/Reel;

• Ryl an Cliff (Year 10):

second Al asdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March Ages 13 and 14.

Snare Drumming

• Connor Higgs (Year 12): second Gr ade 1 6/8 March, Hornpipe/Jig, third March, Strathspey and Reel, second Grade 2 March, Strathspey and Reel, 6/8 March, Hornpipe/Jig;

• Ethan Higgs (Year 10): third Grade 2 March, Strathspey and Reel, 6/8 March, Hornpipe/Jig, third Grade 3 6/8 March.

A number of St Andrew’s College pipers have had success in two online competitions based in Gordonstoun School, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Seattle, USA for the World Online Championships. Both events were judged by world-class judges and the pipers have had great feedback and results. Daniel Liu (Year 9) featured as the overall champion in Grade 4 snare drumming and Cameron Sharpe (Year 8) as piping Grade 4 Overall Champion with strong performances. Those to achieve top three placings were:

World Online Championships Spring Piping

• Cameron Sharpe (Year 8): Grade 4 Overall Champion, first Piobaireachd, Alasdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March 12 and Under, second 2/4 March, 6/8 March, third Str athspey/Reel, Jig;

• Anthony Song (Year 7): first 2/4 March, Strathspey/Reel, Jig, second Grade 4 Overall, Alasdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March 12 and Under;

• Ryl an Cliff (Year 10): first 6/8 March, second Jig, Strathspey/Reel, third Grade 4 Overall;

• William Nicholls (Year 7): first 2/4 March, third Alasdair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March 12 and Under.

Snare Drumming

• Daniel Liu (Year 9): Grade 4 Overall Champion first 2/4 March, 6/8 March, second Jig, third March, Strathspey/Reel, third Grade 3 Overall.

Gordonstoun School (Scotland)

Online Competition Piping

• Sam Foote (Year 9): Grade A second Hornpipe/Jig, third March, Strathspey/Reel;

Values and Culture

• Anthony Song (Year 7): Grade B second 2/4 March. 43 Regulus

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD SPECIALISTS

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & BUILD SPECIALISTS

Maadi for St Andrew’s Gold

There may not have been the usual packed crowds at this year’s Aon Maadi Cup Secondary Schools’ Rowing Championships due to COVID-19 restrictions, but there was still high excitement from an enthusiastic contingent of parents and supporters on the shores of Lake Ruataniwha, as St Andrew’s rowers once again did themselves and the College proud.

In near perfect conditions, St Andrew’s crews reached 11 A finals and two B finals, winning one gold and two silver medals.

Georgia Thomson (Y13) and Friederica Todhunter (Y12) delivered an outstanding performance on the final day of the regatta to power to a gold medal in the Girls’ U17 Double. It was a welldeserved victory for the pair, who rowed an incredible regatta. It was also a great way for Georgia Thomson to end her Maadi career, after her gold medal win in the Girls' U16 Single Sculls last year.

The double celebrations continued for Georgia and Friederica, as they also picked up silver in the Girls’ U17 quad, along with Sophie McNee (Y13), Amy Hughes (Y12) and coxswain, Isobel Forsey (Y11). The girls rowed extremely

James McLaren, Sam Long, Angus Hill, Tom Rutherford, and Emily Davis (coxswain) winning a silver medal, after a narrow defeat to Mount Albert Grammar School. This was an outstanding achievement against the best senior boy rowers in the country.

Just out of the medals were Luke Skinner, Jack Pitts, Charles Butterfield, William Long, Benjamin Ashman, William Voice, Sam Gamble, Jake Burrowes and William Tavendale (all Y11), who rowed a great race to finish fourth in the Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight.

In the premier event, the Boys’ U18 Coxed Eight, the St Andrew’s crew rowed extremely well to make the final and achieved a highly creditable seventh place.

done a great job with support from

Top: The silver medal winning Springbok Shield crew (left to right) coxswain Emily Davis, Tom Rutherford, Angus Hill, Sam Long, and James McLaren (all Y13).

Below: The Girls’ U17 Quad crew with their silver medals (left to right) Sophie McNee, Georgia Thomson (both Y13), Freiderica Todhunter, Amy Hughes (both Y12), Isobel Forsey (Y11).

Maadi Cup A Finals results:

• Georgia Thomson (Y13) and Friederica Todhunter (Y12): gold in the Girls’ U17 Double;

• James McLaren, Sam Long, Angus Hill, Tom Rutherford, Emily Davis (all Y13): silver in the Boys U18 Coxed Four Springbok Shield;

• Geor gia Thomson, Sophie McNee (both Y13), Friederica Todhunter, Amy Hughes (both Year 12) Isobel Forsey (Y11): silver in the Girls’ U17 Coxed Quad;

• Luke Skinner, Jack Pitts, Charles Butterfield, William Long, Benjamin Ashman, William Voice, Sam Gamble, Jake Burrowes, Will Tavendale (all Y11): fourth in the Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight;

• Lachlan Odlin, Brodie Flett, Spencer Wel sford, Andrew Greig, Sam Moorhead (all Y12): sixth Boys’ U17 Coxed Four;

• Char les Butterfield, Jack Pitts, William Long, Sam Gamble, Jonty Pye (all Y11): sixth Boys’ U16 Coxed Four;

• Angus Hill, Tom Rutherford, Sam Long (all Y13), Charles Butterfield (Y11), Ethan Allison, Fergus Rutledge, James McLaren (all Y13), Cameron Scott (Y12), Emily Davis (Y13): seventh Boys’ U18 Coxed Eight;

• Ros a Hill, Libby McNee, Gretal Tavendale, Abby Baxter (all Y11), Katie Steel (Y12): seventh Girls’ U16 Coxed Quad;

• Andrew Greig, Brodie Flett (both Y12), Oliver McDonald (Y13), Lachlan Odlin, Cameron Scott, Thomas MacLean, Spencer Welsford, Michael Brownlie, Sam Moorhead (all Y12); eighth Boys’ U17 Coxed Eight;

• Luke Skinner, Jack Burrowes, Benjamin Ashman, William Voice, William Tavendale (all Y11): eighth Boys’ U16 Coxed Four;

• Tom Rutherford, Angus Hill (both Y13): scratched from the Boys’ U18 Coxless Pairs final to reduce workload following recovery from COVID-19 infection.

South Island Championships success

In addition to their three-medal haul at Maadi Cup, St Andrew’s College rowing crews had a stellar season on the water, with a highlight being the Boys’ U18 Eight winning the South Island Secondary Schools’ Championships event for only the second time in the club’s history. What made the victory even more impressive was the overall age of the team, with Year 11 students, Charles Butterfield, Angus Hill and Jack Pitts, joining Year 12 students, Cameron Scott and Lachlan Odlin, and Year 13 rowers, Tom Rutherford, Sam Long, Ethan Allison, and coxswain Emily Davis, in the medal winning crew.

Ethan Allison, Angus Hill, Tom Rutherford, Sam Long and Emily Davis (all Y13) backed up to win the other big title of the regatta – the Boys' U18 Coxed Four, which set them up well for their later success at Maadi Cup.

The Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight Crew, Luke Skinner, Jack Pitts, Charles Butterfield, William Long, Coby Good, William Voice, Sam Gamble, Jake Burrowes and William Tavendale (all Y11) also did incredibly well to win gold.

St Andrew’s College made 24 A Finals, won three gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals overall at the regatta, and finished third overall behind Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Wakatipu High S chool.

Other regattas

The St Andrew’s Rowing Club‘s season kicked off in December 2021, with two training camps and the Otago Championships Regatta, where crews performed extremely well, making 31 A Finals, and winning the Girls’ U17 Coxed Pair, the Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight, the Men’s Club Coxed Four, the Men’s Intermediate Coxed Eight, and the Men’s Premier Coxed Eight.

January camps and the Canterbury Championship Regatta followed, which was a great two days of racing in near

perfect conditions. St Andrew’s won the Men’s U19 Coxed Four, Girls’ U17 Coxed Four, Girls’ U17 Coxed Paid, and the Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight.

The South Island Club Championships was the first big medal regatta for the season, where the College’s rowers had the opportunity to race against the best rowers in the South Island. A number of North Island crews also joined the regatta after their club championships were cancelled. Unfortunately, the entire programme could not be completed due to weather, however St Andrew’s College crews managed to win gold in the Men’s U19 Coxed Four, the Girls’ U17 Coxed Four, and the Boys’ U16 Coxed Eight.

At the New Zealand Rowing Club Nationals, St Andrew’s crews won gold in the Men’s U18 Four, silver in the Men’s U18 Eight, and bronze medals in the Mixed Eight and Women’s Club Double, which were outstanding achievements.

A group of 12 senior rowers took part in the National Championships regatta at Twizel, rowing for the Avon Club, in an adult grade competition. This small team achieved an impressive four top three performances in A Finals, including gold in the Boys’ U18 Coxed Four, silver in the Boys’ U18 Eight, bronze in the Women’s Club Double, Girls U18 Coxed Quad, and Mixed Male and Female Senior Eight.

At the South Island Junior Rowing Regatta, St Andrew’s qualified for 20 A Finals, with six crews winning top three ribbons.

Director of Rowing, Guy Williams, says the coaches and rowing staff are very proud of the St Andrew’s rowing squad this season. “The team showed character and class walking towards the challenges of a unique season. Our parents and staff were also amazing, dealing with the ever changing season. A big thank you to all involved.”

The young St Andrew’s U18 Coxed Eight after winning the South Island Championship. from left) Lachlan Odlin (Y12), Ethan Allison (Y13), Cameron Scott (Y12), Charles Butterfield (Y11), Emily Davis (Y13), Jack Pitts, Angus Hill (both Y11), Sam Long and Tom Rutherford (both Y13).

A successful season on the water

Sports round up

Late 2021*

Basketball

Five St Andrew’s College students and several coaches were involved in the Mainland Eagles Community Coaches clinic during the holidays, which brought together the best secondary school players from across the South Island. Three students, Lauren Whittaker (Y11), Karereatua Williams (Y12) and Jackson Rhodes (Y13), were selected as ‘Camp Performance Athletes’.

Canterbury Primary and CAIM Schools Duathlon

Two Year 8 students finished in the top fi ve at the Canterbury Primary and CA IM Schools Duathlon at Ruapuna Raceway. They were William Crawford (third) and Sasha McIntyre (fourth).

CrossFit

Alys Scott (Y12) was crowned CrossFit National Champion 2021 in her division (Teen 16 to 17-year-old female) at the CrossFit New Zealand Nationals at the end of 2021. She is aiming to qualify for a spot in her division to compete at the CrossFit Games in Wisconsin, USA later this year, where the top 10 teens in the world will participate.

Equestrian

At the Pony Club Zone 5 Games, Georgia Lewis (Y8) and Gemma Lewis (Y11) won the Open Pairs (U25). Gemma was selected in the Canterbury A team (U25) and Georgia in the Canterbury B team (U25) to represent Canterbury against other regional teams.

Futsal

The Junior Girls’ futsal team beat Papanui High School 7–3 in their final to finish as the top regional team in 2021.

Karting

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

Motorcycling

Shey Doerner-Corson (Y8) was third in the Junior Class at the Nut Buster Extreme Enduro event.

Multisport

Benjamin Ferrier (Y13) was first in the U17 category and was second overall at the Valley Ultra Run, in and around the Craigieburn Valley area.

Netball

Karereatua Williams (Y12) and Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y11) were selected for one of three Netball New Zealand National Development Camps.

Polo

Tom Turner (Y12) scored three of the five goals in the New Zealand Schools’ team’s 5–1 win over the New Zealand Barbarians team, which had Bradley Pugh (OC 2018) as a member.

Rugby

St Andrew’s College was presented with the Press Cup in the Canterbury Schools’ Rugby Competition for the Best Total Aggregate Points across all the College teams.

1st XV player Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (Y13) was selected into the Hurricanes U20 Development Squad for 2022.

Tennis Finlay Emslie-Robson (Y12) was second in the Men’s singles at the Canterbury Open Kiwi Money Tournament.

At the ITF World Tennis Tour – J5 event, Duncan McCall (Y11) won the Boys’ doubles competition with partner Jordan Edwards. Finlay Emslie-Robson (Y12) was runner-up in the Boys’ singles.

St Andrew’s tennis players performed well at the Years 9–10 Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Tennis Championships, Ricky Kotepong won the Year 9 Boys’ singles and the Boys’ doubles with Alasdair McCall, who was third in the singles competition. Lily McHarg was second in the Year 9 Girls’ singles. In the Year 10 section, Felix Parkinson and Josh Silcock were third in the Boys’ doubles, and Felix Parkinson was fourth in the singles. Cherry Zhou and Madison Hughes were second in the Girls’ doubles.

The Junior Girls futsal team were 2021 regional champions.

Alys Scott (Y12)*

At the 2021 South Island Primary Schools’ Tennis Tournament, Lila Waghorn (Y8) was fifth in the singles and runner-up in the doubles in her age group.

At the 2021 Canterbury Primary and Intermediate School Tennis Championships, Lila Waghorn (Y8) won the Intermediate (Years 7–8) Girls’ doubles and was fourth in the singles competition. Jack Wheeler (Y7) won the Intermediate (Years 7–8) Boys’ doubles.

At the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Tennis Tournament, the St Andrew’s Boys’ team won the title of CPSSA Champions and the Girls’ team finished runners-up.

2022

Adventure Racing

Tom Edwards, Toby Harvie and Corin Simcock (all Y13) formed a three-man team and competed in the Open category in an adventure race organised by the North Canterbury Sports and Recreation Trust. There were three stages to the race – a mountain bike, a rogaine, and a second mountain bike. They finished first in a time of 4:30.10 hrs.

Athletics

Couper Killick (Y13) was among the youngest participants to be selected to attend a three-day

Touch

The following students were selected for the Touch Canterbury U16 and U18 teams for the 2021/2022 season:

• Canterbury U16 Boys Black Team: Harrison Mealings (Y9);

• Canterbury U16 Boys Team: Samuel Mustchin, Macklan Robertson (both Y10), Fynn Harris (Y9);

• Canterbury U16 Girls Black Team: Addison Williams, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell (all Y10);

• Canterbury U18 Girls Team: Mia McNaughton-Vincent, Karereatua Williams (both Y12);

• Canterbury U18 Boys Team: Ethan-Hayward Punivai (Y13), Thomas Ruwhiu (Y12).

Triathlon

Three St Andrew’s students competed at the Canterbury Schools’ Triathlon Championships at Lake Rua and all did exceptionally well to finish in the top four:

• U16 Boys –Max Blockley (Y11) fourth;

• U14 Boys –Adam MacFarlane* (Y9) third;

• U14 Girls –Amber de Wit (Y9) fourth.

* Please note the use of 2021 year groups.

High Performance New Zealand camp for athletics. Couper won three of the five assessments held during the camp, placing second in the other two. During the testing, he also broke a High Performance New Zealand record and is now on their recognition board, along with his childhood heroes and Olympians, Tom Walsh and Anton Cooper. At 16 years old, this is a remarkable achievement. He was also the only athlete to be given a 20-minute one-on-one session with Tom Walsh’s ex-coach, Dale Stevenson.

Corbin Revis, Spencer Hughes (both Y8)*, Oliver Connolly, Jack Wheeler (both Y7)* after winning the CPSSA Boy’s tennis championship.

Couper Killick (Y13)

Adam MacFarlane(Y9)*

New Zealand National Athletics Championships

St Andrew’s College athletes achieved outstanding results at the New Zealand National Athletics Championships, with Jonah Cropp (Y12) winning two gold medals in the U18 Grade for the 3000m and 5000m race walk. Jonah smashed his 5000m personal best time to 23:27, setting a new record, and is the current number one ranked U18 male in the country. As a result of his performances, Jonah was nominated to represent New Zealand with the U18 athletics team, which will be attending the Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay, Queensland, Australia in June. Natalia Geneblaza (Y12) also won gold in the U20 4×100m relay and took silver in the U18 triple jump; and Maia Columbus (Y13) and Scarlett Kirby (Y13) both won bronze medals in the U18 4×100m relay, and U2 0 hammer throw respectively. Full results:

• Jonah Cropp (Y12): gold medals in 3000m and 5000m race walking;

• Maia Columbus (Y13): bronze U18 4×100m relay, eighth 100m final, seventh long jump;

• Natalia Geneblaza (Y12): silver U18 triple jump, ranked second in New Zealand for U18 Women, gold in the U20 4×100m relay, fifth lo ju

attendance, and the following students were selected into the 2022 Mainland Eagles Basketball Ac ademy:

• Performance Year 13 –Madeline-Rose Morrow and Karereatua Williams;

• Performance Year 12 –Lauren Whittaker, Kavanah Lene and Mitchell Corkery;

• Adv ance Year 11 –Ella Sharpe, Molly-Belle Morrow, Ophelia Powell and Rafferty Powell.

travel to Jordan at the end of June to participate in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup.

Cricket

Rory Sloan (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand Māori Secondary Schools’ cricket team.

CrossFit

Alys Scott (Y13) participated in the NOBULL CrossFit Games Open 2022, where over 1500 girls, aged 16–17 throughout the world, competed in the online qualifier. Alys was placed first in New Zealand, first in Oceania, and 21st in the world, and qualified for the next stage of the CrossFit Games.

Cycling

Cohnor Walsh (Y9) was sixth in the Open Men’s Division in the 49km Leeston Classic cycling race.

Drone Racing

Seth Moore (Y13) was third out of a field of 21 top competitors from all over the country at the New Zealand Open Drone Racing Championships.

Ophelia Powell, Molly-Belle Morrow, Ruby Beynon and Rafferty Powell (all Y11)

At the Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour, the U17 Women’s category was won by a Canterbury Wildcats team consisting of four St Andrew’s College Year 11 basketballers – Molly-Belle Morrow, Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell and Ruby Beynon. The U17 Men’s category was won by a team consisting of four St Andrew’s College basketballers –Carter Rhodes, Hugh Kenny, Benjamin Ashman (all Y11), and Torin Ward (Y12).

The following St Andrew’s basketball players were named in representative squads for 2022:

• Canterbury U15 A team: Benjamin Ashman (Y11);

• Canterbury U15 B team: Ruby Beynon, Savannah Caulfield, Marcus Isitt (all Y11), Metua Cranwell (Y9);

• Canterbury U17 A team: Molly-Belle Morrow (Y11), Mitchell Corkery, Lauren Whittaker, Charlotte Seddon, Jett Nicholson, Kavanah Lene (Y12), Karereatua Williams (Y13);

• Nor th Canterbury U17 A team: Connor Higgs (Y12), Ella Sharpe (Y11);

• Nor th Canterbury U15 A team: Ophelia Powell, Rafferty Powell (both Y11);

• Canterbury U19 A team: Madeline-Rose Morrow (Y13).

Lauren Whittaker (Y12) and Karereatua Williams (Y13) were named in the U17 Women's National team, which will

Equestrian

Gemma Lewis (Y12) was selected to represent Canterbury in all three Canterbury Area team competitions for the 2021/22 season. The Canterbury Area dressage team placed first in the South Island and second nationally. Gemma also won the top Secondary School Intermediate rider and the top Intermediate pair with her fellow intermediate rider, placing second in the Intermediate U18 section. The Canterbury Area mounted games team placed first, both in the South Island and nationally. Gemma has also had numerous individual successes so far in 2022.

Fencing

Ryan Stewart (Y13) was selected to represent New Zealand in the Fencing Cadet and Junior World Championships in Dubai in April.

Seth Moore (Y13)

Jonah Cropp (Year 12)

Football

Outstanding footballer, Kiara Bercelli (Y13), was awarded a prestigious Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship in the class of 2022. Kiara is one of 12 young talented sportswomen to be named as a recipient, which provides financial support for the three-year programme. Each athlete is also paired up with a sporting mentor. The Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship was created in honour of the late sporting legend, and it is a great achievement for Kiara to achieve this recognition. Since winning the scholarship, Kiara has moved to Melbourne to play for a football team in the premiership grade that is just under the A League.

Karate

Jayden Okeroa (Y11) achieved his junior black belt in karate and was also awarded the Martial Artist of the Year for the Papanui and Templeton clubs.

Jayden

Gemma Thomas (Y9) won a bronze medal for Kata (12–13 years) at the Canterbury Classic Karate Competition.

Mountain Biking

William Pringle and William Crawford (both Y9) finished in the top 10 in the Torpedo7 National Mountain Biking Championships, held at the Crocodile Mountain Biking Park in the Halswell Quarry. In the U15 grade, which consisted of three laps of a very demanding and undulating course, William Pringle finished fourth in 53.35 minutes and William Crawford finished seventh in 57.01 minutes.

James Richardson (Y10) was second in the U14 boys’ downhill race at the Otago/Southland Schools’ Mountain Biking Championships, and was third in the Skyline Downhill event.

Netball

Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y12) and Karereatua Williams (Y13) were selected for three National Development Camps which took place in late January and early February, as part of Netball New Ze aland’s pathway dev elopment programme.

Polo

The St Andrew’s A polo team comprising Tom Turner, Lydia Ward (both Y13), Gemma Lewis (Y12) and Georgia Lewis (Y9) won the B Grade division at the South Island Secondary Schools Polo Tournament.

Tom Turner (Y13) and his Port Hills polo team won the Gould Cup, the leading club-level tournament in the South Island polo season. It is now likely that Tom will move up to a two-goal handicap, which is unprecedented for a player still at school.

Rugby

The St Andrew’s U15 Blue rugby 7s team were runners-up at the Canterbury Rugby Union 7s Tournament. They went down 20–15 in a close match in the final against Christchurch Boys’ High School.

Surfing

Rakiatea Tau (Y11) won the U18 event and was second in the U16 event at the Surfing Nationals in Westport.

St Andrew’s College was the overall winning team for Term 1 in the Wednesday surf league competition.

Swimming

Anthony Song (Y7) won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle, bronze in the 200m freestyle, and bronze in the 200m breaststroke at the 2022 Swimming Canterbury West Coast Junior Championships.

Rylee McBride (Y10) won two gold in the 50m and 100m butterfly, silver in 100m breaststroke, and bronze in the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke in the 13–14 Year Girls’ division at the South Island Swimming Championships. She also won seven gold medals at the Otago Long Course Swimming Championships.

Tennis

At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Tennis Championships, the Senior Boys’ team of Duncan McCall (Y12), Blake Cullen (Y13), Ricky Kotepong (Y10), Josh McPhail (Y12) and Josh Silcock (Y11) played a very close final against Christ’s College, finally beating them eight sets to seven on countback to win the first ever South Island Secondary Schools’ Senior Boys’ title for St Andrew’s College.

The Senior Girls’ team of Sophie McDermott (Y13), Lily McHarg, Ruby McPhail (both Y10), Charli Watts (Y13) and Lila Waghorn (Y9) were third at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Tennis Championships against a very competitive line up.

The New Zealand tennis rankings were published with Frank McHarg (Y5) ranked third in New Zealand for 11 years and under.

St Andrew’s College students performed well at the Canterbury Secondary School Sports Senior Tennis Championships in Year 11 and Year 12–13 grades. Results:

Okeroa (Y11)

Rakiatea Tau (Y11)

Kiara Bercelli (Y13)

• Boys Year 12–13 doubles: First place – Duncan McCall (Y12) and Blake Cullen (Y13);

• Boy s Year 12–13 singles: Duncan McCall retired injured in final, Blake Cullen third;

• Gir ls Year 11 doubles: Madison Hughes and Cherry Zhou runners-up;

• Gir ls Year 12–13 singles: Sophie McDermott (Y13) fourth;

• Boy s Year 11 consolation: Josh Silcock first;

• Boy s Year 12–13 consolation: Josh McPhail (Y12) second;

• Gir ls Year 12–13 consolation: Selena Gan (Y13) second.

Trap Shooting

At the Westland Provincials two-day competition against a strong field, Connor Higgs (Y12) won the Junior Points Score competition with a score of 72 out of 75, was second in the overall B Grade contest, and fourth in the B Grade Single Barrel contest. In the Junior Highest Overall competition, Connor finished fourth in a field of 21 shooters. His brother Ethan, and father Stephen, also took part in the competition.

Triathlon

At the South Island Secondary Schools’ Triathlon and Duathlon Championships, Max Blockley (Y12) was second in the Senior Boys’ individual triathlon event, which involved a 750m ocean swim, a 20 km cycle, and a 5km run.

Volleyball

The Senior A Girls’ volleyball team finished sixth at the Mainland

Championships Competition for the top secondary school volleyball teams in the South Island.

At the South Island Satellite Volleyball Championships, the Girls’ Senior B team won silver in Division 2, the Girls’ Senior C team won bronze in Division 3, and the Boys’ Senior A team did well against some strong opposition, competing against the top teams in the S outh Island in Division 1.

School Secondary Athletics

Sports Day

The House Athletics Sports Day was held in late March, with a limited field of athletes taking part due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite it being a smaller event, the track events and field events were highly competitive, and the finals were, in a lot of cases, very close. Several standout performers won three or four titles each.

South Island tennis champions, from left, Duncan McCall (Y12), Blake Cullen (Y13), Josh McPhail (Y12), Josh Silcock (Y11), and Ricky Kotepong (Y10).

President Message from the

Colin Watson 100 celebrates turning

On Wednesday 30 March, Colin Watson (1940) one of the oldest living Old Collegians and boarders at St Andrew’s College, had a special celebration with family and friends to mark his 100th birthday.

As another year has quickly got underway at the College, so have plans for our Old Collegian events in 2022. As we’ve learnt over the last two years, COVID-19 can rear its head and cause plans to change rapidly. In the current circumstances, we have unfortunately been unable to hold some reunions, as our priority remains the health and well-being of our members when we make decisions. We do have a full calendar planned however, and with only immediate events being postponed, we remain hopeful that we will be inviting members of our community back to the College very soon.

With Founders’ Day looking a little different this year, with an online Founders’ Day film replacing the traditional in-person assembly and Highland Games, we were pleased we were still able to present the GAM Hilson Memorial Accounting/ Economics Award to Alex Ying (Year 13) and the Henry Dowling Memorial French Award to Corin Simcock (Year 13) for their achievements in Year 12 in 2021. The Founders’ Day celebrations, as always, showcased the remarkable amount of talent at the College.

I also ask that you take the time to check your details in the Old Collegians Directory are updated so we can contact you for relevant events and reunions. Please also send us any news of the achievements of our Old Collegians so we can continue to celebrate the success of others from a distance for now

Stay safe and well.

Meg Black (2010) OCA President

Colin came off the family farm at Methven to board at St Andrew’s as a fourth former in 1937. He has vivid memories of his time at the College and says it was ‘fairly tough’ boarding in the old Rutherford House in those days. “We had to have a cold bath every morning. All the boys would go down the corridor with nothing on, have a bath, come back, and get dressed. In the winter they had to put the water in the baths the night before, as the pipes would often freeze and there would be no water in the morning. You also had to ‘toe the line’ in the boarding houses, or you got the cane,” he says.

Like all the farmers’ sons at the time, Colin took the Agriculture course at St Andrew’s. “I always felt that I lost the opportunity to do a better course.” He was a talented young athlete, playing in the 1st XV in both his years at the College and winning two cross country championships. “In my second year in the 1st XV we had a wonderful trip to Dunedin by train to play John McGlashan College. I had never been anywhere near Dunedin before that.” Colin’s wool classing at St Andrew’s was al so top notch. He won the

Colin Watson (1940)

Mr Burn’s Special Prize for Junior Wool Classing in 1937 and received a First Class in his Wool Classing examinations in 1938.

Colin remembers the boys at St Andrew’s ‘all decked out’ for territorial training and rifle drills in the first week of each school year. He later joined the RNZAF and got his flight wings during training in Canada, but just missed active service during WWII due to his age.

Colin took over the family farm in 1952 and farmed it until his retirement in 1985. He lives independently in a flat at Methven House, and apart from three midday meals delivered each week , still looks after himself.

The Watson family has a long, proud history at St Andrew’s, with Colin’s son Richard Watson (1971), grandson Henry Watson (2009), son-in-law Bruce Nell (1967 – married to Colin’s daughter Lyn), grandson James Nell (1995), and great-grandson Henry Nell (Year 9) all attending the College. “I’ve been back to St Andrew’s a few times for reunions. It’s a marvellous school now, doing great things and with wonderful opportunities for young people. The Headmistress is doing a great job.”

Colin Watson (front right) in the 1938 St Andrew’s College 1st XV.

10 reunion Years On

Class of 2007–2011

On Thursday 11 November, the College welcomed back a group of 67 Year 13 lea vers from 2011. This group had endured a tough final year at the College due to the February 2011 earthquake which not only caused major damage across Canterbury, but also severely impacted the usual routines at the College. However, this was a very resilient year group, and during Rector Christine Leighton’s address in the Centennial Chapel, prior to the cocktail function, she reflected on the parallels the current Year 13 s tudents of 2021 have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was their first time in the Centennial Chapel for most of the group, and many commented on what a beautiful space it was. They mo ved on to a wonderful cocktail function in Strowan House, where the guests reunited and reminisced. A particular highlight was the Earthquake Exhibition in Strowan House, which brought back many memories for the returnees, marking a hugely significant year in their lives they will never forget.

London reunion

Peter Goodman (1965) kindly organised a get together of Old Collegians in London earlier this year and is hoping to organise another catch up in the summer. The small group who enjoyed the evening were (from left) Andrew Sharp (1958), the College’s first girl, Elizabeth Dumergue (1992), Peter Goodman (1965), Alex Bond (2010) and Sam Williams (2014).

Events

for 2022

These dates are subject to change.

Auckland Regional Reunion

Thursday 2 June

1st XV Rugby Reunion

1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012

Saturday 18 June

40 Years On Reunion

Classes of 1981–1985 and 1982–1986

Friday 1 July – Saturday 2 July

50 Years On Reunion

Class of 1972–1976

Friday 29 July – Sunday 31 July

OCA Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 10 August

OCA Annual Dinner

Friday 12 August

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

10 Years On Reunion

Class notes

Dr Ron Jones (1957), a retired gynecologist, obstetrician, and former professor at the University of Auckland, has been awarded the 2022 Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr Jones is being honoured for his role in exposing one of the biggest medical scandals in New Zealand’s history, around cervical cancer screening. He was part of a group of three Kiwi doctors who exposed ethical abuses in a study examining cervical carcinoma in situ, or CIS, in what was later called the ‘unfortunate experiment’.

Marty Kain (2006) was selected for the US A Twenty20 International cricket squad and made his debut against Ireland in December 2021.

Sam Blakelock (2007) lives in Los Angeles where he co-founded Pickup Music, a leader in online education, teaching 20,000 students worldwide how to play guitar. Previously, he studied his Masters of Music in New York City and worked in marketing at Carnegie Hall before growing a social media following of one million musicians on Instagram.

Damien Rowse (1997) is part of Rainbow Awakening, a collective of gay men who wish to honour the memory of loved ones lost to AIDS. They offer a shared meal and sharing circle every day in central Auckland. Pr ior to this, Damien was based in India for six years helping to build a gay ashram.

Squadron Leader Mike Ward (2007) has served in the Royal Air Force since 2009. He is currently a Flight Commander on IX (Bomber) Squadron flying the Eurofighter Typhoon and is based at RAF Lossiemouth in north-east Scotland. IX (B) Squadron are famed for sinking the German battleship Tirpitz, in November 1944 and they currently hold the UK Aggressor role; training UK and US front line units to fight and win against a peer adversary. Pr ior to his promotion, Mike served on Number 6 Squadron and as a Qualified Weapons Instructor on Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, the oldest airborne fighting unit in the world. In this role, Mike was deployed on numerous operational tours in Iraq, Syria, and the Falkland Islands, conducted Quick Reaction Alert in the UK and the South Atlantic, and took part in exercises all over the world from the Middle East to the USA. As a hangover from his days at St Andrew’s College, Mike has taken to all things Scottish from golf to haggis. He enjoys the travel and the unique experiences offered with the RAF and living overseas. In 2020, Mike achieved a Masters Degree in Aerosystems specialising in Air Operations and Tactics from Staffordshire University. He is soon to move to the Middle East to continue teaching on the Typhoon to the United Kingdom’s defence partners.

Many kids grow up dreaming about space and rockets, Christopher Scott (2008) is now living that dream working at Rocket Lab leading the development of the first and second stage Rutherford rocket engine. After studying a Bachelor and Masters of Mechatronics Engineering, focusing on biomedical and aerospace applications, Christopher spent a few years working in commercial aviation. He then joined Martin Aircraft, a startup developing a prototype jetpack, where he was responsible for the testing and verification of the flight control systems on the jetpack. This role was critical for flight support and resulted in multiple deployments to China to support flight demonstrations of the prototypes to VIP and government officials. Christopher then joined Rocket Lab as a propulsion operations engineer. This switch of discipline from avionics to propulsion enabled Christopher to understand the intricacies of the Rutherford engine and how it interacts with the Electron vehicle. At Rocket Lab he has been involved in engine hotfire tests, vehicle tests, launch operations and anomaly investigations as a subject matter expert. He now leads the team of engineers responsible for the development of the Rutherford engine, from design through production and launch. When you watch the Electron launch from Mahia, you can see (and hear) his team’s hard work as it boosts to space.

Jackson Stent (2011) has signed with the Canterbury Rams in the New Zealand National Basketball League. Jackson attended St Andrew’s College until Year 10, then moved up to Westlake Boys’ High School under our Teacher in Charge of Basketball, Ben Eves. Jackson has been studying and playing within the basketball programme and coaching at Houston Baptist University.

Dr Ron Jones

Damien Rowse

Sam Blakelock

Christopher Scott

Jackson Stent

Regulus

Old Collegians

Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (2013) accepted the role of St Andrew’s College Ballet Academy Patron. Joshua is a role model of excellence for the Academy’s dancers. As part of the role, he will be co-choreographing a small portion of the new Company Ballet Syllabus with Dr Carolyn Cairns.

Harry Grigg (2014) won The Maureen Lehane Vocal Awards 2021, held in Frome, England, in December. This is a singing competition for young artists aged 22–30 inclusive, presenting a programme of Wishart and Handel.

Samuel Gilbert (2016) was named in the 2022 Highlanders rugby squad and Raymond Nu’u (2015) was named in the 2022 Melbourne Rebels squad at the end of 2021. Shilo Klein (2017) and Richie Mo’unga (2012) were both selected for the Crusaders squad.

Kelera Nawai-Caucau (2016) made her debut as Trident Homes Tactix player 69 in Round 1 of the 2022 ANZ Premiership. Kelera, who was born in Fiji, came to New Zealand on a scholarship to St Andrew’s in 2014. Her excellent season with the Pulse last year has led to her joining the Tactix.

Cameron McHugh (2016) is a professional singer and musician, who with his partner, recently opened a per forming arts school, THESPA – the only school in Taranaki offering training in all aspects of performing arts. The new school attracted over 80 students in its first week. Cameron took Drama and Music at St Andrew’s and had leading roles in various productions, including playing an incredible Emcee in the 2016 Senior Production, Cabaret In 2019, he graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA), where he developed a strong passion for teaching and music direction, writing original music for two shows and accompanying many performances during his time there. After graduating, he went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary), as well as a certificate in vocal pedagogy and technique from New York City’s biggest vocal studio, New York Vocal Coaching. Cameron also runs his own music studio, Cameron McHugh Music, where he takes private vocal, piano, and theory lessons.

Saxon Morgan (2018) won the Mini OxMan triathlon which took place in rural North Canterbury in December 20 21.

Bella Ambrosius (2019) who is 2nd XI hockey coach at St Andrew’s, was invited to trial for the Black Sticks team.

Harrison Bradley (2019) gained a contract with the Australian Ballet, the largest and most prestigious classical ballet company in Australia.

Zak Foulkes (2020) made his debut for the Canterbury Wizards against Auckland in February.

James Tavendale and Louie Murden (2020), and Emma Inglis (2021) were all medallists at the National Rowing Championships for the Avon Rowing Club.

Lose Faingaanuku (2021) made her debut as Trident Homes Tactix player 70 in Round 1 of the 2022 ANZ Premiership. Lose had a fantastic first game, after playing in the National Netball League while she was a Secondary School student at St Andrew’s.

Harrison Smith (2016) won the esteemed Gold Medal in Law for 2020 University of Canterbury graduates. Harrison studied at the University of Canterbury and after finishing his degree, moved to Auckland to work as a judges’ clerk at the Auckland High Court. This award has been presented to Canterbury graduates since 1883 and has been won by some very prestigious lawyers over the years. The Honourable Justice Moore presented Harrison with this award in Auckland.

Zack Rumble (2017) won three gold medals at the National Rowing Championships, including the Premier Coxless Four and Double Sculls, to receive his first ‘Red Coat’ presented to winners of a premier event at the nationals. Zack and Ben Taylor (2017) will be trialling for the U23 and Winter Training squads, and Thomas Russel (2017) will be trialling for the 2022 Rowing New Zealand World Cup team.

Harrison Smith

Harrison Bradley

Cameron McHugh

Benjamin Freeman (2021) has signed with the Taranaki Mountaineers in the New Zealand National Basketball League. This is the first professional contract for Benjamin.

In February, at the Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour, the Open Men’s category was won by a team consisting of two St Andrew’s Old Collegians, Benjamin Freeman and Tanae Lavery (2021).

Isabella Galvan (2021) was named in the Southern Blast NNL netball team.

Tapenisa Havea (2021 Head Girl) won the Capital Classic Athletics Senior Women’s shot put in February. In March, she had great success at the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Hawke’s Bay, winning silver medals for both the Senior Women’s shot put and Senior Women’s discus, achieving personal bests in each discipline. She took silver in the shot put just behind Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Maddi Wesche. Tapenisa has qualified for both the shot put and discus for the Oceania and World U20 Championships.

On the first day of Term, 1 the College welcomed fourth generation students, Elliot and Oliver Wallace (Year 9), w ho are pictured with their sister, Madison (Year 10), and their father, James Wallace (1989), beside grandfather, Tony Wallace (1952). They are standing next to their great grandfather, Keith Wallace’s (1923) recognition post in the driveway of the College.

Tell us your news!

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

Obituary

forgotten but Gone not

Reginald Baker 1942

Roger Fowler 1946

Rev. William Francis 1947

Michael Rayne 1949

Gerald Bennett 1950

Norris Watson 1950

John Bristow 1950

Jim Wilson 1951

Jackson Rhodes (OC 20 21) has committed to West Virginia Wesleyan College in the USA. Jackson’s basketball scholarship ensures that he can be a student-athlete for the next four years as he undertakes his undergraduate degree.

Molly Spark (2021) competed in the brutal 2022 GODZone Adventure Race as part of Team FEAR Youth, with their age range from 16–19 years. They finished unranked, but that did not dampen the excitement they felt at the finish line of what some would describe as the toughest adventure race in the world.

Blake Theobald (2021) had his Level 3 Design folio selected for the NZQA Top Art Exhibition. This is a touring exhibition that travels New Zealand, providing an opportunity for current students to see Excellence folios from the previous year. Blake was new to Design in Year 13, so this was a fantastic achievement.

The St Andrew’s College community was saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Richards (1989) following a stroke in December at the age of 50. Malcolm had a huge heart and community spirit and was an integral member of the Fox Glacier community. He worked as a skilled glacier guide for Fox Gl acier Guiding for 17 years, as a local St John volunteer for 15 years, and on the West Coast Search and Rescue team for 15 years. He was also part of the local Civil Defence team, checking on and helping people during floods and other events. When COVID-19 hit, he worked for the Department of Conservation, fixing walking tracks. Malcolm’s deep love for the outdoors had been fostered by the Outdoor Education programme at St Andrew’s according to his obituary on Stuff Malcolm is survived by his wife, Marianna, their two boys, Pedro, 6 and Filipe, 3 who they home schooled together. Malcolm also had an older son, Lucas, 18.

Roger Mirfin 1952

Warwick Rathgen 1954

Ian Hamilton 1955

Bryan Smith 1955

Malcolm Westgarth 1957

John Willis 1957

Graham Ellis 1958

Alistair Brown 1958

Gifford Baldwin 1959

Colin Amodeo 1959

Bruce Gray 1962

Allan Bigham 1963

Douglas Goss 1966

Roderick Thomson 1966

Graham Campion 1970

Robin Gray 1970

Dean Cranefield 1974

Christopher Emeleus 1988

Scott Raumati 1989

Malcolm Richards 1989

Tapenisa Havea (left)

The Wallace family

Malcolm Richards

Regulus

Welcome world to the

Ryan Crosbie

Son of Sam Crosbie (2009 and OCA Executive Member), born 26 January 2022.

Harriet Fergusson

Daughter of Courtenay Washington (1995) and Simon Fergusson (1998), was born in November 2021. Pictured with brother William, born in 2018.

Alex Bout

Son of Robin Bout (née Spencer, 2007), born 7 June 2021.

Louisa Nethercott

Daughter of James Nethercott (2011), born 21 January 2022.

Poppy Stanbury

Daughter of Kate Stanbury (née Baker, 20 07), born 8 December 2021.

Frederick Box

Son of Gemma (née Payne, 2007) and Elliot (2005), born 17 July 2021.

Mack and Monty Hunter

Sons of Heather Andersen (2005), born 17 September 2021.

Stanley Watkins

Son of Jono Watkins (2007), born early May 20 21.

Oakley Bothamley

Son of Grace Miller (2012), born 22 July 2021.

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Agent for Bayleys Canterbury 2017-2022

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