and Founders’ Day Highland Games

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

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

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

There were some special presentations at the Founders’ Day Assembly, including the 1st XI cricket caps, and the announcement of the 2023 Robert Burns Scholars – Megan Simpson and Jack Flanagan (both Year 12) who will travel to Scotland in the September holidays to be hosted by a number of Scottish schools. This scholarship has also been curtailed by the pandemic in recent years, so there is great excitement to have this wonderful opportunity back on the College calendar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highland Games