Regulus Issue 3, 2022

NOVEMBER 2022

Editor/Writer: Jo Bailey

Photography:

Sue Oxley

Anna Turner

Thomas Hamill Photography

Basketball New Zealand

Craig Morgan

Sarah McCook-Weir

Kelly McBride

Bridget Preston

Megan Feller

Marlene Van der Bent

Printing:

Telephone: + 64 3 940 2000

(Cover) Year 13 Senior Blue Basketball members (from left to right) Angelique Doig, Madeline-Rose Morrow, Natasha Lind and Karereatua Williams.

Photo credit: Sue Oxley

Rankin Cup runner up! BOYS'

From Rector the

degree and skills in problem-solving, collaboration, connection, and creativity, but also with the attributes of compassion, gratitude, integrity and humility.

Recently I had the privilege of attending a university ceremony where our son graduated with an MSc in Engineering Geology. This qualification was completed in his late 20s while working full-time – a promising commitment to lifelong learning. Like many St Andrew’s College parents I wondered where the last 12 years had gone and felt grateful for the preparation he had at St Andrew’s to flourish in life beyond school.

It led me to reflect upon the hundreds of graduates and the various worlds of work and influence they will be heading to. What attributes will make them valuable employees? What kind of roles will give them a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction? What kind of impact will they make on the world? What values will determine the choices they make throughout the coming years? Most of the graduates I witnessed were 4–6 years post compulsory education and as holders now of undergraduate (or possibly post-graduate) qualifications, they represent around 30 per cent of the New Zealand population. There is no doubt they will be moving into careers that will shape a world with new and different challenges. It is my expectation they will enter this world armed not only with considerable knowledge from their

Gen Z are young people born between 1997 and 2012 (now aged 10–25 years) many of whom are now entering the workforce. They include the school leavers of 2017 – our St Andrew’s College centenary year, and five years out they are making their mark. Recently, I met up with two Gen Z former students, Lizzie Stevenson and Angus Syme, Head Prefects of 2017. Both came to our recent 30 years of Co-ed celebration. Lizzie is in her fifth year studying Medicine at Otago Medical School, and Angus, after completing a finance degree at Otago, is co-founder of The Flatpack Company which has been highly successful in New Zealand and is now looking to expand internationally. Lizzie and Angus are of course but two of our school leavers over the last five years who number around 1000. I feel privileged to remain connected with many students beyond school through regional or alumni events, Old Collegian gatherings or chance encounters. It is always inspiring to see where and how our Old Collegians are forging their way in the world, whatever pathway they have chosen beyond school. What impressed me about Lizzie and Angus is that they wanted to come back to our co-education celebration. They still felt connected to their school, were grateful for the opportunities they enjoyed at St Andrew’s, and mixed easily and graciously with other Old Collegians from many different year groups.

There are many unknowns about the world and society for the current Gen Z group. They certainly understand the need to look after the planet and protect it from the effects of climate change and practices that threaten sustainability. They are making personal choices about consumption, food production, travel, work life balance, equitable outcomes, and mental health – all of which will have significant impact on the quality of life for future generations.

After Gen Z comes Generation Alpha – born 2013–2024 who are likely to be looking for jobs such as UX Manager, blockchain developer, data designer, sleep technician, sustainability officer, urban farmer, or even life simplifier! The Gen A children are in our primary schools now and schools, as always, are at the front line of a bombardment of influences from technology, social media and societal expectations.

In the management of this constant change, it is very clear to me that, just like the generations of educators before us, it is our responsibility to prepare students for the world they are inheriting. High on the agenda right now is the importance of well-being for all, discernment in the use of social media, recognising the difference between reality and disinformation, and the role of social responsibility with regards to equality, opportunity and sustainability. We also recognise the call for Aotearoa to embrace diversity and inclusivity, to understand and respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Mana Ōrite. As the world becomes more technological, the skills of communication, creativity and collaboration, plus the ability to lead and work effectively in teams will also be critical to personal and professional development.

As always, the importance is balance: tradition and innovation, literacy and technology, individual rights and collective responsibility, historical perspective and future possibilities. While many educators who are already in the workforce, view the future as challenging, today’s students have grown up in a world that has shaped and prepared them for it. But today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders need clarity and guidance from those they look up to. The quality relationships between students and teachers, ākonga and Kaiako, are more critical than ever. Mutually respectful relationships are a hallmark of a St Andrew’s education and I am forever grateful for the professional and genuine care our staff at the College extend to students. As we prepare to farewell our St Andrew’s leavers at the end of this year, I feel confident the opportunities and experiences, values

and relationships, successes and challenges they have enjoyed during their time at St Andrew’s, have set them up for the next phase of learning and contributing. They will be equipped to lead the way for Generation Alpha who come after them.

Explosion of Success in Term 3

As we headed into the final term for 2022, I reflected upon the unprecedented success of a number of students throughout Term 3 across academic, sporting and cultural activities. It seems as though the restrictions of the last two-and-a-half years have driven our students to reach for the stars and believe in extraordinary possibilities. Our students have achieved national and international recognition in everything from Mathematics, poetry, basketball, hockey, football, equestrian, fencing, and

STOP PRESS ICAS Medal Awards

karate, to songwriting, chamber music, classical music, choir, and rock band. Many St Andrew’s students have also represented New Zealand in a range of academic, cultural and sporting pursuits. These achievements are highlighted in this issue of Regulus, through individual stories, the Top Student Successes on page 41, and the list of New Zealand representatives on page 43. We are extremely proud of the incredible dedication and successes of our students in 2022, the passion and pride they have shown in representing St Andrew’s, and the way they have conducted themselves outside the College gates.

Thanks Donors to our

from the Development Team

Christine Leighton Rector

Six St Andrew’s College students have achieved outstanding success, winning ICAS medals for the top mark in New Zealand for subjects in their respective year groups of the ICAS examinations. Congratulations to Matthew Bluck (Year 9 – Science), Aaron Moore (Year 11 – Science), Bryan Cooper (Year 11 – Mathematics), Daniel Robertson (Year 12 – Science), Corin Simcock (Year 13 – Science), and Toby Harvie (Year 13 – Mathematics).

This year our fundraising efforts have focused on support for the new Performing Arts Centre including the Gough Family Theatre. The $20 million facility will enhance our extensive programme which encourages hundreds of St Andrew’s students every year to develop their appreciation for and skills in the creative arts. Thank you to all our families and Old Collegians who have generously donated to this project – due for completion mid- 2023. Annual Giving this year raised over $50,000 through our St Andrew’s ‘Grab your Seat’ initiative. Our students of the future will be grateful for their state of the art facility, just as our audiences will be grateful for their comfortable seats! Further donations can be made online stac.nz/Giving2022

Theatre Seats and Notes

3 × Anonymous

Alexander Allan

Anthony Family

Alistair Cameron

Hanxi (Cicy) Chen

Xu Chen and Lyu Lei

Professor Lewis and Mrs Sharon Evans

C B B Harris

Guy Hilson (OC 1987)

Garry and Tanya Moore

The O’Byrne Family

Grahame and Glen Price

Jack Rule

Lucy Rule

Jack H G Satterthwaite

Mark Taggart and Jacqui Taggart

Warren Vette

Kevin Wang and Tyler Wang

David West (OC 1986)

Gold Note – Theatre

30 Years of Co-education at St Andrew’s College

I was delighted to attend the 30 Years of Girls celebration, in honour of all the Old Girls who have graduated from St Andrew's between 1992–2021. The vision of Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994) and the subsequent work of Barry Maister (Rector 1995–2001) laid the foundation for a school which is truly co-educational, and celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

Graham (OC 1949) and

Greg (OC 1973) Reynolds

New Strowan Members

Graham and Greg Reynolds

From Board the

On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge and thank all staff, students, parents and the wider community for their work, patience and forbearance. Without this combined effort, the year would have been much more difficult and we would have suffered even more interruption to learning and school activities.

There is a sense of some normality returning to life as we head into summer and the end of another school year.

Restrictions have lifted gradually over the course of the year and activity around the school campus has returned to busy, lively and typical levels. I was chatting about this with my sister-in-law, Anna Turner, lately. You may have come across Anna at school. She is there most days, alongside the College’s other photographer, Sue Oxley, taking photos of all the wonderful gatherings and cultural and sporting events. She’s seen not only the rise in the number and breadth of events over the past few months, but also the enjoyment, dedication and outstanding achievements that have ensued.

We recalled the assemblies in the Centennial Chapel at the start of the year with only a handful of socially distanced students and echoing voices. What a contrast with the Chapel packed with students, parents and other family at the end of Term 3 assemblies. The stunning Junior and Senior productions, winter sports tournaments, speech competitions, musical accomplishments and Film Fest are just some of the superb events that we have been able to enjoy since the pandemic restrictions lifted. It has been fantastic welcoming parents and community groups back to share these occasions, and seeing students taking part in school, local and national events.

The ISNZ (Independent Schools of New Zealand) Annual Conference resumed this year after two years of cancellation. A number of Board Members and staff flew the St Andrew's cross at this event. The theme of the conference was Remembering Our People, Our Purpose and Our Place. It was a great chance to hear from some thought provoking speakers, discuss current challenges and opportunities in the education sector, and meet with our counterparts from other independent schools. The conference included presentations on the place of innovation in independent schools, our contribution to equity, global citizenship, social impact, diversity and well-being, shifts in attracting talent and preparing students for the new world of work.

We came away with a lot to think about but also some reassurance that St Andrew's College has been thoughtfully addressing topics which are on other independent schools' minds. One speaker observed that while strength comes from tradition, a successful future comes from relevance and innovation. The same speaker noted that a 2022 survey demonstrated that students, although being digitally integrated and globally connected, learn new skills primarily from teachers (who were in number one place ahead of websites, social media sites and then parents). Teaching and learning is St Andrew's core purpose. If this core purpose can be delivered in a safe and inclusive environment, strong values and a sense of belonging can be fostered. This, in turn, creates opportunities for innovation and changes to ensure that our offering is relevant in the modern world.

ISNZ Honours Awards are given at the conference each year to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions made by staff from member schools. Only a select number of awards are given each year. We are therefore delighted to congratulate Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, who received an Honours Award for Service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award and Outdoor Education. Hamish’s dedication to this programme saw our students receive a New Zealand school record of Gold Awards last year. As I am sure many of you have experienced, outdoor education is a big part of all students' lives and has a meaningful impact for many. Well done, Hamish!

With summer approaching, we can look forward to celebrating the many endof-year events together and in person this year. Enjoy, and on behalf of the Board of Governors, all the very best for a relaxing and safe summer holiday.

Felicity Odlin Board Chair

On behalf of the Board of Governors

Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, deservedly received an ISNZ Honours Award for Service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award and Outdoor Education.

Foundation has College's in

key role future

Throughout its history, the St Andrew’s community has demonstrated incredible generosity, with significant funds gifted to upgrade and improve facilities at the College andprovide scholarship opportunities for students who may not otherwise be able to attend St Andrew’s College.

Many who have generously supported the College’s current Your Legacy, Our Future campaign will have had contact with the Development Office, who do a great job of sharing the stories of the projects and people the funds will benefit. Behind the scenes, it is the job of the St Andrew’s College Foundation to oversee the responsible management and prudent investment of the gifts and donations which flow from Old Collegians, individuals, families, and businesses connected to the College.

Foundation Chair, David Boyd, says the Foundation is one of three important pillars of the College. “We focus on the idea of collective excellence, in terms of the leadership from the Board of Governors, management of the school, and the Foundation. Each part has an important role to play, with our collective effort ensuring an exciting future for St Andrew’s in the coming decades. Feeding into this is the College community, which enables us to do these things.”

David is an experienced executive and company director, who has been involved at St Andrew’s for over 20 years as a parent and as a member of the Board of Governors serving as Deputy Chair. Prior to the Canterbury earthquakes, he was part of a team which created a Master Plan for the development of the College’s assets and buildings. The earthquakes significantly hastened

that programme, and although much of the funds came from insurance, the Foundation had a key role in the redevelopment, says David. “Alongside the astute management of the insurance claims by then Board Chair, Garry Moore, the Foundation was able to provide additional funds when needed to keep projects moving. Having the opportunity to play a part in the College’s redevelopment is a huge privilege.”

David says the professionalism and diversity of the Foundation’s trustees is a key strength, which has also led to positive restructuring over the last five years. “Former trustee, Andrew Bascand, who is highly experienced in terms of fund management, and current trustee, Matthew Lancaster, with his experience in law and corporate management, have been instrumental in raising our structure and systems to a level of excellence. Then Chair, Roger Findlay, did an great job of leading us through this phase. I took over as Chair when Roger stepped aside last year.”

Scholarship funds are also managed by the Foundation. “In the past, scholarships were funded through fees, whereas it is now our responsibility as a Foundation, to ensure we have sufficient funds to cover them on an annual basis. It’s exciting to see the immediate benefits to students from these scholarships.”

The Foundation trustees work closely with the Development Office, Board of Governors, and Executive team, and are always focused well into the future, says David. “We are investing for the long term and ensuring people can see a clear pathway in assisting the College and being part of its future. The generous donations from our community improve our environment and will benefit not just our current students, but their children too. It is very powerful to be part of that.”

St Andrew’s College Foundation Trustees (back) Mark Mulholland (OC 1973), Thomas Stanley (OC 2007), (front) Gordon McLeod, David Boyd (Chair), Richard Smith (OC 1984). Absent: Matthew Lancaster (OC 1984).

Leadership and Governance

in the Music spotlight

Music is a universal language with a powerful impact and is an integral part of life at St Andrew’s. From soaring classical and choral performances, to high energy rock bands, funky soul and jazz performers, and singer songwriters showcasing their latest work, the College community is regularly treated to students’ considerable talents.

Alongside understanding how music is put together and creating music, performance is a key pillar of the Music education programme at St Andrew’s, says Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson. “It’s important that every Music student experiences what it is like to perform in front of an audience of their peers, whether at an assembly, concert, special occasion, or even a competition.”

The overarching Music programme for students in Years 9–13 is largely the same, focused on the rudiments of music, songwriting and composition, development of aural and performance skills, and use of technology. What is different about the St Andrew’s programme is the individualised approach from Year 10 onwards,

which looks at the style of music each student is motivated and excited by, and helps them to create in that genre, says Duncan. “We look at the music they love and initially recreate techniques of that genre until they become strong enough at the craft to create and produce their own interpretation in the music. As a result, many of our Year 13 students are already producing music to a professional level and working way beyond the requirements of NCEA.”

Music students create music both individually and collaboratively. Over the last two years, around a dozen St Andrew’s students have been funded by national organisation, Play It Strange, to attend specialist tutorials with producers. “This gives the students a huge insight into not only writing a song, but how to produce it to a level that could be put on Spotify or heard on the radio. Year 13 students, Grace Lawrence, who recently won the nationwide Play It Strange songwriting competition, and Cindy Xiong, who was runner-up for the lyric award in this competition, are great examples of students who are already producing songs at this level.”

Music students at St Andrew’s are always creating music in their genres, either individually or collaboratively, and are encouraged to work on a variety of creative projects during their studies, says Duncan. “We recently asked the Year 11 and 12 students to write a fun summer jam.”

Duncan says when students get to Year 13, they work on a project based on their own areas of learning and interest. “This final year is very much about putting all the various skills and strands they have developed into a big melting pot to percolate. The students are busy getting on with their own music and inspiration, but also still influence and learn off each other.”

With Duncan named New Zealand Music Teacher of the Year in 2019, and the College’s Music Suite featuring state-ofthe-art recording equipment, opportunities for young musicians and singers at St Andrew’s have perhaps never been greater. The continued success of current and past students on both the national and international stage continues to put the highly regarded Music programme at St Andrew’s in the spotlight.

Black Wired performing at StAC Rock Night. The band went on to win the Battle of Bands Canterbury regional final against adult bands.

Hitting right the notes

Neil MacLeod (OC 2016)

Wellington-based performer, producer, and songwriter, Neil MacLeod, says he has always felt a strong connection to music, so it was a no-brainer that it be part of his education at St Andrew’s College. “I have very fond memories of the self-directed time we were allowed to spend in the studio. I learnt so much during those hours. Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson’s effort to develop a Music programme that allowed kids like me, not classically trained, to thrive in the Music Department was amazing. I’m so grateful to have had him as a teacher. He played a vital role in my early development and was a key support person during my teenage years,” says Neil.

Neil is a rising star in the electronic/alternative pop realm. When he first moved to Wellington he started collaborating with ‘amazing people’ whose mentorship helped him take the first steps towards a career in music. Neil has just released his new EP, We have Known Lost Days, via Particle Recordings, and has signed a publishing deal with Big Pop Music Publishing. “The rest of my time is spent helping other artists realise their vision through co-writing, production, and mixing work,” he says.

Alice Burnett (OC 2021)

Alice Burnett says studying Music at St Andrew’s has set her up well for her current studies towards a Bachelor of Commercial Music (Practice) at Massey University in Wellington.

“Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, had such an incredibly important role in boosting my confidence in my own abilities, providing not only guidance but so many opportunities to showcase my skills in different ways. The awesome facilities at St Andrew’s meant that I've felt really comfortable using the recording equipment here at university. I’m well versed in lots of the software I’ve needed to use this year as a part of my course,” says Alice.

Having regular opportunities to perform on stage at St Andrew’s has also proved useful for Alice’s course, which is focused on composition, performance, and engaging and collaborating with other musicians.

A talented singer/songwriter, Alice had considerable success in the Rockquest and Play It Strange competitions while at St Andrew’s, taking any chance to ‘just write something’ she says. “I loved all of the composition tasks and the opportunities to play with other people in both band settings and more one-on-one collaborations.”

Alice’s future career plans include developing her own music and eventually releasing it online.

Isaac Shatford (OC 2014)

Multi award-winning composer, violinist, and pianist, Isaac Shatford, says he took Materials Technology instead of Music to start with at St Andrew’s College, until Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, changed his mind as he headed into Year 10. “It was such a blast. I’m glad he did.”

Isaac says he never considered composition until studying NCEA Music at St Andrew’s. “If we had a crazy idea for a project, we were passionate about, we were encouraged to pursue it. It’s pretty special. I can’t name a Music Department quite as audacious. By Year 13, there was no question in my mind that I would study Music at university.”

After graduating from University of Otago with a Bachelor of Music with first-class Honours, majoring in Composition and Performance Violin, Isaac has composed music in an eclectic range of styles – from orchestral and chamber music to jazz and musical theatre. His work has been performed all over New Zealand.

He is currently working with Te Manu Tīoriori Trust, workshopping and recording his musical Ruth, which was inspired by the pandemic. “We have a stellar cast and creative team Zooming in from all over Australasia. When I’m not busy completing the underscore, I’m a permanent section violinist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.”

7 Regulus

Teaching and Learning

Te Wiki o te Reo Maori

St Andrew's College, ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff) in the Pre-school, Preparatory School, and Secondary School participated in a number of wonderful activities that explored te reo Māori and Māori culture during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori/Māori Language Week.

These included the laying down of a hāngi, a daily whakataukī challenge, te reo Māori phrase competition, playing traditional games, Māori Art Exhibition, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Assembly, tikanga Māori quiz, Secondary ākonga reading books in the Preparatory School, and kapa haka. The Year 9–10 students also enjoyed a special programme organised by Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u and his team, supported by the Year 11 Middle School Leaders, which included competitions in sports, games and creative activities, and House singing.

Among the activities in the Preparatory School, kapa haka students explored the classic waiata Poi E, with poi as well as building their repertoire of waiata and haka. A hangi was put down on the Preparatory School field and classes were invited to visit to see its various stages.

Kaiako, teachers Mary Leota and Pete Westrupp, and Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u, did a wonderful job of organising and leading the week’s celebrations.

Runner-up in New Zealand poetry competition

Lucas Te Rangi (Year 12) was one of nine

. As one of ten

poets in the country. As part of his prize, Lucas was flown to Wellington where he

I have been given the opportunity to speak about these types of issues and highlight how many Māori like myself have been disconnected. After being acknowledged for these, I have gained confidence and am encouraged to keep writing about my culture and my passion towards it. I am trying to reconnect with what I have lost and slowly relearn my language.”

“The title, echoed in the final line of the poem, is a powerful statement and one

Lucas says he feels well supported academically at St Andrew’s. “The teachers are always there to push us to be better and aim for the higher grades, and there are many opportunities for support if we are struggling.”

of the Spoken Word Competition for which he adapted for the National Schools’ Poetry Award. “Through

He says he sometimes finds it difficult not being as fluent in te reo Māori or having as much knowledge about his culture as other Māori students. “This has led to me working hard to reconnect with my cultural identity to fit in with my Māori and Pasifika peers.”

Several College-wide activities were held during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

New Maori Education

Strategy in draft phase

Over the last 15 years, St Andrew’s has been on a significant journey embracing Te Ao Māori, becoming familiar with everything from Te Reo Māori, mihi and pepeha, whakatauākī, the annual ritual of mihi whakatau, waiata, haka, karakia, and kapa haka, to growing knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, marae visits, Matariki, and this year, the introduction of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.

Rector, Christine Leighton, says the College has reached an important phase of deeper understanding of Mana ōrite mō te mātauranga Māori – equal status for Mātauraunga Māori within education for all ākonga (students). “As educators we have an urgent collective responsibility to ensure our students are well prepared and able to participate fully in their future in this changing world. To this end, I have been working on a Draft Māori Education Strategy, with JamieLee Tuuta (OC 2005) who was appointed to the Board of Governors as an intern in 2021, and is a lawyer in various roles within iwi, the community, public sector, and private practice.”

The new draft strategy focuses on key principles including whanaungatanga (respect, foster and maintain

important relationships), manaakitanga (respect to each other, guests, iwi and all others), and kaitiakitanga (protecting the people, environment, knowledge, culture, language and resources important to St Andrew’s College).

Christine says, once adopted, the Māori Education Strategy will sit alongside the College’s founding documents from 1917, in the Presbyterian Christian tradition, on which the College’s proud connections with its Scottish heritage are based. “Our narrative will honour our past as a school while recognising the part we play in shaping the future of all our students as citizens of Aotearoa.”

Māori students at St Andrew’s are doing very well academically, says Christine. “We are pleased with our Māori students’ achievements with some receiving regional and national recognition recently. Another measure of their success is feeling confident in this environment to be who they are and to celebrate their culture.”

St Andrew’s commitment to introductory Te Reo Māori and tikanga has been evident for many years through the one hour timetabled each week for all Year 9 ākonga, and similar programmes run by teacher Mary Leota in the Preparatory School.

In 2019, Pete Westrupp was employed as the Teacher in Charge of Te Reo/ Te Reo Māori, when St Andrew’s offered Te Reo as an option subject for Year 9

students for the first time. Since then, the programme has gone from strength to strength, and in 2023, will be available right up to Year 13, he says. “We are excited by the growth in the programme. This year we have 45 students across all year levels, and expect numbers to reach around 75–80 in 2023. We will start to see students graduating with Level 3 Te Reo Māori.”

Pete, along with Matua Steve Reid, and other teachers in the College are instrumental in providing a variety of important cultural experiences for students including the thriving Māori and Pasifika Group, which has been joined by a number of Pakeha students. “Students across the College are engaging with the culture and getting stuck into major projects in tikanga,” says Pete.

Christine says after huge growth, particularly in the Te Reo and tikanga space over the last five years, the formalisation of a Māori Education Strategy at a governance level is a big step forward. “We’ve learnt a lot and our students are doing some great things in this space. We understand there is still much to learn and are excited by the opportunities ahead.”

Teacher in Charge of Te Reo/Māori, Pete Westrupp (right), preparing a hangi with Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 9) and Nikao Panapa (Year 10).

StAC Unplugged now Secondary School wide

The StAC Unplugged initiative, which bans cell phone use in the Middle School during school hours, is so successful, it is has been rolled out in the Senior College, says Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein. “There is an increased privilege for Year 12–13 students, who are allowed to use their phones during interval and lunchtime in the Senior College area only. The teachers have been really supportive, and most of the students are already familiar with the programme, having participated in the Middle School.”

Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u, says there has been a noticeable increase in physical activity and engagement between Middle School students since StAC Unplugged was formally introduced at the start of 2020. “During interval and lunch we used to see students sitting in a circle on their devices. Now they are much more engaged, having conversations, or doing activities together such as playing in the Gymnasium, or kicking a ball around. The fields are packed during the breaks.”

With students’ brains ‘going at a million miles an hour’ when they are using their cell phones or social media, Mikae says they won’t get a break from it unless they are forced to. “We think there is a sense of relief for them to be disconnected for a while. We see little to no cell phone usage in the classroom these days. It is usually interval or lunchtime when students might have the odd weak moment. We have also noticed far less afternoon wobbles and withdrawals from students. T hey are a lot more focused in the classroom.”

Year 11 student, Jenna Howell, has noticed positive benefits from the phone ban. “I do get nervous that I’m missing important messages when I can’t go on my phone. However by practicing phone-free school days, I’ve been able to overcome

this. I focus much better in class when I don’t have my phone and connect better with the people around me. Overall, I’m more alert and present in my surroundings.”

Eilish Johns (Year 11) says her initial response to the phone ban was dread but her feelings have changed. “I actually don’t mind the phone ban anymore because it means I am less reliant on my phone for enjoyment.”

Evert says StAC Unplugged has also resulted in a significant decrease in online issues, such as bullying. “There are far fewer issues around online bullying and poor choices online. Most of the issues these days arise from things that happen outside of school time.”

Students in the Middle School are allowed to bring their cell phones to school, but they must be out of sight between 8.25am and 3.40pm. Evert says there is a safe zone in the Middle School where students can use their phone for emergencies. They can also use their phones for educational reasons if instructed by their teacher. “Another strategic decision we have made is to ensure technology is only utilised in the classroom when teachers are sure it will enhance the students’ learning and not disrupt it.”

The success of StAC Unplugged has not gone unnoticed by other schools, says Mikae. “I’ve met with a number of schools who have taken an interest in the programme. We’ve shown them our website page, and talked about how we rolled it out. It’s very positive.”

StAC Unplugged has resulted in increased physical activity and engagement between students.

Teachers with international experience

A number of teachers at St Andrew’s have gained experience teaching overseas, or have come here to teach from another country, which is hugely beneficial to the College, says Head of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein.

“It is a big thing to say goodbye to everything you know and work in a place where you don’t have connections without your usual support networks. Teachers either returning to New Zealand, or coming from overseas, bring a fresh approach and enhanced skill set, along with a global understanding of different education styles.”

Evert was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to New Zealand as a young boy. After eight years of teaching experience in Napier, Evert headed off for his OE to teach in Sweden and the Netherlands. Rector, Christine Leighton, and Assistant Head of Secondary School (Data), Sarah Exon, are other senior leaders who have taught overseas, alongside 20 current teachers in the Secondary School.

In mid-2013, after five years teaching at Westlake Boys’ School, Head of Physical Education, Ben Eves, decided it was ‘now or never’ to move to London. He spent a year teaching at PCRU Schools (referral units) and a primary school in Wembley before becoming Head of Physical Education and Head of Middle School at a beautiful International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Munich, Germany. “My biggest learning was that it really is a big wide world out there. I met students who came from vastly different backgrounds than I grew up with. I also found that the students who were the busiest, attending to all aspects of their Hauora on a day-to-day basis through their curricular and co-curricular pursuits, were the ones who tended to be the most successful.”

While attending a professional development day at an IB school in the Austrian Alps, Ben met his future wife, Valerie, who is originally from upstate New York, and the rest, as she says

is history. “I taught at the school in Austria for seven years and completed my Master of Science in Research in Teaching and Learning at Oxford University at the same time. After we met, Ben and I accepted teaching positions at a private IB school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I was Head of Social Sciences and Ben was Head of Physical Education.”

Ben competed his Master's degree while in Malaysia, and after he and Valerie welcomed their daughter in 2018, they decided the time was right to think about a move to New Zealand. Ben took up a Physical Education teaching role, before being appointed the Head of Physical Education at St Andrew’s, and has been working hard to build the College’s basketball programme. Valerie is currently the Teacher in Charge of Social Studies at St Andrew’s, and is a History teacher. She has been named as Head of Social Sciences from 2023.

After teaching in IB schools, both say the re-adjustment to New Zealand’s NCEA system was the steepest learning curve, but the support of colleagues and the College helped them to quickly adapt.

The rich experiences international teachers bring into the classroom get students thinking globally and beyond their own experiences, says Valerie. “I like to take History students ‘travelling’ with me in class as we explore international case studies. Stories and resources I have picked up from places around the world also help to contextualise the students’ learning.”

Ben says there are many advantages to having teachers with international experience on the team. “International experience brings a greater understanding of the tikanga of different cultures and adds to the tapestry of our kura.”

Teachers, Valerie and Ben Eves during their time teaching in Kuala Lumpur.

Academic successes

Cantamath

At the Year 9–10 Cantamath competition, the Year 9 StAC1 team of Matthew Bluck, Joshua Exon, Alex Manson, and Luke Manson were the only Year 9 team to get a golden ticket, with their score of 100 seeing them crowned Year 9 champions.

The following students received Editor’s Choice Awards in the New Zealand Poetry Society International Poetry Competition 2022:

• Haiku: Jack Stevenson (Year 11), Penny Dai (Year 10) and Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Year 13);

• Open Poetry: Katie Foot (Year 9) and Angus Foster (Year 9).

William Crawford, Georgia Lewis, Chloe Lowe, Emily Brook, Luca Rose (all Year 9) and Anthony Kutovoy (Year 10) were finalists in the U16 category of the National Poetry Day 2022 Given Words Poetry Competition.

• Level B1: Emily Keith, Radha Vallabh (both Year 12), Skye Atkins, Thomas Kamo (both Year 13).

Future Problem Solving

A group of 18 St Andrew’s students qualified for the Future Problem Solving National Finals in November. They are Rhys Seath (Year 5), Benjamin Edward, Louis Hyland, Emmett Lawler (all Year 6), Alexander Allan, Alexa Collis, Alyssa Geddes, Sophie Schouten (all Year 7), Hanxi (Cicy) Chen, Silvia Sanderson, Fraser Walls, Anton Zhang, RuoLin (Lauren) Li (all Year 8), Matthew Bluck, Alex Manson, Luke Manson, Toby Wilson, Hannah Withers (all Year 9).

History Scholarship

Bella Gibbons (Year 13) won the 2022 Lodge of Endeavour Scholarship, worth $3000, for her History research on the impact of the Māori Language Act 1987.

Literature

Year 9 StAC1 team of Luke Manson, Matthew Bluck, Joshua Exon and Alex Manson

Chess

The St Andrew’s A chess team defended the Interschool Chess Championship the College won last year, after beating St Bede’s College A in the final. Gavith Dharmasena (Year 12) and Kian Dharmasena (Year 11) won all their games at boards 1 and 2.

Chemistry

James Hart, Isobel Forsey and Megan Simpson (all Year 11) achieved second place in the Year 11 ARA Chemistry Competition.

Creative Writing

Lucas Te Rangi (Year 12) was one of nine runners-up of the National Schools Poetry Award 2022.

Emily Edwards (Year 10) was first in the Youth Section of the prestigious Vancouver Haiku Invitational International Cherry Blossom Haiku Competition, with her haiku blossom whisper, which was an outstanding achievement. Daniel Officer (Year 10), Hanxi (Cicy) Chen (Year 8) and Eddison Keith (Year 5) won Sakura Awards, while Fred McRae (Year 11), Maria (Masha) Pospolitak (Year 10) and Tomasz (Tom) Clark (Year 3) received Honourable Mentions.

Friederica (Freddy) Todhunter (Year 12) was second in the Haiku Junior section with her haiku, trout leaps at the Poetry New Zealand International Poetry Competition 2022.

Matthew Cartwright (Year 13) was awarded an Editor’s Choice Award in the Open Poetry section of the New Zealand Poetry Society International Poetry Competition 2022 with his poem, Cook’s Beach

At the Waitaha English Steve Langley Flash Fiction Competition 2022, Charlotte Bull (Year 10) was first, and Penny Dai (Year 10) was second in the Years 10–11 category. Cindy Xiong (Year 13) was first in the Years 12–13 category.

Chantelle Xiong (Year 11) was first in the Year 11 category in the Poetry Aotearoa Secondary Schools’ Poetry Award. Her poem, Aged, will be published in the Poetry Aotearoa Yearbook 2023.

Debating

Liam Hackston, James Hart (both Year 11) and Katherine Simcock (Year 10) were runners-up at the Canterbury Schools’ Junior Regional Debating Tournament. Liam and Katherine both earned one of the competition’s five Highly Commended Speaker Awards.

French

The following students passed their International DELF French examination, an official French language diploma awarded by France’s Ministry of National Education. Emily Keith (Year 12) achieved the highest score in Canterbury for the B1 examination.

• Level A1: James Anthony, Fraser Balasingam, George Paterson, Elia Short, Katherine Simcock (all Year 10);

• Level A2: Isobel Forsey, Jenna Howell, Brooke Hughes, Billie Revis (all Year 11), Sophie Hayden, Vivien Kuziel (both Year 12);

The St Andrew’s College 1 team, of Niamh McNeill, Logan Scott and Fraser Walls (all Year 8), won first place at the Canterbury Heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz.

Physics and Mathematics Competition

The following students finished in the top 10 at the New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition (NZPMC). The top three placegetters received medals, with Aaron Moore (Year 11) also awarded the South Island Junior Division trophy for placing first.

• South Island Junior Division: Aaron Moore first, James Hart fourth, Bryan Cooper seventh (all Year 11), Luke Manson (Year 9) tenth;

• South Island Senior Division: Luke Zhu (Year 13) second, Gemma Lewis (Year 12) seventh.

Year 12 Mathematics Competition

The St Andrew’s team of Mia Fraser, Gemma Lewis, Annika MacDonald, and Lachlan Odlin won the CMA Year 12 Mathematics Competition. These students have been in the same mathematics team since Year 9.

Mia Fraser, Gemma Lewis, Annika MacDonald, and Lachlan Odlin (all Year 12)

Preparatory School Book Week

Students in the Preparatory School enjoyed a packed programme of events throughout Te Wiki o Ngā Pukapuka (Book Week) in the last week of Term 3, which culminated in a spectacular Book Week Parade.

During the wonderful week of learning and fun, the staff and students honoured tīpuna, kuia, and kaumātua by celebrating the older and wiser characters in children’s stories, says Preparatory School Library Manager, Tracey Hull. “These characters are the wisdom-weavers and kindness curators in our stories and nursery rhymes. We often witness a special bond between these characters and the children in the stories we read and share.”

Students were encouraged to dress up as a book character who is wise, kind, fun, or even a bit naughty for the Book Parade, and there were many fantastic costumes on display.

The Preparatory School Library hosted lots of competitions and activities throughout Book Week, including a Scavenger Hunt, Orphans Competition, Minimalist Fairy Tale Competition, and Battle of the Books.

A highlight of the week was a visit from award-winning New Zealand author and illustrator, Gavin Bishop, who captivated audiences as he talked about his books and creative process and read some of his stories.

A sustainable future

Sustainability, healthy ways of being, connecting with nature, and respecting the environment are some of the rich learning experiences which are helping to prepare Pre-school children to live as global citizens, says Head of Pre-school, Mandy Jenkins. “Although we are at the start of our sustainability journey, we have a lot of ideas to help us reach our long-term vision to be rubbish free and to use more recycled materials in the Pre-school. We also encourage the children to be kaitiaki of the environment and have a deep respect for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth figure).”

Families are encouraged to provide nourishing food for their Pre-school children in rubbish free lunchboxes, without the use of disposable packaging or individually wrapped items, says teacher, Nadine Freeborn, who is leading the Pre-school’s sustainability focus. “We are working towards

rubbish free lunchboxes and have regular conversations with the children around things like packaging, reusable containers, and how they can minimise waste. We also talk about composting food scraps, and how compost can feed the soil and help Papatūānuku’s tummy.” The relationship tamariki have with Papatūānuku is based on whakapapa, aroha, and respect, she says.

Nadine has a passion for gardening and developing lots of green spaces in the Pre-school’s indoor and outdoor environments. The children love to spend time helping in the vegetable garden and caring for the plants, she says. “Connecting with nature and learning how to care for living things is an important part of our philosophy.” This aspect of our Pre-school philosophy draws strongly from the Belonging|Mana Whenua Strand of Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood curriculum, and its learning outcomes around tamariki knowing that they belong and having a strong sense of connection to others and to their environment.

The children also visit the large recycling bins dotted around the Secondary School on regular walks with kaiako. “The children carry their brown paper bags filled with recyclables and cardboard to throw in. It makes them feel like they are doing their part. They love it,” says Nadine.

Talking with the children about alternatives for non-environmentally friendly products such as glitter, is another way the teachers are sharing sustainable values, says Mandy. “Hopefully the conversations we have with children in the Pre-school lead to further conversations at home with whānau.”

Mandy would love to connect the Pre-school children with Secondary School students on the College’s Sustainability Council to work on initiatives together in the future.

“Although we are currently making small steps towards greater sustainability in the Pre-school, there is big thinking behind what we are doing. If children learn about respecting the environment and c aring for the planet now, it is something that will hopefully stay w ith them throughout their lives.”

Protecting our environment

Taking part in a fun trail quiz, picking up litter around native trees, shrubs and saltmarsh plants, and weeding around young native wetland trees, were some of the highlights of a visit to the Charlesworth Wetland Reserve by the two Year 3 classes.

The trip was a wonderful conclusion to the students’ inquiry relating to ‘Protecting our Estuaries’ which they worked on during Terms 2 and 3, with Year 3 teachers, Marlene Van der Bent and Isaac Leota . “We decided to focus our inquiry on the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Te Ihutai, which is such an important resource right in our back yard. The students have explored a number of different topics, including the estuary’s habitat, its animals and birdlife, and environment issues,” says Marlene.

At Charlesworth Wetland Reserve, the Year 3 classes met with Tanya Jenkins, Education Officer for the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, who talked to them about the history

of the reserve, which had been drained in the 1850s to build a soap factory, carpet factory, and candle factory. It became pastureland in the 1920s, and was returned to a wetland habitat in 2002. “The Charlesworth Wetland Reserve is now a successful feeding, roosting, and breeding ground for many of the estuary bird species thanks to the hard work of volunteers and CCC Park Rangers,” says Marlene.

During the trail quiz on public walking tracks, the students identified some of the estuary sights, sounds, smells, and birdlife. “I liked the activity where we had to use our senses to name things around us that move, things that were beautiful, and things that didn’t belong at the wetlands,” says Year 3 student, Harriet Merry.

The students then put on gardening gloves to help pick up litter from around the native trees, shrubs, and saltmarsh plants at the reserve. “The students found enough litter to fill five big black rubbish bags, including polystyrene, which is so dangerous for various species of wildlife” says Marlene.

Harry Collis (Year 3) says his highlight was getting under the bushes to find rubbish. “ I found three glass bottles. Some animals get their mouths stuck on the inside of bottles and they can’t breathe.”

Weeding around the young native trees planted around the wetland was a highlight for many students, including Logan Dawson (Year 3). “I loved pulling out the really big weeds. Some were hard to pull out so we used sticks to dig them out.”

Teacher, Isaac Leota, says the visit to Charlesworth Wetland Reserve highlighted to the students how their small actions to target environmental issues of rubbish, pollution, and weeds can contribute to a positive future for the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Te Ihutai. “We have talked about kaitiakitanga, or guardianship and protection of our environment with the students, and how we can become kaitiaki of the areas that are special to us.”

The two Year 3 classes enjoyed an exciting visit to the Charlesworth Wetland Reserve.

Learning outside the

classroom

Trips to the Antarctic Centre, Canterbury Museum, Beach Education Days, swimming and gymnastics lessons, and visits from Life Education Trust are some of the exciting activities Middle Syndicate students have been enjoying as part of a packed Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) programme.

Head of Middle Syndicate, Megan Feller, says after the disruptions caused by COVID-19, it has been wonderful to get the EOTC programme up and running again. “Accessing resources and people off campus enriches our students’ classroom learning, gives them new experiences, and helps them to develop a diverse range of skills. Being out in public is great for them too and we’ve had some lovely feedback about their behaviour. We talk a lot about StACUp, and the students taking pride in where they are from.”

A visit to the Antarctic Centre by Year 4 students to explore how animals adapt to the environment, and the impact of climate change on Antarctic animals, was a great example of how real-world learning can help students to engage more deeply with the topics they are studying, says Megan. “Miranda, the educator at the Antarctic Centre, has been to Antarctica three times, and really engaged the children with her stories. They also loved being in a simulated Antarctic storm in the snow room, and the 4D theatre, which gave them the experience of being in a ship in a storm, complete with water spraying up at them. We just can’t deliver those kinds of encounters in the classroom.”

All year groups in the Middle Syndicate have attended one day practical water skills Beach Education courses, as well as five-week gymnastics and swimming programmes, which are run offsite. Year 6 students have also taken part in a Cycle Safety course. “These initiatives give us access to experts and equipment we don’t have at school, and help students to develop fundamental physical, and in some cases, life-saving skills. Our Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth, is really big on all Preparatory School children being able to swim, and it’s great to see a swimming programme re-introduced for the Middle Syndicate.”

All Year 4–6 students attend camps each year, which is another valuable way for them to connect to the outdoor environment and build confidence, leadership, resilience, and self-awareness, says Megan. “There is no doubt that the authentic learning experiences we can provide through accessing experts and resources off campus, and taking students into our wonderful natural environment, helps to build their essential life skills, and develop key competencies, while having an enormous amount of fun along the way.”

Students in the Middle Syndicate enjoy a varied Education Outside the Classroom programme.

takes off Flight inquiry

Learning about the principles of flight, and the extraordinary adventures of Jean Batten, one of New Zealand’s most famous aviators, have been exciting inquiries for Year 7 students, says teacher, Bridget Preston. “The students really enjoyed these topics, which have been integrated across a range of subjects, from Science to Social Studies, English, and Art. These crosscurricular connections have made the learning really meaningful.”

A visit to the Air New Zealand Engineering Department on Orchard Road, reinforced the student’s learning in their Flight unit, she says. “The students were able to see an aircraft up close in the hangar, and aircraft engineers spoke to them about how a plane stays in the air, focusing on the principles of flight and the role of the pilots. The students were able to ask the questions they had prepared beforehand. It was a fantastic trip.”

Investigating the physical features of birds that help them to fly was another important part of the inquiry, along with learning about Jean Batten, who was celebrated around the world for her heroic solo flights in the 1930s. “The students were captivated by Jean’s story, the records she set, the obstacles she faced, and how she defied the odds. Although her mother supported her, her father didn’t want her to become a pilot because she was female.”

Students were encouraged to explore Jean’s story in many creative ways, including reading stories, writing haiku poetry, researching and presenting their PowerPoint presentations, and engaging in a group problem-solving task to find her missing medal.

The Year 7–8 Visual Art students were also able to choose between creating a Jean Batten or ‘flight’ themed image during a printmaking unit with Art teacher, Kathryn Meyers, which focused on etching. “During the first session, the students decided on a composition and used an etching tool to scratch out the picture. The second session was the printing lesson, where they learnt to ink their printing plate, soak their printmaking paper, and use the printing press to create a successful, even print,” says Kathryn.

Overall, these multifaceted inquiries into the fascinating world of flight were both educational and fun for the Year 7 students, says Bridget.

Sophie Schouten (Year 7) with her Jean Batten artwork.

Visiting the Air New Zealand Engineering Department.

SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD

With the new Gough Family Theatre under construction, a brave choice was made to stage this year’s Senior Production, Songs for a New World, ‘in-the-round’ in a stunning set and mini theatre, which was set up in Gym 1. Audiences were wowed by the talent and professionalism of the young performers and live band, who delivered incredible performances of the show’s demanding vocal and musical score. Rector Christine Leighton said the show was an outstanding success. “The talent, maturity, discipline, and professionalism of the students combined to make this challenging show a standout.”

Life is a series of moments, then another, then another. And at some of these moments we reach a crossroads, when we have to make a decision that will impact our future lives. This sense of change and uncertainty is at the heart of Songs for a New World, a complex show that features a cycle of songs all connected by a similar theme, ‘the moment of decision’. Each song tells a different story, and there are no recurring characters in the show.

Director, Laurence Wiseman, says exploring the tension experienced at the point of decision was an interesting space to work in, especially when so beautifully depicted through the rich storytelling and musical score of Songs for a New World. “The song cycle takes us on a journey through the various facets encountered in this space – hope, joy, intrigue, fear,

excitement, apprehension, wonder, with the outcome of their decision or indecision propelling them forward to a new world.”

The show’s themes were also closely related to the process of putting the show together, he says. “Taking a show originally created for four performers and adapting it into an ensemble-based show for 25 was quite a challenge. Added to this was the decision to stage it ‘in-the-round’ in Gym 1. I did begin to ask myself, have I bitten off more than I can chew?”

audience good views of the often fastmoving action. Apart from the lead performers, most of the ensemble wore simple black pants and singlets, which contrasted beautifully with the set.

Values and Culture

19 Regulus

The simple, elegant monochrome staging, of various shaped white blocks and tables in the centre of the performance space, gave the performers plenty of room and height to work with. This was particularly valuable in the larger production numbers and gave the 360 degree

Complex show about

With a highly talented cast, exceptional band, and expert production team, including Musical Director, Duncan Ferguson, and Production Manager, Ginnie Thorner, who all worked tirelessly and collaboratively over many months, the show was realised with skill, passion, and professionalism. Choreographer, Hana Pearce (OC 2019), returned to lead the performers through some stunning and challenging choreography, which was a key aspect of the show. The support of the Physical Education and Sports Departments, who gave up their space for an extended period during the rehearsals and performances, was also appreciated by the production team, says Laurence. “I am immensely proud of the cast, band, and crew members, who through determination, diligence, and a commitment to traverse the unknown difficulties, created a performance which, in my mind, shone with joy.” life’s decisions

Powerhouse performances by young cast

The young performers in Songs for a New World had lots of opportunity to showcase their talents in a range of powerhouse solo and ensemble performances.

The Company’s harmonious performance of Opening Sequence: The New World, set the stage for the show’s central theme, when one moment can change someone’s life forever. The audience was transported back to the fifteenth century with On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492, with Chantelle Xiong (Year 11) giving a stirring performance, supported by the Company, as a Captain praying for the safety of the souls aboard her ship. Grace Lawrence (Year 13) evoked both humour and pathos from the audience as a wealthy wife in an unsatisfactory marriage, who threatened to jump from the window of her high rise apartment to get her husband’s attention in Just One Step. Rebecca Brown (Year 13) was another strong female performer, whose character in I’m Not Afraid of

Anything, realised how the fears of others had held her back.

Tamaroa Connelly and Hugo Ranken (both Year 11) supported by the Company delivered a spirited performance as a pair of down-ontheir-luck derelicts swapping stories of woe in The River Won’t Flow. The use of tankards by the cast was a clever addition to the choreography. Grace Lawrence returned to give another powerful performance in Stars and the Moon, as a woman lamenting the love she sacrificed for wealth and comfort. Hugo Ranken was totally convincing as a man under the spell of the woman he was in love with in She Cries

The first act ended on a high with The Steam Train, performed by the Company, with Estée Wilke (Year 13), one of the show’s standout performers, as a teenager from a poor New York neighbourhood, determined to overcome disadvantages to become a future basketball star. The cast did not falter while delivering the challenging, fast-paced choreography,

which had multiple basketballs in play throughout.

The second act opened with powerful performances from Year 13 students, Harry Withers and Rachel Holyoake and Company, in The World Was Dancing, about a man deciding to leave his fiancée. Elise Vaudrey (Year 13) gave one of the show’s most impressive performances in Surabaya-Santa, captivating the audience with her portrayal of a dissatisfied Mrs Claus, who was scornful of her lacklustre husband. Estée Wilke had the audience spellbound with her beautiful rendition of Christmas Lullaby, about a women’s joy at discovering she is pregnant. Together, Estée and Edward Pitts (Year 11) later delivered a great rendition of I’d Give It All for You, about a pair of former lovers reuniting.

In King of the World, Xanthe Pearce (Year 11) and Andrew Castles (Year 12) were compelling as they told the story of a person demanding to be freed and returned as a leader of men. The powerful and vulnerable voice

of Cindy Xiong (Year 13) was perfect for The Flagmaker, 1775, about a woman sewing a flag during the Revolutionary War, and trying to stay hopeful that her husband and son would return.

The final three songs were sung by the Company. The first Flying Home, was about a soldier who had died in battle, followed by Final Transition:

The New World, and Hear My Song, which expressed the hope gained by experiencing hardship and the strength we can gain from one another in challenging times. This song was the last performance in a St Andrew’s production for a group of twelve Year 13 students, with nine of these students having been involved in an incredible five or more productions as cast, crew, or musicians.

Director, Laurence Wiseman, says the themes of the show were especially poignant given the changing world we live in. “This show suggests the ‘new world’ is a place where we, as people, can acknowledge and accept the complexities of life, and an appreciation for the tensions that must be navigated by each individual in this funny thing called ‘human existence’. Perhaps grace and empathy (at least) will come from that.”

National and international for recognition Grace

It has been an outstanding year of national and international recognition for multitalented Head Prefect Grace Lawrence (Year 13), who has won an impressive selection of musical accolades.

In October, Grace was selected for the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program, sponsored by Sony Music Group, and administered by the Institute of International Education, which aims to advance access to tertiary education at a wide range of leading music and music business education institutions across the world. As a scholar, Grace will have access to opportunities including unpaid internships, mentorship opportunities, structured events, and webinars to connect with SMG industry experts to cultivate an international cohort of future music industry professionals.

This honour is on the back of Grace winning the prestigious Play It Strange 2022 Lion Foundation Secondary School Songwriting Competition in August, for her stunning coming-ofage song Differently Now – an award that was too late to be considered for the Sony scholarship. Grace has also won a $35,000 scholarship to Victoria University.

Rector, Christine Leighton, presented the Play it Strange award to Grace at the Cultural Assembly on behalf of Mike Chunn, a former member of Split Enz, and CEO of Play It Strange. “I was in shock. I never expected to win or even become a finalist, after already making the finals of this year’s Play It Strange’s Peace Song competition. I was so happy and very grateful,” says Grace.

The Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition is the trust’s flagship songwriting competition, which has been run by Play It Strange for over 19 years. It is open to secondary school students from Years 9–13 throughout New Zealand. This year, the competition attracted 352 entries, which were whittled down to 50 finalists. Other St Andrew’s students to make the finals were Cindy Xiong (Year 13) who also won the David Richwhite Lyric Award for her song Colourblind, and Chantelle Xiong and Christine Jeon (both Year 11) for their song, Reminisce

Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, says Grace is a prolific songwriter, who composes mainly on piano and strings. However, she pushed herself in a new direction for Differently Now, utilising synths and drums to create a more electronic sound. “The song is also characterised by its clever and insightful lyrics. What sets it apart from most secondary school composers is the mature construction of the chord progression, the high level in which she recorded and mixed it herself, and the general music production.”

Grace received a $1000 Rockshop voucher, and says she is ‘very excited’ about the New Zealand On Air ‘Special Tracks’ grant to professionally record her song and make a music video. She will perform her song at the annual Play It Strange Awards in November in Auckland, and it will feature on the 2022 Play It Strange album.

Grace is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and performer. In 2021, she was a violinist in the St Andrew’s

trio, Vich Perfect, which won the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest. This year, she is concertmaster of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Orchestra. Grace has played in the Soul Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra since Year 9, and joined the Big Band this year. She has had several lead roles in St Andrew’s College productions, including a star turn as Velma Kelly in Chicago: High School Edition in 2021. “The support from my teachers has been unmatched, and I’m so grateful for them. I’m going to study Music Production next year at Victoria University, and feel prepared and excited thanks to the support I’ve been given from my Music teachers here. Ideally I would like to pursue a career as a singer songwriter, or produce music for other people.”

Grace performing Differently Now at the Cultural Assembly, where she was awarded first place in the 2022 Play it Strange Lion Foundation national songwriting competition.

Grace Lawrence (Year 13) professionally recording her award-winning song, Differently Now

Songwriting awards for Colourblind

Talented lyricist, Cindy Xiong (Year 13), says she was ‘absolutely psyched’ to be recognised for two major songwriting awards for her poignant song, Colourblind. In October, she won the overall APRA Lyrics Award at the Smokefree Rockquest National Finals, which followed her second placing for the 2022 David Richwhite Lyric Award at the prestigious Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition.

Colourblind deals with the theme of diasporic identity, something Cindy had wanted to write about for some time. “I had heaps of ideas and lyrics already written down that I never

intended to publish or send to anyone. I thought the theme was a bit too heavy for a pop song, then someone mentioned that Disney songs usually deal with big themes in a fun way. So I modelled my song as part of a story.” When producing the song, she had a ‘grand notion’ of combining western and eastern sounds together, she says.

“I had a whole vision of it from the get-go, with this cool guzheng solo in the middle which came out even better than I had hoped.”

Famed Kiwi musician, Don McGlashan (The Mutton Birds), judged the David Richwhite Lyric Award, and says lyrically

Estée on top of the world

It has been an incredible year for one of St Andrew’s most talented singers, Estée Wilke (Year 13), who was a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (NZSSC), which won first place in the Senior Children’s Choir category and the overall title in the prestigious Children’s Choir of the World competition. Estée says she and the other choir members were ‘ecstatic’ at the result. “We couldn’t quite believe it. We were all so pleased, especially as we found out while we were on our South Island choir course which meant we could celebrate together.”

The competition took place in Wales with NZSSC selected to submit a pre-recorded digital entry, which was played live to the judges and audience during the competition session. “We

performed a mixture of around seven of the 30 choir pieces we had learnt throughout our two-year course. These included our beautiful Samoan pieces, A Pei Se Vaitafe and Faliu Le La, which are always our entrance to any performance.” Estée toured with the NZSSC every term break holidays from January 2021 to September 2022, including a South Island tour during the Term 2 holidays. “We were so lucky to experience full venues, and touring with such amazing people who can sing absolutely incredibly is always a bonus.”

As a member of the VOX16 and Staccoro choirs, a singer in the jazz Big Band, and StAC Soul Band, and a lead performer in St Andrew’s productions, the College community enjoys plenty of opportunities to hear

Colourblind has ‘good strong ideas, expressed with force and precision’.

Cindy became serious about songwriting halfway through Year 11. She is a member of Staccoro, VOX16, the Big Band, and Soul Band at St Andrew’s, and has also performed in numerous productions. She credits Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, for being a major inspiration.

“Mr Ferguson has inspired me to give things a go and creates this incredibly supportive environment where you feel like it doesn’t matter what mistakes you make along the way. He shifts your focus towards the music itself, the fun, and occasional pain of creating music.” Although she doesn’t plan to follow a career in music, Cindy says writing songs and performing will always be part of her future.

Estée’s beautiful voice. She says her style of singing is still evolving, however jazz is her current favourite genre to sing. Estée is also involved in music production and songwriting at St Andrew’s and says she is grateful to all the teachers who have supported her since Year 7, including Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, and singing teacher, Margot Button. “I was lucky to have Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, help me to create my ‘Evening of Song’ concert to help fundraise for one of my NZSSC tours. I’m grateful for her endless support.”

Once she leaves St Andrew’s, Estée hopes to complete a Bachelor of Music at the University of Otago, and eventually live her dream as a singer.

Cindy Xiong (Year 13)

Estée Wilke (Year 13)

Classical musicians excel

Winner of prestigious classical competition

After submitting a video recording of Debussy’s Cello Sonata in D minor to the 2022 Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition, Christine Jeon (Year 11) says she was shocked to win first prize in the Strings Open Age category, from entries submitted from musicians around the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. “At first, I doubted the results and thought the winner could be someone with the same name as me from somewhere else in the world. But after I realised, I was so excited and happy.”

At just 15 years of age, the win in one of Australia’s most prestigious classical festivals is a remarkable achievement. Christine recorded the sonata in the Centennial Chapel, alongside her brother, Samuel Jeon (OC 2021), on piano. He is another incredible musician, who is currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Second at New Zealand Chamber Music Contest

An exceptional performance of Piano Trio No. 1 by Mendelssohn saw Year 10 student, Jasmine Hooker, win second place and the Helen Young National Award at the national finals of the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest. Jasmine played cello as part of the Berlin Trio, alongside her brother Joshua and Ryan Gu, a former St Andrew’s College Preparatory School student.

Jasmine says the trio was surprised and incredibly happy with the result. “The standard of the eight groups in the final was extremely high. We all felt proud of our performance and were exhilarated to be awarded second place.”

Jasmine has been learning cello and piano for almost 10 years. It was only at the start of this year that she and

Last year, the siblings paired with Head Prefect, Grace Lawrence (Year 13), to win the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest.

Christine says Debussy is her favourite composer, with the sonata based on a clown arguing with the moon. “The crazy technical aspects of this piece really showed the characteristics of a clown which I was naturally drawn to. The French style was completely new to me, but I was confident the piece could grab people’s attention just like it grabbed mine.”

The support of St Andrew’s, particularly the Music Department, is important to Christine, who is a member of the Symphony Orchestra and chamber groups. “Not only does St Andrew’s give me the best opportunities to perform, the way the College supports me as a person is indescribably great. It was very meaningful to record the sonata in the Centennial Chapel, which has a lovely resonance. Every time I look at this video it will remind me of the College’s support.”

After leaving school, Christine plans to pursue a career as a cellist, performing around the world.

her brother, Joshua, formed the Berlin Trio with Ryan Gu, who Jasmine has known since primary school. “The three us have the same piano teacher. To prepare for the competition we had a weekly lesson with him, and a few lessons from other musicians to get different perspectives on how to blend the string instruments with the piano.”

This is the fourth year in a row that St Andrew’s College has been represented at the national finals of this prestigious contest. Jasmine was part of another trio, with two St Andrew’s students, which was selected for the District recall, but they had to withdraw due to COVID-19. She currently plays with the Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra at St Andrew’s, and sings with Stacchorus. “We were grateful that St Andrew’s invited the Berlin Trio to perform at the Orchestra/ Chamber Concert evenings and as part of school chapel services leading up to the national final. This was so valuable as it helped us to become more comfortable playing in front of different audiences. The Music teachers and some students also came to support us during the Christchurch and District rounds and South Island finals.”

Jasmine says music will be a lifelong passion, and one day she hopes to pass on her musical knowledge, as her Music teachers have done for her.

Christine Jeon (Year 11) performing with her brother Samuel Jeon (OC 2021) in the Centennial Chapel.

Jasmine Hooker (Year 10), with Joshua Hooker and Ryan Gu from Christ’s College

Celebrating years of 30 girls at St Andrew’s 25

A group of nearly 100 female Old Collegians and their partners gathered from all over Australasia on Saturday 24 September for a special 30 Years of Girls celebration, in honour of all the Old Girls who have graduated from St Andrew’s between 1992–2021.

An all-female mini-Pipe Band and glass of bubbles greeted the guests at the Centennial Chapel, where they were warmly welcomed by Rector, Christine Leighton and Alumni and Community Relations Co-ordinator, Lisa Clark. Old Collegians who are no longer with us were remembered, and the College Song was sung to just the pipes for the first time in St Andrew’s College history.

MC for the event, Bridie Connell (OC and Head Girl 2007), attended from Sydney, and delighted attendees

with her humorous stories. Rector, Christine Leighton and past OCA President Meg Black (OC 2010) delivered a funny and nostalgic presentation which reviewed the evolution of the College from 1992 to now. Bridie hosted a panel discussion with Stephanie Bain (OC 1992 and Board Member), Amiria Rule (OC 2001), Lizzie Stevenson (OC and Head Girl 2017) and Grace Lawrence (Current Head Prefect), with panellists answering questions about their memories of their time at the College, what they learnt from being at a co-ed school, and how St Andrew’s has shaped their futures.

Cindy Xiong (Year 13) sang her stunning, Play It Strange awardwinning song, Colourblind, and attendees watched a video featuring nearly all of the faces of past female students from the last 30 years.

The guests were then piped over the Turley Bridge to Strowan House where a fabulous feast awaited. The

entertaining Address to a Haggis was beautifully performed by the College’s first ever female addresser, Catie Riordan (OC 2021).

The following morning, the Old Collegians were welcomed back for a delicious brunch, and Rector, Christine Leighton, played tour guide to show the girls some of the new developments around the College. Christine says the College has come a long way from the 19 boys who began in March 1917. “Today, St Andrew’s is a truly co-educational school with 667 girls on the roll. Next year, 50 per cent of the Year 9 intake will be female. The vision of Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994) and the subsequent work of Barry Maister (Rector 1995–2001) laid the foundation for a school which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, where all students grow alongside each other, grasping the opportunities and challenges of today’s fast changing world. Thank you to our pioneering girls who made this change possible.”

A of celebration song joyous

If the spectacular performances of the Years 9–10 students and Junior Company from the Preparatory School, in the toe-tapping, high energy Middle School production, Antionette’s Showstoppers are anything to go by, the future of musical theatre at St Andrew’s College is truly bright.

With the new Performing Arts Centre at St Andrew’s under construction throughout 2022 and no theatre onsite to perform in, the creative team behind the Middle School production had the task of finding a show and venue which would still provide the students with a full theatre experience.

They met the challenge head on by creating their own show, Antionette’s Showstoppers, a celebration of some of the best loved Tony award-winning songs from musicals as diverse as Kiss Me Kate, Oliver, The Sound of Music, Funny Girl, The Lion King, Shrek, Hairspray and Hamilton

During the show’s three-night run at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre at the University of Canterbury in late October, the young cast, aged from 8–15, delivered some brilliant performances, resulting in well-deserved standing ovations.

Director Ginnie Thorner, says putting on the show was wonderful, and slightly terrifying in moments, but as they say in show business, it all came together on the night. “One of the biggest challenges was not being able to rehearse at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre. We only had six hours in the space before opening. However the

Secondary and Preparatory students took it in their stride. We were so proud of their performances. With so many styles of song, the choreography w as tricky, and many of the cast had never danced before but they did incredibly well.”

Hana Pearce (OC 2019) returned once again to choreograph the show, assisted by Ginnie Thorner, and had a great rapport with the young cast, helping them to master the often intricate, fast-moving choreography, with multiple performers on stage at once on many occasions. Xanthe Pearce (Year 11) also assisted and choreographed a couple of the songs herself.

The stunning costumes created by Costume Designer, Sylvia Campbell, with her trademark attention-to-detail, made for a visual feast. The band, featuring William Ernest (OC 2014) on keyboards and Hayden Lam (Year 11) on drums, led by Musical Director, Duncan Ferguson, put in another stellar performance. The music required a lot of time and attention, and Duncan put hours of work into creating the many layers of tracks required for the songs.

A dedicated technical crew, and team of supportive friends and parents, also did their part to create another highly memorable show at St Andrew’s College.

Young cast excel

The young cast of Antoinette’s Showstoppers took their appreciative audiences on a magical musical theatre journey across the decades, with Another Op’nin, Another Show, from Kiss Me Kate the perfect, high-energy crowd pleaser to open the show.

With a Company of 30, a Junior Company of 14 Preparatory School students, and four students acting as presenters for the show’s 19 epic songs, it is impossible to single out all the wonderful individual performances. However, there were some definite standouts.

Sarah Heffernan (Year 10) has an exceptional voice and stage presence, and was a co-lead singer or soloist in seven of the show’s songs. The highlight was her stunning performance of Do-Re-Mi, from The Sound of Music, performed with the delightful Junior Company who did a fantastic job of sustaining the song’s clever and complex choreography throughout.

Jake Elvidge (Year 10) is another to watch. He is a natural performer with a strong voice, who particularly impressed in Consider Yourself, from Oliver, with the Company Boys and Junior Company.

The maturity and beautiful tone of Noah Fanene’s (Year 10) voice in Close Every Door from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Don’t Rain On my Parade from Funny Girl, was something to behold.

All of the lead singers did a wonderful job, and were obviously relishing their time in the spotlight. There were a number of exceptional female singers in the show, including Mookmanee Lee (Year 10) who gave several strong performances. Sean Liddiard (Year 10) stood out in Friend Like Me, from Aladdin, and Rory Forsythe (Year 10) gave a powerhouse performance in Room Where it Happens, from Hamilton

The Company performed enthusiastically, and there were some great harmonies in the big production numbers. The presenters, Anisha Chand, Cooper Harris, and Ethan Higgs (all Year 10) did a wonderful job introducing the songs, with Cooper displaying great comic timing.

Charlotte Bull (Year 10) impressed as their stage manager, trying to keep them on script.

The Preparatory School students in the Junior Company were a delight, with Jessica Whitehead (Year 4) stealing almost every item she was in with her wonderful performances.

Antionette’s Showstoppers closed with the Company’s performance of the high octane, You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray, which was the perfect, uplifting way to end a fantastic show, which everyone involved can be proud of.

St Andrew’s College hosted a Canterbury-wide student well-being conference, called Ōtautahi Stronger Together which focused on exploring the theme of tūrangawaewae/ belonging. The conference, on Wednesday 19 October, was a studentled event co-constructed by students from St Andrew’s College and Hillmorton School. Well-being Leaders Lachlan Odlin (Year 12), Selena Gan (Year 13) and Radha Vallabh (Year 12), dedicated significant time and effort into the organisation of the conference.

Over 70 students from throughout Canterbury attended the event hosted in the Centennial Chapel. The hui commenced with three inspiring speakers sharing their perspectives on belonging and inclusivity. These included St Andrew’s student, Lily Champion-Smith (Year 12), University of Canterbury student, Sadra Sultani, and City Counsellor, Tyla Harrison-Hunt. The remainder of the afternoon focused on providing students with the opportunity to consider their personal stories and perspectives on how to create an inclusive and compassionate society.

In August, the Well-being Committee presented Mahia te Aroha Character Awards to students who have shown outstanding character. These awards are nominated by students and teachers who have witnessed a student displaying acts of compassion and kindness to make a positive difference in our community. 2022 Recipients were: Taylor Gordon, Riley Girdlestone

(both Year 9), Yinan (Vivian) Lu, Mia Montgomery (both Year 10), Hugo Ranken, Hamish Paton (both Year 11),

Stronger Together Otautahi Ara is now part of Te Pūkenga

Te Pūkenga, New Zealand’s Institute of Skills and Technology, will provide greater access to flexible, career-focused learning – on the job, on campus and online – to help our people, communities and workforces grow and thrive together.

Learn more at tepukenga.ac.nz

Pictured with Heads of Well-being, Selena Gan (Year 13 top left) and Lachlan Odlin (Year 12 bottom right) are 2022 winners of the Mahia te Aroha Character Awards (back) Anika Robinson (Year 13), Mia Montgomery (Year 10), Yinan (Vivian) Lu (Year 10), Taylor Gordon (Year 9), Head of Well-being Kerry Larby, (front) Laai Tausa (Year 12), Hugo Ranken (Year 11), Sienna Stowers-Smith (Year 12) and Hamish Paton (Year 11). Absent were Riley Girdlestone (Year 9) and Alex Ying (Year 13).

University student, Sadra Sultani, Ngan Dang (Hillmorton High School) and Lachlan Odlin (Year 12) were among speakers at the Ōtautahi Stronger Together event, which saw St Andrew’s host 70 students from various Christchurch schools.

Laai Tausa, Sienna Stowers-Smith (both Year 12), and Anika Robinson and Alex Ying (both Year 13).

New Zealand

St Andrew’s College joined with 100 other boarding schools around New Zealand to mark New Zealand Boarding Week, a fun way to celebrate all the great things about being a boarder. The week kicked off with a Combined Chapel Service, which saw around 500 students from all seven Christchurch boarding schools, gather in the Centennial Chapel for an evening of song, messages, and coming together as friends. The Year 9 boarders enjoyed the opportunity to ‘bring a buddy to lunch’ on the Monday of Boarding Week, and the entire boarding community got together for a special rib night dinner, with Mr Whippy for dessert. A morning tea and Open House for all support and teaching staff was a way for St Andrew’s boarding to thank those who do so much behind the scenes at the College. The week culminated with a Linking the Tartan event, which saw parents come together from the rugby and boarding communities for a ‘good old fashioned get together’, said Director of Boarding, Matt Parr.

Boarding Week Assembly

Boarders’

Dogs, chickens, lambs, and even a mechanical bull made an appearance at the annual Boarders’ Assembly, which is always a highly anticipated event. This year’s clever theme was based on Sir David Attenborough, exploring how the St Andrew’s ecosystem supports the life of a boarder, and transporting those in attendance to some of the far-flung places St Andrew’s boarders come from. Heads of Boarding, Charlotte Brown and James McLaren (both Year 13), led a team of enthusiastic Year 13 boarders through a varied programme of singing, dancing, and a mechanical bull ride-off. Sophie McNee and Moses Armstrong-Ravula (both Year 13) delivered an honest and reflective Morning Comment. The assembly was a wonderful expression of the positive boarding culture at St Andrew’s College, and the boarders and boarding staff within it.

Regulus

Cultural Week

The diverse talents of St Andrew’s students, and the richness that Performing Arts brings to everyone in the College community, was celebrated during Cultural Week from Monday 15 – Friday 19 August.

Heads of Culture, Rachel Holyoake and Lucy Ojala (both Year 13), did a fantastic job of organising a packed and enjoyable programme of lunchtime activities, which kicked off with a dance class by choreographer, Manaia Davies. On Tuesday, students celebrated St Andrew’s Scottish heritage with a Robbie Burns Day, which included a Pipe Band performance in the Quad, Highland Games activities, and the chance to sample some haggis. A ‘movie lunch’ was held on Wednesday, to celebrate the College’s talented Drama Department, with students watching previous productions, then Theatresports after school.

The Cultural Assembly on Thursday 18 August was a wonderful celebration of the achievements, talent, and culture at St Andrew’s. This was followed by ‘StAC’s Got Talent’, a lunchtime event organised by the Cultural Council.

To finish off the week, students immersed themselves in Art activities and ‘Team of the Week’ challenges in the Quad. A special ‘Open Mic’ night rounded off a fantastic week of fun-filled days, supported by the Drama, Music, and Art Departments.

Specialassemblies

Cultural Assembly

There were many highlights at the Cultural Assembly on Thursday 18 August, but the biggest of all was the surprise announcement of Head Prefect, Grace Lawrence (Year 13), as the overall winner of the prestigious Play It Strange 2022: The Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition. Grace did a superb impromptu performance of her winning song, Differently Now

Several music and performance groups also entertained the assembly, including the Mini Pipe Band, a group of performers singing a spirited version of Classic; the Māori and Pasifika Group harmonising beautifully during their performance of Ko te ata mahina and Noqu Masu; choir VOX16 delivering a stunning version of Billy Joel’s And So It Goes; and the Soul Band getting everyone’s toes tapping at the end of the assembly, with their performance of Many More

Cultural Captains, Rachel Holyoake and Lucy Ojala (both Year 13), delivered an inspiring address, and many awards were presented, including Cultural Colour Awards, and presentations to Jasmine Hooker (Year 10) who is a member of the Berlin Trio which placed second in the NZCT Chamber Music Competition, and the Rector’s Medal to the Year 13 World Champion International Mathematics Modeling Challenge team of Luke Zhu, Toby Harvie, Corin Simcock and Tom Edwards.

Well-being Assembly

On Friday 5 August, separate Girls’ and Boys’ Well-being Assemblies were held, where a panel of teachers and students had an open conversation about this important topic. The panel discussed ideas about what matters most for their well-being and courageously shared insights about overcoming challenges in their own lives. Students enjoyed listening to their peers, and appreciated the opportunity to hear about diverse experiences and perspectives.

As part of Well-being Week, the Well-being Committee organised a ‘Puppy Power’ lunchtime. Staff and students’ dogs and puppies were brought into the Quad and walked around, with students enjoying a few cuddles. Unsurprisingly the puppies were very well received.

Community service and

Daffodil Day

Pre-school tamariki and kaiako held a ‘Wear Yellow Day’ in honour of Daffodil Day, an event that supports the Cancer Society’s important work in cancer care and medical research. They also enjoyed face painting, and created daffodil-inspired art.

Donations to Tonga

Rutherford House Assistant Manager, Maxine Shepherd, and Relief Assistant House Manager, Sandy Mathieson, organised a donation of goods from the boarding houses towards the Tonga Disaster Relief, following the volcanic eruption and tsunami the country experienced earlier this year. Donations from the College included 24 mattresses, 60 pillows, and other assorted household items.

Eco-Action Project

In August and September, St Andrew’s students took part in two Community Planting Action Days as part of the Eco-Action Project. This is a collaborative project with 22 schools managing satellite nurseries, growing on up to 2000 trees per annum. St Andrew’s has been a member since 2019. On the first community planting day the students helped to plant 3500 trees in the Christchurch Red Zone, and on the second day, led by Gemma Lewis ( Year 12), Jack O’Neil (Year 11) and

the Sustainability Council, 3000 native plants were planted in the Chimera Crescent Red Zone. Four Sustainability members, Corin Simcock, Toby Harvie (both Year 13), Gemma Lewis (Year 12) and Elliot Graves (Year 11) were awarded a Certificate of thanks and appreciation at an Eco-Action function for their generosity of spirit to the project.

Gumboot Day

The St Andrew’s College Gumboot Day was introduced in 2021 by the Agriculture Committee to support ‘I Am Hope’ which provides mental health support to young people in Aotearoa. This year’s fundraiser was linked with the Boarders’ Assembly, which saw many students and staff wear gumboots to school.

StAC Ag Show

Students and staff enjoyed a fantastic day of agricultural fun at the second annual StAC Ag Show, an A&P Showinspired event, held in Gym 1 on Wednesday 21 September. There were lots of creative entries in a variety of competitions, including baking, art, and Lego, with all placegetters receiving a well-deserved ribbon. The petting zoo was a highlight, with students enthralled by the cuddly lambs, a piglet, rabbits, goats, and guinea pigs, brought to the event by Pony Parties Ltd.

A popular sausage sizzle and basketball fundraiser ran alongside the StAC Ag Show, which was superbly organised by the Agriculture Committee.

Year 13 Prefect and Parent/ Caregiver Evening

On Thursday 25 August, a Year 13 Prefect and Parent/Caregiver function was held in the Centennial Chapel. This was an opportunity to welcome parents back on campus and celebrate the excellent contribution of our prefect team in this challenging year. Cindy Xiong (Year 13) gave a wonderful rendition of her song Colourblind, one of the finalists in the Lion Foundation Play It Strange Competition. Grace Lawrence and Harry Withers (Head Prefects) delivered a wrap up of the prefects’ activities over the last seven months.

Formal Senior College

Huge balloons suspended from the ceiling and beautiful mood lighting transformed Gym 1 into an elegant and spectacular venue for the Senior College Formal, on Saturday 13 August.

The senior students were dressed in their finery for this highly anticipated occasion, with Poppy Rumble, Struan Gordon (both Year 12), Cindy Xiong and Scarlett Kirby (both Year 13) winning Best Dressed Awards for their stunning ensembles. There was lots of enthusiastic dancing and singing along to the great music pumped out by the DJ, and the students enjoyed having formal photographs taken to preserve their special memories of the night.

The Senior College Council did a great job of organising the Formal, with huge support from Preparatory School Receptionist, Kelsey Williams and Senior College Office Administrator, Jocelyn Simmons, who dedicated many hours towards planning and setting up the event. The Senior Formal was a wonderful, fun-filled evening, that was enjoyed by all.

33 Regulus

Values and Culture

Dance

After a one-year hiatus, Dance Revue was back bigger and better than ever in 2022. Around 100 talented students prepared for months for the two performances on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, including members of StAC Dance, the Ballet Academy, soloists, and dance groups.

The 25 slick, high energy performances, which showcased an eclectic range of dance styles, from jazz, hip hop and ballet, to musical theatre and contemporary, were enjoyed by an appreciative audience of over 200 people.

Head of Dance, Sophie March (Year 12) and Dance tutors, Charlotte Brown and Moana MacDonald (both Year 13), with support from Ballet Academy Artistic Director, Dr Carolyn Cairns, Cariad Parker and Sandy Gray, did a fantastic job of organising the event and creating its stunning choreography.

Year 11

Semi-formal

Glitz and glamour were on full display at the Year 11 Semi-formal, with its theme, ‘A Night at the Oscars’. The Middle School leaders did a superb job of planning and organising the event, which included decorating the venue at Riccarton Racecourse in spectacular style. Around 270 students from St Andrew’s College and other schools attended. The dance floor was heaving, and lots of photos were taken. Awards were given to Rosa Hill, Jack Flanagan and Jenna Howell (Best Dressed), Guy Stokes (Best Dancer), and Nilo Labbe Hubbard and Madison Hughes (Best Couple). Preparatory School Receptionist, Kelsey Williams, Year 11 Dean, Riley Gain, and the prefect group also helped to organise the event.

Leavers’ Assembly

2022 Leavers

More than 200 Year 12 and Year 13 students who are finishing school this year were joined by whānau at the Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 31 October in the Centennial Chapel, where they enjoyed a special celebration, and were wished well for the next chapter of their lives.

The leavers were greeted by Preparatory School students along the parade route, and honoured with a haka outside the Centennial Chapel by a large group of Secondary School students.

A number of awards were presented to Year 13 students, with Sarah Anthony, Tom Edwards and Luke Zhu awarded the S J Todd Cupp for Academic Leaders, Grace Richan awarded the Millie Bremner Award for Leadership (Non-Prefect), Toby Harvie and Corin Simcock awarded the Kaitiakitanga Award for Leadership in Sustainable Practice, Zoe Elmey awarded the Shipton Family Cup for Developing Positive Relationships, and Jack Stokes awarded the Wright Family Cup for the Biggest Mover (student with the greatest increase in grade point average across two years in the Senior College). Josie Gunning was the winner of the Good Sort Award.

Deputy Heads, Charlotte Roche and Thomas Kamo provided an entertaining round up of the year group memories, and there were some slick musical items from the Year 13 Music class, along with a cohort performance of the Year Group Song, I Lived by One Republic, led by Cindy Xiong and Alexander Wilson.

After the assembly, students and their guests enjoyed morning tea outside the Senior College, which was a fitting end to a wonderful occasion.

Years On Jackson Foster

2009/10 -2022

With primary, intermediate and secondary schooling on campus at St Andrew’s College, each year, there is a special group of Year 13 leavers who have enjoyed their entire schooling at the College.

This year, 12 students who arrived in Year 1 in 2009 and 2010 will walk out the school gates for the final time, with seven of these students, Jackson Foster, Selena Gan, Harrison Kyle, Rhys Marshall, Tegan Mathewson, Fergus Rutledge, and Alys Scott, also attending the St Andrew’s College Pre-school. We asked the students to share what their time at St Andrew’s means to them.

Seth Moore

It feels like only yesterday we all entered St Andrew’s as tiny Year 1s, but yet here we are, 13 years on and what a time it’s been. Throughout the years I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing friends, be taught by some incredible teachers, and indulge in some unforgettable experiences with the highlight being the Year 12 Travel and Tourism trip. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the opportunities given to me both inside and outside of the classroom. A big thank you to the College, teachers, mates, and family that made these 13 years as great as they were and that formed me into the person I am today.

I’ve learnt valuable skills and lessons during my 13 years at St Andrew’s, making friends and creating bonds that will last a lifetime. I enjoyed playing rugby in the 1st XV for two years and playing touch in the Senior A team for four years. Special thanks to my teachers and staff who have helped and supported me. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have been given. A massive thank you to my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend St Andrew’s over the past 13 years. Without you guys, I would not have been able to achieve my goals.

Selena Gan

It’s always amusing to see people’s reactions to the statement, ‘I’ve been at St Andrew’s since Pre-school,’ but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My last 13 years at the College have been a pleasure and I hold great pride in saying that I have attended all my schooling years here. I thank my parents for working so hard and for all the sacrifices they have made for me and my two siblings to come to this school. I also thank the teachers who continued to support me along the way, from my Year 4 Music teacher to my Year 13 tutor. I recognise them all and the part they have all played in my life.

Jakarta Klebert

My 13 years at St Andrew’s have been incredible. The opportunities and experiences I have been presented with while at the College have allowed me to strive both within my sports and academically, setting me up for what lies ahead. Over the years, I have had many amazing teachers and staff who have contributed to making my years at St Andrew’s such a positive experience. I have made many memories and connections, which I will look back on in the years to come. I am proud to have spent the last 13 years at St Andrew’s and would like to thank both the College and my family for providing me with such a great education and schooling experience.

Harrison Kyle

During my 13 years at St Andrew’s I have made many good memories and met a lot of great people. The opportunities the College has given me inside and outside the classroom has helped me achieve my academic, sporting and cultural goals. I have been involved in the Pipe Band from Years 6–13 and the swimming team from Years 9–13 and enjoyed travelling to many national events and tournaments. I am extremely grateful to the staff, friends and family who have guided me through my years at St Andrew's College and will cherish these moments indefinitely.

Tegan Mathewson

Having completed my entire schooling at St Andrew’s, I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I've received, along with the support and encouragement from my teachers. My journey through the St Andrew’s community came with friendships, and connections that will last a lifetime. The College has given me opportunities to further exceed my academic and cultural self. I will be forever grateful to my parents who have given me nothing but love and support throughout my St Andrew’s College journey.

Devesh Jeram

I have enjoyed my 13 years at St Andrew’s, and appreciate the community and teachers who have supported me the whole way through. I loved playing hockey throughout my time at the College, and have learnt multiple things which have helped me grow into the person I am today. I have also learnt that book work and attending university is not the right choice for me, so I intend to take up a commercial building apprenticeship. I would like to thank everyone at the College for absolutely everything they have done for me.

Nicholas Patchett

I’ve been fortunate to attend St Andrew’s College for the whole of my education. I have super memories of the old Memorial Chapel and its surrounds, playing on the grounds and having fun collecting leaves. I recall the ground shaking in the earthquake and how the teachers looked after me. I’ve made many friends, and had some super experiences. Most of all, being a young athlete, I have overwhelming gratitude for my subject teachers going above and beyond their roles to support me. For that I am eternally thankful.

Jasmine McAllister

Every one of my 13 years at St Andrew’s College have been amazing. The time has flown by, and I can’t believe I’m already in my final year. I have not only learnt so much over my time at St Andrew’s, but have made incredible memories that will last a lifetime. I am very appreciative of the experiences and opportunities the College has provided, and am grateful for the staff and students who have made my time at St Andrew’s so enjoyable.

Rhys Marshall

Fergus Rutledge

My 13 years at St Andrew’s have been a great experience filled with many opportunities. Time has really flown by as it only feels like yesterday that I was in the Preparatory School. I have been able to compete in many different sports that the College offers including rowing, cricket, rugby, football, and basketball and have had a great time playing all of them. I will miss the friends and culture that St Andrew’s brings and have gratitude that I was able to spend the whole of my time at school here.

I have enjoyed every one of the 13 years I have spent at St Andrew’s. The College has helped me with my academics and sports, and has been pivotal in setting me up for my future. I have made a lot of friends and memories that will last

a lifetime. I am proud to have spent my whole school life at St Andrew’s, and I would like to thank my parents for sending me to the College and making sure I got the best education possible. Also a big thanks to all the teachers who have helped me in many different ways over the years.

Few people get the chance to attend a school like St Andrew’s, much less for 13 years. I’ve had a lot of mentors to look up to and a lot of support throughout the years of my schooling. Numerous life lessons helped me become the person I am today. I know I will never lose the several close relationships I have developed here. I am really appreciative of everything I have learnt and experienced at St Andrew's, and am excited about the future that the College has moulded for me. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for helping me in many different ways over the years.

Cultural catch up

Art

Adele Sherborne (Year 8) was selected from nearly 150 entries as one of the winning mural designs in this year’s Re:ACTIVATE Aspiring Artist competition. The judges were impressed with how Adele’s work responded to the brief with engaging ideas and outstanding visual concepts.

Battle of the Bands

After winning two heats and putting in an incredible performance at the Christchurch finals for Battle of the Bands, rock band, Black Wired, comprising Chantelle Xiong, Tamaroa Connelly, Hayden Lam (all Year 11), Sam McAlister (Year 10), and Ethan Lam (Year 9) won a coveted spot in the national finals of the 2022 Battle of the Bands. The final was split into a two-day event, with Black Wired performing at the second event, held in Auckland in early October. This is an adult competition, so the band were by far the youngest performers. They delivered a stellar 25-minute set of original material, and more than held their own against the other bands while performing at Auckland’s Anthology Lounge.

Choral

Sea-am Thompson (Year 11) was one of two choral musicians from the Christchurch Cathedral Choir invited by Dr John Linker of the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral to travel to sing at Christ Church, Oxford, United Kingdom in the October school holidays. During the three-week stay in Oxford, Sea-am sang in 15 services. He visited 15 Colleges and their chapels around Oxford, and the ancient Oxford Town Hall, where he was allowed to play their organ from the 1800s.

performances by each school, and two combined items. It was a great night of choral music making.

Drama

Harrison Mugford (Year 7) and Eden Taylor (Year 8) performed in the Showbiz production of Matilda.

Film

Three short films made by Year 12 Media students have been named as Top 10 finalists for the 2022 New Zealand Regionals Competition of the International Youth Silent Film Festival. They are:

• Amica – Marco Leighs, Struan Gordon, Bede Miller (also nominated for Craft Award ‘Best Shot’);

• 43 Hours – Qing Yu (Qing Qing) Huang, Kevin Che, Savannah Larkins;

• Nightmares – Ethan Bonis, Jonah Cropp, Solomin Hix.

Highland Dance

Twelve students participated in the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships. Milly Christie (Year 13) won two individual New Zealand titles, and was ranked the overall U18 National Champion, Siara Clarke (Year 11) won the U18 New Zealand Championship Sword Dance. Tessa Meyrick (Year 8) won two championships and was also awarded Most Points Runner-Up in the 12–14 age group. Sarah McCarthy (Year 7) was the winner of three championships for the U12 category and Amelia Lyttle (Year 7) won an 11-yearold championship event. The following students received a National Ranking determined over 10 events:

• U18 Overall National Champion: Milly Christie (Year 13);

• U18 fourth national ranking: Siara Clarke (Year 11);

• U18 tenth national ranking: Brianna Sloper (Year 13);

• U16 tenth national ranking: Charlize Blakely (Year 10).

Jazz Tour and Jazz Club at Fat Eddie’s

in Nelson and the Golden Bear at the Mapua Wharf, supported by bands from Waimea College and Nayland College. The day after their return from Nelson they held their annual Jazz Club at Fat Eddie’s in central Christchurch, performing a two-hour programme for friends and family in a full venue.

JazzQuest

Three St Andrew’s College jazz groups performed in the Ara JazzQuest. The Soul Band won a gold award, the Big Band silver, and the Jazz Orchestra a bronze. The jazz bands are very young this year and have made superb progress. The judge made special mention of the Soul Band and the vocals of Estée Wilke and Cindy Xiong (both Year 13), saying the feeling in the room during their performance was ‘electric’.

Music

Sea-am Thompson (Year 11) achieved his Trinity Violin Diploma examination, a considerable achievement at a young age.

Hao Bo (Terence) Yang (Year 7) won Most Promising Boy 10–12 years, three second placings, and four third placings, at the Christchurch Music Competition.

Opera

Patrick Jarman (Year 3) was cast in Macbeth for the New Zealand Opera.

Pipe Band

New Zealand Young Piper of the Year

Several St Andrew’s Pipe Band members competed at the New Zealand Young Piper of the Year events, with fantastic results. Placegetters were:

• Maggie McConnochie (Year 8): first B Grade Strathspey/Reel;

Sea-am Thompson (Year 11)

Stacchorus performed at Encore, an independent schools’ choral festival, held at Christ’s College. A waiata was sung by all students, followed by two

With the cancellation of the 2022 Southern Jam Jazz Festival, the jazz bands did their own tour to Nelson instead. They played at six primary schools presenting an engaging, informative and fun 40-minute programme. The concerts were presented by Xanthe Pearce, Tamaroa Connelly and Jack Flanagan (all Year 11) and featured the Big Band, the Soul Band, and the Jazz Orchestra playing well-known songs from movies and jazz repertoire. The bands also performed to a full house at The Honest Lawyer

• Cooper Gallagher (Year 10): third B Grade Hornpipe/Jig, third C Grade 2/4 March;

• Lucas Paterson (Year 11): first C Grade 2/4 March, second Strathspey/Reel, third Piobaireachd, winner of Overall C Grade Aggregate Prize;

• Tayla Eagle (Year 10): second C Grade 2/4 March;

• James Anthony (Year 10): first D Grade 2/4 March, third Strathspey/Reel;

• Charlie Gregg (Year 7): second D Grade Strathspey/Reel, third 2/4 March.

New Zealand Youth Pipe Band

Pipers Lucas Paterson (Year 11) and Tayla Eagle (Year 10) and drummers

Rachel Holyoake (Year 13) and Georgia Eagle (Year 12) took part in the New Zealand Youth Pipe Band tour to Southland. The band performed in Queenstown before moving on to Invercargill to join the ILT City of Invercargill Pipe Band for their 125th anniversary, taking part in a spectacular concert.

World Online Summer Championship

Pipe Band members Daniel Liu, Sam Foote (both Year 9), Charlie Gregg and Anthony Song (both Year 7) competed in the World Online Summer Championship with fantastic results:

• Daniel Liu (Year 9): Overall Grade 3 Snare Drumming Champion, first in Grade 3 March, Strathspey/ Reel, Jig, second in 6/8 March, Overall Grade 4 Snare Drumming Champion, first in Grade 4 2/4 March, 4/6 March and Jig;

• Sam Foote (Year 9): first Alistair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March for Age 13-14, Grade 4 Piobaireachd, second 2/4 March, Strathspey/Reel, Jig, fourth 6/8 March;

• Anthony Song (Year 7): first Alistair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March for Age 12 and Under, fourth Grade 4 2/4 March and Strathspey/Reel;

• Charlie Gregg (Year 7): second Alistair Gillies Memorial 2/4 March for Age 12 and Under, third Grade 4 Strathspey/Reel, fifth 2/4 March.

Ōtautahi Solo Drumming Championships

This competition is a major drumming event on the calendar, attended by drummers from other parts of New Zealand. First placegetters were:

Snare Drumming

• Georgia Eagle (Year 12): first B Grade March, Strathspey/Reel Hornpipe/Jig, Aggregate;

• Daniel Liu (Year 9): first C Grade March, Strathspey and Reel, Compound March, Aggregate;

• Konnor Chamberlain (Year 10): first D Grade March;

• Harry Summers (Year 8): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel;

• Harry McKay (Year 8) first Novice Drum Pad;

• Lee Patterson (Year 9): first Novice Drum.

Tenor Drumming

• Lucy McIntyre (Year 11): first Intermediate March, Strathspey/ Ree, Aggregate;

• Rachel Holyoake (Year 13): first Hornpipe/Jig;

• Madelyn Harding (Year 6): first Novice.

Bass Drumming

• Rachel Holyoake (Year 13): first Open March, Strathspey and Reel, Hornpipe/Jig, Aggregate.

The Highland Piping Society of Canterbury Sunday Solo Competition

First placegetters were:

• Lucas Paterson (Year 11): first B Grade 2/4 March, Strathspey/ Reel, Piobaireachd, C Grade Piobaireachd;

• Tayla Eagle (Year 10): first C Grade 2/4 March, Strathspey/Reel;

• Emily Carswell (Year 10): first D Grade 2/4 March;

• Charlie Gregg (Year 7): first D Grade Strathspey/Reel;

• Jack Boon (Year 11): first Novice;

• Jacob Wang (Year 5): first Practice Chanter.

Labour Weekend Silver Chanter Competition

The Pipe Band completed an outstanding Labour Weekend Silver Chanter competition, which was based at the College. Bagpipers from around the country travelled to Christchurch to compete in the biggest solo piping competition in the New Zealand calendar, with New Zealand Championship events and a fantastic prize pool featuring our pipers throughout. Top three placegetters were:

• Iona Lawson (Year 11): first C Grade 2/4 March, Strathspey/Reel;

• Lucas Paterson (Year 11): first C Grade 6/8 March, second Piobaireachd, Hornpipe/Jig;

• Toby Cammock-Elliott (Year 12): third C Grade Piobaireachd;

• Sam Foote (Year 9) won overall D Grade prize, first 2/4 March, Strathspey Reel, second Piobaireachd, 6/8 March;

• Cameron Sharpe (Year 8): first D Grade Piobaireachd;

• Anthony Song (Year 7): first D Grade 6/8 March, second 2/4 March;

• Charlie Gregg (Year 7): second D Grade Strathspey/Reel;

• James Anthony (Year 10): third D Grade 6/8 March.

Play It Strange

Four St Andrew’s students were announced as finalists for the Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Competition for their incredible songs, with two students achieving national placings. Grace Lawrence (Year 13)

was the overall competition winner for her stunning coming-of age song, Differently Now. Cindy Xiong (Year 13) was runner-up of the David Richwhite Lyric Award for her song Colourblind Other finalists from St Andrew’s were Chantelle Xiong and Christine Jeon (both Year 11) for their song Reminisce. All songs will be produced professionally, and will feature on the 2022 Play It Strange album.

StAC Rock Night

The inaugural StAC Rock Night was held at A Rolling Stone on Colombo Street, and was a valuable opportunity for all 10 Secondary School rock bands to perform in a ‘blues bar’ style venue and gain experience performing in front of an audience. The bands were well supported by over 200 friends, family, and the general public, along with their rock school tutors, Michael Sumner and Sam Kealty, who have done great work with the bands throughout the year.

Smokefree Rockquest

Cindy Xiong (Year 13) won the overall APRA Lyrics Award at the Smokefree Rockquest National Finals.

Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program

Grace Lawrence (Year 13) was selected for the international Sony Music Group Global Scholars Program.

Speech and Drama

In the Christchurch Competitions Society Speech and Drama competitions, Teresa Steiner and Sylvia James (both Year 9), Chantelle Xiong (Year 11) and Cindy Xiong (Year 13) won medals, trophies, or special prizes. Chantelle and Cindy won the scholarships for their age groups and jointly won the Best Performer over 12 years.

The following Preparatory School students won medals at the Christchurch Competitions Society Speech and Drama competitions:

• Year 2 – Georgia Blyde, Violet Winterbourn;

• Year 3 – Tomasz Clark, Louie Hartstonge;

• Year 4 – Jack Blyde;

• Year 5 – XiaoYa (Cynthia) Zhou, Zhenan (Jayden) Lai;

• Year 6 – Isla Marshall, Hudson Blyde, Louis Hyland;

• Year 7 – HanYu (Lana) Li, Harrison Mugford, Sophia Luxford-Meads;

• Year 8 – Christian Li.

The following students won medals and trophies, or special prizes:

• Year 1 – Nari Yoon;

• Year 3 – Patrick Jarman, Riona McKendry;

• Year 4 - Jessica Whitehead

• Year 5 – Aaron Yu, Hugo Hills, Ben McKendry, Oscar Han;

• Year 7 – Jacob Triplow, Amanda Watkins;

• Year 8 – Logan Scott, Anton Zhang.

Aaron Yu and Ben McKendry (both Year 5) won the scholarships for the

FilmFest

8–10 and 10–12 years age groups respectively. Aaron also won the prize for the Best Performer U12 Years.

The following Preparatory School students received Honours Passes following their speech and drama examinations:

• Initial (Year 4): Jessica Whitehead, Jack Blyde, Harper Keith;

• Grade 1 (Year 5): Joanna Liang, Oliver Hodgson, Oscar Han, Hunter Donnithorne, Aneel Bartlett, Aaron Yu, Hugo Hills, Nathaniel Jones, Max Schouten, Emma Theobald, Eddison Keith, Kendal Dawson;

• Grade 2 (Year 6): Isla Marshall, Chelsea Li, Louis Hyland, Hudson Blyde, Ben Mckendry (Year 5);

• Grade 3 (Year 7): Chloe Monk, Sophia Luxford-Meads, Amanda Watkins, Jacob Triplow, Annie Zhang, HanYu (Lana) Li, Yutian (Tianna) Chen;

• Grade 4 (Year 8): Christian Li, Hamish Longstaffe.

The red carpet was rolled out, beautiful ballgowns and stylish suits were donned, and popcorn was popped, as family and friends gathered to celebrate at the 2022 Film Fest – A Night at the Oscars. The short films nominated across the 10 categories showcased the students’ talents in various aspects of filmmaking. The big winners of the night were Marco Leighs, Struan Gordon, and Bede Miller (all Year 12), who took out Best Film for Amica, a telling fable about the potential dark side of apps.

(Y13)

Emma Geddes (Year 8) placed second in the Rotary Speech Contest.

Cindy Xiong (Year 13) won the National Young Performer competition in Speech and Drama, as the nominee from the Christchurch Competitions Society. Cindy had to perform a 15-minute programme of poem, prose and drama based on a theme, and an improvised scene with just 30 seconds of preparation time. Cindy held off some tough competition, including students studying Drama at university, to win the $5000 first place.

Vocal Concert

Five choirs from the College and Preparatory School performed along with two barbershops, many soloists, and some staff items at the annual Vocal Concert. It was a great celebration of vocal music and appreciated by an enthusiastic audience.

FilmFest Winners:

• Best Film: Amica

• Best Cinematography: Amica

• Best Screenplay: Pancake, Pancake, Pancake

• Best Editing: Pick Up

• Best Original Soundtrack: Unplugged

• Best Sound: Amica

• Best Lighting: A Sleepless Night

• Best Actor: Marco Leighs (Y12) – Unplugged

• Best Actress: Elise Vaudrey (Year 13) in Amica

• Best Supporting Actor: Jonah Cropp (Y12) – Nightmares

It has been two years since the St Andrew’s Pipe Band has been able to perform StAC Attack in the spectacular Christchurch Town Hall, but the wait was well worth it if the audience reaction was anything to go by, says Pipe Band Manager, Graeme Bryce. “We had fantastic feedback from the crowd, including many Old Collegians who enjoyed the show. The students worked tremendously hard on their items in the months leading up to the event. A group of 107 students ranging from Years 3–13 performed from the Pipe Band and we were delighted to have the St Andrew’s Highland dancers join us on stage for some new and exciting items. We are all already looking forward to StAC Attack 2023.”

Film Fest Winners, Bede Miller, Struan Gordon, Marco Leighs (all Y12) and Elise Vaudrey

ACADEMIC

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS:

83 awarded

ICAS:

6 Medals – Mathematics and Science

MATHEMATICS:

World Champions International Mathematical Modeling Challenge

Winner CMA Year 12 Competition

Winner Year 9 Cantamath

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING:

World Championships Runner Up Middle Division and Top 10 Year 9 Team

National finals – four teams qualified

SPEECH AND DRAMA:

Winner National Young Performer Competition

VEX ROBOTICS:

Canterbury Champions

CHESS:

Winner Canterbury Schools

CREATIVE WRITING:

Runner Up National Schools Poetry Award

BIOLOGY:

New Zealand Biology Olympiad Silver Award

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES:

10 Recipients

CULTURE

SONGWRITING

Winner and four finalists Play It Strange

Songwriting Competition

Runner Up Play it Strange 2022 Lyric Award

Winner APRA Lyrics Award Smokefree Rockquest

CHORAL:

NZSS Choir member

CHAMBER MUSIC:

Runner Up NZCT Chamber Music Contest (combined group)

ORCHESTRA:

NZSS Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster plus 5 students

ROCK BAND:

Battle of the Bands national finalists

Winner RockQuest Canterbury

Best Use of Electronic Assist

TOP STUDENT SUCCESSES

Congratulations to our students for their outstanding successes across sports, cultural and academic areas.

2022

JAZZ BANDS:

Gold Award ARA Jazzquest Soul Band

DEBATING:

Winner Canterbury Senior Regionals

Runner Up Canterbury Junior Regionals

Winner Canterbury Impromptu Cup

PIPE BAND:

Best Pipe Band Hororata Highland Games

BALLET:

2 NZAMD Ballet Scholarship Nominees

4 NZAMD Ballet Distinctions

2 NZSOD Associate Dancer

10 Excellence Awards

6 Senior Ballet Diplomas

HIGHLAND DANCE:

New Zealand Champion – U18

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S HILLARY AWARD:

13 Gold Awards

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES: 10 Recipients

SPORT

ROWING:

Winner NZSS Girls U17 Double

Silver NZSS Girls U17 Quad

Silver NZSS Springbok Shield

Winner SISS Boys U18 Eight SISS Championships 9 podium finishes

HOCKEY:

Runner Up NZSS Boys 1st XI Rankin Cup

Winner Canterbury Secondary Schools Boys’ 1st XI

Winner CPSSA Mixed 1st XI

BASKETBALL:

Runner Up NZSS Girls Senior A

Winner SISS Girls Senior A

Winner Division 1 Girls Whelan Trophy

Winner CPSSA Boys A Team

NETBALL:

NZSS Top 12 Senior A

Runner Up SuperNet Senior A

Runner Up SISS Junior Tournament Year 9 A

Winner ISSA Preparatory School

FOOTBALL:

NZSS Championship Girls 1st XI Top 5

Winner Canterbury Schools Girls 1st XI

Winner ISSA Preparatory School

EQUESTRIAN:

Winner SISS Equestrian Championship Team

Winner Canterbury Secondary School Teams

Dressage Trophy

TENNIS:

Winner SISS Senior Boys

ADVENTURE RACING:

Runner Up SISS Senior Mixed Team

Runner Up NZSS Mixed Team

SKIING

Winner SISS Girls Team and Female Slopestyle

Winner CPSSA Primary, Years 1–6, Intermediate and Snowboarding

Winner ISSA Primary Co-ed Years 1–6, Intermediate Co-ed, Intermediate Fastest Boy and Primary Girl

SWIMMING:

SISS Championships 35 podium finishes

NZSS Championships 11 podium finishes

ATHLETICS:

NZSS Championships – 2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze (Dec 2021)

SISS Championships – 10 gold, 4 silver, 11 bronze

TRAP SHOOTING:

NZSS Top 4

Winner NZSS High Gun National Champion

Winner SI Ladies Skeet

ZONTA AWARDS:

Winner Category 1 and 6

Highly Commended Category 1 and 5 –Boys 1st XI hockey and Girls Senior A basketball

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVES:

21 Recipients

College Productions

Greatest Hits (Ballet Academy)

Antoinette’s Showstoppers (Middle) Songs for a New World (Senior)

Outstanding Cultural Celebrations

Music Festival // Film Fest

Grandparents’ Day

After two years of interruptions caused by COVID-19, the popular annual event, Grandparents’ Day, was finally back, with record numbers of over 700 grandparents and special friends in attendance on Friday 21 October.

The grandparents enjoyed a wonderful programme of entertainment in the Centennial Chapel, featuring items from the Pre-school, junior choir, Preparatory School musicians, Ballet Academy, Stacchorus, and Year 8 speech students. This was followed by a delicious morning tea in the Strowan House dining room, provided by Catering Manager Russell Gray and the catering team. It was wonderful to see rangitahi of all ages sharing their learning environments and highlights of the College campus with these very special family members.

New Zealand Representatives 2022

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent New Zealand in Academic, Cultural, and Sports pursuits in 2022.

Academic

International Mathematical Modeling Challenge – Tom Edwards, Toby Harvie, Luke Zhu and Corin Simcock (all Year 13) represented New Zealand at the International Mathematical Modeling Challenge and won one of only three Outstanding Team awards.

Future Problem Solving – Hannah Withers* (Year 9) and the Year 9 team Matthew Bluck, Katie Foot, Charlotte Kyle, Teresa Steiner and Ania Kuziel*, represented New Zealand at the Future Problem Solving International Competition.

Cultural

Choral – Estée Wilke (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Choir.

Orchestra – Grace Lawrence (Year 13) was selected as Concertmaster of the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra for 2022. Miu Kim, Jasmine Hooker * and Hansen Hong* (all Year 10) were also selected for the NZSSSO.

Pipe Band – Tayla Eagle (Year 10), Lucas Paterson (Year 11), Georgia Eagle, Connor Higgs (both Year 12) and Rachel Holyoake (Year 13), were selected for the National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand.

Sport

Basketball – Karereatua Williams (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand U17 basketball team at the FIBA World Cup Asia Qualifying in Jordan. Lauren Whittaker (Year 12) was also selected for the New Zealand U17 team but could not travel due to injury. Mitchell Corkery * (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand Basketball U17 3X3 team. Madeline-Rose Morrow (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand U18 Women’s National Team at the FIBA Asia Championships in India.

Cricket – Rory Sloan (Year 13) was selected for the New Zealand Māori Secondary Schools’ cricket team.

CrossFit – Alys Scott (Year 13) represented New Zealand at the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Equestrian – Gemma Lewis* (Year 12) was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Dressage Challenge in the Senior (16 and over) class. Georgia Lewis* (Year 9) was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Dressage Challenge in the Youth (12–16 years) class.

Fencing – Ryan Stewart (Year 13) represented New Zealand at the World Junior Fencing and Cadet Championships in Dubai, and was a member of the New Zealand Junior Men’s Epee team which competed at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in London.

Football – Noah Cole (Year 10) and Megan Simpson (Year 11) were selected for the New Zealand U17 football teams.

Golf – Sebastian May (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand team to compete at the IMG Junior World Championships.

Hockey – Penelope Taulafo (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand U21 Women’s Māori hockey team and the New Zealand Māori Women’s Team.

Jet Skiing – Jonte Butterfield (Year 11) was selected for the New Zealand jet skiing team to compete in Australia.

Karate – Scarlett Gray (Year 10) represented New Zealand in the Female Cadet Individual Kumite division at the Oceania Karate Championships in New Caledonia.

Netball – Sienna Stowers-Smith (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ netball team.

Race Walk – Jonah Cropp (Year 12) represented the New Zealand athletics team in the race walk at the Oceania Track and Field Championships.

Rowing – Georgia Thomson (Year 13) represented New Zealand at the World Junior Rowing Championships in Italy.

Rugby – Penelope Taulafo (Year 12) was selected for the New Zealand U18 Māori Women’s rugby team.

Volleyball – Tineke Hinton (Year 12) and Pippa Henderson (Year 13) represented New Zealand in the Junior Women’s Volleyball Test Series against Australia.

Winter Tournament Week

Winter Tournament Week is a much-anticipated event for secondary school sports in Aotearoa and thousands of students gather in various parts of New Zealand to compete in a range of competitions. It was exciting to see the results come in as the various tournaments progressed, with St Andrew’s teams achieving some outstanding results at a national and South Island level.

Standout performers were the Boys’ 1st XI hockey team, who finished second in New Zealand as runners-up in the national Rankin Cup Tournament; the Girls’ 1st XI football team, who finished fifth in New Zealand at the Girls’ Premier Football Tournament; and the Girls’ Senior A basketball team, equestrian team, and U15 rugby team, who were all crowned South Island champions at their various competitions.

Staff who travelled with the St Andrew’s teams commented on their positive spirit, resilience, courage, and commitment to fair play.

Hockey

The Boys’ 1st XI hockey team had an outstanding national Rankin Cup Tournament, finishing second to Westlake Boys’ High School in the final. The team started the competition well, with strong wins on the first three days of the competition setting them up for a quarter-final against old foes, Timaru Boys’ High School. The boys put in a gritty performance to win this match in a penalty shootout. A solid 2–0 win in the semi-final against St Paul’s Collegiate School set them up for the final against Westlake Boys’ High School, who they had met the last time St Andrew’s made the Rankin Cup final in 2015. It was a torrid, close encounter, and with the score at 0–0 at full time, the match headed to a penalty shootout. Although the boys lost this 1–3 they can be proud of their outstanding achievement to finish second in New Zealand, and the composure and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the tournament.

The girls also performed well, with the Girls’ 1st XI hockey finishing ninth in New Zealand in their national Federation Cup Tournament, and the Girls’ 2nd XI hockey winning the South Island Tier 4 Tournament.

Football

The Girls’ 1st XI football capped off a fantastic local season by finishing fifth at the Girls’ Premier Football Tournament. Unbeaten in their four matches in the first two days’ of tournament play, the St Andrew’s girls were excited to be heading into the quarter-finals, as one of the top eight teams in New Zealand. A 0–2 loss to Epsom Girls’ Grammar School put them into a match up with Rangitoto College, which they won 2–0, putting them into a playoff for fifth and sixth against Napier Girls’ High School. A strong 3–2 win saw the team finish fifth in New Zealand, which was an incredible achievement for the girls.

The Boys’ 1st XI football team also had a great tournament week, finishing fourth at the Malcolm Cowie Tournament.

Boys’ 1st XI hockey (back) Joe Piggott (Coach), Hugh Nixon (Y13), Noah Mellish-Temple (Y12), Shaun Cooper (Y11), Corin Simcock (Y13), Luke Slee (Y12), Jonty Foote, Jakarta Klebert, Adam Redway, Harry Withers (all Y13), Rainer Klebert (Strength and Conditioning) (front) Brad Munt (Coach), Rico Gamble (Y13), Sebastian May (Y12), Harry O’Brien (Y13), Jackson Hodgkinson (Y11), Jonathon Rollinson, Rhys Marshall (both Y13), Joel Rogers (Y12), Benjamin Harford (Y11), Alex Rippin (Y12), Mark Rippin (Manager)

Girls’ 1st XI football (back) Jessie Mercer (Y10), Charlotte Roche (Y13), Brooke Manion (Y13), Megan Simpson, Odette Lieshout (both Y11), Kyra Lazor (Y12), Scarlett Gray (Y10), Morgan Lee (Y12), Maddison Bisphan (Y13), Juan Chang (Head Coach), (front) Taylor Gordon, Alyssa Sanders (both Y9), Addison Pilkington (Y11), Amelia McAllister (Y12), Amber de Wit (Y10), Billie Revis (Y11), Chelsea Tippen (Y13), Gemma Wong (Y10)

Basketball

The Girls’ Senior A basketball team was dominant in the ‘AA’ Zone 4 New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Premiership, winning their early games by significant margins of 40 to 50 goals. This great form continued in their quarter-final matchup against Middleton Grange School, which they won 94–34, and semi-final win against Waimea College, 70–33. These wins set up a final against another in-form team, Rangiora High School. The St Andrew’s girls played a solid game, and were seriously challenged by a determined Rangiora side in the final few minutes. In a nail biting finish, a last play in the final seconds saw St Andrew’s take an exciting one point 66–65 win and be crowned South Island champions.

The Boys’ Senior A basketball team finished 18th in their ‘AA’ Zone 4 New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Premierships, with the Junior Boys’ basketball team finishing eighth out of 25 teams in their tournament.

Equestrian

Despite having fewer riders than many other schools, the talents of the St Andrew’s equestrian team shone through, with consistently high performances which saw them win the South Island title. On the first day, the team won the Competitive Trail Riding event, and on the second day, the Canterbury Schools’ Team Dressage Trophy, placing St Andrew’s as the top school across both days. The St Andrew’s team continued its great form to win the overall South Island Secondary Schools’ Equestrian Championships, which was a fantastic effort.

Rugby

The U15 rugby team had an unbeaten six match record to win the South Island Co-educational Tournament. They won several of their games by large margins, with only South Otago High School coming close in the quarterfinal, which St Andrew’s won 12–10. The boys played a great game in the final against Dunstan High School, winning 28–15 to become the overall champions.

The U16 rugby team participated in a Quadrangular Tournament.

Netball

The Senior A team played some outstanding netball and had a number of strong wins throughout the South Island Secondary Schools’ Netball Tournament. They finished in fifth place which saw them qualify for the national tournament where they finished twelfth

Badminton

The Boys’ A badminton team put in some good performances to finish fifth at the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Badminton Tournament.

Equestrian team, back from left Georgia Lewis (Y9), Gemma Lewis (Y12), Martha McRae (Y9), Lucy Charteris (Y10), Lily Ellis (Y10) Absent: Sophie Pickens (Y13)

Girls’ Senior A basketball team (back) Adam Morgan, Ruby Beynon, Rafferty Powell (both Y11), Natasha Lind (Y13), Ella Sharp, Molly-Belle Morrow (both Y11), Kavanah Lene (Y12) (front) Karereatua Williams, Angelique Doig (both Y13), Charlotte Seddon (Y12), Ophelia Powell (Y11), Dave Ermerins

Sports round up

Girls’ Senior A basketball national runners-up

What an incredible season for the Girls’ Senior A basketball team, who for the first time in St Andrew’s College history, made it to the final of Basketball New Zealand's Secondary Schools’ National Championships, finishing runners-up to an impressive Westlake Girls’ High School team. The team played well throughout the competition, with win after win setting them up for a nail-biting semi-final against Tauranga Girls’ College, which they won 84–72 after an intense final quarter. Westlake Girls’ High School were fierce competitors in the final, with the final result going the opposition’s way in a high scoring match, 99–66. The girls had great support during the tournament, and acquitted themselves admirably on and off the court, playing with dedication, passion, and commitment. To cap off the great result, Madeline-Rose Morrow, Karereatua Williams (both Y13) and Kavanah Lene (Y12) made the NZSS Tournament Team.

Incredibly, this was the first loss for the team in three years. Prior to the national tournament, the Senior A girls had won the local 2022 Whelan Trophy Tournament, and the Zone 4 South Island Tournament (becoming South Island champions), defeating a tough Rangiora High School team in both hard-fought finals.

It was an end to a very successful season for St Andrew’s basketball, which continues to go from strength to strength under Basketball Co - ordinator, Ben Eves. Nine of the College’s 27 basketball teams finished in the top three of their respective competitions which was a great result for the fast-growing programme.

Netball

It was another great netball season for St Andrew’s, with 12 teams playing in the Saturday Club Competition, with four teams making finals, two teams winning their competitions, and three teams competing in the Wednesday Secondary School Sport Competition. The Senior A team finished runnersup to St Margaret’s College in the Wednesday SuperNet Competition. After a fifth placing at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Tournament, the Senior A team qualified for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Netball Tournament. This tough competition is for the top 16 teams from throughout New Zealand, with 245 A school teams originally vying for a place during regional tournaments. The girls played with determination and pride, ending up in a playoff for eleventh and twelfth against Hasting Girls’ High School, which they lost in a tight game 29–34. This saw St Andrew’s finish in twelfth place nationally, equal to the best the College has ever achieved in this competition.

Girls’ Senior A basketball team (back) Dave Ermerins, Tessa Boagni, Natasha Lind (Y13), Ella Sharp (Y11), Lauren Whittaker (Y12), Karereatua Williams (Y13), Kavanah Lene (Y12), Angelique Doig (Y13), Adam Morgan, (front) Kate Taylor, Madeline-Rose Morrow (Y13), Ruby Beynon, Rafferty Powell (both Y11), Charlotte Seddon (Y12), Ophelia Powell (Y11)

The St Andrew’s Senior A netball team in action at the nationals.

Local competition round up

It was a highly successful winter sports season for many other St Andrew’s sports teams, with several local, regional, and South Island titles won. A wrap up of local competitions follow below. See pages 44–45 for results from the South Island and national competitions held during Winter Tournament Week, where another highlight was the Boys’ 1st XI hockey finishing runners-up nationally at the Rankin Cup Tournament.

Football

It was another fantastic year for football, with the Girls’ 1st XI and 2nd XI winning their regional titles back-to back for the first time, and the Girls’ 1st XI going on to finish fifth at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ national tournament. In their regional final, the girls faced second ranked, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and won the match in a tense penalty shootout after the score was 0–0 at full time. The Boys’ Junior 1st XI and Blue team also made it to their regional finals, with the Boys’ 1st XI finishing fourth at the national Malcolm Cowie Tournament during Winter Tournament Week, their highest placing ever.

Hockey

After winning the Canterbury Premier Secondary Schools’ Competition in a controlled 2–0 win in the final against old foes Timaru Boys’ High School, the Boys’ 1st XI hockey team was second at the prestigious Rankin Cup national tournament. Six out of the College’s 10 hockey teams played off for a top three placing in their regional competitions, with the Boys’ Blue team winning the Secondary Schools’ Division 4 Competition.

Rugby

Four out of eight St Andrew’s rugby teams won their grades in 2022, which was a great result following a renewed focus on the College’s development pathway, structure, skill development, coach education, and community connection.

Adventure Racing

Two teams of four competed at the National Schools’ Adventure Racing event, GO-4-12 Challenge NZSSARC. The physically and mentally exhausting 12-hour event, consisted of an 18km mountain bike ride, a 9km run on a track, and another hour around a circuit with options including a rogaine on foot, mountain bike ride, and various bonus activities. The St Andrew’s Blue team of Jenna Hirschfeld (Y13), Payton KimberReynolds (Y12), Elliot Graves (Y11) and Ethan Griffin (Y10) finished second in the Mixed team competition, and the St Andrew’s White team of Corin Simcock, Toby Harvie, Lucy Hamilton, and Charli Watts (all Y13) was third in the Mixed team competition.

Ranken (both Y11), Jenna Hirschfeld, Charli Watts, Lucy Hamilton (all Y13) and Payton Kimber-Reynolds (Y12) finished eighth at the annual Hillary Challenge, a five-day event involving the top 12 adventure racing schools in New Zealand.

AIMS Games

A group of 41 Preparatory School students and nine teachers travelled to the AIMS Games in Tauranga. Every student performed well both on and off the pitch. The Boys’ hockey team finished 10th out of 22 teams, Girls’ hockey 12th out of 30 teams, football 40th out of 50 teams, and netball 48th out of 128 teams. The football team also contributed to cleaning up the Mount Maunganui Beach as part of AIMS Gives Back programme.

Basketball

Karereatua Williams (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand U17 team, which qualified for the FIBA World Championships in Jordan, and took part in a round of games in Hungary. Karereatua had her best game against Slovenia, with 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals. She also represented Canterbury in the BBNZ U23 and D-League National Tournament.

St Andrew’s teams were successful in six- and nine-hour events at the Canterbury Adventure Race Competitions, which involved rogaine, mountain biking, rafting, and orienteering.

• Junior Mixed team: Abigail ScottDouglas (Y9), Adam MacFarlane and Matthew Hirschfeld (both 10) –second in the Junior Mixed category in the six-hour race;

• Senior Girls team: Lucy Hamilton and Charli Watts both (Y13) – third in the Junior Girls category in the six-hour race;

• Senior Mixed team: Ethan Griffin (Y10), Elliot Graves (Y11), Payton Kimber-Reynolds (Y12) and Jenna Hirschfeld (Y13) – third in the Junior Mixed category in the nine-hour race.

At the Get2Go Outdoor Adventure Day run by Hillary Outdoors, the Mixed Premier team of Caitlin Stowell, Maria (Masha) Pospolitak, Isabella Cody, Adam MacFarlane, Ethan Griffin, Matthew Hirschfeld (all Y10), Abigail Scott-Douglas and Ollie Jackways (both Y9) finished second, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the nationals.

The St Andrew’s adventure racing team of Corin Simcock, Toby Harvie (both (Y13), Elliot Graves, Hugo

Karereatua Williams (Y13)

Madeline-Rose Morrow (Y13) was selected for the New Zealand team to compete at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship 2022 Division A Competition.

Mitchell Corkery (Y12) played in the New Zealand 3× 3 team at the FIBA 3× 3 U17 Asia Cup. After losing to India in their first game, the team beat Uzbekistan, then faced Mongolia in the quarter-final, losing 21–6 and finishing sixth overall.

Mitchell Corkery and Jett Nicholson (both Y12) played in the Canterbury A Boys’ team which won the Basketball New Zealand U17 National Championships, making them national champions.

Greg Thompson, Jenna Hirschfeld, Corin Simcock, Toby Harvie, Charli Watts (all Y13), Payton Kimber-Reynolds (Y12), Elliot Graves (Y11), Lucy Hamilton (Y13), Hugo Ranken (Y11), Nick Hirschfeld

Karereatua Williams and MadelineRose Morrow (both Y13) were members of the Checkers Women’s Premier team which won back-to-back Canterbury Premier titles.

Alanna Brook (Y9) was selected for the Canterbury U13 Girls’ Black basketball team.

Carter Rhodes (Y11), Mitchell Corkery (Y12), Madeline-Rose Morrow and Karereatua Williams (both 13) were named as McDonald’s All Stars due to their high level of play within the Thomson and Whelan Trophy CBA competitions in 2022.

Roma Tuimaunei, Alanna Brook and Toby Park (all Y9) represented Canterbury in the U13 Regional Tournament, with Roma's team winning the final.

CPSSA Basketball

The Preparatory Boys’ A basketball team won the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Basketball Tournament, scoring on the final hooter to win by one point against Lincoln Primary School in the final.

ninth overall in the Teen 16–17 year old division. Alys also received a 2022 MainPower Youth Scholarship from North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust and MainPower New Zealand and was invited into the North Canterbury High Performance Sport Programme.

Cycling

The young team of Tom Edwards (Y13), Joseph Connolly (Y12), William Crawford and Cohnor Walsh (both Y9) finished fourth at the Canterbury Cycling Team Time Trial Championships.

At New Zealand Schools’ Cycling threeday SKODA Southern Tour event for school cyclists, Cohnor Walsh (Y9) won the King of the Mountains title in the U15 grade, which was an accumulation of all the hill climbs throughout the tour. He finished fourth overall after the four races.

Equestrian

The Equestrian A team of captain Gemma Lewis, Sophie Thomas (both Y12), Lily Ellis (Y10) and Georgia Lewis (Y9) were second at the 2022 Canterbury One Day Horse Event.

At the South Island Interschools for Mounted Games pairs competition, Gemma Lewis (Y12) and Georgia Lewis (Y9) represented St Andrew’s and finished second out of 17 pairs in the A final. Gemma Lewis also won the U18 Championship title at the Canterbury Individual Championship for Mounted Games. Georgia Lewis also took part in the Dressage New Zealand South Island Young Rider Development Camp.

Esports

The St Andrew’s Senior A Rocket League team of Edwin Short, Matthew Browne (both Y12), Joshua Blackman and Daniel Liu (both Y9) played well throughout the season and placed a respectable seventh in the South Island, Rocket League competition.

Fencing

Ryan Stewart (Y13) was in the New Zealand Junior Men’s Epee team which won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in London. In the Individual Junior event, Ryan placed 14th out of 60 fencers. Prior to this competition, Ryan competed at the Australian Junior Championships, where the New Zealand Junior Men’s Epee team won gold for the first time in 20 years. During the Term 3 holidays, Ryan won the National U20 Fencing Championships, and the Central Region Open Championship.

CPSSA Winter Tournament

At the CPSSA Winter Tournament the St Andrew’s College Mixed hockey 6-aside team won the final 3–1 against Selwyn House School, finishing first out of 24 teams. The Preparatory A netball team finished third overall out of 32 teams.

Canoe Polo

Liam Randall (Y10) and Luca Rose (Y9) were part of a Christchurch combined team which won gold at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Canoe Polo Championships, with a 3–2 win over Havelock North High School. Both Liam and Luca contributed many goals throughout the tournament.

CrossFit

Alys Scott (Y13) competed at the World CrossFit Games in America, placing

Cyclocross

At the National Cyclocross Championships, Cooper Pringle (Y8) finished second in the U15 grade, and William Pringle (Y9) was fourth in the U17 grade. Both competed against much older boys. The brothers also competed at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Cyclocross Championships, where William was first in the U15 Boys’ category, and Cooper was second in the U14 Boys’ category. Cyclocross is an off-road cycling event that is a mixture between mountain biking and road cycling.

Duathlon

At the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Duathlon Championships, Cohnor Walsh (Y9) was second in the Boys’ U14 category, and Abigail ScottDouglas (Y9) was second in the Girls’ U14 category.

Football

The following students were selected for regional squads for summer football:

• Canterbury Football Women’s Senior Team: Megan Simpson (Y11) and Charlotte Roche (Y13);

Ryan Stewart (Y13)

Cohnor Walsh (Y9)

Preparatory Boys’ A basketball team (back row) George Suter, William Turner, Zachary Hoshek, Cameron Sharpe, Jack Wheeler, Angus Laing (front row) Charlie Lightbourne, Elliot Munt (all Y8)

• Canterbury Football Women’s U19 Team: Amber de Wit, Scarlett Gray (both Y10), Kyra Lazor and Amelia McAllister (both Y12).

Iona Lawson, Billie Revis (both Y11), Amelia McAllister and Kyra Lazor (both Y12) were a key part of the team which won the U16 Women’s South Island Football Championship hosted by Mainland Football. They were coached by Football Co-ordinator and Head Football Coach, Juan Chang, and ex-1st XI player Frankie Morrow (OC 2019).

Golf

Jessie Mercer (Y10) won the U17 Eagles Golfing Society of Canterbury Tournament.

Gymnastics

Three students competed at the New Zealand Gymnastics Championships with the following results:

• Lucy Moore (Y9) represented Canterbury in WAG Step 7, placing second in the team’s event, third in vault and seventh overall;

• Solara Burrows (Y7) represented Canterbury in Step 5, winning a silver medal for second place overall in artistic gymnastics;

• Kalisa Zhang (Y7) represented Canterbury in Stage 4, finishing second individual overall and group for rhythmic gymnastics. She also finished second in free, hoop and club, and third in ball.

Zhenan (Jayden) Lai (Y5) was first overall men’s artistic, floor, parallel bars and rings, and third horizontal bar, pommel, and vault in the Level 2 category at the Canterbury Junior Gymnastic Championships.

Hockey

Penelope Taulafo and Alissa Tamaki (both Y12) were selected for the New Zealand Women’s Māori hockey team – Te Waipounamu to compete at the National Māori Hockey Tournament.

Jakarta Klebert, Hugh Nixon and Harry Withers (all Y13) were selected for the New Zealand U18 Junior Black Sticks Squad.

A group of St Andrew’s students played in the Vantage National U18 Women’s Hockey Tournament. Penelope Taulafo (Y12) played in the Canterbury A Girls’ team, which won the final, making her a national champion. Natalia Geneblaza, Holly Gilray, Nikkita McIntyre and Alissa Tamaki (all Y12) played in the Canterbury B Girls’ team, finishing fourth.

At the Vantage National U18 Men’s Hockey Tournament, Jonty Foote, Jakarta Klebert, Hugh Nixon, Jonathon Rollinson, Harry Withers (all Y13) and Luke Slee (Y12) played in the Canterbury A Boys’ team, losing narrowly in the final to North Harbour.

ISSA Winter Tournament

A group of 12 St Andrew’s College Preparatory School teams represented the College at the ISSA Winter Tournament. The Preparatory School A netball team and 1st XI football team won their competitions to qualify for the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Tournament, along with the Years 7–8 Mixed A 6-aside hockey team which finished second.

Cadet (U16) team that beat South Africa in the final to claim the gold medal. Scarlett also competed in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Karate Competition, winning a gold medal in the U16 Female Kumite.

Gemma Thomas (Y9) won two bronze medals in Kata (display) 12–13 years Premier Division and Kumite (fighting) 12–13 years Premier Division at the New Zealand Karate Nationals.

Netball

Sienna Stowers-Smith (Y12) was part of the national title winning Christchurch U18 Representative netball team. She was also named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ netball squad of 24, one of only three players from the South Island to be selected.

The Year 9A netball team put in an outstanding performance to finish second at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Junior Netball Tournament, losing the final to Columba College by just two goals.

Polo

Tom Turner (Y13) attended a polo development camp in Sydney as part of the New Zealand U21 team. They competed against the Australian national team, with Tom scoring all New Zealand team goals during the match.

Race Walk

Jonah Cropp (Y12) broke the New Zealand U18, U19, and U20 5km road walk record.

Rowing

Preparatory School A netball team, Kristina Burton, Sophie Veitch, Yuxin (Alice) Chen, Rosie Simpson, Vanessa Li, Olive Steel, Nina Fraher, Silvia Sanderson, Radha Gamble, Femke McLean, Emma Symes (all Y8) (back row) coaches Abby Baxter and Libby McNee (both Y11)

Karate

Scarlett Gray (Y10) was selected for the New Zealand team to compete at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham where she was part of the Female

Georgia Thomson (Y13) represented New Zealand at the World Rowing Championships in Italy, where her crew qualified for the B final of the U19 Quadruple Sculls. In a hardfought final, they came sixth, making the crew 12th in the world.

Friederica (Freddy) Todhunter (Y12) and William Tavendale (Y11) were selected for the Canterbury Interprovincial rowing team.

Alissa Tamaki (Y12)

Georgia Thomson (Y13 – left) representing New Zealand at the World Junior Rowing Championships.

Rugby

Penelope Taulafo (Y12) was selected for the New Zealand Māori Women’s U18 rugby squad.

Penelope Taulafo (Y12)

Lucas Te Rangi (Y12) and Thomas Ruwhiu (Y13) were selected in the New Zealand Rugby National Under 18 Māori Development Camp Tane for 2022.

The following 1st XV players were invited to train with the Crusaders U18 Knights Group: Cameron Blackwood, Thomas Ruwhiu, Xavier Beks, Regan Holden (all Y13), Lucas Te Rangi, Cylas Tauti and Thomas Butterfield (all Y12).

Cameron Blackwood and Thomas Ruwhiu (both Y13) were selected in the Junior Crusaders Squad for 2022.

Moses Armstrong-Ravula (Y13) was named as a member of the Hurricanes 2022 U18 Super Rugby Development Camp.

Henry Groome, William Lemon, Samuel Mustchin, Macklan Robertson, Aston Saunders and Michael Vaivai (all Y11) were selected to represent Canterbury Metro Under 16s.

Thomas Swailes (Y12) was named in the North Canterbury U18 Invitational to play in four matches.

Rugby League

Metua Cranwell (Y9) was named as a reserve in the wider training squad for the New Zealand U14 Māori rugby league team.

Snow Sports

Ten skiers and three snowboarders from St Andrew’s competed at the South Island Secondary Schools’ Snow Sports Championships. The highlight was the Girls’ ski team winning gold (the three fastest combined times counted) – Holly Thomas (Y11), Gemma Thomas (Y9) and Cherry Zhou (Y11).

Georgie Veronese (Y11) won gold in the female slopestyle event, the Boys’ snowboard slopestyle team, Darcy Dougherty, Hunter Lewis, and Frank Roberts (all Y11), placed third, and the Boys’ ski team fourth.

Alessandria Greer (Y3) won the Parallel Slalom at the National Schools’ Skiing Championships Years 1–4.

At the South Island Championships, Alessandria Greer (Y3) won the South Island Championship Slalom and Giant Slalom Ski Race U10. Macully Greer (Y8) won the South Island Championship Slalom Ski Race and was second in the Giant Slalom U14. Francesca Greer (Y2) was second in the Giant Slalom U8.

A group of 13 Preparatory School students competed at the Canterbury Primary and Intermediate Schools’ Ski Race Championship at Mount Cheeseman. St Andrew’s came first overall in the Primary category, Years 1–6, and first overall in the Intermediate category, Years 7 and 8. St Andrew’s also won the Primary Snowboarding category with Archie Meikle (Y6) placing first overall. Placegetters were:

• Francesca Greer (Y2): first Years 1–2 Girls and first Years 1–2 overall;

• Alessandria Greer (Y3): first Year 3–4 Girls and first Year 3–4 overall;

• Isabelle Greer (Y5): first Years 5–6 Girls and third Years 5–6 overall;

• Oliver Connolly (Y8): first Years 7–8 Boys and first Years 7–8 overall;

• Macully Greer (Y8): second Years 7–8 Boys and second Years 7–8 overall;

• Archie Meikle (Y6): first Year 1–6 Snowboarding category.

A group of 24 Preparatory School children represented St Andrew’s College in the ISSA Ski Championships at Porters Ski Field.

• Primary A team won first place as the fastest Co-Ed Years 1–6 team: Isabelle Greer (Y5), Luke Russell (Y4), Alessandria Greer (Y3) and Francesca Greer (Y2);

• Intermediate A team won first place as the fastest Co-Ed Years 7–8 team: Oliver Connolly, Macully Greer, Nicholas Burtscher (all Y8) and Estelle Russell (Y7);

• Oliver Connolly (Y8) won the fastest overall Intermediate Boy;

• Alessandria Greer (Y3) won the fastest overall Primary Girl.

Swimming

A team of 12 St Andrew’s swimmers competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ National Swimming Championships, winning a total of 11 medals (including relays), with a further nine top 10 placings. Medal winners were:

• Rylee McBride (Y10): gold Women’s 15 Years 50m backstroke, silver 100m individual medley, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, bronze 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke;

• William McConchie (Y10): bronze Men’s 15 Years 50m breaststroke;

• Jaden Hu (Y11), William McConchie, Rylee McBride (both Y10) Sophia Molnar (Y11): gold 15 and Under 4×50m individual medley relay;

• William McConchie, Rylee McBride (both Y10), Sophia Molnar, Joe Mundy (both Y11): silver 15 and Under 4×50m Mixed freestyle relay;

• Callum Lockhart (Y13), Rylee McBride (Y10): bronze 2×50m Mixed freestyle relay;

• Harrison Kyle (Y13), William McConchie (Y10), Sophia Molnar (Y11), Isabella McConchie, Maddison Barr (both Y12), Rylee McBride (Y10), Joe Mundy (Y11), Callum Lockhart (Y13): bronze 8×50m Mixed freestyle relay.

(Y10), Joe Mundy (Y11)

Seven St Andrew’s students competed at the New Zealand Apollo Projects Short Course Swimming Nationals, at the Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland. Those to finish in the top 10 nationally were:

• Rylee McBride (Y10): 15 Years Girls category – gold 50m backstroke

A final, silver 50m butterfly A final, bronze 100m individual medley

A final, fourth top 10 age group placings in 100m backstroke, fifth 100m butterfly, seventh

Gemma Thomas (Y9), Holly Thomas, Cherry Zhou (both Y11)

The St Andrew’s College swimming team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ National Swimming Championships (back) Callum Lockhart (Y13), Jaden Hu (Y11), Harrison Kyle (Y13), Sam McAlister (Y10), William McConchie (Y10), (front) Caitlin Roberts (Y12), Maddison Barr (Y12), Isabella McConchie (Y12), Riley McBride (Y10), Sophia Molnar (Y11), Noah Fanene

50m breaststroke, ninth 100m breaststroke, ninth 50m freestyle and fourth 200m individual medley;

• Callum Lockhart (Y13): 17–18 Years Boys category – seventh top 10 age group placings in 100m backstroke, eighth 200m backstroke and seventh 50m backstroke, broke the Canterbury record in the 4 ×100m IM mixed club relay;

• William McConchie (Y10): 15 Years Boys category – seventh in 50m breaststroke;

• Maddison Barr (Y12): 16 Years Girls category – tenth in 50m backstroke and 100m backstroke;

• Sophia Molnar (Y11) 15 Years Girls category – tenth in 200m breaststroke.

Surfing

Rakiatea Tau (Y11) and Amelie Clark (Y9) represented Canterbury at the National Scholastics Surf Championships. The Canterbury team was narrowly beaten by Auckland in the final, finishing in second place.

Tennis

Billie Feaver-Banks (Y7) represented Canterbury at the U12 Tennis National Teams Event, which finished second overall after losing to Auckland in the final.

Touch

• Samuel Mustchin (Y11) was selected for the New Zealand U16 Touch team;

• Anna Lewis (Y7) was selected for the Touch Canterbury U12 Girls' Black team.

• Hayley Stowell (Y7) was selected for the Touch Canterbury U14 Girls' Black team;

• Zachary Hoshek (Y8) was selected for the U14 Canterbury Boys’ touch team.

Trap Shooting

After competing in six rounds of the Canterbury Area Secondary Schools’ Competition, the St Andrew’s trap shooting team won the overall Points Score Open Teams event, which is a significant achievement. St Andrew’s had won three of the previous five rounds. There were many team and individual highlights for St Andrew’s trap shooters over the six rounds.

At the Trap Shooting Secondary Schools’ South Island Championships, Maggie Hood (Y12) finished fifth female overall, and gained a place in the Canterbury regional team.

At the National Trapshooting Championships, St Andrew’s students achieved the following results:

• Connor Higgs (Y12): highest Scoring Shooter to become New Zealand High Gun (national champion), only the fourth South Island shooter to

2022 Zonta Sports Awards

St Andrew’s College individuals and teams were well represented in various categories at the Zonta Sports Awards. The following students received awards at the presentation ceremony:

• Winner Best All-round Sportswoman in More than One Sport: Karereatua Williams (Y13 – basketball, netball, touch, rugby league);

• Winner Valued Contribution to a Team: Henry Farrell (Y13 – rowing);

• Highly Commended Valued Contribution to a Team: Sophie O’Connor (Year 12 – rowing);

• Highly Commended Most Outstanding Team: Girls’ Senior A basketball, Boys’ 1st XI hockey;

The following students were selected as finalists for the Zonta Awards:

• Contribution to Sports Administration: Liam Hackston (Y11 – football), Matthew Patterson (Y13 –basketball);

• Outstanding Individual Achievement: Georgia Thomson (Y13 – rowing), Pippa Henderson (Y13 – volleyball) Tineke Hinton (Y12 – volleyball), MadelineRose Morrow (Y13 – basketball), Karereatua Williams (Y13 –basketball), Sebastian May (Y12 –golf), Ryan Stewart (Y13 – fencing);

• Best All-Round Young Sportswoman: Penelope Taulafo (Y12 – hockey, volleyball, rugby, touch rugby).

achieve this. Connor was selected for the South Island in the North versus South Open Teams event;

• Kurt Lilly (Y9): third in Junior Single Rise;

• Addison Williams (Y11): first in Girls’ Single Barrel;

• Reeve Williams (Y13), Logan Gardner, Jack Pitts (both Y11), Andrew Greig, Connor Higgs (both Y12): fourth overall and highest place South Island team.

At the South Island and National Skeet Competition, Maggie Hood (Y12) was the outright Ladies South Island Skeet Champion. Maggie and Reeve Williams (Y13) finished second in the Two Person Team event.

Volleyball

Tineke Hinton (Y12) and Pippa Henderson (Y13) represented New Zealand at the New Zealand Junior Women’s Volleyball Test Series against Australia, with their team winning the series 5–0 and picking up the Jenny Kirk Trophy.

Henry Farrell and Karereatua Williams (both Y13)

The South Island and Nationals trap shooting team (back) Warren Wright (Coach), Lucie Hood (Y10), Addison Williams (Y11), Maggie Hood, Andrew Greig (both Y12), Reeve Williams (Y13), Connor Higgs (Y12), Andy van Asch (Y11), Jack Pitts (Y11), Fergus McLachlan (Y10), Sarah Exon (Manager) (front) Harry Pitts (Y9), Jonty Glassford, Konnor Chamberlain, Mitchell Twentyman, Ethan Higgs (all Y10), Logan Gardner (Y11), Kurt Lilly, Mikaere (Mika) Cescon (both Y9)

President Message from the Luncheon Gentlemen’s

On Friday 14 October, 90 Old Collegians ranging in age from 74 to 99 attended the Gentlemen’s Luncheon, which was also a celebration of the Class of 1952’s 70 Years On reunion. After morning tea, the Old Boys enjoyed some wonderful performances in the Centennial Chapel by Music teacher and Honorary Old Collegian, Bryan Botting, Cindy Xiong (Year 13), and Pipe Band Director Richard Hawke (OC 1980).

Then it was back to the Strowan House dining room for a delicious lunch, when there were Toasts from two members of the 70 Years On group, John McCaskey and Don Davison (both 1956).

I am delighted to have been appointed as President of the Old Collegians Association.

Meg Black, the outgoing President, set the bar incredibly high with her leadership of the OCA. We are fortunate that Meg is remaining on the Executive and I look forward to working with her and the rest of the Executive in the years to come.

I have fond memories of my time at St Andrew’s College. In 2005, I was a shy, Year 9. I eventually went on to discover the world of rowing and competed at a high level. While at the College, I had excellent teachers and met some outstanding people, some of whom are my closest friends today. I thoroughly enjoyed the St Andrew’s sense of community and pursuit of excellence.

A number of years ago, I returned to Christchurch after studying in Dunedin and have enjoyed reconnecting with the College. My wife and I were fortunate enough to get married at the Centennial Chapel. I now practice as a litigation lawyer with Chapman Tripp and when I am not working, am a father, cyclist, and occasional Ironman competitor.

Since leaving the College in 2009, I have enjoyed following the success of students, Old Collegians, and the wider College community. I am in constant awe of the academic, sporting, and cultural achievements that are regularly reported in Regulus

The St Andrew’s College spirit is alive and well within the Executive and the Old Collegians network. This was evident at the OCA Dinner in August, and more recently, the ‘30 Years of Girls’ reunion where 100 Old Collegians and their partners gathered in honour of 30 years of co-education.

I am honoured to serve the Old Collegians as President and look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible.

Sam Crosbie (2009) OCA President

Rector Christine Leighton shared a special gift with the group, a pristine College Cap, from 1925, which was gifted to the College by William Southgate (1958) in honour of his uncle Gerald Oliphant Morrison (1927) who was a College Prefect in 1925, served on the Board of Governors, and was a President of the Old Collegians Association in the early 1940s. In her reply to the Toast to the College, Christine also gave an update on the recent successes at the College, including some outstanding results in sport, culture and academia at a national and international level.

Thank you again to all our Old Boys who came from across New Zealand to attend this very special, annual reunion.

Old Collegian Association Annual Dinner

On Friday 12 August 2022, the Old Collegians Association hosted their Annual Dinner. A group of 110 guests, including Old Collegians ranging in peer years from 1949–2017, were treated to a fabulous night where three special Old Collegians were honoured and celebrated during the presentation of the OCA’s annual awards.

The Maginness Cup Sports Award was won by Charlotte Elley (2014) who is heading to the Splice Construction Magic to play netball in the 2023 ANZ Premiership after seven seasons with Canterbury’s Mainland Tactix. The Cockram Cultural Award went to Sandy McCutcheon (1964). Sandy was brought up in New Zealand and moved to Australia in the 1970s. Most of his working life was spent in either radio or theatre, as an actor and director. He has written 22 plays which have been professionally produced and is also a best-selling novelist, now based in Fez, Morocco. Marianne Hargreaves kindly accepted this award on Sandy’s behalf. The Alister Newton Service Award was won by Professor Ronald W Jones CNZM (1957). Ron was honoured for the contribution he has made to women’s health services both in Aotearoa and around the world. In 1984, Ron and two of his colleagues published a scientific paper that exposed the truth of

New Zealand’s worst medical tragedy – the ‘unfortunate experiment’, where women who had a lesion of the cervix, were being observed rather than treated. Many women subsequently’ died of cervical cancer. Earlier this year, Ron was the first New Zealander to receive a prestigious award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Meg Black (2010) expertly emceed the evening and handed over her mantle to new OCA President, Sam Crosbie (2009). Rector, Christine Leighton, spoke about the parallels around the College in the sports, arts, and cultural areas that current students are excelling in. Jonathan Wells (1987) gave another wonderful Address to a Haggis, and Catering Manager, Russell Gray and his team delivered a superb meal. A great night was had by all.

OCA Annual Tournament Golf

The annual OCA Golf Tournament was held at Waitikiri Golf Course on Friday 28 October, after being postponed in March due to COVID-19. A field of 76 golfers played in ideal conditions, and were treated to a barbeque before tee- off. A big thanks to Chris Timbs (1986) for the sausages and Charles Wiffen (1966) for the wine.

It was a great day for the Nicholls family, with Andrew Nicholls (2004) winning the Old Collegians Cup for the Best Round of the Day, and Janet Nicholls winning the Women’s Section.

Thank you to Mike Johnston (1974) for organising the prizes, and to the generous sponsors who donated around 100 prizes for the raffle. Special thanks to Paul McEwan (1967) who did another wonderful job of organising the event. He indicated this would be his last one, with Michael Simcock (2011) taking over the mantle for the 2023 tournament. This will be held on a date to be confirmed next March.

Regulus

Old Collegians

Class notes

University of Canterbury asteroid hunters have named an asteroid they discovered in honour of eminent mathematician University of Canterbury Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr (1950). Roy is renowned for his influential work in astrophysics resulting from him solving Einstein’s equation of relativity relating to rotating black holes. These are now called Kerr Black Holes.

Hugh Wilson (1962 – Dux of the College) is planning the 2022 Banks Peninsula Walking Festival which takes place during November. Hugh has been managing the beautiful Hinewhai Reserve in Akaroa since its purchase in 1987. His innovative work in re-clothing the slopes of the 1230 hectares utilises gorse as a nurse crop to regenerate the native bush.

Hamish Hartnell ’s (1963) five decades of service to the Hawarden Volunteer Fire Brigade was honoured at a function in the Hawarden Memorial Hall. Hamish started at the Waikari Fire Brigade in July 1971 while working for Transport North Canterbury before transferring four years later to the Hawarden Fire Brigade for the past 46 years. He rose to the rank of Station Officer and for the past 40 years has mowed the fire station lawns as a service to the brigade.

College custodian and 1st XI cricket coach, Mike (Scrump) Johnston (1974), played for New Zealand in the inaugural 60s Veterans Cricket World Cup in Queensland. After being unbeaten in pool play, and defeating Canada in a close semi-final, the New Zealand team went down to a strong Pakistan team in the final. During the tournament, Scrump took the catch of the series, with a spectacular one-hander over his head.

Phil Mauger (1975) was elected as Mayor of Christchurch in the Local Body Elections in October.

Simon Pemberton (1989) is based in Nea Anchialos, Greece where he is an aerial firefighter. Simon recently spent six days fighting a fire on Lesbos Island which burned more than 3000 hectares, destroyed several buildings and houses, and burned right to the coast requiring the evacuation of several towns.

Michael Ratigan (1994) attended St Andrew’s as a boarder between 1990–1991 as his family were based in the isolated Republic of the Marshall Islands. He was the first non-Pacific Islander, non-British, or non-New Zealand resident to receive a New Zealand student visa. Michael is now the President and CEO of Fjord, Inc., located in Burlington, NC, USA, which designs equipment to protect rope from abrasion that is used in the maritime and climbing industries. Michael was recently awarded a US Patent for a convertible rescue backpack used by mountain rescue teams, rope access technicians, and sport climbers. To date he has been awarded five individual US Patents and three shared US Patents, as well as several international patents. He currently has eight patents under US and international review. Last year during the pandemic, Michael published his first novelette SOS Kwajalein Lagoon, which is based on the tiny atoll in the Marshall Islands which was home to him for 12 years.

into Broadcasting School to study a Bachelor of Broadcast Communication in Television along with 19 other students, and in 2021 successfully topped her class with her final thesis and documentary. Victoria moved to Wellington and began working in the television and film industry on film projects including Chappie, Elysium, District 9, King Kong, and Antarctic Journal. Victoria currently resides in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and six-year-old son. She is a co-producer of the television series Snowpiercer which is based on the Bong Joon Ho film of the same name, and is in its fourth successful season of production. Victoria is also developing various other film projects.

Victoria Burkhart (1999) moved to St Andrew’s in Year 13 from Marlborough Girls’ College to take advantage of the College’s Media Studies Department headed by Simon Williams. In 2000, she was accepted

Deborah Wilding (2002) won third prize in the international 2022 Out from the Mist competition for her song, Walls. On World Mental Health Day, ‘Out from the Mist' celebrated the highlights of the power of lived experience storytelling through photography, short movies and music.

Chris Eaden (2008) and Mason Kennedy (2015) were named in the 2023 New Zealand Senior Men’s ice hockey team, Ice Blacks, which will compete in the IIHF World Championship Division II, Group B event in Istanbul, Turkey in April 2023.

Blair Williamson (2008) was one part of an unbreakable team, literally tied at the feet, that raised an incredible $63,000 for different charities by doing a few different, crazy endurance events over the years.

Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson (2013) toured New Zealand to rave reviews playing the lead role of Prince Charming in Cinderella with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Jack Duff (2015) is making his mark on the Melbourne stage, recently starring in Top Gun! The Musical, and treading the boards for the Salty Theatre in a parody musical. Jack will soon play the role of Skimbleshanks in the

Simon Pemberton

Michael Ratigan

Victoria Burkhart

musical Cats for eight months, after successfully auditioning for a place on the show on the Royal Carribean ship Oasis of the Seas. The cast start rehearsals in Miami before heading off, docking between New York and Miami.

Pippa Griffiths (2015) pictured with Rector Christine Leighton after graduating from the University of Auckland Medical School with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

forgotten but Gone not

Allan Reynish (1943)

Rex Harrison (1943

Graham Robinson (1943)

Sir Miles Warren (1946)

Alister Waddell (1950)

Allen Moore (1951)

Lose Faingaanuku (2021) represented the Tongan netball team which was undefeated at the Oceania Netball Qualifiers. This has qualified the team for the Netball World Cup in 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Isabella Galvan (2021) joined the Netball New Zealand Board in August as one of two Youth Representatives, following her appointment as Co -Chair of the Netball New Zealand Youth Board (NNZYB).

David Gray (1955)

Duncan Field (1955)

Ian Stokes (1956)

Robin Pawsey (1957)

Jim Lawton (1957)

Bruce Bartlett (1958)

Clyde Collins (1959)

Murray Johns (1959)

David (Jim) Ellis (1960)

Jeremy Feron (1963)

Kelera Nawai-Caucau (2016) has joined the Northern Stars for the 2023 ANZ Premiership netball season.

Zack Rumble (2017) was selected for the New Zealand Men’s Under-23 coxed four which placed sixth in the A final at the World Championships at Lake Varese in July.

Ben Taylor (2017) competed in the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic with the Rowing NZ Elite team.

Taylor Graham (2018) won the 2022 New Zealand TT Premier Class at the National TT Champs. He competed in 14 races, in two classes over two days to be crowned Premier Class Champion on his Production Can-am.

Cam Jackson (2018) opened the batting and kept wicket for a cricket team in The Hague that was placed second in the Netherlands’ Division 2, 50-over League. Cam was also the top run-scorer.

Bella Ambrosius (2019) was selected for the New Zealand Women’s Māori Hockey – Te Waipounamu team.

Olivia Brett (2019) competed in the 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships at Lake Banook, Canada in August, alongside Dame Lisa Carrington.

Campbell Wilson (2020) was named New Zealand Young Piper of the Year for 2022.

Tapenisa Havea (2021 – Head Girl) competed in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Santiago de Cali, Colombia where she was fourth in shot put, throwing a personal best of 15.97m, just 9cm off a medal. She placed seventh in the discus with a season’s best throw of 53.4m

Emma Inglis (2021) raced in the Women's Championship Fours at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, representing Temple University, Philadelphia, with her crew finishing 12th. The Head of the Charles Regatta is the largest threeday regatta in the world, with over 11,000 athletes competing.

Tanae Lavery (2021) was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ for 2022 in the International 3× 3.EXE Premier basketball competition. He played in Japan as a member of Lincoln University’s RAMS.EXE Squad, which was the only New Zealand team to advance beyond the round of 32.

Kiara Bercelli (2022) was selected for the Girls’ U17 World Cup football squad, which competed in India.

Cricket

A number of Old Collegians featured in a Canterbury versus Otago cricket game. Canterbury A: Henry Shipley (2014), Rhys Mariu (Captain) and Jesse Frew (both 2019). Otago A: Llew Johnson (Captain), Oscar Wilson (both 2017), Cam Jackson (2018) and Andrew Hazeldine (2012), coached by Ben McCord (2005).

Keith McIntosh (1963)

Cambell Currie (1965)

David Wright (1966)

Brent Firkin (1966)

Ross McKenzie (1968)

Andrew Brand (1970)

Ian Levick (1971)

Peter Talbot (1973)

Hamish McLean (1976)

Events for 2023

Founders’ Day Weekend, 60 Years On, Classes of 1962–1966 and 1963–1967

17–18 March 2023

ANZAC Day 25 April

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

26–27 May

40 Years On Reunion (1983–1987)

23–24 June

For the full 2022/2023 Old Collegian Events Calendar, please visit stac.nz/OldColsEvents

Pippa Griffiths

Campbell Wilson

Welcome world to the

Justmarried

A Bonny Bear for your baby!

Have you had a baby recently? We’d love to hear about this new addition to your family. Send us a photo of your baby and your contact details and we will send you a complimentary St Andrew’s College Bonny Bear. This cute teddy bear is a part of our St Andrew’s College merchandising range and is especially for our St Andrew’s community members. For more information visit our website stac.school.nz.

Elsie Anne Dunlop

Daughter of Amanda Dunlop (née Fraser) and Nick Dunlop (both 2010) born 4 May 2022.

Emmy Marie McGrath

Daughter of Brittany McGrath (née Fernandez – 2010) born 28 May 2022.

Oliver John Harvey

Son of Alice Perry (2010) born 25 May 2022, pictured with his sister Ella and Ralph the goat.

Antony Sproull (2001) married Jenna Calder on 14 May 2022 at Trelawn Gardens, with a reception held at Walter Peak.

347 Papanui Road, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand