2025 Assembly Highlights

International Assembly

The International Assembly on Friday 8 August was a celebration of global connection and student voice. Hoi Sang (Kevin) Chen (Year 13) presented the Morning Comment, sharing a message about finding the courage to try something new, step up for others, or learn to be proud of who you are. A highlight was the international student panel, where students shared their experiences living and studying in New Zealand. The assembly also highlighted our exchange programmes, with updates on recent and upcoming exchanges, as well as hearing from current exchange students from Strathallan School in Scotland, and Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) in Sydney. Students spoke about the transformative nature of these experiences, gaining independence, exploring new cultures, and forming lasting connections.

Boarders’ Assembly

A fun and entertaining Boarders’ Assembly on Friday 1 August, led by Heads of Boarding, Lachie Sidey and Cata Serrano Burgos, alongside the Year 13 boarders, embraced a creative theme ‘Hunt for the Boarder People’ a play on the much-loved New Zealand film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The theme captured the boarding journey, reflecting on boarders’ temptation of ‘going bush’ to escape routines, then realising after five years, boarding is not so bad. Beau Hopkinson (Year 13) gave a thoughtful Morning Comment, which challenged boarders to choose between two ‘doors’ like in the film – one where life passes by, and the other where courage is required, comfort zones are left behind, and students take control of their own story. The usual array of animals, including cuddly lambs, made an appearance, and the assembly closed with the highly anticipated boarders’ dance, with the boys particularly resplendent in denim mini-skirts and pink sparkly hats. The assembly coincided with Gumboot Friday, with many students across the Preparatory School and Secondary School wearing gumboots to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.

Boys’ and Girls’ Assemblies

On Friday 22 August, members of the 10 Years On cohort were invited to the Boys’ and Girls’ Assemblies to share their experiences and insights from life beyond the College gates. These assemblies offer current students a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand how the lessons learnt at St Andrew’s shape the journey into adulthood. At the Girls’ Assembly, Millie Bremner (OC 2015) spoke about the value of facing challenges. She reminded the girls that what may feel like failure in the moment, can often be the very thing which develops their character and sets them up for future success. Black Sticks hockey star, Sam Lane (OC 2015), spoke at the Boys’ Assembly, delivering a powerful address about personal responsibility and growth. He encouraged students to take full ownership of their actions, relationships, and development, speaking candidly about the importance of accountability, the courage to seek honest feedback, and the value of open conversations. Both Millie’s and Sam’s addresses served as a timely reminder how the habits and values formed during school years lay the foundation for life beyond St Andrew’s.

Leavers' Assembly

The last week of October was a special time for the 2025 Year 12 and 13 Secondary School Leavers, starting with a beautiful family Leavers’ Chapel Service on Tuesday 28 October, followed by a heartfelt Leavers’ Assembly on Wednesday 29 October.

Before the assembly, the leavers enjoyed a delicious breakfast, thanks to Catering Manager, Russell Gray, and his team before making their way to the Centennial Chapel through the campus and a ‘line of honour’ formed by Preparatory School students and staff. They received a rousing haka from Middle School students as they entered the Chapel, which set the scene for a memorable and fitting send-off.

Highlights of the assembly included the presentation of Special Awards, Academic 30s, Academic Greatest Movers, and recognition of Tertiary Scholarship Awards. Speakers included Deputy Head Prefects, Ricky Kotepong and Sophia Voice, who delivered the Reflections; Year 12 Dean, Lucy Curtis, Principal of Secondary School, Evert van Florenstein, who also farewelled staff leavers, and Head of Development and Community Relations, Tomo Yee, who farewelled retiring Preparatory School Principal, Jonathan Bierwirth. Musical items included band, Mendacity performing Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis, Year 13 musicians performing I Don’t Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw, and a Year Group Song.

Rector, Mark Wilson says the Leavers’ Assembly was an important milestone for the leavers as they marked their final days at St Andrew’s, and was a special time for their families who have guided them throughout their schooling.

“Our leavers can be proud of their achievements during their time at the College. We hope they have many wonderful memories of their time at St Andrew’s and wish them well as they embark on new adventures.”