Community and service – August 2025

1 August 2025

St Andrew's College Pasifika Group chatting with residents of the Merivale Retirement Village.

REGULUS // ISSUE 2 // AUGUST 2025

Air Cadet

Alexander Black (Year 13) was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer within his New Zealand Cadet Forces Air Training Corps Unit. This is the highest possible rank a cadet can obtain, and there is only one position within each unit.

Anzac Address

On Thursday 24 April, Emily Watt and Lucy Binnie (both Year 12) delivered speeches for residents of Nurse Maude during their annual Anzac Service. Both students were inspired by their own families’ experiences of war. They also delivered their speeches at the Preparatory School Anzac Service on the first day of Term 2.

Hoop It Up

There was an incredible night of community connection, entertaining banter, and support for the St Andrew’s College basketball programme, StACHoops, at the bi-annual Hoop It Up gala dinner on Saturday 7 June. A special thank you to the StAC Basketball Fundraising Committee, past parent, Vicki Farrant, Charlotte Whittaker (OC 2018), Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023), Bryan Stronach (OC 1998) and Joe Moody as speakers, Burton Shipley (OC 1969), the generous sponsors and donors, and all who attended to make the event a success.

Charlotte Whittaker (OC 2018), Brendan Chamberlain and Lauren Whittaker (OC 2023) at the Hoop It Up gala dinner.International Club

The International Club hosted food trucks on campus to celebrate the last day of Term 2, with staff and students enjoying some tasty treats from Kung Fu Dumplings, Roma, and Empire Chicken.

Sustainability

RuoLin (Lauren) Li (Year 11) was one of 20 girls from around New Zealand selected for the 2025 Girl Boss Sustainability online course, a 10-day online accelerator focused on young women who are keen to step up, stand up, and change the world. The course content encouraged students to gain insight into Sustainability, Decarbonisation, STEM Science, Climate Change, Policy, and Social Change. The girls had mentoring support from role models like Melati Wijsen, the Gen Z activist who got plastic bags banned on Bali, and Clover Hogan who aged 19 founded Force of Nature, a youth-led non-profit organisation driving climate change which is active in 50 countries.

Pink Shirt Day

On Friday 16 May, the College came together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day, a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against bullying and fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Prefects, Milla Smith and Jonty Lang (both Year 13), delivered a moving and impactful address at the Secondary School Assembly, which concluded with a call to action: to be upstanders, not bystanders. The Preparatory School was awash with pink as students gave a vibrant show of support, transforming their classroom doors into powerful messages of kindness, each one uniquely expressing what it means to be an upstander.

St Andrew's College Preparatory School students embracing Pink Shirt Day.Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa

In June, the College celebrated the nationwide Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa 2025, which aims to affirm rainbow identities and help increase a sense of belonging and reduce the experiences of bullying for rainbow youth. Led by our own Rainbow Group, the College celebrated diversity and put into action our value of inclusivity. The rainbow flag flew proudly on the main flagpole and the library launched their month-long "Out on the Shelves" campaign with a book display, sticker giveaway, and colouring competition. Two former students spoke about their experiences as members of the rainbow community and a chapter of an LGBTQIA+ book was read at First Chapter Thursday. Rev. Paul Morrow delivered a powerful message in chapel, and the Prefects led a "dance it out" session in the Quad using LGBTQIA+ artists.

Samoan Language Week

Just before Samoan Language Week, the Pasifika Group performed two Samoan songs for residents of the Merivale Retirement Village, as well as sharing kai and conversation. During the official Samoan Language Week, the Pasifika Group ran a cookie giveaway in the Cafeteria, led by group leaders, Hannah Papali'i Taimalelagi Malietoa (Year 12) and Mia Montgomery (Year 13), for anyone using Samoan greetings. The group also performed a beautiful song in both the Middle School and Senior College chapel services, where Jairo Senio (Year 11) gave the Call to Worship in Samoan.

Youth Parliament

Hadassah Timo (Year 12) was one of 20 Youth Press Gallery members chosen to participate in the New Zealand Youth Parliament, covering proceedings over three days. The Youth Parliament is held once per parliamentary term, with each MP choosing a young person from their electorate to act as a Youth MP and simulate Parliament.

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