2021 Leavers

There were mixed emotions as the 11 Year 12 and 206 Year 13 leavers were recognised at the Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 15 November.

The leavers were greeted by Preparatory School students and honoured with a Haka performed by Year 11 students outside the Centennial Chapel.

Deputy Heads of College, Isabella Galvan and Arden Ongley, reflected humorously on the year group’s time at the College, both in the Preparatory School and the Secondary School. The group also enjoyed seeing many photos from throughout the years and watched some great musical performances. Various awards were presented, and university scholarship recipients were recognised. Milo Betts (Year 13) was presented with the prestigious DPR Award and Shipton Family Cup.

Staff leavers were also acknowledged for their valuable contributions to St Andrew’s College.

StAC themed mural gifted by Leavers

Thanks to the Year 13 Leavers, a spectacular StAC-themed mural, painted by high-profile Christchurch illustrator and street artist, Jacob Yikes, will be enjoyed by generations of St Andrew’s College students to come.

Head Boy, Jack Calder, says the entire Year 13 group went through a significant process of brainstorming and voting, before they settled on the mural idea as the 2021 Leavers’ Gift. “A small committee of Year 13 students then teamed up with Jacob Yikes to conceptualise the design, which has been painted on to the Gym 1 wall underneath the StACFit Fitness Centre. The mural consists of four large letters, S, t, A, and C, filled with images which cleverly incorporate key themes of life at St Andrew’s College,” he says.

Within the ‘S’ is a collection of moments from some of the sports offered at St Andrew’s. The ‘t’ represents tradition, incorporating the College’s Presbyterian faith with the School Song, Haka lyrics, and the Pipe Band. The ‘A’ is for academics across all year groups, and the ‘C’ holds images from different cultural groups and opportunities at the College, says Deputy Head Boy, Arden Ongley.

“Set against a Thistle design and the Ferguson tartan, these four cornerstones come together to create one word, one College: StAC.”

The finished mural was unveiled after the Leavers’ Assembly on Monday 15 November to an excited group of students.

Rector Christine Leighton says the Year 13 gift each year is a symbol of gratitude from the students for the opportunities they have enjoyed during their time at St Andrew’s College, and it is special to see the interest the students take in their gift when they return for their 10 Years On reunions.