Express Canteen gives $500,000 boost to St. Andrew Prep track programme

St. Andrew Prep School has received a $500,000 contribution from Express Canteen to support its track and field programme as preparations continue for the next Prep School Championships. The presentation was made through the company’s CEO, Ryan Foster, at a handover that also featured principal Dr. Carol Blanchard and head coach Patrick Johnson.

The school placed fifth at last year’s Prep School Championships, where Sts. Peter and Paul were the winners. Blanchard said the funding arrived at an important point in the school’s planning, as St. Andrew Prep aims to strengthen its sporting programme while maintaining its wider co-curricular focus.

She pointed to the school’s performance in several areas, including chess, where she said St. Andrew Prep is the preparatory school champion. Blanchard also cited Schools’ Challenge Quiz, track and field, robotics, the Math Olympiad and internal character-building activities such as debates, recitals and impromptu speaking, known at the school as Literary Voice. She said 45 students entered a competition this year and 42 performed exceptionally well.

Blanchard said sport forms part of the school’s strategic direction, and the $500,000 support from the concessionaire will help advance the track and field programme for the upcoming season.

Johnson said the school had already begun raising funds for the championships, and the donation would help move that effort along more quickly. He said the team has been performing strongly at pre-season development meets, winning some events while continuing to sharpen others ahead of the championships.

Foster said the contribution was intended to be more than a cheque. He said Express Canteen wanted to support the ambitions of student athletes and contribute to their development beyond school. He also said the company sees its role as a nutritional partner as helping to nourish both the bodies and minds of students representing their school in activities such as track and field, football, netball and chess.

Foster said Express Canteen would continue supporting St. Andrew Prep, including its students, parents, teachers and administrative team, where possible.