Invitation from the Chair
St Andrew’s College has a reputation for delivering a high-quality educational programme in a first rate learning environment. Our students are inspired and supported to reach their full potential, guided by our team of exceptional staff.
Even during challenging times, most notably the Canterbury earthquakes and COVID-19 pandemic which had significant impacts on the College, our students have continued to thrive and achieve to their best. This is in no small part due to tireless leadership and management across the College.
As a Board, we are incredibly proud of the academic, sporting and cultural excellence of our students. We know, however, that success extends far beyond the classroom, sports field or theatre. We want every child to be truly known, valued and cared for, have a sense of belonging in a warm, nurturing environment, and develop a strong sense of connection to the wider St Andrew’s community.
Our next Rector will inherit a school that is thriving, and ready to embark on its next chapter. They will lead our students and staff, inspire and encourage their learning and growth, celebrate their diversity, foster their well-being, and continue to build on the rich culture and values for which St Andrew’s is renowned. There has been a significant building and development programme over the last decade and we will continue to focus on our campus remaining up to date and fit for purpose.
Working closely with the Board, our Rector will support the College’s longevity through continued careful management of finances, future development on the campus, and further embed St Andrew’s reputation as a leading independent co-educational boarding school in New Zealand.
We look forward to welcoming our new Rector to St Andrew’s College and encourage applications for this exciting position.
Felicity Odlin BOARD CHAIR
About St Andrew’s College
St Andrew’s College is a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school with a broad curriculum, celebrated learning environment, exciting co-curricular programme, and proud Presbyterian heritage. Whatever our students’ talents and interests, wherever their curiosity may take them, St Andrew’s College provides them with opportunities to excel and shine. They leave us as confident, well-rounded young adults, who are prepared for life in today’s changing world.
We are the South Island’s only independent school offering places from Pre-school through to Year 13. We have over 1600 day and boarding students, with our boarding facilities (catering for 160 boarders) located in the heart of the school. Our students are supported by 210 teachers, along with 100 support staff and 50 contractors, creating a busy, thriving environment. In 2022, St Andrew’s celebrated 30 years of being co-educational.
First and foremost, St Andrew’s College is a place of learning, with a focus on developing our students’ growth mindset and love of learning.
Taking part in our broad co-curricular programmes, whole-school celebrations, and service activities, helps our students to learn many valuable skills and attributes, which complement their academic learning.
Vision and Values
Our Vision
To be at the leading edge of high-performance educational practice, in a community which values caring for others, tradition, and creativity, in order to provide young people with the roots and wings to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Our Founding Values
We secure our future by inspiring trust and confidence through living out our values and demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Truth | Pono
– integrity in everything we say and do;
• Excellence | Kairangi – reaching beyond what people expect of us;
• Faith | Whakapono – in self, others, and our future;
• Creativity | Auahatanga – daring to imagine, turning ideas into reality;
• Inclusivity | Kanorau – valuing diversity, embracing different perspectives
What is Important to Us
Balancing tradition and innovation is a key focus of the St Andrew’s College Board of Governors. In striking this blend St Andrew’s has built a brand of education which adapts quickly to the demands of the present, while holding true to the values of our founders. This gives our students a combination of freedom and boundaries, which we believe, results in young people who flourish in life beyond school. While attending St Andrew’s is a different experience for today’s students from decades past, what hasn’t changed is the College’s underlying commitment to prepare students for life. Our roots of shared traditions, values, culture, spirituality, knowledge and a sense of belonging, help guide our students towards a rich future of innovation, future thinking, curiosity, and following their dreams.
Providing the right environment for this to happen requires balance. Our school community comprises many individuals each contributing their perspectives and talents. Alongside our ongoing investment in programmes, infrastructure and facilities, the Board has a strong focus on continuous improvement of student outcomes, providing an inclusive, supportive environment, and caring for the well-being of everyone. Creating a sense of belonging for all in our community is a hallmark of St Andrew’s College.
Special Character
We are proud of our heritage, values, strong sense of community, and long rich history at St Andrew’s, developed in over a century since the College was founded in the Scottish Presbyterian traditions of the Christian faith. Our chaplain leads regular chapel services for all year groups, with St Andrew’s encouraging and fostering an inclusive environment with students from a range of cultural and faith backgrounds.
Scottish traditions remain at the heart of St Andrew’s, with the skirl of the pipes, twirl of the Highland dancers, the Ferguson tartan, St Andrew’s cross and Scottish thistle intrinsically woven into the fabric of College life.
The historical relationship between all the places associated with St Andrew’s and the mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu, is also important and is currently being captured in our first Cultural Narrative. This document will bring the two narratives of our history together, using the metaphor of weaving – the warp and the weft, the tartan and the kākahu.
A culture of giving back, community service, and philanthropy all add to the spirit of generosity for which St Andrew’s is proud. Our students regularly undertake community service initiatives, outreach and fundraising.
Campus
St Andrew’s College has a large school campus in Christchurch, with its teaching and learning centres, and cultural and sports facilities, spread across 13 hectares of beautiful park-like grounds, close to the heart of the city.
Our campus encompasses a number of learning centres including a Pre-school, Preparatory School, Middle School and Senior College, through which students transition seamlessly from Pre-school age to Year 13.
Since 2009, our campus has undergone a significant transformation, with major new construction projects including the Spiro Science and Mathematics Centre, two new boarding houses, Gym 2, StACFit Fitness Centre, Centennial Chapel, Preparatory School Junior Department and Pre-school, Green Library and Innovation Centre, and the spectacular new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, which opens in Term 1, 2024. This facility incorporates the Gough Family Theatre, which has a fully professional theatre setup, and seating for 265. The Ballet Academy, a Black Box theatre, Dance studio, and extensive backstage areas are also included within Ngā Toi.
Other facilities enjoyed by our students include the only fully professional television and digital media studio and control room complex in a New Zealand secondary school, a full Music Suite with high-tech recording equipment, and a Pipe Band Centre, which supports a variety of cultural groups. Off-site our students enjoy outdoor education facilities at the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill.
Boarding
A strong family culture and community spirit makes boarding at St Andrew’s College a special experience. Our three bright, modern boarding houses are a “home away from home” for our boarding students.
St Andrew’s is the only independent co-educational secondary school in the South Island offering boarding to both boys and girls from Year 9 to Year 13.
We uphold the best traditions of more than 100 years as a boarding school, while reflecting modern principles of residential care. Our boarders are part of a busy, vibrant and close-knit community. They are well-cared for by our experienced team and encouraged to strive to reach or extend their personal potential, whether that be in the classroom, in cultural pursuits, or on the sports field.
One of the key points of difference is that all our senior management staff in boarding, and many of our tutors, are educators. We understand what it takes for students to be successful and help them to balance academic achievement with their health and well-being, and co-curricular activities.
Academic
We are committed to providing a first-class learning environment which values innovation and creativity alongside tradition and knowledge. Many of our passionate, skilled and responsive teachers are well recognised in their areas of expertise, and create innovative and inspirational learning experiences for our students.
The academic achievements of our students are impressive, with attainment across NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 consistently in the high 90s percentile range.
In 2022, St Andrew’s had record-breaking achievement in New Zealand Scholarship examinations with 33 students achieving 76 New Zealand Scholarships between them (12 at Outstanding level). That year, one of our students won a Premier Award and was named in the top 11 students in New Zealand, while another was a Top Subject Scholar, gaining the top mark in New Zealand for Digital Technology. Three St Andrew’s students have won Premier Awards in the last 13 years. This was followed up by another strong performance in 2023, with 64 scholarships achieved across a wide range of subjects with six of these at Outstanding level. Two of our students received an Outstanding Scholar Award from NZQA, given to the top 60 scholarship students in New Zealand.
St Andrew’s is well known for its strong Learning Support Programme which is led by a team experienced in helping all students achieve to their academic potential.
We are at the forefront of learner metrics, where we predict and assess value add for each individual student across all of their subjects throughout their time at St Andrew’s. This is monitored regularly and actions are taken to identify issues or opportunities to assist students in achieving their personal best.
Co-curricular
St Andrew’s has a proud history in sport, music and the performing arts. Well over 95 per cent of students at the College are involved in our extensive weekly co-curricular programme, with over 50 different sports and cultural activities on offer. Both enthusiastic participation and elite performance are encouraged and supported in our students’ pursuits.
St Andrew’s is well regarded in sporting pursuits, producing both individual and team champions at South Island and national level, and excellence across many codes. The College’s Athlete Sports Performance programme encourages the growth and success of our highest performing athletes.
However, this is not the only way success is measured at St Andrew’s. A Balance is Better approach across the entire sports programme recognises the efforts of students participating in sport at all levels, creating an environment where every student can thrive and find success in their own way.
The diverse cultural opportunities on offer at St Andrew’s include music groups from orchestra, and chamber groups, to jazz bands, choirs and rock bands. These groups have access to the Music Suite with its fine acoustics and state-of-the-art recording equipment. Dance, drama, chess, robotics, filmmaking, Pipe Band, theatre productions, writing for publication, festivals, and competitions are just some of the other cultural activities on offer.
The opening of our spectacular new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre in Term 1, 2024 will further enhance our students’ cultural pursuits.
Well-being
Since 2017, St Andrew’s has committed to a whole school strategic goal to embrace evidencebased research related to well-being and positive psychology. We have a Head of Well-being and a number of Health and Well-being programmes in place for our students.
On joining the St Andrew’s College community, students gain the support and friendship of an entire network of people who take an active interest in their welfare. This large, caring team includes teachers, tutors, Deans, boarding staff if applicable, a guiding and counselling team, College management, Peer Support and student leaders.
Together, our objective is for students to feel comfortable, safe and cared for; are supported to succeed academically; are encouraged to grow in confidence and resilience; and establish a strong foundation for fulfilling lives beyond school.
Staff professional development focuses on integrating research related to building positive relationships, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience, enhancing self-efficacy and fostering motivation, engagement, and purpose.
A well-being focus is integrated into our curricular, co-curricular and pastoral programmes. Our school culture supports student well-being by valuing the importance of positive relationships and celebrating diversity.
Community
St Andrew’s is grateful to the many different groups and individuals in our community, outside the day-to-day running of the College, who contribute significantly to the ‘StAC family’.
The College remains a significant part of the lives of many of our students and their families, long after their schooling years have concluded. We are proud of the strong connections we maintain with our Old Collegians (alumni) through the thriving Old Collegians Association, which keeps Old Collegians up to date with the latest news and runs a number of special events each year to keep our alumni connected.
The College Foundation, which prudently manages our investments; PTA (Parent Teachers Association founded in 1933), which provides parents with a forum for discussion, and an avenue for participation in College activities; and the Ladies Circle, which for 65 years has promoted fellowship and support for the College and each other; all continue to make an outstanding contribution to St Andrew’s.
Living in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and is a great place to live and work. Located in the heart of the central South Island, the ‘Garden City’ has a safe, relaxed environment, and is home to a diverse natural playground, including the stunning Hagley Park.
Christchurch has undergone a significant revitalisation since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, with an almost brand new, modern city centre with laneways to explore, great restaurants, shopping and markets, and beautifully preserved heritage buildings, nestled alongside the meandering Avon River.
Outdoor activities abound, with ski fields and mountains within an hour of the city, beaches on its doorstep, and a host of walking and cycling tracks close by.
With its international airport (a short 15-minute drive from St Andrew’s College), Christchurch is a gateway to the South Island’s word famous scenery and incredible tourist attractions. Many popular holiday destinations including Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Methven and Kaikōura are located within a couple of hours of the city.
In 2023, Christchurch was named among the world’s top ten cities that people from other countries would consider moving to.
The Role
The Rector’s role is to lead St Andrew’s College in the achievement of our strategic vision in a manner consistent with our values and culture. The Rector is responsible for the delivery of the College’s vision through educational excellence, inspiring people leadership, effective relationships and sound business and financial management.
KEY AREAS
Leadership and People Management
The Rector is a person of high trust, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff and develop leaders, while encouraging collaboration and accountability. This includes maintaining positive employment relationships and providing opportunities for professional development. In addition, the Rector provides a highly engaging workplace, supporting and empowering teams to thrive.
Strategic Management
Collaborating closely with the Board of Governors, the Rector will help to develop the College’s next Strategic Plan. This will be communicated and implemented by the Rector through targeted and considered application of resources. The Rector will identify and evaluate opportunities and challenges to ensure St Andrew’s maintains a contemporary education offering.
Innovation and Excellence in Education
Maintaining knowledge of current educational issues, themes and innovations is part of the Rector’s role. They will strive for research informed continuous improvement in educational innovation and excellence, supporting the breadth of offering at St Andrew’s, including a balance of digital and non-digital resources.
A student-centric Rector will value each student and provide them with a safe, caring and supportive environment in which to develop. Along with a focus on learning excellence, the Rector will support initiatives for spiritual, social and emotional development, which prepare students in the best way possible for their future.
Business and Operations
Along with having a strong understanding of the commercial demands of running an independent school, the Rector has a key role in the future sustainability of the school. This encompasses enrolments, finance, capital projects, risk management, fundraising, marketing, communications, health and safety, and people management.
Relationships
The Rector fosters strong, constructive, respectful relationships which are open and honest, with a shared sense of purpose. The role includes having a visible presence both on and off campus. Strong, engaged relationships with key associations including the Foundation, Old Collegians Association, PTA and Ladies Circle are also important.
Culture and Values
The Rector is a strong model of St Andrew’s traditions, lived culture and values, and maintains the spirit and special character of the College.
Telling the St Andrew’s Story
The Rector will oversee the publication of clear, consistent and cohesive communications with the St Andrew’s community which link our stories past and present. They will be engaged in weaving the rich tapestry of St Andrew’s cultural narratives together and will celebrate events and achievements with the College community and beyond.
College Development Funding Strategy
The Rector is responsible for ensuring a comprehensive fundraising strategy is in place, with support from stakeholder groups, determining development priorities and representing the College with functions, meetings, relationship building and stakeholder management as appropriate.
Personal Attributes
Consistent with the College’s values and who we are as a community, the Rector will be assured, approachable, warm, inclusive, engaged, humble, and have sound judgement and integrity.
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to be part of our community and help lead us into our new chapter, we look forward to hearing from you.
• Online application via www.eqiglobal.com
• Or by emailing your CV and cover letter to search@eqiglobal.com
Confidential enquiries or preliminary discussions can be made by contacting Graham Ewing of EQI Global.
Graham Ewing
+64 21 350 444
Graham.ewing@eqiglobal.com
A position description can be viewed and downloaded via www.eqiglobal.com
For further information about St Andrew’s College please visit the website, www.stac.school.nz
Applications close 11 April 2024
