Meet the principal: St Andrew’s College
The St Andrew’s College community has welcomed 2022 with great energy, and a sense of excitement as we mark the 30th anniversary of officially becoming co-educational.
Rector
After four ‘trail blazers’ had enrolled as the first senior girls in 1991, it was a momentous and positive occasion when 55 female students walked through the gates at St Andrew’s in 1992, transforming our traditional all-boys school forever.
Girls now make up around 40 per cent of our roll, and female teachers make up 52 per cent of our staff. Some of the children of those first girls now attend the College.
Today we are proud to be the South Island’s only independent school offering Pre-school to Year 13 education for both boys and girls. I went to a co-educational school myself and believe it is the best way to prepare young people for their future in a diverse society.
Collaboration in the co-ed classroom helps boys and girls in many ways.
They gain a fresh perspective from each other intellectually, develop socially, and become more confident in expressing their views around members of the opposite sex.
First and foremost, St Andrew’s College is a place of learning, with a focus on developing our students’ growth mindset and a 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.
Despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19, students at St Andrew’s College have continued to thrive in their academic and co-curricular pursuits.
This is a testament to their resilience, the hard work and dedication of our staff, and the programmes we have put in place, including our comprehensive online learning programme.
There are many different leadership opportunities on offer at St Andrew’s College. This year, we are delighted that our Head Girl, Grace Lawrence, and Head Boy, Harry Withers, along with the prefects, have come up with a clever theme, ‘Unity Builds Community’, which is highly relevant in these challenging times.
