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Meet our Boarding Staff

Tūtakina ā Mātou Kaimahi Kura Noho

Our boarding staff are united in their belief that students must be nurtured in a caring, safe and happy environment in order to develop to their full potential. St Andrew’s College is proud to have a committed, enthusiastic and energetic team who work passionately to achieve just that.

  • Matt Parr

    Matt Parr

    Director of Boarding

    Matt’s personal philosophy on supporting student well-being and achievement is to make decisions based on ‘what a great parent might do’. “I believe great parents set the culture and tone of their family and foster a sense of belonging, protection, and direction. We set the same intentions in our boarding family at St Andrew’s College. I’m fortunate to lead a large team who deliver an incredibly high duty of care. Everything we do revolves around supporting the students’ number one objective for being here – to get an excellent education.”

    Matt came to St Andrew’s College from Christchurch Boys’ High School where he was Assistant Manager of Adams House for three years, and was also the school’s Director of Communications, a teacher, and a sports coach. He is an Old Boy himself, having played for the First teams in rugby and cricket for three years at Christchurch Boys’ High School, and serving as Deputy Head Boy in his final year.

    During a gap year in the United Kingdom Matt had his first taste of teaching at an agricultural school in Somerset. While in the UK, Matt met his future wife, Nancy, and on their return to New Zealand, he spent four years studying Physical Education at the University of Otago. After a year teaching English in Japan, Matt completed his post-graduate teaching studies, and started his teaching career back at Christchurch Boys’ High School as a Health and Physical Education teacher.

  • Struan George

    Struan George

    Assistant Director of Boarding and House Manager – MacGibbon Boarding House

    Struan's educational journey is closely intertwined with his commitment to boarding. Starting as a Physical Education & Health Teacher and House Tutor at Timaru Boys’ High School, he transitioned to St Andrew’s College in 2003, becoming House Tutor at McGibbon House. In 2011, he returned to St Andrew’s College, drawn to the first-class cricket offerings at the College, assuming the role of House Manager at MacGibbon House. Recognising the transformative impact of boarding, Struan expanded his commitment in 2023, now also serving as the Assistant Director of Boarding.

    As a devoted father of four boys, his personal commitment to boys' education is profound, emphasising the importance of keeping them engaged and active. His insights into the transition from home to boarding life are not only professional but deeply personal, with his eldest son recently embarking on a journey with the Air Force. Struan brings a wealth of experience and understanding to his multifaceted roles at St Andrew’s College.

  • Ian White

    Ian White

    House Manager – Rutherford Boarding House

    Ian has been House Manager of Rutherford Boarding House for several years. He has a student-centred philosophy with a very good understanding of adolescents. He recognises the need for young adults to be given the opportunity of self-responsibility accompanied with structures that make them accountable, while developing a strong sense of independence. Ian teaches Technology as well as Design and Visual Communication, having a variety of practical skills. Outside of boarding he has a wide range of interests and is presently involved in open water swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter. He enjoys travelling extensively and is known for undertaking spontaneous trips away overseas.

  • Laura Hughes v2 LS cropped for Handbook

    Laura Hughes

    Assistant House Manager – Rutherford Boarding House

    Laura took up the role of Assistant House Manager of Rutherford House in 2023. With a long history of youth work, event management and StrengthsFinder coaching, it was the pastoral care opportunities that drew Laura to this role.

    Her more recent experience of also working within an independent school enrolment team means she also brings an understanding of the education sector with her, and a greater understanding of the investment a family makes when choosing a school like St Andrew's College. While her employment only began in 2023, Laura has felt connected to the College for much longer than that as her husband, Assistant Chaplain Ben Hughes has been working at St Andrew's since 2017. When not at work both Ben and Laura are likely on the sports sideline or at a dance rehearsal for one (or both) of their two young daughters, Isla and Eden.

  • Liz Gormack

    Liz Gormack

    House Manager – Thompson Boarding House

    With extensive experience in pastoral care, Liz joins the team as the House Manager of Thompson House. As well as being the 2024 Year 10 Dean and Assistant Head of Middle School, this role is the culmination of over 30 years of teaching and loving in particular the pastoral care element. Liz was the very first female house tutor for Christchurch Boys’ High School’s Adams House, so she certainly knows the ups and downs of boarding life very well. With their four children between them having left home, Liz and her partner Andrew are looking forward to apartment living on campus and know for sure that their two dogs, Ted and Alby, are going to love the attention the girls will no doubt give them. 

  • Jo Ah Kuoi

    Joanne Ah Kuoi

    Assistant House Manager – Thompson Boarding House

    Jo joined Thompson House as Assistant House Manager in 2013. She came to St Andrew’s College with a background in theatre and film and has also worked with various social agencies. The development of confidence and inner strength is something Jo loves to see throughout a young woman’s boarding experience. She enjoys being an active member of a hugely diverse, warm hearted and close extended family. She has a passion for film, theatre, art and music festivals and relishes spending time with her borrowed boxer dogs at the beach and on walks in the Port Hills.

  • Jean Thomson

    Jean Wilson

    Assistant House Manager – MacGibbon Boarding House

    Jean's journey in the field of education, particularly in boarding schools, started at Bradfield College in the UK and finding her calling there is a significant part of her story to inspire and encourage young people to be resilient, confident and believe in themselves. Moving back to St Andrew’s College cements the connection and fondness she has for the College. Having left St Andrew’s to work at St Margaret's College as Middle School House Manager, and later becoming the Head of Boarding, has been a rewarding experience for Jean. She returns to MacGibbon House with her husband Stu, and Winnie their Boarder terrier, "who believes the whole world is happy to see her"!  Jean is looking forward to getting to know her students and their families and making solid connections, working together with wider school community to get the best out of them, and ensure that every student is happy and secure in their boarding ‘home away from home’.