Rector's Comment
Every year during Term 1, hundreds of visitors pass through St Andrew’s College, most with a view to selecting an appropriate school for their son or daughter for the following year.
It is testimony to the openness and transparency of life at St Andrew’s that tours are conducted at any time, and that visitors are always welcome. As I address the prospective students and their parents on Open Days or at Information Evenings, I ask myself what it is that people are looking for – what is it that makes St Andrew’s stand out as a place of learning?
As well as academic achievements, prospective families are obviously looking for quality educational experiences in the classroom. Teachers at St Andrew’s are committed not only to providing quality teaching and learning experiences that are engaging and relevant to students, but also to participating themselves in ongoing professional learning. To this end, staff have been fully engaged in professional reflection and discussion of student achievement, and each department has set targets for the coming year that are challenging and motivational for students and staff alike. St Andrew’s is committed to continuous improvement and this can only happen in a supportive atmosphere where feedback is encouraged and robust discussion can take place.
There is also no doubt about the opportunities available to students at St Andrew’s. During term the campus is a hive of activity with sports teams training at 7am and rehearsals for choir, or band or production going well into the evenings. It is often said and so true that “the College never sleeps”.
This term some of our teams have performed at the very top of their game, with three National titles (Pipe Band – juvenile; Rowing Boys U15 quad; Mixed Tennis) and a South Island title (Touch) being significant highlights on our events calendar. Parents and students involved with these activities well know the dedication and sacrifice needed to attain this level of excellence. What is also evident is that, while other teams and activities may not have reached the same level of recognition, the passion and enthusiastic participation and commitment to achieving personal best is evident across so many activities at StAC.
Perhaps most important of all, however, is the feeling that visitors to St Andrew’s come away with friendly smiles and ready greetings from our students, the positive interactions between year groups and the spirited support for each others’ success that cannot be contrived. Enthusiasm is hard to quantify, but it seems to be something that thrives at St Andrew’s. It is a real privilege to feel so proud of our students – be it listening to the choir, the jazz band or the pipe band, witnessing the sportsmanship at cricket or volleyball or touch, or hearing of numerous students volunteering service to the community – there are many moments when I know that the St Andrew’s approach to education really works.
And of course amongst all this are times where the past, the present and the future come together in a special moment – when St Andrew’s traditions are held proud and today’s students pause to enjoy the part they play in 93 years of history. In a very poignant moment at Founders’ Day Assembly, Mr Ken Nicholls, Old Collegian aged 96 years, stood up and waved to the 1300 people gathered in the gymnasium. The 80 years separating most of our students from our oldest Old Collegian are bridged by common values, history, tradition and an ongoing commitment to the College from our extended ‘family’. That is something that makes St Andrew’s very special indeed.
Kind Regards
Chris Leighton
Rector
It is testimony to the openness and transparency of life at St Andrew’s that tours are conducted at any time, and that visitors are always welcome. As I address the prospective students and their parents on Open Days or at Information Evenings, I ask myself what it is that people are looking for – what is it that makes St Andrew’s stand out as a place of learning?
As well as academic achievements, prospective families are obviously looking for quality educational experiences in the classroom. Teachers at St Andrew’s are committed not only to providing quality teaching and learning experiences that are engaging and relevant to students, but also to participating themselves in ongoing professional learning. To this end, staff have been fully engaged in professional reflection and discussion of student achievement, and each department has set targets for the coming year that are challenging and motivational for students and staff alike. St Andrew’s is committed to continuous improvement and this can only happen in a supportive atmosphere where feedback is encouraged and robust discussion can take place.
There is also no doubt about the opportunities available to students at St Andrew’s. During term the campus is a hive of activity with sports teams training at 7am and rehearsals for choir, or band or production going well into the evenings. It is often said and so true that “the College never sleeps”.
This term some of our teams have performed at the very top of their game, with three National titles (Pipe Band – juvenile; Rowing Boys U15 quad; Mixed Tennis) and a South Island title (Touch) being significant highlights on our events calendar. Parents and students involved with these activities well know the dedication and sacrifice needed to attain this level of excellence. What is also evident is that, while other teams and activities may not have reached the same level of recognition, the passion and enthusiastic participation and commitment to achieving personal best is evident across so many activities at StAC.
Perhaps most important of all, however, is the feeling that visitors to St Andrew’s come away with friendly smiles and ready greetings from our students, the positive interactions between year groups and the spirited support for each others’ success that cannot be contrived. Enthusiasm is hard to quantify, but it seems to be something that thrives at St Andrew’s. It is a real privilege to feel so proud of our students – be it listening to the choir, the jazz band or the pipe band, witnessing the sportsmanship at cricket or volleyball or touch, or hearing of numerous students volunteering service to the community – there are many moments when I know that the St Andrew’s approach to education really works.
And of course amongst all this are times where the past, the present and the future come together in a special moment – when St Andrew’s traditions are held proud and today’s students pause to enjoy the part they play in 93 years of history. In a very poignant moment at Founders’ Day Assembly, Mr Ken Nicholls, Old Collegian aged 96 years, stood up and waved to the 1300 people gathered in the gymnasium. The 80 years separating most of our students from our oldest Old Collegian are bridged by common values, history, tradition and an ongoing commitment to the College from our extended ‘family’. That is something that makes St Andrew’s very special indeed.
Kind Regards
Chris Leighton
Rector