Titiro whakamuri,
Kōkiri whakamua

Look back and reflect,
so that you can move forward

In September, we attended our last ever tutor group conference as a parent with Dr Young-Wook Song. It was a memorable meeting and one in a number of ‘lasts’ as our youngest child’s time at Secondary School draws to a close. It’s hard to believe that our days as school parents are finishing. Many of you may be in the same position.
Young-Wook has been a terrific tutor, teacher, and social basketball coach to Lachie and his classmates. An Old Collegian himself, he spoke warmly at our conference of his memories from his school days and the pleasure he takes from his ongoing involvement at St Andrew’s. He emphasised to Lachie how grateful he should be for the experience and opportunities an education at St Andrew’s has given him. The many different aspects of these experiences will allow Lachie to forge his own way and flourish while always remaining a part of the St Andrew’s College community.

One aspect both Lachie and we are grateful for is the genuine care, encouragement, and belief his teachers have shown. The balance between imparting knowledge, guiding inquiry, encouraging personal growth, and looking out for student well-being has been carefully considered. St Andrew’s recognises the importance of each student being guided towards their own individual success.

But perhaps as importantly as this personal development are the good friends and relationships that come along with it. A St Andrew’s education brings many chances to form strong and lasting friendships through common experiences in sporting, cultural, and academic activities. We have appreciated the opportunity for both of our sons to do this in competitive and social settings. In each case, their social basketball teams have been a significant part of their friend group. And, in each case, the support and involvement of a key staff member, parents, and the team themselves has struck just the right chord.

When Lachie walks across the stage at the Leavers’ Dinner, he will be presented with a pin from the Old Collegians President as a welcome into the Old Collegians Association. Young-Wook highlighted to Lachie that this amazing school experience is something that always stays with you. Wherever you are in the world, or whatever you do in life, you will always be part of the St Andrew’s community. At a recent reunion in London, over 65 Old Collegians attended, still connected by the common bond of their time at school. Formal and informal reunions and just school mates getting together is a common theme in the Old Collegians’ community.

While we were sad to leave our last tutor group conference, we also reflected that we have a tremendous amount to be grateful for over the last nine years.

A number of Board Members attended the Presbyterian Church Schools’ Conference and the Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Conference a few months ago. These events are always interesting, address current issues and provide the opportunity to meet with our counterparts from other independent schools.

At the ISNZ Conference, Dance and Drama Specialist and Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Ginnie Thorner, received an ISNZ Honours Award. These awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions made by staff from ISNZ member schools. Only a select number of awards are given each year. The Board is delighted to congratulate Ginnie, who received the award for her dedication in the education of Performing Arts at St Andrew’s and beyond our school gates. In her 20 years at St Andrew’s, Ginnie has fostered a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive Performing Arts environment as well as having a pivotal role in the crafting of our school productions. We look forward to seeing the Performing Arts continue to flourish in their new home when the Performing Arts Centre, incorporating the Gough Family Theatre, is opened early in 2024.

All the best for a great finish to 2023 and an enjoyable summer with family and friends.

Felicity Odlin
Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Governors