Connection, conversation and community

For generations of St Andrew’s students and their families, a sense of connection has been central to their experience, something which makes the College so special.

Since he became the new Head of Development and Community Relations, Tomo Yee (Head Prefect 2008), has been looking at ways to further strengthen St Andrew’s community network, which has resulted in some exciting initiatives being launched this year.

These include Coffee and Catch Ups sessions, where parents are encouraged to gather at The Coffee Cart in the Cafeteria, with a different theme and hosting staff member each time; and the hugely popular StAC Community Fête on Friday 13 March, which was attended by more than 1400 people.

Tomo says community events were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the new initiatives are a way to build back the connection and culture which were lost.

We recognise students are the heart of the school, however parents, caregivers, and their families are an important part of our community too. Part of my role is to ensure their connection doesn’t end at the drop-off zone, and we create regular opportunities for them to come on to the campus for connection, conversation, and collaboration.

He says the first Coffee and Catch Ups session on Thursday 19 February was a great success, with more than 90 parents joining Rector, Mark Wilson, and Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler, for a coffee and chat.

“It was a relaxed and enjoyable morning, with great conversation, breakfast treats, and plenty of coffee, thanks to current parent, Kendall Burt, who generously provided complimentary coffee for all who attended,” says Tomo.

Two or three of these events are being planned each term, The PTA President, Tim Gibb, hosted the mid-March session, followed by a summer sports session, hosted by Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, and Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities, Mark Lane, at the end of Term 1.

Tomo says the College grounds came alive during the StAC Community Fête, when a huge crowd embraced the event’s warm, relaxed vibe.

“Students enjoyed spending time with friends while parents and whānau caught up and socialised. It was a wonderful way to bring our community together, and start a fantastic new St Andrew’s tradition.”

Outstanding performances by talented student musicians set the tone for the Fête, with the dunk tank proving to be a crowd favourite, Tomo says.

“The Radical Run inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals, and the ever-popular bubble soccer were busy all evening,” he shares. “Everyone was well fed by food trucks, including Bacon Bros, Empire Chicken, Fush, Mr Whippy, Bo’s Dumplings, and Coffee Embassy, and the PTA drinks stand was a popular stop.”

Tomo says the StACTalks series continues to attract large groups of parents to the College, and business networking events are being planned for later in the year.

“All of these initiatives are a key aspect of the People, Partnership, and Place thread in the new Strategic Plan, which will continue to foster opportunities for our community to gather, socialise, and connect.”