Cultivating fairness and self-responsibility in boarding

When Ian White joined St Andrew’s College as an Assistant House Master in August 1989, he stepped into a vastly different boarding environment than the one which exists today.

“It was the tail end of corporal punishment,” Ian recalls. “Discipline relied heavily on detentions, stand-downs, and fatigues. It was rigid and punitive, with little consideration for the individual. It was tough on both students and staff, and I believed there had to be a better way.”

That belief would go on to shape a transformative 36-year journey in boarding at the College. In 1993, Ian became the Manager of Rutherford House, where he began implementing a new vision, one grounded in fairness, respect, and student empowerment.

Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, credits Ian with playing a pivotal role in reshaping the culture of boarding, particularly in Rutherford House, which today is home to senior boys in Years 11–13.

“Ian has considerable wisdom and experience, with the deliberate systems he has put in place in Rutherford House breaking down hierarchies, and promoting the boys’ self-control and management in a mana-enhancing and empowering way.”

Ian says the move into "horizontal boarding" with junior (MacGibbon) and senior (Rutherford) Houses for boys, and the advent of Thompson House for girls, was a pivotal moment for boarding at St Andrew’s, when systems, particularly around discipline, could be tailored to the students’ ages and stages rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

“In Rutherford we became focused on restorative change behaviour, using a points system which quietly highlights actions and behaviours that need changing, like swearing, lateness, or not signing out. When the boys reach six points they are grounded for a day and a night. But even if the boys reach this stage, they still have control,” Ian explains. “If they are getting close to the tipping point, the boys can choose to serve their grounding early so they don’t risk missing something important on their social calendar.”

Ian says the non-confrontational discipline system empowers the students to manage the entire process themselves, with a high level of self-responsibility.

His "fair and equitable" approach extends to day-to-day domestic duties around the House, he adds.

“I’m quite egalitarian and don’t like the appearance of hierarchies because I don’t think they’re healthy. We share the jobs out equally with the Year 13 boarders given leadership opportunities in a way which supports and uplifts others.”

Ian says the "high calibre" boarding staff at Rutherford, which includes four tutors who look after evening and weekend supervision on a rostered basis, play an important role looking after and guiding the boarders in their care.

“Every staff member shares responsibility for the well-being of the boys, which creates a great community. They are a key element to a successful time in boarding.”

As they leave Rutherford House, Ian’s hope is the boys go into the world with a sense of fairness, equity, and compassion.

“I hope our young men leave here with fond memories, and to have learnt that it’s not always about ‘me’. Life is also about growing into responsible adults, sharing opportunities, respecting others, and taking responsibility for our actions.”