Meet the new St Andrew's College Rector Mark Wilson

As Mark Wilson completes his first term as the eleventh Rector of St Andrew’s, he reflects on his introduction to the College, along with his priorities and plans for the future.

We understand you’ve had a warm welcome from the College community, Mark. What have been some of the highlights of your first few months in the role?

Yes, without a doubt the warm and friendly welcome from everyone across the St Andrew’s community has been humbling and helped my wife Judi and I feel immediately at home here. There have been so many people we have met, from students, staff, and parents, to Old Collegians. They have all been so kind and generous in their welcome, and their love for St Andrew’s College as a place and a living community has been highly evident from these meetings and interactions.

What were your first impressions of St Andrew’s?

When you arrive on the campus grounds you can’t help but be struck with its physical beauty. The well cared for grounds leave an immediate and stunning impression – especially with the peaceful stream, the main entrance flanked by the great oaks, the stunning Centennial Chapel, and classic character of Strowan House. We are so blessed to have such a vibrant and inspiring natural learning environment.

Which experiences from your previous roles as Executive Principal at Kristin School in Auckland and Principal of Cashmere High School do you think will be most valuable in leading St Andrew’s?

At Kristin, my role was very similar, as Executive Principal at a co-educational and independent school, with students enrolled from early learning through to Year 13. A key learning was in working across schools to bring teams together, create consistent experiences, and unify under a clear vision and strategy. During my ten years at Cashmere, I learnt to apply the principles of ‘moving from good to great’ in creating high standards and expectations which brought about improved outcomes. From both schools, I learnt the importance of having quality people delivering the various programmes, and as a leader, not being afraid to surround myself with exceptional people, working together to ensure the success of the school.

How would you describe your leadership style and values, and how do you think these align with the values of the College?

A key reason I applied for the Rector’s position was the strong alignments with shared values including with my own Christian faith, connection with my own Scottish ancestry, and the College’s character. In addition, the importance of St Andrew’s proudly being a co-educational school, which after wide experiences across different schools, I am a strong advocate for girls and boys working and learning together. My leadership approach has matured over time. When I was younger, it was about developing myself. Now I am older it is about growing and developing others, taking a servant leadership approach, which prioritises others and focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities you belong to.

What are your top priorities in your first year as Rector?

Initially I have been on a ‘treasure hunt’ to meet the good people in the College community and understand what the St Andrew’s difference is. As expected, the success stories are primarily based on the quality of the people here. Looking into this first year, the Board of Governors and I have prioritised developing new strategic priorities and a Strategic Plan for the next decade. Such a strategy needs to be focused on creating the very best learning experiences and opportunities for our young people.

How do you see the College preparing students for an ever-changing world, particularly in terms of technology, leadership, and global citizenship?

I have always sought to seek out innovative solutions to challenges, but within education you need to be aware of many ‘bright, shiny objects’ in other words distractions. We need to ensure we are informed by research in the deliberate actions we choose to take with our young people. In addressing the modern challenges facing students, I believe many answers can be found in understanding and applying the learnings from neuroscience, which inform how our young people’s brains work and how they can learn and grow to be their best. Some of these learnings include the importance of a growth mindset, fostering grit, passion, and persistence, and looking at ways we manage the use of smart digital devices, to ensure our students leave St Andrew’s as global citizens, ready to help to make a positive difference in the world.

You are passionate about history. What has impressed you most about St Andrew’s culture and traditions?

I am our family historian and have been a History teacher, so I highly value the importance of history and understanding where we come from. The Scottish traditions alive at St Andrew’s reflect the origins of our school and still help to define our College’s character, creating a sense of identity and belonging. Alongside its founding traditions and values, St Andrew’s strongly celebrates cultural diversity. We appreciate and recognise our diverse range of ethnic students and staff at St Andrew’s, and continue to strengthen our Te Ao Māori character and presence as a school in Aotearoa/New Zealand. There is an old saying about ‘walking backwards into the future’ which captures the importance of both looking back and learning from our past yet still progressing and moving forward into our future.

St Andrew’s College has strong and special ties to alumni – what are your impressions?

As Judi and I have found, coming to St Andrew’s means joining a wonderful community of both current staff, students and their families, and the large group of Old Collegians who still have a strong connection and sense of belonging to the College. Many families have been attending St Andrew’s for generations, and there is such great support for the many reunions, events, and regional gatherings organised by the Old Collegians Association, which is rare compared to other schools. Our school age years are such influential times of development in all of our lives, and the strong Old Collegians network of support and ongoing connections highlights it is people who are at the heart of what is important.

What do you hope students will say about their experience at the College under your leadership?

I want students to say they loved their time at St Andrew’s, were always supported yet challenged to achieve, felt they belonged, and through amazing opportunities and experiences learnt to be the very best version of themselves.

How have you and your wife Judi settled back into life in Christchurch?

We are delighted to be back in Christchurch, and closer to our two adult children, their partners, and our two grandsons – Noah and Albie. It is so nice to be an active part of our children’s and grandsons’ lives on a more regular basis, along with our extended family and good friends in Canterbury. We are community focused and are keen to find and settle into a local church. We enjoy walks, socialising with our friends and family, cheering on sports, good books, movies, and travel when we can.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the College over the next five to ten years?

My vision for St Andrew's College is to ensure it is a place where our people can confidently and safely shine, be the very best they can be, and inspire others to do the same. To be like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, a beacon of light for all to see.

What excites you most about this next chapter for St Andrew’s College?

I come to St Andrew’s with it being in such a strong position and look forward to building on this, while bringing a fresh perspective, new ideas, and experiences. I am extremely positive about the future of St Andrew’s and all that we can still become and do.