Boarding Handbook

Ngā mihi mahana kia koutou katoa, greetings to you all

I am passionate about boarding. The many opportunities which it provides young people to excel are special. I want boarders in my care to feel safe and supported, so that they can strive for excellence and personal growth. I understand that we are looking after your most prized taonga and providing a safe, inclusive community is imperative. It is important that all boarders and the wider community have a strong sense of belonging and collective identity, so I value the link between home, school, and the boarding house, and encourage you to be a part of your child’s journey with us.

My philosophy on student well-being and achievement revolves around making decisions based on what a great parent might do. I believe that great parents set the culture and tone of their family. They foster a sense of belonging, protection and direction. In doing so, a great parent:

• provides opportunities for growth and development;
• makes the most of teaching moments and educates constantly;
• will discipline when necessary;
• builds self-confidence;
• creates opportunities to fail, so they can achieve more.

Making young people feel a sense of safety and security allows them to flourish. Relationships are the key to student achievement, but without feeling safe, trust and co-operation, which underpin relationships, they cannot develop, and potential cannot be reached.

At St Andrew’s College, we believe our boarders gain a unique advantage. Of course, we support academic success and drive achievement, but we are also lucky to be able to add value to our borders through the day to day routines of boarding life. Boarding at St Andrew’s provides more than just a roof over the head and three meals a day. We want to help our boarders develop into the very best versions of themselves. Our skilled and dedicated staff and creative boarding programmes support and grow your child holistically. They develop routines, self-management and discipline. They learn to socialise in a truly global and co-educational environment and they have endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the sporting and cultural programmes which we offer at the College, which they may not otherwise have the chance to do. This is the advantage of being a boarder and this is what we try and maximise in the way we operate.

I look forward to welcoming new students to our boarding family and building on connections made with existing boarders. 

Nāku iti noa, nā 

Matt Parr
Director of Boarding

Tena koe, nau mai, haere mai.

We welcome all new students and their families to the St Andrew’s College boarding community. Welcome back to those returning to boarding and I trust that you will do your part to make all of our new students and their families feel at ease as they settle into boarding life. 

We welcome all new students and their families to the St Andrew’s College boarding community. Welcome back to those returning to boarding and I trust that you will do your part to make all of our new students and their families feel at ease as they settle into boarding life. As Head of Values and Culture, I am the Executive Team Leader who is responsible for overseeing boarding. We have an extremely committed and passionate team of boarding staff led by our Director of Boarding, Mr Matt Parr, and our three House Managers: Mr Struan George, Mrs Bronwyn Radcliffe and Mr Ian White.

We are always looking to offer the best possible care and boarding experience, so please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any suggestions or feedback. Parents are welcome to attend the Boarders’ Reference Group meetings, or to email or call boarding staff. Students can also have their say by joining the student forum, completing house surveys or by talking to any of our staff. In the meantime, it is important that both new and returning parents and students read through this handbook, and take particular note of our routines and expectations, which make up our wonderful boarding culture.

I am very much looking forward to witnessing the usual House events this year, along with a number of new events and activities, and the opportunities which these will bring to our boarding students. I encourage the boarding house leaders to take an active role throughout the year, to promote and get others involved in these activities to ensure a successful and fun year. 

It is our family culture which makes boarding so special at St Andrew’s College. I do hope that as a new or returning student you take care of your environment, yourselves and others, and indeed embrace all that is great about boarding. 

Best wishes for a great year. 

 
Hamish Bell
Head of Values and Culture