From Rector

values’ have been built over time through ceremonies, programmes, lessons learnt, and leadership from senior students and staff. As societal expectations and social norms change, these traditions are modified and thus we all must change and adapt.

St Andrew’s students hopeful and empowered for the inevitable challenges ahead.

Recently, I have been reflecting upon what builds organisational culture, particularly in a school environment. I receive many comments about the positive culture at St Andrew’s College but am also aware that in a vibrant school of 1600 young people there will always be some undesirable interactions and behaviours which result from a lack of judgement. Providing an environment where students experience appropriate consequences for such behaviours is an important part of maintaining this positive culture. Equally important is making our expectations clear and explicit, ensuring that they are understood and upheld by students, staff, and parents. In this way, I believe we can create a culture which is inclusive and safe for all. I have no doubt that most people want to belong to a community with a positive culture, however, to achieve this desired culture everyone must have a clear, consistent and common understanding of it.

Inclusion goes beyond mere representation; it is about fostering a school culture that celebrates diversity and embraces the unique strengths of each individual. St Andrew’s traditions and ways of ‘living our

Five years ago, inclusivity was included as one of our five foundation values at St Andrew’s and is now widely recognised as critical to the success of any organisation. I have found that the more we celebrate diversity, the greater chance we have of becoming a truly inclusive community where different experiences, perspectives, ethnicities, faiths, identities, preferences, and social backgrounds are embraced. Inclusion holds immense importance in a school setting as it enriches the overall educational experiences for all. This in turn will equip our school leavers to engage in and influence their diverse social networks and communities beyond school.

Culture persists only because people act in ways that uphold its principles and codes. At the same time as we are encouraged to embrace our individuality and personal character strengths and talents, we must also recognise our collective responsibilities. Everyone shares accountability for achieving our desired St Andrew’s culture. However, creating an inclusive school culture and overcoming biases and stereotypes can be challenging. As humans, we tend to gravitate towards what is familiar which can inadvertently marginalise individuals who are different or face certain forms of discrimination. Overcoming these biases requires open dialogue, awareness programmes, and professional development for staff to ensure we are providing equitable opportunities for all students within learning programmes and through social and co-curricular opportunities.

So, what is at the heart of this desired culture?

At St Andrew’s we aspire to create an environment that affords all students experiences of connection, a sense of belonging, engagement, and positive respectful relationships based upon equity and safety. A broad curriculum, support and encouragement for all types of learners, and a wide range of co-curricular activities and service opportunities empower students with moral and emotional skills and attributes. Over the last 30 years, our St Andrew’s culture has developed positively through a commitment to co-education. Our achievement data over the last 12 years indicates that both boys and girls thrive academically in this co-ed environment, equipped not only to create, learn, problem-solve, innovate, and collaborate at school but through the next phases of life.

In this edition of Regulus are stories of experiences which are shaping St Andrew’s students for their rapidly changing world. These include development throughout student leadership programmes, the Framing our Future Strategic Plan, a comprehensive and inspiring sports framework, successful learning support initiatives, guided choices for pathways beyond school, sustainability and community service initiatives, and student-led culture-building activities.

With a focus on inclusion and commitment to a sustained positive culture, which celebrates each individual while at the same time upholds our collective values and behaviours, we are well placed to guide and inspire St Andrew’s students to be hopeful and feel empowered for the inevitable challenges ahead.

Christine Leighton Rector