From Board the

A number of these risk and priorities are already front and centre in the Board’s mind and are being carefully addressed by management. However, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a number of matters which particularly resonated with us.

The College’s 106th AGM was held on Thursday 22 June and was a good opportunity to reflect on another challenging and varied year. In the words of that well-worn rugby cliché, it was definitely a year of two halves.

Recently, members of the St Andrew's College Board joined other boards and management of independent schools in Canterbury at a gathering organised by ISNZ (Independent Schools of New Zealand).

As a Board, we value the support of ISNZ which, together with its other independent school members, provides useful insights.

The recent ISNZ gathering included a presentation from Aon on a recent study of ten priorities and risks for New Zealand independent schools. Interestingly, the study highlighted a number of new factors and significant changes in priority rankings. The priority and risks identified by the study were:

• attracting and retaining talent;

• cyber;

• mental health;

• COVID-19 impact;

• student safety;

• changes to legislation;

• economic slowdown;

• increasing competition;

• brand and reputation;

• construction.

So, what does this mean for St Andrew's?

• Attracting and retaining talent is key to the success of the College. The Board is acutely aware of the increased demands on our teaching staff, management, and other key staff. Teaching is no longer just the delivery of a curriculum. It involves complex pastoral care, health and safety considerations, and a deep understanding of the challenges our young people face. Teaching has become more demanding over the past few years with the challenges of COVID-19. We recognise that our team of dedicated and talented teachers are an integral part of the school, and we value them highly. Our teachers are well led by an able management team and supported by a number of other unsung heroes in various roles. Again, these team members are critical to the success of the College.

• The health and safety of students, staff, and anyone else who comes on to the school grounds or participates in school activities is absolutely critical to us. We are conscious that health and safety has both physical and psychological dimensions with mental health, as well as the physical safety becoming an increasing concern. With these considerations in mind, we have recently employed a dedicated Health and Safety Manager for the College.

• In 2023, we need to be particularly vigilant and responsive to cyber risk. Dave Hart, Chief Information Officer, recently presented to the Board on cyber security and digital transformation. Dave and his team have been working diligently to strengthen the College’s IT infrastructure and cyber security. This ongoing work will continue to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students.

The first half of 2022 was challenging, as the College was still operating under COVID-19 restrictions. The wearing of masks, stricter isolation rules, and the cancellation of activities was trying for many of us. Like every organisation, the College worked through unprecedented levels of sickness among students and staff. We continue to be incredibly grateful to our staff who worked hard to ensure students kept up with their studies. In contrast, the second half of 2022 was more positive and rewarding. With the removal of COVID-19 restrictions, school activities resumed at pace.

Notable College achievements for the year included:

• strong academic outcomes with a record number of scholarships and awards;

• a number of national sporting and cultural placings;

• a strong roll;

• capital development donations of approximately $560,000;

• completion of the canopy over the Preparatory School sports turf, and bathroom upgrades for MacGibbon House;

• progression on building of the Performing Arts Centre including the Gough Family Theatre;

• a new Outdoor Education programme at Castle Hill.

The 2022 Annual Report presented at the AGM can be found on the College website under the heading Publications.

It continues to be a privilege to serve alongside hard-working and positive Board members. I am constantly reassured by their calibre, commitment and resolve to serve the school as custodians – working to honour the past, protect the present, and find opportunities for the future.

Hei konā mai Felicity Odlin Board Chair On behalf of the Board of Governors