Founders' Day

Founders’

Day

The annual Founders’ Day Assembly and Highland Games are much anticipated events on the St Andrew’s calendar, which usually see a large group of students, parents, and Old Collegians join together at the College to celebrate its founding on 17 March 1917.

Celebrating 30 years of co-education!

Unfortunately, COVID-19 disrupted this year’s plans. However a special one-hour, 105th Founders’ Day film captured all the magic moments, and was delivered to the St Andrew’s community online instead.

Special guests at the assembly included Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994) and his wife Sandy, who were invited to join the celebration of 30 years of co-education at St Andrew’s College. “As Rector at that time, Dr Rentoul had a belief in the benefits of co-educational schooling that led to the Board decision to take the first step to admitting girls into the Senior College. He oversaw the official opening of the Senior College (Years 12–13 ) in 1992, with the entry of 55 girls into their senior year. At the assembly I was delighted to present Dr Rentoul with the Rector’s Medal, in recognition of his foresight and the significant contribution he has made to St Andrew’s College,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Also in attendance at the assembly was Stephanie Bain (OC 1992), the Old Collegians nominee on the Board of Governors, who was in the first official intake of girls to the Senior College in 1992.

In addition to the Rector’s Address celebrating co-education, highlights of the 105th Founders’ Day film, included solo pipers Oskar Trafford and Toby Cammock-Elliott (both Year 12); student awards presented including the GAM Hilson Memorial Accounting/ Economics Award to Alex Ying (Year 13), and the Henry Dowling Memorial French Award to Corin Simcock (Year 13) for their achievements in Year 12 in 2021 ; a student item featuring Estee Wilke (Year 13) and the String Orchestra; Heads of College Address; This is Us– a student-led film from 2013; Pipe Band and Highland dancers, and the Address to a Haggis, delivered for the first time in College history by two students, Lachlan Johns and Rachel Holyoake (both Year 13). Their spirited performance, in keeping with the co-educational theme, was much enjoyed.

Founders’ Day of course also honours the founder of the College, the Rev. A T (Alexander) Thompson. On Thursday 17 March, Preparatory School teacher, Pip Dinsenbacher, delivered an enlightening and engaging chapel service about the life and work of this remarkable man. “There is no doubt that it was Rev. Thompson’s vision, determination, faith, and sacrifice that resulted in the success of developing the College from its fledging enrolment of 19 boys in 1917,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.