From the Board

From

theBoard

There is a sense of some normality returning to life as we head into summer and the end of another school year.

Restrictions have lifted gradually over the course of the year and activity around the school campus has returned to busy, lively and typical levels. I was chatting about this with my sister-in-law, Anna Turner, lately. You may have come across Anna at school. She is there most days, alongside the College’s other photographer, Sue Oxley, taking photos of all the wonderful gatherings and cultural and sporting events. She’s seen not only the rise in the number and breadth of events over the past few months, but also the enjoyment, dedication and outstanding achievements that have ensued.

We recalled the assemblies in the Centennial Chapel at the start of the year with only a handful of socially distanced students and echoing voices. What a contrast with the Chapel packed with students, parents and other family at the end of Term 3 assemblies. The stunning Junior and Senior productions, winter sports tournaments, speech competitions, musical accomplishments and Film Fest are just some of the superb events that we have been able to enjoy since the pandemic restrictions lifted. It has been fantastic welcoming parents and community groups back to share these occasions, and seeing students taking part in school, local and national events. On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge and thank all staff, students, parents and the wider community for their work, patience and forbearance. Without this combined effort, the year would have been much more difficult and we would have suffered even more interruption to learning and school activities.

The ISNZ (Independent Schools of New Zealand) Annual Conference resumed this year after two years of cancellation. A number of Board Members and staff flew the St Andrew's cross at this event. The theme of the conference was Remembering Our People, Our Purpose and Our Place. It was a great chance to hear from some thought provoking speakers, discuss current challenges and opportunities in the education sector, and meet with our counterparts from other independent schools. The conference included presentations on the place of innovation in independent schools, our contribution to equity, global citizenship, social impact, diversity and well-being, shifts in attracting talent and preparing students for the new world of work.

We came away with a lot to think about but also some reassurance that St Andrew's College has been thoughtfully addressing topics which are on other independent schools' minds. One speaker observed that while strength comes from tradition, a successful future comes from relevance and innovation. The same speaker noted that a 2022 survey demonstrated that students, although being digitally integrated and globally connected, learn new skills primarily from teachers (who were in number one place ahead of websites, social media sites and then parents). Teaching and learning is St Andrew's core purpose. If this core purpose can be delivered in a safe and inclusive environment, strong values and a sense of belonging can be fostered. This, in turn, creates opportunities for innovation and changes to ensure that our offering is relevant in the modern world. ISNZ Honours Awards are given at the conference each year to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions made by staff from member schools. Only a select number of awards are given each year. We are therefore delighted to congratulate Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, who received an Honours Award for Service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award and Outdoor Education. Hamish’s dedication to this programme saw our students receive a New Zealand school record of Gold Awards last year. As I am sure many of you have experienced, outdoor education is a big part of all students' lives and has a meaningful impact for many. Well done, Hamish!

With summer approaching, we can look forward to celebrating the many endof-year events together and in person this year. Enjoy, and on behalf of the Board of Governors, all the very best for a relaxing and safe summer holiday.

Felicity Odlin Board Chair On behalf of the Board of Governors

Head of Values and Culture, Hamish Bell, deservedly received an ISNZ Honours Award for Service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award and Outdoor Education.