Principal of Preparatory School
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Invitation from the Rector
St Andrew’s College has a reputation for delivering a high‑quality educational programme in a first rate learning environment. Our students are inspired and supported to reach their full potential, guided by our team of exceptional staff.
Even during challenging times, most notably the Canterbury earthquakes and COVID-19 pandemic which had significant impacts on the College, our students have continued to thrive and achieve to their best. This is in no small part due to tireless leadership and management across the College.
We are incredibly proud of the academic, sporting and cultural excellence of our students. We know, however, that success extends far beyond the classroom, sports field or theatre. We want every child to be truly known, valued and cared for, have a sense of belonging in a warm, nurturing environment, and develop a strong sense of connection to the wider St Andrew’s community.
Our next Principal of Preparatory School will inherit a school that is thriving, and ready to embark on its next chapter. They will lead our Years 1–8 students and staff, inspire and encourage their learning and growth, celebrate their diversity, foster their well-being, and continue to build on the rich culture and values for which St Andrew’s is renowned. There has been a significant building and development programme over the last decade and we will continue to focus on our campus remaining up to date and fit for purpose.
Working closely with the Rector, the Principal of Preparatory School will be responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the Pre-school and Years 1–8 Preparatory (Prep) School, as well as being part of the Executive Leadership Team, and lead the strategic priorities of the whole St Andrew’s College.
We look forward to welcoming our new Principal of Preparatory School to St Andrew’s College and encourage applications for this exciting position.
Mark Wilson RECTOR
About St Andrew’s College
St Andrew’s College is a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school with a broad curriculum, celebrated learning environment, exciting co-curricular programme, and proud Presbyterian heritage. Whatever our students’ talents and interests, wherever their curiosity may take them, St Andrew’s College provides them with opportunities to excel and shine. They leave us as confident, well rounded young adults, who are prepared for life in today’s changing world.
We are the South Island’s only independent school offering places from Pre-school through to Year 13. We have over 1600 day and boarding students, with our boarding facilities (catering for 160 boarders) located in the heart of the school. Our students are supported by 210 teachers, along with 100 support staff and 50 contractors, creating a busy, thriving environment. In 2022, St Andrew’s celebrated 30 years of being co-educational.
First and foremost, St Andrew’s College is a place of learning, with a focus on developing our students’ growth mindset and love of learning.
Taking part in our broad co-curricular programmes, whole-school celebrations, and service activities, helps our students to learn many valuable skills and attributes, which complement their academic learning.
Vision and Values
Our Vision
To be at the leading edge of high-performance educational practice, in a community which values caring for others, tradition, and creativity, in order to provide young people with the roots and wings to flourish in an ever changing world.
Our Founding Values
We secure our future by inspiring trust and confidence through living out our values and demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Truth | Pono – integrity in everything we say and do;
• Excellence | Kairangi – reaching beyond what people expect of us;
• Faith | Whakapono – in self, others, and our future;
• Creativity | Auahatanga – daring to imagine, turning ideas into reality;
• Inclusivity | Kanorau – valuing diversity, embracing different perspectives
What is Important to Us
Balancing tradition and innovation is a key focus of St Andrew’s College. In striking this blend St Andrew’s has built a brand of education which adapts quickly to the demands of the present, while holding true to the values of our founders. This gives our students a combination of freedom and boundaries, which we believe, results in young people who flourish in life beyond school. While attending St Andrew’s is a different experience for today’s students from decades past, what hasn’t changed is the College’s underlying commitment to prepare students for life. Our roots of shared traditions, values, culture, spirituality, knowledge and a sense of belonging, help guide our students towards a rich future of innovation, future thinking, curiosity, and following their dreams.
Providing the right environment for this to happen requires balance. Our school community comprises many individuals each contributing their perspectives and talents. Alongside our ongoing investment in programmes, infrastructure and facilities, the Board of Governors has a strong focus on continuous improvement of student outcomes, providing an inclusive, supportive environment, and caring for the well-being of everyone. Creating a sense of belonging for all in our community is a hallmark of St Andrew’s College.
Special Character
We are proud of our heritage, values, strong sense of community, and long rich history at St Andrew’s, developed in over a century since the College was founded in the Scottish Presbyterian traditions of the Christian faith. Our chaplain leads regular chapel services for all year groups, with St Andrew’s encouraging and fostering an inclusive environment with students from a range of cultural and faith backgrounds.
Scottish traditions remain at the heart of St Andrew’s, with the skirl of the pipes, twirl of the Highland dancers, the Ferguson tartan, St Andrew’s cross and Scottish thistle intrinsically woven into the fabric of College life.
The historical relationship between all the places associated with St Andrew’s and the mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu, is also important and is currently being captured in our first Cultural Narrative. This document will bring the two narratives of our history together, using the metaphor of weaving – the warp and the weft, the tartan and the kākahu.
A culture of giving back, community service, and philanthropy all add to the spirit of generosity for which St Andrew’s is proud. Our students regularly undertake community service initiatives, outreach and fundraising.
Campus
St Andrew’s College has a large school campus in Christchurch, with its teaching and learning centres, and cultural and sports facilities, spread across 13 hectares of beautiful park-like grounds, close to the heart of the city.
Our campus encompasses a number of learning centres including a Pre-school, Preparatory School, Middle School and Senior College, through which students transition seamlessly from Pre-school age to Year 13.
Since 2009, our campus has undergone a significant transformation, with major new construction projects including the Spiro Science and Mathematics Centre, two new boarding houses, Gym 2, StACFit Fitness Centre, Centennial Chapel, Preparatory School Junior Department and Pre-school, Green Library and Innovation Centre, and the spectacular new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre which opened in Term 1, 2024. This facility incorporates the Gough Family Theatre, which has a fully professional theatre setup, and seating for 266. The Ballet Academy, a Black Box theatre, Dance studio, and extensive backstage areas are also included within Ngā Toi.
Other facilities enjoyed by our students include the only fully professional television and digital media studio and control room complex in a New Zealand secondary school, a full Music Suite with high-tech recording equipment, and a Pipe Band Centre, which supports a variety of cultural groups. Off site our students enjoy outdoor education facilities at the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill Outdoor Education Centre.
Academic
At St Andrew’s College Preparatory School, student-centred learning lies at the core of our approach. Our inspired and passionate teachers engage happy and motivated learners. Students actively understand and articulate their learning journey, seeking feedback and cultivating a mindset centred on critical thinking and learning. The quality of our teaching staff significantly impacts the learning experience at St Andrew’s. Our dedicated educators are committed to nurturing each child’s potential and their own professional growth.
We prioritise one teacher per class to foster a vital connection between teacher and student. Unlike the modern learning environments prevalent in many New Zealand schools (where 60 or 90 children share two or three teachers), our approach ensures optimal results. A strong child-teacher connection enhances learning potential and yields the best possible outcomes. Independent research and our own longitudinal evidence surrounding that connection is very clear.
The Preparatory School’s student-centred learning environment caters for all learning styles and abilities and offers a level of diversity that nurtures and expands all children’s development. The children’s learning is personalised through differentiation; the focus becomes each child’s genuine next steps. This allows each child to work at his or her appropriate level irrespective of year level. The teacher uses a ‘guide by the side’ approach to stimulate deeper thinking and understanding through quality questioning.
We prioritise enhancing learning strategies and skills. Our students actively forge meaningful connections and apply knowledge across diverse situations. Guided by the New Zealand Curriculum, our approach recognises the unique context of St Andrew’s. We envision our young learners as confident, creative, and connected lifelong learners. Our curriculum is anchored in clear principles, values, and five key competencies essential for sustained learning and active participation in society.
Co-curricular
St Andrew’s has a proud history in sport, music and the performing arts. Well over 95 per cent of students at the College are involved in our extensive weekly co-curricular programme, with over 50 different sports and cultural activities on offer. Both enthusiastic participation and elite performance are encouraged and supported in our students’ pursuits.
St Andrew’s is well regarded in sporting pursuits, producing both individual and team champions at South Island and national level, and excellence across many codes. The College’s Athlete Sports Performance programme encourages the growth and success of our highest performing athletes.
The diverse cultural opportunities on offer at St Andrew’s include music groups from orchestra, and chamber groups, to jazz bands, choirs and rock bands. These groups have access to the Music Suite with its fine acoustics and state of the art recording equipment. Dance, drama, chess, robotics, filmmaking, Pipe Band, theatre productions, writing for publication, festivals, and competitions are just some of the other cultural activities on offer.
The opening of our spectacular new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre in Term 1, 2024 has further enhanced our students’ cultural pursuits.
Well-being
Since 2017, St Andrew’s has committed to a whole school strategic goal to embrace evidence-based research related to well-being and positive psychology. We have a Head of Well-being and a number of Health and Well-being programmes in place for our students. The PERMA-V model is used as our framework for delivering well-being across St Andrew’s College.
On joining the St Andrew’s College community, students gain the support and friendship of an entire network of people who take an active interest in their welfare. For Years 1–8, our deliberate decision to continue to offer a one teacher to one class of children allows our classroom teachers to develop an in-depth understanding and empathy for the small group of students in their care. For students who require more specialised support, our Pastoral Care team provides an important service.
In the Preparatory School, supporting our teaching of values is StAC–UP, which expresses our values through explicit expectations for students. It underpins all interactions with students, colleagues, and the community, and guides our response when approaching situations of conflict or difficulty. It enables students, staff, and parents to feel safe and cared for in their learning community.
Staff professional development focuses on integrating research related to building positive relationships, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience, enhancing self efficacy and fostering motivation, engagement, and purpose.
A well-being focus is integrated into our curricular, co-curricular and pastoral programmes. Our school culture supports student well-being by valuing the importance of positive relationships and celebrating diversity.
Community
St Andrew’s is grateful to the many different groups and individuals in our community, outside the day to day running of the College, who contribute significantly to the ‘StAC family’.
The College remains a significant part of the lives of many of our students and their families, long after their schooling years have concluded. We are proud of the strong connections we maintain with our Old Collegians (alumni) through the thriving Old Collegians Association, which keeps Old Collegians up to date with the latest news and runs a number of special events each year to keep our alumni connected.
The College Foundation, which prudently manages our investments; PTA (Parent Teachers Association founded in 1933), which provides parents with a forum for discussion, and an avenue for participation in College activities; and the Ladies Circle, which for 65 years has promoted fellowship and support for the College and each other; all continue to make an outstanding contribution to St Andrew’s.
Living in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and is a great place to live and work. Located in the heart of the central South Island, the ‘Garden City’ has a safe, relaxed environment, and is home to a diverse natural playground, including the stunning Hagley Park.
Christchurch has undergone a significant revitalisation since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, with an almost brand new, modern city centre with laneways to explore, great restaurants, shopping and markets, and beautifully preserved heritage buildings, nestled alongside the meandering Avon River.
Outdoor activities abound, with ski fields and mountains within an hour of the city, beaches on its doorstep, and a host of walking and cycling tracks close by.
With its international airport (a short 15-minute drive from St Andrew’s College), Christchurch is a gateway to the South Island’s word famous scenery and incredible tourist attractions. Many popular holiday destinations including Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, Methven and Kaikōura are located within a couple of hours of the city.
In 2023, Christchurch was named among the world’s top ten cities that people from other countries would consider moving to.
The Role
The Principal of the Preparatory School is responsible for the business and day‑to‑day operational management and leadership of our Pre school and Years 1–8 Preparatory School. This includes key responsibilities such as delivering high quality teaching and learning, staff leadership, recruitment and development, student enrolment, and communications with parents and whānau.
Structure of the Pre-school and Preparatory School
Pre school numbers: 44
Student numbers: 452
Staff: 50
Preparatory School student numbers:
Year 1: 37
Year 2: 36
Year 3: 40
Year 4: 41
Year 5: 45
Year 6: 50
Year 7: 99
Year 8: 104
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Strategic Management / Senior Executive Team Leadership
The Preparatory School Principal is a member of the St Andrew’s College Executive Leadership Team and works closely with and reports to the Rector, on setting and delivering the annual goals to support the College’s vision and strategic priorities. This includes working with the Head of Secondary School to ensure alignment with practices and culture for a positive “whole school” experience. Attend Board of Governors meetings and provide regular updates on the Preparatory School progress and developments.
Delivery of High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Ensuring students experience vibrant and engaging learning across all year groups, that also includes the development of foundational knowledge and skills, through structured literacy and numeracy. Parents are kept well informed about the child’s programme of learning and their progress through a range of approaches, including reporting processes and teacher-parent conferences.
Culture and Values
Responsible for setting the tone and culture, and ensuring there is a positive, safe and enjoyable environment across the Preparatory School for all students and staff. We see culture as “how we do things here” and that it strongly reflects our schools five values, maintains the spirit and special character of the College and is inclusive of our diverse community. Within this we recognise the importance of good communications in setting an engaging and proactive environment.
Student Care / Well-being / Discipline
The PERMA-V model is the overall framework for well-being programmes across St Andrew’s College, and this work is done in conjunction with the College’s Head of Well being. The delivery of behavioural management and discipline through the Preparatory School is consistent with the College’s policies to ensure a friendly, supportive and safe environment for students and staff.
Preparatory School Enrolments
Oversee the enrolment processes for the Preparatory School, including the annual Open Day, prospective parent tours and timely communications. This includes working closely with the communications and marketing team, and the Preparatory School’s enrolment co-ordinator regarding inquiries and record keeping.
Staff Leadership, Recruitment, Support and Development
Responsible for the leadership of the Preparatory School staff and fostering and maintaining a collaborative environment that motivates, inspires and engages staff. This includes ensuring all staff recruitment and appointment processes are professionally conducted, staff teams assist employees feeling well supported, people are well-informed with effective communication, there is a strong focus on staff well-being, professional development, and that any issues or concerns are managed in a timely and professional manner.
Management of Business and Operations
Responsible for the management of operations and decisions to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Preparatory school and Pre-school. This includes staff understanding their roles and responsibilities, managing the annual budget, facility and property management, organisational engagements and school events are successfully delivered, supporting co-curricular and community activities, and communications with the school community are clear, timely and on brand. To be visible around the campus.
Personal Attributes and Professional Development
Consistent with the College’s values and who we are as a community, the Principal of the Preparatory School will be assured, approachable, warm, aspirational, inclusive, engaged, humble and have sound judgment and integrity. The Principal should role model ongoing learning with their own personal and professional development.
Papanui Road, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand