From the Board

We are rapidly coming up to the end of the year and, among the many people who have given so much over the course of the year, the Board would like to particularly recognise Head of Guidance, Tom Matthews and Rector, Christine Leighton.

At the recent annual ISNZ Conference, Tom Matthews received an ISNZ Honours Award. A select number of these awards are given each year to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions made by staff from ISNZ member schools. The Board is delighted to congratulate Tom, who was recognised for his dedication to guidance and counselling at St Andrew’s. Tom works in an open, collaborative, and professional manner to lead his team and guide and support many students, families, and staff. Our staff also benefit from Tom’s work in facilitating leadership development.

As Christine’s time as Rector draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and changes during the past 17 years. The College has faced challenges such as the Christchurch earthquakes, significant facilities rebuild post-earthquakes, additional building improvements and projects and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and its downstream consequences. Other areas of development have included co-education, a Well-being and Pastoral Care Programme, professional development for staff, a philanthropic culture, a high performance and participatory sports framework, Te Ao Māori, and inclusion and diversity.

Change has also come in the form of rapidly evolving technology and the rise and prevalence of social media. Seventeen years ago, smartphones were barely a thing, and AI was hardly talked about. Now, smartphones are part of everyday life, and everyone has heard of AI (even if they are not sure exactly what it is and what it means).

Developments in AI technology have the potential to enhance learning experiences. We need to keep up with these developments and continue to integrate them appropriately into our educational environment. The multiple benefits for our staff and students in using AI tools include greater resources, personalised learning, professional development, and data analysis. These outcomes will, in turn, support diverse learning needs, give real time feedback, and create new opportunities for innovation, creativity, and success in the classroom. The College has recently invested in technology leadership resource so that it is well placed to identify and take advantage of these opportunities.

We have already seen the benefits of data analysis over the last seven years with our student performance data analysis. This programme measures individual and cohort performance, assesses value add on a granular and aggregate basis, and identifies areas for development.

AI technology does not come without its challenges. We are aware that issues of bias, data privacy, and responsible use can arise and need to be addressed carefully. We will continue to embrace AI technology thoughtfully and in line with our values. By doing so, we hope we will empower both staff and students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Great leadership and teamwork are crucial to guide the College through these and many other comparable issues. Great leaders and teams respond to challenges and proactively embrace opportunities. They sustain a strong foundation and understanding of the College’s ethos and culture.

As Christine Leighton prepares to retire after an impressive 17 years as Rector, we applaud her commitment to ensuring the College has been responsive, progressive, and creative while also nurturing its history and traditions. Whether addressing such issues as emerging technologies, societal change, and educational innovations or navigating the challenges posed by earthquakes and pandemics, Christine has always prioritised the well-being and success of students and staff. The College’s traditions have fostered a sense of belonging and pride among students, alumni, staff, and the wider community. One of Christine’s strengths has been her relationship building skills, her connection with students, and effective stakeholder engagement.

On a personal note, I have greatly enjoyed working alongside Christine. Her openness, trust, respect, and support has made for an effective and positive working relationship which I feel privileged to have been part of.

Thank you, Christine, for your years of service and your unwavering dedication to the College and all the people associated with it. You have been a guardian of tradition, a promoter of innovation, and an inspiration to many. You will be greatly missed, but, happily for all of us, your legacy will endure. We wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your story.

And now, with summer approaching, we can look forward to celebrating the end-of-year events. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish everyone the best for a relaxing and safe summer holiday.

Felicity Odlin
Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Governors