Our People

Matt Parr has been the Director of Boarding at St Andrew's College since 2019. His personal philosophy on supporting student well-being and achievement is to make decisions based on ‘what a great parent might do’. Making young people feel a sense of safety and security allows them to flourish. Matt believes that relationships are the key to student achievement, but without feeling safe, trust and co-operation, which underpin relationships, they cannot develop, and potential cannot be reached.

“I am passionate about boarding. The many opportunities which it provides young people to excel are special. I want boarders in my care to feel safe and supported, so that they can strive for excellence and personal growth. I understand that we are looking after your most prized taonga and providing a safe, inclusive community is imperative. It is important that all boarders and the wider community have a strong sense of belonging and collective identity, so I value the link between home, school, and the boarding house, and encourage you to be a part of your child’s journey with us.

I believe great parents set the culture and tone of their family and foster a sense of belonging, protection, and direction. We set the same intentions in our boarding family at St Andrew’s College. I’m fortunate to lead a large team who deliver an incredibly high duty of care. Everything we do revolves around supporting the students’ number one objective for being here – to get an excellent education.”

Matt came to St Andrew’s College in 2019 from Christchurch Boys’ High School where he was Assistant Manager of Adams House for three years, and was also the school’s Director of Communications, a teacher, and a sports coach. He played for the First teams in rugby and cricket for three years while attending Christchurch Boys’ High School himself and served as Deputy Head Boy in his final year.

During a gap year in the United Kingdom, Matt had his first taste of teaching at an agricultural school in Somerset. While in the UK, Matt met his future wife, Nancy, and on their return to New Zealand, he spent four years studying Physical Education at the University of Otago. After a year teaching English in Japan, Matt completed his post-graduate teaching studies, and started his teaching career back at Christchurch Boys’ High School as a Health and Physical Education teacher.

At St Andrew’s College, we believe our boarders gain a unique advantage. Of course, we support academic success and drive achievement, but we are also lucky to be able to add value to our borders through the day-to-day routines of boarding life. Boarding at St Andrew’s provides more than just a roof over the head and three meals a day. We want to help our boarders develop into the very best versions of themselves. Our skilled and dedicated staff and creative boarding programmes support and grow your child holistically. They develop routines, self-management and discipline. They learn to socialise in a truly global and co-educational environment, and they have endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the sporting and cultural programmes which we offer at the College, which they may not otherwise have the chance to do. This is the advantage of being a boarder and this is what we try and maximise in the way we operate.

I look forward to welcoming new students to our boarding family and building on connections made with existing boarders. 

Struan's educational journey is closely intertwined with his commitment to boarding. Starting as a Physical Education and Health Teacher and House Tutor at Timaru Boys’ High School, he transitioned to St Andrew’s College in 2003, becoming House Tutor at McGibbon House. In 2011, a move back to St Andrew's College allowed him the opportunity to play first-class cricket for Canterbury. In 2014 he assumed the role of House Manager at MacGibbon House. Recognising the transformative impact of boarding, Struan expanded his commitment in 2023, now also serving as the Assistant Director of Boarding.

As a devoted father of four boys, his personal commitment to boys' education is profound, emphasising the importance of keeping them engaged and active. His insights into the transition from home to boarding life are not only professional but deeply personal, with his eldest son recently embarking on a journey with the Air Force. Struan brings a wealth of experience and understanding to his multifaceted roles at St Andrew’s College.

Having been a Dean for the last several years, in addition to being an English teacher and now Thompson House Manager, Liz is very familiar with effective learning and pastoral care processes from Middle School to Senior College. Liz takes theatresports for extra-curricular, as well as helping out with rowing camps. Prior to St Andrew’s, she taught English at Christchurch Boys’ High School, also formerly working in Drug and Alcohol education, and as a journalist.

Liz hails from Invercargill, attending Southland Girls’ High School, then later achieving her Bachelor of Arts (English) at the University of Otago. Liz’s son, Sam, recently finished his studies at St Andrew’s, and with three step-sons, Liz is very familiar with the highs and lows of raising teenage boys. It is at any of these low times her dogs, Ted and Alby, as well as her partner, Andrew, bring her much joy.

Ian has been House Manager of Rutherford Boarding House for several years. He has a student-centred philosophy with a very good understanding of adolescents. He recognises the need for young adults to be given the opportunity of self-responsibility accompanied with structures that make them accountable, while developing a strong sense of independence.

Ian teaches Technology as well as Design and Visual Communication, having a variety of practical skills. Outside of boarding he has a wide range of interests and is presently involved in open water swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter. He enjoys travelling extensively and is known for undertaking spontaneous trips away overseas.

Jean began in the role of Assistant House Manager, MacGibbon House, in January 2024. She is well-known in the Boarding and College community as she was previously the Assistant House Manager of MacGibbon House from January 2015 to July 2017. Most recently Jean has been working at St Margaret’s College as Head of Boarding and Middle School House Manager since 2017. Jean also has extensive previous experience abroad, working as a Senior House Matron in the UK.

Jo joined Thompson House as Assistant House Manager in 2013. She came to St Andrew’s College with a background in theatre and film and has also worked with various social agencies. The development of confidence and inner strength is something Jo loves to see throughout a young woman’s boarding experience. She enjoys being an active member of a hugely diverse, warm-hearted and close extended family. She has a passion for film, theatre, art and music festivals and relishes spending time with her borrowed boxer dogs at the beach and on walks in the Port Hills.

Laura took up the role of Assistant House Manager of Rutherford House in 2023, drawing on her extensive background in youth work, event management, and StrengthsFinder coaching. Her focus on pastoral care aligns with her passion for supporting students. Laura's previous involvement in an independent school enrolment team provides an understanding of the educational landscape, emphasising the significance of the family's investment in choosing a school like St Andrew's College. Connected to the College through her husband, Assistant Chaplain Ben Hughes, Laura balances work with family commitments. They can often be found on sports sidelines or attending dance rehearsals for their two daughters, Isla and Eden.