St Andrew’s boarding offers genuine family feel
As the only independent coeducational boarding school in the South Island, St Andrew’s College has a unique point of difference.
‘‘Providing the opportunity to meet the needs of ‘sons and daughters’ is a privilege and gives an authentic family feel,’’ says the school’s director of boarding, Dianne MacDonald. ‘‘Co-educational boarding allows our students to grow together in a natural and
‘‘The family atmosphere and providing a genuine home away from home for students is another special aspect of the culture in St Andrew’s three boarding houses – one for girls, one for senior boys and one for junior boys’’, she says. ‘‘As boys and girls live alongside each other at St Andrew’s, their varied needs are met appropriately, and each supportive environment. house is managed accordingly’’.
Jo Morrow, house manager of the girls’ boarding facility, Thompson House, says developing a supportive environment with a lack of hierarchy among the girls is a key focus.
‘‘We accommodate 60 girls from Years 9-13 and it’s wonderful to see the natural way in which the girls interact across the year levels. The maturity of our older girls provides a settled influence in the house. If there are any issues, we work through them like a family.’’
‘‘The staff ratio is 1:10 and groups are vertical in age, so leadership with older girls provides mentoring for younger girls through their years in boarding,’’ she says.
‘‘Boarding at St Andrew’s College is unique in culture, full of opportunity and caring in nature,’’ MacDonald says. ‘‘We welcome any inquiry.’’