Welcome from the Head of School
Friday, 12 August 2022

A warm welcome to all Old Andreans as well as the broader SACS Alumni community. We have recently begun term 3 although there was plenty St. Andrew’s activity over the break. We had students on the drama tour, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, hiking the Lara Pinta Trail in the Northern Territories, Snowsports camp (and inter-schools skiing), sports and athletics training, gym sessions, students working on their major works and many students in for extra classes or sitting extra trial examinations. The adage that, ‘SACS never sleeps’ is most certainly a truism. 

I imagine that many of you have seen the news in the media that Dr Collier (Head of School 2010-2021) has been appointed as the Interim Headmaster at Shore School. As you will know, he is taking the helm amidst difficult circumstances. Do pray for all involved, we know from experience that John’s wise mind, extensive experience, and deep Christian faith will be of great assistance in this situation. 

For those of you who are not as connected to social media, you may have missed that at the end of last term we announced our new Student Leadership Team for 2022/23. Working with student leaders has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of my time at St. Andrew’s. The current leadership team, led by School Captains: Saffron Little and Josh Ralph and Vice Captains: Ollie Millar and Miriam Sholl have been a joy to work with. Although there will be lots of opportunities for us to properly thank them later in the year, I want to sincerely thank them for their service to the school and for being inspiring role models for students of all ages and stages. 

The 2021/22 leadership team have officially handed over their badges and robes to our new leadership team and it is my pleasure to announce the following leaders for the incoming year. 

• Keira Sparshott and Nathan Thiele (School Captains) 
• Luke Campbell and Cate Dennis (School Vice Captains & Cru Captains) 

• Madeleine Sebesta (Head Prefect) 
• Rory Hodgson, James Macdonald, Jade Park, Anais Williamson (Prefects) 

• Marcus Jomoa and Keela Macdonald (Sports Captains) 
• Isabell Ni (Drama Captain) 
• Dashiel Drury (Music Captain) 
• Lara Winsbury (Service Captain) 

• Ben Mackie Pawson (Canterbury House Captain) 
• Elle Hadiprodjo (Durham House Captain) 
• Rebecca Coulton (Hereford House Captain) 
• Sienna Healy (Salisbury House Captain) 
• Peter Szczepaniak (St Paul’s House Captain) 
• Charlie Kyle-Sutherland (Westminster House Captain) 
• Naomi Verkerk (Winchester House Captain) 
• Ned O’Keefe (York House Captain) 

Each of the leadership teams that I have seen over the years at St. Andrew’s have had their own unique flavour, and this year will be no different. Their interviews made the process of allocating roles an extremely difficult one, as each student brought a different combination of character, capability, experience and vision to the process.  

What was particularly impressive about this group was their unique insight into the context of their leadership. They showed a depth of understanding (almost prophetic insight!) into the school, together with a sober understanding of their ‘time’ of leading, in a community that is in COVID recovery and all that means for each group of students in regard to what they have missed, lost or learned. 

Several students were also able to humbly reflect on their failings in leadership. The times when they had mistaken leadership as being about survival of the fittest rather than about service to others. The times when they had been careless with words or feelings or feedback and the ripple effect that created on their group. The times when they had been slow to forgive and to let others learn and grow. 

Leaders are not perfect people. In fact, the best leaders, those who are most principled, compassionate, integrous have often been formed by the fire of failure and have learned deep lessons from the experience.  

My prayer for this group of students, whether they have an official position or not, is that they learn to lead and help each other to lead. Looking around the world today – we urgently need to nurture and form quality leaders. 

“So, let us not become weary in doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” 
Galatians 6:9