Staff and Contact Information

In the Middle School there are Deans for each year group.

Deans oversee, support and resource the tutors working with students in their year group. They meet with their tutors on Thursday mornings, provide resources for the tutor meetings and help tutors with individual student issues and concerns, which have been referred by the tutor or where the seriousness of the issue demands that they get involved.

Deans meet regularly with the Head of Middle School and play an important part in the pastoral care of students.

Appointments for parents to meet any of the tutors, Deans or Head of Middle School, Mr Matt Parr, may be arranged by contacting the Middle School Office on +64 3 940 2066.

2026 Middle School Deans

Year 9 Dean
Liam Smith
LSI@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3829

Christchurch-born Liam Smith has been a valued member of the St Andrew’s College staff since 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), bringing both academic expertise and a strong understanding of student development. Liam teaches Agriscience and Agribusiness, is Teacher in Charge of rowing, and has actively contributed to the College’s boarding, rowing, and rugby communities.

As Year 9 Dean, Liam is dedicated to supporting students through their transition into secondary school. His pastoral care experience includes guiding tutor groups across their full secondary journey and leading the College’s rowing programme. He is committed to student well-being and encourages participation in EOTC and co-curricular activities.

Liam values meaningful connections and a balanced lifestyle. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his partner Emily, running, cooking, and being with family. His approach to education is grounded in care, opportunity, and personal growth.

Year 9 Assistant Dean
Jo Bigford-Fleming
JBF@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3818

Jo Bigford-Fleming joined St Andrew’s College in 2002 after five years teaching in the UK, where she also developed curriculum resources for national qualifications. She has held a range of roles at the College, including serving twice as a Dean, and is also a qualified Careers Adviser.

Jo currently teaches Year 13 Economics and Year 11 Commerce, and manages several successful co-curricular teams, including Girls’ Senior Tennis, Mixed Tennis, and Year 9 Boys’ Basketball. Jo is also Head of Rutherford House and coordinates the Secondary School Prizegiving.

Jo is passionate about her subject areas and sees education as a way to prepare students for life beyond the College. Her approach to working alongside young people is shaped by her life experiences, travel, appreciation of change, and love of the culture, values and heritage of the College.

Year 10 Dean
Daniel O'Reilly
DOR@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3840

Daniel O’Reilly is a proud Old Collegian of St Andrew’s College (2001–2005) and has been a dedicated staff member since 2013. With a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury, Daniel brings both academic expertise and a deep understanding of student development.

He teaches Physical Education and Health and has contributed widely to the College’s co-curricular life, coaching across multiple sports and supporting boarding as Recreation Co-ordinator. He is also a passionate advocate for our Te Waka programme, helping students build strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

His pastoral care experience includes guiding tutor groups through their full secondary journey, reflecting his commitment to student well-being. Daniel values meaningful connections and finds balance through time with his partner, Ella, and their miniature dachshund, Hiccup.

Year 10 Assistant Dean
Kate Taylor
KTA@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3833

Kate began her teaching career over 20 years ago, spending seven years at Takapuna Grammar School in Auckland before joining St Andrew’s College in 2008, where she led the development of the Physical Education programme in the Preparatory School. In 2022, she became Teacher in Charge of our Te Waka programme, a role that allows her to support student well-being in a meaningful and structured way, while fostering leadership and personal growth. This led to her moving full time into the Secondary School in 2023, teaching Physical Education and Health.

Kate also has a passion for sports, and this has seen her manage a wide range of teams throughout her career, currently managing the Senior A Girls’ basketball team.

Kate’s approach to education is grounded in creating safe, inclusive spaces where students feel valued. She believes that when young people feel supported, they are empowered to thrive. Born in Christchurch, Kate deeply values family life and the time spent together with her husband Geoff and their three daughters Miah, Eden, and Quinn.

Year 11 Dean
James Jenkinson
JJE@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3813

James Jenkinson has been part of the St Andrew’s College community since 2018. As an English teacher and tutor, he supported his 2019 tutor group through their full five-year journey and stepped into the role of Dean in 2024. His teaching career began in England, where he taught multiple subjects and served as Head of House, shaping his student-centred approach.

At St Andrew’s, James leads the College’s Esports programme, which has earned South Island titles, and serves as Polyfest Manager and Pasifika Coordinator. He has also taught Te Waka and supported boarding in both junior and senior boys’ houses, reflecting his commitment to inclusive education and student well-being.

Prior to joining the College, James held leadership roles at Ashburton College. Originally from Gore, James completed a BA in History and Politics and a Postgraduate Diploma in English Literature at the University of Otago, followed by teacher training at the University of Canterbury. 

Year 11 Assistant Dean
Ellie Simatos
ESM@stac.school.nz
+64 3 564 3835

Ellie Simatos began her teaching career at St Andrew’s College in 2018 and has taught English, History, and Social Studies across both junior and senior levels. With nearly eight years of experience, she has also managed netball, touch, and tennis teams, and completed the College’s two-year leadership programme in 2022.

In her current role, Ellie teaches six classes and leads a tutor group that she has supported since Year 9. She is also Co-Head of Erwin House, working closely with students across a wide range of year levels and contributing to the College’s pastoral care programme.

Ellie’s approach to education centres on making learning engaging and relevant, while helping students develop critical thinking skills and grow into good people. As a leader, she values collaboration, listens actively, and draws on her experience to support and empower others.

Head of Middle School
Mr Matt Parr
MPA@stac.school.nz

Assistant Head of Middle School
Miss Liz Gormack
LGO@stac.school.nz

Head of Guidance
Mr Tom Matthews
TMA@stac.school.nz

Year 9 Dean
Liam Smith
LSI@stac.school.nz

Year 9 Assistant Dean
Jo Bigford-Fleming
JBF@stac.school.nz

Year 10 Dean
Daniel O'Reilly
DOR@stac.school.nz

Year 10 Assistant Dean
Kate Taylor
KTA@stac.school.nz

Year 11 Dean
James Jenkinson
JJE@stac.school.nz

Year 11 Assistant Dean
Ellie Simatos
ESM@stac.school.nz

Middle School Secretary
Mrs Robyn McIntosh
RMT@stac.school.nz
+64 3 940 2066

Attendance Officer
attendance@stac.school.nz
+64 3 940 2031

Director of Sport and Co-curricular Activities
Mr Mark Lane
MLA@stac.school.nz
+64 3 940 2055

College Chaplain
Rev. Paul Morrow
PMO@stac.school.nz
+64 3 940 2000

College Reception
reception@stac.school.nz
+64 3 940 2000