Dr Sandra Hastie
EdD, M.ED (ADMIN) (HONS), B.ED, DIP TCHG 

We are delighted to announce that Sandra Hastie, Principal of the Girls’ School and Head of Primary has been awarded her doctorate from The University of Auckland.

Sandra’s focus on professional development and personal academic achievement has spanned her working life. On completion of her teaching degree, Sandra went on to obtain a Masters in Educational Administration with Honours and then went in pursuit of a Doctorate in Education which focused on goal setting and academic achievement in primary schools.  This challenge allowed Sandra to research an area that has been her passion for most of her career – but she will gladly admit that she is pleased that this round of extramural study has finally come to a close and she can put away her books for now!

Sandra began her career within the education sector 29 years ago and for 24 of those years has held senior management positions in both state and independent schools. She came to Saint Kentigern in 1995 when she took up the role of Dean of the Senior School at the Boys’ campus. In 1999 Sandra was appointed to Deputy Principal; notably this was the first time a female had been appointed to this level in an independent boys’ school in New Zealand. In 2009, Sandra was appointed Principal at the then named, Saint Kentigern School for Girls – Corran, where she cemented the vision to build a great Girls’ School. During restructuring in 2012, Sandra was also appointed as Head of Primary to oversee the future of both the Boys’ and the Girls’ Schools, in particular, to align their curriculum.

Those who have had the opportunity to work with Sandra, or have children under her supervision, know that her enthusiasm for education and learning is infectious. This passion is testament to her ability to engage, inspire and lead with great vigour. Sandra is dedicated to ensuring that every learner has the capacity to unlock potential while providing a school environment that is both demanding and encouraging. She is also deeply committed to the core values that underpin the Saint Kentigern Way.

Sandra is not one to sit still and is constantly setting her own personal goals and has now completed two half marathons – the second, naturally, to improve on the first. Yes, Sandra also has a competitive spirit!

As Saint Kentigern moves ahead, Dr Sandra Hastie gives us the assurance that great leadership will continue and that our schools for students from age 3 to Year 8 will remain at the forefront of primary education in New Zealand. 

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