Farewell Dr Hastie

Over the last few days, the Saint Kentigern community, staff and students have all had opportunities to say their farewells to Dr Sandra Hastie as she steps down from her role as the first Principal of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School and Head of Primary. We wish her well as she moves on to become Headmistress of Tavistock & Summerhill School in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK at the beginning of their new academic year in September.

In a career at Saint Kentigern spanning over 20 years, Dr Hastie has contributed hugely to the success of both our primary schools. She has been in her current role at the Girls’ School since the start of 2010, prior to which she was a senior member of staff at the Boys’ School for 15 years.  There, she served initially as Dean of Senior School and latterly as Deputy Principal.

In the last five years, under Dr Hastie’s leadership, the roll at the Girls’ School, the only independent girls’ primary school in Auckland, has more than doubled. Sound academic programmes have been introduced, together with numerous co-curricular activities. At the same time, she has had oversight of the very successful Preschool that was opened on site in 2011.

Dr Hastie has always had a strong commitment to professional personal growth in education, having earlier completed her Masters in Educational Administration, she went on to pursue and be awarded a Doctorate in Education with the University of Auckland. She has recognised expertise in the design and implementation of programmes which identify, track and develop the progress of students as individuals, and has particular experience working with gifted and talented students.

Dr Hastie can be very proud of the way in which she has contributed to the growth and development of our schools and, in particular, the strong sense of family community that has been built. At each of the events held in her honour,  current and former staff, students, parents and members of the Trust Board all spoke of a woman who offers ‘tough love and a warm heart’; a lady with a competitive spirit, professional integrity and a wicked sense of humour! She cares deeply about her students and staff, seeking to develop the very best in each of them.

In the early days of her leadership, following the merger with the former Corran School, Dr Hastie coined the phrase that the devloping Girls’ School was ‘small but mighty.’ The school is no longer so small but it is mightier than ever. At the final assembly, Deputy Head Girl, Zara Smith said, ‘Dr Hastie has started Saint Kentigern Girls’ School on a magnificent journey.’

We wish the very best to Dr Hastie, her husband, Bruce and dogs, Skye and Meg as they move on to their new life in the UK. She can be assured that she has left a school in good heart and that she will be remembered with fondness for the enormous contribution she has made to Saint Kentigern.

Dr Hastie’s Official Portrait

A Night to Reflect on the ‘Hastie’ Years

Tearful Goodbyes from the Girls for Dr Hastie

Preschoolers Farewell Dr Hastie