St Andrew’s Anglican College has farewelled its longstanding principal, Reverend Chris Ivey, after 18 years of dedicated and esteemed leadership.
Located in Peregian Springs, St Andrew’s was founded in 2003, and Mr Ivey has been at the helm since 2007 – a feat that has seen his leadership woven into the very fabric of this award-winning educational institution.
A hugely influential leader in the school community and the educational landscape of the Sunshine Coast, his many years of service will leave an enduring legacy that’s being celebrated by students, staff and alumni as he takes up a new role of Headmaster of Somerset College on the Gold Coast in January.
Since his first interview for the role of principal, Chris has maintained a contagious energy and clear vision for school, that has held steadfast through 18 years of physical change, growth, highs and lows – that he proudly reflects upon.
“From my very first interactions, I was excited by the energy of the place,” he said.
“It was young, growing, evolving and staff had what we called a ‘pioneering spirit’ and this excited me. I was most nervous about moving from a small school to a larger and more complex organisation… but was looking forward to a new challenge and a place to raise our family of four children.”
“My vision from day one was to make this an incredible school. To build on the foundations of such a positive culture, knowing that this enabled students to thrive.
“I don’t think my vision has changed, but how we enact it, how we embody it and how we keep it is has evolved. It is definitely a different place now than 2007 with many more programs, opportunities and buildings but I think our commitment to community hasn’t changed.”
Fast-forward to today and St Andrew’s is highly regarded as an example of educational excellence, not just on the Sunshine Coast, but throughout Australia – having won numerous awards, most recently Secondary School of the Year (non-government) at the Australian Education Awards, the leading independent awards event in the K-12 education sector.
While the school itself has evolved dramatically during this time, including major builds such as the construction of a multi-level Learning Hub, Aquatic Centre and the planning of a Music and Performing Arts Centre due to break ground in 2025, Chris’ educational philosophy remains true.
“I still believe that relationships are core to all we do – you can’t teach, encourage or have a difficult conversation with a student if you don’t have some form of relationship with them,” he said.
“Sure, the world has changed in 18 years and post-COVID we are seeing an increase in challenges regarding mental health and social media, but people still have a basic need to be known and respected.
Known for his ‘front gate approach’, greeting students and parents at the front of the school every morning, Chris has been celebrated by parents and the community for the way he leads by example in setting standards and creating culture.
“He’s been tireless in his work in public and private to give his best for the school whether it was working a bbq, raising money, watching a primary flute recital or tracking through the bush on a Kokoda Challenge,” parent Tim McGary said.
“Everywhere you went, he was there. It never ceased to amaze me what events I’d be at whatever time and he was there in a suit and looking engaged and invigorated.”
As he prepares to pack up his family home and leave the place where his four children have grown and completed school, Chris remains humble about the legacy he has created and excited for his next chapter.
“This College has established itself as a leading institution across not just Queensland, but around the country,” he said.
“My hope is very simple, that St Andrew’s continues to live out its vision, to stay true to that vision and to keep achieving great things while always respecting and encouraging people.
“We have gone from a small start up school to an award-winning school and I hope that my leadership has simply encouraged others to strive for and achieve great things. That is all I can hope for.”
In January, newly appointed principal Karen Gorrie, will take the helm as the College’s third principal.
Ms Gorrie has worked in the education sector for more than 30 years and will be joining the school from St Margaret’s Anglican College in Brisbane, where she served as Deputy Principal for seven years.
