Head of School Search

List of 7 items.

• Board of Governors Announces Ninth Head of School

  
  Dear SAC Community,

   

  On behalf of the Search Committee and the Board of Governors, I am delighted to share that Colby Dockerty has received the Board’s unanimous approval to serve as the ninth Head of School of St. Andrew’s College, effective July 1, 2027.
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  This appointment represents continuity and renewed momentum for our community, and I know this news will be met with tremendous excitement across the Andrean family.

   

  Colby currently serves as Director of Middle School, leading a school within a school. In this role, he oversees students, faculty, programming, operations, and family engagement. He is a member of the Leadership Team and has contributed meaningfully to strategic planning and institutional leadership discussions at SAC. Prior to this role, Colby served as Assistant Director of Middle School, Academics, and before that as a classroom teacher, coach, boarding supervisor, and program lead. Before joining SAC in 2015, Colby spent three years teaching in the York Region District School Board. This breadth of experience has given him an exceptional understanding of the strategic priorities and day-to-day realities of life at St. Andrew's College.

   

  The Board undertook a comprehensive search process supported by executive search firm, Odgers, and a 12-member Search Committee. The search attracted an exceptionally strong and diverse field of candidates from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other international schools abroad. Community voice played an important role in the committee’s search criteria and decision-making, with feedback from employees, families, alumni, and other key stakeholders helping shape the qualities and leadership attributes deemed most important for the next chapter of SAC.

   

  An incredible amount of rigour, care, and thought went into this work. Through extensive interviews, meetings, discussions, and deliberations, the committee approached its responsibility with professionalism, integrity, and a deep sense of stewardship for the school. Among a tremendous group of candidates Colby distinguished himself as our strongest candidate – someone the committee believes possesses the leadership skills, character, energy, and vision to guide St. Andrew’s forward while remaining rooted in the values and traditions that define this remarkable institution.

   

  Alongside this strong foundation, Colby brings a clear ambition to build on SAC’s momentum and further advance the school’s academic excellence, arts programming, boarding experience, and global profile. He is committed to ensuring that St. Andrew’s continues to evolve in a rapidly changing educational landscape, integrating innovation and technology in ways that enhance teaching, learning, and the overall student experience. His approach reflects a belief that honouring tradition and embracing progress are essential to sustaining SAC’s position as one of the world’s most outstanding schools.

   

  As the Board considered the path ahead, one thing remained clear: St. Andrew’s is a thriving school with significant momentum. This is not a moment to reinvent who we are, but an opportunity to build on a powerful foundation. Colby’s appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in a leader who understands the culture and rhythms of the school, believes in our mission, and is well-positioned to advance our strategic plan, Forward. Boldly., and beyond.

   

  Colby’s preparation for headship has been extensive and intentional. In addition to his years of leadership experience, he holds three university degrees, including a Master of Education from Queen’s University. He has completed Parts 1 and 2 of the Principal's Qualification Program and is a graduate of both the CAIS Leadership Institute and the CAIS Next Steps program. He also currently serves on the Board of Governors, contributing to strategic planning and institutional stewardship at the highest level of the school.

   

  He has been instrumental in shaping several important initiatives, including the development of the Middle School IGNITE program, the reimagining of the Middle School Advisory program, and the advancement of character education initiatives that support the development of complete men. As co-lead for Pillar One: Academic Excellence within Forward. Boldly., he has helped guide conversations around teaching, learning, innovation, and future-ready education in ways that honour our traditions, while thoughtfully balancing the school’s vision of becoming an increasingly technology-forward institution.

   

  The Board was also encouraged by Colby’s longstanding commitment to the Partnerhood and his collaborative work with St. Anne's School. Through his leadership in the Middle School, Colby has helped strengthen the experiences and relationships that define the Partnerhood for our younger students. His work alongside Sabrina D’Angelo, Head of St. Anne’s School, and the St. Anne’s Leadership Team has reinforced the trust, collaboration, and shared opportunities that continue to make the Partnerhood a distinctive and valued aspect of our schools.

   

  Colby has immersed himself fully in the life of the college and the broader Andrean community. Also important throughout this journey was the support and enthusiasm of his family. His wife, Katie, an intermediate teacher with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, shares an appreciation for community-centred education and the commitment required in a boarding school environment. Together with their young children, Sloane and Maverick – a future Cygnet and future Saint – the Dockertys look forward to continuing to build their lives within the SAC and SAS communities.

   

  Beyond his credentials, his experience, and his intense academic preparations, what also stood out most to the committee was Colby’s authentic and relational approach to leadership. He leads through listening, presence, collaboration, and care for people, always grounded in humility and a desire to learn alongside others. He understands that schools are built on relationships and that strong communities are strengthened by thoughtful stewardship, shared purpose, and a commitment to continuous growth.

   

  Colby's appointment allows for the opportunity for a collaborative transition year. During the 2026-2027 school year, Colby will work closely with Kevin, Sabrina, and the Leadership Team. While Kevin continues to lead the school and advance important strategic priorities, this internal succession will allow for continued mentorship, relationship-building, and institutional continuity.

   

  Leadership transitions are among the most important moments in the life of a school. What makes this moment especially meaningful is that we are welcoming a leader our community already knows, trusts, and believes in.

   

  I would like to thank the members of the Search Committee for the care, discernment, and generosity of time they brought to this important process over the past several months. Their thoughtful engagement, perspective, and dedication helped ensure a process grounded in integrity and guided by the long-term interests of St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School.

   

  Please join me in congratulating Colby on his appointment as the ninth Head of St. Andrew’s College.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Mark Etherington ’92

• Head of School Search: An Update from the Committee

  April 16, 2026

   

  Dear SAC Community,

   

  I wanted to take a moment to share a brief update on the progress of our Head of School search.
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  First, thank you. The care, thoughtfulness, and perspective so many of you shared during the consultation process have meaningfully shaped this work, and we are deeply grateful for your engagement.

   

  I am pleased to share that the search has attracted interest from an exceptional group of candidates from across Canada and around the world. It is encouraging to see such strong alignment between the calibre of applicants and the future direction of our school.

   

  The Search Committee has now moved into the assessment phase and has begun interviews. This is an important stage in the process, and the committee is approaching it with the time and attention it deserves.

   

  As is typical in a process of this nature, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the interview and selection stages. We will continue to share updates at key milestones and look forward to introducing our next Head of School for St. Andrew’s College when the process is complete.

   

  I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Search Committee for their ongoing commitment and care in stewarding this important work.

   

  Sincerely,

  Mark Etherington ’92 Board Chair

  St. Andrew’s College & St. Anne’s School

• Update on the Head of School Search Process

  Feb. 6, 2026

   

  Dear SAC Community,

   

  I am writing to provide an update on the search for our next Head of School. I am pleased to confirm that the search process is now formally underway.
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  On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to extend sincere thanks to the many members of our community who participated in the consultation process and completed the recent survey. Your thoughtful input and perspectives were invaluable and have meaningfully informed the Search Committee’s work, particularly in identifying the priorities, leadership qualities, and experience that will be essential for the college’s next Head of School.

   

  The position has now been advertised in a range of venues, and the candidate brief is available on the St. Andrew’s website. I encourage you to review these materials, which reflect the strength of the college today and the aspirations we hold for its future. Previous communications related to the search process are also posted on the website for reference, along with the bios of each Search Committee member.

   

  Our search consultants are actively engaging with prospective candidates and will be assessing interest and suitability in the months ahead. The Search Committee expects to begin its review of candidates in the spring, and we remain on track to identify our next Head of School later this year.

   

  Thank you again for your engagement, confidence, and ongoing support as we undertake this important process.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Mark Etherington ’92

  Chair of the Board

  Chair of the Search Committee

  boardchair@sac.on.ca

   

• Read the Job Posting

  2/3/2026

   

  St. Andrew’s College (SAC), in its 127^th year, is a healthy, high-functioning, and future-focused school. Following 18 years of exceptional leadership by the current Head, who retires in the summer of 2027, the ninth Head of School will inherit a strong team, engaged families and alumni, and a supportive Board of Governors. The new Head will “build forward” – protecting what is core while continuing to evolve where the world demands it.
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  SAC, located on 126 acres in Aurora, Ontario, is one of Canada’s premier independent schools for boys (Grades 5-12), offering a transformative educational experience for 650 students, 260 of whom are boarders. The school offers world-class facilities and a dedicated team of exceptional employees. SAC is known for its mission – developing the complete man, the well‑rounded citizen – and for a vibrant, values‑anchored community that blends academic rigour with outstanding co‑curricular programs. SAC’s distinctive “boys, brotherhood, boarding, and tradition” ethos is core to the school’s identity. For more information about St. Andrew’s and its exciting vision for the future, please see the current strategic plan.

   

  SAC is enhanced by a unique, intentional partnership with St. Anne’s School (SAS), an all‑girls Grades 5-12 day school just five minutes from the SAC campus. Through shared experiences, co-curricular programming, and a common Board of Governors, the partnership between the two schools expands opportunities for all students and enriches the culture of both institutions.

  The Head of School will be accountable to the Board of Governors and will have overall responsibility for the academic and operational leadership of St. Andrew’s College. In areas of shared programming and services, the Head will collaborate with the Head of St. Anne’s School through a formal shared-leadership model.
  
  

  The Opportunity

  SAC seeks a forward-thinking and student‑centred Head who is strategic and externally facing, and deeply empathetic – a leader who will inspire students and faculty, partner closely with SAS while championing SAC’s identity, and advance St. Andrew’s College’s global reputation through brand building and philanthropy. The successful candidate will lead with humility and stamina, stewarding and embracing traditions while leaning into innovation and AI‑era teaching and learning – always with a clear eye on outcomes for boys and young men in a rapidly changing world.

   

  St. Andrew’s College seeks a leader who commits to long‑run continuity, bringing the energy and presence that a seven‑day‑a‑week boarding community requires. This is a role for someone who will be “all‑in” – visible, approachable, and present in campus life.
  
  

  The Role:

  • Chief strategist and storyteller
  • Educator and student‑first leader
  • Community builder and fundraiser
  • Administrator and people leader
  • Collaborative partner in the SAC/SAS “Partnerhood”
  • Exceptional communicator
  • “All‑In” commitment to the busy life of a boarding school

   

  The Ideal Candidate brings:

  • Passion and leadership
  • Empathy and humility
  • A “Build Forward” posture, while honouring the many traditions that are foundational to St. Andrew’s
  • A commitment to the SAC/SAS partnership
  • Financial and business acumen, and the confidence and ability to act as an effective negotiator
  • An innovative mindset in the face of rapidly changing technologies
  • An aptitude and enthusiasm for fundraising and external engagement
  • A long-term commitment to the Headship and “All-In” approach
  • Educational experience and credentials
  • Crisis management skills and political acumen
  • Talent developer and delegator
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to build the SAC brand nationally and globally

  
  How to Apply:

  Applications are now being accepted and should be submitted ideally by March 6, 2026, to https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/30894 where you can also view the detailed Candidate Brief. The Committee’s consideration of candidates will commence in late March, with a decision to be made by summer 2026. The position will remain open until filled. The new Head of School will take office in the summer of 2027. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Julia Robarts and Gaiana Chan of Odgers at sachead@odgers.com.

   

  SAC and Odgers are committed to providing an accessible experience and an inclusive and barrier-free process. If you require accommodations at any point in the search process, please advise Odgers at sachead@odgers.com.

• Community Survey: Next Head of School

  1/6/2026

   

  Dear SAC Community,

  
  As you know, Head of School, Kevin McHenry, has announced his retirement effective June 2027. As we undertake the critical task of finding his successor, we are dedicated to conducting a thorough and rigorous search. Our mandate is to find the very best candidate to be our next Head of School.
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  We are joined in our work by Julia Robarts and Colleen Keenan, executive search consultants with Odgers. Between them, they have conducted over 50 head of school searches for independent schools across Canada.

   

  As we get this process underway, we look forward to receiving input and perspectives from our Andrean community. Therefore, we have developed a confidential survey, which we invite you to complete by Monday, January 19, 2026.

   

  The survey is being sent to all members of our school community (parents, employees, alumni, Board members, Trustees, and donors). Your input is important as we develop the Candidate Brief and begin to review applicants.

   

  The advertisement for our Head of School search will appear in early February. It will be posted on several educational websites, in addition to the active outreach conducted by the search firm. The Candidate Brief will be posted on the SAC website once it is complete. We expect to work through the winter and spring to be in a position to announce our new Head of School during the summer of 2026.

   

  We are committed to an open and transparent search process, and we will keep our community updated on our progress. And, as I am sure you appreciate, any information related to specific candidates must remain confidential to the Search Committee.

   

  Thank you for participating in the consultation process and for completing the survey.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Mark Etherington

  Chair of the Board of Governors

  Chair of the Search Committee

• Head of School Search: Community Engagement and Next Steps

  11/27/2025

   

  Dear SAC Community,

  
  As we prepare for the transition in leadership at St. Andrew’s College, the Board has undertaken a thoughtful and deliberate process to identify our next Head of School.

   

  A Search Committee has been established, composed of Trustees, Governors, faculty representatives, Old Boys, past parents, and former members of the Parents Guild Executive. This diverse group reflects the strength and breadth of our community and will help ensure a comprehensive and inclusive search process.
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  I am honoured to Chair the committee, which includes:

  • Julie Symmes – Vice Chair of the Search Committee, Past Chair of Governance, PGE President (2007-2008)
  • Ian Michael ’92 – Chair of the Governance Committee
  • Victoria Calverley – Chair of the Finance Committee
  • Scott Cole ’80 – Chair of the Property & Facilities Committee
  • David Lawrence ’81 – Chair of the SAC Foundation
  • Dem Rogers ’59 – Board Member
  • Cailey Stollery – Board Member and PGE President (2022-2023)
  • Mark Hart – Board Member
  • Sabrina D’Angelo – Head of St. Anne’s School
  • Lawrence DeMello – Faculty Member

   

  To support the committee’s work, the Board has engaged Odgers, a global executive search firm with extensive experience in recruiting independent school leaders. Leading the search are Colleen Keenan, Partner, Canadian Education Practice, and Julia Robarts, Partner and Head, Canadian Education Practice.

   

  We are committed to a transparent and inclusive search process. In early January, members of our community will be invited to participate in surveys and conversations to help shape the leadership profile and priorities for our next Head of School. Your input will be invaluable as we seek a leader who will build on Kevin’s legacy and guide St. Andrew’s College into its next chapter. 

   

  Please stay tuned for updates on the search process and your opportunity to contribute.

   

  If you have questions or suggestions related to the search, please reach out to me at boardchair@sac.​on.ca.

   

  On behalf of the Board, thank you for your continued support and engagement. We are confident in the strength of our leadership and the enduring values that define SAC.

   

  Warm regards,

   

  Mark Etherington ’92
  Chair, Board of Governors
  St. Andrew’s College & St. Anne’s School

• Honouring a Milestone: A Message from School Leadership

  11/19/2025

   

  Dear SAC Community,

   

  After much reflection and with the full support of the Board of Governors, I have made the decision to retire as Head of School in July 2027.
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  This is a milestone I’ve long anticipated and have discussed over many years with my wife, Karan, whose support has been unwavering throughout my time at SAC. Her belief in this community and her quiet sacrifices have made it possible for me to serve in this role with purpose and passion. Together, we’ve built a life around St. Andrew’s, not only professionally, but personally. SAC has been a remarkable place to raise our children, and watching them grow up within this community has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led this extraordinary institution alongside my family.

   

  Serving as Head of School has been the honour of my professional life. Since stepping into the role in 2009, I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional students, staff, parents, and Old Boys. Together, we have shaped a school that remains rooted in tradition while embracing innovation and growth.

   

  Over the past two decades, I have been proud to lead SAC through a period of extraordinary transformation. We expanded our campus to 126 acres and invested more than $70 million in capital improvements, including renovations, upgrades and the development of new and vital facilities. These projects have significantly enhanced our academic, athletic, outdoor, and co-curricular offerings, reflecting our commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities for growth and development. In addition to these major projects, we’ve made significant investments in many other areas of campus life, beautifying and modernizing spaces that support the day-to-day experience of our students and staff.

   

  We launched and are now completing the $100 million Legacy Campaign, a transformative initiative that has strengthened SAC’s financial foundation and its future. Through this campaign, we have been able to invest meaningfully in scholarships, bursaries, and programming.

   

  The creation of St. Anne’s School stands as one of the major milestones of my tenure. The development and launch of a partner school for girls that reflects the same commitment to excellence, character development, and community that defines SAC. It was a long-held objective that became a reality through years of determination, planning, support from the Board of Governors, and hard work by all involved. It was a privilege to help guide its development, and I am proud of the role SAC played in bringing this extraordinary school to life.

   

  Throughout my time as Head, I’ve had the privilege of leading three long-range strategic plans. Each plan has built upon the last, ensuring SAC’s continued relevance, growth, and excellence in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. These strategic frameworks have enabled us to remain focused on our mission “to develop the complete man, the well-rounded citizen,” while adapting to the evolving needs of our students and community.

   

  I’ve also taken great pride in the evolution of our programming. From reimagining An Andrean Christmas (formerly Carol Service), now held at Roy Thomson Hall, and the Cadet Leadership program, to the introduction of the AP Capstone program and the launch of the Arts Co-Curricular Plus (ACPlus) initiative, we’ve expanded opportunities for students to explore their passions, whether in culinary arts, music, robotics, debate, or community service. These enhancements reflect our belief that education should be as diverse and dynamic as the students we serve, and that a St. Andrew’s education can be found nowhere else.

   

  Equally important to all of these milestones has been the opportunity to build lasting relationships. From my earliest days at SAC before I became Head to today, I have been fortunate to work with individuals whose dedication, wisdom, and generosity have shaped this community. The strength of SAC lies not only in its programs and facilities, but in the people who believe in its mission. I am especially grateful to the donors and supporters who have stood beside us, investing in our vision and helping to make so much of what we’ve accomplished possible. These relationships, many of which have evolved into wonderful friendships, are the foundation of our success.

   

  As I look ahead to the final 18 months of my tenure, I remain fully committed to SAC and to our mission. I will continue to lead with energy and focus, working closely with the Board and the Leadership Team to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. I am confident in the strength of our leadership and in the enduring values that define this community.

   

  I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I look forward to the months ahead, which I’m sure will be filled with meaningful conversations, shared reflections, and opportunities to celebrate all that we have accomplished together.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Kevin R. McHenry

  Head of School

   
  
  
  

  Dear SAC Community,

   

  After more than two decades of visionary leadership, Kevin McHenry will retire as Head of School at St. Andrew’s College in July 2027.

   

  Throughout his tenure, Kevin has led St. Andrew’s with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission: “the development of the complete man, the well-rounded citizen.” His leadership has become an enduring part of SAC’s tradition of excellence, and his impact on our community is profound and far-reaching.

  Kevin’s legacy includes transformational growth across all facets of school life. His focus on boys, brotherhood, and boarding has strengthened the fabric of our community, while his strategic vision has led SAC through more than $70 million in campus enhancements. These include the construction of the Wirth Theatre, the Centre for Leadership, Innovation & Performance, the Yuill Family Athletic Complex, La Brier Family Arena, the renovation of McLaughlin Hall into a state-of-the-art science and technology facility, the acquisitions of the Gate House and Willow Farm, and the founding of St. Anne’s School.

  Under Kevin’s stewardship, SAC has successfully completed three five-year strategic plans, each one building on the last to ensure continued relevance, growth, and excellence. His thoughtful leadership has positioned SAC as a leader in boys’ education and a vibrant, forward-looking institution.

   

  Kevin will continue to lead the school with his characteristic energy and dedication until the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. He will work closely with the Board, the Leadership Team, and our next Head of School to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

   

  The Board is deeply grateful for Kevin’s extraordinary contributions and looks forward to celebrating his legacy in the months ahead.

   

  We will share more details about the search process and the Search Committee in the coming weeks. Today, we honour Kevin’s remarkable leadership and the lasting impact he has made on our school and community.

   

  Warm regards,

   

  Mark Etherington ’92
  Chair, Board of Governors
  St. Andrew’s College & St. Anne’s School