Colby Dockerty Appointed Ninth Head of School of St. Andrew’s College

5/26/2026

St. Andrew's College has announced the appointment of Colby Dockerty as the ninth Head of School in the College’s history, effective July 1, 2027.

The appointment follows a comprehensive international search process supported by executive search firm, Odgers, and a 12-member Search Committee. The search attracted a diverse field of candidates from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other international schools abroad. Community voice also played an important role throughout the process, with feedback from employees, families, alumni, and key stakeholders helping shape the leadership framework used to evaluate candidates.

“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,” said Mark Etherington ’92, Chair of the Board of Governors.

Colby currently serves as Director of Middle School at SAC, overseeing students, faculty, programming, operations, and family engagement while contributing to school-wide strategy and institutional leadership. Since joining SAC in 2015, he has served in numerous capacities, including teacher, coach, boarding supervisor, academic leader, and program lead. Prior to SAC, he taught in the York Region District School Board.

Over the past decade, Colby has played an increasingly significant role across academics, student life, strategic planning, and the SAC-SAS Partnerhood. He has helped lead initiatives including the Middle School IGNITE program, the reimagining of the Middle School Advisory program, character education initiatives, and Pillar One: Academic Excellence of SAC’s Forward. Boldly. strategic plan.

“Since joining SAC in 2015, Colby has been all in,” said Kevin McHenry, Head of School at St. Andrew’s College. “From the moment he walked through the doors of Rogers Hall as a young teacher, he immersed himself in every aspect of school life, in the classroom, in athletics, in the arts, and in the relationships that make this community so special. He believes deeply in SAC’s mission, vision, and values, and I believe this is an exciting moment for Colby and for the future of the school.”

Colby’s educational background includes a Master of Education from Queen’s University, a Master of Science in Education from D’Youville College, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Guelph. He has completed Parts 1 and 2 of the Principal’s Qualification Program and is a graduate of the CAIS Leadership Institute and the CAIS Next Steps program. He also serves on the SAC/SAS Board of Governors and the Properties & Facilities Committee.

Sabrina D’Angelo, Head of St. Anne's School, has worked alongside Colby for many years, including during her time as Director of Middle School at SAC.

“Ten years ago, I remember sitting around a table as part of a Middle School hiring team reviewing a young teacher who was teaching in the public system, full of energy, full of promise,” said Sabrina. “What stood out even then wasn’t just his passion, but his willingness to lean in, to learn, and to take on every challenge in front of him.”

“In those early years in the Middle School, Colby didn’t just do the job, he worked tirelessly to refine his craft. He showed up for students again and again with a deep commitment to their experience, never shying away from the hard work that excellence requires.”

Sabrina also reflected on the significance of the appointment and the importance of the SAC-SAS Partnerhood in the search process.

“There are many talented leaders in this community who understand and care deeply about that partnership. And at this moment, Colby has been chosen to carry that responsibility forward, to lead SAC with strength and vision while continuing to nurture and grow the Partnerhood that defines us today.”

The Board also highlighted Colby’s longstanding commitment to the SAC-SAS Partnerhood and his collaborative work with St. Anne’s School. Through his leadership in the Middle School, he has helped strengthen many of the shared experiences and relationships that define the Partnerhood for younger students.

As part of the transition process, Colby will work closely with Kevin, Sabrina, and the Leadership Teams throughout the 2026-2027 academic year before officially assuming the role on July 1, 2027. The transition year is intended to support continuity, mentorship, relationship-building, and long-term institutional alignment.

Speaking to employees following the announcement, Colby reflected on the significance of the moment and his connection to the school community.

“To be entrusted with the opportunity to help lead a community that has given so much to me personally and professionally is truly special,” he said. “SAC is an extraordinary place with incredible momentum. I believe in who we are, in our mission, in our traditions, and in the future ahead of us. I’m excited about where we can continue to go together.”

Back