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Rob Donaldson’s main responsibilities are the day-to-day running of College and the pastoral care of students, as delivered primarily through the House system.

Rob says Christ’s College has the X factor. It is steeped in history and tradition and has a beautiful campus, but it is not shackled to the past. Rather, it faces and embraces the future. It is a dedicated learning community, focused on preparing the boys for life beyond the school gates.

“College has a wonderful atmosphere. Our students are invariably fantastic young men who are aspirational.”

Originally from South Africa, Rob came to New Zealand on an exploratory basis and decided to stay. He has taught English at Christ’s College since 1988. He was the inaugural housemaster of Somes House and was appointed Deputy Principal in 2004.

Nicole was appointed Assistant Principal – Curriculum in July 2019.

After four years at the Taipei European School in Taiwan, she joined College in August 2015, teaching English and ESOL, and two years later was made Head of Teaching & Learning for Humanities and English in the new Centre for Teaching Excellence & Research. Curriculum is her passion and she aims to consolidate College’s ‘coaching culture for teaching excellence’ and explore future curriculum developments for students.

Nicole grew up in the United States, returning to New Zealand at 16, and graduating MA (with Distinction) from the University of Canterbury and GradDip TchgLng (College of Education).

Since joining College, she has commenced a PhD in Positive Organisational Scholarship – looking at how positive psychology can be used to make organisations flourish.