We are delighted to introduce our new Head of Calrossy 7-9, Sam Anderson; the new face at the helm of our Year 7 to 9 students, based on the William Cowper Campus. Mr Anderson comes to Calrossy from Scots College in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, where he was the Head of Christian Studies. Sam describes himself as a “jack of all trades and master of none” but he brings with him a long list of experience and expertise gained from a diverse career working in New Zealand, England and Australia

Hailing from New Zealand, Sam has lived all over the South Island, but now the majority of his friends and family live in and around Christchurch. Mr Anderson’s first degree was a Bachelor of Science from Otago University in his childhood home of Dunedin. “I always loved science at school, especially chemistry and biology.” he says. Following in the footsteps of both his parents he decided to train as a teacher and taught primary school in New Zealand and England.

After getting married in 2007, Sam and Paula decided to train for Christian ministry and so moved their young family to Sydney in 2012 to undertake a Bachelor of Divinity (Honours) at Moore College. After completing his degree, Sam returned to New Zealand, taking up a post as an Anglican Minister in the country town of Blenheim; the capital of the Marlborough wine region. Five years later, a return to education brought Sam back across the Tasman to accept the role of Head of Christians studies at the Scots college, Bellevue Hill, where he led the Christian Studies department and taught Year 11 and 12 Studies of Religion.

Sam had heard of Tamworth, as the sister city of Gore, but it was the opportunity at Calrossy which attracted him to the Country Music Capital. Mr Anderson went to Moore College with Rev. Andy Bryan who is currently the Assistant Minister at St Peter’s Anglican Church. “Having friends already living in Tamworth has certainly made the move less daunting me for me and my family” he comments. Sam and Paula have six beautiful children: James (14), Isobel (13), Edmund (11), Allenby (9), Emma (6) and Peter (2.5) and they are looking forward to moving from city into the country.

After a whirlwind two weeks in the position, the new Calrossy 7-9 Head, has hit the ground running welcoming more than 100 new Year 7 students to the William Cowper Campus.

Mr Anderson has been energised by the atmosphere and support for staff and students at Calrossy.

“I have been very impressed by, and grateful for, the welcome I have from all members of the community and the support from so many people,” he says.

Sam’s self-described leadership and management style is simple and it all centres on good communication with parents, students and staff.

“Clear expectations, consistency in relationships, and being open and honest are key in any relationships and I look forward to working with the people of this community."

When he is not on campus, he says he likes to keep active and spend time with his family.

“I love reading history and C.S. Lewis. I snowboard and ski. I like running, swimming, and playing chess. Mostly, though, my time is taken up with work, my wife, and my children.”

Mr Anderson says he is also pretty handy around the house. “I love to do my own DIY renovations. I have renovated three small houses we owned and sold them myself,” he explains.

Sam enjoys playing play the piano, guitar and singing and is looking forward to getting to know the Country Music scene in Tamworth.

However, that might have to wait a while as the Andersons are still searching for a place to call home in Tamworth.

With two weeks down in a new job, which centres on the learning and wellbeing of hundreds of teenagers, and grappling with the rental market in a new town Mr Anderson is smiling and ready to take on the Year of Courage. If you see him around say hi!