students looking at DNA structure

Meet Adriana

Adriana Dandu

Working in boarding is one of the most rewarding aspects of life at a school such as St Andrews College and something I have always enjoyed. An amazing life experience, with ups and downs and lifetime connections. It’s a great pleasure to be part of because it has a rich tradition and history.

One of the great things about my role as a house parent is the pastoral care. My aim is to unable our students to grow up and mature in an environment where they have to make their own decisions by communicating and compromising with one another. To provide a safe, secure, welcoming home like community where each child can thrive and achieve excellence in all they do. I want to be a place where lifelong friendships are made and when a child leaves, it should be with happy memories.

Being involved in a house of nine boys, inevitably will bring challenges and a key part of the experience for students is learning to live with others and appreciate the differences between culture and outlook. It is my hope that all the boys who pass through St Andrews during my time here, will come out of it having learnt a lot about themselves and have a better idea of the kind of adult they wish to become.

I celebrate birthdays, multicultural dinners, special events such as Christmas dinner, Chinese New Year, Korean Thanksgiving meals and so much more. I found pleasure taking students out to museums, galleries and doing small projects like Pick-A-Litter and it is so rewarding.

I describe myself as a positive-proactive personality, trustworthy with genuine kindness and a bit of fun, sometimes more. What I enjoy the most is seating in a corner chair, with an open lamp, reading a book and having a cup of tea on a side. I also love travelling. Finland was my recent city break where I found out that they are the happiest country in the world and the biggest coffee consumers in the world. So, coffee lovers add Finland on your bucket list!

Spending time with my own family recharges my batteries and give me a sense of not just responsibility but understanding the importance of working with students where their families are so far away.