If you're on the sideline at a St Paul's cricket game, you've probably noticed Karli and Hilton Joll, parents of twins Archie and Liam (School 2022–2026). For Karli and Hilton, being part of St Paul’s has meant contributing where they can, including helping with cricket, scoring games, umpiring, supporting teams, and simply giving their time wherever it is needed. “We’ve always believed that being part of a community means you contribute,” says Karli. “Just because you pay fees, doesn’t mean you’re not part of it.”

“When the boys started playing cricket, we thought, we’re going to be there anyway, so we might as well help,” adds Hilton. “If we can make the coach or staff member’s job a little bit easier, that’s better for everyone.” For Karli, volunteering has created a stronger sense of connection to the school. “You feel like you belong,” she says. “You’re not just dropping your kids off at school, you’re part of something.”

For Karli and Hilton Joll, choosing St Paul’s Collegiate School for their sons was about finding a place that would help shape and educate them. “We researched all possible schools for our boys,” says Hilton. “Cricket was certainly a big influence, but when we came to a St Paul’s Open Day and heard the Rev talk about the four pillars, academic, sporting, spiritual (service), and cultural (arts), we thought, this is the place for us.”

“It’s not just about putting all your eggs in one basket,” says Karli. “The fact that students are encouraged to play sport, learn an instrument, study a language, and develop as a whole person really sat well with us.” The boys were still in primary school when they first visited, and even then, St Paul’s made an impression. “They loved the facilities, even the toilets!” laughs Karli. 

The couple has also been conscious of finding the right balance as parents of teenagers. “We’ve always checked in with the boys and asked if we’re too involved,” says Karli. “They’re happy for us to be there, they just don’t want us yelling anything embarrassing.” Karli has done three parent tramps at Tihoi, stepping in as the second parent for a friend. She laughs and says, “I am not doing a fourth!” Tihoi is such an amazing experience, “The boys both say it was the best days of their lives,” says Karli.

Outside of St Paul’s, both Karli and Hilton are passionate about their professions. Karli is a physiotherapist at Waikato Hospital’s Child Development Centre, working with babies and children with developmental disabilities. “I’ve always loved helping people,” she says. “The thing I really enjoy about my work is that I get to work with people from all walks of life. It’s really diverse, and I love that.”

Hilton is an accountant with Deloitte and has seen the profession evolve dramatically over the past 30 years. “When I started, we were paper-based and had one computer between 30 people,” he says. “Technology has always changed the way we work, and AI will continue that. It will automate some things, but it will also create opportunities for us to do more valuable work with clients.”

Karli and Hilton believe young people should give themselves time to find their path rather than feeling pressured to have everything figured out at 18. “There’s no rush to figure everything out straight away,” says Karli. “Take your time, find something you enjoy, and don’t feel pressured to have your whole life mapped out.”

“The boys have had amazing opportunities,” says Hilton. “The four pillars have really delivered what they promised.” And for Karli, one of the greatest rewards has been the people they have met along the way. “You meet so many people through the school, students, parents, and staff, and they’re just good people. You feel like you’re part of something.”

With Archie and Liam finishing at St Paul’s at the end of the year, Karli is already thinking about how she can stay involved in the school. “It’s quite emotional thinking about the end of the year. It’s been an intense five years, and then suddenly it’s all over.” Supporting initiatives such as the Buy-a-Brick campaign has been one way of doing that, creating a lasting connection to the school and a small reminder of the family’s time at St Paul’s. Their brick carries a message that sums up their values: “Joll Family – work hard, stay humble.”

Would you also like to leave a family message at St Paul’s? Purchase your own family Hive brick here.