Columba College would like to introduce Mr Christopher Hawtin and Mr Taylor Quirk, the student teachers who will be at Columba over the duration of Term 3. Both are studying on the Masters in Teaching programme at Otago University. 

Mr Hawtin came to Dunedin from Waikato to study at the University of Otago with the goal of becoming a teacher. He has since graduated with a Bachelor of Art, honours in Classics, minor in History and a diploma for graduates in English. He now has a one-year course for teaching. When asked why he wanted to become a teacher, Mr Hawtin replied with, “I enjoy helping people learn and grow as intellectuals.” He continued to say that he really enjoys working with the students in English and Classics, and that he wants to make the most out of his time at Columba. It is clear to see that Mr Hawtin looks forward to teaching and we hope he enjoys it here at Columba.

Mr Quirk came to Dunedin from Whanganui to also study at the University of Otago with the hopes of becoming a teacher. He took a four-year degree in P.E and Health. When asked why he came to Otago University and chose teaching, Mr Quirk answered with, “Otago provided the best programme for what I wanted to study and I have really enjoyed working with students in the past.” Mr Quirk hopes to establish strong, professional relationships and to gain knowledge from other teachers at the school. It is clear that Mr Quirk has a passion for teaching and we hope he gains a lot from his time here at Columba.