Introducing the new staff at Kaiapoi High School in 2019:

Kia ora, my name is Jacqui Brown and I am teaching English, Social Studies and Projects at Kaiapoi High this year. I am very excited to join the Kaiapoi High School staff as I am an ex-student myself. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Kaiapoi High as a student and to be able to come back as a teacher has been icing on the cake. I have lived in Kaiapoi for most of my life and am proud to call this town my home. Kaiapoi has a great community, which is reflected in the school through the students and their whānau. I look forward to what is to come this year and thank Kaiapoi High School for making me feel so welcome. 

Kia ora, my name is Sara Qasem. I have joined the Kaiapoi High School team this year as the new French, Classical Studies and Social Studies teacher. Along with teaching, I am very passionate about learning languages, exploring the outdoors, and learning about different cultures through travel. I am from Palestine, of Middle Eastern descent, and currently speak three languages, English, French and Arabic. I look forward to adding another some day soon! I have thoroughly enjoyed building meaningful connections with the students here at Kaiapoi and am grateful to be working alongside some very passionate and supportive staff. 

Kia ora, my name is Hamish Johnston and I am teaching Digital Technology and Social Studies at Kaiapoi High School this year. I recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury. Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science. I am thoroughly looking forward to contributing to KHS this year and becoming a part of this strong Kaiapoi community. Ngā mihi, Hamish.

Kia ora, my name is Jeff Brown. I am a teacher of Biology, Physics and Electronics. I am also a serving Detective in the New Zealand Police. I have taught in schools in Flaxmere, Nelson, West Auckland and Christchurch. I have developed a strong ability to teach students of diverse cultures and abilities, with a capable background in developing interactive ways of teaching that will engage children in their learning. I have joined the Kaiapoi team to develop a strong cross curricular teaching method and further my knowledge in the new open learning environment. 

Tēnā koutou, my name is Dr Rob Lawry and I am teaching Science and Chemistry this year. I completed my Masters of Teaching and Learning at Canterbury University two years ago and did my first year of teaching at Mairehau High School. Prior to this, I completed my Doctorate in Biochemistry at Lincoln University. Along with teaching and research, I am interested in rocketry, conservation, diving and music. I am enjoying working at Kaiapoi High School and look forward to contributing to the Kaiapoi community. 

Kia ora, my name is Sarah Sweet and I am the new Marketing & International Manager at Kaiapoi High School.  I come from a colourful upbringing that included cross cultural outlooks and embarked on travel experiences at an early age. Previously, my line of work involved crewing with several international airlines, sales and marketing, event management and promotions, as well as an interest in education as a trained teacher, and more recently a tertiary tutor.

I have a passion for the arts.. of any sort!  I also enjoy travelling. With my partner Chris and two primary aged children, life is an abundance of adventures! I am often finding new and exciting activities, whilst enjoying the season’s festivities in Canterbury. You may find me on mountain ranges, sandy beaches or at the library.

I have previously been a homestay host and enjoyed participating with student learning and experiencing the “kiwi way”. I look forward to sharing our school and encounters amongst all.  

Kia ora, my name is Krystyna Kavanagh and I am the new counsellor at Kaiapoi High School. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I taught Science, Biology, Chemistry and Maths at another school in Christchurch. I then spent some time helping people become teachers, where I was able to visit most of the high schools in Christchurch, before deciding to retrain as a counsellor. I have worked at a few schools as a counsellor and a family therapist and am really passionate about working with a whole family unit whenever possible.

I have been working at KHS since the middle of term 4 last year and am thoroughly enjoying working with the students here.

Kia ora, my name is Dot Dixon and I am the Assistant Sports Coordinator at Kaiapoi High School.  I enjoy all sports and refereed basketball for many years.  I have been involved with the Special Olympics in all sports for a number of years.  My hobbies include gardening, mountain biking and spending time with family.  I am excited to be involved with sport at Kaiapoi High School this year.

Kia ora, my name is Sharon Russell and I am the new Year 12 Study Supervisor at Kaiapoi High School. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the staff at Kaiapoi High School this year. I am looking forward to the new challenges and am loving my new role. As an ex student myself, I have also had all four of my children come through Kaiapoi High School and had a grandson start in year 9 this year. With three generations coming here, I have a very strong connection and pride in this school. I believe in our school values and I am excited to see where this new journey takes me.