Meet the new staff at Kaiapoi High School in 2017.

Hi, my name is Lee Cate and I have spent the last two years teaching Mathematics and PE at Amuri Area School, which is in Culverden. I am excited to be here at Kaiapoi High and will be teaching Mathematics. I am enjoying getting to know the students I am teaching and also look forward to meeting other students as I become more involved with school life.

Hi, my name is Sebastian Curry and I am from Hamilton. I studied in Otago and now reside in Christchurch as a first year teacher. My subjects are PE, Health and Maths. I am very much looking forward to contributing to Kaiapoi High and bringing in some fresh and unique ideas from my university years.

Hi, my name is Charlotte Saunders and I'm the new Assistant Head of English, teaching English, Media Studies and Music. I've spent the last six years at Burnside High School, and before that I was at Lincoln High School. I'm really enjoying the atmosphere at Kaiapoi so far and think it is exciting to see the new buildings going up. I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the Kaiapoi community.

Hi, my name is Sam Creed. Coming from Timaru and studying Geography at the University of Canterbury, meant that I was able to develop a passion for the Canterbury region, a passion which I am keen to bring to class. I am glad to be out at Kaiapoi after doing some relief teaching here in 2016, and I am enjoying getting involved in school activities, such as CACTUS. I am having a great time at KHS, and am looking forward to what the future is going to bring!

Kia Ora, my name is Alisha Smith and I am teaching Science and Biology at KHS this year. I just completed a Masters of Teaching and Learning at the University of Otago, after spending a year researching the New Zealand native Hochstetter’s Frog. I grew up in Balclutha and, despite now living in Canterbury, I am still a strong Highlanders supporter!

Hi, my name is Madison Harris. I received my degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I taught one year in Tuscaloosa before moving to New Zealand in August 2016 to take a teaching position at Rangiora High School. I will be teaching at Kaiapoi until I return to the U.S. in June. This is my second year teaching Maths, and I absolutely love it!

Victor Sue-Tang teaches the Levels 2 and 3 Physics classes, Level 2 Mathematics Calculus and two classes of Year 9 Science. He worked as a Professional Engineer in Canada, the USA and internationally, before coming to New Zealand 20 years ago. In Christchurch, he has worked in business and technology export and is involved with several not-for-profit organisations in Kaiapoi. He is an avid sailor and curler; he has competed in the NZ Curling Championships.

Hi, my name is Ashleigh Fowler and I have returned back to Kaiapoi High School after teaching at a number of schools in Christchurch and broadening my teaching experience by spending the last 18 months over in England. I began my teaching career here in 2012 and it is great to be back. I am teaching Physical Education, Health and Science. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Kaiapoi High School community again, with fantastic staff and students, and seeing what 2017 has to offer.

Hi, my name is Jacinta Quinn and I am the new Technology and Hospitality teacher at Kaiapoi High School. As a Southern girl, I studied in Dunedin, qualifying as a teacher way back in the 80s and more recently as a chef. My teaching experience includes experiences in NZ and overseas, mostly Australia and the UK. I have worked in indigenous communities and more recently with refugees at Hagley. I come from a bi-cultural background, and have always had a strong interest in cooking foods from a variety of different cuisines. My interests include cooking, gardening, food history and politics, as well as alternative cinema and music. My life is fairly busy outside of school, spending time with extended family and friends. I have four grandchildren, whom I catch up with during school holidays. I am enjoying being part of the Technology team, a diverse and fun mix of people who impart passion and skills of their subject to their students.