Introducing the new staff at Kaiapoi High School in 2020:

Kia ora, I'm Ali McKubre. This year I'll be teaching a variety of technology subjects, including Digi Tech and Electronics. Prior to this, I've been teaching part-time at the University of Canterbury, contracting for the Philosophy, Digital Humanities and Computer Science departments. I'm interested in all sorts of things. Philosophy is a passion of mine, and I have a MA in that subject. I also love creative writing and am partway through my second novel (no, they aren't published. . . yet). I enjoy making and fixing things, everything from felt work blankets to DIY in our fixer-upper. I also love reading, gaming and Aikido. I'm really looking forward to being part of the Kaiapoi High School community, and l look forward to the new challenges this year will bring. 

Kia ora, my name is Haidee Tiffen and I am teaching Physical Education, Health and Food and Nutrition at Kaiapoi High School. I have been a teacher for well over a decade and taught at Hillmorton High School in Christchurch and Western Springs College and Kelston Girls College in Auckland. Prior to coming to Kaiapoi High School, I was the Head Coach of the WHITE FERNS, which is the New Zealand women's cricket team, which I played in from 1998-2009. I thoroughly look forward to contributing to KHS this year.

Kia ora! My name is James Foley. I am thrilled to return to Kaiapoi High School in 2020 after having a wonderful time here as a student teacher during my training. My background is in English, Media and Cinema Studies. I love the sense of community at Kaiapoi High School and I am looking forward to connecting with the students, staff and wider community during my time here.

Tēnā koutou, my name is Louise Johnson (Lou) and I am excited to have joined the Kaiapoi High School team as a teacher of Physical Education, Health, Maths and Food and Nutrition. I recently finished studying at the University of Canterbury where I completed a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Health Education and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy being active. I play Netball, Touch Rugby and do CrossFit, however, unfortunately, I was required to have knee surgery late last year, meaning that this year I am stuck with a role on the sidelines! I am super excited to get amongst the year and look forward to making a positive contribution to the Kaiapoi High School whānau and its community. 

Kia ora, my name is Naomi Scholten and I’ll be teaching English at Kaiapoi High School. I am originally from a small dairy town in Ontario, Canada, but have been living in New Zealand for just over a year. My passions include reading, travelling, snowboarding, tramping, and visiting the beach! I have recently finished a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury, before which I earned a BaH in Human Rights, with a minor in Spanish from Carleton University in Canada. Given my background, I am very socially driven and love engaging in learning which connects material to contemporary society in an inclusive and open-minded environment. Kaiapoi High School has already made me feel very welcome, and I look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections with students, staff, and the Kaiapoi whānau. 

Kia ora, my name is Ronald James.  I will be teaching Chemistry, Science, and Mathematics this year at Kaiapoi High School. Last year I was teaching at Gisborne Girls' High School and previous to this I was teaching in China and Jordan. My family and I are originally from Christchurch and we look forward to resettling back in Canterbury. With my travels, I have experienced many different cultures and I am willing to continue learning about the diverse backgrounds of the many students here in Kaiapoi. I look forward to seeing you all around the campus.

Kia ora, my name is Simon Fairbrother and I am teaching Mathematics, Science and Physics at Kaiapoi High School this year. I come to the school with a wide range of work experiences, including five years of teaching at Christchurch Boys' High School, a similar duration as a forest engineering lecturer at the University of Canterbury and eleven years as a navigator in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. My interests outside of work include coaching basketball, mountain biking and relaxing with my family. I have been impressed with the warmth of welcome from the school and am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the Kaiapoi High School community.

Kia ora koutou. Ko Susan Yardley tōku ingoa and I’m the new Learning Support Coordinator this year. This is a new role at Kaiapoi High School, which is about meeting the needs of a diverse range of learners by making sure they are supported to reach their educational goals. I come from a teaching background where I taught mostly Science, with a focus on Biology. My passions include the environment, animal welfare, yoga and running. I grew up in Scotland, where I attended university, but have lived in Aotearoa for most of my adult life. Kaiapoi is an area of great cultural significance in Canterbury and I’m excited to start my new role here.

Kia ora, my name is Zoe Cosgrove and I am the new Database Manager.  I have 15 years of experience in working with museum databases and six of those on a database support desk.  My database experience was based in the museum and art gallery sectors in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and North America.  I am passionate about making databases easier to use and creating simple instructions and common standards to prevent things from getting in a tangle.  I am also interested in the Plain English movement, and web accessibility issues.

Kia ora, my name is Kristie Dutton and I am the new International Manager at Kaiapoi High School. I am very happy to be part of the team here at Kaiapoi, it is a fantastic opportunity. I am excited to work with staff, students and host families to introduce our wonderful International students to our community and I am looking forward to helping them grow, learn and have fun throughout their time here. I would like to thank the staff and students here at Kaiapoi High School for making me feel so welcome.