Introducing the new staff at Kaiapoi High School in 2018:

Kia ora, my name is Sharnae Ladkin and I am teaching Science, Biology and Mathematics at Kaiapoi High School this year. I recently completed my Masters of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury. Prior to this, I had studied at both Massey University and the University of Canterbury, completing my double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology. I am thoroughly looking forward to contributing to KHS this year and becoming a part of this strong Kaiapoi community.

Kia ora, my name is Holly Evans.  I am the new Visual Arts and Social Studies teacher at Kaiapoi High School this year.  I recently moved out to Kaiapoi from Christchurch and love the laid back and welcoming atmosphere of the community.  It has been great starting here at the same time as the opening of the new buildings and experiencing the excitement surrounding this.  I have enjoyed getting to know the great group of students I am teaching this year and working alongside such supportive staff.

Kia ora, my name is Kerri Sullivan and I am very excited and proud to be joining Kaiapoi High School this year.  I am teaching Social Studies at Kaiapoi High and English at Karanga Mai.  I have a keen interest in sport and have had a great time so far with the morning CACTUS crew.  I also like reading, writing and, as many of my classes already know, baking.  Thank you everyone for already making me feel so welcome.

My name is Simone Te Kani and I am teaching Mathematics, Food & Nutrition, Health and Skills for Living as a first year teacher at Kaiapoi High School. Last year I gained a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at the University of Canterbury and prior to this I gained a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation at AUT. I recently moved to Christchurch last year, after living in Mount Maunganui for 12 years. Along with teaching, I enjoy being active and exploring the outdoors. I look forward to the year ahead and being a part of the team at Kaiapoi High School.

My name is Graeme Ford and I am teaching Science and Numeracy at Kaiapoi High School. From working in the beekeeping industry after graduating from Lincoln University, I began secondary teaching in the early 1990s in Christchurch. I taught abroad in Canada on a teacher exchange and more recently at a polytechnic startup project in Bahrain. There I was developing Mathematics Foundation programmes for Engineering and IT degree students. I returned to secondary teaching in New Zealand in 2012, initially at St Bede’s College and most recently at Christchurch Girls’ High School.

My four children are all now at university in Wellington. I have been dividing my weekends and holidays between beekeeping, a home renovation in Christchurch and planting trees behind a bach in Hanmer Springs to provide winter food for the native birds there. Tui nested there, right on the edge of the township for the first time in recent memory.