We welcome a number of new teachers to the College. Here they share a little about themselves.

Sybil Paterson

"I am originally from the States and graduated from Arizona State University with a BSc.

My heritage is Native American. I was born and raised in Arizona and am from the Totsohnii (Big Water Clan) of the Diné (Navajo) Nation. If you would like to learn more about myself and my heritage, I am happy to sit and share my story with you.

My hobbies are farming husbandry with my Suffolk sheep, landscape photography, and fictional writing. I enjoy learning and creating music.

I strive to inspire and create lifelong learners within our communities through reciprocal relationships based on trust and respect. I believe in teaching what I learn, but respect is what I give."

Karyn Williams

"I'm so excited to be here at Katikati College as the new Food Technology and Hospitality teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks getting to know my students and have already seen some wonderful cooking skills. I have some exciting projects planned for the year ahead, and look to what the school year is going to bring."

Rochelle McCowan-Williams

"I teach junior Science. I also coordinate the Science and Technology programme for Omokoroa Point School, Omokoroa No. 1 School and Whakamarama School, which is held here at the College. My passions are my family, sports, the great outdoors and teaching. I have recently moved back to the BOP area after many years of living and working in various places, including Australia and the UK. This is my first year back teaching after having my twins. I am enjoying getting to know both the staff and students and am excited about my role here."

Shannen Bell

"Kia Ora. I am very excited to start my journey in the Arts Department at Katikati College. I have some amazing classes that I know will create some incredible art, photography and design this year. My family and I have recently moved to Omokoroa from Tauranga, and are excited to be part of the College and the wider community. Please pop into D3 every now and then to view some of our artwork that will be displayed around our department." 

Ruth Flanagan

"After spending two years in Sydney with my family, it’s good to be back in the Western Bay of Plenty. I look forward to being a part of the Katikati College whanau and wider Katikati community. As Dean of Year 10 and teacher of English, I bring 15 years teaching experience to these roles, and feel honoured to support students with their learning."

Stuart Pratt

"I will be teaching alongside Nicky Walter in the Year 7/8 Kaimai Pod in A15 and A16 this year. My wife Jess and I are really excited to be a part of the College community along with our two young children, Ella (5) and Joshua (3). We have moved here from Palmerston North where I was teaching for the past three years, however, I am originally an Aucklander. Please don't hold that against me! I am really looking forward to getting to know all the staff and students here at the college, so please come say hello and introduce yourself if you haven't already. Nga mihi nui."

Sonia Bullot

"One of my life passions is performing music, sharing music with others and inspiring students to play music. I have an extensive background as a musician. In my mid 20’s I discovered a passion for teaching music. I worked for many years as an itinerant teacher of brass at various schools around the Bay and then ran the junior music programme at Mount Maunganui College and then Tauranga Boys College. I hope to draw on my years of musical experience as a learner, performer and teacher to accelerate learning and creativity and bring the Arts alive in the classroom, the school environment and the community. Music has the ability to aid the learner’s self-confidence, well-being and academic progress in all areas and through the universal language of music it helps brings people together in a positive way." 

Dee Rewi

"Kia ora. I come from the Wairarapa and live in Tauranga. I am in the Year 7 and 8 team at Katikati College.I enjoy being outside with my family and playing manhunt in the gully with my class."

Stacey Cox

"I am excited to join Katikati College in 2020 in the role of HOD of Literacies and Languages. I grew up in Whakatane but have spent the majority of my teaching career in the Waikato at Cambridge High School and Hamilton Girls' High School bar a year-long stint teaching in Germany. It's been a fabulous start to the year - the students and staff here are amazing so I am looking forward to getting to know everyone."