Welcome - New Staff

Missy Broughton

Hi I’m Missy, and I’m the new office administrator for Senior College and Middle School. My dominant strengths are largely relational and administrative, so I love to meet and build rapport with people, as well as find efficient ways to get things done. Some of my strongest values I seek to add to students, parents and staff alike, are impartiality, a positive attitude and an ability to listen and pray for someone’s needs.

My husband Josh and I plus three children (eldest Boaz is Year 10 here at MGS) worship together at home and at Grace Vineyard City Campus, but we do also engage in a Bible study group that has had someone travel to our farm to teach from the Word each month. We have a passion for hospitality and ministering to those in need in our local community and do this regularly as a family as the Holy Spirit leads. 

Alana Collins

Hi, I’m Alana Collins and I’ll be joining Middleton Grange this year, teaching English. I’m a member of Latimer Church and seek to honour God in how I live. I have always had a passion for language and literature and hope to instill this in my students as well. Language provides such an insight into the people who use it and when it was used; opening up opportunities to see how God has worked throughout history and is still working today. When I’m not waxing lyrical about books, or reading them, I love spending time with my family, figure skating and travelling. 

Dale James

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Dale James Tōku Ingoa. My name is Dale James, and I will be the curriculum lead in Commerce at MGS this year. I am passionate about introducing students to Commerce and the career pathways available through studying Accounting, Economics and Business Studies.

I have had a varied background in Commerce. I have worked as an Accountant for 11 years, taught at tertiary level for six years and in secondary schools for seven and a half years. My last teaching position was at Burnside High School. I am very much looking forward to working in a Christian education environment.

I have been a member of South West Baptist Church since my husband and I moved to Christchurch from Hamilton 29 years ago.

We have two adult sons, our elder son is recently married and works as a Building Services Engineer in Auckland and our younger son is in his final year of an Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Canterbury.

I love being in the outdoors, hiking, biking, and skiing whenever I have an opportunity. I also value having opportunities to travel and to be immersed in different cultures.

I am looking forward to getting to know, and to being a part of, the Middleton Grange community. 

Hugh Kemp

New Year’s greetings! I’ve come from eight years at Saint Kentigern College in Auckland where I was teaching Christian Education and Theory of Knowledge (International Baccalaureate programme). I’ll be joining the Christian Studies programme at Middleton Grange, primarily in Year 12. I am committed to communicating skills and inspiring students to think critically about themselves, the world around them, and the vision that the resurrection of Jesus inspires them into. I love the outdoors and hot curries (although not necessarily together). My wife Karen teaches at Laidlaw College, and we have three daughters.   

Lailoa Lafai

Tālofa lava! I'm Mrs. Lafai, your Year 6 teacher in Room 14. I recently graduated from Laidlaw College with a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education. I was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand with a strong upbringing in my Samoan culture. I am a mother of two daughters aged 7 and 4. We attend Elim Belfast church. I love being outdoor, exploring and experiencing nature. I enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family. I look forward to what God has in store for me this year and hope to bring inspiration through curriculum and Christ in my classroom. 

Julie McGregor

My husband Geoff and I have just returned to NZ after 12 years on the mission field in South East Asia.

It is an unexpected delight and privilege to now be a part of the Christian Studies department at Middleton Grange.

I have a passion for The Word of God and it is truly a gift to be teaching young people - most of whom come from the part of the world I have been living in - about The Lord, His Word, and what it really means to follow Christ.

Emma Taylor

Kia ora, I’m Emma Taylor. I am very excited to be joining the team at Middleton Grange this year! I attended Middleton myself for 13 years and loved my schooling here. I am looking forward to being back in my new role, teaching in both the Science and Mathematics Departments. In my spare time I enjoy playing canoe polo, holidaying in the Marlborough Sounds, and spending time with my friends and family. My husband and I attend Riccarton Community Church where I am involved in both the youth and music ministries. I am looking forward to supporting students through their years at Middleton and sharing my passion of science and mathematics with them.

Brianna Tennant

Kia ora koutou, I'm Brianna Tennant. I am so pleased to be back at MGS! 2024 looks to be an exciting year teaching English. At home I have a three-year-old and a five-year-old... so it certainly will be a busy year! I am delighted to be in the classroom again. 

Karl Whitrow

I am privileged to be part of the team at Middleton Grange School. I am delighted to support my students throughout their art-making journey. I have extensive experience as an Art teacher. I am excited to be welcomed into the faith based community of Middleton Grange School. My family and I have moved to Christchurch to be closer to our family and friends. We are fortunate to return to a community with similar values. My wife and I are looking forward to sharing our narratives with our children as they have had a tremendous impact upon us as young people.

Lastly, Christchurch provides a wonderful context for education through art and I look forward to exploring a localised curriculum.