Ms Varcoe joins our team as Deputy Principal

Kia ora

My name is Sharyn Varcoe and I’m looking forward to serving the community as I take on the appointment of Deputy Principal Years 7 - 13 at Oxford Area School

My own educational journey started out on the Taieri plains south of Dunedin for both my primary and secondary schooling before attending Otago University for study towards a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology. 

After spending time away from formal education while my family was young, I completed a post-graduate diploma of teaching and learning through Canterbury University in the early 2000s. 

Since then I have been employed at Riccarton High School, a co-educational state school of about 1000 students in the west of Christchurch. In my time there I have been fortunate to hold many positions including Head of Biology, Head of Science and more recently acting Deputy Principal: Junior School.

I passionately believe in supporting others to be lifelong learners and have been involved in the executive of the Biology Educators’ Association of New Zealand (BEANZ) since 2013. This “by teachers, for teachers” organisation was made a network of expertise by the ministry of education early in 2018 which means we can better provide professional learning opportunities and resources for both new and experienced teachers to support their work with our young people.

I live in Christchurch with my partner of 18 years and my daughter who has recently returned home while doing postgraduate study. My son lives in Christchurch working in the science field, while my eldest step-son also lives in the city with his young family. My other step-son lives in Auckland working in the communications industry. As you can imagine our household has been a very busy and dynamic one at times so it is a joy to take part in the simple pleasures of preschooler life again without the day to day pressures we all know as parents.

A long time camper, you can find me most summer holidays in Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman walking the track and generally enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. Last year I discovered a love of recreational cycling and spent time touring Vietnam by bike with friends, something which certainly piqued my interest for more international, active experiences. When the weather is not quite so accommodating, I enjoy making the most of my culinary and baking skills to entertain family and friends.

Lastly, at the end of 2018 I had the good fortune to attend Oxpo and see for myself the innovation that is Fusion. It was a pleasure to listen to engaged young people explain the thinking and creativity behind their models, the culmination of many hours of hard work. I am excited to be joining Oxford Area School and look forward to working with all our young people and meeting you in the near future.

Ngā mihi nui