We welcomed four new staff who will commence at Oxford Area School at the beginning of 2020.

Claudia Faulkner - Year 7/8 Homeroom Teacher

Claudia and her husband moved to a lifestyle block in Ohoka at the end of last year and are thoroughly enjoying the rural setting.  In her spare time Claudia trains and competes a team of six horses in Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping.  For many years she has been involved at an organisational level with the Equestrian community, serving as the Eventing Canterbury Event Secretary and Canterbury Area Pony Club Secretary.  Claudia is very excited to be joining the OAS Year 7/8 cohort and inspiring the students to be the best they can be.

James Smith - Year 7/8 Homeroom Teacher

James grew up in Australia and came to NZ in 2006.  He has spent 10 years working as a teacher in Australia, the UK, NZ and Africa before coming to Oxford to work with Youth with a Mission in Oxford nine years ago.  James also pioneered 24-7 YouthWork at OAS during this time. He has returned to full time teaching this year.  James and his wife Carolyn have five active boys and a beautiful baby girl called Genesis.  

Peter Schasching - Year 5/6 Teacher

Peter grew up in Christchurch and has spent time enjoying life in Tasman, North Otago and Central Otago.  He has Scottish roots in Central Otago and is half Austrian.  His great Grandfather owned the pub in Naseby!  Peter graduated from Christchurch College of Education and has taught from Years 4-8 over the last 16 years.  His hobbies include wood-working, playing guitar, fishing and travel.  His last trip abroad at the beginning of 2019 took him to Hokkaido in the north of Japan and Seoul in South Korea.  Peter enjoys playing and coaching basketball and has recently completed a season with the Omarama Rams as their point guard.  He is looking forward to working with the children, staff and families at Oxford Area School after a positive experience at Murchison Area School.  Many children like to call me Mr S and this has become my teacher name over the years.

Reese Kean - English and Social Studies Teacher

Reece was born in the Caribbean and grew up in the USA with a passion for the outdoors.  He has followed his passion and family ties to NZ where he began a career in outdoor education both in New Zealand and Asia.  The experiences he had during this time inspired him to return to University and complete his teacher education.  He is excited to embark on a new career teaching here in Oxford.

Alicia Moore - Year 7/8 Teacher

Hi, my name is Alicia Moore and I am very excited to be joining the Year 7/8 Oxford Area School team. I grew up in North Canterbury (Rangiora & Kaiapoi) and moved to Oxford two and a half years ago with my husband Jordan. In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball, baking and spending time with my 17-month-old son Archie. Prior to coming to Oxford, I taught for half of last year part-time at Kaiapoi Borough School (with Mr Smith), and before that, I taught at Ashburton Intermediate for three years.