Introducing our new staff 

Whitney Veatupu (Maths Teacher)

I am a Tongan/Invercargill offspring who was born and bred in Christchurch and went to school at Burnside High. In 2012, I graduated in Chemical and Process Engineering specialising in Bioprocessing, then realised that wasn’t for me so ran away to London for a couple of years. I moved back home last year and completed my Masters in Teaching and Learning at UC and was offered a full-time position in the Maths Department at Shirley Boys’ while I was on placement here. Over the years I have competed nationally for swimming and surf life saving, and also enjoy a bit of water polo and netball.

Hanka Scott (Office Administrator)

I am originally from Poland and my husband is a Kiwi. We had lived in the United Kingdom  for 10 years prior to moving to New Zealand  20 years ago. I have worked in school administration for last 16 years. I feel privileged to be a part of SBHS staff and community.

Greer Donovan (Science Teacher) 

I hail from  the sunny Hawkes Bay. I  decided a shift of islands was needed and moved south to Christchurch to complete a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry. I graduated at the end of 2015 and went on to complete my teacher training in 2016. I am passionate about hockey and am looking forward to getting involved with the Shirley Boys hockey squad this year. I am teaching two Year 10 science classes, a Year 11 science class and a Year 12 chemistry class. I have had a very welcoming and enjoyable first couple of weeks at Shirley and am looking forward to the rest of the year.

Debbie Thompson (Receptionist) 

It is a pleasure to be on the staff at Shirley Boys, after working in administration for ten years at a primary school. In my role as Receptionist, I look forward to being of assistance to staff, students and the wider community. I am the wife and mother of two Shirley "old boys" and live locally. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my grandson and indulging in  my love of musical theatre.

Ellie Gray (DVC Teacher)

I grew up in Dunedin, where I went on to study a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting) at the Otago Polytechnic. I moved to Christchurch in 2015 to complete my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at the University of Canterbury. Last year I was a reliever at Shirley, so it is great to be back here teaching Design and Visual Communication. I am super-excited about helping out with athletics at Shirley. Outside of work I play social netball and create paintings for a few art galleries.

Sarah Boyd (Sports Co-ordinator)

I am originally from Kenya but have been based in the mighty Hawkes Bay for the last 10 years. For the past three years I have been studying  at Lincoln University, where I have recently graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management. I have a great passion for sport and recreation in general but over the last five or so years have mainly focused on hockey and cross country running.

Blake Wells (Digital and Social Media)

I am a Shirley Boys Old Boy and my role now involves updating the schools website and social media pages. After a year in the industry of Website Development, I have returned to SBHS to further develop my skills and to increase the digital reputation of SBHS.

Connor Treleaven (PE Teacher)

I am a recent graduate from The University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education with First Class Honours). This year, I will be teaching Physical Education and Health. I have a passion for many sports and have had experience coaching junior rugby. I also enjoy the outdoors and spending time with family. I look forward to getting involved at Shirley  and building working relationships with the staff, students and wider community.

Roger Miller (Outdoor Education/PE Teacher)

Kiora, My family and I have moved down from Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, where I was working for Hillary Outdoors Education Centre for 3 years as the Programme Manager. Previously I have taught PE and Outdoor Education in Belgium, England, Australia and Balclutha. I look forward to being involved in as many aspects of this school as I possibly can and to exploring the Canterbury region.

James Lilley (Science/Social Studies)

I am born and raised in Christchurch. I went to school at St Bede’s College and then spent four years at the University of Canterbury studying Science where I graduated in 2015 with a double major in Chemistry and Geography. I spent 2016 doing my secondary school teacher training through the New Zealand Graduate School of Education where I came to Shirley Boys’ for my first placement. I am really excited to be here for my first full-time job and I’m teaching classes across both the Social Studies and Science departments. I have a big involvement in sport. I have been involved in Rowing and Rugby through all of school and university and I continue to play rugby for Christchurch and have been the Head Coach of the Rowing Squad  at Shirley Boys for the last four years.