Poowhiri welcomes new staff

You can view the full ceremony here. Here is an introduction to our new teachers: 

Greg Haines joins St Paul’s teaching staff as the new Director of Teaching and Learning. Greg holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration majoring in Economics and Commercial Law from Victoria University of Wellington; a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary Education) from the Wellington College of Education and since 2014 he has been studying towards his Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Educational Leadership through Auckland University. He most recently joined us from St Peter’s School (Cambridge) where he held the position of Deputy Principal for four years. Prior to this, Greg was the Acting Assistant Principal and Head of Teaching and Learning at Saint Kentigern College. He also spent six years as Boarding Housemaster and teaching A Level Mathematics and Economics at Hurstpierpoint College in the United Kingdom. As Director of Teaching and Learning, Greg will work closely with staff to improve and develop pedagogy so that we meet the needs of all learners. In addition to his leadership role, Greg will also be teaching Year 13 Agribusiness and Mathematics and Statistics.

Adam Ross joins St Paul’s as a mathematics teacher. His prior position was maths teacher at Feilding High School where he also held the Head of Boys’ Boarding position at the school's hostel. Prior to that, he spent time teaching in London and at Karamu High School in the Hawkes Bay. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 2009 and his co-curricular interests are rugby and distance running.

Drew Tierney joins St Paul’s as a highly experienced English teacher. He most recently held Assistant Head of Faculty position for three years at Cambridge High School before teaching English at St John’s College for eleven years, where he also held Dean responsibilities. He spent five years with St Peter’s School, Cambridge teaching English and was also the Director of Rowing. Drew has extensive rowing experience including international umpiring and school coaching which will be invaluable to our rowing team.

Krystal Taiapa completed her teacher training with St Paul’s during 2018 and we now welcome her back as our Te Reo Maori and social science teacher. Krystal taught Te Reo at Hamilton Girl’s High School prior to joining St Paul’s and she is looking to complete her teacher registration during 2021.

Isaiah Duncanson gained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Otago and joins us in his first year of teaching in the Physics Department. Isaiah was Head Boy at Otumoetai College and his co-curricular activities include rugby and volleyball.

Kieran Taylor joins us as a history and social science teacher. Kieran gained his Bachelor of Social Science, majors in history and geography from the University of Waikato. He was most recently teaching at Thames High School where he held the Teacher in Charge of History position, as well as Co-Dean for the Year 13s since 2016. Kieran has been heavily involved with rugby and cricket coaching during his teaching years.

St Paul’s welcomes back the following Collegians as new teachers at St Paul’s – Daniel Scanlon, Fraser Wilson and Harriet Norman (nee Embling).

Daniel Scanlon (Fitchett 2013-2015) will be teaching religious education and junior social sciences as well as assisting with the Year 10 Learning Enhancement Programme. Daniel has been with St Paul’s as a Residential Assistant Boarding House Tutor since 2018. He gained his Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance from the University of Waikato in 2018 and went on to complete his Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching the following year. His sporting passion is hockey where he has represented New Zealand as a junior player and currently plays in the top league as a representative player.

Fraser Wilson (Fitchett 2001-2005) joins us as a teacher of biology. Fraser has six years of teaching experience and spent the last four years at Auckland Grammar School be taught at Aorere College. His co-curricular activities include athletics, rugby, football and basketball.

Harriet Norman (Harington 2010-2012) gained her primary teaching degree from the University of Waikato and has taught at Karapiro and Leamington Primary since graduating in 2016. Harriet will be teaching the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and will head the newly opened St Paul’s Dance Studio. The St Paul’s Dance Studio, located in the St Barnabas’ Annex next to the Chapel, is offering ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop for children aged 4-18 years.