Staff

Senior Management Team

Kathleen Parker - Principal

After completing a double degree in English and Education at the University of Waikato, Kathleen began her career as a Primary Teacher with a very specific goal; to be a secondary school teacher. She had carefully planned to teach J3, then middle school, intermediate and finally secondary school. The philosophy was that she would have a solid foundation for secondary teaching in English. It is unfortunate that she was seen to be 'just great' with young students and every year instead of progressing upwards in age she moved down until after three years she reached New Entrants.

This necessitated a radical step and she jumped to secondary English over a weekend and has never looked back. She gained her first promotion after three years at Melville High School and became Head of Drama at Cambridge High School. Within two years, she was seconded to the University of Waikato in the School of Education where later gained tenure and worked as a lecturer for seven years teaching English, Video Production and Drama.

At the same time, she was actively involved in theatre in the Waikato where she acted in both straight theatre and musical theatre for ten years clocking up over thirty roles. These ranged from Ophelia in Hamlet to Piaf in Piaf and a number of cabarets. Her love of theatre led her to co-write and publish a drama text based on the Napier Earthquake.

A move to Auckland meant going back into the classroom, something she never regrets. A year at Kristin as Head of Drama led to joining Senior College thirteen years ago to teach Drama and Senior English. From there she became a Dean, Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal and then Principal.

Prior to Senior College she had had regular moves to different schools but somehow the ethos of Senior College, the staff and students have ensured she has retained her passion for education and especially education at Senior College.

Graham Gottard - Deputy Principal

Graham Gottard was educated in the UK and gained A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, followed by a B. Sc. in Physics from the University of Birmingham and a P.G.C.E. from the University of Lancaster. Physics has always been his passion and his ambition was always to teach and be able to communicate this passion to others.

He thoroughly enjoys teaching Physics and exploring with students the philosophical issues of Physics. He loves exploring the links between Physics and other subjects, such as History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy and many others.

He has extensive experience teaching Physics overseas and within New Zealand and also Mathematics at SAT and IGCSE Level. He has been a Physics examiner within the domestic UK system, CIE and the NZEST Scholarship programme.

Prior to joining Senior College, he was a Dean, Senior Housemaster, Head of Physics and IB Diploma Co-ordinator. Since joining the college he has been involved in the introduction of CIE courses and qualifications and running the examination system.

He likes to encourage students to develop a rounded approach to their education by operating outside their comfort zones and taking courses such as Thinking Skills and General Paper. He is excited to be working within the Cambridge system as it offers the flexibility and the academic rigour required to bring out the best in Senior College students.

Faculty of Arts

Kerry-Ann Boyle - Art, Art History and Photography

Kerry-Ann gained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in Photography and Printmaking at Canterbury University, her Diploma of Teaching at the then, Auckland College of Education in 1990 and her Masters degree from Auckland University in 1998. She joined Senior College in 2003 as a teacher of Art and Photography. In 2004 she introduced the Cambridge AS History of Art programme. Prior to Senior College, Kerry-Ann taught at Epsom Girls Grammar School as Head of Photography from 1991 until 1999. After leaving to pursue her own photographic practice, Kerry-Ann was a long term relieving teacher at Northcote College and Baradene College from 2001 until 2003. "The attraction of Senior College for me is the independent and committed students that we have the privilege to teach. The atmosphere of the College is unique. Teachers and students have an easy rapport in a studious environment and the focus is always on the individual."

Nick Duirs - Music; Faculty Co-ordinator

Nick Duirs joined ACG Senior College in 2005 as a teacher of both Music and Geography. As of 2007 he has exclusively taught Music and was recently appointed as Faculty Coordinator for the Arts. Mr. Duirs commenced his teaching career in 1996 and has gained a great deal of experience working with exceptional colleagues and students in schools in Auckland, the Waikato and in Harrow, North London. His musical career has encompassed education, performance and musical direction across a broad range of musical styles and contexts. Nick is a versatile and experienced pianist and singer. He has worked with a number of Auckland's leading musicians recording albums and performing throughout New Zealand and at festivals and concerts in Canada, the USA, the UK, Singapore and South Korea. In addition to his teaching responsibilities Nick is responsible for the musical direction of the annual Senior College musical. He also coordinates and directs other musical ensembles and activities as part of the school's co-curricular programme. In 2008 he accompanied a group of Senior College students on a tour of Europe, at the end of which he attended the International Society of Music Education conference in Bologna, Italy.

Rob Freeman - Graphic Design

Awarded an Australian Commonwealth Scholarship, Rob studied Graphic Design for five years in Sydney and Melbourne. Work experience came from ABC Television, freelance commissions and a semester with the public service Division of Botany in New Guinea. Here one great adventure was exploring the highlands with his new Nikon SLR camera. After graduation in Melbourne Rob was headhunted to come to New Zealand as an Advertising Art Director, working with clients on television, print, 3D, packaging and display, his work winning CLIO Awards (New York) and AXIS Awards New Zealand. One of his freelance stamp design commissions for New Zealand Post won the Robert Stolz Trophy in London. In New Zealand his designs included the logo for the 1990 Commonwealth Games, and the exterior of the new Devonport harbour ferry. Rob then joined MIT as a lecturer in their new School of Art and Design. Six years later he joined Senior College. Rob maintains contact with designers in the UK, Germany, Australia and China.

Debbie McLachlan - Photography

Born and educated in the UK, Debbie gainied a BA(Hons) degree in Textile Design from Nottingham, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Art and Design) in Leicester. She then moved to France for a year before arriving in New Zealand, and began her teaching career in 1989 at Avondale College. She taught Painting and Design as well as Junior art before picking up Photography in 1992. After a successful few years of teaching Sixth Form Certificate and Bursary Photography, Debbie was invited to join both the panel of Bursary Photography markers in Wellington and the Combined Schools marking panel in Auckland in 2001. She also moved schools that same year to Kings College where she stayed for 2 years before being enticed to ACG Senior College. Debbie has been teaching the CIE curriculum at AS and A2 level in Photography since 2004.

Having family still back in the UK, Debbie regularly visits England and always makes time to catch up with other successful art departments there, helping to ensure that she remains aware of international developments in Art.

Andrew Strachan - Painting

Andrew Strachan was born Auckland, New Zealand. He studied in Australia (B.F.A), at Curtin University, Perth, and his Post Graduate Studies (Painting) were completed at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He attended Christchurch Teachers College and completed training for Secondary Art teaching in 1991. He then taught at various schools in New Zealand from 1992 to 1996 and then Auckland Grammar School until 2002 ( Head of Art in 2001/02.) Andrew was involved in New Zealand University Bursary Art marking panel 1997-2000, the Combined Schools panel 2001- 03 and School Certificate 1995. He has taught Art, Painting and Printmaking at ACG Senior College since 2002 (Faculty Co-ordinator 2007 - 2009) with students achieving outstanding results in Bursary and Cambridge International Examinations. Results achieved by Andrew's students in Art at ACG Senior College in the Cambridge Examinations include top of the world in Art and Design IGCSE Art (year 11) twice, Art and Design (Painting) , AS level once, and A2 Art and Design (Painting) four times (2004-2007). Andrew's students have also achieved top of New Zealand awards in Art at all levels, including Printmaking. Andrew has been involved in numerous art exhibitions in New Zealand and Australia and is still a practicing artist.

Faculty of Business

Jason Borich - Accounting

Jason studied at Auckland University completing a conjoint BCOM/LLB. He was then fortunate enough to travel extensively aboard an ocean-going yacht owned by one of Italy's wealthiest families. On his return to New Zealand he worked as a a solicitor for Bell Gully, and then as a Brand Manager at Delegat's Wines. Following the completion of his Teaching Diploma he taught first at Mt Albert Grammar School, moving to Senior College in 2000. During this time he has specialised in teaching Accounting at all levels, but has also taught AS Business Studies. He marked the New Zealand NCEA Scholarship Examinations in 2005. He feels fortunate to be part of a cohesive and progressive Business Faculty at Senior College. His student's have had many successes, including Top of New Zealand in A2 Accounting, and have gone on to achieve at some of the top International Universities.

Ben Cahill - Economics and Business Studies; Faculty Co-ordinator

After completing a conjoint degree in Commerce and Arts from the University of Auckland, Ben Cahill began his teaching career in 1997 at Westlake Boys High School. Between 2002 and 2004 he divided his time between New Zealand International College and Senior College and moved across full-time to Senior College in 2005. His main subjects are Economics and Business Studies and he has been teaching the CIE curriculum at IGCSE and A level since 2003 in these subjects. He has also taught Accounting and Computing. He has remained involved in the NCEA assessment system with various roles such as moderator and exam marker. He is the co-author of an NCEA Level 3 Economics workbook used by many schools throughout New Zealand. He appreciates the central city location of Senior College as the perfect place to teach Economics and Business because of the numerous examples of theory put into practice. He is also prepared to take his students further afield and every two years leads the trip to the financial capitals of the world, New York and London.

Paul Godfrey - Economics, General Paper and Thinking Skills; Director of International Services

Thirteen years ago Paul came to Senior College on one year's leave from his previous school, and has never regretted the decision to stay. He enjoys teaching Economics and introducing Thinking Skills and the General Paper to students who are keen to learn and discuss as well as looking after the international students at the school. A highlight has been the trip with the Business students to New York and London in 2008 and he is looking forward to the trip in 2010. Paul has been involved with a number of aspects of Economics education in New Zealand: marking, writing and moderating external examinations for NZQA, helping develop the Achievement Standards and Scholarship for NCEA, and the new Social Sciences Curriculum. Until they moved to the Epsom Campus he also did the subject specialist training for secondary school Economics teachers at the University of Auckland. Prior to Senior College Paul has been a Dean, Acting HOD and taught Economics, Accounting and Maths at Rangitoto College, sold computers for three years in Sydney and worked as an economist for a government department in Wellington where he grew up and completed his degree.

Faculty of English and Languages

Heather Meyer

Examiner for the ESL Paper at Year 9 – the first school exit point in South Africa. In 1996 Heather and her husband immigrated to New Zealand and three weeks after arriving in Auckland, began teaching sixth form English at Senior College of New Zealand. At the end of that year, she was pregnant and in 1997, moved into ACG International College of New Zealand to teach ESL for six months before leaving to have her son. After tutoring at home for three years during the time that NCEA was being implemented in New Zealand schools, Heather decided it was time to develop her teaching skills further. To this end, she began a Masters degree in Applied Language Studies through AUT. This involved papers on Language Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Intercultural Communication and Research Methodologies, as well as a Specialism reading paper which ultimately led to a thesis entitled An Investigation into the Linguistic Characteristics and Cognitive Implications of Academic Writing at Secondary Level. Herempirical research compared writing graded as “Achieved with Excellence” to that graded as “Not Achieved” along cognitive and linguistic lines. A further comparison involved was that between native and non-native speaking writers.  In 2005, Heather and her family moved to England for a year and Heather taught at Dr Challoner’s High School (Grammar School for Girls) in Buckinghamshire, moving back to New Zealand on the award of the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship at AUT to do PhD full time. During the three years of this study, Heather spoke at conferences around New Zealand, in America and the UK about her work. She has published several papers on the findings of both her Masters and PhD research, the latter also an empirical study involving writing at Year 13 level from both NCEA students and students doing Cambridge International Examinations. Her PhD thesis is entitled Unilateral Conversations: the role of marked sentence initial elements in skilled senior secondary academic writing. Heather is delighted to be back at Senior College, and once again working with some of her former colleagues at the school.

Claire Houliston - English

After completing an MA (Hons) degree in English Language and Literature from Victoria University, Claire moved to Auckland to attend Teacher Training College and, apart from a three-year period in the UK and Europe, has lived here since. She taught at a range of Auckland schools including Rutherford High School, Northcote College and Birkenhead College prior to the births of her three children. When she returned to teaching it was to Diocesan School for Girls where she remained for 16 years. In this time she held a number of positions including 7th Form Dean (1994-1995) and Head of the English Department (1996- 2004). She has worked as a tutor at what was then Carrington Institute of Technology and has also served on marking panels for School Certificate, and University Entrance and more recently, Level 3 English. After two and a half years at Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, Claire moved to Senior College in mid-2007, in order to broaden her experience by teaching CIE. Here, she has taught IG English Literature and Language papers, and all three of the courses available in AS English. In 2008, one of her students, Christopher Graddon, gained a Top in the World award in AS Language and Literature in English. In 2009, Claire took responsibility for running the NCEA course, an alternative pathway for students to achieve the necessary literacy requirements for entry to New Zealand universities.

Susan Lamb - English

After completing a BA Honours degree in English Literature at the University of York in England, Sue Lamb began her teaching career at Settle High School in Yorkshire. She immigrated to New Zealand in 1969 and taught at Selwyn College for 16 years, eventually becoming Head of the English Department. Between 1989 and 1993 she taught at Epsom Girls' Grammar School and in 1993 became Head of the English Department at St Cuthbert's College. She has been teaching part time at Senior College for six years. She is the co-author of two English textbooks: English Works and English Works Two. She has been Chief Examiner for School Certificate English and Chief Marker for Bursary English. She was a member of the panel that wrote the Unit Standards in English and was a Facilitator for the establishment of the Achievement Standards in Auckland schools. She lives in Waiheke and believes she has the best of all worlds: a part time job that she enjoys combined with a more leisurely life on the island.

Elena Prado - Spanish

Before beginning her language teaching career in New Zealand, Elena Prado was working as a graduated journalist. She worked in radio, television and newspapers in Argentina, where she was born and raised. After living in various countries, Elena decided to embrace New Zealand as home and changing her career path to language teaching. She completed studies to become a certified language teacher to adults. She taught Spanish in various institutions as well as in Auckland University of Technology, AUT. In 2006 she completed her Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at The University of Auckland and did her practicum experience at Takapuna Grammar and St. Cuthbert's. She has been teaching Spanish at Senior College since 2007 and enjoying her students' academic successes along with the vibrant school environment that Senior College offers. Her other interests outside school are Philosophy, Art and a good work out at the gym. Ms. Prado organises School Trips to Spanish speaking countries, providing students with the opportunity to practice the language and experience the cultural elements that enriches and broaden ones understanding of the world and vision.

Jessica Tan - Chinese

Jessica joined ACG Senior College and ACG Strathallan in 2011 as a part-time Chinese teacher. Jessica was an experienced teacher when she was in China. She taught in high schools and a university for more than 10 years. She is very passionate about teaching Chinese. In New Zealand, she taught Chinese in several primary schools, high schools and Community Education. Her students have ranged in age from 5 to over 80 years old.Also she has been a high school International Student Coordinator and Dean for several years.
Some of Jessica’s many interests include tramping in New Zealand’s beautiful National Parks, traveling to foreign countries and gardening.

Faculty of Mathematics

Jordan Eskra - Mathematics; Faculty Co-ordinator

Jordan completed his Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mathematics, at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. He moved to New Zealand in 2005 to complete his Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland. Thoroughly enjoying the New Zealand school system, he began his teaching career in 2006 at Auckland Girls' Grammar School. On top of teaching all levels of Mathematics, he also became heavily involved in co curricular programs both coaching softball and assisting with school productions. In 2008, Mr Eskra accepted a full time position at ACG Senior College where he began teaching the CIE Curriculum at IGCSE and A level in Mathematics. In 2009 he also taught AS Thinking Skills and was appointed the Mathematics Faculty Coordinator. He maintains heavy involvement with both of the annual school productions. He thoroughly enjoys teaching at Senior College and values the unique and successful learning environment that is offered here.

Kaye Griffiths - Mathematics, Year 12 Dean

After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Mathematics and French from the University of Waikato, and a Diploma in Teaching from the Auckland College of Education, Kaye Griffiths began her teaching career in 1985 at Mount Maunganui College. Between 1987 and 1989 she travelled overseas, spending one year teaching at Whitgift School, Croydon, Surrey, UK. On return to New Zealand she gained a position at Rangitoto College and taught there for 13 years before moving to ACG Senior College in 2003. During her time at Rangitoto College, she also spent time outside the classroom working as a School Certificate (Mathematics) Panel Leader and as a Facilitator for Advisory Services working with teachers during the implementation of the new mathematics curriculum. At Senior College she teaches Mathematics, is a Year Level Dean and has been instrumental in developing and teaching the Health Education Modules at Year 11.

Andrew Stafford - Mathematics; Year 11 Dean

Born in Rotorua, Andrew Stafford was educated at Rotorua Lakes High School. After completing a BSc degree at the University of Canterbury, he began teaching at Cashmere High School in Christchurch, then after four years there made the move back north and taught in Auckland at Avondale College, Carmel College and Manurewa High School. In 1998 he was awarded a Mathematics and Science Teaching Fellowship and spent a year at Auckland University working on the creation of resources for teaching Mathematics. During that time he also taught one class at Senior College then took up a full time position the following year. In July 2002 he and his family moved to England where he taught at Brentwood School in Essex, returning to Senior College in 2005. He has been involved with examination marking both with the University Bursaries Examinations in 1997 and 1998 and in 2006 as an observer on the marking panels for AS and A2 Cambridge Mathematics examinations in England.

Faculty of Science

Mini Balachandran - Biology

Originally from India, Mini Balachandran holds formal degrees in Science and Education (B. Sc. & B. Ed.) from Kerala University and Mahatma Gandhi University, India. She has spent most of her teaching life overseas with international students. When living in Bahrain with her family, she taught Maths and Science at The Asian School, where she was also involved with organising extracurricular activities like cultural competitions and Badminton Tournaments at the school. In May 2003 she moved to New Zealand with her family and has taught at ACG Senior College since 2004. Her main subject is Biology which she is teaching at IGCSE and A Levels. She has also taught IGCSE Combined Science, Maths, and Chemistry at Senior College. Now a New Zealand Citizen, she is passionate about continuing to teach here and she enjoys seeing the students grow in confidence and achieve their potential.

 

Dave Meur - Biology

Dave Meur was educated in the UK, graduating with B.Sc. (Hons) Ecology from the University of Dundee. He completed a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Science) from Roehampton Institute in 1996. Dave taught GCSE and A Level at Westlands School, Kent and Ipswich School, Suffolk before moving to Sweden in 2003. He taught science for seven years at the International English School in Jarfalla in northern Stockholm. He was also Academic Coordinator of the school and was nominated for district teacher of the year awards on 2009 and 2010. He is also passionate about extra-curricular activities and in his time at IESJ directed six school plays and organised an annual trip to London. Dave moved to New Zealand in 2010 and initially taught IB at Auckland International College. He is also an IB Biology examiner. In 2011 he began working for ACG at New Zealand International College where he teaches Biology for Auckland University's Foundation course. Dave is also a Dean at NZIC and last year he helped organise the ACG concert "Times Like These".
He is currently teaching IGSCE Biology at Senior College.

 

Alexander Binnie - Physics

Alex Binnie was educated in the United Kingdom and studied Mechanical Engineering at Queen Mary College in the University of London. He spent several years as a graduate engineer in the motor industry before deciding that he had a desire to become a teacher. This led to a five year teaching appointment at St Edmund's College in Hertfordshire where his passion for Physics was nurtured. The decision to emigrate was heavily influenced by a desire to escape the protracted winters in England, so he first explored the possibility of teaching at The Hale School in Perth, Western Australia. Events conspired against that move, so he ended up at Wanganui Collegiate School, which saw him not just teaching Physics but also coaching rowing, a sport he has been involved with for twenty five years as a coach. After five years at Collegiate he moved to Sacred Heart College in Wanganui as Head of Science. A move to Auckland saw him first as Head of Science at St Peter's College in Epsom, followed by a longer period at Auckland Grammar School. He then moved to St Kentigern College in Pakaranga before his appointment to Senior College in 2003. He has always been passionate about his subject, and finds great satisfaction in helping keen young scholars develop their talents. To Alex, teaching is very much a vocational activity, and he have found being involved with young people a most rewarding way of life.

Jonathan Shearer – Chemistry

A traveller from the beginning, Jonathan was born in Germany and grew up in Hawaii. He received his bachelor's degree from Grinnell College and a Master of Natural and Applied Sciences from Missouri State University. His teaching experiences range from historic Elgin Academy in the USA, John Abbott College in Canada , two years as a volunteer teacher in rural Kenya and summer programs at Yale University. He came to New Zealand in 2007 to teach at ACG Strathallan College and joined the Senior College staff in 2011. Jonathan is a passionate tramper and environmentalist, so he spends much of his time planning his next trip into the New Zealand wilderness.

Marilyn Miller - Chemistry; Faculty Co-ordinator

On completion of a BSc in Chemistry at Auckland University in 1970, Marilyn took a position as Graduate Technologist at Auckland Hospital Nuclear Medicine Department and was responsible for preparing the solutions used in radioactive scanning for diagnostic purposes and for research and development of new compounds. Heeding the call to enter the teaching profession, she enrolled for the Post Graduate Diploma course in Teaching at Auckland College of Education in 1973 and joined the staff of Auckland Girls' Grammar School in 1974. There she taught Senior Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and General Science for four years. During this time she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Food Technology at the Auckland Technical Institute. In 1978 she became a teacher at Middlemore Hospital School, teaching a wide range of subjects to students whose health prevented them from attending regular schools. An interest in ICT lead to a brief career as Account Manager at Apple Education Centre and eventually in 1977, a position at Senior College, initially as Technology, Science and Mathematics Teacher as well as ICT trainer and trouble-shooter. She has taught CIE Chemistry since it was introduced to Senior College in 2002. Marilyn is the proud mother of two adult sons and enjoys spending time at home in her garden or relaxing with a good book. Her hobbies include singing, and earning a gold medal at the National Sweet Adelines Convention in 2009 was the culmination of a great deal of hard work, application and enthusiasm, attitudes which she delights in seeing in the students she teaches.

Andrew Slater - Physical Education

After completing a degree in Physical Education and Health at Auckland University, Andrew began his teaching career at Massey High School in 2006. New to Senior College in 2009, his current role of teacher of Physical Education and Sport Coordinator, sees him looking to promote and develop the sport and physical opportunities for students. Andrew is passionate about the outdoors and outdoor education, holding instructor qualifications in skiing, alpine ski racing, surf life saving and swimming. He brings to Senior College desire and interest in sport performance developed through experience competing at national level in surf life saving and kayaking. Andrew believes that the dedication and commitment to achieving excellence shown by students makes Senior College an enjoyable environment in which to teach. Andrew looks forward to heading an outdoor education trip to British Columbia, Canada in 2010.

Faculty of Social Science

Andrew Clarke - Geography; Year 13 Dean

Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Auckland. He was employed as a tutor in the boarding house at Dilworth School, Auckland and Christ's College, Christchurch before beginning his teaching career at Mahurangi College in Warkworth. Following three years teaching Geography and Social Studies at Mahurangi College, Andrew moved to Australia. In Melbourne he spent some time at Mt Scopus Memorial College and Xavier College before being appointed to the Geography Department at Trinity Grammar School. Fieldwork has always been encouraged by Andrew and he was fortunate enough to be involved in a programme taking a group of students to the Australian outback where they were hosted by an aboriginal community. Andrew was appointed to Head of Geography at Trinity Grammar School before returning to New Zealand following the birth of his first son. In 2001 he began teaching teaching at ACG Senior College. Andrew has taught CIE Geography at IGCSE , AS and A2 levels since 2003. In 2004 he was appointed as a Dean and has overseen the Year 12 or Year 13 year groups. Fieldwork continues to be promoted for his Geography students to support their study. Typically these excursions involve annual visits to Waitomo, Rotorua, Piha and Omaha. In 2008, Andrew assisted with the Classics and Art History tour of Europe. He has recently been involved in promoting the Youth to Everest programme to students at ACG Senior College.

Justin Peters - Psychology, Sociology

Justin Peters was educated at Lancaster Boys school in Leicester, England between 1985-1990 where he represented the Leicestershire and Midlands under-16 rugby team. He then passed A Levels in English Literature, Politics and Psychology at Wyggeston Queen Elizabeth 1 College, Leicester. He then gained a BSc in Psychology from London Guildhall University in 1999. After completing his teacher training at Greenwich University, London, he taught Psychology and Sociology for two years in a north London comprehensive. During this time he was an examiner for G.C.S.E Sociology. In New Zealand he has taught Psychology at NCEA level at Avondale College before moving to Senior College to teach both Psychology and Sociology at A Level.

Christine William - Classical Studies

Christine (Chris) was born in Pahiatua, a fact that she has long attempted to keep secret. Educated at Manly Girls' High, Sydney, and New Plymouth Girls' High, she completed a degree in Anthropology and French/Latin/Japanese at Auckland University. On receiving the news that there were no jobs for archaeologists in New Zealand, she backpacked around the world for a year, studying at the Alliance Française in Paris, and visiting every archaeological site that any normal person would wish to see in a lifetime. Having taught French to the Fiji High Commissioner in London, she discovered a latent talent and passion for pedagogy. A year at the Auckland Secondary Teachers' College was followed by eight years at Tauranga Girls' and Boys' Colleges, teaching French and Latin, and working for the Historic Places trust as a volunteer field archaeologist. However, the writing was on the wall, and it was in Kanji, so Chris headed off to Wanganui Collegiate where she set up the highly successful Japanese Department, taught Latin and French and ran the archaeological society. Study in Tokyo with the Japan Foundation followed. Eight years later, she moved back to Tauranga, to initiate Classics and Japanese at Bethlehem College. An opportunity arose for a two-term contract at Worksop College, in the UK, teaching French and Latin. Two terms turned into eleven years, teaching Latin and Classics in several schools, editing the national Classics Broadsheet for Prep schools, running national courses in Latin and Classics teaching, taking school trips to historic sites, from Hadrian's Wall to Rome (for the day....), marking exam papers for the Oxford and Cambridge Board, running a Roman Legion with her husband and spending every available moment backpacking around Europe investigating Classical sites in obscure places. Chris and her husband are happy to be back in NZ, among the hordes of gorgeous grandchildren, and at such an inspiring place as Senior College. They have the best of all worlds, based at Lake Rotoiti and inundated by the avalanche of beloved books on Rome and Greece acquired in the UK.

Nick Day - History

Nick Day hails from the north east of England. He obtained a B.A. Honours in Politics and History in 1984 followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Leicester in 1986. Nick's teaching career began in London at an all-boys comprehensive school where he worked for nine of years. He finished his time there as Head of History. A move to Warwickshire followed, to take up a new post as Head of Humanities Faculty at Kenilworth School in 1996. Nick's first stint in New Zealand was in 2006/7 when he co-led the Social Sciences Department at Rangitoto College. Thereafter, he returned to the UK to take up another Head of History position, before jumping at the chance to return to NZ for a second time, this time to teach History at Senior College. Nick's central aim is to instill in his students the same fascination and passion for the past that he possesses.

Associate Staff

Pam Bell - Careers Counsellor

Pam Bell first came to ACG from an Assistant Principal's position Westlake Girls High School in 2001. She took up the position of Deputy Principal in the International College, which she held for five years. During that time she worked closely with her colleagues at Senior College. Pam has had a varied career in teaching, both as a classroom teacher and in management. She first worked as a classroom teacher of Science and then, after completing a degree in Mathematics, she took a position as Head of Mathematics at Westlake Girls High School. She has also worked as a Dean and has had a lot of experience in the transition from school to university. In 2006, Pam took a post graduate diploma in Careers Counselling at AUT University and from there began work in that role at Senior College. She is a member of the Careers Practitioners Association of New Zealand. Pam gets enormous satisfaction from helping Senior College students apply for (and often get) places in prestigious universities overseas, as well as scholarships for local universities.

John Cummins - Librarian

Mr Cummins has practiced the art of librarianship for 15 years. He is a strong advocate for creating dynamic library environments. His philosophy is that every student should have a book under their arm, "Every book has its reader and every reader has his/her book." It is about connecting students to their information needs.

For 10 years he was with Christchurch City Libraries, providing specialist library services to children and young adults. Mr Cummins has worked in other areas of libraries from reference work through to cataloguing.

Before joining Senior College, Mr Cummins worked for an MP as a research and electorate assistant.

Sue Tearne - Science Technician

Sue gained a B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry from Surrey University in the UK. She then worked in the Research Division of British Gas Corporation as an analytical chemist, then requalified as a State Registered Medical Lab Scientist in Lincolnshire hospitals, specialising in Chemical Pathology. Later she was a Special Project Researcher for the NHS Personnel Division in North Lincs. After having a family, she worked as technician at the largest comprehensive school in Lincoln. She moved to NZ in 2001, and joined ACG Senior College that year.

Margaret Wood - Personal Assistant to the Principal

Mrs Wood joined ACG in 2001 having been the PA to the Principal and Board of Trustees at Kelston Girls’ High School.
Her application for the position as PA to the Principal at ACG’s New Zealand International College was made, primarily because of her love for young people and to seek a new challenge at a time of huge growth within ACG. She held this position for 4 years, before joining ACG Senior College as the Principal’s Personal Assistant in 2005. 

Coming from a background with many years experience in the secretarial field, (the last 12 in education), Margaret describes Senior College as an environment with a great work ethic, wonderful opportunities for students, and lasting relationships built between staff and students based on trust and respect.

Anita Tamepo - Receptionist Level 2

Mrs Tamepo completed a Secretarial Course at Manukau Technical Institute and entered the business world employed as a Junior Secretary. She progressed quickly and has since been involved in Administration in Secretarial and PA roles for over 20 years. She joined Senior College at the beginning of 2009 as a Receptionist and has since been in charge of handling finances. She is currently based at Level Two Reception from Monday to Thursday and operates on Level Four as the Principal's PA every Friday.

Phillipa Matthews - Attendance Officer

Mrs Matthews has many years experience working in Business Administration and with the travelling public. She joined Senior College in 2008 primarily as Attendance Officer but also covering for reception.