S W E N F F STA K
Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Our new Staff
ia ora koutou to the group of new teachers to join PHS who bring with them enthusiasm, empathy and education. Running into the PE Faculty we have Michael Anderson and Blair Buckland. Science has a new Head of Faculty, Meghan Ashford, joined also with Jodynne Lafaele, Sneha Srinivasan, Ina Van Der Merwe and Harinder Kaur. Maths multiplied adding Pauline Armstrong, Rebecca Howard, and Cathy Munro. English welcomed Chrismari Dickinson, Shan Dissanayake, Callayne Eru, Elise James, and Taryn Slee. The Art Faculty drew in Morgan Hogg, Cole Majoor and Sharon Kearney. Languages spoke up for Maria Kim and Tuakau Whiu, and Rosanna Walton with Stuart McEwing joined the Social Science Faculty. In the Administration area we have Denis Murphy as Executive Officer, plus Jess Finlay and Shona Wharepapa Hagan. Helping with Learning Support and Teacher Aides we have Jude Webber, Esther Williams, Junior Papalii and Esperance Withers. Lynn Mills is our new resident Kamar expert. Natasha Faulkner and Susan Fryer also welcomed to replace our nurse Natalie Avery.
W
Staff Leavers
e wish to thank the following people who have moved onto new adventures. Alison Askew, a wonderful Art teacher who brought out the best in our artists. Marama Killen who produced plays and taught drama to our budding actors will also be missed. Julie Brien left the English Department in pursuit of a Doctorate from the University of Auckland. Carlos Briones coded his way from the DIT department. The Tech department, as well as farewelling their Head, Dave Cantley at the end of the year, also had Daniel Pilling and Tricia Zwarts move on to build another future. Julian Austin and Emma Murtagh also left to take up new challenges. They were a strong team who managed the rebuild of Massey Block, Climbing Walls in the gym, new horticulture area plus keeping PHS looking top notch. Sione Niupalau was with us briefly in the Maaori department and as a year 13 Kaitiaki Aakonga – he brought with him tikanga and humour. Sione left to join the Education Review Office, Department of Education – congratulations. Rhiannon Swift is sadly leaving for Tauranga. Her time at Pukekohe High School has been
6 | STAFF NEWS | PHS YEAR BOOK 2020
Joiners & Leavers
nothing short of extraordinary. She has established dance as an NCEA subject and department within the school, and held two amazing annual dance showcases, an extracurricular dance troupe and a program which continues to grow. Grace Love is moving onto new adventures too. While at Pukekohe High she was lucky enough to be involved with the Senior Girls Basketball team and being blown away by the outstanding talent of the female ballers at this school! She was also privileged to work with Maaori Student Council and was really proud of the inaugural Matariki event they put together this year! Rena Hill was at PHS for just over 10 years. Noted for her stylish dress and exotic background, she soon started to learn the Kiwi way and became a very dependable and hardworking member of the science team. Rena took on responsibility for the Junior Science programme in her role as one of the two 2iC’s - which she did with great efficiency and dedication. She moved to Pakuranga High school at the end of term 1 2020 so that she could be closer to family and help with the childcare needs. Cherylize Janse Van Rensburg was at PHS for 18 months. Arrived from S Africa and quickly adapted to life here in NZ with her two little girls & husband. She moved to work at the Pukekohe Christian School, her strong belief was her guide. Bubbly and with an outgoing personality that outstripped her stature. Adam Kemp is moving to Morrinsville. He will be leaving behind maths students who learnt from being inside and outside the classroom. He coached football teams and cricket teams with enthusiasm. He will be missed by many students. Adam also participated in the World Challenge Trip to India 2018 and Spirit of Adventure Trip 2019. Ganga Forbes was ‘PA to the principal’ for 37 years. She definitely has seen many changes over the years and an important part of the school community. Donna Fulton was at PHS for 18 years total. She also did a stint in the Sports Office. She was very much liked and respected by students and was very supportive of their needs and personal situations. She was well liked and respected by her colleagues and all staff. Donna was adaptable with the changes implemented in the Student Centre and keen to learn new systems to ensure the efficient and smooth running of the Student Centre.
