A warm welcome to our new staff!
It is with great pleasure that we welcome new staff to our kura in 2025. Across Aotearoa, schools have faced challenges in securing teachers due to ongoing supply shortages. However, we are proud to share that Kaiapoi High School has once again secured a full team of skilled, passionate, and knowledgeable educators.
Our new staff bring with them a wealth of experience, expertise, and unique talents that will enrich our school community. Their dedication to teaching and learning will undoubtedly contribute to the success and growth of our ākonga.
To our new staff—nau mai, haere mai! Thank you for choosing Kaiapoi High School. We are excited to have you on board and look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will make. Together, we will continue to create an environment where every student thrives.
Stay tuned as we introduce each of our new team members!
Ngā mihi,
Jason Reid, Principal
Dylan Cheyne
Kia ora koutou, my name is Dylan Cheyne. I will be joining the Kaiapoi High School science department this year primarily teaching junior science but also a bit of junior mathematics. I am excited to be at Kaiapoi for my first year teaching having finished my Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching & Learning last year at the University of Canterbury. Prior to my teaching degree, I did my undergraduate BSc at UC majoring in Astronomy with a minor in Mathematics.
Outside of teaching, I also fill my time with a range of hobbies beyond science. When possible, I like to get into the outdoors and go tramping, though more regularly you will find me indoor rock climbing. I spend a lot of time playing a range of both video & board/card games. My biggest hobbies however would have to be musical theatre & barbershop singing.
Brittany O’Meagher
Kia ora, my name is Brittany O’Meagher. I am a first-year Social Sciences kaiako here at Kaiapoi High School. I specialise in Business Studies and Commerce, and teach junior Social Studies.
I grew up in Nelson and moved to Canterbury to complete my Graduate Diploma in Education. I’ve worked in childcare for ten years and love working with tamariki and rangatahi. I was a student teacher at KHS and was lucky enough to have a position open up in the Social Sciences faculty. I have loved working in the North Canterbury region and looking forward to exploring it more during 2025.
I am very much looking forward to my teaching journey here at Kaiapoi High School.
Cameron Millward
Kia ora, I’m Cam Millward. I am a first-year teacher, teaching Pathways, Health/PE, 9 Literacy, and the Tutor teacher for KPAS. I’m excited to join the team at Kaiapoi High School. I look forward to building connections with staff, students, whānau, and the wider community.
A little bit about myself, I am from North Canterbury and grew up in the Rangiora and Kaiapoi communities. My hobbies include playing rugby for Woodend Rugby Club, exploring new walking tracks and places, spending time with my partner and family, and enjoying reading a good book in my downtime. Looking forward to a great year ahead 🙂
Miemie Vermeulen
Kia ora koutou, my name is Miemie Vermeulen, and I am excited to join Kaiapoi High School as the new Senior Hospitality teacher. I hold a degree in Hospitality Management and, after gaining experience in the hospitality industry, completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I have been teaching for seven years and am passionate about supporting students in their learning journey.
In addition to my work in Hospitality, I have a strong interest in neurodiversity and enjoy helping learners develop strategies to navigate a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs.
My family and I recently moved from Auckland, though we originally come from South Africa and have been in New Zealand for the past eight years. Outside of school, I am a Scout leader, and my family and I love spending time outdoors, exploring all that Aotearoa has to offer.
I look forward to being part of the Kaiapoi High School community and getting to know both students and staff.
Hannah Adams
Kia ora, my name is Hannah and I am joining Kaiapoi High School as the Assistant Head of English. I grew up in Hamilton, and have recently moved down from Wellington where I went to Victoria University before teaching in Cambridge and Porirua. I have an undergraduate degree in English Literature and Ecology and Biodiversity, and a Masters of Teaching and Learning.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing hockey, music, and going for walks, and I am very much looking forward to exploring this new part of the country.
Ry Van Keulen
Hello, I am Ry and I am working alongside Hayley in the Sports Office as Assistant Sports Coordinator. Growing up in North Canterbury I am excited to be working here in the community. During my time at school, I participated in many sports and understand the importance of physical activity and sports in school. Not only do sports teach great sportsmanship, but they also help students build friendships and connect with others. I am looking forward to helping Kaiapoi students get involved in sports and to help discover what different sports and activities they enjoy.
Teresa Elder
Greetings, my name is Teresa Elder. I have been working in education for over 20 years, initially as a teacher and now as a counsellor. I have two sons, my eldest is living in Perth, and my youngest is currently in Year 10. I love working with children, particularly high school students. Part of my work is to support students and families; identify and navigate the challenges; explore how students would like to be in the world; help them with resources, and encourage agency to help them at school and in life. I love working with families and am here to help. I have a lot of experience, both professionally and personally, with special needs students. I have also worked in various fields outside of education.
I enjoy the outdoors, exercising, like to dabble in business, economics, politics and am a bit of a free spirit. I am really enjoying my start here at Kaiapoi High School, and am looking forward to the year.
Eamonn Lowe
Kia ora koutou, my name is Eamonn Lowe. I am grateful and excited to be joining the guidance team as a counsellor. I feel very fortunate to be back at Kaiapoi High School as my first teaching role was in the Health and Physical Education Faculty – teaching Outdoor Education. It’s been great to reacquaint with old friends and also meet younger siblings of students I’ve previously taught!
It is an absolute privilege to be supporting students through their time at high school and I hope to complement the hard work of teachers as students progress through the year.
I live with my family in Swannanoa, and enjoy any opportunity to be in the wilderness – either by bike, skis, or on foot, and it is really special to be sharing this with my children too.
