Senior Management

Principal's Welcome

It is my pleasure to lead a Catholic College with a staff that model our values and that are committed to quality teaching and learning for all students. As a community we are very proud of the educational opportunities that we provide our students. We have high expectations for the achievement and personal conduct of our students. As a College we are not only focused on achieving success for all students, but also, on assisting the young people of our College to develop into fine young men and women of superior character. We strive to create a safe and friendly family environment where students can develop a passion for deep and lifelong learning. Our teaching focus is to provide a quality well-rounded education based on Gospel values. The charisms of our Marist and Dominican founding orders live on in our expectation and community values today. I extend an open invitation for you to visit the College and discuss how we can best meet your individual educational needs.

Experience

Before becoming a teacher I spent over 15 years as an Analytical Scientist at Unilever Research in the United Kingdom. I started my teaching career as a Chemistry teacher at Helsby High School in Cheshire UK in 2003 teaching years 7 to 13 with a focus on developing extension programs for gifted and talented students in Science. I moved to New Zealand in 2007 working at James Hargest College teaching Science and Chemistry. I have now been at Verdon College for over 10 years holding various roles including Head of Science, Year 12 Dean, Assistant Principal, and my current role as Deputy Principal.

Personal Statement

I still enjoy being in the classroom teaching Chemistry and trying to inspire and pass on my knowledge to the next generation of budding Scientists. Teaching is all about positive relationships and rapport with the students and helping them to be the best they can be. In my role as Deputy Principal, I enjoy getting to see all students developing at the College through their endeavours in the classroom and cultural and sporting activities.

(03) 216 9039 ext.606

salcock@verdoncollege.school.nz

Experience

After completing a Bachelor of Education, through the Dunedin College of Education, I began my teaching career at Edendale Primary School in 2005, teaching a Year 5&6 class. I then moved to James Hargest College Junior Campus in 2008, teaching Year 8 students. Whilst at James Hargest College, I was in Teacher In Charge of Social Studies (Year 7&8), Teacher In Charge of English (Year 7&8) and Year 7 Syndicate Leader. In 2023, I moved to Sacred Heart Primary School as Deputy Principal, SENCO and Senior teacher. 2026, has seen my appointment as Assistant Principal and Junior School Leader, with responsibility for the Year 7&8 area at Verdon College.

Personal Statement

I love being in front of the classroom teaching, and have a passion for curriculum, especially Literacy. I am actively involved in the New Zealand Literacy Association and currently the Southland Literacy Association President. I believe that learning is for life. Students need to succeed and achieve, and as a teacher I need to provide worthwhile and meaningful learning experiences that develop students’ potential and motivate them to be lifelong learners. Learning should be student-centred and embrace the whole student’s development. Key to this is the relationships we build with students, in a safe, supportive and challenging environment. I also see it as essential to develop strong and effective partnerships with whānau and community. I offer my commitment to making learning real, relevant, exciting and inclusive for every student. I believe all students deserve the right to have their individual learning needs met in an emotionally, physically and culturally safe, respectful environment.

(03) 216 9039 ext: 638

rshanks@verdoncollege.school.nz

Experience

After completing my degree at the University of Canterbury and subsequent teaching qualification at Christchurch College of Education, I moved south to take a position at Central Southland College.  After four years there I moved to Northern Southland College as Head of Science and then took up a position at James Hargest College where I held roles such as Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator, Teacher in Charge Junior Science and Head of Science.  While at Hargest, I worked in other schools around the South Island coaching them about Gifted and Talented Education and the teaching of Science. More recently, I had a year out of teaching working as the Southern Steel Team Manager, and I am also actively involved in Science Education in New Zealand, being past president of New Zealand Association of Science Educators.

Personal Statement

I believe that a teacher has a unique opportunity to connect with and support students so they can achieve their own personal best. I enjoy working with young people in a variety of ways so they can have options after they leave school, and be set up for the next stage of their lives.  Creating a classroom culture of hard work, personal excellence, and enjoyment is always my goal with any group I work with.

(03) 216 9039 ext: 627

syork@verdoncollege.school.nz

Experience

I began my teaching career as a History and Classical Studies teacher here at Verdon College in 2010. Over the years I have had a variety of roles including nine years as the Head of the Social Sciences Learning Area and also a few years as Senior Dean and Catherine House leader. In 2022 I joined the Senior Leadership Team and it has given me the opportunity to be involved in various other areas of the College.

Personal Statement

I believe teaching is all about student centred learning. Inspiring students to be passionate about a subject and then follow that passion is exciting to watch. Education to me is about building relationships with students and preparing them for the future they choose to follow. I believe it is important that as educators we prepare students for the world.

(03) 216 9039 ext: 618

tmiskimmin@verdoncollege.school.nz