We welcome our new staff
By OBHS | Posted: Monday February 7, 2022
We would like to welcome our new staff to the Otago Boys' High School team.
Johnny Simmons
Kia ora,
My name is Johnny Simmons and I come to Otago Boys' High School after previously teaching at King's High School for the past 8 years as HOD Technology.
I am originally from the Bay of Plenty in the North Island where I worked as a builder for over ten years before retraining as a technology teacher at Waikato University. I moved to Dunedin with my wife in 2012 who hails from Central Otago. We started a family in 2014 and now live in Warrington with our three sons next to the beach where I can indulge my major pursuit in life which is surfing.
I believe in boys' education. I am excited to be the new HOD of Technology and look forward to building on the existing strengths within the department to create a modern learning environment that will provide quality outcomes for all students.
Nathan King
My name is Nathan King and I teach Health and Physical Education.
My journey as a Secondary School Teacher began 4 years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed my first teaching practical at Otago Boys' High School during my Diploma of Education.
I have spent the past 3 years teaching at South Otago High School but I am really excited about teaching permanently at OBHS and getting involved in everything that the school has to offer. Prior to teaching, I worked at the Otago Cricket Association for over 10 years and my passion for helping others and watching them succeed is what motivated me to become a teacher.
If I'm not at school or a game of cricket, I am spending time with my wife and 2 daughters and taking my dog on various adventures around Dunedin.
Dave Thomas
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Aoraki tōhoku mauka
Ko Waitaki tōhoku awa
Ko Uruao tōhoku waka
Ko Kāi Tahu rātou ko Kāti Māmoe ko Waitaha ōhoku iwi
Ko Waihao rātou ko Arowhenua ko Moeraki ko Puketeraki ōhoku marae
Nō Ōtepoti au
Ko Dave Thomas au
My name is Dave Thomas and I return home to Dunedin from South Otago High School where I was in charge of Outdoor Education and the Year 9 Dean for several years.
I have a diverse teaching experience. Having taught Physical Education and Health, Outdoor Education, Geography, Social Studies, and te reo Māori.
Prior to being a school teacher I was an Outdoor Instructor. I have studied Outdoor Leadership and Management with Otago Polytechnic. I also hold a Bachelor of Science and a teaching qualification from Otago University. Over the last few years I have been studying te reo Māori and have enjoyed returning this taoka to my whānau and the classroom.
My first three days at Otago Boys' High School was a blast, straight out on leadership camp with our Year 13 leaders. What a mature and polite group of young men, keen to get stuck in and give everything a go. I look forward to sharing many more adventures over the year ahead.
Sonya Hill
I am born and raised in Dunedin, and educated at University of Otago.
After gaining a BCom and MBA I headed for London where I lived and worked for the following 16 years. During my time in London I experienced many sectors and careers but none was more rewarding than the 3 years of teaching at an international language school.
Family brought me back to Dunedin in 2012 and my son (Merric) entered Tainui Primary School. The last 10 years have passed quickly, and Merric is embarking on his first year at the University of Otago studying Philosophy and Politics.
In 2020, with the desire to enter my final career choice, I trained to be a secondary teacher. So far I have taught in Columba College, John McGlashan College, Queen's High School, Otago Girls' High School, and finally here at Otago Boys' which has quickly become my favourite!
I have combined my previous careers, my love of the world in it's diversity, my love of teaching into the classroom through the subjects of business studies, economics, and social studies. OBHS has given me the opportunity to share a piece of the future with the young men at this school. I am grateful and excited.
