We welcome our new staff

By OBHS | Posted: Wednesday February 3, 2021

We would like to welcome our new staff to the Otago Boys' High School community.

Rhys Foster

My name is Rhys Foster.

I come from a farming background in Southland. 

My main interest is in sport and physical activity which led me to pursue a PE degree at the University of Otago.

I moved to Melbourne where I worked as a personal trainer for 4 years training a variety of clientele. My philosophy was based around prehab and doing the basics well. I took on student athletes and enjoyed helping them to achieve their goals and reach their potential. This motivated me to take on my post grad in secondary teaching in Christchurch and I have been fortunate enough to return to Dunedin and teach PE and social sciences at OBHS. 

My transition into teaching has been made easy by the amazing staff at OBHS. I am enjoying getting to know all of my students and excited for the year ahead.

Mikayla Garforth

Kia Ora,

My name is Mikayla Garforth and I’m a Dunedin local born and bred. 

I went straight to Otago University after high school and completed a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree in 2019. Following on from that I went to teacher’s college and finished a Master of Teaching and Learning at the end of 2020. Otago Boys' High School is my first high school teaching experience and I am excited to be a part of the amazing school culture.

I am extremely passionate about Surf Life Saving, Search and Rescue, SCUBA diving, and free diving for kai moana. If I’m not at work, I'll be at the beach! I also love getting creative with sewing, painting, and wood sculpture.

I am excited to bring my experiences with me into the classroom and share my passions about the outdoors and sport with the boys! 

Colin Gray

My name is Mr Gray and I'm teaching Mrs Bennet's classes while she is away on leave.        

A bit about me: 

• Born in Glasgow, Scotland of Scots and German parents. 
• Lived in NZ for 51 years.
• 16 years experience teaching computing / digital technology mostly as HOD. 
• Worked in several other careers starting as a MAF Meat Inspector and most recently - IT Consultant.
• Recently completed post graduate studies in Information Technology. 
• Into sports, music, reading and learning.

Anna Ward

Hello, my name is Anna Ward. 

I first came to Dunedin, after growing up in Central Otago, to go to Art School here. Once graduating I spent 10 years working at the University of Otago in the Department of Design Studies. 

I began tutoring students there and discovered an enjoyment for teaching. I have taught in both girls' and boys' schools. I was working out of town for the last half of 2020 and I am excited to be back on my home turf. 

I look forward to my role as TIC of Art sharing my enthusiasm for learning about art with the students at Otago Boys' High School. Painting and Print-making are my areas of expertise, and I also have a knowledge and love of Design and Art History. 

My favourite way to wind-down is to take my dog for a walk in some of the picturesque places around this city.

Pauline Young

Hello, I am Pauline Young and I have been in New Zealand since December 2017.

Previously I was in Sydney for a few years but I was born and raised in Singapore, where the rest of my family members still live.

I have a Masters in Health and Communication and a BA(Hons) in Arts and Business Management and have recently completed my Masters of Teaching and Learning programme at Otago University.

I have played volleyball since my high school days and still play beach volleyball on the rare sunny days here in Dunedin. I am obsessed with dogs and very much so love my retired Huntaway Jake! (but also have a pretty cool cat, Frankie - I'm sure she thinks she's a dog too!)

I am excited to grow as a teacher with Otago Boys', learning how I can best help my students grow into their fullest potential and succeed as their best selves.