WHANGANUI HIGH SCHOOL - Key Persons
Hi, my name is Claire Lilley. Let me tell you a little about myself.
I am a working mum of 3, with all that that entails - perpetual taxi driver, snack provider, and general butler - I am never more grateful to live in Whanganui than when I have to get three, differently interested children to their various clubs, sports, and social engagements each day! We emigrated to Whanganui from the UK around 7 years ago to give our children the experience of a different lifestyle and culture and to push us out of our comfort zone. We planned for it to be just a year but the sunshine, the people, and the landscape of New Zealand had us trapped. Moving across the other side of the world was always going to be tough but we have had amazing experiences and made such wonderful friends, this is now our home.
Job Titles:
- Assistant HOF Mathematics
Job Titles:
- Head of Building & Construction
- Sports - Sports Assistant
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- Dean of Whenua Hous
- HOF Physical Education and Health
- Physical Education and Health
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- Science Technician Assistant / Student Centre
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- Dean of International Students
- Teacher of Chines
I have worked at Whanganui High School since the beginning of 2011. Originally from Harbin, I first came to New Zealand as an international student and studied languages, teaching and education at the University of Auckland. With my experience, I have an insider's knowledge of what it is like to be an international student in New Zealand. I met my wife in Auckland and we have two young children who attend primary school. I love football and play in the local league.
I am the advocate for the international students and am responsible for their pastoral care and academic monitoring. I can be contacted by students and homestays at any time. I also organise activities and trips for our students.
Job Titles:
- Assistant HOF Mathematics
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- Assistant HOF Performing & Visual Arts, Head of Visual Arts
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- Head of Level 1 Physical Education and Health
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- Assistant HOF Science, Head of Chemistry
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- Assistant HOF Physical Education and Health / Head of Outdoor Education
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- Head of Level 2 Physical Education and Health / Head of Junior Physical Education
My name is Keki F D Colaabavala, people know me as Keki, and I am a current board member. It has been my honour and I am humbled by your choice of electing me to serve on the WHS board for the last 3 years. I have a son in Year 13, who is currently the Deputy Head Boy, while my other son is in Year 10. My daughter was a full time student at WHS, having been the Academic Prefect for 2018. She has since achieved a scholarship from Otago University as well as a full scholarship from Auckland University.
We came to Whanganui In 2004 from Whangarei, with a plan to work for 6 months and move on. During those 6 months we fell in love with the place and the people so stayed on, left the company and set up my own business. Still here in 2022. This is my home.
In my role as a Financial Advisor I have travelled extensively all over NZ, especially the North Island. Over the years I have owned and operated various successful businesses, some which have been sold. My work has helped me to understand the best way to move forward as a team.
I am passionate about education and wish to make sure every child at our school can reach their highest possible standard in educational achievement. I wish to ensure that every child can deliver extraordinary results. I will bring my own unique set of skills and experiences to the board. As it doesn't matter how many resources you have if you don't use them properly it will never be enough. I sincerely believe anything is possible with a positive mental attitude.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Awa Hous
- Head of Senior Health
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- Member of the Board
- Principal
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- Member of the Board
- Business Owner of Q - West Boat Builders
I am a local family man and business owner of Q-West Boat Builders based in Whanganui. I have also been involved in various governance roles over the past 12 years across various business sectors, I am particularly passionate about education and supporting youth into meaningful employment through trade training.
I am Whanganui born and bred and have been living here on and off for most of my life. In 2014 we relocated back to Whanganui partly for lifestyle, but primarily because of the availability and access to high quality secondary school education.
I am married to Karen and we have four school-aged children, currently a son at Whanganui High School in Year 10 and a son and daughter to start in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Our eldest daughter is Year 13 at Girls' College.
We are both self-employed, running our own successful businesses, I am director of an engineering consultancy, working in industrial capital project development. Karen is a chef and owns Honest Kitchen.
Since our children started preschool I have been active in education governance. My previous experience includes being a member and President of Whanganui Montessori Preschool Association for eight years, and Board member of Fordell School. I have a strong understanding and experience in the requirements and expectation of governance and how a Board of Trustees effectively supports the Principal and management team of a school.
Job Titles:
- IT - Network Administration Manager
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- Dean of Maunga Hous
- Head of Junior Health
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- Administration - Reprographics
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- Assistant HOF Social Sciences, Head of Accounting
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- Member of the WHS Board
- Administration - Principal 's Executive Assistant
Job Titles:
- Head of Vocational Studies, External Education Co - Ordinator
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- Finance - School Business Manager
Job Titles:
- Dean of Academia
- Head of History
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- Head of Music, Performing Arts Co - Ordinator
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- Performing Arts Administration Assistant
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- Sports - Director of Sport
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- Head
- Head of International English / ESOL
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- Director of International Students
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- Employment Co - Ordinator
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- Head of Learning Support Centre
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- Specialist Classroom Teacher
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- Food Technology Technician
Job Titles:
- Administration - Reprographics
Job Titles:
- Performing Arts Administration Assistant ( Acting )
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- Head of Te Atawahi ), Diana Parnell, Emma Paki, Richie Parnell, Julie Turner
- Head of Te Atawhai Unit
Kia ora, my name is Yvette Moorhouse. I am married to Grant, and we have two children; Jakob (20, who attended Whanganui High School, with being the Head of Sport in his final year) and Chelsea, a Year 11 student who is currently attending Whanganui High School.
I have been in the education field for 28 years, with the last 6 years having the honour of being the Principal of Fordell School. I bring a positive attitude with experience in education, leadership, Boards, and a recognition for how important the role a school plays in guiding and supporting our children into their future. I believe a large part of our children being successful learners and citizens is quality education with a recognition of what each student excels/shines in; the partnership between home, school and the student being a key component. I am keen to help build on the many successes and opportunities that Whanganui High School is known for and for it to continue developing and improving into the future.