POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Head of Faculty Science – Mr Peter Hampton MEd. BSc. Dip Tchng.

Peter is a teacher of over thirty years experience. He has previous senior management experience (as deputy principal and principal), and worked privately for five years as an educational consultant. He is also the author of several professional teaching resources.
Back in the classroom since 2003, Peter has taught Biology and Chemistry to scholarship level but currently teaches Science to scholarship level. As well as leading the faculty, Peter is directly responsible for all the Years 10 to 13 Science courses, including the enrichment programme.

Peter enjoys his teaching immensely, loves travel, is an avid reader and a self confessed sports nut. He is married with 5 children and 9 grand children to date.

Head of Biology – Mrs Jean Travers BSc. Dip Tchng.

Jean is a very experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated teacher of Biology and Science. She is head of our Biology Department and oversees the Year 9 Science curriculum. She is also the author of our homework books and runs the Australian science competition.

Head of Chemistry – Mr Peter Ainsley Robson. BSc (Tec), Dip Tchg.

Having completed a degree in Chemistry and a diploma in Teaching at the University of Waikato, Mr Robson has been a practising teacher since 2001. His specialty subjects include Chemistry and general Science.

Outside of school, Mr Robson maintains a busy schedule which includes a full calendar of playing and coaching of cricket, rugby, soccer, and volleyball. Combine this with an active social agenda Mr Robson is always on the go.

He enjoys his career, and considers himself very lucky to be a teacher.

Head of Horticulture – Mr Kevin Nicholson

Kevin is an experienced teacher who currently is head of our Horticulture Department. An outstanding classroom teacher, Kevin is in demand throughout New Zealand because of his knowledge and experience in his chosen teaching fields. He acts as an Advisor to the University of Waikato and is currently a Board member of the Horticulture Industry Training Organisation.

Head of Electronics – Mrs Marie Cameron

Marie made the transition from primary to secondary teaching in 2001 and has proved her teaching versatility, taking classes ranging from Years 9 to 13 Science to junior and senior electronics. She is currently Head of Electronics.

Teacher in Charge, Physics – Dr Mike Simmonds PhD, BEng(Hons), Dip Tchng

Mike joined Fraser from Matamata college. He is teaching junior Science and Electronics as well as senior Science and Physics. Mike is in his sixth year of teaching. Prior to teaching Mike undertook research at various Universities and Research institutes.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS

Mrs Nicola Wallace

Nicola has been at HFHS since 2008 where she is employed as an assistant teacher of science and biology. Previously she has worked at AgResearch in Hamilton completing research into muscle development , and Scion in Rotorua researching the effects of the genetic modification of pine trees.

Nicola has enjoyed her teaching career so far and looks forward to the years to come.

Mrs Nicola Foote

I was employed as a first year teacher at HFHS in 2006, as an assistant teacher of Science and Biology. My studies included a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching, both from the University of Waikato.

I am currently one of the Teachers in Charge of the Senior Council, which gives me a great opportunity to work with our head students and be involved in a number of exciting events. Teaching at HFHS is a positive and rewarding experience.

When I am not involved in the HFHS culture I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, often at the beach.

Ms Sarah Curry

I come from the little town of Opotiki (blink and you will miss it!). When I finished school I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I decided to take a GAP year in the UK. I ended up spending two awesome years working in a school in England, which was where I discovered my passion for teaching.

My family are a very important part of my life, consisting of my partner, step-daughter, two dogs, a cat, budgie and two fish. We are on first name terms with the SPCA!

I was instantly attracted to the very friendly and supportive environment at Fraser High and the awesome students that attend the school. It is for this reason that I love getting up every morning and coming to work. Who ever knew that your job could be so much fun!

Mrs Isabelle Hope

Isabelle is an experienced biology/science specialist who has taught secondary school in France before coming to live in New Zealand. Combining the roles of mother and teacher, Isabelle has a very busy life.

Ms Jodi Thomson

I have been employed at Hamilton’s Fraser High School as an assistant teacher for Science and Biology since 2004. Previously to this I attended the University of Waikato where I completed my Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Science and Psychology and my Graduate Diploma of Secondary Teaching. I have lived in Hamilton for most of my life and am a past student of HFHS.

Mrs Kerrin Brownlee

Ms Turina Paku

TECHNICIANS

Mr David Kennett

David spent many years in the technical support and administration of the Department of Physics and the School of Science and Technology at the University of Waikato. He brings a wealth of technical knowledge to the support of the Science Faculty at Fraser High and enjoys looking after the technical needs of sixteen science teachers most of the time!

Mr John Badger

Ms Barbara Nicholson

Barbara has considerable experience of supporting the practical needs of horticulture and agriculture. She enjoys working in this area of 'hands-on' science.