Kirsty Dowding
Deputy Principal
Qualifications
University of Auckland: School of Education. 2005 Graduate Diploma in Teaching – Secondary Programme
University of Auckland: School of Geography and Environmental Science. 2002-03. Master of Arts Degree with Second Class Honours, in Geography.
MA Thesis (2003/04): Geographies of Export Schooling in New Zealand: The Production of new school spaces. International Students.
Experience
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge from my years working across the education sector. I began my teaching career, teaching Geography at Massey High School in 2006, where I worked for eight years before moving on to Kaipara College. By 2018, I had taken on a number of different leadership positions as Leading Positive Behaviour for Learning, Head of Faculty, Assistant Principal, and Deputy Principal. From there, I left the classroom to work as a Lead Advisor in the Ministry of Education.
I will take on the development of student welfare initiatives, including the promotion of effective hauora (physical, mental, social, spiritual, and place) and support programmes. I will also be working with the Senior Leadership Team, and wider school, to continue to grow our Knowledge Rich Curriculum through authentic integration of mātauranga Māori and growing cultural connection with our community.
Personal Experience
Bringing a fresh perspective, I am excited to continue to build a sustainable welfare curriculum for the school. “I saw this as an amazing opportunity to work at a college that is currently leading educational outcomes for young people in New Zealand.” I am looking forward to working with the dynamic leadership team to continue to grow educational excellence for all of our students.