About Us

Learning Leader: Sharne O'Brien

I grew up in Hawera. I am the youngest member of a teaching family. My Dad is a retired principal whilst my two older sisters are currently principals at primary schools in South Taranaki. My passions include rugby (Hurricanes for life), reading and my two cats. I went to Victoria University where I completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature and History followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. I started teaching in 2013 at Whanganui City College. In 2015, I came home to Taranaki to take up an English teaching position at Waitara High School. I spent three years as a teacher and became the Learning Leader at the start of 2018. My favourite person in the whole world is my niece Jana (pictured on the left). If you need to contact me, my email address is sbr@waitarahs.school.nz.

Hillary Knowles

I started teaching in 2004 after studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in English and History at Massey University. I started at Waitara High School on June 1, 2005 as an English teacher and then became the Head of the English Department in 2013 before becoming the Deputy Principal - Learning in 2018. During my time at Waitara High School, I have also studied towards a Master of Education degree which specialised in teaching teenagers how to read better. My email is hkn@waitarahs.school.nz

Matua Bodger

Kia ora! It is exciting to be back at Waitara High for 2022. I enjoy teaching all aspects of English, particularly anything related to what could be called, Media Studies. And, shock horror, I also enjoy Shakespeare! But, the most fun and rewarding is teaching speeches. The growth in students' confidence can be amazing!

Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.