Great Prizes up for grabs. Check out the Science Fair topics and start your project today!

The Science faculty @ Waitara High School aims to develop the following skills and ideas with all of you, our students at all levels of learning;

A feeling of enthusiasm for any form of Pūtaiao/Science, including Mātauranga Māori
A desire to question and learn both now and in your futures, so you are active and inspired lifelong learners of Science.
Practical skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations so you feel a sense of belonging and self-belief when working in the laboratory or other Science setting.
Skills, both practical and literate, necessary for living in an ever changing world.

Dark Green Modern Animated Lets Study Science Instagram Reels Video.mp4

About Us

The Science department @ Waitara High School is made up of a bunch of enthusiastic and supportive staff including;

Ms Kirsten Keighley

I grew up in Ahititi on a small Dairy farm, my awa is Tongaporutu, my maunga is Taranaki. My kura was Waitara High School. I then headed off to Victoria University in Wellington to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science before completing my Graduate Secondary teaching diploma. I have since returned to my high school and have been teaching here since 2008. During this time I have had time away to live and travel in the UK & Europe, parts of Asia and a year away on maternity leave. I teach junior Science, year 11 Science, Senior Biology .

Learning leader of Science

Contact: kke@waitarahs.school.nz

Room: F3, C1, F1

Mr Gus Berghan

I have taught Science and Agriculture at Waitara High School for a long time. My wife Helen is the Groundsperson, and we have three grown up children, Reuben, Lenny and Rose. I get really excited when our science classes can record observations and measurements in our local environment and compare them to previous results. I also feel lucky to have a small school farm to teach students about sheep, milking and fencing. Most of my spare time, I am at the Clifton Rowing Club on the Waitara River.

TIC Agriculture & School Farm

Contact: gbe@waitarahs.school.nz

Room: F1

Mrs Sangeeta Chaudhari

I have been working in Taranaki schools for the last 22 years with a brief stint at Geraldine High School and the Ministry of Education. I am an ethnic Indian who grew up in the city of Mumbai, married to Arun with two daughters Nikita and Vinati. I enjoy seeing my students apply the concepts of science to everyday life situations and relevant to relevant happenings. My goal is always to develop a great working relationship with my students.

TIC Physics

Contact: sch@waitarahs.school.nz

Room: F2, F3, F1, C1,

Mr Thomas Lyu

I originally come from a lovely snowy coastal city in China. I came to Aotearoa during secondary school and finished my schooling in Auckland. I have a Bachelor's degree in Science and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Auckland. My teaching journey started in 2020 and I have been enjoying teaching at Waitara High School since then. I hope to make my students get excited about Science and feel confident about taking in further challenges in Science related fields.

TIC Chemistry

Contact: tly@waitarahs.school.nz

Room: F2, F3

Ms Lisa Dohig - Foundation Science Teacher

I was born and bred in New Plymouth - I have one brother, a partner and three grown up daughters. I love camping, growing vegetables and playing music. I worked as a gardener and a kitchen hand before going to Auckland University and Christchurch Teachers College to become a science teacher. After having kids I worked as a foundation science and maths teacher at WITT. I started working at Waitara High School in 2019. My email address is ldo@waitarahs.school.nz

Mrs Petronela Hooker - Lab Technician

Tips to using our google site;

Throughout our site you may find the following symbols which will help give you an idea of what you are being asked to do.

👉 Follow it (Task)

💭 Think about it (Brainstorm)

💬 Discuss it

✍ Write it

👀 Watch it

📚 Read it

✋ Do it (Hands on/Experiment)

Page updated

Report abuse