Posts in Primary
Tina Utting-Johnson
Tina Utting-Johnson

I originally trained as an ICT and English Teacher in Leeds, England in 2001. I moved back to my home country of Wales after my first two years of teaching and taught there until 2018, at a number of different schools and in a range of different roles before moving to New Zealand. During that time my main focus was leading IT based connected classroom innovations. I have a passion for future focussed learning - something Horizon school does so well! Having spent all of my career in 7 - 13 settings I am loving the challenge of connecting more with younger students and working to connect their learning all the way through their school experience.

My family - My husband Roushan, our two sons, Dylan (18) and Brody (6) and I - firstly came to Auckland, where I taught Computer Science at Macleans College and held the role of Director of Digital Learning. Originally on work visas, we decided to travel as much as we could before heading home. After two years, we headed to the South Island to Marlborough Girls, where I took up the role of Deputy Principal. After a year, we decided to apply for residency and moved to Christchurch and I was appointed as Deputy Principal of Catholic Cathedral College.

Teaching is a family business - Roushan is a teacher of Maths & Physics and Dylan is about to study Māori and Statistics for Education at the University of Canterbury. Brody is in year 2 at Horizon school and I feel very lucky to have him experience the Christian education provided by the wonderful staff of our kura and be present daily in his learning with him.

Tina Utting-Johnson, Principal

PGDip ICT in Education, PGDip Education Leadership, PGCE ICT & English, BA (HONS) Business Information Management

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College, Primary, Management Team, Board of TrusteesPhil HoughtonPrincipal
Simon Bartlett
Simon Bartlett

Bachelor of Teaching - Waikato University, Certificate of Business Studies

During my 20 years in education, I have worked as a classroom teacher in New Zealand and internationally. I have spent three years in a specialist role across five schools in South Auckland as a learning needs and behavioural teacher. In 2018 I was employed at a special needs school in the Waikato teaching students with a wide variety of special learning needs.

I believe that strong relationships and a holistic approach celebrating the individual characteristics of every learner are the foundation for our Horizon community to ensure every student feels successful and starts their personal journey to reaching their full potential. With my responsibility of differentiation school-wide I will be endeavouring to ensure every student has the support and inspiring environment to become a happy and successful learner. I also oversee the technology team, coding and robotics.

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Management Team, Primary, Junior Primary, Senior Primary, Student Supportwww.creed.nzDeputy Principal Primary, Differentiation School Wide, Teacher Year 4-5
Robin Fraser
Robin Fraser

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

I grew up in the small town of Ngatea but have been living in Auckland for the last 7 years. I have completed a Bachelor of Teaching at Laidlaw College alongside working at Kelly Club/Sports and Aspiring Leaders' Forum.

Having a strong connection and relationship with students is at the core of my teaching practice. Creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, warm, where students know they are loved and that is an inclusive space for all children, is what brings me immense joy.

Something important to me is a strong sense of community, which I have come to prioritise, and this is a large reason that I love being at Horizon School.

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Junior Primary, PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 0-2
Vanessa Holdsworth
Vanessa Holdsworth

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

My family and I moved to New Zealand 7 years ago believing strongly that God had called us to this beautiful country. I have been teaching for over twenty years.

I love teaching and working with the students. I am very open to new and exciting learning experiences and together with my students engage in real life learning on a daily basis.

​Teaching at Horizon school is a privilege. The management and especially our Principal Helen Pearson are very supportive and encourage fresh ideas and innovation. This makes for a dynamic place to work. The sense of family and belonging add to this special place.

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Primary, Junior PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 0-2
Allyson Peddle
Allyson Peddle

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

My family and I live on a farm in the Omaha area. I have 2 teenage daughters and my husband is a farm manager.

I am a primary school teacher and have taught in a variety of schools for almost 20 years. My passion is to make each pupil feel important.

I feel blessed to be working here at Horizon, as I really enjoy interacting with children, and to be a part of this staff who are so passionate about what they do.

I also look after our school library and am privileged to be working with a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers.

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Primary, Junior PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 3-4
Toni Waddell
Toni Waddell

Higher National Diploma Civil Engineering, BSc (Hons) Ocean Science, PGCE Primary Education

After gaining an HND in Civil Engineering and degree in Ocean Science I was employed in the construction industry for 7 years. My roles included working on some of the largest motorways in the UK. With family in mind, I retrained as a primary school teacher in 1999/2000 and moved to NZ in 2006.

I love working with children and have a particular interest in Special Educational Needs. I feel extremely fortunate to work at Horizon School and have been made to feel a valued team member by all the staff. The school has a caring, supportive and inclusive nature and provides a wonderful environment in which children and adults can learn and grow.

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Junior Primary, PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 3-4
Letitia Fourie
Letitia Fourie

My husband and I moved to New Zealand 3 years ago from South Africa and I have been a Teacher Aide whilst also completing my BA(Education).

I believe that this is where God wants me as He has given me a heart for children. I love seeing when the ‘light’ comes on as students start to understand something that you have helped them with and seeing how they grow as a person and become wonderful children of God.

What I like about Horizon is that it is a place where we can all, teachers and students, grow spiritually, emotionally and educationally. We all believe in life-long learning and that we are never too young or old to learn something new.

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Primary, Senior PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 5-6
Suzanne Zaisluik
Suzanne Zaisluik

Bachelor Science in Computer Networking, Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Teaching, Post Graduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning.

Kia ora, I am Suzanne Zaisluik and this year I am teaching the lovely Year 5/6 in Room 10. I arrived in Aotearoa, from Scotland, in 2007 and taught at a Catholic School on the North Shore since my arrival. I completed a Post Grad in Primary teaching in 2006 and have since completed a Post Grad in Digital & Collaborative Learning. I have an interest in using digital technologies, as a tool, to enable our children to challenge themselves to lead their own learning, and my position to facilitate that learning, developing the skills needed by the children to succeed in this digital age, utilising their strengths and learning styles.

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Senior Primary, PrimaryGuest UserTeacher Year 5-6
June Port
June Port

Trained Teachers Certificate

It is my pleasure to fill the role of SENCO (Special Education Coordinator) at Horizon. What could be better than having a part in enabling learners to meet their potential?

After many years working in adult education and in various capacities with children I joined Horizon School as an office administrator. In the spirit of lifelong learning I went on to train as a Reading Recovery Teacher and then undertook training as a SENCO.

My time here is an example of our belief It is never too late to learn new things and to become more of what you were made to be.

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Primary, Student Support, Junior Primary, Senior PrimaryPhil HoughtonSpecial Education Needs Coordinator
Gael Adamson
Gael Adamson

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Originally from Scotland, I moved to New Zealand eighteen years ago with my husband and two children. I have fourteen years of classroom experience across all year levels. I am the Learning Support Coordinator working part time at Horizon School.

I love learning and enjoy finding new ways to excite students about their learning. I enjoy working with my colleagues for the best outcomes for students, being able to share our knowledge and work as a team. I am passionate about making a difference and supporting students to go beyond their expectations.

The staff at Horizon are dynamic, enthusiastic, passionate and best of all inclusive. I am so fortunate to feel welcomed and fully supported in my role.

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College, Primary, Student SupportPhil HoughtonLearning Support Coordinator
Michelle Diprose
Michelle Diprose

Diploma in Primary Teaching, Certificate in Life Coaching

I moved into this community 18 years ago with my family to assist in running an Alternative Education program in the Rodney area.

With my primary school training and life coach training, I am now the wellness coach here at Horizon School part time. I strongly believe in the importance of creating a place of belonging for the students, where there’s a connection, safety and can be fully present, allowing them to be vulnerable to try things, be curious about the world around them and grow in confidence. I love seeing the students come alive and share with other students their talents and kindness.

At Horizon School the teachers care for the whole person, the Te Whare Tapa Wha, the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of students.

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College, Primary, Student SupportPhil HoughtonWellness Coach
Anne Cash
Anne Cash

Masters in Paediatric Nursing

Originally a paediatric nurse, I have recently discovered teacher aiding and found that I love it! I really enjoy building relationships with students and working as part of a team with an awesome bunch of people. There is such satisfaction in seeing the kids thrive.

I feel very lucky to be working at Horizon. There is an incredible feeling of love and support at the school. It really is a very special place.

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Junior Primary, Primary, Student SupportPhil HoughtonTeacher Aide