PRINCIPAL
Shameen Hayat
PRINCIPAL
Kia ora koutou, I was born and brought up in the UK. A range of amazing teachers from my South London Secondary School sparked my interest and love of teaching. After gaining a History and Economics degree at the University of London (SOAS), I emigrated to New Zealand in 1997. In 1998 began my teaching career at Onehunga High School as a trainee teacher with a ten week practicum. In 2021 I gained my Masters in Educational Leadership from Auckland University, returning to OHS in 2023 as Principal.
I have held a number of teaching and leadership positions at a range of schools: St Peters’ College, Selwyn College, Mount Albert Grammar and UK schools. Originally a History, Economics and Social Science teacher, I went on to hold a number of Leadership Positions, including Leading the Mount Albert Kāhui Ako (10 Primary / Secondary Schools and 14 Early Education Centres).
Returning to OHS as Principal has been a privilege. The students impress me every day. Their integrity, empathy, creativity and determination to reach their aspirations is admirable. Our teachers go the extra mile for learners - their ability to build strong relationships and progress the learning in a high expectation culture is remarkable.
In 2024, OHS experienced its greatest number of in zone enrolments in the last decade. Your local school should be a great school, leaving you in no doubt that it is the school of choice. The future of OHS continues to be bright and I am proud to lead the school as we take it to the next level.
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Gareth Leadbeater
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Kia ora,
I come from a family of teachers, all of whom I looked up to growing up in New Zealand. I completed a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education at Otago University before completing my teacher training at the Auckland Teachers College. A keen sportsman, teaching Physical Education was the perfect way of combining my love of sport and passion for Education. More recently I have completed my Masters of Educational Leadership through the University of Auckland.
Our school marae Te Haerenga, symbolises the learning journey that is central to the identity of Onehunga High School. I believe that everyone has the capacity to learn and grow. What is important is finding the pathway that is right for each individual, so they are engaged and drive their own learning. I believe that Onehunga High School is a special place that provides an environment that is safe and inclusive, allowing students and staff to not only showcase their skills and abilities, but also it encourages collaboration and ideas that promote new learning, knowledge and leadership.
It is a privilege to work at Onehunga High School as part of the Senior Leadership Team supporting both staff and students to ensure that the school changes and evolves, continuing to keep pace and being responsive to the needs of all akōnga. Providing them with the capabilities and skills to be successful in a modern, continually changing world.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Bex Muipu
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Greetings, Kia ora and Talofa lava. Originating from the village of Gataivai on the island of Savaii in Samoa. I relocated to New Zealand at the age of 14, an enriching experience that acquainted me with the diverse cultural landscape of Aotearoa.
My upbringing was deeply influenced by my parents, both educators, whose profound dedication to their students served as my foremost inspiration.
My academic journey led me to pursue a Bachelor of Social Studies with a major in Geography and a minor in Mathematics at Waikato University. Following this, I attained a postgraduate diploma in Secondary Teaching in 2014. My professional career started at Rangitoto College, New Zealand's largest school, where I taught Mathematics while concurrently serving as the Māori and Pasifika kairuruku, fostering cultural pride and diversity amongst students. This involves organizing a Māori and Pasifika awards ceremony, a highlight aimed at celebrating student achievements alongside their families at the end of the year.
In 2019, I transitioned to Onehunga High School. Embracing the school's rich diversity, I found immense fulfilment in witnessing the vast potential of our students. Having held a number of middle leadership roles, in the third term of 2023, I assumed the role of Deputy Principal, a platform through which I endeavour to serve and uplift our students, school and wider community.
My responsibilities encompass various portfolios, including: junior school academic timetabling, Student Leadership and Pasifika committee. I have oversight of the Year 11 cohort., Maths, Arts, and Performing Arts Learning Areas.
I strongly believe the students at OHS have great potential and teaching is such an important job as we have the power to make a difference in our akonga’s future.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Ceri Cheshire
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Kia ora,
I have always been passionate about teaching, having been inspired by my teachers, my brother, who is also in education, and my parents who encouraged us to work hard and follow our dreams. I am originally from the UK and my journey started at the University of Leeds where I was awarded a Degree in Physical Education and Geography, I then moved to Manchester where I completed and was awarded my Post Graduate in Secondary Teaching.
My teaching journey started in the UK in 2000, teaching at a local school to where I grew up. After six years my future husband and I decided we would go on our own adventure and moved to the other side of the world to Aotearoa. In 2007 my OHS journey began, teaching PE and Health. Our Marae, Te Haerenga, really resonated with me when I first arrived at OHS and still does to this day, as it symbolises the journey that I am on with my whānau but also the journey of all our ākonga. Over the years I have taken on different roles within OHS, which have led me to my current position of Deputy Principal, a position I am proud to hold.
I am passionate about education, providing opportunities for all ākonga to achieve is fundamental to this. Having, and encouraging, high expectations is the foundation for personal development.
Part of my portfolio is NCEA achievement and tracking our ākonga towards their level of study. Having a mindset that everyone can achieve is vital, and ensuring we are supporting our ākonga to realise their potential is essential in their overall achievement and development. Part of what we do here at OHS is creating opportunities for students to experience success, so that when our ākonga leave at the end of Year 13, they leave as the best versions of themselves. OHS is an amazing school with outstanding ākonga, they have exciting futures ahead, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Aubrey Mason
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka, Ni hao, Konichiwa, and greetings to you all. Originally from Te Tairawhiti, Gisborne, I trained as a teacher at Auckland University after completing my MA (Hons) in English. In doing so, I fulfilled a dream that had its tender beginnings all those years ago in my grandfather’s garage. I can still see that pint-sized version of me using the blackboard my grandfather created to teach my ‘lessons.’ To still be living my dream, after all these years, is simply awesome.
My teaching career began in 2020 at Southern Cross Campus in Mangere. Since then, I’ve held various leadership positions throughout my career; Head of Department, House Leader, and Dean. In 2011, I became Head of Faculty of English at Mount Albert Grammar School. In the third term of 2023, I accepted the role of Deputy Principal at Onehunga High School. I am really proud to be able to serve my local school.
One of my main portfolios is that of Teaching and Learning, specifically, the development of effective pedagogy across the school. Helping teachers hone their craft and creating professional development programmes to support them in their teaching journey is incredibly rewarding. I also have oversight of the Year 9 Cohort. It is important to me that our Year 9 students are well-rounded individuals who exemplify our values of integrity, resilience, excellence, and respect. I work to ensure they develop positive connections across the school, and have a healthy attitude towards completing their assessments to the best of their ability. By the time they leave us, I want our year 9 students to have the power of choice, and the qualifications to support their choices and dreams.
I love working at Onehunga High School. Our school is a place where students are at the centre of what we do. It’s a place where teachers and support staff are dedicated and hard working. It’s a place of high expectations, underpinned by an unfailing belief in the ability of our students to excel. Thank you for choosing to send your children here, and for trusting us with their academic and pastoral care.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Adam Simpson
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Kia ora,
After pursuing a variety of jobs I retrained as a teacher 20 years ago. My educational journey started as a Dean, through to the Head of Social Sciences and then to Deputy Principal. I joined Onehunga High School mid-year of 2023 and my portfolio includes pastoral care, attendance and sport.
I am passionate about the wellbeing of our students. The link between wellbeing and positive educational and life outcomes is undeniable. Students need to feel safe and connected to flourish.
I strongly believe that extra-curricular activities have huge benefits for staff, students and the wider school community. These activities provide a strong connection to the school, inform and enhance school pride and are an integral part of a holistic education.