Posts in College
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
Emma Alldridge
Emma Alldridge

Masters in Interior Architecture and a PGCE (Post graduate Certificate in Education) specialising in Design and Technology

I worked as an Interior architect in the UK designing houses and shops before retraining as a Design and Technology teacher in secondary schools and universities. My family and I have just recently moved to NZ and we are all enjoying Horizon School!

I am really loving teaching the Year 7-8 students alongside an awesome team. Horizon has a wonderful culture of love and encouragement where we can all thrive as learners together. I feel very blessed to be part of such a unique school.

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College, College TabGuest UserTeacher Year 7-8, Textiles Year 7-8
Stephanie Beck
Stephanie Beck

Bachelor of Visual Arts (Photography), Cambridge English Language Teaching for Adults (CELTA) Certificate, Graduate Certificate in Theology, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)

I am from a multicultural, multilingual family - half Kiwi, half German, and raised mostly in Morocco. Since coming to New Zealand 10 years ago, I have fallen in love with its landscapes and its resourceful, laidback people. I have a passion for learning and scaffolding others to grow into their potential.

My experiences growing up in cross-cultural contexts and in leadership, and my work at Camp Columba - organising and running children's camps and programmes; leadership training and development; entry-level adventure activity instructing; facilitating groups have provided a great foundation for my teaching practice.

I am enjoying my journey at Horizon this year in the Voyagers' (Years 7-8) space, as the formation teacher for Awa.

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College Tab, CollegeGuest UserTeacher Year 7-8, Art Year 7-8
Paul Dawson
Paul Dawson

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Masters Degree in Business Administration, Graduate Diploma in Teaching

After 15 years in business management I have transitioned to teaching. I worked as Vice President of Operations for a non-profit company in Southern California for 8 years. We provided outdoor science camps to children. I worked for other non-profits after that until coming to New Zealand in 2019.

At Horizon, I teach Maths and Formation.

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College, College TabGuest UserMathematics Year 7-9
Adrien Alldridge
Adrien Alldridge

Masters in Geography, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

I have recently returned to teaching having spent the last 20 years in church leadership, first as a Youth Pastor and most recently as Lead Pastor of a church my wife and I started in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England.

I’m really excited to be back teaching, and am enjoying trying to get the very best out of the Year 9 and 10 students in the College. I love to encourage and empower people in the hope that they can flourish and thrive. My wife is on staff here and our 3 children attend the school as well, so our whole family are at Horizon, and we all love the very special culture and community here.

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College, College TabGuest UserTeacher Year 9-10
Sarah Welch
Sarah Welch

Bachelor of Science (Biology), Bachelor of Arts (History), Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education

Originally from Snells Beach, I spent time in Wellington for University and South Auckland where I taught for 7 years. In 2017 I returned to Snells Beach with my husband and two daughters.

Anyone who knows me knows that I just love teaching. My dream was always to become a Secondary teacher and I can’t imagine that I will ever do anything else. It is an amazing feeling when you see a student have an “ah-ha” moment when a concept falls into place.

I love that Horizon truly cares about the individual - both students and staff.

Following and exploring your passions is encouraged, students take ownership of their lifelong learning journey and are taught the life skills to be able to make a real difference in the world.

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College, College Tab, Board of TrusteesPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 11, Science Year 9-11, Board of Trustees Teacher Representative
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
Ursula Christel
Ursula Christel

BA Fine Art/Art History, Diploma in Education

I began my teaching career in South Africa as an enthusiastic 21yr old, teaching Art and Art History in several large schools in the public and private sector – with a brief return to uni to complete a year of Architecture.

After moving to New Zealand in 1996, I became a stay-at-home mum, raising three wonderful sons. My middle son has a rare neurogenetic condition (Angelman syndrome) and requires 24/7 care. This immersed me into the enriching but complex world of disability. To balance my role as a parent-caregiver I worked on a wide range of small, freelance projects - as a practicing artist, writer, set designer, tutor and a disability & inclusion advocate.

I am thrilled to be returning to teaching this year - to share my passion for Art and creativity with the students and the wider school community. I really appreciate the integrated, holistic and inclusive approach to education at Horizon School and look forward to getting to know the students. I am based in the College, teaching Art and DVC in the Enriched programme.

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College Tab, CollegeGuest UserArt Year 9-11
Abigail Sanford
Abigail Sanford

Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Educational Psychology and minoring in Developmental Studies), (currently completing Masters in Ed. Dev. Psychology

Kia Ora! Ko Abi Toku ingoa. I was born and raised in New Zealand and I am pursuing my dream of becoming an Educational Psychologist.

I love championing young people and I’ve found my sweet spot for the time being, as a teacher aide at Horizon School where my role consists of supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping students to create meaningful connections within their learning and in relationships with others.

The environment at Horizon is inclusive, supportive and empathetic towards learners from all different walks of life and I feel truly lucky to be able to participate in such a rich learning environment. How wonderful it is that we all get to learn from each other!

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College, College Tab, Student SupportGuest UserTeacher Aide