Meet Our People
Our staff
The nature and size of Burnside High School means that we have specialised staff, in key roles, to look after the needs of every individual in our care.
Within our divisional structure our deans, counsellors and senior leaders are the key personnel in managing day to day issues.
Behind that we have a dedicated and talented team of specialist subject teachers and support staff to guide the education of our students.
Senior Leadership Team
Scott Haines
Principal / Tumuaki
principal@burnside.school.nz
Scott Haines is the Principal of Burnside High School, having taken over the helm in 2023. He brings significant leadership experience to the role, having worked as a Principal since 2009. Scott previously served as Principal of Waimea College in Nelson – his third principalship.
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Scott is a nationally respected educational leader and currently serves as Vice President of the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ). He is also the President of the SPANZ Union, where he advocates for the voice and wellbeing of secondary school principals across the country.
Throughout his career, Scott has worked consistently to foster high-quality teaching and learning, promote student wellbeing, and build strong, future-focused school communities.
As Principal, Scott is deeply committed to upholding Burnside High School’s vision of fostering individual excellence in a supportive learning environment, ensuring that each student receives the personalised guidance and opportunities they need to discover and develop their unique strengths and talents. His leadership is marked by a collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and a passion for equity and excellence in education.
Scott continues to contribute to national conversations around education. He currently holds an appointment as a member of the NCEA Professional Advisory Group and has previously served as an Expert Panel Member for Prime Minister’s Awards for Educational Achievement and a member of the Regional Ministerial Cross Sector Forum on Raising Student Achievement.
Scott supports the Burnside community as a Justice of the Peace while leading Burnside High School into its next phase of growth and innovation. When not at school he enjoys hunting, fishing, tramping and spending time with his family.
Andrea Magson
Associate Principal / Kaihautu
BSc (Hons) PGCE MA(Ed)
principal@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Andrea Magson is the Associate Principal at Burnside High School. She works across the whole school in a leadership capacity alongside the school principal.
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Originally from the UK, Andrea trained as a science teacher and previously worked as a senior lecturer in science education at Portsmouth University, England, training and educating a large number of teachers.
In 2006, Andrea moved with her family to New Zealand. She subsequently took on roles within the science teaching community before moving into school management within Ashburton College, where she led for seven years. Andrea joined Burnside High School in 2018 as the schools second principal with a focus on the school curriculum and daily running of the school.
Mr Alan Robertson
Te Huinga Wai Senior Division Principal
rt@burnside.school.nz
Mr Alan Robertson is Deputy Principal of Te Huinga Wai Senior Division, where he is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment. As part of the senior leadership team, Alan contributes to the strategic development and smooth operation of Burnside High School.
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Alan brings a wealth of experience in education, with a background in science, and is known for his calm leadership style, commitment to student wellbeing, and focus on continuous school improvement.
Throughout his career, Alan has worked to ensure that every student at Burnside High School is supported to achieve their personal best. Alan has a particular focus on achievement and preparing our senior students for their time after Burnside High School.
Mr Darryn Findlay
Te Puna Raki North Division Principal
fi@burnside.school.nz
Mr Darryn Findlay is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Raki North Division. Darryn joined Burnside High School in 2004 as a physical education teacher and as the Teacher in Charge of Outdoor Education.
Darryn holds a Degree in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma in Education. With a deep commitment to student achievement, leadership, and educational excellence, he plays an integral role in both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the school.
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He is passionate about engaging students in their learning and ensuring students have opportunities to connect with their cultural identity during their time at Burnside High School. Darryn has been actively involved in several major Pasifika productions, reflecting his dedication to cultural inclusion and student voice.
A keen rugby supporter, Darryn is also an experienced coach and advocate for the sport. Outside of school, he enjoys an active lifestyle and spends his free time hunting and exploring the outdoors.
Miss Suzanne Baldwin
Te Puna Tonga South Division Principal
bi@burnside.school.nz
Miss Suzanne Baldwin is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Tonga South Division. Her specialism is teaching and learning, professional learning and curriculum development.
Suzanne joined Burnside High School in 2012 as the Head of Faculty for Social Sciences, following an accomplished teaching career in the Social Sciences across New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
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A graduate from the University of Canterbury, Suzanne holds a Master of Arts with honours in Geography, a Master of Education with Distinction endorsed in Leadership, and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
Passionate about teaching and learning and curriculum innovation, Suzanne has worked with government agencies to shape and refine the national curriculum in geography and social studies, ensuring its relevance and alignment with New Zealand’s educational context.
Suzanne is currently one of the Co-Lead Principals of the Waimairi-iri Kāhui Ako, a role that includes working in close collaboration with other local schools in our area. In recognition of her contributions to the field of geography teaching and curriculum development, Suzanne has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award from the New Zealand Geographical Society.
Ms Sally-Ann Goodman
Te Puna Uru West Division Principal
gds@burnside.school.nz
Ms Sally-Ann Goodman is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Uru West Division. With a strong commitment to student wellbeing, inclusive education, and academic achievement, Sally-Ann plays a key role in the leadership team at Burnside High School.
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She brings a wealth of experience in education and school leadership, and is known for her thoughtful, student-centred approach. Sally-Ann is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where all students can thrive—both in their learning and personal development.
In her leadership role, Sally-Ann focuses on building strong relationships with students, staff, and whānau, and supporting systems that promote equity, engagement, and success across the school community.
Mrs Ali Leatherland
Business Manager / Te Tumu Tahua
lta@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Ali Leatherland is the Business Manager at Burnside High School, where she plays a vital role in overseeing the school’s financial and operational management. With a strong background in business administration Ali ensures the effective and efficient use of resources to support the school’s educational goals.
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Her responsibilities span finance, compliance, and support services, contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of one of New Zealand’s largest secondary schools.
Ali works closely with the senior leadership team, staff, and external partners to maintain high standards of service and to help create a safe, well-resourced, and future-focused learning environment for all students and staff.
Deans
Senior Division
Mr Dale Deavoll
Senior Dean, Te Huinga Wai Senior Division
dvd@burnside.school.nz
Ms Penny Olds
Senior Dean, Te Huinga Wai Senior Division
os@burnside.school.nz
North Division
Mrs Carol Veatupu
Head Dean, Te Puna Raki North Division
vt@burnside.school.nz
Mr Jon Land
Junior Dean, Te Puna Raki North Division (Year 10)
lj@burnside.school.nz
Ms Renee Hiku
Junior Dean, Te Puna Raki North Division (Year 9)
hkr@burnside.school.nz
South Division
Mrs Karen Aburn
Head Dean, Te Puna Tonga South Division
ab@burnside.school.nz
Mr Scott Johnston
Junior Dean, Te Puna Tonga South Division (Year 10)
jhs@burnside.school.nz
Miss Claire Barker
Junior Dean, Te Puna Tonga South Division (Year 9)
bk@burnside.school.nz
West Division
Mrs Karen Hunt
Head Dean, Te Puna Uru West Division
hk@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Amanda Keith
Junior Dean, Te Puna Uru West Division (Year 10)
kta@burnside.school.nz
Mr Marc McKee
Junior Dean, Te Puna Uru West Division (Year 9)
mcm@burnside.school.nz
Counsellors
Mr Geoff King
Head of Department and Te Puna Uru Counsellor
kgg@burnside.school.nz
Ms Amanda Gillespie
Te Puna Raki North Division Counsellor
gsa@burnside.school.nz
Miss Kelsey Pitcher (Monday to Thursday)
Te Puna Tonga South Division Counsellors
Ptk@burnside.school.nz
Ms Fiona Joice (Friday)
Intern – Te Puna Tonga South Division Counsellors
cjcf@burnside.school.nz
Mr Jason Rees
Te Huinga Wai Senior Division Counsellor
rsj@burnside.school.nz
Ms Lara Grocott
Across Divisional Counsellor
grl@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Janelle Hook
Intern Counsellor
Heads of Faculty
Ms Vanessa Sandes
Creative Arts
sdv@burnside.school.nz
Ms Julia Johnston
English
jjn@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Olivia Wells
Health and Physical Education
wlo@burnside.school.nz
Mr Matt Crosby
Languages
crm@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Sandra Pooch
Mathematics
pcs@burnside.school.nz
Miss Rebecca O’Loughlin
Science
olr@burnside.school.nz
Mr Callum Green
Social Sciences
grc@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Rachaelle Stidder
Student Support
str@burnside.school.nz
Mr John Creighton
Technology
czj@burnside.school.nz
Ms Lizzy Harrison
English as a Second Language
hz@burnside.school.nz
International staff
Mr Craig Rosengrave
International student director
rsc@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Sue Warnock
International student administrator
was@burnside.school.nz
Ms Stella Liu
International Chinese Marketing Coordinator
lis@burnside.school.nz
Ms Yiting Yu
International Accommodation Coordinator
yuy@burnside.school.nz
Careers staff
Mrs Ruth Knights
Head of Department
kgr@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Karen Healey
Career Development Teacher
hlk@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Sally McKinnon
Careers Administrator
mis@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Katrina Menzies
Employment Skills and Gateway
mnk@burnside.school.nz
Support staff
Mrs Adrienne Noon
Communications and Marketing
nna@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Kate Velenski
Database Administrator
vlk@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Bernadette Shaw
Enrolment Officer
shawb@burnside.school.nz
Ms Helen Moore
First Aid Officer
mrh@burnside.school.nz
Miss Louise Simons
Library Manager
sml@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Bronwyn Smales
Office Manager
admin@burnside.school.nz
Mr Barry McKenzie
Property and Facilities
mkb@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Darlene Sutton
Qualifications and Assessments
snd@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Rozz Guillemot
Sports Coordinator
glr@burnside.school.nz
Mrs Tracy Taylor
Sports Coordinator
taylort@burnside.school.nz
