Our Staff | ACG Strathallan

Our Professional, Dedicated and Passionate Teachers

Committed teachers are vital to children's positive learning engagement and to a successful education. This is why, at ACG Strathallan, all our teachers and staff members are carefully selected to ensure the best results.

In Preschool, dedicated and qualified educators hold or are working towards early childhood qualifications, including a Diploma of Teaching (ECE), Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and teacher registration.

In Primary and College, ACG Strathallan teaching staff are experienced and specialist in their subject fields and benefit from our effective appraisal and development programmes.

All our teachers at ACG Strathallan provide each child with the highest standard of care and education. They actively engage in continuous professional development to remain updated on the latest theories, policies, and best practices in education.

Specialist Teaching

Being taught by a specialist teacher from an early age has tangible benefits for students.

From the age of 5, students at ACG Strathallan gain an advantage as they leave their main classroom to receive specialist subject teaching in visual art, music, physical education, health, science, and Mandarin.

As they advance through the years, the range of subjects increases until, by Years 7 and 8, English, mathematics, social science, art, computer science, Spanish, and design & technology are all on offer.

Students between Years 7-10 benefit the most, as the depth of understanding and access to a wealth of information that a specialist teacher can offer, maximise engagement and enjoyment across all subjects. As a result, the students gain a much better understanding of the knowledge and skills required in each respective subject discipline; something which benefits them enormously when they move into their College years.

Senior Leadership Team

Danny O'Connor

Executive Principal

B.Ed., Dip.Ed., M.Ed

Originally from South Auckland, O’Connor began teaching at St Peters College in Epsom before moving to the United Kingdom and then Hong Kong. He joined UWCSEA Dover Campus in Singapore in 2011, where he was responsible for 1,300 high school students and 140 staff.

O’Connor has a master’s degree in educational administration and management from the University of Hong Kong and is an accomplished sportsman who enjoys swimming, cycling and rugby.

He represented Auckland in track cycling and played international rugby for Hong Kong.

Michael Balchin

Deputy Principal

B.Sc., B.Eng. (Hons), Dip.Ed. (Sec)

Michael grew up in Papakura. After studying Science and Engineering at Auckland University, Michael worked as a civil engineer in New Zealand and the UK. He started his teaching career at Macleans College, teaching mathematics.

Since joining the school in 2002, Michael has held the positions of Faculty Co-ordinator (mathematics), Senior Dean, Assistant Principal and was appointed Deputy Principal in 2008.

Michael lives in the Franklin area, is married and has two children, both of which attended ACG Strathallan.

Chay Carter

Deputy Principal

MSSL, B.A, Grad.Dip.Tchg (Sec)

Chay Carter is dedicated to pastoral care and student wellbeing. Her passion for transforming young lives has driven her 25-plus-year career in education.

Chay’s career began in 1998, working at top Auckland schools. She held positions such as Specialist Classroom Teacher at Mount Albert Grammar, Director of English at Avondale College, and Deputy Principal at St Kentigern. Before joining ACG, she was Head of Teaching and Learning for Writer’s Toolbox, while pursuing a Master of Secondary School Leadership.

At ACG Strathallan, Chay oversees pastoral care, student wellbeing, and teaches IGCSE English.

Katherine Greenley

Assistant Principal

Ph.D., P.G.C.E, B.Sc.(Hons), Dip.Phys., Dip.Geosci

During her 13-year tenure at ACG Strathallan, Katherine has inspired students in her chemistry and physics classes, supported them as a Year 12 and Year 13 Dean, and now focuses on professional learning and school operations as Assistant Principal.

Katherine holds a PhD in chemistry and has over two decades of teaching experience. In her role as Assistant Principal, she oversees professional development, supports new teachers, organizes school trips and House competitions, and continues to teach senior chemistry and physics classes.

Throughout her career, Katherine has published academic papers and served as Head of Chemistry at a top UK grammar school. Her proudest accomplishment is helping students overcome barriers to success and watching them thrive. She finds immense joy in seeing students gain confidence and succeed, especially those who once struggled.

Kristie Thomas

Primary School Principal

B.Ed., Dip.Ed

Based in Pukekohe, Kristie joined ACG Strathallan in 2018. She brings extensive senior management experience in primary schools including three years as Principal of Awhitu District School.

In that time she focused on developing quality individualised learning programmes for students and saw notable rises in student achievement. Before this, she held Deputy and Acting Principal roles over 11 years at Karaka School.

Kristie has a strong background in sport, including multiple New Zealand titles in equestrian and success in dance and aerobics.

Kristie holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching from Massey University.

Angela Lunam

Preschool Manager

B.Ed (ECE)

Angela has been involved in early childhood education for 25 years, with over 14 years of preschool centre management experience. Since joining ACG Strathallan in early 2019, she has focused on providing a warm, nurturing and safe environment where children can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Angela is a firm believer in the importance of developing relationships between teachers and families to support children's learning and wellbeing.

She is married with three boys and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Learn more about how our highly skilled and experienced team will support and encourage your child to reach their full potential.

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