Mr Paul McAvoy
Acting Principal
Te Oko Horoi House
Mr McAvoy joined our school as Deputy Principal having spent four years in the Principal Team of One School Global New Zealand. Although originally from the United Kingdom, prior to arriving in New Zealand Mr McAvoy spent a number of years teaching in South Africa, including five years as Principal of Northwood School in Durban. He has a passion for sport and referees rugby regularly. He has also spent many years playing and coaching chess at a high level. Mr McAvoy oversees Rowing at CHS and focuses on the Strengthening Us portfolio with the SLT.
Mr Mike Cole
Acting Deputy Principal (Strengthening Learning)
Pukeroro House
Mr Cole joined our school as Head of Science in 2021 following biology positions in Auckland at both Green Bay and Massey High School. In 2024 he became Assistant Principal and Principal's Nominee with responsibilities covering NZQA, assessment and learning for both students and teachers. Mr Cole has a passion for improving educational outcomes for all our learners and looking for ways to tailor learning experiences to get the most out of every day at Cambridge High School. Mr Cole, his wife Betty, and their daughter Ruby live out at Roto-O-Rangi.
Mrs Amanda Kraenzlin
Deputy Principal (Strengthening Us)
Parawhau House
Mrs Kraenzlin was born in the Waikato and has been teaching locally for over 18 years. She has held a number of different leadership roles within her educational career, including Head of Faculty, Dean, and Head of House. Amanda is a strong advocate for the Arts, particularly Music. Mrs Kraenzlin, along with her husband and three children enjoy sailing and playing sport.
Mr Marcel Kuijpers
Acting Deputy Principal (Strengthening Culture)
Overall Pastoral Support
Te Koopu Maania House
Mr Kuijpers, originally from The Netherlands, grew up in the town of Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty. During his time at Cambridge High School Mr Kuijpers has held a number of positions including Year 9 Dean, Head of Mathematics and Assistant Principal. He has also been the teacher in charge and a long time coach of Volleyball. Mr Kuijpers and his wife Mandy live out in Roto-O-Rangi with their three daughters.
Mrs Carol Webb
Deputy Principal (Strengthening Learning) - On Leave
Horotiu House
Mrs Webb has been teaching for over 25 years and has experience both in New Zealand and overseas. She joined us from Hamilton Boys’ High School where she was Director of Teaching and Learning. Carol enjoys promoting Cambridge High School’s philosophy of “Excellence and diligence in a supportive environment.”
Mrs Sandra McKinnon
Assistant Principal (Strengthening Us)
Pukeroro House
Mrs McKinnon came to Cambridge High School in 1991 as the Head of Social Sciences. Originally from Auckland she has taught History, English and Social Studies at both Matamata College and Putaruru College. In 2003 she became Assistant Principal with responsibility for the implementation of NCEA and liaison with NZQA. In recent times she has moved into Senior Academic Performance for all students, with a particular focus on those at academic risk. She is also responsible for all course selection processes and is happy to assist any parent or student seeking advice in this area.
Mrs Amy James
Acting Assistant Principal (Strengthening Culture)
Overall Pastoral Support
Te Koo Utu House
Kō Pirongia me Hangawera tōku maunga
Kō Waipa me Waikato tōku awa
Kō Ngati Maniapoto raua kō Ngati Koura he uri o Wairere tōku iwi
Kō Waikato Tainui tōku tangata
Kō Amy tōku ingoa
Amy has been in teaching for over 20 years in a number of schools across the Waikato then joined Cambridge High School in 2024. She is also an experienced Registered Counsellor and has more recently held the role of HOD Guidance in our school. As such, Amy brings an expertise to the team regarding the social, emotional and mental landscape that our young people navigate and the direct connection this has to their wellbeing and success.
Mrs Karyn Porton
Acting Assistant Principal (Strengthening Learning)
Te Koo Utu House
Karyn has been teaching for over 25 years both locally and internationally in China. She joined Cambridge High School in 2018 as the Head of English but has had previous experience as a Dean, the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, and the Staff Representative on the school Board. Karyn lives in Leamington with her husband, Brendon, two daughters, and a golden retriever called Bentley.
Mrs Karlene Verryt
Business Manager
Mrs Verryt is a Chartered Accountant who has worked at both State and State Integrated schools within the Waikato. She has also worked in the philanthropic and commercial property sectors.
Her focus is on the financial and property management of the school to ensure we can offer a safe and innovative learning environment for our staff and students, and ensure we plan for our future growth needs. Mrs Verryt leads the Support Staff team, who play an integral part of operations at CHS. Mrs Verryt and her family are dairy farmers in the Waikato and enjoy all the region has to offer.
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For urgent matters please phone the school on 07 827 5415.
Physical Address:
25 Swayne Road, Cambridge 3434,
New Zealand
Postal Address:
Private Bag 882, Cambridge 3450,
New Zealand
Telephone:
+64 7 827 5415
