Our People

Mike Turner - Principal

Kiaora Koutou

I am Mike Turner Principal - Tumuaki of Duntroon School.

This school is a unique place with a committed staff, board of trustees and community all with the common goal of being the 'Best we can be'. Ko te Pai e taea e tatou! Our aim is to improve outcomes for every child that walks through our gate. We live by our school values of RESPECT, CO-OPERATION and INCLUSION, PERSEVERANCE and HONESTY.

When I'm not at Duntroon School I like to spend time with my whanau. I have two daughters, a son and a very supportive partner who is also a teacher. We live in Oamaru which is about 40kms from the school. I also like to play basketball and golf.

miket@duntroon.school.nz

Kate Frear - Senior Teacher - Assistant Principal

My name is Kate Frear and I teach in Ruma Rua with a wonderful vibrant bunch of Year 4-6 students.
I arrived in the Waitaki Valley in the later part of 2020 after teaching in Ashburton for many years to have a career change and support my husband dairying. We both soon realised early on that teaching is my calling so it was out of the overalls and back to the place I love, the classroom.

Duntroon is truly a special place to teach. I love seeing the students strive to be their BEST as well as becoming well rounded students, installed with good values and becoming lifelong learners.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have a teenage daughter, two adult step children and a husband who hopes to improve my golf handicap.

katef@duntroon.school.nz

Jane Simpson - Junior Teacher

My name is Jane Simpson and I have been teaching for 'a number' of years, including three years in Auckland and four years in Western Southland before moving to Duntroon School. I trained as a Reading Recovery teacher when I first moved to Duntroon School. I was incredibly lucky in 2022 to have been offered the opportunity to work with the Canterbury University Team in training and teaching the Better Start Literacy Approach. I feel very privileged to be teaching New Entrants and Year 1 children in Room 4. I find supporting students and their families transitioning into school life is highly rewarding and welcome them to share in what Room 4 has to offer. It is important to offer a supportive and caring learning environment so all children can take risks and feel successful.

I am married to Michael and we have three adult children (and 4 wonderful grandchildren) who we enjoy spending time with.

janem@duntroon.school.nz

Kate Borrie - Senior Teacher

My name is Kate Borrie and I am teaching in Room One with the Year 6, 7 and 8’s. I graduated from the University of Otago in 2021 and have since taught in the North Otago region. I grew up in Papakaio, where I attended Primary School and then on to Waitaki Girls’. I’m passionate about teaching this age group and ensuring all students find success.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, getting outside for a walk and being involved in sport. I like reading, baking and cooking too.

kateb@duntroon.school.nz

Rebecca McNeill - Junior Teacher

My name is Rebecca McNeill and I began teaching year 2/3 students at Duntroon School in 2023. In 2022 I graduated from the University of Otago, completing my Bachelor of teaching in Primary Education. I grew up in Oamaru and have thoroughly enjoyed growing up and coming back to the North Otago region.

When I am not at school, I love cooking, baking, playing some social sport, spending time with friends and family and enjoying the outdoors with my dog, Gus. I am passionate about teaching and giving every child an equitable opportunity to succeed in all curriculum areas.

rebeccam@duntroon.school.nz

Nellie Milmine - Release Teacher