Senior Management

Principal

B. Eng (Hons) (Elect). Dip. Tch. (Sec.)

Martin Keast commenced the position of Principal of Hamilton Christian School at the start of Term 1, 2009. Martin was formerly Principal of Hutt Valley Christian School, where he had worked and taught for sixteen years. His specialist subjects are mathematics and science but he has had wide experience across the curriculum as a teacher and in school administration. His previous working experience has also included six years serving in the Navy and ten years as an engineer in the power and telecommunications industries. With a strong commitment to Christ-centred education, Martin says he has a willingness to develop to meet the challenges and demands required by his work. He comments, “I have a demonstrated commitment to Christian education and I want to see Christian schooling show its potential as a genuine and superior alternative to state education.” Martin became a Christian in 1987 and he attends the Aberdeen Reformed Church. He is married to Joanne and the couple has six children in total, three of whom have moved to Hamilton with them and two attending Hamilton Christian School.

Deputy Principal

BA

I arrived in New Zealand in January 2001 with my family and I will never forget the feeling I had as I flew into Auckland and my new country New Zealand. It was so different from Namibia where I grew up and South Africa where I spent some of my time. The rolling green landscape caressed my eyes and it was as if an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me as I knew immediately that God has me and my family moving within his plan for our lives. I grew up in Namibia in a small rural town. The town was located in a relatively wild and unspoiled area where wild animals frequently cross the road and you had to be extremely careful when driving on the road at night. I completed my schooling in Windhoek and then studied in Stellenbosch and Bloemfontein in South Africa. Since arriving in New Zealand God blessed us continuously and even in the more difficult times we could experience his love and care. I had cancer in 2003 and after lots of prayer and treatment I was declared clean last year. I believe that God has a particular plan for me as he healed me and equipped me well with experience and growth in faith before sending me to HCS. My wife Mariaan and two of my children, Lene [year 10] and Mari [Year7], is with me at HCS. Ena, our youngest, will join us here in 2011. HCS has been an integral part of our lives since coming to New Zealand and our lives would have been much poorer if we had not crossed paths with the school. I hope that God will use my hands and my effort at this school in His service. May every decision that I make be in line with God’s will through the love of Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my Life.

Secondary Team Leader

BA(hons) DipT

My name is Petra Verbeek and I was born and bred in Germany. When I was ten years old my parents decided to brave Africa and we moved to South Africa where I completed my schooling and tertiary education. I am married to Johan Verbeek who lectures at the University of Waikato. I have two girls (eight and eleven years old respectively) who both attend Hamilton Christian School. I have been in New Zealand for almost seven years now and have been teaching at HCS for the past four years. We attend Horsham Downs Community Church where I am involved in the hospitality mission. I really enjoy reading and walking the dog and my passion is to teach my students to become discerning young adults who can confidently stand up for their faith and eloquently tell others about the gospel and Christ. I strongly feel that teenagers today need to be able to distinguish between the manipulation of the word and walking a truly upright life.

Middle Team Leader

B Ed, Dip Tch

I have been teaching at Hamilton Christian School since 1998. I am married to Neccia and we have three children, Elisabeth(18), Mark(15) and Louise(13). Previously, Neccia and I worked at Hebron School (South India) from 1989 till 1996, teaching and dorm-parenting. We worship at Hillcrest Chapel, and are both involved with the music ministry there. My personal interests include: creative arts, gardening and DIY, as well as exploring theology, science and the environment. As a team leader here at Hamilton Christian School, I am committed to lead others to teach in ways that more effectively reveal God’s world and His truth. I want students to learn as Jesus did: by accurately observing and recording the world around them, by asking insightful questions within a Biblical framework and by skillfully serving in ways that honour God

Junior Team Leader

BA Dip SpEd Dip Tch

My role as Junior team leader only started at the beginning of 2009 although I have been teaching at HCS since 2005. I sincerely hope the Lord will continue to teach and guide me as I grow into the position. The position essentially involves the day to day management of the Junior Department (Y1-6) with particular emphasis on upholding the special character and nature of the school. The staff in the junior team are hugely caring and dedicated and it is a pleasure to work alongside them. I knew that I wanted to teach from as far back as I can remember and chose to train specifically for the Y1-3 age group. I count it a great privilege to work with children during their first few years of formal learning. The knowledge children acquire during this period always speaks volumes to me about the awesomeness of our creator and how he has “wired’ us for learning. My initial teacher training was in Zimbabwe where I taught happily for a number of years. My second port of call was Botswana. Then it was South Africa where I was able to complete further study and qualifications. It was also where I was fortunate to have my first experience of teaching at a Christian School and I was hooked. My husband Adrian and I have been in New Zealand for the last five years or so. We have not been blessed with children of our own but I count it a blessing to still be in the position to input into the lives of children. Adrian and I worship at Trinity Church in Huntly where we both have fairly active roles. Regards Jenny