We welcome three new staff into our Social Sciences department at the start of 2020. Mrs Sarah Cantlon, Mr Michael Dodunski and Miss Caitlin Watson joined the staff at the start of the school year to replace a number of retired staff.
Mrs Sarah Cantlon completed a double degree in Anthropology and Geography at the University of Waikato. She also has a graduate diploma in teaching and Masters in Education (1st Class honours). She is a passionate Social Science teacher who believes in engaging students through connection and content.
Mrs Cantlon taught at Hamilton Girls’ High School for 17 years in a range of roles, including assistant Head of Department (HOD) Social Studies, Head of House and Kaahui Ako across school leader. In 2019 she was employed at the University of Waikato Division of Education to teach trainee teachers, particularly Social Studies education and professional studies.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs Cantlon enjoys walking, biking, reading and creating papercraft. She was awarded the New Zealand Geography teachers award of Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2014. Mrs Cantlon is the new Associate Leader of Curriculum for Social Sciences and Head of Department for Geography.
Mr Michael Dodunski was educated at Hamilton Boys High School and the University of Waikato, where he completed a double major in sport and leisure studies and history in 2013 and subsequently a teaching diploma in 2014. Mr Dodunski’s previous teaching experience comes from Hamilton Boys’ High School from 2015-2018 followed by Rototuna Junior High School in 2019, where he taught in the Social Sciences department.
Outside of the classroom, Mr Dodunski is an accomplished cricketer, including playing representative cricket for Hamilton and Northern Districts up to A team level. He has also represented New Zealand in indoor cricket and has coaching experience with Hamilton and Waikato Valley age group teams. He joins St Paul’s to teach history and social sciences.
Miss Caitlin Watson completed her high school education at Otumoetai College in Tauranga. She completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in history and development studies at Victoria University of Wellington and went on to receive an Honours degree in history (1st class) at the University of Waikato. After completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at the University of Auckland Miss Watson taught history and social studies at Lynfield College before joining St Paul’s.
Raised near Mount Maunganui, Miss Watson grew up with a love for the beach and the outdoors. She keeps active through exploring nature, walking and playing netball. She joins St Paul’s as a history teacher.
