We would love to get to know you. Please post a short introduction and take the time to read other people’s introductions too. Networking and connection is a really important aspect of all our leadership programmes and one way to start this off is to comment on other people’s posts.
Kei ōu ringaringa te ao
The world is yours.
40 Responses
Kia ora ,
My name is Robyn and I am an Associate Principal at Northern Health School, where I lead the Tauranga unit. I have been with NHS for 23 years, coming into this role after working as a Deputy Principal in a primary school.
I’ve worked in education for more than 30 years and am deeply committed to inclusive education. I am passionate about working alongside our students, their whānau, medical teams, and other stakeholders to support our most vulnerable learners with their education, hauora, and successful transitions back into school. I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow and strengthen my leadership skills through this opportunity, and to learning alongside you all.
Ngā mihi,
Robyn
Kia ora,
I’m currently co-leader of the West Auckland Northern Health School unit, a role I stepped into this year and am really enjoying so far. I’ve been teaching for around 20 years, with much of that time spent as a Head of Department for Media Studies in a few different schools along the way.
I live out in the wild west of Tāmaki Makaurau with my husband and our two awesome kids, who keep life busy and fun outside of work.
I’m really looking forward to learning alongside you all, building my skills, and taking away ideas that I can bring back into my role.
Kia ora koutou
I have been involved with education as my passion for 35 years, originally training as a primary teacher.
I live in the beautiful rural area of Te Kowhai, on a farm with a menagerie of animals. I have 3 grown kids: one working, one finishing an apprenticeship, and 1 completing his last year of high school.
It is great to have this opportunity to grow my personal and professional leadership capabilities.
I am lucky enough to be the Associate Principal at the Waikato South Unit of the Northern Health School. We are based in the beautiful town of Cambridge, and support students who are not well enough to attend their school of enrolment full time. We cover a wide geographical region including Morrinsville, Matamata, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga, Te Kuiti and everywhere in between.
I have a terrific team of teachers.
I am really looking forward to reflecting on new learnings with likeminded peers and colleagues, and look forward to seeing you on Thursday 🙂
Ngā mihi nui,
Nic
Kia ora all
I’m Edward, Associate Principal at the Waikato Unit of the Northern Health School. This is my 4th year leading a team of incredible teachers who are passionate about supporting students that are too unwell to attend their regular school. I grew up in PNG, before moving to the USA for a few years. 20th year in education after starting at an intermediate school in Henderson, 10th year living in the beautiful countryside, halfway between Raglan and Hamilton. Looking forward to this course.
Kia ora,
My name is Maaike Clapcott. I was born and raised in the Netherlands and completed my Bachelor of Sport and Physical Education in Amsterdam. I began my career as a PE teacher, working for several years in the Netherlands before my love of travel led me to an international teaching role in Mongolia. It was there that I met a Kiwi who is now my husband, and together we’ve made Taupō our home. We now have two tamariki, aged eight and five.
When I first arrived in New Zealand, PE teaching roles were limited, so I applied for a position at the Northern Health School. Where I now have been part of the Taupō unit for almost fifteen years. In that time, I’ve witnessed — and been part of — significant growth. When I started, our location was small and I was the sole kaiako. Over the years, both the unit and my leadership capability have expanded, and I now lead a team of five kaiako alongside our administrator/teacher aide.
Most recently, I stepped onto the Board of Trustees at my children’s primary school and, three weeks ago, became the presiding member. It’s a responsibility I hadn’t planned for this soon, but one I’m confident I can do well and grow into, albeit with a bit of a steep learning curve in governance.
I am looking forward to the mahi ahead and am exciting about being able to build up my knowledge, skills and network of passionate educational leaders.
Welcome, Maaike! That really is significant change and growth!
Kia ora,
I am a mother of two very active boys age 8 and 6. My husband is an assistant principal at Solway Primary School, where my boys attend. This year I am teaching .8 at St Matthew Collegiate, luckily, I have one timetabled day off a week! I teach PE and health to year 7-11 students. I am not teaching any NCEA classes this year.
St Matthew Collegiate is a state integrated Anglican girls’ college with students in year 7-13. Our senior students do all their learning off site at Rathkeale College. They are onsite for assembly, chapel, and Kotahitanga (whole school wellbeing afternoons) which I have overseen for the past 4 years. I am the year 11 dean, following my year group through from last year and the career counsellor. We have a small staff and student body which has pros and cons. I love my job! I am grateful every day to be at school. The grounds and resources are a PE teachers dream! I have been at St Matthews Collegiate, part time, for the past 5 years. Before then, I taught at Masterton Intermediate School as a year 7 and 8 homeroom teacher.
I look forward to meeting you all soon and embarking on this leadership journey together.
Take care
Nicola Veale
Thank you for sharing, Nicola. I’m really interested to hear about your unique school. See you on Thursday!
Kia ora, I’m Kelly, a co-leader of the Northland Unit of the Northern Health School based in Whāngarei. I’ve been in this leadership role for the past two years and this is my 14th year with NHS. Before joining the Health School, I worked as a PE teacher at Kamo High School and later as a tutor on the Sport and Recreation Diploma at NorthTec. Whāngarei is my hometown and where my family is based.
I’m really looking forward to being part of this forum and continuing to grow and extend my leadership skills alongside others.
Thank you for your introduction, Kelly 🙂
Kia ora everyone,
I have taken over as leader for the Year 5/6 at Parkview Pārua School in Christchurch. It is my second stint as a team leader at Parkview. I have been teaching here for nearly 25 years and love the school and the community. I have been heavily involved in running sport and PE for 20 of those years and also involved in leading ICT in the school.
That is a long time, Murray – it must be a fantastic school.
Morena all,
Super excited to be apart of this group and the journey of leadership. I am teaching year 8 at Remuera Intermediate as a team leader, which is a new school and role so lots to learn during the busy start of the year.
I have been lucky to do a lot of sports coaching and a range of mentoring students and staff in schools.
Looking forward to it.
That’s exciting, Nick. It sounds like you have lots of transferable leadership skills for your new role.
Kia ora koutou,
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.
I am a Team Leader at Cambridge Middle School, where I have proudly worked for the past six years. I grew up in Cambridge and now live in Hamilton with my husband and our two dogs. Outside of work, I enjoy running, gardening, home renovations, and spending time with friends and family, especially at Cooks Beach and Russell. Some of my passions within education include the adolescent age group, restorative practices, and supporting students with neurodiverse needs. I enjoy learning and growing and am grateful for the opportunity to further develop my leadership capabilities within this space.
I look forward to meeting you all at the upcoming PLG 🙂
Ngā mihi nui,
Natala
Your passions and skill set will be in hot demand with today’s learners, Natala. They are fortunate to have you at Cambridge Middle School.
Kia ora everyone,
My name is Ushanthi, and I am a teacher at St Mark’s Catholic School, where I have recently served as an interim Team Leader. I am just beginning my leadership journey and am excited to continue developing my skills and understanding in this space.
I am really looking forward to learning alongside you all, sharing experiences, and growing together throughout this programme.
Ngā mihi,
Ushanthi Leaver
Thank you for your introduction, Ushsanthi. I hope the programme will be of value for you at this stage in your journey.
Kia Ora,
I am a year 2 team leader at St Thomas’s School in Auckland. I have been in primary education for 4 years, with experience in the ECE space as well. I am in my second year of being team leader. I look forward to learning all i can about leadership to support me in my role!
Ngā mihi nui,
Arima Rhodes
What an excellent attitude, Arima! I bet your ECE experience is really helpful in the junior years at school.
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Shannon Taylor, I have been teaching for 8 years and have just completed a Masters in Education practice. I work in a collaborative classroom teaching year 4-5 students at Hurupaki School in Whangarei. I have previously been Literacy curriculum lead and have taken on STEAM/ Mathematics lead this year. Last year, I was an across school leader within our kahui ako. I am looking forward to meeting you all as we set out on this leadership journey together.
You have worn many hats, Shannon! Great to have you on board.
Kia ora,
I am a Year 7 Teacher and Team Leader at St Thomas’s School in Auckland. I have worked in education for 13 years, including 10 years in a sport leadership role and 3 years as a Team Leader. I’m really looking forward to building on my leadership skills and learning from you all.
Ngā mihi nui,
Keryn Churches
It’s great to have you on the programme, Keryn.
Greetings everyone,
I have taught Mathematics at Palmerston North Boys’ High School for the last 16 years. I have also been in charge of the school timetable for the last 12 years. I am not a Team Leader in a curriculum sense, however, I intend to be leader in a timetable sense as the school (and our education system) evolves under the new curriculum changes. I expect there will be a need for tough choices to be made and hard conversations to be had across the board in the near future. It is my hope that at the conclusion of this course I will be better skilled at making those calls and having those conversations.
Anthony
Welcome, Anthony. You are definitely not the only one to want support in having those conversations. I’m confident we can help you out!
Kia ora koutou Katoa!Greeting to all Aspiring Leadership delegates! I’m looking forward to supporting you in your leadership journey and congratulate you on your decision to grow your skills! I assure you that you will not be disappointed by your involvement in the programme as the feedback from past delegates has been glowing! The programme brings together many aspects of leadership that you will find invaluable in what ever education context you are leading in.
As for me I am enjoying semi-retirement after 41 years working in Secondary schools, the last 14 years as Principal of a large secondary boys school. I find my involvement in Growth Culture very rewarding, hence my third year of involvement supporting delegates.
I look forward to getting to know many of you and hopefully sharing some of my experience to further develop your leadership skills.
Ngā mihi nui Robert Mangan
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Dimpi Nayyar tōku ingoa, and I am a Dean and Instructional coach at Southern Cross Campus, Auckland.
I have taught in New Zealand, the United States, and India, and these experiences have shaped my commitment to inclusive, restorative, and culturally responsive practice.
I look forward to connecting with you all and growing through this journey together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wow! What diverse experience you have had!
Kia ora everyone,
I hope you’ve all had a wonderful and smooth start to the school year!
I am incredibly excited to be part of the Aspiring Leaders Programme this year. I’ve spent 14 years in education, with the vast majority of that time dedicated to the unique and energetic world of Intermediates—it’s a space I’m truly passionate about.
For the past seven years, I’ve been at Cambridge Middle School, where I’ve had the privilege of seeing my leadership evolve. I am currently a Team Leader and Curriculum Lead, and I’m joining this programme because I’m eager to keep growing my leadership skills and responsibilities while challenging myself in new ways.
Looking forward to a great year ahead,
Georgina
Great to have you on board, Georgina. It sounds like you have a great mindset as a life-long learner.
Kia ora,
Leonie Krieger – I am a year 4 – 5 teacher at Waitaki Valley School in Kurow. I was born in Otago, went to school and university in Christchurch. I have spent a lot of my time living and working in education in Japan and Germany. I returned to NZ four years ago and began teaching at my current school, Waitaki Valley. I have held the position of SENCo for the last two years and am now the Staff rep for our Board of Trustees. I am looking forward to participating in this exciting course.
Warm regards
Leonie Krieger
Those are two busy and important roles at your school. I hope to learn from you about the diverse teaching experience you have had overseas.
Kia ora koutou,
I am very excited to be part of this programme this year, and have the opportunity to further develop my leadership practice.
I joined the teaching profession in 2022, after working in the field of diplomacy and international conflict resolution in Italy for a short while. I have been lucky to have had incredible support in my leadership journey here at Howick College, stepping into a Head of Department role in my second year, and then picking up pastoral leadership as a dean last year. It has been a fun (most of the time) challenge balancing curriculum and pastoral roles!
I’m really looking forward to learning from all of you, and embarking on this journey together!
Ngā mihi nui,
Braden-Lee
What in intriguing background you have! I’d love to hear your insights when we get into courageous conversations…
Tēnā koutou katoa
I’m Ann-Maree Clark, and I am a new Team Leader at Remuera Intermediate. I have spent the last 16 years in education, between my hometown of Whangarei, Whangaparoa , North Shore and Auckland. I have a real passion for Intermediate education, and absolute love being in the classroom as well as involved with Management. I am really looking forward to meeting you all in person, learning from you, and sharing this jouney. We just have a camp, and a Thai exchange to get involved with before our first PLG day. Who doesn’t love Term 1?
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ann-Maree
Ha ha we always manage to pack a lot in, don’t we?!
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Manaia te maunga
Ko Whangārei-te-rerenga-parāoa te moana
Ko Kotirana te whenua ō ōku tīpuna
Ko Hokianga te wā kāinga ō tōku whānau
Engari, i tipu ake au ki Whangārei
Ko Jess Robinson tōku ingoa
Kia ora, I’m Jess Robinson.
I’m the new Deputy Principal and SENCo at St Mark’s Catholic Primary School in Pakuranga, Auckland. I was born and raised in Whangārei and have taught in both New Zealand and England before settling at St Mark’s six years ago. I’m really looking forward to connecting with others in this group, learning from you all, and growing into this next step in my leadership journey.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jess Robinson
Great to have you involved, Jess!
Kia ora koutou katoa!
A very warm welcome to all the delegates enrolled in this year’s Aspiring programme. We know just how demanding the world of education is right now, so I truly admire your commitment to this learning alongside your busy roles.
I am really looking forward to meeting you both online and in person, and I’m confident you will find this journey incredibly worthwhile. By way of introduction, I have been involved in educational coaching and professional development since 2013, joining the Growth Culture team in 2021. I’m a primary-trained teacher, and in my last full-time role as Deputy Principal, I was tasked with helping to turn around a school in crisis — which was great leadership PD!
I find a huge amount of joy in watching leaders grow in both capability and confidence. We have seen Growth Culture programmes reinvigorate beleaguered leaders, help people reach their career goals, and drive meaningful change within kura. I can’t wait to see what this cohort achieves.
Ngā mihi nui,
Emma Kingston.