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Aspiring NLP: Welcome

Kia ora and welcome to your Aspiring NLP forum. It has been created to connect and network with like-minded leaders in education around the country. We would love to get to know you before we meet in person at our first retreat so please comment below with a short mihi/introduction of yourself. You can also like and comment on other people’s posts.

88 Responses

  1. Kia Ora koutou
    I am Hannah, SENCo at Pāpāmoa Primary School in the (mostly) sunny BOP. I am fortunate that my SENCo role is a stand alone part of our SLT and really looking forward to the 360 this journey will give me to of my leadership. Having already completed the NPQH (National Qualification for Headship(UK) and a post grad in leadership a wee while ago I have been searching for a while for the right PLD and I think I have found it! Can’t wait to get into it!

    2

  2. Tēnā koutou katoa

    Ko Ingarangi

    te whakapaparanga mai

    Ko Shaye tōku ingoa

    Ko Louise rāua ko Grant ōku mātua

    I tipu ake au i Dannevirke

    Kei Pōrangahau tōku whare

    He kaiako au i Central Hawke’s Bay College

    Ko Andersen tōku whanau

    Ko Bayden tōku hoa tāne

    Toko toru aku tamariki

    Ko Phoebe, rātou, ko Molly, ko Colby aku tamariki

    Tēnā tātou katoa

    Kia ora, I’m Shaye Andersen, and I’ve been immersed in the world of secondary education for the last 15 years. I kicked off my career in the classroom, teaching Physical Education and Mathematics. Eventually, my passion for supporting students in unique ways led me to explore Learning Support Roles, and for the last eight years, I’ve been deeply involved in Gateway and Star programs at Central Hawkes Bay College alongside been a mum. Home for me is now in Pōrangahau, where I live on a farm with my husband and our three young kids. Witnessing the evolving landscape of educational opportunities, I can’t help but be excited for the rangatahi today, considering the incredible support and opportunities available. I’m passionate about helping rangatahi find their passions. Building strong connections in the community and wider sector is my thing. I pride myself on creating an inclusive learning environment, emphasizing holistic development. As my children are getting older I am excited to be in a position to have time for professional growth. I’m looking forward to developing my leadership knowledge and capabilities over this course, to equip myself to take on further leadership roles in the future.

    1

  3. Kia ora koutou
    Nō Ōtepoti ahau
    Kei Ōtautahi tōku kāinga
    Ko Bishopdale tōku kura
    Ko Leanne tōku ingoa

    Kia ora, my name is Leanne Oldfield, I am the Deputy Principal and a Year 1 & 2 teacher at Bishopdale School in Christchurch. I have been lucky enough to have experienced a variety of different roles in my teaching career and I am excited to further develop my leadership knowledge and capaabilites over this course, along with meeting new people and making new connections.

    1

  4. Tēna kotou
    Ko Ruahine te maunga
    Ko Manawatu te awa
    Ko Kurahaupo te waka
    Ko Rangitane te iwi
    Ko Makirikiri te marae
    Ko Paewai tōku whanau
    Ko Stephanie tōku ingoa

    Nō reira, tēna kotou, tēna kotou, tēna kotou katoa.

    Kia ora koutou, my name is Stephanie. I have been teaching in Kaeo at a gorgeous little primary school, for the last 17 years. I am currently on refreshment leave and living in Perth. I have four beautiful daughters aged 24, 21, 12 and 11. My eldest daughter has been living here in Perth for the past 3 years (hence the decision to spend my refreshment leave here in Perth), my second eldest has recently moved to England, and my two younger daughters are currently settling into their new schools here in Australia. I probably won’t get to meet any of you in person this year, but look forward to the discussions and learning that we are all going to be a part of. Enjoy your hui in Auckland on the 15th!
    Ngā mihi

    1

  5. Kia ora koutou!
    Ko Sir Edward Paget te waka
    Ko Ōhuiarangi te maunga
    Ko Te Wai O Taiki te awa
    Ko Ngāti Pakeha te iwi
    I tae mai ōku tīpuna ki Aotearoa i te tau 1850
    Ko Dylan Marshall tōku ingoa

    My ancestors first migrated to New Zealand from Britain by sea on the Sir Edward Paget in 1850. I was born and raised in East Auckland and so the mountain that I affiliate to is Ōhuiarangi and the body of water that I affiliate to is Te Wai O Taiki which as a child I called Little Bucklands Beach.

    Amidst COVID lockdowns in 2021, I transferred schools to take on my first middle-management Team Leader role at Pigeon Mountain Primary School. It was my first time in 10 years to be teaching in the Junior School.
    In 2022, I moved to more familiar territory leading a senior team (Years 4 – 6).
    In August of 2023, I was awarded the walking acting AP role and beginning in late March I will be embarking on a new challenge of Acting Tumuaki, whilst my colleague will take on the enviable title of Acting Acting Associate Principal.

    Needless to say, I will appreciate the Growth Coaching this year to navigate the highs and lows of this new position of responsibility for my kura in 2024.

    I have three daughters. My eldest will turn 5 and attend school for the first time in July! My wife is an occupational therapist. Together our family attends the Howick Baptist church. Our faith in Jesus underpins all of our decisions.

    Since becoming a Dad, I have picked up running again this year. My hope is that this challenge outside work will help to keep me balanced and serve to sustain my mental and physical wellbeing.

    2

  6. Kia ora koutou,
    Kō Rebecca Thomsen toku ingoa.
    I am the Assistant Principal at ŌHAU School in the lovely Horowhenua. I teach a Year 3/4 class and am also the SENCo at our kura. Previously I was the AP at Te Horo School on the Kāpiti Coast. I come from a family full of teachers and police officers, so teaching and working with the community is in my DNA.
    I have three beautiful teenaged daughters, one of whom is currently training to be a teacher, and I have been teaching for almost 11 years. I am very much looking forward to being on this journey with everyone.
    Mg

    1

  7. Kia ora team,

    Ko Moehau te maunga
    Ko Otahu te awa
    Ko Wanganel te waka
    Ko Ngati Pākueha te iwi
    Ko tumuaki tuarua ō Farm Cove Intermediate te mahi
    Ko Ludwig ahau

    Hey team, my name is Lud or Ludwig. I am a Deputy Principal in East Auckland in Farm Cove Intermediate, and am eager to develop my leadership skills!

    2

  8. Kia ora koutou
    I’m Kerry Pinnell, currently Head of Learning (English) at Botany Downs Secondary College in Auckland. I’m in my 21st (eek!) year of teaching – 4 years in the UK, 16 in Aotearoa (plus a year in China along the way) – and I’ve been a middle leader for the last 7 years. I’m looking forward to developing my leadership skills and growing as a professional, but I’m most looking forward to learning tips and tricks and survival strategies from all of you!
    See you all in Tāmaki Makaurau next week!

  9. Tēna tātou katoa Hē uri tēnei nō Maatatua waka te waka hoki ō Tūnuiārangi. Kei Ruakākā mai te Norta ahau e noho ana. Te Tumuaki tuarua kei te kareti o Bream Bay
    Kia-ora Junie Shelford tēnei I am the Deputy Principal at Bream Bay College new to senior leadership in 2023 and lead kaiako of NCEA Te Reo Māori. I am super excited to have this opportunity and look forward to working with you all in 2024.

    1

  10. Kia Ora taatou
    Ko Putauaki te maunga
    Ko Tarawera te awa
    No Kawerau hau
    Ko Beer tooku whaanau
    Ko Zeta tooku ingoa

    Hello all! I have finally made it on into the course and am excited to get started and meet everyone in two weeks.

    I am Zeta and am currently Acting Principal at Orini Combined School, a small rural school approximately 35km north of Hamilton. I am only in this role for Term 1 and when our newly appointed Principal starts in Term 2 I will maintain my usual role of Deputy Principal and WSL. I have been working within education for nearly 18 years, both Early Childhood and Primary sectors, with the majority of this time in leadership positions.

    I look forward to being challenged and growing both professionally and personally within this course. Recent happenings has seen a shift in my mindset and drive so this course has come at just the right time for me.

    Ngaa mihi nui.

  11. Tēna tātau,

    Tēna tātau ngā rangatira mo tēna kura, mo tēna kura, mo tēna kura, otira kia tātau i whakaako mo tenei mahi.

    Ko wai au?

    Ko Tirtirangi te maunga
    Ko Ūawa-nui-a-Ruamatua te awa
    Ko Tereanini te waka
    Ko Te Kani a Takirau te Ariki
    Ko Hinematioro te Puhi Ariki
    Ko Parekura Horomia te kaingakau
    Ko Te Aitanga a Hauiti te iwi

    Nei ra te mihi kia koutou katoa!

    My name is Shanan Gray and I live in our little piece of paradise, Ūawa (Tolaga Bay). Raised in Ūawa from a very young age, graduated from Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui in 2010. In 2011 I attended Wellington Performing Arts Centre majoring in Musical Theatre and then went on to Te Wananga o Aotearoa from 2012-2014 and graduated as a teacher. My first 4 years of teaching happened at Te Wharau School, Gisborne. I then returned home to Ūawa in 2019 as an Intermediate teacher.

    I am currently a syndicate leader of Te Kahawhitia (Year 7-10) and Sports Coordinator. I am very passionate about Netball especially the Silver Ferns and #TeamAuntyNoels and I also enjoy Kapa Haka.

    I look forward to meeting you all and collaborating.

    Ngā manaakitanga!
    Matua Shan

    2

    1. Tēnā koe Shanan,
      Great to have you on board and I am looking forward to supporting you on your leadership journey. I absolutely agree that you live in a little piece of paradise. Looking forward to meeting you at the PLG.

      1

  12. Kia Ora everyone.

    My name is Ashleigh and I am a Year 6 team leader at St Thomas’ School in Kohimarama Auckland. This is my seventh year of teaching, having taught previously in Hamilton and overseas in London. I am looking forward to starting this programme, growing my knowledge and making connections.

    See you all soon in Auckland!

    1

  13. Ko Angela Bromwich tōku ingoa
    Ko Kirikiriroa ahau
    Ko St Paul’s Collegiate toku kura

    Kia ora

    I am Angela Bromwich, LOC of Social Science Faculty at St Paul’s Collegiate Hamilton. As well as leading an amazing group of people in the world of Social Sciences I teach Year 13 Accounting, Year 12 Agribusiness and Year 11 Business.

    I have always regarded teaching as a vocation and from the beginning of my career have been committed to the central role it plays in the education of our children and consequently their whanau for the twenty-first century. I am passionate about education and its importance to our young people. I am looking forward to collaborating with and learning more about leadership within an education space.

    Ka pai

    Angela

    3

  14. Tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa

    Ko Tainui toku waka
    Ko Tararua toku maunga
    Ko Manawatu toku awa
    Ko Ngati Raukawa toku iwi
    Ko Cara taku ingoa

    No reira. Tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa

    I’m Cara Bergin-Stuart, Deputy Principal at Marina View School. I look after Years 3-4 and Years 7-8.
    I am married and have 2 teenage boys. I enjoy running, travelling and being with my family. I’m excited about this course and learning from other leaders and getting new ideas around leadership.

    2

  15. Kia ora Koutou,
    Ko Taranaki te maunga,
    Ko Tokomaru te waka,
    Ko Waitara te awa,
    Ko Ngai Tahu, Ko Te Atiawa ngā iwi
    Ko Ngāti Te Whiti te hapū,
    Ko Owae te marae,
    Ko Taranaki ahau,
    Ko Phillip Reade tōku ingoa
    Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

    My Name is Phillip Reade and I am the Deputy Principal of Inglewood Primary School / Te Kura O Kohanga Moa in Beautiful Taranaki.
    I am a walking DP who has been playing in the Acting Principal puddle since term 4 2022. Part of this role included working alongside the Principal while she navigated a challenging health journey. I also had the wonderful opportunity to be the Acting Principal at Urenui School, also in Taranaki in 2020 (Yep! Covid year) That was quite a trial by fire. I tried to conduct the first year principals course during 2020 but struggled to meet the targets and goals associated with that due to the more pressing need of supporting the staff, students and community through an unprecedented time. (Te be honest, I wouldn’t change a ching about my focus that year).

    This year, our school has a new Principal and I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to work alongside my new Tumuaki. He waka eke noa!!
    My loves are family, music, theatre, (in case my wife happens to read this…. house renovations).

    I am a teacher! My wife is a teacher, my eldest daughter (20) has begun her career this year as a teacher. I am a very proud man.

    I love children, I love people. To do what I do, is a blessing and an honor. I am afforded a small window in the lives of these tamariki and I try hard to ensure that every child feels visible, heard and valued.

    I am also honored to be on this new journey with other great educators. Here’s to the class of 2024!

    2

  16. Tēnā koutou,
    Ki te mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri, e mihi ana ki a koutou,
    Nō Ingarangi ahau,
    Kei Ōtautahi tōku kāinga,
    I tipu ake au i Kaikōura, nō reira e mihi ana au ki te maunga tapue-o-uenuku, ki te awa o kowhai,
    Kai te mahi au ki te kura o hine waiora,
    Ko Charlotte Phoon tōku ingoa,
    Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

    Kia ora, My name is Charlotte Phoon and I am currently the Head of Physics at Christchurch Girls’ High School. I have just finished a five-year rotation as Dean of the 2018-2022 cohort. I am passionate about continuing my journey into Senior Leadership and I am excited about this course and the opportunity to meet you all in Auckland!

    1

  17. Mōrena everybody,

    My name is Casey and I have been DP/SENCO at Papatoetoe East Primary School for two years, tucked away in South Auckland. I am originally from Wellington, having moved here over 10 years ago for what was only supposed to be be two years. How time flies!

    I spent ten years working in a school in central Auckland where I held a number of roles, including team leader in various year groups, Kahui Ako ISL, PE/Sport Coordinator and head of reading curriculum. In my DP role at East I hold a range of responsibilities, including schoolwide learning support and looking after our Y2/3 team. My SENCO role, which is basically a full time job on its own, takes lots of my attention as well.

    In my time on the course I am looking forward to developing my identity as a leader, exploring some professional goals, and learning plenty from all of you wonderful people. Can’t wait.

    2

  18. Kia ora, I am André Loubser, I am the Assitant Campus Lead for the Middle Years area (years 7-10) at Ellim Christian College in the Botany area of East Auckland. My portfolio is pastoral but I have been known to also plunge a blocked toilet or two when needed. As we are still developing and refining our area of the school, much of the last five years have been about keeping the wheels turning while innovating and working out what works best for our students and our community. We are a state-integrated school and we are proud of our heritage and the future of our school.

    I am an ex-South African and now a proud Kiwi with a funny accent. Over the past 24 years, I have had a variety of teaching roles in our school covering years 7-13. I am honoured to be able to be part of this journey and hope to hone my skills and thinking.

    I am looking forward to meeting you all soon.

    1

  19. Tēnā koutou katoa

    Ko Moehau te maunga
    Ko Tikapa te moana
    Ko Waihou te awa
    Ko Tainui te waka
    Ko Ngāti Maru te iwi
    Ko Ngāti Kotinga te hapū
    Ko Matai Whetu te marae
    No Hauraki ahau
    Ko Katikati Primary te Kura
    Ko Graveson tōku whānau
    Ko Kristy tōku ingoa

    Nō reira, tēna kotou, tēna kotou, tēna kotou katoa.

    Kia ora, I am Kristy Graveson, currently the Team Leader of our Yr 5/6 syndicate and TIC of ICT at Katikati Primary School. We are a large rural School, with 476 students, situated at the top of the beautiful Western Bay of Plenty. I am in my 13th year of teaching, stepping into Leadership roles over the last 5 years. I am looking forward to making connections with like-minded educators and growing in my leadership knowledge and capabilities through this course.

    Ngā mihi nui

    2

  20. Kia ora koutou. Ko Aoraki taku maunga, ko Hakatere taku awa. No Hakatere ahau, engari e noho ana ahau ki Whangārei.
    Kia ora everybody! I am Mark Buckland, a Deputy Principal at Hurupaki Primary School in Te Kamo in Whangarei. I have lived in Whangārei for over 20 years now, but am originally from Ashburton. I have filled many leadership positions over my years at my kura, but this is my second year as DP. My wife and I have three children, two of which have finished high school and have left home. I am looking forward to meeting you all and building my capabilities as a leader and mentor. Ngā mihi nui.

    1

  21. Kia ora koutou,

    I am Jane Rickman, the Senior Team Leader, and Year 7 & 8 teacher at Rotokauri School – a beautiful rural school around the corner from Hamilton Zoo. (Yes, I get to see giraffes on my drive to school). I, like Abi, originate from England where I trained in Early Years Education, however branched out to Primary when I moved to New Zealand 12 years ago. I am excited to develop my leadership capabilities over the year and meeting with you all in person in Auckland.

    Ngā mihi nui.

    2

  22. Kia ora koutou,

    I’m Nicky – a Year 7 teacher and Year 7&8 team leader in Auckland. This is a role I’ve held for 4 years now at various year levels. I’m always excited to gain new insights into leadership, and I’m looking forward to having a Kaiārahi for the first time.

    See you all on the 15th,

    Nicky

    1

  23. Kia Ora,

    I’m Cherie. I am the Associate Principal at Mamaku School. I am also the Senior Team Leader, Teaching Year 5-7 and WSL. It is my first year at Mamaku School, previously I was working at Tokoroa Central School for the last 7 years in a variety of roles. I have just got back into teaching after having 9 months off on Maternity Leave. I am looking forward to learning new skills, making new connections and growing my leadership knowledge and capabilities. I look forward to meeting you all on the 15th.

    1

  24. Kia ora koutou

    My name is Kirstin Wilson-Moore and I am currently the Deputy Principal at Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui. We are an Area School of around 260 students, with around 70 in immersion. This is my 4th year here on the East Coast, having previously worked in South Auckland for 5 years and at Tongariro School in Turangi for 13 years. I am a PE teacher originally, and have had roles as HOD, Dean, PN, Learning Leader and Assistant Principal before coming here to Uawa to take up the DP role. Last year I was Acting Principal for the year while my boss was on secondment to MoE. Two weeks in and the Cyclone hit so made for a challenging year to say the least! Now I am back to my DP role I am keen to take a breath, and work on the things that I know I struggled with last year.

    I am originally from the Waikato and have 2 young girls, 7 and 5 who come to school here with me which is the bonus of an Area School for sure! My wife is in the police so the juggle of our jobs and kids keeps us busy. I love snowboarding and a range of sports and have completed an Ironman. Im looking forward to meeting up in Auckland.

    3

      1. Tēnā koe Kirstin,
        Wonderful to have you on board and congratulations on stepping up to the role of Acting Principal for 2023 . I am looking forward to meeting you at the PLG and supporting you to continue to grow your leadership skills .

  25. Kia Ora – I am currently at St Peter’s School, Cambridge and I have taught here for the last 5 years. Currently I hold a range of leadership positions, including Head of Year 13, Assistant House Director (Boarding) and Relief Coordinator. My teaching areas are Visual Art where I specialise in Senior Photography, I also teach Theory of Knowledge (IB).
    Prior to my current school, I have held Head of Faculty Visual Art positions at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls and Long Bay College in Auckland. I have also worked in GATE provision for secondary school students.
    I have taught in the NZ secondary school context for the last 15 years, prior to this I taught in the tertiary sector in the U.K.

    I look forward to getting to know you all and delving into a range of leadership contexts and experiences.

    4

  26. Ko Grace Williams ahau, No Waerenga ahau, ke Whangārei ahau e noho ināianaei. He tumuaki tuarua ahau, ki o te kura Onerahirahi.
    Kia ora koutou, I have been the Deputy Princiapl at Onerahi Primary for the last 2.5 years where we have over 400 tamariki.
    I have had various leadership roles in both primary and secondary schools. I am super excited to connect with you all and to grow my leadership capabilites.
    Ngā mihi nui Grace

    3

  27. Kia ora koutou,

    I am Kev Moorhouse, one of the Deputy Principals at Papakura Normal School. I have a varied role including operations, overseeing curriculum, leading our Integrated Inquiry and English Curriculum team, coordinating Year 7/8 sports and coaching our kaitiaki/ākonga leaders. This is my fifteenth year at Papakura Normal School. I started as a third year student, then progressed from a beginning kaiako, to a registered kaiako, team leader, assistant principal to now a deputy principal. I have been married to my wife, Kylie, for 12 years and we have four children, two of which go to Elim Christian College (1 in Year 6 and 1 in Year 1), and twin two-year-old’s. My daughter was taught by both Brieta and Anna who have introduced themselves already .

    I look forward to working with you all this year.

    3

  28. My name is Eden Hakaraia, and I live in Whangārei, Te Tai Tokerau. Currently, I work just 30 minutes outside of Whangārei in the picturesque setting of Tangiteroria, a small rural school with 30 students. With more than 20 years of experience in education, I have taken on diverse roles throughout my career. I’m eagerly looking forward to connecting with you all.

    3

  29. Kia ora koutou,

    Ko Peter Thorne tōku ingoa.

    I’m originally from Manawatū but moved with my wife to Auckland 16 years ago and took up a job teaching at Belmont Primary School on the North Shore. I’m still there now as the DP and have various responsibilities throughout the school.

    I have two daughters who have both come through the school, the youngest being Year 6 this year. Things that bring me joy outside of education include playing and watching sports, fishing, spending time at the beach and walking trails in the bush.

    I look forward to connecting and learning with you all throughout the year.

    2

  30. Kia ora

    I am Reshmika Lal, Deputy Principal at Mission Heights Junior College in Auckland. I joined the school as a foundation staff member teaching English and Social Science some 15 years ago and have seen the school and the community grow around us. Over the years I have had a number of middle and senior leadership roles including SENCO and Assistant Principal. I completed my Masters seven years ago looking at the factors that influence how students respond to feedback.

    On a personal level, I migrated to New Zealand from Fiji 22 years with my husband. I have two children; my daughter is in the final year of high school and my son is in Year 10. We are a very outdoorsy family and have loved the summer break where we could make most of the beaches around us. We are rugby mad house and when watching games, we spend hours playing boardgames.

    Looking forward to seeing you all in Auckland…

    4

  31. Kia ora koutou,

    I am Jenna Spake, Deputy Principal at Kerikeri Primary School in Northland, a school with just under 500 students. My main responsibilities include overseeing the Junior, Middle and Senior teams as well as Curriculum. I’ve worked in education for 15 years spending time in both the state and private sectors. I have experience teaching across years 0-8. I am also a proud wife and mother of 5 children in our blended family with ages ranging from 19 to 8. We love living in the beautiful Bay of Islands and making the most of our surroundings. I am both excited to meet you all and gain valuable knowledge and insights from this course. Ngā mihi nui

    5

  32. Kia ora, I’m Jacqui Wrigg, Deputy Principal at Papakura Normal School in South Auckland. We have a very quickly growing school of around 750 and I’m lucky to have a varied role where I am also SENCo, lead the maths curriculum team, and am liaison with the University of Auckland supporting the Junior Colleagues who are training as emerging kaiako. After hours, I’m a mum of two – one who has flown the nest and is in her fourth year of teaching, and my son who is in Year 12. Looking forward to meeting you all next month. Ngā mihi nui.

    4

  33. Kia ora koutou,

    I am Nikkole Fell; I am currently the Deputy Principal at Reporoa Primary School, Across School Teacher for our Kahui Ako and SENCo in our school. I cover CRT and BT release by releasing two teachers in our kura. I have two young children who keep me on my toes and I am working hard at trying to find balance this year between the two! I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Auckland at our first PGC face to face.

    4

  34. Kia ora,
    I’m Jake Spence, I am the head of the digital technology curriculum at St Peters Cambridge. This is now my 6th year teaching and I have enjoyed teaching at 2 schools in the Waikato. I personally teach the year 9’s to 13’s in both NCEA and ib at St Peters, I am thoroughly enjoying the challenges and different strategies needed for both disciplines. In addition I also oversee the year 7 and 8 cohort in regards to their learning in digital technology and have responsibilities over data at our school. I am looking forward to improving my skills in leadership and continuing to advance myself I am certain there is a lot I will able to take away from this course.
    Ngā mihi nui.

    4

  35. Kia Ora –

    I’m Ash Sage HOD of Physical Education at Dargaville High School and also the Year 9 Dean this year. I moved to sunny Northland 5.5 years ago from Hamilton.
    I am looking forward to learning new skills, growing my leadership throughout the year and making new connections.

    3

  36. Tēnā koutou,
    Ko Tess Murphy tōku ingoa. I am currently Head of PE/Health at Marist College in Auckland. This is my 18th year of teaching over a number of schools in Wellington, Auckland and Munich/Germany. I have been an HOD or Assist HOD for the last 14 years and have also taken on a number of in school leadership roles. I completed a Masters in Educational Leadership in 2021 which I took a lot of learning from. I have 2 kids, 9 and 11 and my husband is also an HOD of PE.
    I feel like education is in my blood- both my parents were in education plus 2 of my sisters and 2 sister in laws are teachers.

    I look forward to connecting with you all,
    Ngā mihi,
    Tess

    2

  37. Tēnā koutou,
    Ko Claire toku ingoa. No Tauranga ahau. Kei Ōtautahi toku kainga. Kei te mahi au ki te kura o Horoeka Haemata.

    Kia ora everyone. I’m a Visual Arts teacher at Rolleston College in Christchurch. I also currently have a role as an ASL in our Kāhui Ako, with a focus on growing our Cultural Capability. At my previous school I was a Head of Faculty for the Arts & Languages for many years. I have been involved in middle leadership in various forms over the years and have always appreciated being able to take great learning away from these roles, and from the people and experiences these various roles exposed me to.

    I completed my Masters of Education in 2022. My research focus was around the social wellbeing benefits of collaborative learning for senior Arts learners. Arts education and authentically collaborative projects are two things I’m really passionate about in education. Culturally responsive practice is another area where I have been given some opportunity, and some responsibility, recently. This has been very enjoyable and rewarding.

    On a personal level I’m originally from Tauranga. I try to get up there to visit whānau as often as I can. I have been based in the South Island since 2001. I’m a proud wife of my husband (who also works in education) and a proud step-mum of two grown up children (Currently both living and thriving overseas). Outside of my work I try to ‘fill my cup’ by engaging in my own art practice, trying to stay fit, visiting the beach and learning new things. I’m currently studying with Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori working towards my Level 2.

    Looking forward to meeting many of you on March 15th (If anyone else is flying in and is keen to share an uber/ taxi/ shuttle please let me know!)
    Ngā mihi nui,
    Claire

    4

  38. Kia ora, my name is Brieta Groenewald, I am the DP at Elim Christian College Golflands Campus for Junior Years. I am originally from South Africa but have lived in Auckland for the past 16 years.

    I have taught a variety of year levels from Year 0 to 13, however my longest time was 12 years in Year 0/1, I have also done a variety of leadership roles and the latest is DP.

    I am looking forward to growing and learning during this course.
    Ngā mihi nui.

    7

  39. Kia ora, my name is Anna van Leeuwen, I am the Assistant Junior Years Lead at Elim Christian College Botany. I am originally from Hamilton but have lived in Auckland for the past 20 years. I have been teaching in Year 3/4 at Elim Christian College for the past 9 years, and the past 2 years I have been Team Leader. Before this I taught in a few different positions from ECE up to Year 4. This year is my first year as Assistant Junior Years Lead, which means I support our DP with the running and organisation of our Junior Years Y0-6. I am looking forward to developing my skills and confidence as a leader through this course. Ngā mihi nui.

    7

  40. Kia ora,
    I’m Abi Copley and I’m the Head of Teaching and Learning for our Year 3 & 4 tamariki at Gulf Harbour School in Auckland. Originally from the UK (where I trained as a teacher), but have been in NZ now for 10 years with my husband and two small children. I’m really looking forward to getting started with the course and to absorbing myself in new learning and making new connections with colleagues.

    Looking forward to meeting everyone on the 15th!

    3

  42. Mauri ora ki ā koutou,

    He uri tēnei nō ngā kāhui maunga, nō te awa tupua o Whanganui
    Kei Te Tai Tokerau ahau e noho ana i tēnei taima
    Ko Ngawai Haitana-Tuhoro tēnei e mihi kau atu ana ki a koutou.

    Kia ora, I am the Tumuaki/Director at He Matariki Teen Parent School located in Whangārei. I’ve been circulating the education world with many pōtae for a while now. I am looking forward to the learnings from this programme and meeting you all soon. Ngā mihi nui

    4

  43. Kia ora,
    Ko Aoraki te maunga
    Ko Takitimu te waka
    Ko Rakahuri te awa
    Ko Tuahiwi te marae,
    Ko Kai tahu, ko Ngāti mutunga, ko Te Ati Awa ngā iwi
    I whānau mai au i wairau,
    Engari kei Waikawa ahau, e noho ana, ināianei
    Ko Anna Colman tōku ingoa
    Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

    Kia ora – I am Anna Colman, Deputy Principal at Queen Charlotte college – in the beautiful Waitohi/Te tau ihu – top of the south!
    As well as my SLT role, I also teach Y13 Hospitality. (I am a Chef by trade, previous career prior to teaching) and new this year is my
    Year 9 PE/Health class. My key leadership role within SLT are Curriculum – Teaching & Learning. I have been in Education now for 14 years, progressing quickly through MLT and into SLT for the past 7 years, where I was also AP at Marlborough Girl’s College.

    Looking forward to meeting you all up in Auckland!

    5

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