Staff Blog 2025

Hannah Assistant Principal, Marina, Deputy Principal and Marriene Tumuaki. We work in the same office space "Tuna" in the admin block "Kīwai." We have adapted a scrum system to ensure that we address strategic work and don't get caught up in administrivia. Helen and Rachael are essential to our operation, and between the 5 of us, we oversee the safe and smooth operation of the school. We laugh a lot, even on the most difficult days. It's a pleasure coming to school knowing that we have a great team working for a great team..

Tēnā koutou e te whanau. This is my 16th year as tumuaki of our lovely kura. I am one-eyed when it comes to providing the very best education for all of our tamariki, strong connections to whanau and applying attachment theory so every child has a champion adult at our school who believes in them unconditionally. I just can't see past it.
Our kaiako and kaiawhina go the extra 50 miles to give our children the best chances to succeed.
My family is number one. After 20 years of camping holidays in Kaiteriteri, Graham and I are recidivist "glampers " and ready for new adventures in our latest caravan. It's brilliant when our family joins us too.

Tēnā koutou,
I am Whaea Marina. I am the Deputy Principal and SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator). This is my 4th year of leadership at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. The best thing about my job is ensuring that all tamariki reach their full potential and leave our kura knowing that they are loved. Outside of school, I am a wife and mum to a six-year-old (Noah). I love spending time with my family. We love going for walks and being outside.

Kia ora whānau,

I am Whaea Hannah and I have been teaching at the awesome Te Ara Koropiko for almost 5 years. I love transitioning new whānau into our kura and supporting the tamariki to grow as they begin their school years. I also keep busy with the curriculum refresh, new enrolments and leading Puna Hao (our junior school). In my spare time, I love being at home in the garden or cleaning, out shopping and with my dog, Brie.

Kia ora I'm Whaea Helen PA to the Principal. This is my fourth year at TAKWSS and you will find me in the school office. I support the leadership team with the day-to-day running of the school. I enjoy working with such positive and vibrant colleagues who are inspiring to be around. Our school has a very special community connection. Outside of work, I am a wife and busy Mum of two teenagers. My interests are travel, exploring other countries and cultures, camping, skiing, arts, cooking and op shops. I love a renovation or upcycling project. Coffee is a good friend of mine too. If you are new to the school please come say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Kia ora, I am Whaea Rachael and I have worked at Te Ara Koropiko for four years and been a member of our amazing school community for over eight years.  The office is always a busy place but always filled with fun and laughter. It is a privilege to support our tamariki and whānau in any way we can.

Hello,
I am Matua Dennis, and have had the pleasure of joining the TAKWSS team a year ago. Trained in Europe as a Gardener,
I am loving the diversity of work that school maintenance brings with it. The interaction and information sharing with the curious minds of active children is a true bonus to the work environment. I have also been busy in the world of dogs for many years running a dog walking and training business.. This remains a part of my working week to this day.
Fun fact : Owned the only half wolf (hybrid) in NZ that came with us, to NZ, under the guise of a Husky!

Well, as many of you know, I've been a familiar face around the school for quite some time – over ten years, to be precise! I feel incredibly fortunate to be teaching in this amazing community.
I have a year 4/5 class this year and have taken on the role of leading the Year 4/5/6 Puna Paranui team. I am also Head of ICT. It's a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and constant learning, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Now, for a bit about my personal passions. I've always been drawn to creative pursuits, particularly art. From painting and drawing to sculpting and digital design. I spend most weekends with my extended whanau and take the title of 'Favourite Aunty' for my two nieces and six nephews. I am a Mummy to BooBooBear, my Leonberger cross.

Kia ora koutou,
Ko Glen Campbell ahau. This is my sixth year as a kaiako in Puna Paranui, I am also the lead teacher in performing arts and am enjoying stepping into leadership roles. Born in Gore, raised in Christchurch, I have taught all over New Zealand and abroad. I am a family man, love sports and music and learning alongside the tamariki in the classroom. You'll find me relaxing by spending time with my family in the outdoors, listening to a range of bands and music and reading up on the latest news in the educational world. Old sports injuries have slowed me down, but I still like a run around the park with the children. Nga mihi nui.

Kia Ora koutou! I am Whaea Amy from Puna Hao Tahi. I have the privilege of teaching the New Entrants and year 1’s in Harakeke. I am team leader for Puna Hao and sports champion team leader. I am so excited for another year of teaching and building relationships with my beautiful students and their whanau. I love the strong sense of community we have at Te Ara Koropiko. In my spare time, I love socialising with my friends, going for a run and spending time with my family! I look forward to seeing some old faces and meeting some new faces this year

Kia ora my name is Whaea Libby and I work in Harakeke 2 days a week and I am a release teacher for the senior school. It has been 10 years since I first started working at Te Ara Koropiko and I love this school and community. I hold the Student Leadership Unit within the school where I work alongside our student leaders to create exciting house events throughout the year. I love house days and thrive on setting challenges and activities for the children to complete together in their houses - I love seeing the school come together for days filled with so much fun! When I am not teaching I am kept busy with my 3 children Isla, Archie and Gracie. I love to spend time with family and friends and I enjoy reading, cooking and shopping! I'm really looking forward to another exciting year ahead.

Kia Ora Koutou. I am Matua Steven and I’m having a blast as a part of the Puna Paranui team in 2025. I’m returning to teaching after a brief break along with some time overseas and I couldn’t be happier to now be a part of the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon community. I am a lifelong musician and performer and love sharing this passion with akonga whenever possible. Over the past 6 years I have focused on developing as a classical singer and today I am fortunate to be a member of the New Zealand Opera chorus. I will be singing with them as a part of their main stage production later this year. 2025 is looking to be a fantastic year and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!

Kia ora,
I have enjoyed all of the many roles that I have had at Te Ara Koropiko. Over many years (too many to count) I have transitioned from past pupil to classroom teacher, release teacher and ESOL teacher. Now that my three children have grown just that little bit older I find myself back in my favourite role - classroom teacher!

I love the outdoors, exercising, reading, camping and being at the beaches around Golden Bay and Nelson. Spending time with family and friends brings me great joy. I look forward to seeing each child shine at school this year!

Kia ora,
I'm Whaea Ashleigh and this is my second year teaching at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. I am so excited to be back in Ti Kouka, teaching years one and two! I love baking, reading and writing, but most of all I love New Zealand Sign Language! My favourite colour is pink and I'm obsessed with butterflies. I have two beautiful cats, Socks (2 years old) and Boots (14 weeks old).

I am teaching a lovely bunch of year 3 children in Te Pahuri this year. I have a small list of jobs I do around the school. The breakfast club runs each morning from Te Pahuri kitchen. All children are welcome for a chat, drink and/or breakfast. The enviro group or gardening club is great fun as the children really shine when outside getting dirty. This involves the planting, watering and harvesting of different foods in the school. We try each year to grow the veges for the hangi but they often disappear as they ripen. The younger children have no worries about the bugs when they are digging or ones they find in the apples they eat. I am lead teacher on the implementation of the new maths curriculum. With all the staff on board we are slowly and carefully implementing changes. I am staff rep on the WWSFW and support the fundraising within the school. Look out for the cheese rolls.

Kia ora,
I'm Whaea Jorja and this is my second year at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School! I'm excited to be continuing teaching in the Puna Hao team with the Year 1s and 2s. I am also the Out-of-School Sport Coordinator for our kura, and encourage all our tamariki to get involved in some of our awesome team sports! When I'm not teaching I enjoy being with my whanau and friends. You will often find me out shopping or exercising. I have a beautiful dog named Mana, who is four years old. I am so lucky to be a part of such a strong community and I am excited for another great year!

Talofa lava, o lo'u igoa o Whaea Nesa. I am super excited to be teaching in Harakeke with the NE/Yr 1 this year. I am a New Zealand born Samoan and I love to share my knowledge, culture and background with those around me. I started working as a teacher aide here at TAKWSS in 2017-2019 and truly found a passion for teaching. Four years later and I'm back as a qualified teacher. Yay! When not at school, you'll find me with family and friends most likely eating somewhere. I also love all things music.

I'm Whaea Carli and this is my first year teaching at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. I am excited to be teaching in Te Pahuri with the incredible year 3s. This year, I am a part of the Sports, I.C.T. and Literacy Club for the kura so you will definitely see me around. I encourage the akonga to get involved in these opportunities and many others like it in the school community. When I am not teaching, I enjoy getting outdoors and spending time with friends and whanau. Although, I love taking the family dog, Elea (3 years old), for a big walk around the park. I am so grateful to be a part of such a vibrant community and I'm ready to teach for the year!

Kia ora koutou! I’m Whaea Kaitlyn, and I have the absolute joy of teaching the awesome new entrants in Harakeke this year. This is my first year as a kaiako, and I couldn’t be happier to start my teaching journey at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School.
Originally from England, I’m loving life in New Zealand and so excited to be part of this amazing school whanau. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me Highland dancing, which I’ve been doing for 16 years and have even earned my Diploma in Highland and National Dancing. I also love spending time with family and friends, as well as going on walks.
I can’t wait to dive into 2025, make some great memories, and have heaps of fun learning together!

Kia ora, I am Matua Harvey and this is my first year at TAKWSS. I am excited to be joining this kura as a release teacher, mainly based in Puna Paranui!
In my spare time, I enjoy playing/coaching basketball, spending time with my friends and whanau, and getting outdoors.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help nurture these akonga and watch them develop into lifelong learners. As I leave for America in June, I look forward to getting to know our tamariki and whanau!

Tena koutou katoa, ko Phil Law toku ingoa. I am a second year beginning teacher and excited to be in Puna Paranui Toru this year. My wife and I have two daughters, one at Cashmere High School and the younger one at South Intermediate. It was through coaching them in junior sports that I decided to make the switch to teaching. On my weekends you will most likely find my on the sideline at a sports ground, coaching cricket in the summer and football in the winter.
I'm looking forward getting to know people in our school community so feel free to stop by and say hi.

Kia Ora,
My name is Whaea Marg (Margaret is too long!!)  and I have been at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School for a very long time!!
Originally from the West Coast I came to Christchurch to train as a School Dental Nurse and worked in a number of Primary Schools. I have also worked at Fendalton Library and began working in schools with Learning Programmes after doing a Certificate in Special Needs at Teachers College.
I am in charge of our School Library and keeping an up to date selection of books is a major goal of mine.
Outside school I enjoy gardening, spending time with our family and reading a good thriller.

Hi, I'm Ange.
I began working part time at West Spreydon School 12 years ago on February 22nd 2012. Then went full time with my variety of roles increasing. Behaviour support, RTLB / ORS. A selection of reading, maths, phonics programmes, working alongside teachers with students when and where required throughout the curriculum.
I was fortunate to grow up in Oxford on a farm. A particular pet lamb I had would walk to the corner down from my school and wait for me to leave school some afternoons.
I played netball, softball and volleyball.  I began a career in nannying that included working for an All Black Physio. My dad was a shearer. I followed in his footsteps living life in the shearing sheds. After four years I left, to pursue more nannying. Dad taught me how to shear sheep. Climbing Mount Oxford was a feat I accomplished with dad.
Baking, cake decorating, jigsaws, diamond art, gardening, playing my vast music collection, road trips on our Harley Davidson, Ruapuna Speedway occupy my spare time.
Last, but not least, it is a huge honor and privilege being part of and contributing to, a highly successful, experienced and supportive teaching assistant tribe.  =^..^=

Kia Ora I am Whaea Megg, I am one of the fabulous teaching assistants here at TAKWSS. I have been here since 2021. I have 3 children of my own and ever since my daughter was 4 years old (now 12!)  I have been helping with coaching and managing all of her sporting teams alongside my partner. I love working with children and supporting them with all their needs. I don't have much spare time outside of working and playing taxi to my kids but if I do I love hanging out with my family friends, shopping and Netflix!

Kia ora , I am Whaea Sonya I have a strong background in women's mental health supporting mums, dad's, caregivers and families with postnatal distress/depression and anxiety for over 10 years in Canterbury. I have a passion for wellbeing within the family unit and have spent time educating many health professionals about mental health and the importance to listen and support effectively. I bring experience from Ferndale base school working with special needs and challenging behaviours.
I enjoy camping with my husband and my 2 children along with gardening, art and watching my kids play sport. I love how welcoming everyone has been since joining TAKWSS last year. I'm looking forward to connecting with your child/children this year in our classroom or out in the playground.

Kia ora koutou. Ko Jan toku ingoa. My name is Whaea Jan. I started at West Spreydon teaching ESOL part time and later trained as a Reading Recovery teacher. I taught in London and Auckland for many years before moving to Christchurch with my husband and two children.
I love learning, so apart from my previous qualifications I also have a Diploma in Te Ara Reo Maori. I am passionate about teaching and I am excited to see my students grow in their learning.
I love to travel and experience new places and I enjoy reading and getting outdoors.

Mālō e lelei & Talofa lava, my name is Anita and I am a new release teacher here at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon. I am looking forward to being part of such a strong school community where ākonga thrive! In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and church community.

Kia ora koutou.  I'm Whaea Jo. I am a release teacher and I work with children who have extra needs.  I am thrilled to be back on the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon staff having had a break from teaching last year to further my knowledge around how to help our neurodiverse ākonga.  I love getting out in nature, geocaching with my family, walking my lovely dog, baking and doing amigurumi crochet.