Week One photos

With 5 ½ years of teaching experience and a lifelong connection to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, my passion for education has been shaped by growing up in a rural community, surrounded by nature and animals. Wairakei Primary feels like home, reflecting the sense of belonging and community that made school such a special part of my childhood.

Now settling into life in Taupō with my husband, time is often spent exploring the region—enjoying hīkoi’s by the lake, swimming, fly-fishing, and camping. Dance has always been a huge part of my life, and rediscovering this passion as an adult has been an exciting journey.

My strengths as a Kaiako are in teaching The Arts, Hauora (Health), and Te Reo Māori. Creating Mana Ūkaipo—a sense of place and belonging—is at the heart of teaching, ensuring that every student takes pride in who they are and where they come from, allowing them to flourish. 

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart. This whakataukī highlights the importance of connection, relationships, and shared journeys. Strong school-whānau partnerships are key to student success and engagement, and being part of the Wairakei community brings excitement for the relationships, learning, and growth ahead.

Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.

– Anthony J. D'Angelo

My goal is to provide learning opportunities that inspire students to be curious and creative. In a supportive environment students will explore, question and discover elements of the world around them.

Specialising in literacy education has meant I can support students to develop their reading skills. Sharing engaging stories with vibrant illustrations are a stepping stone to creating a range of unique artworks that are displayed with pride.

This hands-on approach is an important part of learning in my classroom. Students discover how words and numbers work using materials. They participate in science experiments, physical activities and creative pursuits. By accepting challenges, taking risks, making mistakes and problem solving students develop an understanding of their capabilities and develop resilience.

When I am not in the classroom I can be found in the garden. It is my connection to the natural world. The time taken to nurture and care for plants is rewarded by experiencing the beauty of flowers blooming and the taste of fresh fruit and vegetables. The sensory connection I have when gardening inspires many art projects in my class. It is important that students believe their ideas and opinions are valued and they have the opportunity to share their personal experiences.  I believe that classrooms  are successful when a collaborative learning environment is created by students, teachers, whānau and the school community working and celebrating progress together.

“It costs nothing to be kind” is a philosophy I live by, both in and out of the classroom. Students are encouraged to adopt this mindset, embracing kindness in all aspects of their lives.

Reading for enjoyment is just as important as reading with purpose. Sharing my passion for books with students is one of the highlights of my teaching, seeing them discover the magic of stories and imagination.

While my love for reading runs deep, my true passion lies in solving mathematical problems. The clarity that maths gives—it’s either right or wrong, and students can immediately identify where they’ve gone astray. This passion for numbers translates into a dynamic classroom where students tackle problems with confidence and curiosity.

Every child deserves a safe space where they feel empowered to take risks in their learning, even when they’re unsure of the answer. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing the “lightbulb” moments when students grasp new concepts and exclaim, “Oh, that’s easy now!”

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to me, and I encourage my students to value their well-being, both physically and mentally. This balance nurtures resilience and a positive outlook.

Just as I admire the beauty of a sunset at the end of a long day, I deeply value the growth in every student. Watching them evolve, gain confidence, and thrive in their learning journey is one of my greatest joys in teaching.

Every student has a voice, a strength, and a unique path to success. As teachers, our role is to listen, empower, and guide them toward their fullest potential.

Being a teacher is more than just imparting knowledge. It requires passion and dedication. Creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their learning journey is crucial. 

With a student centered approach, I recognise and celebrate the diverse strengths, backgrounds, and learning styles of each individual in my classroom. Academic content is taught alongside skills of collaboration, problem-solving, empathy, and resilience. 

Teaching is not just my profession, it is my passion. By encouraging students' curiosity, critical thinking, questioning and risk taking, students become lifelong learners.

Beyond the classroom, I find inspiration in nature through gardening, where I see parallels between nurturing plants and nurturing young minds. Both require patience, care, and the right environment to flourish. Time spent with my whānau is deeply valued as family is at the heart of my personal and professional values.