Week Two 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.

Fostering a love for learning begins with an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired. With a focus on high achievement, engaging experiences, and strong relationships, classrooms become spaces where curiosity thrives.

A passion for education drives a commitment to ensuring that all students, each with their own unique strengths and learning journeys. Believing that with support and encouragement, all students will reach their full potential. High expectations, paired with an understanding of emotional regulation and individual learning styles, create opportunities for success in and beyond the classroom.Extensive experience in Wairakei’s unique rural school setting has shaped a deep appreciation for community connections and the role they play in student growth. Whether through hands-on learning, collaborative projects, or memorable experiences, every moment in my classroom is designed to spark enthusiasm, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

My vision is to be an inspiring and empowering force in children’s lives so they are excited and motivated to learn.

Every child deserves a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their ideas. Critical thinking and problem-solving are fundamental skills, and having the confidence to be expressive is a virtue that needs nurturing.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Lichfield and attending the local primary school, I experienced the value of a close-knit community. This inspired me to ensure my own children had the same privilege and all three of my children have attended Wairakei Primary and thrived. This inspiration for my own children weaves through into my aspirations for my students. When children feel a sense of belonging and have strong, supportive connections with both their peers and teachers, they are best positioned to excel in their learning. 

Outside of  the classroom, my family and I live on a large drystock farm. I enjoy reading, tending to my greenhouse, and going camping with my family. These interests inform my teaching, especially my passion for literacy and encouraging students to explore and engage with the world around them.

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.

Passion, creativity, and belonging. Three words that shape the learning experience and create a classroom where students feel inspired to explore, grow, and express themselves.

Classrooms thrive when students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in hands-on learning, and discover their interests in meaningful ways. Whether through storytelling, art, or interactive projects, creativity is woven into every lesson to make learning both engaging and memorable.

A strong focus on literacy helps students become confident, independent learners, while creative approaches foster self-expression and problem-solving. In a supportive and dynamic environment, students are empowered to take risks, embrace challenges, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community.

Outside the classroom, time spent playing the guitar, crafting, painting, or exploring the outdoors inspires new ideas and possibilities, which are brought back to the classroom to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in students.

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.