Year 6 Camp 2025

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire - William Butler Yeats

Fostering critical thinking, creativity, and independence creates a positive and engaging environment in which children can thrive and grow. In such an environment, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, fueling their growth and development along the way.

With experience teaching, both internationally and in New Zealand, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in a variety of academic settings. This journey has allowed me to share my passion for learning, and continuously refine my approach to meet the needs of each unique group of students. 

Outside of school, a passion for sports such as tennis, cricket, and football often inspires teaching around the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Whether through physical activities or group projects, students learn valuable lessons in cooperation, and perseverance. 

Whaowhai te kete matāuranga - fill the basket with knowledge.

A teacher’s core job, according to educational consultant Neill O’Reilly, is to ‘cause learning’. This is a simply-worded, yet aspirational goal for one teacher in a dynamic classroom environment. It clarifies why teachers do what they do each day, and the ‘why’ is very important.

Having been a teacher here since 2014, I am passionate about Wairakei Primary School. The school’s values provide a superb foundation for learning to happen, and staff and students live these values every day. The school has a busy and unique setting, a variety of active students, friendly whānau and many hardworking professionals.

Literacy, numeracy and languages are my passions in education. I believe in the importance of the basics and preparing each child for continued success in their later school and working years. Getting something just right is important to me and I admire students who put in the effort needed to achieve at their own pace. Providing support and extension is important and something Wairakei Primary School does well. Teaching in the senior school is my area of focus.

One of the rewarding roles I have is being staff representative for the Board of Trustees. My spare time is spent gardening and biking.

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.

I am from Christchurch but moved to Taupō at the end of 2018. I am passionate about travelling with my most memorable trip being to Egypt. I also love keeping fit through sport, the gym and just getting out and exploring the outdoors.

I have been a qualified teacher working in New Zealand since 2013. Prior to that, I spent 8 years in Hong Kong working with Chinese children in primary schools.

I decided to pursue a career in teaching because I loved the idea of making a difference in the world by helping children learn and develop as people. It is rewarding to see the progress children make and to be a part of their learning journeys.