I feel privileged to be the foundation principal of Te Kura O Take Kārara. I have lived in Wanaka since 2005 and I feel strongly connected to this area. I grew up in Alexandra and had many holidays in Wanaka making the most of what was on offer in the outdoors. After spending a few years travelling and teaching overseas, my husband Howie and I decided to make this place home. We now have 3 daughters and we are enjoying nurturing and navigating our way through their growing and learning journeys! I was previously the deputy principal at Hawea Flat School where I thoroughly enjoyed my time and feel very lucky to continue my professional journey in the Wanaka area.
I place a huge amount of importance on relationships and having a connected community – children, teachers, family, whānau, local iwi and community organisations within the school and across the wider community. I believe when you take the time to listen to understand, and engage and connect with our children and their families, then we shape a place where they belong, can take risks, be creative and become collaborative and active citizens. I am dedicated to providing quality education and to put into practice deep learning experiences that foster and ignite passion for learning and discovering and setting our children up for their future.
I am honoured to be appointed as the Deputy Principal for Te Kura O Take Kārara. I was fortunate to grow up in Wanaka, my husband and I moved back here in 2016 and I feel incredibly privileged to again call this beautiful place home. I have over 20 years teaching and leadership experience and am excited to be involved in the development of this new school within my local community.
I am committed to ensuring that Te Kura O Take Kārara provides a supportive, and nurturing educational experience for all our children, where their individual, and diverse learning needs are met in a fun and inclusive environment. I look forward to working in close partnership with all those who support the children at our school.
Kia Ora! I am thrilled to be the Associate Principal at Te Kura O Take Karaka. I have lived and taught in Wanaka since 2006 where I have raised my two daughters with my wife, Kath. I was previously an Associate Principal at Wanaka Primary School, where I was based for 13 years. Like many of you I have made the Wanaka region my home because of the amazing physical environment. Equally as unique, are the people within it. It has always been great to live in a community of such positive people.
During my 25 years in education, I have learnt the importance of providing clear guidelines for children where they feel safe and know that they matter. From this comes a commitment and love of learning. In working with and getting to know the children and their families, a firm partnership is developed that fosters positive outcomes and well being. Along with the wider community, this will then help to shape a connected and happy individual.
I look forward to meeting you at Te Kura O Take Kārara.
