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How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
A very long time. I trained at Auckland College of Education straight from what was then the 6th form at High School. After teaching for about five years, I went to work in the private sector for a multinational company before stopping work to have my family.
I was fortunate enough to then work part-time at Pukekohe Hill School before shifting to Valley School in Pukekohe when our youngest daughter started there. While I have been working, I have studied at Waikato University, and more recently, I completed my Master of Educational Leadership at the University of Auckland.
When did you become the principal of Patumāhoe School?
I was fortunate enough to become principal in October 2022, so I have been here for nearly three years.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
That’s easy. He Tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is always the people. My job allows me to work with an awesome team of people every day who are 100 percent committed to improving outcomes for all of our learners. I get to meet and work alongside the fantastic whanau of our students who do so much to support our learners, and every day I have the privilege of watching nearly 300 akonga (pupils) learning and growing!
What’s special about Patumāhoe School?
There are so many special things about our school, the team, our students and their families and the local community. We still have an annual calf club, and on this day, the support from our communities is overwhelming. I think it is the most special day of the year.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
We always want more for our learners. I think the thing that we need the most is more support at the front line. The ultimate for us would be to have a highly skilled teacher aide in every one of our classrooms, supporting our teachers and learners. Our teacher aides play such a critical role in our school, and I just wish we could clone them!
How is the relationship between Patumāhoe School and its immediate local community?
As a school, we are absolutely blessed with the support we receive from our local community. It seems that whatever we need or ask for, there is a member of our community who is willing to put their hand up and help out. We have an incredible PTA who raised more than $40,000 for our school in 2024. We have a great Patumāhoe School Board, and parents who are always willing to help out. We also have past parents and students who come back to the school and help out whenever there is an opportunity!
