Principal

B.Education; Diploma of Teaching

I have loved my time here at Greenmeadows School since starting as Principal at the beginning of the 2009 school year. Our school is very friendly and it is great coming to work in such a happy place. I really enjoy being a school Principal - a job I have worked in since 1990. Greenmeadows School is the fifth school I have been Principal of. Previous to this I started my teaching career in Ngaruawahia. I then became Principal of a number of rural schools - Mangaorapa, Matawai, Mamaku and Puketapu Schools. One of the things I love about being a Principal is that you always keep learning in your job, and I know I that the learning for myself has certainly not finished yet! I have a lot of interests outside of school. I have two children who have left home, but my wife and I love catching up with them. I love sports especially rugby, cricket and rugby league. I play in a touch team and referee rugby in the winter. Sport is an important part of my approach to education - children can learn so much from the discipline, team work and enjoyment that sport can bring.

Middle Syndicate Lead Teacher

I came to Greenmeadows Primary School in 2001 and have taught across all levels. I am lucky that I enjoy teaching all age groups. I became the Middle Syndicate Team Leader in 2006 and it is a pleasure to lead such a strong and vibrant team of teachers. Previously I have taught at primary schools in Wanganui, Auckland, Wellington and also briefly at William Colenso College before leaving teaching to travel overseas. Therefore I feel I am well qualified to say that at Greenmeadows we have a fantastic group of students and skilled teachers who make Greenmeadows a supportive and interesting place to be. I enjoy coming to work each day. I am passionate about children’s writing, art and music and enjoy my role as SENCO which enables me to gain insights into the many challenges facing children and families with special needs.

Deputy Principal

B Ed, Dip Tchg

This is my fourth year as Deputy Principal at Greenmeadows School. I really enjoy working with our children and staff – Greenmeadows School is a great place to be! Previous to that I was Deputy Principal at Clive School. During my career I have also taught at Bledisloe School and Taitoko School (in Levin).

Junior Syndicate Lead Teacher

I began my teaching in Rotorua, then moved with my husband to Hamilton, where I taught at Frankton Primary until I left to start my family. We moved around New Zealand with my husband’s work going to Wellington, Westport, Hamilton and then back to Rotorua. I returned to teaching part-time when my son was eight years old and then took up a full time position at St Mary’s School. There I taught through out the school but mainly as a Junior teacher. I was appointed Deputy Principal in 1993, responsible for leading Literacy Development, all sports and camps. In 1994 we moved to Hawkes’ Bay for my husband to take over an apple orchard. I relieved in various schools until I secured a relieving position at Central School, Hastings. I shifted to Greenmeadows Primary in 1995 where I’ve since taught mainly Year 1 and 2 children. I took over as Literacy Leader and became Senior teacher for the Junior Department in 2002. I’ve been involved with and taught cubs, orienteering and hockey as my children have progressed through their schooling. I’ve recently had fun establishing a garden from scratch since we moved into our new house three years ago. My latest interest is my little grandson, Thomas, who lives in Australia.

Senior Syndicate Lead Teacher

“Are you still there?” “Yes, I am because Greenmeadows School is a great place to be.” I secured a permanent position at Greenmeadows School in 1991 teaching Year 1 and 2 children. Since then I have worked at all levels and became the Team Leader of the Senior Syndicate in 1998. I enjoy the challenge of preparing my senior students for Intermediate, making them independent, life-long learners. I also enjoy interacting with my students in many of the senior activities. eg camp, end of year social. Another aspect of my job that I enjoy is being a SENCO and I have a particular interest in behaviour management and am proud to have introduced Peer Mediators, a School Council, Friendship Bus and Nurture Club to Greenmeadows. I also enjoy being the staff representative on the Board of Trustees working with parents and management. I love teaching and pride myself on being innovative and motivated to do the best for my students.