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KAIKŌURA Primary School

KAIKŌURA Primary School

Nau Mai, Haere mai.

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About Us

Our People

Staff of 2024

Hannah

Principal

Tena koutou katoa
I have the great privilege of leading learning here at Kaikōura Primary School. I am passionate about ensuring high expectations for all our learners and maintaining our caring and inclusive school culture, where everyone belongs. On a personal note, I live on a dairy farm with my husband and our five children and I really enjoy helping out on the farm in my spare time.

    Deb

    Office Manager

    I have lived in beautiful Kaikōura since 2003 and have worked for Kaikōura Primary School for nearly 18 years.   I feel very privileged to work at KPS, where everyone is valued and included. When I’m not at school or our business, I love reading, gardening, the outdoors, and travelling to spend time with our adult children and young grandchildren.

      Esther

      Pohutukawa Class Teacher

      Kia ora,

      I have the pleasure of working alongside the fantastic team here at Kaikōura Primary. I love getting to know my student’s interests and passions and using those to create fun learning experiences in the classroom. 

      I am originally from the UK, moving to New Zealand in 2016. I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Kaikōura has to offer. In my spare time, you will find me running with my dogs or spending time with my family, hunting and fishing.

        Kelly

        Resource Teacher of Literacy

        Kia ora koutou!

        I have the pleasure of working with fantastic tamariki across schools in Kaikōura. I have a background in Speech and Language Therapy and am passionate about oral language, reading and writing. 

        I whakapapa to Kaikōura and am immensely grateful to be raising my two children with my husband in this beautiful part of Aotearoa. In my spare time I love reading, music and enjoying the outdoors with my whānau.

        Ngā mihi nui

          Karen

          Harakeke Class Teacher/Deputy Principal

          I believe teaching and learning are things we all do every day of our lives.  As a teacher, it is my privilege to find teachable moments where I can use the children’s passion to build their knowledge and confidence. 
          We have a busy family, our children are almost all grown up and we have 2 precious granddaughters.  I love animals and have horses and dogs with who I share a very outdoors life.

            McKenzie

            Kowhai Class Teacher

            Kia ora koutou,
            I am the Year 3 teacher in Kowhai class. I originally grew up in the picturesque town of Kaikōura. After spending a few years away studying, I returned to this beautiful place. 
            I have a deep appreciation for nature and enjoy taking long walks outdoors. Additionally, I find great pleasure in fishing and gathering kai moana for my family. As one of five siblings, and with many nephews and nieces, family is incredibly important to me.

              Ally

              Support Teacher

              Kia ora koutou

              After arriving in Aotearoa on my travels from the UK I immediately wanted to stay! I have lived around the top of the South Island since 2005, teaching since 2013 (part-time since having a young family). I enjoy the unique environment that Kaikōura has to offer and love getting out both in and on the ocean.

              As both a teacher and parent at KPS, I value the great facilities, resources and space at our kura as well as the fantastic staff and tamariki who create a welcoming, caring and inclusive culture.

                Willie

                Rimu Class Teacher

                Kia ora koutou
                Ko Willie Manuel toku ingoa
                No Kaikōura ahau
                I enjoy fishing, surfing and rugby. I am a father of two and grandfather of 3.  I have been teaching for over 20 years. Before that, I worked at Whale Watch Kaikōura and was a fisherman employed by Virgo Fisheries in Kaikōura. My favourite subjects to teach are Mathematics, Kapahaka, and The Arts.
                Naku noa

                  Nick

                  Mānuka Class Teacher

                  I am originally from the South West of the UK but am proud to call Kaikōura my home. Kaikōura Primary School is an amazing place to teach,  the open spaces and sea views make for an excellent learning environment. I am passionate about the outdoors and the arts which I integrate into my lessons wherever possible. Mānuka class is a kind, diligent, and fun place to learn, with every child experiencing success (in some shape or form) every day. I strongly believe that children should be active participants, not placid recipients of their education, and my work with Mānuka class is underpinned by this belief. 

                    Mel

                    Totara Class Teacher

                    Kia ora koutou! I’m Mel Ford, the Year 6 teacher here at Kaikōura Primary School. As the teacher of our leavers, I have the privilege of guiding our students as they prepare for high school. I am originally from the beautiful town of Kaikōura, and I cherish being part of our close-knit community.
                    With five children of my own, I understand the importance of nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. I’m passionate about all sports and believe in the power of teamwork and perseverance both on and off the field. Being a part of this school is something I truly love, and I’m excited to continue supporting our students as they grow and thrive.

                      Kelly

                      Support Teacher

                        Gwen

                        Learning Assistant

                        Kia ora I’m Gwen
                        I moved to Kaikōura almost 32 years ago. I have been at Kaikōura Primary for 27 years as a Learning Assistant and I still love everything about my job! I work with individuals and groups and I have good rapport with all the children.  I believe that school should feel like a fun, safe place to be.

                          Sarah

                          Learning Assistant and Office Manager

                          Kia ora I’m Sarah

                          I feel very lucky to work as a Learning Assistant alongside such an amazing team of teachers and tamariki here at KPS. Every school day is fun, full of smiling faces and positive energy. Outside of school, I’m busy with my young family, Saturday sports, and getting out and about enjoying the biking and walking trails around Kaikōura.

                            Tania

                            Learning Assistant

                              Nigel

                              Caretaker/Groundsman

                              I have been the caretaker for going on 5 years in November 2022 and both my children attended KPS. I have a long history with the school from my time working as a local builder and being on the BOT during the rebuild of our school. I enjoy my work here because it is so varied and on a fine day you couldn’t ask for a better office because of our location.

                                Board of Trustees

                                • Board Chair – Vicki Gulleford
                                • Principal – Hannah Simpson
                                • Staff Representative – Kelly Addis
                                • Selected member – James bishop
                                • Elected member – Leanne Taylor
                                • Runanga Representative – Moana Manawatu

                                Contact


                                19 Torquay Street
                                Kaikōura
                                7300

                                Phone 03 3195440

                                Email Office office@kaikoura.school.nz
                                Email Principal  principal@kaikoura.school.nz

                                Contact Form

                                You can use this form to advise of your child’s absence or to make contact with Kaikōura Primary School.

                                Job Vacancies

                                There are currently no job vacancies.

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                                Kaikōura Primary School

                                19 Torquay Street
                                Kaikōura
                                New Zealand

                                Ph:  +64 3 319 5440
                                Fax: +64 3 319 5400
                                Email: office@kaikoura.school.nz

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