Dale Hammond - Deputy Principal (Junior School)

Mrs Hammond has been teaching for over 25 years in New Zealand and in England. As a trained Reading Recovery teacher, Mrs Hammond is passionate about literacy and learning for all children, especially those in their early years at school. Despite having a leadership role for Years 1 - 3, Mrs Hammond enjoys meeting and working with all students at Tirimoana to help them on their education journey. When Mrs Hammond is not at school, you will find her reading books or paddle boarding around the Waitemata with her family.  

Tracey Richardson - Deputy Principal (Senior School)

Ms Richardson has been at Tirimoana for 2 years and has over 25 years of teaching experience. In that period, she has worked at primary and intermediate schools in both New Zealand and the UK. She spent 11 years working at the Faculty of Education as a curriculum advisor and national contract manager and she brings considerable leadership experience to our school. Ms Richardson is passionate about student and staff wellbeing. This year she will focus on preparing successful learners in all areas of the curriculum and giving them the confidence to learn and grow as leaders.

Louise Graham - Assistant Deputy Principal

Mrs Graham completed her teacher training in 1999 at Auckland University and gained a Diploma in Teaching. She had previously gained a BA in History and Political Studies in 1981 and an MA in History in 1983. She joined the teaching team at Tirimoana in 2000 and was appointed a Senior Teacher in 2006. In 2019 Mrs Graham will assist in many areas of school leadership and is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team. She is the school liaison teacher and mentor for student teachers for our university partners. Mrs Graham will continue to lead Mathematics in our school and act as mentor for our Mathematics Specialist Teacher this year. Mrs Graham has a Community of Learning role across all of our partner schools and she continues to work with our Enviro Group.

Jan Parkes - Assistant Deputy Principal

Mrs Parkes will be working in the Junior School during 2019. She supports teachers and students in Year 0-3. Mrs Parkes has a special interest in teaching the Arts and Literacy especially with an Inquiry perspective. She has a passion for the Performing Arts. Mrs Parkes has taught at all levels of primary school and continues to lead the Arts. She is the PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) and Restorative Practice leader for our school.

Julie Matthews - Assistant Deputy Principal and SENCO (Special Needs Coordinator) 
 

Mrs Matthews graduated in 2000 from Auckland College of Education with a Diploma of Teaching and the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Education. In 2005 she came to Tirimoana Primary to open a New Entrant class. Since then she has enjoyed teaching year 0/1 classes, especially literacy and arts. Mrs Matthews has a son Cooper who keeps her busy out of school with hockey and cricket games, drumming lessons and educating her on the ins and outs of Minecraft. Mrs Matthews will continue to take schoolwide leadership (SENCO) in the provision of quality learning for our children with special learning needs. 

Sharon Croft - Literacy Leader

Mrs Croft has been a primary school teacher for many years. She has taught children from 5 -12 years old at several West Auckland schools and has been working with the students at Tirimoana Primary for many years. Mrs Croft has a Bachelor of Education with particular strengths in Literacy, Numeracy and the Arts. In 2019 Mrs Croft will continue to lead Literacy and teach library skills to learners. She is responsible for Reading Recovery and the Library.

Kura Tuhura - Specialist Te Reo, Tikanga Māori and Classroom Release Teacher

Whaea Kura has 24 years of teaching experience, within Maori medium and mainstream schools. She recently returned from an Educational Conference in Rapanui-Isla de Pascua invigorated to be teaching at different year levels throughout Tirimoana while continuing to facilitate our Kapa Haka and piloting our Wednesday Total Immersion Te Reo Māori Class for Years 3 to 6. As our in-school C.O.L. specialist, she engages with staff and whanau to develop better learning relationships, to progress achievement for our students. Her office is located in Room 19.

Stephanie Devcich - Specialist Teacher 

Mrs Devcich has been a teacher for many years. She loves singing and playing the guitar. Mrs Devcich enjoys teaching all subjects but Mathematics, Science and ESOL are her favourites. She is always envious of anyone who can speak more than one language. Mrs Devcich has teaching responsibilities for ESOL. When she is not at school, Mrs Devcich likes to go surfing or ride her bike.

Tracey Simonsen - Specialist Teacher

Mrs Simonsen has taught at Tirimoana in a number of different capacities for 20 years. She is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Mrs Simonsen continues her study towards her Masters degree in Literacy from Auckland University. During 2018 she will support new speakers of English and give classroom release to teachers as required. Her teaching strengths are in literacy and Reading Recovery. Mrs Simonsen enjoys spending time with her family, sailing and going to the gym. She is the person to contact about our After School Care Programme, Fun After 3.

Jolene Telfer - Release Teacher

Miss Telfer has been teaching for nearly twenty years in New Zealand, England and Malaysia. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Teaching. Miss Telfer has trained in Reading Recovery and enjoys teaching all of the curriculum subjects in order to deliver a well-rounded program to our Learners.  This year Miss Telfer will be releasing teachers from classes all over the school. When Miss Telfer is not teaching she enjoys spending time with her family including her son, Quinn and daughter, Kasey.

Kezia Langdon - Year 1 Team Leader

Miss Langdon graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland in 2008. Continuing her education, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Education the following year. Miss Langdon will continue to lead the Year 1 team of teachers and also teaching a Year 1 class in Room 10 during 2019.

Kerin Lowndes - Year 1 Teacher

Mrs Lowndes has been teaching for over 20 years and has taught in a number of West Auckland Primary Schools and also in England. This year Mrs Lowndes will continue to support our newest learners as they begin their learning journey in Room 25. When she is not at school, Mrs Lowndes loves to spend time with her family.

Doug Norman - Year 1 Teacher

Mr Norman graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from Auckland University of Technology. Originally from the Hawkes Bay, he moved to Auckland in 2011 to begin his studies. In his spare time, Mr Norman can be found enjoying the company of family, playing the guitar and participating in team sports. He has particular interest in football, volleyball and basketball. Mr Norman enjoys teaching all subjects. Mr Norman has returned from a leave in 2018 when he was travelling with his wife overseas.

Liz Pollard - On Maternity Leave

Ms Pollard was teaching Year 1 in Room 8 this year. She is an experienced teacher at all year levels. Ms Pollard enoys being a part of the fabulous community at Tirimoana. In her spare time Ms Pollard enjoys broadening her own knowledge through study. She recently finished her dissertation that investigated primary-aged children’s motivation to read. Ms Pollard loves teaching English and has a strong literacy background. Trained in Reading Recovery, she feels very strongly about the development of strong literacy skills. Ms Pollard is also a proud mother to her son, Julius who is growing so quickly.

Cara Bainbridge - Year 1 Teacher

Miss Bainbridge is a first year teacher who recently graduated with a Master of Teaching and is excited to start her teaching career at Tirimoana Primary School. In 2012, Miss Bainbridge graduated with a Bachelor in Science, specialising in Marine Science which continues to be an interest of hers. She loves to travel and in her own time enjoys relaxing with her friends and family.

Canesha Mallon - Year 1 Teacher

Miss Canesha Mallon finished her Bachelor of Education at the University of Auckland in 2015. She is teaching in Room 11. She enjoys teaching all areas of the curriculum with a passion for reading, writing and the social sciences. She loves to embrace student creativity and enjoys teaching students about the environment and how to be sustainable citizens. In her own time Miss Mallon takes pleasure in spending time with her two children as well as relaxing with her family and friends. She also loves to travel and experience new countries, cultures and histories. 

 Michayla Ozanne-Sterk Year 1 Teacher

Miss Sterk is a first-year teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland in 2016. She furthered her education in 2017, completing an Honours year with a focus on maths and science. Miss Sterk likes to plan rich, hands on, learning experiences. In her spare time, Miss Sterk enjoys playing hockey, exploring our beautiful country and spending time with her family. Miss Sterk is teaching Year 1 in Room 9 this year.

Nichola Hogan - Year 2 Team Leader

Mrs Hogan is the Year 2 Team Leader and has been a junior teacher for 14 years. After completing her Bachelor of Education at the University of Southern Queensland and teaching in Australia, she returned to New Zealand in 2006. She is passionate about the environment and teaching children to love and appreciate the world around us. She can often be found 'rescuing' items off the side of the road and giving them a new life as something else. Ms Hogan loves reading, history and science and is thrilled to be teaching at Tirimoana School.

Chanelle Meikle - Year 2 Teacher

Miss Meikle joined Tirimoana School last year. She has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland and joins us from Rosebank School, having previously taught in South Auckland for a number of years. Miss Meikle has two sons, one who currently attends Tirimoana and a toddler who will join his older brother when he turns five. She is looking forward working alongside many more learners and families of Tirimoana School.

Stephanie Ferguson - Year 2 Teacher

Miss Ferguson graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the end of 2018. She is very excited to start her teaching career at Tirimoana. Miss Ferguson has 18 years of experience in Dance and will be incorporating that into her  classroom. She is very passionate about the Arts and getting her students to learn through physical activity. In her spare time she loves to exercise, go to the beach and spend time with friends and family.

Rhiannon Carmody - Year 2 Teacher

Miss Carmody is a second year beginning teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Auckland in 2017. Miss Carmody is very excited to share her passion for teaching and learning with her 2019 class at Tirimoana School. Her strengths include creating a warm, nurturing class environment and incorporating the Arts into all curriculum areas. In her spare time, Miss Carmody loves spending time with her friends and family exploring the many wonders Auckland has to offer. 

Rebecca McKelvie - Year 3 Team Leader

Mrs McKelvie graduated from the University of Auckland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Education and began her teaching career at Tirimoana Primary in 2005. During 2019 Mrs McKelvie will lead the Year 3 team and teach the learners in Room 20. Mrs McKelvie has strengths in Maths, Literacy and ICT. She has a passion for the outdoors, books and vintage cars.

Kate Weiss - Year 3 Teacher

Miss Weiss completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and Psychology in 2013 and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2018. Miss Weiss is excited to be working alongside Mrs McKelvie with a Year 3 class in Room 20 this year, sharing her passion for reading, the arts and learning to speak te reo Māori. In her spare time Miss Weiss enjoys spending time with her family  and taking her dog on walks around Auckland.

Peta Buckingham - Year 3 Teacher

Mrs Buckingham has worked at Tirimoana for several years. She has a Bachelor of Education from the Auckland College of Education and taught at Western Heights for 9 years before coming to Tirimoana. In 2019 Mrs Buckingham is teaching a Year 3 class in Room 21. She has two children at Tirimoana School and she loves being involved in all areas of school life. 

Ash Rangihuna - On Maternity Leave

Mrs Rangihuna was teaching Year 3 learners in Room 22 in 2019. After graduating from Auckland University of Technology in 2012, she taught at Yendarra School in Otara for 2 years. Mrs Rangihuna spent a year teaching in London and a year raising her daughter, Dylan. She is passionate about empowering young learners to become confident and successful in all learning areas. In her spare time, Mrs Rangihuna enjoys spending time with her family, running, and exploring the outdoors and learning to speak Te Reo.

Wendy Liddell - Currently on Leave

Mrs Liddell began her professional career as a ballerina in London, England. On returning to New Zealand she trained as a teacher and has been involved in education ever since. She has taught a variety of levels from Year 1 to tea 6 and has recently been a specialist teacher in both science and mathematics in a large international school in Singapore. Mrs Liddell also has a great passion for music, (piano in particular) and the natural world.

Kimberley Randell - Year 3 Teacher

Miss Randell is teaching Year 3 at Tirimoana this year. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2014 and has taught at Freyberg Community School and Sunnyvale School. In her spare time, Miss Randell enjoys spending time with her two children and partner playing basketball, cards and heading to the beach.

Seth Liu - Year 3 Teacher

Mr Seth Liu is originally from China. He came to New Zealand in 2002. In 2005 Mr Liu finished his Bachelor of Communication Studies from The University of Waikato. He completed his Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching from Massey University in 2010 and gained a Computer Science degree before he came to New Zealand. This year Mr Liu will be teaching a Year 3 class in Room 27. 

Margaret Carter - Year 4 Team Leader 

Mrs Carter graduated from Auckland College of Education in 1994 and continued her education to complete her Bachelor of Education in 2000. She has worked across West Auckland in many diverse teaching roles, in all levels of Primary School education. She has strengths in literacy and assisting struggling learners. During 2018, Mrs Carter will continue to take school wide leadership in our Community of Learning for literacy. Mrs Carter will be supporting learners in Reading Recovery this year and will be the school liaison and mentor for student teachers from AUT and Waikato partners.

Caitlin Doyle - Year 4 Teacher

Miss Doyle completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Education and Psychology in 2013, before completing her Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching in 2014. Miss Doyle will be a part of the Year 4 Team at Tirimoana and she is very excited about continuing to work with the Tirimoana whanau. Miss Doyle loves reading, going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family.

Barbara Lake - Year 4 Teacher

Mrs Lake completed a Bachelor of Arts with an English major from Massey University before beginning teaching. She holds a Diploma in Craft Design and a Diploma in Teaching from Otago University. Mrs Lake began her career in the South Island, teaching in small schools across all levels of children. Her interests are in all language work especially Reading, Writing, and the language acquisition of Second Language learners. Mrs Lake gained her Diploma in TESSOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) from Auckland University in 2014. She is teaching in Room 14 this year.

Kirsten Harriss - Year 4 Teacher

Mrs Harriss completed her Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Auckland in 2017. Originally from South Africa, Mrs Harriss spent many years in the United Kingdom where she worked as a Paediatric Speech & Language Therapist. She particularly enjoys teaching the Arts, Social Studies and Reading. In her spare time, she loves spending time hiking and camping with her husband and two children. She is excited to be teaching Year 4 learners at Tirimoana.  

Ryan Hammond - Year 4 Teacher

Mr Hammond graduated with a Masters of Teaching and Learning in 2018 and is excited to be beginning his teaching career at Tirimoana Primary School. He initially graduated from Victoria University in 2012 with a first class honours in media studies, as well as a major in political science. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching films, playing and coaching basketball, watching theatre and music performances and catching up with his friends and family.

Miriana Christensen - Year 5 Team Leader

Mrs Christensen is teaching a Year 5 class this year and is Team Leader of the Year 5 syndicate. Mrs Christensen graduated from Massey University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary). She has experience teaching Year 0 to 6. Mrs Christensen enjoys teaching all curriculum areas she has strengths in Literacy, Arts and Te Reo. She enjoys spending time with family and relaxing with a good book.

Dae Kim - Year 5 Teacher

Mr Kim was born in South Korea and came to New Zealand in 1994. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Management with a marketing major from Lincoln University. He then completed his teacher training in 2016 at Massey University and gained a Diploma in Teaching. Prior to teaching, he worked in IT industry for over 8 years as a technical specialist/network engineer in Auckland. Mr Kim is passionate about maths and he enjoys integrating ICT into his everyday teaching. He believes that all children are natural learners who can be inspired by an education built around their individual needs and interests. He is excited to challenge his students and begin to facilitate their life-long love of learning.

Kristen Kluge - Year 5 Teacher

Mr Kluge will be teaching a Year 5 class in Room 17 this year. He has recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Auckland, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts. Following a successful career in the media industry, working for broadcasters TVNZ and Choice TV, he has chosen to pursue his passion for education. When not enjoying time with family and friends, he loves to indulge his diverse interests, some of which include: mountain biking, kayaking, photography and the cinema.

Kerryn Jackson - Year 5 Teacher

Miss Jackson is a Year 5 teacher in Room 19 in 2019. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Auckland in 2015. In 2012 Miss Jackson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Drama and Classical Studies and enjoys teaching the Arts, Social Studies and Writing. In her spare time, Miss Jackson can be found spending time with family and friends at the beach and gardening. She is looking forward to sharing her creativity and passion for learning with the Room 19 learners.

Blair Curtis - Year 6 Team Leader

Mr Curtis came to Tirimoana School as a beginning teacher in 2009. He has a Bachelor of Business Studies Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Massey University. He has taught Year 4, 5 and 6. He has strengths in teaching Mathematics and Physical Education, and enjoys preparing teams and athletes for interschool competition in many sports. Mr Curtis enjoys sports trivia and an occasional game of lawn bowls. 

Miguel Daza - Year 6 Teacher

Mr Daza will be teaching a Year 6 class in Room 2 this year. He is an experienced teacher with ten years experience teaching in New York City Public Schools and five years teaching various learning levels across Auckland (through Oasis Education) and most recently at Richmond Road School. Mr Daza has an extensive knowledge of different learning styles and methods, and an understanding of teaching across different cultures. He strives to build a love of learning in all his students and encourages each individual to reach their full potential. In his spare time Mr Daza enjoys relaxing with his wife and two girls and enjoying the relaxed NZ lifestyle. 

Jack Warland - Year 6 Teacher

Mr Warland will be teaching a Year 6 class in Room 3 during 2018. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland in 2012. A trained fitter/welder, Mr Warland has many practical skills to share with children across the school. When he is not at school, Mr Warland can be found coaching a very successful 14th grade soccer team. During any spare time, Mr Warland loves to spend time with his family, enjoying the fruits that West Auckland has to offer. He is looking forward to creating a ‘challenge by choice’ inspired environment and engaging with students to tackle real life issues in a creative manner.

Gail Tegg - Year 6 Teacher

Mrs Tegg graduated from Auckland College of Education in 1989, since then she has continued her education and has completed a Higher Diploma of Teaching (1997), an Advanced Diploma of Teaching (1999), a Diploma of Art Education (1999) and her Bachelor of Education (2001).  Mrs Tegg is an experienced teacher having taught in many schools around Auckland and in all levels. She first came to Tirimoana in 1997 as part of the management team, leaving to take up a position working in an advisory role liaising between schools and what was then LTNZ .She has most recently been part time teaching in West Auckland schools, including Tirimoana, while focusing on her family. Mrs Tegg will be teaching a Year 6 class in Room 24 this year and her teaching passions are literacy and the visual arts. 

Sheridan O'Neill - Year 6 Teacher

Mrs O'Neill has been teaching in a fulltime capacity at Tirimoana School since 2007. She is an experienced teacher who has taught at a number of West Auckland Primary and Intermediate schools. She enjoys teaching in all learning areas but has a special passion for Visual Art and Physical Education. Mrs O'Neill loves coaching sport and working with children on special artistic projects such as visual art and wearable fashion creation. In 2019 Mrs O'Neill will teach a Year 6 class in Room 23.