Our People

Kia ora koutou. I'm a teacher at Rapaura School, where I have the pleasure of teaching year 4 students this year. I have a deep appreciation for collaborative teaching, especially within a fantastic team and school environment. My journey in education began years ago when I earned my degree in education and psychology, initially starting in the tertiary sector. Having served as an ASL for two years, I am enthusiastic about effecting positive change and look forward to contributing my experience wherever possible. 

Kia ora koutou. I am the Deputy Principal of Springlands Primary School. I am excited to be back as part of the Across School Team, having been part of the initial ASL team when Blenheim’s Kahui Ako was first established. During my teaching career, I have taught learners from New Entrance to adults. I have been fortunate to be involved in a number of professional learning opportunities such as Enviro Schools Facilitator, MST (Maths Specialised Teacher study) Poutama Pounamu Blended Learning and Leading Adult Learning. For the past two years, I have been seconded by Massey University to work as part of the DMIC team (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities) which was a fantastic learning opportunity for me to grow as a learner. I am passionate about achieving equity, excellence and belonging for all of our tamariki and am looking forward to working alongside you. 

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Adam tōku ingoa. Ko te tumuaki tuarua o te kura Witini. I am one of the new ASLs this year, building on my mahi as a WSL at Whitney Street School for the past three years. I started my teaching career in my late-20's after a relocation to Marlborough forced a career change. It seemed a natural fit given the amount of time I had spend in the education space within the NZ Pipe Band community. My strengths include Digital Technologies, Mathematics, Inclusive Education/PB4L, Music and Kapa Haka. In my WSL role, I was afforded the opportunity to participate in the Leading Adult Learning courses and lead Mathematics (DMIC) at Whitney Street. 

Kia ora koutou. I am a teacher at Grovetown School. I am originally from Auckland and moved to Waiharakeke Blenheim with my whanau 9 years ago. Most of my teaching career has been in the junior and middle school and this is where my passion for teaching and learning lies. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent as a WSL over the last few years and I am looking forward to supporting kura in our community to achieve their goals.

Kia ora koutou. I am a classroom teacher at Renwick School based in a wonderful māia whanau of year 3 and 4 students. Teaching is my passion and I knew from a young age, whilst lining up my soft toys and teaching them their 3x tables, that I was destined for this profession. I trained to teach in both primary and secondary but discovered my groove in the primary school age group. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in both the Tasman and Marlborough WSL clusters. I can't wait to work alongside, support, and build my own kete of knowledge as an ASL working with Marlborough kura and kaiako. 

Dr. Deepa Chand is a science educator in the Science Department at Marlborough Girls College. She has widespread experience in teaching science at high school and university, facilitating professional learning, and mentoring staff within schools. Deepa is an active researcher and her research spans around professional learning, science and maths curriculum and pedagogy, inquiry, building the capacity of teachers to teach science and integrated STEM effectively. She is keen to support teachers through professional learning communities to enhance student engagement (affective, behavioural and cognitive). 

Tēnā tātou, he manahau tōku ki te mahi i te taha o koutou e hāpai ana i kōrero o te reo Māori me te aronga ki ngā kaupapa Māori i ngā kura o ngā wai rau o Ruatere.  Ko te manako ka kaha ake i tā mātou mahi i te taha o ngā iwi o konei kia tutuki pai ai ngā wawata mō ngā rangatahi. Nō hea tēnei e tuhi nei?  Nō tāwāhi ōku tīpuna, nō tāwāhi hoki ōku mātua, engari i whānau mai ai ki Whakatū i reira i whakatipuria ake ai.  Hei pākeke i tīmata ai ahau ki te ako i te reo Māori i te whare wānanga o Ōtākou, ā, e hia kē ngā tau i muri kua tū au hei kaiako reo Māori ki ngā rangatahi.  E kore rawa e mutu tāku mihi ki ngā ngākau māhaki o ōku kaiako reo Māori, iwi Māori hoki nā rātou te reo Māori i tuku iho mai. Nō nā tata nei nōku te whiwhi kia tū hei tētahi o ngā kaiako reo Māori, kaihuawaere hoki mō Te Ao Haka i Te Rei Puta o Te Hau.

I am excited to be part of a team focused on supporting the speaking of te reo Māori and increasing the place of kaupapa Māori in Wairau/Blenheim schools.  I am looking forward to strengthening our relationships with iwi to meet their aspirations for rangatahi.  I began learning te reo Māori as an adult at the University of Otago and quite some years later retrained as a secondary school teacher to teach te reo Māori.  I remained humbled by the generosity of my te reo Māori teachers and iwi Māori who continue to share the taonga which is te reo Māori. I have recently taken up a role with Te Rei Puta o Te Hau / Marlborough Boys' College where I am one of the teachers of te reo Māori and also a facilitator of the new Te Ao Haka course.  Mā pango mā whero ka oti te mahi.