Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou e te whanau. This is my 16th year as tumuaki of our lovely kura. I am one-eyed when it comes to providing the very best education for all of our tamariki, strong connections to whanau and applying attachment theory so every child has a champion adult at our school who believes in them unconditionally. I just can’t see past it. Our kaiako and kaiawhina go the extra 50 miles to give our children the best chances to succeed. My family is number one. After 20 years of camping holidays in Kaiteriteri, Graham and I are recidivist “glampers “ and ready for new adventures in our latest caravan. It’s brilliant when our family joins us too.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Shock horror

Imagine my shock and horror when I checked my iPad tonight and found unauthorised photos of my staff on the  camera roll. How naughty is that? I put the iPad down for a few minutes and left it unattended. There followed an outbreak of selfies by a trio of trouble.  Revenge will wait. 




















Thank you Adam, Angie and Kayte. The Empire will strike back when you least expect it.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Teacher Only Days January 2014

For all those doubting Thomas's who think that the teachers start at 9 and finish at 3 every day, I have proof that there is more to us than meets the eye.
We spent three days and two nights in Hanmer  going over the business part of planning and expectations for the 2014 school year.
Sue Graham who is now an independent advisor spent a day with us to challenge us about our maths teaching.
As always there was a lot of laughter and a lot of high pressure learning.
Rochelle introduced the new school wide phys.ed. programme Sportstart and had the nerve to make us do some of the activities.
It was a good way for us to get to know each other as we have five new teachers this year who are either full-time or part-time.
Angie helped us to learn some Pasifika greetings


Natalie Tasker and Lucy Denne nervously giggle at the prospect of  having to play the games

Rochelle gives the orders and we jump to it.


"Come on guys! Co-operation, please."



Adam busting a move.


Lucy and Tamara working with iMovie


Sue Graham giving us the word on math

Nicky and Natalie. Focus ladies.

Jared is a surprise parcel: give him leadership and he is off racing.







Adam, Kayte and Jude work on a math puzzle.

Always time for food and more food.

Still smiling at the end of the day. Bless.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Christmas In Our Neighbourhood School

Dean and Megan are two very special West Spreydon School parents who just love thinking up ways that can make the day special for others. It's impossible to spend time with either of them without having a good laugh.
Dean and Megan bought ice creams for the whole school on the last day of term 2013. For them it's not about the money, it's about bringing happiness to others.
I'm always amazed by the kindness and generosity of people  like Dean and Megan who put others first, and who get incredible joy at seeing others having fun.
As for the dress-ups; one bridge too far!!!
Thank you.


not so sure about the wart on the nose of the jolly reindeer

so many choices.


Generosity thy name is Dean.