The Principal's Perspective: 2025

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.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Year 6 Honour Walk Out Ceremony

At the end of every year parents and tamariki form a guard of Honour to farewell our graduating students. It's a lovely way to farewell our senior children as they head off to new schools. We wish them all well.

School Tryathlon

Thank you to all staff who organised this beginning of the year event. It was superb to watch the levels of participation and effort. Wonderful to see so many whanau here to support their tamariki.

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Stephanie Thompson ESOL Teacher

Kia ora, as-salamu alaikum, namaste, xin chao, kumusta, salam, talofa, hallo, konnichiwa, vanakam, malo e lelei, fakaalofa atu, bula and hello! My name is Whaea Steph and I am the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher. I work with individual students or small groups of students on a Tuesday.. I have two children - Evie (6 years) and Hazel (4 years). Evie also goes to our kura, and is in Whaea Denali’s class. Before I became a parent, I worked as a classroom teacher in Christchurch for 13 years and then as an ESOL teacher for two and a half years. I have also taught in London, where I worked with a variety of ethnicities and cultures. I loved my time overseas, as I got to experience many different cultures, and see a lot of beautiful and interesting countries. I enjoy playing netball, reading, music and going for walks on the Port Hills.

Dennis Nuberg

Hello, I am Matua Dennis, and have had the pleasure of joining the TAKWSS team a year ago. Trained in Europe as a Gardener, I am loving the diversity of work that school maintenance brings with it. The interaction and information sharing with the curious minds of active children is a true bonus to the work environment. I have also been busy in the world of dogs for many years running a dog walking and training business.. This remains a part of my working week to this day. Fun fact : Owned the only half wolf (hybrid) in NZ that came with us, to NZ, under the guise of a Husky!

Fiona Kenneally

Kia ora koutou, my name is Whaea Fiona and I have been in our kura as both a release teacher and a parent for the last 2 years. This year I am looking forward to continuing in this role. I love being able to share in both the community and teaching whānau. I love seeing our tamariki involved in sport, especially Netball. I have really enjoyed organising Netball within our kura. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my whānau and friends, playing Netball and gardening. It's such a pleasure to have Fiona back in the team as a part time teacher. She fits into our values and our kaupapa and even better, her husband Roy is the King of The annual Hangi.

Lisa-Maree Nakon

Jo Finch

Kia ora koutou. I’m Whaea Jo. I am a release teacher and I work with children who have extra needs. I am thrilled to be back on the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon staff having had a break from teaching last year to further my knowledge around how to help our neurodiverse ākonga. I love getting out in nature, geocaching with my family, walking my lovely dog, baking and doing amigurumi crochet. We employed Jo on a fixed term basis a few years ago and we were delighted to get her back on the team as ORS and classroom release. She is always a happy camper and always willing to go the extra mile.

Anita Magele

Mālō e lelei & Talofa lava, my name is Anita and I am a new release teacher here at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon. I am looking forward to being part of such a strong school community where ākonga thrive! In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and church community. Anita started a s a part time teacher but due to staff illness has been here nearly full time. She is simply lovely and works so hard to make certain that every child in her care has the best opportunities for learning. Welcome Anita

Ashleigh Service Puna Hao Years 1-3

Kia ora, I am a beginning teacher here at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. I am excited to be a part of this Kura and our community. I look forward to getting to know our tamariki and whānau. I am very excited to be teaching in the Junior School! I love any and all board games, reading any book that finds its way into my hands, writing and baking regularly. Welcome to the team Ashleigh. Ashleigh is new to us and new to the profession. There is so much to learn in the first 2 years of teaching apprenticeship. Ashleigh has a fixed term contract for a year and we are enjoying seeing her begin to blossom.

Jorja Te Hau Puna Hao Years 1-3

The Senior Leadership Team

Hannah Assistant Principal, Marina, Deputy Principal and Marriene Tumuaki. We work in the same office space “Tuna” in the admin block “Kīwai.” We have adapted a scrum system to ensure that we address strategic work and don’t get caught up in administrivia. Helen and Rachael are essential to our operation, and between the 5 of us, we oversee the safe and smooth operation of the school. We laugh a lot, even on the most difficult days. It’s a pleasure coming to school knowing that we have a great team working for a great team.This is us. Hannah Gardiner Assistant Principal, Marriene Langton Principal, and Marina Shehata Deputy Principal.I'd love to say that we are the Dream Team but there is no time to dream in our day. We share an office so we are accountable to each other and able to share workloads when a job needs to be completed urgently. There are a lot of laughs and even a few tears in our day. We keep a watching brief on the big picure and love being able to see classes in action across the school. We are very proud of our teaching team and support staff. keep

Marina Shehata Deputy Principal

Hannah Gardiner Assistant Principal, Puna Hao Rua Team Leader, New Entrants.

Kia Ora! I'm Whaea Hannah and I am excited to be teaching Year 1 in Toetoe this year. We will be working closely with Whaea Taylor and the tamariki in Toetoe 2. I am in my fourth year teaching at the awesome Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon. It is heart warming to see my original Room 10 tamariki becoming leaders of the school now they are seniors. I have formed connections with students I will hold dear to me for years to come. When I am not teaching, I am kept very busy with my family, friends and gorgeous dog Brie. I am passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential and taking pride in their achievements. I am blown away by the new playground, golden sandpit and bike track all opening this year. Bring on 2022! Poipoia te kakano kia puawai - Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Epenesa Iva Scale A BT Puna Hao

Talofa lava, o lo’u igoa o Whaea Nesa. I am super excited to be teaching in Harakeke with the NE/Yr 1 this year. I am a New Zealand born Samoan and I love to share my knowledge, culture and background with those around me. I started working as a teacher aide here at TAKWSS in 2017-2019 and truly found a passion for teaching. Four years later and I’m back as a qualified teacher. Yay! When not at school, you’ll find me with family and friends most likely eating somewhere. I also love all things music. worked here as a kaiāwhina before she completed her degree and trained as a teacher. She is classroom teacher in the Years 0-3 area and specifically teaches Year 0. Oh my. She is a singer musician and has the most fantastic eyelashes. Nesa has expertise in Pasific culture and is a mesmerising dancer in traditional Samoan dance.

Amy Duckmanton Puna Hao Tahi in Year 0/3

Janice Krammer Puna Hao Ono Team Maths and Oecologista Lead Teacher

Kia Ora, I’m Whaea Janice and I have been at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School for a few years!!! I have taught most levels throughout the school. I am involved in the enviro side of the school and lead the introduction of the new maths curriculum. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, walking and cooking. Janice is an expert teacher. She has high expectations for all students to learn and achieve and they make astonishing progress. Janice is leading the charge to explore what deeper learning and modern learning practice look like in our school. She is not afraid to call it if she feels that what we are doing is not the best thing for the children.JJanice is our Environmental /Oecologista Front Person. She leads the vanguard for gardening and recycling. Sometimes she ropes in the whole family to help out with weeding and planting. We love it when Janice bakes and makes morning tea for us. Man can she cook .

Denali Lord Scale A teacher Puna Hao Whā years 0/3 . Tutor teacher for Jorja

Kia ora, I have enjoyed all of the many roles that I have had at Te Ara Koropiko. Over many years (too many to count) I have transitioned from past pupil to classroom teacher, release teacher and ESOL teacher. Now that my three children have grown just that little bit older I find myself back in my favourite role - classroom teacher! I love the outdoors, exercising, reading, camping and being at the beaches around Golden Bay and Nelson. Spending time with family and friends brings me great joy. I look forward to seeing each child shine at school this year!

Megan Stewart. Puna Paranui Team Years 4-6

Lou Nuualiitia Puna Paranui Team Leader. Pasifika Lead teacher

Kia ora! I am Whaea Lou and I am in my 6th year of teaching at Te Ara Koropiko. I love celebrating our tamariki as they prepare to leave our kura for their next step in their education. We are a busy team with Dancing Like the Stars, Camps, sport and much more! I am also the Māori lead teacher at our kura. I love supporting akonga in the language and kapa haka. I am passionate about keeping te reo alive and flourishing at our kura. Lou leads a team of 5 teachers in Years 5-6. Talofa lava! O lo'u o igoa o Lou. I am team leader of Puna Paranui, classroom teacher of Te Pāhuri 1 and Pasifika Liaison for our fabulous kura. My interests include reading and socialising with family and friends. I have a husband, Allen and two kids Lachy and Brooke (both at high school). I am currently learning Gagana Samoa (the Samoan language). My favourite things about teaching in the senior school are the camps, sports, Dancing Like the Stars and celebrating our tamariki as they successfully graduate from our fabulous kura. "O le ala i le Pule o le Tautua - The pathway to leadership is through service" Ngā mihi Lou Nu'uali'itia Te Pāhuri Kaiako Pasifika Liaison Puna Paranui Team Leader

Tamara Kepa Puna Paranui Team Year 5/6. Te Kouka 1

Charlotte McCone Puna Paranui Team Rua Years 4- 6 . Out Of School Sports Coordinator

Kia ora, I’m Whaea Charlotte. I joined the Te Ara Koropiki West Spreydon School whanau in 2019 term 3. This year I am the classroom teacher in Year 3-4 team. I grew up in North Otago on a sheep farm and attended university in Dunedin. I lived in London for two years before moving to Christchurch. I have now been living here for two years. When I’m not teaching, I love to travel and spend time with family and friends. I am passionate about teaching and the learning of my students and I look forward to what this year brings.

Libby May McColgan. Part Time Teacher.

Kia ora, My name is Whaea Libby and I joined our kura back in 2014. I have been working as a release teacher for the past few years but this year I have the privilege of working in Puna Hao Rua with Whaea Hannah. I am really looking forward to getting to know our new families and welcoming them into the Te Ara Koropiko whānau. I have 3 tamariki who keep me quite busy. Isla-May is 6, Archie is 3 and Gracie is 8 months old. In my spare time (if there is any) I enjoy reading, gardening, shopping, baking and spending time at our family batch in Lake Brunner.

Jan Murray Part-Time Reading Recovery Teacher

Kia ora koutou. Ko Jan toku ingoa. My name is Whaea Jan. I started at West Spreydon teaching ESOL part time and later trained as a Reading Recovery teacher. I taught in London and Auckland for many years before moving to Christchurch with my husband and two children. I love learning, so apart from my previous qualifications I also have a Diploma in Te Ara Reo Maori. I am passionate about teaching and I am excited to see my students grow in their learning. I love to travel and experience new places and I enjoy reading and getting outdoors.

Helen Ross Personal Assistant to the Principal.

Kia ora I’m Whaea Helen PA to the Principal. This is my fourth year at TAKWSS and you will find me in the school office. I support the leadership team with the day-to-day running of the school. I enjoy working with such positive and vibrant colleagues who are inspiring to be around. Our school has a very special community connection. Outside of work, I am a wife and busy Mum of two teenagers. My interests are travel, exploring other countries and cultures, camping, skiing, arts, cooking and op shops. I love a renovation or upcycling project. Coffee is a good friend of mine too. If you are new to the school please come say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Megan Hilton

Kia Ora I am Whaea Megg, I am one of the fabulous teaching assistants here at TAKWSS. I have been here since 2021. I have 3 children of my own and ever since my daughter was 4 years old (now 12!) I have been helping with coaching and managing all of her sporting teams alongside my partner. I love working with children and supporting them with all their needs. I don’t have much spare time outside of working and playing taxi to my kids but if I do I love hanging out with my family friends, shopping and Netflix!

Margaret Smart Teacher Assistant extra extraordinaire and Library Assistant

Kia Ora, My name is Whaea Marg (Margaret is too long!!) and I have been at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School for a very long time!! Originally from the West Coast I came to Christchurch to train as a School Dental Nurse and worked in a number of Primary Schools. I have also worked at Fendalton Library and began working in schools with Learning Programmes after doing a Certificate in Special Needs at Teachers College. I am in charge of our School Library and keeping an up to date selection of books is a major goal of mine. Outside school I enjoy gardening, spending time with our family and reading a good thriller.

Angela Fridd, Teacher Assistant.

Hi, I'm Ange. I began working part time at West Spreydon School 12 years ago on February 22nd 2012. Then went full time with my variety of roles increasing. Behaviour support, RTLB / ORS. A selection of reading, maths, phonics programmes, working alongside teachers with students when and where required throughout the curriculum. I was fortunate to grow up in Oxford on a farm. A particular pet lamb I had would walk to the corner down from my school and wait for me to leave school some afternoons. I played netball, softball and volleyball. I began a career in nannying that included working for an All Black Physio. My dad was a shearer. I followed in his footsteps living life in the shearing sheds. After four years I left, to pursue more nannying. Dad taught me how to shear sheep. Climbing Mount Oxford was a feat I accomplished with dad. Baking, cake decorating, jigsaws, diamond art, gardening, playing my vast music collection, road trips on our Harley Davidson, Ruapuna Speedway occupy my spare time. Last, but not least, it is a huge honor and privilege being part of and contributing to, a highly successful, experienced and supportive teaching assistant tribe.

The Principal's Perspective

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Year 6 Honour Walk Out Ceremony

School Tryathlon

Blog Archive

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