I have been teaching for 27 years at schools in Waimate, Oamaru and Palmerston. Throughout this time, I have taught students in Years 1-6. I have 15 years of management experience working as a Deputy Principal and lead teacher.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching as it provides many ‘wow’ moments as students progress with their learning and skill set. My passion is to work with students needing extra support, or students with special needs. 

I love the spontaneity that children have, their happiness, and their loving and fun natures. 

I love to hear what they think about the world around them; it keeps me young!!

Hi I’m Anna. I have been teaching at Te Pākihi o Maru since the beginning of 2020. 

Prior to working here, I was the release teacher at Flag Swamp School and also relieved around the Dunedin area for a number of years. I am a mother of two boys who also attend Te Pākihi o Maru. My hobbies outside of school include horse riding, reading and cooking. 

My husband and I own a horde of animals including a dog (who sometimes comes to school), two cats, a budgie, a cockatiel, and my two horses. 

I love teaching here at Te Pākihi o Maru building relationships with our tamariki and whānau, my favourite aspect of our school is our multicultural community. 

My family and I came to Oamaru 6 years ago on holiday. We knew then that we wanted to move here. We were lucky enough to make the move in January 2022.

I first made contact with Te Pakihi o Maru in my capacity as a Mum. When I found out ‘we do Structured Literacy’ - the teacher part of me said “Yes, we are in!”

As I discussed enrolling my children into school … I also enrolled myself as a part time teacher! I spent 2022 working in all the classrooms and getting to know the wonderful tamariki and staff at school and when the opportunity came to become a permanent teacher I knew it was the right place.

2023 is a change for me, I am teaching full time in my own classroom. I have spent the past 12 years working full time and part time with Years 0 -8. I began my career as a teacher 22 years ago, teaching Year 4 in Switzerland, so I feel like it is full circle to be teaching Year 4 again (and Year 5!). I have lived in a few different places and speak German and Swiss German.

Originally from England, via Switzerland and Australia, I came to New Zealand in 2010. I met my husband in Wellington and we lived there for 12 years. We have 2 children, both at TPoM, and a few animals on our lifestyle block just out of town.

I am also the Enviro Lead here at school so I take care of our recycling and gardening projects.

Hi my name is Julie, I have been at Te Pākihi o Maru as a teacher aide for almost 2 years, I am also involved in the home and school.  I have 4 children who all attend Te Pākihi, so I have been at this school for about 13 years.  I love being involved with the community and helping to fundraise for our students or putting on discos so they can have lots of fun.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family, my husband and I enjoy going to the races and getting involved in car racing.  My kids keep me super busy and so do all my animals.