How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I trained in Auckland and have spent my career in education, as a teacher, leader, university training of student teachers, and postgraduate study of teachers. It’s been a rewarding journey, guiding both learners and educators along the way.
When did you become principal of Cockle Bay Primary School?
I joined Cockle Bay nearly nine years ago, bringing with me 10 years of experience as a school principal before that.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
There are so many highlights. One of my greatest joys is standing at the school gate each morning, watching children arrive, often skipping along with a family or whānau member, full of smiles and excitement to see their friends and teachers and dive into the day’s learning. Their confidence and growth give me faith in the future. I love celebrating our students’ progress – socially, academically, and through our rich curriculum in sports, science, and the arts. It’s rewarding to see them discover their strengths and passions, achieve milestones, and share proud moments with their parents and whānau. I’m also grateful to be part of a passionate team of teachers and support staff who are all committed to providing the best education possible. Working alongside talented colleagues and engaged parents makes this journey truly fulfilling.
What’s special about Cockle Bay School?
So much! I’m incredibly proud of our vibrant, welcoming school, a place where every child is valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. Our staff have high expectations, not just academically but in kindness, respect, and personal growth. They work closely with each learner, always guided by our vision of putting children and their learning at the heart of everything we do. Our values are lived every day, creating an inclusive environment where students feel safe and empowered. With expert specialist teachers in sports, music, dance, and science, and extra staffing to support those who need additional help, every child has the opportunity to shine. What makes Cockle Bay truly special is our wonderfully diverse, multicultural community. Our students bring a rich mix of cultures and languages that fill the school with energy and celebration, helping them grow into curious, open-minded global citizens. Having seen schools around the world, I can confidently say that our strong partnership with parents and whānau sets us apart. Together with the wise leadership of our current and past boards, we continue to move forward as a school that truly puts its learners first.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
The shortage of primary teachers continues to challenge schools significantly. Cockle Bay School has been fortunate over the last few years to retain high performing staff, but promotions do happen and there are less relievers and full-time teachers available throughout Auckland. Support for the needs of special education is increasing. Cockle Bay School uses its staff funding to provide an experienced special education needs coordinator, and also uses its operational funding to boost the number of learning support assistants in classrooms. We have excellent support from the Education Ministry’s special education experts, but meeting the increasing needs of special education is a growing challenge in schools.
How is the relationship between Cockle Bay School and its immediate local community?
Our parent community has high expectations, and so do our staff, who work with dedication and professionalism to meet them. We’re proud of the strong, supportive partnership between home and school. Our extraordinary Parent Teacher Network (PTN) organises our biennial carnival, which is “world famous in east Auckland”, along with many other fantastic fundraisers throughout the year. Thanks to their efforts, and the generosity of our wider community, we’ve been able to fund amazing playground upgrades and offer even more enriching experiences for our students. We’re able to offer opportunities like school camps and other rich learning experiences thanks to the ongoing support of our parents and whānau. Parent mornings are always a pleasure, as we welcome families into our classrooms to see their children learning, creating, and thriving. It’s heartwarming to see so many attend, fully engaged and positive – sometimes even sharing their own stories and experiences with the class.
