How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?
I earned my initial teaching qualifications from the former Auckland College of Education and the University of Auckland in 1996. As a lifelong learner, I continued my education by completing a Master of Educational Leadership, followed by a PhD in 2019. Over the past 28 years I’ve been fortunate to hold teaching and leadership roles in the primary and tertiary sectors.
When did you become principal of Farm Cove Intermediate School?
I began my tenure as the fourth principal of Farm Cove Intermediate in 2021, a school I have a very special connection with. It’s where I began my teaching career in 1997 and where I’ve returned over the years in various roles. I was also fortunate to have been mentored by two former FCI principals, Madeleine East and Linda Harvie.
What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?
Education is an incredibly rewarding profession. As a principal, I love the complexity of the role and thrive on the variety each day brings. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many wonderful people – and incredibly dedicated staff and board, supportive families, and most importantly, amazing students. My initial motivation to enter teaching stemmed from a desire to make a positive difference. Currently, leading meaningful change that strengthens both teaching and leadership capacity is an awesome responsibility, one I do not take for granted.
What’s special about Farm Cove Intermediate?
The intermediate years are a pivotal stage of development, where students begin to discover who they are, and grow in independence. At Farm Cove Intermediate, we recognise the importance of this phase and are committed to nurturing learners who are curious, courageous, and respectful. Central to our approach is strong, supportive relationships. Our caring staff take the time to understand each learner – their cultures, interests, and goals. We offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and actively encourage every student to get involved, so they can discover new interests and talents.
This approach fosters a sense of belonging and empowers our students to thrive. Another special feature of our school is our flexible learning spaces. Our modernised environments promote collaboration, enabling teachers to share expertise and provide more targeted support for our learners. Students also build relationships with a broader network of peers and staff, helping them develop the social skills and confidence essential for success in college and beyond.
Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?
Many principals in this Times’ Principal in Person section have rightly highlighted challenges such as limited support for students with learning and behavioural needs, increased workloads, political influences, and the perception that teaching is no longer a first-choice career. These are all valid concerns. However, I prefer to use this opportunity to emphasise what makes our profession profoundly rewarding, making a positive difference in young people’s lives, the opportunities for professional development and leadership, and the privilege of serving our local communities. These are narratives we need to amplify so that the education sector gets the recognition it deserves.
How is the relationship between Farm Cove Intermediate and its immediate local community?
We have a positive relationship with our local community. As the only intermediate school in our Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning), Farm Cove Intermediate plays a vital role in connecting local schools and supporting smooth learning transitions. We work closely with our contributing primary schools and Pakūranga College through strong collaborative partnerships to strengthen student pathways and enhance educational outcomes.
We also take pride in hosting events such as the local schools’ choir and kapa haka festivals; valuable opportunities to engage with families across our wider school community. Our connection to the Howick community extends to participating in local events such as the Howick Fun Run, the ANZAC service, and various sustainability initiatives. These events help us stay connected and give back to the wonderful community that continues to support us.
