TEACHING PRINCIPAL

Whaea Urutakai

Urutakai Cooper is an ex-pupil of the kura. The personal and spiritual connection to the land on which the kura sits is special to her. Her grandmother, mother, and 5 children are also ex-pupils.

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Urutakai first became a member of the staff in 1993, taking up the position of Kaiarahi-i-te-Reo, supporting graduates of Kohanga Reo. She remained in this position for 6 years. 

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She returned to the Kura in 2020, taking up a teaching position. In 2023 she became Principal and currently holds a Teaching Principal position. Her vision is to increase the roll growth by attracting whanau who are looking for a blended learning environment for their tamariki by providing programmes that enhance well-being.

JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER

Whaea Jay

Jay Lee is the teacher of our junior classroom. She is an experienced teacher with management knowledge and skills. She has been teaching for 25 years. 

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She attended Heke Poutuarongo Reo at Te Wānanga o Raukawa where she was a full-time student for two years.

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Her interests are all areas within the arts, Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga, literacy and putaiao.

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She aims to provide a fun and hands-on learning environment for the tamariki in her akomanga. 

She is a team player and supports our management by leading the SENCO and PB4L work.

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Jay is all about environmental sustainability and living in harmony with the Taiao.

TEACHER AIDE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Whaea Uruōrangi

Uruorangi McNaught is an ex-pupil of our Kura.  Many of her family are also ex pupils.

Uruorangi returned in 2018 to become our Takiwatanga Teacher Aide. Uruorangi is a speaker of both Reo Māori and English. 

Uruorangi is passionate about helping our takiwatanga tamariki shine and excel in their interests. Because of this passion, our tamariki achieve some great life and learning outcomes.

Uruorangi's interests include Kapa Haka, Music, Animals and caring for babies.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Whaea Charlie

Charlie McNaught is another ex-pupil of this Kura and holds the Administration and Finance position.

Charlie loves to help out in the classrooms and is always on hand to support all staff when needed.

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Charlie’s interests include Kapa Haka, Music, Art & Crafts, Travel and our Environment

READING RECOVERY TEACHER

Whaea Mary

Mary O’Neill joined the Kura team at the beginning of 2023. She is an experienced junior classroom teacher who specialises in Structured Literacy and holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Early Literacy Teaching.

Mary works part-time at our kura teaching our younger tamariki to read and write, and also runs her own Tuition Company. 

She enjoys interacting with the whole kura and chats with the tamariki during the morning tea break.

Mary is a keen runner and swimmer. She also loves to travel, whether to see her own grown-up children in the South Island or the remainder of her family in the UK and France.