The Office! l-r Meredith Devonald, Kate Brunner, Nicky Bell, Barb Kennedy

Kia ora. My name is Meredith Devonald and I am the Principal / Tumuaki of Darfield Primary School. I have been the principal of DPS since 2017 however I have deep connection to the area as I grew up in Darfield. I went to both Darfield Primary and Darfield High School.
My husband’s name is Matthew and I have a son, called Bryn, who has just started Year 10. Having a high school aged child has been quite an adjustment as my experience for many years has been with the Primary system. We also have a Welsh Springer spaniel called Benton. We just had to get a Welsh Springer Spaniel because Matthew was born in Wales - though his family did immigrate when he was 5!
I have many hobbies but my main passions currently are preserving fruit, making pickles and chutneys, sewing quilts and learning how to paint in inks.

I’m Kate Brunner and have worked at Darfield Primary for MANY years. We live in Kirwee with two Labradors – Artie and Jussi and have five acres to do stuff with. When I’m not at school I may be on granddaughter duty, involved with a drama production (not on stage anymore to everyone’s relief), attempting to control our never been completely tamed garden, and travelling. I enjoy spinning and weaving and being taken for walks by the dog.

Hi, my name is Nicky Bell and I work in the Office at Darfield Primary School. I have been here for two years and really enjoy working with the staff, greeting and helping parents/caregivers and helping the children. My husband and I live in Aylesbury and we have three adult sons – only the youngest still lives at home. I enjoy going for walks, baking, reading, catching up with friends and travelling when time allows.

Kia ora koutou
My name is Barb Kennedy. I am fortunate enough to have been a member of the Darfield Primary School community for nearly seven years, and part of the wider Malvern community for most of my life. It is a joy to be greeted by children I have taught over my (many!) years of teaching, when out and about in our area.
My husband Dave and I live in the Darfield township and have two wonderful children, Jack and Issy, who have just turned 20.
I love watching sport – mostly cricket and Formula 1 – and being an active spectator when my children are playing. Also on the list of things I enjoy are reading, coffee, shopping and going to the theatre and concerts.