Year 4 Teacher & Kestrel Team Leader

My email annek@devonport.school.nz

My role(s)

• Year 4 teacher

• Team Leader for Kestrel team (Years 3-4)

• Within-school leader of PE (Physical Education)

• ACET (Advanced Classroom Expertise Teacher)

My teaching philosophy

I have a strong focus on building a strong class culture to foster positive (learning) relationships, where high expectations and a stimulating learning environment will help kids thrive and reach their highest potential. 

I strive for my students to have a strong sense of agency in their learning; offering choices, productive struggle and fun to help them on their educational journey. Having ownership of, and being accountable for your own learning and progress is necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

My experience/qualifications

I have taught children between 4 and 12, with very diverse backgrounds, abilities and needs, for over 20 years, in The Netherlands and in New Zealand. I have a BEd Early Years and Primary with Honours.

I rejoined the DPS team in 2016, after having worked at the school prior to having moved back to the EU for several years. I feel grateful to be part of this wonderful community again.

My special educational interests

• Literacy

• The Arts

PE (Physical Education) at DPS

It is lovely to get a chance to meet and work with so many more parents and children through my role as PE Coordinator. I get to see a different side to children that I might have missed out on otherwise.

About me

I immigrated from the Netherlands to enjoy New Zealand's beautiful lifestyle. My family unit in NZ consists of my husband and I, and our son. In our spare-time you will likely bump into us on the rugged West Coast beaches; surfing and beach combing, or at one of the many museums. We love that we can have the best of both worlds here in Auckland.