After forty-two years of teaching, including twenty-three of those here at HVS, Nicki is hanging up her whiteboard marker and retiring.

Nicki started her teaching career at Russley School, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Diploma in Teaching. Nicki was a middle school teacher who quickly assumed other responsibilities, including music, (which she has continued here at HVS over the last few years), as a netball coach and as a syndicate leader. Nicki’s interest in netball coaching is not surprising, as she was a Senior Canterbury Netball representative. 

After leaving Russley School, Nicki travelled overseas and taught at Hill House International Junior School in London, England. She again took on extra responsibilities, including leading a team of four teachers, before she returned to New Zealand.

Charles Leavings appointed Nicki to some release teaching positions here at HVS some 23 years ago, and Joc was Nicki’s team leader when she started. Greg Lewis then took over when Charles moved on to Avonhead School. While she was co-teaching with Karen, Becca Baynton was a student teacher in their class, before she graduated and became a teacher here herself. 

In one of Nicki’s first appraisals with Charles he wrote; Nicki you treat children with great respect and warmth, you relate well to all children and use verbal praise often. There is always fun and laughter happening in Room 3.

Hill House International Junior School wrote that Miss Lay is an excellent teacher and colleague, she is efficient, professional, punctual and sensitive in all her dealings. Her pupils respond to her with enthusiasm and affection, their parents respected her and her colleagues appreciate her.

We certainly have appreciated Nicki, and everything she has done for the tamariki and the school. 

Nicki is a true team player, taking on responsibilities when needed, recently that is Music and before this with SENCO, Reading Recovery and specialist Maths teaching. 

Nicki has always been committed to growing her skills and putting any professional development into practice, even in her last year of teaching. She jumped into our movie-making project with Emma Plannika last year as if she was just starting out.

Nicki is a kind, thoughtful and committed teacher and colleague and she will be well missed.

A Tribute to Nicki Clay

For twenty-three years at Heathcote’s door,
Nicki’s brought learning to life—and more.
A teacher with sparkle, with heart and with sway,
There’s no one quite like our own Nicki Clay.

Before books and blackboards came modelling’s light,
And netball courts saw her courage and might.
From runways to classrooms, her grace found a home,
A journey that grew with each place she would roam.

Her career began at Russley School,
Where children soon realised that learning is cool.
Then London called—adventures galore—
Before family life blessed her with more.

At Heathcote Valley, she found her place,
Guiding each learner at their own pace.
A reading specialist—gentle, astute—
Helping hesitant readers find courage to boot.
With music and singing, her days would ring,
And her spelling lessons made children sing.

She lit up the room with a fun-loving style,
Always aiming to see every child smile.
A mentor, a leader, a bright guiding sun—
She proved every day that learning is fun.

So here’s to Nicki - as she opens the gate,
To new chapters that simply can’t wait.
We thank you, we love you, and please always know:
You’ll forever be part of our Heathcote Whanau.