Tēnā koutou Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome back to a new year of learning. We hope you had a lovely break. Welcome to all of our new whānau who have joined us at Hobsonville School. We have a very busy term coming up.

Thank you to all the parents who attended our ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions. These sessions are valuable for both teachers and families as it enables us to understand the learning needs of your child. It also provides families with important information about the organisation and day-to-day running of Hobsonville School. If you were unable to attend the sessions please speak with your child’s learning space teacher to make an appointment.

The school day begins at 8.50am and we encourage akonga (our learners) to arrive at school between 8.30am and 8.45am as this allows them the opportunity to organise their learning resources for the day. It also allows time for the akonga time to interact with their friends.

The kaiako in our team are:

H12/H13LM - Mrs Linda McKenzie Y1 Learning Leader)
linda.mckenzie@hobsonville.school.nz

Tena Koutou Katoa! My name is Linda McKenzie and I am really excited to lead the Year 1 Teaching Team for 2024. I've worked at Hobsonville School for a number of years. My own daughter attended the school too. It is always a privilege to welcome new akonga (learners) to school to begin their learning journey. It always surprises me how much the children grow and develop throughout this first year. I have high expectations for the students and am keen to support them as they achieve their goals. I believe all children have the potential and passion to learn, and it is our privilege to unlock their potential. I am always encouraged to see little ones persevere with new challenges. My favourite subjects are; literacy, art and maths. I enjoy the close collaboration we have within the school and community to be the best we can be.I cannot wait for 2024 to welcome our newest students to Hobsonville School.

H12/H13RG - Mrs Ritu Gupta
ritu.gupta@hobsonville.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa.
Ko Himalayas tōku maunga.
Ko Ganges tōku awa.
Nō India tōku ahau.
Ko Hobsonville tōku kura.
Ko Ritu gupta tōku ingoa.
Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou, katoa.

I am Ritu Gupta, the Kaiako for the Y0/1 classes. I am a passionate educator with over 23 years of teaching experience. I believe in creating a nurturing learning environment where children can thrive by being their best selves. My teaching philosophy revolves around empowering students to discover and develop their strengths; ensuring a holistic educational experience. 

H18/H19HF - Mrs Helen Fordham
helen.fordham@hobsonville.school.nz

Tēnā koutou katoa, my name is Helen Fordham. I am originally from England, but have lived in Hobsonville for the past 18 years. I have two adult daughters, who were both students at Hobsonville School, and thoroughly embraced their time here. I originally trained as a Kindergarten kaiako, working locally for 15 years before moving to St Paul’s School as a New Entrant teacher. This is my first year teaching at Hobsonville School, and I am part of the Year 1 teaching team. I have high expectations of all ākonga, and I am looking forward to working with the tamariki to achieve their goals, and reach their full potential in partnership with their whānau. I am passionate about literacy, maths and te reo Māori, and I am excited to share this passion with the tamariki.

H18/H19AS - Mrs Andreza Salazar
andreza.salazar@hobsonville.school.nz

I am an enthusiastic primary and secondary qualified teacher and my true passion is teaching in the junior school. I started my career 21 years ago and I am very happy to be at Hobsonville School. This is my fourth year at school and I cannot wait to get started with the school year and getting to know all my students. I am passionate about literacy, maths and languages. 

And a little bit about myself... My family is originally from Brazil. We moved to New Zealand 7 years ago and we instantly fell in love with Aotearoa! Auckland is home for us now and we really enjoy exploring nature, especially when it is summertime and we can go out and explore different places and beaches, and chill out in the water. I am looking forward to exploring and learning with and from the children. 

Priya Jayapuram - Year 1 Release Teacher
priya.jayapuram@hobsonville.school.nz

Namaste, My name is Priya Jayapuram, I’m originally from India.  have 2 beautiful children, Jordan (23yrs) and Keisha(19yrs). I live with my husband Avinash.

With 15 years of experience as a teacher, I have shaped a teaching philosophy that guides how I help my students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Ako and tukana teina is the base of my personal teaching philosophy. I believe every child is unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. As a Primary Kaiako, I enjoy a reflective disposition and maintain a flexibility in my teaching which enables me to be receptive to children, providing them with the experiences they need to develop and grow as confident and competent learner. I endeavour to facilitate tamariki with learning opportunities that can help them reach their full potential. In my spare times I love to go on hikes, watch movies and love cooking.

I’m looking forward to this new years and getting to know you and your child.