Learning Support at John Paul II High School

This year we have a fantastic team forming to support students across the school with their learning needs, and help teachers develop their programmes to be more accessible and inclusive, to make the most of our wonderful teacher aides, and to be prepared for changes to literacy and numeracy support in the curriculum. This support is wide in scope, ranging from students specifically funded to receive extra support through Ministry of Education funding and programmes, to supporting students experiencing learning anxiety or needing a bit of support to get on track with their learning. Jude and Trish are two members of this team:

Kia ora whānau, my name is Jude Smith and I am the new Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) at John Paul II. I was born in Australia where I trained and worked as a senior English teacher, at a number of secondary colleges in Melbourne, before moving to Hokitika in 2015. Prior to taking up the LSC position I had been working as a Year 4/5/6 teacher at Hokitika Primary School for the last five years. I began as the Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) in week four Term 1 and I have spent the time since trying to understand the specific learning support needs of our ākonga/students, and what I can do to support them to reach their educational goals. I have spoken to quite a few of their parents and appreciate the support and information I have received from them. If you haven’t heard from me yet, and feel that you would like to discuss the learning needs of your tamaiti/child, please feel welcome to contact me at any time. Either drop me a line on jude.smith@johnpaul.ac.nz, or call me on 03 768 4166 ext 217.

Mauri ora,
Jude Smith
Learning Support Coordinator

Kia ora whanau

Ko Trish Dellaway tōku ingoa. I am the Literacy Support Teacher at John Paul II, alongside being Teacher for Drama and English. I have been working in Education since 2000, starting in Early Childhood before moving into Primary teaching. I have transferred from St Patrick’s Catholic School bringing with me a passion for Literacy and support for Neurodiversity within the schooling sector. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with all the students at John Paul II, and in connecting specifically with students that need additional support within the Junior school environment, supporting and fostering learning that sees students reach their potential and readiness for their next steps in education. I will be working closely with Jude Smith to provide opportunities for learners with diverse needs, and also alongside the teaching team in the school to provide the best opportunities to foster learning at all levels.

Mauri ora,
Trish Dellaway
Literacy Support Teacher