Teaching Staff – Intermediate School

SIMON CLEARWATER -Koromiko (Rm 13) — Year 7/8 — sclearwater@mapua.school.nz

I started working at Mapua School full time in 2010.

I’m mad keen on sports and enjoy playing golf, cricket, football, tennis and riding my bike when I get a chance. Getting to our fantastic beaches and National Parks is also a highlight.

My personal dislikes are people who are inconsiderate and self-centered, gloomy weather (good reason to move from Dunedin), and mushrooms.

We have three great kids Noah, Mia and Zoey. Our cat is very friendly to everyone who passes by our house but is somewhat indifferent to those who live in our house. 

Mapua School is a great one to work at because of the children. They simply are the nicest bunch of kids I’ve ever come across.

Bridget Chalmers- Titoki (Rm 11) Year 7/8 

bchalmers@mapua.school.nz

I’ve been teaching at Mapua School in a relieving and part time capacity for a few years now. Before that I took time out from teaching to be with my girls – Niamh (now aged 10) and Isla (now aged 8) - as well as to become qualified as a professional photographer (a passion of mine). Before kids, I taught in a variety of schools in Marlborough, at a variety of year levels, and was DP at Tua Marina before giving it all away for a number of years. I’m now really enjoying being back in the classroom.

I’m originally an import from (sunny?!) Scotland. I did the usual thing of planning for a one year OE, and I’ve never left. I taught in a variety of schools in Glasgow and then London before coming across to NZ for an adventure. It has been the best decision of my life…..

Outside of school I love spending time with my family and making the most of all the things that our region has to offer. I used to be a squash addict, but I have now gone to the dark side and started taking tennis lessons. Not sure how this will work out, but it will a test of everyone’s patience I’d imagine! I enjoy skiing, and have just reached the stage with the family where we can venture further than the learner slopes. Great times lie ahead. Hopefully, in the years ahead, travel will become part of our lives as I really miss exploring the rest of the world.  And maybe I'll find time to pursue my photography again...

PIP DAY – Karaka – Year 7/8 - pday@mapua.school.nz

In 2010 I started as a part-time teacher releasing Mr. C. while he was still completing his full registration. My work at Mapua has grown from then – it is a great school to teach in.

I was born in Clyde and grew up in Alexandra. I attended Primary and Secondary School in Alex although I did a year in Canada in my final year of high school. I then went to Otago University and Dunedin College of Education. My first teaching job was in Timaru – then two years on my big OE – back to Timmas and then up to sunny Mapua. I have been here with my family since 2007.

Most of my spare time is spent involved with my children’s activities but that is what being a parent is all about. I also like volunteering within the community, as I believe it is important to give back. I enjoy reading, playing and watching various sports, socializing and shopping.

What are your personal dislikes? – Not a big fan of watching people clean their teeth – weird I know but it is just one of those things… don’t even like seeing it on movies especially when people suck on their toothbrush –eewwww yuck!!

Isaac, my husband, works at a school in Nelson and I have 3 children – Flynn, Liam and  Abi.  Flynn and Liam have been through Mapua School and are now at Nelson College and Abi is in Year 8.  

What do you like about teaching at Mapua? – The kids – they are awesome!

What do you like about living in this part of NZ? – Everything!! – I am often heard saying ‘but if we didn’t live here, where would we live??”

ZAC DEACON – Manuka – Year 7/8 - zdeacon@mapua.school.nz

Kia ora. I am originally from Brighton in England and trained and taught there for a number of years. It was here I met my wife, Bec and I moved to Nelson in 2009 via a teaching position in Cambodia and finding out we were due to have twin babies! Since being in NZ I have been teaching in Stoke, most recently at Broadgreen Intermediate School.

I am so excited to be teaching at Mapua School. I feel very privileged to be living and working in such a friendly, kind, beautiful, community. It is an extra bonus to have my children; Noah, Reed, and Olive at school with me.

I am passionate about children growing up to be empathetic, lifelong learners who are helpful and kind to others they meet.
Outside of school, I like to keep fit by running and paddle-boarding, I also like to spend time with my family, exploring our amazing region. I will give most things a go and undertake them with a sense of fun and enthusiasm.