Caro Wills, Cheryl Knapp, Chris Cowman & Lititia Gostynski

Sadly, some wonderful people are leaving Maungaraki School in 2021 - some have been here for just a short while, while others have been part of our community for a long time. We farewell Lititia Gostynski, Cheryl Knapp, Chris Cowman and Caro Wills.

Mrs G stepped in to Room 13 in June, her class is a fun and invigorating place which our young learners thrived in. She cares for the welfare of students and this passion for education is clear to see in her interactions. We wish her all the best next year. 

Cheryl Knapp has been teaching in the Kakano team for 2021 out of Room 8, I know her students will really miss her. Cheryl's positive attitude and sense of humour were an important part of our Maungaraki School team this year. Cheryl is heading back home to Auckland to continue her teaching career closer to her family. Thank you for all you have done here at Maungaraki School Cheryl!

Caro Wills is leaving to be the new Principal of Makara Model School. This is an awesome opportunity for Caro, and one that she is more than ready to take on with both hands. Caro has made a large impact here at Maungaraki School in her three years as DP. She has been fully involved in the design and implementation of our strategic plan and values. Alongside this Caro has driven the progression of teaching and learning through her inspirational coaching model. One of the most visible ways Caro has impacted Maungaraki is the positive impact she has had working in the senior school.

Chris Cowman is heading to a position at Waterloo School which begins next year. Chris has been at Maungaraki School for 8 years and is ready for a new adventure and the growth that comes with it. Chris has been a massive part of our school here for a number of years. He is someone who I know many will miss, his passion for people and positive relationships have been a hallmark over his time here at Maungaraki, Chris leaves a wonderful legacy in these areas.

I am sure you will join me in wishing Lititia, Cheryl,Caro and Chris all the best for their next adventure.

Caro Wills - Deputy Principal

To the wonderful community, students and Staff of Maungaraki School,

Leaving Maungaraki School has been a very tough decision to make, and is not one that I have made lightly. Maungaraki will always hold a very special place in my heart, in fact, as I leave here, I will be leaving a piece of my heart behind!

There are some thank you's I need to make before I go:

Firstly, to Paul and the BOT - your support of myself, of the leadership here and of the school in general, is incredible. I know how lucky I have been to have had the privilege of working in a school with such amazing support and care. Thank you, your trust me and in us as leaders is liberating and empowering.

The parents and community - those of you who have shared positive words, emails, phone calls or texts. Those of you who have entrusted me with your child's education in any aspect - those positive interactions, no matter how small - please don't underestimate the powerful impact that has had on me, and always has on all of us teachers. Thank you.

Shane - where do I begin. I have learnt so much from you. Your belief in me, the opportunities you have provided me, the responsibilities you have entrusted me with, and your willingness to let me develop with your support, has enabled me to grow in ways I could only have done here at Maungaraki.

Darian - your passion for children, for encouraging the heart and your boundless and bottomless well of positive energy is such a pleasure to work with. Working with Shane and Darian has ensured there was never a dull moment, always plenty of laughs and proof that absolutely every situation or discussion has song lyrics or movie quotes to match. I will dearly miss the sense of fun and joy you both bring to every situation.

To the staff here, you are such a crucial part of what makes this school the awesome place it is.  Your passion, your energy, your hard work, your love for the children, is so inspiring. I have not only developed good professional connections, but also life-long friends. You will be so missed, but never far from my mind - keep in contact, come and visit, and I am sure I’ll find excuses to come and visit you here too!

And last, but certainly not least - you - the students. You are what made this decision to leave almost too hard. I have had the privilege of teaching most of you in some way, and have certainly developed relationships with many of you- which is why I love this job. I love the chats, the debates, the sense making, and watching as the HEART values become embedded in everything you do, and outwardly visible in your approach to learning and life.

If there is one thing I can leave you with, students, and to the teachers, it is the hope, the wish, the plea almost - to find your passion, find your dream - and then hold on tight. Do not let go of it. And If, or should I say when, you fail (because we all do), keep holding tight anyway. Try again, because eventually, like a helium balloon, you will rise up, and get to places and achieve things you may not ever have imagined, or thought possible. Just hold on tight - your passion and your dreams are the things in life that will give you meaning, give you drive, and make you feel that sense of purpose that we all need.

With much aroha, always, Caro Wills

Chris Cowman - Tipu Syndicate Team Leader

Over the last few weeks I have been reflecting on my time at Maungaraki School, what an awesome 7 years it has been. I am truly thankful to have been part of the Maungaraki School community that has positively impacted on me so much as both a teacher and person.

Firstly to the students. You are a fantastic group of kids and I’ve been fortunate to teach many of you. You’ve got great support in the staff and community, and with that support, I truly believe you all can be amazing and achieve whatever you set your mind to. Dream big, keep taking chances and having fun.

To steal a line from my great mate Mr McC, once you’ve been in Mr C’s class, you’re always in Mr C’s class. So if you see me around the Hutt Valley please come over and say hi and tell me what you’re up to.

To the staff, you are a brilliant group of people who have helped me so much in my teaching journey at Maungaraki. I have always appreciated your thoughtfulness, support, kindness and generosity. Thank you for all that you have done for me.

Lastly to the community, thank you so much for your support. I felt welcomed and a part of it since the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many of you over the years.

Maungaraki will always have a special place in my heart.