In July, Mrs Germon’s husband moved to Australia for his new job as general manager of Australian Twenty20 Big Bash franchise, the Sydney Thunder. In the meantime, Mrs Germon has had to stay here in Christchurch, leading the Kāhui team at Merrin School, and looking after her family.

Toni came to Merrin School  in 2015.  Prior to that, she had been teaching at Our Lady of Fatima School in Mairehau.

Toni is one passionate teacher with strengths in Te Reo and Maths. She has made sure that the teachers in her team work with a collaborative buddy.  As the Team Leader of Year 2/3 Toni has developed practices that have  led to improved student achievement.

Mrs Germon has four children, Luke, Sophie, Aimee and Shannon  so life is  very busy for her,   juggling family and work commitments.  Even amongst this busyness, and plagued with injuries over recent months, Toni has always had a smile on her face!

What Merrin children say about Mrs Germon.....

'Mrs Germon helps me with my learning'.

'She does fun activities'.

'If I'm stuck, Mrs Germon will explain what to do'.

'Mrs Germon is a really good Maths teacher. She always makes sure I understand and is always ready to help us'.

What Merrin staff say about Mrs Germon.....

'Fond farewells Mrs Coffee!! Toni, I have appreciated your incredible positivity and calmness during such a busy couple of years. We are very grateful for the hours you have put into reading resources and our Maths programme. We have all enjoyed working alongside you and we are in awe of your tidiness, cleanliness and warm relationships with your children! Putahi wishes you all the best for your life in Sydney'. 

'Toni has been such an integral part in the steps towards collaboration at Merrin School. When you walk into her room the children are always motivated, engaged and excited about their learning as they learn through their interests. Toni always has a caring and loving attitude towards all of her tamariki, their whānau and her colleagues'.

'She will be greatly missed by all of us here. Best wishes for your next venture Toni, you will be fantastic at whatever you choose to do'.

'Hard working - Student Centred - Family Oriented - Risk Taker - Reflective'.

'You are relentlessly positive, cheerful and friendly'.

'I will miss the first thing you say each day,  "Hello, how are you?"  Nothing is ever too much of a problem - you are always happy to help, advise, join in and work together with everyone. What a huge difference you have made this year in the lives of all of your class and their whanau. You always 'share the love!'

Best wishes, Mrs Germon, for your new life in Sydney.