Vangela Araboglos - - Year 5 & 6 Teacher (Well Being)

I am very excited to continue my role at Miramar North School during 2021. Miramar North School has a special place in my heart as I have been here for nearly 15 years (out of 27 years of teaching) and both of my daughters came here.The MNS values instilled in my girls have continued to guide them, and I hope to foster these values in the children I work with. Teaching for me is incredibly rewarding. I have a passion for student well being, value creativity, and have a love of literacy. When I am not at school I enjoy baking, long walks, gym workouts and family outings.

Michelle Barnes - Deputy Principal, Pohutukawa Leader, Year 5&6 Teacher (Maths, Assessment, Sport)

This is my eleventh year at MNS and I love being part of this unique community. I am passionate about teaching and learning (even after 26 years!) and still enjoy the challenge and excitement of new activities. In my spare time I love to coach football, be involved in sports, DIY and enjoy walks with my family. We often have family visiting from England and I’m always proud to show them around MNS and Miramar. This year I’m looking forward to many things, including WOW, dancesplash, tournaments and helping the children develop into lifelong learners.

Sarah-Grace Breen - Year 5 & 6 Teacher

I have traveled all the way across the globe, from Ireland, to come teach in Miramar North School. I am so excited to continue my teaching journey here, and to get to know the school community. I believe that meaningful learning comes from real life experiences, so I'm all about active learning in the classroom. I am a big fan of a positive growth mindset, so that we have the confidence to tackle any obstacle that we may encounter, both in the classroom and in everyday life! In my spare time I love to torture myself by competing in marathons and triathlons. My other hobbies include exploring New Zealand's best hikes and sampling coffee from Wellington's finest coffee shops. As we say in Ireland "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí" (Praise the youth and they will flourish)

Elisabeth Christy Jones - Room 12 Year 2/3 Teacher

Kia ora, I’m really excited to be a part of the Kowhai team again this year at Miramar North after teaching year 1 and 2 at Kilbirnie School. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the children in Room 12 along with their whanau. I particularly enjoy teaching science and technology as well as reading, writing and maths. When I’m not at school, I enjoy gardening, crafts and spending time with my family.

Jason Ellis - Year 5 & 6 Teacher

Kia ora koutou. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at Miramar North School last year, and am back continuing my learning and teaching journey in Room 6. It is my strong belief that developing children’s self-confidence in their abilities leads them to fulfil their potential. I like to convey my enthusiasm for books and reading to the children in my classes. Teaching maths, science, and history are also passions of mine. Outside of school, I enjoy brewing beer, travelling locally with my wife and daughter, and reading a good novel. I look forward to getting to know everyone in Room 6, and developing strong relationships. Let’s have a fun productive year learning lots of new things and exploring our strengths and interests together!

Debs Ferrier Kerr - Room 3 Year 3/4 teacher, Syndicate Leader, (Music)

Kia ora koutou, my name is Deb Ferrier-Kerr and I have been teaching for over 20 years. I work in Room 3 job sharing with Melanie Kesry, take music across the school one day a week and manage the Kowhai Syndicate. I am passionate about the arts and culture. I believe anyone can sing, draw or paint and so everyone should have the opportunity to do so. I love to teach literacy, unpacking the text and playing with words. I seek to help children believe in themselves and realise their own potential. When I have spare time I love to work in my large garden, walk by the sea with my dog - Ragtime Willie, create music and food with friends and read biographies in the early morning.

Delia Hunt- Room 13 Year 2/3 Teacher

Hello, My name is Delia Hunt and I will be the teacher in Room 13 this year. I am really excited to be spending another year in the Kowhai syndicate and, in particular, am looking forward to building fantastic relationships with yourselves and your wonderful tamariki / mokopuna. My background is in music and I spent 14 years as a speech, drama and singing teacher in Wellington and Christchurch before retraining in Primary Education. I particularly enjoy teaching reading, writing, maths and science, and of course try to incorporate as many drama and music skills into my classroom environment as possible. In my spare time I am involved with the New Zealand Opera Chorus and other musical ventures around the Wellington region. I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday, ready to leap into a full and exciting 2021.

Vidisha Ishver - Room 1 Year 3/4 Teacher - Associate Principal (E-Learning)

Bubbly, Friendly and Kind. When I am not at school I enjoy hanging out with my family and I love building and exploring nature with my two sons. I love to read and am a bit crazy at buying books, new and old. One day, I might even be able to own my own library! In my teaching, I really take the time to get to know my children to help them grow and learn. I believe that it is vital to build children's confidence so that they can take risks and try new things in their learning with support and guidance along the way. I love teaching creativity, digital technologies and exploring children's curiosities. We have a fantastic team of teachers who all bring their strengths and talents to our teaching team. It is going to be a wonderful year.

Teresa Keeley - Room 13 Year 2/3 Teacher

My Name is Teresa Keeley (Ms Keeley) and I am a teacher in Room 13 and will be working together with Delia Hunt. I have been teaching for 7 years and this is my first year at Miramar North School. I have two children, and I love to garden and sew. I play the guitar and really enjoy bringing music into the classroom. I am looking forward to the year ahead and building relationships with the Miramar North School Community!

Melanie Kesry - Room 3 Year 3/4 Teacher

Supportive, kind and a good listener. I love spending time with all our children in Kowhai and learning alongside them. Getting outside for games, sports and exploring is the best! I love using technology to help us with our learning. I love seeing smiles and laughter in our classrooms. I enjoy walking with my gorgeous spoodle around the hills and beaches and I am always on the sideline at sports matches with my 16 year old twins. Sharing cups of tea with my friends at a beach cafe brings a smile to my face! I am looking forward to another fun and exciting year in Kowhai. 

Sarah Macintosh - Rimu Leader, NE/Year 1 teacher (Te Ao Māori, Kapa Haka)

Tēna koutou katoa. This is my fourth year at MNS and I really enjoy being part of this school community. I’m finding it weird this year without my son, Codie here! My passion is teaching the ‘newbies’ at school, helping them navigate their newest learning journey and becoming happy and confident school students. However, I have also loved working with the older students in the last year or two, particularly with Kapa Haka, seeing the passion and pride they have when practising and performing. When I’m not working, I spend my time hanging out with my family, reading, going for walks and watching a lot of sports!

Debi Meadows - Year 5 & 6 Teacher (Literacy)

This is my 6th year at MNS and I am proud to say I have now worked in every syndicate since I joined this vibrant community. I am excited to be rejoining Pōhutukawa syndicate this year and can’t wait to get to know all the smiling faces that greeted me on day one. I am passionate about instilling a love of learning and self belief in my students. Forming meaningful relationships with them is very important to me. I enjoy teaching art, history and writing. In my spare time I love to read books, watch movies and travel with my family.

Lesley Mitrakas - Part Time Teacher

Tena Koutou, I am looking forward to another year in the lovely Room 1 and working across the Kowhai Syndicate. This is my 15th year at MNS, and with a new year brings new ideas and a passion for doing my best for the children, and bringing out the best in each of them. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, walking our handsome pooch, Kotahi, reading novels, pilates, and gardening. During the football season, I will be cooking up a storm in the Olympic AFC Clubrooms on game days and watching my 20 year old twins play in their men’s leagues.

Clair Norris NE/Year 1 teacher

Kia ora to all the friends and whānau of Miramar North School. My name is Clair Norris and I am so lucky to be the teacher in room 8 this year. We moved to Seatoun from Khandallah five years ago and for much of that time I commuted back to Cashmere Avenue School, where I was working in New Entrants and Year 1. I have also worked at Seatoun School in their New Entrant class and as a reliever. I adore teaching this age group - 5 year olds bring joy every day! I love to spend my spare time with my family and my pets (a gorgeous Burmese called Milo and a back, fluffy cavoodle called Millie). I also love finding out about other countries and their cultures; skiing; reading; and walking in the bush or by the sea. I am really loving being a part of the amazing school that is Miramar North.

Tessa Rogers NE/Year teacher (CoLs, e-learning)

My name is Tessa Rogers (Mrs Rogers) and I am teaching New Entrants and Year 1s in Room 9. This is my 5th year at Miramar North School. Last year I made the move from Year 2 to NE/Yr1. I really enjoy this age group and am having lots of fun helping them settle into school and begin their new learning journeys. I am part of the e-learning team and have a particular interest in using digital technologies to enhance and create new learning opportunities in the curriculum. When I’m not at school I enjoy playing hockey and floorball and catching up with family and friends. I am really looking forward to getting to know you all this year!

Jacqueline Vermey (Reading Recovery Teacher)

My role at MNS is the Reading Recovery teacher.I provide a safety net for the lowest achieving six year olds. Ultimately we want children to reach their potential. By providing a series of one to one lessons children are able to make accelerated progress. I also enjoy working closely with classroom teachers and providing support for small groups of children with their literacy development. In my spare time I love nurturing our garden, trying out numerous cafes, going on long walks, catching up with friends and family and of course reading.

Rachel Waters Room 2  Year 3/4 Teacher (Year 2 Support)

Kia Ora Koutou. My name is Rachel Waters and I teach Year 3 & 4  in Room 2. I have been teaching at MNS for six years and love working with the junior students. One of my goals is to encourage students to develop a genuine and lifelong love of learning. I live on the Miramar Peninsula and love exploring our beautiful coastline on the weekends with my husband and children. I can sometimes be spotted enjoying a coffee at  Chocolate Frog! This year I am continuing taking on the role of Year 2 Support Leader as part of the Kowhai Syndicate (Years 2 to 4). I am looking forward to a year full of industrious learning and growth with the wonderful children in Room 2 and their whanau - I know it will be full of creativity, discovery, kindness, fun and laughter!