"Working together to support the wellbeing and learning of ākonga at Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua"

Year 7-13 Deans and the International Dean work alongside members of the Learning Support Team to support our tamariki and rangatahi pastoral needs.
In 2024, we are enjoying the closer working proximity with everyone now in Takurua and our dedicated Ātea Akoka: Student Centre.

A little more about our roles
Rachel Campbell Year 7-8, Reese Kean Year 9-10, Paula Christensen Year 11-13 and Charlotte Davis International: Our Deans -  Our Deans are there to support our students and their whānau to ensure that they are able to be their best here at Oxford Area School. They liaise with members of the Learning Support team, the Restorative Manager and the Deputy Principal. After the homeroom teacher and Learning Mentor, our Year level Deans are the contact people for parents and caregivers if there are any pastoral matters to be addressed. Charlotte, as International Dean, is the first contact person for all our International students. Our Year 9-10 and Year 11-13 Deans also lead the Year 9-13 Learning Mentor programme which has a pastoral element.

Jane Anderson: Restorative Manager - For the past 10 years Jane has supported students and staff in Year 7-13 as part of our behaviour development plan; in 2024 this is in the Rūma Hauora:Wellbeing Room. Jane helps facilitate students getting back into their classrooms after being referred out of a class, following restoratives with their teachers. 

Ros Tavita: Learning Support Coordinator -  Ros works with our Deans and other teaching staff to identify and plan for the learning support needs of children and young people in the school. 

Rodney King: Guidance Counsellor - Rodney has many roles. One of these is as our Guidance Counsellor. Students are able to make an appointment to see Rodney, or one of our Deans may make a referral to him if they see a need for support. The Guidance space is private and a safe space for students to work through challenges and next steps. 

Sharyn Whitlow: Deputy Principal Year 7-13 - Sharyn has overview of pastoral care for Year 7-13 at Oxford Area School. She works closely with members of the team and the Deputy Principal Year 1-6, Mrs Lesley Inch, to ensure each and every student and their whānau are well supported during their time at our school.