Pūtara is our Year 3 and 4 syndicate made up of 80 wonderful children and 5 teachers. We are enjoying being in a purpose built space and being able to work more collaboratively this year.

Tanya Wells (Syndicate Leader)

I have been teaching for 20+years and have worked in a large city school, country schools and a brand new school. This is my 5th year teaching at Oxford Area. I really enjoy teaching Year 3 and 4, the diversity of this age and supporting the children on their learning journey. 

I live locally on a lifestyle block with my husband Rhys and our 2 daughters. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, tramping and camping. 

This year I will be teaching for only three terms as I have been fortunate to gain a sabbatical in Term 3. During my sabbatical I will  investigate what is best practice in teaching reading. I will spend time learning more about a scientific approach to teaching reading as well as visiting schools that already use this method. I will also learn from other schools about how they improve student achievement in reading. 

Bec Hart

I have been teaching for 20 years and taught in a range of schools in central London, Wellington and Christchurch. I am in my third year of teaching at Oxford Area School which I am thoroughly enjoying. The Year 3/4 students are wonderful to work with, they are keen to learn and have a wonderful zest for life.

I live in the Oxford township with my husband Mike and three children. I love living in this rural community and exploring the many wonderful trails. In my spare time I love to read, exercise, bake and spend time with my family. 

Andrea Shaw

I have been teaching at Oxford Area School for over 20 years, prior to that I started my teaching career at Hawarden Area School (now Hurunui College). I enjoy working with Year 3 and 4 children and love hearing all the stories they have to share! It's exciting to be teaching in a collaborative space this year. 

I live locally in Oxford, and you will often see me out walking with my greyhound. I also have a daughter in her final year at ARA, studying for a degree in photography.

Louise Hayes

I have been teaching for a few years now and I am really excited to be teaching in a collaborative space this year. I enjoy teaching Year 3 and 4, the children are fun and always have so much to share, each day is different with these small people. 

I live in Amberley with my husband and 2 boys, one a teenager and one an almost a teen. I love to read, walk and occasionally have my arm twisted into going on a tramp. 

I love teaching science and writing. 

Julie Smith (release teacher and teaches instead of Ms Shaw on Friday)

I have been teaching for twenty years, my first job being in Timaru before coming back home and working in Darfield and Clarkville. I have been a part-time teacher at Oxford for ten years.

I really enjoy the sense of community and the children at Oxford Area School. The Year 3-4 group are full of personality and are willing to try their best. I love hearing the laughter inside and outside the classroom.

I live in West Eyreton with my husband and three teenage children. I enjoy reading, walking and tennis. However, I spend a lot of time being a taxi taking children to sports and events. I do know that this time will pass quickly and I will miss it when it's gone.