We would like to introduce our returning Board members and also congratulate our new members of the Papanui Board of Trustees. The Board plays an important role in the governance of our school and the wider school community. The school leadership team values their support and guidance and thanks you for your time and commitment to this position.

Katie Blake

Kia ora koutou, ko Katie tōku ingoa. I am married to Todd and we have two children, Evelyn, who is in Pīwakawaka, and Charlie, who is 3 years old. I am a primary school teacher with experience in both primary and intermediate schools, as well as Early Childhood Education. Over the past few years I have worked part time at Sumner School and am currently doing relief teaching in several Christchurch primary schools. These last few years, I have also thoroughly enjoyed being involved in and contributing to Redwood Playcentre, as well as furthering my education in te reo and tikanga Māori, and child development.

My passion for education and enthusiasm to be involved in my children’s school life, are what drove me to apply for a position on the Board of Trustees. I would describe myself as calm, approachable, hardworking and reliable. I feel my personal attributes and experience in the classroom would enable me to positively contribute to the board, and continue to build on the incredible work that goes on in our school.

In my spare time, I can usually be found with my family - at home, in the garden, at the beach, walking our dog, or catching up with extended family and friends. 

Alana Cunningham

Kia ora koutou. I have been on the board for the past three years and I have learnt a lot about supporting the team and providing governance. I have been the Finance Officer for the last three years. My son Jamie is in Weka, Year 3. Outside of being a mum, wife and trustee, I am a pharmacist, change facilitator and Restorative Justice facilitator. I would like to continue to support the school and board as we move into a new era. Please have a chat whenever you see me.

Robert Turner

Ko te Ūpoko o Tahumatā tōku maunga

Ko Ōkana tōku awa

Ko Wairewa tōku roto

Ko Uruao tōku waka

Ko Wairewa tōku marae

Ko Kāti Irakehu, Kāti Makō ngā hapū

Ko Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu ngā iwi

Ko Poi rātou, ko Maude, ko Harry āku tamariki

Ko Krystal Short tōku wahine

Ko Rob tōku ingoa.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa

After transferring to Papanui Primary to educate our girls, Poi 8 years and Maude 6 years, we have been so impressed with the leadership and the child centered approach the school provides. We had previously walked a treacherous path in gaining supports for our daughter in relation to her disability needs. Two things I am passionate about are, supporting tamariki in accessing supports in relation to disability, and bi-lingual education. My kōtiro (girls) have been bi-lingually educated since pēpi in te reo and english. Our vision within this method is for them not to miss out on what I felt I did - a connection to whakapapa, whenua, wairua and te reo. Our previous schooling experience highlighted the importance of whānau voice and Māori representation on school boards.

I feel it is an honor to fulfil the position of parent representative, and I have a desire to give back to Papanui Primary and School Board, as they have provided my whānau with the help and understanding that other schools could learn from. As my tamariki are young I will be in a position to dedicate myself for some time to this position. You can find me and my whānau through this link, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=234493408151172

Mark Strong

I live locally in Redwood with my wife and daughter who is a year four student at Papanui Primary School.

I applied to be re-elected as a parent representative on the Papanui Primary School Board of Trustees because I see this as a unique yet invaluable opportunity to build on the great work the current board have achieved over the past three years and to ensure the school board selects the right person to take over as Principal of the school in early 2023. My working knowledge of the school will provide effective support for the incoming Principal so that they will hit the ground running to deliver the expectations of our students and community.

Being reappointed will also enable me to ensure that our outgoing principal, Mr Paul Kingston, will be appropriately recognised for his significant contribution in developing a school that is the first to come to mind for parents looking for a primary school to deliver the right start to their children’s educational journey.

I pride myself on my ability to communicate effectively and my leadership style fosters integrity, inspiration, passion and support for the team I am working with.

In closing, I look forward to ensuring I represent all current and future students and their families with integrity and respect and I am committed to ensuring Papanui Primary School is the first choice for delivering the best start for our children’s learning quest.

Lisa Stephens

My husband Matt and I live locally and have three children, two currently at PPS, Baxter is in Year 5, Jed in Year 2, and our youngest Ridge will start in 2024.

I am passionate about providing our tamariki and kaiako with a happy and safe environment to grow and learn. I am approachable and enjoy working in a team environment. I know PPS is a fantastic school for our children to attend and I would like to be part of the team who can help ensure this continues. As a young family who loves the PPS community, I welcome the opportunity to help give back to our school. It will be a privilege for me to represent the parents and your children at Papanui Primary School.

Sharon Alabaster (Staff Representative)

I work as a New Entrant Teacher here at Papanui Primary School. I have had an association with the school since 2004, when I began as a day to day reliever and then moved on to do regular part time work over the last 18 years (with a short break to Northcote School in between). In 2019 I was lucky enough to secure a full time job in the Junior school at Papanui Primary which has since become a permanent role.

I have been married to my husband Dave for 23 years and we have two teenage children, Jack and Kate.

I have put my name forward to be the Staff Representative on the board as I would like to know more about the governance of the school and the decisions that are made as to where the school will be heading in the next few years. I have been teaching for a number of years and have never had the opportunity to be able to stand for the board. So now is the time.