Welcome to Nikau!

Hello and welcome to Year 4, Term 1!

A big welcome to all our students and whānau joining the Nikau Year 4 team this year. We hope you had a fantastic holiday filled with special moments and fun with loved ones. We’re so excited to kick off an incredible year ahead and can’t wait to see all the amazing things we’ll do together.

Year 4 Nikau Team:

Miss Amber Smith (Team Leader) 

Mrs Jae Lim

Miss Vickie Underwood

Mrs Alice Campbell (Learning Assistant) 

Miss Shirley Zhang (ESOL Learning Assistant)

Meet the team!

Amber Smith - Nikau S

Kia ora! My name is Amber, and I’m so excited to be part of the Year 4 team this year. I’ve been teaching at Sherwood Primary since 2015, working across a variety of year levels in our kura. Supporting learners at all stages of their journeys is something I’m truly passionate about, and I value building strong partnerships with families to help students thrive. I live locally with my fiancé, Ethan, and our three-year-old daughter, Sunny. Outside of school, I love spending quality time with my whānau and friends—it’s one of my favourite ways to recharge. I’m really looking forward to an amazing year ahead with our Year 4 whānau!

Jae Lim - Nikau L

My name is Jae and I’m excited to be working with Year 4 students this year! Becoming a teacher has always been my dream, ever since I was a child. I truly enjoy working with children and watching them grow and learn. It’s one of the most rewarding things I can imagine. I live with my wonderful little family: my husband Ben and our daughter Chloe, who is also in Year 4 this year. In my spare time, I love spending quality time with my family, whether it's enjoying fun activities or simply relaxing together. I’m excited to share this journey with your child and help them have an amazing year of learning and fun! 

Vickie Underwood - Nikau U

Kia ora!My name is Vickie, and I am excited to join the Year 4 team this year! I grew up in Torbay and now live in Long Bay. I have been a part of the Sherwood community since 2022. I’m passionate about teaching and believe in fostering a positive, nurturing environment where tamariki can thrive and explore their unique learning pathways. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors—hiking, running, camping, and snowboarding—as well as enjoying CrossFit, reading, and writing. I’m looking forward to getting to know the amazing learners in our class and making this a fun, meaningful, and successful year together!

Alice Campbell - Learning Assistant / Librarian

Kia ora! It’s great to be part of the Year 4 team again and to be supporting our wonderful Sherwood learners.

I have been working at Sherwood for 16 years so I’m pretty much part of the furniture! I live locally with my husband and eldest daughter. My girls, who are adults now, enjoyed their time at Sherwood.  I have two roles at Sherwood - one as a Learning Assistant and the other as the school Librarian- making my days both rewarding and gratifying. My interests are reading, walking, cycling, and adventures with friends and whānau.  I love to be out on the water or up north at our bach when I'm not at kura.

Shirley Zhang - ESOL Learning Assistant