Welcome to Rimu Year 5

Welcome back to school!

We hope you had a relaxing holiday and feel excited to come back to school. We are looking forward to welcoming Rimu students into our classes and having fun learning planned for 2024, including a Marae visit in April. Refer to the Team Events and Dates to Note.

Rimu team is composed of three passionate teachers and two learning assistants. Please take your time to read our profiles below.

Children succeed best when there is a positive and supportive relationship established between the teacher, child and home. We value any additional information you would like to share with us that might assist us in getting to know your child and encourage you to contact your child’s class teacher via Seesaw. 

Seon Jin Park - Rimu P 

Team Leader

I am excited to be teaching Year 5 this year. 2024 is my fifth year at Sherwood Primary School which is close to home. I originally came from South Korea and went through schooling on the North Shore. I studied for a year in Chicago as a university student and worked as a teacher at the UAE International School. I like to immerse myself in different cultures when I travel. I am also passionate about music, technology, chess, and art. 

Amber Smith - Rimu S

Kia ora! My name is Amber Smith, and I am looking forward to being in the Year 5 team this year. I have been a teacher at Sherwood Primary since 2015, gaining experience across multiple year levels from 0 to 4. I am enthusiastic about working with diverse learners and supporting students on their learning journeys. I live locally with my fiancé, Ethan and our two-year-old daughter named Sunny. In my spare time, I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Micheala Carlsen - Rimu C

Kia Ora! I was born and raised in Auckland and grew up on the beautiful North Shore. I have been part of the Sherwood whānau for three years and am thrilled to be a part of the Rimu (Year 5) team this year. I am excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey and help foster a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, you will find me going on adventures with my partner and dog Loui, playing sport, travelling, or baking.

Sarah Cooling - Learning Assistant

I am delighted to be a part of the Year 5 team this year and look forward to supporting teachers and students to have great learning experiences.

I am a mother of two girls who are attending Sherwood Primary School and have been an educator specialising in music for more than 20 years, helping students of all ages and abilities.

As a passionate foodie and traveller, one of my dreams is to eat my way around the world with my family.

Alison Lin - ESOL Assistant

Da Jia Hao, I am Alison and I am so excited to work alongside teachers and students this year.

I have been supporting children’s learning since 2013 and I worked in Playcentre, kindergarten and primary school. 

I aim to encourage every student to be confident in themselves and gain independence for their learning. I enjoy supporting students who come from other countries and helping them settle into a new school environment as soon as possible and also supporting them to explore different styles of learning in class.

Fun facts

• I was born in GuangZhou China and I can speak Cantonese and Mandarin

• I am a mother of 3 active boys and a guinea pig called Wonton.

• I love outdoor activities: kayaking, hiking, biking and the beach.

• I enjoy gardening, cooking, creative building and reading.

• I'd pick savoury over sweet treats.