Board Profile - Rowan Lockton

Board profile: Rowan Lockton

Rowan Lockton is Deputy Principal and Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo and is staff representative on the Board of Trustees. Rowan is retiring at the end of term 4 and shares her experiences as an educator and champion for kids with additional educational needs.

I was born in Christchurch, but my teaching career has taken me to many different parts of New Zealand. My husband, Gavin, and I have lived in Governors Bay for nearly 40 years. I have two grown children, Ben and Luke, two daughter-in-laws and two granddaughters.

I began teaching at Westburn School in Christchurch. In my third year I was posted to Taupo Primary School and spent two years teaching there. From Taupo I went to a remote country school in Southland. After two terms the Principal, who started there at the same time as me, decided it was too remote and I became the Principal. On returning to Christchurch several years later I taught at St Margaret’s College until our eldest son, Ben, was born.

When the boys were little my friend Denise Hellebrekers asked if I was interested in relieving at Cholmondeley School and that began my long involvement with Cholmondeley Children’s Home. Over 12 years I was in a job-sharing position with Denise first as a teacher and then as Co-Principal. I stayed on the Board of the Home for several years after I left the school.

After completing my first Post Graduate Diploma I became a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB). During this time, I completed my second Post Graduate Diploma. I worked as an RTLB in schools in the Riccarton area. One day the Principal of Russley asked if I was interested in a secondment to Deputy Principal. Those two terms made me realise I wanted to be back in a school and I came to Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo as Deputy Principal and SENCO 11 years ago.

I think Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo is a special place because of the commitment the staff have to helping children succeed and flourish. The values of equity, relationships and wellbeing are at the centre of all we do, and these values resonate strongly with me personally.

I often say I have the best job in the school. I love supporting families, teachers and students to ensure our tamariki succeed. Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo is a wonderful community to be part of.

I have always attended Board meetings in my role as Deputy Principal and became elected staff representative on the Board of Trustees six years ago. The purpose of the staff representative role is to bring the perspective of the staff into the board’s thinking and planning. I have particularly enjoyed being involved in the strategic planning of the board.

One of the most exciting developments over my time at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo is the redevelopment and move to collaborative teaching. It was wonderful to be part of this process. It involved a lot of learning, planning and communication between the Board of Trustees, staff, community and tamariki. The new school environment allows many exciting learning opportunities to occur, so it is very rewarding to have been part of this process.

When I retire, I plan to join my husband on his walks around the hills. We belong to a walking group in the harbour area and I look forward to regularly joining in! I also intend to spend lots of time in our garden, re-joining the garden club and finishing my many craft projects.

Most exciting for me, is to be able to dedicate more time to our two beautiful granddaughters, one of whom lives in Christchurch and the other who lives in Feilding. I intend to make the most of every opportunity to spend time with them during term time – taking them to school, picking them up and being part of their after-school activities. I may even be able to help on school trips! Gavin and I also plan to travel around exploring our beautiful country.

I know I will feel incredibly sad leaving Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo and all the special people here. It helps to know that my role is in very good hands. It has been a wonderful 11 years and I feel very fortunate to be finishing my career in such a wonderful school.

I would like to wish the Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo whānau all the very best for the future. Look after yourselves, look after each other and remember once a SMART Somerfield person always a SMART Somerfield person.

Congratulations to Kellie Englefield, who is the newly elected staff representative on the Board of Trustees. Kellie will take on this position in Term 1, 2022.