Meet the new staff: Lionel Tapara

Taking on several roles at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Lionel Tapara joins the school as the Deputy Housemaster of Sargood, Learning Enhancement Unit (LEU) teacher and the Te Amorangi Scholarship Programme Co-ordinator.

The highly experienced teacher has spent the last 10 years at Sommverville School overseeing the student and community engagement programmes whilst balancing the Associate Principal role over the previous two years.

After graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Physical Education in 2006, Lionel began his career at Aorere College. He then moved to The Pupil Parent Partnership in London for two years, where he specialised in intensive education for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Constantly upskilling, Lionel has also completed courses at Growth Coaching New Zealand and The Education Group, which seeks to improve the culture around teachers, students and communities.

As an LEU teacher and Te Amorangi Programme Co-ordinator, Lionel will ensure his educational philosophy of high-quality teaching and positive outcomes are reached for all students and their families.

Lionel and his wife Hannah will be living on-site with the Sargood boarding house community. The pair enjoy sports, camping at the beach and socialising with friends.