Welcome to Tahuna our College Teachers for Semester 1, 2017.

I am Kate Collins one of the Masters of Teaching and Learning students. In December 2016 I graduated from Otago University with a Bachelors of Arts Majoring in Classical Studies with a minor in History. I lived in Wellington before moving to Dunedin in 2014 for University. Since this is my first year in a teaching program I do not yet know which areas are my strengths and weaknesses, but I am excited to find this out and improve on the abilities I have. I absolutely love traveling because it involves my love of history, meeting new people, exploring different cultures and trying new things. I am really looking forward to this placement are Tahuna and learning to become a teacher. 

 Hello my name is Elizabeth Kirkby and I am working alongside Yvonne Toa in room four, year eight, for the first half of the year. I have just completed a Bachelor of Educational Studies for primary education specialising in music. Tahuna is the sixth school which I have been posted at throughout my studies, and I am looking forward to working with an intermediate year group for the first time. I am very passionate about the arts and literacy, and I hope to have many wonderful experiences throughout my time here.

Hi my name is Kate Walsh. I am in my last year at Otago University where I have completed a Bachelor of Education Studies. This year I am doing my Masters in Teaching and Learning. I endorsed my Bachelor in Physical Education as this is an area I am particularly passionate about. My favourite sport to play is Touch Rugby, which I have played and coached for many years. I am really looking forward to working with all the staff and students at Tahuna this year and becoming apart of the school community.  

 My name is Kirsten Pram. I am from sunny Whangarei which is towards the top of the North Island. I love the beach, sports, being outside and art. I play football for Northern Football Club in Dunedin and this year will be my 3rd season playing for them. I have had three fantastic placements in Dunedin my first being at Tahuna with Grant Phillips with year 7, Anderson Bay with year 5 and 6 and Balaclava with a year 1 class. I also was lucky enough to do a placement in Whangarei with year 3 and 4 students. I enjoy teaching all round but my favourite topics to teach are PE, drama and literacy. I'm looking forward to 2017 and the opportunities and challenges it will bring. 

Tena koutou katoa, ko Fiona Mackay tōku ingoa. I am currently doing the MTchLn programme with my placement being in Room 5 with David. My specialisations focus on social work, sociology and guidance counselling, with experience working in the School Community Office of Dunedin Central Police. I am also mid-way through a DipGrad in Māori Studies majoring in te reo Māori. At home, I am a mother of two children, Dawson, 9, and Keziah, 7, who attend Wakari School. I am really looking forward to my time at Tahuna and any opportunities that I will experience as part of this placement.

My name is Jessica Sharp, and I am in my final year of Teachers College. I’m part of the Bachelor of Education Studies, which I focused my endorsement subject in Design and Textiles. The other placements I have been involved with were at St Clair School with year 1-2, Gleniti School in Timaru with year 7-8, Elm Grove School with year 3-4 and my last placement was in South Auckland at Te Papapa School with year 4-5. I also completed an internship of 150 hours at Taieri College last year working with years 7-10 in there Textile classes. The hobbies that I have are horse riding, which I have been doing since I was 3 and swimming which I have been doing since a young age both teaching and competing when I got older.

Kia Ora, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka. My name is Ben Qauqau and I am a third and final year student teacher who will be in Room 10 with Mr Wells for the year. I am looking forward to building great working relationships with my Year 8 class and to improve and work on my professional development as a future teacher. I am 25 years old and I am a keen sportsmen. I play rugby during the winter for Alhambra-Union and keep myself busy with touch rugby and a spot of cricket during the summer. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and immersing myself in the Tahuna culture and community. Nga mihi, Ben.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Anna Miskimmin. I am a third year student at the College of Education. For the last year and a half I have worked as a youth worker in a home looking after teenagers. I've worked as a teacher aide at Kings High School and still assist when required. I enjoy most sports, I participate in football, touch rugby, netball and have recently had a good whack at golf. Subjects that I am particularly confident in are health and technology. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to be a part of this school and its motivated staff. This experience I believe will enable me to grow and consolidate the skills I have been learning over the past 2 years.

Hello, my name is Kaitlyn Wheeler and I am a student teacher working in Room 13. I am currently in the final year of my Bachelor of Teaching degree at Otago University College of Education. My previous teaching placements were Fairfield School, here at Tahuna Normal Intermediate, Elmgrove School and Anderson's Bay School ranging from New Entrants to now Year 8. I have a passion for anything arts/crafts and a range of sporting activities. I am strongly looking forward to working with students and staff at Tahuna this year.