This week we welcomed 4 fabulous new staff members to our team!

A big welcome to Debbie Messer, Tessa King, Tracey Byrne & Sally Coddington. 

Debbie is joining us as an Inclusive Learning Assistant; Tessa has joined the Kāhu team (for Whaea Kasey's maternity leave); Tracey has joined Pūkeko Rua to support our growing new entrant roll; and Sally will be taking specialist arts classes. 

Debbie Messer

Kia Ora, my name is Debbie and I am thrilled to be joining the team at Te Ao Mārama.
I have been an Inclusive Learning Assistant for six years and love being involved in the classroom.
I live in Rototuna with my amazing family. We spend our winters on the sports fields and our summers by the pool. We are also huge Lego fans!
In my spare time, I love gardening and knitting.
I look forward to being part of this incredible community!

Tessa King

Kia ora koutou.
My name is Tessa King and I feel very privileged to be joining the incredibly welcoming team at Te Ao Mārama in Term 4.
I am originally from the mighty Manawatu, having grown up in Palmerston North and completed all my schooling there. I have always had a huge love for all things outdoors from the beach to the bush, to the mountains and lakes - anything active!! Post school, I spent two years living abroad in the UK and Dubai where I flew internationally for Emirates Airline. This time travelling around allowed me to experience many amazing places, food, cultures and customs.
For the past few years I taught at a middle school so I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with younger students in such an exciting learning environment. I have been fortunate enough to spend time relief teaching at Te Ao Mārama this year and have gained huge respect for the friendly staff and the special environment that has been created here. I look forward to becoming a part of the amazing Kāhu team next term.

Tracey Byrne

Greetings whānau!
I’m excited to be a part of the amazing team at Te Ao Mārama. Having previously been a reliever at this special place, I feel privileged to spend more time with the talented and smiling faces of its kaiako and tamariki.
I grew up in rural Waikato and, after completing my management degree at the University of Waikato, lived and worked in Auckland and London. Retraining as a teacher was a lifelong dream.
Forming a partnership with each learner to support them in their journey both socially and academically, is something I’m passionate about. I love seeing the “light-bulb” go on when a learner applies their newfound knowledge. I too share this love of learning!
Outside of school I spend time with family and friends. I play netball and touch rugby, yet mostly watch my teenage kids play a range of sports. The beach, camping, fishing, travelling and outdoor adventures are also passions of mine.

Sally Clarke

Kia Ora,
I’m Sally, and I’m thrilled to join the Te Ao Mārama Team in Term four, working alongside Kyla and Danielle in the teacher release role.
I am originally from Hamilton, but after finishing my studies I spent 5 years living in Wellington with my husband, where I taught at an inner city primary school for the duration of that time. We recently moved back to The Waikato after our daughter Zoe was born to be closer to whānau. I have been lucky enough to step back into teaching through relieving at Te Ao Mārama School, and am thoroughly enjoying my time here.
I have a passion for learning through the arts, in particular drama. I am excited to work in a role where I can weave this passion into the children's learning experiences. I look forward to continuing working alongside the staff and children throughout the school.
Ngā Mihi,
Sally