The end of any school year signals some changes to our staffing arrangement, and we will farewell Matua Chris (who has won a fulltime role at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson), Tracey Byrne & Tessa King (both were employed as fixed term roles for Term IV to assist with growth, but will be back relieving for us in 2021), and Nicky Marquand (who has taken a year’s leave). We wish them all well!

We are really excited to have 5 new teachers join us for next year, along with the rest of our amazing teaching and support team. (Erin, Nicole, Abby, Nikki, Helen Mackenzie)

We have updated our website with our team for 2021 which includes staff profiles. You can read them here: http://www.xn--teaomrama-9bb.school.nz/3/profile_areas/1-our-team

We are happy to be welcoming Erin, Nicole, Abby, Nikki & Helen Mackenzie to the team next year.

Helen Mackenzie

Kia ora e te whānauKo Helen Mackenzie tōku ingoa.
My husband Bryan and I live within the Rototuna community. We have a large family and family time is very precious to us. The beach is my favourite place and I enjoy swimming and body surfing. I also enjoy cooking (and eating), reading, walking, nature, gardening and relaxing with my family.After being the Music teacher at both Rototuna Junior High for the past 5 years and Fairfield Intermediate for 18 years prior, I have decided to step back from these leadership roles. I play a number of instruments, love singing and giving students the opportunity to ‘share the joy’ of music with others.I am really excited about working at Te Ao Mārama and getting to know you. I am looking forward to this new phase of my life.

Erin Mareroa

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Erin Mareroa tōku ingoa and I am incredibly honoured and excited to be starting my teaching career at Te Ao Mārama in 2021. I am currently studying towards a Bachelors Degree in Primary School Teaching at The University of Waikato and have been lucky enough to have spent the last term in Kererū Tahi completing my final practicum placement, loving every second of it! I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and learning in an innovative learning environment and am very passionate about teaching collaboratively. I am originally from Opotiki in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty. I moved to Hamilton just over 3 years ago with my partner and daughter to begin my studies at The University of Waikato. I am very passionate about teaching and helping our wonderful tamariki. I look forward to meeting whānau and connecting with the community of Te Ao Mārama. My interests include, physical activity, the outdoors, arts and crafts, spending time with family, and baking (and eating it of course!). I cannot wait to join students on their learning journey at Te Ao Mārama.
Ngā Mihi, Erin

Abby Connell

Kia ora koutou,
My name is Abby Connell and I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at Te Ao Mārama as a beginning teacher in 2021.
I am Waikato born and bred and come from a family of five; I am the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. I grew up on a farm in Matangi and am currently completing my Graduate Diploma at the University of Waikato. I love to learn and know I will be a life-long learner!
I am passionate about making a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of our young people and couldn’t be more excited about becoming
a part of the incredible Te Ao Mārama community. I am also completing my final practicum here in Term 4 which will be an amazing chance to get to know the staff, students and wider community before starting next year!
I enjoy spending time with loved ones, exploring our beautiful country, yoga, baking and going to the beach (my favourite is Mt. Maunganui!). I have a passion for all things holistic wellbeing.
I am so looking forward to joining the awesome Te Ao Mārama team, bring on 2021!

Nikki McAskie

Kia ora koutou. My name is Nikki McAskie and I am super excited to become part of the amazing team at Te Ao Mārama. What I’m most excited about is working and learning alongside the incredible staff, students and whānau that make up this school.
Born and bred in Morrinsville, I taught at David Street school for two and a half years before venturing overseas to the UK for a further three years. I was fortunate enough to be able to follow my dreams of travelling and exploring new countries whilst living and teaching in London.
I have a passion for the outdoors and keeping active! In my spare
time, I enjoy running, hiking and spending time with my friends and family.
I’m excited to begin my journey at Te Ao Mārama and get to know the wonderful community here.

Nicole Locke

Kia ora koutou,
My name is Nicole and I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the Te Ao Mārama Community and start my teaching career here as a Beginning Teacher in 2021.
I am a Mother to two young boys, grew up in the small town of Morrinsville and am currently completing my Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at the University of Waikato. I have a strong passion for health and wellness, nature and arts and crafts.
I cannot wait to embark on this journey, learning alongside the amazing Kaiako and Tamariki that I have heard so much about. I look forward to meeting you all soon.

In this issue

Whānau Picnic - Friday 11th December