Please see Yana's introduction below. We look forward to welcoming Yana to the Te Ao Mārama whānau.

Kia ora koutou! My name is Yana Tomich, and I feel very privileged and excited to be joining the teaching team at Te Ao Mārama.
I hail from the winterless north, but spent most of my childhood in Auckland. For my final year of school, I went south to Wanaka to attend Mt Aspiring College, which is where my love for outdoor adventures started. I went on to study sport science in Christchurch, followed by some time working as a primary school sport coach. This is where my passion for working with our tamariki started, and I furthered my studies to become a teacher. After a bit of travel and work overseas, my journey continued to the mighty Waikato, where I now live with my husband on his family farm. On the weekends, you will find me in the hills (either on foot or on a mountain bike), at the beach, or in my vege garden!

We are also welcoming Tessa King back to Kāhu Rua as we farewell Madeleine Dickson who is moving to Christchurch to be closer to whānau. Tessa has previously taught in Kāhu back in 2020 and she has also been a relief teacher across the school this year.

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.
Prior to teaching at Te Ao Mārama, I taught at a middle school and I am enjoying 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.