We would like to introduce our latest appointments to the Te Aratai whānau.

It is an exciting year ahead, and to help with our growing roll we have an exciting lineup of new kaiako, deans and leaders joining us to awhi our ākonga.

Courtney Andrews is our new Deputy Principal joining our Leadership Team. She has trained as a History, Classical Studies, Social Studies and Science teacher, but this year, on top of her administration duties she will be helping teach in the English learning area.

Courtney likes to play netball and has been involved in coaching and managing different school sports teams such as Kī-o-Rahi, Volleyball, Basketball, and Touch. She also has two dogs that demand a lot of her attention.

Courtney has been living in Linwood for a few years now. "It was important for me to serve the community that I live in. I went to a range of different schools growing up, and after spending 9 years at LHS, I thought it was time to change. My passion has always been with culturally diverse learners because of the valuable experiences they bring with them. I’m thankful that I can be a part of this journey."

Emily Caygill has joined the awesome Tāhuhu team, teaching Year 7 ākonga reading, writing, maths, PE, social studies, hauora, and more. While she has taught all ages from 5-year-olds through to adults, Year 7 and 8 is her favourite level to teach. "I love being able to teach a variety of subjects and build strong relationships with ākonga during a really big time of change in their lives."

Emily went to high school in the East of Ōtautahi and has been living in the Linwood community for the last decade or so. She has taught in a range of kura throughout her career and has come to Te Aratai with an admiration for the school’s vision of Mauri Ora through Ako, where wellbeing is central to students’ achieving personal excellence.

Feleti Peasefea is joining the Music and Samoan language learning areas. What Feleti loves about these subjects is, "They are part of me and my identity and I enjoy sharing with others the benefits of both, in the hope that I can help someone else find that spark to be the best versions of themselves."

Feleti grew up, “East, as we would say when we were young. And, although I didn't go to this school, I've always loved our community and would love to put some pride back into our space." He would like to see the young talent of Te Aratai help grow our kura, in all spaces, and make it a home of excellence.

Christian Tremblay is joining the Science learning area, teaching Junior Science and Senior Physics. "I’m passionate about Physics because it’s the only subject that attempts to understand our world from the infinitesimally small world of fundamental particles to the immense reaches of the entire universe."

Christian had always been interested in the world and loved philosophy, art, history, film and of course science. One of his favourite paintings, Paul Gauguin's D'où venons-nous ? Que sommes-nous ? Où allons-nous? (Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?) guides him in life and teaching. "Ultimately it's these seminal questions of this work that we’re all trying to answer and understand."

Rebekah Cooper has joined Te Aratai College as a Social Worker. Rebekah loves to work with young people and to walk alongside them for the wild and wonderful journey that is this part of their lives. Being present through the hard times as well as celebrating the wins in their world is extremely rewarding for her. She has previously been working with young parents for the last 5 years. "I feel honoured to be here at Te Aratai, working in such a beautiful, diverse community and one where I can be a small part of serving the need. So far it has been a very warm welcome."

Rebekah has two wee boys that are usually keeping her busy and out on lots of outdoor adventures. "Aside from my boys, I have recently dabbled in the floristry world, having worked on some weddings over the summer and selling bunches at my local cafe. I’m part of a great gym community, love op-shopping and sitting in a cafe with a brew."

Joanne Doak has recently moved from Lower Hutt down to Christchurch, looking forward to the opportunity to work at a culturally diverse school with beautiful new buildings to continue her learning journey. "I am joining the welcoming and friendly Technology Department, and am teaching Food and Digital Technologies. I enjoy teaching more than one technology as the outcome is different but the process is similar."

Joanne has moved to Christchurch with her husband and daughter. They love to travel around the world whenever possible and have had many amazing trips. "We also own a 1996 Cadillac that we take for drives on a regular basis. I also love physical activity and enjoy exercising every day. As well as this, we love tramping in various different parts of New Zealand."

Madeleine has just moved here from Canada six weeks ago. "My journey is far and wide. I am on an adventure and looking to learn more about myself, about education, and how I can integrate different education systems and experiences into my everyday practice."

Madeleine enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with friends - anything outside is thoroughly enjoyed. She is joining the Science learning area. "I love how you can take such a hands-on approach to science and how students can see it happen in everyday life."

Sakara Gallop is our new Māori Liaison - working with our ākonga Māori, their whānau and communities. Sakara is passionate about guiding young people through education, realising their potential, engaging whānau and fostering cultural identity. "Our young people are our leaders of tomorrow. I live locally in the East - and 34% of our roll identifies as Māori. Previously, I had been working in the tertiary space (Ara) for 6 years as Kaitaunaki Māori (Student Support).

Outside of school, Sakara love hanging out with whānau and friends. "I have 3 tamariki so we often go to the beach, or go out swimming, walking the dog, gardening—nothing too extreme."

Victoria has worked as a Learning Assistant for the last 4 years in a primary school as well as training as an educator for the last 3 years at University. "I have enjoyed every minute at Te Aratai and have been blessed to meet so many amazing staff and ākonga, even if it is for a short time." 

Victoria is teaching in Tāhuhu. "It's not so much the subjects that I like, but it's the teaching through that subject that connects me with the fanau/ākonga." 

Victoria is very strong about spending her time with her aiga. She also loves singing. "I have done this since I was 10 years old in the worship team for my church and community. I spend a lot of time with our community Youth Mothers Sunday School group doing activities and outings. I enjoy watching my kids in their sports and other activities. My favourite hobby is relaxing, with loads of junk food and just watching a movie. I love my aiga time."

Emma Powell is joining the Languages and Art learning areas. She loves teaching Japanese and sharing her experiences of Japanese culture and language with others. She has lived in this community for almost 10 years and absolutely loves it here. "I spent 1 year living in Japan teaching English. I started my teaching career at Linwood College and from there I have worked in a few different schools. I am excited to be working at Te Aratai College again." Emma's hobbies are hiking, baking, and spending time with whānau and friends.

Neema Singh is joining the English learning area. She is passionate about literature and loves the challenge of inspiring rangatahi with an imaginative poem, a thought-provoking essay or a moving film. "Through literature, we can explore history, culture, and identity, find our sense of tūrangawaewae and develop empathy. I especially enjoy teaching poetry and spoken word."

Neema is from Ōtautahi and grew up in the East of the city where she attended Aranui High School. She has taught at secondary schools in Auckland where culture and diversity were celebrated and learnt a lot from those experiences. Neema feels our school is vibrant, diverse and firmly rooted in values with ākonga at the centre. "To be teaching at Te Aratai College feels like coming home after a long absence and it is a privilege to be part of this community."

When the work is done, Neema loves spending time with her whānau, including her husband and two children aged 8 and 5. "We enjoy baking together, watching movies, playing music, travelling and going for bush walks. I also write poetry and have work published in two recent Aotearoa New Zealand anthologies. I am currently working on a collection of poetry based around my Indian heritage and family history spanning India, England, Uganda, Kenya, Austria and Aotearoa."