Hamish Barclay

My name is Hamish Barclay. I am the parent of Eli in year two. I am currently the Assistant Principal at St Thomas of Canterbury College and have a passion for education, especially for seeing boys succeed.

I have been in teaching since 2002, including teaching in South Auckland and the North Shore. I love the feel and diversity at Riccarton which is why I chose it for my son to attend. I believe I can bring a holistic approach to the board and help move Riccarton forward in the coming years.

Julie Batstone

Julie lives in the R.P.S community. She attended RPS as a pupil, then went on to Avonhead School and Riccarton High School.

She enjoys family activities, particularly with her grandchildren and going away in her caravan, reading and listening to music.

Julie retired from the Education Review Office in Christchurch in 2017. She was a review officer and peer reviewer for thirteen years.

Julie’s previous experience as an educator includes; Primary School Principal, Teachers College Lecturer in Technology and Professional Studies, and Mathematics Advisor for Primary schools.

Julie is a registered marriage celebrant and completed the Certificate of Celebrant Studies in 2016. She joined the Aperfield Montessori Trust in August 2017 as a tutor for the Aperfield Montessori Diploma. She also works as an independent Education advisor for schools and early childhood.

Julie has been a trustee on the Riccarton Primary School Board since October 2017 and board chair in 2019.

Vivian McFie

I am married and have 3 children. I have one child at Riccarton School and the other two in High School. I have served as a board member for Riccarton Primary for the last 5 years, including a term as board chair.

Damien Riddell

Kia ora, my name is Damien Riddell. Up until recently I was self-employed as a Guitar tutor. After 12 years of teaching I have returned to the Rockshop and am currently the Educational Resource Specialist. I am a very busy and committed family man. My wife Emma and I have been part of the RPS community since our eldest son started school in 2005. Our 2 eldest sons attended RPS, one son has left school and is chasing a commercial building apprenticeship, the other still attends Riccarton High School. Our youngest son and only daughter are currently at RPS.

I am an avid musician and have actively played in bands for the last 25+ years - I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with others, both practical and technical. Due to my new role, and not being able to continue to provide free guitar lessons for RPS students, I decided that putting myself forward as a trustee was another way to give back to the school community.

I am also attending the Kāhui Ako in a stewardship role as the RPS board rep.

Tufulasi Taleni

My name is Tufulasi Taleni and I am Samoan. I am the Pasifika parent representative on the School Board of Trustees. I have been serving on the Board for over 10 years. I have been enjoying my role on the Board with my fellow Board members, working together for a common goal to improve services and developments for the betterment of all learners, families and the school community.

I work for the University of Canterbury as Kaiarahi Pasifika (Director of Pasifika Developments), for the UC College of Education Health and Human Development. My key role is overseeing all Pasifika developments at the College. I enjoy this role because it contributes to my role as a Board member in so many ways. Engaging with the Pasifika families and community is a key part of my role as Kaiarahi as well as my role as a Board member.

I have four children, three have left the school and one remains at the school. They all enjoy and are proud of what the school has offered for them regarding their education. I think the role of a Board member is unique in a way that gives meaningful service to the school. Engaging in dialogue with other Board members can be quite inspiring and motivating. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a Board member.

Dean Sutherland

Dean is a senior lecturer and speech-language therapist based at the University of Canterbury (UC). He is passionate about supporting children and adults in building healthy relationships through communication.

Dean has extensive teaching and research experience in education and science at UC. His research has focused on children who have communication and learning differences.

Dean is looking forward to getting to know and helping out the Riccarton Primary School community.