Meet the staff of Te Kura o Huriawa Thorrington. Each newsletter, we will introduce you to some staff members so that you can get to know us better.

Amber Keeley, New Entrant Teacher in Timatanga

Kia ora. I grew up in Christchurch, but after University I got the travel bug and wished to explore. I spent 7 years teaching English in China, the UK and Australia while spending most weekends and holidays travelling and sightseeing. Ultimately I always knew I would come home, and made my way back to Christchurch where I met my partner. I have only been at Thorrington Primary since the start of term 3, but I love my job! My partner Henry runs his own joinery installation business and I help with the admin associated with this. We enjoy quad biking, hiking, diving, and fishing from our boat. I like a good book to read and a cup of coffee to wake me up in the morning.

Natasha Montagu, Part-time Administrative Assistant

An ex-Thorrington pupil myself, I grew up on Malcolm Ave behind school. We finally settled in Christchurch when I was 7 years old, having previously moved a lot with my dad being in the army. 

My husband Nick and I have 2 children…Mackenzie, who has flown the Thorrington nest and is nearing the end of her first year at South Intermediate, and Carter who is in year 3 at Thorrington.

As well as working at school my husband and I also have an engineering business where I also work part time. 

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, walking, spending time with my friends and family, baking and going out for coffee and dinners. So basically exercising and eating, haha. My happiest place in the world is swimming in Lake Taupo! 

Definitely one of my favourite parts of working at school is the privilege of meeting and getting to know your children and watching them grow up! It really is special. I also love working alongside the amazing teachers, support staff and office team at Thorrington… I really do feel lucky to work at such a wonderful school.

Staffing for 2024

Te Kura o Huriawa Thorrington has a stable staff of quality teachers who are committed to making a difference to the tamariki in their care. I am delighted to announce our teaching staff for 2024.

Leadership:

• Juliana Rae - Principal

• Jo Craig - DP

• Andrea Swanson - Acting DP/SENCO

Timatanga: Year 1 and 2 Teaching Team

• Autaha 1 - Louise Schollum - Year 1/NE

• Autaha 2 - Ellie Galletly - NE

• Autaha 3 - Amber Keeley - NE

• Hāwai 4 - Sarah Moore - Year 1 (Team Leader)

• Hāwai 5 - Kristy Foster - Year 1

• Hāwai 6 - Emma Aitken - Year 2

• Hāwai 7 - Ali Mathias - Year 1/2

• Hāwai 8 - Wendy Booth - Year 2

Whanaketanga: Year 3 and 4 Teaching Team

• Hāwai 9 - Hayley Ngan

• Hāwai 10 - Jo Bateman

• Hāwai 11 - Michelle Hamilton (Team Leader)

• Hāwai 12 - Kristika Burridge

• Paenga 14 - Kathryn Cornfoot

• Paenga 15 - Jessie Frunt

Tuakana: Year 5 and 6 Teaching Team

• Kōtare 1 - Nicky Reynolds (Team Leader)

• Kōtare 2 - Brigette Bilbe

• Warou 1 - Sue Andrews

• Warou 2 - Olivia Grantham