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.

Sandy Vallance, Administrative Assistant

I was born in Takaka and moved to Christchurch when I was 20. I have worked at Thorrington School for over 25 years and my children, Amy and David both went to this school. I have 3 grandchildren, Ellie, Maddison and Mason who I love spending time with. I enjoy reading, baking and travelling with my husband Pete. It is lovely to watch the children start as new entrants and before you know it, they are leaving at the end of Year 6. It is also lovely to see the children of ex-pupils starting at Thorrington.

Penelope Paynter, Reading Recovery Teacher

I have taught at Thorrington for 15 years. My father taught here & was Deputy Principal for a time &, as a little girl, I learnt to swim in the school pool.

I have always lived in Christchurch & two of my children live here, with a daughter & grandson in Auckland, which is now my favourite place to visit.

My love of literature & reading determined my choice of University degree & career: teaching children not only to read, but to experience the wonderful pleasure of a great book, fiction or non-fiction, gives me great satisfaction. 

I enjoy walking my dog, sea swimming through the year, reading, baking, knitting & supporting the Crusaders & All Blacks: Richie Mo’unga was one of my first Reading Recovery students & I follow his career with pride.

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 - Shannae Sheriff - 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