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.

Jo Craig, Deputy Principal

Kia ora. I was born in Yorkshire, UK and moved to New Zealand 20 years ago.

I have been teaching for 23 years and still have a great passion for helping tamariki to learn. I am excited to become a part of Te Kura o Huriawa Thorrington and look forward to meeting and getting to know our tamariki and whānau.

I have one daughter who is in Year 11 at St Andrew’s College and two grown step children. I am also lucky enough to be Nana to my one year old step-grandson, Oscar.

To relax I love to read, bake or spend time catching up with friends and family. I am an ex dancer and this is still a big part of my life, my daughter dances and I volunteer on a number of dance committees. During the holidays I love to travel which gives me the perfect opportunity to indulge my love of photography.

Sarah Hira, Learning Assistant

I've had the privilege of being a part of the Huriawa Thorrington Community for 15 years with all 3 of our children attending here and has been my place of mahi for 7 years. I love my job so much.

My husband Steve teaches Kapahaka here, as well as at many other schools. My daughter is in her 2nd year of uni here in Christchurch, I have a son in his last year at Lincoln High School and my youngest is in his last year at ChCh South.

As a Whānau we love to travel with our favourite spot being Thailand.

We live on 15 acres, which keeps us busy, and love to watch our children play sport and walk our crazy big dog. I am obsessed with op shops!

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
• 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