Kia ora West Melton community,

I want to take the opportunity to introduce myself.

I moved to Leeston in 2000, meeting my wife, Joanne, and now we have two children, Nick and Olivia, who both attend Ellesmere College. Our family is very keen on sport. I have recently challenged myself to participate in the Oxman and Challenge Wanaka Half Ironman and numerous half marathons and open water swimming events.

I have held several diverse roles before settling into the education sector. I worked for a private family company supporting the conservation of Yellow-Eyed Penguins on the Otago Peninsula. Next, I worked in the Selwyn area for Gould Aquafarms and McMillan Water Wells before returning to study to complete my Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Primary).

My previous role was at CORE Education Tatai Aho Rau as a Manaiakalani Outreach Facilitator. I worked to support schools in the East Side of Christchurch and Hornby to lead the integration of learning and technology by promoting connections and collaborative learning within the school and the broader community.

Before this, I taught at South Hornby School for eight years leading the school in developing the effective use of digital technologies to support all students.

I am passionate about education and believe the ability to learn is one of the foundations of life, and just like water and air, everyone should be able to access it. A deep understanding of an individual’s well being, engagement and achievement are crucial to overall success. Achieving this goal is through building relationships and whanaungatanga, which are critical drivers of learning.

I am very excited about joining the West Melton School team in Term 2 and look forward to working with the children, staff and the community to continue to make West Melton School such a fantastic place to learn!

I will be doing my very best to connect with each member of the West Melton School community from the start of Term 2; however, if I don’t get to connect with you, please come and introduce yourself and have a chat!

Ngā mihi nui,

Mark Maddren