As you will have read in the 'Teachers and Classes 2024' article, we are delighted to have a number of new faces joining our team.

Alice Phillips - Cecil and Library - Year 2 & 3

Kia ora e te whanau, My name is Alice, and I am thrilled to be joining Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau in 2024.

I am a newcomer to Queenstown and will be entering my second year as a Kaiako. Before teaching I was working towards becoming a clinical psychologist. However, in 2022, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in education and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning As a Teacher, I firmly believe that positive relationships with ākonga and whānau form the foundation for everything. I can’t wait to join Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau and contribute to the vibrant learning community.

Cailtin O'Neill - Lochy and Wye Hapori (Y4-6)

Kia ora whānau/caregivers, my name is Caitlin O'Neill and I'm extremely excited to start my teaching career at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau in 2024! 

I've just graduated from University of Otago College of Education and am moving up to Central Otago after living in Dunedin my whole life. 

I love sports, reading, being on the water and in the outdoors. I can't wait to get involved in the kura/school and wider community, and to get to know you and your lovely learners next year.

Have a safe and happy Summer holiday, and I will see you back at school early next year. Mā te wā!

Donna Walsh - Cecil and Library - Year 2 & 3

I am very excited to be joining the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau team and community this year. I first came to Queenstown 13 years ago and worked as an activity coordinator at the local rest home for 3 years. I left to pursue a career in Community Development in Christchurch, then management in disability services in Hamilton where I later went back to university to train to become a teacher. I have been teaching for over 3 years now and I absolutely love it. 

Teaching is a privilege and I feel very lucky to get to support learners on their learning journey. Throughout my career, I have worked from a strength-based approach and my values are underpinned by empowerment. I believe that building genuine caring relationships with students, whanau, the school community, and the wider community can help create an environment where learners feel welcome, safe, and empowered to take risks and fully engage in their learning journey. 

Queenstown holds a special place in my heart as I met my husband here. I love the beauty of the region and the rich history, and I am thrilled to be back in this wonderful place. I have two amazing children who I spend lots of time exploring with. I look forward to catching up with you all when I am out and about in the community.

Fran Bailey - Lochy and Wye Hapori (Y4-6)

I am very excited and extremely grateful to be part of the team at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. I am looking forward to getting to know the community, students and staff. I grew up in Hampshire, England and met my husband at Rolle College, Plymouth who was from Guernsey. I taught there for 10 years enjoying a variety of leadership roles such as being a PE and French Language coordinators. During my time in Guernsey we started our family with three boys - Tom, Ollie and Alex.

In 2008 we moved to Auckland where I taught a variety of year groups and enjoyed starting our new life in a beautiful area of the country. After four years, our dream came true and we moved to Queenstown. During our 11 years here I have been a team leader and taught primarily in Years 4-6. More importantly, I have loved the lifestyle of skiing, walking with Cosmo my dog, biking and getting to know our wonderful community. You may have come across me playing cricket, soccer or even battling you on a quiz night!

I have always valued the importance of building positive relationships with both students and whanau, through my approach of being open, available and regular communication. My fun but structured approach to learning has always brought positive experiences for all and this is something I can’t wait to embrace at Te Kura O Wakatipu Kawarau. 

Lucy McKenzie - Release Teacher

My name is Lucy McKenzie and I’m excited to continue working at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau in 2024. It has been an absolute blast teaching here this term!

I grew up down in Southland and after graduating in 2015 I moved to Queenstown to start my first ever teaching job! Teaching in the Wakatipu Basin is so special - it truly is the most beautiful and exciting place to be! When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me hanging out with my family either skiing, hiking or walking our dog on the many beautiful trails!I believe forming positive relationships with our learners and their families are integral to supporting them to learn and grow. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the wonderful tamariki and their whānau at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. If you see me around at school, please feel free to come and say hi!

Sarah Rhodes - Bayonet  - Y 7& 8

I'm Sarah Rhodes, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share that I'll be joining the team at Te Kura Whakatipu O Kawarau next year! With seven years as an intermediate teacher in East Auckland, I've had the joy of shaping young minds and instilling a passion for learning. 

After tying the knot, my husband and I jetted off on a European honeymoon, eventually settling in the charming Emerald Isle for a fulfilling six-month work stint. 

Now, I'm gearing up for a fresh adventure in the stunning Queenstown. I'm eager to be part of the community, meet the fantastic ākonga, and connect with the amazing staff at Te Kura Whakatipu O Kawarau!

See you around! Sarah

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