Introduction to our new staff in 2023

We are excited to announce our new staff members who are joining us in 2023. We are very fortunate to attract a high calibre of staff from around New Zealand. 
The uniqueness of our school and community means we all know what it is like to be new and we look forward to welcoming our new staff. 

Tylor McIntyre - Maunga / Kahurangi (Y3/4)
Born in Kawatiri (Westport), Tylor has moved around having grown up in Otautahi (Christchurch) and Te-Tihi-o-Maru (Timaru). Tylor graduated from the University of Canterbury in December 2021.
Tylor is excited about continuing his career at Lemonwood Grove | Te Uru Tarata after completing his first year of teaching in Timaru. When not in the akomanga, Tylor enjoys spending time with his whānau, friends and his dog Winnie. Exploring what Aotearoa has to offer. Tylor is passionate about creating an engaging, supportive and fun learning environment where all whānau and ākonga feel safe, valued and welcomed. Tylor is looking forward to meeting the whānau, ākonga and staff as he begins his journey at Lemonwood Grove | Te Uru Tarata."

Mikayla Stewart - Maunga / Kahurangi (Y3/4)
Mikayla was born in Christchurch spending most of her life here apart from a 3-year stint in Brisbane, Australia. She studied at the University of Canterbury, where she graduated in 2022. While studying, Mikayla worked as a swimming teacher supporting children to be safe in and around the water. When Mikayla is not in the classroom she can often be found exploring cafes around Christchurch, reading a good book or spending time with friends and family. Mikayla is extremely excited to be starting her teaching journey at Lemonwood Grove School. She is looking forward to getting to know all students, their whānau and everyone that is part of the school community.

Chelsey McDonald - Hinutuhi (Y5/6)
Chelsey was born in Wellington and gradually made her way up to Auckland, where she studied to become a teacher. Since graduating in 2017, Chelsey has worked in classes ranging from Year 2 to Year 6. She made the big decision to leave the life she knew up in Auckland, and move down to Christchurch in 2022 to live a better lifestyle and be closer to her parents. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her family, baking, exploring her new home town, and running around with her dog. She is very excited to be a part of the Lemonwood Grove Whanau, and cannot wait to contribute to the learning and growth of the tamariki.

Alec Wesney - Kopara / Kahikatea (Y0/1)
Alec was born and bred in Christchurch. She studied her Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at University of Canterbury in which she is graduating at the end of 2022. In her spare time outside of school, she loves to walk out in the fresh air, dance which she did for 13 years and specialised in Jazz and spending time with her family and friends. Alec has a passion for studying and learning especially around the Tikanga of Te Reo Māori in which she studied at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2020 and 2021. Currently she is studying Sign Language at Merge New Zealand as she is very passionate about including a diverse range of learners in her classroom space. Alec is very excited to start her career at Lemonwood Grove School and develop her knowledge and experience with her tamariki. Alec is especially looking forward to welcoming our junior students to the school and providing an environment for her students to feel safe and valued in which they would want to come to school each day. 

Maddy Sullivan - Maunga / Kahurangi (Y3/4)
Maddy grew up in Sumner for 22 years before finding her forever home in Selwyn. After finishing school Maddy worked as a nanny and went traveling around South East Asia before graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) in 2022. Maddy is very passionate about her Cook Island heritage and works hard to make sure ākonga are proud of who they are and where they are from. When not in the classroom you can find Maddy at the beach, with her friends, gardening or spending time with whānau. She is very excited to start her teaching career at Lemonwood Grove school.

All our new staff will be onsite on Thursday December 1st as part of our 2023 transition day. 

Nga Mihi

Blair Dravitski
Tumuaki | Principal
Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School