My name is Ade and I teach agriculture/horticulture. Many of you may not be familiar with me just yet but I am one of the newest additions to this wonderful family. I recently embarked on a journey from South Africa to this beautiful country, alongside my two beautiful daughters, Simi and Timi, who have seamlessly woven into the community. I am a lifelong learner and I am passionate about my job. I provide instruction and guidance to help students explore and understand important concepts in science, including problem-solving and how to gather evidence to support ideas. Through my innovative teaching methods, I encourage critical thinking, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge. I always strive to make learning a fun and memorable experience. As I reflect on my journey as a science teacher, I am filled with gratitude for the countless moments of growth and connection with my students. Together, we have celebrated successes, overcame challenges, and built a strong educational community. I am proud to have played a part in shaping the future of these incredible individuals. I hope to replicate the same here by bringing a world of experience to my classrooms. Here's to a year of growth, learning, and the exciting chapters yet to unfold.

Hello, Te Aroha College community! Some of you might know me from 2023 when I was a reliever here at TAC, I was Miss Cassells then but I got married over the summer holidays and am now Mrs Hagan. This year, I have taken on a more full-time role, and am mostly teaching Hospitality and Cooking. I have also started up a school motocross team and am really looking forward to our upcoming events.

I am loving this school, the students and staff are my happy place. In my spare time, my husband and I have a passionfruit orchard in Hikutaia and 5 teenage children to keep us busy. I am an animal lover and have recently taken up horse riding. The rest of my family enjoys a more motorized form of recreation in the form of dirt bikes. I look forward to meeting many of you as the year progresses. 

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Holly Jonson ahau. I am from Kirikiriroa/Hamilton, where I completed my Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science through WINTEC, and later my Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching through the University of Waikato. My current sport is powerlifting, which has developed my passion for encouraging all people to strength train. Outside of training and mahi, I enjoy taking my dog for adventures and relaxing in the sun.

I am very excited to be the newest addition to the Te Aroha College staff. This year, I am teaching junior Physical Education (PE) and Health, year 9 Outdoor Education, and year 12 and 13 PE. My aim is to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all ākonga to feel empowered to strive for holistic excellence through physical movement.

I look forward to meeting more of the Te Aroha College community and contributing to the holistic development of all ākonga. 

Kia ora tātou, my name is Jordan Scott and I am one of the new members of staff here at Te Aroha College. Firstly, I am grateful to have been welcomed so warmly by the community during the pōwhiri that was held recently. I come from a family of dairy farmers, but always felt that my strengths were more suited towards working with people, which led me to teaching. While not a Te Aroha local, I grew up only a short distance away in Waihi. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I decided to embark on the trip of a lifetime to Taiwan, where I taught and lived for three years before returning back to New Zealand in late 2022. In my spare time, I enjoy motorbike riding and reading about current events. Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I hope that we can do our best to make this year successful for all ākonga.

Kia Ora, to the Te Aroha College community. My name is Devon Shirley, and I am excited to be a part of the team as a Health & Physical Education teacher. I grew up in Paeroa and attended Hauraki Plains College, so I feel like I have a connection to this area/community. I enjoy multiple sports outside of school such as Rugby, Cricket, Tennis and hobbies such as hunting. My goal is to inspire, motivate and teach students to embrace physical activity and understand its importance. I am eager to contribute to the success and well-being of our students, and I look forward to an exciting and productive school year ahead!

Sydney Pettitt - Kia Ora! I'm new to the area, only moving to Morrinsville in December of last year. This will be my first year teaching social studies and geography at Te Aroha College. Before my exciting move to the area I spent two years teaching history, geography and social studies at Ōtāhuhu College in South Auckland. My passion for competing and coaching sailing, as well as my experiences living in England, South Africa and Vanuatu, is what led me on my journey to become a teacher.