Haere Rā Kaiako

There are always mixed emotions when we farewell our wonderful kaiako at the end of a year as we will be sad to see them go but happy and excited for them in their next adventure.

Jamie Merrick has been appointed to an exciting role at the Ministry of Education in the curriculum development team. He has been at Tītahi Bay School for 12 years and spent time as a teacher, team leader and now currently a Deputy Principal. Jamie’s passion for books and reading saw him plan many a fun ‘Book Week’ over his time with us. As SENCO Jamie has worked with many families and children to support children’s needs at our school.

Fiona Fitzgerald has been with us for more than 20 years. She has been a team leader many of those years and been a mentor to many beginning teachers. Fiona helped roll out our KURA values when our school became a PB4L school. Being a whizz on Seesaw she has shared her knowledge and skills around keeping whānau and school connected on the Seesaw platform. Fiona starts a new journey at Fraser Crescent School in Upper Hutt - a 5 minute walk from her home.

Whaea Michelle leaves us for an exciting adventure to spend 2023 sailing in Australia after starting out in New Caledonia with her partner. She has been with us for three years and many children will remember her for her love of nature and New Zealand native birds. Michelle has brought a vibrant, bubbly presence to our school and is loved by all her students.

Rian Kannemeyer has been with us for three years, teaching in the Junior School. His love of music is evident in his classroom and he has run lunchtime ukulele and drama lessons, providing opportunities for students to be creative. Rian leaves us to take on a relief teacher role next year, creating space and time for a family.

I know that these wonderful people would have made a mark on you and your children’s lives over the years so please take the time to let them know. There is no better gift for a teacher than the kind words of gratitude for the impact they had on tamariki.

We wish them all the very best and will miss them but know they will be back to connect in the near future. Once a kura teacher, always a kura teacher!