This year we are saying goodbye to some long-serving members of staff at Westmere.

Jason Morgan has worked at Westmere since 2014 as a beginning teacher, became a team leader and more recently has worked in the role of Associate Principal. Jason is known at school for always bringing energy and enthusiasm to his work. He has been a great asset to our leadership team. Jason is returning to Tauranga to be nearer to his family and all that a Tauranga lifestyle has to offer.

Also moving back to her home in Tauranga is Hannah Thompson. Hannah also joined us a beginning teacher in 2013. As she has taught in the Junior and Middle School she has some really deep connections with many families. As well as being a fantastic studio teacher, Hannah has led the Maths Team and worked with our Senior School choir to prepare them for the APPA concerts.

Charlotte Manga has been on study leave for most of 2019 but has recently returned to teach NE children in LS1. Charlotte has worked at Westmere for 8 years in Ngā Uri O Ngā Iwi bringing her love of te reo Māori and teaching to our school. It has been lovely to see the children so excited to have Charlotte back at school this term. It demonstrates the value she placed on building relationships.

Laura Alpe and Nicky Swan will also be leaving at the end of the year. Laura and Nicky have been team teaching in Ngā Uri O Ngā Iwi. Laura returned to Westmere this year having had a break from teaching to travel and explore other options. She is still considering her next steps. Nicky will be moving to a full-time position nearer to her home.

We are also sad to say farewell to Waina Prime, also from Ngā Uri O Ngā Iwi. Waina joined us as a beginning teacher in 2016 and has been teaching the senior students. She has been an asset to the whole school working with our sports team and our ambassadors. Waina is also fleeing the Auckland rat race and is moving to the Kawakawa area.

These staff will be officially farewelled at our end of year assembly, Thursday 19th December at 9.30am. 

We will also have some changes to our team of learning assistants. In following newsletters I will update you on the plan for the whole school. I am really excited about 2020 and the high-quality appointments we have made.