Introducing Ms Gretchen Cocks our Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha Principal, 2025.

Kia ora kou tou,

It is my absolute pleasure, as the presiding member of the board, to introduce Gretchen Cocks as the new Principal of Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha.

While Gretchen will officially begin her role in the new year, there will be opportunities to meet her at our upcoming community events. We’re thrilled to have Ms Cocks joining our team and we are confident her leadership will strengthen our commitment to providing a positive, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for all.

Jessica Middleton

Presiding Member - Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha

Introducing Ms Gretchen Cocks

KO WAI AU?

A little about me? I have 17 years of experience in a diverse range of schools in New Zealand.

Having grown up in Auckland and Christchurch, I later spent 5 years living in London, then Hong Kong and Japan, where I taught English and that is where the inspiration for me to train as a primary school teacher came from. I started my teaching career in New Zealand at Kaiapoi Borough School. From there I went to Ilam School and I have been deputy principal at both Heathcote Valley School and Christchurch East School, where I currently work.

Maintaining a healthy life/work balance is something I strive to do and aside from travel, I have many interests. My family and friends are important to me and I enjoy spending time with them. I am a great lover of nature including both animals, plants, and the outdoors. I enjoy gardening, including growing vegetables and flowers. I like to keep fit in the outdoors, walking or running. I like to be creative and enjoy seeing other people’s ‘creations’ whether it is art, a play, a musical, a concert, or a movie.

I am excited to start at Yaldhurst School Tōtora Tūkaha in 2025 and continue to build upon the incredible work already being done here by staff and the current Principal, Mr Allan Robertson.

I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and connecting with the Yaldhurst community. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!

Gretchen Cocks