Teaching Team

 

We have a team of fantastic educators leading learning at Ararira Springs Primary – Te Puna o Ararira.

 

Andrea Harrison

Andrea Harrison

Teacher / Kaiako

Andrea came to us from Lincoln Primary School, and prior to that, Clarkville School. She is an experienced junior school teacher and is an advocate of teaching and learning in collaborative environments.

Andrea has a passion for child-led learning, especially Inquiry, student engagement and children being given an appropriate choice to direct their own learning. She has a BSc and has undertaken further professional development in leading science teaching.

Andrea chooses to live in our school community in Lincoln with her husband, Stephen and their daughters, Kaetlyn and Emma. Living in the local community, you may bump into Andrea out and about at local venues and family events, where she is always happy to say hi.

You can contact Andrea via andrea.harrison@ararira.school.nz

Anna Grigor

Anna Grigor

Teacher / Kaiako

Anna has over 15 years experience teaching all year levels, with over a decade of experience working in the junior school. Anna has an unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential in every child and is a passionate advocate for student success and cultivating a love of learning.

Anna has enjoyed her own personal journey of learning Te Reo and incorporating it into her teaching practice. Raised in Christchurch, Anna briefly lived in England before returning to Hoon Hay with her husband Nick and three children Eva, Eddie and Estelle. In her spare time Anna is often on the sideline of the sports field or coaching a team. Anna will often be found at different  campgrounds around the motu, especially if they are close to the beach.

You can contact Anna via anna.grigor@ararira.school.nz

Angela Shea

Angela Shea

Teacher / Kaiako

Angela comes to Ararira Springs with more than 10 years of teaching experience and a special interest in developing literacy in the junior school. She loves it when children’s faces light up and believes in sparking curiosity by providing engaging, fun learning opportunities. She is committed to ensuring holistic growth in each child so children can reach their full potential through meaningful learning experiences while developing necessary skills in a growing digital world. 

Angela grew up in Dunedin and, prior to moving to Canterbury, lived and taught English in Japan for 4 years. It is there that she met her husband, Patrick, with whom she has two children, Sophie and Michael. She enjoys spending quality time with family, travelling, reading, singing and watching the latest productions at the Isaac Theatre Royal. 

You can contact Angela via angela.shea@ararira.school.nz

April Tougas

April Tougas

Teacher / Kaiako

April has been working in a part-time capacity at Ararira Springs since it opened in 2019. This year she is teaching in Kaunuku.

April likes to create a space that is welcoming, positive and inclusive, where all students feel safe to contribute their thoughts and ideas. She wants her students to be active and engaged in the learning process. April likes teaching all subjects but she especially enjoys teaching maths, writing and art.

April is originally from Southland and has previously taught for two years on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand, four years in England and six years in Alaska. She currently lives in Springston with her husband, Paul, and their three children Isla, Abel and Eben. She loves spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors. When she has spare time she enjoys gardening and reading.

You can contact April via april.tougasapril.tougas@ararira.school.nz

Brooklyn Neame

Brooklyn Neame

Teacher / Kaiako

Brooklyn is a beginning teacher and is very excited to be joining the Ararira Springs community.

She attended the University of Canterbury completing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Education and Māori and Indigenous Studies. She is passionate about incorporating this into her teaching. Brooklyn then gained a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.  I have also completed three years of night classes towards NZSL which I am excited to include in the classroom.

Brooklyn grew up in Lincoln attending both Lincoln Primary and high school. She now lives in Wigram with her best friends, and her whānau still lives in Lincoln. She loves playing social and competitive sports, including volleyball, touch and netball. Brooklyn enjoys taking the family dog on walks, playing team sports, and hanging out with her friends.

Brooklyn is super excited to begin her teaching journey, to learn and develop alongside the tamariki. She believes that creating positive relationships with tamariki is extremely valuable in ensuring that everyone has a sense of belonging in their class.

You can contact Brooklyn via brooklyn.neame@ararira.school.nz

Casey McPherson

Casey McPherson

Teacher / Kaiako

Casey has come to us from Paparoa Street School where she has been teaching Year 0-2 for three years. She spent two years teaching in Oxfordshire, UK and prior to her travels, Casey taught at Oaklands School for several years.

Casey has a special interest in play based learning and building children’s curiosity as well as developing strong foundational literacy skills. She is on a journey of deepening her knowledge of Te Reo Māori and enjoys incorporating this into her practice.

Casey grew up in Christchurch and spends her free time showing off our beautiful country to her English partner. Beyond the classroom, Casey can be found on the ski field, drinking coffee, biking and indulging her green thumb.

Casey values strong connections and relationships with students, families and the community and is looking forward to getting to know everyone.

You can contact Casey via casey.mcpherson@ararira.school.nz

Carolyn Sutherland

Carolyn Sutherland

Teacher / Kaiako

Carolyn grew up in Christchurch, in the area now referred to as the ‘Red Zone’, and now lives in Rolleston with her partner, Rob, their two children, Emily and Grayson, one cat, and a goldfish too. On the weekends they go mountain biking at the various trail parks around Christchurch and can also be found sampling delicious food at the local eateries. In the longer holiday breaks they also enjoy visiting whānau, and fishing near Picton.

Carolyn came to us after five years at West Melton School, where she had taught both Year 3-4 and Year 5-6 in collaborative, innovative learning environments. She enjoys teaching literacy, science, maths, and is an enthusiastic supporter of te reo me ōna tikanga Māori. She likes to integrate digital tools across learning areas to give students opportunities to create and collaborate. Carolyn believes a supportive learning environment recognizes and promotes the acceptance of diverse needs and that all children should feel encouraged and inspired to strive for success.

You can contact Carolyn via carolyn.sutherland@ararira.school.nz

Dan Horwell

Dan Horwell

Teacher / Kaiako

Kia ora e te Ararira whānau, Ko Dan Horwell tōku ingoa. I am thrilled to be joining
the amazing staff here at Ararira Springs Primary as I begin my teaching journey. My
whānau has been a part of the Ararira hapori from day one with both my daughters
attending the kura.

I am a highly motivated and passionate kaiako who is ready to inspire the future of
Aotearoa. Curious by nature I love learning about the world around us and sharing
this learning with others.

I am passionate about providing equitable learning experiences for all my ākonga
that are fun and engaging and that get them to explore new things. All ākonga are
unique and are at the centre of learning, by working with them and their whānau we
can empower them to become caring and capable citizens.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful whānau and friends,
supporting the Warriors, and playing disc golf. I also love exploring our beautiful
country whether it be paddling our waterways, running the trails, or by bike.

You can contact Dan via dan.horwell@ararira.school.nz

Deb Wesley

Deb Wesley

Teacher / Kaiako

Deb is a passionate teacher with over 27 years of teaching experience. She came to us at the start of 2020 from Lincoln Primary School where she taught New Entrants and Year 4’s. Prior to Lincoln Primary School, Deb taught at Somerfield Primary for 18 years at Banks Avenue School.

Deb believes in the best outcomes for all students by having high expectations. She seeks to inspire students through authentic, innovative and rich learning opportunities, particularly through play. She encourages children to be brave and take risks with their learning. Deb can often be found learning alongside children and their passions. Māori values are very important in the spaces where she teaches- aroha, manaaki, and children learning with and from each other are the norm.

Deb is originally from Southbridge, grew up in Halswell and attended Lincoln High School. She has lived in Lincoln with her husband Cary and their two children Leah (20) and Henry (15) for the last 20 years.  When Deb is not at school, she is a regular at the Lincoln Rec Centre, enjoys reading, spending time with the family and running. She is often out and about in the community and loves living and working locally.

You can contact Deb via deb.wesley@ararira.school.nz

Emma Murphy

Emma Murphy

Teacher / Kaiako

Emma is a beginning teacher and is thrilled to be joining the Ararira Springs Whānau. 

She attended the University of Otago completing a Bachelor of Education endorsed in Primary Teaching and prior to this, she completed a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing. Emma is a passionate advocate for creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. She values classrooms where students feel comfortable and encouraged to share their ideas freely.  Emma enjoys teaching Inquiry, English, Art, Drama, and P.E. 

Emma was born in Auckland however she considers herself a Southlander after moving there when she was thirteen. Emma enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She values taking part in activities that will contribute to well-being and personal growth. In her spare time, you can find her going out for nature walks and runs on a good day or inside furniture building, practicing yoga, painting or clay making if the weather is not its best.  

Emma is looking forward to beginning her teaching journey at Ararira Springs Primary in 2024 and gaining positive relationships with tamariki and their whānau. 

You can contact Emma via emma.murphy@ararira.school.nz

Larissa Jay

Larissa Jay

Teacher / Kaiako

Larissa’s teaching career began in Auckland over 17 years ago, after being a dental therapist in a school for 6 years. Larissa taught both in the primary and secondary sectors in a variety of roles.  Larissa has a love of dance and has a wealth of experience in the arts after completing a post graduate in performing arts and gaining a Masters in Education majoring in dance education and leadership. Larissa thrives on learning and is passionate about sharing her love of learning with students in a calm, child-centred environment. 
 
Larissa returned to her home town of Lincoln with her two children to be closer to family. Larissa has been working at a variety of schools as a reliever or in part-time roles. Now all the family attend Ararira Springs Primary School and it is exciting for them all to be part of this dedicated, diverse and inclusive school community.

Larissa believes in encompassing the whole child as holistic learning is key to lifelong well-being. This is a way of developing every child’s unique spirit or wairua. She fosters interest and care for others, wonder and a lifelong passion for learning. She is passionate about inclusive education and believes everyone should be given the opportunity to learn.

In her free time, Larissa enjoys family time, exploring the great outdoors, supporting her children in their various activities, yoga and reading a good book. You can contact Larissa via larissa.jay@ararira.school.nz.

Leonie Pengelly

Leonie Pengelly

Teacher / Kaiako

Leonie grew up in the Manawatu and moved to Lincoln with her family 5 years ago. She comes to us with 20 years of teaching experience, having taught across all ages in Manawatu, Auckland and Selwyn. 

She is married to Cam and they have 2 busy girls, 2 guinea pigs, 2 fish and a handsome greyhound named Codie. As a family they spend time together biking, walking and camping. Leonie enjoys walking, reading and gardening in her spare time and is a volunteer for GAP (Greyhounds as Pets). 

Leonie believes in creating a positive learning environment where children feel valued and can develop a love for learning. She works alongside children to foster their needs and interests, developing their independence and sense of agency. Leonie believes building strong relationships is the key to a successful partnership between home and school.

You can contact Leonie via leonie.pengelly@ararira.school.nz

Lesley Earnshaw

Lesley Earnshaw

Teacher / Kaiako

Lesley grew up in England where she initially trained in singing, dance and drama. Her passion for the arts took her all over the world before she settled here in New Zealand. Halswell is now home, where she lives with her husband Kyle and her two young children Jacob and Emily. 
 
Lesley has been relieving locally for the past few years after graduating in teaching and is very excited to join Ararira in 2023. 
 
Lesley is passionate about building strong relationships with her learners and their whānau and believes this is key to creating a happy, welcoming space. She truly feels that if the children are happy, learning will happen. 
 
Lesley loves spending time with her family and will often be found in local walking spots, at the gym or drinking a cuppa over a good book. 
 
Make contact with Lesley via lesley.earnshaw@ararira.school.nz
Louise Dennis

Louise Dennis

Teacher / Kaiako

Louise is originally from Wales but made Christchurch her home 17 years ago and now considers herself a Cantabrian. She currently lives in Diamond Harbour with her husband Paul and their 2 children, Holly and James.

Louise has come to us after working at Diamond Harbour School for 10 years and most recently, Broadfield School. Louise has many years experience as a team leader and teaching from Year 0 – 6, over the last 26 years. She is passionate about engaging students in exciting learning opportunities using their interests and the surrounding environment. Fostering a positive, safe and inclusive classroom environment is important to Louise, where all learners are able to see themselves as successful learners and critical thinkers.

Living in Whakaraupo (Lyttleton Harbour) Louise’s downtime, on a fine day, is often spent out on the family launch or taking walks in the hills. In the winter, she can be found cheering on her son’s rugby team from the sidelines of the rugby pitch or reading a good book.

You can contact Louise via louise.dennis@ararira.school.nz

Meeghan Coetzee

Meeghan Coetzee

Teacher / Kaiako

Meeghan comes to Ararira Springs from Lincoln Primary School and prior to that West Riding Primary in Cape Town, South Africa. She has many years of teaching experience across different age groups in South Africa as well as in the United Kingdom. She relocated to Christchurch in 2018 and lives in Lincoln with her family.

Meeghan is passionate about teaching and learning and creating a positive learning environment.  She encourages her learners to get involved, ask questions and always do their best.

 Meeghan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and exploring New Zealand whenever possible. You can contact Meeghan via meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz 

Megan Newton

Megan Newton

Teacher / Kaiako

Megan came to Ararira Springs from Halswell School and prior to that, Lincoln Primary. She has had lots of experience teaching in collaborative environments and enjoys working with children of all ages.

Megan is passionate about her learners and they are at the centre of everything she does. She makes it a priority to build relationships with all learners, finding out who they are, where they come from and what makes them unique. She recognises the importance of positive home-school partnerships and is committed to collaborating with parents and whānau to help each child reach their full potential. Megan particularly enjoys teaching mathematics, literacy and the arts. She loves learning new things and sees herself as a lifelong learner. 

Megan grew up in Christchurch and enjoys spending time with her dogs, going for walks, gardening and reading.

You can contact Megan via megan.newton@ararira.school.nz

Melissa Rennell

Melissa Rennell

Teacher / Kaiako

Melissa’s teaching career began in Christchurch in 2011 after graduating just months after the February 22 Earthquake. Prior to that, she worked as a Landscape Architect in Australia. Melissa channels her life as a designer in her teaching practice and has a passion for educational architecture and designing learning programmes and experiences for the needs of all learners. 

With over 12 years of experience working alongside the learners of Ōtautahi, she believes in a relationships-centred approach that caters for personalised learning that is fun, authentic and meaningful. She believes in connectedness, choice and student agency, and knows that this empowers students to strive for and achieve the unimaginable. Melissa loves developing learning landscapes that showcase effective collaborative practice, modern learning pedagogies, and hold technology and innovation at the forefront. 

Melissa has had close ties to the Lincoln community her whole life, from visiting her grandparents as a child and spending numerous days at the bowling club, to attending Lincoln High School and University, to now recently moving into the Lincoln community with her family (Chris, Henry, and Molly, their five-year-old Maltese X Shih Tzu). Melissa enjoys spending time with her whanau and friends and is always on the lookout for the next houseplant purchase. If you see her out and about, feel free to offer your houseplant recommendations or just stop to say hi – Molly would love the extra pats!

Feel free to contact Melissa via melissa.rennell@ararira.school.nz

Michael McDermott

Michael McDermott

Teacher / Kaiako

Having completed his first year of teaching back in his hometown of Masterton, Michael is excited to move back to Christchurch to be reunited with his wife, and get actively involved in the Lincoln community. His first year of experience at Lakeview School has only increased his passion for teaching and he is excited to join our school and continue to support akonga in a centred approach to teaching and learning.

He has a strong passion for building positive relationships with akonga, kaiako and whanau and strives to give the akonga a safe positive learning environment, where every child feels valued and they can explore their cultural identities.

He is an enthusiastic teacher who enjoys getting competitive when it comes to sporting activities and the students love when teachers take a step out of the teaching role and engage on their level both inside and outside the classroom. Michael has developed his knowledge of the Maori language and culture, so that he can better provide akonga with a learning environment that embraces te reo Māori. 

Michael grew up in Masterton and enjoyed playing various sports including football, softball, and basketball. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and playing sports. 

You can contact Michael via michael.mcdermott@ararira.school.nz

Pamela Marshall

Pamela Marshall

Teacher/ Kaiako

Born and raised in Blenheim, Pamela moved to Christchurch in 2007 where she studied for a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury. Pamela started teaching in Wellington and from there moved home to Christchurch teaching at Avondale and Papanui Primary Schools. 

Pamela loves the challenge that teaching and learning present each day, getting to know ākonga and their whānau and designing memorable opportunities through which tamariki can experience joy and success in learning. She has a keen interest in digital technologies and the authentic and purposeful use of digital platforms for enhancing learning opportunities.

Pamela lives in Rolleston with her husband Craig and their 3 year old daughter Genevieve. They love to be out and about at the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter. They are a pipe band family. Pamela began playing the bagpipes 23 years ago, most of that time playing with the Canterbury Caledonian Society. Currently, on hiatus from playing while raising Genevieve, they can still be found following the bands and supporting her husband who plays in the drum corp.

Get in touch with Pamela via pamela.marshall@ararira.school.nz

Sam Hopper

Sam Hopper

Teacher / Kaiako

Sam returned to Christchurch from Auckland where she had been teaching at Pukekohe Intermediate in South Auckland for three years, teaching in an innovative learning environment. She has been learning more about tikanga Māori and how to speak te reo Māori.

Sam is passionate about integrating technology into the classroom to motivate and engage all learners. She has experience in helping students to explore all areas of the curriculum and to discover their interests and passions. Sam enjoys teaching drama and has had an active role in all aspects of full school productions.

Sam grew up in Timaru with her family, who have since relocated to Christchurch. Sam has a love of reading, enjoys playing tennis and can often be found skiing with friends and family during winter.

You can contact Sam via sam.isaacs@ararira.school.nz

Shelley Smith

Shelley Smith

Teacher / Kaiako

Shelley comes to us after many years of teaching at Templeton School. She has worked in a variety of year levels but considers herself an experienced junior school kaiako with recent experience in year 1-2 learning spaces. Shelley is passionate about being part of the learning journey with tamariki and implementing authentic child-centred learning opportunities which spark curiosity and a love of learning. Shelley believes in the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued, respected and has a sense of belonging. She makes it a priority to develop positive reciprocal relationships with all tamariki and their whānau. Shelley has strengths in current literacy and mathematics practices, science and physical education.

Shelley grew up in the rural community of Ladbrooks and she still enjoys being part of the farming lifestyle with her parents living rurally. She has lived in a variety of places including England and the Central Plateau, North Island. Shelley now enjoys being part of the Lincoln community and lives here with her husband, Geoff and tamariki, Zachary and Alexia.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, playing netball, gardening, reading and taking her lovely dog, Meg for walks. She also enjoys being active with her whānau and likes to go bike riding, walking and exploring new places around Ōtautahi with them. 

You can contact Shelley via shelley.smith@ararira.school.nz

Tash Scoble

Teacher / Kaiako

Tash has been working at Ararira Springs in a part-time capacity since 2020. She came to Ararira Springs with more than 10 years of experience teaching in the junior school including specialist literacy training. 

Tash believes in establishing quality relationships where tamariki and their whanau feel welcome to share their ideas, experiences and understandings.  She loves to motivate tamariki to take the lead in their learning and to help them to learn about themselves as rangatira in their learning journey. 

In addition to junior literacy, Tash has a passion for growing children’s thinking skills. She aims to help tamariki have fun while making connections, building on curiosities and thinking creatively. 

Tash grew up in Kirwee, Canterbury. After spending time overseas, and up in Te Ika-a-Māui, Tash and her whānau returned to Te Waipounamu because it is simply the most amazing place for tamariki to grow up in!

You can contact Tash via tash.scoble@ararira.school.nz

2024 Ako class structure

Hapori | Hub Kaiako | Teachers Location
Year  1 Nicky Harding Teretere & Pūtahi
  Angela Shea  
  Lesley Earnshaw  
  Tash Scoble & Megan Newton  
Year 2/3 Deb Wesley Huarapa
  Brooklyn Neame  
  Andrea Harrison  
  Shelley Smith  
  Casey McPherson  
  Anna Grigor  
Year 4 Carolyn Sutherland Hikuwai
  Dan Horwell  
Year 4/5 Blair Cook  
Year 5/6 Louise Dennis  
  Sam Hopper  
  Emma Murphy  
Year 7/8 Meeghan Coetzee Kaunuku
  Michael McDermott  
  Larissa Jay  
  Emma Woolford (DP)  

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