Leadership Team

Claire has been at Ararira since it opened in 2018. She loves learning, undertaking new challenges and building relationships with teachers, learners and whānau.

Her leadership is grounded in modern theories that are centred around learning to enhance student self-efficacy and independence. She is invested in helping people be the best versions of themselves and using coaching to achieve this.

Claire and her husband Steve have just completed a build on the lower slopes of Mt Pleasant. Weekends are spent relaxing with family and friends as their children live nearby. In her spare time, Claire enjoys scouring second-hand clothing stores and getting lost in a good book.

You can contact Claire on claire.howison@ararira.school.nz

Donna brings a wealth of experience and expertise having held varied and interesting senior educational roles in her career. She is a foundation member at Ararira and has loved her journey here. 

Donna is passionate about leading learning and making experiences authentic and inspiring for learners. She is familiar with learning across all levels and areas and is particularly interested in , play based and Reggio inspired approaches and inquiry learning. She has strength and expertise with inclusive practice and supporting learners in the classroom and loves learning

Tai Tapu is Donna’s home so she enjoys being outdoors  enjoying the local area.  Family life is important to Donna, married to Mark they love supporting their young adult boys in their sporting and career pursuits. A passion for travel and cultures has seen Donna, Mark and the boys exploring many places in the world together.

You can contact Donna at donna.frame@ararira.school.nz

Emma comes with years of experience across all primary levels. She has a wealth of knowledge in effective collaborative practice, and is leading professional development in the refreshed curriculum areas.

With a Master of Education (leadership), Emma is passionate about developing leaders. Her areas of passion are Maths, Structured Literacy, Health and Social Sciences. With a Reggio-inspired background, Emma believes in creating opportunities to allow students to shine in many different ways.

Emma lives in Rolleston with her husband and teenage children, one of whom attends Lincoln High School. In her spare time, Emma enjoys camping, spending time with friends and exercising her two spoodles.

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

Blair has over 20 years of experience.  He has taught in Australia, U.K and New Zealand.  He enjoys using digital technology to improve student outcomes, using education outside the classroom (EOTC) to give students fun and great learning opportunities.  In his spare time likes going biking with his two children, playing golf and sometimes going to the gym.  

Blair joined the Ararira staff in 2018, part of the original leadership team. During that year, he finished his Master’s of Education in Leadership.  Over the years, Blair has led different year groups and enjoys the role of being part of the leadership team, but also being a classroom teacher.  

You can contact Blair via blair.cook@ararira.school.nz