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 came to Ararira Springs from Fendalton Open-air School and has loved being part of a foundation school.

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 and she loves supporting both boys in their sporting and cultural 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.

Emma is passionate about developing leaders, and is currently studying towards her Masters of Education, endorsed in leadership. 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.

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 brings experience in setting up innovative learning environments. He came to Ararira Springs from Marshland Primary where he led the Year 5 and 6 team. Blair is passionate about leadership for learning and ihas recently completed his Masters of Education, endorsed in leadership.

Blair has taught in a variety of countries and across all year levels. He has a particular interest in senior students and how technology can enhance learning. In his current practice he has developed skills and expertise in education outside the classroom and physical education.

Blair is married to Amy and has two wonderful children, Charlie and Zoe. In his spare time Blair likes to go to the gym, play a round of golf and exercising on the Port Hills.

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

Nicky came to Ararira from West Spreydon School, Christchurch where she was the team leader of the Year 0-2 Junior team. Nicky has a passion for teaching and learning and sets high expectations for behaviour and learning. She believes in a child-centred developmentally appropriate approach to learning. Nicky engages learners in a fun way using authentic learning activities where possible. She has strengths in using modern teaching practices to deepen learning. She loves the children she teaches and quickly makes connections with children and whanau.

Nicky grew up in Halswell. She has also lived and worked in Dunedin and Reading, U.K. Nicky lives “locally” in Prebbleton with her partner Wayne. She has three children – Jack (17) who attends Lincoln High and Holly (14) and Brooke (11), who attend Halswell Primary. In her spare time, Nicky loves spending time with her family, walking her naughty dog Oscar, biking and the occasional run! Nicky is currently learning NZSL.

You can contact Nicky via nicky.harding@ararira.school.nz