Whaea Shirlene has specialist interests in Mathematics, Science and Literacy and she is a super-creative person - she loves using fibres for creativity such as knitting and spinning and felting.
Truly one of the essential members of staff, Mr Quince looks after our fabulous grounds, keeping everything safe and tidy and working well. As well as being our Mr Fix-It around the school, he is also our IT guru, making sure our technology works correctly, iPads, computers and internet and the many BYOD devices onsite.
A Bell Block local, Sandra is a key part of our Learning Assistant team, working with many students from new entrants all the way through to Year 8s over the years.
Sandra's specialty is working with students with high health needs.
Sandra is also a mother to three children who have all been a part of the Puketapu School whānau. When she isn't at school, Sandra enjoys reading, bush walks and spending time with her pets.
One of the two friendly faces you see when you arrive in the office, Whaea Paula is a first point of contact for enrolments, messages or questions and takes care of much of the school’s administration. Originally from Taranaki, she spent several years living in London and now uses her corporate world experience to ensure the smooth running of the school.
Michele is a key part of our Learning Assistant team, working with many students over the years - so many years that she left and came back again! Michele loves the people - adults and staff and loves being part of a great team. Away from school Michele loves knitting, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
A local girl who still lives in Bell Block, Louisa loves to read and to swim and enjoys teaching swimming during the summer months.
Louisa’s mantra: “The kids that we teach may not remember what it is that we have taught them, but they will always remember how we made them feel, so I do my utmost to ensure that they always leave me with a smile on their face and a giggle in their heart.”
lsharrock@puketapu.school.nz
Passionate about our environment and community, Kelly believes fostering a love of learning is just as important as the skills themselves and children best learn when it is memorable and fun.
She is passionate about the importance of establishing early foundational skills in reading, writing, and speaking to boost overall learn
Kelly also promotes environmental consciousness, believing that integrating topics like gardening, conservation, recycling, and renewable resources contributes to a well-rounded education and empowers children to make a positive impact on the world.
kharvey@puketapu.school.nz
We first met Matua Brody as a Learning Assistant while he trained as a teacher.
Brody quickly become a key part of our team. His attitude towards whānaungatanga matches the idea of connecting locally to our community and he is a great sports coach too.
Matua Brody reminds us that as a boy Richie McCaw wanted to be an All Black and his Uncle told him “you don't just want to be an All Black, you want to be a great All Black”. Matua Brody strives not just to be a teacher but to be a great teacher, a teacher who is a life-long learner who actively demonstrates all the Puketapu School values.
blindsay@puketapu.school.nz
Karen has been part of our team since 2023, providing classroom release for the senior school.
In 2024, Karen takes on the role of Design & Technology teacher, educating Year 7&8 students in practical and creative skills, guiding students through the process of ideation, prototyping, and creating tangible products while also imparting knowledge about materials, tools, and relevant technologies.
kcopestake@puketapu.school.nz
A familiar face in Bell Block, Sharron joined our kitchen team at the start of 2022.
Sharron now helps to provide healthy, delicious lunches to all our tamariki every day, and always with a smile.