Kaiako

Teacher/ Within School Cultural Lead 

Kaunuku 1

michael.mcdermott@ararira.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau,

Looking forward to another amazing year in the year 7 & 8 space. Moving spaces means giving us the opportunity to make the space our own for this group of students coming through. 

I have some personel goals set up for myself such as running the city to surf and having a go at runnning a half marathon near the end of the year. I look forward to finding out the goals you are all setting for yourself this year.

My love for our Māori culture is huge and I can't wait to see how many we have wanting to join our Kapa Haka group this year.

Kaiako/ Kaiārahi Rōpū/ Kai-whakahaere Hākinakina

Teacher/ Team Leader / Sports Co ordinator

Kaunuku 2

meeghan.coetzee@ararira.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau,

I am excited to be joing the Year 7/8 hub this year.  I have worked with most of the children in this year's hub whether it was when they were in Year 5 or Year 6 and I am excited to be working with them again.  I will continue to head up the Sports this year as well as taking  on the role as Year 7/8 team leader.

When I am not at school I love spending time with friends and family around the braai (BBQ) or taking our dog, Odie, down to the beach, river or dog park.

Kaiako

Kaunuku 3

larissa.jay@ararira.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau,

I am excited to be joining the Year 7/8 hapori this year and working collaboratively with Michael, Emma and Meeghan and helping support, guide, nuture and develop your tamariki to be their best selves.  This is my 4th year at Te Puna O Ararira teaching. I have taught all year levels of Primary through to Secondary.  I will continue to lead Enviro this year. 

When not at school, I love enjoying family and friends time, exploring the great outdoors, travel, supporting my amasing children in their various activities and being in the garden or reading a good book.

Kaiako/Tumuaki Tuarua

Teacher/Deputy Principal 

emma.woolford@ararira.school.nz

Kia ora e te whānau,

I'm excited to join the Ararira Springs hapori this year as Deputy Principal and part-time teacher in Kaunuku. I will be teaching Literacy and Maths groups in Kaunuku throughout 2024.

When not at school, you can find me spending time with my friends, husband and two teenagers, as well as walking our two crazy Spoodles.