CLUSTER MANAGER - MEGAN LAFFERTY

Hi everyone!

I am super excited to venture on this incredible journey with you all.

My name is Megan Lafferty and I am back for a third year as the cluster support manager for Ako Hiko, here in Auckland. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to get to know you all over the summer and share this experience with you.

I really wanted to introduce you to the most important person in my life, my beautiful son, Nico. This photo seems to capture his personality in a snapshot; he is such a character. Recently, we moved to the big smoke (Auckland), so that I could complete my Bachelor of Social Work. This has been such an incredible experience going back to school and getting involved with the University of Auckland. However, I am ready to have a break so that I can spend time getting to know you all.

I love swimming! Whether it be at the pool, in the sea, or teaching swimming, I will be in my happy place. Because I love water so much, I also love scuba diving. I have had numerous entertaining encounters with stingrays, and I hope to have many more. These creatures fascinate me as they are so peaceful.

Now that you know a little bit about me, I hope you feel comfortable sharing your experiences with me over this exciting journey.

If you would like to contact me, you can reach me on my email: akohikoslj@gmail.com or check out my blog: https://akohikoslj.blogspot.com/ with information for the Ako Hiko Cluster.

I hope to see you soon!

Megan

BLOGGER - ELIZA MELLING

Kia Ora!

My name is Eliza and I’m 24 years old. This is my first year as a blog commenter for the Summer Learning Journey and I’m SO excited as I love working with young people! I am from Auckland but I grew up in a beautiful place in the South Island called Wanaka. I’ve also lived in windy Wellington when I was studying my first university degree which was a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Education and Criminology.

At the moment, I am doing a Masters of Health Practise at the University of Auckland where I am learning how we can make sure every single person can get the health care they need when they are unwell. I also work in violence prevention which is the best job ever!! I get to chat with young people about how they can keep their bodies’ and other people’s bodies’ safe, how they can have really great communication, and healthy, respectful relationships.

When I’m not studying or working I love to travel (India is my favourite country I’ve visited so far!), see my friends, swim in the ocean, read, ski, hike, dance, and cook yummy food.

I’m really looking forward to being a part of your learning journey this summer and hope we can have some awesome chats!

Eliza

BLOGGER - KUENI SCHAUMKEL

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava and Mālō e lelei!

My name is Kueni Schaumkel and I am super excited to begin my first year onboard the Summer Learning Journey programme 2019-2020. I have just wrapped up my final year of my Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree & am looking forward to stepping into my first teaching position as a year 8 teacher at Auckland Normal Intermediate in 2020!

I am born and bred in Onehunga, Auckland and come from a very close knit family of 6 in which I am the middle child of 5 girls and 1 boy. I’m also an aunt to two beautiful kiddies & I spend a lot of my spare time taking them out to parks, beaches, pools or spoiling them rotten.

I don’t have any specific hobbies as I enjoy spending my spare time indulging in a range of things from reading books, playing sports, journaling, playing board games, spending time outdoors & with my family + friends.

I am so pumped, I can’t wait to find out more about you all & I look forward to reading your blogs!

Kueni