Kootuitui Team

Kootuitui Cluster is located in Papakura, South Auckland.

Final SLJ intro (convert-video-online.com).mp4

CLUSTER MANAGER - JORDAN WALKER

Kia ora koutou

Ko Jordan Walker tōku ingoa. I am the returning Cluster Manager for the Summer Learning Journey in Kootuitui (Papakura, South Auckland). This is my third summer working alongside the schools in the Kootuitui cluster, and I’m confident that this is going to be the best year yet.

This summer I am also lucky enough to be the Cluster Manager for the Summer Learning Journey in Manaiakalani (Tamaki, Auckland) — I’m really looking forward to working with a variety of students and engaging in their literacy development.

I come from Tūranga-nui-a-kiwa (Gisborne, East Coast) and have recently moved back after living in the big old land of Australia for several years. I love being home because I’m closer to my whānau and to tikanga Māori.

Earlier this year I completed my degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and English Literature. I am really passionate about indigenous people and supportive of their rights. As well as this, I love to write, whether it be poetry, short stories, playwriting or even screenwriting!

I’m really looking forward to engaging with our tamariki and helping them to hone their skills in their writing this summer.

If you need to reach me, you can email me at: kootuitui@gmail.com

Ngā mihi nui

Jordan

CLUSTER SUPPORT - GEORGIA EDMONDS

I am Georgia and I am excited to be apart of the Manaiakalani & Kootuitui team! I really enjoyed reading all your exciting and incredible blogs last year so I decided to come back and join the team for more. This year I will be working alongside our awesome cluster manager Jordan supporting the two clusters! I will then join the blog commenters in December.

I have just finished by studies in Bachelor of Education (Primary) and I'm really looking forward to graduating!

I come from a whānau of five (not including my 2 pets). I am born and bred in Auckland. I also live, gym and study in South Auckland! I love the community that South Auckland brings and I really look forward to hearing your stories.

I enjoy spending time outside as much as possible. This includes hiking, skiing and anything to do with water! I also love spending time with my dog and taking him on walks on the beach.

One of my biggest accomplishments was doing white-water kayaking in 2014. Although one of the scariest activities I have completed, it was also one of my most favourite moments!

I cannot wait to start reading your blogs! Hopefully I will also get to meet some of you during Jordan & my school visits.

See you soon!

Georgia

BLOGGER - DANIEL BATY

Hey everyone,

I’m Daniel and this is my first year doing the Summer Learning Journey. I’ve just finished up the first year of study at the Auckland University Manukau campus on my way to becoming a primary school teacher. After I graduate I hope to teach in a Papakura school.

I come from a very close family of 4 with Dad and an older brother and sister. I’ve lived in Papakura all my 22 years of life and have served the kids of the community for half that time as part of my church’s holiday program, running crazy games, laughing and learning so some of you might even already recognise me.

I spend most of my time playing games and reading books that involve knights and magic. I love learning about ancient and medieval history and storytelling, and even studied to become a fantasy author before realising the excitement of teaching.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the amazing work on the Kootuitui blogs this summer.

Daniel