Staff – Te Puke Primary School

Senior Leadership

Andrea Dance

Principal

About Me

Kia ora whānau,
Ko Andrea tōku ingoa. I am honoured to be the Tumuaki of Te Puke Primary, a role I hold with great pride. As a dedicated educational leader, my passion lies in guiding and supporting our tamariki on their learning journeys.
Beyond my professional endeavours, my most cherished role is that of a mother. I am blessed to have three children who constantly inspire me. They are my motivation to create a nurturing and empowering environment for all the children at Te Puke Primary. In addition to being a mum, I am also a proud nanna. I am fortunate to have two energetic and spirited grandsons who keep me on my toes. Watching them grow and learn fills my heart with love and a sense of purpose.
Through my role as Tumuaki, I strive to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe in fostering a strong sense of community and whānau, working collaboratively with parents, caregivers, teachers, and the wider community to ensure the success of our tamariki.
I am committed to embracing our unique cultural heritage, incorporating te reo Māori, tikanga, and the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga into the fabric of our school. By doing so, we can create a sense of belonging and cultural pride for all our students, nurturing their identity and connection to Aotearoa.
As Tumuaki, I am dedicated to continuous growth and improvement, both personally and professionally. I am passionate about lifelong learning and fostering a love of learning within our school community. Together, we can empower our tamariki to become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who make positive contributions to our ever-changing world.

Nāku noa, nā,
Andrea

E: principal@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Krystal Cooper

Deputy Principal

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Krystal Cooper tōku ingoa and I am the Tumuaki Tuarua (Deputy Principal) here at Te Puke Primary School. Since 2008, I have been dedicated to teaching and supporting the children of Te Puke, ensuring that they receive the care, guidance, and educational opportunities they truly deserve. I feel fortunate to be working alongside educators who foster a positive, supportive and inclusive school culture. We have an extraordinary team of teachers and support staff here at Te Puke Primary School who love and value our tamariki. Their happiness and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. I am excited about the future of our school and the continued growth we can achieve together. Collaborating alongside Andrea, our kaiako, students, whānau and the wider community we can create a learning environment that nurtures and empowers every individual. Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother to two enthusiastic and sports-loving boys who keep me busy. Additionally, I am blessed with a supportive husband who also works here at our kura as the CRT kaiako. It is a privilege to be part of this remarkable journey, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our tamariki and our community. Nāku iti noa, nā Krystal

E: krystal.cooper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Ngākau Māhaki

(YEARS 0-6)

Ngākau Māhaki

Liam van Der Drift

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Liam tōku ingoa, he uri tēnei nō nga maunga kaha o Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou mē Ngāti Haua. I am very privileged to be one of the amazing kaiako that is a part of Ngākau Māhaki for 2024. We are built of some beautiful tamariki from year 0 to 6. I am a passionate Māori man who loves all things Te Ao Māori, such as Kapa Haka, and Mau Rakau. I am a huge fan of all sports and competition. And I love being able to bring these skills and passions to Te Puke Primary.

E: liam@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Kayla Webby

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Tēnā koutou e te whānau

E: kayla.webby@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Senior Syndicate

(YEARS 5 & 6)

Senior Syndicate

Sera Cookson

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau ko Sera tōku ingoa. I feel very lucky to be a part of the Senior Syndicate as my second year at Te Puke Primary and work alongside some amazing Kaiako. My first experience in teaching, I worked in Whakatāne for 2 years before starting my new chapter here, at Te Puke Primary. My goal in Education is to make a happy and safe environment for all children to feel comfortable in finding their interests, making mistakes and to enjoy being at school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whānau and friends, tramping, camping and spending time near the water every chance I get.

E: sera.cookson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mike Douglas

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Fakalofa lahi atu - kia mutolu oti. Koe higoa haaku ko Mike Douglas. Hau au he maaga ko Avatele i Niue mo Tunangamanono mo Vailima i Samoa. Koe haaku a hoana ko Holly, tokoua e ha maua a tau fanau. Tama fakamua ko e tama taane ko Cole, mau a ia kia Millie ti taha e tama taane ha laua ko Hezekiah. Tama ke ua aki ha maua koe tama fifine ko Amelie. I’m excited to continue leading the Senior Syndicate, having a whole new team and bringing together a plethora of skills and experiences. It’ll be great to see our tamariki grow in their learning of soft skills and the core curriculum areas, while upholding our school's values.

E: mike.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Holly Douglas

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Holly Douglas tōku ingoa. I am excited to join the TPPS whānau as a kaiako in the Senior Syndicate this year. I began my journey in education here at TPPS as a kaiawhina in Ngākau Māhaki, where I was inspired to become a teacher. After teaching for two years at Te Puke Intermediate I have returned here to continue to support our tamariki in the community I love. With a background in design, I am passionate about creating engaging, authentic learning experiences that will help grow amazing future citizens of Te Puke.

E: holly.douglas@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mike Gullick

Kaiako

About Me

E: mike.gullick@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Talented Tuis

(YEARS 3 & 4)

Talented Tuis

Michaela Southon

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia ora, talofa lava. Ko Michaela tōku ingoa. I am so proud to be a kaiako in Talented Tui’s again for 2024, collaborating alongside Luther and Dail. I have a natural passion for Te Ao Māori and Pasifika Education, and also Visual Arts and Digital Technology. Outside of kura, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, especially my partner and our two daughters, Jada (5) and Mila (3). We love going back home to Te Kaha when we can. I love the fun, vibrant, culturally responsive and safe space we have at TPPS. Our door is always open for our TT whānau/aiga. We love connecting with you whenever we get the chance. Nau mai, haere mai!

E: michaela.southon@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Luther Hirini

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora e te whānau Ko Luther Hirini tōku ingoa .I am a proud male Māori from Ngāti Raukawa in the Horowhenua and I am excited to be one of the kaiako in the Talented Tui’s space for 2024. Outside of Kura I have a small family and have a passion for sports, playing and coaching rugby around the world for the past few years. I am currently coaching the Te Puke Sports Premier side which works perfectly with my mahi here at TPPS. I pride myself on being able to build an environment within an akomanga that allows ākonga to become the best version of themselves.

E: luther.hirini@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Dail Walding

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Dail tōku ingoa. I am excited to be joining the amazing Te Puke Primary School whānau this year and especially to be working in the Talented Tuis. Before making the move to primary, I worked at Te Puke Intermediate for many years, so I am lucky to know a lot of the whānau in the community already. Last year my husband and I welcomed our first daughter, Bella, so lots of our time is spent watching her learn and grow. In my spare time I enjoy walks with our dog Charlie and spending time with whānau and friends. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and cannot wait for a great year, helping your tamariki to learn and achieve their goals.

E: dail.walding@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Creative Critters

(YEARS 2 & 3)

Creative Critters

Denise Henson

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Denise Henson. I feel very lucky to have taught at my local school, TPPS, for 15 years. This year my role is Team Leader of the Creative Critters Syndicate working alongside both Suzanne and Tayla. I love my job and feel very passionate about making every child feel valued, safe and happy to be at school. I also believe my major role is to build children’s confidence, which will lead to all children making progress with their learning. In my spare time I enjoy being outside, spending time with my family, playing golf and I am currently in the process of conquering all of the Great Walks of NZ.

E: denise.henson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Suzanne Hartley

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Suzanne Hartley tōku ingoa. I have been teaching for over 40 years mostly at this wonderful kura and am glad to be joining the Creative Critters team to teach year twos this year. I am delighted to be supporting the twenty returning tamariki and look forward to getting to know the new akonga who will be joining us. I am very excited about the great progress our tamariki made using the Structured Literacy resources and to be able to continue this learning journey with them. I love being able to incorporate my passion for music, drama and art into my teaching and am currently challenging myself to pass on the knowledge and skills I am learning at our Ngā Taumata o Te Ahu o te Reo Māori course. I also enjoy gardening, playing keyboard in our church band, and spending time with my 3 precious grandsons and newly born granddaughter, who I am blessed to have living locally. I have lived in Te Puke all my life and always look forward to reconnecting/getting to know our whanau as we work together with our tamariki.

E: suzanne.hartley@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Tayla McCormick

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Tayla tōku ingoa. I am a first year beginning teacher who is very lucky to be working in the Creative Critters space this year alongside Denise and Suzanne. It is a familiar space for me as I completed my third-year university practicum in the same space, which is a bonus. In my classroom, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. Outside of school, you’ll often find me at Lake Rotoiti, camping or hanging out with friends and family. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team and can’t wait to make a positive impact on the lives of my students.

E: tayla.mccormick@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Curious Kiwis

(YEAR 0 & 1)

Curious Kiwis

Sharon Cooney

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Sharon Cooney tōku ingoa, known as Whaea Shaz to the children. I am part of the Curious Kiwis team , led by the incredible Mrs Lewer. This is my 4th year at TPPS and I feel very privileged to be at the start of your child's learning journey at our kura. My goal is for your child to feel happy, safe and valued at school and most importantly develop a can-do attitude with their learning. Please know the door is always open. Outside of school I am continually inspired by my own beautiful four children, Lily (20), Grace (18), George (16) and Pearl (12), and love spending time with Paul, my husband of 32 years!

E: sharon.cooney@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Kelly Lewer

Leader Of Learning

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, kō Kelly tōku ingoa. I am the team leader of the Curious Kiwis who are the new entrants of Te Puke Primary School. I feel very privileged to be a part of this next chapter of your child's life as they start their schooling journey. I enjoy seeing children learn and grow during their first year at school. After living in Taranaki for nine years I love being back closer to my whanau and friends in Te Puke where I attended both Te Puke Intermediate and High School. My husband and I love to spend time with our two children who are seven and two, we spend our weekends making memories together on our family adventures.

E: kelly.lewer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Specialists

Colleen Wills

Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora koutou Te Puke Primary whānau. Ko Colleen Wills ahau. I am thrilled to be coming home to Te Puke Primary and becoming part of the dynamic team that Mrs Dance and her teachers are building. After growing up in Te Puke and being a past pupil of Te Puke Primary, it has been wonderful to reconnect with local whanau, friends, community and Iwi. I strongly believe that parents are their child's first and most important teacher, and look forward to rolling my sleeves up and developing effective learning partnerships with all my students, parents, and colleagues.

Millie Rowe

Specialist Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora koutou, ko Millie Rowe tōku ingoa. I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of specialist Kaiako in 2024. This is my 3rd year at Te Puke Primary, and I have absolutely loved working in a school with such a focus on hauora (wellbeing) for our tamariki and staff. My teaching passions lie in supporting all students to be successful, confident learners. I am looking forward to continuing to support improved literacy and numeracy skills with our fantastic tamariki, and also love providing a wider range of opportunities for our students including dance, drama, music, art, and technology. I also lead Performing Arts in this school, providing opportunities for dance, drama and music. Please reach out if you have any questions, ngā mihi.

E: millie.rowe@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Anton Sunde

Sports Coordinator

About Me

Kia Ora whānau, ko Anton tōku ingoa. I have been a part of TPPS for 4 years now. I began in 2020 as a teacher aide in Ngākau Mahaki and it was a great opportunity to be amongst some of our tamariki to teach and support them in a classroom environment. In June 2021 I then became our Sport Coordinator so anything and everything sport-related, whether in school or out, runs through me. My passion has always revolved around Sport, being Liana’s husband and Physical Education so having the chance to share my knowledge and skills with our tamariki, whilst enjoying some amazing trips and experiences with them has been and is an amazing job.

E: sport@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Anna Wing

Kaiako

About Me

Kia Ora my name is Anna Wing and I am a teacher here at Te Puke Primary School. I absolutely love teaching part time throughout all areas of the school. I am passionate about teaching and learning and aim to provide a safe, caring and fun environment for your children to thrive. When I am not teaching I help out my husband with our family business and spend time with my two energetic sons. I am really interested in health and fitness and when I am not at work I love to run, hike, swim and spend time outdoors with my family.

E: anna.wing@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Roni Sayer

Learning Support Coordinator

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau. Ko Roni Sayer tōku ingoa. I am the Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) at Te Puke Primary School. Previously, I taught and lived in Horowhenua. I moved to the area to be closer to my three amazing sons and their wives/partners and grandchild. I love coming to work at TPPS and I feel privileged and blessed that you allow me to be part of your tamariki (children’s) lives. I have a passion for teaching and learning and I especially love working alongside whānau. There is nothing more joyful than seeing a taitamaiti (child) flourish and grow doing what they love and enjoying new experiences. I work alongside an amazing, creative team of kaiako (teachers) and kaiawhina (support staff) that are continually striving to enrich our students' lives. I love and encourage whānau involvement and I welcome you to come in for a korero any time.

E: roni.sayer@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grant Cooper

CRT Kaiako

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau, Ko Grant tōku ingoa. Kua tae mai au ki Te Kura Tuatahi o Te Puke i tē tau nei. I am excited to join the team here in Te Puke. It has been a few years since I last taught in Te Puke (at TPI). I have been lucky enough to have taught at some fantastic schools and in many different classrooms throughout my teaching career. I have a passion for Te Reo Māori and Sport, and I look forward to teaching both in each class I go into at Te Kura Tuatahi o Te Puke. Outside of school I enjoy surfing, hanging with the family and just tinkering around my house making and fixing things.

E: grant.cooper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grace Gough

Kaiako

About Me

Bio coming soon!

E: grace.gough@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Support Staff

Amber Smith

ESOL

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Amber. I absolutely love my role teaching ESOL at Te Puke Primary School. I have the privilege of working with many of our children and it's an incredibly rewarding job. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, my husband and I have two teenage daughters, who are very involved in their sport. I also enjoy spending time in the outdoors and gardening.

E: amber.smith@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Angie Kasper

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, kō Angie tōku ingoa. I have been at our kura since 2017. My role in this time has varied a lot from 1:1 support with students, whole class support, specialist teaching and this year supporting programme of learning with numicon and structured literacy. I have a teaching background Out of school I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, shopping, travelling and biking.

E: angie.kasper@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Gayle Manson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Gayle tōku ingoa. I have been working as a teacher aide at Te Puke Primary school for 6 years. I absolutely love working with our tamariki in the Talented tuis. I work one on one with ORRS tamariki. I am passionate about supporting them with their learning to work towards and achieve their individual goals. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 4 grandchildren, friends and gardening, upcycling furniture and doing crafts.

E: gayle.manson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Gloria Bradford

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whãnau, ko Gloria tōku ingoa, I have been a part of TPPS for 2 years. This year I am blessed to be working in Ngãkau Mãhaki as a full time teacher aide. I’m very grateful to be working alongside amazing kaiako. I enjoy my mahi with our tamariki.

E: gloria.bradford@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Karla Potene

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Karla tōku ingoa, I am privileged to be my son Morehu Matiaha full time teacher aide in Ngākau Māhaki. Morehu is anaphylactic to Dairy, Egg,Peanut. Working alongside of him has been a blessing. I'm also grateful to work with such amazing kaiako in Ngākau Māhaki. I enjoy my mahi with our tamariki.

E: karla.potene@tepukeprimaryl.school.nz

Kayleen Metcalfe

Office Manager/Principal's PA

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Kayleen tōku ingoa.
I have been working in education in the office environment for 5 years now, having spent the last 2 years as Office Manager & Principals PA at Te Puke Primary. I am very proud to be working aside some amazing people who make it a pleasure to come to work each day. My partner and I have two children, our son who attends Te Puke High School, and our daughter who attends Te Puke Intermediate. We are an animal mad family and live on a beautiful lifestyle block off the Matata Straights. Our spare time is spent camping, fishing, horse riding or hanging out at home.

E: kayleen@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Liana Sunde

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora e te whānau,
Ko Liana Sunde tōku ingoa, and I have been working as a teacher aide at Te Puke for 2 and a half years. I am truly passionate about my job and feel privileged to work with the tamariki in our kura. Every day, I am inspired by their growth and learning. I have a fur baby named Tua, who holds a special role as the school's Hauora Hound. Tua brings joy and positivity to our school community, promoting well-being among our students. Sports hold a significant place in my heart, and I have had the incredible opportunity to represent our country in water polo. During my spare time, I prioritise staying active and enjoying the outdoors. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I have made thus far, and I look forward to continuing my journey of empowering and supporting our tamariki at Te Puke.

Noho ora mai,
Liana Sunde

E: liana.sunde@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Lisa Lawson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora whānau, ko Lisa tōku ingoa. I have been a member of the support staff at Te Kura tuatahi ō Te Puke for close to 15 years in a number of different roles. This year I am working across the School running programmes of Learning . My passion is our tamariki and the support I can offer them to enable them to have a positive learning experience. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and am lucky enough to have my grandson attend our Kura also.

E: lisa.lawson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Maraea Coles

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora Koutou
Ko Maraea toku ingoa
Kei te kura o te tuatahi o te Te Puke e mahi ana, e toru nga tau ki Ngakau Mahaki e kaiawhina ahau, ano ki te awhina a tatau tamariki, kia tutuki nga taumata o te ao maori.
Ka whakaako ahau i te kaiako ahau nga reanga tau tahi ki te tau ono.
No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa
My name is Maraea
I have worked here at Te Puke Primary School for nearly 3 years
As a Kaiawhina in Ngakau Mahaki
I am passionate about helping our children achieve in all areas of their learning through a te ao maori lens
I teach years one through to year six.

E: maraea.coles@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Mitchell Dance

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora,
My name is Mitch, and I am enjoying being a part of the Te Puke community. I recently returned to New Zealand after playing basketball in Australia, and I am excited to contribute to the growth of our tamariki.
As a teacher aide, I enjoy watching the progress and success of our tamariki, particularly in the realm of sports.
This year, I have made a switch in sporting codes, transitioning from basketball to rugby. It's an exciting new chapter for me as I embark on my first season playing for the Te Puke Pirates. Additionally, I am honored to be a part of the Bay of Plenty Steamers academy, which provides me with valuable opportunities to enhance my skills and contribute to the rugby community.
I am passionate about promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship both in and out of the classroom with our tamariki.

Ngā mihi,
Mitch

E: mitchell.dance@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Monique Powell

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia Ora Whānau, ko Monique tōku ingoa. I have been a part of TPPS Kura for 8 years and still enjoy working with tamariki. Te Puke is my home town which I love being a part of this community. In my spare time I enjoy time with my family, being outdoors and travelling.

E: monique.powell@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Monique Verwey

Finance Manager

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Monique Verwey and I have worked at Te Puke Primary School for 20 years. I started as a teacher aide assisting high health need students which I loved and then moved onto being a class teacher aide helping wherever I was needed. It was a privilege to help our tamariki be the best they can be. I changed tack 12 years ago utilising my finance background as the resource and finance manager in the school office which I really enjoy. Working with an awesome team makes coming to work a pleasure. In my spare time I love catching up with my 2 adult children, family and friends and also tackling DIY projects on my house.

E: monique.verwey@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Olivia Warlow

Teacher Aide

About Me

Coming Soon

E: olivia.warlow@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sade Wilson

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia Ora Whanau, ko Sadē tōku ingoa. I am a teacher aide in the Creative Critters. I have 2 beautiful daughters and I have worked at TPPS since 2022. In my spare time I enjoy spending it with my family, at the beach or at the Lake. I am excited to be working along side our amazing Kaiako here at TPPS and all of our beautiful tamariki at Te Puke Primary School.

E: sade.wilson@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharn Kiri

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora Whānau. Ko Sharn tōku ingoa. I am currently a teacher aide in the Talented Tuis. I have had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing tamariki & kaiako here at TPPS. I have been a part of the education system for 9 years now & being a TA has been a whole new & eye opening experience for me which I thoroughly enjoy.

E: sharn.kiri@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sharon Ward

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora my name is Sharon and I am one of the Teacher Aides at Te Puke Primary. I have the pleasure of working with children individually and in groups to support their learning. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my family and to get some uninterrupted time with a book and a cuppa is a treat.

E: sharon.ward@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Sue White-Parsons

ESOL

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Sue White-parsons. I have the wonderful role of Teaching ESOL at Te Puke Primary. What a privilege it is to work alongside our tamariki supporting them on their learning journey. I have been at TPPS for at least 12 years. Out of school I enjoy time with my family. My Husband and I have 4 Adult children. I enjoy meeting new people, the outdoors, cake decorating, and crafts.

E: sue.white-parsons@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Tony Collins

Caretaker

About Me

Kia ora, Ko Tony tōku ingoa, I am the caretaker at the school. I have been here for nearly two years. Shadow our school cat is my best friend. I live in Te Puke with my wife and we have three children and 5 grandchildren. I also have a grandson that attends the school. In my spare time I love to go fishing and I also love music, I am in two bands which I enjoy playing in. I am a real home body. I try to keep everything in order at school the best I can.

E: tony.collins@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Ali McGee

Teacher Aide

About Me

Kia ora, My name is Ali and I have had the pleasure of joining the awesome Te Puke Primary School whānau as a Teacher Aide. I LOVE children! I have the privilege of supporting and nurturing our ORRS tamariki within the Curious Kiwis space, helping in any way I can. I have recently relocated from Auckland with my husband and three children who attend Te Puke High School and Intermediate. We are a musical and creative family who love exploring our new community and look forward to making new memories together.

E: ali.mcgee@tepukeprimary.school.nz

Grady Forbes

Teacher Aide

About Me

Bio coming soon!

E: grady.forbes@tepukeprimary.school.nz