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How long have you been an educator?
I have been fortunate to work in education for more than 25 years, teaching students from year 0 through to year 10 in schools across Auckland. Looking back, every role has taught me something different, but one thing has never changed. I still love working with young people. Watching them grow in confidence and discovering what they are capable of is what keeps me excited about coming to work every day.
When did you become principal of Pukekohe Intermediate?
I became principal in April 2022 after previously serving as the school’s deputy principal. That allowed me to get to know our students, staff and whanau well before stepping into the role. It also confirmed what I already knew. Pukekohe Intermediate is a very special place.
What makes Pukekohe Intermediate special?
People often ask me what makes our school different. For me, it is our focus on year 7 and 8 learners. We are unique as the only stand-alone intermediate school in the Franklin area. Everything we do is designed around this important stage of a young person’s life. These are the years when students begin to discover who they are. They become more independent, build lasting friendships, try new experiences and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.
One of my favourite things about this role is seeing that growth. Students often arrive in year 7 a little unsure of themselves and, two years later, leave as confident young people who are ready for high school.
We provide the opportunities, but it is our students who make the most of them. Our HEART values are part of everyday life. They help create a school where students feel safe, valued, and connected, and where everyone is encouraged to support one another and give things a go. We are also proud of the relationships we have with our whanau, local marae, contributing schools and secondary schools. Those partnerships help make the journey into, through and beyond intermediate a positive one for every learner.
What are you most proud of since becoming principal?
I am most proud of the culture we have built together. When you walk around the school, you see students greeting staff, encouraging one another, getting involved and making the most of the opportunities around them. You can feel that they belong here, and that is something we are really proud of. I am also proud that we have continued to grow the opportunities available to our students. Whether they are passionate about leadership, sport, the arts, culture, technology or the environment, we want every student to leave here having discovered something they are good at and something they enjoy.
What is your vision for the future of the school?
Students only have two years with us, so I want those two years to count. My vision is for every student to make the most of their time at Pukekohe Intermediate. I want them to leave with confidence in themselves, a strong sense of belonging, great memories, and the knowledge, skills and resilience to thrive in high school and beyond.
Education continues to evolve, and so will we. We will keep building strong partnerships with our community, creating meaningful learning experiences, and looking for new ways to support our young people. At the end of the day, every decision comes back to one simple question: Will this make a positive difference for our students? If the answer is yes, then it is worth doing.
