Talofa Lava

This year I have the privilege of being one of the teachers in Uenuku. I am excited to be teaching in the school which I attended as a child. My family have lived in Glenbrook for just over thirty years with a long history of involvement within the community. My husband is Karl and we have two awesome boys, David who attends Glenbrook School and Daniel who will join us in 2019. When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my fanau out at the park or taking a stroll at the beach. I also enjoy any spare moment to take care of my health and fitness at the gym.

I began my journey as a teacher because I am passionate about being able to support others to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. I value AKO as I know that together we can learn from one another if we are open to new learning. I am continually learning everyday and love the fact that each day presents a new challenge and learning experience for all.

Kia Ora Koutou

I am Ally Davidson, Assistant Principal and one of the lucky teachers in Uenuku. My four children: David, Nikki, Jacqueline and Daniel have attended Glenbrook School, passed through Waiuku College and are now out in ‘the big wide world’ either studying at University or earning an income.

As well as teaching, I have spent the last couple of years improving my teaching practice through study. My personal Interests include; tramping, running, outdoor activities: white water rafting, fly fishing, snowboarding and spending time with my Whanau.

Kia ora Koutou

I have a long history with the Franklin area. I was born in Waiuku and grew up in rural Pukekohe where I attended Pukekohe High School. After training at Ardmore Teachers’ College I taught with my late husband in many places in New Zealand. I was a teaching principal for ten years at a small rural school on the outskirts of Tauranga before moving back to the Pukekohe area.

I have a daughter, son and grandchildren who I enjoy travelling, cycling, reading, going to the beach and following many sports (especially netball) with.

Kia Ora Koutou

My name is Kara Thornton and I started teaching in 1993 as an early childhood teacher, teaching in a Kindergarten in Papakura. I then worked in Waiuku at George Street Kindergarten until I had my own children. My husband Colin and I have three children. My chidlren are Trent who is in a building apprenticeship, Tayla who is at University, training to be a Physiotherapist and Kadia who will be in her last year of Waiuku college in 2019. We are a very active and sporty family. I enjoy running and challenging myself by completing two marathons and many half marathons. As my children have grown up, I was drawn to work in junior classrooms and my passion for teaching has grown since then. I have worked in many Waiuku Schools opening classrooms and relieving for teachers on leave. I choose to be a relief teacher as my husband is a dairy farmer and I need to help him on the farm. I love the balance between them both. My passion for teaching is strong and I enjoy the challenges and triumphs it brings.