Kia Ora Koutou

This year I am again privileged to be one of the Tui Team teachers in Uenuku. My children 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.

My hope is that my students develop their love for Ako. Learning opens minds and doors to opportunities! As well as teaching, I enjoy 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.

Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga

Fill the basket of knowledge

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 attend Glenbrook School David (11) and Daniel (5). 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. I look forward to another amazing year teaching in Uenuku.

Kia ora koutou katoa,

This year I have the pleasure of joining the amazing students and teaching team in Uenuku for 2020. I have lived in Waiuku for five years now. I originally grew up in Taradale, Napier with my first school experience being Mangatahi Primary, a rural school with a roll of 30. From there I attended Taradale intermediate and Taradale High School before moving to Orewa College when I was fifteen. When I was eighteen I lived in Doha, Qatar for one year and worked as a teacher’s assistant at an international school. Since then I have completed six years of education at university level with my two main qualifications being a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary School Education). I have three children, Grace (8), Blake (5), and Layla (3); Grace and Blake both attend Glenbrook School. This will be my eighth year teaching children. In my free time I love to spend time with my whānau, play games, and play my ukulele.

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 children are Trent who is a builder in Waiuku, Tayla who is at University, studying to be a Physiotherapist and Kadia who is a receptionist at Campbell Tyson Accountants in Pukekohe . 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.