Kowhai Team

Kia ora, my name is Nela Bucka. I have been teaching at Woodleigh School for a few years in various roles. This year I’m in Room 6 with Year 1 akonga. My whānau likes to spend lots of time exploring the outdoors, surfing, swimming, fishing, diving, snowboarding and hunting. Well, my job is more the coordinating, organising and chauffeuring of all these hobbies my family do!

Kia Ora. Ko Megan Parker toku ingoa. I work in Room 4 with Year 2 students. I have held a variety of different teaching positions over my career including being a full time and job share teacher, a reading recovery teacher, team leader, supporting literacy programmes and teacher release. My connection with Woodleigh goes back to when I attended the school for my primary years and my three children have all attended.

Kia Ora. My name is Leanne Scott and I am very privileged to be the teacher in Room 1. I have taught at Woodleigh School for many years, in a variety of roles. Teaching in the junior area of the school is my expertise and passion. I am dedicated to providing the new entrants in my care with a positive start to school and an enthusiastic attitude toward life-long learning. My husband and I are often seen supporting our children with their sports and enjoying family time together.

Kia ora, I am Helen and currently have a shared teaching role in Room 17. Journeying with the 5-year-olds and their whānau as they begin their schooling, is a joy and a privilege. I look forward to creating a welcoming and vibrant learning environment where our tamariki feel safe, valued and most importantly, enjoy coming to school! Out of the classroom I enjoy cooking, looking after my bees and chooks, and spending time maintaining my many gardens.

Kia Ora Nau mai, haere mai. Ko Bex Creery taku ingoa. Teaching keeps me very busy, but after hours I like to seek adventures by the moana or up the maunga with the whānau. I like to keep active between the tennis and netball court and, when time, in the garden. Our pets, dog Frankie and rabbits, and the seasonal pet lambs keep the kids busy. I am thrilled to be a part of the Woodleigh kura journey that the tamariki travels along as akonga of Woodleigh School. I look forward to helping them be curious, ask questions, thrive and encourage one another in their 'love learning' waka.

Kia ora, I’m Michelle Edmonds and I am delighted to be part of the Kowhai team, teaching in Room 2. My husband and I have two daughters and both our girls have had the privilege of attending Woodleigh. Outside of school, I spend most of my time with my awesome family, swimming at the beach, on the side of sports fields and camping. It is really special for me to be here as a teacher because I was first introduced to Woodleigh School many years ago when I was a nervous five-year-old. I'm excited to introduce the new five-year-olds to the enriching experiences that Woodleigh has to offer and foster a genuine love for learning.

Kia Ora, I am Donna Spurway. I will be teaching in Room 3 on Thursday and Friday each week (when I’m not taking my daughters to show-jumping events). This is to release Heidi for her Team Leader role. I taught at Woodleigh School 25 years ago before going to teach in London. I have two daughters who I enjoy spending time with.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Lorraine Hitchcock ahau. This is my second year at Woodleigh, releasing Mrs Parker one to two days a week. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know tamariki and whãnau at Woodleigh School.

Kia ora. I am Heidi Smith and I am very lucky to teach in Room 3 alongside Mrs Donna Spurway. I am also the Team Leader of the Kōwhai team which I believe is a privilege. We work together as a team to welcome families and students to our school. Woodleigh School is a very special place to work with wonderful children, families and colleagues which makes every day challenging, exciting and rewarding. Outside of school I love to keep fit and enjoy many interests. I have a new found love for swimming, biking and running. I enter and challenge myself in a range of events.

Hello, I am Saskia Newland and I am one of the New Entrant teachers' at Woodleigh School. Teaching here is particularly special for me because I attended Woodleigh School for my Primary years. I have been teaching at Woodleigh for over 10 years now and I look forward to many more years to come. New Entrants’ has always been an absolute favourite of mine and I look forward to meeting you and your tamariki around this wonderful school.