Year 4 Teacher

BEd, DIPPOL

Hi, I have been teaching at Devonport Primary since the beginning of 2003. I teach a year 4 class, in room 4. I play the guitar with our school Kapa Haka group which I absolutely love. I am married with two children, one in his third year of a BSc at Auckland University and one in Year 9 at Westlake Girls High School this year. Before teaching I spent 21 years in the New Zealand Police. I worked in and around the Auckland Region. When I left the Police I held the rank of Detective Sergeant. I love teaching and working with children. They (usually) make me laugh and are so positive and inspiring. My classroom motto is "Attitude is Everything". Being able to help a child get some self belief and confidence to try new things, is a pretty cool thing. The photo is of me and my daughter Lucy, but sadly on my twin brothers Suzuki Hyabusa 1300cc flying machine. Wow - what a rush. I wish we could swap bikes like we used to swap clothes.

Deputy Principal / Year 6 Teacher

Bachelor of Education; Diploma of Teaching

I have been teaching at Devonport Primary School since the beginning of 2005.
From April 2001 until the middle of 2004 I lived in the United Kingdom and was a Regional Manager for TimePlan Education Group, a large teacher recruitment company.
Up until April 2001, I was a New Zealand school principal at Wainui School, which is situated fairly close to the Hibiscus Coast.
I am married with four children, two boys (Josh and Sam) who have both left school, one girl (Molly) in Year 13 at Carmel College and one boy (Ben) in Year 10 at Northcote College.
I really enjoy teaching at Devonport School and have been very lucky to have had seven - and now hopefully eight - great classes. I am also very privileged to work with such a talented and hard-working staff.

Teacher of year 1 pupils

Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Arts

I have been teaching at Devonport Primary School for nine years-the last seven with the Juniors.I am married and live with my husband and three gorgeous sons. The eldest is a town planner, the next boy is training to be an engineer and the youngest is at Auckland University before he heads overseas.
I love teaching young children and giving them a good start to their education which sets them up for their future at school.
In my spare time I love travelling and seeing new places, gardening, cooking and reading.

Year 3 Teacher

Diploma of Education

Hi,I have been teaching at this wonderful school for so many years I have lost count, maybe 14 or 15 years. Both my daughter and son went through the school,and are proud to say so.I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many interesting and delightful teachers,parents and children over the years, why would I change?

Assistant Principal.

Bachelor of Education, majoring in Management. Diploma of Teaching. Certified Reading Recovery Teacher. Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership

Hi, I have been at Devonport Primary since 2003.
My goal in teaching is to provide opportunities for children to become independent learners and be inspired by their own learning.
I work with a fantastic team of teachers who are inspirational.
I have lived in England and Australia. I taught in Sydney for 4 years prior to taking up my position at Devonport.
I am married and have an awesome child who is at Otago University.
This is a wonderful school and I have met many amazing new people.

Year 1 Teacher

Diploma of Teaching / Reading Recovery Certificate

I'm Penny Veale. I'm married to Chris and both of our children went through Devonport Primary School.
I am one of the NE/Y1 teachers in the Junior School. I have a lovely, busy class of 20 little five year olds to look after. All the children are new to school and each comes with differing needs and skills. An important part of my job is to make the transition from Kindergarten to school smooth and happy by catering for these individual differences.
I truly believe that each child in my class is special. I never cease to be amazed and excited by each one in their first months at school!

Year 1 Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, Diploma Teaching

Hi. I have been teaching in the Junior Syndicate of Devonport School for the past 6 years. Prior to this, I taught in Titirangi for 10 years. Stuart and I have 2 young children - one who attends Devonport School. I believe in providing a learning environment where children are happy and develop high self-esteem. I treat the children as individuals and treasure their unique characteristics. I love being part of Devonport Primary - both as a teacher and a parent.
It's a great school in an amazing location.

Special Needs Co-ordinator/Reading Recovery

Teacher's Certificate,Certified Reading Recovery Teacher,Business Studies Certifcate

I have been teaching at Devonport Primary for many years and currently I am working with children on the Rainbow Reading,Listening and Reading Recovery Programmes. We have a special learning space called 'The Bach' our old Dental Clinic! I look forward to the many challenges and surprises that each day offers.

Year 4 Teacher

Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma Primary Teaching

Hi, I’m into my second year of teaching at Devonport Primary School and I love it! I find teaching Year 4’s a very rewarding job and love to see the huge progression that the students make during the year. I aim to make Room 5 a fantastic, fun, inclusive and safe learning environment for all and believe that motivation is the key to engaging students in their learning.

I am very proud to be part of the D.P.S. staff and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with such a diverse range of happy, hardworking and talented students. I have an absolute passion for the ocean (which is where you’ll find me if I’m not at school!). My greatest surfing achievement was winning the NZ Surfing title a number of years ago. Prior to being a teacher I was a surf coach on the Gold Coast where I taught people of all ages and abilities to surf. Working with kids during the school holiday programmes gave me the motivation to return to NZ and do a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching and I’m stoked to be back in the area that I grew up in.

Year 5 Teacher

M.A. (Primary Education), B.Ed

I joined the staff of Devonport Primary School in April 2008, fresh from England, where I had been the Headteacher (Principal) of a primary school in my home town of Stockport. I love being back in the classroom and feel very privileged to be teaching once more, especially Year 5, my favourite age group. Life in Room 6 has a BIG focus on learning. I do my best to make the classroom a safe and supportive place to learn, a place where it is okay to take a risk and challenge yourself. After all, learning is about becoming able to do new things and we have to step outside our “comfort zones” to do that. I am married to Ian and we live in Devonport. We have two adult children; Jonathan and Sarah, who have both now joined us in New Zealand (hurray!)

Year 2 teacher

Trained Teachers Certificate

Room 13.
I have been teaching at D.P.S since 2004 when I started a new entrant class in the 4th term. I now teach year two children who are a little more independent than new entrant children e.g. I like to teach the recorder much to their parent’s dismay!
I always enjoy each class and am constantly amazed at how quickly children learn. An environment that is happy, warm and safe, I think is a learning place and I try to encourage this. I am married with an adult daughter who is competing a business degree here in Auckland. When she left home I bought a 2 door convertible which has become my baby!!

Extension

Year 1/2 Teacher

BA(Hons), PGCE, Reading Recovery

Hi! I'm Rhian and I'm married to Jon. We have two gorgeous children aged 10 and 11. Before moving to New Zealand, I taught in Leeds and Cambridge in the UK.
I have been teaching Reading Recovery at Devonport Primary since 2006 and this year I am lucky to be teaching a fabulous group of year 1 and 2 children in Room 8. We have created a happy, secure and productive classroom environment where we all enjoy being engaged in our own learning.

Principal

M Ed, BA. ATCL

I arrived at Devonport in 2002 bringing with me 5 years experience as a principal. My first year in teaching was at Bethlehem School in Tauranga when it was a country school managed by a separate Maori Education Board. I have had extensive experience in schools across New Zealand and Australia since then. I also took time out of teaching to work in my husband's company and raise four children. I now have 1 grandchild who is the joy of my life.
Apart from my passion for education and the huge workload that entails, I try to balance my life by playing golf, dancing, playing the piano and gardening.

Year 2 Teacher

BA(QTS)

Hi! I have taught in England for several years and am now very excited to have the chance to work at Devonport. I have always wanted to visit NZ and after arriving in November have been lucky enough to travel around both islands. On my way over I also spent some time travelling around Indonesia and Australia, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love spending time outdoors walking, playing sport and sight-seeing. As well as this my other interests include baking, music and salsa dancing!

Year 3 Teacher

Year 6 Teacher

BA, Graduate Diploma Primary Teaching

Hi, This is my second year teaching at Devonport Primary School. I live locally, am married and have a three year old son. This year I'm teaching Year 6 in Room 2. Year 6 is a great year to teach because of all the exciting opportunities and experiences the students can enjoy during their final year. I have been teaching since 1999 in Kaitaia, Wellington, England and now Devonport. I love teaching children because of all the different personalities and experiences they bring to a classroom. I'm always learning new things and can often have a laugh. I always aim to create a positive learning culture in my classroom where children are encouraged succeed in their learning, work hard and have fun.

New Entrant/Year 1 Teacher