Our School
Our People
The wellbeing of our staff and students is at the centre of everything we do. Our educators help all students experience success and feel valued. By building off their interests and applying real-world contexts to their learning, our students are engaged and challenged. We place a large emphasis on continual professional development to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of education and provide the best programmes for intermediate-aged learners.
- Specialists in emerging adolescence
- Student centred teaching
- We use a variety of approaches, materials and resources which acknowledge the diversity of learning needs at this age.
- Engaging, challenging and empowering young learners
- Actively and explicitly teach students to use specific tools to assist with their learning
Senior Leadership Team
Stephen Eames
Tumuaki/Principal
Stephen Eames
I am a highly motivated, student-focused educational leader possessing a strong commitment to the development of students and staff. I am continually exploring modern learning practices and looking for ways to increase engagement and raise achievement by implementing 21st-century ideas through a pedagogy-first approach.
I love spending time with my family, mountain biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Dave Gillies
Tumuaki Tuarua
Dave Gillies
Sam Watson
Tumuaki Tuarua
Sam Watson
Matt Boucher
Tumuaki Tuarua
Matt Boucher
I have been in education for over 20 years, as a teacher aide, a teacher, a team leader and a Deputy Principal. I started my life and career in New England, USA and have been in New Zealand since 2008, living and teaching in the Wairarapa and Wellington. In my career I have taught students from Years 1 through 13 at different times. Intermediate School is definitely my happy place. This is an age where educators can really make a difference, and I love working and interacting with intermediate students. My first love is History, and my great passion has become Science. I believe science education is crucial to learning important skills in the modern world. It’s also heaps of fun! In my free time I am part of the Wellington Astronomical Society, I play the drums, I do some home brewing, and I love spending time with my whānau and my dog Rocket.
Pārekareka (DPE)
Bridget Baker
Kaiārahi Ako Art & Design
Bridget Baker
Kia ora, ko Bridget Baker tōku ingoa. I am lucky to be part of Pārekareka as the art and design teacher. I believe I have the best job in the school. As an educator I am passionate to help students to express their learning and themselves using visual arts. I enjoy teaching using inquiry processes that allow students to make connections, create new understandings and dig deep into what they are learning about.
When I am not at school I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my dog Tui, creating in the kitchen, snowboarding and making time for family and friends.
Shona Dowman
Kaiārahi Ako Edible Design
Shona Dowman
Kia ora, I’m Shona Dowman and I have been working in the foods area of DPE for 30 plus years at Rāroa (18 of those in a Job Share arrangement). I am secondary trained specialising in Home Economics and Clothing and Textiles. I particularly enjoy working with this age group and I love seeing them discover new skills and talents.
Chris Bailey
Kaiārahi Ako Industrial Design
Chris Bailey
Ngā mihi nui. Ko Chris Bailey toku ingoa.
This is my tenth year at Rāroa Intermediate. Working in Industrial Design, I am privileged to provide students with the opportunity to design and create using a range of materials, learning a variety of skills around basic construction, as well as digital design. I am lucky enough to be able to teach students CAD (computer aided design) to use with 3D Printers, CNC Router, and my personal favourite (and often referred to as my “third child”), the Laser Cutters.
Speaking of children… I have two beautiful kids, Micah (13), and Charlotte (11) who is now a year 7 at Rāroa. My wife Kallie, as well as being a remarkable Mum, is a trained secondary school teacher and currently teaches English part time at a private tutoring centre. We are a very passionate vegan family, concerned with compassion for animals, protecting our environment and planet, and living the best, healthiest lifestyle possible.
I have many many interests. I LOVE anything football. I play for North Wellington AFC, and support the best team in the world – Liverpool FC (YNWA). I have coached the Rāroa Redhawks (boys football team) for nine years. I really enjoy music and have an eclectic range of musical interests. I play the drums, the didgeridoo, and dabble with the guitar (self-taught so don’t expect too much), as well as other various percussion instruments. Other than that, I enjoy home DIY, making things (lucky because I get to do it for a job), fitness and exercise recently discovering a passion for trail running, healthy eating, being outdoors, and anything that involves adrenalin.
Liz Fa’alogo
Kaiārahi Ako Performing Arts
Liz Fa’alogo
Kiā ora and warm Pasifika greetings! I co-lead Performing Arts at Rāroa. I am the Performing Arts kaiako/ teacher in Pārekareka. I teach other rōpu in the school as well. Pārekareka are a team of creative, talented and innovative teachers who take the Technology and Creative Arts programme for adolescents to another level and I feel very privileged to be a part of Pārekareka. I have a passion for ‘culturally responsive teaching’ which is largely concerned with making connections with how students think, and what they already know and can do, both in school and in their wider lives. I am a semi-professional singer and prefer recording in a studio to ‘live’ performances. Although I have many singing highlights, my most challenging singing experience was auditioning for the Australian cast of the Disney Musical “The Lion King”. It was a fabulous experience!
Chris Johnston
Kaiārahi Ako Creative Media
Chris Johnston
One of my favourite parts about teaching is that we get to change our “hats” to suit our focus. In the past my students and I have become Game Designers, Podcast Producers and Sports Team Coaches. I love pursuing project-based learning tasks with my team, and tapping into student interests. I’m really into reading, music, podcasts, film editing and baking things. I enjoy making and playing games, whether it’s on a console or a table top. My focus in Pārekareka is Creative Media which will have us look into everything from film making, audio production, to game design.
Tom Boekhorst
Kaiārahi Ako Digitech
Tom Boekhorst
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports and video games. I am a basketball fanatic and love listening to and playing music as well.
Whai Wahi
Aaron Cope
Rūma Tahi 1
Aaron Cope
Jacob Berthelsen
Rūma Rua 2
Jacob Berthelsen
Behind the scenes I’m a massive fan of music, I play all types of sports and enjoy spending time with whānau. I’m very excited to continue teaching at Rāroa and support students to achieve their aspirations and become life-long learners.
Aaron Wright
Rūma Wha & Learning Leader
Aaron Wright
Kia ora, my name is Aaron. I started with Rāroa in 2018, it is a fantastic school and I am humble to be part of such a progressive and successful school. I love teaching this age group. It is a special time in the development of the adolescent brain, which I can help shape to ensure they are successful, life-long long learners. I really love teaching and learning in a collaborative environment. Utilising the skills of others and providing a holistic education is so important in this day in age. I have many different passions with travel, spending time with family and time on the golf course being the top of my list.
Mōhio
Kayne Hawea
Rūma Rima 5 – Pou Matauranga Māori & Learning Leader
Kayne Hawea
Michael Anderson
Rūma Ono 6
Michael Anderson
I am a beginning Kaiako after graduating from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University.
This is my first year at Rāroa and I’m grateful to be joining an outstanding team within this Kura. I thoroughly enjoy working in such a collaborative and passionate environment and am excited to be sharing Rāroa’s core A.S.P.I.R.E values with our ākonga.
I’m passionate about learning, collaboration, growing as an individual and having a good time while doing it!
When I’m not in class I can often be found playing sports, making music or spending time outdoors.
Abby Smalley
Rūma Whitu 7
Abby Smalley
Guanny Liu-Prosee
Rūma Waru 8
Guanny Liu-Prosee
Kia Ora and Nihao, I’m Guanny Liu-Prosee. This is my 8th year teaching at the intermediate level, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! With a previous career in journalism, one of my passions is teaching all different genres of writing. Outside school, I’m a member of Playshop, an improv troupe in Wellington. I’m a proud founder and coach of Rāroa’s very own Instalaughs, and love using drama techniques to teach across the curriculum. I have two loud and bubbly little girls, and my eldest is starting at Cashmere Ave school this year.
Manawanui
Eddie Martin
Rūma Tekau 10
Eddie Martin
Paul Cooper
Rūma Tekau mā Tahi 11 – Manawanui Learning Leader
Paul Cooper
Myf Edge
Rūma Tekau mā Rua 12
Myf Edge
I love geography, science, and creative writing. I’m also passionate about the environment and still occasionally work at Wellington Zoo. The joy of connecting kids with each other and the world around them is my reason for teaching.
In my free time, I enjoy bush walks with my dog, swimming in the ocean, and hanging out with my cat.
Gab Temple
Rūma Tekau mā Toru 13
Gab Temple
Before teaching, I was privileged to have the opportunity to travel the world, playing water polo in a number of different countries. In my downtime, I keep myself busy with the gym, cooking, reading, and spending sunny weekends in the Wairarapa.
Sue Collins
Rūma Tekau mā Whā 14
Sue Collins
Kia ora everyone. I have had the privilege of teaching at Rāroa for nearly 20 years. I love working with young adolescents and supporting them through the sometimes rocky road of becoming a young adult. I enjoy the challenges and changes that teaching offers and being part of the community that is our school. Getting to know each child as an individual is very important to me, as is furthering their learning and development. I enjoy spending time with my family (pets included) and friends. I have a granddaughter who I am lucky enough to have living in Wellington. Reading is a passion and I enjoy gardening, love animals and watching sport.
Motuhake
Leah Mckenzie
Rūma Tekau mā Rima 15
Leah Mckenzie
Outside of school, I enjoy going to the gym, playing netball, and going out to eat. I love animals, especially dogs, my favourite pastime is going to the beach or park with my dog. I cannot wait for this year to start and for what it will bring!
Sam Johnston
Rūma Tekau mā Ono 16
Sam Johnston
Harriet Quin
Rūma Tekau mā Whitu 17 – Motuhake Learning Leader
Harriet Quin
Kelly Herbert
Rūma Rua Tekau 20
Kelly Herbert
Whakaute
Tadhg Delany
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Tahi 21
Tadhg Delany
Natasha Carroll
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rua 22
Natasha Carroll
A real professional focus for me is student wellbeing. I enjoy working with students and implementing various ways to support them to understand and celebrate wellbeing strategies and ways to deal with anxiety and the stressors of day-to-day life. It has been an extreme privilege to see students navigate these pathways and encouraging to see the benefits of this mahi, filter through, in the school year.
Outside of school, I live with my fiancee Bill in Whitby. I am a regular walker in the area, enjoying the walkways in nature and swimming in the ocean.
I am so proud to be part of the Rāroa whānau and I cannot wait to see what 2023 will bring.
Phil Morris
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Toru 23
Phil Morris
Sophie Allan
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rima 25
Sophie Allan
I am particularly passionate about literacy, and completed an English Literature degree in 2018 and spent many years working in a library. Additionally, I am one of the teachers who run our school book club. I am passionate about empowering and inspiring our tamariki through the power of reading.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing squash, reading, travelling and value spending quality time with whānau and friends.
Jordan Price
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Ono 26
Jordan Price
Clementine Westlake
Whakaute Learning Leader
Clementine Westlake
Support Staff
Rueben Whaley
Kaiāwhina Kaiako & Groundsperson
Rueben Whaley
Chris Matsas
Kura Kaimahi
Chris Matsas
Carmen Conijn
Kaiawhina Pūkete/Accounts manager
Carmen Conijn
Clare Forest
Kaitaki Pukapuka/Library Manager & Executive Manager
Clare Forest
Sam Beard
Kaiāwhina Kaiako
Sam Beard
I’ve worked as a teacher aide at Rāroa since 2019. I have loved being able to come up with creative solutions to help meet students’ unique needs. I also like the table tennis table in the staffroom.
I previously worked as a camp counsellor at summer camps in the United States, which gave me some of the skills and inspiration to work with kids back home.
Outside of work, I am studying Psychology at the Victoria University of Wellington and also spend my time volunteering, playing volleyball, and listening to music.
Marianne Dobie
Kaitaki Pukapuka
Marianne Dobie
Guten Tag. My name is Marianne Dobie and I have been involved with libraries since I was a student librarian at Intermediate. I have worked in public libraries and government libraries as well as school libraries. I love reading and want to share this passion. I believe that reading for pleasure adds to your quality of life as it stretches the imagination, teaches empathy, and is a very portable hobby.
Alan Devine
Kaiwhakahaere Rawa/ Groundsperson
Alan Devine
I’ve been at Raroa school for fours years now. My role involves the maintenance of the school’s facilities and making improvements to the learning environments to support students and teachers.
Learning Support Staff
Lynne Dunn
Kaiako/Teacher
Lynne Dunn
Reading, gardening, family, and friends are my passions outside of work, especially when teamed up with a good cup of coffee!
Judith Dunlop
Kaiako Reo Pākehā/ELL Teacher
Judith Dunlop
I came to Rāroa in 1979 as a part-time teacher, have taught full time and now am part time again. Along with five principals, dozens of teachers, and hundreds of students I have spoken many words about the weather that is experienced on top of the hill we stand on. I believe firmly that this climate has given us all character that stands us in good stead for environments anywhere.
My interests away from teaching are reading, gardening, baking, craftwork, and giving time in the community; currently with refugees.
Angela Stanley
Kaiako Matauranga Whakahirahira/SENCO & Learning Support
Angela Stanley
Married with a young daughter, my own passions include horse-riding, travel, history, art history, literature, cooking, and dining.
I am currently working part-time at Rāroa in the role of SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), working with classroom teachers and outside agencies to support our ākonga. I also liaise with colleges and contributing schools to support transitions.
Support Teachers
Wellbeing Support
Kathryn Geddis
Kathryn Geddis
Melissa Rivard
I’ve been teaching since 2005 and am thrilled to be part of the Rāroa whānau for a second year. My passion as an educator is to support the health and well-being of students from a holistic perspective. Working collaboratively with teachers and the school counsellor, I strive to provide students with emotional support, guidance, and resources to help regulate emotions, manage stress, build resilience in order to maintain positive mental health and thrive with their learning. Maintaining my own wellbeing is a priority as it ensures that I can offer my best self to others I support and spend time with. Things I love to do that fill my wellness cup include: hiking and swimming in the sea, cooking and sharing kai with friends and whānau, teaching and practicing yoga as well as other strength classes, reading, and spending time in my garden.