Kellyann
Thorstensen
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Ko Hamoa, ko Ingarangi ngā whakapaparangi mai, engari, Ko Wairau te whenua tupu
Ko Tapuae-o-Uenuku te maunga e rū nei taku ngakau
Ko Wairau te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara
Kei Wairau au e noho ana
E mihi ana au ki ngā tangata whenua o te rohe nei
Nō reirā, tēnā koutou katoa.
My Why: To make a difference!! To embrace every child and help them
reach their potential. Every child deserves the very best in their
education journey. I am motivated in creating a sense of belonging and have every child know they are loved and genuinely at the heart of everything we say and do. With this will come success and movement in closing the ever-growing education gap.
Interests: Listening to old school music up loud, my Samoan culture, improving my Samoan and te reo Māori, travelling.
Spare Time: Sleeping, Netflix, hanging out with my whānau and friends, sitting sideline watching my children play sport.
Ariana
McIntyre
I am a mother to 4 beautiful children, and wife to Shane. We come from Mt Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, but call the South Island home.
My Why: I have always loved working with children, I decided from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher.
Interests: Gardening, reading, music.
Spare Time: I love to spend time with my family, and I enjoy traveling, especially if it is to somewhere warm. I also love to get into my garden, growing my own produce and sharing it with others. I enjoy attending concerts when I can, and have seen some of the best artists in the world.
Sarah
Tullett
I was born in England, and moved to NZ as a baby! I grew up in Methven. I trained in Christchurch before moving to Blenheim. I have an awesome wee family and I’m mum to two girls!
My Why: I love teaching and helping kids to realise their potential and reach for the stars
Interests: Spending time with my whānau, exploring our beautiful country
Spare Time: Reading, hanging with the fam, and watching sport!
Stef
Ellis
I grew up in Marlborough and after living in a few different places I returned to Blenheim in 2018. I now live on a shared property with my cousin, sister, brother in law and three nieces. My parents, sister and another niece live 6 houses down the road
My Why: I have always loved working with children and supporting people to be the best versions of themselves. I love helping children to make connections to the world around them and seeing them sparkle with pride when they learn something new or master a skill they have been working towards.
Interests: Sport, games, reading, drawing and spending time with friends and family.
Spare Time: I love sports and games, I am often out and about playing team sports, sailing in yacht races with my Dad or soaking up the serenity of nature on a bush walk or spending time by the water. I also love to spend time with friends and family playing board games or card games - some people would probably describe me as being pretty competitive, but also a humble winner of course!
Eric
McLees
Originally from California, I have been living in New Zealand with my family for the past 8 years. I love working with our Tamariki and helping them to achieve their goals.
My Why: I started at Blenheim School as a volunteer at breakfast club and came to really care about the kids, so I decided to make it a full-time thing.
Interests: I enjoy cooking and have two young kids that keep me very busy.
Lea-anne
George
I was born in Southland, and have lived all over the south Island. I have two children. My son who lives on the GC, and my daughter who is about to head to Europe on her OE.
My Why: I enjoy the challenges and rewards that are teaching. No day is the same. Being able to see ‘light bulb’ moments with the children. Hopefully being someone that helps make a difference in their lives.
Interests: I love spending time at home with my four cats and 1 dog.. I potter in the garden. I like to travel and I enjoy listening to music.( In fact a little bit of country ATM)
David
Edsall
I was born in NZ but have always looked overseas. I spent many years in Japan and then returned to give my family a chance to see the world from a New Zealand perspective.
My Why: I chose to be a teacher because I enjoy making connections with people. I believe education is a way to make ourselves and society, better.
Interests: Teaching and learning languages, the natural world and how we experience it, thinking and asking questions.
Spare Time: I (try to) keep bees, play computer games and I like to go for long walks in the hills or other places. I also play some rounds of disk golf with my family.
Michelle
Lees
My Why: Teaching was always in my blood. I've taught dance from the age of 14 and becoming a teacher was the natural next step. I love seeing kids achieve and make progress, as well as grow into the people they are becoming. Those lightbulb moments make it for me!
Interests: I love to perform, and grew up dancing. In recent years, I joined the Blenheim Musical Theatre and have been participating in performing through there. I also love to craft - knitting, crocheting, sewing, and paper crafts; as well as building Lego sets galore. Reading is another passion of mine, as is collecting beautiful editions of my favourite books.
Anaru
Norton
Kōtahi tonu te hiringa i kake ai a Tāne ki Tikitiki-o-Rangi, ko te hiringa i te mahara.
Haumi e, hui e, tāiki e, Tīhei mauri ora!
Ko Rahotia te taumata kōrero.
Ko Hine-kō-areare te puke tapu.
Ko Ngā Wai Rau O Ruatere te awa. I'm
Ko Kurahaupō te waka.
Ko Kurahaupō te iwi.
Tini whetū ki te rangi, ko Kurahaupō nui ki te whenua!
My Why: To give back to our community. Growing up here in Wairau(Blenheim) attending a Māori Bi-lingual class at primary/intermediate and then moving on to college, a lot of my peers left school too early as they believed school wasn’t for them and they didn’t really see their full potential/abilities. So becoming a teacher is a way to break that notion and give our learners the opportunities to activate their potential and create success for them and be proud of who they are and where they come from.
Interests: Spending time with whānau and fitness.
Blair
Walker
I am originally from Christchurch and have been teaching in Marlborough for the past 19 years. After a brief break I have come back to full time teaching and really enjoy teaching history, geography and science. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and visiting new places and being out in nature as much as we can!
My Why: I love seeing the ‘wow’ moments that come with teaching. Seeing the joy that comes with finding out new things is very rewarding. After teaching for many years, getting to see the ‘wow’ on faces is the best reward ever!
Interests: Building, Volunteering, Playing and Coaching hockey
Spare Time: I enjoy spending time with my kids. We all enjoy being in and around the water - so the sounds are the perfect place to be!
Jane
Tibble
From Wairau roots, I've been teaching across Marlborough for over 20 years. I'm back at Blenheim School this year! Married with 3 kids and a mokopuna, life is full!
My Why: I am passionate about teaching young minds (and they're pretty cool too! ) and I’m excited to share my knowledge with tamariki – they are our future.
Interests: Piano, interior designing, renovating, gardening
Spare Time: Cherished moments with family, especially my mokopuna, and adventures throughout NZ, particularly the South Island, fuel my spirit.
Gill
Caughey
My Why: I was a PE teacher for my first 10 years of teaching. I am passionate about the value of health, fitness and the life skills that can be fostered through playing sport. I wanted to to something where I could encourage our youth to build healthy attitudes towards life and teachinf gave me this opportunity.
Interests: Sport, fitness, outdoors, reading, spending time with family and friends
Spare Time: Walking, bike riding, reading, gardening, spending time with my husband and family. Exploring new places and getting out in nature
Liana
Bell
I moved to Marlborough from Southland as a child, and I am now enjoying raising my own tamariki in this wonderful place.
My Why: Young minds are so creative and curious, I love playing just a small role in developing their interests and passions and helping them establish their own love of learning.
Interests: Adventures with my family and our friends, hanging out at Blenheim Musical Theatre, drawing and reading.
Angie
Holdaway
I have been born and raised in Blenheim (Renwick) and I am married with two sons.
My Why: I have always loved working with children, I have been a Teacher Aide for 16 years and think I have the best job in the world!
Interests: I have a wee flower farm, so this takes up alot of my spare time, I also propagate plants and fruit trees. I am also kept busy with lots of sheep, two dogs, and two naughty cats!
Lapu
Oliver
Fa’atalofa atu ile pa’ia male mamalu ole tatou A’oga i Blenheim, lau Sususga le Pule A’oga Mrs K.Thorstensen ma uo aloa’ia Faiaoga.Teaching Staff. Samoan born to a Scottish father and Samoan mother. My language is my door to the universe through Education. Better things come to those who are Patient and the best things come to those who don’t give up.
My Why: Tamariki, Tamaiti, Children and little people”. Having the love for all these little people is gold. Being an English speaker of other languages gives me the pleasure to support their growth of self-esteem and confidence and feel their needs as learners. Their Challenges are real!
Interests: Gardening, cooking, eating.
Spare Time: Gardening and outing with my grandchildren.
Kellyann
Hoani
I moved to Blenheim 16 years ago and have been with my partner for the same amount of time. We have 2 daughters and a son aged 14, 10 and 6.
My Why: I enjoy working with children, the joy of seeing them thrive is awesome.
Interests: Playing and watching sports, music, hanging out with family and friends.
Spare Time: Spending time with family and friends - alot of the time it's being a couch referee whilst watching rugby/league.
Kim
Sabiston
I have lived in Blenheim for 16 years and have been involved with Blenheim School all that time. I am married, have 2 sons and a daughter.
My Why: I enjoy working with and helping the children and the teachers.
Interests: Family history/ genealogy. Cross stitch and knitting. Reading.
Spare Time: Watching movies. Spending time with my family and friends.
Aimee
Paerau-Walters
Coming Soon!
Under Construction
Nyah
Toia
Kia Ora! I have lived in the South Island since 2017 after growing up all around the top of the North Island with my parents and 3 siblings.
My Why: I attended a school in the far north - Ahipara Primary and I loved it! It was then I decided I wanted to work in a school. I loved helping others and teaching them something new. I wanted to work as a kaiawhina because I love children. I also wanted to help them see their potential/abilities and feel upbuilt while ensuring their days and memories of primary are just as special as mine were.
Interests: Trying new recipes, Poetry, Keeping active
Spare Time: Whānau is very important to me so I love spending time with and laughing lots with those I love! Being in nature whether that be walking, swimming or simply observing and of course having time to chill and do nothing haha
Stormy
Tupara
I was born in Hastings and was always travelling up and down the east coast. I moved down to Blenheim when I was three years old. From then I grew up in Blenheim with my parents as well as my four other siblings!
My Why: I was fortunate enough to work in before and after school care and in a holiday programme with kids all from different areas in Lower Hutt! Being so involved in these kids' lives made me realise that I wanted to branch out and try teacher aide as I feel it is important being able to support and empower our students.
Interests: Sports, Journalling
Spare Time: I love being around my family, they are definitely my day 1’s so being with them is very wholesome. Sometimes on the weekends I spend time in many different shearing sheds based in and out of Marlborough with my family helping out my brothers. I also enjoy being outdoors to clear my mind. I'm not an artist at all so I like buying the paint by numbers and doing those in my spare time
Vanessa
Flood
Born and raised in Blenheim. I’m married with two sons. I’ve been a teacher aide for 14 years.
My Why: I fell into the role as I started working with a child with type 1 then fell love with working with children.
Interests: I love spending time at our family bach and getting out in the boat with friends.
Rachael
Toia
Moved to Blenheim 8 years ago from the Far North, with my youngest attending Blenheim School.
Love the different cultures that are readily promoted through the school.
My Why: My first stint at Blenheim school was driving the school van, and I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the children each day - (it’s a pleasure to get to know their personalities). I enjoy seeing young ones grow and achieve - being a kaiawhina means I get to be a small part of this happening.
Quote: Treat others as you would like to be treated
Lydia
Mayer
Ko Piripiri te maunga
Ko Wairau te awa
Ko Tokumaru te waka
Ko Te Āti Awa te iwi
He uri hoki ahau nō Ngāti Kahungunu nō Ngāi Tahu anō hoki
Ko Lydia toku ingoa
My Why:
I have always loved working with and alongside whānau. I began teaching music in high school, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the growth of tamariki—both in their skills and my own. I especially enjoy seeing their confidence grow, whether it's through performing or proudly showing off their new English words!
Interests:
I love music—playing and singing are a big part of my life, and classical guitar is definitely my favourite. When I’m not working at Blenheim School, you’ll usually find me teaching guitar somewhere else!
I am studying part-time because I’m really interested in psychology, and I love hanging out/ walking my fur baby, Cello.
Robyn
O'Hara
I was born in Blenheim and have lived here my whole life. I'm married with three children, who have all ventured out into the big wide world. Family is everything to me. Coming from a fairly large family group, I love catching up with my extended family most of whom still live in the region.
My Why: I started my teacher aide training teaching my own, as pre-schoolers and enjoyed seeing their achievements and progress. Small steps but huge rewards. Learning can be fun with patience, understanding and gaining self-confidence in the student. We all have our differences; we are all good at something.
Interests: Childhood sport: roller skating, music, cooking (sometimes),, reading, gardening and dabbling a bit with sewing.
Raylene
Foutanu
Ko Raylene ahau
No Hamoa ahau
Engari kei te noho ahau ki Wairau inaianei
He kaiawhina kaiako ahau i te kura o Waiharakeke
No reira nga mihi maioha
Kia koutou katoa
Tēnā tātou katoa
My Why: To build community with children and whanau at a grassroots level.
Interests: Family, Friends, Community, Art & Music.
Spare Time: Spending time with family & friends.
Jolene
Lund
Kia ora koutou
Ko Tapuae o uenuku te maunga
Ko Wairau te awa
Ko kurahaupo te waka
Ko Rangitāne o wairau te iwi
Ko Ngati huataki te hapu
Ko Jolene taku Ingoa
Tena koutou tena koutou tena tatou katoa
My Why: I love to help people achieve their goals and have always loved working with children, being a kaiawhina seemed like a perfect mix
Interests: Spending time with my family. Learning new things, trying new crafts and hobbies.
Quote: It is what it is.
Whaea
Connie
Pinker
Tena koutou katoa
Ko Kakepuku toku maunga
Ko Mangaokewa toku awa
Ko Tainui toku waka
Ko Ngati Maniapoto toku iwi
Ko Connie Pinker toku Ingoa
E mihi ana au ki nga tangata whenua o te rohe nei
No reira, tena koutou katoa.
My Why: I love working with children.
Interests: Reading, music, arts & crafts.
Spare Time: I like to spend time with my whanau, reading & doing crosswords.
Whaea
Rita
Powick
Coming Soon!
Under Construction
Wayne
Phillipson
Coming Soon!
Under Construction
Jack
Feavers
With a strong belief in placing the child at the centre of all decision-making, Jack is a fierce advocate for ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of the students. Responsible for the Human Resources portfolio, Jack understands that a supportive and positive work environment is essential for both teachers and students to thrive and is dedicated to fostering a community where every child and staff member feels valued and supported.
Tim
Oughton
Kia ora fellow members of the Blenheim School community.
My name is Tim Oughton and I have been associated with Blenheim School for the past 4 years largely through support work I have for the Ministry of Education. I am a retired school Principal with over 20 years experience leading diverse schools in both New Zealand and Australia. Currently I work as an Education Consultant working mainly in the area of Principal Development and Executive Coaching. I enjoy working with the enthusiastic and talented team at Blenheim School.
Norah
Blowers
Kia ora, I’m Norah Blowers.
I grew up in Waikawa Bay with my parents and four siblings’ and in my heart Waikawa Bay will always be home.
In my early 20s I travelled overseas for four years; this experience made me realise how beautiful Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu really is. Later in life, my husband and I had a gorgeous boy; who attends our amazing Blenheim School, with their passionate teachers and staff. The future I see for all of our tamariki is to have confidence, to try new things, work together, to have a voice and be the best they can be.
Amy
Greig
I am the proud Mum to a year 1 student at Blenheim school and have seen first-hand the transformative power that is love and learning. I am committed to bringing a voice to our school board that promotes equity and inclusion, excellence in education, fosters positive community relationships, demonstrates financial responsibility and supports good governance around the safety and wellbeing of all the students at our great school. I am proud to be a member of the BoT and will work hard to ensure every child feels seen and heard, that all children are supported and encouraged and have no limits or barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential every day.
Outside of work as an Office Manager at Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative, I enjoy all the wonderful things life in Marlborough has to offer, from running the hills, to the fabulous wine and food and all the great activities available locally for our family to enjoy.
Renee
Craw
Kia Ora, I'm Renee,
I am new to the Board of Trustees as a parent representative. I have 3 children, 2 teenagers at College, and Asher, who is a student at Blenheim School. I also attended Blenheim School many years ago. I love the family vibe and safe space the school provides for each student to be themselves and thrive in their own way. In my spare time, you will find me running up a hill, at sports games, or exploring the outdoors with the kids. I am excited to be part of the Board, and I look forward to meeting you all.