Year 1-6
Charis Huhta # New Entrants
Kia ora e te whānau.
My name is Charis and I will be teaching in the Yr 0-3 community in the 2025 school year. I have taught for a number of years in both Primary and Early Childhood settings.
The early school years are an exciting time for children and their whānau. As a proud parent of two teenagers, the transition to school for both of them, filled with joys and worries, is imprinted on my memory. I am passionate about creating a calm, structured, fun, gentle, inclusive learning environment where the children are the starting place for each of their HB learning journeys. I support this journey by helping young children develop an in-depth understanding of our school values. I love to learn outside of the classroom so we weave weekly trips and outings into our routine and need parent support to do this.
My teaching practice centres around the NZ Curriculum with a focus on weaving individual interests and voice throughout our learning, alongside developing learner dispositions. I have a passion for supporting children with diverse learning needs and a special interest in effective, evidence-based teaching practices for developing strong literacy skills in all ākonga. Our HB will continue to learn through the Better Start Literacy approach next year. In my free time, I am an outdoor enthusiast who is most connected to my own wairua and whakamana when I am ‘out and amongst it”’ I love teaching at Ao Tawhiti for the freedom to create a classroom anywhere and the sense of community that is created by having so many engaged and enthusiastic students, families, and staff around me.
Mary Lee # Year 1-3
Tēna koutou katoa
I te tau ko tahimano, iwa rau, iwa tekau, mā toru, I haere mai au ki Aotearoa.
Ko te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe ahau.
Ko Ōtautahi tōku kainga inaianei.
Ko Mary tōku ingoa
Ko Zach tōku tane.
Ko Ella and Lily aku tamahine.
Kia ora o te whanau,
Hi everyone! I’m Mary Lee, and this is my second year at Ao Tawhiti as an LA. Many of you might know that I have two beautiful, energetic daughters, Ella and Lily, along with my husband, Zach, and our friendly dog, Toby. I come from an early childhood education background, and teaching has always been a true passion of mine. I’ve been in this field for over 20 years, and the teaching environment is truly one of my happy places!
What’s it like in my homebase? I work hard to create a calm, friendly, fun, and safe space for learning. I love everything about nature, music, and providing a wide variety of learning experiences. I believe children learn best when they feel happy and supported, so I enjoy working with parents and caregivers to make sure everyone feels good and ready to learn.
In my homebase, the children love going on lots of trips, and they say I’m kind, trustworthy, and make learning fun! Some even say I help bring out the best in them, which is the best compliment I could ask for!
Daisy-May # Year 1-3
creative – cosplayer – crafts – cozy – caring – calm – curious – community – chatty
Kia ora koutou! Ko Daisy-May tōku ingoa.
I am a creative at heart and a huge video game and anime nerd. I am active in the Ōtautahi cosplay community, attending events year round and co-founder of Kōwhai Fan Fest. Others would describe me as quiet, calm, and kind… but as you get to know me I also have a chatty side that loves to discuss anything and everything – whatever you are passionate about I want to hear about it!
My homebase this year has a cozy-comfy nerdy vibe. We love a follow-along drawing tutorial, Pokemon, quiet nooks, trips, listening to music, and arts and crafts. This is what I am naturally drawn to but I am also very flexible and adaptable. I believe it is a joint decision between everyone in the HB what kind of environment suits us and adapting it as the year goes on to meet the needs and interests of everyone.
Mel Fisk # Year 4-6
Kia Ora!
I am Melanie Fisk. I have been working with tamariki and our special character here for almost twenty years now! I have a love of learning, for myself and in the tamariki I work with. I also have two children of my own who have moved through Ao Tawhiti. I am committed to our philosophy and special character. I firmly believe that we are all learners and teachers, and that the passions and interests of the tamariki I work with should shape the learning we engage in.
I am excited to be working with a new group of students in 2025. My passions are reading (everything – fiction, non fiction, graphic novels, I will read it all!) writing, (I love writing poetry, journaling and I often have the idea for a novel in the back of my mind too!). I love Science and exploration of the world around us, and Hauora/health (I have an especial appreciation of mindfulness and other strategies that enhance the wellbeing of the tamariki working with me, as well as for myself).
I love working with students who are curious, who have questions and observations about the world and the things that intrigue them. I love to work with students who want to work to find answers for many the questions and wonderings they have, and to share this learning with the world. Curiosity is a gift to cherish and nurture! I am looking forward to working with a group of students who are passionate about learning and want to make changes in the world and in themselves in 2025.
Jenny Ward # Year 4-6
Kia ora e te whānua o te Ao Tawhiti,
Ko Jenny tōku ingoa!
My goal for Homebase 2025 is to foster artistic and creative opportunities that challenge and engage the Homebase in meaningful learning. Critical thought, discovery, curiosity, collaboration, community, and the city scape are what drew me to AT and this is what I plan to rock next year!
I have taught for 22 years in the Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and even in Norway so I have lots of different experiences. Next year will be my fourth year at Ao Tawhiti and I am keen to work in the Year 4-6 area of our kura.
I will form solid relationships and encourage children to achieve their goals as well as providing a solid foundation! In 2017, I received a Master of Education with First Class Honours from Canterbury University. My thesis was in the field of writing and I am passionate about literacy using diverse approaches!
I am a creative lateral thinker with a good sense of humour. My hobbies include singing, art, theatre, and tramping. I am also learning to play the drums and love adventures.
Melva Gill # Year 4-6
Kia ora Ao Tawhiti whānau, as with all learning in the HB I wanted to hear from tamariki first about the learning in our space so tamariki making decisions for 2025 can know what it’s like in the learning culture we create together.
“Everyone feels welcome. You always get to be creative. You always feel respected. You make it fun to learn by making it a game or something. We know that everyone is different. When you are stuck on something you always find your way out. It’s kind. You are listened to. We make mistakes and it’s ok. We learn something new every day. You have each other in the HB.”
One of the many aspects I want for our HB in 2025 is for them to continue to grow and develop as leaders in their diverse learning journeys. I’m looking forward to working with you and our tamariki to create a supportive and caring environment. A place of strong Core Values that challenge us to keep growing and where we are valued for all the things that make us unique – a place that encourages our sense of mana to grow.
Our HB goal is to make learning happen anywhere and in any way and for this to be possible we need active and involved partnerships between you our whānau, our children and the kura, supporting all the tamariki in our HB to create something very special together.
I also want to support our learners in developing a learning ‘toolbox’ with growth mindsets which they use to tackle literacy, numeracy, the arts or technology. With this ever-changing and growing toolbox, our tamariki can investigate their world, make critical thinking decisions and share their insights through real-world projects, artwork, inspired writing or a diverse range of technology.
You’re always welcome in the HB, it’s your learning space too. Feel free to stop in and chat or help out – without you resourcing all our tamariki throughout the week we can’t realise the promise of our Special Character and the student’s arotahi pathways.
Ngā mihi nui, Melva
Nicole Cunningham # Year 4-6
Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama!
Seek and discover, discover and know, know and become enlightened!
Come on a new adventure with me in 2025!
Are you inspired by nature, motivated by learning outdoors, keen to discover the living world, passionate about our planet, and wanting to make a difference? Then I’d love to be your Year 4-6 LA next year.
My plan is for us to be based at the Climate Action Campus two to three days a week. We will structure our programme so that there are many opportunities for you to follow our homebase inquiries and meet your Arotahi goals in this awesome environment.
I am very excited to have my own homebase next year! I have been a Release LA at Ao Tawhiti for two years and have been a teacher for 25. I have a passion for ‘place-based’ education, integrated mahi, and learning through a Te Ao Māori lens.
I love tramping and am working my way through the Great NZ Walks with my friends. The forest, beach and the river are my favourite places. I am a keen cyclist and bike to kura most days. I also take singing lessons… in an endeavour not to hurt the ears of others with my tunes.
Please check out my responses to the FAQ so far and email me with any other questions you have. nicole.cunningham@aotawhiti.school.nz
Ngā mihi, Nicole
Year 7-9
Ian Hayes # Year 7-9
I’m really looking forward to having a Homebase in 2025. One of my main goals has always been to help our students follow their passions and move towards being self managers… our school is here to provide something different for you…after being here since 2001 I have a good understanding of what’s possible and how we can make things work for you.
I love keeping fit, playing and watching sport, I love travelling and I love working with technology. I really love DIY, building, fixing things and designing solutions to problems. I love visual art and wish I had more time to play with this.
So…If you are happy to make mistakes, you want to push and challenge yourself, you want to take responsibility for your learning. Then my Homebase is the one for you! Do you know what your passions are and are you keen to develop a learning programme around these? I’m really keen to help make your passions come to life and this school is the opportunity to make this a reality.
Suze Lamont # Year 7-9
Kia ora koutou katoa
Join Suze’s Home Base, where Whanaungatanga (building strong relationships) and Aroha (compassion and care) are at the heart of everything we do. We create a safe, inspiring space to learn, have fun, and support one another. Respect, kindness, and active participation are key, and together we’ll challenge ourselves to grow both academically and personally.
“As a Home Base, I’m really keen that we look after each other and learn ways to support one another toward our goals. My goal is to help you grow and take responsibility for your own learning. Outside of Ao Tawhiti, I’m a busy mom of three, and I love spending time on or in the water, exploring the beautiful outdoors of Aotearoa, and enjoying anything food-related! I also love playing and watching sport.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, bring your energy, enthusiasm, humour, and a smile, and let’s make 2025 memorable!”
Kay Hayes # Year 7-9
Kia ora
I am Kay Hayes and I have worked in the student led environment for over 20 years. I love helping young people learn new and different things as well as tackle things they are struggling with.
I am super passionate about learning especially hands on projects. I also really enjoy helping others and supporting students with projects that have an impact on themselves or others. I love using projects based learning to tap into each student’s passions and interests allowing them to follow a theme and find success.
Outside of school I love travelling, sports, jogging and snowboarding. This year I am going to Canada skiing at Christmas for the first time ever. For the last few years I have organised whole school ski trips to Mount Hutt. I really enjoy taking complete beginners and seeing them experience something totally new.
In recent years I have worked with students on projects that involve building, sewing, growing, recycling, crafting, cooking, drawing and much more. I also enjoy supporting students to hold events, give back to the community, cook and sell their food, hold markets, fundraise or more.
I am always asking students in my HB to design their own projects / Arotahi, try new things and challenge themselves to work on their needs as well as their strengths. I love problem solving and coming up with ideas alongside students.
Some of the things my current students said about our Homebase this year were:
Supportive
Structured but not strict
Planned
Welcoming
Nice environment / space
I have worked in both Primary and Secondary and I feel like I have a number of skills and understanding that will help students transition from one to the other. I also have a passion for being culturally inclusive. It is very important to me to involve parents and whanau and I am always keen to work closely with whanau to support students’ success.
I am already excited about working with our year 7-9’s in 2025 and would love to have you in my Homebase. Cheers Kay
Evan Kiddey # Year 7-9
Kia ora and greetings to the future members of my Homebase whanau for 2025.
I’m Evan Kiddey, and I’m thrilled to welcome you into my homebase for the upcoming year. As a father of two boys aged 8 and 14, I understand the importance of support, encouragement, and a little bit of fun in the learning journey. With 20 years of experience as a chef and a small business owner, I bring my passion for cooking and hospitality into the classroom. Making a for a great classroom culture.
For me, the 80s and 90s are more than just a nostalgia trip, they’re a vibrant era to draw inspiration from. If you’ve been in my hospitality classes before, you know I’m all about achieving goals and having a blast while doing it. I firmly believe that learning is not just about textbooks and assignments; it’s a journey filled with hands-on experiences and real-world connections.
Being attached to the school cafe you’ll have the opportunity to learn how a cafe is run and experience life as a barista.
In my homebase, I’ll encourage ākonga to embark on personal inquiry projects and passion projects. I’m here to guide you as you explore your interests.
I have high expectations for my homebase. I believe in our school’s Core Values and Guiding Principles, using them as a foundation to shape our learning adventures. I’ll be here to provide support, encouragement, and the occasional nudge in the right direction, but ultimately, your journey is yours to navigate.
I can’t wait to meet you all.
Libby Boyd # Year 7-9
2025 Home Base Libby Join our home base and dive into a world of creativity, culture, and exploration! If you’re passionate about learning, love expressing yourself through art, and enjoy getting out and about, this is the place for you. We’re all about learning together, having fun, and embracing new experiences. But it’s not just about group activities – here, you’ll also discover how to manage your own learning, setting goals and finding the tools to reach them. We’re a supportive and lively community where you can grow your skills, celebrate your heritage, and make memories along the way. Join us, bring your energy, and let’s learn and grow together!
Year 9-13
Richard McCance # Year 9-13
My subject areas for teaching include History, Architecture, Art History and Languages (specifically Spanish but can offer guidance in the study of any foreign language). In addition I am happy to support students studying Philosophy, Psychology and Law.
I am best at supporting more mature students and can help with an academic/NCEA focus. Independent students who would like advice and guidance in support of existing self-directed learning options are the types who work best in my homebase.
In 2025 Brent Silby, Megan Woods and I are planning on working together to support students across the senior curriculum and in a range of subjects. If you are interested in what we have to offer, I encourage you to join us in The Thinkery.
Megan Woods # Year 9-13
Megan Woods (she/her)
Psychology, English, Social Sciences Support – The Thinkery
I teach Psychology and English, and support students in a range of social science subjects, including Media Studies, Legal Studies, and Philosophy. My approach to teaching focuses on designing integrated units that connect learning to real-world contexts, encouraging students to engage with the world around them and understand how social and cultural processes shape their lives.
In our homebase, the Prosillio Academic Program will be a focal point, offering secondary students (Years 9-13) a way to balance their sports or performing arts training with academic success. “Prosillio” means to aspire and rise to challenges, and the program is designed to meet students where they are, helping them balance workloads, develop effective study habits, and integrate their training commitments with their academic goals. I am committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including neurodiverse students and those who may have struggled to find connection or meaning in their education. I aim to foster holistic growth in each student, building academic skills, resilience, confidence, and self-understanding.
In The Thinkery, I look forward to collaborating with Brent Silby and Richard McCance to offer a space where students can explore their potential and engage in meaningful, independent learning. If you’re driven to learn, grow, and connect your education to the wider world, we’d love to welcome you to The Thinkery.
Brent Silby # Year 9-13
Do you like to be treated with the maturity to make your own education decisions?
Do you love exploring new ideas?
Do you see yourself on a pathway to university?
If so, don’t miss out on the opportunity to join Brent’s homebase.
My homebase is called “The Senior College of Philosophy”, but is more accurately described as an academic, tertiary readiness program.
Are you ready to take charge of your learning and prepare for the next step in your academic journey? The Senior College of Philosophy is more than just a homebase—it’s an academic space designed to support your growth as an independent, mature thinker. This is your opportunity to experience a university-style approach to learning, where you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests and design your own senior program.
//How it works…During homebase time, you’ll have the flexibility to study independently, engage in meaningful discussions with friends, or get tailored support from me on any academic subjects you choose. Whether you’re keen to take a Classics course via Te Kura, get creative in the arts, or explore issues at the forefront of Science, I’ll be here to guide you and help connect your learning to broader philosophical questions.
//Customize your learning experience…Together, we’ll create a program that reflects your interests and academic goals. For example, you might focus on major subjects like Philosophy, Classics, and Psychology, add a STAR-funded university course, and complement your studies with subjects such as History or Science. The choice is yours.
//About Brent…Philosopher by day, DJ by night. I have a Masters degree (and part of a PhD) in Philosophy. My research interests include: philosophy of mind, cognitive science, philosophy of religion, and stoic philosophy. Outside of school I am DJ “Maestro B”. I play every Saturday night at Cascade, and regular Thursdays at Whiskey Fiddle. I also perform at various other club nights and House music events as part of a DJ duo act called “Moorhouse DJs”
Kate Armour # Year 9-13
Kia ora e hoa ma
I’ve been teaching at Ao Tawhiti for 10 years, and I love it here! My passions and interests revolve around whānau, gardening, learning te reo, social and environmental issues, and still learning to be a better LA everyday. In a previous life, I worked for the Department of Conservation, a local council, and as an ESOL teacher. I’m a parent of three young adults. I teach junior science and social science as well as education for sustainability. I also have a literacy role.
In our home base, you’ll need to have clear goals for your learning and be respectful of each other and the space. This year we will be teaming up with Michelle’s HB, which will give us opportunities to run a few activities on and off site. I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas for this.
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals in your way in 2025.
Vicki Parker # Year 9-13
Kia ora e te whānau,
I’m here to make learning a fun, inspiring journey for everyone. Together, we’ll create an environment that’s exciting, respectful, and supportive, where we don’t sweat the small stuff. My hope is that all members of our Homebase (and beyond) dive into learning with enthusiasm! I strongly believe in the power of self-directed learning—when done right, it’s like having a superpower to unlock a fantastic education.
My main focus areas are art, design, and photography, and I’ve been a visual arts educator and designer for many years. I’m a big fan of classic movies, retro TV shows, and music, and I hold a degree in Design. I geek out on anything artsy: from photography, filmmaking, and design, to comedy, animation, and architecture. I also love collecting vintage treasures, designing interiors, and gardening.
So, if you’re a creative soul who just wants to chill in the art department (like I did at your age) and make things you’re proud of join me. Let’s create together!
Marlene Te’evale Hunt – Year 9-13
Nō ōku tīpuna au… I am from my ancestors…
Marlene Te’evale-Hunt is my name, though most call me Marz. My interests include, my daughter Rangimarie, film making, going to the gym, watching family play rugby league or softball, visiting family & friends, carving rocks of Aotearoa, making art -mainly Māori Art- and occasionally playing with a basketball.
I will support my homebase students by being open, honest and direct to support your academic success. Together we will take steps towards your goals and aspirations.
Next year I will be Learning Advisor for Film Making which is my absolute passion and LA for Te Reo Māori which is my culture. I have also been the Learning Advisor for Drama, Dance, Print Media-Journalism which led to the first Yearbooks, and Kapa Haka within the last 12 years of working for this awesome kura/school.
In my 27 years of teaching I have also taught other subjects such as Social Studies, Science, Maths, PE, coaching sports and English mainly at a primary school level, so I have had a lot of experience in understanding other curriculum areas.
Tihei Mauriora! I sneeze therefore I am alive!
Rob Miceli # Year 9 -13
In Rob’s Homebase, it’s all about trying out new things and figuring out what makes you tick. Who are you? What do you believe? Does pineapple belong on pizza? Whatever challenges you—whether it’s volunteering, building things, learning about the world, or diving into something totally unexpected—I’m here to help and support you and your passions!
On top of all that, you’ll frequently be offered activities that test your mettle, courage, and resilience. So come join us! Let’s explore, take on new challenges, and make this a place where your learning can really grow.
Anne-Marie Hampton and Jess Dewhurst # Year 9-13
In terms of our homebase, we will be your biggest advocate and supporter to help you to see success. Our creative minds mean we are always up for bouncing ideas when you get a bit stuck or unsure. Our space is an inclusive environment where all are welcomed and where we work together as a whole. Ideas we have include going out and exploring the city or working together on a group project such as sports, boardgames, art, jigsaws, cooking etc. There will also be time for individualised and focused work on your interests, passions or anything that is on top.
Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi
With your basket and my basket the people will live
If that sounds like a bit of you then we would love for you to join our homebase next year.
Dean Crawford # Year 9-13
My teaching style is easygoing, but I can be strict when needed. At Ao Tawhiti, I primarily teach PE to junior and middle school students. However, HB time is separate from PE; it’s your time to focus on Arotahi or Self-Directed Learning. I enjoy seeing a wide range of interests and projects being pursued throughout the year. Just a heads up: gaming on the computer isn’t one of them.
As for my interests, they cover a lot of ground. I enjoy watching athletics—track and field, road races, cross-country, and trail running. I was once a decent decathlete and have coached successfully. I also have a passion for Olympic weightlifting and the UFC. I love getting out for adventures like geocaching, tramping, and hut bagging, with the goal of visiting all the South Island huts (still a ways to go!). You’ll often find me taking long road trips in my Tesla. I’m also into new technology, science, and history—especially New Zealand history, global events, and geopolitics. Lately, genealogy has captured my interest as I work on building my family tree and uncovering the stories of my ancestors.
With so many interests, I don’t always have the time to pursue them all, so I tend to hyper-focus on one at a time. (I suspect I may have ADHD!) If this sounds like your cup of tea, you’re more than welcome to join me.
Greg O’Neill # Year 9-13
My Home-base has traditionally been a quiet space to get on with self directed project based learning. Ākonga have written fantasy based books to rival the Harry Potter World – they’ve investigated storms – they’ve looked at Fungi and furthered their circus performance and some have just been wonderfully academic; advancing their learning beyond their chronological age. Last year some of us began learining to fly – using Flight Simulator and learning the theory topics for a private pilots licence.
To sum that up, we don’t care what your passion is, just that you’re passionate and wanting to turn that passion into action. Documenting that via Google suites is also a passion of mine that I’ll teach to you too.
As for me, my passions are Science (Physics), Maths and bikes. I took up BMX racing with my daughter Courtney (Year 6) a couple of years ago, and haven’t looked back. I love building, landscaping and try to spend most my time when I’m not teaching working with my hands.
The most important thing we have in common as our respect for each other. So a passion you’re willing to act on; and respect for others is all you’ll need to bring. Having said that, I do expect you’ll follow school processes, because it’s my job to make sure that you do – so you’ll do posts for Arotahi classes, and OSL, and do a one to one every week. It’s pretty simple stuff, and I’ll do what I can to make it as easy as possible for you.
Michelle Verkaaik # Year 9-13
2025 will be my sixth year at Ao Tawhiti and I’m super excited to be part of such a dynamic learning community. I am relentlessly positive about my students and what they can achieve, but I also have high expectations that my students work hard to achieve their goals. I look forward to working together to find learning pathways that both excite you and create the foundations required for wherever you want to go.
My goal is to create a positive learning environment within my homebase where every student feels supported in their learning and challenged to achieve their full potential. I enjoy skiing, mountain-biking, rogaines and surfing.
My specialist subjects are Biology, Science and Maths and my passions are environmental issues and sustainability.
In 2025 my homebase will buddy up with Kate Armour’s homebase. So, you can expect to do some shared activities with both groups.
Derek Thatcher and Craig Perry # Year 9-13
In 2025 Craig and Derek will be teaming up Homebases. We both have a similar educational philosophy and share many areas of interest. During the year, we may operate as separate homebases or if it suits, we could utilise the flexibility that two HBLA’s provide.
About Derek
Kia ora, I have been a learning advisor since 2006 teaching Mathematics and Digital Technology. I believe that as a Homebase LA, I am here to help you become a confident and independent learner. My role is to advise, encourage, and assist you in any way I can, such as providing information, motivation, and accountability.
All of my personal interests revolve around challenges and problem solving. This mostly involves trying to climb impossible-looking rock faces, but also includes mountain biking, surfing, photography, web design, programming, cubing, diy/building, and lego.
In my homebase, I like to help students with their various projects, either directly or by acting as a sounding board. I encourage students to have multiple projects on the go so that there is always something to do.
About Craig
Kai ora, I am passionate about learning and helping people feel successful and build capacity for learning. I have been teaching for 20+ years and a Learning Advisor and Community Leader here at Ao Tawhiti since 2019.
Outside of school, I am super interested in rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, distance running and having adventures.
Emma Kneller # Year 9-13
Hi I am Emma and I am very fortunate to be the Learning Advisor for Drama. My happy place is supporting students to become confident collaborators and creators, so if you love being creative this is the homebase for you.
I believe that life is a big adventure and every day is a new opportunity to discover unique aspects about ourselves and the world we share. Our Homebase is a place of well-being, where caring about each other, respecting and supporting all passions and interests is in the spotlight. My school whānau can always expect to find a place of warmth, fun and laughter as we work together on our creative projects. in common as our respect for each other. So a passion you’re willing to act on; and respect for others is all you’ll need to bring. Having said that, I do expect you’ll follow school processes, because it’s my job to make sure that you do – so you’ll do posts for Arotahi classes, and OSL, and do a one to one every week. It’s pretty simple stuff, and I’ll do what I can to make it as easy as possible for you.
Megan Taylor # Year 9-13
Kia ora koutou. I’m a Homebase LA who loves words, language and story. I enjoy reading, music, films, keeping active and spending time with friends and whānau. Most of all, I’m super passionate about learning. I can help you develop a learning plan that builds on your strengths and interests, and I can support you with navigating NCEA, and managing any online and offsite learning you’re doing. In this homebase, we work together to create a positive learning environment where every student feels supported in their learning and challenged (in a good way) to reach their potential. There will be a focus on developing good habits and routines that will set you up for life!
Matt Parkes # Year 9-13
NB – Matt will be on leave for terms 1 and 2, and *TBC* will be taking the HB.
Matt P – a brief history: UK born; bass player (only played 2 live gigs, both shut down by police for being too loud); global backpacker (lived in 7 countries, visited over 50); outdoor pursuits, bushcraft, SCUBA diving, outdoor first aid & archery instructor; Coastguard Canterbury team leader; Christchurch schools’ canoe polo manager; certificate in Outdoor Leadership, diploma in Psychology, honours degree in Astrophysics. Teaches Maths, Science and senior Earth and Space Science (with a sprinkling of Outdoor Education and Hard Materials Technology).
Parkes is an odd fellow – often brusque and abrasive, he’ll nag you into submission if you are not keeping up with work. A dark sense of humour, brutal honesty and crushing cynicism are an almost oxymoronic contrast to his underlying (and deeply hidden) optimism.
Personal interests include Planetary + Space Science, environmentalism, technology, music and sports (especially skiing, kayaking and anything involving mountains or water).
Beth Manders and Richard Pitts # Year 9-13
Our HB will be configured slightly differently in 2025, allowing students to focus on a combination of English, Media and Digital Art/Design. An increased amount of HB time (equivalent to three colour blocks) offers you the opportunity to complete larger projects within these areas, be it at NCEA level or building towards that!
Across the course of the year you’ll study films/novels/short stories/games that will provide you with cool material to base your projects on. We’ll have time dedicated to upskilling with software – learning the ins and outs of programmes like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere, as well as how to do stuff like create branding for a business, produce a film, make a graphic novel, design a creepy creature as a 3d model, and many more!
We love reading, films (making them and watching them!), and art and design. We have lots of fun finding projects to do together that focus on those topics, and challenging ourselves to learn new things within those areas. We emphasise the social aspect of school in this homebase – that means students like to work together where possible.
Talk to our current HB members: we have high expectations around behaviour, cleanliness, respect and personal achievement. If you’re willing to push yourself and participate, you’ll have a really rewarding time. We’ve got lots of cool tips and tricks to help you along your way, and we’ll be involved wherever we can, but ultimately the responsibility for making school awesome falls to you.
What this might look like for you:
*You’ll work with us to develop some overall goals for the year. Want to learn animation, or digital drawing, or write a TV series? Want to 3d design and print your D&D creatures? Want to make a zine club for the school?
*You’ll write up your own weekly 1:1s and IEMs, to reflect on how school is going.
*You’ll chase up LAs to correct your own attendance issues, and to build an NCEA plan (where applicable).
*Your goals, progress, and SDL focus will be visible and referred to often. Expect some warped version of your face on the wall, too (peek inside 3.1 for some current examples).
*Arotahi and OSL aren’t automatic entitlements. Expect to be challenged lots on your effective use of this time! Luckily, you’ll be surrounded with lots of other motivated students to help push you along.
Matt Davis (he/him) # Year 9-13
I believe that all learning should be fun, inspired and engaging. I don’t sweat the small stuff, but I do expect all students in my Homebase (and everywhere else) to approach learning with passion and enthusiasm. I am a keen advocate of active, discovery learning. I’m happy to work with any student who wants to learn something. I would like for every student in this school to feel accepted, celebrated and supported by our community, to be able to take risks and approach education with curiosity and excitement.
My main area of interest is music, and I have been a performing musician for many years. I specialise in woodwinds (saxophone, clarinet and flute) but will happily spend hours playing any musical instrument I can get my hands on. I also have a degree in Political Science, and am particularly interested in issues of social justice. My current learning goal is to become fluent in te reo Māori. As an adult with ADHD and living with the impact of a serious brain injury, I have a particular passion for helping neurodivergent students negotiate there way through High School!