Kia ora e te whānau,

Here are our Homebase Learning Advisor selections for 2025.

Please read everyone’s blurb and then fill in the form (large green button) at the bottom of this page. We have some amazing new people joining us in 2025, please have a good read of their blurbs.

If you have stumbled across this page, and you are NOT a 2024 student in our community, please do not fill this form out. This form is only for the current 2024 students within the Kura.

We always place any new students to the school in a Homebase that we believe will best suit your needs.

NB… If you are a Year 9 in 2025, you are most welcome to continue on in the Year 7-9 community in 2025.

Please complete this selection by 5pm Wednesday 27th of November

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Year 7-9 Homebase Learning Advisors

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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.

Grace Schischka # Year 7-9

Kia ora! Ko Grace tōku ingoa!
My name is Grace and I am beyond excited to be welcoming ākonga into my Homebase for 2025. As an Ao Tawhiti Alumni who attended the school for nearly 10 years, it is my absolute dream to be able to come back as a Learning Advisor, and share my passion for learning, giving the same opportunities to my students that I was given in my time at the kura.

My passions include gardening, knitting, crochet, reading and flat pack furniture (I have worked at Bunnings for 5 years, so have become quite skilled in this). In fact I am in so into my fibre arts, my whole extended family are getting a handmade beanie for Christmas! I love storytelling, both in what I read, and in what I can write, and would love to help support any budding authors! In my own time at Ao Tawhiti, I wrote my own cookbook so I am also always keen to discuss all things food, and would love to help someone write their own.

If you’re in my Homebase, you can expect to develop a love for learning, for your passions and interests to be supported and encouraged, and to become a self-managing Ao Tawhiti student that can excel at all you put your mind to. I have high expectations for my ākonga, but also for myself and all of our learning will be done together, with a culture of shared achievement. I aim to have an environment where we all support each other in our learning, with Whakaute (Respect) and Aroha at the core of our Homebase’s values.

I also believe in the importance of working for the future, so if you have big plans and ideas for how to change the world, I am so excited to hear about them and help you make those happen.

Looking forward to meeting you all in 2025.

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.

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:

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

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!

Lindsay Greene # Year 7-9

Kia ora koutou!

I’m Lindsay and I am excited to be a Learning Advisor for a Year 7-9 homebase in 2025. I know a few of you already, but in case we haven’t spent time together, here’s a bit about me: I’m an Acadian from Eastern Canada and love calling Aotearoa my home. I live on the East side of Christchurch with my husband Cam, daughter Rika, and our cheeky dogs Bo and Dobby.

I am creative and enjoy literature and film. Maths is quickly becoming my favourite subject to teach. I love travel, learning about cultures, experiencing new places, meeting new people, but above all, cooking and eating good kai!

As a Learning Advisor, I will celebrate your wins with you, set high expectations, and challenge you to set goals for yourself that will help you to grow. The core values are important to me. Aroha is my favourite core value. I love celebrating what makes us unique and creative, appreciating the individuality and originality in everyone. I want ākonga to succeed and feel proud of who they are and what they can do. I use Universal Design for Learning in my practice so that everyone has opportunities to engage and learn. Bring your goals and ideas, and I will support you to make them happen.

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!”

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Year 9-13 Homebase Learning Advisors

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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.

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:

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.

// Customise 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”.

Carl Burr # Year 9-13

In 2025 I will be ‘new old guy’. I was recently the Head of Department at Burnside High School which means that a phone calls to friends of friends is all it will take to find out if I am the type of Learning Advisor that can support you and your learning.

My subject specialisms are Hard Materials and Design and Visual Communication/DVC which incorporates both Architecture and Product Design. I am excited by the opportunity to get the workshop full of noisy students making ‘stuff’ that they have designed.

I see Homebase as a time for tinkering and then turning this stealth learning into a subject with NCEA credits attached. It is also an opportunity to support students and ensure they achieve at a level that reflects their potential.

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.

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.

Emily Marck (she/her) # Year 9-13

Kia ora koutou

In my homebase for 2025 I will be passionate about guiding and nurturing your unique strengths and interests to help you develop confidence, resilience and important every day interpersonal skills. My homebase is a welcoming, happy, open-minded space where diversity is celebrated but is also a place where stuff needs to get done and organisation and self-motivation is important. We are on this journey together J

My subject areas for teaching include junior business studies and physical education. I have put my personal business/accounting skills to use in London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt and have developed a real curiosity for foreign cultures and countries. I am also interested in holistic wellbeing, life balance and physical activity. Usually over the weekends you could catch me at a yoga class, at a beginner surf lesson, the hockey turf, or in a hammock outside reading a book. I am open to conversations about sci-fi, fantasy, mathematics and dungeons & dragons to help improve my conversational skills with my husband. However, I’m probably going to be more invested talking about cats.

If you’re interested in pursuing your goals and getting stuff done in a balanced and happy way, then this homebase is for you.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Matt Parkes # Year 9-13

NB – Matt will be on leave for Terms 1 and 2 of 2025

Andy Ellmers will be taking the HB during Term 1 and 2 before Matt returns for Terms 3 and 4.

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).

Andy Ellmers – I am a teacher of PE, as well as science and physics. I’ve been teaching overseas for the last few years, and I’m looking forward to joining the team at Ao Tawhiti. I have a mini dachshund named Rory who is loving Christchurch since moving here. When I’m not teaching, I’m usually mountain biking, swimming, designing and building

As a learning advisor, I’m passionate about helping students find their interests in life and guiding them towards developing positive learning skills and attributes to be able to enjoy these interests to the extent they want to. 

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!

Megan Woods # Year 9-13

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tracey Clelland # Year 9-13

Kia ora e te whānau

I am TJ Clelland and new to Ao Tawhiti in 2025. I am excited about creating a homebase that supports young people to become confident, curious, and fearless learners. My background in Mental Health Education, RSE, and Physical Education means my homebase will be based on wellbeing as fundamental for learning—a place of inclusion, care, and critically engaging with local and global issues. As a first-generation woman to get past Year 11 in my family, I am passionate about grabbing every learning opportunity possible.  FAILure (First attempt in Learning), is a fundamental aspect of my educational philosophy. We learn when we try new things, fail, and then work out what to do differently next time. 

If I am not working, you will find me backpacking to the remote parts of Africa or many other places in the world, mountain biking in the hills, tramping, or anything that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I love being active and experiencing every opportunity life offers.

About TJ…I have a PhD in Education alongside a bachelor’s degree specialising in Physical Education, and Health. My research areas are Health and Wellbeing, with a particular focus on relationships and sexuality education (RSE), mental and emotional wellbeing, and challenging inequities. After being a university lecturer for the last 15 years I cannot wait to be a homebase LA that ensures every student reaches their potential.

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!

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