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Staff

Staff

Leadership Team

Senior Leadership

Kyran Smith

Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou
Ko Rangitoto te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau,
Ko Whangaparaoa te moana e mahea nei aku māharahara,
Nō Orewa ahau
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Motu Kairangi e noho nei au
Ko Kyran Smith tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

I moved to Wellington when I was 20 to go to Teachers College. I've never moved away because I love it here!

I began my education career working as an untrained teacher in a preschool. This was the job that inspired me to become a teacher. Once trained, I taught 5-6 year olds. To widen my experience I moved on to teach the middle year levels, then moved on to teaching the intermediate year level Year 7-8s. I taught in this area for ten years before becoming a Principal.

It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of Kahurangi School, and I love the role! It's extremely rewarding to lead such a wonderful school community. With our teaching team and staff I work hard every day to ensure our tamariki are supported to be the very best they can be. Just like whānau, I want the best for the children.

When I'm not at school my family is a big part of my life. I also love good food, travel and the company of friends. My secret pleasure is a regular dose of reality TV. It's a fun way to decompress after a busy time at school.

E: principal@kahurangi.school.nz

Ruth Cooper

Deputy Principal & Teacher

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Ruth tōku ingoa. I love being a part of the Eastern Suburbs Community and I love teaching! I believe knowledge gives power. I particularly enjoy the energy and uniqueness that each learner brings to our school. I have several years experience in education, the majority of this in the senior school. Hauora, equity and embracing diversity are extremely important to me. I strive to guide and support all learners to be proud and confident about who they are. Personally I am a huge animal lover, who enjoys spending time with my dog, being with my large family, cooking and eating, and watching too much T.V. Ngā mihi nui.

E: ruth@kahurangi.school.nz

Claire Brown

Senior School Team Leader & Teacher

Waka Pūhara Tahi

About Me

I've been a teacher now for 7 year and still really enjoy teaching young people. Some of my favourite things about teaching outdoor games, reading a novel together and visual arts. I'm a born and bred Wellingtonian so I am still strongly connected with many of my friends I went to school with. In my own time I love to travel, play hockey and socialise!

E: claire@kahurangi.school.nz

Natalie Ballantyne

Junior School Team Leader & Teacher

Waka Rimu Tahi

About Me

Kia ora. Originally from Otago, I have lived in Wellington for the last 20 years and spent most of that time teaching in Lower Hutt. I believe in building strong relationships with my students and their whanau, and in creating a welcoming and safe environment for my students so that they feel comfortable and confident to take risks to achieve. I have a love of the Arts, Numeracy and especially Literacy - I am mad about books and share that love with children, helping them to feel the excitement of becoming readers themselves. When I am not at school I enjoy tinkering in the garden, experimenting with new recipes, walking the coastline, and hanging out at the side of a sports field watching my two teenage sons.

E: natalie@kahurangi.school.nz

Teachers

Teachers

Julia Park

Waka Rimu Rua

About Me

Kia ora! I am from South Korea and came to New Zealand with my partner in 2019. I am very excited to join the team here at Kahurangi. I am passionate about building positive relationships with students and whānau and helping them to realise their full potential in a holistic way. In my spare time, I love keeping active and I particularly enjoy doing yoga, pilates and indoor climbing. I look forward to getting to know you this year.

E: julia@kahurangi.school.nz

Josie Adams

Waka Pahī Rua

About Me

I came to teaching after working as a researcher studying the psychological development of infants/children. I became more interested in their social worlds and the importance of the relationships they have. As I am passionate about the Arts and te reo M?ori I enjoy incorporating both into the classroom wherever I can. The community and cultural aspects of teaching are what I enjoy the most - I strive to build positive relationships with tamariki & their wh?nau and believe these are key to a positive, inclusive and successful experience at school. Ahakoa he iti he pounamu - Although it is small it is a treasure.

E: josie@kahurangi.school.nz

James Kyle

Waka Pūhara Tahi

About Me

The Eastern Suburbs is an area which I already know well and I look forward to becoming a greater part of the community here in Strathmore. My time spent as a teacher aide both inspired and influenced me as a teacher - it showed me the value of relationships and their capability to shape positive perceptions of school for students. I hope to help my students explore their own cultures and passions both inside and outside of the classroom. Many of my most memorable teachers growing up did this for me, and I hope to be able to do the same. I’m always up for Football, Basketball or Touch Rugby (or anything really) either at lunchtimes, before or after school, so don’t be afraid to ask me for a game!

E: james@kahurangi.school.nz

Maddi Prskawetz

Waka Rā Tahi

About Me

Kia Ora! I am a true Wellingtonian and love living in the vibrant and diverse capital. I have recently completed my Masters of Teaching and Learning at Victoria University of Wellington. I am very excited to become part of the school community at Kahurangi! I am passionate about creating and fostering learning environments the reflect and celebrate the unique identities of ākonga. Outside of school, I am a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ and love cooking for my friends and family and making the most of the Wellington food scene!

E: maddi@kahurangi.school.nz

Amy Frankland

Waka Rimu Toru

About Me

Kia ora! My name is Amy Frankland and I moved to Wellington from Scotland in August 2022. I taught in Scotland for 3 years before making the decision to move overseas and I love it here! I am an enthusiastic, creative and committed teacher who strives to make learning challenging and exciting. In particular, I love working alongside tamariki, whanau and other professionals to help every child reach their potential. In my spare time, I am a keen runner and compete in long distance running events. I love sharing my passion for sport with the students and have observed the multiple benefits physical activity can bring to our learning!

E: amy@kahurangi.school.nz

Brynne Hey

Waka Rimu Toru

About Me

Kia ora koutou. Ko Brynne tōku ingoa. I grew up in the sunny Hawkes Bay and I moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara when I began my university studies. I have recently completed my Masters of Teaching and Learning at Te Herenga Waka. I am passionate when it comes to building reciprocal learning focused relationships. I believe my warm, positive, genuine and supportive demeanour will fit well at Kahurangi School and I look forward to getting to know the school community. In my spare time I enjoy being in the sun, walking, cooking, painting and spending time with my family and friends. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish.

E: brynne@kahurangi.school.nz

Emma Tapuai

Waka Pūhara Rua

About Me

Kia ora, I am Emma Tapuai. I have been teaching for over 17 years. After 7 years of teaching overseas in the UAE, I have just returned and back again to Kahurangi School. I love my job as a teacher and am passionate about children’s learning and education. I strive to make sure all my students have success. I especially love teaching Maths, Reading and Physical Education. Outside of school, I love spending time with my two young children and my husband. We enjoy going to the park, playing and watching sports, and trying different cuisines.

E: emma@kahurangi.school.nz

Maddie Boyes

Waka Pahī Tahi

About Me

Tēnā koutou! Ko Madison Boyes tōku ingoa Nō Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahau I ako ahau ki te whare wananga o Waitaha He paetahi ahau I te kura tuatahi Nō reira tēnā tātou katoa I recently graduated from the University of Canterbury, and I am so excited to be joining the Kahurangi community. As a kaiako, I see relationships as the starting point to providing a safe and happy learning space, where ākonga can grow, learn, and thrive. I’m passionate about creating a space where individual needs, interests and cultures are recognised, catered for, and nurtured. Aside from teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, travelling, and spending time with whānau.

E: maddie.boyes@kahurangi.school.nz

Merryl Scott

Waka Rā Rua

About Me

Kia ora koutou! My name is Merryl Scott. I moved to Wellington from Canada at the end of 2022 and have been enjoying my time here! Prior to moving, I was teaching for my local school district for three years after completing my Bachelor of Education and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Special Education. I am passionate about teaching and strive to create a safe and engaging classroom that promotes inclusivity and celebrate diversity. It is important to me that all learners are given opportunities to experience success. Outside the classroom, I enjoy exercising, reading, spending time outdoors (surfing, mountain biking, tramping) and refueling with good food afterwards. I look forward to being a part of the Kahurangi community and getting to know the tamariki and whānau.

E: merryl@kahurangi.school.nz

Chad Mensah

Waka Rā Toru

About Me

Kia ora, I am Chad Mensah. I grew up in Bristol in the UK and studied for my first degree in Economics at the University of Manchester. I returned to Manchester a decade later to gain my teaching qualification after working on projects in local government and healthcare. I then taught in London for a couple of years before returning to teach in Bristol. I am curious and passionate about teaching and learning! I strive to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment. I am supportive whilst challenging all learners to make progress. I have a calm and positive demeanour and build effective relationships with learners. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to becoming a part of your school community. In my free time, I like to watch and play sports (particularly football), go on hikes with friends, listen to podcasts, read under represented authors, try out cooking new recipes and eating at street food spots.

E: chad@kahurangi.school.nz

Geraldine Price

Reading Recovery Teacher

About Me

After 20 years of classroom teaching, I was offered the opportunity to train for Reading Recovery. I work daily, one to one with six year old children to raise their level of both reading and writing by means of an individualised programme. I find my job challenging but also very rewarding to see the individual progress achieved. I have an adult family of four sons and one daughter, and four grandchildren. I enjoy watching sport, especially when family members are participating.

E: geraldine@kahurangi.school.nz

Judy Bragan

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Teaching is a second career for me having previously worked as a nurse. During my teaching career I have developed a particular passion for helping young children learn to read and alongside classroom teaching have been fortunate to train in Reading Recovery. For the past few years I have further developed my career taking on a Leadership role as one of the Deputy Principals. Originally from Dunedin, Wellington is now my home and I have lived in the Eastern suburbs for many years. Outside of school family is my main priority, with two young adult daughters and the new addition of a Golden Retriever puppy.

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Vangela Araboglos

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Kia Ora, my name is Vangela Araboglos. I am very excited about my part time role at Kahurangi and being part of a warm, caring community of children, parents and grandparents. I have been teaching for over 26 years and have a passion for getting the best out of each child. I particularly value creativity, building confidence in children and developing a love of literacy. When I am not at school I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, long walks, gym workouts and family outings.

E: vangela@kahurangi.school.nz

Meta Beyers

Teacher, Currently on leave

About Me

I started teaching 16 years ago after careers in graphic design and libraries. I am a passionate greenie and promote kindness and care for Papatūānuku and her people in my teaching. I believe in fostering life-long reading habits amongst children and their parents. As an immigrant I believe in promoting the learning of languages as a vehicle for better understanding the multicultural world we live in. Personally I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, gardening, reading, camping, singing, jewellery making and my new hobby beekeeping.

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Katie Morrow

Part-time Teacher

About Me

After studying Fine Arts, I worked in a kitchen and travelled and lived overseas before settling into my career as a teacher. Art is my passion, I believe in encouraging creativity in all areas of education and love incorporating visual arts into my everyday teaching. I am in my fifth year of teaching and in the third year of working in the junior school at Kahurangi. I strive for students to develop confident and positive attitudes towards learning. I feel proud to be supportive of and supported by the Kahurangi community.

E: katie@kahurangi.school.nz

Lesley Mitrakas

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Tena koutou. Having taught at a different local Miramar school for 16 years, I am delighted to now be apart of the Kahurangi School community as a part-time teacher. It is my passion to grow children’s love of learning and their self belief, in a happy, fun and safe classroom. I especially enjoy teaching through Art and the different strands of Maths. I love to read, walk our beautiful dog Kotahi, garden, be with family and friends, and watch my 21 year old sons play football for Wellington Olympic.

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Support Staff

Support Staff

Margaret Hudson

Office Manager

About Me

I have been Kahurangi's Office Manager since it was established in 2013. I worked at Westpac in an Administration role for many years, and was Office Manager at Miramar South School. I enjoy the bustle of the role and interacting with so many different people. No two days are the same. Juggling different jobs and different deadlines, then dropping everything to put a plaster on a skinned knee has taught me patience. I have a daughter at Otago University doing a Science Degree so that's my main interest at the moment. I like to garden and cook, and keep busy with family and friends. I'm interested in politics and history, and finding out about how things work. You should never stop learning!

E: office@kahurangi.school.nz

Angela Keane

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Talofa Lava, my name is Angela Keane and I am a Teacher Aide and Office Assistant at Kahurangi School. I work in partnership with our school team to support the learning and welfare of our learners by providing learning support throughout the school. I enjoy using my administrative skills and experience to contribute to our office team. I am also the Staff Representative on the Board of Trustees and work on the Property Committee. I am inspired daily by my husband and three children. In my free time "I hostﾔ. I love bringing people together, either if it's small or big or just a BBQ with the family in my backyard, making memories!!

E: angela@kahurangi.school.nz

Samantha Renner

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Born and bred in the Miramar Peninsula. I am half Samoan and half German. I have been employed at Kahurangi School since 2013 and have enjoyed watching the children grow up and go on to bigger and better things, including my daughter who also attended Kahurangi School until 2019 and loved it. The greatest part of working at our kura is creating a cherishable bond with tamariki who end up teaching me even more than I teach them.

E: sam@kahurangi.school.nz

Hannah Lousley

Teacher Aide

About Me

Hello! My name is Hannah Lousley. I have lived in the Eastern Suburbs my whole life with my family. I am the oldest of four girls I have the absolute privilege of working here at Kahurangi with all the wonderful tamariki that are a part of this amazing school . I enjoy every minute I am here . I believe that every child learns differently. I make it a top priority to get to know the student I am working with and how they learn so together we can achieve the best learning possible.

E: hannah@kahurangi.school.nz

Leah Cooper

Counsellor

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am Leah Cooper the new counsellor for Kahurangi School. I have 15 years experience in mental health and wellbeing; working with young people, adolescents and adults. I provide talking therapy for families and students when things are feeling hard at school or at home. This can include but is not limited to; anxiety, worry, low mood, change and loss, anger and trauma. We can work together to problem solve, develop skills to manage hard feelings, identify strengths and values as well as to shift thinking to be more flexible and helpful in moving forward. I am at Kahurangi School two days per week. Referrals can be made through Kyran, your child’s classroom teacher or you can email me directly.

E: leah@kahurangi.school.nz

Fono Ioapo

Grounds Person

About Me

Coming Soon

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Term Dates 2023

Term 1: Thu 2 Feb – Thu 6 Apr
Term 2: Mon 24 Apr – Fri 30 Jun
Term 3: Mon 17 Jul – Fri 22 Sep
Term 4: Mon 9 Oct – Wed 20 Dec

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Kahurangi school -Logo
Menu
en English
ar Arabiczh-CN Chinese (Simplified)nl Dutchen Englishfr Frenchde Germanit Italianmi Maoript Portugueseru Russiansm Samoanes Spanish