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Staff

Leadership Team

Leadership Team

Chrissy Wakeman

Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ko Taupiri te maunga ko Waikato te awa Nō Raahui Pookeka ahau Ko Wakeman tōku whaanau Ko Chrissy tōku ingoa I am Chrissy Wakeman and I am incredibly proud to be the Principal here at Chelsea School. 2024 is my first year at Chelsea School, having previously been the Principal at a rural school in the mighty Waikato and Lead Principal of Te Raahui Pookeka Kaahui Ako. I hold a Masters in Educational Leadership (First Class Honours) and I see being a leader in education as a huge privilege. If I can come to school and bring out the absolute best in the team each and every day then our tamariki will be directly impacted by this and to me, that is everything. I have a saying I like to live by - Kindness is Magic - this is something that I thrive to model to all who I come into contact with. Outside of school I love to spend time exploring our motu and adventuring with my whaanau; my partner, Nicholas and two girls Stella-Grace (14) and Kora-Nieve (12). I love to bake, am an avid reader and a staunch Warriors supporter (2024 is OUR year!). I am so excited to meet your tamariki and become part of the Chelsea whaanau - don’t be a stranger, please pop in for a chat - I cannot wait to meet you!

E: chrissy@chelsea.school.nz

Janine Cross

Deputy Principal

About Me

Tena koutou katoa! I'm Janine Cross, one of the Deputy Principals here at Chelsea Primary. I have worked in a variety of schools across Auckland, but have settled here at Chelsea. This is a place dear to my heart and I have loved working and growing professionally and personally alongside my colleagues and our wonderful children and their whanau. I have a number of roles, with a key focus on Math and sharing the SENO role with my fellow Deputy. My husband and I have an adult son Taylor and daughter Savannah, still sharing our home. In my spare time I love to paint, craft, do puzzles and jigsaws, along with walking the family border collie Ronnie.

E: janine@chelsea.school.nz

Kākano Team (New Entrant – Year 1)

Kakano Team

Sharan Kaur

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia Ora, Namaste, Sat Shri Akal! I was born in New Zealand and raised in India. I moved back to New Zealand when I was 15. I studied software engineering before starting my journey as a primary school teacher. I am currently a Year 0/1 teacher. I enjoy being in the classroom with my students and helping them to learn and grow. I value empathy and kindness and believe in having a positive mindset! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, friends and my dog Nero.

E: sharan@chelsea.school.nz

Sarah Jones

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia ora! I'm Sarah Jones. Originally from Wellington, my family moved to Auckland when I was 7, and I saw out the rest of my Primary School years right here at Chelsea School! After completing the rest of my schooling locally, i spent over 15 years in the early childhood sector, before making the move to Primary teaching over a year ago. It is so great to be back working at a school I have such a connection with and I look forward to supporting our newest members of the school, just beginning their schooling journey, in developing a connection with the school also. I aim to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed, developing a love of learning and for school. Being a mother of 2 young children, I enjoy spending my spare time with my family, going to the beach, camping (or should I say glamping), and taking the time to relax with a good book or Netflix series.

E: sarahj@chelsea.school.nz

Rebecca Hedges

Kākano Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 2

About Me

Kia Ora, Talofa, Privet! Originally from Wellington, I arrived at Chelsea in 2016 via Samoa and the Southern Hawkes Bay. I am currently teaching Year 1/2 and leading the Pakiaka team. I am also responsible for the APPA choir, Jump Jam and am the staff representative to the Board of Trustees. I love the "aha" moments where children surprise themselves by tackling and succeeding with something they find challenging. I love singing, reading and using big words. As somewhat of a baking aficionado, when I'm not at school, you can also find me experimenting with different flavour combinations or reading recipe books.

E: rebecca@chelsea.school.nz

Alicia Venter

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Kia ora! I’m Alicia Venter, I’m a South-African Kiwi as I was born in South Africa but raised predominantly here in beautiful Aotearoa. I’ve lived most of my life in Taranaki, but this will be my third time living in Tāmaki Makaurau. After teaching for almost 5 years, I recently took time off to travel through Europe and Japan. I’m very excited to be joining the wonderful Kākano team and be a part of the incredible work they are doing at Chelsea Primary School. My favourite thing about being a teacher is having the chance to support children in their passions and encourage their curiosity of the world. I especially love to teach literacy and inquiry topics. When I’m not in the classroom, I’ll most likely be reading a good book, enjoying one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s many stunning beaches, or exploring hiking trails.

E: alicia@chelsea.school.nz

Pakiaka Team (Year 1 & 2)

Pakiaka Team

Natalie Hooker

Pakiaka Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia Orana! I feel privileged to work with the amazing teachers and children in the Kakano Syndicate. While I have been teaching for a while and have taught all year levels, I have found my passion working with the littlies and appreciate being a part of their first "big school" experience. Starting school can be daunting for our little ones and creating an environment where they feel safe and happy is a priority. I want all children to experience success, to feel valued, to develop a love for learning and I look forward to being a part of their journey. Outside of teaching, I love being by the sea and spending time with my family, friends and my dog Charlie.

E: natalie@chelsea.school.nz

Eden Ward

Pakiaka Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia ora, I'm Eden and I'm proud to be a part of the Chelsea team, teaching year 5 and 6! I'm originally from Taranaki, moving up to complete schooling in Birkenhead. Growing up in Taranaki means I have a love for all things outdoors including beaches, walks and just generally getting out of the house. I previously studied Commerce, but found that my heart was not in it and set my sight on teaching. I absolutely love working with year 5 and 6 and watching their perception and understanding of the world grow. My favourite part of teaching is engaging in meaningful discussions about all that we are learning, especially when reading. I believe students learn best through collaborating with one another, making meaning through discussion and working together to solve problems.

E: eden@chelsea.school.nz

Katie Pine

Pakiaka Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia Ora and G'day! I'm Katie Pine. I was born and raised in Australia, but have lived in Auckland for all of my adult life. Four of those years were spent living overseas in China and Canada. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, so did my Bachelor of Education straight out of High School. I have been in the Pakiaka Team at Chelsea for several years now and love it. It's a fabulous age of curiosity, wonder and questions.

E: katie@chelsea.school.nz

Stephanie de Witte

Pakiaka Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Kia ora! I was born in Auckland and grew up on a small farm in Dairy Flat. I recently lived and worked in Zambia and enjoy sharing stories of my experiences travelling throughout sub-Saharan Africa! I always knew I wanted to work with children in some way and first earned a BSc majoring in Psychology before beginning my teaching journey. I believe developing a growth mindset, empathy and kindness are some of the most important tools we can have in both learning and life. I love being outdoors, animals, exercise and travelling whenever and wherever I can! I’m very excited to be part of the Kākano team in 2022

E: stephanie@chelsea.school.nz

Ivy Page

Pakiaka Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 2

About Me

Kia ora koutou! I’m Ivy Page, and I am very excited to be joining the Chelsea team in 2022. I’ve been teaching for three years in the Junior School and absolutely love it. I enjoy all areas of the curriculum but am most passionate about teaching Literacy and Māori. I enjoy spending my spare time at the beach, going for walks, playing social netball, watching sport, fishing and spending time with friends and family. I love to try new things (especially food) and go on adventures. I am really looking forward to working with the Chelsea Team and getting to know the children and the community.

E: ivy@chelsea.school.nz

Rito Team (Year 3 & 4)

Rito Team

Samantha Bottcher

Rito Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 1

About Me

I am currently a Year 3 & 4 teacher and Team leader of the Rito Syndicate. I grew up in South Africa and I love living near the ocean! I love camping and am a huge craft and mosaic enthusiast and live by the motto that you can NEVER have too many supplies! In our class, we believe in the value of mistakes and celebrate each as a unique individual, with our own talents and strengths. We all have the potential and I love being part of a 13 year journey and seeing how each of my learners develops and grows.

E: sam@chelsea.school.nz

Nicky Davis

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

I am a passionate professional teacher who wants to create an all-inclusive caring, creative environment for children to learn and grow. I want to be an inspiration to children to enable them to learn to the best of their ability and encourage them to have a growth mindset. I grew up in the UK and am a mother of two children, Alex (13) and Phoebe (8) and have a dog called Inka and a cat called Eric. We live locally to Chelsea Primary so I am often seen walking Inka and at sports activities. I very much enjoy tennis, art, and science. I love the outdoors, and we are often out exploring as a family, diving, walking, and enjoying all the NZ has to offer.

E: nicky@chelsea.school.nz

Zoe de Wit

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia Ora! I teach in the Rito (Year 3 & 4) team. I love teaching and consider my classroom to be one of my very happy places. I have always had a passion for writing, and have developed a keen interest in Maths as an adult. My motto is that it is never too late to learn something new! I believe that we are all on our own personal learning journey and as long as we have a growth mindset we can all learn everyday. Outside of school I can be found taking long walks with my husband Nick and Lottie the dog, making bread, playing the ukulele, renovating our home, and reading.

E: zoe@chelsea.school.nz

Lenni Miller

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Hi there, my name is Lenni Miller, I was born in the UK but Aotearoa is my home. I am proud to say that I teach at Chelsea School. I started my journey here in th e Kakano Syndicate and currently teach year 3 and 4 students in the Rito Syndicate. Prior to working at Chelsea School, I worked in paediatric rehab and respite before starting my teaching career as a special needs teacher. When I'm not teaching, I am either busy with my family or my close knit groups of friends. I am passionate about the Arts and love to be creative, either painting or creating mixed media artworks. I love being around the water all year round, it's my happy place.

E: lenni@chelsea.school.nz

Keith Wilson

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and I moved to New Zealand in 2014 to marry my wife. I currently teach Year 5/6 and I love spending time getting to know my students. In the classroom I believe that students will be successful in an environment where they are heard and their ideas are valued. Outside of school, I love travelling, running and spending time outdoors with my wife and son.

E: keith@chelsea.school.nz

Jessica Vader

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Kia ora! Ko Mrs. Vader taku ingoa. My teaching philosophy is based on nurturing each student's unique potential and creating a safe and supportive environment. I aim to instill a love for learning that lasts a lifetime, both academically and personally. I am specialised in teaching English as an additional language (EAL), and I have a strong interest in the mental health/wellbeing of students and staff. I'm here to guide and inspire your child on their educational journey, with a particular focus on ‘Growing Great Learners – Te Whakatipu Ākonga Miharo’. I look forward to our shared learning adventure.

E: jessica@chelsea.school.nz

Māhuri Team (Year 5 & 6)

Mahuri Team

Jillian McLean

Māhuri Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

Kia Ora! I'm Jillian and I’m excited to be back in Rito Hub. I grew up in the US but have called New Zealand my home for the past 15 years. I’ve been teaching for over 13 years and love guiding students along their learning journey. I enjoy being part of a collaborative learning environment and hope that I can empower students to achieve their best and develop their talents.

E: jillian@chelsea.school.nz

Tracey Notley

Māhuri Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 1

About Me

Kia ora. I am a born and bred Auckland girl! My family lived in South Auckland but the lure of the beaches and the quaint town of Warkworth led us to the move to Snells Beach. My mum, dad and brother still live there. I have a Science degree but teaching is where my passion was found and has continued to flourish over the years. I am currently the Year 5 and 6 team leader and Across School Leader for our Kahui Ako. I live by the saying ' To be better than before.' I absolutely love what I do and believe in strong wh?naungatanga (relationships). I have travelled to quite a few countries, my favourites being France, Samoa and India and all for different reasons. In my spare time, I work on my house, read, cook and play netball.

E: tracey@chelsea.school.nz

Helen Lares

Māhuri Team Teacher / Classroom Release

Hub 1

About Me

Kia ora! I was born and raised in the UK and came to Aotearoa when I was 12. I've been teaching for quite a long time time now. I've taught in schools all over Auckland and before I came to Chelsea, I lived and worked in China for 3 years and taught at an International School. It was an amazing experience and I have a great deal of admiration for anyone learning a second language. I currently teach Yr 3 & 4 and enjoy learning about every one of my learners' unique talents and abilities. Outside of school, I love spending time with my grandson, beach-walking, photography, singing, listening to music and making art.

E: helen@chelsea.school.nz

Sarah Blaney

Māhuri Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 2

About Me

I was born in a small country town in the UK, living there before moving to start my teaching career in Manchester. My husband and I visited New Zealand in 2011 and fell in love with the country, making the move over two years later. I was lucky enough to join the Chelsea wh?nau shortly after arriving here. Since then, we have started our own family and we have two young daughters that take up every moment of our spare time, although I can sometimes be found somewhere out in nature, hiking near a beach or swimming in the sea!

E: sarah@chelsea.school.nz

Marlece Jensen

Māhuri Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Kia ora! I was born and raised on the North Shore of Auckland and have always felt fortunate to live near the stunning beaches here. I am excited about rejoining the Chelsea whanau after briefly teaching here in 2022. Coming from an arts-oriented family, music holds a special place in my heart. I participated in Kapa Haka groups during my school days and have enjoyed playing guitar and guiding groups as a teacher. I take great pleasure in helping my learners discover their passions, and ensuring that my classroom is a happy place for both them and myself. Beyond the school environment, you'll find me playing the drums, enjoying beach sunsets, and spending time with my friends and family. I love going on road trips and exploring all that Aotearoa has to offer. I look forward to meeting you all!

E: marlece@chelsea.school.nz

Part Time Teachers

Part Time Teachers

Jenny Henderson

Part Time Teacher

About Me

Part-time teacher and reliever. Jenny has had a long association with Chelsea School and continues to support us.

E: jenny@chelsea.school.nz

Danielle Nichol

Part Time Teacher

Jessie Hawken

Part Time Teacher

Amber Cropp

Part Time Teacher

Office & Grounds Staff

Office & Grounds Staff

Sandra Cotcher

Office Manager & Principal's PA

About Me

Sandra's roles include: P.A. to the Principal; Office manager; New enrolments; BoT Minute Secretary.

E: office@chelsea.school.nz,sandra@chelsea.school.nz

Jo Trower

Office Administrator

About Me

Jo's roles include: Front office/receptionist; Office administration; General enquiries; First Aid/Medical Room.

E: jo@chelsea.school.nz

Shannon Mannion

Property Manager

About Me

Property Manager Groundsman Shannon's office is located in the staff car park near the exit gate.

E: shannon@chelsea.shool.nz

Support Staff

Support Staff

Alison Stothers

Librarian, Quick 60

About Me

I have been working at Chelsea Primary for 8 years, where I run the amazing Quick60 reading intervention programme for learners who need a boost with their literacy skills. I love working with these small groups of learners, and feel a strong sense of pride in each and every one of them as they progress through their learning journey. I also look after our school library and the Scholastic Lucky Book Club. My background is in advertising, marketing, and performing arts. In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, spending time with friends, and caravanning holidays with my family.

E: alison@chelsea.school.nz

Jan Norman

Quick 60

About Me

Learning Support in and out of the classroom doing a fabulous job supporting our teachers and students.

E: jan@chelsea.school.nz

Olivia Wirepa

Learning Assistant

About Me

Hello, my name is Olivia, but I am known to the students as Mrs Wirepa or Mrs W. I was born and raised in Auckland with my younger sister where we spent a lot of time around the beaches playing, exploring and sailing. I worked for seventeen years as a New Zealand Customs Officer, specialising as a Commercial Fraud Investigator. My husband and I have two children, aged 18 and 14, who both attended Chelsea Primary. I started at Chelsea providing support with remedial reading but in more recent years I have been working in the classroom supporting students with both their learning and emotional wellbeing. My focus is connecting with students who have special learning or emotional needs and I consider it a privilege to be able to support and nurture them so that they feel cared for and safe.

E: olivia@chelsea.school.nz

Kay Finlay

ESOL

About Me

Kia ora, my name is Kay Finlay. I come from the UK originally where I spent many years working in healthcare management. In 2002 I arrived in New Zealand with a kiwi husband and a young family and for the last 15 years I have been working at Chelsea School. I have a science degree and decided to do a CertTESOL qualification and work with ESOL children. I am now the ESOL Lead and I have the privilege of working with our ESOL students who come from all over the world. Every day I can see the students progressing along their language journey and I am proud to be part of that experience. I am constantly amazed by the determination and resilience that ESOL students display. In my spare time I love getting out into the New Zealand outdoors and I take any travel opportunity I can, including popping back to the UK to see my family.

E: kay@chelsea.school.nz

Sue Brewster

ESOL

About Me

During the last two years I have been working as an ESOL Teacher Assistant at Chelsea Primary School. This role has been extremely rewarding for me. To see children develop the English Language and grow in confidence makes the job very satisfying. I love building trust with young children and I feel this is one of my strengths. Developing this further and showing them that with a positive attitude their goals can be achieved is a wonderful part of each individual's journey to be involved in.

E: sueb@chelsea.school.nz

Christopher Stewart

Learning Assistant

Cathy Hayter

Learning Assistant

Michelle Bold

Learning Assistant

About Me

Hello my name is Michelle I love spending time with my family and friends and I especially enjoy being in nature in all our beautiful local reserves that are right on our back doorstep. I also love a good op shopping mission great coffee and yummy chocolate in no particular order.

E: michelle@chelsea.school.nz

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