Staff – Chelsea Primary School

Leadership Team

Amanda Douglas

Principal

About Me

It is such a privilege to lead the team at Chelsea. I am surrounded by learners, both big and small, who never fail to inspire me daily. I love the diversity at Chelsea, and it is great to showcase and celebrate who we are through many different layers of the curriculum. From academics, to sports, the arts and culture, our learners shine. I believe that we must meet every child where they are, to partner with each and every family so that we can share our knowledge in order to support and challenge our kids to grow into great people who love the lives they are living. When I'm not at school, you can find me travelling the world and immersing myself in different cultures and experiences. I love trying new things and pushing my beliefs about what I can do. I grew up on and around the water, and I still feel very connected to the sea. I also love a good hike, and getting into nature, which is a good place to test DNA such as resilience and perseverance. I love a good chat and connecting with others, so if you haven't met me, please make sure you come and say 'hi'.

E: amanda@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

Sven Cropp

Deputy Principal

About Me

Kia Ora. My name is Sven and I have been teaching now for almost 20 years. I am a father of two awesome boys and my wife is a teacher as well. I am so excited to be part of such an amazing school. I am incredibly passionate about collaboration and promoting student agency for our learners. I believe that by empowering our learners to take greater responsibility for their learning we are helping to set them up for success in the future. I love the culture we are creating here at Chelsea. I believe that by nurturing our students and providing them with the right conditions and environment they will grow into great learners!

E: sven@chelsea.school.nz

Kākano Team (New Entrant – Year 1)

Kakano Team

Nick Smud

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

My name is Nick Smud and I have been teaching in New Zealand for the past 12 years. I have a positive nature and love for teaching, and life in general. This helps me to show children the joy of becoming lifelong learners. My belief is that each child has the potential to be great at many things and if someone can show them how to believe in themselves and that learning is stimulating, rewarding and fun. I want to be that someone!

E: nick@chelsea.school.nz

Rebecca Hedges

Kākano Team Teacher, Team Leader

Hub 1

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

Nicky Davis

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

E: nicky@chelsea.school.nz

Sarah Jones

Kākano Team Teacher

Hub 2

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

Pakiaka Team (Year 1 & 2)

Pakiaka Team

Sharan Kaur

Pakiaka 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

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

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

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

Jillian McLean

Rito 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

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

Phoebe Sinclair

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 2

About Me

Hi, I am Phoebe Sinclair. I grew up an hour north of Auckland and still split my time between my lovely place in Birkenhead and the beautiful beaches up north. I studied Event Management at University and worked for three years in the industry, which was a great experience and a lot of fun. Needing a change, I made the jump to teaching. I was lucky enough to have ten weeks of my study at Chelsea and got to know and love the school and everyone here. I am so excited to start my teaching career at Chelsea and learn and grow alongside the ākonga.

E: phoebe@chelsea.school.nz

Eden Ward

Rito Team Teacher

Hub 2

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

Māhuri Team (Year 5 & 6)

Mahuri Team

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

Debby Rafter

Māhuri Team Teacher

Hub 1

About Me

I was born and grew up in South Africa. After teaching for many years in both South Africa and the U.K., I have finally settled in New Zealand. I love swimming in the sea and spending the day on the beach with my friends and family. I teach year 5-6 and love seeing my students develop and grow as self managing and independent learners. My class describes me as: kind, cheerful, happy, warm-hearted, incredible and fantastic! I am really lucky to be their teacher! My motto is: Mistakes are really important! It's where the learning happens.

E: debby@chelsea.school.nz

Keith Wilson

Māhuri 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

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

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

About Me

E: danielle@chelsea.school.nz

Classroom Release Teachers

Classroom Release Teacher

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

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

Jasmine Ngamoki

Learning Assistant

About Me

Kia Ora, I'm Jasmine originally from the small rural region of Rangitikei. I absolutely love everything to do with nature, gardening and helping the environment.

E: jasmine@chelsea.school.nz

Christopher Stewart

Learning Assistant

About Me

E: christopher@chelsea.school.nz

Melody Tong

Learning Assistant

About Me

E: melody@chelsea.school.nz

Cathy Hayter

Learning Assistant

About Me

E: cathy@chelsea.school.nz

Graeme Law

Learning Assistant

About Me

E: graemeL@chelsea.school.nz