Grant Watson Principal

Kia Ora. I am Grant Watson and the Principal at Upper Moutere School. I feel very lucky to be leading this school with the support of a very motivated, enthusiastic and hard working staff. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a positive and responsive group of children, who are well mannered and care for each other. The leadership our year 7 and 8 students take in our school impresses me greatly, I enjoy their enthusiasm, maturity and responsibility. I am married to Raewyn, who is also a teacher and we have three fabulous children, Seamus, Seth and Freya who are involved in a variety of activities that keep us busy as a family. I enjoy art and have been known to have a go at painting. Raewyn and I have entered the Wearable Arts numerous times but sadly not since I became Principal, perhaps that is a goal for next year! If you are passing Upper Moutere, call in and see us sometime I would love to show you around our stunning school.

Paul Shand Deputy Principal

Kia ora. My name is Paul Shand. I joined Upper Moutere School in 2007 as the Deputy Principal and class teacher of Room 5. The classroom is attached to the hall and is full of hard working, wonderful Year 5 and 6 students. It is great to be a part of a country school with such excellent facilities such as a spacious hall, a massive field and a 20m swimming pool! The setting here amongst vineyards and the historic village of Sarau makes it a special place.

Originally from the Wairarapa and Wellington, I have happily become a Mainlander, although I have yet to swap my Super 14 support of the Hurricanes to the Crusaders. My wife Suz, a Motueka local, is also a teacher for 3 days a week job sharing and in her spare time looks after our 3 children.
Suz and I spent several years teaching in London and travelling before returning to NZ. We wasted no time settling down with the decision to live in the Nelson area being an easy one. Numerous changes occurred for us in our first 4 years back starting in December 2003 which include, finding new jobs, getting married, buying a house in the wonderful Tasman Village and having 3 beautiful children, Bella, Lochy and Albie. Yes, they are all in the correct order! I enjoy all sports and still manage to run around a soccer pitch and sub off during touch rugby.

Teachers

Beth Inglis Teacher of Year 7 & 8 Room 6

I teach in Room 6 which is the Year 7 & 8 class, and as Grant has already mentioned they are a fantastic bunch of highly motivated, friendly responsible young adults. I came to Upper Moutere School for two terms in 2004, and am very happy to be here still. The Upper Moutere Community is friendly and supportive.

I have three amazing adult daughters, who are great friends; Amy is at Harvard doing her Ph D and is currently in Tokyo doing research.

Emma is married to Chris, lives in Wellington and has a baby son Charlie who is gorgeous, so consequently I am on the look out for cheap flights to Wellington. Emma works part time in Mental Health.

Kate also lives in Wellington she is a Creative for Saatchi and Saatchi.

I enjoy walking and in summer like to compete in Half Marathons. As I live at Kaiteriteri there are lots of amazing walks to do.

I love travelling and try to get away as often as I am able.

Paul Shand Teacher of Year 5 & 6 Room 5

See above

Tania Parekura Teacher of Year 4 & 5 Room 4

Kia ora!  My name is Tania Parekura and I joined Upper Moutere School in 2009 as a classroom teacher in Room 4.  I am currently teaching a great class of Year 4 and 5 children.

After 7 years teaching in London it is nice to be working in such an idyllic location surrounded by beautiful countryside and a community that offers many of the things I love – friendly people, sports facilities, the sea, vineyards, cafes and arts and crafts.

I currently live in Nelson and the drive to work is something special and is a fabulous way to start and end the day.  I love being home in Aotearoa close to my family and friends.  I am an active person who loves most sports and I can’t wait until the Rugby World Cup in 2011.  It will be fun to have the Italian team based in Nelson and let’s keep our fingers crossed for a better result for New Zealand than the last cup.

Rachael Whalley Teacher of Year 2 & 3 Room 3

Hi I am Rachael and I feel privileged to be teaching at Upper Moutere School. I love the way the students come to school so full of enthusiasm, curiosity and ready to learn

Originally from Christchurch I moved up here three years ago to experience teaching in a small country school (having spent my previous teaching positions in large schools of around 600 children). What a find – great colleagues, fabulous children and caring and supportive parents all set in the most delightful location! I love Upper Moutere and treasure the way I have been welcomed into this community.

This year I am lucky enough to be living in Kaiteriteri. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with family and friends and making the most of the great outdoors – walking, biking and kayaking in the weekends and tramping and skiing (weather permitting!) in the holidays.

Jaki Van Dijk Teacher of Year 1 & 2 Room 2