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 an extremely 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, I would love to show you around our stunning school.
Todd Brodie Deputy Principal
Kia ora Whanau. My name is Todd Brodie, and I am the teacher in the Year5/6 class at Upper Moutere School, as well as being the deputy principal. I feel very privileged to be working with such an enthusiastic group of students and staff in such a beautiful rural setting.
I am happily married to Rachael, and am a very enthusiastic father of two very busy pre-school boys, Jed and Emmitt. I enjoy every moment I get with them, and in particular enjoy getting them out into the outdoors, as the Nelson and Tasman regions have so many exciting places to visit!
I live in Brightwater, and am busy in my spare time (when I am not playing with my boys) fixing up the gardens, as they need a bit of work!
I look forward to getting to know the families and students of Upper Moutere and am excited about working in such an amazing rural school!
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 has graduated from Harvard with a Ph D and has just moved to Australia.
Emma is married to Chris, lives in Wellington and has a 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 lives in San Francisco where she is a Creative in an Advertising company.
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.
Todd Brodie Teacher of Year 5 & 6 Room 5
See above
Emma Watts Teacher of Year 4 & 5 Room 4
Kia ora. I’m Emma Watts and I am the Room 4 teacher and lead e-learning teacher at Upper Moutere School. I have been teaching for about 13 years. I trained in London and worked for 8 years in the heart of the East End where I was a Lead Literacy Teacher. I have been leading e-learning for nearly 6 years in NZ. I am passionate about using e-learning ‘tools’ to encourage students to become confident, creative and active learners. I love teaching all subjects and my favourites are writing, reading, maths and visual arts – especially making movies with my students. My other teaching passion is ‘thinking skills’ – developing student’s critical and creative thinking, and their problem solving skills. I love being outdoors, in my spare time I waka ama paddle and white water kayak.
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Rachael Whalley Teacher of New Entrants Room 1
Hi I am Rachael and I feel privileged to be teaching at Upper Moutere school. I love the way the children come to school so full of enthusiasm, curiosity and a readiness to learn.
Originally from Christchurch I moved up here seven 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.
I live in Kaiteriteri and in my spare time I enjoy making the most of the great adventures to be found right outside my front door – cycling, walking and kayaking the many beautiful tracks and parks in the area. I have also recently taken up playing the ukulele and love being part of the Ukes of Hazard ukulele group in Motueka and the Plinkers ukulele group in Nelson.
I love nothing more than catching up with family and friends and can often be found travelling back to my beloved hometown of Christchurch.
Hi I’m Jaki. I teach an energetic bunch of year one and two children in Room two. This my fifth year teaching at Upper Moutere and I’m enjoying the rewards and challenges that it brings. I am really pleased to be a part of this school as we have a fantastically supportive and caring team.
I have four children of my own who have knocked me into shape (kept me humble) over the years as they’ve grown up. Georgia , Xavier, Roman and Mikhail are all off chasing their dreams.
I live in an old villa in Wakefield and am enjoying dreaming about and planning ambitious renovation projects. I squash as much as I can into my spare time, catching up with friends and enjoying music events.
We have a great time in Room Two while we learn core skills. We enjoy singing most days and would love to have you come and join us.
Fleur Harpur Teacher of Year 3 Room 3
Kia Ora I joined the teaching team in Term 2 as Jo is on maternity leave.
Cathy Ellis Teacher Year 1&2 Room2, Release Teacher Special Abilities
I’m Cathy the Release teacher here at Upper Moutere School which means I have the privilege of teaching all classes at the school over the week.
I am local and live here in the village with my husband and our daughter Hannah in the second oldest house in the area!!
We have four children who all went to this fabulous school. Our eldsest daughter, Amy is in Wellington managing a Vodafone store, George has just graduated in Civil Engineering from Canterbury and Sam is in his third year of Architecture in Wellington.
I love teaching art and enjoy gardening, cooking, reading and creative pursuits. Spare time(?) I enjoy spending it with friends and family.
Maia Campbell Part-time SENCO and ORS Teacher
Hillary Gregory Part-time Release Teacher
Campbell Head Part-time Release Teacher
Lori Heine Teacher Aide
Denise Penman Teacher Aide
Olivia Damian Teacher Aide
Julia Young Teacher-Aide
Saree Dickson Office Administrator
Board of Trustees
Dot Kettle - Chairperson
Phil Grover
Patsy Berriman
Steve Fox
Jason Wastney
Beth Inglis Staff Representative
Grant Watson Principal
Michelle MacNeil Minutes Secretary
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