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.

Jaki Van Dijk Teacher of Year 1 & 2 Room 2- Reading Recovery Teacher