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.

Paul Shand Deputy Principal

Kia ora tatou. My name is Paul Shand. I have been here at Upper Moutere School since 2007 as the Deputy Principal and class teacher of Room 5. This is a record length of time for me at any school so it must be good. The class is full of wonderful hard learning Year 5 and 6 students. As a class we have established “why we are here?” coming up with ‘Learn, Enjoy and Feel Safe’. 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 but will continue my Super 15 support of the Hurricanes. My wife Suz and I spent several years teaching in London and travelling before ’setting up’ in NZ. The decision to live in the Nelson area was certainly an easy one due to family and lifestyle. We live in nearby Tasman Village and have 3 beautiful children, Bella, Lochy and Albie.  I enjoy all sports and still manage to run around a soccer pitch in winter and sub off during summer’s 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

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 12 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 5 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 – Rachael is on leave for Terms 1 and 2 2012 as she has a Science Teachers Fellowship.

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 five 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.

Hayley Wilson Teacher Year 3 & 4 Room 3  – Hayley is joining us f0r Terms 1 & 2

Kia ora tatou. I am extremely excited to be joining the team at Upper Moutere.I have recently been at Richmond School where I opened a new entrant class towards the end of the year, and prior to that relieving at several schools within the Nelson/Tasman region, having just completed my degree.

I am currently in the process of building a house and enjoying the challenge of creating something from scratch with my husband Mitchell. We are keen travellers who enjoy exploring new places and experiencing a variety of cultures. I appreciate all artistic and creative pursuits, especially art and dance when there is time, but most of all I love being with my family and friends.

Hei kona ra, I look forward to meeting you soon.

Jaki Van Dijk Teacher of Year 1 & 2 Room 2