Welcome to Whaea Bec

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome all those new and returning students and teaching staff to Sylvia Park School.  We trust you all enjoyed the holiday break and are now ready to settle back into school life.

It is with great pleasure we welcome Whaea Bec (Ms Kaukau, Acting Principal) for the 1st Term of 2014.   Whaea Bec will work closely alongside Mrs Maitland and we appreciate all she is doing for the school.

Our wonderful Whaea Barb will return to us from her secondment in Term 2. 

Lyle

Introducing... Esther Casey

Kia ora koutou,  Malo e lelei, Talofa lava and Groetjes

Esther and her family
(Image all rights reserved)

Who are you?

I am mum to two great kids in the junior school at Sylvia Park.  I have been a teacher and a librarian and am now working with schools to support their e-learning.  I was born in the Netherlands, and grew up in the Waikato, but have lived in Auckland for the last ten years. 

What are you doing on the Board of Trustees?

I wanted to be on the BoT so that I could offer my skills to help the school community and support all of our kids' learning.  I was also offered the role of secretary which means that it is my job to make sure the minutes of our meetings are here on the blog for you to read if you want to.

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

The best thing about schools is that there are so many dedicated people providing amazing learning opportunities for children and that they respond by developing an astounding range of talents and interests.  A school is just such a rich, exciting place to be.  This is especially so at Sylvia Park! 

What kinds of things do you like to do?

Baking, reading and learning.  When I have time, I like to make (and eat...) cheese.

Introducing... Pasepa Topeni

Pasepa and her family
(images all rights reserved)

Who are you?

Malo e lelei ! My name is Pasepa Topeni, a full time mother of seven children. It is my privilege to be part of the SPS BoT.

How long have you been part of the Sylvia Park School whānau?

About six years now.

What’s your dream job?

Always wanted to be a chef…….

What kinds of things do you like to do?

Cooking and baking

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

Seeing kids enjoying their learning, and having a can do attitude towards their learning.

Introducing.... Paul Tetley

Paul and his family
(images all rights reserved)

Who are you?

I mostly do property maintenance with a growing interest in landscaping as well, I try to make the best use of what a property has to offer. I'd like to be self sufficient and have a lot more time to spend `building stuff' with the boys and their mum!

What would you like to do for a holiday?

Go back to Arrowtown and look for more Gold! or to Australia or America and go real treasure hunting with the boys...

What do you enjoy about being on the Board of Trustees?

Our BOT is privileged to have a great administration team at the school who work tirelessly to improve all aspects of the school and teachers. It's great to be a part of this and in contact with that team and understand so much more about all the different levels of `our education system'. It is a very good way to learn so much more about how wonderful the school is on a deeper level also.

What other connection do you have to the school?

My wife grew up in this school, some of her teachers are still here! We have three boys, we expect all of them will grow up right here too! I, on the other hand, went to primary and intermediate school in the Philippines.

Introducing.... Nellie Tongalea

Fakaalofa atu, Hello and greetings 

My name is Nellie Tongalea, proud member of the Board Of Trustees. I come from a large family of four sisters and two brothers with many nieces and nephews so family is a very important part of my life.  

Nellie and Jayin
(image all rights reserved)

How long have you been part of the Sylvia Park School whānau?

My son Jayin started at the school in February of this year and I have been so impressed with his learning and development during his short time in the school

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

There are lots of great things about being at school but one of the best things is the children and how friendly they all are.  It's so nice to come in and hear from JJ’s school friends “hi JJ’s mum” always makes me smile.

What’s your dream job?

Growing up I always wanted to be a police woman

What is your favourite food?

Chinese dumplings, they are delicious!

Introducing.... Nettie Norman

Kia ora everyone,

My name is Nettie and I am a member on the Board of Trustees. I have two children who attend Sylvia Park School and absolutely love being part of the SPS whānau.

Nettie and her whānau
(images all rights reserved)

How long have you been part of the Sylvia Park School Whānau?

My father, three siblings and myself all attended Sylvia Park School in the 60's and 90's, so this school has had a special place in my heart for a very long time. Now that my children are here, me being on the board is my way of giving back.

What is your favourite food?

CHOCOLATE. Yummo!!!

Who is your favourite celebrity?

I am a huge Sonny Bill Williams fan. Strictly based on his sporting ability, hehe.

What do you like doing?

I enjoy playing all sorts of sports from netball, softball, touch rugby and even a bit of table tennis. My other passion is kapa haka which I do both competitively and professionally.

Introducing.... Lyle Cairns, Board Chair

Lyle, Dagmar and their children
(image all rights reserved)

Who are you?

Kia Ora All, I'm Board Chair, my whole whānau are involved with Sylvia Park School (SPS).  My wife Dagmar is the Art Teacher and our three wonderful children all attend SPS.  I currently work as the Director of the Service Academy programme at Tamaki College.  This is a role I thoroughly enjoy as I'm able to guide and assist senior students with their career options.  In closing, Our rangatahi are our future so lets all guide them well.   

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

The best thing about SPS are the students, aye!!

What is your favourite food?

Chop-Suey, yum!