Our Staff - Ōpaheke School Website

Index

Leadership Team
Admin Team
Teachers

Maungakiekie (Year 1/2)
Maungarei (Year 3/4)
Rangitoto (Year 5/6)
Maungawhau (Year 7/8)

Librarian
Language Tutors
Student Support
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
Group Support
PMP (Perceptual Motor Programme)

LEADERSHIP TEAM

JADE TAWHITI – PRINCIPAL

Jade is the Principal with responsibility for the whole school.
Jade has been a principal for over 10 years. This is the third school he has led. He has taught at both secondary and primary school level. Jade used to play rugby but prefers to play golf and cricket now. He is married to Nikayla and they have three children. Jade enjoys fishing and hunting when he has spare time.

DENISE HORLEY – DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Denise is the Deputy Principal with responsibility for over-viewing the Years 0 – 4 area of the school.
Denise has been teaching for 29 years, 14 years were in United Kingdom. She has taught various age groups ranging from 3-13 years. She has performed many roles during her career including SENCO, Team Leader, Dean and Deputy Principal. Denise has a Bachelor of Education and has a special interest in developing learning focused relationships and student voice. Denise loves living in New Zealand and the quality of life it offers. She has children in the U.K and four children in New Zealand. In her spare-time she loves to garden, read and play with her cats.

JANE HAMLIN – DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Jane is the Deputy Principal, overseeing the Year 5 – 8 area of the school. She is also our SENCO. Jane has been teaching for almost 20 years and been at Opaheke since 2008. She has taught all year levels but has spent most of her time teaching at the Intermediate level. Jane was team leader for Maungawhau for several years before moving into the Deputy Principal role this year. Jane’s curriculum interests are mathematics and health and physical education. She enjoys learning and developing her interests, particularly around culturally responsive practices and student agency. Jane has one daughter who currently attends Opaheke School.

NIKKIE LAING – ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Nikkie is Associate Principal with a focus on supporting Learning with Digital Technologies across the school. She has been teaching for more than 20 years as has taught across the Primary and Intermediate. Year levels. She has a bachelor’s Degree (Education and Geography) and a Diploma of Teaching. Nikkie has a special interest in Learning with Digital Technologies and is a Microsoft MIE Fellow, an honour bestowed to only a few Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts worldwide.
Nikkie is married with three teenaged children, all of whom attended Opaheke School.

ADMIN TEAM

KATHRYN WINDLEBORN - EXECUTIVE OFFICER/PRINCIPAL'S PA

Kathryn started working at Opaheke School at the beginning of 2018 and has two children who currently attend our school. She can be found in the school’s front office. If ever you have a problem with payment of fees, trip costs etc Kathryn is the person to see. Kathryn’s interests include family, outdoor activities and movies.

LYNDA PRYOR - ENROLMENT/ATTENDANCE OFFICER

Lynda has worked at Opaheke School for over 10 years. Her career started out as the School Library Administrator, but because of Lynda’s friendly nature and warm open way with people, Lynda was moved to our office and is now the person to see for enrolments, attendance and anything else that needs sorting. Lynda has been involved with the school since her eldest daughter started school in 1992. Her last child left Opaheke School in 2004. Her main interests are family, art, travel, reading and technology.

ANGELA WATT - RECEPTIONIST

Angela started at Opaheke School in 2022. She enjoys helping others and making sure everyone is looked after. She has a baby boy at home and loves to cook. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

KEVIN CHESTER - PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Kevin has worked at School for the past 15 years. He was previously the groundsperson at Papakura High School. Kevin and his wife have two children who attended Opaheke School and they live in the local area. His key responsibilities are the maintenance and security of school. His aim is to maintain a well presented and clean environment for the pupils and staff to enjoy.