STAFF
Russell Thompson
Principal
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Russell Thompson
Principal
Being at Masterton Intermediate for 60% of my working life has never really felt like a job to me. I thoroughly enjoy seeing students get involved and make the most of the massive range of learning opportunities that we provide at our kura. I also appreciate the support that we receive from those parents and whānau who work with our staff to enable their child to be the best that they can be.
My wife, Lianne, and I love spending time with our two grandchildren, Charlotte and Max. I like to follow all sporting codes, particularly competitions involving representatives from Wairarapa or Aotearoa. I try hard to live and breathe our school whakatauki, “E mātahi ana, e mataara!”, whenever possible.
Olivia Geange
Deputy Principal
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Olivia Geange
Deputy Principal
Kia ora koutou! Born and bred in Carterton, I attended Carterton School and Kuranui College. I then spent three years at teacher training college in Wellington before returning home to teach. I taught at Hiona Intermediate (now Lakeview) for one year and at MIS for two years. I then headed overseas on my OE to travel and explore as much as I could. A two year working holiday visa turned into to six years! I returned to New Zealand with a live souvenir I now call my husband. We live in Masterton with our three children and his two dogs!! Returning to MIS in this role in 2017 was a real honour and privilege. There are so many opportunities for our students and no one day is ever the same. It is great to be part of a supportive staff who all have our students’ best interests at heart.
I am very much looking forward to another great year in one of the best school environments in the region!
Raegan Warren
Deputy Principal Email
Raegan Warren
Deputy Principal
I was born and raised in the Wairarapa but I have also lived and taught in other parts of New Zealand, including Christchurch. I have loved being back at MIS since 2020 and giving back to the intermediate that I attended as a student! I am particularly excited about being one of the deputy principals this year and supporting all of our teachers and students to make the most of their time here at MIS.
Outside of school, my husband and I live on a sheep and beef farm with our 11 dogs! Going on all sorts of outdoor adventures including hunting or fishing in the ocean with the family boat are some of our favourite pastimes.
Colin Mann
Room 3 teacher
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Colin Mann
Room 3 teacher
It’s great to be part of such a dynamic team. A happy workplace for both students and staff. Originally from Zimbabwe but now have made New Zealand my home. I am married to Debby and have two children and two grandchildren. My daughter lives in the Wairarapa and my son in Auckland. The best part about living here is travelling to superb destinations and getting to meet different people as we go.
The best time of the day while at MIS is taking Girls Cricket , I enjoy watching Cricket and Rugby.
Yolandi Verwey
Room 4 teacher and Waiohine team leader
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Yolandi Verwey
Room 4
I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. I decided to join my family in New Zealand in 2012 and I never looked back. I did my first few years of teaching up in Whangaparaoa, Auckland. I then met my partner and made the move down to the Wairarapa to be with him and his three boys. I’ve been living in Martinborough for the last three years.
We are a sports mad family and in between watching cricket and rugby I still get time to play my own hockey and cricket. I enjoy getting out there on my bike and taking my dog for runs. Although I enjoy sports and being outdoors, I can easily spend a few hours watching Netflix.
I’m excited to be part of the MIS whānau and can’t wait to get stuck into the busy life of intermediate.
Merryn Hamilton
Room 5 teacher
Merryn Hamilton
Room
I was born in Wellington, however when I was 11 years old my family and I moved overseas to live in Kuwait where we spent 4 years. We then moved to Balikpapan, Indonesia and then onto Singapore. Living overseas allowed me to experience so many different cultures, foods and experiences, and I loved every minute of it!!
In my spare time I enjoy gardening, spending time with my pets, puzzling and playing board games. I have a strong interest in learning and teaching about social and emotional wellbeing, as well as building positive relationships with all ākonga.
Richard Lennox
Room 6 teacher
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Richard Lennox
Room 6
I was born and grew up in the Waikato before getting involved in broadcasting in Hamilton and spending time in Christchurch studying. I then lived in Masterton and worked at Radio Wairarapa. .I moved away and studied in Palmerston North, completed my teaching qualification and have taught in and held leadership positions in several schools. My partner and I have 8 adult children who are either working or studying. We share our home with a crazy german shorthaired pointer.
I am passionate about teaching and learning and making learning a positive experience for all students whom I am lucky enough to have in my care. I’m excited to be part of the MIS staff this year and am looking forward to being in the classroom full time and having a heap of fun with our students.
I love to ride my motorcycle, ski, watch just about any sport and coach, hunt, travel, binge watch netflix, spend time with friends and family and enjoy life to the fullest.
Juliet Stewart
Room 7 teacher
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Juliet Stewart
Room 7
I have been teaching here at MIS since 2002 and the last 20 years have just disappeared on me. MIS is the only school that I have taught at.
One of my big jobs at school is organising the Japanese Exchange with Shijonawate Gakuen, something that I have been doing since 2011. I love this aspect of my job and enjoy taking our kids to Japan for them to experience another culture. It is an amazing opportunity for them, unfortunately due to COVID we had to cancel last years and this year’s trip. Hopefully we will be back up and ready to go in 2023
I was born and grew up in the Wairarapa, with only a few years at school in New Plymouth I have lived here all my life.
I have two daughters Hannah and Jorja, and two grandchildren DJ and Ariana, who all live here in Masterton so I am lucky to see them all the time.
Adriaan Botha
Room 8 teacher and Waiawangawanga team leader
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Adriaan Botha
Room 4 Class Teacher and Waiohine Team Leader
Kia ora koutou katoa. Originally from South Africa I started my teaching career in New Zealand in 2016. I have a passion for teaching and am very happy to be a part of the MIS whānau. I have a beautiful wife and 3 daughters. My wife, Daleen, a teacher at Gladstone School and daughters, Adelene, Leandri and Charlize, also love the Wairarapa.
I love sports and like to coach, umpire or watch different sport games. My favourite sports are Rugby, cricket, athletics and netball (especially when my daughter plays). The sport teams I support are The Crusaders, All Blacks and Black Caps (just to mention a few). We spend our free time exploring the beautiful country and love a good braai (barbeque) with family and friends.
My favourite subjects are Mathematics and PE. I also like Sciences and Biology. Motto: To be respectful to others and to enjoy life.
Laura Cannons
Room 9 teacher
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Laura Cannons
Room 9 Teacher
Kia Ora!
I have absolutely loved teaching Year 7&8 and am thrilled to be joining the MIS team in 2023.
I grew up in the Hutt Valley and left to study at the University of Otago in 2018 where I gained my Bachelor of Teaching, ever since I have been itching to get back to Wellington, and have recently settled in the beautiful Wairarapa.
Outside of school I enjoy travelling, watching musicals and spending time in the outdoors particularly going to the river or park with my blue heeler, Meeka.
Michael O'Farrell
Room 10 teacher
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Michael O'Farrell
Room 10 Teacher
I was born in Masterton but raised in rural Central Hawkes Bay. I moved to Palmerston North to study at Massey University to complete a teaching degree. Worked at Whanganui Intermediate School for four years with a career highlight of winning the Rugby SuperSport Banner against a very good MIS team…..Kia Ora Mr T!
I then transferred to Masterton Intermediate School in 2010. My family and I moved to the United Arab Emirates for six years where i was teaching at ADNOC Schools. We then moved to Brunei Darussalam for a further two years. At the start of 2019 we moved back to the beautiful Wairarapa and are hoping to settle here permanently.
David Johnston
Room 11 teacher
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David Johnston
Room 11 teacher
Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요).
I spent 17 years teaching English in South Korea and have recently returned to Masterton to continue my teaching career. I was delighted to become a member of staff given that I am an MIS old boy and have a strong connection with this school, as my mother Hellen Johnston taught here for many years.
My background is in secondary education with a passion for English and the Arts.
I am a husband and father of two beautiful girls. We enjoy playing with our dog and doing family activities together when I’m not competing in armchair sports events.
Scott Ogilvie
Room 12 teacher
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Scott Ogilvie
Room 12 Teacher
I was born and raised in Wollongong, Australia. A beautiful coastal city about an hour south of Sydney. I began teaching in Australia in 2007 before leaving the classroom at the end of 2009.
In 2010 I moved to New Zealand and spent 10 years working at Te Papa as a Learning Specialist, then as the STEM Coordinator for Wairarapa Library Service. Last year I completed a teacher refresher course and returned to the teaching profession and am excited to have been offered a position at MIS in 2023.
Away from work I enjoy staying active - playing hockey, biking, running and tramping. I am also a big sports fan and will watch most sports on TV. I also love the challenge and excitement of learning something new!
Ruth Olds
Room 13 teacher and Waipoua team leader
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Ruth Olds
Room 13 teacher and Waipoua team leader
Kia ora! My whanau and I have recently moved to the Wairarapa after teaching at a range of primary and intermediate schools in Wellington for almost 20 years. We are lapping up the sunshine and slightly slower days. My husband (Andrew), two children (Katie - 8 years and Richie - 6 years), puppy (Cashew) and kittens (Zeus and Elton) fill my bucket constantly with lego building, bike riding, swimming and gardening together.
I love to teach and I love to learn. I’m excited to be able to contribute to the buzzing learning environment that is MIS. Critical thinking, maths, reading, creative writing, running, singing, playing and building relationships with students, parents, staff and community are all top of my list. Bring on 2023!
Rebecca Warren
Room 14 teacher
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Rebecca Warren
Room 14
I love being a part of the MIS community! I am a returned Wairarapa girl, who grew up in Pirinoa and Greytown. I have moved home after living in Berlin, Christchurch and most recently Palmerston North. I now live in Masterton with my partner and our much loved pets. My passions include teaching, travelling, reading, bush walks, and spending time with friends and family. I especially enjoy teaching the arts curriculum, being involved with the choir and girls cricket and getting to know the students in my class.
Roseanne Sayles
Room 15 teacher
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Roseanne Sayles
Room 15 teacher
Kia ora koutou katoa. I have lived in Eketahuna for the past five years and love the community and country lifestyle. I enjoy meeting new people, trying different experiences, being creative, concerts and most sport. I live with my partner and I have two adult children.
I am excited to meet my students and becoming part of the MIS team. I enjoy teaching year 7 & 8’s and look forward to building positive relationships with them. I started my teaching career in Taihape and spent several years teaching in Taranaki before moving to Eke.
It also feels a bit like coming home as I spent my teenage years living and working in Masterton.
Suz Hayman
Room 17 teacher and Tauwharenikau team leader
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Suz Hayman
Room 17
Kia ora koutou katoa. I was born and raised in Pirinoa and am proud to call the wonderful Wairarapa home. I live on a lifestyle block with my husband Tony, and two kids Ruby and Luca, and a number of animals. We are an active family and love the outdoors, such as exploring the Tararua Ranges and beaches around the Wairarapa.
Following a career in early childhood, I made the transition to primary and love it! I enjoy building relationships with students and their whānau, working alongside them in their learning journeys.
Ngā mihi
Calvin Randall
Room 18 class teacher
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Calvin Randall
Room 18
Kia ora koutou katoa,
I grew up in Mohua, located in the lovely Tasman Bays. I moved to Wellington in 2017 to study and work though I have wanted to get back out to the country in the last few years.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, reading, and a good board game. I have an interest in Drama, English, and Outdoor Education. I believe strong relationships are key to all of our success. I am looking forward to meeting and getting amongst the community here at MIS in 2022 and beyond!
Jacqui Malcolm (Whāea Rika)
Science teacher
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Jacqui Malcolm
Science teacher
Rika: (Māori - eager, enthusiasm & zeal), (Japanese理科 - science)
I was raised in Christchurch and the lower South Island. By the age of 14, I had moved 13 times.
While I was serving in the RNZN I meet my now husband when we were deployed to East Timor in 1999 and since he’s a Carterton local, we moved down December 2001.
We have 2 sons (Connor & Wyatt) and 2 dogs (Brin & Chewbacca).
I’m a keen sports women having played softball, squash & rugby, but I’ll give anything a go! My latest passion is Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, in which I’ve managed to take some podium places at regional and lower North Island championships. I’m currently a shodan, which is a 1st degree black belt.
I’m inquisitive by nature and I love to encourage akonga to build on their inquiry and creative skills to support their learning of science to create a love for it. This will be my first year in the science role and I’m extremely excited to see what we get up to!!
My other school passion is NZ Sign Language and I aim to include as much as possible.
Judy Dreadon
Cooking Teacher
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Judy Dreadon
Cooking teacher
Born and bred a Central Hawkes Bay girl, I attended St Matthews during my teenage years so being able to return to the Wairarapa 5 years ago was a bonus especially as it enabled me to be closer to my 3 grandchildren or g’s as I call them.
I am a proud member of the MIS whānau and am very excited about my new role this year. I will have the privilege of teaching our MIS students cooking skills which will enable them to cook at home and also I hope to ignite a passion in our students for life long experimenting in the world of food.
I am also looking forward to incorporating our school vege garden into our lessons. My other interests in the sporting world are scoring for the softball and baseball teams and coaching netball. Personally I like to swim and do the odd walk to keep me fit.
Rick Luff
Design Technology teacher
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Rick Luff
Design Technology teacher
Another local born and raised in Masterton. I’ve been a regular around MIS since my return from China in 2012. This year I’m back in a classroom full time. I love this environment, full of great people and awesome students.
I live here in Masterton with my wife Haixia, daughter Jennifer and our dog Leo.
My interests include playing music, cooking and renovating my old house. I also enjoy the challenge of fixing computers and phones.
Georgia Wallace
Music
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Georgia Wallace
Music
Kia ora koutou!
I was born in Hastings, but grew up in Ōamaru where I spent my schooling years. I attended Otago University, Massey University and Te Pūkenga where I have gained a number of qualifications and experience in Music, Theatre, Māori, Education and Psychology. In 2018, I moved to Masterton to start my teaching career at Rathkeale College. A year later I relocated to Wairoa in the Hawkes Bay where I taught Music and Māori Performing Arts for four years. In 2023, I am very excited to be back in the Wairarapa, and being able to inspire young ākonga to go beyond their limits teaching Music at MIS.
In my spare time you’ll find me singing or playing piano and guitar, composing, playing badminton, netball, baking, cooking and going on random adventures. I grew up camping and can’t wait to explore Wairarapa’s hidden gems!
Robyn Hamilton
Digital Technology and Ruamāhanga team leader
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Robyn Hamilton
Digital Tech
I was born in Masterton and am an MIS old girl. I have three children, two of whom live in Australia. I have two grandchildren and spending time with them is one of my favourite ‘out-of-school’ activities.
My other out of school loves are travel, eating different ethnic foods, spending time at the beach, reading and hanging with family. If I can combine all those together I’m a happy lady.
I love teaching this age group. This year I am taking up a new challenge, sharing my passion for teaching and learning with digital technologies with all the students and the teachers. This will keep me forever learning alongside the students as it is ever evolving.
Emily Enoka
Learning Support Co-ordinator
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Emily Enoka
Learning Support Co-ordinator
Kia Ora, kia Orana, hello, I am the Learning Support Coordinator and Special Needs Coordinator at MIS. I am supporting students who need any assistance to engage and learn. I oversee the valuable work our Learning Assistants undertake in the classrooms. I will liaise with families, whanau, teachers and outside agencies to coordinate support for the child. I am originally from England, I arrived permanently in NZ in 1997, working my way up from Wellington to the beautiful Wairarapa. In 2020 I gained a Masters in Education, I have been a junior teacher for 11 years in Carterton and Masterton. Before teaching, I worked in Special Needs in Rarotonga, NZ and the UK as a qualified Dramatherapist and centre manager. I seem to be constantly renovating, I like to keep in reasonable fitness at the gym and walking 2 large dogs. I have an awesome 17 year old son whom I am very proud of.
Nathan Robinson
Sports Co-ordinator
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Nathan Robinson
Sports Co-ordinator
Tēnā koutou katoa, I'm into my 4th year at Masterton Intermediate and I am loving it. When Mr T offered me an opportunity to work here at MIS I didn't hesitate to say yes.
2022 will see me in a new role here at MIS as our school sports coordinator which i'm excited about.
Born and raised in Sydney I moved to Carterton with my family in the late 80s, attended Carterton school and then onto Wairarapa college. My wife Emma and I have 4 wonderful children ( they have their moments ). Maia who has entered the workforce, Ella who will be a year 11 at Waicol, Kera who is into her last year at MIS and our youngest Andrew who is at Fernridge school. Life is busy in our household as you would imagine. I am a keen sports person having played most codes but now you will find me on the sidelines coaching and mentoring our tamariki.
Looking forward to another year here at MIS.
Raana Campbell
Release teacher
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Raana Campbell
Release teacher
Kia ora. I am currently fixed term relieving at Masterton Intermediate for the rest of the year, after initially accepting a 2 week position in February! I was originally on the staff in 1990, senior teacher for some years, and then leaving in 2006 to become an itinerant teacher of special needs children. When the position was disestablished in 2010 I decided to take early retirement. I have spent the previous 2 years dealing with several hip operations, but am pleased to say I have renewed energy and vigour. I have a beautiful daughter who lives in Feilding with her partner and my 2 fabulous grandsons. I am blessed with excellent health, loyal friends, loving family, and am most enthusiastic to be working in this wonderful school.
Sam Eades
Caretaker
Sam Eades
Caretaker
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Dionne Jackson
Executive officer
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Dionne Jackson
Executive Officer
Hi there,
I came to the Wairarapa from the Manawatu in 2013 with my family. I love the weather and the fantastic attractions that we have on our doorstep.
We have a great staff, and the opportunities for students are endless. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on property projects to provide an environment that we are extremely proud of.
I love being a member of the MIS team. Each day is different!
Lynne McDermott
Office administrator
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Lynne McDermott
Office administrator
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Nat Brock
Office Assistant
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Nat Brock
Office Assistant
As an ex MIS student, it's a great feeling to be back in the school I attended many moons ago, alongside such an amazing, high energy team of people.
You will find me in the office, where I work beside Mrs McDermott, ready to help you with any queries you may have. First aid trained, to deal with any injuries that may happen, or to just wipe away the tears. I am also the face of the Library, so I'm very lucky to get the chance to know all of the students, when they visit me in their sessions.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first full year in this position in 2021, where I learnt a lot in this exciting, fun, fast paced environment. Look forward to the coming year and whatever it may bring.
Debby Mann
Release Teacher
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Debby Mann
Release Teacher
Hello
I am thrilled to part of the teaching team for 2022.
I was born in Zimbabwe, Africa and my husband Colin and I have being living in New Zealand for 20 years.We have 2 adult children Tom and Kay, they are both married. We have 2 grandchildren Alfie and Mary. I have being teaching most of my life in many countries around the world. I am passionate about my job as I am forever learning and growing as a person and a professional.
I love being in my garden, travelling and socialising with our family and friends.
Rebekah Merhtens
Release teacher
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Rebekah Merhtens
Release Teacher
I'm baAAAck! I left MIS 10 years ago to have my two sons, During this time I have run my own business, taught juniors and have been raising my boys. Last year I took a gap year to travel Te Waipounamu in our house bus with my family. I'm excited to be back at MIS and I love seeing all the amazing improvements that have happened in the last decade! I'm looking forward to being back as part of this awesome team!
Shakira Baker
Release teacher
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Shakira Baker
Release Teacher
Was Born in Masterton and raised in Greytown. Have lived in various parts of New Zealand and found myself having done full circle and happy to be home. Started my teaching career at Hamilton Girls High School teaching Mathematics and then in 2016 put teaching on hold to play Rugby.
Fast forward a few years has me wanting to keep my teaching degree an option and grateful to the MIS whanau for allowing me to do so. As an ex pupil it’s humbling to come back and see that non-stop cricket is still very much a thing and a lot of things I loved about the school is still implemented today. Looking forward to getting to know students and staff and add value where I can during my time here.
Rachel Allsworth
Learning Assistant
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Rachel Allsworth
Learning Assistant
Born and raised in Masterton, I am married to Tony (Tonz the Barber) for 27 years and counting! We have 2 adult children and an adorable grandchild Maci who is nearly 3. I am looking forward to another year with MIS supporting students in their journey of learning. I will also be undertaking my Bachelor of Teaching this year and looking forward to the challenges and rewards this will bring. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing at our bach at Riversdale Beach to unwind and make amazing memories with family and friends.
Helen Temple
Teacher Aide
Helen Temple
Teacher Aide
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Lianne Thompson
Teacher Aide
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Lianne Thompson
Teacher Aide
Born in Taranaki, moved to the Hutt Valley where I grew up and went to school. Moved to Masterton 30 odd years ago intending to stay for a year. 30 years on and still love it here,
Born in Taranaki, moved to the Hutt Valley where I grew up and went to school. Moved to Masterton 30 odd years ago intending to stay for a year. 30 years on and still love it here, I now call it home. I have worked at MIS for a number of years off and on. My role as a learning assistant is rewarding and challenging. I thrive on seeing progress in the students I work with. Staff are very invested in giving students the best possible experience and opportunities our school has to offer. Both my children attended the school and gained life long friendships. Away from school I enjoy spending time with my two, soon to be three beautiful grandchildren.
Karen Bracewell
Teacher Aide
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Karen Bracewell
Teacher Aide
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Tory Sexton
Teacher Aide
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Tory Sexton
Teacher Aide
Tēna koutou katoa. Hello everybody. I’m pleased to be back supporting the learning of our tamariki once again. I’m not a local but married one 20 years ago, and together we have three children (and all of them have been MIS kids). I was brought up in Rotorua but we moved to Masterton 12 years ago. Being an active relaxer, I love being amongst nature, exploring rock pools and hanging out with my family.
Devon Gerrard
Teacher Aide
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Devon Gerrard
Teacher Aide
Kia ora, bula vinaka,talofa lava, malo e lelei, Namaste, Ni hao
A little bit about myself, I was born in Whangarei and moved all over the place from Hamilton, Auckland and Perth, Australia. I moved to Masterton in 2010 and attended Masterton Primary School. For my intermediate and college years I moved back and forward from Masterton and Auckland attending four different schools. I graduated in 2018 from Wairarapa College, my time there was awesome as i had the pleasure of being part of the 1st XV rugby team and being able to be one of the 25 students selected as prefect, I am currently study a Bachelor of Teaching through Massey University and em enjoying 'on the job' experience, here at MIS.
Emma Shanks
Teacher Aide
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Emma Shanks
Teacher Aide
Kia ora koutou!
I grew up in Upper Hutt, then moved to London in 2019 to work, travel, and make memories as much as possible before Covid kicked off. Since then I’ve been in Kāpiti working at the local gymnastics club as the recreational Head Coach with an awesome team of close to 400 tamariki. I am in my final semester at Massey working towards a BA majoring in Educational Psychology and loving it.
I’ve moved to Masterton this year ready for the next adventure and challenge. I’m very excited to start at MIS getting to know everyone and putting what we’ve discussed at uni into a real world perspective. In my spare time I love being outdoors as much as possible hiking, running, swimming etc!
Nane Brown
Teacher Aide
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Nane Brown
Teacher Aide
Kia orana to you all
Of humble beginnings, Maori/Pasifika heritage means I have had to try new things often and meet new people. Living by the sea in Ruby Bay as a child became a theme to working in Rarotonga on a long working holiday in the 90s to returning to Auckland living in Whangaparoa years later. Moving forward, I am excited to be apart of the team at MIS as a teachers assistant. This is already expanding my knowledge and will definitely improve my parenting skills! I love to learn new things and am looking forward to getting to know you all. Kia manuia!
Olivia Roseingrave
Teacher Aide
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Olivia Roseingrave
Teacher Aide
I’m Olivia but you can call me Liv! I grew up in Masterton and 10 years ago i was at MIS myself! This school holds a special place in my heart and it’s so exciting to be back here working. I play representative cricket for Wairarapa and love all sport. I am in my final semester at university doing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geography and i’m hopeful to do my diploma in teaching next year!
I’ve moved back to Masterton over the last year and i can’t wait to get involved with everything at MIS. I’m excited to be a part of the awesome environment here again and help out where i can. In my spare time, i love to sing, dance, play sport and go to the gym!
