Teaching Staff

Senior Teacher

Bachelor of Education Hon, Reading Recovery

Hi my name is Anna Harrison. I have been teaching New Entrant children for eight years now and I love every minute of it! You never can tell what exciting learning adventures are waiting around the corner. I believe children are innately curious about the world around them and am looking forward to another exciting memorable year in 2010.

Senior Teacher

Dip T/ Advanced DipTeaching

I came to teach at Hillcrest Normal School as a young mother with two young daughters. They are now in their 20's and at university and travelling. We also have a son who has just started High School this year. I enjoy going to the gym, playing tennis and fishing with my family. I have taught reading recovery for 4 yrs and taught in the junior area of the school for 7 yrs. I have been in the Middle School for the past 10 years. I enjoy organising EOTC experiences for children and this year we are off to camp at Epworth. I share the class with Angela Schipper. She works on Mondays. We have an interactive class where children are expected to think creatively and generate ideas. Active Games is an important strategy in our PE programme.

Senior Teacher

Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching

I am the lead teacher in the Senior Syndicate, year 5 / 6 team. We have a dynamic team of teachers. I have taught at Hillcrest Normal School for many years over my teaching career. My own children have been fortunate to be educated at Hillcrest Normal School. My strengths and passions are in: Art, English, Drama, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education.

Senior Teacher

Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Teaching

I have been at Hillcrest Normal School for 6 years teaching within the Middle School Team. This year I am the Senior teacher of this dynamic group of teachers and children. I have taught at all levels of the school and am passionate about ensuring success for all children within my class at the level to which they are capable. I love Literacy and the Arts!

Senior Teacher

Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching

After receiving my teaching diploma with commendation from Hamilton Training College, I then completed my Bachelor in Education from the University of Waikato. I am a Reading Recovery trained teacher. I hold a current New Zealand Teacher’s Council Practising Certificate. I am a confident practitioner of Learner directed programmes. My specialist Reading Recovery skills, a keen interest in Literacy programmes and experience teaching English as a Second Language enable me to tailor programmes to suit children's individual needs. I am familiar with a variety of effective formative assessment strategies and student monitoring systems. My experiences in ESOL teaching and Maori education have increased my already strong appreciation of other cultures. Teaching should be about instilling in our children a confidence in their own abilities; my child centred inquiry learning approach works well on developing children’s self esteem and making school a positive place for the whole whanau. Along with my varied educational and employment experiences I can offer your child enthusiasm, determination, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn new skills myself.

Learning facilitator

Bachelor of Teaching

Kia Ora all. I'm in my third year here at Hillcrest Normal with the Year 5/6 team and still flying the flag for male teachers. I enjoy teaching by getting students to ask questions and be inquisitive about the world around them. This year I've taken on the role as the coordinator of sports at school. I reside in Room 9 if you ever feel the urge to bring in some white chocolate or homemade baking.

Teacher

Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education

After graduating from the Waikato School of Education in 1990, I began my teaching career in Wellington. For the last 18 years I have taught in a variety of schools and at different levels from New Entrants to Year 8. I am very happy to return to the school that I first knew as a five year old and which my own two children now attend.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching, Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education

I have been teaching for 8 years. Before this I worked for Government and Local Government. I have been here at Hillcrest Normal School for 5 years. I thoroughly enjoy my interactions with my students and gain tremendous satisfaction from seeing them succeed in their learning. I am passionate about the involvment of ICT within everyday learning.

Teacher

Master of Education, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching

Hi! I have been teaching at Hillcrest Normal School since June 2008 as a new entrance teacher. I have been teaching for 10 years and my experience is mainly in the Junior and Middle school area. I believe that the transition time from kindergarten to school is crucial. I incorporate games, cooperative and developmental activities, movement and music and elements of play in my teaching wherever possible. I thoroughly enjoy working with students in the early stages of their schooling and gain tremendous satisfaction from seeing them take risks, have fun, and achieve in their learning.

Teacher

Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education

I am an experienced teacher who enjoys providing learning opportunites where children can succeed. I have been teaching since 1991 and have taught every year level during my teaching career. I am currently teaching a Year One class and am committed to ensuring that the milestone of school entry is achieved comfortably. I have a strong belief in a 'can do' attitude and I foster this in my own twin daughters who are also at Hillcrest. I look forward to being a part of the journey you are experiencing with your child/children.

Teacher

Teacher

New Zealand Certificate in Data Processing: Programming; Diploma of Teaching: Early Childhood Education; Diploma of Teaching: Primary; Bachelor of Education; Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education with Merit; Diploma in Ministry

I originally worked in Early Childhood for 12 years before teaching 3 years at Salford School in Invercargill where my young adult son still lives. I have been at Hillcrest since 2005 teaching in the Junior School. I have trained in Reading Recovery as well as implemented new learning and systems in the ICT and Literacy area. I am teaching Reading Recovery for 1 1/2hours each day then you will find me in Room 18 with a lovely class of Year Ones. I thrive on learning both for myself and those around me, children and adults. I consider it a priviledge to be part of an individuals learning journey and thoroughly enjoy scaffolding all. This also includes my new puppy Jess and opportunities I have teaching people on the skifields. Hamilton and Hillcrest are a great place to be, where things are happening.

Teacher

Teaching Certificate, Bachelor of Education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

I am an experienced teacher and enjoy the challenge that teaching brings to my life. For me, teaching children is a passion, and I believe in developing all children to their potential. I run a child centred classroom that is interesting, fun. and safe for children to take risks.

Teacher

Trained Teacher Certificate

I have taught at Hillcrest for five years working with Junior children.I particularly enjoy teaching reading and writing and am constantly amazed with the wonderful work our young children create.My other love is Art. Children see the world, it's patterns and textures through very creative eyes.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

This is my third year as a teacher at Hillcrest Normal School. My aim is for every child in my class to develop a love for learning and to always be working to their potential. I have a passion for music and drama and love incorporating this into my teaching. I also enjoy working with the middle school choir.

Teacher

Bachelor of Education

This is my second year at Hillcrest Normal School. I have previously taught for two years in Auckland.

Teacher

Master of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary)

Hello my name is Sophie Tayler. I teach a Year 3 class in the Middle School. I am passionate about literacy. Favourite parts of my teaching day include reading with my class or assisting the children in the creation of powerful writing. I believe it is important to encourage creative thinking in our children as they are the problem solvers of the future.

Teacher

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

This year is my second year teaching at Hillcrest Normal. I have a keen interest in Physical Education and Health, Visual Art, and Writing.

Teacher

Master of Special Education, Bachelor of Education/Music, Diploma of Teaching

I have been teaching here since July 2008 and I am enjoying every moment. I lead the music in the school. I conduct the School Choirs and Orchestra and I co-ordinate the of Out of School Music Programme. I have been actively teaching and leading school music since 1985 and began teaching in mainstream primary education in 2000. I am presently teaching with the Year 5/6 team.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching (primary)

I am in my seond year of teaching and teach year 5 & 6 children in room 11. I have a passion for the Social Sciences and believe that through teaching this, children will become active, informed and responsible citizens of tomorrow. I also enjoy using a variety of technologies to assist the children through their learning journey. I have 6year old twins who attend school here at Hillcrest Normal School and I have seen their confidence and independance grow through the skilled and caring environment of the the teacher's at this school.

Teacher

Bachelor of Education

I have been a classroom teacher at Hillcrest since 2000. This year I am the lead teacher for Enviro studies and will be teaching this to all the middle and senior students.

Special Education Teacher

Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education

I have taught at Hillcrest Primary in various roles for eleven years. Our three sons have all been through the school. I have been in my current role for four years which involves working with children with Special Needs and taking small groups for addditional literacy support. I very much enjoy my position at the school.

ESOL Teacher

Diploma of Teaching

I have worked at Hillcrest Normal School for fifteen years, firstly as a classroom teacher and for the past five years as an ESOL teacher. At present I am working part-time and am responsible for giving additional literacy support to English Speakers of Other Languages in a withdrawal group situation. I enjoy working with ESOL children and their families.

International students and ESOL Management

Diploma of Teaching

For 18 years I have had the priviledge of teaching 5 year olds for their first year at school. For the last 12 years I have been at Hillcrest Normal School. Working with International and ESOL students is a very satisfying part of my job.

Teacher

Teacher

Master of Music (Performance)(Hons) Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, ATCL (voice)

I am excited about joining the Senior Syndicate in 2010. I encourage my students to be self-managing and take responsibility for themselves, their belongings and their learning. I enjoy integrating information technology and music into my classroom programme. My special passion is choral singing. I love directing children’s choirs and I also sing in choirs myself. My other interests in include reading whenever and wherever I can, walking and watching movies.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

Hi, my name is Sarah Exton. I am new to Hillcrest Normal School this year and teach year 4 in the fabulous Room 16. As well as being new to Hillcrest this is my first year teaching after finishing my degree which is very exciting! My favourite areas to teach are literacy and anything Arty especially music!

Teacher

Masters of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Hi, my name is Kelly Davies. I am new to Hillcrest Normal School this year and will be working alongside the teachers in the senior team for term one and taking over in Room 8 during term two. I’m originally from the UK, moving to Hamilton three and a half years ago with my husband. This is my first year of teaching as I have just finished the graduate diploma at Waikato University. I hope to develop a love of learning in the children I work with and will try to explore their passions wherever possible.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

Hi there, I’m Becki one of Hillcrests mad teachers! I studied at Otago University and Waikato University where I completed a Bachelor of Teaching in 2004. I began as a beginning Teacher at Hillcrest and taught gorgeous year 2’s for 3 years before I entered the new and exciting world of Motherhood. I have a gorgeous girl called Maddi and a handsome wee man called Jackson, both very busy little Toddlers who bring me smiles on a daily basis. As well as looking after these 2 I can be found roaming around the Middle School. I currently job share in Room 12 with Gail Blackwell where we are the two Mrs B’s! I also release one of our gorgeous beginning Teachers, Sarah Exton in Rm 16 on a weekly basis. Over my years at Hillcrest I have been the Sports co –Ordinator, Part of the project Energize and Health & PE team. I had involvement in School Kapa Haka, have coached many sports teams and I am currently coaching 2 of our Year 6 Netball teams. I love being a Sporty Spice myself and play Netball and Touch, run half marathons and did my first ever Triathlon last year. I also adore a good book, socialising and getting away to our fabulous beach place at Waihi beach with my delicious family. My Curriculm strengths are in the Literacies and Arts. Health and PE and Maori. I adore being involved in such a dynamic school, we have Awesome Teachers and Awesome kids. Hillcrest Rocks!

Teacher