Teaching Staff

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.

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 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.

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

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

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, Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education

Hello my name is Tania Clarkin. I have been at Hillcrest Normal School since 2006. I thoroughly enjoy my interactions with my students and gain tremendous satisfaction from seeing them succeed in their learning. I am passionate about the involvement of ICT within everyday learning.

Teacher

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

Hi, my name is Kelly Davies and this will be my third year teaching at Hillcrest Normal School. I work in the year 5 & 6 team and can be found in Room 8. I’m originally from the UK, moving to Hamilton five years ago with my husband. My passions are writing, science, history and visual arts but I love to discover and try new things with my class. I hope to develop a love of learning in the children I work with and will try to explore and help them grow their own passions wherever possible.

Teacher

Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching

Kia Ora! I am new to the school this year and I'm very excited to be part of the year 5 & 6 Team. I look forward to the challenges the year will bring.
I enjoy teaching all year levels. My passions are special eduction, the arts and ICT.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

Hi, my name is Sarah Exton. I came to Hillcrest Normal School in 2010 and teach year 4 in the fabulous Room 14. My favourite areas to teach are literacy and anything arty especially music!

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 entrant teacher. I have been teaching for 11 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. This year I am training in and teaching Reading Recovery for 1 1/2hours each day. I am team teaching with Amanda Jacobs and sharing a lovely class of Year Ones in Room 5.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

Bachelor of Teaching (primary)

I teach year 5 & 6 children in room 11 and my passions are ICT and Social Science. Using ICT accross the Curriculum helps to support the children's learning, regardless of their level. Social Sciences enables children to become active, informed and responsible citizens of tomorrow. I feel it is important to teach the senior chilren to be independant, use their initiative, problem solve and set goals for the future. These skills will set them up for success as they continue their journey after leaving Primary school. I have 7 year 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 their teacher's.

Teacher

Teacher

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

Hi, my name is Jo-Anna Metcalfe. This is my second year teaching at Hillcrest Normal School. I have an amazing class of Year 1 children and reside in Room 6. My favourite curriculum areas would have to be Literacy, Visual art and Topic Studies. Outside of the classroom I am a busy mum with three children and enjoy the fun, laughter and challenges this brings. I also enjoy playing sport, walking with friends and spending time at the beach with my family. I am looking forward to an exciting and busy year and getting to know all of our new families.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

Hi, my name is Dawn Morgan. I have been teaching since 2006. Over this time I have taught all age groups from Year 0 to 8. I have found that I don’t have a favourite age to teach - I simply love to teach.

I believe every child deserves the gift of reading and this passion is what lead me to pursue a career in teaching. I know when a child is competent in Literacy, they are able to access all aspects of the curriculum and ‘the world is their oyster’. For that reason, in my classroom learning programme, literacy is integrated in everything we do. Maths in my classroom is vibrant and exciting. I have always enjoyed numeracy and I hope to pass on my enthusiasm to the students I teach. Another favourite curriculum area is the arts, with a special interest in music.

Room 20 has grown rapidly and I am thoroughly enjoying teaching the wonderful children in my care.

Teacher

Teacher

Hi everyone! I teach Year 3 children in Room 16. I am a great lover of literature and drama and these play a big part in our classroom. I also love being outdoors and playing active games. I have been at HNS since 2008.

Learning facilitator

Bachelor of Teaching

Kia Ora all. I'm in my fifth 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. I am the coordinator of sports at school so you'll often see me at school sporting events trying to look important. In saying this I am not at all a jock. I reside in Room 23 if you ever feel the urge to bring in some white chocolate, homemade baking or other refreshments.

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

This is my fourth year as a teacher at Hillcrest Normal School, having worked in the Year 2 team previously. 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

Teacher

Bachelor of Education

I have taught at Hillcrest since 2009 and previously taught for two years in Auckland. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and my passion is in Mathematics Education.

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.

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 since 2003 teaching within the Middle School Team. 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 in particular! I also enjoy assisting to run the Middle School Choir.

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.