Jackie Rodgers
Cassie Hailes
I have had the pleasure of being in the education sector for over 30 years, here in New Zealand and overseas. I have taught in both private and public sectors, and in both low and high decile schools. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of working at Wakatipu High School as an English teacher. This position included working as an Across School Lead for the Kāhui Ako. When I am not teaching, you will find me at home in Bannockburn in the garden, playing the role of Martha Stewart (without the fraud!), reading a book, mosaicing or walking the hills. I am very excited about the transition to Shotover and I am passionate about continuing my teaching and learning journey with you all.
Ruby Kay
Kia ora,
My name is Ruby Kay, and I've had the pleasure of living and teaching in Mount Maunganui for the past nine years. I am absolutely thrilled to be starting my new role at Shotover Primary School.
My passion for education lies in exploring diverse learning needs and finding ways to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
When I'm not teaching, you’ll likely find me hiking, boxing, enjoying live music, or experimenting in the kitchen. I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone and being part of this wonderful community!
Kyla McIntosh
I completed my teaching degree and continued on with post-graduate studies in the field of literacy, numeracy and the education of gifted and talented students. I have had teaching experience in Perth in Western Australian and Alabama in the USA and taught full time at several primary schools in the Manawatu and, this year, Queenstown.
Kia ora,
I recently graduated from AUT Auckland. I’ve made the move to Queenstown this November. After having been a regular visitor for the past year during uni holidays, I was fortunate enough to make the move and secure a role at Shotover Primary.
I’m a great animal lover and own a horse, which I would love to bring down soon. Horses have been a large part of my life from a young age. My family are thoroughbred trainers and breeders. I also enjoy watching and supporting the All Blacks and have played netball throughout school.
Nerolee Thurston
I completed my teaching degree and continued on with post-graduate studies in the field of literacy, numeracy and the education of gifted and talented students. I have had teaching experience in Perth in Western Australian and Alabama in the USA and taught full time at several primary schools in the Manawatu and, this year, Queenstown.
Kia Ora my name is Nerolee Thurston and I am thrilled to be a mentor at Shotover Primary.
Having originally grown up in the King Country, I have lived and taught in the Wakatipu for over a decade now. My three children are Shotover Primary students, and Queenstown is very much home.
I am excited by the school's direction and aim to create an environment where student’s love to learn and grow. I look forward to meeting you, come by and say hello.
Jasmine Hunter
I completed my teaching degree and continued on with post-graduate studies in the field of literacy, numeracy and the education of gifted and talented students. I have had teaching experience in Perth in Western Australian and Alabama in the USA and taught full time at several primary schools in the Manawatu and, this year, Queenstown.
Kia ora!
I am thrilled to be joining the team at Shotover. I’ve recently completed my first two years of teaching in Dunedin and I am excited to make the move to Central Otago. I’m passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors – whether it’s playing sports, tramping, skiing, or simply exploring new places. I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, and wider school community at Shotover Primary.
Becky O'Meara
I completed my teaching degree and continued on with post-graduate studies in the field of literacy, numeracy and the education of gifted and talented students. I have had teaching experience in Perth in Western Australian and Alabama in the USA and taught full time at several primary schools in the Manawatu and, this year, Queenstown.
I am excited to be joining the Shotover team. After many years of teaching Early Childhood, I'm looking forward to this transition to Primary. Teaching is a passion of mine; I love seeing what makes all children tick and bringing out the best in each child. I have been involved with the school as a mum since nearly its beginning, and I value all that it offers to the growth and development of our children and its place in our community.
I love living in Queenstown; serving coffees on the Earnslaw was my first job here 25 years ago! I enjoy living in this beautiful area and all that it brings - spending time biking, running, skiing, family adventures, and we feel blessed to be bringing up our family here.
I look forward to meeting you and your children, and being part of their learning journey in these precious years while at Shotover Primary. Have a great summer!
Jill Hodgson
Originally from the King Country, some of my fondest childhood memories are exploring the Waipa river with my siblings. So, having moved to Queenstown at the end of 2021, I absolutely love the extreme beauty of our area and all the many opportunities to get out and enjoy it with my family.
I began teaching in Tauranga in 2016. Prior to that, studied business and psychology, travelled, worked in hospitality, and as a photographer and photographic lab technician/art printer. In 2021 I completed my Masters in contemporary education, and am currently having fun studying towards my Certificate in Nga Toi - an opportunity to practise harakeke raranga (flax weaving).
It’s a complete privilege being part of the Shotover Team with the mission to grow great humans. I love the messy human nature of learning, working with ākonga to develop their knowledge, skills and dispositions to be curious, agentic learners.
jillhodgson@shotover.school.nz
Vanessa Murphy
I completed my teaching degree and continued on with post-graduate studies in the field of literacy, numeracy and the education of gifted and talented students. I have had teaching experience in Perth in Western Australian and Alabama in the USA and taught full time at several primary schools in the Manawatu and, this year, Queenstown.
Kia ora,
I am excited to be part of the team at Shotover Primary and look forward to my time working in Hapori D. My family and I moved to Queenstown late in 2023 and are inspired by the opportunities this beautiful part of New Zealand has to offer. My son attends Shotover Primary and my daughter is at Wakatipu High School.
I have spent the last 15 years living and teaching in Central North Island. Prior to that I taught in Auckland and have had various roles around the world in between. These experiences have allowed me to work in rural and urban settings, with a wide range of learners from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Education Outside the Classroom is a passion of mine as it offers limitless opportunities for growth. I love supporting tamariki to find a spark that ignites the learning light for them and enjoy learning alongside them. My aim is for all learners to achieve their full potential in a safe, happy and fun environment - supporting them to be aspirational, kind, creative, contributing and conscious of the world around them. I place great value on building positive relationships with the tamariki in my care, their whānau and wider community.
When I’m not at school I can be found out in nature exploring, biking, horse riding, skiing with my family or reading a great book. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your child’s learning journey.
Nicola Stephens
Kia ora,
My name is Nicola Stephens. I have been working at Shotover since 2021 as a Learning Assistant and have recently taken on the role as Mentor in Manata.
I have three children who attend Shotover Primary, and my husband and I also run an accommodation business.
I have recently completed graduate diploma in Teaching from the University of Canterbury.
Kia ora,
My name is Nicola Stephens. I have been working at Shotover since 2021 as a Learning Assistant and have recently taken on the role as Mentor in Manata.
I have three children who attend Shotover Primary, and my husband and I also run an accommodation business.
I have recently completed graduate diploma in Teaching from the University of Canterbury.
Maree Wheeler
I have had a connection with Shotover since the day it opened with our eldest daughter starting on the first day... she is now at high school!
Over this time I have been part of the school community, as parent, board member and also of course, part time teacher. I have enjoyed being part of the journey as Shotover has evolved into an innovative school that values learning for all.
I have lived in Queenstown for over twenty years returning from overseas work and travel with my now husband for a season of snow - like many before us we never left! Together as a family we still enjoy the mountain in the Winter and the lakes in the Summer - how lucky to be bringing up a family in this area!
I have had a connection with Shotover since the day it opened with our eldest daughter starting on the first day... she is now at high school!
Over this time I have been part of the school community, as parent, board member and also of course, part time teacher. I have enjoyed being part of the journey as Shotover has evolved into an innovative school that values learning for all.
I have lived in Queenstown for over twenty years returning from overseas work and travel with my now husband for a season of snow - like many before us we never left! Together as a family we still enjoy the mountain in the Winter and the lakes in the Summer - how lucky to be bringing up a family in this area!
Emily Forne
Kia Ora,
My name is Emily Forne. I feel very privileged to be part of the Shotover Primary teaching team. I started my teaching journey in Norway, where I worked as a teaching assistant in an International School. This sparked my passion for teaching, in particular seeing children gain self confidence and resilience in the outdoor environment.
I returned to NZ and completed my postgraduate diploma of teaching at the NZ Graduate School of Education. I then taught for several years in Christchurch, before moving to Queenstown. The SPS vision of ‘creating a climate of possibilities’ has always resonated with me, as I enjoy trying new ways of doing things, challenging myself and thinking outside the square.
When not at school I am busy raising two small children with my husband Chris. You might see us out biking, tramping or running orienteering events around Queenstown.
Kia Ora,
My name is Emily Forne. I feel very privileged to be part of the Shotover Primary teaching team. I started my teaching journey in Norway, where I worked as a teaching assistant in an International School. This sparked my passion for teaching, in particular seeing children gain self confidence and resilience in the outdoor environment.
I returned to NZ and completed my postgraduate diploma of teaching at the NZ Graduate School of Education. I then taught for several years in Christchurch, before moving to Queenstown. The SPS vision of ‘creating a climate of possibilities’ has always resonated with me, as I enjoy trying new ways of doing things, challenging myself and thinking outside the square.
When not at school I am busy raising two small children with my husband Chris. You might see us out biking, tramping or running orienteering events around Queenstown.
Bec Heeley
Kia ora! I am Bec Heeley and I am thrilled to be part of the Shotover team. I am originally from Australia but I have called Aotearoa home for more than 20 years now. After a bit of a stint on the West Coast, we have made Queenstown our home for the past 12 years.
Before joining Shotover I was previously at Remarkables Primary School where I spent the 8 years teaching in the junior school. I love teaching young children with all their exuberance, humour, and lovely quirks! Early literacy is a particular interest of mine and I am passionate about utilising evidence-based practises which align with how the brain learns to read.
Out of school I am often found with my nose in a book or planning our next travel adventure. I have two amazing kids, a son who is at the University of Canterbury this year and a 12 year old daughter. We love camping and exploring this beautiful place we live!
Kia ora! I am Bec Heeley and I am thrilled to be part of the Shotover team. I am originally from Australia but I have called Aotearoa home for more than 20 years now. After a bit of a stint on the West Coast, we have made Queenstown our home for the past 12 years.
Before joining Shotover I was previously at Remarkables Primary School where I spent the 8 years teaching in the junior school. I love teaching young children with all their exuberance, humour, and lovely quirks! Early literacy is a particular interest of mine and I am passionate about utilising evidence-based practises which align with how the brain learns to read.
Out of school I am often found with my nose in a book or planning our next travel adventure. I have two amazing kids, a son who is at the University of Canterbury this year and a 12 year old daughter. We love camping and exploring this beautiful place we live!
Amy Snow
I absolutely love teaching and I am proud to be a member of the Shotover Primary School team. The culture of our school and community is positive- we have great children and they are keen to learn!
I have worked in the teaching profession for over 30 years - my career has allowed me to teach in international, rural and large city schools across a range of age groups. I enjoy learning from others, sharing my experience with others and seeing our children be curious and confident.
For my family, Queenstown has been our home for the past 22 years. We love to be in the outdoors, and enjoy spending time tramping, skiing and living simply.
We have a unique learning environment for our children in the Wakatipu- an environment we need to protect and a place that encourages creative thinking and hard work.
I am currently working in Hapori C and welcome you to pop in and see what we are doing- there is always something fun happening and maybe and often, quite a lot of learning!
I absolutely love teaching and I am proud to be a member of the Shotover Primary School team. The culture of our school and community is positive- we have great children and they are keen to learn!
I have worked in the teaching profession for over 30 years - my career has allowed me to teach in international, rural and large city schools across a range of age groups. I enjoy learning from others, sharing my experience with others and seeing our children be curious and confident.
For my family, Queenstown has been our home for the past 22 years. We love to be in the outdoors, and enjoy spending time tramping, skiing and living simply.
We have a unique learning environment for our children in the Wakatipu- an environment we need to protect and a place that encourages creative thinking and hard work.
I am currently working in Hapori C and welcome you to pop in and see what we are doing- there is always something fun happening and maybe and often, quite a lot of learning!
Emma Watts | DATS Leader
Kia Ora! Ko Emma Watts tōku ingoa.
I am the Shotover Primary School DATS Leader (Design, Arts, Technology & Science).
I believe that learning is our core business and that everyone is capable of learning. I am passionate about our community developing growth mindsets to cultivate curiosity, inspire passion and foster reflective thinking.
DATS is a fantastic way to grow future innovators and inventors. Through DATS we can foster children's creative problem solving and teamwork skills. It provides opportunities to learn by thinking with our hands, working with readily available materials, getting our hands ‘dirty’, and failing and bouncing back from that failure. It's a great opportunity for our children to practice climbing into and out of the ‘learning pit’, to foster ‘grit’ and develop a growth mindset within real-life and fun contexts. Embracing DATS within our school fosters future-focused learning.
I am passionate about developing our children’s confidence and ability to talk about their learning so that they can identify where they are at, where they are going and how they will get there, thus enabling our children to see themselves as the key drivers of their own learning. I find it incredibly rewarding to work alongside all akonga and to be part of their journey growing into confident, connected and actively involved life-long learners.
In my spare time I can be found outdoors tramping, exploring, snowboarding, kayaking or indoors reading, tinkering and creating.
Kia Ora! Ko Emma Watts tōku ingoa.
I am the Shotover Primary School DATS Leader (Design, Arts, Technology & Science).
I believe that learning is our core business and that everyone is capable of learning. I am passionate about our community developing growth mindsets to cultivate curiosity, inspire passion and foster reflective thinking.
DATS is a fantastic way to grow future innovators and inventors. Through DATS we can foster children's creative problem solving and teamwork skills. It provides opportunities to learn by thinking with our hands, working with readily available materials, getting our hands ‘dirty’, and failing and bouncing back from that failure. It's a great opportunity for our children to practice climbing into and out of the ‘learning pit’, to foster ‘grit’ and develop a growth mindset within real-life and fun contexts. Embracing DATS within our school fosters future-focused learning.
I am passionate about developing our children’s confidence and ability to talk about their learning so that they can identify where they are at, where they are going and how they will get there, thus enabling our children to see themselves as the key drivers of their own learning. I find it incredibly rewarding to work alongside all akonga and to be part of their journey growing into confident, connected and actively involved life-long learners.
In my spare time I can be found outdoors tramping, exploring, snowboarding, kayaking or indoors reading, tinkering and creating.
Tetli Carey
I feel very lucky and privileged that I can call Shotover Primary School my place of work. It is a fantastic place to come to every day and I am grateful that I get to work and learn alongside such an amazing group of professionals.
Originally I am from England and my intention was to stay in New Zealand for 18 months before going home, but 20 years later I am still here, and Queenstown is my home. Prior to teaching, my jobs centered around hospitality, tourism and small business management and what I loved about all of those roles was helping people, problem solving and connecting with others. Your child may have told you stories about the “one-legged teacher” and these are true! I had my leg amputated below the knee in 2004 after a random blood clot. This in no way affects what I can do, as I love to ski, swim, bike with my family and take advantage of all the other amazing opportunities we have for getting out and about by living here.
What do I believe?
I believe that in order to grow and develop lifelong learners we need to be teaching children the interpersonal and social, emotional skills alongside the core curriculum areas. Play based learning is one of the methodologies that encourages this. I love seeing children progress in all aspects of learning, from making friends and sharing resources, to conquering the fearsome heights of the spider web.
Each child comes to us with a unique set of attributes which we can nurture and grow through making the learning authentic and real, finding out what sparks an individual and involving them in the design for learning.My passions include maths, science and technology, and I’m curious about anything to do with learning.
I feel very lucky and privileged that I can call Shotover Primary School my place of work. It is a fantastic place to come to every day and I am grateful that I get to work and learn alongside such an amazing group of professionals.
Originally I am from England and my intention was to stay in New Zealand for 18 months before going home, but 20 years later I am still here, and Queenstown is my home. Prior to teaching, my jobs centered around hospitality, tourism and small business management and what I loved about all of those roles was helping people, problem solving and connecting with others. Your child may have told you stories about the “one-legged teacher” and these are true! I had my leg amputated below the knee in 2004 after a random blood clot. This in no way affects what I can do, as I love to ski, swim, bike with my family and take advantage of all the other amazing opportunities we have for getting out and about by living here.
What do I believe?
I believe that in order to grow and develop lifelong learners we need to be teaching children the interpersonal and social, emotional skills alongside the core curriculum areas. Play based learning is one of the methodologies that encourages this. I love seeing children progress in all aspects of learning, from making friends and sharing resources, to conquering the fearsome heights of the spider web.
Each child comes to us with a unique set of attributes which we can nurture and grow through making the learning authentic and real, finding out what sparks an individual and involving them in the design for learning.My passions include maths, science and technology, and I’m curious about anything to do with learning.
Kirsty Mee
After spending the last few years in Canada and Australia, it is exciting to be back home in New Zealand. My partner Daniel and I are excited to make Shotover Country our home with our puppy Lila.
I spent the first 5 years teaching down in Southland and I am very excited to be back, doing what I love as part of the team, at Shotover Primary. I think that working with kids is one of the most rewarding jobs, each day is a surprise!
In my spare time I enjoy baking, reading and making the most of our beautiful surroundings in Queenstown.
Kate Burns
Kia ora, my name is Kate. I am originally from the UK where I began my teaching career working in a new entrants class. After three years teaching in a primary school setting in the UK I decided to embark on some new experiences and travel opportunities.
My travels took me to Australia and New Zealand. I have spend the last two years teaching a kindy class here in Queenstown and developing my knowledge of Te Whāriki the early childhood curriculum.
With an early childhood teaching background I advocate learning through play and recognise the importance of providing a stimulating, innovative learning environment. I have an interest in nature play and outdoor learning and can’t wait to take advantage of our stunning local environment. I am excited to be part of the Shotover team and a culture that values others to learn and grow.
Kia ora, my name is Kate. I am originally from the UK where I began my teaching career working in a new entrants class. After three years teaching in a primary school setting in the UK I decided to embark on some new experiences and travel opportunities.
My travels took me to Australia and New Zealand. I have spend the last two years teaching a kindy class here in Queenstown and developing my knowledge of Te Whāriki the early childhood curriculum.
With an early childhood teaching background I advocate learning through play and recognise the importance of providing a stimulating, innovative learning environment. I have an interest in nature play and outdoor learning and can’t wait to take advantage of our stunning local environment. I am excited to be part of the Shotover team and a culture that values others to learn and grow.
Jonny Davies
I am an experienced educator who has taught in schools ranging in size from two teachers to a large year 7-13 college. I have leadership experience and have enjoyed my career path to Shotover Primary School. Post-quake Christchurch has been a learning experience, and Fendalton Primary has been brilliant for the last two years, but Central Otago has called me.
Kia ora whānau,
I am super excited to be in New Zealand and teaching at Shotover Primary School. I am from the UK and although this is my second time being in New Zealand, it is my first time as a teacher in this beautiful country. I am really passionate about building strong, positive relationships with learners, staff, whānau and the wider community.
In my spare time I enjoy supporting my football team Tottenham, playing sports, hiking, reading and creating.
If you see me around school, please come and say hello.
Lauren Sherriff
Kia Ora, I’m Lauren Sherriff (Ms Lauren).
I joined the Shotover team in 2021 for a 12 month maternity cover, but like it so much I haven't left. This year I am continuing a Year 2/3 group in Coronet.
I began teaching in the Hutt Valley before having a change of careers and moving to Broadcasting. I worked for TVNZ in Wellington, then moved to Hong Kong to work for Star TV. My journey continued to Singapore, Dubai and Qatar, before returning to Dubai and then Singapore. I returned to teaching along the way, and spend the last 12 years teaching in Dubai and Singapore, across a variety of age groups from Kindergarten to Year 2.
My husband and I had always planned to retire in Queenstown, but having arrived I realised I wasn’t quite ready to stay at home, so have kept myself busy and am excited about working with the lovely team in Coronet.
In my spare time I love skiing and cycling with my husband and grownup daughter, going to the movies, and I hope for some more international travel one day.
Kia Ora, I’m Lauren Sherriff (Ms Lauren).
I joined the Shotover team in 2021 for a 12 month maternity cover, but like it so much I haven't left. This year I am continuing a Year 2/3 group in Coronet.
I began teaching in the Hutt Valley before having a change of careers and moving to Broadcasting. I worked for TVNZ in Wellington, then moved to Hong Kong to work for Star TV. My journey continued to Singapore, Dubai and Qatar, before returning to Dubai and then Singapore. I returned to teaching along the way, and spend the last 12 years teaching in Dubai and Singapore, across a variety of age groups from Kindergarten to Year 2.
My husband and I had always planned to retire in Queenstown, but having arrived I realised I wasn’t quite ready to stay at home, so have kept myself busy and am excited about working with the lovely team in Coronet.
In my spare time I love skiing and cycling with my husband and grownup daughter, going to the movies, and I hope for some more international travel one day.