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Staff

Staff

Leadership Team

Senior Leadership

Kyran Smith

Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou
Ko Rangitoto te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau,
Ko Whangaparaoa te moana e mahea nei aku māharahara,
Nō Orewa ahau
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Motu Kairangi e noho nei au
Ko Kyran Smith tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

I moved to Wellington when I was 20 to go to Teachers College. I've never moved away because I love it here!

I began my education career working as an untrained teacher in a preschool. This was the job that inspired me to become a teacher. Once trained, I taught 5-6 year olds. To widen my experience I moved on to teach the middle year levels, then moved on to teaching the intermediate year level Year 7-8s. I taught in this area for ten years before becoming a Principal.

It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of Kahurangi School, and I love the role! It's extremely rewarding to lead such a wonderful school community. With our teaching team and staff I work hard every day to ensure our tamariki are supported to be the very best they can be. Just like whānau, I want the best for the children.

When I'm not at school my family is a big part of my life. I also love good food, travel and the company of friends. My secret pleasure is a regular dose of reality TV. It's a fun way to decompress after a busy time at school.

E: principal@kahurangi.school.nz

Ruth Cooper

Deputy Principal

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Ruth tōku ingoa. I love being a part of the Eastern Suburbs Community and I love being in education. I believe knowledge gives power. I particularly enjoy the energy and uniqueness that each child brings to our school. I have 20+ years experience in education, the majority of this is in the senior school. Hauora, equity and embracing diversity are extremely important to me. I strive to guide and support all our tamariki to be happy and confident in themselves. Personally I am a huge animal lover, who enjoys spending time with my dogs, being with my family, cooking and eating, swimming and watching too much T.V.

E: ruth@kahurangi.school.nz

Natalie Ballantyne

Junior School Team Leader & Teacher

Year 0-1

About Me

Kia ora. Originally from Otago, I have lived in Wellington for the last 20 years and spent most of that time teaching in Lower Hutt. I believe in building strong relationships with my students and their whanau, and in creating a welcoming and safe environment for my students so that they feel comfortable and confident to take risks to achieve. I have a love of the Arts, Numeracy and especially Literacy - I am mad about books and share that love with children, helping them to feel the excitement of becoming readers themselves. When I am not at school I enjoy tinkering in the garden, experimenting with new recipes, walking the coastline, and hanging out at the side of a sports field watching my two teenage sons.

E: natalie@kahurangi.school.nz

Emma Tapuai

Senior School Team Leader & Teacher

Year 7-8

About Me

Kia ora, I am Emma Tapuaī. I have been teaching for over 20 years. I love my job as a teacher and am passionate about children’s learning and education. I strive to make sure all my students have success. I especially love teaching Maths, Reading and Physical Education. Outside of school, I love spending time with my two young children and my husband. We enjoy going to the park, playing and watching sports, and trying different cuisines.

E: emma@kahurangi.school.nz

Teachers

Teachers

Julia Park

Year 1

About Me

Annyeonghaseyo! I was born and grew up in South Korea and moved to Aotearoa 5 years ago with my husband. This is my 3rd year at Kahurangi and I love being part of the Kahurangi community. As a kaiako, I am passionate about creating a safe and positive learning environment where students can feel safe and make mistakes to learn, grow and be the best version of themselves. I strive to provide a warm, safe and inclusive environment in the classroom to help develop our tamariki’s diverse knowledge, skills and interests. Outside of school, I love doing reformer pilates, playing tennis and spending time with my puppy, Winter.

E: julia@kahurangi.school.nz

Brynne Hey

Year 2-3

About Me

Tēnā tātou. Ko Brynne tōku ingoa. I grew up in the sunny Hawkes Bay but now love living in the Eastern suburbs community. This is my second year teaching at Kahurangi and I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing community. As a kaiako, I am passionate when it comes to building reciprocal learning-focused relationships. I believe my warm, positive, and supportive demeanour fosters an inclusive akomanga where tamariki can feel safe to learn and thrive. In my spare time, I enjoy being in the sun, walking, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - everybody has something to offer, and by working together we can all flourish.

E: brynne@kahurangi.school.nz

Maddie Boyes

Year 2-3

About Me

Tālofa lava! Ko Madison Boyes tōku ingoa. Nō Te Whanahui-a-tara ahau. This is my second year at Kahurangi School and I am absolutely loving being apart of the community! As a kaiako, I see genuine and quality relationships as the starting point to providing a safe and happy learning space, where ākonga can grow, learn and thrive. I am passionate about creating an environment where individual needs, interests and cultures are recognised, catered for and nurtured. Aside from teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, travelling and spending time with my whānau.

E: maddie.boyes@kahurangi.school.nz

Grant Clarke

Year 2-3

About Me

Kia ora. I've lived in Wellington for the last 20 years with some time in London and Hong Kong. I'm trained as a veterinarian but have just moved to teaching. I am privileged to be able to join the Kahurangi team. I keen to create strong relationships with tamariki and their whānau, so that they enjoy learning. I love art, the outdoors, science, my wonderful wife, teenage son and biking. Two cats share their home with us.

E: grant@kahurangi.school.nz

Sarah Ramsay

Year 4

About Me

Kia ora koutou. Ko Sarah Ramsay tōku ingoa. Nō Aerana me Kōtirana ōku tipuna. Kei Te Whanganui a Tara tōku kāinga. I have been teaching in Te Whanganui a Tara for the last two years and I have just returned from travelling around Europe. I am excited to join the Kahurangi whānau! I love seeing the spark of curiosity in the tamariki and hearing all of their awesome pātai everyday. I always strive to create an akomanga here all ākonga feel success and take an active role in their learning. I am passionate about the histories of our country and physical education. Outside of kura I love walking my dogs, sewing and baking.

E: sarah@kahurangi.school.nz

Anika Molloy

Year 4-5

About Me

Tēnā tātou! Ko Anika Molloy tōku ingoa. Nō Ingarangi, Aerani, Kōtirana me Hōrana ōku tipuna, arā, he tangata Tiriti ahau. I am incredibly excited to join the whānau of Kahurangi School as a first year kaiako. Prior to studying teaching I had the privilege of completing a degree in te reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language and Education. I am an enthusiastic person with a passion for building meaningful relationships (whānaungatanga). I believe our tamariki are the greatest taonga (gift) to our society, and desire to create inclusive, nurturing, and empowering learning environments where each child can thrive in their identity and strengths. This looks like celebrating the beautifully diverse cultures, languages, and lived experiences that we all bring to our classroom. When I am not at school, I love tramping, climbing, gardening, being creative, volunteering at The Free Store, and spending time with whānau and friends. I look forward to getting to know this wonderful community!

E: anika@kahurangi.school.nz

Anna Ravendran

Year 5-6

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Anna tōku ingoa. My family are from Sri Lanka but I was born in England and call Aotearoa home after being here for over 20 years. Before teaching, I worked in international development. During this time I was fortunate to travel across the Pacific. I love working in a school! I am passionate about lifelong learning, creating an inclusive environment and building strong relationships with learners and their whānau. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Wellington’s coastline, learning new languages, trying new art forms and spending time with my whānau and friends.

E: anna@kahurangi.school.nz

Claire Brown

Year 5-6

About Me

I've been a teacher now for 9 years and still really enjoy teaching young people. Some of my favourite things about teaching outdoor games, reading a novel together and visual arts. I'm a born and bred Wellingtonian so I am still strongly connected with many of my friends I went to school with. In my own time I love to travel, play hockey and socialise!

E: claire@kahurangi.school.nz

Emma Muirhead

Year 6-7

About Me

Kia ora! Ko Emma toku ingoa. I’m thrilled to be joining the teaching team at Kahurangi in 2024. I have been a teacher for a couple of years now and I love sharing the challenge and excitement of learning with ākonga. As a kaiako, I endeavor to nurture a positive, creative and encouraging classroom for all tamariki. I have a lot of energy and enjoy spending time outside playing sports, especially gymnastics. I also enjoy designing and creating art. I’m looking forward to sharing these passions with the Kahurangi community!

E: emma.muirhead@kahurangi.school.nz

Nicholas Masters

Year 7-8

About Me

Kia ora, I’m Nicholas Masters. I live in the eastern suburbs, but have spent the past few years teaching year seven and eights in Porirua. I am excited to become part of the Kahurangi community and to be teaching in the city I grew up in. I’m committed to nurturing academic achievement, but also to providing my students with diverse avenues for success at college and beyond. My teaching philosophy is underpinned by high expectations; knowing my learners; and fostering resilience, ambition, and cooperation. Outside of school, you’ll find my playing sports or staying active in some way.

E: nicholas@kahurangi.school.nz

Geraldine Price

Reading Recovery Teacher

About Me

After 20 years of classroom teaching, I was offered the opportunity to train for Reading Recovery. I work daily, one to one with six year old children to raise their level of both reading and writing by means of an individualised programme. I find my job challenging but also very rewarding to see the individual progress achieved. I have an adult family of four sons and one daughter, and four grandchildren. I enjoy watching sport, especially when family members are participating.

E: geraldine@kahurangi.school.nz

Judy Bragan

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Teaching is a second career for me having previously worked as a nurse. During my teaching career I have developed a particular passion for helping young children learn to read and alongside classroom teaching have been fortunate to train in Reading Recovery. For the past few years I have further developed my career taking on a Leadership role as one of the Deputy Principals. Originally from Dunedin, Wellington is now my home and I have lived in the Eastern suburbs for many years. Outside of school family is my main priority, with two young adult daughters and the new addition of a Golden Retriever puppy.

E: judy@kahurangi.school.nz

Meta Beyers

Part-time Teacher

About Me

After a year of refreshment leave and reflection, I am back at Kahurangi School part-time. As a teacher I promote kindness and care for Papatūānuku, her creatures, plants and people. As a librarian, I try to foster life-long reading habits. As a potterer I know the value of gardening and crafting. As an immigrant, I’m an advocate for the learning of languages as a vehicle for a better understanding of the multicultural world we live in.

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Vangela Araboglos

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Kia Ora, my name is Vangela Araboglos. I am very excited about my part time role at Kahurangi and being part of a warm, caring community of children, parents and grandparents. I have been teaching for over 26 years and have a passion for getting the best out of each child. I particularly value creativity, building confidence in children and developing a love of literacy. When I am not at school I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, long walks, gym workouts and family outings.

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Lesley Mitrakas

Part-time Teacher

About Me

Tena Koutou. This is my third year as a part-time teacher at Kahurangi School, and I feel fortunate to be a part of a vibrant and warm community. Born in Wellington, I grew up on the Kapiti Coast, and have lived in Wellington since my corporate days. Miramar has been my home for many of those years, and I have taught in the neighbourhood for over 20 years. Teaching our tamariki brings me great pleasure, it is my passion to grow children’s love of learning and their self belief, in a happy, fun and safe classroom. I love to read, walk the landscape of Miramar, potter in the garden, and spend most weekends during the football season at our Wellington Olympic AFC clubrooms cooking in the kitchen with family and friends, and on the sideline, watching my adult sons play for our club.

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Support Staff

Support Staff

Margaret Hudson

Office Manager

About Me

I have been Kahurangi's Office Manager since it was established in 2013. I worked at Westpac in an Administration role for many years, and was Office Manager at Miramar South School. I enjoy the bustle of the role and interacting with so many different people. No two days are the same. Juggling different jobs and different deadlines, then dropping everything to put a plaster on a skinned knee has taught me patience. I have a daughter at Otago University doing a Science Degree so that's my main interest at the moment. I like to garden and cook, and keep busy with family and friends. I'm interested in politics and history, and finding out about how things work. You should never stop learning!

E: office@kahurangi.school.nz

Angela Keane

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Talofa Lava! I'm Angela Keane, known as Mrs Keane to the tamariki. Growing up in Strathmore, this vibrant community is not just where I work but an extension of my roots. Wearing multiple hats as a dedicated Teacher Aide, Office Administrator, Duffy Coordinator and Road Patrol Coordinator, I prioritize the safety and well-being of our young learners. As a registered LAT with a Samoan background, I bring cultural richness to our learning environment. Each day presents new opportunities to inspire, guide and nurture the unique potential within each tamariki. Working with our tamariki is not just a profession; it's a calling! The magic of witnessing curiosity and the joy of discovery in their eyes make every day at Kahurangi School truly special.

E: angela@kahurangi.school.nz

Samantha Renner

Teacher Aide, Office Assistant

About Me

Born and bred in the Miramar Peninsula. I am half Samoan and half German. I have been employed at Kahurangi School since 2013 and have enjoyed watching the children grow up and go on to bigger and better things, including my daughter who also attended Kahurangi School until 2019 and loved it. The greatest part of working at our kura is creating a cherishable bond with tamariki who end up teaching me even more than I teach them.

E: sam@kahurangi.school.nz

Hannah Lousley

Teacher Aide

About Me

Hello! My name is Hannah Lousley. I have lived in the Eastern Suburbs my whole life with my family. I am the oldest of four girls I have the absolute privilege of working here at Kahurangi with all the wonderful tamariki that are a part of this amazing school . I enjoy every minute I am here . I believe that every child learns differently. I make it a top priority to get to know the student I am working with and how they learn so together we can achieve the best learning possible.

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Leah Cooper

Counsellor

About Me

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am Leah Cooper the new counsellor for Kahurangi School. I have 15 years experience in mental health and wellbeing; working with young people, adolescents and adults. I provide talking therapy for families and students when things are feeling hard at school or at home. This can include but is not limited to; anxiety, worry, low mood, change and loss, anger and trauma. We can work together to problem solve, develop skills to manage hard feelings, identify strengths and values as well as to shift thinking to be more flexible and helpful in moving forward. I am at Kahurangi School two days per week. Referrals can be made through Kyran, your child’s classroom teacher or you can email me directly.

E: leah@kahurangi.school.nz

Fono Ioapo

Grounds Person

About Me

Coming Soon

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Term Dates 2024

Term 1: Wed 31 Jan – Fri 12 Apr
Term 2: Mon 29 Apr – Fri 5 Jul
Term 3: Mon 22 Jul – Fri 27 Sep
Term 4: Mon 14 Oct – Tue 17 Dec

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