Mark Drummond – Principal
principal@rapaura.school.nz

Nicola Corbishley – Office Administrator
office@rapaura.school.nz

Nicola is our Office Administrator who is in charge of all areas within the admin area including finance. Nicola is a parent of the school and has come with a wealth of experience and we are very fortunate to have her working alongside us here at Rapaura School.

Trish Weaver – Deputy Principal, Teacher, Yrs 7/8
trish.weaver@rapaura.school.nz

Nominated twice for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards, our Y7/8 teacher has over 25 years of teaching experience. Trish nurtures – and challenges – the potential of our senior students by fostering their critical and creative thinking abilities, and their belief in themselves. She has set up the Rapaura Young Leaders Programme which has our Year 8’s go on to college as self-motivated, confident, achieving learners.

Debbie Godsiff – Teacher, New Entrants
debbie.godsiff@rapaura.school.nz

My name is Debbie Godsiff and I am the New Entrants Teacher and Junior Syndicate Leader at Rapaura School. I have come from the Tasman District and bring to Rapaura School eleven years of teaching experience with expertise in Art, Science and Environmental Education. My aim is to foster a love of learning in every child, by teaching creative, engaging and fun lessons that are responsive to the interests and passions of the children in my class. I feel extremely privileged to be trusted with the important job of being a child’s first teacher as they begin their school journey.

Giselle Otway – Teacher, Yrs 3/4
giselle.otway@rapaura.school.nz

Giselle has previously taught at tertiary level and has retrained for primary. Full of enthusiasm, Giselle aims to extend our students and build each students confidence in their own abilities.  Keen on sports, Giselle is often found at the weekends on the sideline of sporting fixtures.

Honour Welbourn – Teacher, Yrs 3/4
honour.welbourn@rapaura.school.nz

Honour strives to get the best from each of the students by getting to know the individuals within the class and finding out what makes them tick.  Honour allows the opportunity for each child to share and grow authentically which enables each child to succeed. Her aim is to nurture curiosity, independence, creativity and the love of learning.

Sophie Shaul – Teacher, Yrs 5/6
sophie.shaul@rapaura.school.nz

I am new to Marlborough and Rapaura School, where I am currently teaching Year 6. I made the move four years ago, from England to New Zealand. I am loving it here and I’m definitely planning to stay. With high expectations for every student and myself, my love for learning is clearly apparent. With a puppy to keep me company, my weekends are enjoyed outdoors in the Marlborough Sounds.

Mikayla Avant – Teacher, Yrs 1/2
mikayla.avant@rapaura.school.nz

My name is Mikayla Avant,  I bring new energy and enthusiasm to Rapaura School.  I come from a small harbour side town in Canterbury. I aim to build relationships with my students and their families alike to work collaboratively within the classroom for the best outcome of the students learning. I am very fitness and outdoors orientated and love to try and bring this into the classroom where I can.

Tania Jenkins – Teacher, Yrs 1/2
tania.jenkins@rapaura.school.nz

I am very happy to have joined the Rapaura School teaching team.  Previously I come from teaching a multilevel junior class at Ward School. Before that I taught for many years in junior and middle school classes, and trained as a Reading Recovery teacher, at Ashhurst School near Palmerston North.

Mary Demlyn – Teacher (fixed term, covering maternity and ACC position)
mary.demlyn@rapaura.school.nz

We welcomed Mary to our team in 2021.  Mary brings a wealth of professional and curriculum knowledge as she’s taught in both primary and secondary sectors.  Mary is covering a maternity leave position and another team member on ACC leave. Mary has brought energy to our team which we are very grateful for and we look forward to working and learning with her for 2021 and beyond.

Erin McPhail – Teacher, Yrs 3/4
erin.mcphail@rapaura.school.nz

Erin has been at Rapaura School since 2012. Erin is an experienced Junior school teacher with a passion for providing quality learning programmes which help children develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills, curiosity about the world around them and creative thinking. She strives to create an environment where a love of learning can grow and all learners can experience success.

Grace Simpson – Teacher Aide/librarian

Grace works mostly with a Y7/8 class supporting and accommodating learning across the curriculum. Grace has a background of working with students in many different areas, eg Oscar and is a make-up artist. Grace brings a step of energy to the classroom and a warm, caring smile.  Grace is overseeing our school library this year.  We are very grateful for the fun she brings to this space.

Michelle Parkin – Teacher Aide

 Michelle brings a huge amount of knowledge and experience.  Her most recent experience comes from the Kiwican team.  Michelle is working in our classes supporting the staff and students with their learning.  Michelle is brings lots of energy and a warm smile to the team.

Jo Jager – Cleaner & Caretaker

Jo joined the team 2016 initially as school cleaner but is now our caretaker/cleaner and pool supervisor. Jo is passionate about presentation and always ensures our school grounds are looking tidy and looked after. We are very appreciative of the time she dedicates to our school. Jo is always ensuring our school grounds are safe but if there is ever a temporary hazard or something that is of concern please inform Jo or the school office.