Michelle Spencer – Principal
principal@rapaura.school.nz
Tena koutou, greetings to you all. I am excited to lead the learning at Rapaura School, a successful and highly regarded school that engages, challenges and supports students to improve their all-round achievement and interpersonal skills. I aim to build on these strengths and to enhance our reputation as a successful sought-after school. It gives me great pleasure to share with the wider community of our recent 4-5 year ERO report.
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 with a daughter in Y6 and son in Y5. Nicola 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 Gifford Room, 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 8s go on to college as self-motivated, confident, achieving learners.
Debbie Godsiff – Junior Syndicate Leader, Teacher Jellyman Room, 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 Coleman Room, Yrs 1/2/3
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. Giselle supports the students and families with the organisation of sport codes.
Honour Welbourn – Teacher Coleman Room, Yr 1/2/3
honour.welbourn@rapaura.school.nz
Honour, new to teaching in 2017, strives to get the best from each of her students by really getting to know the individuals within the class and finding out what makes them tick, ensuring authentic learning. Her aim is to nurture curiosity, independence, creativity and the love of learning.
Sophie Shaul – Teacher O’Dwyer Room, Yr 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 two 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 Bassett Room, Yr 4/5
mikayla.avant@rapaura.school.nz
My name is Mikayla Avant, being a second year teacher 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 Bassett Room, Y4/5
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.
My new role encompasses supporting Literacy across Rapaura School, including overseeing web based Steps programme and this year team teaching in a collaborative space with Miss Avant.
Erin McPhail – Teacher Coleman & Jellyman Room, Y1/2/3
erin.mcphail@rapaura.school.nz
Erin has been at Rapaura School since 2012. Returning from maternity leave for 2019, Erin will be based in Coleman Room job sharing with Honour Welbourn. Erin will also work in Jellyman Room in 2020 on a Friday for Debbie. 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
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.
Trish Hilyard – Teacher Aide/Librarian
Trish brings many years of experience and knowledge to the classroom and we are very spoilt to have Trish working with us. Trish helps out in the junior school in all areas and spends time in our library to ensure we have new books, and the area is looking inviting.
Jo Jager – Cleaner & Caretaker
Jo joined the team 2016 initially as school cleaner but now as 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.
