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 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 Y7 and son in Y6. 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 8’s 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 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. Giselle supports the students and families with the organisation of sport codes.
Honour Welbourn – Teacher Coleman Room, Yr 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 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 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 Bassett Room, Yr 5
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 Bassett Room, Y1/2
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.
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.
Mary Demlyn – Teacher (fixed term, covering maternity position)
mary.demlyn@rapaura.school.nz
We welcome Mary to our team for 2021. Mary brings a wealth of professional and curriculum knowledge as she’s taught in both primary and secondary sectors. Mary is based in O’Dwyer Room job sharing with Honour Welbourn and Giselle Otway. Mary supports our CRT release where we see her passion for the curriculum areas come to play.
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.
Erin McPhail – Teacher (On maternity leave)
erin.mcphail@rapaura.school.nz
Erin has been at Rapaura School since 2012. Returning from maternity leave for 2019, Erin is 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/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 the junior classes supporting the staff and students with their learning. Michelle is brings lots of energy and a warm smile to the team. Welcome Michelle.
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.
