What did you do before coming to WGHS? 

I was an RTLB (Resources Teachers: Learning and Behaviour) for years before I took the role as SENCO, and Westlake was one of my liaison schools. So my relationship with Westlake goes way back. I started full-time here in about 2014.  

Tell me about your role at Westlake over the years. 

I’ve been SENCO all along, and my role has evolved to that of Head of Department over the last couple of years.

What are your plans after you leave?  

 My husband retired in April, and he is loving it! We have young grandchildren in Auckland and we are looking forward to being very involved with them and helping out. There’s another one due on 20 December, which is very exciting. We feel very lucky, it is so precious, that relationship with grandchildren. I’m planning to do lots of gardening, and we have travel plans, first to the South Island for a really good look at the flora and fauna down there, and perhaps to do one of the Great Walks. We’re doing that trip with our youngest son. Then in the following year, we’re planning a longer trip, to England and Ireland.

How do you feel the high school experience has changed for students since you began? 

Covid had a huge impact, and students today also face a lot of uncertainties about world news – it’s a lot for our young people. Any strategies we can use to to help young people manage those big feelings of powerlessness about a world that doesn’t feel terribly safe is money really well spent. What I say to parents is “The important thing is that your young person wants to come to school, is having some success, is feeling supported, and is happy with their life – whatever that might look like, even if it’s not 100% what you want.” I also tell them that routines are really important and having a nice space to do their work. I don’t mean anything fancy, just a clean, clear space.

And I always say to young people, “It’s YOUR journey. We’re all just here on the sidelines, supporting you, so make good use of us; we’re a resource for you.”

 Can you tell me about a favourite memory from your time here? 

I have so enjoyed working as part of the Westlake team. You’re never alone here. I think most people’s best work is done in a team, and I absolutely love that here. There is my team in Learning Enhancement and the wider team of deans and pastoral care people, I can go into Jane (Stanley) to get documents signed off with a big smile – it’s lovely. You never feel on your own here, and when anything comes up that’s a bit tricky, you don’t just sit there with it and hold it. You go out and find the minds that are available to make the best plan. I’ve just enjoyed it here so much.