Farewelling long-serving staff member, Deborah Cachopa

When did you start at WGHS?

I was a past student here from 2000-2004 and then did my practicum here in 2011. I was employed in the PE department in August 2012 and joined the science department in 2013.

Where were you before here?

I am a qualified podiatrist, so before doing my teaching diploma through Waikato in 2011, I worked in Australia as a podiatrist, then came back to NZ, set up my own podiatry business, and worked as a clinical educator at AUT Akoranga.

Tell me about your role at Westlake over the years.

I started in the PE department and then moved to the Science department the following year. I became a dean quickly and thoroughly enjoyed my time as Akoranga Dean. I then went on to have my two boys, and I did some relieving in and out of maternity leave. I returned to the Science department, moved into a staff support role, and did some 2IC roles throughout the next 2 years. I moved into timetabling and then TIC of scholarship. I have loved these roles in the last two years, and they are something I am very proud of and would like to return to in the future.

What are your plans after you leave?

I plan to spend more time with my family, helping out more with their schooling and supporting my husband with his business. We have some travel plans, which is very exciting too.

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

It is crazy in 12 years how much things have changed. Obviously, we saw a lot of changes due to Covid and the lockdowns and learned a lot through that time. We have also seen some curriculum changes, which have been challenging at times. However, the school values and community are the same, and that is what makes Westlake so great.

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

I have so many fond memories. Westlake Girls is truly like a second home to me. I have made some of my best friends here, and those memories I will always cherish, especially those who have been with me for the past 12 years. I enjoyed my time as a dean and felt this was a really good fit for me. The connections I made were some that will stay with me forever.

I have had some amazing successes with my students, and I honestly love hearing the ones who have gone on to achieve great successes and get in touch with me to let me know I helped out – even in a small way.

One of my favourite memories is when I was the coach of the Premier Netball team. We were the instigators of taking the team to the Auckland competition to improve our netball programme. At that same time, we came 3rd at UNISS, the best Westlake had done at the time. I also helped set up the Cygnet programme in the netball space, a little legacy I loved being a part of.

Do you have any advice for students coming to this school?

Westlake has so much to offer, and I encourage the students to get involved in whatever capacity they feel suits them. As a student here, I tried to get involved in a lot. I played many sports and was in two choirs throughout my time here. You have five years at high school to do as much as possible to prepare yourself for the big wide world. Don’t hold back – you won’t regret it.

Any other comments?

It was a tough decision to leave Westlake, but I know I will return when my boys get a little older. I have been extremely well supported and given opportunities for which I am incredibly grateful. I will miss seeing my colleagues and good friends daily, but I know I will be back, as Westlake is a big part of who I am.