Click on their name to open an email to send directly to the staff member.
ADMINISTRATION manager Manages our Office and all our financials and accounts. Amazingly thorough, efficient and always onto it. |
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Monique Talbot Office and Teacher Aide Can do pretty much anything really. I am born and bred a westie, although I did live 6 years in the UK, working with children. I have 4 children of my own, 3 boys and a girl , all of whom have been through Western Heights and loved it and now moved on. I started at Western Heights in 2018 as a Teacher Aide and then shared the job with joining the office team. I Love working alongside young children. It's been a passion of mine for a very long time. |
Rebecca Alexander learning assistant I have lived most of my life in West Auckland apart from a couple of years in Nelson when I got married. I started my working life in banking but with family members on all sides in various levels of education, I felt at home in the classroom environment. My husband and I moved back to West Auckland and I later joined the WH team in 2015 as a teacher aide, after volunteering for several years as a parent helper. All three of our boys attended Western Heights and are now in tertiary study, with one studying to be a primary teacher! I work in the middle school area and love to help the students succeed in reading using Structured Literacy tools. Reading is very important to me and I enjoy relaxing with a good book, especially an Austen classic. I always like to have a craft project (or two, or more) on the go to keep my hands busy. Quilting, card making, and music are my favourite hobbies. |
Jan Southgate LEARNING ASSISTANT I am proud to have worked at Western Heights as a Teacher Aide since late 1999. My introduction to the role came three years earlier after my children began their school life at New Windsor Primary School, also my old school. Following a move to Henderson in 1999, I was lucky to resume this role at Western Heights. Both my children completed their primary education here. I am privileged to be part of the Kakapo team (Years 5 and 6) of inspirational teachers and love supporting these young students in their learning (Literacy and Numeracy) and everyday school life. Witnessing their achievements and successes is the most rewarding thing!! |
Carol Key LEARNING ASSISTANT Talofa lava, my name is Carol and I am a mother of 3 boys who all attended Western Heights. My journey at Western Heights as a teacher aide started in 2017 . I have worked throughout all levels in school but I have a real affinity with our special character children. I believe all children are gifts and it is up to us to unwrap all their awesomeness for the world to enjoy. |
Shane Tomas property Manager Info to come |
Karamea Matthes LEARNING ASSISTANT Kia Orana, I have been a part of the Western Heights whanau as Teachers Support from 2019, but also in other capacities since 2006 with my 3 children coming through this school. The growth of a child from when they start Year 0/1 to Year 6 is a wonderful journey to watch, and I enjoy being part of it supporting in their learnings. |
Jessica Song English Second Language Teacher Kia Ora, It’s wonderful that I have been part of this amazing Western Heights Whanau starting as a mum of a daughter who had loved being at this school for 6 years, then as an ESOL Teacher since 2017. I’m very privileged to work with these awesome teachers and staff. I’m always grateful to share precious time with such lovely students, especially those whom I help with their communications in class. I specialised in English Language and Education at University gaining a bachelor's degree. My motto as a Secondary Language teacher is to build relationships with students by understanding their individual needs in learning. I approach students with an open mind and generosity to understand and share their feelings. The happiest moments I have within my role at the school is when I witness students give me their shining eye contact with golden smiles and high fives. |
Sharon Eivers LEARNING ASSISTANT I have been a Teacher Aide at Western Heights School since 2015. Our 2 boys attended Western Heights and have now finished their schooling and are working full time. After having worked in all year levels, I really enjoy supporting the juniors as they begin their learning journey, and watching as they progress through school, growing both emotionally and academically. |
Bronwyn Hughes LEARNING ASSISTANT I joined the Western Heights Team as a Teacher Aide in 2018. Every child is an individual, and I endeavour to meet each one’s needs along their journey.I love to see their progress and delight in their achievements. |
Grace King LEARNING ASSISTANT Info to come |
Emerald Webb LEARNING ASSISTANT I have worked as a Teacher Aide at Western Heights School since 2021. I have been involved with the school since my oldest child started in 2018, and volunteered to help children with their reading a few times a week. I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Nursing, though since attaining those qualifications I have learned that my passion is working with children. I love helping children learn and develop new skills as they journey through school. |
Erin McEwen LEARNING ASSISTANT I have been part of the Western Heights team since 2023, working as a Teacher Aide. My son also attended Western Heights School. He loved his primary school years. Previously I worked at Sturges Road Kindergarten as a Teaching Assistant for a number of years. I love nurturing and watching the children learn and grow in their early school years. |
Siala Clarke LEARNING ASSISTANT Talofa lava. I am proud and privileged to be a part of our Western Heights whanau. I have assisted teachers, helped children with their learning and supported students where English is their second language since joining as a Teacher Aide in August 2017. My family have resided in the Western Heights area for 26 years and 4 of our 5 children have attended this school. I love seeing our students achieve in their learning, develop new skills, and especially see them thrive in all they do. I’m a firm believer of the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” ... I’m blessed to be part of this village! |
Vanda Robertson LEARNING ASSISTANT Kia Ora I have been a Teacher Aide here at Western Heights Kura since 2018, having previously worked at Peninsula Primary and Barnardo's My own two Sons also attended here and have many happy memories of this special place I work mainly with Year 2 tamariki with daily Phonics Lessons I love celebrating their achievements with them! Every afternoon I can be found in the playground supervising children at After-school Care This place really is my turangawaewae! I have never worked anywhere else where Management is so very caring, supportive and kind. |
Stephanie Moir LEARNING ASSISTANT Kia ora koutou. I have been a part of the Western Heights whaanau as a Teacher Aide and Learning Assistant in the Junior syndicate since 2019. Working at Western Heights with neurodivergent students has been rewarding and challenging. It has given me some amazing opportunities to learn about speech therapy, sign language, basic Mandarin, how to play the ukulele, weave flax/raranga and many more. On any given day I will support Kapa Haka, Glee and athletics. I have lived in Hamilton, Christchurch and Australia but I am proud to be an Aucklander. I am a mother of 3 children. My youngest is a student at Western Heights and I have had the opportunity to see her every day grow in social, emotional and academic confidence. |
Crystal Osmond LEARNING ASSISTANT Info to come |
Naydene Verryt I grew up in West Auckland and came to Western Heights School as a student. I have a background in Administration roles and have a passion for dance. I started working as a Teacher Aide in 2023, my son was Year 2 and my daughter had started Kindy. My son is autistic, so I understand the challenges that come with neuro diversity but always try to bring out the best in the child and celebrate the small achievements. I work with Charlotte Westerhof in Room 8 and Mele James in Room 6. I thoroughly enjoy being able to get to know the Year 0/1 students and assist/expand on their learning, while also easing the load for the teachers. I have the child’s best interests at heart and feel it’s important to nurture their individual talents and qualities. It is very rewarding seeing a child progress in their learning as you are assisting them. I feel very blessed to be part of the Western Heights School Whanau/community again, where there is a strong sense of inclusion, equality and Manaakitanga among staff and students. |
Kay Luv LEARNING ASSISTANT Sabaidee. My name is Kay. I have been a Teacher Aide at Western Heights from 2024 and have been an ESOL teacher in Taiwan and New Zealand for many years. My daughter Asia and my son Europe attend here and they could not be happier. We have Teacher Aides, Teachers and Leaders that not only show high standards of commitment to every child's journey to learning but a sincere love to care and keep our children safe. This is the best school in New Zealand. I look forward to my days as not one day is the same and helping our children grow in their learning journey called life, brings me joy. |
Sandy Anderson LEARNING ASSISTANT I have a long standing association with Western Heights School since the 1980s. My own sons and grandsons have been students at Western Heights School over the years. I enjoy working with the children and observing their success and progress. |