Principal  – Michael Harrop

Being part of such a wonderful school and community as Silverdale Normal School is such a privilege. We have incredible, courageous learners here that want to make the most of all the opportunities presented to them. I love to see students light up when they discover and inquire into their world, finding their talents, passions and interests along the way.

Having worked at an International School in China for several years, I have developed a huge passion for connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I enjoy the richness that our melting pot of cultures brings with all the different perspectives, experiences and understandings that come with it.

I would like to invite you in to our amazing school and see first hand our learning community in action. We are very proud of our Silverdale Learners and I’d be very happy to show you around, share with you a bit about our values and vision for the future and answer any questions that you might have.

Deputy Principal- Alana Curry

I am really excited to be working at Silverdale Normal School this year.  I have been teaching in a variety of schools and countries in my 15+ years experience and love to work with children of all ages. Everyday in a school is an interesting day, I learn as much from our experiences in the classroom as the students do. There is nothingbetter than feeling the buzz of a classroom that is working together for a common purpose and ‘sparking’ off the ideas of each other. I have two children – 6 and 9 years old – also at our school. I love the community feel of Silverdale Normal School and the diverse experiences our community bring with them. This year I work with Abby to teach Room 11 and am really looking forward to creating a dynamic learning environment for our learners. I can not wait to meet you all throughout the year. Please feel welcome in our room.

Senior Teachers- Brent Taylor, Deb Young

FEdu Associate Lecturer / SENCO- Sheana Goudie

Class Teachers

Room 1– Teri Meling
My name is Teri Meling and I am very excited to be part of the junior team at Silverdale School. I have been teaching in the junior area of the school for the last three years and really enjoy seeing young minds grow and develop in curiosity. I am passionate about environmental education. While I was completing my studies I was a volunteer broadcaster for a local radio station. My main focus was taking a half hour slot each week aimed at getting youth excited and involved in caring for and improving their local environments. When I’m not teaching I like to keep active by running, tramping and playing dodge ball. While doing an Outward Bound course in 2012, I set a goal to visit India and do some volunteer work in an orphanage. I am working towards achieving this in the next couple of years. I look forward to meeting with you and working alongside your children.

Room 2– Jessica McMillan
Hello my name is Jessica McMillan and I am the classroom teacher in Room 2.  Ihave been teaching for 10 years and love being part of our Silverdale children’s learning journey.  I like to give children a wide variety of opportunities to share their learning and enjoy using art and dance as part of my learningactivities.  Room 2 welcomes parents, whanau, friends and our community to take part and participate in helping our students grow.  I run a lunchtime art class weekly and enjoy sharing skills I obtained during my studies of Fine Arts.

Room 3– Sandra Edward
Hi my name is Sandra Edwards and I am passionate about education and believe that learning is a life long journey. I am very much looking forward to playing an active role in your child’s journey.
I am married with a grown up son and daughter and two adorable granddaughters. I have a keen interest in travelling the globe
experiencing different cultures, traditions, architecture and cuisines. When not working I enjoy kicking back reading a good book, listening to music or advising my husband on how he should be doing the gardens!

Room 4– Sharron Kavanagh
My name is Sharron Kavanagh and I am experienced teacher who has taught in both junior and senior classes. I enjoy the challenges in responding to changes in teaching and learning. This year, I am teaching in Room 4 and look forward to getting to know the children and being part of their learning journey.

I am married to John and have four children and two grandchildren and enjoy being part of their lives. In my spare time, I love reading, doing crosswords and jigsaws, walking and catching up with friends.

Room 6/7– Louise Morgan
Hi, I’m Louise Morgan and I am teaching in Room 6/7.  Teaching New Entrants is my passion and I believe that to learn we need to be happy and relaxed so we remember what we have learnt.  I previously taught at Frankton School for five years in the New Entrant team. Before that I taught in Early Childhood Education which has helped me understand how important transition to primary school is.

Room 8– Deb Young
I’m Deb Young, Senior Teacher of the Junior School, Literacy Leader and classroom teacher in Room 8.

I taught at Southwell School here in Hamilton for the last twelve and a half years, seven of them as a Dean (Senior Teacher) of the Junior Classes. Prior to this I have taught in Hastings and Gisborne schools for several years. My last job before coming to Southwell was as  a Senior Teacher at Mangapapa School in Gisborne, taking charge of syndicates at differing year levels,from Years One to Five. I have a real interest in Literacy and think it is really important to focus on Literacy and Numeracy, particularly with our younger learners.
I would have to admit that the junior students are my favourites. I love their openness and willingness to have a go. On a personal note, I have two very grown-up children, who both live overseas. I have a daughter in Melbourne, Australia and a son who lives in Edmonton, Canada. I love to visit them in the holidays as much as I can.

Room 11– Abby Tuck and Alana Curry

Room 12– Brent Taylor
First of all I just want to say how excited I am to have the privilege to teach at Silverdale Normal School. I have two daughters Eliana who is 3 years old and loves dancing and my second daughter Lucia is 1 ½ years old, she loves strawberries and is mischievous.  My wife Stacey loves sports especially netball and the outdoors. I like sports too and I especially enjoy rugby, kayaking, fishing and volleyball. I enjoy gardening, building things, the beach, fishing, exploring new places, helping on the farm and spending time with my family. As a teacher I really enjoy getting to know each and everyone of my students and learning from them. I enjoy teaching all subjects but especially Science, P.E, Writing and Outdoor Education.  My goal for next year is to learn to play the guitar so if you know how to, I would appreciate any help!

Room 13– Judy Paterson
Hi, I’m Judy Paterson and I am one of the Year 4/5 teachers at Silverdale Normal School.  I have been teaching for the past 10 years and am continually learning new and improved strategies.  I love extending myself and the challenges a teaching role offers.  I am married to an amazing guy called Trent and have 3 wonderful children of whom we are actively involved with in their sports and life choices.  We live on a dairy farm in Karapiro, which keeps us all busy and offers a diverse opportunity in my life.  The door is always open in Room 13 and welcomes parents and caregivers the opportunity to see what the students are learning.

Room 14– Janice Muir
I have been teaching for ten years and absolutely love being a teacher! I am married to a super cool guy called Brendon and we have two sons. Dylan is 5 and Max is 4.  As a family we enjoy fun adventures and the outdoors. Last year we lived in Canada for the year and had heaps of adventures: road tripping, camping, snowboarding, making new friends and being tourists! I look forward to being your teacher and being part of your learning journey. Helping you work hard, stretch your brain, while having heaps of fun! I love books, anything creative, sports and outdoors, new fun ideas, and much much more!

Room 16-  Nic Wilson
Hello, my name is Nic Wilson and I have been lucky enough to join the amazing team of Silverdale learners in 2017.  I have been teaching for 15+ years and I am the classroom teacher of Room 16.  Everyday in teaching is different and that is what I really love about my job!  I want Room 16 to be a place where all my students feel like they belong and that this is their place.  Parents and whānau are welcome to come and visit – supporting us in our learning journey!

Room 17– Sarah Vassella
Hi I’m Sarah Vassella and I’m a New Entrant teacher here at Silverdale Normal. I have been teaching in the Waikato for 8 years and teaching juniors is where I feel I fit best. I live in Cambridge with my husband who is also a teacher. We usually spend our weekends in sunny cafes, with friends and family or following our interests. We have travelled together through Canada and America, Europe and and some of our neighbouring islands but NZ will always be home.

Mandarin Learning Assistant – 张婷  Zhang Ting
Hello, my name is Zhang Ting. I am now working as a Mandarin Language Assistant  at Silverdale Normal School. I love every aspect of school life. I enjoy working together with my students to explore more possibilities in ourselves. My passions for language, culture and teaching, are simple but overwhelmingly strong and have supported my choice of being a Mandarin teacher here. I enjoy reading, music, hiking, traveling, listening to different life stories and searching for new ideas. I am more than willing and happy to have you observe my classroom whenever I teach. Oh, it is sooo lovely to work and live here in New Zealand!

Learning Hub – Alison Trenwith / Jo Deverson / Bernie Moffat (ELL / International Student Liaison)

Reading Recovery – Anna Harrop

ORS Teacher – Sarah McDonald

Support Staff
Executive Officer
Priscilla Thatcher

Financial Officer
Barbara-Anne Montgomery

Property Manager
Nikorn Banjerdlert

Learning Assistants Abbie Wilson, Latoia Workman-Whatarangi, Bonnie Jeffrey, Carla Montford (ICT/Library-Aide), Aimee Wilson, Dan Neville, Rongo Bell, Ryan McLachlan, Kiri Cossey

Music Tutors 

Trumpet /Trombone /Clarinet / Saxophone- Stewart Stanbridge.

Violin-

Flute and Fife- Jade Browne.

Piana, Guitar and Ukelele- Anna Mills