Classroom Teacher

Hi, my name is Mandy Barber and I am teaching in Room 23. I have been on the T.I.S. staff for many years and am excited about my return to the classroom, after 5 years as a specialist maths teacher and a year teaching in Thailand. Already I have had the privilege of renewing old acquaintances and meeting new Taradale families. My teaching passions lie with maths, science and physical education. In my own time, I am a keen hockey player and coach, enjoy spending weekends out and about with my family and love to run my beautiful boxer at the river.

Classroom Teacher

Hi my name is Marsha Cardie and I am the proud teacher of Room 1! I have taught at Taradale Intermediate for several years and have a passion for teaching the age group. I especially enjoy teaching Japanese and literacy. I am involved in extra curricular activities offered at school such as volleyball, dance and 40 hour famine. My spare time is usually spent with family and friends or lazing around the beach during the warmer months. You will find us right at the front of the school so feel free to wonder through and have a peek at us learning and our beautiful new classroom.

Biotechnology Teacher

Hello, I’m Heather Beaton, the Biotechnology teacher. Biotechnology is a fascinating and growing area in which students respond to a brief involving the manipulation of living systems or the use of products of living things to develop new products, systems or environments.
The programme also integrates with food technology, with the students being taken on a garden to table journey, where they learn how to grow and look after plants they will later be consuming in food technology!
Many aspects of my career and study have given me the tools to be effective in this role. Ranging from my career in the Nutrition Centre at Ruakura Research Station. My time working in the Biological Sciences Department at Waikato University through to a Ministry of Education Contract to deliver Environmental Education to schools. Another contract as an Environmental Educator with Auckland Regional Council and several years as an intermediate teacher in Auckland and North Shore Schools, some as a classroom teacher, some as a biotechnology teacher and some as a team and curriculum leader.
I have been very fortunate to have always been associated with organisations committed to best practice. This continues with TIS and as an extra bonus I have the pleasure of working with every child in the school.

Performing Arts Teacher, Lead Teacher eLearning

Hi, I’m Leah Breeds and I’ve been teaching at Taradale Intermediate for 10 years. I grew up in Taradale (yes, I am a T.I.S. alumni myself!) and after training in Palmerston North I jumped at the chance to return to Napier to teach. Having taught in the classroom for several years, I’m enjoying the change to my current position as Performing Arts teacher. I love the variation; being involved in cultural activities such as orchestra, choir, drama, dance and production, as well as teaching music, dance and drama to every student in the school.

Classroom Teacher

Hi, I’m Lynley Brinsley and I am currently teaching in Room 3, as part of the Takitimu team. This year I consider myself lucky to be working alongside a wonderful group of children who display an enthusiasm for learning and are happy in themselves and have fun. I have been teaching for over twenty years and have always taught at the Intermediate level in several schools in Napier. Seventeen of those years have been at Taradale Intermediate, where I have been able to grow as a teacher and have been involved in numerous leadership and learning opportunities. Most of my time at this school has been spent as part of the Takitimu team. My interests at school involve Social Sciences and Art. I came from a sporting
background and at present am involved with coaching school volley ball. In my leisure time, I love watching sports such as rugby and basketball. When my son was younger I spent many hours taking him and his friends to ride down- hill mountain rides. When I was a child I loved playing tennis and hockey and enjoyed success in these sports. In recent times, I enjoy going to the movies and catching up with friends during the weekend.

Classroom Teacher

I have been teaching at Taradale Intermediate for four years now and this is my first year as a teacher in one of the two laptop classes. I enjoy teaching here so much that two of my children have been through here. TIS is a great school community to be involved in. I am heavily involved in netball, running the school teams and also playing myself.

Classroom Teacher

Hi my name is Scott Burns and I am the teacher in Room 15. I am an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about making all learning experiences for my students memorable ones. I feel it is important to teach students how to develop the skills of co-operation, relationship building and communication at this age level. Student voice is prevelant in Room 15 with all our class members being given the opportunity to have their say and feel comfortable to do so. Room 15 are a part of the Mohaka syndicate at Taradale Intermediate. My teaching interests are based around physical education, maths, I.C.T and languages with Italian being taught as an international language. A motivational quote that I have developed in Room 15 is the Latin phrase of, "Fortuna Fortes Aduivat," It means fortune favours the brave. I use this to motivate the students when they are unsure of themselves - if you don't try you will never find out how good you could be. What makes me love teaching is seeing the students develop over time and gain confidence in their own abilities. I feel privileged to be able to assist in the moulding of our conutries future generations. In my spare time I like to play a variety of sports, listen to music, watch a good movie and to travel lots! I also coach a wide variety of sports such as cricket and soccer in and out of Taradale Intermediate.

Classroom Teacher

Hi my name is Viv LeComte and I was born and bred in the beautiful Hawke's Bay. I live on the beach at Bayview with my partner and our two children. I am in my twelfth year of teaching at intermediate level and I thoroughly enjoy working with the emerging adolescent and the constant challenges this wonderful age group provides. I enjoy the outdoors and spend many weekends out and about with my family. Taradale is a positive, supportive school with great staff and students. I am looking forward to the busy year ahead.

Release Teacher

My role is quite different from my previous years at TIS as I don't have my own class. I am enjoying my role as a release teacher, working across the 3 learning teams, releasing the lead teachers and team leaders. I am passionate about teaching the emerging adolescent and making a difference in the lives of the students that I come in contact with. I am sports mad and enjoy getting children hooked on sport to help keep them fit and healthy. My interests involve multisport, canoe polo, the outdoors and spending time with my family and friends.

Class Teacher

Bachelor Education, Diploma of Teaching

I loved my intermediate school days in Havelock North and this certainly fuelled my desire to be a teacher. I trained at Massey University and following this began my teaching career at Te Puke Intermediate. However, being a Bay girl at heart I was keen to get home. After a twelve year stint at Napier Intermediate I am now into my third year at Taradale Intermediate! Wow…TIS is an awesome teaching and learning environment. I enjoy the opportunity to teach at such a fantastic forward thinking school, with a great team of people and fabulous students. 2012 looks action packed as we all continue on our journey of being the best we can be!

Team Leader - Takitimu

Kia Ora
My name is Meredith Ellingham and this is my third year teaching at Taradale Intermediate. I am thoroughly enjoying my experience as Team Leader for Takitimu and working with such an enthusiastic bunch of kids and teachers at TIS. I enjoy all aspects of school life especially Kapa Haka, Health, PE and Art. I am looking forward to another exciting and rewarding year. Ka kite.

Lead Teacher - eLearning

Hi my name is Greg English and I am teacher of Room 6! The class of 2012 will be working in a 1-1 laptop environment. We are fortunate to have many ICT tools to assist us in our learning including iTouches, Mac and PC computers, digital and video cameras... Even a digital microscope! I have been teaching at Taradale Intermediate now for 8 years and have many great memories. I am currently the lead teacher of ICT and e-Learning. As part of this role I have the pleasure of working with students and teachers to utilize ICT tools in new and interesting ways to support teaching and learning. Other roles I have fulfilled in the school have been as a Video Technology teacher in the specialist team, Future Learner and coordinated our schools TV studio, Taravision. In 2007 with the help of some talented students I created Blog Central, a place for students to share and celebrate some of their digital content. This has grown over the years to include our own school Youtube channel and many classes publishing their own blogs. Check out Blog Central and celebrate our success!
I enjoy working with groups of students developing short films for competitions and giving students the opportunity to share their talents and expertise. I also enjoy running and endurance sports and regularly run with students during lunch breaks.

PRT Support

Hi I'm Angela Fraser and have been a teacher at T.I.S the last 12 years. I'm proud to be a part of this incredible school and all the opportunities it offers. It is a special place. I'm a keen triathlete and a member of the Hawkes Bay Multisport Club. I am a mother of 2 gorgeous boys, and live in Taradale with my wonderful husband. For the last 3 years I have been employed as a part- time teacher. My role involves teaching or ORS students and working with their teachers and families. I am also part of the Board of Trustees which is an exciting role for me. I look forward to sharing all the learning success 2012 brings.

Visual Arts Teacher

Diploma in Visual Communications, Bachelor of Art and Design, Diploma of Teaching.

Hi there, my name is Bryson Frost and I have been the Visual Arts teacher at Taradale Intermediate School for the past four years. I also take a maths class. Prior to Taradale Int', I taught at two other primary schools; here and in Christchurch. I was originally born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, but attended high School in Christchurch, where I remained until 9 years ago before coming to Napier for reasons of work and family. I have been married to my amazing wife for 18 years. We have 3 beautiful children. Outside of school hours I paint for a gallery in Akaroa in the South Island, I like to read, listen to motivational speakers, fish, walk, and we are very actively involved in our Church at 'Bay City Outreach Centre' in Hastings. I have had the privilege of travelling to many parts of the world, including climbing Mt Everest to 21,000 feet, riding elephants on Tiger Safari, driving a Combi' in Europe, and watching Moose walk by in the Rocky Mountains. I have also spent time with my father in the South China Sea, picking up 'Boat People' in the late 70's on a World Vision medical ship, before taking them to the many Refugee camps around Indonesia. I have lived a full and blessed life and try to pass on all the good things I have learnt to the children that I teach.

Classroom Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching

Hola, I am a third year teacher and am currently teaching in Room 21 of the ‘Mighty Kaweka’ team. 2012 sees a change in direction for me; sharing a class with Nikki Shakeshaft and venturing into the realm of a Mixed Materials Technology teacher. I have gained important experience of the school setting and in working with the emerging adolescent through my previous role as a teacher associate. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching degree and graduated from Waikato University. Whilst studying I was lucky enough to work as a teacher aide at Ngatea Primary School where my time was spent working with students between the ages of 5 and 13. I am enthused that students in their intermediate years are beginning to develop their own individual personalities and opinions on how the world works and that I can help mould these. I have a strong background in sport having attended the World Club champs for football in Japan for three consecutive years. I have also played premier Rugby for NMOB and premier level Cricket. The skills I have learnt and developed in the sporting arena will help me in the school setting as we persist and find solutions to problems both inside and out of the classroom. My time outside of the classroom is divided between spending time with friends and family and my sporting commitments. Adios.

Classroom Teacher

Hi, I’m Leanne. I have been teaching at TIS since 2008 and I can’t see why I would want to leave here. Since being at TIS I’ve been part of Mohaka, one of our three teams and can be found in Room 17. Room 17 always seems to attract a great bunch of year 7 & 8s who I feel very privileged to teach. I’m passionate about children’s reading and writing skills, using a variety of thinking skills and how to create a warm classroom environment. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, catching up with friends and relaxing with a great novel.

Team Leader - Mohaka

Hi, I’m Karen! (Yes, I’m still here!). My teaching career started at Mayfair School in Hastings in 1997 where I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the delightful students of Year 3-4. In 2000 I made my move to Taradale Intermediate and now teach a class of humourous Year 7-8’s. I love to teach and interact with this age group and find it extremely rewarding to see the progress and successes they make. Starting as a class teacher I am now Team Leader of Mohaka and are thoroughly enjoying the challenges and experience this role brings. I have been involved in coaching netball and volleyball and organising the school science fair. My spare time is spent with my family, catching up with friends and watching a good movie!

Classroom Teacher

Kia Ora, I have the privilege and pleasure of teaching the exceptional students of Room 24! Our class aim this year is to be ‘Great Learners’ and, already, the talents and bubbly personalities of our class have ensured a flying start in this direction. I am proud to be part of the Kaweka Learning team – where we have a never-ending supply of positive and enthusiastic students who walk out the meaning of TEAM. Outside of school, I love spending time with friends & family, enjoy reading, dabble in fitness and love being involved in activities and events at the church I attend. I like to try new things, have fun and live life!

Classroom Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Ben Martin and I'm a classroom teacher here at Taradale Intermediate. I'm a Napier boy, born and bred. I live in Taradale with my wife who is also a primary school teacher. This is my sixth year here at T.I.S and after spending my first in the Kaweka learning team I upgraded and am now proud to be part of the "tumeke" Takitimu team. This year I am in Room 2 with a bunch of bubbly, keen and really fun students. What I love about teaching is getting to work with people, both students and adults. When people achieve success they feel really good about themselves and if I can be just a small part of that journey, it's really rewarding. Other than that I really enjoy getting involved in sports and can often be found on the field kicking a ball round or beating some kids at a game, which is also really rewarding.

Team Leader Kaweka

Hi, my name is Felicity Martin and I am the classroom teacher of Room 22 and Team Leader for Kaweka. I started teaching in 2000 and have been a teacher here at Taradale Intermediate since 2004. The staff and students make this a dynamic, exciting and inspiring place to work and I feel fortunate to be part of such a vibrant learning community. I am passionate about teaching across the curriculum but have particular interests in Inquiry, the Habits of Mind and Performing Arts. I love being involved in choir, orchestra, drama and productions where I get to provide opportunities for talented artists to share their gifts with the rest of the school. In my own time I love being in the outdoors going camping, tramping, mountain biking and exploring our beautiful country.

Food Technology Teacher

I started at Taradale Intermediate in May 1980 and yes that is 32 years ago. I spent 20 years teaching sewing and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of sewing for productions, dance costumes, sports uniforms and Kapa Haka. At the beginning of the year 2000 I took a sideways step (literally), into the Food Technology Room. Because children are always excited about coming into this classroom it is a very pleasant place to work. Pupils arrive thinking that they are in Food Tech solely to cook and are surprised to learn that Hygiene, Safety, Nutrition and Life Skills are on the top of the list.
Taradale Intermediate has been part of my life for such a long time and I truly believe that it is a great place to be for both Teachers and Pupils. My husband and I live on a 6 acre lifestyle block and spend a lot of time looking after a large garden which provides our 9 grandchildren with much enjoyment. Our other passion is Art Deco, Vintage Cars and 1930's fashion, all of which we share with our family and friends.

Lead Teacher - Mentoring

Hi there I’m Nikki Shakeshaft and this is my 8th year at TIS. This year I am having a bit of a change and I’ll be sharing a classroom with Mr Gillespie and also working in the hard materials workshop teaching technology (indulging in a passion of mine). The things I love about working at T.I.S are the staff. Passionate, hard working with a great sense of humour. Of course there are the kids! My role model and idol is Walt Disney and I absolutely love anything Disney related. Outside of school (yes teachers do have lives kids) I have a passion for cooking, travel and spending time with my husband Chris and Golden Labrador Buster.