Taradale Intermediate

SONJA FARR - Finance Management, SMS, Admin

Email: sonjaf@taradaleint.school.nz

Hi there, You will find me in the office working alongside my colleague, Nicky. I commenced work here in 2000. TIS really is a wonderful learning and working environment which makes it a pleasure to provide administrative support for our staff, students, parents/caregivers and the wider community. My role is varied, challenging and interesting, and includes financial management, student database management, following up unexplained absences, general sickbay and office duties. I have two children who have spent their intermediate years at TIS and are now out in the working world.

JOANNE WOOLLEY - Pastoral Care

Kia Ora. My name is Jo Woolley and I have proudly been a part of Taradale Intermediate School for the last 13 years. My key role is to support the learners, their families and staff with any social, mental, physical or emotional needs I consider myself very fortunate to work with a fantastic group of learners and adults in a warm, welcoming and dynamic environment. Outside of school I like to cook, take my dog for walks, travel and spend time with family and friends.

ROBYN FOULDS - Learning Assistant and ESOL Tutor

Hi, I'm Robyn and I am married with two adult sons. I hold my sons entirely responsible for my interest in education. During my sons' early schooling I found it extremely rewarding to assist in the classroom as parent help and from there it seemed a natural progression to becoming a teacher aide. Having completed the Massey Teacher Aide course and Napier Literacy Programme I have worked at various schools covering new entrants to Year 11. I strongly believe in the importance of literacy as a foundation for all learning and laughter as a tonic for the flagging spirit. I have been fortunate to work at TIS since April 2009. My role, I believe, is a privileged one enabling me not only to assist our dedicated teachers and students in a general way but also supporting the learning of those students at risk of failing. It is vital, I believe, to create a safe learning environment to enable children to take risks, make mistakes and become independent learners. Outside of work I enjoy been taken for a walk twice daily by our much loved staffy, Buddy.

STEVE DEMETRIUS - School Chaplain

I have served as the Volunteer School Chaplain at TIS since 2009. Lifewalk Charitable Trust defines the role of a Chaplain as a “trusted friend” who is there to encourage and support Students and Staff. It is a unique role in that I come not as a teacher, administrator, or parent, but as just “Steve.” Students face many pressures and issues in their lives and I count it a privilege to work alongside the Staff at TIS. Lifewalk directs Chaplains to not initiate conversations with Students or Staff about spiritual matters. I do not and will not approach students or staff to start a spiritual discussion or put pressure on them to head in any spiritual direction. The role of a Chaplain is not to promote any particular Church or denomination, but to facilitate the flow of information about local youth groups. I also serve as Chaplain at Taradale High School, EIT and teach the Champions programme at two Primary schools. I am originally from California and have lived in New Zealand for about 16 years. My wife is originally from Taradale and we have three children. I have previously taught school and coached many sports. I love film, travel, reading, sports (tennis, golf, mountain biking, basketball, softball and hockey on the turf with the students!). I spend Interval and Lunch hours at school, attend assemblies and special events, spend time in the Staff room, lead the Chess Club, and help lead a weekly afterschool Bible Club (students get permission from their Parents/Caregivers to attend). Taradale Intermediate is a wonderful school and it is a real joy to serve here.

SUPPORT STAFF