Staff

We have a very dedicated, highly skilled staff, characterised by diversity. This makes for an interesting mix of backgrounds, skills and talents, all to benefit our children. We are lucky to have such wonderful people working in our school!

Meet our Staff

Rob Pratt

Principal – Tumuaki

Rob Pratt

Nau mai haere mai,

Pukehou School is a wonderful school in the heart of Central Hawkes Bay which I feel privileged to lead. I come to Pukehou from Kererū School where I was Principal (and Teacher) for four years. Prior to that, I was at Mayfair School in Hastings for five years. I came to teaching late, retraining in 2010 after being in the NZ Police for more than 15 years. For nearly 12 of those years, I was the Youth Aid Officer in CHB. During that time, I worked closely with local schools and ran a number of Blue Light activities for children and youth. I also partnered with EPIC to develop positive direction programmes for youth. My experiences ignited in me a desire to teach – a decision that I don’t regret.

At Pukehou School, we have a talented, dedicated, and dynamic teaching team who work tirelessly to achieve fantastic success for our learners. Our ākonga (learners) are a pleasure to teach. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and ‘can-do’ attitudes make for memorable learning experiences.

I am a strong believer in a values-based approach to education and feel that all children should be equipped and empowered to achieve success on their terms. Learning can and should be fun!!

My wife Angie is a secondary teacher (Science and Biology) and we have three (grown) children who have all followed their own paths. Lockie is a Policy Analyst with the Matamata-Piako District Council, Cam is a qualified Builder in Hastings, and Alanah is in the final year of her studies towards a Masters’ in Teaching (hoping to teach Science and Math like her mother!).

I am an active relaxer passionate about a range of sports, especially rugby. I a gym nut who gets cranky without my daily fix of exercise and you’ll often find me out in the playground at school playing!

I thank you for the privilege of teaching your children and invite any prospective families to visit and check out our fantastic little school.

Ngāmihiu nui,

Rob

Rachael Strong

Deputy Principal / Yr 7-8 Kaiako

Rachael Strong

Mother of a pigeon pair and wife of an Englishman. Born in Balclutha and have loved living in Hawke’s Bay since the age of 15. Passionate supporter of the Hurricanes, All Blacks, Black Caps and Silver Ferns, as well as any team that my son or daughter or any Pukehou Pupil are in.

Active wear is not my bag but I lurk on the side-line of any sport. Comedy and a page turner are my idea of fun. More travel is my ultimate ambition, so much to see and do both here and abroad. Climber, I am not but I have been to base camp of Mt Everest. Taught at Pukehou School since 2008. I believe that school should be the best adventure in town and that learning is contagious!

Emma Lawson

Kea Kaiako – Yr 3, 4, 5 Teacher

Emma Lawson

Kia ora, I’m so excited to be teaching in Kea this year alongside Mr Pratt. This is my 6th year of teaching, having previously taught at Mahora School and Hastings Intermediate.

Originally I’m from the Isle of Arran in Scotland, and moved to New Zealand in 2008. I lived in Wellington and Adelaide before deciding to move back to Hawke’s Bay to complete my studies. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching at EIT, and recently completed a Level 8 qualification in Disruptive Technologies, in which I looked at the impacts that AI, Cybersecurity and Big Data are having on our children and education systems.

Outside of teaching, you will usually find me out and about enjoying the beautiful Hawke’s Bay walks and food spots with my partner, playing a few games of pickleball, or baking a loaf of sourdough.

Fleur McDowell

Kererū Kaiako – New Entrant – Yr 1, 2 Teacher

Fleur McDowell

Kia ora tatou
I tipu ake ahau
Ko Mauao te maunga
Ko Kaituna te awa
No Tauranga – Moana i raro i te maru o
No Poukawa ahau
Ko McDowell toku whanau
Ko Fleur toku ingoa

My name is Fleur McDowell.
As a new graduate from EIT. I am passionate about creating a collaborative and fun classroom environment where everyone can grow and develop holistically.
I encourage creativity and bring my strengths in craft, a love for nature and the living world to inspire curiosity. If there is something my students want to know about
we will find it!
Outside of school, I live in Poukawa with my partner and two daughters. We live on a property in Poukawa where I spend most of my spare time in the garden or renovating the old bungalow in which we live. My interests include spending time with my family, gardening. and when the weather permits, camping.
I look forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey.

Bronwyn Sowman

Kererū Kaiako – New Entrant – Yr 1, 2 Teacher

Bronwyn Sowman

I was brought up on a farm at Mangatahi, sitting on the mudguard of dad’s Massey Fergusson. I was chief gate opener and had my own lambing beat. Mangatahi School was a wee school and there was only one other girl in my class. I won the gardening cup two years in a row. Riding was my passion and I hunted (with hounds) a lot until I got married. I didn’t know what I should do when I left school. Teachers get good holidays. That’s me, I thought. And I quite like children! I taught at Henry Hill, Ebbett Park, and Frimley School, but I always wanted to teach at a country school. I am so blessed to be teaching the lovely kids in Kereru.
We have four children who all live quite close, and eleven grandchildren. I am quite a busy grandma. Grant, my husband, drives fuel tanker and does farm deliveries and takes fuel to the Rocket Lab once a week. Now we live in Raukawa and we have some sheep and cattle.
When I grow up I might be a surgeon, or a helicopter pilot, or a rally car driver, or an artist ….

Jacqui Gilbertson

Director of First Impressions

Jacqui Gilbertson

My connection with Pukehou School started in 1998 as a part time volunteer Teacher Aide. When in 2000 I was fortunate enough to gain full time employment, working in the junior classrooms and the office, I enrolled my son at Pukehou School where he stayed from Year 4 to Year 8.

Currently my role is almost completely administrative although I always jump at any chance to work with the children. It’s a real bonus when I get to go on any class trip. I am also Board Minutes Secretary.

My hobbies include gardening, reading and cooking. My main source of exercise is yoga which more recently I have introduced to the students, leading them gently through some stretching, twisting, balancing and deep breathing exercises. I thoroughly enjoy watching the children blossom, flourish and grow as they work their way up through the school.

Laura Thornhill

Teacher Aide

Michelle Forsyth

Teacher Aide

Staff

Principal:	Rob Pratt
Deputy Principal / Kāhu Yr 6-8 Teacher:	Rachael Strong
Kea Yr 3-5 Teacher:	Emma Lawson/Rob Pratt
Kererū New Entrant – Yr 2 Teacher:	Fleur McDowell/Bronwyn Sowman

Teacher Aide:	Laura Thornhill Michelle Forsyth
Director of First Impressions:	Jacqui Gilbertson
Groundsperson:	Viv Hollings
Cleaner:	Michaela Winiata

Board of Trustees

Board Chairperson:

Caroline (Pixie) Seligman

Parents Representatives:

Angela (AK) Hansen

Ben Harker

Hayley Wakefield

Byron Gillies

Staff Representative:

Principal:

Rob Pratt