Staff

Meet our 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!

Chris Birch Principal

Principal

Chris Birch

Kia ora and welcome.

It is a privilege to lead such a wonderful school in the heart of Central Hawkes Bay. We have a dynamic teaching and learning team here at Pukehou along with energetic, enthusiastic, well-mannered children.

I come to Pukehou after leading Kereru School as Principal for three and a half years. I began my teaching career in Wellington, before my wife Kristen and I went on our overseas experience. Whist away I taught in London before returning to New Zealand and moving to the Hawkes Bay where I spent seven years as a team leader and teacher at Frimley School.

Kristen and I have two wonderful children, Ollie and Scarlett. When not at work my family and I spend a lot of time on our bikes or running/walking on the tracks around Havelock North or further afield.

Mountain biking is my main passion, however my weekends are also spent performing DIY on our family home, catching up with family and friends as well as fly-fishing on our amazing rivers.

I have a passion for education and enjoy encouraging and watching the future generations grow and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Being an active person myself, I encourage active classrooms where a love of learning is fostered through dynamic classroom programmes, regular exercise and an open inquiring mind.

I invite you to come along and have a look around our amazing school.

Rachael Strong

Deputy Principal / Yr 5 / 6 Teacher

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!

Dylan Lorkin

Yr 7 / 8 Teacher

Dylan Lorkin

Kia ora koutou,

I was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, where I attended St. Mary’s Primary School and St. Johns College. I have spent the past three years completing my Bachelor of Teaching (primary).

Throughout my academic career, I have developed a passion for visual arts and music, specifically the drums. Using these skills I incorporate both of these elements into my teaching and am always excited to see what my students create.

I am also a keen sportsman, and I have obtained a blackbelt in Kyokushin Karate, which I have spent ten years training for. I have also recently taken up surfing and can be found at Waimarama Beach most weekends!

As a Beginning Teacher i feel privileged to be working at such a fantastic, dynamic and future focused school. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Pukehou School community and getting to know you all.

Vanessa Osborne

Yr 3 & 4 Teacher

Vanessa Osborne

I completed both my diploma of teaching and degree of Education in Palmerston North. My first job was working at Marewa Primary in Napier. After becoming a fully registered teacher, I moved to Waipukurau Primary where I taught for 5 years. I gave up my position to stay home and raise my family of three girls. During this time I did a lot of part time teaching and relieving.

My family moved back home to our family farm 12 years ago and my girls attend Pukehou School. In 2013 I took on a shared position at Pukehou School which evolved into a full time position. I am privileged to work at such a great school and have the special connection of attending Pukehou Primary when I was a child. My spare time is spent helping my girls riding and competing on their ponies.

Heidi Slavin

New Entrant / Yr 1 & 2 Teacher

Heidi Slavin

Married to Blair and mother to Lucy & George, we moved to CHB mid 2019 and are all looking forward to being part of Pukehou School. Our family enjoys the great outdoors and quality time together.

Growing up in Twyford’s orchard community, I then travelled extensively, with a long stint in California, before completing my Bachelor of Education degree through Massey University.

Frimley and Pakowhai Schools are where I’ve taught. My passions include literacy, numeracy, visual arts and nurturing student interests and curiosities through play and structured learning.

Come visit the new entrant room, our door is always open.

Sarah Hemi

Reading Recovery Teacher

Sarah Hemi

I have been working as a Reading Recovery Teacher for four years, all of them here at Pukehou School. It is such a privilege to work one on one with these lovely children and with the wonderful staff here. Reading Recovery is a fantastic resource for any school. It helps children to catch up and keep up with the others in their class. We work hard in my little room but the results are worth it.

I have taught in Hamilton, Auckland, London and Central Hawke’s Bay. I have worked with so many different children and staff so I know that this is a great school. The staff are all positive and friendly. The children are enthusiastic and well mannered. The community are supportive and welcoming.

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.

Principal:	Chris Birch
Deputy Principal / Yr 5 /6 Teacher:	Rachael Strong
Yr 7 / 8 Teacher:	Dylan Lorkin
Yr 2 / 3 Teacher:	Vanessa Osborne
New Entrant / Yr 1 /2 Teacher:	Heidi Slavin
Reading Recovery Teacher:	Sarah Hemi
Teacher Aide:	Matt Hemi
	Laura Thornhill
Director of First Impressions:	Jacqui Gilbertson

Board of Trustees

Board Chairperson:

Caroline (Pixie) Seligman

Parents Representatives:

Aidan Cudby

Angela (AK) Hansen

Blair Slavin

Natascha Rodrigues

Staff Representative:

Principal:

Vanessa Osborne

Chris Birch