Teaching Staff

Mr  Kay

I was born in Wellington but grew up in the Wairarapa. I have eighteen years teaching experience in NZ, the UK and the USA.  My interests include movies, 80’s music, Tottenham Hotspur, and keeping up with my son Ned.  I feel very fortunate to be working in such a fantastic school as Crofton Downs Primary School!

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Mrs Gusterson

I joined the school in 2007 with most of my previous teaching experience in the UK. I'm a very visual person and teacher, so the interactive white board I have in class is a great tool for me and the children love it. I like the small class sizes here that give me more time for each child. I've also had the opportunity to use my philosophy for children training for extension groups outside class. I feel this school really knows that children are children, with plenty of fields and bush to play in and creative teaching around inquiry questions that encourage the children to really think about and help shape their learning so that they stay motivated.

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Jennie Paine 

I was born in Leicester, England, but spent most of my childhood playing in little Wanganui. I have only lived in Wellington for two years so I am still exploring this wonderful city. I feel very lucky to be working as a classroom teacher at our great school and enjoy the friendly community we have here at CDPS. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, and taking my dogs to the beach. When I can, I also like to go up the mountain snowboarding or get really outdoorsy and go hunting and camping.

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Rebecca Lavigne

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Rebekah Kuyper

Deja Harrison

I grew up in San Jose, California, USA.  From there, I moved to Boise, Idaho with my husband in 1999.  I taught kindergarten, third grade and sixth grade in Idaho.  Prior to teaching I had another career working in administration for technology, medical and academic industries.  I love ICT, technology, character education and using movement, music and meditation in the classroom.  My personal interests include outdoor adventure sports such as whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, tramping and yoga.  Naturally, we were drawn to New Zealand for the cultural and outdoor opportunities and decided to move here in 2013.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful community at Crofton Downs Primary School.

Miss Wood

I am also from Wellington but have travelled and lived abroad.  I am really excited to be teaching at Crofton Downs Primary School as I already know the children and staff really well.  We are so lucky to be at such a fantastic little school with such huge spirit.  There is so much variety here, everyday is full of learning challenges and successes.

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Mrs Meyer

Liz works in the New Entrant/Year One class on Thursdays and in our Year 1/2 class alongside Alice Johnson on Tuesdays.  She meets with the teachers to plan out the programmes for the students and is a great asset to our teaching staff.

Alice Johnson

Kia Ora. My name is Alice Johnson and I feel very lucky to have joined the Crofton Downs School community. I grew up in Wellington and have returned back from travelling overseas. My passion is working with children and seeing them blossom into individuals. I am excited to share more of my interests with the school such as arts and crafts & music. I also like spending time with my family and going on bush walks with my dog, Bundy.

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Kriss Rose

I'm a Wellingtonian. I've been a primary teacher and an English language teacher for most of my working life. I've taught all levels in primary schools and polytechnics in NZ and I've worked in several other countries, including three years teaching in Japan. I believe that exposure to other languages at an early age has wide ranging benefits in all areas of learning. The children at Crofton Downs Primary School have a rich multicultural environment in which to learn a new language and they are enthusiastic language learners! CDPS is one of the friendliest, most supportive schools I have worked in and I feel privileged to be on the staff this year as the Japanese language teacher.

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Gill Savage

I am a teacher with passion and I feel very lucky to be working at Crofton Downs Primary School. I have almost 20 years teaching experience in a variety of school in the Lower North Island and in the UK.

I have an interest in Philosophy for Children and New Zealand Sign Language, which I use as a regular part of my teaching. I am enthusiastic about helping the children reach their individual excellence and I love to see them progress in a positive manner.

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Julie Lear

I have lived in Ngaio for many years. I have always been a Junior School teacher. I had a break from teaching when I had my three daughters. I love the community feel of Crofton Downs Primary School and I am enjoying seeing children be enthusiastic about their learning.

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Liz Martindale

I was born in Hamilton but have lived in many places including Dargaville, Auckland and Wellington. Since completing teacher training in Wellington, I have taught in a variety of schools locally and in the UK. My interests include visual arts, walking, reading and spending time with my children. I love the child centred approach to learning at CDPS and value the positive, caring environment that is at the heart of this school. There is a fantastic team of people working here, who are passionate about encouraging children to become life long learners. It is a privilege to be part of this wonderful community.

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