Senior Leadership Group
Hamish Hislop
Principal
I am Hamish Hislop, the Principal at Moturoa School. I began working here at the start of 2019. I am proud to be from Taranaki and enjoy teaching our wonderful tamariki. The calm learning environment and wonderful facilities make our school welcoming to all our visitors. We know our learners, work hard to make a difference to their lives and strive to improve our environment.
Carolyn Weston
Deputy Principal
I am Carolyn Weston, the Deputy Principal at Moturoa School. I love working here with our beautiful, creative and caring children. Moturoa School is special because of its size, its fabulous outdoor environment and its proximity to the sea. We are very lucky to be able to walk to the beach, up to Ngamotu Domain and to other local attractions whenever we want. I love teaching the children who come to Moturoa School.
Teaching Staff
Rachel Ammundsen
Teacher
I am very fortunate to co-teach with Zoë in our region’s only Montessori Primary class. I trained as an A.M.I. Montessori teacher in early childhood and primary. I completed my B.Ed, graduate diploma in Early Childhood and Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education. I love being able to teach across the curriculum, supporting the children in working hard together to make our planet a better place. “
Zoe Robinson
Teacher
My name is Zoë Robinson and I am very fortunate to co-teach with Rachel in the Montessori classrooms. I have a bachelor of Education and I trained in Wellington 15 years ago. I love working at Moturoa School with such a supportive and friendly team of knowledgeable teachers and fantastic children. I am incredibly proud of our focus on environmental education at our school.
Kat McDonnell
Teacher
Living in Taranaki is opening all sorts of possibilities for me having made the move from the Capital in 2018. I had visited Taranaki many times but living here is a whole new adventure. Moturoa is the small school with a big heart and spirit that I enjoy most. I feel fortunate to be an educator in New Zealand in all that we are able to access and bring to the classroom and children’s lives.
Max Pringle
Teacher
I joined the teaching team at Moturoa in 2020. I am proud to be a part of our family focused, forward thinking and welcoming school. I believe my role as kaiako in the junior team is to create a learning space that fosters creativity, imagination and collaboration through Playful Learning. I am passionate about giving our young learners the best possible start to their education based on these key foundational skills.
Melissa Surgenor
Teacher
2020 A-Z Parent Handbook I have the privilege of working part-time in the New Entrant to year 2 class, in a job share position with Sarah. I love being a part of a child’s first class at school; helping them gain confidence as they settle into school, make friends and begin their adventure with learning. I have been working at Moturoa school since 2018. The family atmosphere, beautiful views and proximity to the beach make it a pleasure to come to school.
Charlene Jacobs
Teacher
Hi, my name is Charlene Jacobs and I am married to Keith Jacobs. Together, we have two awesome sons. We moved to Auckland from South Africa in 2008. I have taught the 6-9 year olds at Montessori @ Howick Primary for 5 years full time. We moved to New Plymouth in 2019 for a better lifestyle and as a bonus, I was offered a Part Time position to work alongside Rachel and Zoë in Koromiko/Pinatoro class. I also do Relief work around the school as needed.
Sarah Oakes
Teacher
My name is Sarah Oakes and I have had the privilege to be the teacher in Kowhai classroom since 2015. Kowhai is a composite Year 0-2 class. Moturoa School has a beautiful sense of community and I love that it is an enviro school. This is the thing I feel passionate about. I feel fortunate to be part of a small staff who also feel like an extended family. I love the honesty and openness and our commitment to do the very best for the wonderful children we teach.
Harri Burrell
Emma Warren
Kerry Hepworth
Hannah Cassidy
Karlene Jones
Bill Clarkson
Whaea Wharekuka
Matua Clive
