I feel very privileged to be the Principal of Pokeno School.

I came to Pokeno School in 2010 after 15 years of teaching and leadership positions in a variety of schools across Auckland. I have taught everything from year two to year eight and have worked in schools as small as 100 children to schools with more than 600 children.

At Pokeno School I have the pleasure of working with a dedicated team. The staff, BOT, and PTA are all committed to providing 'our' kids with the best possible opportunities to learn and grow.

As a school, we are also fortunate enough to be supported by the wider community and local businesses.

I hope you enjoy our website and invite you to visit us in person one day.

Tēna koutou katoa,

Ko Whiria tōku maunga

Ko Hokianga tōku moana

Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua tōku waka

Ko Ngāpuhi tōku iwi

Ko Ngāti Te Pou, Ko Ngāti Whārara ōku hapū

Ko Kōkōhuia tōku marae

Ko Te Ikanui Kararoa Pairama Riki tōku tūpuna tāne, Ko Pakanae Ahinata Pairama Riki tōku kuia

Nō Ōmāpere ahau

Kei Pukekohe tōku kāinga ināianei

He tumuaki tuarua ō to kura Pōkeno ahau

Ko Stephanie tōku ingoa

I initially began my teaching degree in the Secondary programme which would have seen me graduate with degrees in Science and Education. However, when I saw the enthusiasm and excitement for learning in my friends who were enrolled in the Primary degree I asked to be transferred – it was absolutely the right decision. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20+ years teaching in Franklin primary schools - especially Pokeno.

I am really looking forward to the journey of growing our school as our community itself grows.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa

Kia Ora
My name is Mel Noble-Savidan, I have been teaching for 15 years, this is my 3rd year at Pokeno School. I am excited to move to the role of the Associate Principal in 2025.

I live in Pokeno with my wife, our 7 year old daughter - Quinn, our 1 year old son - Reid, a cat called Feather and a dog named Jacko. You can find me in the leadership office. Please pop in and say hello!

Kia Ora, everyone! Kamusta?
I'm Maria Rushell Zinampan, but you can just call me Shelly. I've had an amazing journey teaching in primary schools back in the Philippines and as an ECE teacher in Singapore. My family and I made the big move to New Zealand in July 2022, and I absolutely loved my time as a Kaiako at Urban Explorers Pokeno for the past two years. This is my first experience teaching in a primary school here, and I feel so blessed to be at Pokeno School. Being new, I'm really looking forward to making new friends and jumping into all the exciting experiences that lie ahead!

My name is Laura Turton and I love being a teacher at Pokeno School.

I am thrilled to be a Year 2 teacher supporting the children on their learning journey. I am the Whanau Leader of Ruru Whanau. You will find me in Room 10 with a welcoming smile.

I moved to Pokeno with my family in 2016 and thoroughly love being part of the Pokeno community. I am married to Shaun and have two beautiful daughters, Jessie-lee who is 30 and Jamie who is 18.

I am an experienced teacher of 26 years and I have a real passion for teaching. I believe building positive relationships and developing a fun and safe learning environment are essential in order for children achieve in their learning. I love to have fun with my students and believe laughter is an important part of the classroom.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and to go for walks. I love reading and take every opportunity to read a book. I also love spending time at Waihi Beach with all of my family.

I am really looking forward to getting to know you all a little more during the year!

Kia ora! I am originally from Rotorua and have lived in South Auckland for over 20 years, where I began my teaching journey. This year, I am teaching Year 3 and am proud to be the Whānau Leader for Tūī Whānau.

I have taught across a range of year levels throughout my career, and bring a wealth of experience to my classroom and leadership role. I have been a Whānau Leader for many years and am passionate about supporting both kaiako and ākonga to thrive.

I enjoy building strong, positive relationships and creating a learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to achieve their best. I look forward to continuing to lead and support our Tūī Whānau with enthusiasm, manaakitanga, and a commitment to student success.

Bula,

My name is Maggie Rani and I’m excited to be part of Pokeno school this year. I am from Fiji and have been teaching in New Zealand for 5 years.

I am married and have a 10 year old son. We have been living in Pokeno for the past 3 years and love being part of this beautiful community.

I am looking forward to meeting my students and their whanau and continuing my learning and teaching journey at Pokeno School.

Kia ora,

I am part of the Kārearea whānau, working alongside our Year 6–8 learners, and feel privileged to also support the team in a whānau leadership role. This is my third year at Pokeno School, and I have been teaching in primary and intermediate schools across South Auckland for the past 12 years.

I live in Pokeno with my husband and two children. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, spending time at the beach, travelling and going to the theatre.

I am passionate about teaching and creating a learning environment where all students feel supported, valued and able to thrive. I believe in building strong learning relationships and supporting students to take ownership of their learning. I aim to create engaging, purposeful learning experiences that challenge students and help them grow as confident, curious and capable learners.

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Tomanivi te maunga

Ko Te Moana Nui a Kiwa te moana

No Fiji ahau

Ko Pokeno taku kainga inainei

Ko Kavita Devi toku ingoa

I am really excited about meeting new tamariki and whānau as I embark on my journey as a SENCo at Pokeno school. I am extremely passionate about supporting learners and enjoy working with a team of professionals to make learning more accesible for all children. I truly believe all children have the potential to succeed given, the resource, time, education and support.

I am looking forward to forming new connections and working together to create positive learning opportunities this year.

Ngā mihi nui.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I am excited to be stepping into my first year as a Learning Support Coordinator after 12 years of teaching. For the past 8 years, I have been proud to be part of the Pokeno School community, building strong relationships with students, staff, and whānau.

I am passionate about supporting all learners to thrive and feel confident in their learning journeys. In my role as LSC, I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed, working mostly with students with ESOL & Speech Language development. I also have the privilege of co-leading the Pokeno School choir and supporting the implementation of PB4L within our school.

Outside of school, I live in Tuakau with my husband and our energetic two-year-old. In my spare time, I enjoy singing and exploring my creativity through art.

Ngā mihi,
Courtney Wallace-de Vries