Kia ora,
My name is Alicia and I have been working at Pokeno School as a learning assistant for the past 5 years. I feel I am pretty lucky to be working at Pokeno School with all the amazing staff and students. I have studied early childhood and have always worked with children having it be as a nanny, Porse educator or in a daycare. I have 4 children of my own Michael 27, Brayden 23, Callum 17 and Ava 13. I love spending time with my family and going camping with them.

In my spare time I like to be outdoors either playing sports, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and bootcamps. I enjoy coaching netball and also have gone back to playing netball.

I look forward to seeing what this year will bring and working with our students.

Kia Ora I’m Amanda and I am a learning assistant here at the wonderful Pokeno School.

I have lived in Pokeno for the last 7 years with my husband and two boys. Before working here I worked for Air New Zealand for five years and three years at Urban Explorers which is just over the road.

I enjoy spending time with whanau and friends and filling up my weekend with sports.

I've been a teacher aide for over 10 years and my role with Pokeno School is my most varied. I love the work I get to do within my role as the librarian and can't wait for the new library to be built! I like to think of myself as being part of a big family/village here at Pokeno, helping to shape and encourage our diverse learners.

I have 3 adult daughters and love getting together as a family as often as possible.

Hi! My name is Hilary McCurdy and I joined the team at Pokeno School as a Learning Assistant in 2022. I love working at the school with the amazing children and awesome staff.

I have lived in Pokeno since 2009 after living in Auckland for many years.

I enjoy walking and can often been seen walking the streets of Pokeno. I also enjoy different varieties of crafting including painting rocks.

Kia Ora,
My name is Holly and I have been working at Pokeno School as a learning assistant coming up 2 years but have worked in childcare for over 5 years.

I love working with all the children in our local Community and I enjoy seeing how much progress they can make. Some parents may recognise me from KAS as I often help out over the holiday periods.

I have 2 children Max whom is 16 and Fynn who is turning 4.

Outside of work I love spending time with family, making crafts and a trip out fishing where I have been a Volunteer Fisheries Officer for over 5 years.

I have grown up in Franklin and love how amazing our community is here in Pokeno.

I look forward to making more positive friendships through our school community this year.

Kiaora,

My name is Kaleena Wihapi and I am a support person for our tamariki here at Pokeno school. I have been in teaching for over 7 years and love seeing children reach their full potential. I also enjoy travel, photography and playing pool.

Hi, I am Lisa Carly. I live in Pukekawa with my husband Richard and my children Brodie and Sophie. I joined the Pokeno School team in 2018 as a Learning Assistant. I thoroughly enjoy working with our amazing staff and awesome students.

Hi, My name is Natasha McLellan. I live in Pukekawa with my husband Edwin and daughters Emily and Brianna. I joined the Pokeno School team in 2020 as a Learning Assistant. I thoroughly enjoy working with our amazing staff and awesome students.

Hi, I am Sarabjit Kaur. My family and I moved to Pokeno last year December from Papatoetoe. Before moving to Pokeno, I worked at Papatoetoe High School as a Teacher aide for 12 years.

I joined Pokeno School as a Learning Assistant since the beginning of Term Two 2022. I enjoy and love working with students and staff at Pokeno School and look forward 2023 to be a year full of fun and learning.

My hobbies are gardening and cooking. During my free time I enjoy listening to music, walking and spend time
with my family.

Kia ora, my name is Shay. I am 24 years old and the fourth of five siblings. I returned to Pokeno School as a learning assistant after a year away.

I am in the second year of my Bachelor of Teaching at the University of Waikato. I have an affinity for working with neurodivergent children and watching students meet their goals.

I look forward to seeing you on Wednesdays and Fridays!

Hi, I’m Sonia Stephens. I live in Tuakau, with my husband & daughter. I also have two sons, daughter-in-law, grandson & granddaughter.

I worked in Early Childhood for 12 years & Kids After School, 2.5 years & now as Learning Assistant here at Pokeno School, which I enjoy immensely.