Kia Ora,

My name is Tasmin Lotter and this is my second year teaching at Pokeno School. I am in my second year of teaching, and I am loving teaching the year 5/6 students in our wonderful new block.

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to New Zealand when I was three years old with my family. I grew up in Howick, East Auckland and have recently moved out to South Auckland.

I am very passionate about animals, in particular horses, and compete and teach horse riding lessons regularly on my weekends. I currently own three horses, two dogs and a cat which keep me very busy during the week!

I am really looking forward to another year at Pokeno, working alongside Miss MacPherson in our shared learning space.

I look forward to getting to know you all during the year!

Ki ora,

My name is Tayla MacPherson and I have been teaching at Pokeno School since 2020. You will find me teaching year 5 and 6 students in Harakeke 1 this year with Miss Tasmin Lotter.

When I first started teaching at Pokeno School I was apart of Tui Whanau teaching year 3 and 4. I am lucky enough to take on a new challenge teaching year 5 and 6 students this year in our beautiful new MLE block.

I grew up in the Franklin area in a town called Patumahoe, where I attended the local Primary school. Growing up in the Franklin area means I have witnessed the wonderful growth of the Franklin community, in particular-Pokeno.

With growth brings more exciting opportunities for the school. I have always loved the local community in Pokeno and have fond memories of ice creams and the markets on Sundays.

I am really passionate about teaching all areas of the curriculum and finding new and exciting ways for my students to learn. I have been fortunate enough to have had such amazing support and mentors to help me develop a great repertoire of experience to bring into the classroom. I love the schoolwide approach to learning as well as providing an incredible and unique culture in which students develop strong values and respect.

I am really looking forward to working Miss Lotter in Harakeke 1 and getting to know my beautiful students,seeing familiar faces and new faces, and supporting out students on their learning journey this year.

Nga Mihi
Tayla

Kia Ora
My name is Mel Noble-Savidan, I have joined Pokeno School after 10 years at Sylvia Park School in Mount Wellington, most recently working as the Deputy Principal of Year 0-3.

I live in Pokeno with my partner, our 5 year old daughter - Quinn, a cat called Feather and a dog named Jacko. I am excited to be leading the Kea Year 5 & 6 Whānau this year. You can find me in Harakeke 2. Please pop in and say hello!

tēnā koutou kua huihui mai nei
Ko Ashleigh tōku ingoa
E mahi ana au hei Teacher

Ko Taupiri te Maunga e rū nei taku ngākau
Ko Waikato te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara
Nō Te Kauwhata ahau
E noho ana au ki Meremere

Ko tēnei taku mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe nei. Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei. Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

Hello, my name is Ashleigh Stewart.
I have been teaching for 6 years, and have taught a variety of year levels even spending some time in Early childhood. This is my second year at Pokeno School. Last year, I taught Year 5's in room 12 before moving into our amazing new block! I love teaching a variety of subjects across the curriculum, and enjoy creating new ways and opportunities to challenge students thinking and creativity. I'm excited to teach our year 5 & 6 students and their families this year!

I live in Meremere Village, which is just 15 minutes south of Pokeno with my husband, our two dogs Charlie & Lexie and our two cats Smokie & Phillip.

In my spare time, I'm currently completing a Postgraduate Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration with Massey University. I also enjoy reading, watching a good tv show or movie, taking the dogs on walks or hikes, spending time at the beach or swimming at lakes, trying new food places and jumping on the back of our motorbikes and going for a scenic ride.

I'm excited to get to know you all, and I can't wait to have a wonderful 2023 together!

My name is Iuliia, and I joined the team as a Y5-6 teacher at Pokeno School this year. My little family and I moved to Pokeno from Wellington where we’ve lived for 8 years.

In Pokeno I have my husband’s supportive family, however my own family are in Ukraine, where I am originally from. Both my Grandmother and Mum used to teach in primary schools, and I used to teach ESOL in Ukraine.

Apart from teaching, I love music (playing the piano and singing), dancing and theatre, as well as crafts. I am happy when I can get together with friends and people who share similar interests. I like travelling and I used to travel a lot when I lived in Europe.

Now I am a part of the Pokeno school family who do everything to help me settle in. I love children, celebrate their successes and sympathise with them when they need support.

I would be happiest to know that each of our school graduates finds his or her path in life and is able to look back at their school years with pride and gratitude.