Hi! I am Miss Courtney Bowden and am so excited to teach year 3&4 this year and be part of the Tui Whanau! This Is my 6th year teaching and my first year at Pokeno School. I have previously taught year 0/1 students at a School in South Auckland. I’m really looking forward to working at a country school and being part of the amazing Pokeno community.

I grew up in a small town on the Coromandel called Whitianga, my Family moved to Pokeno in 2014 and I moved to Auckland City. In my spare time, I love the sun, paddle boarding, catching up with friends, and traveling.

I look forward to getting to know my Tamariki and their Whanau.

I am originally from Rotorua but have lived in South Auckland for 20 years where I began my teaching career. This is my third year at Pōkeno School, and my first year in the Tūī Whānau. Previously I taught Year 5/6 so this is an exciting new challenge for me. I have been a Whānau Leader for many years before arriving at Pōkeno School and look forward to leading an awesome team of kaiako (teachers) and ākonga (learners).

Kia Ora,

My name is Kirstie Day and I am very excited to join the Tui Whaanau teaching Years 3 & 4 in Room 14 this year. This is my first year teaching this age group. I’m really looking forward to getting to know our younger learners and growing my professional teaching knowledge. In the past I have taught Years 5 & 6 for two years and Year 7 & 8 for two years.

This is my fifth year teaching primary aged children and my third year at Pokeno School. Throughout my studies, I also worked as an Early Childhood Relief Teacher. From a young age, I have aspired to be a teacher. I followed this dream because I believe I can make a difference in our tamariki’s lives. I have a passion for nurturing learners with specialist learning needs.

I grew up in the Franklin area and am excited to be teaching at one of our local growing schools. I live locally in Tuakau with my partner and our cheeky cat Millie.

In my spare time, you will find me exploring the outdoors, paddle boarding, playing sport, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

I thoroughly enjoy working with our Pokeno community and look forward to getting to know more of our local whaanau and tamariki this year.

Talofa lava,

My name is Rochelle Faleafaga (Miss Fale) and I am very excited to be apart of the Tui Whanau this year, teaching Year 3/4 in Room 15. I have been working at Pokeno school for two years, having taught New Entrant/ Year 1 in Ruru Whanau and prior to this as an ECE teacher in Pukekohe.

I live in Onewhero on a farm and have five gorgeous children. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, coaching Netball and Volleyball and road trips.

I am passionate about teaching and creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, vibrant, fun and motivating for our learners to grow and develop in. Developing positive reciprocal relationships with parents and whanau is incredibly important to me, and I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year.

Fa'a fetai lava

Kia Ora

My name is Karen (Miss) Foord, and I am excited to be in Room 16 as a year 3/4 teacher after moving from a year 1/2 class. I love my role as a teacher - both the magic and the challenges. I have 3 beauties of my own who are 8, 10, and 12. I grew up in West Auckland and relocated to the Franklin area after returning from 5 years based in London. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with the University of Auckland and a Postgraduate degree in Teaching (Primary) with the University of Waikato. I have worked in several vocations, most recently as an Employment Support Specialist for young adults with additional needs. I enjoy spending time with my family in nature, walks, beaches, lakes, music, musicals and photography.