Part Time Teachers

Carmelina Taylor - Room 5, 7, & 12

Release Teacher

Kia ora! I'm Carmelina Taylor. 

This year, I am really excited to be a part of the Kea & Weka team. I will be in Rooms 5, 7, and 12, as well as relieving in other classes as needed. 

I previously studied a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Spanish Language & Literature in Wisconsin, USA where I also started my teaching career as an intermediate teacher.  I have enjoyed re-entering the teaching profession at Ōtūmoetai Primary School after making the big move to New Zealand and spending a few years at home with my two kids.

In my spare time I enjoy adventure racing and traveling around New Zealand. I am looking forward to meeting the OPS students and their whanau, and getting to be a part of this wonderful community of learners.  

Phillipa De Fluiter

Tui Release Teacher

I have had the privilege of working part time at Ōtūmoetai Primary as one of the classroom release teachers for a number of years. I acquired most of my 30 + years of teaching experience working in several Normal Schools in Hamilton. I am principally involved in encouraging and developing in the children of Ōtūmoetai all things musical. Music is a performing activity so whatever the situation and whenever possible children are "making music".

When not involved in school activities my husband and I enjoy exploring many quiet special places in N.Z in our motorhome or are enjoying spending time with family who recently returned to N.Z after many years living overseas. (We are so Lucky! )

Bernie Macalister - Room 2, 8, & 9

Release Teacher

I have taught around the BOP for several years in all areas of Primary school. I have worked at OPS for over nine years, mainly in the junior area but also relieving over the whole school. 

One of the most important things to me is relationships with students, staff and community. From that we can build the foundations for an amazing learning journey at OPS. Although I enjoy teaching all areas of the curriculum, I do have a passion for music and the arts and I love teaching and learning Kapa Haka.

My husband and I have two adult children who both live in Tauranga. We love living in the Bay and enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer. We enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Gael Prosser - Room 25

Visual Arts Specialist

I am currently acting as the Visual Art Specialist teacher in a part time roll. I have taught around the North Island for almost half a century, the last seventeen years in a variety of rolls at OPS. I have been a Classroom Teacher, Curriculum Release Teacher, Relief Teacher and Mural Artist.
I have been lucky to be able to use my passion for creativity and Visual Arts as a tool to teach across the curriculum. It has also been a great way to forge positive relationships with students, and create a belief that there are many other ways to learn and to grow an appreciation for the different intelligences we encounter in our thinking, learning, and school community. I feel privileged to be able to foster and pass on this passion and work with forward thinking and inspiring people.
I have a small, active family. My husband has been successfully involved in the golf sector. Our son is an internationally recognized Free Ski Coach though currently working in the golf industry. He lives in Wanaka. I am an obsessive op shopper with a focus on re-use, recycle and re-purpose. We are passionate boaties and fishermen, and we love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Matua Jon Baird

Māori Specialist

Mig McMillan

Dance/Drama Specialist & Release Teacher