Tui Team - New Entrants and Year 1

Francine Whitehead - Room 23

Team Leader

Kia ora

 

I have the privilege of teaching new entrants to Year 1’s in Room 23, along with leading the Tui Team.  I also represent Otumoetai Primary within the Otumoetai Community of Learners/Kahui Ako as an in-school teacher for oral language.  

 

In 2015, My family and I moved to Tauranga from Masterton so I could to join the Tui Team. I have a Bachelor of Education with a major in Early Years Education, as well as Playcentre training.  My passion is teaching in the early years, as I believe that all children require a solid foundation of fundamental skills to develop their love of life-long learning. It is highly rewarding supporting and transitioning students and their families into school life - I love my job!   Over the years, I have developed an interest in literacy, which led me to complete Reading Recovery training.

 

Outside of school, I have a supportive husband, Andrew, and we have three adult children. I like to keep active, enjoy travelling, reading and spending quality time with friends and family.  

Kelly Lindsay - Room 22

Teacher

Hi, I am Kelly Lindsay and this is my third year at Otumoetai Primary School.  I have been teaching for 10 years in both Early Childhood settings and the junior years of primary.  This year I am working with a lovely bunch of Year 1 children who have a real excitement and enthusiasm for school.  I love working with this age group as I enjoy seeing the children transition from preschool to school.  In my spare time I really enjoy travelling, going on hikes, snowboarding, and spending time with my family and friends. 

Andrea Griffin - Room 20

Teacher

Hi, I am Andrea Griffin and I have been teaching at Otumoetai Primary for a number of years. I am a trained Reading Recovery teacher and I enjoy teaching Literacy. This year I am very privileged to be in the Tui team and working with an enthusiastic class of new entrants. I value teaching this level as they transition from preschool into school because I can assist each child to grow and develop in their own learning.  It is essential to have a supportive and caring learning environment so all children can take risks and feel successful.

When I am not at school, I like to be with my family and friends.  My husband, Glenn, and I have two children who also have been/still are at this school. We enjoy biking, walking, swimming and going fishing on our boat.

Kerri Kearvell - Room 19

Teacher