Weka Team - Years 5 & 6

Katie Wallace - Room 3

Year 5 & 6 Teacher & Team Leader

Kia ora
I feel privileged to be the kaiako of Room 3 and in the Weka team. I started teaching at OPS in 2020 and before that I was teaching at Tauranga Intermediate School. I have also taught in Auckland, London and Hamilton. 
I grew up in Tauranga and as a young child I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My husband and I have two daughters (who are also at OPS) and a cat.
I love animals, teaching Maths and Literacy and spending time with family and friends. Going camping, gardening and bike riding are also favourite past times. 
I am a passionate teacher. My goal is for students to thrive in my classroom learning environment, feel valued, and be successful. I'm excited to get to know my Year 5/6 class and their whānau.
 k.wallace@ops.school.nz

Kyla Shepard - Room 1

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

Kia ora koutou katoa,

I’m very excited to be joining the team here at OPS.  I love being a teacher and collaborating with tamariki and their whānau. I’ve been teaching for 15 years, and have experience teaching a range of different year levels (Y3/4, Y5/6, and Y7/8).

I was born and raised in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), and moved to Mount Maunganui with my husband, Jason, at the end of 2019.  We love it here, and have enjoyed everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer.

In my valuable spare time, I love going to the beach and swimming, eating good food, playing hockey, and catching up with mates. However, my favourite weekends are the rare ones where I get to see my sister and my baby nephews who live in Hamilton.

I am passionate about Te Āo Māori, and continue to develop my own knowledge to effectively incorporate it into our classroom.

My favourite curriculum areas are Math, PE, Music, and Art. I also place a lot of importance on Hauora (our well-being) and strive to create a learning environment where our tamariki can be happy, feel safe, and learn!

 

 k.shepard@ops.school.nz

Tia Tarau - Room 2

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

Kia ora koutou kātoa

I feel very privileged to begin my teaching career as the kaiakō of Room 2 at Ōtūmoetai Primary School. This is my third year at OPS. I was born in Tauranga Moana and have attended the local schools within the cluster region.

In my spare time, you will find me playing tennis or netball, being an avid rugby supporter and spending quality time with my whānau and friends.

I am passionate about creating a classroom environment where students are eager to learn and are able to strive towards their full potential.

I look forward to meeting the students, parents and caregivers of the school's wider community.

Ngā mihi nui kī a koutou.

 t.tarau@ops.school.nz

Carl Acton - Room 4

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

I moved to NZ from the UK in 2007. This is my 11th year of teaching at OPS. I have a passion for teaching maths, science and technology. 
I love teaching Yr 5/6 and preparing the children to become life long learners. 
I have one child at primary school, one at intermediate and my wife is also a teacher. 
In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking, the beach and exploring our beautiful country. 
 c.acton@ops.school.nz

Cody Schou - Room 5

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

Kia ora koutou kātoa,
This will be my fourth year teaching at OPS. I am passionate about Reading, Maths, and PE and particularly love teaching these areas of the curriculum. 
 
Last year, my partner Cassie and I welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our whanau. He, along with our 'terrible teen' golden retriever, Tilly, keep us pretty busy. I enjoy getting out and about in my spare time, be it playing sport (socially these days), exploring our beautiful country or chasing after Tilly as she ignores my attempts to call her back for the billionth time. 
 
I look forward to continuing being a part of the awesome OPS community and feel privileged to have the opportunity to support, encourage, and challenge our students to be their best.

 

 c.schou@ops.school.nz

Jane Foster - Room 23

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

Kia ora koutou,

I have been teaching since 2009 throughout New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Fortunately, I have spent the last two years enjoying time with my baby girl and I am excited to be returning to the Weka Team this year. 

Travelling is a passion of mine and I have spent a number of years exploring many countries around the world.

In my spare time I enjoy CrossFit, fishing, and hiking. 

My goal as a teacher is to inspire lifelong learners to reach their full potential in a positive and stimulating learning environment.

Mauri ora,

Jane Foster 

 j.foster@ops.school.nz

Kendyll Reeve - Room 24

Year 5 & 6 Teacher

This will be my sixth year teaching at the wonderful Ōtūmoetai Primary School. Before teaching in Tauranga, I taught in Whakatane at Awakeri Primary School (Full Primary) for five years, teaching from Year 0-1 to Year 7/8. I am currently teaching in Room 24 with an amazing group of Year 5/6 students. I really enjoy working with this age group. Two of my favourite subjects to teach are Writing and Dance. In my spare time I enjoy netball, swimming, volleyball, and dancing. 

 k.reeve@ops.school.nz