Staff Introductions

Ngā mihi kia koutou.  To many I am known as Ken Timperley but to many many more I am known simply as Mr. T.  I have taught at lots of schools over my years in education, and just when I thought I'd had enough, I was asked to be the Principal of Karetu School for six months.....that was 20 years ago!  

I love this school, I love this school community, I love the children, and I am super fortunate to have the best staff in the world.  

Karetu School is known for producing children who are comfortable within themselves and who are comfortable in any environment.  The educational experiences we offer our tamariki include awesome school camps, Enviroschools experiences, biannual trips to Hillary Outdoors Tongariro and Sydney....... and yes we do Reading, Writing and Maths too!

Our door is always open, come out and see our kura in the bush.  

Kia ora whanau.  I'm Ruth Obren (Mrs O to the children!) and I have the pleasure of teaching the seniors, Years 7 & 8, at Karetu School.  I have been teaching at this awesome country school for 15 years.  Our seniors are always busy extending their learning inside and outside of the classroom.  We love to challenge our students with a variety of exciting educational opportunities such as the Outdoor Persuits Centre, sailing programmes, sporting events, leadership conferences, camp, STEM activities, Science Fair, environmental studies and our very popular 2 yearly trip to Sydney, which builds excellent life skills.  

We are very proud of our Year 8's when they confidently present their graduation speeches before beginning their new journey through College.

Kia ora

Ko Moehau te Maunga

Ko Owhero te Awa

Ko Marmaru te waka

Ko Taupo Bay te Marae

Ko Ngati Kahu Ki Whangaroa te iwi

Ko Ngati Rua te hapu

Ko Leah de Leeuw toku ingoa

Ko Pakaraka ahau

My name is Leah de Leeuw, I grew up in Paihia / Kerikeri, attending Kerikeri High School.  My husband Steve and I have lived away for a number of years, raising our young family  while travelling around the country.  Returning home when it was time for our children to start school.  My three children, Faith, Malakai and Eli attend Karetu School and I have been teacing here for the past 7 years.  I am the teacher in Room 4, our year 5 & 6 classroom.  I teach 4 days per week, our Principal Mr T teaches on a Monday in our classroom.

We are also very lucky to have a full time Teacher Aide Miss Jen, who has been a large part of Karetu School since her children started in 2005.  One of those children, now being a Teacher here herself.

I love how Karetu School and its staff and pupils have become our whanau.  I really enjoy being a Teacher here and my children love being students here.  We have a very special school.  Raising our children in the beautiful outdoors, in a safe, happy, inclusive learning environment, where positive relationships are paramount.

Tena koe.

Ko Ali Edwards toku ingoa

E noho onā ki te tiriti o Parry Street ki Opua

I have had the pleasure of being involved with Karetu, in various roles, over the past 20 years.  From Special Education Adviser, to a Sport Northland Co-Ordinator, to currently sharing a teaching role with Whaea Renee in Room 3 and holding the role of school SENCO.

Karetu is a very special place, where the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child", is central to our school culture.  At Karetu we strive to give our tamariki the security they need to develop and flourish and feel it is truly a privilege to teach your children.

Nau mai, haere mai, we look forward to welcoming you!

Ko Ruapekapeka te Maunga

Ko Tirohanga te Awa

Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka

Ko Renee Clouston toku ingoa

Kia ora whānau!  A bit about myself...... I was born and raised in Kawakawa; completing my learning at Kawakaw Primary School & Bay of Islands College; before exploring the world, to return many years later with my husband and 2 children (who attend Karetu School with me).  

I co-teach the beautiful Year 2, 3 & 4 students, and have been here for almost 7 years!!  I absolutely love working at our little school in 'the bush', including the close relationships we have built with our students and their whānau here at Karetu School.

Kia ora.

Ko Jaimee Shepherd toku ingoa.

I have lived in the Bay of Islands my whole life and I even attended Karetu School.  This is my forth year teaching and my second year in the junior classroom.  

I am lucky enough to be in Room 1 Kiwi!  We are a 'Learning Through Play' class with years 0 - 2.  We feel very strongly about creating relationships with each individual child and learning about their interests.  We are very lucky to have an awesome Teacher Aide in our classroom - Jenna Richardson.  

Last year I completed the Better Start Literacy course and we run the BSLA Structured Literacy Programme in our classroom.  We also follow the Maths No Problem - Structured Maths Programme and we are enjoying this.  

We are very lucky to have all the beautiful native bush that the students are able to explore every day.