Our People - Sunnyvale Primary School

Leadership Team

Katie Pennicott
Principal

Katie's bio

Ko Hikurangi te maunga Ko Waiapu te awa Ko Horouta te waka Ko Ngati Porou te iwi Tena koutou katoa Kia ora koutou, I am Katie Pennicott. I am from Invercargill and my tipuna are of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Pakēha and Whenua Moemoea descent. I am originally from Invercargiill and now live in Auckland. I have been a teacher and school leader for 22 years. I am passionate about providing the conditions resources, support and space for success, enjoyment and belonging for all of our students, teachers and whānau. I have one son aged 20 years, and my chihuahua’s Frankie and Doug come to school with me most days. I love getting out and about enjoying nature around Auckland. I welcome all feedback, suggestions and ideas and love hearing from our school community. The door is always open, Nau mai, Haere mai!

Mericia Chang
Deputy Principal | Kauri Team Leader | Kaiako Ngā Kakano

Mericia's bio

Fakaalofa lahi atu, I am Mericia Chang. I am of Niuean descent, teacher of Room 6, Team Leader of the Kauri Syndicate (Y5-6) and Across School Leader of our Henderson Kahui Ako (Community of Learning). I have only started working here at Sunnyvale School this year. I am married to Nigel (Samoan-Chinese) and have four children – Lanicia (17), Dallyce (16), Manatoa (12) and Johnson (9). My daughters Lanicia and Dallyce attend St Dominics College, My son Manatoa attends Liston College and my baby Johnson is currently at Western Heights Primary as of this year. I have been teaching for 11 years (years 3-8) at 3 different schools. In addition, my family and life outside teaching also play a major role and influence me as a teacher/leader. I manage a sporting family – and I’m the main cheerleader for them on the sideline of the court and the field. Life is busy as a full time working Mum. Nevertheless, I too am a learner and my role as a teacher, leader and all my other responsibilities are constant work in progress and is always evolving – but as they say, ‘life is so much easier with a sense of humour’. My door is always open, and I love meeting and chatting with people.

Jessica Shirley
Deputy Principal | Nikau and Kowhai Team Leader | Teacher Room 1

Jessica's bio

Kia ora tatou. My name is Jessica Shirley and I started my teaching journey here at Sunnyvale school in 2009. I originally grew up in South Auckland, attending school in Papatoetoe but now I call West Auckland home. We also have a family bach at Waihi Beach where I spend a lot of summers and long weekends. I love being a teacher and seeing the progress of the tamariki here at our school. I feel blessed that I get to do what I do everyday. I believe every child is different it’s very important to build solid relationships with my learners and their whānau by getting to know who they are as individuals and what their interests and passions are. I hold high expectations for my students and love to celebrate success. I believe learning is for life. I have learnt so much about myself, children and education during my time at Sunnyvale. I want to give my students the tools to be lifelong learners and strive to achieve their goals and ambitions. In my spare time I love spending time with friends and family, listening to music, being by a pool or at the beach and walking. I also love meeting new people, so my door is also open and everyone is welcome to come for a chat.

May Gaseata
Pohutukawa Team Leader | Faiaoga Nafanua

May's bio

Talofa, talofa, talofa lava. My name is May Gaseata and I have been at Sunnyvale since 2015. My passions include music and Siva Samoa, and I also love tutoring the Pasifika Group, alongside another colleague of mine. The thing I love most about teaching is; the lightbulb moments students have and seeing students shine in different areas at school, whether it be through academics, the arts or sports. In my spare time I love to play with my son and catch up on my programs. I love summer and going to the beach to have a swim and a BBQ. My door is always open and I am always willing to listen, so please do not hesitate to come in. Fa’afetai lava

Kowhai

Adeleena Lee-Hussien
Room 1

Adeleena's bio

Kia ora koutou! My name is Adeleena Lee-Hussien. I have lived in Central/West Auckland my entire life. I am of Malaysian/Chinese descent and love travelling to South East Asia to visit relatives, shop and eat lots of good food! My teaching career began in 2019, mostly in Years 1-3. I am really excited to be joining the team here to inspire the young minds at Sunnyvale school!

Vaiga Molio'o
Room 2

Vaiga's bio

Talofa lava. My name is Vaiga Molio’o. I am of Samoan descent – born and raised. I’ve lived in Auckland for more than a decade now and it has truly become my home away from home. I wear my heart on my sleeve in what I do as I believe that every good thing must flow from the inside in order for it to bloom greatly on the outside. I’m very privileged to start off my teaching career here at Sunnyvale School 2021. I believe that it will have a massive impact on my life as an educator as well as a learner. I love my culture and I love to embrace and learn new cultures therefore, creating a sense of belonging in the classroom for learners to feel at home is a big priority of mine. I look forward to working alongside you all. Fa’afetai lava.

Jamie Cunnington
Room 3

Jamie's bio

Kia Ora! My name is Jamie Cunnington, I am a teacher in the Kauri syndicate at Sunnyvale School. This is my first year teaching, I came here as a student in 2019 and completely fell in love with the school. I grew up here in Auckland, but lived in Wellington for 4 years where I studied theatre and criminology. I am very passionate about providing a warm, creative and supportive environment within the classroom. I am very excited to kickstart my career as a teacher at Sunnyvale school, where I am learning new things every day.

Toni Hunapo
Room 17

Toni's bio

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Sunnyvale Primary Ko Maungatautari te maunga Ko Waikato te Awa Ko Tanui te waka Nō Ngāti Raukawa, Nō Ngāti Maniapoto, Nō Ngāpuhi hoki ahau Ko Whaea Toni Hunapo ahau. My name is Toni Hunapo. I grew up in Auckland and currently reside in Te Atatu South with my husband and whānau. I am a proud Māmā of four beautiful tamariki and a loving Nanny to one mokopuna. I studied my Bachelor of Teaching at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, from there I worked just over two years at Te Kōhanga Reo o Hoani Waititi and taught Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga at Oratia District School. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to work along side the amazing staff here at Sunnyvale Primary. I have a real passion for working with our youngest learners! My goal is to manaaki and tautoko each child in all areas of their development. I look forward to working together with you the whānau in your childs growth and journey. Nau mai haere mai ki te rūma 17. “Ka tū tahi tātou ki te kohikohi i te mātauranga hei oranga tinana, hei oranga wairua, kia tū tangata ai tātou” Tēnā tātou kātoa

Nikau

Rikki-Leigh Smith
Room 9

Rikki-Leigh's bio

Kia Ora e te Whanau, Ko Orowhana toku maunga Ko Rangiheke te awa Ko Mamari toku waka Ko Te Rarawa me Te Aupouri te iwi Ko Whakamaharatanga te marae Ko Rikki-Leigh ahau. My name is Rikki-Leigh and I will be joining the Sunnyvale whanau in 2020. A little bit about me, my whanau originate from a small town named Herekino in the Far North. Sunnyvale Primary has always been special to me, it is where my four younger siblings were educated, the aroha and manaakitanga I felt and saw when my siblings came here really sealed my decision to become a teacher. Prior to studying to become a teacher, I worked in corporate finance for seven years and completed a Bachelor of Business but I always felt something was missing. Thankfully, I found it with the beautiful tamariki at Sunnyvale. I am really looking forward to a new adventure with you all.

Alice Massey
Room 11

Alice's bio

Tēnā koutou katoa Ko Thames toku awa Ko Carn Brea toku maunga No Kerikeri ahau Ko Celts toku iwi Kia ora, my name is Alice Massey; I started out my teaching career in Pakuranga in 2016, and joined the wonderful Sunnyvale family in 2019 when we bought our first home. My parter Lee and I live up in the Waitakere ranges, and relish the peacefulness of living away from all the noise and action of Auckland. In my spare time I love playing with my dog Albus, and fitting in a bit of gardening and reading where I can. I like that as a teacher no day is the same, and that there is always something new to learn! Studying psychology and sociology at university has built my passion for helping our tamariki to become well-rounded, mindful members of our society.

Natasha Chandra
Room 12

Natasha's bio

Kia Ora! My name is Natasha Chandra and I have been at Sunnyvale Primary School since February 2019. I am originally from Fiji and have been living in Auckland for the last 18 years. I have taught as an Early Childhood Teacher before graduating with my Diploma in Teaching (Primary) in 2018. I believe in creating a positive learning environment that encourages our tamariki to take risks and experience success

Gita Sharma
Room 12

Gita 's bio

Kia Ora! I am Gita Sharma and I have been teaching over 30 years across all levels from High School to New Entrants. I am passionate about seeing the children grow, achieve and be life long joyful learners. As a proud Indian New Zealander, I share the love of my culture with tamariki I teach and encourage them to embrace their own heritage. I love dancing, canvas painting, reading and going to the beach.

Lana Laurenson
Room 15

Lana's bio

Kia ora tātou, Ko Biokovo tōku maunga, Ko Trnava tōku awa, Nō Koroatea ahau. Ko Čanžek tōku whānau, Ko Lana tōku ingoa, Ko Whaea Lana tōku ingoa kura. My name is Lana and I am the kaiako of Room 15. I am originally from Croatia, from a little rural town with a great big history, but have called Aotearoa my home for most of my life. I have two amazing daughters that attend Sunnyvale, and you might have seen me around as I used to be on the Sunnyvale Board of Trustees and in the classroom as a parent helper. I believe in creating a sense of belonging and significance for all of our tamariki here at school, and look forward to so many learning adventures!

Pohutukawa

Danielle Auld-Julian
Room 4

Danielle's bio

Kia Ora, I am Danielle Auld-Julian, but my students call me Miss A-J. Relieving at Sunnyvale Primary has been great and I was lucky enough to be asked to stay on as part of the Sunnyvale Whanau teaching in room 7 for the rest of 2021. I am born and bred in West Auckland and have taught in the UK as well as several other New Zealand schools teaching a wide range of year levels. I love watching tamariki engage and progress with their learning and in particular enjoy teaching reading. I love ceroc dancing as well as home and craft projects.

Joshua Dunne
Room 5

Joshua 's bio

Hi my name is Josh, I gained a Graduate Diploma in Primary School Teaching in 2020. I believe that a sense of safety and belonging are central to children flourishing in their learning and development and I believe that fostering good relationships is central to that. My background is in youth work, mainly with teenagers, which I did part time for several years before deciding to pursue teaching as a career. My previous study has been in both theology and law. I also worked for several years as a hairdresser. I look forward to continually developing as a teacher and I know Sunnyvale is an awesome place for that to happen.

Sarah McMillian-Donze
Room 6

Sarah's bio

Tena koutou katoa Ko Titirangi te māunga Ko Whau te awa Nō Tamaki Makaurau ahau Ko R.M.S Rangitoto te waka Ko Peter tōku tīpuna Ko Kenneth rāua ko Sharyn ōku mātua Ko McMillan-Donze tōku whānau Ko Matthew tōku tane Ko Sophia tōku tamahine Ko Levi tōku tama Ko Sarah tōku ingoa Tena koutou Tena koutou Tena koutou katoa Kia Ora, I’m Sarah McMillan-Donze. I feel very privileged to work with such a fantastic team of dedicated people at Sunnyvale. I am married to Matt and we have two awesome tamariki, Sophia and Levi. We have lived all over Auckland and have finally settled in Titirangi amongst the trees. We have many pets and love to be outside exploring the native forest and the beaches around us on the weekends. I am passionate about providing a creative and exciting environment for our tamariki where they feel supported to make their own positive choices with their learning. I want our tamariki to feel confident to share their knowledge of who they are and where they are from.

Pushpa Ram
Room 13

Pushpa's bio

I am Pushpa Ram, and I grew up in Fiji on a farm eating lots of fresh food and fruits every day. Listening to my grandma’s stories and learning many valuable life skills through playing with nature. I had a river near my house which was like a swimming pool .I got the teaching inspiration through my parents. They taught me how to read and write in my language. Therefore, I have a huge passion for teaching and learning and I absolutely love what I do. It’s an honour for me to be part of Sunnyvale School whanau and I will do everything I can to ensure our tamariki are nurtured in a supportive learning.

Mike Bell
Room 14

Mike's bio

Kia ora koutou, my name is Mike Bell. I started teaching at Sunnyvale Primary School in February 2018. I am originally from Hamilton however, I have been living in Auckland for the last 14 years. Most of my family still live in Hamilton and I travel down there frequently to visit them. I have been a full time teacher for the past 11 years and in that time I have taught all year levels from Years1 to 6. I have an interest in Inquiry based learning and the curriculum areas of Science, Environmental Sustainability, Digital Technology, Numeracy and Literacy.

Lesley Boswell
Room 16

Lesley's bio

Kia Ora tatou, I’m Miss Boswell. I’m Sunnyvale’s resident All Black crazy and spider lover. I love encouraging tamariki to notice and appreciate the everyday natural world around them and enjoy teaching Reading and opening up young people’s imaginations. As reading is something I’m so passionate about, I also take children for Reading Recovery. I work one on one on literacy skills and improving children’s confidence in themselves in this essential learning area.

Kauri

Jessica Mathews
Room 7

Jessica's bio

“Kia Ora! My name is Jessica Mathews and I recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Education. I am passionate about creating and encouraging an inclusive learning environment where all tamariki can grow and glow. When I am not at school, I enjoy picnics and gardening, as well as visiting my family in the Waikato. I am excited to be a part of the Sunnyvale team!”

Claire Gutry
Room 7

Claire's bio

Ko Tokomaru tōku waka Ko Piripiri tōku maunga Ko Waitohi tōku awa Ko Waikawa tōku marae Ko Gutry tōku hapū Ko Te Atiawa tōku iwi Ko Claire tōku ingoa Kia Ora, I am a new teacher at Sunnyvale Primary School, and I graduated from the University of Auckland gaining my bachelors in Bachelors of Education, in 2019. Im very excited to start my career off at Sunnyvale Primary School, where I can continue to learn and grow as a teacher.

Rita Tariu
Nafanua

Rita's bio

Talofa lava my name is Rita Tariu. It is a pleasure to join the wonderful team here at Sunnyvale Primary School. I have been teaching most of my career in Intermediate School up to high school, but I am enjoying my time learning how to teach a younger audience, in primary. My teaching career started in Christchurch in a Samoan Bilingual Class. I moved to Auckland and taught in Middle School in Otara. It was also a Samoan Bilingual Class from Year 7 to Year 10 students. I continued teaching after I got married to my handsome husband Lino Timothy Tariu and we had a beautiful baby girl Melilynita Florah Mary Tariu, she is now 16 years old and attending high school. I enjoy teaching and helping students to find their potential to succeed academically, culturally and socially in and out of the classroom. The things I love the most is having students that are excited to learn, excited to give anything a go, excited to be at school. I love my parents and my family. I am the eldest of 6. 4 sisters and 1 brother, and my brother is the youngest. Every weekend I try to spend time with my parents, they always spoil me and I love it. My favourite food is chocolate, lollies and Mother drinks. My favourite movies are Korean movies and action movies and I love doing marathons on Korean dramas. I am a hard out Warriors fan, and I don’t care if they win or lose. I truly believe in cheering and supporting your home team. If you see me in the class please don’t hesitate to come in to say Hi and have a chat with me. My dad is Luaufui Iosefa Fa’amausili Tou Collins his villages are Malie and Leauva’a, my mother is Lemau Kalameni Tamala Tasi and her villages are Faleasiu and Fusi. My sisters are Maua, Salai,Toefiliga and Lina and our brother is Faitatou Junior. I am the eldest in my family and I love it. Talofa lava O lou tama o Luaufui Iosefa Fa’amausili Collins e sau i le nu’u o Malie ma Leauva’a i Apia Samoa O lou tina o Lemau Kalameli Tamala Tasi Collins e sau i le nu’u o Faleasiu ma Fusi i Apia Samoa. O lou uso o Maua Kamuhemu, Salai, Toefiliga ma Lina o lou tuagane o Faitatou. O au o le ulumatua o matou aiga. Fa’afetai Lava

Sean Bishop
Room 8

Sean's bio

Hi I’m Sean, I love sports, technology, maths and science. I love challenging kids to try new things and learn new skills. I have a background in physical education, sports coaching and strength and conditioning. Being physically activity has always been a big part of my life and believe it should be for children also. I strongly feel technology should be used in the classroom as it is so integral to our society, I try to do this in ways that are only beneficial for the child and for learning in my classroom.

Caitlin Gabriel
Room 8

Caitlin's bio

Kia Ora, my name is Caitlin Gabriel. I was born and raised in Auckland. I have been teaching our amazing Year 5/6s in the Sunnyvale Modern Learning Environment for two years now. I came here as a Student Teacher in 2017 and immediately felt a connection with the school culture, students, staff, families and whānau. I have a passion for building relationships and developing social and academic skills in our tamariki that will enable them to be lifelong learners. When I am not teaching I enjoy going to the beach, walking, having picnics, playing board games, reading and sharing a good meal with friends and family.

Renee Motu-Kirk
SENCO & Room 8

Renee's bio

Kia Ora, Ko Renee Kirk toku ingoa My name is Renee Kirk and I have been teaching for 18 years in 4 schools across Years 3-6. I was born and raised in Auckland. My partner and I have one daughter and we enjoy living in West Auckland. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, tag and touch rugby. At Sunnyvale I run the sports and PE which I love. One of my favourite parts of teachng year 5-6 is going on school camp. I enjoy learning about students lives and meeting whanau. The classroom door is always open for whanau to visit and chat.

Nafanua

Rita Tariu
Nafanua

Rita's bio

Talofa lava my name is Rita Tariu. It is a pleasure to join the wonderful team here at Sunnyvale Primary School. I have been teaching most of my career in Intermediate School up to high school, but I am enjoying my time learning how to teach a younger audience, in primary. My teaching career started in Christchurch in a Samoan Bilingual Class as a teacher aide/ reliever. I moved back to Auckland and taught at Clover Middle School in Otara. It was also a Samoan Bilingual Class from Year 7 to Year 10 students. I continued teaching after I got married to my handsome husband Lino Timothy Tariu and we had a beautiful baby girl Melilynita Florah Mary Tariu, she is now 18 years old and attending AUT. I enjoy teaching and helping students to find their potential to succeed academically, culturally and socially in and out of the classroom. The things I love the most is having students that are excited to learn, excited to give anything a go, excited to be at school. I love my parents and my family. I am the eldest of 6. I have 4 sisters and 1 brother, and my brother is the youngest. Every weekend I spend time with my parents, they always spoil me and I love it. My favourite food is chocolate, lollies and Mother drinks. My favourite movies are Korean movies and action movies and I love doing marathons on Korean dramas. I am a hard out Warriors fan, and I don’t care if they win or lose. I truly believe in cheering and supporting your home team. If you see me in the class please don’t hesitate to come in to say Hi and have a chat with me. My dad is Luaufui Iosefa Fa’amausili Tou Collins his villages are Malie and Leauva’a, my mother is Lemau Kalameni Tamala Tasi and her villages are Faleasiu and Fusi. My sisters are Maua, Salai,Toefiliga and Lina and our brother is Faitatou Junior. I am the eldest in my family and I love it. Talofa lava, o lou igoa o Ruta Tariu. O lou tama o Luaufui Iosefa Fa’amausili Collins o le nu’u o lou tama o Malie ma Leauva’a i Apia Samoa O lou tina o Lemau Kalameli Tamala Tasi Collins o le nu’u o Faleasiu ma Fusi i Apia Samoa. O lou uso o Maua Kamuhemu, Salai, Toefiliga ma Lina o lou tuagane o Faitatou. O au o le ulumatua o matou aiga. Fa’afetai Lava Fa’afetai Lava

May Gaseata
Pohutukawa Team Leader | Faiaoga Nafanua

May's bio

Ngā Kākano

Mericia Chang
Deputy Principal | Kauri Team Leader | Kaiako Ngā Kakano

Mericia's bio

Rikki-Leigh Smith
Room 9

Rikki-Leigh's bio

Kim Muriwai

Kim's bio

Ko Whakarongorua te maunga Ko Utukura te awa Ko Mokonuiarangi te marae Ko Kim Muriwai tēnei, he uri nō Ngāpuhi, e mihi ana ki a koutou. I have joined the Ngā Kākano whānau and work with both the tuakana and teina for three days a week. Most of my working life has involved teaching or creating resources to support the learning of te reo Māori. I’m enjoying supporting teachers to use more te reo Māori in their classrooms and home lives. I am from a family of teachers and was taught by both my parents in a small, rural school until I left for secondary school. My daughter and I live in Laingholm and enjoy having picnic dinners at the beach in summer. We also love visiting whānau in the Bay of Plenty and spending time in the North.

ESOL

Linda Watson
Senior Teacher ESOL

Linda's bio

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava, Ni Hao, Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Malo e Lelei, I am Linda and I have had many different roles here at Sunnyvale! Currently I am teaching ESOL groups and providing some learning support. I am interested in bilingual education and promoting first language use. I grew up in Napier and often visit my family there and am a hurricanes supporter!

Dorothy Vaipulu
ESOL

Dorothy's bio

Malo e lelei. My name is Dorothy Vaipulu and I am Tongan. I have only started working here at Sunnyvale School this term. (Term 3 2022) I am happily married with four beautiful children. I have been teaching at Dominion Road School for the last 2 years on year 0 &1. It is a blessing to join the amazing team and I am looking forward to get to know my learners individually and their whanau. I love spending time with my family and friends, playing tennis and fishing with hubby. If you see me in the class please don’t hesitate to come in to say hello and have a little bit of laugh.

Release Teachers

Sue Gauntlett

Sue's bio

Hi, My name is Sue Gauntlett. I began my teaching career in West Auckland. I taught in a number of schools here and then spent a few years teaching in London before returning to West Auckland. I found my way to Sunnyvale, found a home and have been teaching here ever since. I enjoy welcoming new children to school and beginning them on their learning journey. It is great to see them develop confidence in themselves and beginning to learn to read and write.

Tupu Tuia

Tupu's bio

Talofa lava Hi my name is Tuia Tuia. I started working at Sunnyvale in 2017 then had a break to have my baby and came back in 2019. I enjoy teaching at Sunnyvale and making a difference in our tamariki lives.

Adeleena Lee-Hussien

Adeleena's bio

Gita Sharma

Gita 's bio

Carolyn Hunter

Carolyn's bio

Kia Ora, My name is Carolyn Hunter and I have lived in West Auckland my whole life. I have been teaching for 14 years and have 2 of my own beautiful tamariki, Ellie and Mae. I am a proud New Zealand European woman who enjoys immersing myself in nature and sport. I am very excited to start inspiring the minds of the lovely tamariki at Sunnyvale School. Teaching and learning is a passion of mine and I enjoy developing compassionate relationships in my job along with humour and a lot of fun. Thank you.

Jacqui Wickes

Jacqui 's bio

Kia ora, my name is Jacqui Wickes. I started my teaching journey in 2000. I have taught in London, Malaysia and New Zealand, from new entrants to year 6. I am passionate about developing literacy skills in all tamariki and specialise in supporting children with dyslexia.

Tash Jamieson

Tash's bio

Kia ora koutou, My name is Tash Jamieson. I started my educational career as a dyslexia tutor and teacher aide before completing my teaching degree in 2017. I began teaching in 2018 and have spent the last few years relieving in schools around west and central Auckland. I grew up in Piha and am excited to be back in West Auckland teaching at Sunnyvale.

Office Administration

Juanita Olson
Accounts Administrator

Juanita's bio

Kia Ora, my name is Juanita and Im part of the Admin Team here at Sunnyvale School. I live in West Auckland and have done so all my life. I love being part of the Sunnyvale family, a great group of staff who work really hard for their students and community. When Im not at work I like catching up with family, watching sports (rugby / netball / softball) and travelling to my favourite place Whangamata

Chē Tiopira
Office Administrator

Chē's bio

Kia Ora Koutou, My name is Che Tiopira, I have lived in Sunnyvale my whole life and have worked at Sunnyvale School for 6 years. I have two Children, Rydah and Cole and a dog named Lunah. I am the youngest of four children, my whanau come from a little town in the Bay of Plenty called Waimana.

Lucas Hemi with assistants Cliffy and Shorty
Caretaker

Lucas's bio

Hi my name is Lucas Hemi, My wife is Susan Hemi. I started working at Sunnyvale in 2007 as the caretaker. My two assistants Cliffy & Shorty my dogs started in 2012. One of my favourite things to do is walk the dogs and support Manly Sea Eagles, something I’ve done since 1980.

Pauline Murray
Librarian

Pauline's bio

I have always loved reading, and am so lucky to be Librarian at Sunnyvale school. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful selection of books in our school library and I can guarantee there is a book to satisfy the interests of every child, even the most reluctant reader. I enjoy watching children of all ages and abilities get pleasure from reading, whether it be for enjoyment or knowledge. During the weekends and school holidays I love to spend time with family, especially my 2 grandsons and I look forward to summer at the beach. Tips to get your child reading Encourage reading at home. Read aloud. The best way to encourage your children to love books and reading is to read aloud to them, and the earlier you start, the better. Let your child see you reading Keep books around your home Visit your local library. Talk about what your child is reading.

Learning Support/ Kaiawhina

Renee Tiopira
Kaiāwhina / Whānau Support

Renee's bio

Kia ora, My name is Renee, I have had 2 children come through Sunnyvale and my daughter who is still currently here. I have worked at Sunnyvale for nearly 5 years.I love working with all our tamariki and whānau. Please don’t hesitate to stop in for a chat. ‘

Angela Frazer
Kaiāwhina

Angela's bio

My two now-adult children (past pupils of this school) my husband and I have been part of the Sunnyvale community close to 24 years, 15 of which have been dedicated to my work as a Teacher Aide at Sunnyvale Primary. I find it a huge privilege to work here, and I enjoy learning more every day along with our beautiful tamariki.

Joanna Pou
Kaiāwhina / Kitchen Manager

Joanna's bio

I have been involved with Sunnyvale Primary for over 20 years and have worked here for 6 years. My husband Steve and I have five children and four grandchildren. I love working at Sunnyvale Primary School with our amazing staff and wonderful children.

Karen Brosnahan
Learning Support

Karen's bio

I have worked at Sunnyvale as a Teacher Aide since 1996 supporting children in class and also taking groups of children helping with oral language and phonics. I love working with children and also work at our After School Care Programme and have been there since 2010. My 3 sons attended Sunnyvale for all their primary schooling which they loved.

Maree Bell
Kaiāwhina

Maree's bio

Hi I’m Maree, I come from Carterton.I have been working at Sunnyvale for five years. I have one son named Daniel and cat call Padmé.I love my miniature v8 mini, camping and travelling. If you see me around say hello.

Simonne Burr
Kaiāwhina

Simonne's bio

Hi I’m Simonne, I have three children.My son Xavier attends this school as well. I come from a hairdressing and landscaping background. I currently live in Sunnyvale.

Naycha Robarts
Kaiāwhina

Naycha's bio

Kia ora, My name is Naycha. I am a former student of Sunnyvale, as well as my two siblings. I have a one year old son. When I’m not working I like taking my son to the park and hanging out with family. Fell free to pop up and say hi!!

Flo Murray
Kaiāwhina / Board member

Flo's bio

Kia Ora, my name is Flo and I am Māori and Cook Island. I have had two of my older children come through Sunnyvale School. I have two daughters who currently attend. I am looking forward to working with all our school whānau and community.

Te Aroha Hemana
Kaimahi

Te Aroha's bio

Kia ora, My name is Te Aroha Hemana. I have 6 tamariki ranging from 2 to 20 years old, two of them are currently at Sunnyvale Primary. I work in the kitchen with Jo.

Stephanie Cox
Kaiāwhina

Stephanie's bio

Hi my name is Stephanie cox I’ve recently joined the Sunnyvale staff as a teacher aid/ kaiāwhina doing the rainbow reading programme as well as working in in- class support. I am a mum to a 7 year old daughter Peyton who is currently attending this school.

Board of Trustees

Philip Dwyer

Philip's bio

My name is Philip Dwyer. My wife Melanie and I have 2 girls, both students at Sunnyvale School. Eloise in year 4 and Samantha in year 2. I work as an IT consultant for a large international company in Auckland for the last 19 years.

Flo Murray
Kaiāwhina / Board member

Flo's bio

Katie Pennicott
Principal

Katie's bio

Kia ora Ko Hikurangi te maunga Ko Waiapu te awa Ko Horouta te waka Ko Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Pākehā, Whenua Moemoea ngā iwi Tena koutou katoa Kia ora koutou, My name is Katie Pennicott (Whaea Katie) and I am your new principal. I am from Invercargill and I have been working in education for 21 years. I am thrilled to be here at Sunnyvale School, in beautiful Auckland. It has been a great pleasure to meet the wonderful students and staff, and I look forward to working with you all and learning together. Please feel welcome to get in touch at any time.

Ellyott Motu
Board member

Ellyott's bio

I am Maori and Cook Island Maori. I have a daughter that attends Sunnyvale School. I have enjoyed being part of the board and look forward to learning more about school management. I enjoy playing sports and along with my wife I have started coaching my daughter’s sports teams.

Toby Butland
Board Member

Toby's bio

I currently have three boys attending Sunnyvale Primary so I have a strong interest in ensuring they and their fellow students have a positive primary school education. I began my career as a Glacier Guide in Franz Josef and since then I’ve worked as a Marketing Manager in the Travel and Tourism industry. I believe I bring a good mix of creativity and attention to detail to the board, and I’ve always had to think outside the box in order to achieve big things with small budgets. Like many of us though, I’ve had to change tack due to Covid and I’m now thoroughly enjoying life as a children’s book author and a stay-at-home dad. Publishing my first book was the realisation of a long-held dream and it’s been great to be able to share that with my kids. I assist in coaching my boy’s soccer and athletics squads and I’ve also helped out on a number of school trips. I have been impressed with the evolution of Sunnyvale Primary over the last couple of years, especially how it embraces positivity and cultural diversity, and I’m especially passionate about seeing the kids achieve their potential, both in the classroom and in sports.

Jessica Hughes
Board Member

Jessica's bio

I feel I would be a great asset to Sunnyvale’s school board.

Leadership Team

Kowhai

Nikau

Pohutukawa

Kauri

Nafanua

Ngā Kākano

ESOL

Release Teachers

Office Administration

Learning Support/ Kaiawhina

Board of Trustees

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