We have an amazing team here at Russell Street school who are 100% committed to making every learner reach their potential! Meet them all below.
Teaching Staff
| Nicole
B.Ed / Dip.Teaching Kia ora e te whānau My name is Nicole. I have been privileged to have been teaching our youngest tamariki in the New Entrant space at Russell Street School for the past 11 years. I teach collaboratively in our Waka Huia whānau, working alongside Carolyn and Bianca. Focussing on the vast needs, passions and interests of our akonga and strengthening their hauora (well-being), as they transition and settle into school life, is a priority. Ngā Uaratanga – our school values – sit within all our teaching and learning and are especially strengthened and celebrated in our cross-curricular play based learning time. We provide many opportunities for our akonga to be flexible in their thinking, show curiosity and creativity and problem solve. Supporting our akonga to learn to communicate appropriately, develop confidence and learn to be a co-operative, kind and empathetic friend is a big social focus in our space. Above all, it is about encouraging and teaching our akonga to do their best learning in a place that is happy and joyful for them to be. I love the energy and passion they bring to their learning and they never cease to amaze me with their wonderful insights! Alongside being in the classroom, I am also the transition to school coordinator for our five year olds and am part of our Pūmanawa leadership team. |
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| Kelly
B.Ed, Dip Teaching, GradCert TEAL Kia Ora, my name is Kelly. I started at Russell Street School in 2024, and this year I teach Year 1 & 2 children in Room 2, which is called Pounamu. My children were lucky enough to attend RSS so when the opportunity arose for me to join the Waka Huia team I jumped at the chance to join a school with a wonderful sense of community. I love teaching children as they begin their learning journey, seeing their enjoyment and pride when they achieve something for the first time. I am passionate about supporting children’s wellbeing and fostering a learning environment that supports not just intellectual growth but also the emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being of students so they are engaged, focused, and motivated to learn. I have recently completed the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as another language at Massey University and look forward to using this knowledge to teach many of our students at Russell Street School. In my spare time I like gardening, DIY, walking, reading, camping, and going to musical theatre. |
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| Carolyn
Dip.Tchg (Primary); B.Ed Kia ora, I am Carolyn. I have been fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community since 2008. This year I will open our second new entrant class, in Waka Huia. Journeying with the five-year-olds and their families as they begin their schooling is a joy and a privilege. I also have the opportunity to spend time with many other students at RSS, as I relieve in the school and lead an annual art extension project while I wait for my class to open. One of my favourite parts of school life is our buddy-class system; the children here really look out for one another. My teaching passions are the arts and literacy and I am currently immersing myself in researching the benefits of play-based learning. Learning is lifelong, after all. I look forward to meeting you! |
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| Lucy
B.A. / GradDipTchg(ECE) / MTchgLn(Primary) Tēnā koutou e te whānau, I’m Lucy. I spent my primary school years at this amazing kura and feel so lucky to be here as a kaiako (teacher). I started my career in Early Childhood Education where I developed a love of building relationships with all tamariki and their whānau. I’m also passionate about Te Ao Māori, building a positive class culture, pursuing children’s interests, our beautiful RSS values, and having fun while we learn! This year I am teaching in Rarotonga! Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tātou mahi – Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work. |
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| Lori
Kia ora, I joined the Russell Street School community in July 2022 after teaching in state and independent schools. With over two decades of classroom experience, I am a dedicated and vibrant junior teacher, passionate about student learning, child development, and progress. My strengths lie in reading, writing, and the arts to support young learners embarking on their school journey. I am committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where students transition smoothly into school, cultivate their curiousity and love for learning to reach their full potential. Building strong partnerships between teachers, whānau, and students is something I value as essential in fostering each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. |
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| Tori
Tori is currently on maternity leave. |
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| Anja
Kia ora, my name is Anja. I joined RSS in 2024 and have loved building relationships with our tamariki and working alongside passionate kaiako. My teaching journey has taken me across different year levels in the Manawatū – from high school science to intermediate, and now primary. This experience has given me valuable insight into the learning journey of students and how they grow throughout their schooling years.
I’m excited to continue supporting and inspiring our ākonga at Russell Street School.
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| Rachel
Rachel is in Room 6 teaching Year 5 & 6. |
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Jo
Kia ora, My name is Jo McKinnon, and I am thrilled to be joining Russell Street School, transitioning from my previous role teaching at Whakarongo School. This year, I am excited to be part of the Waka Huia Team, teaching Year 1 and 2 students in Room 3.
In alignment with Russell Street School’s values of Whanaungatanga, Kawenga, Manaakitanga, and Rekareka, I aim to nurture a culture that celebrates connections between kaiako, tamariki, and whānau. I strive to inspire excellence by encouraging curiosity and fostering a love for learning. By promoting kindness and care within our classroom and wider community, I hope to empower each tamaiti to feel valued and confident. I am deeply committed to fostering the principles of Ako and Tuakana-Teina, where tamariki learn alongside and from one another, building strong, reciprocal relationships. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief in creating an inclusive and empowering environment where each child feels confident to explore, ask questions, and embrace challenges. I feel privileged to be part of the supportive and dynamic learning environment of RSS, where Tamaiti can grow and thrive. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time—via email, Seesaw Messenger, or by popping into Room 3. Ngā mihi nui, Jo |
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Sandi
B.A. / Dip.Tchg I teach English as a Second Language (ESOL). I am a mother of three children and grandmother of three. My children all went to Russell Street School. I like to cycle, walk, read and I am learning Te Reo at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. Having taught at this school for 22 years I have seen many changes including the introduction of ICT, agency and the emphasis on how to learn, rather than just acquiring knowledge. I believe every child is gifted in some way and my aim is to develop self confidence in my students. |
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Brenda B.Ed. / ACET Kia Ora, I’m Brenda and this year I am teaching Tīrama Whetū in Room 8. I have always loved teaching and since becoming a mum, I have a new appreciation of how special our jobs are as teachers. I am passionate about students being curious about their world. I enjoy helping students to develop their self-belief and wairua. With this confidence to take risks, students are able to give new learning a go. He iti te hau marangai, E tū te Pāhokahoka. Just like a rainbow after the storm, success follows failure. |
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Samantha B Ed / Dip. Education Studies Kia ora, I am Samantha Leighton and this year I’m teaching year 4-5 children in Tautoru (room 9). This is my 7th year that I have been part of the Russell Street School whānau. I have been teaching since 2012 and am passionate about making a difference in children’s learning. I love learning alongside the tamariki, whānau and kaiako. I am passionate about creating strong relationships with tamariki and supporting them to find those ‘aha’ moments in their learning journey. |
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Eileen
B.Ed.
Ko Mangere te maunga,
Ko Manukau te awa,
Ko ‘Boeing 747’ te waka rererangi,
Ko Tan te whānau,
Ko Fulian tōku tipuna,
Ko Ping raua ko Yary ōku mātua,
Ko Michael taku tāne,
Ko Benjamin rātou ko Isabelle, ko Lucas aku tamariki,
Ko Eileen taku ignoa.
I am currently on maternity leave. I joined the Russell Street whānau in 2015 and upon my very first interaction at the school, I knew this was a place I would come to love. I have a passion for Te Ao Māori and also about encouraging the children to explore and appreciate the diversity of culture we are surrounded by. Throughout my teaching career, starting in 2007, one of my favourite parts of ‘the job’ is that I get the opportunity to get to know these precious tamariki and guide them into fulfilling their potential – not only in their learning but also in their social and emotional lives as well.
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Paige BA Media Studies, Political Science, Japanese | Grad Dip. Teaching 皆さん、はじめまして。私の名前はページです。高校で日本語を勉強し始めまして、その後大学でも勉強を続けました。私の好きな科目は数学です。どうぞよろしく！ Kia ora e te whānau! Ko Paige tōku ingoa. He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Porou, and I am privileged to be in my fifth year teaching at RSS, within the Poutokomanawa whānau. My journey as a kaiako is guided by the mātauranga and values handed down by our tūpuna, who remind us that education is a collective responsibility, strengthened through whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori. I am honoured to work in a space where tamariki can stand strong in their identity, feel a deep sense of belonging, and embrace their potential with confidence. I see learning as a collaborative pathway, grounded in whakawhanaungatanga within our classroom, whānau, and iwi. By incorporating taonga tuku iho, digital tools, and ngā toi, I aim to inspire tamariki to explore, think critically, and grow their mana as learners. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini | My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective. |
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Fabian Ko Slieve Aughty nga pae maunga Ko Lough Rea te roto Ko Airani te whakapaparanga mai Ko Papaioea te whenua tupu Kia ora, I’m Fabian and I teach new entrants and year one in Poutokomanawa. I have a deep passion for te ao Māori and am on my journey of learning te reo. I believe in the power of Tuhura (play-based learning), creating a space where tamariki can explore and be creative. Music is also a big part of who I am. I play bass guitar in a few bands and love bringing that energy into Kura, especially when playing guitar in Kapa Haka. My other hobby is growing and breeding cacti. I specialise in flowering hybrids and am a dedicated member of the local Cactus and Succulent society. |
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| Sheina
Ko Creag Mhòr te maunga
Ko Ayr te awa
Ko Loch Carron me Firth of Clyde ngā moana
Ko S.S. Corinthic Southampton te waka
Ko Kōtirana tōku iwi
Ko McKenzie tōku hapū.
Kia ora, I’m Sheina and I am joining the amazing Poutokomanawa whānau in 2025. I will be teaching primarily year 2 and 3 however, I will be involved with all the PTW whānau over the course of the year. I love working with our tamariki and getting to see their unique qualities they each bring with them, and how that weaves in the fabric of the RSS whānau through Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, and Kotahitanga.
I have a passion for te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and embracing that in our learning, home, and community spaces. My other hobbies include football, camping, reading, and being in the outdoors.
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| Kate
From my very first job, I have been a New Entrant Teacher. Over the past 15 years, I’ve developed a deep love for literacy and its transformative power in early education. I lead our kura’s literacy initiatives, ensuring all students build a strong foundation in reading and writing. I take pride in managing the smooth transition to school for our newest tamariki, helping whānau feel confident and excited about their child’s journey. Palmy born and bred, my passion is making children fall in love with learning. I also serve as a mentor to a Massey University student again this year, sharing my knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of educators. |
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| Lynne
B.Ed (Primary), GradDipEd, CertTESOL – Trinity College London, CAT, T Aide Cert Kia ora, my journey in education began with a passion for learning and a curiosity about my own |
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| Rosie
Assistant Principal B.Tchg/Lng / Post Grad Dip. Ed (Māori Education) Ko Hikurangi te maunga, Ko Waiapu te awa, Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi, Ko Rosie taku ingoa, Tēnā koutou katoa. I have loved teaching at Russell Street School for several years and I am the Assistant Principal. I am currently teaching collaboratively in Poutokomanawa with Ebony and Eileen. I predominately teach the Year 5/6 tamariki in our space, however I get to work with a range of tamariki from Yr2 – 6 everyday. I am passionate about Te Reo Maori me ōna tikanga, Kapa Haka, RSS values, high expectations, being creative, digital learning, thinking skills and instilling self-belief in the akonga I am teaching. I place an emphasis on the essence and importance of teamwork – tuakana/teina. This promotes a culture of learning, a culture of community – where individuals contribute their strengths for the benefit of us all. He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. Nā reira, piki mai, kake mai ki te awhi, me te manaaki i ngā tamariki o ‘Poutokomanawa’. |
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| Lorna
Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal B.Ed Ko Kāhuranaki te maunga Kia ora, I am Lorna, Deputy Principal at Russell Street School. I am joining the team in 2024 after working at Ross Intermediate School for the last 15 years. Although I originally come from Hawkes Bay, I consider the Manawatū my home and have been here over 20 years. My passions include the performing arts and I contribute to both Act Three Productions and Manawatū Youth Theatre in my free time. I also am a keen netball player, reader and like to spend hours cooking in the kitchen. I absolutely love being a teacher and learning alongside ākonga, whānau and kaimahi in their schooling journey. I am looking forward to meeting you! |
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| Nick
Tumuaki/Principal M. Ed / PG Dip Ed / B.Ed / Dip. Tchg Tēnā koutou katoa. I am honoured to be the principal at Russell Street. The school has a special place in my educational career; I started teaching here 25 years ago as a beginning teacher, both my wife Lynley and I taught here together, and I returned here as DP after teaching overseas. To come back as the principal has always been an aspiration of mine and now that goal has become a reality. I am committed to and excited by the challenge that lies ahead building on the great reputation that the school continues to have. I am always interested in your thoughts on how we can make Russell St an even better place for our learners, please do not hesitate to get in touch to share your thoughts. Ngā mihi nui. |
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Support Staff
| Sharon
Office A-Team |
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| Rachelle
Office A-Team/Teaching Assistant |
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| Rebecca
Librarian B.Ed, Dip.Tchg I have the amazing job of connecting the children, staff and families here at RSS with books! With over 8000 books in the Jean Wilkinson Library Hub we are sure to have a book for everyone. Most days I can be found in the Library after school and everyone is welcome to come in and browse our collection. Come and talk to me about what you would like to read! You can also visit our library online at http://nz.accessit.online/RSSS. |
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| Chloe
Teaching Assistant
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| Helen
Teaching Assistant |
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| Hannah
Teaching Assistant & Library Assistant |
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| Whaea Metarina
Kaumatua/Cultural Advisor
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| Amber
Teaching Assistant |
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| Lisa
Teaching Assistant |
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| Nicky
Teaching Assistant |
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| Noeline
Teaching Assistant/Speech Teacher |
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| Nigel
Caretaker |
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