Management

Principal

My name is Gareth Duncan, Principal at Te Awamutu Primary School. I am extremely interested in learning and looking at the way children and adults learn and work together to be the best they can. I am currently reading research around emotional intelligences and the best way for schools and organisations to develop the best in people in times of difficulty and challenge. I have spent 20 years teaching and managing in the Primary and Secondary School systems (State and Catholic) here in New Zealand and the Philippines. Proud to be Principal of Te Awamutu Primary School. Feel free to email me, principal@taps.school.nz

Deputy Principal

Master of Science (Science Education) / Grad. Dip. Information Technology in Education / TTC / Ministry of Education e-Learning Fellow

It's great to be part of the learning team at Te Awamutu Primary School. My role as deputy principal, senior school is varied and rewarding. Gifted and talented programmes, e-learning and continuing to develop a dyslexia friendly school are focus areas for me as well as pastoral care and curriculum development. Our teaching team is amazing and our students truly show us on a daily basis why TAPS is such a fine place to be.

Deputy Principal

Hi, My name is Tracy Findlay and I am the Junior School Deputy Principal here at TAPS(Te Awamutu Primary School). I have two lovely (and growing very fast) boys who are 6 and 11 and into wrestling each other when ever they get the chance. I guess that's why I'm passionate about boys education and how we can hook our boys into school and learning. I have an early childhood background and then trained at the University of Waikato to get my Bachelor of Teaching. I have been a junior school teacher for ten years before embarking on my journey into management. This year I am the CRT release teacher for Junior School and am teaching three days a week. I also organise Science Club on a Thursday lunchtime. I am looking forward to another great year at this amazing school where we live and breath Together Achieving Personal Success.

Executive Officer/Bursar/Concerns, Complaints & Compliments Manager/BOT Secretary

I have been a member of staff at TAPS for nearly seven years now and have two children whom have both attended our wonderful school. Mackenzie will start 2012 in the "Top Block" as we know it and Cooper has just finished his schooling at TAPS and is moving onto TAI. I initially started work at TAPS on a part time basis in 2005 as the Financial Administrator whilst also working as the Administrator at a local Kindergarten. My role has evolved immensley since then and encompasses much of the legislative & administration requirements of the Ministry of Education. As well as this I am also responsible for the property & financial management of the school,MOE staffing & payroll as well as our enrolment scheme. A further part of my role here is to manage the Concern Complaints & Compliments system for our school community as well as overseeing the administration & compliance side our OSCAR approved After School Care Programme. I am proud to be a member of the TAPS team and enjoy the added role of Board Secretary with responsibilities on the property & finance portfolios. It is great to be involved and be a part of the "bigger picture". There is never a dull day and I look forward to many more challenging years here at TAPS.