Nau mai, Haeri mai
Welcome to Te Kura o Puriri | Puriri School
PRINCIPAL | TUMUAKI: Lydia Lester
PEPE TUNA: Teaching Yr 5 - 8
Tēnā Koutou e te whānau,
Let me introduce myself, my name is Lydia Lester and I feel very privileged to be Principal of this beautiful School in this beautiful Valley.
I moved into the Puriri community five years ago, building a home and a life here with my whānau. My three boys have all attended Pūriri School and have enjoyed the possibilities brought about by attending a small country school.
I am passionate about education and serving in my community. I love teaching, I love learning and I am excited about the opportunities presented in leading Pūriri School. Here we strive to make learning meaningful, to motivate kids with high expectations of growth, and to have fun along the way.
When I am not at school you might see me on the football field playing for the Thames Women's Team, down at the Pūriri Fire Station or swimming with the whānau down at the awa on a hot summer's day. I love a good tramp through the bush, sit through a musical or competitive game of cards.
Feel free to pop into the office and find out more about our great Kura,
Ngā mihi nui,
Lydia Lester
PRINCIPAL | TUMUAKI: Lydia Lester
PEPE TUNA: Teaching Yr 5 - 8
Tēnā Koutou e te whānau,
Let me introduce myself, my name is Lydia Lester and I feel very privileged to be Principal of this beautiful School in this beautiful Valley.
I moved into the Puriri community five years ago, building a home and a life here with my whānau. My three boys have all attended Pūriri School and have enjoyed the possibilities brought about by attending a small country school.
I am passionate about education and serving in my community. I love teaching, I love learning and I am excited about the opportunities presented in leading Pūriri School. Here we strive to make learning meaningful, to motivate kids with high expectations of growth, and to have fun along the way.
When I am not at school you might see me on the football field playing for the Thames Women's Team, down at the Pūriri Fire Station or swimming with the whānau down at the awa on a hot summer's day. I love a good tramp through the bush, sit through a musical or competitive game of cards.
Feel free to pop into the office and find out more about our great Kura,
Ngā mihi nui,
Lydia Lester
TEACHER | KAIAKO: Libby Edlin
PEPE TUNA: Teaching Yr 5 - 8
Kia ora I am Libby Edlin one of the kaiako of te kura o Puriri.
My husband and I have been a part of the Puriri community and school for 2 years, along with our two sons who also attend Puriri school.
I enjoy the outdoors and exploring New Zealand with my family andI love to create through crochet, knitting and paper crafts in my spare time.
I believe in the importance of children having fun while learning, exploring their own curiosities and sharing their knowledge with others in a range of ways.
I am learning more about digital technology and how we can purposefully use this within our classroom environment.
I look forward to getting to know our wider school community in 2023.
PEPE TUNA: Teaching Yr 5 - 8
Kia ora I am Libby Edlin one of the kaiako of te kura o Puriri.
My husband and I have been a part of the Puriri community and school for 2 years, along with our two sons who also attend Puriri school.
I enjoy the outdoors and exploring New Zealand with my family andI love to create through crochet, knitting and paper crafts in my spare time.
I believe in the importance of children having fun while learning, exploring their own curiosities and sharing their knowledge with others in a range of ways.
I am learning more about digital technology and how we can purposefully use this within our classroom environment.
I look forward to getting to know our wider school community in 2023.
TEACHER | KAIAKO: Solomon De Thierry
MOKOROA: Teaching Yr 1 - 4
Kia ora koutou, I am Matua Solomon and I have the privilege teaching Mokoroa (Year 1-4).
My wife and I reside up the Thames Coast and have four beautiful children, with our youngest currently going to Pūriri School.
I enjoy sports, playing games, fishing in our moana and spending time with my whānau. I’m passionate about teaching and enjoy supporting and encouraging our tamariki with their learning. I feel most proud when students have those ‘lightbulb moments’.
Teaching in the junior class gives me the opportunity to meet and greet new students, new families and also younger siblings.
Ngā mihi mahana!
Ahakoa he iti he pounamu
Although it is small it is a treasure
TEACHER AIDE: MARY POPPING
WORKING WITH STUDENTS ACROSS THE SCHOOL
Kia ora I am Mary Popping and I am the teacher aide here at Pūriri.
My husband Michael and I have been a part of the Pūriri community for almost five years, having moved here with our daughter, her Husband and their three strapping boys. We had the fun experience of joining them all and lived in a marquee for 18 months, and then built our own wee home on their section. We absolutely delight in the family community living that we share.
My biggest love is family and my cup is full when all five of our children and our nine grandchildren are together.
My first experience working at a school was at Hamilton Fraser High School in the Hauora Centre. My role was ‘Chaplain’ and was extremely varied. I found myself working as a reader/ writer, sitting with anxious students in class as a safe person, helping resolve conflict and being available to listen and care where needed. So, when I was asked if I was interested in being a teacher aide at Puriri I jumped at the opportunity and have had no regrets.
I love and see potential in all children and count it a real privilege to be here at Te Kura O Pūriri.
I look forward to connecting with more of the community throughout the year.