Our People

Our staff consists of a leadership team, administrative and caretaking staff, a counsellor and, of course, our classroom teachers and teacher aides.  The school is divided into two syndicates. The Junior syndicate consists of the Pikiake Team (Yr0-1) and the Tuputupu Team (Yr2-3) while the Senior syndicate is the Whanake Team (Yr4-5) and the Panuku Team (Yr6).

The Leadership Team

BEVAN VERRYT - PRINCIPAL
Bevan Verryt joined the Birkenhead Whanau at the beginning of 2019. He loves to share his passion of Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) and I.T. to create curious, critical thinkers who are resilient and understand how to take risks. 
ALICE HO
​DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SENIOR SYNDICATE
​Alice has been our DP for eight years. She is passionate about growing curious lifelong learners. She has a particular interest in Mathematics and Science. 

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SAMANTHA KNOWLES
​ DEPUTY PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SYNDICATE
Samantha joined Birkenhead Primary School this year.  She is a keen advocate for learning through play and ensuring all children experience a smooth and successful transition into school.​

Teaching Staff

Pikiake Team Teachers

Kirstin Todd - Team Leader
Room 1 (Transition): Jill Raines
Room 3 (Year 0/1): Kerrie Little & Simone Nair
Room 4 (Year 0/1): Danae Brodie &  Imogen Pirangi 
Room 5 (Year 0/1): Vanessa Lyle & Fiona Bendall
Room 6 (Year 0/1): Kirstin Todd
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Tuputupu Team Teachers

​​Aimee Anderson - Team Leader
Room 7 (Ye​ar 2/3): Lucy Buckley
Room 8 (Year 2/3): Aimee Shaffrey
Room 9 (Year 2/3): Chikera Atkins
Room 11 (Year 2/3): Ange Teague
Room 12 (Year 2): Shannon Payne
Room 13  (Year 2):  Aimee Anderson  &  Imogen Pirangi
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Whanake Team Teachers
Michelle Thompson - Team Leader
​Room 14 (Year 5): Mirela Lapuste
Room 15 (Year 5): Claire Sullivan
​Room 16 (Year 4): Lisa Biddick
Room 17 (Year 4): Rochelle Henry
Room 21 (Year 4/5):  Amanda Hurley
Room 22 (Year 4/5): Michelle Thompson
Panuku Team Teachers
Alice Saunders - Team Leader
Room 18 (Year 6): Imogen Field
Room 19 (Year 6): 
Room 20 (Year 6): Alice Saunders 

Specialist Teachers

SENCO - Special Education Needs Co-ordinator
Sandra MacLean
​Reading Recovery
​Kerry Jones
Classroom Release Teachers
Melody O'Connor (CRT & ESOL)
Jocelyn Sanders
Christie Houghton

Support Staff

Property Manager
Logan Smith
Resources/Librarian
Amanda Davies
Counsellor
Carol-Anne Begbie

Administrative Staff

Office Manager
​Elaine Neville
Office Assistant
Juliet Harper
Admin Support
Elaine Blake
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Teacher Aides

Anna Hill
Asmita Champaneri
Meinita Baker
Eser Ay
Jan Gordon-Walters
Sarah Bassett
Victoria Osbourne
Debbie Clifford
Ros Slater