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 in 2020.  She is a keen advocate for children to explore learning through a variety hands on practical experiences.  Samantha ensures all children experience a smooth and successful transition into school.​

Teaching Staff

Pikiake Team Teachers

Hazel Hopper- Team Leader
Room 1 (Transition): Jill Raines  
Room 3 (Year 0/1): Kerrie Little & Simone Nair
Room 4 (Year 0/1): Danae Brodie  
Room 5 (Year 0/1): Fiona Bendall
Room 6 (Year 0/1): Hazel Hopper​

Tuputupu Team Teachers

Aimee Anderson - Team Leader
Room 7 (Ye​ar 2/3): Olivia McLean
Room 8 (Year 2/3): Julie Marshall  & Victoria Meys
Room 9 (Year 2/3): Aimee Anderson
Room 11 (Year 2/3): Samantha Carter
Room 12 (Year 2): Shannon Payne
Room 13  (Year 2/3):  Lucy Buckley 
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Whanake Team Teachers
Claire Sullivan - Team Leader
Room 15 (Year 4/5): Claire Sullivan
​Room 16 (Year 4/5): Ben Nathan
Room 17 (Year 4/5): Rochelle Henry
Room 21 (Year 4/5):  Kelly-Anne Foskin
Room 22 (Year 4/5): Michelle Thompson
Panuku Team Teachers
Alice Saunders - Team Leader
Room 18 (Year 6): Imogen Field
Room 19 (Year 6): Sarah McMenamin
Room 20 (Year 6): Alice Saunders 

Specialist Teachers

LSC/ SENCO - Learning Support Coordinator 
Sandra Hanson
​Reading Recovery
​Kerry Jones
Classroom Release Teachers
Melody O'Connor 
Vanessa Lyle
Imogen Pirangi
ESOL 
Nicole Young

Support Staff

Property Manager
Logan Smith
Resources/Librarian
Amanda Davies

Administrative Staff

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

Anna Hill
Nicole Young 
Eser Ay
Sarah Bassett
Debbie Clifford