Staff

Our staff make learning for living in our unique community a reality for the children of Portobello School.



Mel Jewiss is our principal. She has experience teaching primary school children of all ages. Mel is passionate about supporting students at Portobello School to progress and achieve academically, socially and emotionally. Mel leads our team of teachers and support staff to deliver high quality teaching and learning within our school. Mel enjoys working with families to foster a strong home school partnership that supports learners. Mel teaches Year 1-3 students each Friday and regularly teaches in classrooms across the school; releasing teachers for classroom release time and to undertake professional learning. 



Our Deputy Principal, Tom Hobbs teaches Year 4, 5 and 6 students in Room 3. Tom works closely with Sarah Luke to offer great opportunities for our senior students.  Tom is also our Numeracy and e-Learning Lead Teacher.  



Mel Atkinson teaches our youngest children in the Junior Whanau 4 days each week.  Mel loves to welcome New Entrants to our school.  On Monday mornings (9:00 - 10:00) she offers Monday Mollymawks to introduce 4 year olds to school life.  On Fridays we have an alternative programme - Friday Fun!  



Our senior students (Years 6, 7 & 8) are taught by Sarah Luke, in Room 4. Ms Luke has a focus on making learning exciting and developing leadership opportunities for our senior students. Sarah has responsibility for Physical Education and she is our event co-ordinator.  She and her students enjoy working closely with their neighbours in Room 3.



Cheryl Agnew teaches in Room 5 with our year 3-4 children. She teaches Monday to Thursday from 9.00 till 12.30pm. On Friday mornings she provides valuable support for individual students in our school. Mrs Agnew also looks after our Environmental Education programme.


 


Christine Whitehead teaches part time.  She is our Reading Recovery teacher.





We are also very fortunate to have fabulous teacher aides who support children with their learning:

                      

Maria is one of our hard working teacher aides.  She works closely to support the learning of one of our students.




Jackie is our other teacher aide.  She works with many students throughout our school.

 





Lynne is Portobello School's executive officer. Lynne is still relatively new to our school so she understands how important a warm welcome is. 

The school is kept in ship-shape order by our caretaker, Bruce.