Staff

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

Ruth Faulkner is our Acting Principal. She has experience teaching primary school children of all ages. Ruth is passionate about supporting students to realise and achieve to their potential. She fosters relationships with tamariki and their whānau, ensuring that they feel welcome. Ruth has a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching and acknowledges the importance of differentiated teaching and learning programmes, while using effective teaching strategies, for better outcomes. Ruth firmly believes that community connections are extremely important while also utilising local knowledge and expertise.

Our Deputy Principal, Tom Hobbs teaches the senior students, Year 6, 7 and 8 students in Room 4. Tom works closely with Cheryl Agnew to offer great opportunities for our senior students. Tom is also our Numeracy and e-Learning Lead Teacher.

Cheryl Agnew teaches our middle school students, Year 3, 4 and 5 students. She and her students enjoy working closely with their neighbours in Room 4. Mrs Agnew also looks after our Environmental Education programme.

Margaret Fruean is our new entrant teacher. She welcomes our new 5 year olds to the school and gives them a great start to their school life.

Therese Sharma works in the senior class one on one with one of our students on Wednesdays.

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

Jo is another one of our teacher aides. She works closely to support the learning of one of our students.

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

Marilyn is Portobello School's executive officer. Marilyn 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, Graeme McNulty.

Our school swimming pool is managed by Ewan. He ensures that the pool is always ready to go.