Staff & Contacts

Teaching Staff

Paula Malins
Principal.   

Kia ora koutou, Greetings

Welcome to Te Uku School. Our school vision is " Expanding Hearts and Minds - Whakawhanake i te Ngakau i te Hinengaro".

I am delighted to be the Tumuaki of Te Uku School.

I am married to Stephen, and have 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren. I live in Hamilton, but will be moving to Raglan early 2024. I am excited to be part of the community.

We are a vibrant rural school situated 5 minutes from Raglan. Our staff are caring, dedicated educational professionals who provide a quality, wide range of learning opportunities.

Our school works collaboratively together in our well-resourced Innovative Learning Environments. We are part of a strong, supportive and caring community. There will be many opportunities where you will be able to engage in your students learning and school life.Enrolments in all year levels are welcome. Please contact me if you wish to have a look around our school.

principal@teuku.school.nz

• Bachelor of Education (teaching) Primary
• Graduate Diploma in Information Technology in Education
• Master of Educational Leadership Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) - trained in Multisensory Structured Literacy 
• The Writing Revolution certifcate - structured writing   

Semonne Hogg
Deputy Principal.

Kaiako Year 7/8. Ruma 8.

Kia ora koutou katoa. I have been part of Te Uku School since 2019. Although I live over the hill at Whatawhata, I feel that Te Uku is my community. It is a great place to work and play in and my own family really appreciate the small rural whānau feel of the school. I adore the country lifestyle, how country kids think, play and engage with each other. I have a particular interest in learning outside the classroom - it is relevant, engaging and provides many opportunities for children. Te Uku provides the best backyard to explore, understand and learn in. My early teaching years were spent in London and Auckland, training and teaching in early childhood. Since 2004 I have been teaching intermediate age learners in mostly rural schools. I am teaching and guiding our learners in Room 8 this year. I strongly believe in ensuring, through teaching and learning, that our children today gain a love of learning that leads them to be successful in all aspects of their lives. I am also the Deputy Principal and Team Support Leader for the Year 5 - 8 Senior Team. I’m really enjoying the challenge of teaching and being part of the management team implementing best practices for our tamariki. I am also the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) here at Te Uku School. This means that I have the overall responsibility for ensuring that all children with SEN (Special Educational Needs) are well provided for and supported within our school. I love working and learning alongside our students and colleagues here at Te Uku School who are very supportive and a lot of fun to work alongside.

semonneh@teuku.school.nz 

• Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) - trained in Multisensory Structured Literacy

Rowena Crowhurst
Team Leader Ruma 1, 2, 3, 6.

Kaiako Ruma 3. Year 2.

Kia ora koutou e te whānau of Te Uku School. I am thrilled to be teaching and leading the Junior School at Te Uku School this year. The Te Uku community is very close to my heart. I have a daughter in Year 4 and a daughter in Year 1, and we all enjoy living in Te Uku. I have 15 years teaching experience. I began my teaching experience in Australia, teaching in junior classrooms at a diverse range of schools across Sydney. I was then privileged to teach at a high achieving school in London for two years. After that, I moved back to Sydney and enjoyed working in the Independent school system, before moving to New Zealand six years ago, with my husband and children. I am very passionate about teaching children how to read. It is such a privilege, teaching these lifelong skills to children. I have a certificate in phonology. I have recently completed my practicing certificate in multisensory learning, where we teach using a multisensory learning approach to reading, writing and spelling. I am an associate member of the Australian Dyslexic Association. When I am not teaching, I enjoy exercising, reading, seeing friends, gardening and spending time with my three beautiful children and husband, Jay, on the farm.

rowenac@teuku.school.nz 

• Accredited Associate Member of the Australian Dyslexia Association - Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE)
• The Writing Revolution certifcate - structured writing

Chantal Behr
Junior Teacher Y1/2

Kia ora koutou

My Name is Chantal Behr and I am thrilled to be a part of a school that inspired my teaching career, and also supported my daughter through her primary school days. I completed my Early Childhood Degree and then went on to do my Graduate Diploma of Primary at the University of Waikato.

My passion is finding out what works for each student's unique learning and how to support them to reach their full potential as a learner.

When I am not teaching I enjoy walking along the beach, swimming and spending time with my family.

chantalb@teuku.school.nz 

• Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) - trained in Multisensory Structured Literacy

Charlotte Hablous
Kaiako Ruma 1, 2, 3.

Kia ora koutou!

My name is Charlotte Hablous and I am excited to be teaching in the Junior Discovery at Te Uku School in 2024. I have been living in Raglan for just over eight years with my husband Nick. We have three beautiful children, Louie, Isla and Taylor and really enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that Raglan offers. We spend a lot of our time at the beach and in our native bush. My husband and I love the outdoors and adventure, we try to get out and about with our children as often as we can. I have been teaching for fourteen years and love nothing more than being in the classroom with my students. Seeing children become confident, empowered learners with a growth mindset brings me so much joy. During my career as a teacher, I have taken a keen interest in developing target programmes for students to boost academic achievement in writing and mathematics. I have experience writing individual, class-wide, and school wide programmes specifically focused on plugging the gaps students may have in their learning. I look forward to working closely with our whaanau and tamariki in 2024. Ngā mihi nui, Charlotte Hablous

charlotteh@teuku.school.nz 

Carol Carlson
Kaiako of Years 7 and 8 technology

Kia ora koutou

I live in Waitetuna and have taught at Te Uku School in various roles since 2001. I have been responsible for our on-site Year 7/8 technology classes for many years. This year I am teaching senior technology groups on Mondays and Tuesdays. I have a particular interest in practical, hands-on learning, especially through the integration of technology to other curriculum areas. I believe all learners need experiences where they can use their power of imagination and wonder. In technology students are encouraged to be resourceful and creative, and to think outside the box. In food technology they are introduced to teamwork, food preparation and cooking skills. In materials technology they learn how to follow a design process to produce an outcome. It is important for students to inquire, understand, and appreciate the ever-changing world we live in. They can build life-long and transferable skills while expanding their hearts and minds.

Carol Carlson

carolc@teuku.school.nz 

Lucy Adamson
Middle Teacher Years 4/5

Kia ora e te whānau

Originally from Scotland, I’ve been teaching in schools in New Zealand for over 20 years ago. My family and I live in Raglan and enjoy being part of this community and the lifestyle that it has to offer. Within my classroom I provide my students with an environment where they are safe and supported. Through shared learning intentions I work with students and support them in their learning journey. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and to take risks within an inclusive classroom context.

Ngā mihi nui

Lucy Adamson

lucya@teuku.school.nz 

Steve Horne
Release Kaiako

I have been teaching part-time at Te Uku School since the beginning of 2022. I love teaching and being on the teaching team at this neat school.

I have taught all year levels at a range of primary schools in New Zealand and all year levels in my recent teaching experience at Hamilton Boys' High School. In addition, I have taught in Australia, Africa, and India, and was a guest lecturer in Story Drama at Waikato University school of education for a number of years.

I am married to Val and we have three daughters and eight grandchildren. I enjoy cafes in Raglan, walking, swimming, reading and writing.

steveh@teuku.school.nz 

Marie Buchanan
Kaiako Year 6/7. Ruma 7.

Kia ora koutou!

Kiaora, Te Uku Whanau

My name is Marie Buchanan and I will be joining your Kura in term 3. I am really looking forward to this opportunity and teaching in this wonderful community. I did most of my teenage years in Raglan so have a deep connection to the area. I  love the outdoors the  beach and the farmland that make up this beautiful area of the Waikato.I am currently working at an intermediate in Hamilton and absolutely love my job, however am really looking forward to joining the Te Uku team and moving back to this area. I have two incredible little boys, Carter is 8 and Blake is 3. I love to spend my free time in the outdoors, whether it be tramping, mountain biking or surfing with my two children . I can not wait to meet you all and your children. 

Marie
marieb@teuku.school.nz

Mary-Rose Olson
Kaiako Ruma 6. Year 3/4.

Kia ora e te whānau

My name is Mary-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Junior/Middle Discovery this year!

I grew up in Whangārei and moved down to Hamilton in 2020 to start my teaching degree at Waikato University and graduated in 2022. I aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where my students are encouraged to challenge themselves and their learning. I am extremely passionate about the arts, such as visual art and dance, science, and maths. In my free time I love to read and paint and visit my whānau back home as much as I can.

maryroseo@teuku.school.nz 

Sarah King
Kaiako Year 1. Ruma 1.

Kia ora e te whānau,

My name is Sarah King, and I am teaching our group of Year 1s who have been newly welcomed to Te Uku School. I have been at Te Uku School for the past year, teaching within our Junior team and it has been a delight to get to know the staff, tamariki and whānau at this beautiful kura. In the past I have taught in schools in both Auckland and Hamilton, as well as gaining experience in Early Childhood Education. Through this I have been able to build an understanding of where our youngest learners have come from, and where they are moving towards as they grow their hearts and minds. I value creating a safe, open and warm environment in my classroom where students can feel a sense of belonging. I enjoy helping them grow their passions and life-long learning skills/ experiences in a fun, creative and inclusive way. Being able to watch our tamariki explore new ideas and gain confidence in their abilities is an absolute joy as a teacher. I live in Kirikiriroa with my wife Kate and our two cats. I enjoy getting outdoors with friends and family, playing tennis, reading, and have a passion for the Arts.

Ngā mihi,
Sarah
sarahk@teuku.school.nz 

• Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) - trained in Multisensory Structured Literacy

Yuna Li
Kaiako Year 3-4

"Hello everyone (大家好),

My name is Yuna (also known as Ms Li) and I am excited to be joining the wonderful community at Te Uku School. Originally from Shanghai, China, I have called New Zealand home since 2000.

Before becoming a teacher, I spent 15 years working in the business sector. However, my passion for education led me to make a career change, and

 for the past two years, I have been teaching Year 3 and 4 students. I am also a fully qualified IMSLE teacher, bringing specialized skills in literacy and learning support.

I speak Chinese, English, and I am a curious learner of Te Reo Māori. I strongly believe that embracing different languages and cultures helps us all grow, and I look forward to sharing elements of my own background with the tamariki—whether through language, cultural traditions, or ways of thinking that encourage creativity and problem-solving.

Joining Te Uku School is an exciting new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to get to know the students, families, and wider community. I look forward to learning together, growing together, and creating meaningful experiences in the years ahead.

Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you all!"

yunal@teuku.school.nz

• Accredited Associate Member of the Australian Dyslexia Association - Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE)
• The Writing Revolution - structured writing

Cynthia Lickfold
Kaiako Year 6-8

Part time teacher in Ruma 7 and 8.

cynthial@teuku.school.nz

• Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) - trained in Multisensory Structured Literacy

Cathy Trueman
Kaiako - Music for Rūma 4, 5, 6

Kia ora koutou,

I am excited to be able to teach music again in 2025 at Te Uku School. I have been a teacher since 1984 teaching at primary, secondary and tertiary levels over the years. Having had an inspirational teacher who taught me recorder, way back when they called it standard three, I have always enjoyed incorporating m

usic and the performing arts into my classroom programme. My plan this year is to continue teaching ukulele, recorder and singing, and performing a musical together with Rooms 4,5 & 6.

I live in Whaingaroa with my husband Marty and have been there for nine years. We have three adult sons and ten grandchildren, seven of whom live overseas. In addition to teaching, I am embarking on a counselling career under the umbrella of Surfside Church, having completed my counselling degree at the end of 2024. 

I love gardening and am enjoying my first ever display of sunflowers. The birds in my garden are an inspiration to me especially for composing songs.

Playing music is a wonderful way to be creative, deal with challenges in life and help brain development. Keep that in mind when you feel like telling your children to stop. Get some good earplugs instead and keep encouraging them! It will be worth it in the end. 

Ngā mihi nui

Cathy Trueman

Support Staff