Learning Community 2 (LC2)

Years 1 & 2

Nicki Whyte

Role

Room 2 Teacher & DRS

Email

nwhyte@marian.school.nz

General Information

I am an experienced teacher who has taught in a number of schools both in NZ and England. I have enjoyed teaching at all levels and am now working with younger children in the Junior school which is particularly rewarding.

I am passionate about teaching and learning and enjoy working alongside students and their families to ensure positive learning outcomes are achieved. I feel that developing a nurturing learning environment is crucial for children to feel safe and happy to take risks.

Being both a teacher and DRS (Director of Religious Studies) at Marian is such a privilege. As a Catholic School, our special Character is at the heart of all we do. We draw inspiration and strength from the gospel to be the hands, face and voice of Jesus.

My interests include reading, walking, music, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Delwyn McNamara

Role

Room 6 Teacher

Email

dmcnamara@marian.school.nz

General Information

Tēnā koutou katoa

I specialise in teaching within the junior school. I am passionate about teaching children to problem solve, take risks and manage themselves within the school environment. My strengths are in literacy, reading, technology, sport and health. I enjoy working alongside children and encouraging them to grow in confidence within their own learning ability.

I love all sports and encourage young children to participate in a team sport or activities for team spirit and physical health and wellbeing. I particularly love walking, jogging, mountain biking and swimming.

I have two daughters who have both successfully completed their primary schooling here at Marian and now attend Sacred Heart Girls College.

Brooke Goodwin

Role

Room 7 Teacher

Email

bgoodwin@marian.school.nz

General Information

Kia ora e te whānau,

I was welcomed into the Marian whānau in 2017 as a student-teacher, and straight away knew Marian was the place for me. Shortly after, I was blessed to join the junior community, where my exciting teaching journey began!

I pride myself in creating a safe and nurturing learning environment where my students build the courage to have a growth mindset and take risks in their learning. I love seeing students develop the confidence to explore their curiosities and wonderings, realising their incredible potential as learners. Every child has something so meaningful to offer, and I value the experiences each child brings to my ākomanga.

Being an avid organiser, I enjoy getting creative and often make new resources, decorate, and re-organise my classroom. I love creating an inspiring, exciting and fun space for my tamariki to learn in.

Outside of school, I can be found out on the lake on the boat, jet skis and spending time at the beautiful beaches in Aotearoa, Whangamatā being my family holiday spot from a young age. I value quality time with loved ones and keeping active. I have a passion for learning new languages, Japanese and te Reo Māori being my current interests. I am eager to try new things and always ready for the challenge!

My passion and enthusiasm for teaching grow each day. I absolutely love what I do!

Mariette Els

Role

Room 8 Teacher

Email

mels@marian.school.nz

General Information

After teaching overseas for close to 30 years, I started teaching in Hamilton in 2019. I have experience working in all the areas of the primary school sector, but my great love lies in teaching junior students.

I am very passionate about Junior Mathematics and Structured Literacy. I love seeing students grow in these areas. I see teaching as a calling, and I take the responsibility of nurturing and developing every student’s unique personality and talents as a whole, very seriously and as an honour.

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 2 married children and a beautiful granddaughter. We all live in Hamilton. Making memories by visiting different parts of beautiful NZ, reading, walking, gardening, visiting coffee shops and watching a good movie with my husband are some of my favourite things to do.

My motto: It is all about the legacy we leave behind for future generations.