Kia ora koutou,

I am passionate about helping children realise their potential, and Wharepapa South School provides the ideal environment for this to happen.

After teaching at both rural and town schools, I was lucky enough to teach at our beautiful kura for 3 years before being appointed Tumuaki (Principal).  I absolutely love Wharepapa South and knowing how incredible our tamariki, whānau, and the wider community are, I couldn't be happier.  

I currently live in Te Awamutu with my husband, two children, and a variety of pets.  I love animals, art, gardening, the beach, and spending time outdoors.  These are all things that I continue to enjoy at school through the integration of class pets, school chickens, garden-to-table initiatives, and many EOTC trips!  Doing what I love makes it easy to maintain a healthy work/ life balance and continue to live the dream.

I feel I am well placed to lead our school through some exciting times as we continue to build happy, successful learners.

"There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking."

                    -Brian Tracey

Kia ora e te whānau

My name is Toni Densem and I am delighted to be the kaiako in Room 1, teaching Years 0-4. 

I have been teaching since 2004 in a range of schools and year levels. I am extremely passionate about Structured Literacy, Inquiry learning which encompasses all curriculum areas and supporting students to reach their full potential. 

My husband and I, along with our two sons live in Te Awamutu. I enjoy spending time with family and friends in the sunshine, camping, walking, watching movies and supporting our boys in their sports. 

I feel extremely privileged to work alongside such dedicated educators and families at WSS. 

Ngā mihi nui

Kia ora koutou 

My name is Amy Moorhead and I am super excited to be the teacher in Room 2 teaching year 5-8. I am passionate about helping every child develop in their own way confidently as well as supporting them with their academic development. I love making learning purposeful, hands-on, and using our outdoor space to enhance the learning for students.

I grew up in Te Awamutu and now live in Kihikihi with my partner Latham and our two dogs. I have a passion for Science and Sustainability and learning new ways of how to be a better kaitiaki for our beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.

Before teaching I was farming dairy goats but I will now often find myself out on bush walks with my rescue dog Lexi or at dog shows with my Dachshund Sizzle; making my animals a big part of my life and a huge passion of mine.

Ngā mihi

Kia Ora! 

My name is Nikita. My background is in disability and education but for the past five years I’ve been doing the best job ever, being a mum! I am a wife to Andrew and mum to Lucy and Cassie.

In my free time I enjoy playing netball, riding the beautiful cycle trails in our district and spending time with family. I love being part of the team and being a Learning Assistant at Wharepapa South School.  

I am also the Specialist Teacher where I help ensure our high needs students are getting the best kind of education that we can offer as a mainstream school.

Kia ora koutou,

Kia Ora

I moved to Te Awamutu to build my family home with my partner and our many pets.  I have many passions that bring me joy but helping others is my primary one.  Whether I am working in HR, Sales or Administration I am always finding a way to make life easier for those around me.  I come from a background of school holiday programs, swim teaching, farm work, and all-round administration.

Having been at Wharepapa South School now for a couple of years, I can honestly say I count my lucky stars every day for the amazing team I work with and the kind and caring tamariki and rangatahi I get to support.

Mai i te kopae ki te urupa, tatou ako tonu ai - From the cradle to the grave we are forever learning.

Bri is our amazing cleaner / caretaker at Wharepapa South School.  

She works hard to ensure our tamariki have a beautiful space to enjoy working and playing in. 

Niko

Aleisha

Neville