Jeremy began his career in engineering. Upon completion of a Psychology degree, he went to Japan where he met his wife, started a family and stayed for eight years. Upon their return, Jeremy entered the New Zealand education system in teaching and Deputy Principal roles. He and his wife have three children. Varied interests include making movies, playing the guitar, walking and reading psychology and philosophy.
Mike has taught in a variety of environments at home and abroad since 2009. A Canterbury hockey and cricket rep, he and Laura packed a husky sled tour across the Swedish Lapland, and climbing a sand mountain in Morocco into their OE experiences. They have two young children. Other passions include cooking and permaculture gardening.
Alison gained her qualifications in Australia before moving abroad to the UK, then Canada and finally settling in New Zealand. Extremely capable, she has worked in diverse roles across all ages in education and has a particular interest in play based learning. Her and Matthew have two young children and a love of the outdoors - camping, tramping and skiing.
Glen is a highly experienced educator who has recently specialised in teaching new entrants. His passion is to help children transition positively and love school through a play based approach. All of this along with his focus on social and emotional skills and wellbeing makes him very popular with the students. He and Lisa have two daughters, and together they enjoy tramping, camping and travelling around New Zealand, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Charlotte has worked in various art based jobs, taught art for 9 years, exhibited and sold her own works and taught primary school. She brings a great deal of creativity and practical life experience, plus particular expertise in the visual arts area of the curriculum. Charlotte and David have raised three (now adult) children.
Before becoming an educator, Donna worked in a variety of roles in the field of mental health and wellbeing for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Her strength is connecting and building positive relationships with students and their families. Art and craft, food, music, laughter and exploring our natural environment are Donna’s passions at home and as an educator.
Ruby’s early educator experience was providing inclusive education in a variety of schools across England. Her love for experiencing new cultures and embracing different ways of living has led her to visit many countries through Asia and South America. Ruby has a keen interest in psychology and philosophy and a deep passion for sustainability and the environment, living an almost plastic-free life and growing most of her food in her organic garden.
Madi developed a love for outdoor adventure from her early upbringing in Ohope, and Queenstown. As an outdoor instructor, she realised that mainstream education doesn’t fit many people and could change to help everyone learn in ways that work best for them. This led her to complete a Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education and become a qualified teacher. Encouraging students to regain connection with our environment, themselves, and their community are just some of the passions Madi brings to Seven Oaks School.
Katie is young, well-travelled and has strong and active sense of community. Her studies in sustainability and outdoor education have taught her that students’ mental, social and emotional well-being is just as important as their physical or academic well-being. She really enjoys sport, getting outside and has huge passion for both the outdoors and our Environment.