Principal's Message

Tena Koutou  Tena Koutou  Tena Koutou Katoa. Nga mihi tino nui kia a koutou!

Ko Ngararatunua toku maunga

Ko Maruarua toku awa

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua toku waka

Ko Ngati Kahu o Torongare toku hapu

Ko Ngapuhi toku iwi

Ko Ngararatunua toku marae

Ko William raua ko Coral Kaire oku maatua

Ko Ken Gataulu toku tane

Ko Sharon Kaire-Gataulu ahau

What an immense privilege it is to be the principal of this wonderful school. Our students are at the heart of everything we do here and I feel truly honoured each and every day to be a part of their learning journey. 

Totara Grove School is a very special place because we are like an extended whānau. We strive to be a school of excellence, and we enjoy having fun. Every learner is nurtured and encouraged to be the best that they can be. We work hard to make our school feel welcoming for all students, their families and our local community. 

I am extremely passionate about inclusive education and providing all students with a rich and responsive curriculum where they can shine. I pride myself on being a lifelong learner and over the years my research focus has been on how future focussed learning pedagogies, innovation and digital technologies can be used to enhance student achievement and community engagement. 

I am married to Ken, we have 2 adult daughters and 3 wonderful special needs grandsons who light up our lives.  In my spare time I like to garden, complete puzzles and spend time with my friends and family. Fostering and developing home school partnerships is really important to me as whānau truly are the experts on their children and as educators we can learn so much more about our students when we all work together.

"Nāu to rourou, naku to rourou ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket, together we as people will thrive.” 

Arohanui

Sharon Kaire-Gataulu