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Senior Leadership Team
Jess Ward: Kia Ora, I am Jess Ward the proud Principal-Tumuaki of Paraparaumu Beach School. I am a long standing staff member having been a teacher, syndicate leader and Deputy Principal here also. I have personal passions for literacy, the Arts, languages including te reo Māori, psychology, Artificial Intelligence in Education and wellbeing. I love our school and community because everyone genuinely wants the best for our kids and their future. I am delighted to be supported by a fantastic staff, Board, PTA and Whānau group. Ngā mihi nui.
Sarah Chambers: Kia ora, Ko Sarah Chambers tōku ingoa. Ko au te tumuaki tuarua o te Kura Paraparaumu Tātahi. This is my fourth year as the Deputy Principal at PBS. I have been an educator for many years and have enjoyed teaching across various levels. I recognise that learning is a lifelong process. I completed my Master of Education in 2017 and have since undertaken further study in a different field. Being physically active is a core fundamental for me so I enjoy supporting, coaching or managing our PBS athletes and teams. A key part of my role as DP is to connect with our tamariki, supporting them to set positive goals, build healthy relationships and experience success. I also assist the SENCO and Teacher Aide Team, and I’m responsible for school wide ICT.
Vicki Wilson: Ko wai au
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waiaua te awa
Ko Kurahaupō me Tokomaru ngā waka
Ko Taranaki me Te Ātiawa ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti Kahumate me Ngāti Rāhiri ngā hapū
Ko Ōrimupiko te marae
Ko Vicki tōku ingoa.
Ko ahau te tumuaki kaiāwhina.
I have been teaching at PBS for many years in a variety of different roles. These being mainly in the Junior School. I believe we are all lifelong learners and it seems I am continually undertaking new study. Key aspects of my AP role are to provide literacy support for students in the Junior school. I also co-ordinate our school netball teams. My thoughts on teaching and learning are very simple. We are all here to do the best for all those at PBS. When we all work in partnership – whānau, tamariki, kaiako (family, children, teachers) – we create a place where we all grow.
Admin Team
Marie Barfoote: Hello. I’m Marie Barfoote and I am the Office Manager. I have been in the office for 24 years now and I love my job here, especially watching all our students grow from new entrants right up to leaving for college. I am now seeing some second generation students starting, so I have been here a long time 🙂
Paula James: Kia ora, I’m Paula James and I am the Administration Assistant, the first person you will see in the office. I am in my 11th year in the office, previously being a TA, PTA member and parent help also. Some of the best parts of my job are helping the Easter Bunny and Elf on the Shelf every year and seeing and hearing the children’s comments and interaction. I love working at PBS.
Debbie Weekes: Hi there – I’m Debbie Weekes and I am the Accounts Manager and you’ll find me in the office paying the bills. I’m very excited to have joined the Office Angel crew at PBS! Originally from the tiny island of Barbados (we can fit into Lake Taupo more than once!) my family and I have lived in beautiful Aotearoa for 10 years now. I enjoy reading, fishing, cricket, and playing squash.
Property Manager
John Trask: Hello everyone. I am John Trask (JT) the long-standing Property Manager at PBS. I have worked at the school for 25 years now and I’m well known for my love of hunting, fishing and pulling pranks! You will see me around every day looking after the school, keeping it spick and span. Remember life is short ya gotta enjoy it 🙂
Tātahi Syndicate - Yrs 0-3
Rachel McDowell – Rm 21 Teacher and Syndicate Leader: Kia ora, my name is Rachel McDowell. I have taught in the junior school at PBS for a number of years and am currently the team leader of a wonderful group of kaiako in Tātahi (Years 0–3). It is always a pleasure to welcome new families to our school community and to work alongside eager, curious young learners as they begin their learning journey. Supporting children to grow into confident and capable readers and writers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. I am also the staff rep on the Board of Trustees.
Laura Powell – Rm 19 Teacher: Kia ora, ko Laura Powell ahau. I am a previous PBS student who has returned back to the beautiful Kapiti Coast after teaching in Wellington and Melbourne. I am very lucky to be teaching in Room 19. A passion of mine is to make learning relevant and fun for all our tamariki. Another role of mine is the inquiry team lead. The inquiry team and I create planning and resources to support teachers and provide students with inspiring learning opportunities across the curriculum.
Cristie Gray – Rm 23 Teacher: Kia ora! I’m Cristie Gray, one of the junior teachers here at PBS. Working closely with our youngest students is an absolute joy. I get to foster their curiosity and watch them grow and develop every day. Seeing those ‘aha’ moments light up their faces makes it all worth it.
Rebecca Jackson – Rm 5 Teacher: Kia ora koutou, I am Rebecca Jackson. I have been teaching at PBS since 2008; prior to that, I taught for 12 years in the UK before making the beautiful Kapiti Coast home. I love teaching the Year 3s and enjoy opening the partition doors to co-teach with the Room 6 teacher, Kathryn Siversen. We plan and teach collaboratively to enable simultaneous small-group and class instruction, creating an inclusive, supportive, and fun environment. This year, I will be the Art Lead and a member of the Inquiry and Library Teams
Sandy Saunders – Rm 22 Teacher and New Entrant Coordinator: Kia ora, my name is Sandy Saunders. I have taught at PBS since 2015 in the Tātahi Syndicate. I have a passion for teaching our young learners as they start their journey at PBS, and I love supporting them as they develop their maths knowledge and learn to read and write. I am particularly passionate about equipping our neurodiverse learners with the skills and knowledge to become confident, lifelong learners. In 2025, I was granted a study award to study my postgraduate study in Inclusive Education, and I am very excited to be back in the classroom teaching Year 1. I am also a PTA rep and assist Rachel McDowell with the Tātahi syndicate kaiako and tamariki, including helping our new tamariki transition to PBS.
Sarah Smith – Rm 25 Teacher: Kia ora, this year you’ll find me teaching in Room 25 on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Hannah Field, and then completing release work at school on a Thursday and Friday.
Hannah Field – Rm 25 Teacher: Kia ora, I am Hannah Field and this year I am joining the Tātahi Syndicate, sharing a class with Sarah Smith and teaching on Thursday and Friday. Since training as a teacher, I have taught in Nelson, the UK, Wellington and now the Kapiti Coast. I am excited to share my passion for literacy with the Tātahi Syndicate this year!
Nicola Jarvis – Rm 26 Teacher: Kia ora, ko Nicola ahau. This year you’ll find me in Room 26, teaching our wonderful Year 1s. As students begin their first year of school, I look forward to building relationships with whānau and ensuring students feel safe and comfortable in our school and class environment. I love finding ways for children to share their thinking and to connect what they do and enjoy in everyday life to support their learning. I work collaboratively with other Tātahi teachers, where we combine our experience and skillset to provide an engaging and fun learning environment for your tamariki.
Cherie Parker – Rm 18 Job Share Teacher: Kia ora! I’m Cherie Parker. I’m one of the Tātahi teachers and am teaching in Ruma 10 this year, alongside Tara Vertongen. I have been a junior teacher for many years and this year I am teaching our Year 2 and 3 students. I started PBS in 2022 when my family made the move to the beautiful Kapiti Coast from Auckland. I’ve taught in many countries, including the UK and Germany, in both private and public settings. I have a passion for teaching structured literacy and mindfulness in class, focusing on student well-being and fostering a love for learning from their very first day at school.
Tara Vertongen – Rm 18 Job Share Teacher: Kia ora, ko Tara Vertongen ahau (Mrs V). You’ll find me teaching in Room 10 with Cherie Parker. In Term 1, I will be in the class on a Monday and Tuesday, and then completing release work at school on a Thursday and Friday. I have been at PBS since 2005 and love it here! I have a passion for settling tamariki into school and finding ways to connect with each and every individual learner.
Kathryn Siversen – Rm 6 Teacher: Kia ora, my name is Kathryn Siversen, and I have a Year 3 class in Room 6. We are lucky to work closely with Room 5, and I co-teach with Rebecca Jackson. I am on the Library Team, the Inquiry Committee, and I lead Social Sciences at PBS. I also take the handbell group.
Liz Bell – Release Teacher: Hiya, I’m Liz Bell and am privileged to release teachers in the Tātahi syndicate. I love getting to know your wonderful children. I organise the Yummy Stickers programme and am a member of the library committee.
Te Moana Syndicate - Yrs 4-6
Vanessa Brewer – Rm 1 Teacher and Syndicate Leader: Kiaora koutou, Ko Vanessa tōku ingoa.
Hillary Houston – Rm 8 Teacher: Kia ora! I’m Hillary, and I’m excited to be working in Room 8 with our Year 5 and 6 students. As the school’s Sports Coordinator, I love creating opportunities for our tamariki to try new sports, both within the school and at inter-school events. I’m passionate about encouraging students to be active, have fun and discover the joy of movement!
Bek Sutherland – Rm 2 Teacher :
Di Puati – Rm 3 Teacher: Kia Orana! Ko Diana tōku ingoa.
Jalah Davis – Rm 7 Teacher:
Jo Mackay – Rm 4 Teacher: Kia ora koutou.
Ko Taranaki te maunga.
Ko Waitotara te awa.
Ko Nga Rauru te iwi.
Ko Tauranga Ika te marae.
Ko Jo Mackay ahau.
Te Motu Syndicate - Yr 7/8
Cath Franks – Rm 14 Teacher and Syndicate Leader: Kia ora. I am Cath. I teach in Room 14 and I am Te Motu’s Team Leader. I am the lead kaiako for our Senior Kapa Haka.
Colin Siversen – Rm 15 Teacher: Hello everyone. I teach the mighty Rm 15. I also help with Kapa Haka, the school band and so forth.
Caty Spencer – Rm 13 Teacher: Hello! I teach the awesome students in Room 13, and I also have some responsibilities for PE and Health, and for our wonderful Sports Ambassadors.
Teresa Robertson – Rm 16 Teacher: Kia ora koutou. I have been at PBS for many years at different levels and in different roles. I now teach in Room 16 with awesome Year 7 & 8 students. Many of you have met me or had communications with me through my work with touch rugby. I also work with the senior dance team. There are often foster puppies in our class.
David Parr – Rm 28 Teacher: Kia ora koutou, I’m excited to be the Room 28/29 teacher in 2026. I’m looking forward to teaching at this level. In addition to teaching my class, I facilitate a film-making group, Tournament of the Minds (TOM), wearable arts, chess, and the Epro8 competition. I am also the curriculum lead for science.
SENCO And Teacher Aides
Carrie Reid: Kia ora koutou, I’m Carrie Reid and I’ve been a part of the Parparaumu Beach School community since 2006, initially as a communication support worker, then as a Teacher in the Tātahi Syndicate, and then as SENCO and Learning Support Teacher. I organise and support our team of talented teacher aides and work with teachers & students across the school. I work with families and multiple agencies to develop a team approach to supporting learners, and I never stop learning myself. I love to see students thriving & overcoming barriers to participation and learning.
Kate Marchant: Hello, my name is Kate Marchant and I am a Teacher Aide. I have worked with children in various settings over the last 30 years and joined the PBS family in August 2023. I really enjoy working with children towards reaching their full potential.
Deb Schreiber: Hi. I’m Deb Schreiber. I have been a Teacher Aide at PBS for the past 20 years. My five children are all past pupils of PBS. I specialise in working with our Special Needs students and get a lot of joy watching them achieve new skills both in the classroom and outside of it.
Debbie Marryatt: Hi, my name is Debbie Marryatt. I live locally with my husband and 3 children who are past/present pupils of PBS. I really enjoy getting to know our high needs children; working alongside them to achieve their goals is awesome!
Lucy Tether: Hi my name is Lucy Tether. I am lucky to be one of the amazing Teacher Aide team that work at Paraparaumu Beach School. I have been here since 2018. It is great to get to know and work closely with the children at our school. I really love helping children with their literacy and seeing them reach their goals.
Deb Brewer: Kia ora, I’m Deb Brewer and I have been part of PBS for around 20 years. I have had wide experience at the school, and these days tend to specialise in ESOL students – I am well known for my love of language, so I enjoy imparting that to others. A bonus for me is that I have grandchildren at PBS too!
Julie Buckley: Hi, my name is Julie Buckley. I have lived in Paraparaumu for 24 years. I have 3 children, my youngest attended PBS. I have 5 grandchildren 4 of which are past/present pupils of PBS and 1 still to come. I have been a TA for 10 years spending 90% of that time in the junior syndicate. I am passionate about early literacy and love watching our students learn and forge forward with their reading and writing.
Amanda Miratana: Kia ora, I’m Amanda Miratana. I have been a teacher aid for the last couple of years. I live in Paraparaumu Beach and have 3 children who are past/present students at PBS. I love connecting and helping our students reach their goals.
Cherie Wood: Hi, my name is Cherie Wood. I have been a teacher aide at Paraparaumu Beach School since 2016. I love supporting our students and watching their successes.
Kirsty Jackson: I have been a Teacher Aide at Paraparaumu Beach School for the past 6 years. I enjoy helping children with their learning, encouraging their confidence and seeing them thrive, which is such a rewarding experience.
Release Teachers
Liz Bell: Hiya, my name is Liz Bell. I have been releasing teachers and relieving at PBS for over 30 years. This year I have the pleasure of releasing teachers from Y0 to Y6. I will be promoting and organising the Yummy stickers programme this year.
Julia Nelson: Kia Ora, this year I am teaching classes across the school during their teachers’ classroom release day.
PTA
The Board
Congratulations to our new Board members elected in September 2025:
Sarah Hinder-Boyd – Board Chair
Moroni Sunnex
Stephen Monu
Jake Wills
Shaun Ferris