Kia ora, my name is Jodie Hansen. I am excited to be joining the Matawhero team at Te Totara Primary School in Room 3 and meeting all the children and their families who are starting in this new entrant class. I come from an early childhood education background having been a Head Teacher with the Waikato Kindergarten Association for many years. I bring with me a love of teaching and lots of enthusiasm and knowledge about how young children learn and develop. I look forward to supporting the children and their whanau in Room 3 and helping to make their early school experience one that is positive and enjoyable.

I am married to Greg, and we have two children, Keegan 19 and Ella who is 16. I love spending time with my family and together we are a very active and fit family who are involved in multiple sporting activities. I look forward to getting to know the community of Te Totara Primary School so please call in and say hello.

Kia ora, my name is Mrs Bridie Carr-Neil.

I grew up in the King Country and attended a very small rural school. We lived on a sheep and beef farm before moving to Hamilton.

My husband is an engineer and we have two children, Keira and Jackson. As a family we enjoy working on our gardens and maintaining our lifestyle block. In our spare time we also enjoy snowboarding, camping, the beach, and travelling.

I began teaching in 2003 and spent many years working at country schools where I also did my Reading Recovery training.

In 2011 I came to Te Totara Primary after starting our family.

I am looking forward to working with the fabulous Matawhero Team as we support your children in their transition to school.

I enjoy the inquisitive nature of young children and how they are excited about the little things in life.

Kia Ora, my name is Ruth Crackett. I am very excited to be a part of the Matawhero team, and to be part of your child's learning journey here at Te Totara Primary School. My teaching experience has been within the Early Education Sector, primarily working for the Waikato Kindergarten Association.

I am a passionate and motivated teacher, and through my experience, knowledge, positive guidance and enthusiasm I can make an impact on your child's transition and school adventures. I want to empower children to be thinkers and encourage them to be curious about the world around them and to further support their individual learning and imaginations and give them the tools to be life-long learners.

I am married to Daniel and we have two children Hailey-Jayde and Beau. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends, going away on adventures in our caravan and we are sports fans both on and off the field.
Please come into Room 4 and say hello, I look forward to meeting you and being apart of the wonderful community at Te Totara Primary School.