Kia ora!

I have over ten years of teaching experience and have taught at a variety of levels with most of my time working with Year 0-4 students. I began my teaching career in the United Kingdom where I taught at Hathaway Primary School in London. After traveling overseas I returned to New Zealand working at Bankwood Primary School in Hamilton.

I am a passionate, caring teacher and I treasure each child’s unique qualities. I enjoy helping children reach their goals and I work hard to engage students by making the learning fun, meaningful and motivating. I support a collaborative classroom environment and like working in partnership with whanau.

I am married with two school-aged children. As a family we love the outdoors and go camping, to the beach, on bush walks, bike riding and swimming often. I also like reading, art and crafts.
I am a friendly, welcoming teacher so please feel free to come and say hello.

Hello, my name is Krissy Tantrum. It is a pleasure to be part of the team at Te Totara School. I have taught at Te Totara since 2016, the same year I returned home to the mighty Waikato. I grew up on a dairy farm in Fencourt, just outside of Cambridge.

Outside of school I enjoy playing 'old girls' netball and spending time with my gorgeous boys. As a family, we enjoy a variety of sports and camping at Waihi Beach. My personal passions are, as I joke with my classes, all C's (Coffee, chocolate, clothes, cows and custard squares).

I have been teaching since last century (1999) and prior to joining the very special team at Te Totara all my teaching experience was in East Auckland Schools. I have taught across the primary school levels from Years 1-6.

I believe in the process of being a lifelong learner and feel privileged that I get to share my passion for learning with my students on a daily basis.

I look forward to meeting you. Please feel welcome to pop into Earth 35 to chat. I am excited to work with you and your child and enhance their learning journey.

Kia Ora Marama Whanau, my name is Daniel Turner and I am the teacher in Earth 36. This is my third year teaching. I am very fortunate to be teaching at an amazing school like Te Totara Primary. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching in Primary in 2022 at the University of Waikato. At school I enjoy teaching everything, but Writing, Physical Education and the Arts are my favourites.

My interests outside of school are sports and movies. I love all sports, but have a special passion for basketball. I enjoy playing, coaching and watching basketball. My favourite team is the Lakers! I am a bit of a film-buff and love to study certain films directed by my favorite directors.

My Mum’s side of the family comes from Croatia. I have grown up in a very bi-cultural environment and I have a strong understanding of the importance of knowing where you come from and finding your own identity.

I am looking forward to seeing all of our students succeed and grow over 2025. I have an open door policy so feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Nga Mihi