TUAKANA
Tuakana Team
“I love the outdoors and can often be found outside either at the beach or walking trails. My goals this year are to try new challenges, I would like to be able to complete a 50km trail walk, and learn to do some tricks on skis. I believe that everything is possible if you have the right mindset, the right attitude, have learnt the necessary skills, and have great support around you. My mantra is never give up, keep trying and be Resilient”
Ruth Taylor - Head of Senior
The Tuakana team comprises all of the staff and children related to Years 5 and 6 at Gulf Harbour School.
Ruth Taylor is the Head of the Senior school and part of the Leadership team at Gulf Harbour. She helps to coordinate the ‘bigger picture’, including camps, leadership and EOTC ( Education outside the classroom), and oversees our Teaching and Learning Programmes.
Year six is made up of four teaching staff:
Nathan Hanwell who is our Head of Teaching and Learning for the Tuakana Whanau and who works to promote Citizenship and Leadership programmes throughout our senior school. Chelsey Trautvetter, who is our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) expert who guides our focus on student wellbeing and Zones of Regulation, Kelly Henton, who drives our fitness and health curriculum and Helen Cammell, who oversees Digital Learning across the school.
Our Year five team is made up of three teaching staff:
Kirsten Kiata, who is our school Maths Lead teacher, Laura Thrush, who promotes Te Reo and the Arts and Ruth Trevathan, who is our resident Science expert and is the Whole School Curriculum Lead Teacher.
