Our People

I have worked in education administration for many years and enjoy being part of the Hampton Hill School community working with the staff, the children and their families.  My main role as office manager is looking after the school finances and payroll. Originally from England, I have lived in Tawa for over 25 years where I help my husband Michael run his plumbing business.  We have two amazing children and two adorable cats! I enjoy gardening, walking, pilates and travel – especially holidays around New Zealand exploring our beautiful country!

Hello, I’m Rebecca Quirke and I am the new entrant teacher at Hampton Hill School.  I have taught at Hampton Hill for about seven years in a range of different roles.  I love teaching and inspiring children to learn by making the experience of learning as fun and enjoyable as possible. When I’m not at school I love to spend time with my amazing family.  I enjoy being creative – to paint, mosaic, scrapbook and like learning new crafts.  I am also a bit of a back yard farmer and enjoy growing my own vegetables and raising chickens.

I am originally from Japan, but I have also lived in Hong Kong, Thailand and the United States, so it’s safe to say that I love traveling, exploring cultures and eating cuisines from all over the world.

In my teen years I was a competitive swimmer, so I really enjoy being active.  I also love creative activities such as dance and visual arts.

I am excited to be working at Hampton Hill School because I resonate with the school’s vision to Grow People to Thrive. It is about generating interest in learning through diverse teaching methods and keeping it exciting and engaging by challenging students to think outside the box; forging them into curious and creative thinkers. I  love to work in a school that recognises the importance of teaching our children how to learn and adapt to modern technology in this fast paced, evolving world. Honestly, I cannot think of anything better than working in an environment with people who share my vision and values.

I have been involved with the school for quite a number of years, with our two daughters and son having all gone through the school.  As well as teaching my class, I am in charge of Science and was fortunate to spend 6 months at NIWA on a Primary Science Fellowship in 2012.This was an awesome experience and I came away from that with a new passion for Science and for kids to develop a curiosity about the world around them.

I am also involved in our Enviro Schools programme, PE and School Hockey. My interests include walking – the longer the better; music- I lead church singing, play the viola and bass guitar; gardening; and my own gorgeous family (that is growing up way too fast!)

Kia Ora Koutou,

I became part of the Hampton Hill team in 2020. I was born Tauranga and raised on Matakana Island, a beautiful island in the harbour of Tauranga Moana, Bay of Plenty. Prior to moving to Wellington I spent 10 years in Perth, Western Australia where I studied my undergraduate degree online via Massey University. Returning to New Zealand in 2017, I studied a graduate diploma  of teaching (primary) and graduated in 2018. In 2019, Wellington became home for our family of four and I gained my first teaching position at Wainuiomata Intermediate.

Becoming a mother and parent of two amazing children inspired me to become a teacher. Therefore, I understand the importance of establishing a caring inclusive environment where positive relationships are established, learning is celebrated and more importantly, the desire for every student to become passionate about their learning.

I enjoy netball and volleyball and am always willing to try new sports. I also have an interest in literacy and Te Reo Maori.

I am a friendly person who gets on well with others. I have a natural rapport with children and have always enjoyed working with children of all ages. It is important to me to help children achieve their goals, and I will always go that bit further to find ways to help them develop their understanding and learning. I have the skills and enthusiasm to ensure a fun learning experience and enjoy seeing the excitement in children’s eyes when they master a new activity.

I have been teaching for eight years, most recently in the senior school teaching Year 5-6 classes.

I live in Tawa with my wife and three children. I like to go hiking, surfing, kayaking, and diving when I get the time during the holidays. Gardening is something I really enjoy doing when I have spare time at home.

Science and caring for the environment is a passion of mine and I look forward to encouraging children’s interest in science and the world around them. I have a science degree and have worked in the chemistry and food manufacturing industry before becoming a teacher.

I am passionate about creating a fun and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to develop their own learner agency. I value the importance of teaching students to approach challenges with a growth mind-set and encourage students to work collaboratively as we all have something to contribute and share. I also feel that providing students with leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility is important in the senior school.

Kia ora Koutou

Ko Leah Merewater toku ingoa, my name is Leah Merewater. I am a part-time teacher and I am so excited to be part of such a great team of teachers and such a wonderful school of tamariki.

I’ve been teaching since 2008 and I love it! I’ve taught from New Entrants up to Year 5/6 kids and I’m still not sure what my favourite age group is. What I enjoy about being in the classroom is seeing tamariki light up with their learning.

I’ve travelled all over the world but now proudly call Titahi Bay home. My husband, Karl and I, have three gorgeous energetic sons and a lovely adventurous dog called Rudi. When I’m not teaching you will find us walking Rudi, visiting parks and play grounds or out in the garden

Hi I’m Lisa and I’m a mum to three boys.

I have been part of Hampton Hill since 2009, when my eldest child started school. I started volunteering in my children’s classes, then decided to train as a Teacher Aide, as I loved being able to help the children.

I am passionate about helping children to become the best learners that they can be. I especially love reading and I love being able to help the children to learn to read also.

My interests are spending time with my family and friends; reading; baking; and walking.