Tēnā koutou e te whānau o te kura tuarua o Kaiapoi.
Matua Tama Wairua Tapu me ngā anahera pono me te mangai, ae.
Ko Ruapehu te maunga
Ko Whanganui te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Te Atihaunui-a-paparangi te iwi
Ko Uenuku te hapu
Ko Te Puke te Marae
Ko Whaea Geri ahau
Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.
It is great to be back out these ways in the North Canterbury region. My whānau and I have called Kaiapoi home for over 20 years. This community has been an integral part of our lives, with all my children attending Kaiapoi North and Kaiapoi High School.
My journey in education began at Kaiapoi High School from 2003 to 2006 as a Kaiawhina. This role ignited my passion for teaching and inspired me to pursue further education. I left Kaiapoi High to earn my degree at Canterbury University and my teacher’s diploma at the New Zealand Graduate School of Education. These experiences shaped my understanding of education and the vital role it plays in our community.
In 2015, I embarked on my teaching career at Woodend School. The support, friendships, and aroha from the staff, students, and whānau there have been invaluable. They have significantly influenced the teacher I am today, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community in education.
In 2018, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge of Te Ao Māori at Te Pā o Rākaihautū. This experience enriched my understanding and connection to Māori culture, providing me with tools I will treasure and utilize in my role as a Kaiarahi.
As I transition back to Kaiapoi High, I want to acknowledge a significant moment in our community. At the end of Term 3, 2024, the school held a poroporoake for Whaea Danna, a beloved Māori Kaiako who has dedicated over 20 years to Kaiapoi High. Her mahi and commitment to the kura have been nothing short of extraordinary. I wish her all the best on her new journey.
As I step into this new role, I realize that the path ahead is both exciting and challenging. I joke that I feel sorry for the person who will take over from Whaea Danna—oh wait! That’s me! I am genuinely looking forward to this change and the chance to add to my kete of knowledge and experience.
To the Kaiapoi community: If you see me at school or around town, please come and say ‘kia ora.’ I am and will always be a part of the Kaiapoi community. Together, we can continue to support our tamariki and nurture their growth.
‘He waka eke noa’ – We’re in this together.
Ngā mihinunui,
Whaea Geri