Posts in Junior Primary
Simon Bartlett
Simon Bartlett

Bachelor of Teaching - Waikato University, Certificate of Business Studies

During my 20 years in education, I have worked as a classroom teacher in New Zealand and internationally. I have spent three years in a specialist role across five schools in South Auckland as a learning needs and behavioural teacher. In 2018 I was employed at a special needs school in the Waikato teaching students with a wide variety of special learning needs.

I believe that strong relationships and a holistic approach celebrating the individual characteristics of every learner are the foundation for our Horizon community to ensure every student feels successful and starts their personal journey to reaching their full potential. With my responsibility of differentiation school-wide I will be endeavouring to ensure every student has the support and inspiring environment to become a happy and successful learner. I also oversee the technology team, coding and robotics.

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Management Team, Primary, Junior Primary, Senior Primary, Student Supportwww.creed.nzDeputy Principal Primary, Differentiation School Wide, Teacher Year 4-5
Robin Fraser
Robin Fraser

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

I grew up in the small town of Ngatea but have been living in Auckland for the last 7 years. I have completed a Bachelor of Teaching at Laidlaw College alongside working at Kelly Club/Sports and Aspiring Leaders' Forum.

Having a strong connection and relationship with students is at the core of my teaching practice. Creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, warm, where students know they are loved and that is an inclusive space for all children, is what brings me immense joy.

Something important to me is a strong sense of community, which I have come to prioritise, and this is a large reason that I love being at Horizon School.

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Junior Primary, PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 0-2
Vanessa Holdsworth
Vanessa Holdsworth

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

My family and I moved to New Zealand 7 years ago believing strongly that God had called us to this beautiful country. I have been teaching for over twenty years.

I love teaching and working with the students. I am very open to new and exciting learning experiences and together with my students engage in real life learning on a daily basis.

​Teaching at Horizon school is a privilege. The management and especially our Principal Helen Pearson are very supportive and encourage fresh ideas and innovation. This makes for a dynamic place to work. The sense of family and belonging add to this special place.

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Primary, Junior PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 0-2
Allyson Peddle
Allyson Peddle

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

My family and I live on a farm in the Omaha area. I have 2 teenage daughters and my husband is a farm manager.

I am a primary school teacher and have taught in a variety of schools for almost 20 years. My passion is to make each pupil feel important.

I feel blessed to be working here at Horizon, as I really enjoy interacting with children, and to be a part of this staff who are so passionate about what they do.

I also look after our school library and am privileged to be working with a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers.

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Primary, Junior PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 3-4
Toni Waddell
Toni Waddell

Higher National Diploma Civil Engineering, BSc (Hons) Ocean Science, PGCE Primary Education

After gaining an HND in Civil Engineering and degree in Ocean Science I was employed in the construction industry for 7 years. My roles included working on some of the largest motorways in the UK. With family in mind, I retrained as a primary school teacher in 1999/2000 and moved to NZ in 2006.

I love working with children and have a particular interest in Special Educational Needs. I feel extremely fortunate to work at Horizon School and have been made to feel a valued team member by all the staff. The school has a caring, supportive and inclusive nature and provides a wonderful environment in which children and adults can learn and grow.

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Junior Primary, PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher Year 3-4
Burnett Bakker
Burnett Bakker

National Diploma Public Relations, Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Primary School).

I am originally from South Africa and moved to New Zealand last year (2021). I originally studied Public Relations and worked for a Multichoice Television Channel doing their PR. My husband and I moved to London in 2000 and lived there for 7 years where I had two of my three children. I worked in finance for an American Investment Bank until we moved back to SA in 2007. I then had our third child and decided to change careers. The owner of the school where my son and daughter were enrolled started a Social Skills program and I ran it for 13 years. I fell in love with seeing how children grow with guidance and love, resulting in me doing a postgrad in Primary Education.

I currently work in collaboration with Mr. Bartlett in Room 8 and I'm training to be a reading recovery teacher. I really enjoy seeing progress, understanding, and building trust with students. I love being a part of the two teams I'm currently with. In a short space of time, they have taught me so much!

I feel blessed and privileged to be chosen to join the talented team at Horizon. I agree with my colleagues there is an incredible feeling of love and support at this beautiful school and it is truly a very special place.

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Senior Primary, Junior PrimaryGuest UserTeacher Year 4-5, Reading Recovery
Joy Macleod
Joy Macleod

BEd, DipTeaching

I felt the call to become a teacher as a seventeen year old so completed, at Waikato University, my Bachelor of Education majoring in English, and my Diploma in Teaching. Over the subsequent years I enjoyed teaching in a range of state schools at various levels, and have always had a particular passion for literacy, including teaching how to read and how to write well. Most recently I was a classroom teacher at Matakana School for 16 years.

I retired from full time teaching at the end of 2020, and this year joined the staff at Horizon on a part time basis in Reading Recovery. I am thrilled to be doing this as I strongly believe early reading intervention for those who are struggling is essential to get them back on track and to assist and empower them in their future learning journey.

I feel privileged to be working at Horizon School with a dedicated and caring staff who seek to demonstrate God's love by their compassion and interest in each child they teach.

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Junior PrimaryGuest UserReading Recovery
June Port
June Port

Trained Teachers Certificate

It is my pleasure to fill the role of SENCO (Special Education Coordinator) at Horizon. What could be better than having a part in enabling learners to meet their potential?

After many years working in adult education and in various capacities with children I joined Horizon School as an office administrator. In the spirit of lifelong learning I went on to train as a Reading Recovery Teacher and then undertook training as a SENCO.

My time here is an example of our belief It is never too late to learn new things and to become more of what you were made to be.

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Primary, Student Support, Junior Primary, Senior PrimaryPhil HoughtonSpecial Education Needs Coordinator
Anne Cash
Anne Cash

Masters in Paediatric Nursing

Originally a paediatric nurse, I have recently discovered teacher aiding and found that I love it! I really enjoy building relationships with students and working as part of a team with an awesome bunch of people. There is such satisfaction in seeing the kids thrive.

I feel very lucky to be working at Horizon. There is an incredible feeling of love and support at the school. It really is a very special place.

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Junior Primary, Primary, Student SupportPhil HoughtonTeacher Aide