Posts in Primary
Simon Bartlett
Simon Bartlett

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), Diploma in Business Studies

My teaching career began in the Waikato before working in a specialist role in South Auckland. I then spent nine years teaching in the United Arab Emirates before returning back to Aotearoa to work in a Special Education school in Hamilton.

My role at Horizon is Deputy Principal of the Primary School and you will also find me in the classroom with the tamariki. I am committed to raising achievement for all learners by fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance for all.

I live locally with my wonderul wife and our two amazing children. I enjoy skateboarding, experiencing live music, mountain biking, exploring local beaches, and have recently taken up surfing.

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Primary, Leadershipwww.creed.nzDeputy Principal Primary
Jeanine Beylefeld
Jeanine Beylefeld

Bachelor of Education (Primary and ECE), Psychology of Education (Hons)

In 2008, my husband and I moved to New Zealand where I helped establish and manage one of the largest preschools in Takapuna for 10 years. After maternity leave, I returned to Primary Education as a relief teacher in Auckland before moving to Ahuroa when I began teaching at Horizon.

I have the privilege of teaching the youngest students in our school. Their passion and enthusiasm for life drive me. I believe in making the classroom a fun-filled space where everyone is accepted and inspired to reach their full potential. My role is fostering a love for learning and school, setting them up well for future years.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending my time doing anything creative. I love DIY projects and interior decorating.

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Primarywww.creed.nzTeacher
Grace Presland-White
Grace Presland-White

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Sport and Recreation

I grew up in the local area and have a very strong connection to this beautiful place we call home. I am married with 3 children who attend Horizon School and love being connected to our local church.

I recently moved from teaching new entrant Tamariki, to teaching year 5/6. I love connecting with the heart of each learner and seeing them understand new concepts. I am also passionate about seeing the Special Character of our school flourish in the lives of all our learners.

I enjoy being active in the beautiful outdoors, reading a good book and drinking coffee.

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Primarywww.creed.nzTeacher, Special Character Coordinator
Vanessa Holdsworth
Vanessa Holdsworth

Bachelor of Primary Education

I moved her from South Africa 16 years ago. I am married, have two sons and a super cute granddaughter. Horizon School has been a real calling for my life. God has truly blessed our time here, and given us strong ties into the community.

My roles within the school vary as a teacher, team leader and WSL Kahui Ako leader. I love working with the students and building relationships with them.

I have learnt to bike ride and have been on many (easy) mountain bike adventures. Our favourite caravan holiday is somewhere with a cycleway. When I am in the forest either walking or cycling I seem to feel God's presence more and my soul is restored.

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PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher
Katherine Wyllie
Katherine Wyllie

Bachelor of Arts, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Ko Katherine Wyllie tēnei. I have been teaching for six years. I have just returned to teaching after having my lovely daughter.

I am a kaiako in the New Entrant space here at Horizon School. I love supporting tamariki as they make the transition to school life. I am a passionate junior teacher.

I spend a lot of time with my whānau and friends outside of school.

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Primarywww.creed.nzTeacher
Jess Raffills
Jess Raffills

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

I have been teaching for around 10 years, interspersed with having a few children of my own, and have spent the majority of my teaching career with new entrants and year one. 

I love creating a classroom environment where the children know they are safe, loved and inspired and one of my most favourite things is seeing their 'yes' moment, where new learning is secured. My strengths are very literacy based and teaching writing is my true passion. As well as this, I love creating a bright and vibrant classroom full of beautiful artwork that show-case children's unique creativity.

I feel blessed to be a part of the Horizon team. This truly is the best school I have worked at and I'm excited for my own family to become life-long learners here too.

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PrimaryPhil HoughtonCRT Teacher
Michelle Diprose
Michelle Diprose

Diploma in Teaching, Certificate in Life Coaching

My family moved to Snells Beach 23 years ago to start up an alternative education school. I love what the smaller community vibe brings, meeting new people and keeping active with my family.

The combination of teaching and life coaching led me to being a Wellbeing Coach at Horizon 2 days a week. I believe students need a safe place where they feel they belong and their strengths are celebrated.

I like nothing better than to connect with friends and family and enjoying what our community has to offer. One of my greatest achievements was walking Base Camp a few years ago.

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College, PrimaryPhil HoughtonWellbeing Coach