Our Staff
Greg Riceman
Principal / Tumuaki
EMAIL: principal@raureka.school.nz
I have been involved in education for most of my life. I want to create a school environment that provides relevant and authentic learning experiences. Over the past 37 years, I have been leading change within schools in New Zealand.
I have taught in a range of schools and have been Principal at 8 schools. I moved from ERO, in 2008, to become the Principal of Raureka School. I have been very lucky in being able to work with a team of creative and capable educators, who all belief in the vision of creating an inclusive and stimulating learning community.
I assist in developing the school curriculum, vision, values, principles and teacher pedagogy.
On a personal level, I enjoy food, all sports, travel, spending time with our children and grandchildren, and using and learning to implement ICT to help learn.
My job as Principal of Raureka School is one that I am excited about holding. I believe that it is my role to lead from the centre and keep us connected and challenged with our core vision. With strong professional relationships, a team is able to develop problem-solving skills that enable effective and sustainable change that develop the habits and behaviours that support continued school improvement.
My overall goal is to create a stunning learning community for all those connected with it, but most importantly for the children. It will be a place that encourages and aspires to create success for all, but one they enjoy being at and a part of.
I want our children to show initiative and to have passion for their own learning in a safe and happy social and culturally rich environment.
Keryn Burns
Deputy Principal / Tumuaki Tuarua
EMAIL: kburns@raureka.school.nz
Kia Ora,
I was lucky to return to Raureka School in 2016 as the Deputy Principal. I bring to Raureka over 20 years of teaching experience from new entrant to year 6 in a range of schools.
Building positive relationships with the tamariki is really important to me in order to set up successful pathways for learning throughout their time at Raureka School. I really enjoy getting to know our whānau and about all the ‘gems’ your tamariki bring with them to school.
On a personal note, I am a wife and mum of two lovely children who keep me very busy. My family love living in Hawkes Bay and making the most of all the facilities and activities the Bay has to offer.
Donna Sanders
Team Leader – Senior School
Room 5 – Year 6 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: dsanders@raureka.school.n
My name is Donna Sanders and I’m proud to say I have been a teacher at Raureka for many years. I thoroughly enjoy the children and have come to know and respect the community of Raureka.
My family are the most important thing in my life, we have a large extended family and we love to spend time together. Many of our gatherings revolve around the sport.
I love teaching and watching the children grow in confidence during the year. I love seeing them, as the senior students in the school, accept responsibilities and challenges.
I see my role as one to provide opportunities that encourage and motivate students to push for success, gain confidence in themselves, and to develop effective social skills and work habits that will set them up for life.
Jennie Corbett
Team Leader – Junior Team
Room 8 – Year 3 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: jcorbett@raureka.school.nz
Kia ora koutou,
my name is Jennie Corbett and I am the Junior School Team Leader. I have had many years of teaching experience and enjoy all levels from New Entrants to Year 6. In 2023 I am teaching in Room 8 for two days a week and our Maths Specialist Teacher for the rest of the week.
I have a strong interest in play-based learning and creating an environment that promotes learning through real-life situations. I am also the curriculum leader for Mathematics. I live locally with my husband and three children and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Kristie Cuttance
Room 1 – Year 3/4 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: kcuttance@raureka.school.nz
Kia ora,
I’m Kristie Cuttance. I am very excited to be joining Raureka School this year.
I am originally from Wellington but have been teaching in Auckland for the past few years. I am an exciting and passionate teacher who takes pride in creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students. You will find me in Room 1 this year with years 3 and 4. I am looking forward to getting to know all the children and families this year at Raureka.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, participating in all sports, finding new walking tracks and baking. I am looking forward to being here in Hawke’s Bay!
I look forward to a great 2023 and all that the year brings!
Leah Smythe
Room 19 – Year 5 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: lsmythe@raureka.school.nz
Kia Ora,
I’m Leah Smythe. I love teaching at Raureka School and have taught at various HB schools for many years. I am currently teaching a Year 5 class and love the diversity and enthusiasm of our Raureka children. I am a passionate, dedicated and creative teacher who likes to make learning enjoyable for all my students.
I belong to a beautiful blended family of seven which keeps me busy and entertained. My door is always open for Whānau to visit and celebrate their children’s success in Room 19.
Jane Mackinnon
Room 2 – Year 4 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: jmackinnon@raureka.school.nz
Hi Everyone…..I am Jane Mackinnon aka Whaea Jane or Mrs Mack. I have had many years of teaching experience and enjoy all levels from year 0 to 8. I am excited to be teaching year four and five at Raureka School in Room 2. I pride myself on creating a diverse classroom environment that caters for all types of learners. I especially love the relationships I make with each student and their whanau. I believe teaching is a service to the community. I love mother nature and inquiry based teaching and believe our school values are an integral part of contributing positively to our Raureka community and beyond.
Toni Bickerstaff
Room 4 – Year 6 Teacher / Kaiako
Kia ora Whanau,
Zach Severinsen
Room 11 – Year 5 Teacher / Kaiako
Kia Ora koutou
Ko Tararua tōku maunga
Ko Ruamāhanga tōku awa
Ko Wairarapa tōku moana
Ko Takitimu tōku waka
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, rāua ko
Ngāti Pukenga tōku iwi
Ko Te Ore Ore tōku marae
Nō Makaretu ahau
Ko Zach tāku ingoa.
I am Zach and proud to be one of the Year 5 classroom teacher of Room 11. For the last few years, I have been teaching across the Wellington area. I am pleased to be back home in Hawkes Bay and really excited to be part of the Raureka whānau. I look forward to working with the kids and ensuring I provide rich contextual learning experiences.
Mandy Butler
Room 21 – Year 2 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: mbutler@raureka.school.nz
My name is Mandy Butler and I am teaching in Room 21. I have 15 years of teaching experience ranging from Years 7 and 8 through to New Entrants. I have taught in London and in different parts of New Zealand before coming back to settle in Hawkes Bay. My passion for teaching is literacy and music! I love watching our vibrant tamariki progress at Raureka School.
On a personal note, I am a mum of 2 wee girls and 2 lovely stepchildren who keep life fun and busy! 🙂
Rowena Benge
Room 20 – Year 2 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: rbenge@raureka.school.nz
Kia ora,
I’m Rowena Benge and I have joined the Raureka teaching team this year. I will be in Room 20 with a year 2 class.
Ang Grace
Room 13
New Entrant Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: agrace@raureka.school.nz
Kia Ora,
My name is Angela Grace. I am the teacher in Room 13 and a Mum to three young children. I am an experienced teacher and have vast experience working in junior classes. I love to see children comfortable and confident to take risks and challenge themselves to reach their full potential.
I am well practised in looking after the personal and social well-being of children – I am confident at administering plasters and ice packs! I look forward to meeting your child and welcoming them and their whanau to Raureka School.
Sarah Smith
Room 15 – Year 1/2 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: ssmith@raureka.school.n
Kia Ora,
my name is Sarah Smith. I teach in Room 15. I grew up in Hawkes Bay and trained at EIT for three years. I love to see children smiling and comfortable in the classroom. I have a passion for dance, art and literacy and supporting children within the classroom.
I look forward to an exciting year ahead and look forward to forming relationships with you and whānau.
Jamie Macaulay
Room 12 – New Entrant Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: jmacaulay@raureka.school.nz
My name is Jamie Macaualy and I am very excited to be teaching a New Entrant/Year 1 class in Room 12. I grew up in Hastings and I am an ex-pupil of Raureka School so I am very excited to return as a teacher.
I was previously teaching at Milson Primary School in Palmerston North before returning to Raureka in 2017. I bring to Raureka my passion for mathematics and my caring nature. I look forward to meeting you and your children.
Natasha Burns
Room 8 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: nburns@raureka.school.nz
Natasha has joined the Raureka School teaching team in 2023.
Marg Ellis
Room 7 – Year 3 Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: mellis@raureka.school.nz
My name is Marg Ellis. I have enjoyed teaching at Raureka for many years. I am currently teaching year 3 children in Room 7.
Karen Hansen
Reading Recovery Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: khanson@raureka.school.nz
Kia ora
Ko Karen Hanson toku ingoa.
It is a pleasure to be part of Raureka School, where there are lots of wonderful children and supportive staff and whanau and we treasure our times together.
I am an outdoors girl and enjoy my garden, the beach, and fishing/swimming at Lake Taupo. Family is very important to me. I believe that every child deserves to reach their learning potential and I work hard to support and nurture all the children in my class.
Having been at Raureka for a number of years has allowed me to follow the individual achievements of many students and I have also had the pleasure of teaching some of their siblings. This has enabled me to maintain some great relationships with various students and their whanau as they have moved through to senior school.
Roseanna Doolan
Learning Support Co-ordinator
EMAIL: radoolan@raureka.school.nz
Kiaora,
My name is Rose Doolan and I am the Learning Support Coordinator for Raureka School. I joined the Raureka team in 2006 and have taught in the Junior School since then. I bring over 20 years experience to my new role.
I began my teaching career in South Auckland and then went on my OE to London and then returned to the Bay to raise our family. This year is a role change for me and I am excited to provide our learners with the support that they need.
On a personal note, I am married to Phil and we have 2 girls, Lily who is 15 and Freya who is 12. I love to spend time with my family, go to the gym and read a book when I can.
Kathy McLachlan
Release Teacher / Kaiako
EMAIL: mellis@raureka.school.nz
Hi, my name is Kathy McLachlan or otherwise known as Mrs Mc, Mrs Macca and various other interpretations of that name (Mrs Glokin, Mr Broccoli, etc). I have taught at our wonderful school for 20 plus years in varying capacities, presently as the “bits and pieces” teacher involved mainly in releasing other teachers for various reasons. I am also responsible for organising relievers for P.D., courses and illness etc.
I am married to Ian and we have three grown-up sons and three gorgeous grandchildren.
Out of school, my interests are squash, tennis, Pilates and more recently Zumba. As a family, we often walk the trails of the beautiful Te Mata Peak and always appreciate what a beautiful part of NZ, we live in. My favourite subjects to teach at school would have to be Art and P.E.
Over the years, I have enjoyed coaching netball and continue to coach volleyball each year. To me Raureka children are extra special, I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else.
