Our Staff
Jason Taylor
Teacher: Mt Harper – Mahaanui (Y1-2)
Hi, my name is Jason and I have been teaching at Lauriston School since the start of 2021 after graduating from Canterbury University. My wife and I have been married for over 10 years and have three wonderful children together. It was becoming a father that convinced me that I wanted to be working with and alongside children. We are very settled within Mid Canterbury and consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to call the region our home. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, mountain biking, hiking and enjoying all the amazing things our country has to offer.
Danielle ChalkeThis year, Mt Hutt is made up of all year 3 students. We are all passionate about learning and embracing school life. We are committed to supporting and caring for each other along the way. We are all learning about ourselves on an individual level, but also learning important skills in social interaction and teamwork. We integrate our school’s values into all of our daily interactions to ensure we are Ready for Success.
Hi! My name is Danielle Chalke. I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2022. Teaching at Lauriston School will be my first full-time teaching position. Year 3 is such a great year to teach, the students start the year as juniors and leave ready to become a part of the senior school. With growing up in the area, I feel extremely lucky being able to work in a place I call home. I am very excited to teach in a rural setting where farm life is a major aspect. Making learning relevant for the students is really important to me. Ensuring that the purpose is clear and expectations are high.
We are all very excited about the exciting times 2023 can bring
Teacher: Mt Winterslow – Opihako (Y4-5)
Laura Twiss
Kahukura Kaiarataki.
Teacher: Mt Somers – Te Kiekie (Y5-6)
Hi! My name is Laura Twiss and I joined the teaching team at Lauriston School in 2020 after graduating from the University of Otago. I grew up on a farm in Mid Canterbury and enjoy getting outdoors, exploring new walking tracks and spending time with my family and friends. I am the year 5/6 teacher here and love seeing this age group’s enthusiasm for learning and leadership grow. Alongside teaching, I coordinate our sporting and cultural events and look forward to getting as many students as possible involved this year!
Tania Wallace
Teacher Aide
Hi, my name is Tania Wallace, I’m a married mum to four children ranging in age from 11-22yrs, I have lived in Methven my entire life. I began my journey with Lauriston School 3 years ago and feel so lucky to work in such beautiful surroundings with such amazing children. I enjoy spending time with my family and getting outdoors for a run or walk in my spare time.
H. P. Raroa (Nan)
Kaiawhina -Te Reo Maori teacher support
He puna tēnei manu nō Hikurangi Maunga Kei roto I ā Ngatiporou. Ko au te whenua ~ Ko te whenua ko au.Tihei mauri ora.
Trudy Tarbotton
Office Administrator
Hi I am Trudy and have worked in the office at Lauriston School for 22 years. I have 3 adult sons and a granddaughter with another due shortly. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends, playing golf and getting out walking.
Julia Davey
Release Teacher
Hello. My name is Julia Davey and I am a relief teacher at Lauriston. I help out in the classrooms when the teachers have their release days and I really love working with all of the children and teachers. I am originally from Christchurch and moved out to my husband Nick’s family farm 15 years ago. I have two children who attend Lauriston School and two gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs.
Jeff Nowell
School Caretaker
Gail Ballantine
School Cleaner
