Our Staff

Our Staff

Colin Brodie
He Tumuaki Te Kura Lauriston-Principal​
 
Ko Kaihautu ahau. 
Te Pou Ngahere Waka toku kaupapa manaaki. 
He Kotuku toku whanau. 
He Kotare toku kaitiaki. 
Ko au te manu, ko te manu ko au-Ko Tui tena. 
He aha nga patai? He kupu toru: Whakaaro. Korero. Mahia. He aha te mahia? Mahia te mahi.
Georgina Turpie
 
Kahukura Kaihautu (Deputy Principal). Teacher: Mt Alford – Te Maka Kaha (Y0-1)
 
Kia ora, my name is Georgie and I’ve had the great pleasure of being a part of the Lauriston team since 2019 after returning from teaching in London. I was born and raised in rural Mid Canterbury and now live with my partner Tom on his family’s sheep, deer and cropping farm. I love my role here of transitioning our children to school and seeing them thrive in our awesome learning environment.

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.

Laura Twiss
 
Kahukura Kaiarataki. Teacher: Mt Hutt – Huirapa (Y2-3)
 
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 2/3 teacher here and adore seeing the shift these children make as they prepare for the senior school.

Nerina Hawkins

Teacher: Mt Winterslow – Opihako (Y4-5)

I am currently in a fixed term, maternity leave position. My teaching career spans over 20 years, teaching in Australia, United Arab Emirates and here in Aotearoa. I believe that all people deserve the opportunity to lead safe, healthy, and educationally creative lives by knowing who they are and where they come from. Incorporating Te Ao Maori me Tikanga Maori as well as celebrating other cultures within our school will help achieve this. Outside of school, I am a co-coach for the Celtic Women’s Rugby team. I look forward to sharing my experience with our student’s.

Wendy Atkinson

Teacher: Mt Somers – Te Kiekie (Y5-6)

Hi, my name is Wendy Atkinson. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Lauriston School for just over 20 years and I’m currently the year 5-6 teacher. I am originally from rural Hawkes Bay, but have lived with my husband, Jim, for 40 years on our lifestyle block near Rakaia. I have two grown up children and two wee grandchildren. I love spending time with friends and family, and getting into the outdoors.

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.

Elyse Adams

Reading Recovery/Literacy Support

Hello, my name is Elyse Adams and I have the absolute pleasure of working at Lauriston School as the literacy support/reading recovery teacher; a role that I am incredibly passionate about. I have been a teacher for 12 years now and have taught both in Canterbury and also over the pond in London. I have spent the majority of my teaching career working with years 0-2, and I have always had a huge enthusiasm for teaching junior literacy. I live in Rolleston with my husband and 2 beautiful (cheeky) children, and we are currently in the midst of building our new family home.

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.

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.

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