Our Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Gary's Profile
It is a privilege to be the Principal of Torbay School. Since taking this role up in January 2018 I have totally enjoyed working with the exceptional staff and the wonderful children here at Torbay. The community involvement in the school is outstanding and brings a strength of character to everything we do. Our child centred approach to education gives all children the best chance of success and I am very proud of the efforts our teachers go to, to ensure each child is supported. I look forward to developing our teaching practices and providing children with exciting learning opportunities as we move further into the 21st century.
Nikki's Profile
I have been teaching since 2004 after doing a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at Massey University.
I have a passion for kapa haka, literacy, reading in particular and love the challenge of helping reluctant readers to find stories they love. I have two children who keep my very busy.
Susan's Profile
Kia ora, Ko Susan takau ingoa
I joined the wonderful team at Torbay School in July of 2014. I have enjoyed working with the tamariki, staff and the wider community. I am very passionate about developing student’s interests through our Wā kitea Programme, embedding it across all curriculum areas, whilst having a whole lot of fun along the way! I am so proud to be part of the Torbay team and to be able to work with them to ensure our tamariki develop a love of learning that will set them up for a bright and fulfilling future.
Teaching Staff – Whānau Rakino
Vanessa's Profile
Hi, I’m Vanessa. I am very happy to be teaching at my old primary school. I have been teaching at Torbay School since 2009 when my son started as a 5 year old. I am an experienced teacher having previously worked at two schools in Central Auckland. As an ex Torbay School student it is wonderful to be involved in how the school has developed over the years. I lead Whānau Rakino and really enjoy learning alongside the Year 6 students. I am very interested in integrating ICT into all areas of the curriculum and developing Future Focused Learning at Torbay School. I am very passionate about the Garden to Table programme.
Graham's Profile
Hi, My name is Graham,
I have come to teaching after a long career in the entertainment technology industry. I bring my passion for the arts to all I do in the classroom. I enjoy challenging students to be the best they can be. Our class has a focus on integrated learning through inquiry topics. This allows students to base their learning in areas and topics they are passionate about. I strive to create not only a class culture that challenges learners to think independently but one that is a happy place to be. I am a lover of technology and gadgets, especially ones we can build and program in class. My other passions are books, poetry and crossword puzzles, I will try and convince students to make these a part of their lives!
Jack's Profile
Hi I’m Jack Coyle,
This is my fourth year teaching at Torbay School and I’m delighted to be a part of the Rakino team this year with an awesome class of Year 6 students. I am passionate about building strong relationships with my students in order to provide the best learning experience possible and help everyone realise their full potential. I enjoy teaching maths and inquiry learning, and have a strong background in sports and music.
I grew up overseas and attended school in Malaysia and Thailand before moving back to New Zealand in 2013. I love living on the North Shore and am glad to be a part of the Torbay community.
Linda's Profile
Hi I’m Linda Urwin,
Teaching Staff – Whānau Waiheke
Lachlan's Profile
I have been a teacher at Torbay Primary starting in 2020. I am passionate about sports and innovative learning environments. A big part of my focus as a teacher is to encourage students to explore new experiences to find activities they are passionate about, and motivating them to work hard at their passions.
Some of my interests include basketball, football, playing guitar and spending time with friends and family. I have lived in the Torbay and Browns Bay area for the majority of my life.
Jennifer's Profile
Tena Koutou, I’m Jennifer Dawe,
I started at Torbay School in 2015. I have a special connection with Torbay School as I attended the school for my last 2 years of primary after immigrating from South Africa. I have taught at Sunnynook School and Pinehill School. I have been teaching since 2003. I am an enthusiastic and energetic teacher who is passionate about Maths, Digital Technology and Art. I live locally with my husband and twin girls and love the outdoors.
Ingrid's Profile
Hi! I grew up in Torbay and went to Torbay School as a student. I have worked at a number of schools, both locally and over the bridge but loved it so much at Torbay School that I have been back here since 2015.
My husband, Ian and I live locally with our 3 children. As a family, we love going on bush walks, riding our bikes and visiting our beautiful local beaches.
Renee's Profile
Kia ora, I’m Renee Heasley.
Teaching Staff – Whānau Motuihe
Megan's Profile
Kia ora I am Megan McIntosh,
I am a Year 4 teacher at Torbay School. I have been teaching for many years in a variety of places around New Zealand. I have just recently come back to teaching full time after staying home to look after my 3 beautiful children. My husband, children and I live locally and really enjoy the wonderful things Torbay has to offer.
This year I am working with Graham Eales in a shared space in Room 19 and 20. I love working in a collaborative space and am looking forward to a fun and busy year.
Annika's Profile
After completing my final practicum as a student teacher at Torbay Primary in 2020, I was lucky enough to gain full employment as part of the Kawau Whānau at Torbay.
I am passionate about health and well-being and love working to create an environment where students feel supported to learn, and like they can have fun and a laugh along the way.
Melissa's Profile
Kia ora, I’m Melissa Craig.
Lorelle's Profile
Following two terms as a part-time teacher at Torbay School in 2015, I have taught full-time in Year 3 and 4 at Torbay School. I am in charge of the Library and have a passion for developing the love of reading among our students.
I live locally with my husband and two children. We enjoy family time together listening to music, exploring beaches and playing sports. I also enjoy reading, gardening, water sports, art, baking and spending time with friends and extended family.
Torbay is a wonderful place to live and work. We are so lucky to have such a naturally beautiful environment on our doorstep! I am glad to be part of the team at Torbay School. The staff really care about our students, families and community and are awesome people to work alongside.
Teaching Staff -Whānau Kawau
Amanda's Profile
Sam's Profile
Kia ora, My name is Sam. I have been teaching since 2004 after completing a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics, and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I was lucky enough to have had 2020 off to complete my Masters in Education with Honours. I have spent many years teaching in London and Australia. You will often find me on the beach either trying to stay stable on my stand up board or swimming with my family. My passion is literacy and Te Reo.
Joanne's Profile
Hello, I have been teaching at Torbay School since 2005, mainly working with Year 2, 3 and 4 students. I enjoy guiding children through the learning process and seeing them take risks and succeed. Children learn through doing; wondering, questioning, exploring and discovering answers to satisfy their curiosity. Along this pathway, they discover that learning is fun and they gain life skills. I believe that children learn best when they are happy and comfortable, and when they feel safe within their learning environment. Learning is fun and there are plenty of smiles and laughter throughout our journey together.
I love teaching at Torbay School as I get loads of opportunities in leading, teaching and learning. The children are wonderful and the staff are fantastic to work with.
Teaching Staff – Whānau Rangitoto
Sophie's Profile
Nic's Profile
Originally from the south of England, I arrived in New Zealand with just a backpack and my husband in 2013, since then we’ve had two children, brought our own home and fully embraced into the kiwi way of life. I feel very lucky to have taught in a number of North Shore school and am really happy to now be working and living in the community.
As a teacher I thrive on a busy, energetic and creative classroom. I believe children learn best through exploration and play. I love challenging the children’s thinking and being a part of their lightbulb moments.
Chrysi's Profile
I started at Torbay School as a learning assistant in 2016, and in that time I also pursued a Bachelor in Primary Teaching, graduating in 2021. I feel very privileged to stay on with Torbay School and start my teaching career with a team of like-minded individuals. I am very much aligned with the CARE values of Torbay School, as nurturing students to aim high and challenge their thinking, will inspire them to blossom into curious, lifelong learners.
I am originally from Canada and lived many years in the U.K before coming to New Zealand in 2002. I live locally with my husband and two boys.
Teaching Staff – Whānau Tiritiri
Nikki's Profile
I have been teaching since 2004 after doing a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Education, and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching at Massey University.
I have a passion for kapa haka, literacy, reading in particular and love the challenge of helping reluctant readers to find stories they love. I have two children who keep my very busy.
Todd's Profile
Kia ora, my name is Todd. I have been teaching since 2010 as a fully qualified early childhood educator and have recently made the transition to a qualified primary school teacher. I started working at Torbay School at the end of 2021.
I believe that it is a privilege to teach and facilitate the learning and shaping of young minds every day. I enjoy the challenge of teaching and seeing tamariki succeeding in their endeavours as they grow and learn. I love making learning fun and supporting tamariki in believing in themselves. I have my own two children and live on the North Shore. I like keeping fit and enjoy surfing, motorbike riding and spending time with my family.
Specialist Teachers
Sarah's Profile
I have been a teacher at Torbay School since 2011. Prior to this I have taught at a variety of schools on the North Shore. I am an enthusiastic and energetic teacher and always strive for students to reach their full potential by supporting their interests and abilities. My interests within education are STEM, working and learning collaboratively, visual arts, integration and having fun. I am also an across school lead for our Oneroa Kāhui Ako. I am very interested in the transitions and wellbeing of our tamariki. Supporting them through these changes to create smooth pathways to enhance their growth and development.
Claire's Profile
Sam's Profile
Kia ora,
My name is Sam Coyle and I am the new Physical Education Teacher and Sports Coordinator here at Torbay School! I am a recent graduate from AUT and I couldn’t be more excited to start my teaching journey here at Torbay School. I am passionate about building strong relationships with my students in order to provide the best learning experience possible and help everyone realise their full potential. I have a strong passion for sports in particular football, futsal, and basketball. I have even coached children, men, and women in futsal at a national level. I look forward to working with all students in PE and giving them the best sporting opportunities this year!
Jenny's Profile
I started at Torbay School in 2013. I have been involved in Primary education for many years and am passionate about teaching and helping children reach their full potential. In my spare time I am usually fishing, snorkeling or walking on the beach or in one of our wonderful forests.
Jen's Profile
Tēnā koutou, I tipu ake au i raro i te maunga tapu o Rangitoto, e Koro, e tēnā koe, engari nō Ingarani ōku tīpuna. He kaiāwhina reo Māori. Ko te tūmanako, ka rere te reo rangatira.
Support Staff
