Teachers are at the heart of a successful education system. At Wharepapa South School, our kaiako are more than just subject experts — they are guides, role models, and nurturers of the whole child. Their work goes beyond academics, shaping personal growth, wellbeing, and character.
Grounded in te ao Māori perspectives, we see learning as a collective journey. Just as the harakeke (flax) grows strongest when the rito (young shoot) is supported by the awhi rito (surrounding leaves), our tamariki thrive when they are upheld by their kaiako, whānau, and wider community.
At Wharepapa South School, our kaiako:
Believe that every child can learn and grow.
Inquire into the impact of their teaching, always asking, “He aha te mea nui? He aha te painga mō ngā tamariki?” (What is most important? What benefits our children?)
Hold high expectations, encouraging students to reach further than they thought possible.
Celebrate uniqueness, valuing the mana and identity of each learner.
Support students to achieve their own personal best, recognising that success looks different for everyone.
Create safe, inclusive environments where tamariki feel confident to take risks, set goals, and explore new pathways.
Learn alongside their students, growing their own practice through ongoing professional development and collaborative inquiry.
Through kindness, collaboration, and shared responsibility, our kaiako honour the spirit of ako — where teaching and learning are reciprocal, and everyone has knowledge and wisdom to contribute.
Kia ora koutou,
I am passionate about helping children realise their potential, and Wharepapa South School provides the ideal environment for this to happen.
After teaching at both rural and town schools, I was lucky enough to teach at our beautiful kura for 3 years before being appointed Tumuaki (Principal). I absolutely love Wharepapa South and knowing how incredible our tamariki, whānau, and the wider community are, I couldn't be happier.
I currently live in Te Awamutu with my husband, two children, and a variety of pets. I love animals, art, gardening, the beach, and spending time outdoors. These are all things that I continue to enjoy at school through the integration of class pets, school chickens, garden-to-table initiatives, and many EOTC trips! Doing what I love makes it easy to maintain a healthy work/ life balance and continue to live the dream.
I feel I am well placed to lead our school through some exciting times as we continue to build happy, successful learners.
"There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking."
-Brian Tracey
Kia ora e te whānau
My name is Toni Densem and I am delighted to be the kaiako in Room 1, teaching Years 0-4.
I have been teaching since 2004 in a range of schools and year levels. I am extremely passionate about Structured Literacy, Inquiry learning which encompasses all curriculum areas and supporting students to reach their full potential.
My husband and I, along with our two sons live in Te Awamutu. I enjoy spending time with family and friends in the sunshine, camping, walking, watching movies and supporting our boys in their sports.
I feel extremely privileged to work alongside such dedicated educators and families at WSS.
Ngā mihi nui
Kia ora koutou
My name is Amy Moorhead and I am super excited to be the teacher in Room 2 teaching year 5-8. I am passionate about helping every child develop in their own way confidently as well as supporting them with their academic development. I love making learning purposeful, hands-on, and using our outdoor space to enhance the learning for students.
I grew up in Te Awamutu and now live in Kihikihi with my partner Latham and our two dogs. I have a passion for Science and Sustainability and learning new ways of how to be a better kaitiaki for our beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.
Before teaching I was farming dairy goats but I will now often find myself out on bush walks with my rescue dog Lexi or at dog shows with my Dachshund Sizzle; making my animals a big part of my life and a huge passion of mine.
Ngā mihi
Kia Ora!
Kia Ora!
Kia ora koutou,
Kia Ora
I moved to Te Awamutu to build my family home with my partner and our many pets. I have many passions that bring me joy but helping others is my primary one. Whether I am working in HR, Sales or Administration I am always finding a way to make life easier for those around me. I come from a background of school holiday programs, swim teaching, farm work, and all-round administration.
Having been at Wharepapa South School now for a couple of years, I can honestly say I count my lucky stars every day for the amazing team I work with and the kind and caring tamariki and rangatahi I get to support.
Mai i te kopae ki te urupa, tatou ako tonu ai - From the cradle to the grave we are forever learning.
Bri is our amazing cleaner / caretaker at Wharepapa South School.
She works hard to ensure our tamariki have a beautiful space to enjoy working and playing in.
Mrs Yates has long been involved with Wharepapa South School. She provides our students with an amazing opportunity to learn how to play the piano with 1:1 lessons at school each week.
Being an avid reader, she is also our enthusiastic librarian and does a fantastic job of keeping our books organised and easy to browse for that adventure on another planet, or research project about rocks.