MEET OUR TEACHERS
KATHY SNODGRASS
I am an experienced primary school teacher (19 years) and have a deep love of children and working with them. I have also noticed that some children have amazing talents and skills that are not nurtured or recognised in a traditional school program. After teaching in a Play-Based environment for many years I could see the benefits of children of all ages being allowed to learn in their own way without adult direction. My passion for children playing outside and connecting with nature has stemmed from a few wonderful years being a stay at home (and Playcentre) mum living in a rural environment and seeing how much fun learning outside can be. The Gully Nature School aims to give children aged 5 - 12 years the chance to explore, connect, take risks, and shine in a natural environment.
MELANIE ALLCUTT
Hi, my name is Melanie Allcutt.
I've always been interested in education. Both of my parents had been primary school teachers and they both put a lot of thought into the education and development of their children. They allowed us to explore our interests and immerse ourselves in those interests, and to make our own directions.
I've been a Teaching Assistant at Otonga Primary School for 7 years. After University I became passionate about self-sufficiency and I co- developed the Hamilton Permaculture Trust and the Sustainable Backyard Garden at the Hamilton Gardens; I've taught English at a University in Taiwan, and worked as a pupil assistant for a year in a special needs school in Birmingham, England. Rotorua has been home for 15 years.
My husband Steve and I are blessed with one 15 year old daughter, currently at Western Heights. My husband is one of the Scout leaders in Ngongotaha and our daughter is a Venture. We all love the outdoors, camping, hiking, (they do the mountain biking, not me!).
I was thrilled when I heard Kathy was setting up a bush school and I'm excited to support your children explore their surroundings and their own abilities and interests.
MANUELA KUNG-PURSER
Kia Ora, my name is Manuela Kung Purser and I am very excited to start at the Gully School as a Learning Assistant. I also work as an educational support worker in the early childhood sector. I used to be a coach for relax kids and roots of empathy program, with a background in social pedagogy trained in Switzerland, where I immigrated from almost 15 years ago. Now I live with my husband and my two daughters in Rotorua.
We have a busy backyard with cats, ducks, bunnies, chickens. a per mouse and a big vegetable garden. I love nature, walking, gardening, yoga, reading and I am always interested in trying and making new things.