Teachers at Wellington Seventh-day Adventist School are intentional. They are experienced, passionate and vibrant. They make good use of instructional time and inspire students to want to learn and to do their best. Our teachers make students feel comfortable and help them experience a sense of belonging.
- Our goal is to see the clear outworking of God’s character in our students as they LEARN and GROW in GOD.
- Teaching methods are geared towards offering each child a quality education. Teachers participate in regular professional development and the school has participated in a number of government initiatives that support children to achieve in all aspects of their education, in particular, literacy and numeracy.
- Our teachers are the main link in communication between home and school. Prompt follow-up of any student difficulty or circumstance to ensure a lasting effective solution is vitally important to our staff. With teachers, parents and students working together in partnership, we are better able to ensure the best possible learning experiences for each child.
Principal
Mrs Karla Mitchell - Tumuaki (Principal)
Kia ora. Wellington Seventh-day Adventist School has a special place in my heart. I moved to Porirua from Northland to teach here in 2011. I spent a short time at another school as a Maths Support Teacher (MST) before returning to teach at Wellington SDA School. I began my role as principal in 2017 and am excited to be working with passionate Christian staff, a caring school community, and incredible students.
Besides Bible, I enjoy teaching Maths and Music. In recent years, I teach chimes and clarinet to groups of students. Our students are so musical, hearing them play and sing is one of many blessings being at Wellington SDA School.
All students and their families are valued at our school. We have high expectations and believe in working collaboratively with whānau and community to achieve our goals. Existing and prospective families are invited to visit at any time. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.
Ngā mihi nui
Besides Bible, I enjoy teaching Maths and Music. In recent years, I teach chimes and clarinet to groups of students. Our students are so musical, hearing them play and sing is one of many blessings being at Wellington SDA School.
All students and their families are valued at our school. We have high expectations and believe in working collaboratively with whānau and community to achieve our goals. Existing and prospective families are invited to visit at any time. We look forward to welcoming you to our school.
Ngā mihi nui
Teaching Staff
Mrs Dominique de la Hunt - Kaiako (Teacher) Ruma Pīwakawaka Iti (Room 1A)
I am a passionate Christian teacher at Wellington SDA School, and I find immense joy in imparting knowledge to my students while sharing the love of God with them. Originally born in South Africa, I moved to New Zealand in 2019, where I am now raising two beautiful daughters. I am fortunate to live locally, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand, which aligns perfectly with my love for camping and being in the great outdoors, I also have a deep appreciation for exploring new places.
Teaching in a faith-based environment and nurturing young minds is a profound honour for me. I feel privileged to be part of this incredible school, where I can share the teachings of our amazing God with the next generation. May God bless you and guide our shared journey as we continue to educate and inspire our students.
Teaching in a faith-based environment and nurturing young minds is a profound honour for me. I feel privileged to be part of this incredible school, where I can share the teachings of our amazing God with the next generation. May God bless you and guide our shared journey as we continue to educate and inspire our students.
Mrs Theresa Ugapo - Kaiako (Teacher) Ruma Pīwakawaka Nui (Room 1B)
Greetings and Talofa lava!
Teaching is an absolute passion of mine, and I am excited to work with your child this year in Room 1. I have spent a few years of teaching in Samoa and American Samoa, then in 2013 -2015 I taught at South Auckland Seventh-day Adventist
School as a New Entrants teacher. I am beyond blessed to be teaching in a Christian school where we can teach our students about the Bible and the love of God through songs and prayer. There is always satisfaction somewhere if you choose to become a teacher and for me, it would be to see my students succeed in the future, it would be to see my students move up a level in Reading, Math and Writing and to know that with God all things are possible.
My goal for the year is to create a loving, safe, motivating and FUN learning environment for my students as they continue to learn new skills and new things every day, but most importantly, it is to have Jesus be the centre of everything that we do.
Teaching is an absolute passion of mine, and I am excited to work with your child this year in Room 1. I have spent a few years of teaching in Samoa and American Samoa, then in 2013 -2015 I taught at South Auckland Seventh-day Adventist
School as a New Entrants teacher. I am beyond blessed to be teaching in a Christian school where we can teach our students about the Bible and the love of God through songs and prayer. There is always satisfaction somewhere if you choose to become a teacher and for me, it would be to see my students succeed in the future, it would be to see my students move up a level in Reading, Math and Writing and to know that with God all things are possible.
My goal for the year is to create a loving, safe, motivating and FUN learning environment for my students as they continue to learn new skills and new things every day, but most importantly, it is to have Jesus be the centre of everything that we do.
Mrs Kahli Huse - Kaiako (Teacher) Ruma Pūkeko (Room 2)
Kia ora, I teach in Room 2 which is made up of Years 2, 3 and 4. I have been teaching for six years now, most of which have been spent with the junior school. I began teaching in the Palmerston North Adventist Christian School and was there for three years. I have recently returned from teaching in London for two years in a secular school. It is truly a blessing and an honour to be teaching children in a Christian school where we can read the Bible and worship through song and prayer. Teaching is a job that cannot be taken lightly, but is made up of moments of awe, fulfillment and joy! Our class has a wide range of abilities and ages, so group work is key. In this way I am better able to meet the individual needs of each child. We will learn a lot through investigation and ‘hands on’ activities. My goal for the year is to create a safe, stimulating and motivating space for my students as they continue to grow closer to God and each other as independent and lifelong learners. It is a privilege to lead a class where Jesus is at the centre of everything we teach. Our vision is Connected to God, Connected to Others and Connected Learners.
Mrs Christine MacDonald - Kaiako (Teacher) Ruma Tui (Room 3)
Kia ora, I am an experienced teacher who has taught for over 15 years in mainly Wellington Christian schools. I was delighted to join Wellington SDA School at the start of 2022 and to be able to continue teaching and learning more about God. I am currently teaching Ruma Tui students, years 5 and 6 and am really enjoying teaching this age group. I am passionate about teaching and learning. I love seeing our students exploring and learning more about God, as well as a range of topics and sharing their knowledge with each other.
My goal is to create a safe, caring learning environment where our students are able to work well with one another but also by themselves. I want to grow self-directed critical thinkers who question what they learn and then explore further to find out more. I feel blessed to be part of this wonderful faith-filled Kura. Romans 8:28 (NIV) reminds us that we all have a purpose in life, mine is to teach: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
My goal is to create a safe, caring learning environment where our students are able to work well with one another but also by themselves. I want to grow self-directed critical thinkers who question what they learn and then explore further to find out more. I feel blessed to be part of this wonderful faith-filled Kura. Romans 8:28 (NIV) reminds us that we all have a purpose in life, mine is to teach: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Miss Uaina Leuluai - Kaiako (Teacher) Ruma Kererū (Room 4) and Assistant Principal
Talofa Lava! I have been blessed to have taught at two local state schools for over twenty years and with God’s leading I am now here at this wonderful place of learning. I have mainly taught Years 1 to 6 and am currently teaching Years 7 & 8. It really doesn’t matter how long you’ve taught or what age level you teach, every year comes with its challenges and rewards. Being able to integrate teaching and learning about God’s character in students as they learn and grow is such a wonderful feeling and special experience. Teaching is a passion of mine and an area where through God’s leading helps me to serve his purpose. And for the time being, right here, I love our super students and staff, caring community, the goats, the lambs, the growing garden, and the breathtaking views on the hill. Praise the Lord!
Mrs Moira Ashdown - Release Teacher
Hi, I live in Tawa with my husband Peter. I have three grownup married children and five grandchildren. My youngest daughter came to Wellington SDA for Years 7 and 8 and has fond memories of those two years. I love being fit and active with walking, gym, snorkelling and exploring the world. Reading is also a passion. I have taught twice at the school starting in 1995 and ending in 2006 and now I am back again teaching part time. I truly value being able to include my relationship with Jesus and His Word in what I teach. I am experienced and strive to keep my pupils engaged, challenged and growing both in general knowledge and in their faith. Integrating as many subjects into one theme is often the way I plan and including an Art focus is something I enjoy. Students enjoy my lessons and tell me often that they are having fun. My teaching career has seen me teach from first year university to preschool - I have qualifications for all these levels. People ask which level I enjoy the most. My answer is the one I am teaching at that moment! The other thing I love about teaching is meeting 'old' pupils and finding out that in some way I have had a positive influence in their lives: there can be no greater privilege.
Miss Aiga Maiava - Release Teacher
Support Staff
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Mrs Elisabeth Tupa'i
Kaiwhakahaere Tari (Office Manager) 
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Mrs Raylee Richardson
Kaitiaki Pukapuka (Librarian) 
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Mrs Carol Chigadu
Kaiāwhina Kaiako (Teacher Aide) |
Mrs Alison Kurukaanga
Kaiako Mahi Māra (Garden Specialist) 
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Tiaparani - Chaplain
TBA
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