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Welcome

Michaela Phillips

 Principal

Kia Orana e te au metua e te iti tangata - Apii Te Uki Ou, e kāinga no te au tamariki ei akapapa i to rātou ora’anga ki mua.

 

At Apii Te Uki Ou we believe childhood should be full of joy, curiosity, and discovery. Our tamariki are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow with confidence.

A special character of our school is our commitment to inclusive education – we embrace every child, valuing their unique strengths, needs, and identities.

 

A cornerstone of our school is the celebration of Cook Islands reo, peu Māori, and our cultural identity. We want our children to be proud of who they are, to walk confidently in their language and culture, and to see these values woven through their learning every day. Alongside this, we provide a balanced and high-quality education that ensures our students thrive academically, socially, and creatively. 

 

Apii Te Uki Ou is more than just a school – it is a family. From ECE right through to Year 9, our children experience a sense of belonging and continuity that supports them at every stage of their learning journey.

 

“Tamariki no teia rā, e arataki no te au tuatau ki mua.”

Children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

 

We warmly invite you to be part of our Apii Te Uki Ou family.

Meet Our Staff

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Liz Cribb
Kahurangi Poa
Saireni Pekepo - Poila

Deputy Principal
Junior College Leader
Sports Co-Ordinator

Yr 9 Teacher - Tavake

Gardenia Rouru

Te Reo Maori and Culture

Carleen Ashford

Yr 5/6 Teacher - Kopeka

Debs Lyttle

Junior Team Leader

Teacher Yr 2 - Kakerori
Literacy Lead

Kathy Lagoudis

Lead Teacher - Kura ECC

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Tina Mitchell

Office Manager

Jon Monga

Coach - PE, Health and Technology

Sculpture Bust Display
Bea Taripo- Prestidge

Assistant Principal
Middle Team Leader

Yr 5/6 Teacher - Kaoko

Roberta Murray

Yr 7/8 Teacher - Kota'a
Maths & Technology Lead

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Lydia Hammersley

Yr 3/4 Teacher - Kukupa
Library Lead

Kiana Marino

Yr 1 Teacher - Kuriri

Natasha Tafa Maoate

Teacher Kura ECC

Christine Mose

Accounts Manager

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Mia Bob

Learning Support Assistant

Maddy Spurle-Lowe

Culture Leader

Culture and Te Reo Teacher

Terrie Monteath

Yr 7/8 Teacher  - Kakaia
Arts & Gala Lead

Sheena Naik

Yr 3 Teacher Kotuku

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Shanna Kamana

Y0 Teacher - Karavia

Mary Bagnell

Primary Art & Learning Support Teacher

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Nicole Warwick

Office Assistant

Coconut Drink Held
Ursula Puia

Learning Support Assistant

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Normavina Pepe

Learning Support Assistant 

Marie Witehira-Strickland

Learning Support Assistant

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Talitha Ine

Learning Support Assistant 

Learning Support Assistant

Olympia Karora

Learning Support Assistant 

Man Embraces Nature
Te Pau Ngauke

Care Taker

Learning Support Assistant 

Jordayn Matutu

Learning Support Assistant 

Who will be our next amazing member
Ursula Puia

Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant 

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