For 28 years, or more than half of Kristin’s existence, Carol Page-Wood has been a beacon of happiness and joy in the Junior School. Carol has worked across a range of year levels and roles, forming wholehearted bonds and spreading her knowledge to countless students, staff and members of our community. And it’s not just the classroom where Carol leaves her mark; she has been an important behind-the-scenes figure for our Kristin productions during the majority of her time here. Hear from Carol and find out how her Kristin journey began and what special things have kept her here for all these years. 

 

How did you first get involved at Kristin?
We arrived in New Zealand from Botswana, where we had been teaching. It was a wonderful place to raise a young family with wildlife on our doorstep and Chobe and the Okavango Delta to explore. My first teaching position in New Zealand was a fixed-term position at Mairangi Bay Primary School. I was then lucky enough to get a position at Kristin in January 1999. Dr Stephen Codrington was the Executive Principal at the time and, during my interview, asked me why I had applied for Kristin. My answer was, “Well, you advertised, I want to teach, I have experience in overseas private schools, and I think I will be a great fit for Kristin and Kristin will be a great fit for me”, and 28 years later, I am still here!

 

What roles have you held in your time at Kristin? 
I have taught in Years 0-4 and in the Kindergarten for a term, where I was transitioning the students into Year 0. I have also held the position of Dean in Years 1-3. Kristin offers such a great range of extracurricular activities. I was involved in rippa rugby and gymnastics in my earlier years at Kristin and I then became involved in the Performing Arts side of Kristin. What amazing Performing Arts opportunities we have available at Kristin! It has been such a privilege to work alongside Lorna Rood and Hamish Mouat as Stage Manager for both Senior and Junior School productions and, more recently, for the Middle School production of Shrek Jr. I also coordinate the Junior School lunchtime dance groups and teach some of them. All seven groups perform in the whole school dance showcase, Dance in the Dove.

 

What do you love most about Kristin?
The people, both the adults and the children. Kristin generates a sense of belonging and the opportunities for professional learning are incredible. The word ‘aroha’ truly describes what I have felt during my years at Kristin.

 

 

What motivates you to come to work every day?
The students I love teaching and the connection that I have with the people that I work with. 
What does your average day at school look like?
An average day for me is incredibly busy and continually changing; it’s rare that any two days are ever truly the same. My time is filled with a wonderful variety of tasks and interactions, but most importantly, my days are always full of laughter and joy!

 

What are you most proud of in your time at Kristin?
The special relationships I have made with members of the entire Kristin community. 

 

What was your favourite subject at school?
Anything that involved talking and socialising, so probably ‘lunchtime’. Joking aside, I loved sports, dance and performing.

 

Do you have a favourite Kristin moment?
I went to an International Baccalaureate (IB) conference in Fiji that was pretty special, and I also went with a group of Year 6 students to China, such an incredible experience! 

 

What does your ideal weekend look like?
Spending time with family and friends. Having time at home on our lifestyle property, enjoying the bush and bird life, and going to the gym or riding with Paddy.

 

Our people is a regular series where we shine a spotlight on a remarkable individual who contributes to our school and our community, highlighting their unique stories and the passions that drive them. We hope you enjoy as we celebrate the incredible characters who make Kristin a special place of aroha.