Our staff

Christine Smith

Principal

principal@blaketown.school.nz 

I first came to Blaketown School as a student-teacher. A few years later I returned to the West Coast and spent a year doing half days to release a teacher for reading recovery. A huge part of my career has been committed to Blaketown School and its students. I am proud to be a Coaster, passionate about Blaketown School and love working here with our creative and caring tamariki. Our school is special because of its size, fabulous outdoor environment and proximity to the sea. 

Lindsay Bamford

Deputy Principal

Room 1 Junior Teacher

lindsay@blaketown.school.nz 

Kia ora, my name is Lindsay Bamford and I work in Room One with New Entrants to Year 2s.  I have been working as a Primary School Teacher for 15 years and this is my fourth year at Blaketown School. I love working with children at the beginning of their school journey, helping to develop foundational skills and foster a love of learning that will continue throughout their school life. 

Kristalee Barton

Room 2 Senior Teacher

kristalee@blaketown.school.nz 

Kia ora my name is Kristalee Barton and I work in Room 2 with year 7 & 8 students.  This is my first year teaching at Blaketown School.  I have taught in Auckland and Dunedin in the Primary Sector.  I attended Blaketown School as a student and love that I am back here as a teacher giving back to the community I grew up in and fondly remember. 

Rae Sutherland

Room 3 Junior Teacher

rae@blaketown.school.nz 

Tena Koutou. My name is Rae Sutherland and I have been teaching for over 30 years. I started at Blaketown School 19 years ago doing 3 mornings a week. I now teach Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Room 3 working with Dulcie Bell and a gorgeous group of Year 3 and 4 children. I love coming to Blaketown and often come in for part of Thursday or Friday to look after the vegetable gardens. 

Sarah Rademyer

Room 3 Junior Teacher

sarah@blaketown.school.nz 

I job share with Mrs Sutherland and teach Thursday and Friday of each week. The other 3 days I relieve other teachers or work as a teacher aide. I have 3 children who keep me busy out of school. My husband and I are pleased that we relocated our family to Greymouth as we love the outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle here. 

Dulcie Bell

Special Needs Teacher

dulcie@blaketown.school.nz 

Tena Koutou, my name is Dulcie Bell.I come in each day to work one-on-one with Orrs Funnded students. I have been teaching for many years but still have a passion for sharing my learning with children.  I enjoy being back at Blaketown School, teaching in a caring, supportive environment where all ideas and viewpoints are accepted.  

Kayleigh McGeady

Room 4 Middle School Teacher

kayleigh@blaketown.school.nz

Hello! My name is Kayleigh McGeady and I am the classroom Teacher in Room 4, working with the year 5 & 6 students. I have been working as a teacher since graduating in 2014 from Otago University, starting at Blaketown School in 2018. I enjoy working with the staff at Blaketown School and the wonderful children. I love that we have a close, caring environment, one of the many perks of being a smaller school. 


Ailene Billett

Teacher Aide and SENCO

ailene@blaketown.school.nz 

Karen Sheehan

Teacher Aide

karen@blaketown.school.nz 

Hello. I am a Teacher Aide working across the school and really enjoy being part of the Blaketown School team. This is my third year at Blaketown School but I have been a Teacher Aide for the past 16 years. My particular interests are literacy and special needs however I am passionate about supporting and encouraging all people to reach their full potential.

Sharon Burnett

Teacher Aide

Carolyn Brennan

Administration Officer

office@blaketown.school.nz 


Kia Ora, my name is Carolyn Brennan and I have been working at Blaketown School for 17 years. I am passionate about Blaketown School as my family and myself have been past pupils, therefore I can claim being the oldest student at school.

Paula Curtis

Teacher Aide


I have just begun working at Blaketown School this year. I am from Hawkes Bay originally but have lived in Greymouth for 13 years. I am passionate about knitting and sharing my craft skills with the children. I have a caring attitude and enjoy working with the children and seeing their learning move forward.

Elmarie DeKoker

Teacher Aide

board of trustees

Christine Smith

Principal

Chris Burrows

Presiding Member

Lindsay Bamford

Staff Representative

Moira Todd

Parent Representative

Paul Stewart

Parent Representative

Christie Shaw

Parent Representative

Kristin Haussmann

Parent Representative

Board meetings are held up to 8 times per year. Dates are advertised in the school newsletter and are on the school calendar.

Our Board Members and Staff really appreciate feedback from the community as well as any help you can offer, such as turning up for working bees or weeding the gardens.