Our staff

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.