Acting Principal
Karen O'Donnell, the school's Principal is currently on extended sick leave. Karen has been the Principal at the school for just over 10 years. Acting in her place Anne Malcolm is the acting principal until further notice.
Anne Malcolm came to live in Wairau valley in 2024. Anne was the principal of an inner city Auckland primary school for 24 years.
Her educational doctorate is focussed on developing school leaders. Anne has been a well recognised principal in leadership and principal organisations.
Over the last year she has been working with the senior children in a part time capacity.
Fishtail Classroom and Acting Deputy Principal
Katie Herbert
Teacher
Katie grew up in Marlborough but has spent her adult life in Maniototo, Central Otago. She graduated from the University of Otago in 2016 with a Bachelor of Primary Education. She has a passion for teaching and finds joy in seeing children grow and develop. Katie is committed to helping every student reach their full potential and strives to create a supportive learning environment where all children feel valued and inspired to succeed. Outside school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and two young children.
Nimmi Kumar
Teacher and Kaiako leader
Nimmi Prem Kumar has been living in NZ for 21 years with her family of four. She came to Palmerston North with her two boys and husband. Now the boys are all well settled in good jobs which shows she has raised her kids well. She has taught in India and has relieved in most Blenheim schools since 2004.
Nimmi has a Bachelor's Degree in Education from India and trained at Massey University in Palmerston North in 2001 for a PG Diploma in Primary Teaching. Nimmi loves children and enjoys seeing how children grow and learn.
Nimmi is very patient, loves to learn new things, and apply them to her personal growth and teaching. She believes that “once a teacher always a learner” and she follows this.
We have fabulous learning assistants, bus drivers, administrative and caretaking support staff.
Office Administrator
Lisa Bond is the Office Administrator and has been with the school since 2014. She is also the School Librarian, Board of Trustees Staff Representative, Board Secretary and Fundraising Committee Treasurer. Lisa is your first point of contact in the school office and her hours are 8.30 - 1pm. Lisa lives in Wairau Valley with her husband and daughter.
Learning Assistant/Bus Driver/Garden to Table
Rachel McConway is our teacher aide, and bus driver, and has worked in the school since 2004. Rachel lives with Donald in Wairau Valley and they have four grown children living in New Zealand, and overseas. Rachel enjoys being busy on her lifestyle block which is home to the many animals and pets she cares for. Rachel is respected and well-known for the time, care, and support she graciously gives others.
Stacey Lowther
Learning Assistant/ Presiding Member of the Board.
Stacey has two children at the school. She leads the Board and has a passion for all things to do with learning.
She also leads the school fundraiaing team and is an invaluable parent helper.
The Around the Downs Fun Run/Walk/RIDE is annual event is organised by our PTA. The funds raised are given as a koha to our school and help pay for 'extras' such as playground equipment, books, devices and games for our classrooms. The next event is scheduled for April 2026.
Stacey Lowther - Presiding Member
Jamie Timms
Hayley Kidd
Bram Hoogeveen