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.

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 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.

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.