By John McBride | Posted: Tuesday May 8, 2018
We interviewed the teachers and staff members that work in our office block
Mrs Keen ~ Principal
What inspired you to become a Principal?
Before I was a Principal I taught Year 7 and 8 all around New Zealand and then I got a job as a Deputy Principal at Chisnallwood. Then I went for the role of being Principal at Casebrook and got it.
What do you like best about being the Principal at Casebrook?
I like the really positive students that come to Casebrook, we are very lucky that we have positive staff and people at our school. We have a good reputation and that makes more and more people come to Casebrook. We also have a great community and thats what makes Casebrook great.
What’s something you miss about being a classroom teacher?
I miss the interaction with the students and I like that because I get buried in paperwork here and I get out but not as much as I should.
Mr Leith ~ Deputy Principal
What inspired you to become the Deputy Principal?
Once I read a book about this awesome superhero who was a Principal called Captain Underpants. Being a Deputy Principal is one step towards super-herodom.
What do you like best about being the Deputy Principal at Casebrook?
I get to know a much wider group of people (440 students and their families!) instead of a class or year level. I also get to do many different types of things in my jobs which are always interesting. No two days are the same!
For some reason people are very generous with coffee so I love that part of my job!
What’s something you miss about being a classroom teacher?
I definitely miss teaching and being creative with a classroom a lot. But that void in my job is now filled with coffee and all the amazing baking that students bring me every day from home as part of their Casebrook challenge.
Mr Stribling ~ Assistant Principal
What inspired you to get the role you have at the school?
Mrs Keen thought it would be a good opportunity to give it a go, as she would be spending a lot of time out of school. I thought it was a good opportunity with Mr Leith being so busy all the time - so I said yes.
What challenges do you face when working?
The biggest challenge is to try keep everyone happy, and to make sure I’m trying to help people out is my biggest challenge.
What do you miss about being a classroom teacher?
I miss how well you get to know the students over two years and to interact and have fun.
Mr Russell ~ Student Well-Being
What inspired you to get the role that you have now?
Well, while I was a classroom teacher at Casebrook, Mrs Keen asked me if I would like to trial a new role that Casebrook had never had before. I love a good challenge so I decided to give it a go and I loved it.
What do you like about Casebrook?
Pretty much everything. Except the panic over car parks in the morning. And when you are late you miss all the parks and have to do the walk of shame from down the driveway. Everything is really good, great teachers, great students and lots and lots of fun things happening. Never a dull moment.
What’s one thing you think Casebrook could change?
Oh that's an easy one, longer school days for the students and a massive heated swimming pool would be pretty sweet. Nah joking. I wouldn’t change a lot actually, maybe a new school hall so we can fit all students and parents in at the same time. Especially now we have air conditioning in there.
Mrs Gillard ~ Office Administrator
What inspired you to work in the office at Casebrook?
I wanted to have a job where I could communicate with people and I love working with children.
What challenges do you face when working?
Not enough time to spend with our families and students.
What’s your favourite part about your job?
The variety I have, no days are the same. I also have the school holidays!
Mrs Goulden ~ Office Executive
What inspired you to work in the office at Casebrook?
The school hours are great.
What challenges do you face when working?
Very busy, no day is ever the same you don’t even know what’s going to pop up during the day.
What’s your favourite part about your job?
The international travel, I have been to China, Korea, Japan and a couple of small trips to the North Island.
Mrs Mac ~ Canteen
What inspired you to work at the Canteen at Casebrook?
My children starting at Casebrook. When my daughter started here I started work here with her.
What food would you like to have on sale that isn’t already?
Anything that’s healthy.
What challenges do you face working at the Canteen?
Making sure that the students turn up to help me otherwise we can’t run the canteen without the students here.
By Jessica Patterson and Amelia Rowe (Rm 14)