School Board
The School Board provides strategic leadership, sets the vision for the school, and ensures the School complies with legal and policy requirements. For further information see HERE
Anyone is welcome to attend Board meetings as an observer, and if you are interested to see what goes on, minutes of previous meetings are available at the office.
Agenda and supporting papers for the next meeting are available at the office at least 2 days before the meeting. If you wish to observe a meeting please notify the office at least 2 days prior so you can have access to appropriate info and supporting papers.
The 2025 Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School Board is:
Marriene Langton (Principal), Marina Shehata (Staff representative), Elected parent board members; Te Ao Marama (Jodi) Apiata, Michael Odering, Michael Pretty, Amy Scott, Shailesh Singh and Jess Thomson
Anyone is welcome to attend Board meetings as an observer, and if you are interested to see what goes on, minutes of previous meetings are available at the office.
Agenda and supporting papers for the next meeting are available at the office at least 2 days before the meeting. If you wish to observe a meeting please notify the office at least 2 days prior so you can have access to appropriate info and supporting papers.
The 2025 Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School Board is:
Marriene Langton (Principal), Marina Shehata (Staff representative), Elected parent board members; Te Ao Marama (Jodi) Apiata, Michael Odering, Michael Pretty, Amy Scott, Shailesh Singh and Jess Thomson
Board contact email: board@westspreydon.school.nz
The Board email is monitored by the board chair and one other board member.
The Board email is monitored by the board chair and one other board member.
Marriene Langton
Principal
Marina Shehata
Staff RepresentativeTe Ao Marama (Jodi) Apiata
He uri ahau ki Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Rahiri, Ngāti Kawa. Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi. Ka mihi ka tika ki tēnei whenua ki Ngāi Tūāhuriri me tō rātou mana e tū ana. I hail from northland however grew up in Dunedin and have been living in Ōtautahi for the over 25 years. I am passionate about development of our tamariki with the understanding that they are our rangatira of the future. I am passionate about what it means for systems to understand their role as Te Tiriti partners and how groups can embody and give affect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I am a second language learner - The second language being what should be my native tongue, I strongly advocate for te reo Māori and tikanga as part of our identity.
Michael Odering
Hi I’m Michael My family has been apart of west spreydon since the beginning and I currently have my youngest of 3 daughters at west spreydon.I am a volunteer fire fighter with fire and emergency and enjoy giving back to the community. I enjoy a good family holiday away with my wife and 3 amazing girls.I am driven by progress and enjoy a challenge I’m also a firm believer in accountability.I have seen a lot of changes throughout the school in the last 10 years and I want to help the school achieve its goals for our tamariki.I look forward to representing Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School. Thank you.
Michael Pretty
Hi, my name is Mike Pretty.My wife Naomi and I have two girls at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School, in year two and year four. I grew up in Blenheim and have lived in Otautahi Christchurch on and off for much of the last 25 years. Naomi and I have been part of the Spreydon community since moving onto Lyttelton Street nine years ago.I am a geologist, and I have my own geotechnical consulting company together with a business partner. We specialise in the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, fault rupture, landslides and rockfall. I think that the most important part of my job is communicating technical concepts about engineering, geology, and uncertainty in a way that is easy to understand and useful for our clients.I have been involved with the Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School Friends and Whanau (PTA) for the last year and a half as the treasurer, helping with fundraising efforts to support the school, and helping organise events and activities aimed at providing a social link between the students, parents/caregivers, and the school.Outside of
work, I enjoy the outdoors and being active - riding my mountain bike, bouldering and rock climbing, hiking, running, and camping, most often with Naomi and the kids.I am passionate about lifelong education; I think there is always something new and exciting to learn about and figure out. I believe this starts with encouraging curiosity and providing everybody with the best possible opportunities to learn from an early age.I am at school most days at pickup, so feel free to say hi if you see me around.
work, I enjoy the outdoors and being active - riding my mountain bike, bouldering and rock climbing, hiking, running, and camping, most often with Naomi and the kids.I am passionate about lifelong education; I think there is always something new and exciting to learn about and figure out. I believe this starts with encouraging curiosity and providing everybody with the best possible opportunities to learn from an early age.I am at school most days at pickup, so feel free to say hi if you see me around.
Shailesh Singh
Kia ora, My name is Dr. Shailesh Singh. Originally from India, I am proud to now call New Zealand home. I have two wonderful children at this school—Sophie Singh, who graduated from school in 2023, and Robin Singh, who is currently in Year 4. Professionally, I work as a Senior Scientist at Earth Science New Zealand (formerly known as NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), specialising in Hydrology and Environmental Sciences. I am also a current board member at the school, having had the privilege of serving on the board for the past three years.My connection with the school spans over eight years, and during this time I’ve been actively engaged with the school community. I am passionate about creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow—both academically and personally. I believe schools should be nurturing spaces where natural curiosity, diversity, and community wisdom flourish.I would be honoured to continue serving our school and contributing to its future success.
Nga mihi nui,Dr. Shailesh Singh
Nga mihi nui,Dr. Shailesh Singh
Amy Scott
I bring a strong blend of educational expertise, governance experience, and community connection. As a senior lecturer and researcher in literacy education at the University of Canterbury, I am passionate about supporting high-quality teaching practices and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive at school. My academic work focuses on advancing equitable literacy outcomes and I am committed to bridging research and practice in ways that directly benefit classroom teaching and student learning. I am also the national programme implementation lead for the Better Start Literacy Approach, a structured literacy approach used here at TAKWSS and in over half of the primary schools in New Zealand, and have led the training of over 10,000 teachers in this approach.Before joining the university, I worked as a speech-language therapist for the Ministry of Education. This background has given me firsthand insight into the diverse learning needs of children and the importance of inclusive, responsive educational environments. I understand how essential it is for schools to work closely with families, specialists, and communities to ensure that every learner is supported in ways that reflect their strengths and support their challenges.I bring governance experience through my current elected position on the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association board, where I contribute to national-level strategy and policy development. I understand the responsibilities of school board trustees, including the importance of transparent decision-making, strategic planning, and working collaboratively to uphold the values and vision of the school.My connection to the school is also personal, through my two children who currently attend TAKWSS. I care deeply about the school’s success - not only for my own family, but for all children and whanau who are part of this community.If elected, I will bring a thoughtful, evidence-informed perspective to the board and advocate for teaching excellence that serves the needs of all children. I believe strongly in equity, inclusion, and fostering a school culture where both staff and students can flourish. I also believe in listening to the voices of parents, teachers, and the wider community in shaping the future of our school.I would be honoured to serve on the board and to contribute to the continued success and wellbeing of our school and its learners.
Jess Thomson
Kia ora koutou, Ko Jess Thomson toku ingoa. As a proud Ngai Tahu wahine, a lawyer, and a mum of two boys at Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School (TAKWSS), I’m seeking election to the TAKWSS Board. I have 14 years of legal experience across the public and private sectors and am currently working as a Legal, Risk and Compliance Manager at Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. My legal career has been varied - working as a prosecutor, civil litigator, and more recently as a lawyer for my iwi.Uplifting our communities and doing mahi with meaning is important to me - that’s why I’ve decided to put my hand up for the TAKWSS Board. I’m passionate about embedding te reo Maori and tikanga into everything I do. I am committed to engaging in a mana-enhancing way that uplifts our kura whanau, kaimahi and tamariki.I believe in inclusive, future-focused and evidence-based educational practices and I would be honoured to serve our kura as a Board member.
Nga mihi nui, Jess
Nga mihi nui, Jess
