Our Staff
Our staff are the heart of our school.
We are passionate about education and dedicated to providing high-quality care and education for every child. Our staff are committed to ongoing professional development to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to nurture the growth and development of all children in Garston School.
Ruth Faulkner
Teaching Principal
Eyre Team (Year 4 - 8)
Monday - Thursday afternoons; all day Friday.
With years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of working in various roles that have shaped my passion for inclusive and supportive learning. As a Classroom Teacher with a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching, I enjoy connecting with students, adapting my approach to suit their needs and learning styles. My journey as a Principal has been especially rewarding, guiding rural schools where a sense of community is strong, and staff work tirelessly to meet the needs of every student. Rural schools are a special place, where collaboration between dedicated educators and families ensures a nurturing environment for all learners to succeed.
Annette Dalziel
Principal Release Teacher
Monday - Thursday mornings
Annette brings many years of experience across New Zealand schools, having worked in both leadership and classroom teaching roles. She is deeply passionate about Literacy, and values clear structure and positive behaviour to support successful learning environments. Her involvement in speech elocution reflects her strong commitment to communication and confidence, which she weaves into her teaching practice to support and inspire learners.
Sarah Willmot
Mataura (Year 0 - 3)
Monday - Friday.
Sarah is an experienced junior teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge from teaching in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Her love of teaching shines through in the classroom, where she creates engaging, supportive learning environments for young learners. With a strong connection to nature, she often weaves curiosity, care for the environment, and a sense of wonder into her teaching, enriching the learning experiences of our tamariki.
Tarryn Copland
Classroom Release Teacher
Mataura - Wednesday afternoon
Tarryn is our Classroom Release Teacher. She is a dedicated teacher and proud mother of three, yet seamlessly balances her responsibilities on the farm with her passion for education. With extensive experience teaching across the Southland region, she is passionate about fostering a responsive and adaptive learning environment tailored to all year levels. Her love for physical fitness fuels her energetic approach, inspiring students to develop holistically while embracing a flexible and inclusive teaching style.
Annabelle Wilson
Learning Support Assistant
Annabelle is our Learning Support Assistant. She is a kind, dedicated, and hardworking member of our team. In the classroom, Annabelle provides calm, patient support that helps our tamariki feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Behind the scenes, she puts in the extra time and effort that often goes unseen, preparing resources, checking in on students, and doing whatever is needed to support learning and wellbeing. Her care for our tamariki is genuine, and their willingness to go above and beyond makes a real difference every day.
Pam Naylor
Librarian
Our librarian, Pam, has been an active and valued part of our school and wider community for many years. She brings warmth, dedication, and a genuine love of books and reading to her role, creating a welcoming space where students feel encouraged to explore books and learn.
