We have a team of specialised education staff dedicated to delivering our One-Day School programmes
Our team will guide and nurture children through the One-day School programme. Opportunities will occur during the programme that will assist in developing self-esteem and confidence in your child. Our teachers have experience in teaching to a range of student abilities and interests. Students will develop self-esteem and confidence while interacting with others who are like minded. During the programme students will be able to develop resilience ready to take on the world.
Forest School | Colleen Brink
Hi, my name is Colleen. I am a mother to two daughters and a stepmom to two boys. We are an active family, busy with a wide range of sports including surfing, surf lifesaving and yoga. I love a good book, photography, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. I am originally from Zimbabwe, and immigrated to New Zealand with my family when I was 16. I completed my schooling and worked on a dairy farm in the Waikato before studying primary school teaching. I returned to Africa to build and run a small school in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia for children aged 2 - 10 years old. I managed a safari camp while I was there, as well as teaching and working as a safari guide. I returned to NZ, and worked as a zero waste educator before working as an ECE teacher. I have completed my qualifications as a Level 3 Forest School Leader. My previous position before working for Matahui School was forest school teacher in Cambridge working with children aged 3- 6 years old. I love working with all the different age groups, watching them explore, discover and create. I especially enjoy teaching children about wildlife and nature, sharing my passion for conservation and sustainability. My goal as a teacher is to help children to become successful lifelong learners, who are confident, independent and resilient.
Forest School | Debbie Kingsford-Tinling
Kia ora koutou. My name is Debbie and I live at Waihi Beach with my husband Terry. We have three young adult sons and have always valued and embraced spending time with them in nature. I have a love of Waka Ama and enjoy opportunities to paddle on our beautiful waters around the Bay of Plenty, sunrise paddles are my favourite.
I am an Early Childhood Educator and have 30 years teaching experience in the ECE sector. I am passionate about sustainability and supporting tamariki on their learning journey in outdoor environments that nurture their well-being and support rich learning experiences.
I am thrilled to join the team at Matahui on the Forest School programme.