Our Team

Diane Crate

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Hikurangi tōku maunga. Ko Waiapu tōku awa. Ko Ngāti Porou tōku iwi. Ko Te Whānau a Ruataupare ki Tuparoa tōku hapū. Ko Ruataupare tōku marae. Ko Diane Crate tōku Ingoa. No Whangarei ahau.

I am proud and privileged to be the principal of Feilding Intermediate. I have been working in education for 17 years and see it as a huge honour to work alongside children and their whānau.

I was born in Whangarei, and have a lot of whānau still living in the sunny North. I shifted to the Waikato to attend University, and started my teaching career at Hamilton West School. I worked in a range of schools and in different roles, before making the shift to principalship.

I have five children of my own - ranging from in their twenties, down to Intermediate age. I have a step daughter who owns a fitness/health studio in Hamilton, a son who is a medical student in Christchurch, and a newly graduated policewoman daughter who lives in Wellington. I also have a son at Feilding High School, and one here at Feilding Intermediate.

In my spare time, I enjoy running, watching sport and spending time with family. My children would also probably argue that I enjoy eating dark chocolate and watching Netflix!

I have an open door policy so I encourage you to visit school as much as possible, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns.

Selina O’Leary

Tēnā koutou katoa. My name is Selina and I am one of the two Deputy Principals at Feilding Intermediate.

I have taught a range of ages throughout my 17 year teaching career; however, have focused predominantly on working with young adolescents.

I was born in Feilding (a few years ago now) so it has been great to return to my place of birth to teach. This is my 6th year at Feilding Intermediate.

I am lucky enough to be involved with the leadership group and working with both teachers and students in mathematics. Mathematics education is a passion of mine and I previously worked as a mathematics adviser.

I am also one on the Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) at the school and work closely with students, teachers, whanau and agencies to support children who may need extra assistance.

In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and family, gardening and going to Wellington to catch up with my son.

Ryan King

Kia ora Kouto my name is Ryan King. I am one of the DP's at Feilding intermediate. Sixteen years ago, my family and I moved to Aotearoa from South Africa. We originally settled in Tauranga, with short stints in both the UK and Christchurch. My wife Lauren and I have twin boys and an older daughter. As an educator I am passionate about math, and literacy, and endeavour to create programs and opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all. I am looking forward to adding to the culture of Feilding Intermediate, and inspiring students to achieve their potential in all areas of their education. Whaia te tihi - Aim for the top. 

Angela Armstrong-Lush

Ko  Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka 

Ko Te Ahuahu te maunga 

Ko Omāpere te awa 

Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi 

Te Uri Taniwha te hapu 

Ko Rawhitiroa te marae

Ko Angela Armstrong-Lush tōku ingoa

 Kia ora ē te whānau,

My name is Whaea Ange, and I am extremely excited to teach at Feilding Intermediate. My husband is Nic Lush. We have four beautiful children, Tatjana, Paige,  Inara, and Trey. I also have a beautiful granddaughter named Penelope who has made our lives more exciting. I am passionate about netball and basketball, and I look forward to sharing my expertise in these fields. I feel very fortunate to be teaching and working alongside the amazing students at Feilding Intermediate supporting them to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, values and attitude to help them be the best they can be.

Suzanne Smith

Sophie Crawford

Hayden Kelly

Kia Ora, my name is Hayden Kelly. I am a classroom teacher, sport coordinator and work on the pastoral care team here at Feilding Intermediate.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and the challenges that come along with it. I love seeing the development of students over their time at Intermediate; it is a busy time in their lives!

Dani Sowden

Hayley Kidd

Kia ora, My name is Hayley Kidd and I am a classroom teacher here at Feilding Intermediate.

Julie Blunden

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am Whāea Julz Blunden, a classroom teacher here at Feilding Intermediate.

After teaching in a range of primary schools across the world for the past 16 years, I’ve finally made my way back to the Manawatū with my whānau.

I believe that all students can learn and, with a supportive and encouraging environment, can reach success. My tamariki are at the heart of my instructional practice. I am particularly passionate about Te Ao Māori, Sports, Physical Education and Digital Technology.

When not teaching, I enjoy running, practising yoga and spending time with my whānau on our lifestyle block just north of Feilding.

Kirby Cleland

Kia Ora, my name is Kirby Cleland. I am a classroom teacher here at Feilding Intermediate. 

I began my time at FIS in 2018 as a teacher aide, I took a quick break in 2020 and came back as a classroom teacher in 2022. I am passionate about working with Intermediate aged students as they navigate their learning and personal growth. I aim to build strong, positive relationships with my students, in an environment with high expectations but where they also feel supported to achieve. 

In my free time, I am an avid tramper - I love exploring the beautiful outdoors, which we are so lucky to have in Aotearoa. I also love dance - I trained as a ballroom dancer and enjoy teaching and supporting any dance-related activities at FIS. 

Sarah Woods

More information coming shortly.

Kylie McDonald

Tēnā koutou katoa. My name is Kylie McDonald (Whaea Kylie) I am a classroom teacher and work as part of the Learning support team.

I have been teaching for 20 years in schools in the Horowhenua and Manawatu. Having taught here at Feilding Intermediate for the past 4 and half years.

I believe in building strong relationships with my students and their whānau. This is something I work hard to achieve both in and out of the classroom. I love coming to school to work alongside and learn with my students.

I live with my wee whānau, my partner Junior and daughter Riahn.  When not teaching, I enjoy walking our two dogs, reading, spending time with my whānau and watching my daughter play sports.

Jamie Worthington

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Kara Du'Nasemant,

Kia ora koutou. My name is Kara Du’Nasemant (Whaea Kara or Miss D) and I am privileged to be a new teacher here at Feilding Intermediate. I have recently moved down to Manawatu from Auckland and I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Manawatu community. 

I aim to create an inclusive learning environment and develop positive relationships with my students so they feel valued, respected, and are confident learners. I enjoy this age group as they are developing their sense of self and becoming more interested in how they can understand/contribute to the world around them. I am passionate about Literacy, the Arts and Physical Education and I enjoy exploring these in the classroom.

In my spare time, I enjoy horse riding, hockey and various outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and taking the dogs for a walk.

Kim Gust

Kia ora, my name is Kim Gust, and I have joined the teaching team at Feilding Intermediate this year.

As a kaiako, I aim to develop strong relationships with my students to ensure ākonga feel valued, cared for, and included within the learning environment. 

Teaching this age group is incredibly rewarding as ākonga continue on their journey of self-discovery, strive for success, develop in confidence, and are eager to share their knowledge across various subjects. I am particularly passionate about teaching Health and Physical Education and enjoy sharing my knowledge within this area in the classroom. 

In my spare time, I enjoy baking sweet treats to share with my whanau and friends, staying active through a range of fitness activities, and spending time with my whanau and friends. 

Briar Meek

Tēnā koutou katoa I’m Whaea Briar Meek and I’m delighted to be a classroom teacher at Feilding Intermediate this year. 

I’ve taught a range of age groups over the course of my 20-year career, and find Year 7 and 8 an exciting and rewarding time to be involved in the education of our tamariki. I really love building positive relationships with my students and supporting them to overcome the challenges presented to them both socially and academically at this age. 

I was born and raised in Tamaki Makaurau but have spent the last 6 years living with my husband and three children in Blenheim, Marlborough. We have recently moved to Feilding and are enjoying settling in and exploring this beautiful part of Aotearoa. When I’m not working my interests include photography, gardening, reading and hiking with my family.

Jacques Viljoen 

Goeie dag.  My name is Jacques and I have been teaching at Feilding Intermediate since 2009.  My family and I relocated from South Africa in 2007, where I was working in the secondary education field. 

Sports are my major passion, whether it be playing indoor cricket,  golf, or following major sports overseas - Go Stormers! I also enjoy reading, ICT and spending time with my family.

I believe that learning should be engaging, appropriately challenging and definitely FUN! I am very passionate about working with children and I delight in building relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Caylee Wilkie

Veronica Labuschagne

Kia Ora

I am Veronica Labuschagne, better known as Mrs L.  I hail from the sunny, humid shores of Durban, South Africa, where I started my career as a teacher many years ago. 

Having been in New Zealand since 2014, I have been fortunate to experience different teaching situations covering a range of ages.  All these experiences have helped me develop further as a teacher and person.

I first joined FIS in 2017 as a relief teacher.  Since then I have had a stint in the cooking room and been a classroom teacher.  This year I am excited to be a member of the Technology Team once again.  I look forward to sharing a passion for sewing and crafting.  After all without crafts, lockdown would have been a wasted time.

A lifelong learner, I value the principle of ako, where learning will be reciprocal.  Connecting with my students and their interests is very important, and helps to provide a positive and engaging learning environment.  

 I look forward to seeing young people discover that they can do more than they thought.

Jiselle Rider

Kia ora, my name is Jiselle Rider. I have been teaching at Feilding Intermediate since 2015.

I was born on the West Coast of the South Island in a home set in the bush with a coal range and few luxuries. I spent my early childhood on the coast riding horses and white baiting the Taramakau river.

At the age of 12, I was relocated to the Caribbean to a whangai situation with my entrepreneurial uncle who taught me to sail and fly.

Eventually missing Aotearoa, I came home to finish my schooling and study education.

Currently, I have farmlet in the Rangitikei with my husband and two children maintaining a love for the outdoors; fishing, hunting and riding.

My teaching passions are in conservation, science and dance. Feilding Intermediate is a brilliant open-minded school with vibrant pupils making every day interesting and inspiring.

Sam Turner

Kia Ora everyone, my name is Sam Turner and I am teaching Hard Materials at FIS. 

Sam Burton

Information coming shortly.

Stuart Slack

More information coming shortly.

Tristan Crate

More information coming shortly.

Amanda Shields

My teaching career started early in 2014, in Tāmaki Makau-rau (Auckland). I have been teaching at Feilding Intermediate since then, and love being in my hometown.

I delight in interacting with children and believe strongly in building positive relationships with the students in my class and the school.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my whānau, watching movies, reading, and cooking.

Joanne Cameron

Hi my name is Joanne Cameron and I’ve been a Teacher Aide at Feilding Intermediate since the beginning of 2017. All three of my now grown up children attended FIS. I thoroughly enjoy providing learning support in the classrooms.

Margaret Dalzell

Hi I'm Margaret. I am married with 3 beautiful children.  I came to Feilding Intermediate in 2022 and I am loving every minute of it.  My role is to foster positive connections with those in my community. I find great significance in working with children and aiding them in reaching their aspirations.

Campbell Scott

Niwa Gotty-Ogden

Wez Pollock

More information coming shortly.

Gemma Cameron

More information coming shortly.

Te Uarangi Baker-Olsen

Nikky Speedy

More information coming shortly.

Pene Hallett 

Ko Ruapehu te maunga, ko Oroua te awa, ko Tainui te waka, ko Ngāti Kauwhata te iwi, Ko Whāea Pene ahau.

I have been working in the office at Feilding Intermediate since Oct 2017 and am responsible for the accounts, admin and PA duties for Whāea Diane. 

I have lived in Feilding all my life and have been involved in many community organisations over the years from various sports groups, kohanga reo, school boards and youth boards. This involvement has allowed me to meet many wonderful and interesting people of our community. 

Alecia Jacobs

Kia ora koutou, 

Ko Whakapuanaki tōku maunga, ko Takitimu tōku waka, ko Waiau tōku awa, ko Te Whetu Marama tōku marae, ko Ngati Makoro tōku hapu, ko Ngati Kahungunu tōku iwi, ko Alecia ahau.

I started my role as an office assistant at the start of term 2, 2019. I enjoy getting to know our tamariki while conversing with them and encouraging conversation.

I live in Feilding with my husband, Glen and our 2 beautiful tamariki who keep us busy. I enjoy reading, movies, sports and most importantly whanau time. I have been involved in many community organisations allowing me to meet some wonderful people who are passionate about Feilding and its people.

Helen Jayne-Becker

Greetings all, my name is Helen and I am part of the office support staff here at Feilding Intermediate.  I moved back to the Manawatu nearly 18 years ago from Central Otago where I worked at NZ Post/Kiwibank for over 17yrs.  I am a Group Fitness Instructor and have done this for nearly 30 years.  I have a passion for health, fitness and wellness, spending time with children, my family and helping people where possible.  Knowledge is Power!

Brad Carr

Kia ora, my name is Brad Carr and I started as the Caretaker of Feilding Intermediate this year. I have lived in Feilding for most of my life and attended FIS many moons ago. 

I love sports and play Senior A club rugby for the Feilding Yellows, twilight cricket and golf (when I have time). I have a background in sports coaching of primary and intermediate aged kids across a range of codes, and coach rugby for the Feilding Saturday Morning Club, and Manawatu age grade. My family and I are also actively involved in the Feilding Athletics Club.

I am married with two children - a daughter at Feilding High School and a son at FIS and have a dog named Jeff.

I love living in Feilding and being involved in our awesome community. I am excited to be part of the FIS team and getting to know the kids and their families.