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. 

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.

Amanda Fowler

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Tainui tōku waka. Ko Oroua tōku awa. Ko Tararua me Ruahine ngā pae maunga. Ko Ngāti Kauwhata te iwi. Ko Kawakawa tōku tūrangawaewae. Ko te Papaioea tōku kāinga. Ko Whāea Amanda Fowler tōku ingoa. Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

My name is Amanda Fowler and I am a classroom teacher here at Feilding Intermediate.

My teaching career started early in 2014, in Tāmaki Makau-rau (Auckland). I am now back here in the Manawatū 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. My passions include bringing Te Ao Māori into the classroom, working closely with kapa haka, and accelerating learners.

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

Kylie McDonald

Tēnā koutou katoa. I am Whāea Kylie McDonald, a classroom teacher here at Feilding Intermediate.

I have been teaching for nearly 20 years in a few schools in the Horowhenua and Manawatu.  I came to Feilding Intermediate after teaching for 9 and half years at Milson School in Palmerston North.

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

When not teaching, I enjoy walking, reading, spending time with my whānau and watching my daughter play sports. 

Angela Armstrong-Lush

Tena koutou katoa, 

Tenei taku pepeha ki te taha o toku tupuna wahine Ko Matahourua te waka 

Ko Te Ahuahu te maunga 

Ko Omapere te awa 

Ko te tautoko te wahi tapu Ko te Rawhitiroa te marae Te Uri Taniwha te hapu Ko Nga Puhi te iwi Heoi ano, Ko Ange Armstrong-Lush taku ingoa No Papaioea ahau Ko Te Arapo Haimona Pikimaui raua ko John Armstrong oku matua tupuna Ko Alby raua ko Maureen Armstrong aku mātua Ko Nic Lush taku hoa tane Ko Tatjana, ratou ko Paige, ko Inara ko Trey taku tamariki No reira Tena koutou Tena koutou Tena koutou katoa Kia Ora Whanau.

My name is Angela Armstrong-Lush known as Whaea Ange to our tamariki and I am extremely excited to be at Feilding Intermediate this year. I have been teaching at Milson School in Palmerston North for the past 7 years and prior to that Lytton Street School so I feel as though I have come home. A little about me: my husband is Nic Lush and we have 4 beautiful children, Tatjana (22 yrs), Paige (20yrs), Inara (15 yrs) and Trey (12yrs). We are expecting our first moko (grandchild) in April and we are super excited and can't wait to meet her. Netball and Basketball are passions of mine and I look forward to sharing my expertise. I feel very fortunate to be teaching and working alongside children to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, values and attitude to help them be the best they can be.

Haylee Phillips

Ko Tongariro te maunga
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Rotoaira te moana
Ko ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi
Ko ngāti Hikairo te hapū
Ko Otukou me Papakai ngā marae
Ko Haylee tõku ingoa.

Jamie Manuel

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Dani Sowden

Veronica Labuschagne

 Kia Ora

Luke Harding

Tēnā koutou katoa,

I am Luke Harding, the classroom teacher in Room 17 at Feilding Intermediate.

I'm originally from just north of Christchurch however I’ve spent the past 18 months living in Cambridgeshire, U.K. while teaching at a school in Peterborough. Before that, I taught year 7 and 8s at Sefton School back home in North Canterbury.

I love the challenges and rewards that come with working with children and particularly enjoy working with children at this age level. If a child feels happy, comfortable and valued in the classroom, learning will come naturally.

I have a strong interest in music and play a couple of instruments in different bands in my spare time. I’m looking forward to using this passion to build a keen group of musicians at Feilding Intermediate.

I also strongly value parental input so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at any time.

Sophie Crawford

 Kia Ora, my name is Sophie Crawford. I am a classroom teacher here at Fielding Intermediate. 

Hayden Kelly

Kia Ora, my name is Hayden Kelly. I am a Pou leader and classroom teacher here at Fielding Intermediate. 

I am into my 8th year of teaching and I have previously taught at Ross Intermediate in Palmerston North. 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!

Nikki Brooker

Kia ora. My name is Nikki Sheridan and I have been teaching at Feilding Intermediate since 2018..  I was born in Scotland and moved to Aotearoa in 2005. In class, I enjoy making learning fun and hands on so that all learners are engaged in what they do.   Student voice is important in my classroom so children get a say in what and how they are learning. We reflect on what we do, making changes where appropriate, as a class.

In my free time, I enjoy travelling with my family.  I have a love for the environment and do what I can to minimise my footprints.

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 whitebaiting 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.

Kelly Brunton

Kia Ora, my name is Kelly and I am the hard materials teacher.

I have been teaching for 17 years, both in New Zealand and overseas in Shanghai and Qatar. In this time, I have taught from Year 2 through to Year 12.

Over the past few years of my teaching, I have specialised in technology, which has mainly involved engineering, wood work and food tech. I enjoy helping students gain practical skills as well as helping them learn how to design and construct a product to meet a purpose.

Tamara Westwood 

Kia ora,  my name is Tamara Westwood and I have been working as a classroom teacher here at  Feilding Intermediate since 2009. I enjoy working alongside this unique age group as everyday is different and brings with it many new challenges.  This is a time of major change in our young people’s lives and their days can be filled with ups and downs. My goal is to connect with them on their level, guide and support them to become part of a community of learners who are confident, resilient and eager to learn.

I like to spend quality time with family and friends, walk the dog and garden.  I love second hand shopping and farmers markets.

Caylee Wilkie

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.

Amanda Weston

My name is Amanda Weston. I teach because I am enthusiastic about helping our children tap into their potential and believe in themselves.

I have been teaching since 2001 in the junior/middle school and I have been at FIS since 2009 as the Fabric teacher. I enjoy this age group and love teaching practical skills and working through the design process.

Creativity is a major part of my room; this comes to life in a big way through the  individual choice and design utilised within sewing, and Wearable Arts.

I am extremely passionate about animals, nature and caring for the planet.

Suzanne Smith

Donna Simpson

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.

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. 

I have four daughters ranging in ages from 23, 15, 12 and 2 years old and they all keep my husband and myself very busy.  In my spare time I enjoy reading, knitting, yoga, movies, catching up with friends and spending time with my family.

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.