Tumuaki | Principal's Welcome

Kia ora e ngā whānau o Waitohi, Kia ora to the families of Picton. 

E rere taku manu ki te tihi o Tititea | My bird flies to the summit of Mt Aspiring 

Rere iho taku manu mā te awa o Kawarau | My bird descends via the Kawarau River 

Tau ana taku manu ki te whenua o Ōtākou | My bird pauses on the land that is Central Otago 

Nō Tāmaki Makaurau au | I was born in Auckland 

I tipu ake au ki Tauranga, kātahi ka neke au ki Whakatū | I grew up in Tauranga then moved to Nelson 

E noho ana au ki Waitohi tōku kāinga ināianei | I now live in Picton 

Kei te whakahihi au, he kaiako au | I am really proud to be a teacher 

Ko Katie Talbot tōku ingoa | My name is Katie Talbot 

Ka nui te mihi | Lovely to meet you 

Mā te whakawhetai me aroha hoki - with gratitude and love

Kia ora e te whānau, I am excited to be the Principal of Picton School | Te Kura o Waitohi! I am passionate about our schools and communities and learning alongside, and from one another. At Picton School we have an amazing and enthusiastic group of teachers, support staff, tamariki, whānau and our school board. 

I began my introduction to teaching in the Pacific Islands, before studying in Canterbury and working in kura schools in Rolleston. I have been very blessed to learn from some of the best, and have met many, many inspiring educators along my journey. 

In my spare time I love to play the guitar, make pottery, go for a run in the sun, or a spin class, grow vegetables in my garden and plan exciting adventures. I have traveled to lots of wonderful places in the world, and have been very lucky to meet kind hearted, adventurous, and brave people wherever I have put my feet. 

I am excited about authentic, local, hands-on learning that empowers our tamariki to be connected to their place, know themselves and understand that they are capable of great things in our communities, and well equipped for every opportunity that comes their way. I love weekend sports, financial literacy, oral language and storytelling, social sciences and learning about the world around us. 

My favorite stories to read are those that tell of the bravery of ordinary people doing extraordinary things - The Long Walk to Freedom tells the story of Nelson Mandela standing up for the rights of his people, and going on to become the President of a great nation, The Book of Joy shares lessons from the Dalai Lama and the late Desmond Tutu teaching us that joy is a conscious choice we can make in life, and Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama reminds us that we are all capable of greatness, kindness, and believing in ourselves. 

My favorite places to visit are the mountains and lakes in Central Otago, and to travel to remote, adventurous places around the world meeting new people, and seeing new ways of doing things. 

If I wasn’t a teacher I would be a fashion designer, run a bakery, or work in a safari with the African animals.

If I could have anyone over for dinner it would be Siya Kolisi. 

Thank you for such a warm welcome to Picton, for making me feel at home, and excited to join you on this adventure! You are always welcome at Picton School! I can’t wait to get to know you, and your whānau. Feel free to be in touch principal@picton.school.nz