Kirsty Arbuckle
Hi everyone, my name is Kirsty Arbuckle. I am originally from Ireland, and have been living in the lovely Queenstown for a year now. Working with children rarely feels like work to me, and my experience ranges from nannying and kids' yoga and mindfulness to most recently working in an early childhood centre. I put a big focus on wellness in my own life, and as a result, I have developed a growing passion for teaching children the tools they need to navigate life. Outside of work, you can find me in the lake, up in the mountains, or playing any team sport that will have me.
Kind regards,
Kirsty
Kate Jelinek
Kia ora,
I am from Germany, but I have permanently lived in Queenstown (Lake Hayes Estate) for nine years now with my New Zealand husband and my two kids. I love Queenstown and I try immersing myself in its culture. I’m passionate about providing children the best start in school and to help foster a safe, inclusive, positive, warm and fun learning environment.
I have a variety of skills and work experiences but a career with children and teaching is where my current and future passion lies.
In my free time I love being outside in the mountains going skiing, hiking and mountain biking but I also enjoy reading, and socialising with friends and being a mum to my kids and fur baby.
Nolan Faldet
I am an outdoor enthusiast from Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the United States. I moved to Queenstown in 2025 with my wife and daughter. My hobbies include biking, snowboarding, running, and exploring the outdoors with my family. Over the last five years my family has embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living and exploring different states across the US. I have experience working as a relief teacher at several elementary schools and I'm looking forward to getting to know the kids, parents, and staff at Shotover Primary!
Christina Brady
Christina joins the Learning Support team with a specialty in Literacy Intervention. She is currently training as a teacher and has done 2 placements and some volunteer work at Shotover so she may look familiar to you.
Originally from England, Christina came to NZ 11 years ago for a holiday and never left.
She enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, ukelele and the arts.
Renee Grove
I have been lucky to be part of the Shotover Primary School community for a few years.
My two boys have been students here, I work on the Learning Support Team and I have also contributed to the Wetland Restoration Project.
I am enjoying supporting our ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) students. We are lucky to have a diverse range of cultures represented at SPS. My focus is on building a sense of belonging for these students and helping them integrate into the SPS Programme.
Ruth Chapman - Olla
I am originally from Shropshire in the UK, moving to NZ in 2000. I have spent the last fifteen years living in Queenstown
I have worked in Early Childhood education for many years, working across age groups and abilities. I love supporting all children to reach their full potential.
My two busy boys attend the school, in our free time you will find us exploring Queenstown enjoying all the adventures it has to offer.
Sarah Larsen
Kia Ora
My name is Sarah Larsen (miss Sarah) and I am apart of the amazing learning support team.
I am originally from Invercargill but I have called Queenstown home for the last 13 years.
I worked with special needs and behavioral children for 2.5years in Invercargill before moving up and working as a preschool teacher for 9years.
I have 3 girls and 1 stepdaughter at Shotover school and a stepson in Cromwell.
When I'm not working or being a mum, I love playing sport. You may have seen me at netball, touch, rugby or hockey. Or on the sideline supporting the kids.
I'm so lucky to be at Shotover School and to be part of a great team and community.
Lana McLuskey
I am originally from Scotland but am now a resident in New Zealand!
I have always worked in childcare since I left school and have a real interest in working with kids with disabilities/special needs.
Eva Hooper
Kia ora,
I am from Germany, but I have permanently lived in Queenstown (Lake Hayes Estate) for nine years now with my New Zealand husband and my two kids. I love Queenstown and I try immersing myself in its culture. I’m passionate about providing children the best start in school and to help foster a safe, inclusive, positive, warm and fun learning environment.
I have a variety of skills and work experiences but a career with children and teaching is where my current and future passion lies.
In my free time I love being outside in the mountains going skiing, hiking and mountain biking but I also enjoy reading, and socialising with friends and being a mum to my kids and fur baby.