Michelle Somers

I'm delighted to be a part of the Shotover Primary School community. It is such a welcoming and uplifting place to work and I love being part of a team that is supportive, fun and always learning from one another.

Originally from Ireland, I made Queenstown my home in 2019 after what was meant to be a one-year trip. I have taught in a variety of educational settings in the UK, Australia and New Zealand over the last 10+ years, and what I’ve enjoyed most in every role is getting to know young people, building strong relationships and helping spark joy and a love for learning.

I believe education should support the whole child. School is about helping young people grow into confident, well-rounded individuals who feel ready for the real world. I value hands-on, creative and inclusive learning that celebrates each child’s strengths, sparks curiosity and encourages them to explore, take risks and feel proud of what they can achieve.

When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me up a mountain snowboarding or biking, or somewhere creating art, usually with a coffee close by.