Our Leadership

Kia ora koutou,

I am Jess Ward, Tumuaki of Paraparaumu Beach school. I am excited to have joined the Northern Kāpiti Kāhui Ako leadership team this year. I am a passionate educator who enjoys collaborating with colleagues to drive successful outcomes for kids. I come from a whānau of kaiako who have a long-held love for Literacy and The Arts.

As the principal of PBS, I am proud of the positive and inclusive learning environment my staff, students and parents have created. I have a strong interest in pedagogy and psychology, particularly in understanding how we learn, the importance of identity and connection, and how we can best support the wellbeing and learning journey of our students. I bring strengths in strategic planning and a big-picture approach to education, ensuring that our initiatives have relevance, purpose and impact. Recently, I also have developed a passion for the role of AI in education and its potential to support teaching and learning while ensuring ethical and responsible use.

As an educator of Pākehā descent, I am deeply committed to working alongside iwi and kaiako Māori to better understand the needs of Māori students.  I uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and l value the partnerships I have experienced with kaiako Māori, whānau in my own community and iwi; I am grateful that these partnerships have enabled me to grow and understand.  

Beyond the school gates, I love life on the Kāpiti Coast and the strong sense of community. Personally, I have a love of making artworks, an appreciation for books and movies, a love of travel and a deep interest in languages and anthropology.  All these things bring me joy and shape my thinking.

I look forward to meeting more of my Kāpiti Coast colleagues throughout the year and collaborating with you.

Ngā mihi nui!

Jess

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

Nō Ingarangi taku kāwai whakapapa

Ko Hakatere taku whenua tupu

Ko Kāpiti taku kāinga-rua

He Tumuaki tuarua au kei Te Kāreti o Paraparaumu i tēnei wā. 

Ko Aaron ahau, 

Tihei Mauri Ora

I grew up in Ashburton in the South Island. After studying at Otago University and then at  Christchurch Teachers College, I started my teaching career at Paraparaumu College in 1999.

I then spent some time working in England before returning to New Zealand to become Head of PE in Porirua. During this period, I married Marie, and we started our family. In 2010, we moved to the Kāpiti Coast, and I returned to Paraparaumu College, eventually becoming Deputy Principal.

I've had the chance to take on various leadership roles both regionally and nationally, including with NZQA, MOE, PENZ, and SportNZ. These roles have emphasized collaboration and professional learning, which are both very important to me. 

I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where both students and staff can thrive.

I orea te tuatara ka puta ki waho

A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions