S I D I N E I   T E I X E I R A

Ms. Sidinei Teixeira is a dedicated educator and environmental enthusiast. With a distinguished teaching career at Mount Hutt College and Christ's College, she has devoted herself to nurturing the scientific minds of tomorrow. Her passion lies in environmental science and exploring innovative food solutions for the future. Ms. Teixeira is driven by the desire to inspire students to become scientists and leverage their knowledge to create a better, simpler world for everyone. Her commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications makes her an influential figure in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards and problem-solvers. Sidinei is also the Whānau teacher for Year 9-13 Surat and the Senior Dean.

S H E L L E Y   P O V E Y

Shelley Povey needs no introduction and has been a fixture of the Catlins community for 15 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Performance and recently got her postgraduate teaching degree. Shelley is looking forward to reviving the love of English for our Year 9-10 tamariki and being able to include local curriculum. Her mantra for 2025 and the classroom is “Have a lekker year”.

When she's not at school she has her feet firmly rooted in the sand at the beach and makes the most of outdoor opportunities.

G I N A   G A R D N E R

We welcome Gina as our new technology teacher. Gina has a string of qualifications; a Bachelor's of Fashion Design, a Diploma in Architectural Technology (draughtsman) and has just completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching. 

She is passionate about all things technology and has expansive experience with a clothing label, architectural design, and the hospitality industry as a cook. Gina is really looking forward to sharing all this knowledge with ākonga and broadening technology options at TCAS. Gina has also taken the role as Manuka senior whānau teacher. When she's not busy doing all this she's surfing, being a lifeguard and most importantly, being a Mum.

D A L E N E   P O T G I E T E R

Dalene Potgieter is new to TCAS this year and will be teaching the Year 7 & 8 class while Mrs Bichan is on parental leave. Originally from South Africa she has been in New Zealand for six years, and will share her 24 years of teaching experience with the students at TCAS. She enjoys cooking and baking as well as being creative.  She is excited to be part of the TCAS family and looks forward to her time at TCAS.