We’ve tried to sum up her time here (impossible, really) and have gathered a few memories of those who know that life in her classroom was never dull and always full of laughs, learning, and the occasional impromptu TikTok reference.

If The Catlins Area School had a “Coolest Teacher” award, it would have been handed to Taylor Bichan and on her shelf years ago, probably sitting neatly beside her matching stationery set and colour-coordinated planner. She has a calming presence, a sharp mind and a perfectly coordinated outfit. Always.

Think back to 2017. Ed Sheeran was topping the charts, fidget spinners were the latest craze, and a freshly graduated Miss Pennell started teaching at TCAS. She is equal parts capable, creative, and quietly confident. From her first class of Year 2s in Room 2, to moving up through Year 3s and eventually settling in with the Year 7 & 8s, Taylor has been a steady, smiling presence across the primary years. Some students have had the privilege of being in her class more than once, and no one’s complaining. In fact, it’s become something of a flex.

A self-confessed maths lover, Taylor has turned tricky equations into “aha!” moments for countless students. But she’s more than a passionate maths teacher who can teach everything, she’s a fitness guru, talented musician and a role model for so many. Whether she’s in Kapa Haka with her guitar, cheering on the sides at sports days dressed in blue for Nora, or driving a van full of students to camp (complete with legendary playlist), Taylor does everything with style.

She’s worn many hats, Primary Leader of Learning, Learning Support, Mathematics and Numeracy Lead, and looks great in all of them. Literally. There’s never been a day she hasn’t looked effortlessly put-together, even after lunch duty in the rain.

Talk to her students, and it’s on repeat: Mrs Bichan is kind. She is cool. She is wonderful. Talk to her colleagues, and they’ll say: She’s dependable, thoughtful, positive, and always the first to lend a hand, or a spare highlighter. Taylor’s the colleague everyone loves to have on their team.

Now, as Taylor steps up to become Deputy Principal at Rosebank School in Balclutha, we couldn’t be prouder. You’ve been an exceptional teacher, a supportive leader, and an influence to so many. As you begin this exciting new chapter, we hope Rosebank knows that they have hit the jackpot.

Ka kite anō, Taylor. Thank you for the numbers, the notes, and the memories. You leave behind some fashionable shoes to fill (and an even bigger playlist to live up to).