Posts by Phil Houghton
Vanessa Holdsworth
Vanessa Holdsworth

vanessa@horizon.school.nz

Bachelor of Primary Education

I moved her from South Africa 16 years ago. I am married, have two sons and a super cute granddaughter. Horizon School has been a real calling for my life. God has truly blessed our time here, and given us strong ties into the community.

My roles within the school vary as a teacher, team leader and WSL Kahui Ako leader. I love working with the students and building relationships with them.

I have learnt to bike ride and have been on many (easy) mountain bike adventures. Our favourite caravan holiday is somewhere with a cycleway. When I am in the forest either walking or cycling I seem to feel God's presence more and my soul is restored.

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PrimaryPhil HoughtonTeacher
Jess Raffills
Jess Raffills

jess@horizon.school.nz

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

I have been teaching for around 10 years, interspersed with having a few children of my own, and have spent the majority of my teaching career with new entrants and year one. 

I love creating a classroom environment where the children know they are safe, loved and inspired and one of my most favourite things is seeing their 'yes' moment, where new learning is secured. My strengths are very literacy based and teaching writing is my true passion. As well as this, I love creating a bright and vibrant classroom full of beautiful artwork that show-case children's unique creativity.

I feel blessed to be a part of the Horizon team. This truly is the best school I have worked at and I'm excited for my own family to become life-long learners here too.

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PrimaryPhil HoughtonCRT Teacher
Michelle Diprose
Michelle Diprose

michelle@horizon.school.nz

Diploma in Teaching, Certificate in Life Coaching

My family moved to Snells Beach 23 years ago to start up an alternative education school. I love what the smaller community vibe brings, meeting new people and keeping active with my family.

The combination of teaching and life coaching led me to being a Wellbeing Coach at Horizon 2 days a week. I believe students need a safe place where they feel they belong and their strengths are celebrated.

I like nothing better than to connect with friends and family and enjoying what our community has to offer. One of my greatest achievements was walking Base Camp a few years ago.

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College, PrimaryPhil HoughtonWellbeing Coach