Our Staff

Principal : Rachelle Haslegrave

Rachelle has called New Zealand home since 2009 when she arrived after travelling 6 months across 10 countries. Becoming an Assistant Principal in South Auckland in 2012, moving to Tarras in 2016, becoming Principal at Tarras School in July 2017 and installing a hot tub in 2021 have been major life moments along the way. Rachelle has a host of animals on her land and is becoming more green fingered every year - winning multiple Wanaka A&P Show home industry prizes. Rachelle can be seen walking her dog, Claude, on the Tarras roads.

Classroom Teacher : Chrissy Gibson (0.3)

Chrissy is the principal release teacher at school working 1 or 2 days a week to release Rachelle. Chrissy is a long term Tarras Resident, sharing her time between school and her farm. Chrissy has taught across Southland and Otago in a variety of roles, including RTLB. Chrissy enjoys sharing her farming knowledge and love for art with the students. All students learn some amazing basic reciepes whent hey work with Chrissy. Chrissy can be spotted at many of the agriculture shows judging in the horse arena.

Classroom Teacher : Mel Fisher (0.8)

Mel works with the Year 1 and 2 students. Having trained in early years education before becoming a primary teacher, Mel has a wealth of knowledge regarding early development and transition to school. Mel explored the UK and Europe before settling back in her childhood holiday town of Wanaka. Mel started her journey at Tarras School in 2019, working 1 term part time before being employed between 3 - 5 days since 2020. Mel enjoys sharing her love of art with the students, encouraging the development of many wonderful masterpieces. Mel can be seen walking the Wanaka lakefront with her energetic dog, Eddie.

Office Manager : Letitia Fraser

Letitia is the smiling face you see as you enter Tarras School office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Her knowledge of Tarras School is huge and she can answer almost any question thrown at her. Letitia is a fantastic first aider to all students, a listening ear and someone who always celebrates learning successes with enthusiasm . Letitia had visited NZ many times before settling in Bannockburn. Her career in Scotland covered many educational establishments and leadership roles. Letitia can be seen cruising the roads in her convertible with a can of diet coke as refreshment.

Go Bus Driver: Gae Chant

Gae loves having a sing a long on the bus ride to school and encourages the students to join in too. Gae has lived in Tarras for the past few years and enjoys her land with her small pack of dogs, Zac can be seen on the school bus too. Gae is the grandparent of one of our students so knows school life really well.

Groundsperson : Paul Fraser

Paul joined Tarras School in 2022 and has enjoyed seeing the changes to the landscape already. Paul works 6 hours a week to keep the grounds looking as beautiful as they do. Paul has a vast back catalogue in landscaping many gardens in the Otago area. Paul can be seen at some local venues spinning his records.