JASON ALEXANDER
Parent Representative and Presiding Member of the Board
Joined the Board in 2019 & Re-elected in 2022

My wife Tanith and I have lived in Sunnynook for over 10 years, we have 2 daughters that attend the school, Roxie in Year 4 and Keira in Year 6 and we love Sunnynook School as well as the wider Sunnynook community.

I currently work in public health for Hāpai Te Hauora where I am the Deputy CEO. My role is wide-ranging ensuring that our activities align with our goals and a focus on innovation finding new or different ways to solve old problems.  I hold a number of other governance roles in the health and disability sector including chairing the board of YES Disability Resource Centre and Shore Junction, both of which support young people on the North Shore to reach their full potential.

STEVE MCCRACKEN
Parent Representative 
Joined the Board in 2019 & Re-elected in 2022

Tēnā koutou katoa, My name is Steve McCracken and I am the proud father of Cameron (8) and Oliver (6) and husband to Desiree. In our spare time, our family can often be found cycling, walking, running and enjoying the local parks. We can also be found playing, supporting or coaching hockey. I have extensive educational experience, and am currently Principal of Whangaparāoa College, and previously Principal of Kaipara College and Deputy Headmaster at Westlake Boys’ High School.

With my experience at a secondary school level, I am particularly interested in the relationships our school, Sunnynook Primary School, has with its local secondary schools and our Kahui Ako.  I want to ensure all children within our community have the provision to receive access to the best possible education. I am an educationalist at heart, and am passionate about the future for all students.

SORIYA EM
Parent Representative 
Joined the Board in 2022

My family is originally from Cambodia, I came to New Zealand as a refugee. My Husband Virak, our three sons and I have been part of the school community for over 8 years. Narin is currently in Year 6, my other sons are at Wairau Intermediate and Westlake Boys. 

I am passionate about the Sunnynook Community. I volunteer on local community committees including Sunnynook Community Association and Toastmasters.  

 I spent the last 15 years in research and innovation management at The University of Auckland and its commercial subsidiary Auckland UniServices.  I am pivoting towards work in the community and the not for profit sector and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to our wonderful school community as a member of the Board. As a result of my colourful lived experience, I have a keen interest in ensuring we provide an equitable learning environment for all our children to thrive. 

MICHELLE POU
Parent Representative 
Joined the Board in 2020

My husband, Dion, and I have been part of the Sunnynook Community now for 6 years. This year our eldest son Lachie finishes primary and heads to Wairau Intermediate whilst our baby is about to become a new entrant at Sunnynook! We also have Kiri here who is currently in Year 3. 

We come from an extended family in which community and community support mean everything. Dion and I love getting involved in school activities whenever we can and have both enjoyed coaching several school sport teams over the years.

As the Business Manager of a construction consultancy firm, my role is diverse and manages the operations and strategic direction of the company but also leads HR and sustainability. I have a passion for people and place - what makes individuals tick, groups come together, and how the happiness and wellbeing of both can be improved.

DARIUS WITANA
Parent Representative              
Joined the Board in 2020

Tēnā tātou, ko Darius Witana tōku ingoa.
Ki te taha o tōku pāpā no Te Aupōuri.
Ki te taha o tōku māmā no Ngāpuhi.
No Te Tai Tokerau ahau, engari no Te Raki Paewhenua tōku kāinga noho.  

My wife Tracey and I have 3 kids and have been part of the Sunnynook Primay community for over 10 years. Our kids are all at school within our Kahui Ako, Westlake Boys, Wairau Intermediate and our youngest at Sunnynook.  

For the past few years I’ve taken our Kapa Haka roopu and every year our kids amaze me. I’m very grateful to be able to support our school and watch our amazing ākonga flourish to become confident young people. Stop and have a korero if you see me around!  

"Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your basket and my basket, we will sustain everyone" 

SEI TEREORA
Teacher Representative
Joined the Board in 2021 & Re-elected in 2022

I’m married and have three beautiful daughters. All of which have different interests and talents. I’m an active father in all aspects of their interests, including coaching their sports teams and providing transport! I have a passion for sport, having played Rugby League in Australia and New Zealand.

I provide the board with a ‘teachers’ perspective to provide a stronger connection with our children and school community. In addition, with my established relationships across the teaching community, I can ensure any issues are raised proactively and in a supportive manner.

I believe relationships are the keystone of education. Trust, communication and integrity are paramount, whether the person is a child, parent, community member or colleague. 

VIRGINIA MONTAGUE
Principal Representative 
Joined the Board in 2014
               
Although I grew up in Wellington, my husband and three children (now all adults) were educated on the North Shore. My passion has always been primary aged children, teaching at all levels and all deciles from 1-10. 

Sunnynook Primary School is an amazing place in which I love to work - it truly is the 'hidden gem' of the North Shore. It is honour to lead a staff that are truly focussed on helping our tamariki be the best they can be. 

When I am not at work I love to swim, especially at the  beach, walking in our forests, riding my bike and mostly spending time with our family. Recently I became a grandmother for the first time!