Kia Ora! My name is Daniel Turner and this is my first year teaching. I am very fortunate to be teaching at an amazing school like Te Totara Primary. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching in Primary in 2022 at the University of Waikato. At school I enjoy teaching everything, but writing, physical education and the arts are my favourites.

My interests outside of school are sports and movies. I love all sports, but have a special passion for basketball. I enjoy playing, coaching and watching basketball.
I am a bit of a film-buff and love to study certain films directed by my favorite directors.
My Mum’s side of the family comes from Croatia. I have grown up in a very bi-cultural environment and I have a strong understanding of the importance of knowing where you come from and finding your own identity.
I have an open door policy so feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Kia ora koutou

My name is Dori Villasol-Alonso, I am thrilled to have gained a teaching position at Te Totara School and I am looking forward to getting to know the school community.
I am originally from Spain but I have lived in NZ for the last 25 years. I have two adult children, Alex is a marine technician in Auckland and Sofia is at university in Wellington. I am married to Dave and we enjoy spending time at home and travelling whenever we can.
I have taught at St Columba's Cathlolic School for the last eleven years. I believe as a teacher I have the privilege to be part of a child's life. I enjoy supporting students to help them realise their potential and experience success. I see myself as a "life long learner" having recently completed a postgraduate certificate in the teaching of mathematics to priority students.

My name is Renee Morgan and I have the privilege of being the Marama Team Leader. I'm so happy to be part of the fun, focussed and hard working teaching and learning team at Te Totara. Our students, staff and whaanau community make Te Totara a fantastic place to be.

I am an experienced teacher and have taught all levels from Year 0-6. As well as being a classroom teacher I have also been a support teacher in the area of Digital Technologies. I’ve completed Postgraduate studies in the area of Digital and Collaborative Learning as well.

In the past I have enjoyed living in London for a few years and teaching while I was there. I loved travelling around Europe, learning about the history and experiencing new cultures. In my spare time I enjoy reading, relaxing outdoors or at the beach, and spending time with my family and friends.

I’m Ms Tracey Smith. I have been teaching for over 20 years. I have taught all levels from Year 0/New Entrance to Year 8. I started at Te Totara Primary School as a Guest Teacher in the first half of 2019 and then took over from Jo Stewart in Milky Way 20 in Term 3 & 4 when she was appointed D.P.

I have two children – my daughter is at Rototuna Junior High School and I also have a son at Rototuna Senior High School. I also have a fluffy cat called Smudge who is also part of our family.

I love to spend my spare time with my children and my extended family, enjoying the beach, swimming and nature walks. I’m very passionate about music and reading - often teased for how many books are in my house!

Next to reading, I have a passion for teaching Maths and have tutored since I was 16 years old.