Meet Our Principal – Patricia Simeon
Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua tōku waka
Ko Pouerua tōku maunga
Ko Taumarere tōku awa
Ko Hokianga Whakapau Karakia tōku moana
Ko Ngāpuhi tōku iwi
Ko Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Toro, Ngāti Kōpaki, Ngāti Te Ara ōku hapū
Ko Ōtiria, Mokonui, Mataitaua ōku marae
Ko Patricia Simeon ahau.
It is a privilege to serve as Principal of Pakaraka School and to be part of this special kura nestled in the heart of our community.
I feel deeply honoured to be part of this school, a place that reflects how education can be – nurturing, connected, and grounded in the whole child. Pakaraka School offers a holistic, child-centred approach where learning emerges through play, creativity, and meaningful experiences, and I am proud to lead alongside a team who are so committed to this kaupapa.
I bring with me a deep passion for working alongside tamariki, whānau, and staff to create a learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported to thrive. My journey has been shaped through many years in education, youth development, and community leadership, with a strong focus on supporting diverse learners and building inclusive, strengths-based environments.
My leadership approach is grounded in:
- Care and connection – building strong, trusting relationships
- High expectations with support – helping every child succeed in their own way
- Community and belonging – ensuring our kura is a place where everyone feels they belong
- Growth and wellbeing – supporting both learning and hauora
Moving forward we will continue growing our kura, deepening our relationships with whānau and community, and continuing to create a place where learning is meaningful, joyful, and connected to real life.
I look forward to getting to know each of you and walking alongside your tamariki on their learning journey.
Ngā mihi nui,
Patricia Simeon
Principal | Pakaraka School
Pakaraka School 