Relationships are the key. Unlocking your child’s magic is the job and passion of our expert teaching staff. They deliver integrated creative content in fresh and inventive ways and contexts... and they are superstars!
They are super skilled: All staff are experienced in our unique Structured Conscious Literacy curriculum, carefully developed specifically for our New Zealand language context.
They are super knowledgeable: From printmaking to marine conservation to social sciences to food to horticulture to psychology, our teachers are experts in their own passion areas, and they bring that enthusiasm to their classes.
They are super compassionate: Everyone has their own individual learning profile, be it dyslexia, giftedness, ADHD or simply sensory processing, and our staff know that better than most! And they care deeply about our kinds of kids.
And that’s the hub of it all. Our teachers choose to work with our students because they are fascinating, fabulous and limitless!
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
Rebecca Elias
B.Des, P.G.Dip.Sec.Tchg, M.Prof.Ed (Hons), PG Linguistics, Orton Gillingham trained.
Rebecca is a registered teacher with a background in architecture and design, holds a Masters degree in education, with many years of specialist training, and experience in Structured Literacy teaching. She is dyslexic and ADHD, sharing a similar educational experience to those who attend our school. Rebecca believes in the potential of every child and is passionate about supporting neurodiverse students. Email Rebecca
Kayleigh Hall
B.A (Hons).
Kayleigh hails from the U.K., with a background in English Literature and a passion for reading. She has experience as a learning support mentor with primary school children aged 6-11, especially students with ADHD, autism, and social and emotional needs. Kayleigh is part of our literacy team, and Head Teacher at our One Day School. Email Kayleigh
Kendra Weir
B.Sc, P.G.Dip.Prim.Tchg.
Kendra is a registered and experienced classroom teacher with a strength in helping children with complex learning profiles to develop their academic skills. Kendra has a wide background in Science and Mathematics, and particularly enjoys extending twice-exceptional children. Email Kendra
Leonie Bloor
B.Ed. P.G.Ed (Leadership); Orton Gillingham trained.
For Leonie, joining the Summit Point School team in 2017 was a dream come true. She has always wanted to make a difference for children with specific learning differences and is passionate about Structured Literacy, social sciences, emotional regulation, and Health and Safety. Leonie's philosophy is that every child can believe in themselves and take risks in their learning. Email Leonie
Melissa Elliston-Boyes
BA, BSc, MA, Dip Tchg.
Melissa has been teaching Mathematics for years 9-13 since 2019. She has taught in Spain as well as New Zealand. Melissa combines specialist maths knowledge along with a great understanding of how to best support all students, whether they need acceleration or additional support. Email Melissa
Elizabeth (Libby) Marriott
BA, Grad Dip Tchng
Libby has worked with children and youth as a caregiver and special needs support worker; and as a volunteer preschool music group leader, youth mentor and leader in Scouts Aotearoa. She spent three years as a primary teacher before joining Summit Point.
Libby focuses on creating a learning environment that is caring and inclusive. She promotes cooperation, respect, and awareness of other perspectives. Libby encourages exploratory learning where everyone's knowledge is valued, using ideas or knowledge from one student to stimulate another’s learning journey. Email Libby
Zoe Nunan
ECE; Orton Gillingham trained.
Zoe brings considerable experience and passion to our school. She is part of our literacy team, providing 1-1 and small group literacy support in both One Day School and full time school classes. Zoe’s role is to develop essential skills in each child's learning, giving the extra input they need to be successful. Email Zoe
Alana Tee
B.Ed
Alana is passionate about maths. With strong experience as a maths tutor, she is used to identifying personal needs and developing programmes of individualised instruction. She joins Summit Point with a range of valuable personal and professional experience. Email Alana
NON-TEACHING STAFF
Carole French
B.SocSc, G.Cert.NFPM,
Business Development and Philanthropy Manager
Carole is a professional fundraiser with more than 25 years of experience developing and leading teams to increase philanthropic giving. She brings extensive fundraising and management experience from across the not-for-profit sector. Email Carole
Rachel Storey
Principal's PA
A part-time student, studying Marketing and Human Resources, Rachel assists the Principal from the Grey Lynn campus. She is also responsible for managing the accounts and processing new enrolments. Email Rachel
Georgia McKean
Georgia comes from a background in early childhood education. Based at the Takapuna campus, she manages new enquiries, fulfils administrative tasks and provides in-class and P.E. support. Email Georgia
Anna Schurink
B.Des,
In her remote role, Anna manages payroll and accounting functions. Email Anna
OUR BOARD
Rebecca Elias
Academic Director
Rebecca is a registered teacher with a Master’s degree from Auckland University. She is a trained multisensory teacher, researching, observing, training and teaching in international specialist schools for students with Specific Learning Differences, namely dyslexia.
Ian Marshall
Chairman
Ian is a Justice of the Peace, an Issuing Officer, a Member of the NZInstD and MINZ, and a Fellow of the NZIOB. He has significant school governance experience and is passionate about education.
Richard Bowes
Board member
Richard works in business intelligence and data analytics. He has a dyslexic profile and is a Summit Point School parent.
Testimonials
"We were desperate to help our son’s self-esteem and confidence. Enrolling him at Summit Point restored his belief in himself."
"Being encouraged to demonstrate his knowledge using educational technology has helped remove barriers to my child’s learning and made him less anxious about tests and assessment."
"The teachers at Summit Point go above and beyond to nurture the different learning styles of students."
"Rebecca supported us to understand our child’s strengths and challenges and find a way to foster his love of learning."
"We have been working with Summit for almost a term and my word, our daughter has come a long way since she started at the school."
"It’s a hard decision sending your child to a ‘special’ school, but now we’re out the other side, we realise how much our daughter needed the attention and environment that Summit Point offers."
"Her time at Summit gave our daughter the space and time to learn at her own pace, be recognised for her talents and participate in the running of the school."
"Graduating from Summit, our child is a confident learner and has a range of strategies which have helped her transition to high school."