Leadership
I am proud to lead a team of specialist teachers who take a strength-based approach to improving student outcomes. Our team consists of 33 RTLB who work in three teams to deliver a service across the 69 schools on the North Shore
We take pride in being active listeners, problem solvers, and proactive partners in education. Committed to continuous learning, we stay up-to-date with the latest pedagogies and evidence-based research to provide the best possible support. When we have referral requests, we are able to collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and parents and to work together to ensure students have the opportunity to thrive and that teachers are supported.
As our student population becomes increasingly diverse, we are committed to using an Inclusive and Culturally Responsive approach. We prioritize best practices that optimize learning for all. We strive to make a sustainable difference for our schools here on the North Shore of Auckland.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’d be happy to arrange a conversation or visit at a time that works best for you.
Cathy Pole
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Cathy Pole
North Shore RTLB Cluster Manager
Stephanie Thompson
Beach Haven School Principal
Cluster Lead Schools
RTLB Cluster 4 are employed by the Board of Trustees of Beach Haven School. The Board of Trustees takes this role very seriously. In order to keep the Board informed about RTLB matters the Cluster Manager submits monthly reports and attends selected Board meetings throughout the year.
As the lead school principal, I have fortnightly meetings with the cluster manager and the school's executive officer. The agenda is wide-ranging and covers all aspects of RTLB matters.
RTLB provide a critically important service to our community. Independent surveys show the RTLB service is highly valued by our cluster schools which is a reflection of the dedicated work of our RTLBs. As with any successful organisation, we are always open to improvement. Hence, if you have any feedback, positive or otherwise, we want to hear from you.
What we do
RTLB Service Overview
The National Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) service consists of 40 clusters across New Zealand. RTLB work with kaiako/teachers and schools to support students in Years 1–10 who experience learning and/or behaviour challenges.
RTLB are specialist, itinerant teachers who must complete a Postgraduate Diploma as an essential qualification for this role.
Cluster 4 – North Shore
In Cluster 4, we support 69 schools and kura across the North Shore. RTLB collaborate with Learning Support, education providers, and external agencies to identify and address local needs.
Levels of RTLB Support
RTLB work at three levels:
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Individual Support – Partnering with teachers and whānau to identify and address students’ learning and behaviour needs.
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Class and Group Support – Working alongside teachers to support whole classes and student groups.
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School-Wide Support – Assisting school leaders with whole-school systems.
Leadership and Team Structure
RTLB practice is guided by Practice Leaders and the Cluster Manager. We have three teams working across two North Shore sites:
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Rosedale Road, Albany – Home to the Cluster Manager, Admin Assistant, and Team Pūriri.
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Northcote Intermediate School – Base for Team Kauri and Team Totara.
How RTLB Support Schools
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Holding regular liaison meetings with SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators to offer guidance and determine support needs.
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Monitoring students and concerns, assisting in framing support requests.
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Supporting new SENCOs with systems setup and professional development.
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Running workshops and professional development for teachers and staff.
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Collaborating with Senior Leadership to review and implement school-wide systems.
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Hosting breakfast and after-school meetings for ongoing professional learning.
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Providing cluster-wide professional development based on annual priorities and school needs.
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Working with Kāhui Ako to offer professional development and advice when requested.
Liaison RTLB
Every school has access to a liaison RTLB who will regularly connect and collaborate with schools to ensure the service effectively meets their needs.
Teams
Team Kauri
Julie Rogers
Practice Leader
Maryann Peterken
Carmel College
Chelsea Primary
Verrans Primary
Christine Robson
Stanley Bay Primary
Maree Londeen
Hauraki Primary
Takapuna Primary
Erica Mackie
St Joseph's Primary
St Leo's Primary
Rebecca Walker
Devonport Primary
Northcote Primary
Rangimārie Maxted
Kura Te Paewhenua
Forrest Hill Primary
Sandra Dagnino
Belmont Intermediate
Northcote College
Takapuna Grammar
Jo Crabbe
Milford Primary
Rosmini College
Takapuna Normal Intermediate
Kelly Cowan
Bayswater Primary
Belmont Primary
Dian Warner
Birkenhead Primary
Northcote Intermediate
Vauxhall Primary
Team Tōtara
Nicole Joseph
Practice Leader
Birkenhead College
Westlake Boys High School
Westlake Girls' High School
Bayview Primary
Birkdale Primary
Manuka Primary
Margosia Buchowiecki
St Mary's School
Westminster Christian School
Mary Field
Birkdale Intermediate School
Birkdale North Primary
India Moore-Bocarro
Kauri Park Primary
Windy Ridge Primary
Sally Kim
Glenfield Intermediate
Onepoto Primary
Jane Pryor
Marlborough Primary
Sunnybrae Primary School
Christina Cashmore
Glenfield Primary
Wairau Intermediate School
Dawn Walker
Beach Haven Primary School
Glenfield College
Erinna Law
Birkenhead College
Willow Park Primary
Jackie Allen
Target Rd Primary School
Sunnynook Primary School
Michelle Grey- Lamont
Team Pūriri
Jill Watt
Practice Leader
Albany Senior High School
Coatesville School
Oteha Valley School
Murrays Bay Primary School
Glamorgan Primary School
Kristie Jacobs
Tara Holland
Long Bay Primary
Sherwood School
Torbay School
Jo Whittington
St Johns School
Upper Harbour Primary School
Jo Kim
Browns Bay School
Mairangi Bay School
Sophie Hickmer
Albany Primary
Muurrays May Intermediate
Julie Tolsma
Greenthithe School
Ridgeview School
Julie Cooke
Northcross Intermediate
Rangitoto College
Debbie Barham
Campbells Bay School
Pinehill School
Vicky Cox
Albany Junior High School
Long Bay College
Kristie Jacobs
Glamorgan School
Murrays Bay Primary
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