Our Staff

Principal

Kia Ora, Ko Bevan Verryt tōku ingoa and I am the proud tumuaki of Birkenhead Primary. At BPS, we have a vision of ‘growing active learners who make a positive difference’, supported by our BPS kaupapa (principles and ideas which act as a foundation for action). We want our tamariki to have a growth mindset, be resilient, and seek knowledge and support while being good people who make a difference for themselves, friends, whanau, and the environment.

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My career started in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, followed by outdoor education in the UK, USA, and NZ. I returned to New Zealand to complete my BEd at Auckland University and returned recently to complete my Masters in Educational Practice. Outside education, I enjoy being active. In summer, I love skiing on water and in the winter snow - snow skiing is a passion I like to share with the children during passion projects at Snowplanet. My other little interest is racing a ‘Lemon racecar’ with a group of my old Airforce colleagues, providing me with a very different set of challenges from teaching. 

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The children and community make BPS a unique and amazing place to be a part of.

Deputy Principal- Evaluation & Assessment

Tena koutou katoa, Ko Alice toku ingoa. I originally trained as an occupational therapist and had worked in the mental health sector in different countries, including New Zealand, before settling in Dunedin to teach in the School of Occupational Therapy.  Consequently, I entered primary school education passionate about helping our tamariki to become well-adjusted young adults who are curious, always eager to learn, and ready, willing, and able to make a difference to the world around them. In 2014, I was lucky enough to receive a science fellowship grant to work alongside a scientist at Massey University studying Tui songs.  One of my favourite hobbies is now to go on walks around New Zealand, spotting birds and recording their songs.

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I have been happily married to Simon for more than 35 years and both our children (daughter Wing and son Fung) are grown up and now living away from home. No mokopuna yet, but we have two energetic and mischievous cats, Leia and Hazel.

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BPS is a talented and caring community, and I am pleased to be able to serve this wonderful hapori.

Deputy Principal- Planning & Practice

Tena koutou katoa. I am Samantha Knowles and I have been part of the BPS team since 2020.  Originally from the UK, I have lived in NZ for over ten years. I believe in lifelong learning so, in addition to my previously attained BSc in Psychology and my Teacher Training, I am currently completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Auckland.

I am the mum of a young son (and two dogs), and my partner manages a golf club. My passion and experience are that of Junior School teaching, and I am excited by our school's vision of 'growing active learners who make a positive difference’.  For young children to be successful in this way, we need to provide them with a wide range of learning activities that foster inquiry. BPS does this well by engaging the children through their personal experiences and interests while expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world. 

I love being part of the BPS community; the children, staff and families make it a welcoming and supportive place to be and are great examples of the BPS kaupapa.