New Windsor School
When creativity takes root
New Windsor School is where my love of design trully took root. The classrooms there are alive with colour, bubbling with diversity and kindness, and are guided by school mascots and school values: confident, creative, collaborative, respectful, resilient, and responsible. For me, these weren’t just words on a wall; they became the core of every resource, display, and event I helped shape.
As I searched for impactful materials that could inspire and empower our tamariki, I soon realised that nothing I found online felt quite right. I wanted resources that spoke the language of the school: matching our colours, representing our mascots, and embodying our vision for learning and belonging. Out of that desire, I began crafting my own tools and decorations, nurturing a spirit of innovation that would define my time at New Windsor.
Every need sparked a new idea, and I poured fresh energy into everything I made. I designed custom worksheets to bring lessons to life, created vibrant posters and brochures for community events, and filled our walls with posters that celebrated daily wins and new learnings. As my skills grew, so did the scope of my work: infographics that made complex concepts simple, step-by-step guides and presentations to support teachers and whānau, templates for quick classroom use, dazzling wall displays and handy labels, curriculum documents (like those for the new Aotearoa Histories Curriculum, always grounded in the unique stories of our ākonga and community). Certificates marked achievements both big and small, and every corner of our classroom reflected the identity of New Windsor.
Effective design goes beyond aesthetics: it clarifies, inspires, and empowers people to engage, learn, and act with confidence.
As I stretched my skills, a simple wish grew into a mission: to create resources that not only look good but truly make a difference. Each project was an adventure, blending school spirit with creativity, so that every child, whānau, and teacher felt the heartbeat of New Windsor in the materials we shared. Through every resource, I aimed to nurture confidence and curiosity, making learning visible and meaningful, whether for a five-year-old exploring local histories or whānau gathering for a school hui. My journey was one of exploration, teaching myself new skills, responding flexibly to whatever challenge arose, and growing side by side with my students and colleagues.
Looking back, these years were more than professional growth; they were a personal journey into the power of design to unite, uplift, and spark lasting curiosity.
— I did not create New Windsor School’s mascots, colours, or branding; these were incorporated with full consent and are the property of the school.