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 cathyp@rtlb4.org.nz
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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 Rata.
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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
Campbells Bay School
Carmel College
Nuala Gregory
Practice Leader
Chelsea Primary School
Maryann Peterken
Currently on maternity leave
Christine Robson
Bayswater Primary
Milford Primary
Stanley Bay Primary
Maree Londeen
Verran Primary
Birkdale North Primary
Erica Mackie
St Leo's Primary
St Joseph's Primary
Rebecca Walker
Devonport Primary
Takapuna Primary
Rangimārie Maxted
Kura Te Paewhenua
Forrest Hill Primary
Hauraki Primary
Sandra Dagnino
Belmont Intermediate
Takapuna Grammar
Jo Crabbe
Rangitoto College
Rosmini College
Kelly Cowan
Belmont Primary
Takapuna Normal Interme
Dian Warner
Northcote Primary
Birkenhead Primary
Team Tōtara
Nicole Joseph
Practice Leader
Westlake Boys High School
Westlake Girls' High School
Target Road School
Bayview Primary
Birkdale Primary
Margosia Buchowiecki
Northcote College
Westminster Christian School
Mary Field
Birkdale Intermediate School
Windy Ridge Primary
India Moore-Bocarro
Glenfield Intermediate
Sunnybrae Normal School
Sunnynook School
Jane Pryor
Northcote Intermediate School
Glenfield Primary School
Christina Cashmore
Kauri Park Primary School
Marlborough Primary School
Wairau Intermediate School
Dawn Walker
Manuka Primary School
Marlborough Primary School
Windy Ridge Primary
Erinna Law
Birkenhead College
Willow Park Primary
Jackie Allen
St Mary's School (Northcote)
Sunnybrae Primary School
Andrea Olson
Team Pūriri
Jill Watt
Practice Leader
Oteha Valley School
Albany Senior High School
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Tara Holland
Sherwood Primary
Long Bay Primary
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Jo Whittington
Upper Harbour Primary School
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Vicky Cox
Albany Junior High School
Long Bay College
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Kristie Jacobs
Murrays Bay Primary School
Glamorgan Primary School
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Sophie Hickmer
St Johns Primary
Murrays Bay Intermediate
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Julie Tolsma
Greenhithe Primary School
Ridgeview Primary School
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Jo Kim
Mairangi Bay Primary School
Browns Bay Primary School
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Debbie Barham
Pinehill Primary School
Torbay Primary School
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Sally Kim
Albany Primary School
Coatesville Primary School
North Cross Intermediate School
Julie Cooke
Northcross Intermediate School
Oteha Valley Primary School
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