Year 1 Teacher

 

Jo Dhiru joined Marsden in 2022 as Marsden Primary’s Year 1 Teacher. She is responsible for our crucial Transition to School programme, facilitating the smooth progression of students from Preschool and Early Childhood Education centres to Marsden Primary.

 

Jo is passionate about innovative education, particularly STEAM education for younger students. She strives to instil a love of learning in her students and believes in creating a warm, nurturing environment where students feel comfortable making 'great mistakes'. Jo is also deeply committed to student wellbeing and emotional literacy, helping students develop the skills to express their emotions and be thoughtful members of their school community.

 

Experience

 

Jo graduated from Dunedin College of Education with a Bachelor of Education with Honours in 2003, alongside Catechetical Studies from Otago University. She began her teaching career at Holy Cross School in Papatoetoe, a Year 1-8 Catholic co-educational school.

 

In May 2006, Jo moved to London, where she taught at three prestigious primary schools, St Francesca Cabrini Catholic Primary, St Mary’s RC Primary, and Thomas’s London Day School where she spent 11 years.

 

At Thomas's London Day School, she served as the Head of PE, leading a team of six teachers, and was the lead teacher in Humanities, Geography and Digital Technology. Jo later returned to classroom teaching, spending three years teaching Year 1. She moved back to New Zealand and has been contributing to Marsden since.

 

Professional Development

 

Throughout her time in the United Kingdom, Jo engaged in extensive professional development, and as the Year 1 curriculum coordinator she mentored colleagues in programmes such as Children’s Literacy development with Pie Corbett, Structured Literacy with Animaphonics and White Rose Mathematics.

 

More recently she’s gained the following external qualifications:

  • Toro Mai - Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, Massey University | Aug 2021
  • Enquiry Mindset Planning and Assessment - Staff Development Thomas’s London Day Schools | Jul 2019 - Jul 2021
  • Ruler - Programme for Wellbeing and Emotional Literacy Yale University Center for Emotional Intelligence | Sep 2019 - Jul 2021

 

In 2008, Jo was recognised for creating and implementing the 'Playgrounds for All' wellbeing programme at St Francesca Cabrini School in London as part of her role as Head of Health and Wellbeing.

 

Outside of School

 

Jo enjoys spending time with her young family, exploring the Wellington Region by bike or foot, and socialising with friends and family. Her home is characterised by fun, laughter, and a light-hearted atmosphere.