Claudine Tapsell

Class of 1992

February 2025

Our “Alumnus in the Spotlight” this month is Whaea Claudine Tapsell who is one of several staff members who is also a former pupil.

Tell us about what you’re currently doing? Where are you on your career journey? When you left school, was this the path you expected to be on? 

When I left school I started studying to be a Primary school teacher. It didn’t take long to discover that the thought of wrangling two dozen 5 year-olds terrified me. I moved to Auckland and gained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History. Life in Auckland was filled with social basketball, hour long bus commutes and enjoying the hustle and bustle of big city living. I attended the Auckland College of Education and became a History and Social Studies teacher. 

My first teaching job was at Southern Cross Campus in South Auckland. An incredible first position that shaped me as a teacher. To this day I still hold some of the core teaching and learning values I developed during those formative years. I made the decision to return to Christchurch and took up a teaching position at Aranui High School. My sister was teaching Mathematics at Aranui and the students loved the family connection. My classroom was above hers and I became known as Upstairs Miss Nijdam and my sister was Downstairs Miss Nijdam. She was Maths Miss Nijdam and I was Social Miss Nijdam. She was also known as little and young Miss Nijdam…and let’s just leave the rest of that story there.

After a year in Japan my husband and I started a family and I had the privilege of staying home with my two children until they reached school age. My re-entry into the workforce was as a Librarian. I worked as the fiction specialist at Cashmere High School for a number of years before making the transition to relief teacher in 2022. This year I am excited to be part of the Te Reo Māori department and am enjoying my first few weeks with a lovely Year 9 Te Reo Māori class.

Is there such a thing as a typical workday for you? What does it look like? 

Each day is different for me as I have a mixture of fixed classes and relief lessons. In my non-contact times I can be found in any of the teacher workrooms creating resources for classes. I am a big fan of creating permanent resources so the office staff here have come to accept my frequent and occasionally lengthy visits to the laminating machine.

What have been some of the highlights of your career to date, and some of the main challenges? 

This year is shaping up to be a true highlight in my career as having the opportunity to teach Te Reo Māori is a testament to the quality of teaching I received as a student of Whaea Miriama during my schooling here at Cashmere. My family has a long history with this school and it feels great to be strengthening this connection by being a staff member myself, and also having my own children attend this kura.

What/who are some of your influences? And how do you find inspiration and motivation? 

Like many teachers my motivation comes from wanting to help our ākonga become the best versions of themselves. We aim to turn out educated, caring and responsible citizens and it is wonderful to be part of this journey.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time? 

Coming from a strong family background, most of my interests revolve around spending time with whānau.   I also love learning, reading, baking and binge watching tv shows and watching cat videos on Facebook.

What do you look back on as the highlights of your time at CHS? 

Being part of the Senior Girls Basketball team was a true highlight. I had great friends and a fantastic time at tournaments up and down the South Island.

Do you have a favourite or funny story about your time at CHS? 

No. What happens on tournament stays on tournament.

Was there anyone at CHS that left a lasting impression on you – was inspiring or motivational? 

I had a number of teachers that I model myself on. Ms Heggie, Mr Hays, and Whaea Miriama created lasting impressions as teachers that helped me figure out the kind of teacher I wanted to be. Firm, fun and caring.

Best piece of advice to students looking to pursue a similar path. 

This profession isn’t only about teaching. It’s about being a life-long learner. So I guess my advice is be curious, flexible and observant.

Is there anything else you’d like to include, or messages you’d like to send to current students, staff, parents or the wider CHS community? 

Poipoia te kākano kia puawai – Nurture the seed and it will bloom.