The Catlins Area School

03/09/2026

S P O T L I G H T O N O U R B O A R D

S A R A H L Y O N

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Sarah Lyon, our Board Parent Representative, who has been part of the TCAS community for the past eight years.

Sarah joined the Board because her daughter attends TCAS and she felt it was time to get involved. For Sarah, being part of the Board is about making sure the school is doing the right things and managing its responsibilities with integrity. She is also involved in our Health & Safety, Risk and Assurance Committee.

What does Sarah enjoy most about serving our community? She believes that in a small community, everyone needs to do their bit to help ensure its success. It’s about pitching in, contributing where you can, and helping make TCAS the best it can be.

One of the things Sarah values most about our school is seeing her daughter come home talking positively about school. Knowing she has great friends, enjoys coming to school and feels part of the community is something Sarah really appreciates.

Before joining the world of school governance, Sarah worked for a heli-ski company and had plenty of opportunities to snowboard. Now that’s one way to combine work and play!

Two Truths and a Lie:

I was an international air hostess with Air New Zealand.

I looked after lion cubs in Zimbabwe.

I have been swimming with orcas.

Which one is the lie? Drop your guess below and all will be revealed!

01/09/2026

S P O T L I G H T O N O U R B O A R D

P H I L B R A D F I E L D

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Phil Bradfield, our Property & Finance Chair, who has a long history with TCAS. Phil was a student here from 1986 to 1999 and now has four children at TCAS, from Year 2 to Year 8.

With so much time and energy going into his children’s school lives, Phil wanted to get involved and contribute to the wider school community.

What does Phil love most about TCAS? Seeing our students learn and grow, and the opportunity they have to interact with different age groups. He values TCAS’s awesome, interactive and inclusive culture that encourages and challenges students.

Phil enjoys sailing, although he admits he’s not particularly good at staying dry. We’re not sure if that counts as a skill you need for Property & Finance, but he certainly knows how to make a splash!

Two Truths and a Lie:

I ran with the bulls in Pamplona.

I’ve sailed in the Bay of Islands.

I’ve bungy jumped.

Which one is the lie? Comment below and all will be revealed!

27/08/2026

D A F F O D I L D A Y T O M O R R O W

Daffodil Day is bloomin’ tomorrow! Let’s turn the school in every shade of yellow to support the Cancer Society.

From soft lemon to highlighter neon, mustard to mango, we want to see you go bananas! (Yes, corny is also encouraged.) Just bring along your gold coin donation.

26/08/2026

S P O T L I G H T O N O U R B O A R D

K E R R I N A K A J I M A

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Kerri Nakajima, our Board Presiding Member, who has been part of the TCAS community for the past eight years.

Kerri joined the Board after a friend encouraged her to put her hand up, seeing it as a great opportunity to give back and help shape a great learning environment for our ākonga. She is also involved with the Property & Finance, Health and Safety, and Reviews and Assurances Committees.

What does Kerri love most about TCAS? The opportunities available to our ākonga and the strong community spirit where people step up, pitch in and support one another.

Kerri is a newly qualified swimming technical official, with dreams of officiating at an international competition. From Boardroom to pool deck, she’s making waves!

Two Truths and a Lie:

I studied at Moscow University and performed in a play in Russian after only two weeks there.

I can speak French, Russian, Japanese and German.

I’ve been to four different countries specifically to practice the languages I speak.

Which one is the lie? Comment below and all will be revealed!

25/08/2026

P O L Y F E S T

Our incredible Kapa Haka have travelled to Invercargill this morning to be a part of the 2026 Murihiku Polyfest.

Don’t panic, TCAS perform at 12.00pm and you can catch it on livestream here: https://www.miharo.co.nz/murihiku-polyfest-livestream-2026

Join Mīharo for the Murihiku Polyfest Livestream 2026 showcasing vibrant performances by our rangatahi

25/08/2026

N Z A R E A S C H O O L S
E X C E L L E N C E A W A R D S

A huge congratulations to Jethro, who has been selected from 30 nominations as one of just FIVE recipients of an NZ Area Schools Excellence Award!

Jethro has been recognised for an impressive list of achievements, including Excellence Endorsements at Level 1 and Level 2, serving as a Head Student, and representing at the highest level in National Area Schools Basketball and Volleyball, as well as Canterbury and Southland Cricket and Volleyball teams.

What an incredible achievement and a fantastic reflection of Jethro’s hard work, commitment and contribution to our kura and wider community. We are incredibly proud of you, Jethro!

25/08/2026

B E H I N D T H E B O A R D T A B L E

This term we’re introducing our School Board through our newsletter and facebbok. These are the people who help guide TCAS through governance.

Did you know? The School Board does not manage the day-to-day running of the school. Instead, the Board focuses on governance, setting direction, reviewing policies, overseeing finances and making sure student success remains at the heart of decision-making.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce our Board members and share more about the important role they play in our school community.

Have a question about what the Board does? Drop it below!

23/08/2026

T E A C H E R O N L Y D A Y

Don’t forget tomorrow is just for the teachers!

There is a Teacher Only Day this Monday the 24th of August.

17/08/2026

N E W S L E T T E R

Our latest newsletter has landed! Grab a coffee, settle in and have a read of all the happenings from last week at TCAS.

From the Presiding Member

28/07/2026

C O N N E C T W I T H L E A R N I N G

Don't forget to make your appointment for this Thursday!

Connect with Learning Hui will take place on Thursday the 30th of July.