Community
The team at Seven Oaks is very carefully chosen. Core to our selection criteria is a strong alignment between their personal goals and the aims of Seven Oaks. They are able to demonstrate a healthy and balanced attitude to people and to life. They are great communicators, able to work with others in a caring way, without judgement. Although our Educators are trained and experienced teachers, they are also innovators, willing and able to seek more effective ways of educating children.
Because Seven Oaks breaks the long established mould of education, much of the training required to be effective in this new educational model is unique. Our Educators are required to undertake extensive development in the areas of emotional and intuitive awareness so they can be open to the variety of human lives that are in their care. Like the students, their learning is ongoing as we study what is, and what isn’t effective, in our journey of extraordinary education.
Principal:
Gaike Knottenbelt M.Ed. Env., Dip. Tchg., Dip. P.E.
Gaike (pronounced “Hiker”) Knottenbelt has been an educator since 1978. Previously Head of Department at Nelson College for Girls. Other roles include: Director at Outward Bound Anakiwa, Founder and Director of the Aoraki Outdoor Leadership Programme at Timaru Polytechnic and Lecturer at The Christchurch College of Education in Nelson.
Although trained in the conventional system, Gaike has always been drawn to those aspects of education that have allowed him to work experientially and holistically. In 2007 he completed his Masters degree in Environmental Education with Honours, achieving a level of Distinction for his Thesis.
He is married with two teenage children.
Educators:
Trent Hiles B.Ed., Dip T.E.S.O.L., NZMSC Instructor
“I teach because I love learning - I am a kid at heart and love sharing the excitement of new discoveries with students.”
Before beginning teaching in 1999, Trent travelled extensively, gaining experience in a variety of industries. He is particularly interested in bringing the curriculum alive for students through real life experiences. His strength is in being able to help students identify learning opportunities from across the range of subjects that interest and engage them. Trent and Fiona have two young children.
Charlotte Syme B.A. Hons. (Art Design), Dip. Tchg.
“I love being around children and the joy their energy can bring to the world. Taking new steps and discovering new concepts is a fascinating and rewarding journey. I get to experience this everyday as an educator.”
Charlotte has raised three children, worked in various art based jobs, taught art for 9 years, exhibited her own works and taught primary school. She brings with her a great deal of creativity and practical life experience, plus particular expertise in the visual arts area of the curriculum.
Janet Nicol B.Sc. (Psych)., Dip. Tchg., Cert. Cnllg., Accr. Pascha Therapist
“I am passionate about how we care for ourselves, for each other and how we teach this to children.”
Janet brings 25 years of prior experience working with children and young adults in schools and in care institutions. Her desire to establish a new way of working with children began when she worked as a Special Education Advisor in primary schools for children at extreme risk. She is also a qualified Pascha Therapist.
Pete Johnson BA (Soc Sc), Dip. Tchg.
“I love being part of the learning journey, and helping children discover their strengths, talents and inner beauty.”
Prior to working with us at Seven Oaks, Pete worked for 10 years in the outdoors as an outdoor leader and teacher, and for 3 years as a paramedic. He has worked in the classroom for 3 years, being particularly interested in Literacy, Health and Sports.
Board of Trustees:
Bruce McIntyre founder and ex-managing director of Macpac, father of four.
Janet Nicol, former teacher, outdoor instructor and Special Education Advisor.
Ross Petersen, retired teacher, father of four.
Although our backgrounds are diverse we share an understanding of the great personal and societal and environmental benefits that come with the development of our whole selves.
Our philosophy and approach amalgamates leading edge educational practice, leading edge scientific knowledge and contemporary spiritual awareness with practical life experience, human wisdom, and a passion for humanity and our planet.