Jenny has recently retired from principalship after 22 years as tumuaki, leading Te Kura o Ōpoho, a Y1-6 primary school in North Dunedin. Te Kura of Ōpoho was an inaugural member of Ōtepoti Te ki te Raki Kāhua Ako.

She was a deputy principal for 10 years, and principal at a rural school for 2 years earlier in her career. Her family background was farming in the Waitaki Valley/MacKenzie Country so she enjoyed working in the rural setting even if only for a short time.

 Since retirement from Ōpoho School, Jenny undertook the role as relieving (teaching) principal for one term at a small rural school near Dunedin.

 During 2022 and for part of 2023, another principal colleague and Jenny were engaged by the Otago Primary Principals’ Association (in partnership with the MOE) in a part time kaitautoko role to support tumuaki/principals across Otago, post Covid. For the most part the role had a pastoral care/well-being focus. During her time as principal and beyond, Jenny undertook principal appraisals and supported tumuaki and boards with the transition to the PGC framework. 

 For 15 years Jenny was a member of the Otago Primary Principals’ Association executive fulfilling the role of president in 2010 and over time, undertook many other roles. Her enduring work within the executive was leading the seminar team to facilitate relavent and timely professional learning for principals.  

 Jenny serves the community as a Justice of the Peace, a role she has had since 2005.   Recently she was appointed as a board member of an altruistic service organisation she has been a member of for the last few years. This group is engaged in myriad of community service work.

 Jenny and her husband have two adult children and a 14 year old grand-daughter who keeps her in check about all manner of things and on her toes!! J  She enjoys reading, gardening, stitching, keeping active (a.k.a walking the dog),  and has recently enrolled at U3A (University of the 3rd Age) where she enjoys learning about interesting and fascinating topics that are offered through an annual programme. Forever learning!