Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau o Devon Intermediate,
Nō Kotirana āku tupuna
Ko Bennachie te tūrangawaewae
He ringa raupā āku tupuna
I maina kōhatu rātou mō ngā pare o te whare
Nō Puketūtū ahau, i tipu ake au ki reira
I haere au ki ngā hau e whā
Engari, i whakatau tōku ngākau kei raro i te maunga o Taranaki
Kei Ngāmotu ahau e noho ana ināianei
Ko Matthew tōku hoa rangatira
Ko Lestat tāku whakaangi
Ko Jenn tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau o Devon Intermediate,
Welcome to Devon Intermediate School and the 2026 school year. I am honoured to serve as acting Tumuaki/Principal for 2026 and 2027 while Jenny Gellen is seconded to the Ministry of Education as a Regional Advisor for Taranaki and Manawatu. Having been Deputy Principal here since 2024, I am proud to continue working alongside our passionate staff and welcoming our students into a supportive and inspiring learning community.
Devon Intermediate is a place where people matter. Strong relationships, high expectations, and a genuine sense of belonging guide everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every ākonga is known, valued, and supported to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
I bring experience from a range of teaching and leadership roles in New Zealand and overseas, as well as a background in hospitality management, which shapes my approach to leadership: prioritising people, relationships, and service. My philosophy is grounded in core New Zealand school values — Manaakitanga, Pono, Ako, and Awhinatanga — blending cultural understanding, character-building, responsibility, respect, and striving for excellence. I believe in empowering students to grow as role models and positive contributors to their community.
Our work at Devon Intermediate is guided by three strategic priorities: Connectedness, Achievement, and Attendance. These shape our classrooms, our daily routines, and the partnerships we nurture with whānau. Our school values — Diligence, Integrity, Service, and Respect — underpin all we do, encouraging positive behaviour, responsibility, and strong relationships through MANA.
We continue to strengthen culturally responsive practice, deepen our understanding of Te Ao Māori, and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in meaningful ways, ensuring every ākonga feels a true sense of belonging.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
People matter most. At Devon Intermediate, our students, staff, and whānau working together make all the difference.
Thank you for the trust you place in our kura. I am proud to lead Devon Intermediate during this period and look forward to a positive and successful year ahead.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Jenn Thorburn
Acting Tumuaki – Devon Intermediate School / Te Kura o Takawaenga o Ngāmotu