Staff

I have been at Patoka School since 2017, teaching the Junior classroom. I have taught at several schools across Hawkes Bay and love being at Patoka. At the moment, I am also the Acting Principal. Mrs Madelene Field​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

My name is Mike Tolley and I have been teaching since 2008. My partner and I only moved to Hawke’s Bay in December 2020, so most of my teaching experience has been in Wellington. There are many areas of education that interest me, but I am particularly interested in Digital Technology, Maths, Inquiry Learning, and Gifted Education. Before training to be a teacher, I worked in the IT industry and for Immigration New Zealand. In my spare time I enjoy fishing,
camping, and pottering in the garden. I also like to keep fit running and walking. Mr Mike Tolley

My name is Alice Nelson and I am the Office Administrator at Pātoka School.  I have been here since September 2018 and I have really enjoyed getting to know the fantastic country children here at Pātoka. The children call me Mrs Alice. I live in Puketitiri with my Husband Tim and children Annabel and Harry. Both Annabel and Harry attend Patoka School. We live on our Sheep and Beef farm and when I'm not at work, I help out on the farm. I also love to cook and when time allows, riding my horse. We also enjoy spending time with family here and in Christchurch. Mrs Alice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

My name is Lindy Cooper and I am excited and very proud to be a part of the Patoka Community. I have been teaching for over 20 years - mainly at intermediate level - and have had the pleasure of celebrating the successes and achievements of many students.  I majored in art at teacher’s college and enjoy using a variety of tools that cater to student’s learning styles. I believe in using student voice and creating links with units of work wherever possible to help  students consolidate their learning. Ms Lindy Cooper 

​​​​​​​​​​​