Olwyn Bolitho
Summary
Experienced Teacher Librarian with a strong background in primary education and library management. Dedicated to fostering a love of reading and integrating digital literacy. Skilled in creating dynamic learning environments and developing a diverse collection that supports curriculum goals while honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Proven expertise in managing budgets, coordinating school events, and promoting student engagement. Passionate about student well-being, inclusivity, and professional development. Focus on creating a welcoming and supportive library atmosphere that nurtures the growth and success of all students.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Hub Manager
Silverstream School
Upper Hutt
01.2017 - Current
- Coordinating and running an annual and much anticipated school-wide Book Week for 500+ students
- Facilitating special events and trips such as literature quizzes, author visits and taking groups to Children's Book Award talks and workshops
- Organised and managed biannual library fundraising Book Fairs
- Coordinating National Library loans to support ELL students to have access to books in their first language as well as to support teachers with resources for inquiry learning
- Improved collection accessibility and usage by genrefying the non-fiction collection and updating the shelving
- Secured funding through grant proposals, enabling expansion of library resources
- Manages an annual budget of approximately $10k with detailed annual reporting to the BOT.
- Manages a diverse team which has included student librarians, support staff, and volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations.
Teacher
Silverstream School
Upper Hutt
01.1995 - 01.2017
- Broad range of teaching experience with year 1 - 6 students. This includes: Senior Teacher (leading a syndicate of four), job-sharing, team teaching, CRT release, relief teaching.
- Mentored new teachers and trainee teachers, providing guidance on curriculum planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques.
- Implemented a House System at school in response to rapid roll growth, which built stronger connections between staff, students and the community.
- Introduced a buddy class system which developed tuakana-teina relationships in our school.
- Facilitated many school-wide events such as sports days, school triathlon, arts rotations, art shows and productions.
- Recognised for my professionalism and for consistently providing a calm, organised, inclusive classroom environment.
- Consistently built mutually respectful, positive relationships with students, whanau and colleagues.
Manager, Upper Hutt Gifted and Talented Programme
Upper Hutt Primary Schools Principals' Association
Upper Hutt, WGN
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Developed, project managed and assessed a region-wide programme that provided over 200 gifted and talented students with specialised learning experiences.
- Consulted with schools to identify gifted students and their learning needs.
- Procured expert tutors and venues for programmes. Managed the budget.
- Provided written and verbal reporting to the Upper Hutt principal's cluster.
Assessor, National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement
University of Otago
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Three secondments working for NEMP
- Collected and analysed data from school students across Aotearoa to inform education policy, as part of a longitudinal research project.
- Quickly building trust and establishing positive relationships with students, staff and whanau.
- Demonstrated flexibility and initiative when things didn't go as planned to ensure the assessment work could still be carried out to meet tight deadlines.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Education -
Victoria University
Wellington, NZBachelor of Education -
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZDiploma of Teaching -
Dunedin College of Education
Dunedin, NZBachelor of Arts - History
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZTe Reo Level 2 Course -
Takatu Associates
Wellington, NZCertificate in TESOL -
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZSkills
- Building warm, respectful relationships
- Effective written and oral communication
- Leading project initiatives
- Effective classroom management
- AccesssIt database management
- Energetic and enthusiastic
- Promoting lifelong learning
- Outstanding customer service
- Incorporates Te Ao Māori principles to promote cultural inclusivity, respect, and understanding within the learning environment
Teacher Registration
No.187749 (full, category 2)
Personal Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher librarian, I strive to create a warm and welcoming space that fosters a love of reading while helping students build important research skills. By offering a diverse selection of books and resources, I encourage curiosity and engage students in discovering what excites them. My goal is to make the library a safe, inspiring place where students feel supported, confident, and eager to explore new ideas, grow academically, and develop a lifelong passion for reading.
Hobbies and Interests
I am very active and I spend my weekends tramping, running, playing pickleball and taking cold plunges at the beach. I am passionate about conservation and a member of Forest and Bird. I practice yoga and enjoy reading and crochet. I like to spend my holidays travelling and last year walked the 800km Camino De Santiago in Spain. Spending time with my family and friends is a priority and brings me joy.
Timeline
Learning Hub Manager
Silverstream School
01.2017 - Current
Assessor, National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement
University of Otago
01.2009 - 01.2014
Manager, Upper Hutt Gifted and Talented Programme
Upper Hutt Primary Schools Principals' Association
01.2006 - 01.2008
Teacher
Silverstream School
01.1995 - 01.2017
Postgraduate Diploma in Education -
Victoria University
Bachelor of Education -
University of Otago
Diploma of Teaching -
Dunedin College of Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Otago
Te Reo Level 2 Course -
Takatu Associates
Certificate in TESOL -
Otago Polytechnic