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
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
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
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
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