Tēnā koutou, my name is Gemma Smith and I live here in Toko. I am super excited to begin my teaching career in 2022 as the Year 6-8 teacher in Room 6. I have four children: Mackenzie (15), Mason (11), Harper (8) and Jordi (6), who are the 4th generation in our family to attend Toko School. Teaching has always been a passion of mine and was again sparked through my study and journey as a Toko Playcentre mum. After sharemilking for many years, in 2019 I began a Bachelor of Teaching at the University of Waikato, completing my degree in 2021. Throughout my study and practical experience my teaching philosophy has evolved and changed but one thing remains the same and that is the importance I place on developing positive relationships with my students, their whānau and encouraging a united collaborative school community. I believe this is vital to ensure positive learning outcomes for everyone and as the saying goes “it takes a village” which I know to be true for my own children….