Student Support
At Broadgreen Intermediate, we believe student wellbeing is a shared responsibility.
Our vision, Kia Whakamana, Kia Toa | Empowering for Life, guides how we support our young people to feel safe, connected and ready to learn. The intermediate years are a time of significant growth and change. Our young people are navigating friendships, identity, learning challenges and increasing independence. At times, they may need extra support and that is okay.
What should you do if you have concerns about your child?
Your first point of contact is their classroom teacher. Teachers know their students well and will often trial strategies, monitor progress and work alongside you to provide support. Most concerns can be addressed at this level through strong relationships and open communication.
If further support is needed, our wider Student Support Team may become involved. We are committed to working alongside you in a way that reflects our values of being Safe, Together, Achieving and Respectful, ensuring the right support is in place at the right time.
Strong partnerships between home and school are at the heart of this work, and together we want every young person at Broadgreen to feel valued, supported and empowered.
Ngā mihi,
Joe Kirker
Deputy Principal
Meet Our Student Support Team
Jennie Ricciardi
Guidance Counsellor
Jacqui Baxter
Guidance Counsellor
Loān Heran
Social Worker (In School) - SWiS
Andrew Pierrepont
Youth Worker
Ko Jennie Ricciardi ahau. I am excited to be back at Broadgreen in 2026 after completing further study in Guidance and Counselling. I am currently working towards my Master of Counselling through Massey University.
As part of our Student Support Team, I provide short-term counselling support for students experiencing anxiety, grief, friendship challenges or emotional regulation difficulties.
Alongside counselling, I also teach Performing Arts and love seeing students express themselves creatively.
I look forward to building strong, trusting relationships where students feel safe and empowered.
🕒 At school: Monday - Friday
Originally from Christchurch, I have lived in Nelson since 1986 and call Nelson home.
For 25 years, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching Science and Biology at secondary school level, striving to nurture each student’s academic and personal growth. Becoming a qualified Counsellor has allowed me to walk alongside students at Nelson schools, offering support during pivotal moments in their lives. This year, I am looking forward to working as part of Broadgreen Intermediate’s new Pastoral Team, where I hope to help students build emotional resilience, empowering them to thrive in both their learning and their well-being.
🕒 At school: Tuesdays - Thursday
Nō Wīwī ōku tīpuna
I tipu ake au ki Parī
E noho ana au ki Whakatū
Ko Lo’an tōku ingoa.
I am a Registered Social Worker in Aotearoa New Zealand and have been working in social work since 2015. My practice focuses on working alongside rangatahi and their whānau to remove barriers to learning and strengthen wellbeing.
I am committed to culturally responsive, strengths-based support and building strong home-school partnerships.
🕒 At school: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Kia ora whānau, my name is Andrew and I’m a Youth Worker here at Broadgreen.
The intermediate years are a big period of growth and change. My role is to be someone students can connect with — whether that’s building confidence, working through challenges, celebrating wins or simply having a safe space to talk.
I’m passionate about positive relationships and helping our rangatahi feel valued and empowered.
🕒 At school: Tuesdays - Thursday
Max Foster (Nanny Max)
Kaiāwhina
Paris Heslop
24-7 Youth Worker
Joseph Meleisea
24-7 Youth Worker
Kia ora, my name is Maxine Foster, though many of our students know me as Nanny Max.
I am a qualified Early Childhood teacher and worked in that role for around 20 years before spending approximately seven years at Stoke School. I am now in my fourth year at Broadgreen Intermediate as Kaiāwhina – Student Support/Pastoral Care.
In my role, I provide pastoral care and day-to-day support for students. I am based in the Student Centre and help create a safe, welcoming space where students can connect, reset and feel supported. I also run Breakfast Club Monday to Friday from 7:45am to 8:35am each morning, as well as Lunch Club each day.
I genuinely love working with young people and their whānau, building strong relationships and helping students feel safe, valued and supported.
🕒 At school: Monday - Friday
Hi, I’m Paris. I have been a 24-7 Youth Worker at Broadgreen since 2023. I am passionate about creating spaces where students feel seen, heard and supported.
Building strong relationships and helping students feel confident in who they are is central to my role.
Outside of school, I enjoy being at the beach, boating, wakeboarding and spending time with friends and family.
🕒 At school: Thursdays (morning) & Fridays
Kia ora, my name is Joseph. I have been a 24-7 Youth Worker at Broadgreen since 2020 and was also a student here myself — which makes this role especially meaningful.
I love walking alongside our rangatahi as they grow and navigate their intermediate years. Building connection, confidence and belonging is at the heart of what I do.
Outside of school, I enjoy basketball, music and spending time with family and friends.
🕒 At school: Tuesdays (morning) & Fridays
What does a Guidance Counsellor do?
What do Kaiāwhina & Youth Workers do?
School-based counselling, therapeutic support, and crisis response for students who may be experiencing: Anxiety or heightened worry, Friendship difficulties, Grief or loss, Emotional regulation challenges, Identity or self-confidence concerns, Situations where a student needs a safe, confidential space to talk.
Counselling focuses on helping students build coping strategies, understand their emotions, and strengthen resilience so they can engage successfully in learning.
Whānau consent is always sought before counselling begins, and where appropriate, we work in partnership with families to support the student’s wellbeing.
Youth Workers and Kaiāwhina focus on relationships, connection and belonging. They provide:
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Regular mentoring and check-ins
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Break time and transition support
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A safe space for students who need time to reset
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Support for students who may feel disengaged
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Encouragement and confidence building
They often work preventatively — building strong relationships so students feel supported before issues escalate.
How We Work Together
We operate using a wrap-around approach aligned to our STAR values:
Safe – Students feel secure and supported
Together – We work in partnership with whānau
Achieving – Students are supported to engage in learning
Respectful – Every student is treated with dignity and care
No single person works alone. Our team collaborates to ensure the right support is in place at the right time.
