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Dawn Wilks
Description
DescriptionFounding Kindergarten Teacher & Parent
In 1973, former St Anne’s Kindergarten teacher Dawn Wilks became Kristin’s founding kindergarten teacher and member of the original Kristin Steering Committee. Dawn was a guiding influence in many families’ decision to join the fledgling school. Beloved by children and parents alike, her 22 young pupils made up nearly a third of Kristin’s opening roll.
Affectionately known as “Grandma Dawn”, the nickname began when her granddaughter Claire answered Kristin’s roll call with “Here, Grandma.” The name soon grew to become a school-wide tradition. By the time Dawn retired in 1990, five of her grandchildren were enrolled at Kristin. Two of Dawn’s children, Liz Darlow and Richard Wilks also served on Kristin’s board, continuing the family's close connection to the school she helped shape.
Though Dawn passed away in 2023, her teaching – marked by care, encouragement and personalised attention – set the foundation for Kristin’s philosophy of early childhood education.
KeywordsFounder Kauri ClubKindergartenStaff
In 1973, former St Anne’s Kindergarten teacher Dawn Wilks became Kristin’s founding kindergarten teacher and member of the original Kristin Steering Committee. Dawn was a guiding influence in many families’ decision to join the fledgling school. Beloved by children and parents alike, her 22 young pupils made up nearly a third of Kristin’s opening roll.
Affectionately known as “Grandma Dawn”, the nickname began when her granddaughter Claire answered Kristin’s roll call with “Here, Grandma.” The name soon grew to become a school-wide tradition. By the time Dawn retired in 1990, five of her grandchildren were enrolled at Kristin. Two of Dawn’s children, Liz Darlow and Richard Wilks also served on Kristin’s board, continuing the family's close connection to the school she helped shape.
Though Dawn passed away in 2023, her teaching – marked by care, encouragement and personalised attention – set the foundation for Kristin’s philosophy of early childhood education.
KeywordsFounder Kauri ClubKindergartenStaffloading google map....
Dawn Wilks. Kristin School Archives, accessed 15/11/2026, https://kristinschool.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/7566