
About Us
Swimming lessons for all ages, stages and abilities.
​Established in 2022 The Valley Swim School was founded with a commitment to fostering a love for swimming and ensuring water confidence. Our swim school is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.​
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At The Valley Swim School, we believe that swimming is not just a skill but a life-saving necessity. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to instilling a sense of water competence while nurturing a positive and supportive atmosphere.
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Whether you're introducing your child to the joy of swimming or seeking to enhance your own aquatic abilities, our lessons cater to all, from beginners to advanced swimmers.
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​Join us at The Valley Swim School and dive into a world of confidence, skill, and joy. Where every stroke brings you closer to a lifetime of water enjoyment.

Our Instructors

Kate Millington
Founder & Teacher
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Hi, I’m Kate Millington. With a genuine love for the water and a passion for teaching, I bring a wealth of expertise to every lesson. I’m dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging learning environment for all my students. Whether you're a beginner just dipping your toes in or an advanced swimmer aiming to refine your technique, my patient and enthusiastic approach ensures a personalized and effective swimming journey. Join my classes and dive into a world where your aquatic skills are nurtured with care, precision, and a splash of joy.​
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Joy Mitchell
Teacher
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Hi, I’m Joy, and I’m excited to be your child’s swim teacher! I have over four years of experience teaching swimming and have worked with children of all ages, from toddlers to early teens. My background also includes nannying and babysitting, so I understand how to create a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment. My experience from my time in the army has reinforced my leadership and responsibility skills. My goal is to help your child build confidence in the water while developing strong swimming techniques in a positive and encouraging way. I look forward to working with you and your little swimmer!

Vidushi Fernando (Vi)
Teacher
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Hi, my name is Vidushi—though you can call me Vi! I’m currently studying Clinical Psychology at university and have a genuine passion for working with people, especially children. In my previous role as a swimming instructor, I taught classes ranging from babies to squad-level swimmers. I was also part of a swim squad myself for about a year in school, which is where my love for the water really began. Teaching kids how to swim is something I truly enjoy—their energy is infectious, and it's always rewarding to be part of their progress. I'm deeply motivated by connection and love creating positive, confidence-building experiences that help others grow.​

Caitlin Cooke
Teacher
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Hi, I'm Caitlin, I am a university student studying psychology with a strong passion for swimming and teaching. I was a competitive swimmer for many years and have three years’ experience as a swim coach. I find great fulfilment in helping individuals learn and grow, and I particularly enjoy supporting swimmers as they build confidence and develop new skills. I place a strong emphasis on creating lessons that are fun, engaging, and enjoyable, while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. My love for the water extends beyond teaching and includes water skiing, skurfing, surfing, and surf lifesaving. Outside of the pool, I also play golf!

Grace Jewitt
Teacher
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Hi, I'm Grace! With a background in swim instruction, and a diploma in scuba diving, I’m passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities feel confident and safe in the water. I’ve taught everything from parent-and-infant classes to adult learners, including individuals with varying needs. I believe in creating a supportive, inclusive, and enjoyable environment where every swimmer can thrive at their own pace. Outside of teaching, I stay active and love spending time in or on the water—whether I’m diving, surfing, fishing, or swimming. My goal is to inspire a lifelong love of the water in every swimmer I work with.​​​​​

Rachel Klem
Teacher
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Hi, I’m Rachel, a university student with a deep passion for swimming. As a swim instructor, I’m dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities feel confident in the water, whether they’re just starting out or looking to refine their technique. I believe in creating a positive and encouraging environment for everyone to thrive. Outside of teaching, I love staying active and exploring new hobbies, always looking for ways to balance my studies with my love for fitness. I’m excited to share my passion for swimming and help you achieve your goals in the water!

Lizzie Sherratt
Teacher
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Kia ora! I’m Lizzie. I’ve been a volunteer swim instructor for the past six years, and helping people feel comfortable and confident in the water is something I genuinely love. I’ve worked as a council swim instructor and taught in several schools around Christchurch, working with swimmers from young children through to adults, all with varying abilities and confidence levels. Outside of swim teaching, I enjoy sports such as hockey, skiing, and swimming, which naturally complements my passion for the water. I also have experience nannying for families, which has strengthened my love for working with children. I’m excited to meet you and your family and work together on their swimming journey.
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Sam Laing
Relief Teacher
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Hi, I’m Sam. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a strong passion for everything to do with the water. From swimming competitively to spending time water skiing, being in and around the water has always been a big part of my life. This lifelong connection has shaped both my confidence in the water and my enthusiasm for teaching others to feel the same way. I am able to cater to swimmers of all ages and abilities, and I design lessons that are engaging, well-structured, and tailored to each swimmer’s needs. My teaching approach focuses on making lessons fun, valuable, and full of learning, while ensuring swimmers feel safe and supported at all times. My goal is for every swimmer to leave the pool feeling proud of their progress and excited to return for their next lesson.

Bláithín O Neil (B)
Relief Teacher
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Hi, I’m Bláithín (Blah-heen), I'm a qualified primary school teacher from Ireland. I have over five years’ experience teaching children and adults of all levels, needs and abilities, both in the classroom and beyond. I place a strong emphasis on building water confidence and water safety, while creating a fun, supportive learning environment. I strongly believe children learn best through play, so my lessons are play-based, engaging and designed to keep students excited to return each week. I love having a laugh and hearing all the crazy stories my students love to share with me.

Riley Gavey-Harrison
Relief Teacher
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Kia ora! I'm Riley. I’m an experienced swimming instructor from Wellington. I have moved down to Christchurch to study fine arts at UC and I’m so excited to continue being a swim teacher here. I think it is super important that all kiwi kids are able to swim confidently and I am filled with pride, knowing that I’m contributing to the children's confidence in the water. I create suitable lesson plans to cater to every child because everyone learns differently. I love to make every lesson fun and a little bit different every time. I’m super persistent when working on a goal with a child and love celebrating with them when they hit milestones. I can’t wait to see you in the pool!





