Our St Mary’s Team
Leadership Team
Paul's Profile
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead St Mary’s School. I was born and bred in Auckland and have taught in a variety of schools over the last forty years, twelve of these as Principal of St Pius X Catholic School in Glen Innes. Approximately half of my teaching has been in secondary schools but I have been very happy since returning to primary education in 2004. I very much enjoy working with the staff and children at St Mary’s and look forward to meeting more of our families in the coming months. My wife Vicky and I, are active members of Holy Cross Parish in Henderson where we live. We have three adult children and have just welcomed our fifth grandchild.
As a long suffering Warriors Supporter, I still live by the belief that ‘Next year will be our year . . . ’
Amany's Profile
In 2018 I was delighted to join the staff of St Mary’s School as deputy principal. I have been working with children for the last 20 years. Throughout my career, I have taught ages 7 to 16 and I have enjoyed every age group and love working with children. I believe that all children deserve to have a safe educational environment to learn and grow in. I love working in such a fun, supportive and forward-thinking environment. I am very proud to be part of the St Mary’s staff and feel privileged to have the opportunity to work in a community of diverse, happy, hardworking and talented students.
Kristen's Profile
I started teaching at St Mary’s in 2016 but have over 15 years of teaching experience. It has been a pleasure to teach in a variety of year levels and to have met many of the families here at St Mary’s. I am a parishioner at St Mary’s Church and enjoy my role as Director of Religious Studies. I have three children, two daughters at Carmel College and a son at Rosmini. I have a cheeky schnauzer at home that I love to take to the beach in my spare time and two kittens. My family and pets keep me busy and entertained.
Rachel's Profile
Kia Ora, as part of my teaching journey I have taught in both New Zealand and overseas in the United Arab Emirates. I have done some amazing travel while doing so. I enjoy spending my spare time in Northland with my family and escaping in books.
Sue's Profile
Hello, I have been a part of the St Mary’s School community for 13+ years. My role is rewarding, supporting the leadership team and teachers. I have two grown up children and we have just welcomed our first grandchild. My husband, Paul and I enjoy the summer months visiting our favourite beach, Tawharanui and socialising with friends.
Teaching Staff
Lauren's Profile
Kia Ora, my name is Lauren Naidoo. I am a Y5/6 teacher in C1 with Sasha Boshoff. I was delighted to join the St Mary’s Team in Term 4, 2020 and I look forward to continuing my journey this year. I have recently returned to New Zealand after two years abroad in the UK.
Sasha's Profile
Jemma's Profile
Kia ora, my name is Jemma Skiff and I am so excited to be one of your year 5/6 teachers this year! This will be my sixth year in the St Mary’s community. I love spending time with my family, getting to know new people and learning about different countries and cultures.
Tamzyn's Profile
My name is Tamzyn Williams. I have loved being a teacher for the last 12 years in South Africa and am looking forward to continuing my passion here in New Zealand. I have two young children and we love playing sport, surfing, skating and being outdoors. We have a Boston terrier called Winston who will be joining our family this winter.
Lalli's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Lalli Tiddy and I am from South Africa. This will be my 10th year teaching primary school education and my 4th year teaching in New Zealand. I immigrated to New Zealand with my husband in 2019. I am excited to teach Y5 and Y6 in C2 this year! I am enjoying exploring this country and being exposed to such a rich diversity of cultures.
Anna's Profile
Kia ora everyone. As an experienced NZ trained primary teacher, I have enjoyed relieving at St Mary’s School and more recently in 2022, working full time in Yr 2/3. This year, I am looking forward to having a great year in C3 with Miss Ruby Willis, teaching our Year 2/3’s.
Ruby's Profile
Tēnā koutou. My name is Ruby Willis. I have recently moved from Wellington and I am loving the hot weather and beaches on the North Shore! Outside of teaching I have a love of rowing. I have recently stopped rowing myself but am enjoying coaching. I have always wanted to be a primary teacher and I am lucky to be working alongside the amazing Ms Dokter. It is a privilege to be part of the St Mary’s family and community.
Mary's Profile
Kia ora! My name is Mary Heath. I am from Wellington and have just moved from Christchurch where I studied for my Bachelor of Teaching. I’m really looking forward to exploring the North Shore. I love spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, bush walking, running and swimming. I am so excited to be joining the St Mary’s family in C4 with Mrs Mc Master and our lovely learners.
Kelsey's Profile
Kia ora! My name is Kelsey Mc Master and I am so excited to have started my teaching journey with St Mary’s School and to be a part of this amazing whānau. I have worked in a primary school setting for seven years which is where I developed a love for teaching and working with children. In 2019, I completed my Bachelor of Teaching through The University of Waikato’s distance programme and started teaching at St Mary’s School in 2020. I am so happy to be with Miss Heath in C4 with all our wonderful learners this year.
Anna's Profile
Kia ora! I joined St Mary’s in 2017 and am excited to be teaching Year 2/3 this year. I look forward to some great learning experiences for both the students and myself.
Sara's Profile
Kia ora, my name is Sara. This will be my first year at St Mary’s School and I am very excited to start my teaching journey here and to be part of the year 2/3 team! I have recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching at Massey University. I’m looking forward to building relationships with tamariki and facilitating a creative classroom where all learners can thrive.
Candice's Profile
Hi, I’m Candice, a Y1 teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education and over 15 years of teaching experience. I’ve authored workbooks and teacher manuals for different learning areas, and I’m excited to start this year with my students!
I enjoy creating engaging and effective learning experiences for my students. I love coffee, playing Roblox with my daughter, and going around the city.
I’m happy to be part of St Mary’s and provide a Catholic-based education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual and social development of each student.
Michelle's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Michelle Nel and I am very excited to be a year 1 teacher this year! I am from South Africa and am in my sixth year of teaching. I am enjoying exploring this beautiful country and learning about different cultures.
Colby's Profile
Hello, my name is Colby Winspear and I am from Canada. This year I am in D6 teaching Year 1. I am excited about all the learning that will be happening this year in our hub and all the amazing activities planned throughout the year to help your children grow.
Kelly's Profile
Kia ora! I joined the St Mary’s team in 2020, but started my teaching career over a decade beforehand. St Mary’s has always had a place in my heart as a past pupil, now as a teacher and my two children are also students here. I am absolutely passionate about education and opening up the minds of our students. Alongside my role at St Mary’s I am also privileged to work with the other North Shore Catholic schools in our Kāhui Ako community. Outside of school my children keep me very busy, we love camping when the weather permits and I enjoy going on all sorts of nature adventures on land and sea with my family.
Bronya's Profile
For several years I have taught all levels and subjects at St Mary’s School. This year I am teaching the arts curriculum with an emphasis on music throughout the school.
Support Staff
Jansyl's Profile
Therese's Profile
Brooke's Profile
This is my second year as a teacher aide at St Mary’s School. I’m currently working with a variety of different aged learners which I really enjoy, especially when I see improvement; it gives me such a sense of achievement. I have an 8 year old son and love spending time with family and friends and attending my son’s sports games during weekends.
Lynda's Profile
Kia ora. I was born, brought up and live on the North Shore. I have three wonderful children, with lovely partners and three awesome grandchildren. I have travelled extensively, lived overseas and spent 17 years working as a law librarian in Auckland before leaving to work in the Catlins for the Department of Conservation over the past two summer seasons. My hobbies are tramping, cycling, kayaking and attending art exhibitions and performances. I am delighted to be a teacher aide at St Mary’s School, Northcote.
Kate's Profile
Hello, my family and I have been part of the St Mary’s School community for the last 7 years and have loved getting to know students, staff and the wider school community during this time. Georgia, my oldest daughter, is now at Carmel and William and Grace are both current students at St Mary’s. I am actively involved in fundraising for the school and this year have taken on the role of student activities and grants coordinator. Seeing children trying new sports, being active and being part of a team or group is very rewarding. Outside of school, my husband Craig and our family – including our 3x children, 2x dogs and 1x rabbit love spending time on the Coromandel, going for walks and enjoying the great outdoors.
Norman's Profile
Do we interact and improve the environment we work in or do we allow ourselves to stop achieving? After four years at St Mary’s as caretaker I have appreciated the changes made at the school, especially with the involvement of staff, parents and children. Outside of school, I enjoy helping at church, reading and travel.