Our St Mary’s Team
Leadership Team
Paul's Profile
I am very pleased to have been given 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, and for the last twelve as Principal of St Pius X Catholic School in Glen Innes. Approximately half of my teaching has been in secondary schools but have been very happy since returning to primary education in 2004. I have very much enjoyed getting to know the staff and children at St Mary’s and look forward to meeting more and 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 fourth 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, I am excited to be beginning another exciting year in the junior team at St Mary’s. 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.
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. I am also the Cultural Groups lead teacher.
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
Kumusta? My name is Candice Capacia. This is my second year teaching in St Mary’s School and I am excited to teach and learn together with the Y1 students.
In my 11 years teaching journey, I realized the influence a teacher has for the students in the classroom, this is why I volunteered to train other teachers from different schools in the Philippines to ensure students get a better education experience. I am also a published academic writer of textbooks that circulated around the country.
I have a Masters degree in Education and I enjoy singing, doing crafts, going to the library or cafe to observe or doodle stuff.
Colby's Profile
Hello, my name is Colby Winspear and I am from Canada. This year I am in D5 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.
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.
Kelly's Profile
Kia ora! This is my second year teaching at St Mary’s school, I am the ESOL teacher (English Second Language Learners). I am absolutely passionate about education and opening up the minds of our students. My teaching career started in 2010 and I have taught students from Year 1 to Year 8. I have two children of my own who are also students at St Mary’s School. Outside of school I am in a singing group which brings me a lot of joy, I love baking, I’m a keen fisher women and most of all, I enjoy going on all sorts of nature adventures 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
Naglaa's Profile
Hey! I’m Naglaa I’m originally from Iraq. This is my second year working at St Mary’s School helping the teachers and especially the students in their learning as a teacher aide. Aside from that I’m a personal trainer so I love being active.
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.
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.
Danielle's Profile
I’ve been a teacher aide at St Marys for a few years now and I still love what I do. Both my children attended St Mary’s School. I’m very lucky to be able to be part of staff of such a great school and community.
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.