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.
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.
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.
Colby's Profile
Hello, my name is Colby Winspear and I am from Canada. This year I am in C1 teaching Years 5 and 6 with Miss Spencer and Miss Willis. 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.
Emma's Profile
I began working at the St Mary’s School as part of a cluster who were looking into future-focused education and was then appointed to the role of deputy principal in 2017. I took parental leave during 2018 and have returned in a part-time role in a leadership position working to support teachers to grow and develop in their teaching roles.
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 Spencer. I am a Y5/6 teacher in C1 with Ruby Willis and Colby Winspear. 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.
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 Colby and Lauren. It is a privilege to be part of the St Mary’s family and community.
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 fourth 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.
Anna's Profile
Kia ora! I joined St Mary’s in 2017 and am excited to be teaching Year 5/6 alongside Miss Skiff this year. I look forward to some great learning experiences for both the students and myself. I am also the Cultural Groups lead teacher.
Stephanie's Profile
I am excited to be teaching in C3 with the Year 2’s and Year 3’s! I am looking forward to another fantastic year at St Mary’s with lots of fun learning activities ahead of us. In my spare time, I love travelling and going to the beach!
Michelle's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Michelle Nel and I am very excited to be one of the year 2/3 teachers in C3 this year! I am from South Africa and am in my fifth year of teaching. I am enjoying exploring this beautiful country and learning about different cultures.
Caitlin's Profile
Kia Ora, my name is Caitlin Quin and I am one of the year 2/3 teachers at St Mary’s. I am a beginning teacher and this is my first year as part of the St Mary’s community. I love being outside, sports and spending time with my family.
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 five 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 Mrs Tiddy in C4 with all our wonderful learners this year.
Lalli's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Lalli Tiddy and I am from South Africa. This will be my 8th year teaching Primary school education and my 2nd year teaching in New Zealand. I immigrated to New Zealand with my husband in 2019. I am excited to teach Y4 in C4 this year! I am enjoying exploring this country and being exposed to such a rich diversity of cultures.
Heather's Profile
Kia Ora, I am excited to become a member of the junior team at St Mary’s. I emigrated to New Zealand five years ago from the United Kingdom. I love the landscape, the people and the lifestyle. I enjoy spending my spare time reading, visiting the theatre and paddle boarding.
Adele's Profile
Kia Ora, my name is Adele Stewart and I am very excited to be the New Entrant teacher for D4. I am originally from South Africa but I have lived here for fifteen years. I am currently in my twenty second year of full time teaching and it is still my passion, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
Hannah's Profile
This is my first year teaching at St Marys, but I became part of the community last year when my son, Samuel, joined in year 2. I now have my middle son, Joseph, also at St Marys in Year 1 and my third son, Benjamin (3) still at home with my husband Andy and I. Since having my boys I have only worked part time. I have 17 years experience in education and have taught from nursery through to year 13 in Maths and Music. My favourite, and passion is teaching in the primary sector, as I believe it sets the foundation for lifelong learning. I worked in England for 5 years where I became a Deputy Principal and traveled my heart out. My family look forward to many happy years being part of the St Marys community, and adding to it where we can. My passions are travelling, gardening, going to the beach, bush walks and hanging out with my friends and family.
Liz's Profile
This is the second year of my teaching journey at St Mary’s School. I am thrilled to work alongside two hub teachers, Mrs De Waal and Mrs Capacia in Year 0/1 of the Junior School this year. I have both studied and worked in South Korea, China and New Zealand before completing a Master of Teaching and Learning degree at AUT in 2019. It is my privilege to be a part of your children’s learning journey, and l will use the best of my knowledge and experience to help children discover their potential and strengths.
Candice's Profile
Kumusta? My name is Candice Capacia. This is my first year teaching in St. Mary’s School and I am excited to teach and learn together with the Y1 students.
In my 10 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.
Kelly's Profile
Kia ora! This year is my first year teaching at St Mary’s school, I am taking on a new role for me becoming 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, one here at St Mary’s already and the other will start next year. 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.
Sarah's Profile
Hi I’m Sarah. I work part-time mostly alongside Mrs Vodanovich in D3. I absolutely enjoy teaching and love watching learners grow and succeed (I’m known for my love of teaching maths). I am mum to Nixon 3.5 and Finn who is almost 2. I love spending time with my family, eating yummy food and just generally enjoying life!
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 first 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.
Glenda's Profile
Hi, my name is Glenda Campbell. I am the school secretary and you will find me in the office. I take care of attendance and the sick bay amongst other things. Pop by and say hello sometime. I have a daughter, Ella and in my spare time I love to travel or holiday at our caravan at Mangawhai.
Brooke's Profile
This is my first 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 a 7 year old son and love spending time with family and friends and attending my son’s sports games during weekends.
Barbara's Profile
I have been a part time teacher aide at St Mary’s for the last 21 years. Outside of school I look after my grandson once a week and I enjoy going for walks with my husband at the weekend.
LisaJ's Profile
Hello, I am now into my fifth year working at St Mary’s, but I have switched roles in 2021 and am now working as a teacher aide. So far this has been a huge learning curve for me! I am loving spending more time in the classrooms and getting to know a wider range of students within the school. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my two teenage children play all of their various sports, playing netball, adventuring and reading.
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. I have a daughter who is in her last year at St Mary’s and my son went to St Mary’s as well. I’m very lucky to be able to be part of staff as well as a parent of such a great school and community.
Sesalinas's Profile
Malo e lelei
My name is Sesalina but known at school as “Miz Lina”. The children like to call me ‘LOL’. I enjoy expressing my culture and talent with our cultural group and helping our Pasific students as their teacher aide. Don’t be shy to say hello if you see me around! Working at St Mary’s has been rewarding and I am blessed meeting new families.
Norman's Profile
Do we interact and improve the environment we work in or do we allow ourselves to stop achieving? After two 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.
Ann's Profile
Xin chao! I have been working at St Mary’s school since term 4 last year as a teacher aide. I am finding it is really enjoyable to work here, especially when I see children improve in their learning. I am from Vietnam. I have two daughters, one is still at St Mary’s School. I love cooking, playing piano and enjoy travelling with my beloved family.