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 and leading 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 and families at St Mary’s. My wife Vicky and I, are active members of Holy Cross Parish in Henderson where we live. We have three adult children and five grandchildren.
I am one of the two Auckland Representatives on the New Zealand Catholic Primary Principals’ Executive (NZCPPA) and currently the Lead Principal for our North Shore Catholic Kāhui Ako.
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 thrilled to join the staff at St Mary’s School as Deputy Principal. With over 20 years of experience working with children, I have had the privilege of teaching students aged 7 to 16 and have enjoyed every age group. I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive educational environment where children can learn and grow. Being part of such a fun, forward-thinking, and supportive school community is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, I am married and a proud parent of two wonderful young men, as well as a grandparent to two beautiful grandchildren. I feel honoured to be part of St Mary’s and to work alongside a community of diverse, hardworking, and talented students.
Kristen's Profile
I started teaching at St Mary’s in 2016 but have over 20 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 adult daughters and a 16 year old son. My family and pets keep me busy and entertained, we especially like spending time camping and enjoying walks at different spots around the north island.
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
With almost 18 years as a valued member of the St Mary’s School community. In my role as Executive Officer, I take on the demanding yet rewarding responsibility of supporting our dedicated senior leadership team and our amazing teachers. I take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly, fostering an environment where both staff and students can thrive.
Outside of work, I cherish family life. As a mother to two grown children and a proud ‘Lolli’ to three beautiful grandchildren, family is at the heart of everything I do. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband, Paul (aka ‘Pops’ to the grandies—together we are ‘Lolli-Pop’), by my side. We both enjoy staying active by going to the gym almost every day, walking our two excitable Westies and riding our new e-bikes! During the summer we offen go to our favourite beach, Tawharanui, our happy place!
Teaching Staff
Kelsey's Profile
Kia ora! I started my teaching journey with St Mary’s School in 2020 and am so happy to continue being a part of this amazing whānau. This will be my sixth year in the St Mary’s community. I am excited to be working with our senior students once again and look forward to a fabulous year with all our wonderful learners. Outside of school I enjoy having adventures outdoors with my daughter and our doggies.
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 eighth 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.
Anna's Profile
Kia ora! I joined St Mary’s in 2017 and am excited to be teaching Year 3 this year. I look forward to some great learning experiences for both the students and myself.
Anna's Profile
Ruby's Profile
Tēnā koutou. My name is Ruby Willis, and I joined the St Mary’s teaching team in 2021. Since then, I have felt there’s something truly special about this school. I am passionate about creating a safe, fun, and inclusive learning environment for my students. This year, I am lucky to be working with the Year 3 team, and I feel privileged to be part of the St Mary’s family and community!
Michelle's Profile
Kia ora! My name is Michelle Nel, and I am proud to be the Team Leader and Structured Literacy support for the junior school at St Mary’s. With over eight years of teaching experience and three years in leadership, I am passionate about creating engaging, evidence-based learning experiences for our tamariki.
Suzanne's Profile
Kia ora, my name is Suzanne Bell-Booth and while I am originally from Ireland I have been in New Zealand for over 20 years. I have recently completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching from the University of Auckland and I am very excited to join St Mary’s teaching in D6 with the Year 1/2’s. Outside of school I am kept very busy with my three teenage children, my very excitable dog Milo, my relaxed cats Coco and Patchy and my two chillaxed cows, Caffe and Latte.
Lalli's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Lalli Tiddy and I am from South Africa. I have one daughter who is two years old and we love to be outside, exploring in the sunshine. This is my 6th year teaching at St Mary’s and I am so excited to be a year one teacher this year.
Megan's Profile
I have been teaching for many years and love being back at St Mary’s School. I am passionate about children’s learning and progress in all areas of the curriculum. In my free time I like to walk my dog, play tennis, tramp, read and listen to music.
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.
Colby's Profile
Hello, my name is Colby Winspear and I am from Canada. This year I will be teaching authentic learning as well as supporting our amazing teachers. I am excited about this new step and looking forward to help our children grown.
Lani's Profile
Support Staff
Therese's Profile
Jansyl's Profile
Milena's Profile
I am originally from Brazil but live in the UK for over 20 years. I am married to a New Zealander and have two boys both attend this wonderful school. I worked as a teacher aide in London and feel blessed to be a part of the St Mary’s team!
Carolina's Profile
I have been happily married for more than eight years and I am currently supporting my husband in his PhD journey in New Zealand. Outside the classroom, I enjoy outdoor activities, reading, and dancing.
David's Profile
Coming from an Architectural background, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about people and relationships. I can now take this experience and grow as a caretaker, learning as much as I can from everyone around me. My hobbies include cycling, running and kayaking. I’m a great fan of the outdoors and always look forward to time with my family either from walking our dog or spending time on the beach. I look forward to working and growing within the St Mary’s family.