Our St Mary’s Team
Leadership Team
Michelle's Profile
It is a privilege to be principal here at St Mary’s, Northcote. I have been a teacher since 1992 and have taught all levels, from early childhood (where I taught French and Spanish to three year olds) all the way through to teaching European languages up to Year 13. I have taught in New Zealand, the UK and France (where I was a language assistant in the beautiful Champagne region for a year). I have been in educational leadership since 2004 and love working with educators, as I support them to be the very best they can for the children in their care
I have two children of my own and live just outside of Auckland on a lifestyle block with Martin, my husband. When I am not at school, I am busy spending time with my family, walking my dogs, Kobe and Millie or looking after the animals on our block.
At school, I love watching our children grow, both in their faith and as learners, as they move up the school and eventually on to their secondary education. I believe the job of a primary teacher is one of the most important, in that we ensure that all young people have the foundational skills and knowledge that help them become confident, connected, life-long learners.
Charlotte's Profile
My name is Charlotte Borowski and I feel very privileged to be joining the St Mary’s School team this year as deputy principal. I have a passion for education with experience teaching children from years 0-6. In my personal time I enjoy cooking and spending time at the beach with family.
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.
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 Skiff and Miss Wood. 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
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 third 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 and Miss Winspear this year. I look forward to some great learning experiences for both the students and myself. I also run church choir alongside Ms Scott and lead the cultural groups.
Malica's Profile
Kia ora koutou. This is my first year at St. Mary’s School and I am pleased to be co-teaching in the C2 Hub of Year 5-6 learners. I have been fortunate to have taught both in the primary and secondary sector, here in Tamaki Makaurau-Auckland. Working and living in our beautiful city helps me appreciate the spirit -te wairua and the gifts – nga taonga of this land- tenei whenua and its people – te tangata.
Catriona's Profile
Kia Ora! My name is Catriona McLeod and I am from Leeds in England. I have six years teaching experience in the UK and I am excited to continue my teaching journey in New Zealand. Outside of school, I am part of a dragon boat team and love travelling to explore all that this side of the world has to offer.
Gillett's Profile
Kia Ora! Kamusta po kayo? (how are you?) My name is Gill. I was born in the Philippines and can speak Tagalog and English. This year I have been given me the opportunity to teach full-time at St Mary’s School, in C3. I am so honored and grateful to be part of this school with lovely staff who treasure Jesus Christ above all. I hope to be an effective instrument of God to bring the best out of each child at St Mary’s.
Stephanie's Profile
I am excited to be teaching in C3 with the Year 3’s and Year 4’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 3/4 teachers in C3 this year! I am from South Africa and am in my fourth year of teaching. I am enjoying exploring this beautiful country and learning about different cultures.
Kelsey's Profile
Kia ora, hallo and hello! My name is Kelsey Mc Master and I am so excited to start my teaching journey with St Mary’s School and become 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. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching through The University of Waikato’s distance programme in 2019 and am so happy to join 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. After having taught in primary school education in South Africa for six years, I immigrated to New Zealand with my husband in 2019. I am excited to continue my teaching journey in New Zealand here at St Mary’s. I am enjoying exploring this country and being exposed to such a rich diversity of cultures.
Rebecca's Profile
Kia Ora! I am excited to embark on my teaching journey in St Mary’s School. Having taught in South Africa for eight years, it was in 2017 that my family and I immigrated to New Zealand. I then began teaching in an early childhood centre and saw myself ending 2018 with a new opportunity to teach at this fantastic school, St Mary’s. I look forward to being able to provide your children with rich learning experiences and foster their holistic development.
Laura's Profile
Kia Ora! It has been a very exciting year for me, beginning my teaching career here at St Mary’s. I completed a graduate diploma in primary education at the University of Auckland in 2019. I started this year in D5 and D1, and I am thrilled to be the new entrant class in D2 from Term 2. I am looking forward to more learning and fun throughout the year. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, and travelling
Liz's Profile
Kia ora, I am thrilled to start my teaching journey with the St Mary’s School whānau and to work alongside my co-teacher in D5. 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.
Jordan's Profile
My name is Jordan Strydom and I am from the beautiful country of South Africa. I am a qualified primary school teacher with a bachelor’s degree in education. I travelled over to New Zealand in 2018 and have a son who was born in New Zealand shortly after arriving here. My passion for teaching began while I was still in school myself, encouraging me to study it as a profession. I am so excited to be in New Zealand learning new ways of teaching such an exciting new curriculum and being exposed to such a rich diversity of cultures.
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.
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.
Ruth's Profile
Kia Ora Koutou, I have been teaching at St Marys for a few years, working as a Reading Recovery teacher. It is very fulfilling helping those children who haven’t quite got their literacy learning together yet. It is so enjoyable to share their delight when they realise they can read! I enjoy travel, theatre, music and reading of course.
Julie's Profile
Hello my name is Julie Brewis. I have over 20 years teaching experience working at a number of schools on the North Shore, including working part time and as a reliever at St Mary’s since 2016. I am looking forward to working with the teachers and children in C1 Hub and sharing in their exciting learning journey year.
Megan's Profile
I have taught in NZ and in the UK and have over 20 years teaching experience. I joined the St Mary’s School family in 2013 and have worked both full-time and part-time. I’m a keen sailor and enjoy travelling and spending time with my family and grandchildren.
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.
Mary's Profile
I am St Mary’s School’s Student Activities Coordinator. I look after the extra-curricular activities that the school provides for our students, such as music and drama lessons, and any sports which are played out of school hours. I also coordinate sports teams for inter-school competitions such as swimming, rippa/tackle rugby, cross country and athletics. In my spare time I enjoy walking, spending time with friends and family and participating in adventure and travel activities.
Ramon's Profile
Mabuhay! I have been working at St Mary’s School for a few years now, helping the teachers and especially the students in their learning as a teacher aide. Aside from that, I also help Mr. Turner to ensure that the St. Mary’s School grounds and facilities are in order and safe. I am from one of the 7,641 tropical islands of the Philippine archipelago, and am happy to be part of the growing St Mary’s School family!
LisaJ's Profile
I am St Mary’s School’s Student Activities Coordinator. I look after the extra-curricular activities that the school provides for our students, such as music and drama lessons, and any sports which are played out of school hours. I also coordinate sports teams for inter-school competitions such as swimming, rippa/tackle rugby, cross country and athletics. In my spare time I enjoy walking, spending time with friends and family and participating in adventure and travel activities.
Miles Profile
Hello. I’m Miles, I’ve lived in New Zealand for just over a year now after coming from the UK. As well as working at st Mary’s I also play soccer for Auckland City and Birkenhead United.
Daniellep's Profile
I’ve been a teacher aide at St Mary’s for a few years. Some of the kids know me as Dani and others as Mrs Portella. My daughter is still at St Mary’s and my son just left. I come from Brazil and I have been in NZ since 2004.
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.